MELBOURNE.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1667, 22 June 1875, Page 3

MELBOURNE.

Thursday, June 17. , Parliamentary proceedings are characterised by dullness. The Land Bill formed the subject of a debate in the Assembly during the past week, but excited do interest; either inside or outside the house. A point of order was raised that the Bill should have originated in committee, as it dealt with taxation in raising pastoral assessment, but this was over-ruled. Duncan Longden, Justice of the Feace, has been committed for trial on a second charge of forgery. In anticipation of Customs' charges there has been a great falling ofi in the quantity of goods cleared, when it was announced that the remission of duty%ill not come into operation for some months after. Michael Damson's property has been sworn . " i At Vaughan, near Castlemaine, a Lhinaman was murdered in his hut by his mate, affl^her Chinaman; who waw ayjsatgfl,

Mining matters are improving in some parts of the colony. The following is the Handicap of the Melboui-ne Cup. The .published top weight is 9aS. S:b. ; Lurline is next with 0 t. 71b.; Calumny has gut Sat. 121b. ; Castaway, 7st. 131b.

In the Metropolitan, Lnrline has also secon;! weight, 9st. (51b. ; Calumny, Bst. 81b.

The Somerset arrived at Singapore on Fvi day, one day in advance of the contract time.

The Rev Charles Clarke continues to draw immense audiences.

MeEwen, wholesale grocers, have suspended payment. The deficiency is believed to be about £38,600.