AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2258, 24 May 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[By Tblbguaph.] [Per s.s. Te Anau, at Bluff.] MELBOURNE, May 17. Although the Assembly has yet to oonsider the amendments introduced by the Council, little doubt now exists that a compromise will be effected. Mr Berry, speaking at a complimentary dinner to Mr Munro at North Melbourne yesterday, said that the time had oome when the country expected a termination to the struggle, and he would therefore accept substantially the Council's amendment, but was satisfied that the country would not regard this as a final settlement, and that within a brief period the struggle would be recommenced with renewed vigor. He was personally opposed to the acceptance of the Council's amendments, but desired to proceed with other important measures, such as the abolition of plural voting and the increase of the land tax. The "Age," however, in a leader to-day, says that it regards the question as practically settled for a generation. Major Smith, Minister for Education, spoke yesterday in very favorable terms of the educational system of New Zealand, especially of Dunedin, where its success was most marked. He was much struck with the high average of attendance in the primary schools, which was muoh in excess of that of Victoria. He suggested the adoption of the system of endowments by grants of land in Victoria.

The "proposal to construct tramways is meeting with much opposition in certain suburban districts. Mr Berry, moreover, does not appear to view the proposal with favor, and will take no steps to initiate or empower the construction of the lines.

There was a large meeting of the Scotch Church yesterday to express sympathy with the Rev. Strong as regards the recent proceedings. The meeting also desired to give Mr Stronp a substantial increase of stipend, but at his request the proposal was withdrawn.

The Polioe Commission visited Greta on the 14th, where they heard the statements which Kelly's mother and sisters had made reflecting on the conduot of the police. One railway laborer, who was confined in Jones' Hotel, said that he could not leave the building owing to the heavy and continuous fire of the police.