AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2509, 5 April 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[By Ti3iiuci»Ai-rr.l

(Per Arawata at the Bluff.)

VICTORIA. Melbourne, March 29,

The electors of North Melbourne have reqnested James Munro 4o become a candidate for that constituency, A meeting of ministers of all denominations has been called for this afternoon to consider the exclusion of clergymen from Parliament, The Hereford has been carefully examined in dock. It is found that the vessel’s bottom is seriously damaged, and £IO,OOO will be required to make her seaworthy.

A London telegram announces the death of Sir Charles Reed, the Chairman of the London School Board.

It is generally believed the political crisis is now ended, and that the Legislative Council will directly or indirectly acquiesce in the introduction of a Government Eeform Bill, thus reversing the President’s ruling.

The Estimates will be proceeded with to day. Everything is being done to wind up business as soon as possible. Major Smith, Minister of Education, is a passenger by the Arawata to-day. NEW SOUTH WALES. It is stated that proceedings will be instituted ip the Police Court against the persons liable for the construction of the Town Hall foundation. The Wolverine sails next month for New Zealand, the Comorant goes to the Solomons, the Miranda goes to Fiji and Samoa, whither the German men-of-war Habriecht and Hertta are proceeding probably with a view to annexation. The Captain of the Orient gave a luncheon aboard, the menu consisting exclusively of London delicacies all of which were subject to refrigeration during the voyage. Murdoch the cricketer has been made a bankrupt. It is stated that Murdoch did not receive any of the profits of the cricketing tour. Latest news from Mount Brown diggings speaks of the great scarcity of ■water prevailing. A report to the de jjartment of mines states that it is downright madness for people to rush there owing to absence of water. The Sydney agent of the London Missionary Society has received a telegram confirming the news of the massacre on Thursday Island. He states that at Hulu four teachers were killed with two of their wives, four children, and two natives. The reason assigned is a desire for notoriety and the fact that other massacres have been unpunished. Four natives escaped by swimming. The teachers from other stations have been removed to Port Moresby. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. News has been received of the successful floating of a company in London, with a capital 'of a quarter of a million to work the mines in the north. It is stated that the Rev, C. H. Spurgeon intends to visit Australia in a few months. QUEENSLAND. Mr Palmer has received a telegram to the effect that all the evidence in the steel rails case so far clearly favors Mcllwraith. Plentiful rains have fallen in many parts of the colony. At Eeidsville the heaviest flood has occurred that has been experienced for ten years. The trains to Eeidsville are stopped owing

to the dangerous approach to the bridges. (Per Rotomahana at Russell.) NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, March. 31. In the Assembly, Melville s motion for closing the public library and museum on Sundays was introduced, and after a long debate negatived by 44 to 42.

Mr Partes stated that the Govern, ment hoped to prorogue on April 5. Prom the number of census papers required there is every reason to believe that the population of the colony as foreshadowed some time ago Ity the Premier will be found nearly equal to that of Victoria. There is no fresh news from Mount Bowen. At Temora, in consequence of the I’eceut rains, there is now sufficient water in the dams to wash fifteen hundred loads exclusive of the deep lead water shafts. VICTORIA. The Executive Committee of the Exhibition had decided to confine the the issue of medals to awards iu the first class. In the Assembly on Tuesday the Land Tax Dill occupied the whele evening. Mr Berry made an impassioned speech. He said the tax was proposed to discourage the monopoly of those who held large estates. The people would not be ccuped up or blinded by any sophistry. Public opinion on this question was not dead but sleeping. He inveighed against owners of large estates. In reply to a deputation, Mr Berry stated that it was the intention of Government to advocate a fresh loan shortly. A caucus of the Legislative Council was held on Tuesda}', when it was agreed to negative Mr Read’s motion and disagree with the ruling of the President. Notice will be given to waive all technical objections and proceed with the Bill on its merits. QUEENSLAND. Further particulars regarding the men who landed near Keppel Bay on Monday, show that (hey had plenty of provisions and money. The Italians stated that they wanted to return to New Caledonia via Melbourne, where they desire to see the Italian Consul-General.