Australian Telegrams.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2885, 15 May 1878, Page 2

Australian Telegrams.

(Peb s.s. Alhambea)

(Peb Press Agency.)

Melboubnb, May 9th.

Political matters continue quiet.

Mr Berry, at a meeting of the Reform League, stated that a Reform Bill would bt the only measure introduced next session.

A dissolution appears inevitable, but only after the bill has passed the Assembly.

Mr Francis, who is a candidate for the Warrnambool seat, will be opposed by Mr Nbonan of the Reform League.

On Friday night a complimentary banquet was given to Mr Frames, when he stated he had come forward for West Melbourne as a living protest against the act of the Ministry on the Bth January.

The Cable Conference is to be held today. All the colonies except West Australia are represented. New Zealand sends no delegates, but forwards a written view.

The Agent-Generalship becomes vacant next year. It is unlikely that Mr Michie will be re • appointed. Sir Bryan O'Loughlen has been mentioned, as well as Sir C. Gavan Duffy.

The defence of the Heads is being actively proceeded-with under the super* intendence of Colonel Scratchley.

A movement initiated amongst the Reform League Club for the annexation of New Guinea to Victoria, and the formation of an association for a colonisation scheme, is regarded as chimerical. Some tolerably good observations of the transit of Mercury were taken on Tuesday. ..-.•■■ '■;. - - ■■"'' ■ ■■' •■ ' The Presbyterian Assembly yesterday almost unanimously supported the singing of anthems in the Collins street Scot* Church. A few failures have occurred. 'The principal one is Brodie, Candon and Co., drapers. •'Liabilities . £38,000; deficiency £13,000. A fair amount of business is doing in the markets. '.•■.', Stdnbt. The Council having rejected the Electoral Bill, the Government intend to prorogue shortly for a brief recess, and then introduce more comprehensive measures. Opening the musuem and library oh Sundays has proved highly satisfactory. There is a very large attendance. The Government have agreed to the establishment of a Hansard. -- The Privileges of Parliament Bill,* which was introduced, will contain provision for dealing with unruly members. Adelaide. Parliament meets on the 13th. Frank Carrol, who was proved to have been convicted both in Melbourne and Sydney, has resigned his seat for Light.