AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2021, 16 August 1880, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Teieghaph.] [Via Bluff.J VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, Aagust 11. Mr Reid, member of the Council, has accepted office in the Cabinet without portfolio. It is considered likely that another member of the Council will be admitted into the Cabinet, the Ministry wishing for two members from the Upper House. Mr Blackett contests with Mr Vale for Fitzroy ; Messrs Thompson and Moore oppose Mr Williams for Mandurang. Mr O'Neill, for Oreswick, and Mr Andrews, for Geelong, contest the Ministers’ re-election. Active canvassing is proceeding. Mr Berry’s speech at Geelong yesternight contends that the Liberals are really the governing power of the colony. He said the late Ministers had reversed the legitimate appointments of their predecessors, but he did not intend to pursue the same policy, though he would not pass over acts of injustice. He declared that Mr Service has done nothing to reduce the deficit; on the contrary he had increased the burdens by spending two thousand weekly on relief works. Ho considered the Liberals were sufficiently strong, without the co-operation of the corner party, to carry on business. Their attention would be first devoted to the financial position; a policy of retrenchment would be initiated, especially in view of the land revenue rapidly and steadily declining. The Ministers have already reduced their own salaries 20 per cent., and similar reductions were contemplated in salaries of future Governors, Judges, and many civilians. He hinted the repeal of the Act adding a fifth Judge, He declared there was nothing in the state of the finances to cause alarm. New taxes were necessary. £412,000 were due by selectors, and would be certain to be paid hereafter. The balance, after deduction of assets, was accounted for by the new system of keeping accounts initiated by Mr Service. He announced a Bill to abolish plural voting. Only brief mention was made of the reform question, and it is doubtful if it will be brought forward during the present session. On the way to Beechwotth Kelly sprang at Sergeant Steele, and had to be held down. Afterwards he conversed freely with the officers, and gave account of the Glenrowan affair. He said he regretted that his party did not rush the station when the train arrived, as he believed he could have killed the whole party. The preliminary inquiry commenced on Friday, and has continued daily since. Mr Mclntyre wag first examined, and gave a full account of the murder of Lonigan, Soanlan, and Kennedy, Several of those who have been bailed up at Euroa have since given evidence, and proved conclusively that Kelly frequently admitted shooting the police with his own hands. Kelly was formally committed for trial for the 14th of October, on a charge of shooting Lonigan. The other charges are proceeding. The Government have cancelled the Commission of Enquiry into the Ford-Bain business, because they approve neither of the personnel or the form of investigation by the Commission, the scope of which Mr Berry considers to be two extensive. The Government have announced its intention of launching the balance of the loan shortly. Railway constructions forms a prominent part of the Liberal programme. M. Soudry left the hospital on Thursday. Mrs Greer is fast recovering, and is expected to leave in a few days. M. Soudry left yesterday for Europe.

The “ Argus ” report from Tomora, estimates the population at 9000, with only 500 diggers. The report warns persons against abandoning tbeir occupation to go to the diggings. NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY, August 11. The work of Newcastle is fairly steady all round. The number of miners starting for Temorn shows no dimunition. The “ Wagga Express ” says the prospects at Temora are undoubtedly good, but by no means such as to justify the unprecedented rush now a-field. The paper strongly warns people against going there without means. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. ADELAIDE, August 11. Mr Boothley has tendered ;his resignation which the Government has not yet accepted, pending the enquiry into the Statistical Department. The Auditor-General will be reduced or compelled to resign, QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE, August 11. The Budget Statement will probably be made next week. It is stated that additional taxation is inevitable. It will most likely take the shape of increased ad valorem duties.