AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5339, 8 May 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PEE EINGAEOOITA AT THE BLUFF.) . Melbourne, May 1. Political matters continue quiet. The Chief Secretary and some Ministers attended a Liberal tea meeting in the Western District, when it was said that the Reform Bill would be the only measure introduced next session ; but all were very reticent as to the details of the measure. The Governor has received despatches by the mail. Thei precise contents have not yet been made public, but according to Ministerial sources the Governor’s conduct has been approved of. At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, the retiring President delivered the usual address, and, referring to the state of trade, said the result obtained by the mercantile community had not shown a profit commensurate with the amount of capital and energy engaged. He trusted that some combined and determined efforts would be made to prevent the possibility of any recurrence of the political experiences of the last four months. Mr. David Moore was elected President for the ensuing year. Sir James McCulloch will resign his seat in the Assembly in the course of a day or two, when Mr. Eranois will stand for Wamambool. Mr. William Nicholas has been appointed lecturer on mining at the University, in the place of Professor Alrich. At the annual commemoration of the University, on Saturday, the undergraduates were so turbulent as to call forth a rebuke from the Chancellor. Severe gales, with heavy rain, have been experienced. On Saturday a boat containing two men capsized in the bay, and the occupants were drowned. A seaman was also washed from the deck of the barque Elorinde, when coming up the bay. The discovery of deep leads in two of the Stawell mines has caused some excitement in mining circles. The value of the discovery is not yet apparent, the leads being not sufficiently opened out to ascertain whether the gold is bettering. Dakey Brothers, of Ballarat, wire and machinery merchants, have failed. Their liabilities: are £22,000, and their assets £25,000. The latter consist of stock. E. B. Moreombe, draper, of Collingwood, has failed for £19,000. Sydney, May 1. A disgraceful row occurred in the Assembly on Eriday night, when Mr. McElhone walked across the floor of the House with clenched fists, and threatened to punch the heads of several members. The word “ liar” was freely bandied about. The galleries were cleared, and Mr. McElhone, after being adjudged guilty of contempt, apologised, and was let off. The Exhibition is not a success. New Zealand has taken most of the prizes. There are no exhibits from Victoria.

The opening of the Museum and Library on Sundays is very popular, and both places are well attended.

The Adelaide Register has exposed one of the newly elected members of the Assembly, and shown that he has been convicted both in Melbourne and Sydney of forging and uttering.