LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2991, 4 June 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright OPENING OF THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. WRECK OP THE LY-EE-MOON. THE INQUEST. CONFLICTING EVIDENCE OF CAPTAIN AND SECOND OFFICER. LAND TAX FOR NEW SOUTH WALES. SAN FRANCISCO MAIL CONTRACT. (Received June 1, 11.50 p.m.) Melbourne, June 1. The Victorian Parliament was opened to-day by his Excellency the Governor, Sir Henry Loch. In the course of the speech delivered by hia Excellency on the occasion, reference was made to the federation question, his Excellency expressing the opinion that considering only three years bad passed since the negotiations opened to bring about an understanding as to the practicable extent we could go towards confederation, the result must he considered satisfactory. The projected French occupation of the New Hebrides called forth the strongest objections on the part not only of the Federated Colonies, but also from some other colonies not represented in the Federal Council. An early opportunity is to be taken to recast legislation, having reference to water used for irrigating, mining, and manufacturing purposes. In concluding his speech, his Excellency congratulated Parliament upon the satisfactory state of the finances of the colony and the prosperity of the country. (Received June 3, 1.15 p.m.) June 3. It is announced that there will be no amendment proposed to the Address-in-Reply to the Governor’s speech. (Received June 3, 10.15 p.m.) Sydney, June 3, Farther details regarding the inquest on the wreck of the Ly-ee-raoon disaster state that Captain Lake, in his evidence, expressed the opinion that the wreck was caused by sheer carelessness on the part of Mr Fotheringham, tho second officer, who was in charge of the deck at the time of striking. Fotheringham, on the other hand, asserts that the captain was in charge of the ship at the time, and that he received the course to be steered from him. The evidence is of a very conflating nature throughout. (Received June 4, 1 p.m.) June 4, It is announced that it is also intended to prosecute the captain of the Ly-ee-moon for manslaughter. Up to the present time eleven bodies have been removed fiom the wreck of the steamer. The survivors are expeced to reach Sydney to-day. The Committee of the Legislative Assembly have adopted a resolution affirming in principle the desirability of introducing a land lax. The San Francisco mail contract is also adopted.