LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Evening Star, Issue 3901, 25 August 1875, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, August 18. Mr Berry, the Chief Secretary, has addressed hia constituency, and enunciated th© policy of his Government, but there was apparently very little to learn. It is proposed to make > up the deficiency of L 200,000 by taxing the la-ge land holders to the fullest extent, so as to burst up the large estates. So sanguine are the Government, that they consider it will be unnecessary to go below 10,000 or 7,000 acres. The protective duties are all to be retained, and even increased if necessary; while the remissions of duty are to be small indeed, and comparatively useless for the purposes of trade. Constitutional reform is to form an important item in the programme, and although no details of the proposed measure are given, yet we are informed that the Ministry intend to show the Upper House that they are in earnest in bringing the Council to tho will of the people. Intercolonial free trade and a reduction in ex penditure concludes the list. Tho Government will ask for a recess shortly to mature their plans. This programme has not met with a very favorable reception, and although there is ne likelihood of Ministers being opposed at elections, they will not be allowed to have it all their own way in Parliament, which meets again on tho 7 th September. In tho meantime supplies have run low owing to the crisis. Messrs M'Meokan and Blackwood’s fine new steamer Ringarooma, intended for the New Zealand trade, arrived after a fine passage of fifty-one days, including four days’ detention at

the Cape, fand came, under orders, at only three-quarter speed. She is a splendid boat, and handsomely fitted for all classes of passengers. iShe will shortly sail for New Zealand ui charge of Captain John M'Lean. A terrible double murder was committed at Frankton (twenty-five miles from Melbourne) on Saturday night last. A publican named Howard having had a disagreement with a woman named Elisabeth Wright, with whom he cohabited, in a lit of jealousy sharpened and concealed about him a largo butcher’s knife. In the evening he stabbed the woman four times, the knife penetrating the heart. The barman, Harman, came to her assistance, and he was stabbed through the lungs. Both died instantaneously. The prisoner remained by the woman’s body for two hours, and was then arrested. He appeared quite unconcerned, and merely said that he came of a race who knew how to avenge an insult when it was offered. At the inquest held yesterday he was committed for trial

Mdlle. IlmajDe’Murska is a|most brilliant success. Everyone is charmed with her singing. The Rev. Father Moore, of Sandhurst, has been committed for trial for marrying a girl under age without the consent of her guardian, she being a minor. Captain Steuart has been acquitted of wilful negligence for the loss of the EUaa Ramsden at the Heads.

_ Fairclough, the actor, announced sacred recitals at the Town Hall on Sunday evening, with ergan selections by John Hall. At the recital nearly 5,000 persons were present. The greatest order prevailed,fand no applause was permitted. The entertainment is announced for repetition, Bishop Thornton has been formally installed at Ballarat. He has made a favorable impression. . William Endarson, the jockey, charged with stealing a watch and chain from a farmer named Aitken, of Christchurch, was discharged by the Bench, as there was no proof of the depositions being true copies, and therefore the provisions of the Extradition Act are not complied with. The well-known actor Mr John Dunn fell down dead last night, while on his way to the theatre. The Exhibition will probably be a success. Sidney, August 18. Parliament is prorogued to 14th September. The Governor’s speech refers to the continued prosperity in the Colony, as shown by the large increase in revenue, although it arises mainly from the proceeds of sales from lands ; still, it is encouraging that other sources are not falling off. The Ministry afterwards entertained a number of members. Correspondence laid on the table of the House contains expressions of satisfaction by the New Zealand Government at the concession obtained by that Colony in the temporary mail contract. News from Cooktown continue favorable. New finds are reported. White, charged with attempting to bribe a member of the Assembly, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. The Derby betting remains unchanged. Connaught has a slight advantage.