AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5346, 16 May 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(TER ALHAMBRA AT THE BLUFF.) Melbourne, May 9. Political matters continue quiet. Mr. Berry has; visited Hamilton, and at a meeting of the Reform League. stated that a Reform Bill was the only measure' to be, introduced next session. A dissolution appears inevitable, but only after the Reform Bill has passed the Assembly. Sir James McCulloch has his seat for Warnambool. Mr, Francis, who is a cau-,-didate for the Warnambool seat, will be opposed by Noonan of the 1 Reform League. On Friday night a complimentary banquet was given to Mr. Francis, when he stated that he liad come forward for West Melbourne as a living protest against; the act of the Ministry on 8 th January. The Cable Conference is being held to-day. All the colonies except Western Australia are represented. New Zealand sends no delegates, but forwards her written views.

The Agent-Generalship becomes vacant next year. It is unlikely that Mr. Michie will be re-appointed. Sir Bryan O'Loghleu is mentioned, as well as Gavan Duffy. The defence of the Heads is being actively proceeded with under the superintendence of Colonel Scratchley. A movement has been initiated by the Reform League Club for the annexation of New Guinea to Victoria, and the formation of an association for its colonisation. The scheme is regarded as chimerical. : Some tolerably good observations of the transit of Mercury Were taken on Tuesday. The Presbyterian Assembly yesterday almost unanimously supported the singing of anthems in Collins-street Scotch Church.

; A few‘failures have occurred. The principal one is Brodie, Oondow, and Co., drapers. Liabilities, £38,000, and showing a deficiency of £13,000. A fair amount of business is doing in the markets. : ■ The various places of amusement arc only fairly patronised. The weather is magnificent.

The Alhambra made a long passage, having been short of coal while in the Strait. She only arriyod last Monday, and then in tow of a steamer sent to her assistance. All well aboard. A testimonial was presented to Captain Muir by the passengers. Sydney, May 9, The Council having rejected the: Electoral Bill, the Government intend to prorogue shortly for a brief recess, and then introduce a more coraprebensiveimeasure.! - The Government have agreed to the establishment of a “ Hansard." \ 1 Both Houses have agreed to modifications in the Pacific mail contract.

The opening of fche Museum and Library on Sundays has proved highly satisfactory. There was a very large attendance. rPrivileges of Parliament Bill which is to be introduced will contain a provision for dealing with unruly members. Adelaide, May 9. Parliament meets on the 13th. Prank Cairo!, who was proved to have been convicted both in Melbourne - and Sydney, has resigned his seat for Light;’