VICTORIA.

Southland Times, Issue 951, 15 May 1868, Page 3

VICTORIA.

Fbom the nature the intelligence brought to hand by the Alhambra, it would appear that at last the political " dead-lock " has terminated in Victoria. Prom private advice 3we learn that on the 6th of May, the day on which the steamer sailed from Hobson's Bay, an announcement was made in the Victorian Parliament to. the effect that a Ministry had been formed, exclusively from the Opposition, consisting of the following gentlemen : — Mr Sladen, Chief Secretary ; Mr Langtos - , Treasurer ; Mr M'Donnell, Attorney-G-eneral; Mr Fellows, Minister of Justice : Mr O'Gbady, Minister of Public Works ; Mr G-illes, Minister of Lands ; Mr Hebeeed, Minister of Bailways and Mines ; and Mr Batles, Commissioner of Customs. The only man of note amongst the Ministry is Mr Fellows ; nearly all the the rest are new j to public life. The Dabling grant is to be passed as a separate measure, and as far as the intentions of the new Cabinet are known, they are said to be liberal and conciliatory. On the other hand, the M'Culloch party mustered in force previous to the new Ministry being declared, and affirmed their unalterable determination to abide by the issues as put before the country at the recent elections. So that the Ministry, as at present constituted, represent a decided minority in the House ; nor does there appear to be much probability of a change in the position of parties, even supposing the Governor was to allow another dissolution. Only by great forbearance on the part of the M'Culloch party can the Government be carried on. The present G-overnment are avowedly Free Traders, ahd it is not improbable as soon as the Darling grant question is settled, the subject of Protection

will be opened, but with small chance of being favorable to Eree Trade principles. Victoria has sfc^dily progressed ever since a moderate "tariff was imposed on foreign goods. New industries have sprung up with marvellous rapidity ; the land has been occupied to a large extent, and the revenue shows no signs of diminishing. But it is to be regretted, with all these advantages, that the Victorians cannot, by the display of mutual forbearance, agree to lay aside the bitter feelings that have characterised the actioiis of politicians during the discussion of the unfortunate Dablutg grant, which has almost exclusively occupied the attention of the public during the last couple of years.