AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5132, 4 September 1877, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, August 24.

Mr. Berry, in the course of his speech last night, said that the. effect of the import duty on stock would be to reduce the price of meat. ,He repudiated the .idea of a desire to foment intercolonial jealousies, and declared that 1 protection, and protection alone, would lead to federation. Other countries had united under the apprehension of invasion ; but on; the basis of commercial aggression the colonies would unite, aud he hoped to live long enough to carry the war into New, South Wales, and see that colony as thoroughly protective as Victoria. The policy would then rapidly spread to Queensland and South Australia., The colonies would then have a foundation for federation and for a prosperity second to none in. the world.

A caucus of Government supporters ; was held yesterday. Fifty-four were represented. It was decided that payment of members was necessary for the maintenance of the political rights 6f the people, and that the Government should be left to follow whatever course it thinks proper. The Registrar-General’s return, .just issued, shows that, on farms, 92,141 persons are employed ; on stations, 5608 ; in manufactories, 22,033 males and 4792 females ; the number of manufactories, works, &c., now amount to 2302, as against 2241 in the previous year. ■ The trustees of the Public Library have purchased Marshall Wood’s statue of Daphne for 1000 guineas. Two more cases of sickness have broken out at. the Sanitary station—one saloon passenger named Dawes and a sailor. The other passengers will not be released until it is certain that these cases are not smallpox. A private telegram from London states that the wool sales continue animated, and that prices are as high as in any period during last sales.. Twelve shillings has been refused for salmon. Large sales of rum have been made at from 3s. to 3s. IJd. Considerable sales of champagne and Vineyard’s brandy have also taken place.