AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5387, 3 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(I’Elt lUNGAIiOOIU AT THE BLUI'T.) , Mblbookne, June 27.

Tho principal event of the week has been the purchase by the Government of the Hobson’s Bay railway for the sum of £1,320,000, which is at tho rate of £B2 per share, covering all costs.. Tho arrangement entered into, although as yet only provisional, will, no doubt, bo ratified, as all parties have long since been agreed as to the expediency of the purchase at a reasonable price, and the present rate is considered fair and. resonable. The Government will have to raise a loan for this and for the construction of new lines indicated by the Minister of Railways. It is rumored on some authority that the Governor has received a despatch by the last mail not altogether approving of his action; but it is likely to be made public. Professor Pearson and Mr. Mason, ns the two youngest members, will move and second the address on the meeting of the Assembly. Two donations of a thousand pounds each have been given towards the foundation of scholarships in connection with Trinity College. Government are making a number of reductions in the Public service, but in a legitimate manner, providing,compensation for those who retire.

The question of prohibition on imported stock has been much discussed lately, and memorials pro and con have been presented to the Chief Secretary in New South Wales aud Queensland. The Act expires in a month, but in Victoria the prohibition is only by proclamation. Mr. Berry says this colony must follow the example of the neighboring ones, as it would be useless if the prohibition was removed elsewhere to keep our ports closed. A libel action brought by the Hon. Alexander Fraser, M.L.C., against the Aye resulted in a verdict for the'plaintiff-with £250 damages aud costs against the defendant, It is generally thought that the newspaper got off very cheap.. , A dense fog enveloped the city and suburbs for several hours last Friday night. All traffic in tho streets was suspended, aud it was impossible to see ten yards off. No serious accidents are reported, except that one man was drowned on going aboard his ship. Dr. Hope, formerly member of the Legislative Council, aud Chairman of Committees, is dead. He had been ailing for some time. John Fisher Dean, charged with felony under the Insolvency Act of Now Zealand, is likely to be remanded back under the Governor’s warrant. The solicitor who appeared for the accused objected to this, on the ground that the Act under which the charge had been laid was repealed by a new Act passed in 1876, which contained no provision making tho conduct of the prisoner a felony. After some discussion it was ascertained that a subsequent Amendment Act existed. A valuable shipment of draught stock left per Hero for Auckland on Tuesday, consigned to Messrs, Richardson and Canning, of Hawke's Bay. It includes the entire Stockman, which animal was sold for seven hundred guineas. ,

The weather has been unusually cold, with a good deal of rain. The Melbourne Cup weights have been published. First King has the top weight, 9st. 81b.; Chester, Oat.; Woodlands and Savanaka, each Bst. lib.; Tom Kirk, 7at. 81b.; Bosworth, 7st. 71b.; Device, 7at. 51b; His Lordship, 7st. 41b.; Vulcan, 7st. 31b.; Warlock, Cst 71b.; Jack o' Lantern, Ost. slb; of Walker's Now Zealand pair, Trump Card has Bst., and Lo Loup 7st. 101 b. The acceptances will, bo made on the Ist August.

“ Our Gii#’ is having a genuine run at the Academy of Music, and “ Uncle Torn*' at the Princess. There is nothing doing at the Royal. William Lyster leaves by the next Californian mail for a trip to America and Europe. Business of all descriptions continues dull, and great complaints are made, traceable to an uncertain feeling existing regarding the intenlionsof Government) which prevents anything like permanent investment. Mining prospects show an improvement., A Chinaman in Maryborough District found a 400 oz. nugget on private land. The new rush near Dunolly is doing well, and 12, 10, and Bozs. have been obtained by parties from mere surfacing. Another prosecution against the firm of Geo. Stevenson and Sons is pending. Sydney, June 27. The Barrington diggings are turning out well.

The scheme initiated by the proprietor of the Queenslander for a survey of the Transcontinental railway line, with a view to the construction of the railway by means of laud grants is being practically carried into effect.