LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Evening Star, Issue 4009, 31 December 1875, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, December 23. The departure of the City of Melbourne on Monday, and the Hero from Sydney yesterday, has left only one day’s news. The Assembly on ! bnrsday night oassed that portion of the Land Bill for raisiig the assessment on stock, leaving the other portions to be dealt with at some future time. The Bill has reached the Council, but they have postponed dealing with the second reading until to day. The weather has been very hot, the thermometer ranging as high as 106 in the glade, in some parts of the country. Two children, a boy and a girl, were drovned in a dam at the sheep wash, near Sandhirst, They were fishing for crayfish and fell in. fWo boys were also drowned whilst bathing at Varnambool. Several cases of drowning occurred also whilst bathing daring the hot weather. _ The Assembly passed the. Tolls Bill for «,n----tinning the collection of tolls for six mottbs longer, and also passed a Bill for permitting women to graduate at the Univc sit y. A fire at East Colling wood this morning de stroyed five wooden houses, which were unin* sured. The Chief Secretary (Mr M'Pherson) has left for Tasmania. Sydney. Parliament has decided to adjourn to 11th J amiary. In a telegram dated the sth the Governnent received advices of the arrival of Mr Forstor at Home. He has commenced his duties.

Mr Farkes has moved a vote of censure on the Government in reference to their immigntion and railway scheme, but it is not likely to be carried.