AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5423, 14 August 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(PEB TABABUA AT THE BLUFF.) Melbsubne, August 8. Tile Reform Bill in the Assembly drags slowly along, and will not be concluded before next week. Some very good speeches have been delivered on both sides. O’Loghlen and Professor . Pearson have championed the measure. Sir Bryan said that the scheme of th e_pleblscitiim was in operation in Switzerland, and in describing what a Government might do with a firm and united majority behind, and unable to carry a Bill, said perhaps ttie deportation of the members of theCouncilmight be necessary, or it might be necessary to invite the Governor to step on board a steamer in the bay. This was regarded as somewhat revolutionary language ; but Sir Bryan took care to state he was only putting a hypothetical case. Professor Pearson denied tliftt the Ministerial scheme had no precedent. It worked well in

Switzerland, and to a limited extent is enforced in California, New Jersey, and other American States. The Government Bill, according to Professor Pearson, is a display of masterly moderation, and in bis opinion the British Parliament will not hesitate to pass it into law, preferring a solid union with the colony to the gilded ornament of a Legislative Council. The speaking on the other side was quite as good and effective, Sir John O’Shaunassy and Mr. Kerferd being the principal Opposition speakers. So long as the debate has been confined to the leaders ou either side it has been well sustained, but this is a question upon which every member considers himself bound to speak.

In the Council Sir Charles Sladea’s Reform Bill is being considered and amended. No representative of Government in the Council has yet beeu appointed. In the meantime Mr, Outhbert takes charge of Government measures.

The alteration in ocean mail contracts will increase the net cost to this colony from fifteen t > twenty-five thousand pounds annually, but probably the Government will not grant any subsidy for special service, but leave it open to all comers to bring on the mails. Judge Molesworth has released Dr. Bradford from custody after three weeks’ imprisonment.

Stitt Jenkins, the well-known local poet, is dead.

and Touzell, well known in the New Zealand trade, have resumed their old tobacco business.

Dr. .Somerville left Melbourne to-day, and proceeds via ’Frisco to Scotland.

The child-stealing case at Fitzroy has resulted in the woman Fitzgibboa being committed for trial.

The schooner Dove, with a small party of adventurers, left for New Guinea on Saturday. The latest advices are not favorable, and no gold has apparently been found yet. New Zealand oats are, in good demand up to ss. id. for milling. Sugars have slightly weakened, A good business is being done in hops. The weather is cold and wet.