AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1800, 27 November 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Via Bluff.] MELBOURNE, November 18. The member for Carlton addressed his constituents on the Beform question. He advocated moderate measures, but the meeting was againßt him, and yesterday, finding his views not in accordance with those of his constituents, he resigned. He has not yet decided whether he will offer himself for reelection.

The Refoim B<ll was passed through Committee in the Assembly »u half-an-hour. Most members look upon the whole thing es a farce and sham, as the Bi'l is certain not to pass the Council. The Stamp Duties Bill passed through committee. The Banks petitioned against it, believing the time before it came into operation too short, and that the Imperial practice should be followed.

There have been several disgraceful scenes in the Assembly. A caucus of Government supporters was called to-day, to decide what should be done with regard to Messrs Q-aunson and Bent, the most obnoxious members to the Government.

Startling intelligence was received yesterday of a busbranging affray, twenty-five miles from Wagga. Six well armed men stuck up the Warantahagery Station. The police went in pursuit, and a severe engagement took place, lasting over half-an-hour. Previously there had been a good deal of skirmishing from cover, and the bushrangers cut off the police horses where they were protected. They obtained possession of them, and the police were compelled to retreat to another station two miles away. There being reinforced, they returned to the scene of action, and a desperate encounter took place. The bushrangers endeavoured to surround the police. The bushrangers were at last compelled to retreat to a hut, when the conflict was continued. Two of the bushrangers were then shot dead, two surrendered, and one escaped. One of the constables was dangerously wounded. So far these are all the particulars to hand. The men fought desperately. The weather continues favorable, and there is every prospect of an abundant harvest. The yield in many districts is likely to be very large. The Opera Company leaves for New Zealand next Tuesday.