LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Evening Star, Issue 3812, 13 May 1875, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, May 7. Measures for further railway extension are promised for next session.

A public meeting resolved in favor of a progressive land tax.

Lmline proceeds to Adelaide to run for the Cup. A Melbourne conference of local bodies condemned the abolition of tolls. The Presbyterian Assembly resolved to petition Parliament to alter the Education Act so as to permit religious instruction during school hears.

Arrangements for floating the Blencathra have been concluded.

By an explosion of fire-damp at Scaradale, three persons were injured. The Board of Health intend to prosecute the proprietors of several work-rooms and factories for breaches of the sanitary regulations. The Presbyterian Assembly has received a note from Messrs Moody and Sankey, stating that they will probably visit Australia after they return to America. A league has been organised to defend the Education Act against Roman Catholio denunciations.

Three men were drowned in attemping to escape from the ship Carlton by jumping overboard. Their cries for help were heard from the Omeo. Blue-lights were burned, but the men were not seen.

The Theatre Royal Company has paid a dividend of 10 per cent. The Rev. Charles Clark opens his new church on Sunday next. Governor Bowen and family return to the Colony in September. His Excellency received great attention from Victor Emmanuel and the royal family in Italy, in return for hie reception of the Duke of Genoa in Australia. Garibaldi intends to send his son Riccotti to sgjile m Melbourne, and the Italian Government are to encourage emigration to Australia instead of to America.

. . Sydney, May 8. m. A m . eetin S of citizeqa has been convened for Thursday next to advocate the propriety of the annexation of New Guinea by the British Government.

Mail advices show that Sir Charles Cowper’s health is rapidly improving. Mr Francis White, M L,C„ died on May 4. Gold has been struck twelve miles from Parkes, in the Forbes district, with a prospect of half a pennyweight to the dish. A rush has set in,

Provision is made in the Appropriation Bill for building all public schools at the public eost.

Increased facilities will soon be given for loading sailing colliers at Port Newcastle. The whole correspondence, telegrams, &c., bearing upon the San Francisco mail service, was laid upon the table of the Assembly last evening by the Postmaster-General A Bill has been introduced into the Assembly to increase tbe number of Judges. Tim Government have sent the necessary instructions Home to ensure a representation of their interests in the great squatting appeal case of Joachim v. O’Shannessy. Brisbane. News from the diggings is quiet. Flour and provisions are much advanced in rate.