AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 23, 27 January 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Per Rotomahana]. Parliament will reassemble on January 20. The Opposition are ready to assist the Government in winding up the business with a view to a speedy dissolution. Stormy 9cenes, s however, are expected. Electioneering has commenced and the Opposition speakers receive cordial invitations to address public meetings all over the country, and meet with a good reception in towns where two years ago they would not have .been allowed on a public platform. Even the Government supporters now look upon the two main principles of the Reform Bill as dead, viz., the 6th clause for a nominee chamber, and indications of enthusiasm in favor of the plebiscite are wanting. The Government are much ridiculed for prohibiting the performance at the Academy of Music of a political burlesque entitled " Happy Land," where it was intended to represent several of the principal characters aa members of the Ministry. On the day of performance the Argus and Age published the text of the piece, when the public were surprised to find the satire unobjectionable. This display of theatrical censorship has evoked much feeling. The management of the Theatre offered to cut out anything the Government disliked, and allow Mr Berry his own eulogies, but he declined to permit the production of anything bnt the original version. The Theatre was crowded on the night and the actors ingeniously evaded the, prohibition by going as near the original text as possible, out the omission with the remark " that is prohibited." The publication of the text greatly helped them. It is believed that Mr Berry intends to cancel the license of the Theatre, and if so there is certain to bo a party discussion in Parliament.