AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1041, 31 January 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Via Bluff.] Melbourne, January 20. When Parliament reassembles the Opposition are ready to assist the Government iu winding up business with a view to a speedy dissolution. Stormy scenes, however, are expected. Electioneering has commenced, and Opposition speakers receive cordial invitations to address public meetings all over the country, and meet with good receptions in towns where two years yeas ago they would not have been allowed a public platform. . Even Government supporters now look upon the two main principles of the Reform Bill as dead, viz., the 6th clause and the nominee chamber, and indications of enthusiasm for the plebicite are wanting. The Government are much ridiculed for prohibiting the performance at the Academy of Music of a political buriesgue entitled “ Happy Land,” which was intended to represent several of the principal characters as members 6f the Ministry. The *• Argus” and “Age” published the text of the play, whJm the public were surprised to find tH satire unobjectionable. This display I theatrical censorship has evoked mJ feeling. The management of the thel tre offered to cut out anything til Government disliked and allow iv| Berry his own eulogies, but he decliml to permit the production of anythirl but the original version of “ Hapsl Land.” The theatre was crowded |H the first night, and the actors il geniously evaded the prohibition going as near the original text as pci sible, pointing the omissions by the rl mark “ That is prohibited.” Til publication of the text greatly helpel them. It is believed that Mr BerJ intends to cancel the license of thl theatre. If so, there is certain to be a party discussion on it in Parliament. | A French half, caste named Del Tonars, stuck up the Holy Plains Station, near Roxdale, Gippsland. In revenge for being discharged by the owner, he drew a revolver, and the man’s threats collected all the men on the station, seven in number, into the hut, where he kept them for twelve hours. He threatened a woman who showed a disposition to refuse to bring him the owner’s rifle. He also vowed he came on purpose to shoot the owner. He left early next morning, taking a horse and plenty of arms and ammunition. He is not yet traced. Much uneasiness is felt at four cases of poisoning by drinking colonial beer. One man is dead of the effects, but the others recovered. They are alleged to have exhibited symptoms of poisoning bv strychnine. The cases all occurred within a week of each other. It is believed the poison is the result of not properly cleaning the bottles. A singular tragedy occurred at Sunbury. A married man named Beuzley was twice detected by his wife tu — minal assaults on his young daughter. When he was arrested he cut his throat. The Minister of Lands states that selectors owe £385,000 rent. The Irish Relief Fund amounts to about £9OOO. Brisbane, January 20. It is expected that the Scottish Knight will ultimately be got off and taken to Sydney.

The Queensland National Bank afc Cunnatnulla was stuck up and robbed on Sunday morning by a man named Wells. He took .£179 from a safe. When Murphy, a local storekeeper-, attempted to help the manager) the robber shot him in the head; The bullet glanced off And Iddged hi Murphy’s shoulder. The robber* escaped after A severe struggle, but the townspeople followed and caught him after a hard race. He had A splendid horse-, which unfortunately for him, broke away, ot he Would have escaped. Perth, jatiuaty 2(3. The corn crops ate splendid. Iri many instances the yield, is thirty bushels to the acre;