OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4437, 9 June 1875, Page 3

OUR MELBOURNE LETTER.

(from our own correspondent.) Melbourne, May 29. There is little to report in regard to the political arena since my last communication per Albion. The only features of any importance which have developed since the opening of Parliament are the introduction of two Bills by the Ministry—one, an amending land Bill, providing for the abolition of the residence clause in case of free selection, and increasing the area for selection from 320 to 640 acres ; the other is the re-introduction of the Mining on Private Property Bill, which last year was relegated to the waste-paper basket by the Upper House. We are looking anxiously forward to the Treasurer’s statement and an enunciation of the fiscal policy of the Government, it being pretty generally agreed that the burden of taxation must be more equalised than it is at present, and that a property tax seems to be the natural resource under the circumstances. The Queen’s birthday was celebrated with the usual degree of enthusiasm, and an abundant display of fireworks, bunting, and Chinese crackers. The Melbourne Hunt Club Eaces, which were held on that day, resulted most disastrously to the backers of horses, the “ ring ” having fairly “skinned the lamb.” The Hurdle Eace yr as won by an outsider. Larrikin, whose name was never mentioned even as a possible winner, whilst Hans Breitman, who was heavily backed and was made a certainty, never showed in the race. In the Grand National Steeplechase, Prodigious scored the victory, although he carried very little money and was never looked upon as dangerous. , In regard to the annexation of New Guinea, in addition to the meetings which have been held here upon the subject, urging the Home Government to annex this valuable island, the question is now before Parliament with a view to giving authoritative expression to colonial opinion. Some few days since, an expedition started from Sydney with a view to planting a colony on the shores of New Guinea, and now another expedition is being fitted out here for a similar purpose. Let us hope it may have a more favorable termination than that which a few years ago was sent out from Ballarat, and which resulted, in the loss of the vessel and equipments, and the death of nearly all who ventured on the undertaking. A report has just been issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines, showing the number of accidents which have occurred for a considerable period. Taking the total number of miners in Victoria at 46,512, it appears that the death rate was 1 in 517, a percentage too high in all conscience, but it is satisfactory to know that in the majority of cases where life has been sacrificed it has not been due to any want of precaution on behalf of the employers, but rather to the recklessness of miners, whose familiarity with danger has rendered them indifferent to the means of safety provided for them. Attention is again being directed to the prevalence of Cliinese lottery shops in our midst, which are producing the most demoralising results. Young men, boys employed in shops, men in banks and commercial houses, all seem more or less to be drawn into this fatal whirlpool of gamblers, and to satisfy their passion for speculation they do not scruple to rob their employers wholesale. Every effort upon the part of the authorities has hitherto been rendered futile by the professors of tho law. Surely, however, some legal enactment can be framed to effectually stop these Mongolians in their “ little games," and bring the “ Heathen Chinee” to his senses. The outbreak of typhoid fever in the city and suburbs is giving cause for serious alarm, owing to its fatal character. The attention of the medical fraternity has been directed to the matter, and circulars have been issued to the public as to tho removal of causes, and also ns to the curative moans to be employed in the cases of patients attacked.

In dramatic matters there is nothing very startling to notice. At the Royal we have been treated to Robertson’s favorite comedy, “ School," with Miss Carey as Naomi Tighe, in which she has achieved a fair amount of popularity. Miss Stammers, as Bella, acted her part very commendably, and combined with really good acting an elegant and ladylike style. To-night “ The Shaughraun” will be played for the first time in Victoria. The piece has been for a long time in rehearsal, and the scenery and dresses are all that can be desired for a successful representation of this really excellent production of Mr. Dion Boucicault. At the Opera House “ Girofle-Girofla” has been running steadily to excellent and appreciative houses. The scenery, which is really of a highly artistic character, has contributed to the success of this opera comique as much as the varied excellence of Lecoq’s music. The Kennedy 'Family have finally left Victoria, promising to return in a few years. Before going to Sydney they gave a farewell entertainment, which was attended by not less than 3000 people. The programme was varied and attractive throughout, aud the favor with which it was received was evinced by the frequency of the encores, which were obligingly responded to. In commercial matters the general depression rather deepens than otherwise, and the daily reports in the public journals are singularly monotonous on this unfortunate state of affairs. Hoar and breadstuffs continue at about£ll for flour and ss. 3d. for wheat, with an upward tendency, but buyers are cautious, and few transactions of any magnitude are recorded.