QUEENSLAND.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 246, 28 February 1860, Page 4

QUEENSLAND.

(From the Sydney Morning Herald's Correspondent.) Brisbane, February 7m—ln addition to the candidates mentioned in my last as having come forward with addresses, are to be noticed Mr. John Watts, of Eton Vale, who has complied with the requisition from tbe eleotors of Drayton and Toowomba, and Mr. H. W. Coxen, who has presented himself for the Miiranca. Mr. John Terrett and others are spoken of for the same electorate, but Mr, Coxen is the only one of as yet who is really before the public. It is clear that all the more populous constituencies will be well contested. Mr. Blakeney, who is in the field for Brisbaue, has announced himself to be opposed to any duty on tea and sugar, and in lieu thereof proposes " a moderate stamp duty on bills of exchange, promissory and bankers notes, conveyances, mortgages, probates, and succession to real estate," which he thinks would more than compensate for the loss of revenue caused by the abolition of the tea and sugar duties. In this last scheme of taxation Mr. Blakeney is backed by the Brisbane press, but I hope the electors will ponder well before they give their countenance to an impost so vexatious as would be a stamp tax, especially among scattered population like ours where its effect would be to interfere injuriously in a thousand ways with every branch of industry. Conveyances are expensive enough already, even without a stamp—so expensive in fact that sm*ill purchasers cannot afford in many cases to complete their title—and borrowers of, money have already a sufficient obstacle to contend with in the high rate of interest, without having superadded to that and the legal fees a stamp on the mortgage deed. In short, nothing but absolute necessity could justify the imposition of a stamp duty, which even in England, where they are well broken in to such things, is unpopular and troublesome to all concerned. These recommendations of new imposts however are rather prematurely brought forward. Before a system of taxation can be discussed with advantage we ought first to ascertain the amount of revenue that will be required. I have no doubt ours will be found, on examination, to be quite ample from ordinary sources, and will not require to be supplemented by the imposition of vexatious taxes.

The ketch Canada, which it appears was despatched to the mouth of the Burdekin to loi.-k out for Mr. Dalrymple and his party, had returned to Rockhamptom after an unsuccessful trip. The information is communicated by a correspondent of the Courier, and is not so full as could be wished. It does not appear from it whether the outlet of the Burdekin was really found, or what extent of the coast was examined in searching for it. It is likely, however, that you have fuller as well as later information on the subject than we possess. Supposing that Mr. Dalrymple's further successful progress depended upon his being met and relieved at the Burdekin, tbe difficulties of his expedition are sure to be greatly increased if this is not done. H. M. S. Cordelia i 3 at present to the northward cruizing about in search of tlie crew ot the Sapphire, and it is just possible that some information may by this means be obtained ofthe expedition. In any case the progress of colonisation in the north has no*. advanced so far that the discovery of the m-mth of the Burdekin has become a d-esider-atum.

A fatal accident has happened at Ipswich to a man named Robert Wilkinson, senior. The deceased was driving an empty water-cart, on which lie was seated, along the street, when the vehicle came in contact with the comer of a building, and the concussion threw him forward on the horse's back. At this the animal took fright and bolted, but had not proceeded far when tbe deceased fell to the ground, one of the wheels passing over his chest. He was at once picked up, but expired almost immediately after. Some arrangement has been made by which a supply of postage stamps has been obtained from S}dney, greatly to the relief of the community, who iound a return to the old practice of paying in cash exceedingly troublesome and inconvenient.

The lockups of Ipswick, Drayton, and Maryborough, have been proclaimed public prisons for the reception and detention of prisoners committed for trial. This was necessary, previous to the holding of Circuit Courts at the above places.

Tenders for making such alterations in the Court House buildings as will fit them for Legislative Chambers, and for furnishing the same, have been called for, to be lodged on or before the llth instant. The additions to the post-office are commenced, and the Municipal Council have called for tenders for repairing the roads and streets leading into the city from Fortitude Valley. The Council are proceeding steadily and judiciously with their work, and what with their improvements, and additions to, and alterations in the Government buildings, Biisbane will soon cut out a very respectable figure. The place has all at once become exceeding stylish.—Only recently the Government Resident's dog-cart was the only equipage to be seen in the streets; but carriages in every variety of style are now to be hourly witnessed whirling along.

Late on Sunday night we were visited by a thunder storm accompanied with heavy rain, but it was of short duration. Last night there was much vivid lightning and a very slight shower. This morning is cloudy and cool with a southerly wind, but I regret to say with little appearance of a further [supply of rain.