AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 647, 24 October 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Per s.B. Ringarooma, at the Bluffi [press AGENCY,] Melbourne, October 16. The Reform Bill has reached the Council, where it was read a first time yesterday, but no order made' for the second reading. It is thought the'Council intend to adopt the same tactics as the Assembly, ■ where the Council Reform Bill remains hung up since its first reading, moved by Berry. Cuthbert,’ who some months ago, resigned as member of the Cabinet, still acts as a representative of the Government in the Council,'and’advocates all their measures except this particular one of reform. The business in the Assembly, has principally been of local interest. There are some hopes the session may be brought to a close in November. A telegram has been received from the Chairman of the Associated Banks in Lon-: don stating that as the money market is easier, there is a probability of floating a two or perhaps three millions loan 5 the Government undertake not. to introduce any further loan for twelve months ■ at least. The banks also suggest that the j time and the mininShm be left to their ! discretion* acting with the’ Agent-Gene- | ral. 1 j The Loan Bill for five millions has now 1 passed, and the debentures will be sent, j Home next mail. j The cable duplication question has been, | settled so far as the Cable Company is concerned, they accepting all the terms, ■ and it only remains for Berry and Burns' to sign the contract on behalf of their i respective Governments ; but it is believed that the New Zealand reduction’ ; will first have to be decided and terms’

arranged for a reduction for Press rates over the New Zealand cable. The Lands Commission some time since found that Mr A. 0. Allan, Assistant Surveyor-General, had been guilty of dummy ingland,' and the matter having been brought before the Cabinet, he is to be allowed to resign. A charge of embracing or tampering with jurors is at present before the Police Court, in which David Henry, a wellknown money lender, is principal defendant. Despatches received by the Governor contain the opinions of the law officers on the queston of payment on authority of the Assembly as recommended by the Government here during the crisis. The law officers recognise an appropriation under the 45th clause of the Constiution Act, but State the Governor was not justified in singing warrants on the authority of the Lower House alone. Bishop Selwyn of Melanesia, was a passenger to England by the Garonne. The weather has been very variable, great heat being followed by sharp cold. During Monday night and yesterday violent squalls with hail showers. Business continues dull, and little improvement noticeable. A large number of Cup horses have arrived from other Colonies, but. there is little betting and no iteration in the odds. Sam Emery and Wybest Reeves, two comedians, arrived per Chimborazo ; Ada Ward also is a passenger from the Cape. Berry and Sladen have agreed that the two Reform Bills be referred, to a Conference of five members from each House, to be appointed on Tuesday. It is not anticipated any result will be gained.