AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 115, 15 May 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Alhambea.) Melbourne, May 9. Political matters continue quiet. Mr Berry, at a meeting of the Reform League, stated that the Reform Bill would be the only measure introduced next session. A dissolution appeared inevitable, but only after the Bill had passed the Assembly. Mr .Francis, who is a candidate for the Wamambool seat, will be opposed by Mr Nooman, of the Reform League. On Friday night a complimentary banquet was giv«n to Mr Francis, who stated that he had come forward for Weßt Melbourne as a living protest against the act of the Ministry on the Bth of January. The Cable Conference is sitting to-day. All the colonies except West Australia are represented. New Zealand sends no delegates but forwards her written viewa. The Agent-Generalship becomes vacant next year. It is unlikely that Mr Michie will be reappointed. Sir Bryan O'Loghlin is mentioned as well as Sir Gavan Duffy. The defence of the Heads is being actively proceeded with under the superintendence of Colonel Scratchley. A movement initiated amongst the Reform League Club for the annexation of New Guinea to Victoria, and the formation of an association for a colonisation scheme is regarded as chimerical. A tolerably good observation of th* transit of Mercury was taken on Tuesday The Presbyterian Assembly yesterday almost unanimously supported the singing of anthems in the Collins-street Scotch' Church. A few failures have occurred, the principal one being Brodie, Coudor & Co., drapers, with liabilities £38,000 j deficiency, £13,000. A fair amount of business is doing in the markets. Stdnby, May 7. ] The Council having rejected the Electoral Bill, the Government intend proroguing shortly for a brief recess, and then introducing more comprehensive measures. i The opening of the Museum and Library ! on Sundays has proved highly satisfactory, there being a vary largs attendance. The Government has agreed to the establishment of a Hansard. The Privilege of Parliament Bill, which is to be introduced will contain a provision for dealing with unruly members. _ „ Adilahhb, Parliament meet on the 13th. Frank Carroll having been proved to have been convicted both in Melbourne and Sydney, has resigned his seat.