AUSTRALIAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 361, 3 June 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[per re uter’s agency. ] Mr Berry and his Reform. Melbourne, To-day, • In the Legislative Assembly last night the Reform Bill was again under consideration, and after further debate the Bill was passed, the amendments of the Legislative Council being adopted, save the alteration of the franchise qualification. A clause was .contained in the Bill which originated in the Council for the abolition of plural voting, was also inserted. The latter, as passed by the Assembly, will now be sent to the Council for further consideration, and the ultimate fate of the measure is uncertain. The South Australian Parliament. Adelaide, June 2.

The South Australian Parliament was opened to-day by Sir William Jervois. His Excellency’s speech on the occasion pointed out the necessity which exists for the reform of the Legislative Council, and it regretted the unfavorable harvest of the past season, but said that the revenue during the year had been maintained, and it was not anticipated that any deficiency would be shown. At the same time an increase in expenditure would necessitate an incease.ih revenue, and changes in the system of taxation. The reforms to be proposed would be in the direction of an increase in the property tax, and a modification of the tariff with a view to the relief of producers, especially in the Northern Territory. Fresh expenditure would be necessary in connection with the waterworks in various towns in the colony. The speech then went on to enumerate the principal measures to be introduced by the Government during the session. These will comprise Bills for the reform of the Civil Service, for the abolition of the pension system, for authority to construct the Transcontinental Railway, for the amendment of the Land Act, and the amendment of the constitution of the Marine Board.