AUSTRALIA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2178, 11 March 1880, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

[Reuter’s Agency.] The New Victorian Programme. Melbourne, March 10. —The Hon. Mr Service, at Maldon to-night, expounded the Government programme# and maintained his own scheme of reforms. The question of franchise for the Council has not quite been decided upon. The Government propose to empower the Council to expunge those items involving motives of policy from the Appropriation Act, dealing therewith by a separate Bill. It is also proposed to sub-divide the Malice country into small blocks, and rent them to the highest bidder, but all agricultural areas to remain untouched; squatters to be allowed to hold land subject to selection. The administration of railwa}#s to be entrusted to a Commission or Board. He announced that Civil Service reforms would take place upon a basis of reduction of salaries of all classes of new officials. He proposed the abolition of pensions, civilians being compelled to insure their lives, and every facility would be given them to do so. In regard to the Harbor Trust, he said their powers would be enlarged. He estimated the year’s deficiency at £305,000 after a deduction of £300,000. He referred to lapsed votes, and stated that officials would be prohibited from interfering in politics, and said the Government would endeavor to remedy in justice done by their predecessors wherever such was practicable. He would not interfere with Protection, whilst relieving farmers and miners, nor alter the Education Act. The payment of Members was unmentioned. The Xiords Reprimanded. Hobabtown, March 10. The Assembly last night passed a resolution declaring the action of the Legislative Council in adjourning its sittings for three months, in consequence of the alleged discourtesy of the Government to be unconstitutional. A Foraging Party. Brisbane, March 10. —A large number of blacks made a raid yesterday upon a station near Georgetown, and drove away a large mob of cattle.