AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1873, 24 February 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Temwbath.] [Via Wellington.] SYDNEY, February IS. Mr Buchanan’s motion, that the fact that Sir F. Stephens, Lieutenant-Q-overnor, is a member of the Legislative Council is inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution, was opposed by Sir H. Parkes, and negatived by 35 to 4. For the motion, that the prerogative of mercy should in future be exercisable by the Governor with the Executive Council, not by the Governor alone, and censuring the Governor relative to the commutation of Williams and Bennett’s sentences, Mr Buchanan alone voted “ Aye.” It is understood that the vital statistics about to issue show an increase of population during the last year unprecedented even during the early gold discoveries. The increase is nearly forty thousand, msking the total close on three-quarters of a million. A company is forming at Kiami with a £SOOO capital to condense milk. MELBOURNE, February 18. At a reform league meeting at Dunnoily last night Messrs Berry and Grant were pre sent. It was the most disorderly that ever took’plaoe. There were several fights, and the police were called in, but were unable to restore order. The meeting broke up in confusion.

McPherson, of the Melbourne Jute Works, a protected industry, has called a meeting of his creditors. It is believed there will be a surplus of £14,000. The “ Keformer,” a paper with an issue of a hundred thousand, containing an adverse history of the Berry Government, is published for dissemination broadcast throughout the country. Constable Hayes was injured by a mob of lacrikins, and is in a critical condition. Sarkens, the publisher of “Fire-brand,” appeared in Court to shew cause why the publication should not be destroyed as obscene. He denied that it was more objectionable than passages of Shakespeare, Swinbourne, Byron, or the Bible. The Bench ruled that it was disgusting and obscene, and ordered its destruction.

It is understood that the performance of “ Agapomone,” a new burlesque on the Ministry, will be permitted. Action will only be taken if anything immoral or offensive is in it.

A constable was endeavoring to arrest a young man at Sandridge when the father

jumped into the water and swam to a vessel some distance off and defied the police. He was arrested after a severe struggle. BRISBANE, February 18. Wells, the Ounamulla bushranger, was sentenced to death for shooting at Murphy with intent to murder, without hope of mercy.

[Via Bluff.]

MELBOURNE, February 17. Mr Service was received cordially at Maldon. He traversed Mr Berry’s Geelong address. He contended that the Premier did not even bind himself to his last proposals. He (Mr Service) asserted that from intercourse with the leaders of the Council ho knew that his reform scheme would be accepted in the Upper House. Mr Service’scriticisms of the financial policy of the Government were very damaging. Mr Berry now asserts that ha commenced office with a deficit, though he previously admitted there was a surplus of over £200.000. He contends that over £550,000 is now owing. The Government estimate that without further taxation they will close the next financial year with a surplus. The Border Chief, from London, passed an iceberg 250 feet high and five miles long. Major Smith threatens another Black Wednesday if the Government get a good majority and an opportunity occurs. The colonies, excepting Tasmania and West Australia, applied for an aggregate space at Melbourne Exhibition of 50,000 feet, New South Wales alone requiring 20,000 feet. A public agitation is commencing in favor of opening the Exhibition at night. The shopkeepers oppose the suggestion. Another satirical play, entitled “ Agapemone ” is to be produced at the Princess Theatre. Mr Berry has warned Walton, the actor, not to produce the play, or he may forfeit the license of the theatre. Walton replied that as the play was not yet finished. Mr Berry could do nothing. The Australian Eleven play a return match against Fifteen of Victoria on Feb. 27th and 28th, and March Ist. This will bethe farewell match of the Eleven, previous to their departure for England. The captain of the Strathleven, writing from Aden, states that the frozen beef and mutton were tried several times on the voyage, proving of excellent flavor and quality. Mr Berry stated at Geelong that the plebiscite was not be applied until an appeal had taken place. When questioned on this departure from the Government measure, Mr Berry stated that he was thinking of the Bill of 1878, but pointed out that the Bill contained no provision for a dissolution first and a plebiscite afterwards. The Chief Secretary now asserts that they adhere to the plebiscite provided in the latest Government measure.

The comet has passed its perihelion and is rapidly receding, being no longer visible to the naked eye. On February 14th, through the great Melbourne telescope, the nucleus appeared simple as a nebulous mass, with a slight central condensation. The tail thin, like a wisp, extending eastwards a couple of degrees. The Irish Belief Fund exceeds £IO,OOO.

SYDNEY, February 17. The New South Wales Assembly fixed the period of secular instruction in State schools at four hours a day, and of religious instruction at one hour. The attendance of children is obligatory for a certain period each half year. The Assembly refused to prohibit the purchase of any articles required for the public service from members of Parliament. Six threshing machines sent to the Sydney Exhibition were tested near Orange. Several did excellent work, one threshing 10S bushels in forty-one minutes, and another 103 bushel# in forty-seven minutes. Several steamers are laid up at Newcastle, owing to the colliers being unable to load them, in consequence of the vend system. This step has created a profound sensation. Sir H. Partes promised to consult his colleagues on the subject of municipal endowments.

A strange occurrence is reported from Goulbum. A young man, Charles Nobes, whilst engaged wallaby shooting, called at a house at Abercrombie, and remained all night. Next morning on going out he saw a hut, and asked who lived there. He was told two lads shepherding. He walked up to and fired at the hut, and then re-loaded hia gun. One lad came out, and Nobes fired at him, and the ball lodged in his body. Nobes then ran off. The ball was not extracted. HOBART TOWN. February 17.

The Assembly approved of the Treasurer’s taxation proposal. Sixty-two thousand pounds fresh taxation was sanctioned, including £25,000 from 9d in the £ on the assessed value of landed property, £16,000 excise on beer, £16,000 increased Customs duties, £SOOO from 9d in the £ on dividends from companies, &c. The Assembly authorised the floating of a 4 per cent, loan in London in the middle of the year, partly to redeem the 6 per cent, debentures, partly for public works. The amount of the loan is £450,000.

The Council is likely to agree to the new taxation. The session will probably close in a few days. The Assembly refuses to allow Tasmania to be represented at the Melbourne Exhibition. Dissatisfaction is publicly expressed. • BRISBANE. February 17.

The Divisional Boards Bill, inaugurating local government, is fairly under way. The Boards are elected or nominated all over the country, and people are accepting the new law quietly, though at first it was unpopular. Parliament is not likely to meet until late in the year.

The success of the Slrathleven meat experiment is inducing speculative purchase* of cattle. It is reported that an extensive butcher at Rockhampton has bought 12,000 head of cattle, with the view of opening np an export to England. Extraordinary yields are reported from tha Qympie mines. The North Q-lanmire Company washed 100 tons for 7860 z. of gold, the South Lady Mary 49 tons for 160cz , the No. 1 North Q-lanmire 190 tons for 350az. ADELAIDE, February 17.

The Bishop of Adelaide has been appealed to to suppress ritualistic practices. He replies that he cannot advise clergymen to desist when their names are not given.