AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 171, 17 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Tararua.) MELrjOUT.KE, July 10. Parliament was opened yesterday with the usual formalities. The Governor's speech after referring to the defences and Cable Conference, promised a Constitution Reform Bill aiming at a final adjustment of the legislative functions of both the Council and Assembly, which it was hoped wouid be considered from a patriotic point of view by the

members of both Houses irrespective of party. Theßaihvay Construction Bill and Loan Bill, two of the principal measures promised last session, and other bills of local importance would be introduced after the passing; of the Reform Bill. The project of holdinl an Intercolonial Exhibition in 1880 had been matured by Ministers, and the many offers df co-operation from influential quarters wbich had b C en received fully justified the undertaking, The address in reply was moved by Professor•learson, aud seconded by Mr Mason, aod the debate was not concluded when tjie olwiL r^T A} o * in * W m Sp ea W receiving a telegram Announcing that Lady -Ouffiywho is seriously ill was dying The opposuion do not intend to debate tHe Address, but wdl reserve the criticism for the various measures as they are introduced. , A»e Scionu Bill will be introduced afc an oarly date, and Sir C. Sladen in the Council will also introduce a Reform Bill, embodying the views of the majority of that chamber, and providing for au increase of the number of members to 42, and a reduction of the voters' qualifications, This is not likely to hnd acceptance with the Assembly. The revenue returns published show that the revenue for tbe quarter was £1,150j321, and for tbe year £4,4*8,803, showing a decrease as compared with the corresponding period of last year of XIOO4 on tho quarter, and of £24,934 on the year. The election of six members of the Council in place bf those who retire by effluxion of time takes place iv September. The allotment of land iv the centre block in Collins-street, for which the late Or. Petty was offered £40,000 has been sold for £35,000. Ifc is stated that a meat arcade will be built on it. The Union Bauk are to commence their new premises in Collins-street shortly, costing £40,000. Several other large buildings, projected. A number of men who have enrolled themselves as a Colonist Association leave for New Guinea shortly. The remains of Mr Edward Wilson of the Argus which have been brought from London will be buried in the Melbourne cemetery on Sunday. Mr Hugh Parker, a partner of the ivellknown firm of Goldsborough and Company; is dead: y J ' The Supreme Court has granted an interim injunction against H. J, Hart at the suit of Wolfe to prevent him using any imitation of the bottles, labels, br wrapoers of Wolfe's Schiedam Schnapps. The present winter is considered the coldest experienced for many years, but there is every prospect of a good agricultural season. A young lad named Charles Smith was murdered by his parents in West Melbourne a few nights ago. They ara in custody, and tbe inquest stauds adjourned. "Our Girls" with J. H. Hall at the Academy of Music and Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Princess Theatre have an unprecedented run. The Simonsens have formed a miustrei troupe of capable people with which they visit New Zealand next week. Business continues dull, but is slightiy iruproviug. Bosworth has been scratched for the Melbourne Cup. C'alamie, and Emily at present arc most backed. Sydney, July 10. The railway is opened, and will shortly be extended to Wagga. On Monday night two well-to-do farmers quarrelled near Maitland, and one shot the other dead, as he states, iv self-defence. The barque F. A. Tucker has been totally wrecked at the Clarence Heads. The crew were sav<d. A meeting of Roman Catholics resolved to subscribe £5,000 a year to complete St. Mary's Cathedral. Whilst the Government will consent to certain alterations in their local bill they intend to stand or fall by the measure as a whole.