AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4977, 6 March 1877, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

From files to hand by HALS. Sappho we take the following:— Sydney, February 24. The Governor has withdrawn from the candidature for the Grand Mastership of the Freemasons. There was an overflowing attendance at Levy’s concert yesterday night." In the Assembly yesterday night Stuart moved for a grant of three months' supply. Mr. Piddington moved an amendment that the grant should be for only one months’ supply. After a warm debate the amendment was carried by a majority of ten votes. Robertson said he should not accept this vote as a defeat. There was a large attendance of members in the Assembly this day. Mr. Coombes was sworn in and took his seat on the cross benches. After a few unimportant questions had been answered, Mr. Robertson stated the decision which the Government had arrived at in regard to the conduct of public business, in view of the adverse - vote of the preceding night. It appeared to the Government that, in view of the present state of the electoral law, it was desirable to do all that could be done to pass the Electoral Bill now before the House, and vote the necessary supplies. That was the amount of business which the present Parliament ought to deal with. The Government'would therefore endeavor to carry the Electoral Bill through, obtain supplies, and then dissolve.

The announcement was received with cheers from the Government benches,. and cries of “ Oh !” from the Opposition, Mr. Stephen Brown is now moving an adjournment, and censuring the course the Government purposes to take. Later, i The debate still continues and is not lik&ly to be finished till late. '

One of the Opposition members said he hacf good authority for stating that no dissolution would take place till the Electoral Bill was passed. Yesterday two contractors for building the brickwork of the new Church of England at Bega had a dispute, when one of them, a man named Thomas, threatened to shoot the other, a person named Sereombe. The dispute having temporarily subsided, Thomas went out and brought a gun, went back to the building, when a further altercation ensued. He presented the gun at Sereombe, who rushed and

sent the gun barrel up. The guu having exploded, the shot entered the vestry. Thomas was oiveii into custody on the charge of shooting with intent to murder.- Ho was brought before the Bench to-day, and ' remanded till Monday. The presiding magistrate refused bail owing to the state in which prisoner was at tlie time the affray occurred.- It happened through drink." MellouiiNE, February ! _M. The Premier has received a reply from Sir Charles McMahon, but it is not yet published, as it has not been submitted to the Cabinet. The substance of the communication is to the effect that the Speaker does not feel himself bound to give an explanation. Professor Pearson has been compelled to resign the bead-mastership of the Ladies’ College, in consequence of his publicly advocating a laud tax. Much sympathy is expressed for him. The arrangements are nearly completed for the election of the Harbor Tivst Commissioners. The voters consist of shipowners, merchants, and traders only. A grand Volunteer encampment will be hem at Sunbury at Easter. Mr. Cosmo Newberry, the Government analytical chemist, advises an analysis of all the waters used for domestic purposes in the cities and towns of the colony. The Government intend prosecuting Hr. Reeves for keeping a private lunatic asylum, he being an unlicensed keeper. Mr. Henry G. Turner, manager of the Commercial Bank, was_ entertained at a complimentary luncheon prior to his departure foi Europe. He was also honored with a presentation from the Yorick Club. The proceedings against John Lord for embezzling large sums from a building society have been withdrawn ; all Lord’s property has been surrendered. . . ■ Three cargoes of timber, consisting of deals and flooring, changed hands at full rates*. Currants have advanced ; lobsters are also higher. Considerable demand exists for sugars. Oats are held for higher rates. The Frankston murder case has been continued all day at the Criminal Court. When the Court rose this evening, the case for the Crown had concluded. The principal evidence was given by prisoner’s daughter. Mr. Purvea addresses the Court for the defence in the morning, but will call no evidence. There are very good entries for the Autumn Meeting, especially in the three and foiir year old handicaps, Brunswick Stakes, Steeple and Hurdle races.

Mr. Graham Berry has been elected president of the National Reform Association. Adelaide, "February 23. Mr. E. W. Andrews, one of the proprietors of the 5. A. Register, died this morning. The Blenheim Hotel property, in Hiudleystreet, sold for £13,600. The return match with the All-England Eleven is fixed for the middle of April.

Bine rains fell last night. Sales of wheat have taken place at 6s. 6d. A luncheon was given to the Hon. Arthur Blyth to-day. The Chief Secretary was in the chair.

The South Australian Register, summarising the circulars received from the farmers, estimates that 950,000 acres will be reaped for wheat, averaging about six bushels to the acre. The total yield is estimated at 5,730,973 bushels. Deducting enough for seed and food, this will leave a surplus of 3,020,970 bushels, or 80,918 tons of wheat, for export.