Concerning which the "Age" remarks Melbourne now has its first Chinese newspaper, which has appropriated to itself the ' world-known name of the "Chinese Times." Sydney for some years past has been able to boast of two Chinese papers, whereas, until this was started, Melbourne had none. Now whatsoever be our foehn in reference to the preence of this alien race in our midst, we cannot but regard it as a matter full of promise that they shoul have resolved to utilise this, the greatest of modern educative agencies. After waiting m: months for the type from Hongkons, the initial difficulties have been so far conquered as to yet out their second 1ssu0, Mr. Thomas Chang Luke, the editor and proprietor, has had experience in one of the Sydney offices, but from the paucity of Chinese compositors much of the mechanical, as well ax the literary, work has been thrown upon him, Few English papers have been produced under similar Cifficulties. Hi aithies are with reform and Christian missions, and from time to time he will use the pages of the "Times" to expound and advocate these causes. Let this paper inculcate modes of thought and living on the part of the Chiness more in harmony with those of their fellow colonists, and it. will be a means of good both to the Chinese and English. Mr. Take has read with interest the nows of the treaty with Japan, and believes it would be for the salvation of his country if a similar treaty could be entered into with China.
Plague.
A fresh outbreak of plague in both Sydney and Brisbane has to be chronicled, five deaths from the disease having taken place in the former city. One of the first Iuildings to be quarantined and fumigated was Her Majesty's Theatre, of which Williaysson is the lessee. Bon Hur had only just been staged, with a specially imported company from London, when the Peard of Health's mandate to close was receives. on account of a fruit seller connected with the theatre having contracted the disease, At the time of writing, per mission to reopen within a few days has been granted. The city surveyor, in his report to the health committee, complains that his powers to condemn unsuitable buildings are limited, were they otherwise, he would have condemned the whole Uock of which the theatre is a portion as unfit for habitation. No cases have as yet been reported in Melbourne, but all the Board of Health machinery in the way of medical inspection of passengers from infected ports. ix being put in motion. Possibly Melbourne has to thank its cooler climate for its immunity from the loathsome visitor.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.