AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2562, 7 June 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Per Rotomahana at the Bluff.) Melbourne, May 31. At the annual meeting of the Frozen Meat Company, on May 2G, it was reported the net profit of the Protos shipment was £93(3, being live shillings on each sheep, and one penny per pound on beef. The fate of tho Reform Bill is still uncertain though the Corner members are expected to abandon the position recently taken up. It has been posiascertained that Mr Beny’s interview' has reference to a possible dissolution, and fears of this seem to have had the effect or aiming all opposition on his own side, but the difliculty regarding tho franchise on occupiers still remains unsettled, and whilst the Government appear resolved to insist on ten pounds, tho Council will certainly not go beyond their last offer of £25. Mr Berry attended a meeting of tho Anti-Chinese League on tho 27th. Ho expressed sympathy with the objects of tho League, and said a Bill similar to that of How South Wales, would be introduced at the earliest possible moment next session. An anti-Irish land league meeting held yesterday proved a fiasco, owing to tho presence of a largo number of sympathisers of the League, who prevented motions being put. The breach of promise case, Brooks v. Smith, is now before the Supreme Court. It appears the plaintiff, married in 1855, obtained a divorce, and subsequently married Coutts, a draper, of IN ew Zealand. The marriage proving invalid, Coutts refused to legalise it. His wife afterwards met Thos. Conlon Smith, who is said to have promised her marriage, The ease is still proceeding. Apelaide, May 31. Mr Rounscvcll, tho New Treasurer, was charged at the Police Court with having labels for spirits not marked “ Bottled in South Australia.” Mr Roungevcll explained he only lately purchased the spirit business, and pleaded ignorance. llis explanation was accepted and a tine of £5 imposed. , The wheat statistics show that about 140,030 tons of wheat are available for export. The shipments to May 15 were only 85,000. Svdney, May 31, The owner of Progress offered the owner of Mata to make a match for £SOO, but the offer was declined.

[Per Wakatipu at Hokitika.] Melbourne, funol. It is expected the Committee of the Victorian Racing Club will not appoint a secretary till next week. Superintendent Hare is no longer a candidate. Brown, the Jing Jung murderer, is not yet captured. The police are pursuing. He lias been tracked. Tim coroner’s jury at Egerfon returned a verdict of wilful murder against Josephine Houston for drowning her illegitimate child. At the annual meeting of the Colonial Assurance Company a satisfactory report was presented. H 428 policies, assuring £831,000, were issued during the year. The present annual income exceeds £130.000. The Kelly Reward Board is practically defunct, the members having tendered their resignation. Air .Murray Smith explained it was not through rijue, but it was no n.-o .gentlemen giving their I sine and their work to be afterwards set aside. Mr B-.-rry will communicate with the G ivenmieut of Now South Wales on the .■•ui.j.'ct. A !>’■;!. a r i ; . The price of bread has been raised to 3M for the 2;b loaf. Bakers assert that (ho advance is in con-aajucnce of the large demand for -wheat irom Victoria. The Chimborazo used the electric light to facilitate the discharge of her G. and IF. Bennett’s insolvency case occupied the Court yesterday. The elder insolvent stated ho had lost

£IOOO betting during the last nine months. He had drawn from business during the last four years and a half over £IO,OOO. His loss through keeping racehorses was £4200. Simon Bennett, the younger son, had drawn £I3OO from the business without authority. The case was adjourned.