AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 254, 22 October 1873, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, October 16. The Land Bill has passed the third reading. It increases the area for selection to 640 acres, and provides for improvements at 10s per acre. Dummyism prevails over a large extent of country, and a number of squatters have been condemned tp forfeiture of their licenses in consequence. A Railway Extension Bill is in Committee, in which it is proposed to encircle Melbourne with a railway. The tailors, to the nnmber of 600, and carpenters are on strike. The Council has rejected the Savings Banks Amalgamation Bill. Sir G Duffy is much condemned for nominating his son to his teat for Dalhousle through the intervention of the priesthood. Tbe JSnglish Opera Company bas closed after a brilliant season. Bishop Goold, Madame Goddard, and the Bey Dean Moors left'by the mail steamer. Patent fuel tried engines, when enabled to be worked pressure 62 lbs to inch (?) *'"Zi The prorogation is expected almost immediately after the.Railway Bill is disposed of. The Government decline subsidising tbe cable compaoy on the terms proposed. The Age advocates ascertaining what subsidy the contractors for the Normantown and Singapore cable will take for a minimum of £5 messages. Sydney. Mr Samuel, in his dispatch to Mr Parkes says that the steamer McGregor, of 320 horße power, has been ordered bere from China, and will take the first Californian maii. The steamers Tartar and Mongol have aleo been chartered ior a temporary service. He further says tbat he and Mr Russell bave re-arranged the terms of contract, and increased the security to ,£25,000. The new contract is for £60,000 for a ten-knot service, or £75,000 for eleven knots, with £2 an hoar penalty tf mote, and the same preminm if eW. Thfl -alteration fn tlw Ctlifornian servicgls

£qnly as regards the temporary arrangements. |The permanent line will be according to the arrangement ratified by the New Zealand Parliament. The Assembly has passed a resolution for addresses to the Governor, asking for an annuity to Dr Lang for his public service . Mr Parkes hut been asked by a deputation to request the Home Government to annex Fiji. The samples of Grita coal are of a very superior quality. The Newspaper Postage Abolition Bill is passed. A private Californian telegram states that no grain has been shipped to Australia, but the Atlanta's cargo. The debate on the Postal contract is adjourned, Wool, very firm. Adelaide, October 16. Sales of wheat are reported at 6s Id to 6s 2d. A quarter million loan is projected for railways. The revenue from the Overland Telegraph Line for the year was £17,000. The breadstuffs shipped amounts to 503 tons. Hobarton, October 16. The Government decline to join in the cable subsidy without the Adelaide Government. The Income Tax Bill has passed the Assembly