AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 189, 7 August 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Albion.) Melroubne, July 31. The principal political event of the past week has been the resignation of the Hon H. Cuthbert, the Postmaster-General. On Wednesday evening last when Sir Charles Sladen's Reform Bill was before the House Mr Cuthbert expressed the opinion that with certain alterations the Bill would meet all requirements, and that it would not be necessary for him to introduce any extreme measure. He added that if the expression of opinion thus publicly given would embarrass his colleagues he preferred to resign. That day he had an interview with his chief, and his resignation followed in due course. It is anticipated that there will be Eome difficulty in finding a successor, as he would be a bold man to advocate a Bill in the Council having for its object the extinction of that body. Sir Charles Sladen's Bill ia beinggenerally received by the Council, and they are all determined to make it such a measure as will be generally accepted by the whole body of members. In tbe Assembly the purchase of the Hobson's Bay Railway has been ratified by a large majority of 53 to 9, and the main difficulty having been cleared away the Bill authorising the construction of a line connecting the Gipps Land line with Melbourne has »j been passed, so that the work will be commenced as soon as possible. The debate on the second reading of the Reform Bill has been commenced, and is likely to last a long time. The election for Dundas, vacated by Mr M'Pherson, resulted iu the election of Mr John Sergeant, who will give a qualified support to the Government. It was expected the Opposition would have secured this seat. At a large and influentially attended meeting of citizens held in the Town Hall resolutions congratulating Earl Beaconsfield on the settlement of the Eastern question and

► „ . v.. "• ' securing pmce fte'ere carried ,by acclamation. A, telegram has bsen sent home. The loss of the barque James Service with i all on board, on the West Australian coast nas created some sensation, as the vet-eel was a regular trader, and \m bobbd M ; this j port. Iwo or three bodies Mveiieen •found! I bUt -.-s?.« s " i:W^ s * A large quantity of i P^ S l J ers ' m^^ge and cargo has been washed ashore. There were several members of the theatrical profession on hoard. i The French barque Sussex has been wrecked fifty miles from Russel Island in Northern Queensland. Four of the crew were drowned in getting out the boat. The survivors landed on the island after tie-fog some time at sea-, ahd.frfedu'cfedaidlost to t&e vet^e r of starvation. They had only a dozen biscuits left among them when fouud, and had previously lived on one biscuit a day. It has been resolved to hold a Juvenile Industrial Exhibition in Melbourne next rear. The weather has been extremely cold with heavy falls of snow in various parts of the country. On the Woods' Point road several drays were snowed up. The winter generally is the severest felt for some time. The Stevenson case is coming before the Court again next month. After the Chief Justice refused to grant a warrant against them, the Government delivered a warrant from the Police Magistrate ahd they were then compelled to enter into bail. Mohey, Wigcam, and Co. are building a new steamer for the Australian passenger trade larger than those of the preseut fleet. Ths Melbourne Cup is beginning to attract attention. Melita has been backed for a large sura at 100 to 10. She is now first favorite. Mr Walker's New Zealand lot are under the care of Dakin. They are splendid animals, hut doubt is expressed whether they can be got ready in time for the Cup. The Hawkesbury Meeting, which opens the Spring campaign, takes place in the middle of August, and Randwick at the end. "Our Girls," after a wonderful run at the Academy, will be withdrawn at the end of this week, aud "Our Dad" will he substituted. " Uncle Tom " continues at the Princess. Adelaide, July 31. The Treasurer delivered his Budget speech last night. He announced a new loan for railways and public works, and an income tax of 6d in the £ to meet the deficiency in the revenue. The debate was postponed to Thursday week. The gentlemen team of cricketers will play their first match in Adelaide in the middle of December. It is said they will be accompanied by Shaw and Morley, professional bowlers. The Government arrange with the Victorian Government for the extension to 1880 of the P. and O. Company'3 contract.