AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5263, 5 February 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PER ARAWATA AT THE BLUFF.) Melbourne, January 30. The crisis continues, anti is likely to have a prolonged existence, certainly until a reply is received from the Imperial authorities, which is not expected before the end of February. In the meanwhile Ministers are pursuing their headlong course in the matter of dismissals, a further batch of officers having been dispensed with last Friday, including all principal officers of the Education Department, from the secretary down to supernumerary At the same time Government are repairing their illegalities by re-appointing three County Court Judges and three Police Magistrates. Blunders are being constantly discovered and patched up.afterwards. Sir Bryan O'Loghlen has resigned his position as Land Tax Commissioner, and is now in the field against Mr, Francis. A tremendous contest is expected next Monday. Both sides are working'hard, and much interest is excited. It is little doubted that the intention is to make O’Loghlen Attorney - General, and that Trench will become a paid commissioner. Numerous meetings have bean held in various parts of the country, but generally those opposed to the Ministerial side are howled down. Examples of this occurred at Sandhurst on Monday night, when two Opposition members of the Assembly who attempted to 'speak were howled down, and one of them maltreated.; When the Assembly meets next week, a petition to the Queen will be adopted. It is stated that a Supply Bill will be sent to tire Council, in order to carry on till the Imperial reply is.received. The Governor has been Informed by several legal gentlemen that his proceedings are illegal, and hence the means taken by the Ministry to retrace their steps. The feeling against the Governor is getting stronger amongst a certain class. Next to the crisis, the drought claims attention. ; Matters are getting very serious, and the want of water is being severely felt in •many parts of the country. Prices of nearly all provisions have advanced, and combined with the circumstance of nothing doing owing to the crisis, future prospects are not particularly cheering. Ou Saturday two young women named McWilliams, were drowned in the Yarn through the upsetting of a boat.

A large number of sudden and accidental deaths have recently been reported. Herbert’s great picture of Moses is expected here daily. ■ All amusements are dull. Hour theatres are still open. The Ringarooma leaves with the mails on Tuesday.