AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2134, 27 December 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Tbusskaph.] [Per s.s. Arawata, at the Bluff.] MELBOURNE, December 21. Considerable uncertainty still continues to prevail regarding the duration of the Christmas recess. G-overnment appears resolved to persist in calling the House for divison on the second reading of the Reform Bill on the 18th proximo, but in other directions a strong feeling exists that the recess should be prolonged until early in February. At present, before rising at all, it is necessary to pass the Supply, Tobacco, Beer, and Land Acts Continuation Bills. If these are not passed, Government threaten to continue to sit during the Christmas week. The Chief Secretary having telegraphed to Sir H. Farkes that he could not attend the Conference at Sydney on the 15th January, received a reply, stating that if the Victorian delegates wore unable to meet at Sydney as arranged, he would join in naming another date, although it was doubtful whether the other colonies would be agreeable to the adjournment during Mr Lorimer’s absence. Dr. Dobson moved the postponment of the adoption of the special committee’s report on the Totalieator Bill until the 21st prox., when the division on the third reading will be expected. A meeting has been hold for the purpose of raising funds for Parnell’s defense fund ; Fogarty, J.P., occupied the chair. Resolutions were passed favoring the objects of the mating, and a considerable amount of subsodptions were also collected. Cornwall, the contractor for the AlburyWagga line, waited on the Commissioner ot Railways yesterday, requesting the Govern-

ment to join New South Wales in making the opening through communication (except Wodonga to Albury) a great success. Ho stated that the New South Wales Government had promised to issue free passes from Sydney to Wagga on the day opening, and requested similar facilities from Victoria* Air Patterson promised to consult his colleagues, but ho Bn ßl? e ßted the postponement of the festivities until after Christmas.

The following eleven has been chosen to represent Victoria in the cricket match against New South Wales Allan, Cooper, Coulthard, Campbell, Elliott, Edwards, Horan, Mack ay. Midwinter, McShane, Tobin. The New South Wales eleven, now in Melbourne, are practising daily. The batting of several men is greatly admired. SYDNEY, December 20. The Sydney Railway Commissioners’ report shows the expenditure up to the beginning of the year to bo eleven and a-half millions, bearing interest £472.000, net earnings £348,000. The mileage opened, 734 miles, the average mile-earnings £1343, the expenditure £833. The tramways have earned 9Jper cent.

The Government are sanding a beautifully bound album, containing views of New South Wales, to the Queen. Mr Coombea has notifiied his intention to ask Government if they propose to take steps to secure the lives and property of citizens in Western Pacific. Good news continue to be received from Temora, where much excitement was caused by a rich quartz leader being struck by Bourke’s party, which leader is said to have been pegged off for miles. The stone is studded with fine gold.

Evans Clerk, who embezzled £BOO from the Land Office, appeared at the Police Court on Saturday, and was remanded. It is stated that Michael Bush intends selling his store and proceeding Home to row for the championship, but the above report requires confirmation. HOBAET TOWN, December 20. At Hobatt Town tho South Tasmanians made an excellent stand against the Australians on Saturday, scoring 23 all out. Tho Eleven yesterday brought their score to 221, whereof Murdoch made 101. The Tasmanians went in for their second innings, but completely collapsed—all out for 55. The concluded to-day.