AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1980, 29 June 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Tbibseaeh.] [Per Arawata.] VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, June 23. The meetings against the Reform Bill are too numerous to mention." A disorderly meeting was held on Monday night at Sandridge, a meeting which was apparently packed by the opponents of the Bill. They refused to listen to Messrs Madden and Bent, and it was ultimately dissolved. In the country districtslhe feeling generally appears to be favorable to the Reform Bill, though large meetings hare been held at Geelong and elsewhere in opposition. The debate on the Reform Bill was resumed on the 17th. Mr Carter spoke in favor of its leading principle, and trusted the Government would agree to certain amendments in committee. Mr Gaunson made a long speech to show the country “what humbugs and shams we politicians really are.” He declared he would be torn to pieces sooner than vote for for the Bill. He called the Government a knot of conspirators, who had jumped into office. He had not finished when the House rose and got leave to resume on Tuesday. Mr Sergeant intimated that he would vote against the measure. Mr Mason, on the other hand, has gone over to the Ministerialists. Messrs Servics and Berry consulted regarding the date of the division on the Reform Bill, and agreed to conclude on the 24th, when the division was expected. The Government declined to give a day for the Payment of Members Bill uutil after the Reform division, and Mr Williams postponed further action for the present. Mr Service congratulated Mr Williams on his resolution, and promised a day after tho division. A caucus of members in favour of payment had been previously held, at which, it was proposed to introduce a vote of censure against the Government ; this Mr Williams declined to support. The Exhibition is rapidly being finished. The main building was formally made over to tho Executive Commissioner on the 18th. The Exhibition building is insured for a £150,000. Tho British exhibits number nearly eight hundred, the Victorian about seventeen hundred. The executive staff takes possession in a few days. NEW SOUTH WALES. SYDNEY, June 23. Tho Budget speech on the 16 th stated the deficiency to be £440,000, reducable by unexpended balances to £200,000. The Government propose to reintroduce a Stamps Bill and a export duty of a farthing on greasy, and a halfpenny on washed and scoured wools, and sixpence in the pound on tho out put of coal. A sn..all surplus is anticipated. It was intimated that further taxation was necessary, and the debate was adjourned. The Government arc being censured by certain members of the Assembly for discourtesy to South Australiansthematterofborderduties. Sir H Parkes deprecated discussion until the papers had been produced, as they would show that they were endeavoring to uphold the honor and interests of the colony. The Government introduced tka Stamp Duties Bill on the 17th, when the second reading was passed, and it also passed through committee.

The Bill authorising the Sydney Municipal Council to borrow £75,000 to complete the town hall also passed. The war steamer, Baleigh, which arrived on the 17th, from Plymouth, via the Cape, reported that the Madeira Islands had been searched for traces of the Knowsley Hall, but it only found a hut and signs of reoenffhabitation, and also two boats and a flagstaff, but no signs of life. It is surmised that the hut belongs to fishermen. The Wanganui got on a reef on Sunday night on Grafton heads. The anchor parted and she drifted to sea. The Cyclops sent assistance, and, when being towed, the Wanganui sunk head foremost about a mile from the beach. The crew and passengers, except two, were rescued. Mr William Clarke sailed for New Zealand in the Ringarooma to open the petroleum wells in Poverty Bay. QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE, June 23. Mr Mcllwraith, the Premier, arrived on the morning of the 21st, He landed privately. Five French escaped Communists arrived at Maokay from New Caledonia. They escaped on the 7th of May. The magistrates have advised their arrest as vagrants pending Government orders. It is currently reported that Bishop Hall will shortly resign the See of Brisbane.