AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 588, 15 August 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[press agenqy.]

Melbourne, August 7. The Reform Bill debate in Assembly drags it slow length along, and will not be concluded before next week. Some very good speeches have been delivered on both aides. Sir Bryan 0 Loghleu and Professor Pearson have championed the measure from the Ministerial side of the House. Sir Bryan said that the scheme of the Plebiscilum was in operation in Switzerland, aud in desiring that Government might do with firm and united majority "behind and unable to carry a bill, said perhaps the deputation of members of Council might be necessary, or it might be necessary to invite the Governor to step on board a steamer in the bay; this was regarded as somewhat revolutionary language, but Sir Bryan took care to state that it was only putting a hvpptheniuse. Pearson denied that Ministcrial scheme had no precedent; it works well in Switzerland, and to limited extent is enforced in California, New Jersey, and other American States. The Government Bill according to Professor Pearson, is a display of master by moderation, and in Ids opinion the British Parliament will not hesitate to pass it into law, preferring solid union with the colony to gilded ornament of Legislative Council. The speaking on the other side lias been quite as good, ‘ v 'ir John 0 Shanassy and Kerford being the principle opposition speakers. So long as the debate is confined to leaders on the other side it will be well sustained, but this is a question upon , upon which every member considers himself qualified to speak, and one upon winch his voice must be heard. In the Council Steven’s Reform Bill is being considered and aimnemled. No representative ot Government in Council is yet appointed, in the meantime Cuthbert takes charge. The alteration in the ocean mail contract will increase the net cost to this colony of from fifteen to twenty-five thousand a year, but perhaps the Government will not grant any subsidy for a special service but leave it open to all comers to bring mails on. Judge Molesworth released Dr Bradford from custody after three weeks imprisonment.

Jenkm’s well known as a local poet, is dead.

Bergboff and Touzel, well known In New Zealand trade, have resumed the old tobacco business.

Dr Somerville left Melbourne to-day and proceeds via San Francisco to Scotland.

The child stealing case in Pitzroy has resulted in the woman Mary Ann Fitzgibbon being committed for trial. The schooner Dare, with a small party of adventurers, left for New Guinea' on Saturday last. Advices are not very favourable, and no gold apparently has been found.

Sugar slightly weaker. Good business being done in hops. The weather is rather cold.