AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1553, 15 July 1885, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, July 9. The banquet prea by the officers of defence forces to the officers of the contingent was s btl lisnt affa r, and some good speeches were made. The Governor referred to hia approaching departure, and made-a sort of valedictory speech. Mr DaDey, as usual, was eloquent and efifeoTbeenquiry into tbe Oahors disaster continues, and much contradictory evidence is given. Tbe Proteotionist League is going to make an effort to return several of their candidates at the next general election. An endowment policy for L2OO, payable at tbe age of 81, is to be purchased out of the Patriotic I und for each of Bessel's children. The Patriotic Fund Committee ■ill consider at the next meeting what shall be done with them. There is LB.OOO now to the credit of the fond. More rain has fallen, and the country la now looking well. Bbisbans, July 9.

The Addraas-in-Beply to the Covernoris Speech is being, debated. Sir „T. M‘Jl wraith severely criticised Government end strongly condemned their policy. He said there were never so many men unemployed' in the north and west, and all the producing industries are flatter now than they have been for five years past : Government decided to condemn a whole shipment of 10,000 cases of kerosene as not up to tbe standard, and ordered it to be re-exported. Melbourne, July 9. The new Licensing Bill some very drastic provisions, and under it it is expected the number of licenses in tbe colony will be reduced from 4,200 to 2,000. Inspectors are to be appointed to each district. The license is to be forfeited if • house be purchased by either a breyer or a spirit merchant. Present barmaids ale to remain in their positions, but no more are to be allowed. All fees and fines ore to be*pnt into a general fund, out of which compensation will be paid for compulsory dosing of houses. Sunday trading is prohibited.