AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5407, 26 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Thursday. In the Council Mr. Sladen’a Reform Bill passed its second reading. The Post-Master-General supported the Bill, with the following amendments;—“The omission of plurality of | votes, and the addition of division of the provinces. He said he differed from his colleagues on the subject of reform, but if bis conduct was likely to embarrass the Government be would resign his portfolio. In the Assembly the debate re the purchase: of the Hobson Bay Railway lasted till after midnight, when the purchase was affirmed by fifteen to nine. Probably, a loan tor the purpose will be immediately placed in the London Market. The Postmaster-General differs from his colleagues on the reform question, and has resigned. Messrs. Stevenson, warehousemen, and other defendants concerned in defrauding the Customs have been arrested on warrant by the Crown, and bailed. Sydney, Thursday. The Government has decided that the new loan shall only be a million and a half. The barque James Service, bound tor Melbourne from Calcutta, with a cargo of castor oil, jute, and sacks,’was totally wrecked on the Murray reef, Western Australia. All the crew and passengers, numbering seven, are believed to be lost.