AUSTRALIAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 185, 5 August 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN

Melbourne, July 29. [Per Ringarooma.] Mr Berry will introduce a Bill to amend the constitution. One of its chief provisions is that when a Bill fails to become law in two sessions of Parliament the Governor in Council may order it. There is little chance of the Bill becoming law, as it will virtually deprive ihe Council of any control in the legislation. £85,000 will be spent out of the Five Million Loan on school buildings. A terrible murder has been committed, Thomas Finlayson, of the Hobson's Bay railway, being the victim. He had reason to complain of the drunken habits of an employe named Lawrence, and meeting him in an oyster saloon still laboring under the effects of drink, Finlayson accused Lawrence of being drunk, whereupon the latter took out a pistol from his pocket, and shot Finlayson dead. Four chambers of the revolver were loaded. An unusual number of violent deaths have occurred lately. A gentleman named Bredrace came into town one day and was found dead in a street at Carlton the next morning. There were no marks of violence on the bedy, but it transpired afterwards that the pockets were rifled and the coat reversed. Crime appears to be greatly on the increase. A blind beggar has been burned to death in a shanty. He lived in the very heart of the city, and was unable to make his way out when the fire broke out. His remains and those of his two dogs were found in the ashes. The Catholics have been greatly exercised over the education question. They are holding meetings all over the country, and pass-

ing resolutions to support np candidate wlio \yill not Drowse tnat the Roman Catholics shall obtain a fair share oi the education grant. The unemployed are giving 'the Government a good deal of trouble. They will not leave Melbourne, and refuse to work for less than the standard wigeS. It. Edwards- has challenged Hearn, the New Zealand rower.