The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1875-02-11
AUSTR ALIA.

Transit OF Venus Observati0ns-F nf OF
tho Leichardt EEL Iorer s-Irew of a
Whale Supposed 10 Have Been MUIR
dered by Natives Of iIowc's Island.
The steamer S%yphrenes has arrived,
from Sydney, Dec. 23 Auckland, Dec.
80; and Honolulu, Jan. 90. /
Australia = In observing the transit OF
Venus astronomers in New South Wales
have been more favored than their scien-
tifc brethren in adjacent colonies. The
9th was perfectly cloudless at Sydney,
and at Woodford, Golbourn and Mount
Victoria, temporary stations, every phase
OF the transit was fully observed, pfo-
tographed and recorded. Cloudy weather
prevented complete observations in Vic
toria, Tasmania and New Zealand.
The demand for labor, skilled and
unskilled, is steadily increasing, the
rate OF immigration being quite dispro.
p%ortionate TO tho requirements,
On tho 18Th inst. the annexation OF
Fiji to the British empire was celebrated
in Sydney by n public banquet to his
excellency, the governor, as representa-
tive OF the crown in the negotiations with
Cacobary, ex.king, who, with two sons,
Commodore Go%odenough, and others,
were also guests.
The fate of Leicbardt appears destined
to remain enveloped in mystery. Hume,
who is supposed to have discovered in
Central Australia q survivor OF h ILL
fated expedition, persisted Of thirst on
the northwest portion Of the settled dis
tricts. while leading o small party to
where he had professedly found traces
of the lost explorers. K
The railway extension is being pushed
forward az rapidly rs circumstances will
permit. The first God OF the line to
Orange was turned last week, That to
Wagga is progressing favorably. Trial
surveys Of projected lines are also being
made. They will prove very remuner-
alive investments for tho magnificent
surplus of revenue held by the colonial
treasurer.
Hobart Town-Tho bark Wolverine
has arrived from Bird island. having ON
board Mr.. Rhodes, second officer OF the
James Bernie, transferred from the
American whaler Benz. CummiDs. Mr..
Rhodes REPORTS that the brig James
Eernie sailed from Sydney in May last,
bound on a cruise; reached and fished
at Howe's Island, situated near the Sol
ONION group, for bechelmer. TIE friend
ly demeanor Of the natives disarmlng all
suspicion, the crew of the brig separated,
or rather were divided into three par
ties, the captain commanding one, MIR.
Rhodes a second, and n seaman named
Davis n third. Mr.. Rhodes. who had sup.
Piled the trading chief with tobacco,
etc., was suddenly set upon and dubbed
from behind, but the rest OF the party,
who were in a hut, came to his assist
ance, attacking the natives, and sue.
ceeded in repulsing them. They gained
tho boat, and making for the brig,
which had been left in charge of the
chief officer. On renching the vessel
no found the natives III force about the
brig. He at once made off, the natives
in their canoes giving chase. He sue
} ceeded in reaching tho Solomon group
where he was picked up by O whaler
> Mr.. Rhodes believes that the three
=, parties were simultaneously attacked
Y the vessel seized, and he considers him
self the sole white survivor. Six M
| tives who formed his party remained
!, faithful to him and escaped. Oh thes
r five are now on board the whaler. On
died