AUSTRALIA.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2127, 17 December 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE, December 16. ShippingArrived—Arawata, from the Bluff. The Reform Bill. It is expected that an animated discussion will take place on the Reform Bill, and it is probable that Parliament will be summoned soon for its discussion MELBOURNE, December 17. Political. In consequence of the Liberals objecting to the delay with the reform of the constitution, Mr Berry has abandoned tbe proposed prorogation of Parliament on the understanding that the Reform Bill be immediately discussed. The expected recess is, therefore, indefinitely postponed, and Mr Berry and Mr Vale will be unable to represent "Victoria at the Intercolonial Conference, which meets in Sydney next month. Duty on Oatmeal. The Government has doubled the duty on oatmeal imported into Victoria. j SYDNEY, December 16. ' Opening of Parliament. Parliament has been opened by the Governor, who, in his speech on the occasion, promised the introduction of Bills dealing with municipal and local self-government, the inspection of seagoing vessels, regulation of the liquor traffic, fisheries, also oyster fisheries, consolidation of the criminal law and contempt of Court. He further stated that an increase of revenue, amounting to £600,000, was shown since July Ist as compared with last year. He referred slightly to the extension of existing railways, and concluded by making reference to the Inter-colonial Conference lately sitting. The members present were— Ministerial supporters, 20; Opposition members, 28. Ton members were absent.