AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 940, 11 May 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May 5.

The opening of the Museum Library is strongly opposed by the Presbyterian Assembly. The Trustees decided not to delay action until the opinion of Parliament be taken; as suggested by the Premier.

James Martin, a youth, has been remandedl on a charge of setting fire to the ship Leicester Castle at Sandridge. Thomas McLeod Palmer was acquitted on a charge of manslaughter, by shooting an Afghan. The verdict was received with applause. About L 1.200 has been already subscribed to the O’Loghlen Testimonial Fund. Sydney, May 5. Parliament was formally prorogued on the 2nd. The Governor’s speech expressed gratification at the satisfactory state of the revenue, which gave promise of the Treasurer’s estimates being fully realised. The Postal Conference commenced its sittings this week,'but the business as ypt is only preliminary. There will be a further loss to Victoria in consequence of the low Union-rates of transit. The Imperial Government voluntarily offered to continue a contribution of L 30,000. This will leave L 22,000 to be contributed 'by Australia. If this is accepted, Victoria would find half the amount, leaving the balance to be contributed by three Australian colonies. The Manager of the Orient Company entertained the Ministers and postal delegates and a large company aboard + he Orient. Several toasts were proposed, and the policy of the Government recognising the Orient Company < was strongly advocated. The ColonialSecretary expressed a hope that the present Government would be the means of doing something in this direction. The advantage of employing the Orient steamers as immigrant vessels was also referred to.

The coursing meeting just concluded at Bowall was the most successful yet held. Messrs Hall and Kine’s Huntress won the Bridge Cup, Messrs Hill and Weir’s Wild Wife the Bowall Stakes, Messrs Lambs’ Lancastrian the Derby, and Mr A. Town’s Tellalt the Oaks.

Typhoid fever is prevalent, and many of the patients have been conveyed_to the sanatorium at Little Bay. Mr Redmond has reached Newcastle, and will probably arrive at Sydney next week.

Brisbane, May 5,

Sir Arthur Kennedy left for England per Orient. Sir Arthur Palmer was sworn in as Acting-Governor.