Australian Telegrams.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2599, 7 May 1877, Page 3

Australian Telegrams.

P.EB S.S. UINGABOOMA,

(Pee Pkess Ageivcy.)

■ Bluff, Sunday. MelbottbnjE, April 30. The Premier announced the Government policy at Warrnarabool. It includes a reduction of twenty per cent, of the duties for the. purpose of freeing trade, a land tax, and a stamp tax, which will be sufficient to meet the reduction from the ■Customs. Legislative Council reform is promised by increasing the number of members and provinces, lowering the qualifications of electors and members. The time for holding land before a title is granted is to be increased from three to ten years. A Mining on Private Property Bill and Civil Service Reform Bill are amongst' the principal measures promised. The policy generally has been favourably received. Berry and Casey have been very bitter against it, and there is a promise of a want of confidence motion assoon as the new House meets. The elections are occupying all the public attention, and some excitement exists.

■r. Colonel Serolibly and Sir Wm. Jervis commence their duties here on the work of cfefc^be about June. They begin first in Sydney. • ; Fire men belonging to the. Admiralty surveying vessel were lost last week in Bank's Straits through the boat upsetting during a squall. Richard Ford, town clerk of Ballarat, has been appointed secretary to the New Harbor Trust Commission at a salary of £750 a year. There were sixty applicants. ','■."

The railway to Dunkeld has been opened 47 miles from Ararat. Business is improving. The markets are hardening on receipt; of war news. The theatres are not doing much. There are four now open, besides other places of amusement.

Mrs Jury, the real sister of Arthur Orton, has come out expecting to see her brother in the Paramatta Asylum. Very heavy rains have fallen, and it is now turning out cold and wintry.