AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 691, 18 July 1882, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 13,

Since the tobacco duties were affirmed and the budget proposals as a whole approved, political events have been quiet. Some progress has been made with the Railway Bill, The comprehensiveness of the measure is commending it to members.

Mr Mivams, as chairman of the Tariff Commission, bears witness to the strength of the feeling for intercolonial free trade. He says he will be greatly disappointed if the Commission be not able, while preserving the principle of protection, to make proposals to secure the desired end. The insurance companies have accepted an insurance for LIOO.OOO on the new Law Courts at 2s per cent.

Three accidents occurred on the Suburban railway line on the same day, but no serious result was occasioned. Each case occurred owing to the defective working of the points, where new works were in progress. The Austral and the Manapouri, the two latest special modern ocean steamships, created much interest, and were largely visit jd. The Government is increasing the berthing accommodation at Williamstown, to meet the demand of the new Messageries steamers, beginning next year. The Harbor Trust is making a new wharf on the banks of the Yarra.

A singular case of neglect causing death occurred at Sandhurst. An old woman and her daughter were found suffering from desease in a hut, covered with vermin. The woman died. An old man, who was in an adjoining hut in a similar condition, also died. There were ample provisions and money found in the hut. Owing to the breaking of the driving wheel of the steamer Bnrham, when between Adelaide and Portland, she had to put into the latter port, and subsequently came on to Melbourne without mishap. Sydney, July 13.

An expedition sailed for Port Darwin to explore and inspect new country in Western Australia. It consists of six men and twenty-two horses, and is provided for a six months’ journey. The object is to look for pastoral country.

Information has been received that the British India Company is building two new steamers for the Queensland trade. Over 60,000 sacks of wheat from San Francisco arrived last week. Hobart, July 13.

Parliament has opened. The Hon T. D. Chapman was elected President of the Council, and Dr. Button was re-elected Speaker of the Assembly.