AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2237, 19 May 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.) (Per Tararua at the Bluff.) Bluff, May 19. The Tararua left Melbourne, on May 18, at 9 a.ra. Arrived at Hobart Town on the 15tli, at 7.30 a.m., left at 3 p.m.; passed the Solanders on the 19th at 1 a.m., arriving at the Bluff at 7 this morning. She sails at 8 p.m. for Dunedin. Experienced light variable winds and fine weather to Hobart Town, thence encountered a strong S.E. gale with heavy sea till arrival. Saloon passengers for Dunedin —Mr, Mrs, and Miss McTavish, Mrs Ellen, Mrs Smith, Eev. Dr Eoseby, Messrs Dudley, Douglas, Halfaide, Mr and Mrs Scott, family and servant, and 7 steerage. For Lyttelton —-Hon. Wm. Clifford, Mrs Arrnitage, 2 children, and servant, Messrs Corner, Fisher, Gi. Thompson, and 7 steerage. For Wellington—Eev. and Mrs Habens, Misses Evans, Simcock, and Labourne, Messrs Sargcaut and Nicholls, and 7 steerage. For Nelson —Mr Caine. For Auckland —Miss Coleman, Messrs Kerr, Eonalds, and 8 steerage. YICTOEIA. The following is a summary up to May 13 The Governor formally opened Parliament yesterday afternoon. There was a numerous attendance. The Speech, which His Excellency read sitting, says. —“ I have called you together at an earlier period than usual in order to afford time for the consideration of the important measures which will be laid before you. The necessary works required to place the colony in a state of defence against possible aggression arc now in course of construction. Gentlemen of acknowledged fitness have

been appointed on behalf of the colony to give advice on this matter; The build-, ings for the Exhibition are approaching completion. The Commissioners estimate the total expenditure at £320,000 but the receipts will reduce this to a quarter of a million, A large area of the land that has been settled upon in various portions of the colony, is totally unprovided with water, and in the summer the population lias consequently suffered great losses and privation. The conservation of water will therefore be necessary, and with this intention a Board has been appointed to report and submit proposals for the accomplishment of this object. All the lines of railway authorised by Parliament have been opened for traffic. My advisers arc fully persuaded of the necessity _of new lines to meet growing requirements, and, proposals will be submitted with this'dbject.’’ He then refers to the Judicature Commission for the purpose of considering the blending of law and equity, whose report is now awaited. The speech says that the signs of great depression in trade and commerce which prevailed so long and affected so seriously all classes of the community arc passing away. The late abundant harvest, the high prices obtained for wool, the speedy prospect of frozen meat becoming an almost unlimited article of export, and the restoration of public confidence will materially assist in promoting the general prosperity. In the preparation of the estimates of expenditure provision had been made for the maintenance of the public service on an economical footing. His advisers considered it their first duty to submit ameasure dealing with the grave question of constitutional reform, and trust it will receive the earliest and most attentive consideration. Several land Acts, now in operation, expire at the close of the year, and a measure will be submitted making provision for the settlement and pastoral occupation of the remainder of the unalienated Crown lands. Nearly 1200 miles of railway are now open. It is considered that the time has arrived for a more economical and efficient system of the management for the State railways, and a Bill will be introduced with that object. An amendment of the Public Service Act is urgently required, but his advisers are persuaded that permanent reductions in the public service cannot be secured and maintained until a radical change is made in the conditions on which sons are allowed to enter it. A measure with that object will be submitted. The Speech went on to refer to mining on private property, the recent discoveries of payable gold in quartz reefs, and directed attention to the unsecurity of tenure in mining property. It stated that an amendment would be proposed giving greater security to hona fide holders. The Bills which it is intended to introduce were then enumerated.

Mr Service will propose his Reform Bill immediately the debate on the address is concluded. It is understood the Opposition will not move an amendment to the speech, but a severe criticism is expected. Mr Gaunson in a speech severely condemned the Ministry, declaring their re-election illegal and the whole course of their proceedings unconstitutional.

A large anti-Chinese meeting was held yesternight. The “ Argus ” in an article points out that the number of Chinese in Victoria has largely decreased of late years, and that serious competition with Europeans is improbable. ■ The summons against Gatehouse has been adjourned. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Dowrington’s solicitors decline to make the apology demanded by Ward. They say they would have been willing to apologise before the action was commenced and declare that the alleged libol was written without malice. TASMANIA. It is stated that Colonel Angelo succeeds to the command of the Volunteers. (Per Wakatipu at Wellington.) VICTORIA, Parliament was opened by Commission on May 12. Thirty-five members attended a caucus. It was resolved to withdraw Mr Grant’s name from the Speakership; that Mr Berry should continue to act as leader; and that no factious opposition should be offered to thd Ministry. On the names of candidates for the Speakership being road, a division was taken. McMahon received 44, and Lalor 39 votes. There were 85 members present out of 86, — Mr Mason, against whom a rule nisi for sequestration of his estate had been granted, was the only absentee. 47 sat on the Ministerial benches, and 38 on the Opposition. Messrs Graves, Hunt, and Sergeant, who voted against Mr Berry’s Reform Bill, now sit in the Opposition corner. The will of the late Mr Menzios, hotelkeeper, has been proved at £30,650. A seam of good coal has been discovered four miles from Coleraine. Soon after the Orient left Plymouth, and when near St. Vincent, a passenger named Travers jumped overboard, and was drowned. A third-class passenger named Scott was also missed, and it is believed he jumped overboard. The actual steaming time of the Orient .was 34 daye 11 hours. NEW SOUTH WALES. Lord Loftus has started in business as a poultry breeder. In explanation of the recent fall in wool as compared with the opening sales, the Sydney “ Morning Herald” stated it to he due to a decrease] in French demands in consequence of strikes in France. District Engineer Berthon, at Miranda, while temporarily insane, escaped from his ■watchers and committed suicide. A woman named Thompson and her daughter, charged with smothering the illegitimate twins of the elder prisoner, ■were acquitted in consequence of the indecisive nature of the medical testimony. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. A peculiar case occurred at Hindmarsh A man named Cousins, formerly of New Zealand, and having property to the value of £IOOO, died suddenly. An inquest elicited the facts that he was recently taken into the house of a Mrs Collins, and that he made a will in her favor; that she gave him brandy contrary to the doctor’s orders, and would not let his friends see him. The jury decided that the deceased died from natural causes, accelerated by the treatment of Mrs Collins. QUEENSLAND. Blacks attacked the miners at Mul-

grave on the 10th, and attempted to carry; off their tools. One "European was wounded. The tent of two miners catching fire while the occupants were drunk, one was terribly burnt, and has since died. The other ,made no effort to escape, and was saved by being dragged out by the legs. , J The Brisbane Licensing Bench announced that all applications for renewal of licenses to wooden houses would he refused. The. intimation creates considerable excitement, most of the second-rate hotels in the, city being of wood.