AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1987, 7 July 1880, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Br Tklb&baph.J PPer b.b. Tararua, at the Bluff.] MELBOURNE, June 29. The division on the second reading of the Reform Bill took place on Friday morning, and resulted in a majority of two against the Government. After several speakers had spoken at great length, despite protests, Mr Service summed up the debate, maintaining that Government had proposed a considerable extension of the franchise, disfranchising none, and aimed at putting an end to the deadlocks. No Reform Bill was complete without attempting that. Ho defended the elimination of the joint sitting clause, but said that Government were ready to adopt any other suitable if the same end could be gained. He would not consent to abandon the elimination clause, Mr Berry, in replying, said that the powers of the Council must bo first defined. The Government plan for popularisation was only a sham, and was really a transfer of financial power to the Council. The greatest excitement prevailed in the Assembly, the House approaches being thronged by hundreds who were unable to obtain admission.

Mr Williams, on Thursday, censured the Government, on tho ground that they had threatened a dissolution whilst the Reform question was still under the consideration of Parliament. Mr Williams tabled a motion, without a previous understanding with the Opposition, and the prorogation renders the motion nugatory. The following day Mr Service had an interview with the Governor and asked for a dissolution, which was granted on Saturday morning, and a proclamation was immediately issued proroguing Parliament.