AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1925, 26 April 1880, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

fßr Tklesbaph.] [Via Bluff.] VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, Apiil 21. The Premier, at Warrenkeep, on the 14th, reviewed the political situation, Eeferring to the Government programme, he declared he had no occasion to modify or qualify anything already said. The Reform Bill would be pushed on as fest as possible. He was confident the Government would pass the BUI during the session. Begarding the dismissals by Mr Berry, Mr Servica said the Government had re-instated several viotims, and lists were nowbeing prepared of the dismissals, and new appointments. After that time no fresh appointments will be made until any of those dismissed, who still desired employment, had been re-appointed. He had no intention of following the American system, but the Government wished to avoid injustice to Bny one. Messrs David Gaunson, Jones, and Cooper are candidates for the Chairmanship of Committee. The first named is actively canvassing for support. Considerable discussion is still going on in political circles regarding the Speakership. Mr Murray-Smith's name continues to be mentioned, and, in certain circles, it is stated he will have the choice _of the Speakership or the Agent-Generalship, and Mr Casey be offered the othei. Mr McMahon's name is still mentioned in connection with the Speakership. The ceremony of laying the foundation atone of the Cathedral passed off with much eclat on the 13th. Bix thousand spectators were present, tin Governor, the Bishop, and the Chief Justice spoke. In addition to Mr Clarke's contribution £lsoo were subscribed within a few days. Dr. Toul, tha president, and two members of the Central Board of Health have visited and reported on the outbreak of diptheria at Hamilton. They state that the epidemic lis now well under control, though cases continue, consequently there is no further cause of alarm. A further severe outbreak at Avenel is reported. The number of persons under treatment at Hamilton is 27. Eight cases have proved fatal and 16 are still under the doctors' care. The Government are endeavouring by every means to find work for the unemployed. A large number are set to work at various kinds of employment. It is Btated that Messrs Money Wigram intend despatching the new steamer Norfolk to Canterbury and Wellington direot instead of the Australian ports. The intention of calling at Port Chalmers is abandoned, owing to the insufficiency of water. A deputation representing the new freezing company waited upon the Commissioner of Customs yeßterday to urge the abolition of the stock tax. The Commissioner offered to introduce a system of bond, whereby the cattle from other colonies for the company's use could be imported free. The deputation did not consider this would meet existing difficulties. NEW SOUTH WALES. Mr Stephens' Bill for restricting the power of the Council was, after debate, rejected by the Council by eighteen votes to six. The Council passed the second reading of the Betting-houses Suppression Bill by a majority of five on the 16th. At the miners meeting at Newcastle on the 14th, the representatives were invested during the conference with full authority to settle the differences between the masters and men. It was agreed that if no friendly settlement could be affected, to submit the question to arbitration,, The adjourned cocfurence took place on the 19th between the associated masters and the miners, when the former offered 3a 6d whilst coal was selling at the present price. The delegates declared their inability to accept . less than 3s 6d even thougd the' price was further reduced. Much opposition is anticipated among the miners, and apprehension exists of further strikes. Sir Henry Parkes, in acoordance with a previous promise, introduced an Electoral Bill, which was debated on the 14th and subsequently passed its second reading without a division. It is stated that pressure of business has compelled Mr Stuart to resign the AgentGeneralship, and that Sir Daniel Cooper has consented to act temporarily. Mr Forster, late Agent-General, has been elected to the vacancy in the Senate of the University by a majority of two over Sir H. Parkes. The Exhibition was formally closed on the 10th by the Governor, the day being observed as a partial holiday. There was a large attendance at the ceremony, though nothing approaching the number pseeent at the opening. Members of the Ministry, the four Vice-Presidents of the Commission, the beads of the English and Boman Catholic Churches and other religious bodies, members of Parliament and other leading citizens occupied seats near the Governor's dais. On the arrival of the Governor, Mr Jennings, Executive Commissioner,' read a lengthy address, referring to the success of the Exhibition and the satisfactory response which the various nations and colonies had made to the invitation of the colony. The total number of awards sent in by the Judges amounted to 7070. The admissions had been 1,022,000, exceeding the most sanguine anticipations. The amount received, though not reaohing the original estimate of £50,000, will probably meet all working expenses. Lord Lof tus made an eloquent reply to the .address, and expressed bis gratification at the success which had attended the Exhibition. He then declared the Exhibition would be closed after to-day. The ceremony then terminated with the presentation to the Governor of the first commemorative medal. The judges were presented, and tho awards of the various departments were handed to the representative commissioners. Eighteen thousand persons were present during the afternoon.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA. The returns for the quarter's revenue show the expenditure to be £454,800, being £ISOO increase. The revenue is £483,800. The funded debt of the colony is £9,900,000. QUEENSLAND. Mr McHwraith, has telegraphed that he cannot leave London before the beginning of May. The opening of Parliament iB therefore adjourned till the Ist of July.