NEW SOUTH WALES

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 368, 17 August 1875, Page 4

NEW SOUTH WALES

The Parliamentary session, prolonged up to the present time with the intention of passing the amended Land Bill, closes next week. The Stamp Duties Bill introduced by the Government was shelved on a technical objection, and will not be brought forward again for the present. Though deprived of the revenue which it was expected to raise, its loss will not occasion any difficulties to the Colonial Treasurer, who has a large surplus available to cover any deficiencies that may arise. The published statement of last quarter’s revenue shows receipts amounting to £1,028,824, being a net increase of £151,946 over the same quarter of last year. On June 30th, the balances at credit of the public accounts amounted to £2,627,714, the portion belonging to Consolidated Revenue alone being £1,074,211. In the Legislative Assembly last night resolutions approving of the Trans-Pacific Mail Service passed through committee. Preparations for the Melbourne Exhibition of colonial products intended for the “ American Centennial ” progress actively. Despatches were received per Torres Straits mail steamer from Mr Macleay’s New Guinea Expedition. The Chevert was then close to New Guinea, and had already obtained some new specimens of natural history. From Fiji we learn that the new Governor had arrived there, but had not been sworn in, pending the arrival of the Chief Justice and other members of the official staff. Advices from the country districts are most encouraging. The crops look well, the lambing good, and the new wool clip promises to be of excellent quality. The disturbance in commercial circles occasioned by the failures reported last month has subsided, and trade assumed a healthier tone. There are also indications that a satisfactory arrangement will be made between the banking institutions, thereby preventing further complications in the money market. Very satisfactory reports have been presented at almost all the joint stock companies’ meetings held recently, and good dividends declared. The Commercial Bank paid the magnificent return of 11 per cent for the half-year, and the Wallsend Coal 80s per share of £lO paid. Mining presents no new features, but it is hoped that the handsome reward offered by the Government for the discovery of new goldfields will lead to substantial results. The St. Benedict’s new schools were opened by Archbishop Vaughan on the 24th instant. About 900 persons were present. The foundation stone of a new Congregational Church at Woollahra, was laid by Mr John Fairfax. The great tragedienne Madame Adelaide Ristori made her debut in Sydney, on the 26th instant, in the character of Medea. She has since appeared as Elizabeth. News has been received of Mr William Macleay and the New Guinea Expedition up to June 25th. Party all well; the Chevert then leaving Somerset for the coast of New Guinea. The Bill for the Prevention of Nuisances in Sydney and other municipalities has been read a second time, but the Assembly was “ counted out” while it was in committee. The question as to the necessity for a supply of pure milk to the people of Sydney is exciting a considerable amount of public attention. On the 29th instant, in the Assembly, the House agreed to the contract for the projected Mail Service ma San Francisco, at an annual charge of £89,950. The bad conduct of boys in Woolloomooloo is attracting the special notice of the police. On Wednesday evening a number of them set upon a young man named Edward Morgan, and broke his jawbone. Madame Anna Bishop arrived at Sydney on the 29th instant. It is conjectured that between 40,000 and 50,000 of the people of Fiji have been swept away—about a fourth of the population of the group. QUEENSLAND. Judge Lilley lays the foundation stone of the Toowoomba Grammar .School on August sth. Arrived—Sam Mondall, from Loudon, in eighty-two days. The Assembly voted £3OOO for the representation of the colony at the Philadelphia Exhibition, where the Agent-General has secured space for the exhibits now in the South Kensington Annexe, and also for a reasonable number of exhibits forwarded from hence. Nothing was voted to forward exhibits to Melbourne from Queensland, and therefore it is probable this colony will be unrepresented thereat. £6OOO have been voted for the removal of the Cape York settlement, and the erection of new buildings on Thuis day Island. Friday, 30th—In the Assembly, the Marriage with a Deceased Wife’s Sisters’ Bill.passed through committee. The remains of a man, named Michael Scully, were found at Glenhaughton station ; he died from want of water. A document was found describing his suffering, and bequeathing his property to Bishop Quirm,