AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 574, 30 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[press agency.]

Melbourne, July 24. There was quite a busy time in the Assembly last week. Mr Berry, in a Song speech, introduced his Reform i'Bill, which is to deprive the Council of all control over money bills which they cannot reject or amend. The only other speaker on the occasion was Mr Service, who said it was simply a Bill for decapitating the Legislative Council. The second reading is fixed for Tuesday next j but although it may pass the Assembly, even Berry himself has no hope that it will pass the Council. When the resolution to purchase the Hohaou’a Bay Railway came before the House, a number of members of the House said the Ministry were oppose! to each other, and commenced'“ Stoned wall” tactics to delay the discussion, and succeeded for one evening, so that Berry was actually hoisted with his own petard. .

Sir Charles Sladen yesterday introduced his Reform Bill in the Council, but it has just as much chance of passing the Assembly as the Government measure has of passing the Council. Probably some concessions will be made on both sides.

It has transpired that the Government Loan Bill will be for eight million sterling, hut it is only proposed to float about four millions at first, owing the unwillingness of the banks to receive , a larger sum on deposit. Between four and five millions are to be devoted to rail way construction, and the remainder for purchase of the Hobson Bay Railway and public works.

Considerable inferest has been excited by the finding of gold in the Miigdala mine, at a depth of nearly 200 feet. . •

Generally speaking, mining prospects have improved, and larger amounts are available for dividends.

Judge Molraworth still keeps T> r Bradford in gad, and in the settlement winch he ordered the money of Mrs Bradford is tied up and placed beyond tiie control of Bradford.

The Australian Colonisation Society ate anxious r.hat New Guinea should bo annexed to Victoria, and not satisfied with what. Sir Anther Gordon told chem, they on Monday waited ou the Chief Secretary, but obtained ,very little (•satisfaction, tie snubbed the depudatiuu for endevoving to usurp the functions of Government and Parliament.

Here, ns in Sydney, a movement has been initiated for the piesentation of an add less to Lord Betmo us field on the snceessfol result of his labors at the Congress.

In the Stevenson prosecution for conspiricy, the defendants refused to .enter into recognisances, and the Attorney General applied to the Supreme Court for a war rent of their arrest, which’the chief Justice refused, saying that there was no suggestion that they were about to abscond.

Nothing has yet been done in reference to the appointment of a fifth Judge, but it is thought when the time arrives either O’Donogue or Casey will be appointed. J. Clarke comes forwrrd as a candidate for a seat in the Legislative Conned, and it is thought be will he returned unopposed. Proffesor Hearn is also a candidate for the seat foi the Central Provinces. Business is dull. .

It has been determined to hold an international exhibition at Sydney, nnd the neccesary preperatjons are being pushed forward.