AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 792, 15 April 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

PER S.S. ALBION, AT THE BLUFF,

[press agency.]

, Melbourne, April 8. Many revenue departments, especially the Customs, show a foiling off.' The revenue for the year is £4,603,736, showing an increase on the corresponding year of £113,028.

The immigrant stock tax is being felt to press heavily. At a recent meeting of tanners and fellmongers, it was stated the tax had been the cause of closing several establishments and putting at least 600 men out of employment. This was mainly owing to the reduction in the number of sheep coming to the market. The Exhibition Commissioners have resolved to write to the Prince and Princess of Wales to be present at the opening of the Exhibition next year, and the Governor has undertaken to forward the invitation to the Prince; but it is not thought he will be able to acc ‘pt; still, some idle member of the Royal Family will be present? Mr Carlisle, formerly of New Zealand, sends an article to the Melbourne Review 01 the land system of New Zealand and Australia. As regards New Zealand, he-points out that her variety of -experience in the various provinces has been of incalculable value to Tier ; almost every system or dealing with the Crown lands has been tried, and the practical success or failure of each has enabled the united Government to frame for the whole country a iaed law which embodies what ought to be retained, and leaves cut that which can he rejected. Over 300 men are engaged on the Exhibition buildings and structure, which is now well forwarded Tire drought has been most disastrous, 'vain fell yesterday which has been pretty general over the country. It is reported that a sea s-n-p >nt has :, eeu seen by a person at Kasse, Western Australia which is said to be 80 feet long and 2 feet in diameter.

13 >ycl and Mackie’s ur.llj at Newsfead, has then deatrnyocl hy lire, ft was filled with wheat ami Hour. The insurances amounted to .£15,250.

Business contiir.ms very dull