AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5275, 20 February 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(PER ALHAMBRA AT THE BLUFF.) There has been nothing of a startling nature in political circles during the week. Tne Assembly has passed a dictatory resolution asserting its right to make the votes legally available for expenditure upon their passing by the Assembly. The motion was not debated at any length, and was eventually carried by 29 votes. Afterwards Mr. Berry proposed a resolution for an address to the Queeu, setting forth the circumstances of the crisis. This was considered necessary in view of an appeal to the Home Government for an alteration of the Constitution, which is said to take the form of a nominee Upper House, In the course of the debate it was suggested that a compromise might be arrived at by the Council passing the Payment of Members Bill, and the Government withdrawing the item from the Appropriation Bill. Although no member of the Government responded to this, several of the supporters of the Ministry said that if it were agreed to the Ministry must give way to sterner men. This vvas received with applause by the supporters of the Government generally. On rising the Assembly adjourned to sth March. Several scenes occurred in the Assembly last night. The crisis now is being felt, and especially by the tradespeople ; business was never so dull iu any branch of trade. No person will speculate in land or property of any description, and dulness reigns everywhere. Even the theatres and other places of amusement find a great difference iu the attendance. Shortly the mechanics, artisans, and laborers generally will feel the effects, as building operations are paralysed, and persons will not lay out any money at the present juncture. Several large and important buildings which were to have been commenced have been indefinitely postponed. A tender has been accepted for the erection of the Wilson Hall, at the University, for £35,910, the generous gift of Sir Samuel Wilson. A number of casualties have been latterly reported. Two brothers, named Hutchens, were smothered in a shaft by foul air, when sinking a well on a station near Warrnambool. Yesterday, a schoolboy of fifteen, named Percy Campbell, committed suicide on the railway. He had his head completely severed from his body. The cause was a love affair. Later in the same day, a woman drowned herself iu the river, through unrequited love. A fire occurred at Fort Albert jesterday, and destroyed five shops. They were mostly insured. Very heavy rains have fallen all over the country, and the benefit is invaluable. The drought is now completely broken up. ■ Over £SOO has been collected towards a testimonial to Sir Redmond Barry. The steamer Golden Crown, formerly running at the Thames, changed hands yesterday for £7BOO at a compulsory sale. Strauss’ opera, “Der Fliederraans,” is the principal attraatiou just now at the Opera House, which is represented by a strong cast, including Madame Simonsen. The other theatres are doing little. New Zealand oats are in good demand, and have advanced considerably. The banka have raised the rate of discount 1 per cent, all round. Sir John Goode, the eminent engineer, ia engaged on the harbor works. His report is likely to be exhaustive and valuable. ■ Henry Brettle, a laboring man at Sandhurst, kicked his wife in the abdomen and killed her. He has been arrested.