The Sun. — 1865-08-15 (London, England)

QUEENSLAND.  (From the Telegraphic Summary of the Queensland Gha Tenon  of Jun; h.)  A select committee of both houses is considering the subject of steam communication, and it is believed that a line of steamers from Northern Queensland to Singapore will be immediately established.  Several bills of importance have passed a second reading, including a Health of Towns Act, and a bill for the establishment of Reformatory Schools. The Treasurer's statement is expected to be delivered in a few days.  The Auditor-General's statement shows a deficit of over £70,000. _ Contracts have been taken for railway from Rockhampton to Westwood, and for branch line from Toowoomba to Warwick.  The Opposition party in the Assembly is very active, and are endeavouring to bring the censure of the house on the Government for having sent £lO,OOO to the Imperial Commissioners for the purposes of immigration. Public feeling is against the Government.  The weather during the month has been very fine, but rather too dry for agriculture. Cotton is being very successfully cultivated near Gladstone.  Sugar plantations are about being formed at Maryborough and at Port Denison.  The quartz reef near Warwick is turning out very rich ; some samples that have been tested have yielded 15oz. to the ton.  A search for Leichhardt, the explorer, is about to to be commenced; the Government will give £l,OOO, and it is thought that a large sum will be raised by private subscription.  The opening of the first part of the railway will take place on the 11th proximo. Land Sales in Brisbane show an enormous increase in the value of town lands. 2 roods and 29 perches at a late sale brought over £6,000. Coal mining in the vicinity of Maryborough is still looking prosperous. Very favourable accounts of the quartz reef at Gladstone.  Business during the month has improved considerably. The blacks in the North are very troublesome, They have murdered Lieutenant Hill and some of his troopers.  No news up to date of the April mail from Eng land.  The first annual examination at the Ipswich Grammar School took place on the 9th instant. The Governor presided, and made a visitorial address.  The North Australian Jockey Club meeting took place at Ipswich on the 6th, 7th, and Bth of this month. A ball was given in the School of Arts on the last day. News of the burning of the Fiery Star, a ship of the Black Ball Line, reached Brisbane a short time ago. Great excitement was caused thereby. It is believed that the greater portion of the passengers have perished. The catastrophe happened off the coast of New Zealand.  The Caledonian Association gave a fete in the Botanic Gardens on the Queen's Birthday. A great number of people were present. The festivities wound up with a soiree and ball, given in the Town Hall, in the evening. The Landsborough arrived at Keppel Bay May 6th, with 321 passengers on board. Made the passage from London in 104 days. No deaths on the passage. Spoke the Lady Milton, from Callao to Queenstown, shoit of provisions, and gave a supply. The William Duthie, from London to Sydney, and the Edward Oliver, from Callao to Queenstown, entered Moreton Bay from Keppel Bay May 23d, with 70 passengers.  The Sunda arrived at Moreton Bay from London and Queenstown, with 512 passengers, May 23, 80 days out. Three deaths on the voyage, two children and one adult.  The Maryborough, from Liverpool to Port Denison, with 360 passengers, arrived on the 20th May. Twenty deaths. Placed in quarantine, and released on the Bth inst. The Ranger arrived in Moreton Bay on the 16th May. The Charlie Palmer left Moreton Bay on the 25th for London, with 20 passengers.