INTERCOLONIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 120, 20 May 1880, Page 2

INTERCOLONIAL.

Melbourne, Wednesday. The action of Sir John O'Shannessy and Messrs Gaunson and Graves, who hitherto ranked as Ministerialists, but who are now among the chief critics of the Government, will, it is expected, influence the fate of Mr Service's reform scheme. The present state of political affairs is being much discussed. The debate in the Legislative Assembly on the address in reply to the Governor's speech closed last night. The aidress was agrted to without a division. The sale of brandy previously reported was on account of New Zealand. The betting on the Adelaide Birthday Cup race is 3 to 1 against Savanaka and 4 to 1 against Harry. Thursday. In the Legislative Assembly last night, a motion in favor of payment of members was carried on a division by 42 to 28. Messrs Duffy and Gillies, both members of the Ministry, voted iv favor of the motion. Mr Cooper has been elected Chairman of Committees. Mr Service introduces his Reform Bill to-night. The Argus, in discussing the present state or political affairs, admits that Mr Service must experience a difficulty in carrying on the Government in the present Assembly, owing to defections from his party. Sydnet, Wednesday. A youth named Ball has been arrested under a warrant and been committed for trial on a charge of offering Sir Henry Parkes, the Premier and Colonial Secretary the sum of £50, as a consideration for the Premier to secure him an appointment in the Civil Service. Brisbane, Thursday. At the Supreme Court, on the verdict being given against Swanwick, barrister aud member of the Assembly, which 13 tantamount to an implication of professional malpractices, Mr Griffith, the plaintiff's counsel, complained cf the menacing attitude of Swanwick's brother towards the plaintiff. The Judge ordered the arrest of the brother, who wasfouudtobe carrying a loaded revolver and sheath knife. He was sentenced to imprisonment during the pleasure of the Court, and the Judge in passing sentence regretted he was unable to make it imprisonment for twenty years.