VICTORIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 60, 24 January 1862, Page 2

VICTORIA.

(From, our own Correspondent.) Melbourne, Thursday, Jan. 16th, 1862.

■ Parliament re-assembled on Tuesday. Dr. Evans took the oaths and his seat in the assembly, and Mr. Mitchell went through a like ceremony, in the Upper House. The Hon. the Postmaster General, entered the house radiant -with smiles, and it was evident to the most casual observer, that his unopposed return was the cause of ths most supreme inward satisfaction, and when the Hon. Member made iiis bow to the Speaker, his countenance fairly "shone with delight." Nothing particular was done on Tuesday, but yesterday was set apart for the second reading of the Land Bill, of the present Government. You are aware that when the o'Shanassy Ministry took office, they declared for a liberal land bill, which would be immediately tabled, and rapidly proceeded with, after the recess. The time had therefore fully come for its second reading, and every one went yesterday, to hear Duffy's speach; but were greviously disappointed, when that lion, and learned member informed them that as the debate on the budget would probably bo interfered with, he wished to postpone the second reading until Friday week, or at latest to the following Tnesday. Aspinall enquired why this intention was not made known earlier, as many lion, members had come there to-night prepared for the second reading of the land bill, who under other circumstances might have found it more convenient to attend to other business. Mr. O'Shanassy, ivitli that tact which distinguishes him as an able parliamentarian seeing a probability of a "fix," immediately jumpsd np sin-1 made a long rigmarole statement about the importance of the budget and the necessity of following up the financial statement by measures to protect the revenue, and hencs it was undesirable that a four or five night's debate on the land bill should interfere with these important measures. This is all very well if the present Government had not boasted so much of the majorities pledged in both houses to carry.this bill; but having talked so boastingly it is an evidence of great weakness and shufiling to put off the second reading "till a more convenient season." There was no opposition to the postponement, and the honse adjourned to this day. There is evidence of the greatest political dulness, both in and out of the House ; and it is not expected we shall have anything like life until the glaring character of the squatting clauses becomes understood. The late rumours of a likelihood of the misunderstanding between England and the Northern States ripening intoawnrhavegivenrise to all sorts of conjee-n lures and probabilities. ' The banks having received telegram via Alexandria, dated London, December ■2wil that in consequence of the probability of a war with the Federal Government, v war premium was charged on all vessels sailed, sailing, or to sail, before tho end of the year, have made mi advance of two per cent, on the rates of exchange. Several houses here have iilso made it the pretext for raising the price of American imports, and our Adelaide neighbours are " turning the penny" by sticking on twenty per cent, on their cotton goods. It is alleged that our Government got some private despatches on t'jc matter, and Hint in consequence of " information received" they have placed a suitable sum on the estimates to make our defences sis formidable as possible. The battery at, Williamstown, which commands the bay, is to be rebuilt and properly mounted with h/mvy guns, and everything is to bu done to make 113 feel comfortable even should an enemy approach us I think, however, a good deal too much is made out of it. One goodwill be done, and that is, the Volunteer movement will receive a great impetus, and there is nothing like being ready when we are wanted.

This week we have had most extraordinary weatlier. Tuesday was a regular " bricktielder." The memory of the oldest inhabitant was taxed in vaiu to find anything to equal it-barring Black Thursday, and many even thought it was nearly as hot as that iiUtoriciit period. About three in the afternoon it felt like standing before a large bush fire, with the wind blowing the heated air in your faea. Tiie thermometer was 140 in the sun and 107 in the shade, and in the evening it wa? 93 in the shade! At Adelaide the heat was something .terrific, being 117 in the shade, and nearly boiling water heat in the sun. So hot indeed was it, that eggs were readily cooked outside. Yesterday, it got quite cool, and to-day, it has commenced to rain, so that the transition is somewhat trying for the constitution; but it is nothing when you're used to it. The rain to-day will postpone the grand cricket match " All England, v. Victoria and Sydney," which will be a sad disappointment to many who have come from a distance to see the All England play. The markets are steady, and a pretty fair business haa bsen done during tha week. Sugars are rising, and at Sydney they have advanced £1 a ton. Brandies are held for higher rates. Flour has been firm, and had reached yesterday £14 los., but [there is now some slight indication of a fall. At Adelaide a reduction has been submitted to, and considering that our stoclw are large, and that the harvest is plentiful, it is not too much, to expect that a corresponding decline will take place here.