AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 187, 9 August 1877, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

[Per Tararua.] Melbourne. The Government, having curtailed the direct Hue to Oaklcigh, effected a saving of £130,000, from which it is proposed to make two new lines. Great opposition is being shown to a line going through the Botauical Gardens. The Financial Statement was delivered on the Oth, aud the Laud Tax Land Bill is ready tp follow. At the opening of the Colac railway, some of the Miuisters present alluded to political matters about which there is a difference of opinion, and being coldly received, showed the questionable taste of leaving before the proceedings concluded aud the Governor had proposed one of the principal toasts. The Elections Committee declared that Davids, member for Greenville, was not a njiuister of religion, but that Dr. Macartney, of South Gippsland, was, and ousted him. The weather here had been unusually mild, with very little rain. . Sir Wm. Jervois' report involves an expenditure of £350,000, and an annual expenditure or £73,000, which is £10,000 less than . at present. He depends upon batteries andj torpedoes afc the headland entrance for means of defence. I The new prima donna, Signora Liuk, is a great success. She is a German, aud a good artiste. J ; Wheat firm, 7s 5d to 7s s_d; oats in more < demand. The Government intend to introduce a bill to permit miuisters of religion to sit in Parliament, bufc not to officiate while members. A • magnificent meteor was seen on the 31st.