AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1619, 26 July 1887, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

* — . Melbourne, July 20. Mr Phil Robinson, the noted war corres* / pondent (of the London "Dally Telegraph," gives tin first ocac a series of leotatei oa Saturday next. He will probably visit New Zealand at an early date. A mass meeting ef the unemployed was held yesterday. Between 400 and 600 assembled at the rear of the Trades Hall, two agitators addressed the crowd. A deputation waited on Mr Nimmo, Minister of Public Worka who informed them oi the steps he bad taken, to find them some work. Ho stated that never m hta ex* perlence had so nanny publio works been carried on m the city as at present. The deputation desired to Bee Mr D.»kin, bat that gentleman deoliued to sen them under any circamstances. Strenuous efforts ure being made to induce the Indian Government to reconsider their decision not to be officially represented at the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition, it being feared by the Commissioners that Foreign Powers are not likely to manifest much Interest m the Exhibition if the co-operation of India be withheld. The President of the Commissionera haa laid these views before the Premier, and requested him to telegraph to the Agent General to urge the Imperial authorities to bring their influence to bear, with the view of securing the official representation of India at the Exhibition. A disagreement has arisen between Air Alison Smith, the Aoting-Loomotlve Superintendent of tha Victorian railways, and the engine-drivers and firemen, and *-^ tho lattos lodged a proteat with the Railway Commiaaioners against the administration of Mr Smith. The reply of the Commissioners bang deemed unsatisfio* tory by the man, a mass meeting of the railway drivers and firemen was held on Sunday, when It was resolved that a deputation should wait on the Commis. sioners. A verdict of £2875 has been awarded agaiuat the Hallway Commissioners m tho case of the accident. The first consignment of ooal from the Gippsland mines arrived for use on the Victorian railways. An order was made m the Insolent Court for the sequestration of the estate of fester Henry. The deficiency wai over Brisbane. Jnly 20. The Queensland Parliament was opened yesterday by the Governor. In the Governor's speeoh reference was made to» the Buooeas of the late Imperial Conferenca m London, which created a morereal appreciation of the essential unity of the Empire. The preliminary agreement with reference to the naval defence of the colonies was also mentioned with approval. Among the new measures proposed are a Bill to deal with the administration of public business, having speoial references to the Grievances of the Separationist Party, Bills for the establishment of • University, for the protection of workmen's children, for the protection of workmen's wagen, and a Bill to ahorton the duration of Parliament. In the Atsembly yesterday the Premier defended his absence from the colony, snd reviewed the work of the Imperial Conference. Ai,. . Sydne *. July 20. A large and enthusiastic meet ng was held last night to support the establishment of a Protectionist dai'y paper In »ppo«ttion to the existing press. Mr Abbot presided, and several members of Parliament were present. Snoeohea were deUvwe4 itrongly f ivorabja ft the objeot|

of the meeting, the moat noteworthy being that of Mr Dibbs, who has hitherto ffcolared himself a staunch Freetrader, but announoed his conversion to Pro teottonlst principles Since the prorogation of Parliament, political matters have been very qaiet, The Premier bai departed on a v"st to Molong, and Sir H. Parkes and the Opposition intend to eddreaa meeiicgs opportunity offers. Lord and Lady Brassey, after leaving Sydney, prooeeded to Newcastle, where they were suitably entertained. Brisbens is the next port of oall. The smallpox patient, Alexander, is progresaldg favorably, and there seems to jbe no danger of further contpgion The Kelson and the swinger left for F'ji to-day. The Opal leaves on Thursday, the Diamond at the end of the month * *\The Commercial Bank has declared its umal dividend of 25 per cent. The Government Is going to give the House another opportunity of considering the resolution passed that all ex-members of Parliament have free passes for life on the railways Business continues very dull, but there 'prospects of * revival .