AUSTRALIA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2232, 13 May 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIA.

[Reuter’s Agency.] Victorian Politics. Melbourne, May 11

Parliament was opened to-day by Commission. Sir Charles Macmahon was elected Speaker by 54 to 39. All the new members present were sworn in. Tho Speech states the defences of tho colony arc being proceeded with. The International Exhibition is to bo opened in Gctober. The estimated cost is £320,000, Receipts are expected to bring in £70,000. Mr Bird has been appointed to report on the question of water supply. Further extensions of the railways in the colony will be undertaken, A now Judicature Bill is now under consideration. Tho depressed state of trade is passing away, harvest prospects being favorable, and a return of prosperity to the colony may. bo expected. Tho speech indicated that the now measures to be brought forward for tho consideration of Parliament will include a Bill for the occupation of unalicnated lauds ; for economical railway management ; for civil service; for water conservation ; for mining on public property ; for suppression of tho rabbit nuisance ; and for making better provision for the public health. A census of the colony is shortly to bo taken.

The Address in Reply has been moved and seconded, and notice of motion has been made re payment of members. Wo Religious Endowment. Sydney, May 12. In the Legislative Assembly last night a resolution adverse to granting laud for church sites was carried against the Government. WTow Zealand Kerosene. The prospectus was published to-day of a company to be formed for the purpose of working the Poverty Bay Shale.