AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1538, 12 May 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May 6. The proposals relative to the establishment of a protectorate over New Guinea, recently submitted to the Governments of the various Colonies by General Scratchley, wore considered by the Cabinet to-day. It is understood that Ministers have decided upon whut position to take up, but their decision has not yet bien made public. The Premier has received, from the Agent-General, the following message : “Enabling Bill, clauseSl, further amended empowering Legislature of secedi ig colony to abrogate legislation passed during Federation.”

The territorial revenue returns, which have boon completed to March 31, show an excess of L 15.000 over the estimate. Colonel Hutton,has been offered, and hcs accepted, the position of 0 >mmanding Officer of the new Volunteer force. Col. Price has been appointed to the command of the Mounted Infantry. In consequence of the decision of thp military authorities to increase the strength of militia battalions, Colonel Freeman has determined to establish companies at Brighton and Brunswick. Barnes, the murderer of J. B. Slack, made a full confession of his guilt, accompanied by an appeal for clemency. The case 'was considered by the Executive Council yesterday, when it was resolved that the laa» penalty of the law be carried into effect on May 15th. Barnes, in his i confession, states that he received information that Slack possessed certain jewellery. He entered the house intending burglary, but .''lack awoke, and in the struggle that ensued the murder was com mitted. It is probable that further representation will bo made to the Imperial authorities by some of the colonies on the subject of the Federation Enabling Bill. Mr Service received a telegram from the Tasmanian Government, asking what course he intended to pursue with regard to the amendment withdrawal clause. The Premier has not yet replied, but he h»s informed the Agent-General that he strongly objects to the amendment. Mr Service did not regard the withdrawal clause as it originally stood as fatal y objectionable, and would have been prepared to submit to its embodiment in the Bill, if, by doing so, New South Wales and New Zealand would be induced to j .in tho other colonies. He, however, looks on the amendment as rendering the Bill utterly worthless. It is stated by the Argns that Mr Aliison I . Smith, of Chrir-tchnrch, has been successful in obtaining the npp.-intrnant of ? ssistant-D puty L')c.i.rno t ive Sm erinten- <! nt for Vi. tona, beint; selected trom 28 / camii ates ir.nn a I Australasia, at a ! s lary of LI U 0() per annum.. His qualifi- i i-.;ion< etwi htho idji- t approval of the Hallway Oonupiaaiouerch j