AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 695, 19 December 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[press agencV.] . MEEBOURNfe, December ,14. Parliament was prorogiied on Friday last, with the nsual formalities’. The Governor’s speech recapitulated the work of thd session, and riiade the following reference to the Reform question :—“ I regret, however* that the grave and urgent question df constitutional reform has not been brought to a successful issue ; but I hope next session you may be enabled to aurmdunt satisfactorily the difficulties surrounding this iniportent problem. In relatiori td the embassy, my advisers will take steps td carry into effect yoiir expressed wishes for opening up personal comtiinicatidn between them arid the Imperial dovernment on the existing defects in the Yictoiian Constitution Act.” Berry is now preparing for his Eldrdpean trip, and will trike his departure by next mail. Previous to his departure there will be a re-arrangement of the Ministerial offices ; Sir Bryan O’ Coughlin will perform the functions of Chief Secretary, and Major Smith that df Treasurer, while probably the Mining Department will be amalgamated With tlie Lands. One or two political meetings have been held during' the week, and at Prahran, the meeting by a small majority declared in favour of Government. On Thursday a Parliamentry trip took place dowri the Bay in the Nelson, which hag been recently cut do'wn and -converted into i frigate at a cdst of £16,000.