AUSTRALIAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 219, 17 December 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Reuter's Agency.) The Reform Bill. Melbourne, Dec. 16,

It is expected that an animated discussion will take place on the Reform Bill, and it is probable that Parliament will be summoned soon for its discussion.

Melbourne, To-day

In consequence of the Liberals objecting to any delay with the.,Reform, of the Constitution Bill, Mr. Berry' has abandoned the proposed prorogation of Parliament, on the understanding that the Reform Bill will be immediately discussed. It is expected that the recess will, therefore, be indefinitely postponed, and Messrs. Berry and Vale will be unable to represent Victoria at the Intercolonial Conference when it meets at Sydney next month. More Protection. The Government have : doubled the duty on oatmeal imported into Victoria. The Governor’s Speech. Sydney, Dec IC.

Parliament has been opened by the Governor, who, in his speech on the occasion, promised the introduction of Bills dealing with municipal and local self-government, the inspection of seagoing vessels, regulation of the liquor traffic, fisheries, also oyster fisheries, consolidation of the criminal lav.', and contempt of Court He further stated that an increase of revenue,'amounting to L 600,000 was shown since July Ist as compared with last year. He referred slightly to the extension of existing railways, and concluded by making reference to the Inter-colonial conference lately silting.