LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2907, 22 February 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] Bv Elkotric Telegraph.—Copyright, ELECTORAL ADDRESS OF THE VICTORIAN PREMIER. NEW VICTORIAN MINISTER. ARRIVAL OF THE WAIHORA AT MELBOURNE. (Received February 20, 1.50 p.m.) Melbourne, February 20. The Premier, the Hon. Duncan Gillies, has issued his electoral address. It announces that the Government which he heads aie determined to maintain the principles of the Education Act now in force in the colony, and will oppose any attempt to alter the Civil Service and Railway Management Acts. The question of Irrigation is one of great importance to the country, and it is proposed to advance to a Water Trust the sums necessary for carrying out the works of that nature, charging interest for the capital advanced ; but Government will waive payment of interest in cases of special necessity. It is not intended to introduce any change in the Fiscal policy, and vigorous endeavours will be made to conclude a treaty with the various Australian colonies, in view of ensuring interchange of their products to mutual advantage. Efforts

are to lie rondo fo extend and complete federation of the colonies. Government intend to amend the Electoral and Local Government Acts, and will lecommend a large increase in the prospecting vote, Mr Gillies states, in conclusion, that he was pleased to be able to announce that the finances of the colony were in a thoroughly sound condition, so that there would be no necessity for the imposition of fresh taxation of any kind.

Mr P. T. Derham (Sandridge) has accepted the portfolio of PostmasterGeneral in the new Ministry. (Received February 22, 1.20 p.m.)

February 22. The Waihora, having been snccessfully floated, arrived here this morning, all well. She steamed from Swan Island, accompanied by a tug.