LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Evening Star, Issue 3995, 14 December 1875, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Albion at Hokitika ) M ELBOCBNE, December 8. The Budget debate continues unfinished; but as most of the principal speakers have addressed themselves to the subject, but very little interest remains. However it may conclude—favorably or unfavorably to the Government —there is a section of the Opposition determined to prevent the progress of business until a dissolution is obtained. This threat has been often repeated, and there is every reason to believe it will be carried into effect. What the ueshot will be it is impossible to tell, but theie does not appear any present prospect of bringing the session to a close before Christmas. The case of Mason, the member for Ssuth Gippsland, adjudged by the Racing Committee to bo a defaulter, has been brought before the Assembly. The Govern-

ment were asked to deal with the case, but the Premier declined to be a judge of the characters of hon. members, and refused to take any action. It was then attempted to obtain the appointment of a committee to report on the matter, but this likewise fell through, as it was thought by a majority of the House to be a question between the hon. member and his constituents, and especially as Mason has commenced a libel action against the ‘ Argus’ paper for a very strong article which appeared in that journal. The debate on this subject was characterised by much personality on both sides of he House, Mr Witt, member for the Murray, who has been accused of acting as a land a«"ent in connection with his Parliamentary position, has also found it necessary to make a personal explanation. A Supply Bill for L382,T00 has been passed, and that will provide the necessary funds to the end of the

year. The notorious convict Weechurch, or Taylor (his real name), has suffered the extreme penalty of the law. He was executed on Monday last, and died quietly, but asserting his inn ce ce of the charge of att mptto murder. An attempt was made obtain a commutation of the sentence, but without effect. The case of Weechurch has again opened the question of prison discipline. Scarlet fever still continues, and the number of deaths from this cause has increased. Last week, in Melbourne and suburbs, there were sixty nine—the highest, average yet attained. Tae case of the destitute (remans at Major’s Plains has been investigated. It has been ascertained that they were mainly induced to come to this Colony by the fanatical ravings of a woman named Heller, by whom they were spell-bound. They had very little money amongst them and declined to work, which was the cause of all ,he dest tution and sickness, Relief having been afforded, they are now placed in a satisfactory position. The Victorian, South Australian, and Tasmanian exhibits for Philadelphia have left in the barque Skerrirore. H.M.b. Pearl and Dido are here awaiting the arrival of Commodore Hoskins by the mail, expr cted at the end of the week.

_ The Tasmanian cable is broken, the first time since it was laid down in 1869. The accident, which occurred close to tbo Tasmanian coast, is expected to be repaired by the end of the week.

bhocks of earthquake were felt on the merning or December 2, at "Wilson’s Promontory and Stock-yard Creek. The barque Tien Tsin foundered on the East Coast of Tasmania. The crew were saved. She was bound from i\ ewcastle.

Land in the west part of Collinst street, with a frontage of 30ft, sold at L 528 a foot, the highest price erer obtained for i ollins street land. The total paid was L 19,000. Great dissatisfaction is felt at the present means of communication with Europe. Fine* the cable has been interrupted, the messages are tiansmittod by the steamer Anglo, and without the slightest regard to date.

Sydney. The Chamber of Commerce appointed a de piitation to urge on the Government the necessity of a second cable to Europe. A New Zealand digger named Murphy got drunk and was robbed of a receipt lor LSOO, scrip in the United Band of Hope mine at Keefton, and seventy sovereigns. 1 .arge seizures of jewellery have been made by the Customs for non-payment of duty. The value of jewellery sent from Sydney amounts to some thousands.

I'he weather has been most unfavorable, it being bitterly cold with almost incessant rain. Mr De Courcy Ireland yesterday served Captain Chapman, of the Dido, with a writ, claiming LIO,OOO damages, arising out of proceedings in Fiji. be ship Sir John Lawrence, loading for London, caught fire, but the damage was only ■light. A rich copper lead has been discovered in the Macquas Plains districts. Geoige Rope was executed at Mudgee for the Lawson Creek murder.

The duties on tobacco have been increased. Manufactured is now 2s fid, and leaf Is 6d. Other alterations are contemplated. The Assembly negatived a gratuity of L2,C00 to the widow of Sir Charles Cowper. Five convicts (not Communists) recently reached Queensland from New Caledonia. They were boatmen in charge of a boat laden with Government stores and escaped. They wore twelve day at sea. and suffered some privations. When found they were in a state of great prostration. The Government have under consideration the appointment of an Agent-General. Brisbane. A petition has been presented to the Governor, for presentation to the Queen, com laining of Sir Maurice .1. Coneli's conduct respecting the O’Cnnnell demonstration. The financial poli y of the Government will be further in the direction of free trade. A OKI, AIDE, Parliament has been prorogued to February 25. The Premier purposes making a tour of inspection of the principal districts of the Colony,