AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2233, 30 May 1881, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Telegraph.] [For 8.8. Ringarooma, at tho Bluff ] MELBOURNE, May 25. During tho debate on tho Reform Bill, Mr L. L. Smith Baid that tho Bill before the House was now informal, being so entirely altered from the original. If passed, he will petition his views being brought before the Colonial Office.

At a meeting of the Reform League on the 20th, a resolution was adopted in favor of acceptance by the Liberal party of tho present Reform Bill as an instalment before conclusion is arrived at. Mr Longmoro and Mr Mirams insisted on voting with the minority against the resolution, alluding to the possible rejection of tho Land Tax Bill.

Mr Berry remarked in the Assembly on the 19;h that the Council had a severe lesson the last time that it interfered with the privileges of the Assembly, which would not fail in its duty now more than then. The directors of the United Australian Mutual Fire Insurance Association recently tffored 14,000 shares to tho public. 30,000 were applied for in a few days. Sir A. Kennedy, Governor of Queensland, is about to visit Melbourne, having accepted an invitation to tho Exhibition ball, Earl Olanwilliam is Governor Kennedy's son-in-law.

David Henry, who was oenteneed to a term of imprisonment for embracery two and a half years ago, and for whose release numerous petitions were signed some time after, is about to bo liberated owing to the state of his health.

Mr Berry has informed the Assembly that ho will print and circulate Mr Mandeville’s reply to tho Torpedo Board Report before announcing what ho intendes to do. Messrs Henderson, Wright, and Wallace were brought up at tho Police Court on tho 20th hist. Mr Smyth opened the case for tho Crown. The evidence of ,Mr Griffen, engineer, was partially taken, and the case adjourned to the 26th. Mias Edith Caldwell, who brought an action against tho Government for £SOOO compensation for injuries received in a railway collision at Geelong last August, was awarded £IBOO by the jury on the 20th inst. The Government, before the case was brought on, offered £BOO, which Misa Caldwell refused. The Duke of Manchester arrived on the 21st inst., and was the guest of the Governor until the departure of the mail yesterday. The Rev. Charles Strong on tho 22nd inst., acknowledged from the pulpit his resolution of confidence passed at the recent meeting of the congregation, for which ho expressed cordial thanks. His sermon was directed to the necessity for firm expression of mind among religious people. The Premier has decided to arm the constabulary of the north-eastern district with Martini-Henry carbines, the recent trials of those weapons having thoroughly proved their superiority over all others. The men are to be carefully drilled. In the Assembly on the 19th inst, Mr Longmore resumed the opposition of the Reform Bill. Mr Berry replied urging the advisability of making concessions, maintaining also that the present Bill yielded nothing. Mr Murray-Smith likewise remonstrated with the obstruotionsts for fighting against, not the Government, but the Parliament. Mr Vale finally consented to an adjournment till Wednesday, when an effort will be made to get the measure through. The “Age” leader urges Messrs Longmore and Grant to cease the obstruction.

SYDNEY, May 24. The “ Bulletin” case, after a fortnight’s trial, concluded on the 19th, when the jury gave a farthing damages. The Judge certified for costs, and the defendants have appealed. A meeting of sympathisers with the proprietors, held on the 19th, appointed a committee to organise a large meeting for the purpos- of expressing their views. A £IOOO subscription was handed in to defray expenses. Jebbult, of Windsor, reports having discovered a comet on the night of the 22nd, visible to the naked eye. It is not yet ascertained whether it is known or is a new comet.

Laycock won the Champion Sculling Race after a splendid tussle with Rush, by half a length ; Messenger third. Another contest is expected soon.

On the Queen’s Birthday a monster meeting passed strong anti-Chinese resolutions. Alphonso Becket has been found guilty of sotting fire to his warehouse in Barrack street, and has been sentenced to seven years’ hard labor.

Mr Parkes, on the 19th instant, promised a deputation that a Government Bill would be introduced next session dealing with the Chinese question.

ADELAIDE, May 25. Great disappointment is expressed that the squadron does not visit Adelaide. The Governor and tho Chief Secretary both telegraphed to the English authorities, and requested orders may bo countermanded. Nearly 10,000 persons attended the Birthday racing. For the St. Leger only three started. Progress and Crystal ran together till in front of the stand, when Progress led, winning easily by fifteen lengths. Trevelyan came in second, passing Crystal about half amile from home.

BRISBANE, May 25 Chief Justice Lilley has been knighted.