AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1503, 1 April 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

, Sydney, March 26. The Address in Reply to the Governor’s speech was agreed to, on Tuesday night, by 63 to 24. There were a few absentees, which would have increased the Government majority. Mr O’Connor called for three cheers for the Constitution but these were very feebly replied to amid great enthusiasm. On the following day the Indemnity Bill' was passed through all its stages, Mr Buchanan being the only dissentient. Patriotic fund contributions continue to be received, and there is now a large amount in hand. Preparations are being made for a review and demonstration, when the Volunteers will man the batteries all along the shores, and repel an attacking fleet—represented by the Wolverine—from the seaward. Government is taking all precautions for the defence of the harbor. The Argyle election is causing a good -deal of interest. Sir H. Partes is opposed by Mr Osborne, an ex-Wesleyan minister, and there is a strong religious feeling imported into the cou'es’. Mr Dailey is suffering from a severe attack of goutBeisbane, March 26 At a banquet to Mr Mcllwraith he contended that the Government were bound to find a suitable substitute for black labor in the sug>r plantations. He did not believe in sending troops to assist England in her trouble with Egypt. Meiboubnb, March 23. The English cricketers have not been very successful this tour in a financial point of v'ev.