AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 246, 16 October 1874, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, Oct. 8. The political events of the last few days have been unimportant, but when the second reading of the Customs Duties Bill is moved probably this evening, :■ ir James M'Culloch will move an amendment, that it be read that day six months. If this be carried it will cause a change in the Ministry. Some progress has been made with the estimates, and a strong opposition has been offered to the large increased expenditure on the lands department. Mr Francis proceeds to England per the lienout in about five weeks, and will remain a year, but, at the request of his constituents, will not resign his seat. Mr Yogel is in Melbourne, having completed his conference business in Sydney on cable matters. A movement to open all public museums and libraries on Sundays is meeting with opposition. Jnlge Bunny has been temporarily appointed Commissioner of Titles, vice Carter resigned. On Saturday moraine: last, a man named Hustler, a former resident of New Zealand, murdered his wife at Richmond, snd then took laudanum. He is recovering, but not yet able to appear at the inqueßt. The Hustlers occupied a respectable position, and . not long since received £1000 from home/ since which Hustler has been drinking to excess. The Hospital Sunday collections amounted to over £4000. The German scientific expedition has left for the Auckland Islands. The American expedifion is at Hobart Town. Further railway extension to Dunolly, 13 miles, was opened on Thursday. The late Hattie Sheppard's mother did no', long survive her daughter, and died yesterday. The quarter's revenue returns issued last night shows the amount received for the quarter, £1,004,845, being an increase of £3023 on the quarter, and £250,872 on the year. Interest is growing in the Melbourne Cup Race, and a number of horses are arriving. Lurline is quotel at 100 to 8, and is much fancied in her gallops, and is likely to reach a much shorter price. There is no chance of a Victorian cricketing team visiting New Zealand this season. Splendid summer weather is being experienced. The-Pera, with the English mails, is expected to reach here on the 16th or 17th in st. Commebcial — Breadstuffs, firm; flour sold up to £13; wheat, 6s 3d ; oats, in good request 5s 3d to 5s 4d; ho[is still sell freely at fall rates; Devoe'a kerosine cold at Is 2d; fine Hennessj'g pale brandy, 9s. There is a decline in the demand for turned fish, particularly salmon, and also for dried fruits currants and Eleme raisins. • Sydney. Oct. 8. The population of the colony is 570,000. Hall'd estate has been sequestered, the lule being made absolute. M'Levie, the Inspector-General of Police, has died. Fosberry is likely to succceed him. The Culvust (?), schooner, from Newcastle to New Zealand, has arrived dismssted. A letter from Noumea says" thnt a German named Wallan-tine had been arrested there for aiding the eecape of Rochfort. A shepherd namel Wellington has been murdered on the Warrogal station. A man has been arrested as the^erpetrator.