LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Evening Star, Issue 4054, 23 February 1876, Page 3

LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Otago at Hokitika.)

Melboubne, February 16. The new standing or.-ler has been assented to by the Governor. The Government intend to proceed' with their financial proposals before proroguing, and while adhering to the general principles of their scheme, will not insist on every detail. A Supply Bi 1 for L5lO 000 passed through all its st iges in both Houses. The Assembly proce ;ded to deal with Mr Lalor’s case cs a matter of privilege. Mr Lalur was requested to attend in his place and offer an apology, and on that understanding a motion that he be committed to the custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms was withdrawn. The question gave rise to’some'debate ; Mr Lalor himself asserting that the words complained of were i ot used in the course of his speech, and therefore did not constitute an offence. Hr Lalor having apologised, the motion was withdrawn. Some very excited language was used. Mr M'Kean and Mr Purvis nearly fought in the corridor, because the latter said that a statement' made by an Opposition memoer was o'deliberate lie. It was only by great exertion on the part of their friends that they were kept from striking one another. The Mining Department Board have eat and taken the evidence of several officers, who dotaile I the conduct of Mr Brough Smyth towards his subordinates.

Six small houses in Errol street, Carlton, have been destroyed by fire. Two others are dama;el.

Matson’s Junction Hotel at Sunbury has also been destroyed I y fire. The Somersetshire has sailed for London with a large number of passengers. Information has been received at Adelaide that the Imperial Government has assented to the request of the South Australian Government having reference to inscribed stock, and will make the bill apply to the Colonies generally. A shocking accident occurred at Bathurst through the explosion of a keroseke lamp. A family were seated round tie table when it burst, setting fire to Mrs Nag.'e, Mrs Rearder, and Thomas Nagle, five years old. The first two were shockingly injured, and it is feared they will not recover.