AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5410, 30 July 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PER UINGAROOSIA AT THE BLUE!’.) Melbourne, July 24.

There was quite a busy time in the Assembly last week. Berry, in a long speech, introduced the Reform Bill, which is to deprive the Legislative Council of all control over Money Bills, which they caunot reject or amend. The only other speaker on the occasion was Service, who said it was simply a Bill for decapitating the Legislative Council; The second reading is fixed for Tuesday next; but although it may pass the Assembly, even Berry himself has no hope that it will pass the Council.

When the resolution to purchase the Hobson’s Bay railway came before the House, a number of members of the Government said, “ The Houses are opposed,” and commenced “Stonewall” tactics to delay discussion,- and succeeded for one evening, so that Berry was actually'“hoist with.his own petard.’’. Sir Charles Sladen yesterday introduced his Reform Bill in the Council; but it has just as much chance of passing the Assembly as the Government measure has of passing the Council. Probably some concessions will bo made on both sides.

It lias transpired that tha Government Loan Bill will be for eight millions sterling, but that it is only proposed to float about four millions at present, owing to tho unwillingness of the banks to receive a larger sum on deposit. Between four and five millions will bo devoted to railway construction, and the remainder to the purchase of tho Hobson’s Bay railway and public works. Considerable interest has boon excited by finding gold in Magdala at a depth of nearly 2000 foot. Generally speaking, mining prospects aro improved, and larger amounts • are available for dividends. _ Judge Holosworth s'eems determined to punish Dr. Bradford for his contempt. He still keeps him in gaol, and, in tho settlement which ho has ordered, the money is tied up and placed beyond the control of Dr. Bradford.

The Australian Colonisation Society aro anxious that New "Guinea should be annexed to Victoria, and are not satisfied with what Sir Arthur Gordon told them. On Monday they waited on the Chief Secretary,, but obtained but little satisfaction, as he snubbed tlie deputation for endeavoring to usurp the functions of tho Government and Parliament.

Here as in Sydney a movement has boon initiated for tho presentation of an address to Lord Beaconsfield on the successful result of his labors at the Congress. The Waterloo Cup, worth £4oo’ and a piece of plate value £IOO to tho winner, £2OO to tho runner up, with prizes to thirty other dogs, varying from £SO to £lO, has been won by Mr, Heauburn’s Young Beziipio, beating W. J. Clarke’s Peri. ■ _

In the Stevenson prosecution for conspiracy the defendants refused to cuter into recognisances, and tho Attorney-General applied to tho Supremo Court for a warrant for their arrest. Tho Chief Justice refused to grant it,

however, saying that there was no suggestion that they were about to abscond. Nothing has yet been made known in reference to the appointment of a fifth Judge, but it is thought that when the time arrives either O’Donoghue or Casey will be appointed. Mr. J, Clark has come forward as a candidate for a seat in the Legislative Council, and it is thought he will be returned unopposed. Professor Hearn is also a candidate for a seat for the Central Province. There is no alteration in amusements, the same pieces being repeated at the Academy of Music and the Princess Theatre. Business in trade continues dull. It has been determined to hold an International Exhibition at Sydney, and the necessary preparations are being pushed forward. The French barque Success, from Japan to Melbourne, unladen, has been wrecked on the North Coast of Australia. Four of the crew were drowned. The remainder thirteen in number, were picked up in an open boat.