AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1736, 15 December 1887, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

» Sydney, December 8. The Naval Defences Bill after much opposition by a small majority, has pasted the Assembly, and is now before the Council with every prospect of soon becoming law- . The financial statement has not met with approval m any quarter, bat the Opposition do not anticipate carrying their motion. Tbe old deficit of two millions and a half still remains over and above tbe anticipated deficit at the close of the present year, when Government expect by retrenchment and additional taxation to bring forward a surplus. Sir Henry Parkes m reply to the Fremleri of the other colonies r« changing name has been generally condemned on account of the tone and temper exhibited. It is coached m snrcaatio language, and generally speaking Is not In tbe beet rf taste. He ridicules Ihe "friendly" protest, and after referring to what the parent colony has done for its offahootp, reminds Victoria that New South Wales Is supporting her exhibition, while Victoria la appealing behind the back of his colony to tbe Secretary of State at Home. It is not generally expected m view of tbeae protests from within and without that tho came of Australia will now be adopted, Bbisbanb, December 8. Tbe AEsembly baa paiaed a Bill authorising the Issue of half a million of treasury billw. The business of the session has been brought to a close. Mblboubnb, December 8. Tbe Government has abandoned the Public Seryiee Amendment Bill owing to the determined opposition against It. The Licensing BUI Is being now strongly debated In the Council with the object oi eliminating the loe»l option clauses, ci p»ned by the Assembly.