AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5713, 22 July 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(PER EHfOABOOMA AT THE BLUES'.) Melbourne, July 16,

Parliament assembled on Tuesday, the Bth. There was an immense attendance of the public, partly to see the new and splendid hall opened for the first time, and out of curiosity to hear the Governor’s Speech, and see the new Governor, for this was the first appearance of Lord Normanby in Parliament House. The Governor’s Speech is a very mild production. It referred to the general depression throughout the world, and said it was felt here leas than elsewhere. Regarding the embassy he hoped the result would be beneficial. It promised measures of constitutional reform to prevent deadlocks. Indicated taxation, as the revenue has fallen short of the estimate. In the Council the Address was agreed to after a few words from the mover and seconder. Sir Charles Sladeu also made an excellent and moderate speech, in which he trusted that the past would be buried. In the Assembly there was also no debate over the Address. Mr. Service criticised the various actions of the Ministry during the recess, but no amendment was moved, as there was nothing in the Speech to provoke hostile comment. Mr. Berry declined to reply to Mr. Service, and the Address was agreed to. On the following night there was a scene’in the House. Several members exhibited a spirit of rowdyism, and the Chief Secretary was severely attacked in his domestic relations. He was accused of having been turned out of Duffy’s Government.,, That he strongly and warmly denied ; and the House adjourned last week in the midst of a scene which augured badly for the commencement of the session. Yesterday some business was done, and the Supply Bill passed the Assembly for £BOO,OOO after some discussion. There is every indication of a stormy session. The Financial Statement and the Constitutional Bill will be introduced next week.

The unemployed are increasing, and it is difficult to find work for them. Times no doubt are very dull. On Friday last Solomon and Go., furniture manufacturers, were compelled to close their factory and discharge about 100 hands. A fund is being raised for unemployed clerks and shopmen, as well as a head fund for the poor of Collingwood. The Bishop of Melbourne recently lectured at Geelong on “A Remedy for the Distress in Victoria.” Dr. Moorhouse described the sufferings of some of the selectors in parts of his diocese ah being almost beyond belief. The affairs of the Provincial Suburban Bank are to be wound up under the direction of the Equity Court, and three official liquidators have been appointed. A large deputation waited upon the Chief Secretary to ask him to repeal the Stock Tax, which brings in £30,003 a year, but means throwing a large number of men out of employ, being estimated at 500 in the fellmongery alone.

Le Loup has been backed for over £29,000 to win the Melbourne Cup, at 100 to 5. Captain Secuudus and Petria are also well backed.

There was no performance at the Princess Theatre last night, owing to the salaries not having been paid by the manager. Three other theatres remain open. r Upwards of ,£IOO,OOO was paid in duties at the Custom House last week, principally on tea, spirits, beer, and tobacco, in anticipation of additional duties being imposed. By the Lusitania a number of exhibits for the Sydney Exhibition arrived, and several of the foreign commissioners arrived by the mail steamer. The obituary of the week includes Sir Charles Nicholson, Bart., and Sir Robert Office, the latter in Tasmania, where he was many years Speaker. Business continues dull, but the new teas are sold, the whole having been cleared off. After a long preliminary examination at the Police Court, Weiberg and Pearce have been committed for trial. Fred Villiera, special artist for the Graphic, has arrived, and proceeded to Sydney. It is believed also that Archibald Forbes will come from Zululand, where he is at present engaged. In all the Australian colonies at the present time there is a conflict between the two Chambers. In Adelaide, a Constitution Bill has been introduced containing similar provisions as to dissolution of the Council as is proposed to this colony.