AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1056, 22 January 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Jan. 15 Politically everything continues very quiet. Several Ministers have been absent from town taking rest, but are now returning. Some days last week Mr Kerford, Attorney-General, .was somewhat seriously indisposed from an atsack of congestion of the liver, but he is now able to resume bis official duties. „The only subject of political interest discussed the past week has been the appointment of the members of the new Civil Service Boards. The Argus maintains the accuracy of the names announced some days ago, viz Colonel Templeton, Professor Irving and Mr E. S. Symonds, Under Treasurer. The other papers declare the statement inaccurate and premature, and it is certain that the official decision is not yet finally come to. The appointment of Mr as the second Railway Oommis sioner gives general satisfaction. It appears likely the other Commiasionership will be conferred on Mr Ford, Secretary of the Harbor Trust. Steps are being taken to accelerate the speed of the daily Sydney express, and from the 4th Feb. the journey wili be accomplished under 20 hourS. / The Apollo Candle Works, Footscroy, very narrowly escaped total destruction on the morning of the 10th. Besides the loss of the stillrooms, a quantity of valuable machinery was completely destroyed. The loss, which exceeds twelve thousand pounds, is divided among a large number of companies, none of which, therefore, suffer to any material extent. Inspector Board, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, was a good deal scalded by some boiling oil while performing his duties. The subject of direct steam communication between the colonies and India has been engaging attention. It is announced that James Service and Company, are having a steamer of three thousand tons’ built expressly for the trade. It will be launched next month. The deaths of Mr Jardine Smith, long a contributor to the Argus , and Mr Wm. Walts, principal engineer of the City Corporation, occurred within the' past two days. A Court of Inquiry is now being held into the charges brought by Lieutenant Dennis, R.N.R., against Captain Fullarton. Lieutenant Dennis was desirous of withdrawing the charges, on the ground that an amicable settlement tyad been come to. but the Minister for defence re : fused to comply with ,tha request, and insisted upon an investigation of the charges. The inquiry is still proceeding, Brisbane, Jan. 15.

Parliament met on Thursday for the first time since the appointment of the new Ministry. Mr Griffiths made a Ministerial statement, ai d invited the careful consideration of the Convention papers. He hoped to submit certain resolutions thereupon next session. He stated that nearly thirty thousand immigrants arrived las* year, the Government being unable to find out why the numbers have so largely increased, and where the funds came from, The amount of L 238,000 was known to have been spent in excess of the amount authorised. Hp added that he had telegraphed Home to the Agent-General, instructing him to give a formal notice to Messrs Gray, Dawes and Co., to terminate the con> tract, under the 17th clause. He had also wired instructions to limit the number to a thousand monthly, giving preference to nominated immigrants, and confining free immigrants to single women and farm laborers. It was impossible to act in sympathy with the officer who had been carrying on the Government business in England, and thought it would be impossible to inaugurate a new system without changing Mr Archer. The Government therefore has given him three months’ leave of absence, and asked Mr Hemmant to fill the office during that period. It was intended to introduce a Bill constituting a Board of Advice for assisting the Agent-General. It is intended also to increase the Poll Tax on the Chinese.