Australian Telegrams.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2774, 4 January 1878, Page 2

Australian Telegrams.

(Peu s.B. Tauahua, at the Bluff.)

(I'Klt I'tiKHS AGKNCY.)

•ViKLiiouRKK, December 29.

The principal events in politics have been the rejection by the Council of the Appropriation Bill. It was thought the majority would not have exceeded two or three, but the rejection was unanimous. There was no one to call for a division, and the Council stood very firm. Their rights and privileges had been assailed by the inclusion of the payment of members' vote on the estimates, and they declined to discuss tho merits of the question, but simply voted against the bill as containing an objectionable ilem, purposely placed in the Appropriation Bill, in order to bounce that Chamber into passing it. Nothing is yet known as to the intentions of the Government. Probably no steps will be taken until alter the Christmas holidays. There was a ereat deal of talk about stopping mails and trains, dispensing with the poli«s, and letting loose the prisoner?, but all thnt has ceased, and it is believed matters will go on pretty much as at present, and before long there will be a dissolution, though the Assembly has adjourned to the sth of February. The Council is only adjournel lijl January Bth, in tho evtri <>t' any urgency arising in the meantime. By tho action of the Assembly in adjourning before the Council numbers of important bills have lapsed, including the bill for i''^ eradication of disease in vine?, and tlio Toil ilill; all tolls therefore vow cease at the end of the year. AH hope oi a conference between the Houses on the Railway Bills is at an end, tho committee of both Houses showing no inclination towards a compromise. Sir Samuel Wilson's salmon experiment is so far rcry successful, and tho young salmon have been deposited in a new home, with a very small percentage of loss.

A man named Smith yesterday evening accidentally shot his wife dead at Taradale, whilo examining a loaded pistol. Four theatres are now open in Melbourne, and Bailey and Cooper's Circus opens on Thursday. Owing to news from home, tho colonial war vessel Cerberus has been properly equipped and placed on a war footing. The Indian Famino Fund has closed with over £26,000.

The International Exhibition projee has been finally abandoned.