INTERCOLONIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1606, 16 July 1872, Page 3

INTERCOLONIAL.

Melbourne, July sth. A League lias been formed to secure the adoption of a system of free and Tinsectarian education. Mr Francis consents to the arrangements made by the previous Government for the collection of the Border duties, but would prefer the payment of a lump sum. The resignation of Mr Childera, the Agent-General, is expected, in consequence of the action taken by Mr Francis. A determined attempt to commit suicide was made by a prisoner at Pentridge. He threw himself from a balcony, but escaped almost uninjured. A clerk in the employment of the Australasian Insurance Company has been committed for trial on a charge of embezzlement. 1200 invitations have been issued for the Governor's birthday ball. Little Dick is fancied for the Metropolitan, and 10 to one is offered on him. Mr Duffy, in a speech delivered by him at Kyneton, said that the Border Customs question, which had been brought almost to a conclusion, had been again unsettled by a proposal from the Government, which New South "Wales ought not to accept, and which Victoria could not sanction. He deplored the fickleness of democratic public opinion, and ascribed the defeat of his party to the sectarian element aroused by the Press. He was prepared to give energetic support to any Liberal party against whom it was impossible to raise the " No Popery" cry. The mail advices have caused increased firmness in prices generally. Sugars are firm ; white crystals are at £42 10s, and yellow at £44 10s. Tasmanian hops are at £11 10s. Oats are quiet, at 3s Id. Maize in demand at 3a 2d. Flour is quoted at £16 10s, and wheat at 6s 6d to 7s 3d. Hennessey's brandy ia quoted at 6s 9d per gallon, or 26s per case. Considerable sales of tea have taken place. 2500 (chests ?) brought from 9d to lid per Ib. Sydney, July 5. H.M.S. Dido has arrived, to relieve the Eosario. Considerable anxiety is felt for the safety of the ship Ariel, which is now 153 days out from London. The general opinion is that the Legislative Assembly will not grant the telegraph monopoly. The produce sales have not been much i affected by tlie English telegrams. A late telegram from London says that wool is in active request, and that prices are very little lower than those ruling lately. The latest English, telegrams report that bar iron has advanced £1, and galvanised iron £2, per ton ; copper was quoted at £112. A man named Dunn has died in hospital from the effects of a blow inflicted during a quarrel. A man named Eose has given himself up as a prisoner, saying that he struck the blow that caused Dunn's death. One Alfred Stokes has been stuck up by a masked man near Forbes. The heavy cannon received from England for the protection of Sydney harbor have been placed in position. News received from Ouvea, in the Loyalty Group, report the occurrence of a terrible struggle between the Roman Catholic and Protestant natives. The former were the conquerors. The late European news has strengthened the breadstuffs market, but no actual advance in prices has taken place. Sugar has advanced 20s. There is a better enquiry for tea, in consequence of China advices. Candles have declined. Tobacco is firm. Li.TTNCEBTON. Traffic haß been discontinued on the Launceston and Deloraine railway, for want of funds,