AUSTRALIAN.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 59, 19 July 1884, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, July 12. — It is announced that Mr James Service, Premier, has been offered knighthood. A banquet was given by -the Government in the Parliament House last evening, to celebrate the arrival of the Victorian gunboats and the inauguration of the new defence system, two hundred guests were present, and the event passed off with eclat. The smallpox patients at the Hospital are progressing satisfactorily towards recovery. Sir William Jervois arrived here on Saturday from Sydney, overland. He was formally received by Mr Service and other Ministers on his arrival at the railway terminus, a guard of honour being present. His Excellency is staying at the Oriental Hotel. Melbourne, July 15. — Sir Henry Loch, the Governor-elect, is expected to arrive here at 2 p.m. to-day. The vessels of the i Victorian navy will act as convoys from the

1 loads to Hobson's Bay, and will firo i salute on Ills Excellency's landing. Tolograms from Tasmania report that i scvero carthqnako was oxporionced there last ovoning. Tlie shock was also felfc in {his colony. Mkliiouhne, .luly 15. — Quarantine has boon established hero for yes.sol« arriving from French ports in consequence of the outbreak of cholera a-t Marseilles and Toulon. Sydney, July 11.— Sir "NY. Jorvois inspected tho local defencos and works in progross, yesterday. His Excellency loaves for Melbourne to-day. At to-day s meeting- of the Presbyterian Conference, a resolution was adoptod favouring the union of the Presbyterian Churchos in Australasia. Bkisbaxk, -July 10. — In tho Legislative Assembly this aftornoon, a draft bill for the constitution of tho proposod Australasian Fedoral Council A\as under consideration. Tho measuro was severely criticised by Mr Macros.san, who, however, agreed to tho desirability of federation. BiiisiuMi, July II. — Tho Address-in-lleply to Iho Governor's speech has boon agreed to by both Houses of Parliamont.