AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 510, 16 May 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PER ALHAMBRA, AT THE BLUFF.

[PRESS AGTSNCY.]

Bluff, May 15. The Alharabra arrived at 8 a.m. She left Melbourne at 3-30 p.m. on the 9th passed the Solanders at 5 p.m. Experienced heavy westerly gales during the passage, with a very high sea, which was continually sweeping the decks, and washed away one boat. She bi ings 15 saloon and 31 steerage passengers for all porta. She sailed at 4 p.m. for Dunedin.

Melbourne, May 15. I Political matter* continue quiet- Mr ! Berry at a meeting of the Reform '< League, Btated that the Reform Bill

would be the only measure introduced next Session. Dissolution appears inevitable, but only after the Bill has passed the Assembly. Mr Francis who is a candidate fer Warnambool seat, will be opposed byMr of the Reform League. . On Friday night a complimentary banquet wasjqiveu to Mr Francis, when he stated he had come forward for West Melbourne as a living protest against the act of Ministry on the Bth January. The Cable Conference was held today. All the colonies except South Australia were represented. New Zealand sends no delegates but forwards written views.

The Agent-Goneralship becomes vacant next year ; it is not unlikely that Mr Michie will be re-appointed. Sir Bryan O'Luugin is also mentioned, as well as Sir Gavan DuflV.

The defence of the Heads is being actively proceeded with under the superintendance of Colonel Scratchley. A movement is initiated amongst tha Reform League Club, for the annex-

ation of New Guinea to Victoria, and the formation of an association for colonisation. The scheme is regarded as chimercial.

Some tolerably good observations of the transit of Mercury were taken on Tuesday.

The Presbyterian Assembly yesterday almost unanimously supported the singiug of anthems m'Collins-strcet Scotch Church. •

A few failures have occured, the principal one being Berodie, Condor and Co., drapers. Liabilities, £38,000, deficincy, .£13,000.

A fair amount of business doing. Sydney, May 9. The council having rejected the Electoral Bill, the Government intended proroguing shortly for a brief recess, and then introducing more comprehen. sive measures.

The opening of the Museum and Library on Sundays proved highly satisfactory, there being a very large attendance.

Government have agreed to the establishment of Hansard.

The Privilage of Parliament Bill, which has been introduced, will contain provisions for dealing with unruly members.

Adelaide, May 9 Parliament will meet on the 13th

Mr .Frank Carroll, M.P., was proved to have been convicted, both in Mel bourne and Sydney of forging and ottering, and in c msequence resigned his seat for Light.