AUSTRALIA.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1685, 15 July 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

[reuter’s telegrams.] MELBOURNE, July 1-i. It is expected that the Government will introduce the Reform Bill on tlio 22nd inst., and the Budget on tlio 2-ltli. [Via Bluff.] MELBOURNE, July 8. The revenue returns for the quarter ending 30th Juno show a decrease on the gross receipts of £77,737 as compared with the corresponding quarter of 1878. The decrease on Customs is £38,407. The returns for the

year compared with those of the previous year show a net increase of £40,000, but there is a decrease on Customs of £103,825 and the revenue from the land tax, which shows an increase of £152,329, will not bo maintained. This large increase is accounted fsr by the fact that a considerable amount, which accrued last year was not collected till this year. The annual value of the tax is only about £120,000. Tho total revenue for the year just ended, excluding recoups and the balance brought forward, is set down at £4,525,998 or £329,668 below Mr Berry’s estimate. This will necessitate a large amount of fresh taxation, which, it is understood, will be proposed in Custom, excise, and stamp duties. This will make some £600,000 of fresh taxation imposed by tho present Government. The unemployed continue to afford soma embarrassment to the Government. A number of them have been given work, yet still tho number of unemployed is said to be verygreat, and means have been taken by subscription to alleviate their pressing necessities. Tho Bcform League conference has been sitting, and adopted a platform for next election to include constitution al reform, a progressive land tax, and payment of members. A hotel at Purnini, near Warnambool, was burned down on Saturday. A man named Willie Gordon was burnt to death. Tho interconial football matches, South Australia v Victoria, resulted in favor of the latter in both matches playel. Farmers' Unions are being formed all over the colony, which are likely to have some influence on next election. There is a fair steady business doing in tho markets. The New Zealand horse Ls Loup has been backed for the Melbourne Cup to over £20,000. Professor Pepper arrived per Lusitania. It is not expected the cable will bo repaired until next week.