LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS. MEETING OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2887, 29 January 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

MEETING OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.

CAUCUS OF CONSTITUTIONAL PARTY. FOR A COALITION MINISTRY. LOAN FOR MELBOURNE TRAMWAY TRUST. STEAMSHIP MOVEMENTS. THE COLLINGWOOD ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY. SEVERAL PRISONERS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. THE MURDER AT COBURG. FULL CONFESSION OF ONE OF THE GIRLS. THE CHINESE NEW ARRIVALS AND THE FALSE NATURALISATION PAPERS. THE GEELONG CUP. NEW SOUTH WALES MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. SAILING OF THE MARIPOSA. (Received January 28, 0.30 a m.) Melbourne, January 27. A caucus of the Constitutional party was held today. A resolution was adopted agieeing to continue to support a Coalition Ministty. A loan of half a million for the Melbourne Tramway Trust will shortly be placed on the market. The arrived from the Bluff this morning. (Received January 2S, 1.25 p.m.) January 28. The men charged with the attempted bank robl.ery at Collingwood were brought up befoie the Magistrates yes-

terday, when the prisoners Maray, Hopkins and Beal were committed to take their trial. Several others charged with being accessories were also committed for trial, but allowed out on bail.

One of the girls who assisted her mother in the committal of the Coburg murder has made a full confession. Insanity appears to generally rife in the family, as one of the sons has gone raving mad. (Received Januaiy 28, 1.30 p.m.) Proceedings have been commenced against the captain of the Afghan in connection with the false naturalisation papers held by the Chinese passengers of that vessel. The prosecution is instituted by the Government. (Received January 29, 1.15 p.m. January 29. The Geelong Cup was run for yesterday, and won by Claptrap.

[Reuter’s Special Correspondent.] Hobart Town, January 27. This morning the members of the Federal Council waited upon his Ex cellency the Governor, and presented the address in reply. Sir George Strachan, in acknowledging the address, expressed his thanks, and notified the members that a telegram had been forwarded to her Majesty the Queen informing her of the inauguration of the Federal Council. The Council resumed its sittings today in the Executive Council Chambers. Mr Berry gave notice of motion for the production of further information relating to the islands of Raiatea and Samoa. Mr Griffiths announced the introduction of a bill fixing the stains of foreign corporations and companies in the colonies. The Council then proceeded to elect a Chairman of Committees. Mr Douglas (of Tasmania) was proposed and duly elected.

The following bills were read a first time:—A bill relating to the Service of Civil Process beyond the Colony; Issuing and Facilitating Proof of Council Act relating to Judicial and Official Documents and to the Signatures of Public Officers in matters relating to Civil process; also for providing for the Enforcement of Judgment and Enforcement of Criminal process. The Council then adjourned until to-morrow.

(Received January 28, 8.30 p.m.)

Jauuaiy 28. At the banquet given by Mr Service, President of the Federal Council, last night, Mr Douglas one of the Tasmanian representatives, made a speech which predicted the early separation of the colonies from England. He said that the time was not far distant when the colonies would do longer remain subjects to a little island in the northern hemisphere. Other members of the Council present expressed dissent from the views held by Mr Douglas on the subject. (Received January 28, 1.20 a.m.) Sydney, January 27. The Ministerial statement was made in the Legislative Assembly to-day. It proposes considerable amendments shall be made in the Land Act, and announces that Government intends introducing a scheme for equitable taxation. To meet the deficiency in revenue, it stated that the financial statement would be brought down on Thursday, 4th February. (Received January 28, 8.30 p.m.) January 28. The Mariposa sailed to-day with the homeward Sar. Francisco mails. Sir Alexander Stuart is a passenger by her. Good rains have fallen throughout the colony.