Australian.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2044, 23 July 1875, Page 2

Australian.

SYDNEY.

: July 16. ; The Sydney Morning; Herald understands that since the mail contract was signed some difficulty has arisen from the fact that the solicitors of the American company have expressed doubts as to the power of the directors under their charter to enter into joint contract with other r par ties. The English, solicitors do not appear to see any difficulty in the matter, but a plan has been proposed for getting over the difficulty, which is not considered very formidable. ! The ]Sfew South Wales Legislative Assembly have agreed to the Legislative; Council's amendments in the Marriage with the Deceased. Wife's Sisters Bill, so that the measure, now only awaits the Governor;s assent to become law. ; '

The price paid to Joshua Brothers for their sugar works, including 20 cargoes of sugar, is. £500,000. ,-

The Committee of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce have acquiesced in the proposal'of the Brisbane Chamber for a conference on; intercolonial reciprocity, and suggests Melbourne, or Sydney if more conyeriient, for the meeting.

An entertainment is to. be given at Sydney for .the benefit of those who suffered froiii the recent floods in-'tkV south of France. The German Glee Club offered the .first aid. ;

New tariff proposals have been.made in the Victorian Parliament. i.

The proposal of the GoVernment to levy a land tax, so that the wealthy might contribute a fair share, fixes the tax as follows :—All owners of land of 321 acres to 2000 acres to pay 4d per acre per annum; 2000 acres and upwards, 6d per acre. Holders of land under 320 acres to be exempt. This tax will produce £150,000. It is also proposed to tax house property as follows i-^LTrider the value of £75 to be exempt. Value £150, 6d in the pound; over £150, 9d ; to be levied on owners, not tenants. This tax will produce £57,000.. It is also proposed to levy a duty on banks equal to 2 per cent; on the notes in circulation; the Stamp Duties to be increased; and a tax levied on absentee holders of property to the amount of 2J per cent.; and to place a tax of 5 per cent, on all businesses not otherwise taxed. i

. The Government propose to remit the Customs duties to the extent of £230,000.

The Treasurer proposes, that the £200,000 set apart from the land revenue: for three years for, the construction of railways shall be used for building schools. He intends to ask Parliament to borrow £2,330,000 from the London market for the construction of railways and other public works. The total amount of the new taxation proposed will be £517,000. --- ...

The, New South Wales Governmentintend to recommend the validation;of the contract made by Cooper.,and Kussell for the Francisco fork service via Fiji. -