AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1960, 17 August 1869, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

W r e see by the Army and Xavy Gazette that an old colonist, Colonel Andrew Clarke, R.E., who was fir some time surveyor-general of Victoria, has been made a (18.

It seems that some difficulty is, after all, likely to arise with regard to the released Fenians. Kinnealy was yesterday arrested by the police, and the matter was mentioned yesterday afternoon in the Legislative Assembly by Mr Duffy. From the explanations given by the Chief Secretary and the Attorney-General, it appears that shortly after Kinnealy arrived here, ho in reply to a communication made to him by the police authorities acquainting him with the law which he had broken, said he only intended to remain in the colony ten days. This period expired more than a week ago, bub Kinnealy did not keep his promise, and when further communicated with he treated the affair in a very oft hand manner, remarking that he did not pro-

pose to leave just then, and that the police knew where he resided. It was after this that the arrest, which was not ordered by the Government, took place, Mr Duffy and Kinnealy wished to remain until his associates arrived hero, and then to leave with them, but Mr M'Culloch pointed out that it was very unlikely they would be able to reach this colony, as the captains of the mail steamers, knowing the heavy penalty attached to the offence, would not bring them. Their best plan to leave Western Australia would be by some vessel going to India. Kinnealy appears inclined to try conclusions as to his right to remain here, and if the others come amongst us they might take the same course, and necessitate a resort to extreme measures. Kinnealy has been allowed bail in two sureties of LIOO each. On the subject of telegraphic communication with Europe, MrVerdon writes that at the date of his advices Captain Osborne was superintending the shipping of the new French cable. The difficulty of joining the cable to the existing land system in Australia has not been overlooked. No proposal has been made for the construction ef land lines, as it is believed the Australian Governments are desirous of keeping them under their own control, but if it is desired, the company will undertake the work if pvoportionably subsidised. The promoters of another company are in communication with Mr Yerdon, but particulars are not stated. It is extremely probable that another troupe of Japanese jugglers, who are to surpass all similar performances yet known to the “ barbarians,” will visit us shortly. Mr Kirby, agent in Japan for Mr J. W. Smith, who introduced to Victoria the only company of “Japs." worthy of the name, has written to his principal by the last mail, stating that he has engaged a number of performers from Osaka, and brought them to Yokohama, whose “ talent ” is far superior to that of any company yet taken out of Japan. The Governor of South Australia, in his speech in opening Parliament, referred with satisfaction to the recent visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, to the opening of the Strathalbyn and Roseworthy railways, and to the favorable advices from the Northern Territory, The working of the new Land Bill had resulted in checking collusion in the auction-room and promoting the settlement of the country ; and as experience suggested where improvements could be effected, they would be introduced by his responsible advisors. The gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly would be invited to consider the fiscal regulations, with a view to removing certain charges which were stated to retard the devcloppient of local industries. They would also be invited to. make suitable provision for the construction and maintenance of main roads ; to take into consideration the laws touching pastoral leases, with a view to their modification ; the resumption of immigration ; the amendment of the Constitution Act, especially as regards the increased representation of the people in newly-settled districts. Bills would be introduced for the abolition of imprisonment for debt, the alteration of the present insolvent law, the amendment of the laws relating to licensed victuallers, the administration of justice in the country districts, and a bill to provide for the better regulation of gaols.