AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2988, 8 September 1891, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH -COPYRIGHT). Sydney, .September 6. News from the Solomon Islands and New Guinea states that a trader named Gundersou has been murdered and his store looted by natives of the first-men-tioned island, and that at New Gninea a report was current, but not confirmed, that two missionaries and a native teacher had been killed. The auxiliary fleet arrived yesterday. There was no official reception. September 7. New Zealand potatoes are quiet at £1 15s. Butter, dairy made, is at Is 3d, and factory at Is 6d. Melbourne September 5. The action now being heard. MeCor uiick v. Cuthbert, a claim for five thou<and pounds damages for libel, lias been adjourned. The plaintiff is a magistrate, and the defendant was formerly Minister for Justice. The libel is alleged to have Deen contained in official letters which were to iufer that MeCormick had improperly and corruptly adjourned certain cases. The defence applied for a nnusuit on the ground that a Minister in writing on matters of State is absolutely privileged. The Government are preparing a Bill totally prohibiting tho importation of opium except for medical purposes. The measure is based upon the lines of the California!! Act. Hobakt. 7. The whole of the capitai required for the Resuscitit 'd Bank of Van Dieman's Land has practically been subscribed.