AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 181, 29 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Ringarooma.] Melbourne, July 24. There was quite a busy time in the Assembly last week. Mr Berry, in a long speech, introduced the Reform Bill, which is to deprive the Council of all control over money bills. They cannot reject or amend them. The only other speaker on the occasion was Mr Service, who said it was simply a bill for decapitating the Legislative Council. The second reading ia fixed for Tuesday next, but although it may pass the Assembly

even Mr Berry himself has no hope that it will pass the Council. When the resolution to purchase the Sobson s Bay railway darhe before" the 1 Mouse d number of Members «f tne tJoVeinrnent said tnftt the Hoiis'e.3 were, opposed; and cqmnieuced the ".Stonewall'-: .tactics to delay discussion, an,d . succeeded for one, eVfening, so that Mr Serry v/ri actually hoist with his own Retard. . . ... Sir Charles Sladen yesterday introduced his Reform.. B|ll,in $he Council, but, fyis just as much (phance of passing the Assembly as his>Gpyernment measure has of passing the Council. Probably some concessions will be made on both sides. It has transpired that the Government Loan Bill will be for eight millions sterling, but it is only proposed to float about four millions at first, owing to the unwillingness of the Banks to receive the larger sum on deposit. Between four and five millions Will be devoted to railway construction, and the remainder for the purchase of the Hobsdn's Bay Raihvay and Public .Works. Considerable interest ,has been excited by finding gold Jh the Magdalu Mine at a depth of nearly 200 feet. Generally speaking mining prospects have improved, and larger amounts are available for dividends. Judge Molesworth still keeps Dr Bradford in gaol, and in the settlement which he has ordered the money is tied up and placed beyond the control of Dr Bradford. The Australian Colonization Society are anxious that New Guinea should be annexed to Victoria and, not satisfied with what Sir Arthur Gordon told them, they on Monday waited on the Chief Secretary, but obtained very little satisfaction. He snubbed the deputation for endeavoring to usurp the functions of the Government and Parliament. Here, as in Sydney, a movement has been iniliated for the presentation of an address to Lord Beaconsfield on the successful result of his labors at the Congress. In the Stevenson prosecution for couspiracy the defendants refused to enter into recognisances and the Attorney - General applied to the Supreme Court for a warrant for their arrest which the Chief Justice refused saying there was no suggestion that they were about to abscond. Nothing has yet been done in reference to the appointment of a fifth Judge but it is thought when the time arrives either Mr O'Donoghue or Mr Casey will be appointed. Mr J. Clarke comes forward as a candidate for a seat in the Legislative Council and it is thought he will be returned unopposed. Professor Hearn is also a candidate for the seat for the central provinces. Business is dull. It has been determined to holdan International Exhibition at Sydney, and the necessary preparations are being pushed forward. The French barque Success bound to Melbourne, unladen, has been wrecked on the North Coast of Australia, and four of the crew were drowned. The remainder, 13 in number, were picked up in an open boat.