AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1946, 20 May 1880, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Tblbgbaph.] (Per s.b. Tararua, at the Bluff.) VICTORIA. The Governor formally opened Parliament on May 12th, The Governor in his speeoh said : "I have called you together at an earlier period than ÜBual in order to afford time for the consideration of the important measures which will be laid before you. The necessary works required to place the oolony in a state of defence against possible aggression are now in course of construction, and gentlemen of acknowledged fitness have been appointed on behalf of the oolony to give evidence. The Exhibition buildings are approaching completion. The commissioners estimate the total expenditure at £320,000, but the receipts it is anticipated will reduce the cost to a quarter of a million. A large area of land settled in portions of the colony is totally unprovided with water during the summe-, and the population has consequently suffered great losses and privation. The conservation of water will therefore be necessary, and with that object a Board has been appointed to report and submit a proposal for the accomplishment of that objeot. All the lineß of railway authorised by Parliament have been opened for traffic. My advisers are fully persuaded of the necessity for Hew lines to meet growing requirements, and proposals will be submitted with this object." He then referred to the judicature commission, for the purpose of considering the blending of law and equity, the report of which is now awaited. Continuing, he said " the evident signs of the great depression in trade and commerce which prevailed so long, and affected so seriously all classes of the community, are passing away. The late abundant harvest, the high prioes obtained for wool, the Bpeedy prospect of frozen meat becoming now an almost unlimited article of export, and the restoration of public confidence, will materially assist in promoting prosperity. In the preparation of the estimates of expenditure, provision has been made for the maintenance of the public service on an economical footing. My advisers consider that their first duty is to submit a measure dealing with the grave question of constitutional reform. I trust this will receive your earliest and most attentive consideration. Several Land Acts in operation expire at the olobo of the year, and a measure will be laid before you making provision for the settlement of the question of the occupation of the remainder of the unalienated Crown lands. Nearly twelve hundred miles of railway are now open, and my advisers consider that the time has arrived when a more economical and efficient system of management of the State railways should be introduced. That object I trust will meet with a satisfactory solution. The amendment of the Public Service Act is urgently required, and my advisers are persuadedthat a permanent reduction of the publio service cannot be secured and maintained until a radical change has been made in the conditions on which persons enter it. A measure with that objeot will be submitted for your consideration." The speech went on to refer to mining on private property, the recent discoveries of payable gold quartz reefs, and directed attention to the inßeonrity of tenure of mining tenements, for which an amendment would be proposed, giving greater security to bona fide holders. The Bills whioh were intended to be introduced were then enumerated. Mr Duffy, Commissioner of Lands, has visited the Mallee country, which is considered a famine-stricken land, and entitled to special legislation. It is proposed to grant the squatters long leases. The Orient steamer Cotopaxi, now en route to Australia, is fitted with refrigerating machinery. At a meeting of the Zoologioal Society, on May 6th, the secretary was instructed to I write to Dr. Hector for information regarding the A-nerican white fish, and the possibility of their introduction into Victoria, also whether rooka were procurable from New Zealand. Mr Wilson stated that the brook trout ova imported were nearly all dead. A shocking accident occurred at Talbot on May 9th. Mr Richardson, an old and muchrespected resident, was saying good-bye to a friend leaving by the train, when he fell be tween the platform and the footboard of the carriage. His body was dragged a mile and a half and mutilated beyond recognition. The accident was unnoticed by the guard and driver. Tho temperance societies have decided to hold a grand demonstration in Melbourne during the Exhibition. Mr W. J. Clarke has promised his patronage and assistance to the scheme for sending a team of Viotorian ploughmen to compete in England. A trial of competitors will take place shortly. The Cabinet having considered the petition I for the release of David Henry, imprisoned for embracery, has deoided to advise tho Governor not to interfere.

The barque Vriendon, from Java, arrived at Queensoliff on May Bth with the disease called beriberi on board. Three deaths occurred on the voyage and three more on May 9th. Seven further cases are in the hospital, two of them very precarious. Competition for passengers to Sydney and Adelaide by sea is very keen, and passenger rates have been greatly reduced. NEW SOUTH WALES. A Bill will be shortly introduced into Parliament authorising the conversion of the old Exhibition Building into a meat market. Sir H. Parkes stated that the coal companies not having applied for leave to bring out immigrant miners, the Agent-General haß been instructed not to accept such immigrants. A dispute has arisen between the primary Judge and the Master in Equity regarding payments for the maintenance of a certain tenancy suite. The Judgo peremptorily ordered the Master to obey his instructions.

Mr Dibbs, the defendant in the oase of Shepherd v. Dibbs, has been arrested for the non-payment of costs, and is now incarcerated pending payment. He stated that he intended to remain in gaol twelve months rather thaii payIntelligence has been received from Noumea of the total wreck of the Sarah Dreyfus or Cook's Beef. The captain and crew were saved. The veisel was insured for £SOO ir the New Zealand Company and for a similar amount in the National Insurance Company of New Zealand. A Noumea telegram states that two whitee and seven natives were capsized from a boat going to the wreok of the Sea Shell. They held on to a buoy all night. Four of the natives swam ashore, and the whites wertpicked up, but three natives were drowned. SOUTH AUSrEALIA. The Coffee Tavern Company has declared a dividend of 15 per cent. The race meeting created little interest. For the Cup the start was good. Electricity led off, and subsequently gave way to Pawnbroker. At the half-milo First Water showed in front, and continued to lead, winning by two lengths. Ti-ne—3min. 39secs.