AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2136, 26 January 1880, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

- (By Telegraph.) (Per Eotomahana at the Bluff.) BLUFF, Jan 26. The Botomahana arrived at the Bluff at 1 p.m,, with 800 tons cargo and 225 passengers. She left Melbourne at 5.30 p.m. on Jan. 20, arrived at Hoharttown on 22nd, sailed same day, and reached Milford Sound at 1 p.m. on the 25th.

; . VICTORIA. Parliament re-assemhles on the 26th. The Opposition is ready to assist Government in winding up the business with a view to a speedy dissolution. Stormy, scenes however are expected. Electioneering has commenced. The Opposition have received cordial invitations to address public meetings all over the country and they meet a good reception, in towns where two years ago they would not he allowed a public platform. ' The Government supporters look upon. the two main principles of the Reform Bill as dead—viz. the 6th clause providing for a nominee chamber and indications of enthusiasm for the plebiscite are wanting. Tlie Government is ridiculed for prohibiting the performance at the Academy of Music of a-political burlesque entitled “Happy Land,” in which it was intended to represent several of the principal characters as members of the Ministry. On the day of performance the “Argus*’and “Age” published the text of the play, when the public were surprised to find the satire unobjectionhle. This display of theatrical censorship has evoked much feeling. The management of the theatre offered to “ cut” anything the Government disliked, and even to allow Mr Berry to write his own eulogies, but lie declined to permit the production of anything beyond the original version of “ Happy Land.” The theatre was crowded on the first night. The actors ingeniously evaded the prohibition by going as near the original text as possible, and pointing out the omissions with the remark, “ That is prohibited.” The publication of the text greatly helped them. It is believed Berry intends to cancel the license of the theatre. If so, it is certain to raise a party discussion in Parliament.