AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2878, 23 December 1890, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(13Y ELECTHIO TELKGUAI'II—COPYRIGHT.) MeIu'HJKXK, December 20. The prorogation cf Parliament took place to-day. At the inquest on tho bodies of tho victims of tho Ballarat tr.igedy tho evidence of the medical gentlemen who made the post mortem examination, proved that Johnston, the father, administered prussic acid to his children b'fore he suffocated them. The c<b:tl lumpers have struck work, as an attempt to crush the free labour bureau out of existence. The shipowners have expressed their determination to maintain the bureau. Sydn ,• Y, December 20. Bubcar. tho English sculler, and Chas. Stephenson, the champion of New Zealand, have boon matched for £100 a-side. Tho race takes place on Jannary 15. Tho Amateur Athletic Association have decided to be represented at the Now Zealand Championship Meeting at Auckland, and will send several representatives, who will compete iu the following events:—loo yards, 250 yards. 440 yards, half mile, one mile, thres miles, one mile walk, and three mile walk championships. Adelaide. December 20. While the Federal Representation Bill was under discussion in the Legislative Council a motion that tho Speaker leave the chair was carried, and tho measure was consequently shelved. Tho result is that South Australia will not be represented oa i.ho Federal Council. Brisbane, December 20 The barque Sunbeam which has arrived from reports having been iu collision with thu French barque Valentino Ettlene noar the equator. Both vessels were badly damaged. The Valentino Helene, though iu a leaking condition, held on her voyage. The weather bureau reports that squally weather, prevailiug oil tho New South Wales coast, is crossing iu tlio direction of the South Island of New Zealand.