AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2550, 24 May 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

The Te Anau, which arrived at the Bluff yesterday, brings the following items up to May 17 : Major Smith, Minister of Education, Melbourne spoke yesternight in very favorable terms of the educational system of New Zealand, especially in Dunedin where its success was most marked. He was much struck with the high average attendance at primary schools, which was much in excess of Victoria. He suggested the adoption of the system of endowment by grants of land in Victoria. The proposal to construct tramways is meeting with much opposition in certain surburban districts, Mr Berry moreover, does not appear to view the proposal with favor, and will take no steps of his own to initiate the power of constructing lines. A large meeting of the congregation of Scots Church met yesternight to express sympathy with the Rev. Mr Strong at the recent proceedings. They also desired to give him a strong substantial increase in stipend, but at his request the proposal was withdrawn. The police Commissioner visited Greta on May 4th, where .he heard the statements which Kelly’s mother and sister had made reflecting on the conduct of the police. One railway laborer, who was confined in Jones’ Hotel, said he could not leave the building owing to the heavy and continuous fire of the police. A keen contest has been carried on in the Press as to the merits of the American Waltham and Swiss watches. This is now set at rest by the former being recipients of the only two gold medals in the Department of Horology, where the Commissioner finally decided not to award a medal to any Swiss exhibitor Private advices from the Cape state the young Princes aboard the Bacchante serve strictly as midshipmen, no official surroundings-or ceremony being permitted. It is doubtful therefore whether they will be publicly received in Melbourne. Secretary Odgers is seriously ill, but his medical advisers have hopes of his ultimate recovery. The Hon. W. J. Clarke, President of the Exhibition, formally presented Messrs Castelia and Rowan with the Emperor of Germany’s prize on May May 13. Among those present were representatives of the other firms who were recommended for the prize. Mr Todd, the Adelaide PostmasterGeneral, lately had a consultation with Mr Langridge on the question of the colonies entering into an International Reunion. It was finally settled that Mr Jackson, the Melbourne DeputyPostmaster, should prepare a scheme under which it is considered likely all the Australian colonies will be induced to join the Union. Sydney. A representative from England has visited the colony, and obtained a number of local directors for a new company which is forming ia Scotland with a million capital for investment in freehold and squatting properties. He returns to England next mail. The returns of a few places are only wanting to complete the census of New South Wales, which will be about 750.000, made up as follows ;—Sydney 103.000, suburbs 121,000 country 526.000,