AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5399, 17 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PER TARARUA AT THE BLUFF.) Melbourne, July 10. Parliament opened yesterday with the usual formalities. The Governor’s Speech, after referring to defences and the Cable Conference, promised a Constitution Reform 'Bill, aiming at a final 'adjustment of the legislative functions of both Council and Assembly, which it was hoped would be considered from a patriotic point of view, by members of both Houses, irrespective of party. A Railway Construction Bill and a Loan Bill were two of the principal measures promised, but other Bills of local importance will be introduced after the passing of the Reform Bill.

The project of holding an Intercolonial Exhibition in 1830 has been matured by Ministers, and the many offers of co-operation from influential quarters which have been received fully justify the undertaking. The address in reply was moved by Professor Pearson, and Seconded by Mr. Mason, but was not concluded when the House adjourned, owing to the Speaker receiving a telegram announcing that Lady Duffy, who has been seriously ill, was dying, The Opposition do hot intend to debate the address, but will reserve their criticisms for the various measures as they are introduced.

The Reform Bill will be introduced at an early date, and Sir Charles Sladen in the Council will also introduce a Reform Bill, embodying the views of the majority of that Chamber, and providing for an increase in the number of members to forty-two, and a reduo-' tion of voters’ qualifications. This is not likely to find acceptance with the Assembly. The revenue returns published show that the revenue for the quarter was £1,150,321, and for the year £4,488, 803, being a decrease as compared with the corresponding periods in the previous year of £IOO4 on the quarter, and of £24,934 on the year. The election of six members of the Council in the place of those who retire by effluxion of time takes place in September. . The allotment of land in the centre of the block in Collins-street for which the late Mr. G. Petty was offered £40,000, has been sold for £35,00Q, and it is stated that a meat arcade is to be built on it. The Union Bank will commence their new premises in Collins-street shortly. They will cost £40,000. Several other large buildings are projected. A number of men who have enrolled themselves as members of the Colonists’ Association leave for New Guinea shorly. The remains of Mr. Edward Wilson, of the Argus, which were brought from London, will be buried in Melbourne Cemetery on Sunday. Mr. Hugh Parker, partner in the wellknown firm of Goldsbrough and Co., is dead. The Supreme Court has granted an interim injunction against Mr. H. .1. Hart, at the suit of Mr. Wolfe, to prevent the defendant from using any imitation of the bottles, labels, or wrappers of Wolfe’s schiedam schnapps. The present winter is considered the coldest experienced here for many years, but there is every prospect of a good agricultural season. A young lad named Charles Smith was murdered by his parents in West Melbourne a few nights ago. They are in custody, and the inquest standsadjourned. “Our Girls,” with Mr. J. L. Hall, at the Academy of Music, and “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” at the Princess Theatre, are having unprecedented runs.

Mr. Siraonsen has mustered a troupe of capable people, with which he visits New Zealand next week. • ■■* . . 1 Business continues dull, but is slightly improving. . , Bosworth has been scratched for the Melbourne Cup. Calamia and Emily at present are most backed.

* , Stdnet, July 10. The railway will- shortly be ■ extended to Wagga Wagga. On Monday night two well-to-do farmers quarrelled near Maitland, and one shot the other dead, as he states, in self-defence. The Roman Catholics have resolved to subscribe £SOOO a year to. complete St. Mary’s Cathedral. Whilst Government will consent to certain alterations in their local BUI, they intend to stand or fall by the measure as a whole.