... SYDNEY, Dec. 21.-AOttlition Ministry has been formed, which is reposed as follows:— Sir Henry Fackes, Preier and Colonial Secre- tary; Sir John Robe-son, Vice-President of the Executive Counc, with a seat in the Legislative Council; IJr. James Watson, Colonial Treasurer; Mr. Francis Batliurst Sutton, Justice andPablic Instruction; Mr. William Charles Wirever, Attorney-General; Mr. James ...

... The American papers contain accounts of a fearful colliery explosion in Indiana, on the 21st November. The accident was caused through an accumulation of gas in the workings, which took tire tll: ongh the carelessness of one ot the miners u-ing a naked light. There were several kegs oi gunpowder in the place, and these caught lire, the names increasing the destruction to » vast ex- tent. Eight ...

... At the morning service the sermen was preached by the Rev. Henry White, one of Her Majesty's chaplains, from the text St. Matthew xxiv, 85, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. After expounding the text the preacher alluded in the following words to the death of the Princess Alice -.—England mourns to-day the passing away of one of her choicest treasures of ...

... OTTAWA, Dec. 14. An extra edition of the Canada Gazette, issued to-night contains the following announcement :— His Excellency the Governor-General and her Royal Highness Princess Louise have received with deep grief news of the death of her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of He8ile.-By com- Smand, F, Da WINTON, Major R.A., Governor- S General's Secretary. Govern uient-houae, ...

... The Correspondent of the Standard, In a telegram from Montreal, on Saturday, Last evening there was a general illumination, which was brilliant and varied, but the electric light failed in some instances. The Jesuit College was splendidly lit, as was also the French newspaper office. At nine o'clock the Marquis of Lome and the Princess Louise drove through the streets incognito. The ball was a ...

... THE AFGHAN WAR. TELEGRAM FROM THE VICEROY. The following telegram from the Viceroy, dated 4th December, has been sent from the India OlBce for publication Browne reports brigade under Maepherson advanced to Bosawal, beyond Koord Khyber, to r*ef0?/r°'re' qiet at Dakka. Communications to Ah Mnsjid re-established. Aehana road is be-'uer ex- plored and improved. HeIth of British troops'very good. ...

... Mr. W. Rayner Wood, county magistrate, whose name recently appeared rather prominently before the public in connection with his prosecution of the Sisters of Mercy for begging, has received a communication from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who severely censures Mr. Wood for his conduct in the case, and points out his want of discretion as a magistrate, and further, that if such ...

... In the currert number of the Congregationalitt, Mr. R. W. Dali announces that with this nnm. ber his editorship of the magazine ceases. He is succeeded by tie Rev. J. G. Rogers. The Scottish Corporation celebrated their 214th anniversary at the Freemasons' Tavern, London, on Saturday. Lord Kinnaird presided in the absence of th# Duke of Richmond and Gordon. The report slated that in ...

... THE LADIES' COLUMN. FASHIONS FOR WINTER. (From the Englishwoman s Domestic Magazine.) Toilettes for the early winter are very elegant, fui- only appearing as a trimming to mantles and fancy velvets and velveteens, forming very stylish costumes. Terry velvet, dear to our grandmothers, is in great favour this winter. It is employed for short costumes in the daytime, and in tunics, combined with ...

... Ht'USE OF COMMONS.—FniDAY. took the cbair at four o'clock. Gu THE AFGHAN WAR. ina/ Toxe Presented a petition from various 6 th'0 £ lS and Protestant Dissenting ministers, ounVr ^satisfaction with the Afghan war, on of «,of Pollcy and justice, objecting to the t» t e action observed on the part of the w fld. calling oil the House to vindicate the con- 4 a st riglit ot Parliament by adopting ...

... Madame Adelina. Patti Las met with her usuaT sxweess in Berlin. Mr. Alfred Wigan was buried on Saturday, at Efinsal Green Cemetery. Father Law. of the Oratory, one of the of the Douai Diaries, has seceded from the Church c £ *B.ome. Iklr Jchn Bright arrived in town on Saturday, right hon.D gentleman appears to be in his usual health. Mr. Barry Sullivan was entertained by the citizens of Cork ...

... Dec. 7.—The reply of the Ameer of Afghanistan to the ultimatum has been re- ceived by the Indian Government. It bears the date l'dtli November, bat it not having reached Dakka before the 150th November, it is believed in official quarters to have been re- written after the receipt of the news of the capture of Fort Ali Musiid. The Ameer, in acknowledging the receipt of the ulti- matum, ...