AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 992, 24 June 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(per steamer ax the bluff. ) Victoria, June 10 to 18. The Chief Secretary returned to the Colony from his Embassy on the 7th inst., by the mail steamer. The Government steamer Victoria, with all Mr. Berry's colleagues, met the Tanjore off Queenscliff. Mr. Berry was taken on board, and proceeded to Ceelong. At Geelong addresses were presented to Mr. Berry, and he was entertained by the Mayor. In replying to the toast of his health, Mr. Berry said the moral effect of the sympathy of the public men of England, which he had heard almost universally expressed in favor of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria as against the Council, must aid greatly in procuring a satisfactory settlement of the Reform question. He had no doubt of the ultimate victory of the people, but he said that the great strength of the Liberal Party must make them regard their own responsibility, and teach them that true moderation which is the outcome of political wisdom ; so that in securing what they wanted, they will look more to the good of the country than to achieving a party victory. The Chief Secretary's return to the metropolis was made the occasion of a Ministerial demonstration, organised by the Reform League. A torchlight procession was got up, and Mr. Berry made a kind of triumphal progress in a carriage drawn by two white horsesJ£from Spencer-street,

station to the old Treasury buildings, ■where further addresses were presented. The affair collected a large crowd of people in Collins-street, but the great majority of the gathering was evidently attracted by the show. Major Smith denies having stated that the Government intended to make the franchise of the Council and the Assembly identical.

Mr. Lyell, a financial agent of high standing, and member for Emerald Hill, in addressing his constituents stated that the material prosperity of the Colony has been shaken by the unsettled political difficulties of the last twelve months to an extent never experienced before. A very wealthy resident in England has directed his Victorian agent to realise every shilling, and remit the money Home. At a meeting of the unemployed at Fairhurst, an agitator delivered a most inflammatory hai-angue, and over COO men signed a petition to the Government, asking for work. It is believed that the Kelly gang, requiring arms and ammunition, sent to their sympathisers in Melbourne to purchase a fresh supply. They were allowed what they required, and have now returned to the bush. Warrants are out for their arrest, and it is hoped that their movements will lead to the arrest of the outlaws. St. Yox, won the Australian Coursing Club Cup, and Watchman won the Australian Purse. Rew South Wales. The Government have reprieved the young criminals sentenced to death for the violation of the girl at Bathurst. The girl herself pleaded for their lives. Sir H. Parkes stated that the Executive extended mercy owing to the fact that the criminals earnestly desired to vindicate the virtue and honor of the girl, more than for any other reason. The sentence has been commuted to imprisonment for life. Japan requires four thousand feet of space at the Exhibition, and California six thousand feet. Nearly 803,000 acres of land were sold at auction last year, realising a little over L 1,000,000. During the past five months the Customs receipts are considerably lower than the returns for the same period last year. South Australia.

Mr. Ross moved an amendment to the address in reply to the Governor's speech, condemning the financial arrangements of the Government in connection with the sale of South Australian bonds at LBB. The Treasurer contended that Mr. Ross himself was chiefly responsible, his Government having entered into engagements necessitating a heavy monthly expenditure on public works without providing means, and successors were obliged to sell the bonds to save the colonial credit.

The vintage yields 390,000 gallons, or 20,000 gallons less than last year. The quality is exceptionally good. Queensland.

At the ball given by the Governor in honor of the Queen's Birthday, no supper was provided, though 1200 guests were present. Gi'eat disgust was expressed, and the gentlemen went on foraging expeditions for hungry ladies.