DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1217, 11 March 1880, Page 2

DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(reuter's telegram per press association. ) Melbourne, March 10. The Hon. Mr. Service, at Maldon tornigjit, exppvmding or), tjjs ment programme, maintains his own scheme of reforms. The question of franchise for the Legislative Council has not quite been decided upon. The: Government propose to empower the Council to expunge those items involving motives of policy from the ApproAct, - PF P separate Bill. It is also proposed to subdivide the Mallee country out in small blocks, renting them to the highest bidder, but leaving all agricultural areas untouched. Squatters are to be allowed to hold land, subject to selection, administration of railways is to be entrusted to a Commission or Board. He announced, that Civil Service reforms would take place 1 upon a basis of reduction of salaries of all classes of new officials, and prqtjie qf pensiqns, cilvijians, instead, being compelled to insure their lives, and every facility being offered them to do so. In regard to the Harbor Trust, he said their powers would bp enlarged, Hp estimated the year's deficiency at after deduction of L300,00Q. He referred to lapsed votes, and stated that officials would be prohibited from interfering in politics, The Government would endeavor to remedy injustice done by their predecessors, whenever such was practicable ; would not interfere with protection while it relieved farmers and miners, nor alter |he Education Act, Payment of members was uiynenr tiooed, Mauritius, February 26. Whites, L 34 10s; yellows, L 32. Crop prospects are favorable. Freights are high, and tonnage scarce.