AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 828, 28 December 1882, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Dec. 21. In the Assembly, on Wednesday, Sir Bryan O’Loghlen moved—“ That the House adjourn until January 9th.” Mr Francis protested that the time was too short, and moved an adjournment to February 13th, saying that rather than sit during January, after the long session, he would retire from public life. The amendment was carried, and the Supply Bill for L 40,000 was passed. Amongst the expiring laws to be renewed is the Lands Bill, which will be continued for twelve months.

Two Chinamen have been imprisoned in a drive in a mine at Buninyong. A number of men are working vigorously trying to extricate thorn. The Legislative Assembly [Chambers arc to be lit with the electric light, At a meeting of Police Commissioners, Chief-Commissioner Ohomloy recommended the disbandment of the detective force as at present organised. He denied that promotion in the general force was gained by Masonic or Orange influence. A Masonic welcome on a grand scale has been given to Sir W. J. Clarke.

Sydney, Dec. 21. The elections have resulted in a pronounced opposition to the Government land policy by eighty-five of a majority. The Premier has been urged to follow constitutional precedent and resign before the meeting of the House ; but it woul.l - m

that he still inclines to the idea that he will have a majority. However, it is possible that the present Government may meet the new House, obtain supplies, and then announce their resignations. There are altogether fifty new mmebers elected. Those of the old members who have suffered defeat were supporters of the Government. The Treasurer, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Mines are without seats.

Canon Walsh, a friend of the late Bishop Selwyn, has died, aged 70. On the morning of collision between two goocis trains occurred at Kakambo. The large American engine was thrown off the line, and was much damaged. Another collision occurred the following morning on the middle of the Zigzag line. One train ran into another, and three cattle trucks were smashed ; but no further injury was done. Adelaide, Dec. 21. The trial of Patrick and Elizabeth McGee, for the Hamley Bridge murder, resulted in a verdict of “ wilful murder.” Both prisoners seemed overcome with terror. The female prisoner having alleged that she was enceinte, the Chief Justice decided to pronounce sentence at once, and directed the sheriff to empanel a jury of matrons to testify to the female prisoner’s condition. Arrangements are being made for the determination of the Australian longitudes next year, when the boundary line beSoulh Australia and Queensland will be defined.

A gentleman who has taken up lands on the Herbert River has started sheep farming with 15,000 ewes and 100 rams. He hopes within three years to have 100,000 sheep there.