Australian Telegrams.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2814, 20 February 1878, Page 2

Australian Telegrams.

Pjgß S.S. IioTOEUA. (PER PIIESS AOENCY.) Melbo chink, February 13. There has been nothing of a startling nature in political circles during the week.

Tho Assembly has passed a dictatorial resolution asserting Us right to make the rotes legally available lor expenditure upon passing the Assemby. The motion was not debated at length, and was eventually carried by 29 votes. Yesterday Mr Berry proposed a resolution for an address to tho Queen, setting forth the circumstances of tho crisis. This was considered necessary in view of an appeal to the Home Government for an c teruticti of the constitution, which it is said is to f«ko the form of a nominee Up-

per House. In the course of the debate it was suggested a compromise might be nrrived at by the Council passing the Payment of Members Bill, and ihc Government withdrawing the item from the Appropriation Bill. Although no member of the Government responded, several of the supporters said if it was agreed to the Ministry must give way to sterner men. This was received with applause by the supporters generally. On the rising the Assembly was adjourned to the sth of March.

Several scenes occurred in the Assembly last night. The crisis is now being really felt, and especially by the tradespeople. Business never was so dull in any branch of trade. Ho person will speculate in laud or property of any description, and duluess reigns everywhere —even the theatres and places of amusement find a great difference in their attendance. Shortly the mechanics, artisans, and laborers generally will feel the effects, as building operations are paralysed, and persons will not lay out money at the present juncture. Several large and important buildings which were commenced have been indefinitely postponed. Tenders have been accepted for the erection of the Wilson Hall at the University for £35,910, the generous gift of Sir Samuel Wilson. A number of casualties hare been latterly reported. Two brothers named Hutchins were smothered in a shaft by foul air while sinking for a well on a station near Warnambool.

Yesterday a schoolboy of 15, named I Percy Campbell, committed suicide on the railway. Me had his head completely i severed from his body. The cause was a lore affair. Later in the day a woman drowned herself in the river through unrequited love. A fire occurred at Port Albert yesterday, and destroyed five shops, which were mostly insured very heavily. Mild rains have fallen all over the country. The benefit is invaluable. The drought is now completely broken. Over £500 have been collected towards a testimonial .to SirEedmond Barry. The steamer Golden Crown, formerly running in the Thames river trade, changed hands yesterday for £7,800 at a compulsory sale. The opera " Dil Fledermans" is the principal attraction just how at the Opera House, which is represented by a strong caste, including Madame Simonscn. The other theatres are doing little. New Zealand oats are in good demasd, and have advanced considerably. The banks have raised their rate of discount 1 per cent, all round. Sir John Coode, the eminent engineer, is engaged on the harbor works. His report is likely to be exhaustive and valuable. Henry Brettle, a labouring man at Sandhurst, kicked his wife in the abdomen last night and killed her.