AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2183, 23 February 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

[Per s.s. Tararua, at the Bluff.] MELBOURNE, February 15. Parliament opens to-day, when Mr Berry moves the second reading of the Reform Bill. Only three other measures of importance are before the House —the Land Tax Bill, Judicature Bill and the Mining Board Abolition Bill. Very little publio interest is taken in the Reform question, and it is intended to close the session at the earliest date possible. The Governor is suffering slight indisposition, caused by lumbago, which prevented his attendance at the Executive Council yesterday. The Commissioner of Trade and Customs made further important concessions to aid and facilitate the removal of goods from bonded stores. These concessions are now extended to goods for exportation. Sir Samnel Wilson proceads to England shortly, and will consequently resign his seat in the Otunoil. It is stated that Alexander Wilson is a probable candidate for the vacancy. SYDNEY, February 15. A destructive hurricane swept over Fife on 2nd February. Several houses were blown down, including the childrens’ school-house. Two steamers were sunk in Levuka harbor. Two other steamers collided, doing each other considerable damage, but no lives were lost. Efforts are still being made to float the Oollaroy, but all have quite failed. It is believed the vessel will become a total wreck. A telegram from Wiloania states that no doubts remain regarding the value of the gold discovery in the Gray ranges. Two waggons leftTemora for Wileania yesterday. ADELAIDE, February 15. The Suburban Tramway Company is proving so successful that it is about to double its capital. The 8. A. Register says various rumors are current of probable Ministerial changes, and it is stated that the Treasurer will take the position of Attorney - General. Fowler’s name is mentioned as his probable successor. BRISBANE, February 15. It i* stated that stone which is expected to yield a hundred ounces to the ton has been ■truck at No. 1, Mount Maid, Pikedale.