The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-10 00:00:00

AUSTRALIA

The advices from Melbourne brought by the Ballarat
are about a week later than those by the last arrival.
They report no particular change in the import market,
but the details of the course of business are scanty,
owing to the principal correspondence being reserved
for the Singapore route, the letters by which were ex-
pected to arrive in England many days before the pre-
sent vessel. The gold production appears to be going
on steadily, although the escort returns for the month
just ended contrasted very unfavourably with those of
October, 1852, when the outpourings from Mount
Alexander had created general excitement. The total
of the month this year was 156,166 ounces, against
364,172 in the corresponding period of last year.
The circumstance, however, was considered excep-
tional, and no doubts appear to ha, e arisen as
to the general average of each year showing a steady
increase in the same way as in California. The electric
telegraph was about to be introduced, and the govern-
ment had accepted a tender for a line from Melbourne
to Williamstown at 1931. 10s. per mile. An alleged
discovery of coal, at a place called Cape Patteson, on
the coast, had attracted attention, and a party had been
organised to test its value, but it was believed to be
merely a revival of an account published some years
ago. It was likely, however, to prevent any deposits
that nay exist from being longer neglected. The Great
Britain was to sail from Melbourne on the 3d of De-
cember' and is now 68 days out. From Sydney the
latest dates were to the 2d of November, when
active measures were in progress, by the construc-
tion of new forts and other means, to put the
harbour into an efficient state of defence. From
South Australia the accounts mention that the
Legislative Council had recommended the execution of
three gold medals to commemorate the opening of the
river Murray and the arrival of the first consignment of
river-borne wool—one to be presented to the Governor,
one to Mr. Cadell, the explorer, and one to be deposited
among the archives of the colony. The results of the
expedition are stated to have demonstrated the naviga-
bility of the river for commercial purposes to the extent
of at least 1,450 miles. The Council had also requested
estimates for an effectual exploration of the general ter-
ritory of the province. From Van Diemen 's Land the
letters reach to the 3d of Nov. but contain nothing new.
The reward of 15,0001. for the discovery of a profitable
working goldfield was being advertised, the subscription
having been made up by 145 merchants of Hobart Town
and Launceston. _ _

SYDNEY GOLD CIRCULARS.— The Turon diggings were
very quiet at the date of our latest intelligence, the dry
weather being anxiously expected. The number of licenses
issued this month has been upwards of 1,000. There is an
increase of miners at Tambaroora, and a large quantity of
gold is offered fer sale thence. At the Turon several par-
ties are making large sums, and success is very general
with the few who have chosen this place as the scene of
their operations. The accounts from Braidwood and
its neighbourhood are improving. On Major's Creek
many parties are doing well. One large party on Bell's
Creek has been very successful, and the Mongarlow is
rising in favour, but whether on reasonable grounds or
no remains to be seen. The new law appears to have
had the happiest effect in banishing discontent from all
our gold fields, and imparting new life and energy to
those engaged in the pursuit of the precious metal. We
hear from the Ovens that great numbers were leaving
for the Buffalo Ranges, about 60 miles off. The diggings
are improving notwithstanding, and but for the heavy
rains lately prevalent, would show large returns. The
escort of the Sydney Gold Escort Company was much
hindered by floods on its way down. The rivers!had all
risen, and they were obliged to cross the Murray in a
boat. The escorts brought in yesterday from Bathurst
730 z. ; Sofola, 6660 z. ; Tambaroora, 670 z. ; Meroo,
2560 z. ; Braidwood, 183 oz. ; and Major's Creek, 1560 z. ;
and the Sydney Gold Escort Company, from the Ovens,
5,2250 z., making a total of 6,6260z.—va1ue, about
24,0001. The market has been on the rise all the week,
owing to the exchange on London having remained un-
altered up to the present time, and thus rendered gold-
dust for immediate remittance preferable to bills at 2
per cent. premium. The arrival of the Great Britain,
with intelligence of the probable settlement of the Turk-
ish dispute in an amicable way has also given a firm
tone to the market, and prices may be quoted at
775. to 775. 3d. for Victoria, and 745. 6d. for New
South Wales gold. Export to this date, 1,522,3610 z. ;
value, at 70s. per oz., 5,278,2631. 10s. Exchange on
London, draughts against gold, par; freight, per cent.
—Melbourne Argus, Nov. 3.

ACTIVE PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

Not a minute is lost in any of the military depart-
ments in evoking the resources of the country, and we
are glad to perceive that the Government appear to be
fully alive to the necessity of making such a demonstra-
tion as shall leave no chance for disaster or defeat. The
eyes of the whole world are turned upon the gigantic
scale of our armaments and the alacrity with which each
department springs to the demand for the munitions
of war. _ _ _ _

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS--(YESTERDAY.)
The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack
at 5 o'clock.