AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1490, 17 March 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, March 10. The telegrams received last week frorm the Home Government, stating that they would gladly accept contingents from the Australian Colonies if they would arrive in Egypt by September, have occupied public attention. The Cabinets have cot yet considered the question, but there is a growing indication in the public Press that the proposed despatch does not meet with favor. There is an entire lack of enthusiasm, and a disposition is shown to give the matter every consideration before taking any decisive action. A Cabinet Council takes place to-day, when a decision is expected to be come to regarding the proposed early summoning of Parliament, which many consider a necessary preliminary. It is understood that the various Governments are communicating with one another with reference to the proposed joint action. The Colonial •Secretary of South Australia, however, has intimated that he does not consider it necessary to call Parliament together earlier than originally intended. The Argus published an article on Saturday, pointing out that the position is greatly changed since Mr Service made his offer of troops, and therefore proposes to offer a subsidy for the equipment of a body of English troops equal to the cost of the New South Wales contingent. The Age, on the other hand, opposes the despatch of a contingent altogether, and considers the colonies should devote their resources to strengthening their defences. The Governor sent a memorandum to Mr Service, thanking, on behalf of the Queen, those officers and men who volunteered their services. He says the spontaneous outburst of loyalty cannot fail to be gratifying to the Queen. It is announced that the various Governments have been exchanging views relative to the proposed federation Enabling Bill, and that the replies received froiq all but one show that practical unanimity exists as to the reply to be sent Home through the Colonial Secretary of South Australia, as the AgentGeneral of that colony occupies the senior position.

Sidney, March 10.

News has been received of the arrival of the Iberia, with the Australian troops, at Backstairs Passage, on Saturday last, after a rough passage, during which some horses sustained injuries. Many prominent persons went aboard, and numerous presents were made of books, to be sent to the troops. A libel action was commenced yesterday, McElkone v Bennett, of the Evening N* ws, for comments in April last on the Parliamentary investigation into MoElhone’s transactions with Handsaker, for whom it was said the former obtained an appointment in the Civil Service, emoluments being paid to Mr Mcfilhone in liquidation of the debt. [ Che case has since been decided in favor of the defendants]

Welcome services to Dr Linton, the new Bishop of Riverina, have been held in Melbourne and Sydney. The Bishop preached in Sydney Cathedral on Sunday to a large congregation.

Perth, March 9,

• News froqj Roeburn states that Gilroy, who was arrested for the murder of Mr Anketell. and Mr Brough, has been discharged. Strong evidence has been produced against the other two men, Beran and WarburUn, who are now under arrest. The hat of the latter has been found covered with blood, and he cannot account for his whereabouts on the night of the murders.