AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2206, 14 April 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Bv TmmoKAi’ii.] (Per Tararua at the Bluff.) VICTORIA. Sir dins. McMahon (Ministerialist), and Messrs Lalorand Grant (Opposition), arc believed to be candidates for the Speakership. The permanent buildings for the Exhibition arc approaching completion. It is expected all will be in readiness to receive exhibits on the Ist dune. The. death is announced of Lord William Brooke Phipps, second son of the Marquis of Xormanby, at San Rcnio, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health.

T 1 ie Irish Relief Fund closed on April G. The total subscriptions in Victoria were .128,000. A Frozen Meat Exportation Company has been formed with a capital of £IOO,OOO.

It is stated an Australian company is about to invest largely in sugar lands in Fiji. One hundred thousand pounds is mentioned as the capital. NEW SOUTH WALES. A Bill introduced by Sir H. Parkcs declaring the Council has never had the power to amend money bills, has been read a first time. The Bill further declares the Council shall not have power to make such amendments in future.

Sir Alfred Stephen submitted to the Council resolutions affirming its power to amend money and taxation bills, so long as the increase or diminution of taxation is not involved. The resolutions were shelved, the previous question being carried. On a debate in the Council on the Education Bill, a proposal to make education entirely free was negatived. The quarter's revenue shows a decrease of £201,003. The land tax and customs decreased ; spirit duties, railway and postal departments increased. The decrease in the land revenue is £210,000. Messrs Cook and Son’s agent states he has obtained important facilities fi’om the New Zealand Government and Union Company for English and American visitors during the Melbourne Exhibition. The Political Reform Union passed a resolution that no future legislation in reference to Chinese bo admitted which does not provide for a poll-tax of £lO for every Chinese arriving in the colony.

(Per s.s. Rotorua at Eusscll.) VICTORIA. Mr Berry, addressing the Reform League moating at Brunswick, attributed the defeat of the Liberals to the superior organisation of their oj ponents, and dual voting. Both these were matters for reform. He was not depressed at the result of the election, because he had the confidence of the people. M‘Larcu, believed to be well known as an agitator in New Zealand and Sydney, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for housebreaking. The Associated Banks’ meeting resolved not to reduce discount rates.

A meeting of members of the Australian Mutual Provident Society was

strongly hostile to the Sydney proposition to abolish proxy voting.

QUEENSLAND

The revenue returns for the quartet arc published, showing an increase olithe corresponding quarter of £.30,971. Very rich find's are reported from the Palmer. The Government grant for the representation oil the colony at the Melbourne Exhibition is £4OOO. It is determined to make a thorough and effective display. Excitement has been caused be the rumoured gold discovery in the Ibtsja Mountains. NEW SOUTH WALES. Mr Simpson, M.P., has presented 150 guineas, damages recovered in a recent assault ease, to the Sydney Infirmary. _ A company is being formed at Denihquin, with a capital of £20,000, for a slaughtering and freezing depot. Captain l)avis, of the schooner Mavis, was lost overboard.