AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 944, 26 April 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PEE CLAUD HAMILTON AT HOKITIKA.) Hokitika, April 25. VICTORIA.

The Argus special reporter states that Sir Michael Hicks Beach ofiered no. opinion at the first Embassy interview, though he was well posted in the. facts. He is certain to give a written reply. Mr. Berry asked —Fir&t, the Imperial Parliament to reform the Constitution, with or without the consent of the Council, during the second si.-ssion after dissolution ; secondly, that the Imperial Government submit a scheme which, if the Council refuse to entertain, the Imperial Parliament will pass.. Mr. Berry stated that the Assembly invited English interposition to escape exercising powers it already possesses, under circum.- . stances when, the" public mind is unduly, perhaps dangerously, excited. Sir" Michael Hicks Beach wrote to Sir George Bowen, to the effect that general instructions to accept ministerial advice in local matters was not applicable to Black .Wednesday. Sir William Jervois has made, important modifications in the defence of' Port Philip. He recommends new ten-inch breechloading Armstrongs, and advises the abandonment of pile forts in favour of land baeeeries.

Four Gatling guns are ordered; foi-the . Nelson, to cost L2OOO, The additions to the Houses of Parliament will cost L 300,000. t Artiaans are petitioning for the repeal _. of the Stock Tax. The Colonial Bank declare a dividend l of 8 per cent. •. Ratu Ambrose, nephew of Thakombau, King of Fiji, is on a visit to Melbourne. , NEW SOUTH WAXES. Mr. Parkes has received a telegram, I stating that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be unable to attend the Exhibition. The Council, in spite of the Conference, insists on the amendments in the Parliament Privileges Bill. The new Land Bill facilitates free selection, prevents dummyism, andsecures increased rental of leased lands. Owing to the delay in forwarding an invitation, it is unlikely that America will be ofiioially represented at the Exhibition. Olibborn'a sale of"yearlings realised over ten thousand guineas. Silver Bell brought L 950. A valuable Yattendon colt broke its neck during the sale. The accumulated fund of the Australian Mutual Provident is upwards of two million six hundred thousand pounds.