AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 217, 22 October 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Ringarooma.] „, _, r Melbourne, Oct. 16. lhe Reform Bill has reached the Council where it. was read tlie first time yesterday, but no order was made for the second reading. Ifc is thought that the Council intend to adopt the same tactics as the Assembly where the Council Reform Bill has remained hung up since its first reading, which was moved by Mr Jierry. Mr Cuthbert, who some months ago resigned as a member of the Cabinet still acts as representative of the Government in the Council, and advocates ail their measures except this particular one of Reform. The business in the Assembly has principally been of local interest. There are some hopes the session may be brought to a close in November. A telegram has been received from the Chairman of the Associated Banks in London stating that as the money market is easier there is a probability of floating two or perhaps three millions of the loan if the Government undertake not to introduce any further loan for twelve months at least. The Banks also suggest that the time and the minimum be left to their discretion, acting with the Agent-General. The Loan Bill for five millions has now passed, and the debentures will be sent home by the next mail. The cable duplication question has been settled so as for as the Cable Company is concerned. They have accepted all the terms, and it only remains for Messrs Berry and Burns to sign the contract on behalf of their respective Governments, but it is believed that the New Zealand reduction will first have to be decided and terms arranged for a reduction of press rates over the New Zealand cable. The Land Commission some time since found that Mr A. C. Allen, Assistant Sur-veyor-General had been found guilty of dummyism in the purchase of land, and the matter having been brought before the Cabinet he is to be allowed to resign. A charge of tampering with jurors is afc present before the Police Court, in which David Henney, a well-known money lender, is the principal defendant. Despatches received by the Governor contain the opinions of the Law Officers on the question of payment on authority of the Assembly as recommended by the Government here duriug the crisis. The Law Officers recognise an appropriation under the 45th clause of the Constitution Act, but state that the Governor is not justified in signing warrants on the authority of the Lower House alone. Bishop Seiwyn of Melanesia was a passenger to England by the Garouue. The weather has been very variable, and great heat has been followed by sharp cold, and during Monday night and yesterday there were violent squalls with hail and showers. Business continues dull, and little improvement is noticeable. A large number of the Cup horses have arrived from the other colonies, but there is little betting. Messrs Berry and Sladen have agreed that the two Reform Bills shall be referred to a Conference of five members of each House, to be appointed on Tuesday. It is not anticipated that any result will be gained.