A HOAX. Sydney, May 30,

(Received May 30, at 1 p.m.)

The Government geologist has made an inspection regarding the reported discovery of a petrified human body in a marble quarry near Orange. He describes the affair as a hoax, and states that the figure discovered is merely roughly carved marble in the shape of a human body.
THE FLOODS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Immense damage has been done by the floods in the town of West Maitland. There is much distress at Marrickville in conse quence of the floods. Twenty thousand bags of cereals, chiefly shipments from New Zea land and "Victoria, stored in the city, have been damaged by flood water.
(Received May 31, at 1.15 a.m.)

The floods at Maitland are subsiding. An unfortunate accident happened while people were being taken out of the inundated houses. One of the rescue boats capsized and a Miss Fleming was drowned.
THE TIMES-PARNELL COMMISSION.
LBy. Electric Telegbaph—Copyright,

(Per Press association.)

London, May 29,

fßeeeived May 30, at 10.45 p.m.) Mr J. J. Biggar, member for Cavan W, is giving evidence before the Commission. He stated that his mind was an entire blank as to the actions of the Land League in 1880 and 1881. Although he held the position of treasurer, he knew nothing about the books and payment out of the league funds, and doubted if the books produced were genuine He declared that the speech which he de hvered at Cork in 1880, approving of the actions of Hartmann, the Nihilist, was in tended as a warning and not as a threat to the Crown.
