AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1638, 21 May 1879, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[YiaJßlufi.] MELBOURNE, May 14. The Governor paid an official visit to Geelong on Friday, where he met with a cordial reception, and at a banquet in the evening made a speech expressing himself hopefully as to the political future. Sir Charles Sladcn, who also responded to a toast, in referring to the political situation, said—There should nor be any great difficulty in adjusting their little differences. He hoped that in a spirit of moderation, wisdom, and loyalty, they would be able to solve the great problem they had been long troubled about before long in a manner which would redound to the credit of this great country. It would not be for want of effort on his part. Ho trusted they would succeed. In this new colony, particularly because it was young, disputes often led to difficulties, but where there was good feeling these disputes soon disappeared, and after quiet and reflection p:rhaps they would be able to approach the subject in a better frame of mind. He could say, on the part of the Council, that no effort would bo wanting to secure this result. Other members of Council present expressed similar views. The election for the Central Province resulted in the unopposed return of Mr Jas. Lorimer, a well known merchant. A meeting of Opposition members recently held resolved to support what is known as the Service programme of reform, by which it is intended to compromise, so as to bring about finality in legislation. Under this programme something like the Norwegian scheme is proposed to be adopted. There is a likelihood of an election for the Assembly, Mr E. G. Zox, one of the members for East Melbourne, having called a meeting of credi'ors. Already Messrs Edward Langton and George Coppin are announced as in the field. The latter will probably be elected as Mr Langton is unpopular. Telegrams have been received, both official and private, as to the result of the Berry mission to London, and of course they differ. We have therefore only to wait until an official despatch is published. In the meantime thy opinions of several London papers received are by do means favorable to Mr Berry’s demands.

The “ Pall Mall and “ Morning Adtei’tisfer” a:o especially severe. The latter, in reviewing the proceedings of the Berry Cabinet, condemns their policy of bribery and shameless abuse of patronage. Before leaving London Mr Berry signed the cable contract, and one portion of the dupli ate cable is now being shipped, while another portion leaves in the Scotia in a fortnight’s time The reduced rate for Press messages come into operation from the 9th inst. The Minister of Education has been very ill, but id now recovering. j . An attempt has been made to put tno Hon, Clarke into the City Council, with a view to lus election os Mayor during the Exhibition year, but Mr Clarke finds the duties of president of the Commission quite sufficient. The Exhibition Buildings are progressing favorably. It is estimated already that the cost will amount to £130,000. ’1 he main bunding will ptobably he out of hand in about ten weeks. Everything connected with the undertaking is being carried out in a m.s expensive manner, t! he space proposed to bo covered will be equal to that of the first exhibition in Hyde park. There have beou several failures of importance, nunely; —Messrs _ Solcberg_ and -son, clothing manufacturers, with liabilities £31,409, assets £31119: Joseph Aarons, proprietor oi the Acnlemy of Music and. Victoria Arcade, liabilities J.G9,CIG, assets. £93,3U0 ; Myers and £os. warehousemen, liabilities £140,000. The Provincial and Suburban Bank, a small institution with a limited note circulation, suspended payment yesterday, and ns yet there has been no statement of affairs. '1 he difficulties are owing to commercial depression, and inability to obtain moneys due to the hank. In this case the creditors will be paid in full Aarons was connected with this bank, and his failure was one cause of the stoppage. Another English eleven, composed entirely of professionals, is to visit Australia during the period of the Melbourne Exhibition. Boyle of the Australian eleven, has the management of affairs. The great case of Young V Ballarat Water Commission has lasted thirty-four days in taking evidence alone, and it is not yet finished. Edward Monk, of Womb it, who received several threatening letters, and was subjected to several annoyances, in addition to being shot at. is now before a Court of Inquiry, as doubts have been thrown upon his statements. We occasionally get rumors of the Kelly gang, but they usually prove to be scares. The latest came from Handenoog, where four mounted meu armed appeared in the ranges and demanded food from a settler. The police are now out in search. . L The rainfall has been sufficiently copious u o fill the waterholes, and do much bemfit.