Australian Telegrams.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3006, 3 October 1878, Page 2

Australian Telegrams.

(Pee s.s. Albion, at Port Chalmers.)

(Peb Pbess Ackbncy.) Melboubke, September 25. The events of the week, politically as well as socially, have been free and without interest. The Council having given the finishing touches to their Reform Bills, despatched

them to the Assembly, whore Mr Berry took charge of them, and, having procured their first reading, postponed the second reading for a fortnight. In the Assembly the Loan Bill has been finally passed, and the amount to be borrowed fixed at fire millions, with 4-| per cent, as the rate of interest. There was not a long discussion, but a general concurrence of views as to the necessity of borrowing, the only question in dispute, being the amount and rate of interest. Several members of the Opposition urged caution in placing the debentures on the market, and pleaded for a- smaller sum than was contained in the Government proposals. Nome progress has been made with the estimates, and Council Reform Bill in committee.

The Governor has intimated to his Ministers that he will not depart hence Until January next, and in the meantime there is much anxiety as to.bis successor.

The Sun Mail service iB now occupying the attention of the Cabinet, and tenders for a freoh service are to beat once called. It is probable that the service will be from Suez to Melbourne, and Aden to Melbourne, without calling at Galle, as by the detour to India much time is lost. The contract is to be for 36 days, via Brindisi, and 42 days via Southampton. It is rumored that the P. and AJ. Co. do not intend to tender. There is a desire on the part of the Ministry to make the service purely Victorian —that is, Melbourne to be the first port of arrival and last of departure, the steamers not to call at the Sound or South Australia.

The Church of England is in session, and at the opening the bishop delivered one of his able addresses. On this occasion his principal topic was the religious education of the young, and to refute the idea that the religious teaching required could be supplied by Sunday schools. He also spoke in favor of a separate education grant being given to Catholics., The tender of the Fulton Foundry Company has been accepted for 5000 toes of iron pipes. By this encouragement of native industry the country loces £13,750, being the difference between .the cost of imported and colonial made pipes. JL.dy Duffy, the wife of the Speaker, died on Saturday after a rather long illnes.

Preparations are being made to give the Australian cricketers a welcome on their return, and a project has been mooted to form a united Australian Eleven of the best players in the colonies md to challenge them. ' The Mayor's fancy dre:s ball this year was not so successful in all respects as previous entertainments of the kind. Beautiful spring weather, with mild rains, have been experienced, and the country every where is looking well. Business continues dull. Shakespeare, which at one time spelt " bankruptcy" with Melbourne managers, is now running at two Theatres. George Rignold, with " Henry V.," is doing a splendid business at the Royal; and Ores wick, in •' Henry 1V.," is playing at the Opera House. The moral and religious drama continues at the Princess. .. : ... . : , - ■ . ' . There was an immense attendance at the Town Hall last night at the celebration jubilee of the Rev. Dr Cairns. A cheque Tor £IQCD was presented him on a silver salver for the foundation of the Cairns Jubilee Scholarship. In the Theological Hall yesterday, the Bishop of Melbourne received £1000 from Messrs Standbridge, squatters of Daylesford, for a scholarship in Trinity College.

Negotiations are being re-opened with the Eastern Cable Company, and they are now willing to allow a reduction of 75 per cent, over their lines, which will make the cost ss.ld per word from London to Darwin.

Colonel Glover remains in Sydney till the sth of October to complete the negotiations, if possible. Both Mr Berry and Mr Burns are of opinion that the best terms will be obtainable.