Australian Summary.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3434, 24 December 1879, Page 1

Australian Summary.

(PEE 8.8. BoTOHAHANA AT BIUFF.) VICTOBIA. The political situation is constantly changing. Last week Munro, the new member for Carlton gave notice of motion, for the presentation of an address to the Governor that in the opinion of the Assembly satisfactory constitutional re* for could and should be carried daring the the present session. Professor Pearson adroitly intimated that he was in favor of a plebiscitum. The Government plainly intimated they could afford no facilities for a discussion, which, they argued, reflected on- the Governor, who promised them a dissolution. They tried to push on measures for Snpply, but were unsuccessful. In a written memo* . rtndum, the Governor states he granted a dissolution to enable Berry to direct an appeal to the country . upon the specific matter of. reform; The Govern* ment, when .questioned if they intended to adhere to the Bill are very reticent, some members stating that the Ministry will vary the proposals at the pleasure of the Opposition. The Council contented themselves with protesting against the form of the Stamp Duties Bill, considering it inopportune to raise the question of privilege. The Bill passed and came into operation on Dec. 18th, and the Council agreed to the Customs Duties Bill. Berry has with* drawn his notice to the Associated Banks with respect to the withdrawal of the Government account, the banks making rather better terms for the future. The Imperial pottal authorities have been asked to ascertain if it is possible to alter the dates of arrival and departure of mail steamers from the Colonies, so as to obviate the despatch of the mail steamers from Adelaide on Sunday. Joseph Jones, a pronounced opponent of the Government on the Beform Bill, was elected by a majority of three to one over Fenwiek, the Liberal candidate. ; NEW SOUTH WALKS. The bushrangers' trial has concluded. Scott exhibited flashy cleverness. He rather injored himself and his fellowprisoners, but gratified his vanity. The Jury, after two hours' deliberation, re* turned a verdict of guilty, and. recommended the three youngest prisoners to mercy. Judge Windeyer sentenced them all to death. He remarked that Scott had that veneer of education, and a facility of speech and capacity for theatrical exhibi* tion which were calculated to deoeive the ignorant. Scott expressed a wish to be buried with Nesbitt at Gundagai. The Treasurer's Financial Statement shows an actual deficit, and reducing the unexpected vjtes amounting to £300,000 which he proposed to make good out of surplus revenue fund. This is probably the last extraordinary expenditure which can be met from this source. The principal falling off in revenue is due to the diminished land sales and the customs revenue, .so that new taxalion is required. It is intended to revise the stamp duties next April which are estimated to yield £200,000. The balance is to be made up by customs duties and excise on tobacco and beer, also additional duties on wines and spirits and sparkling wines. The new Impost is expected to yield £348,000. air D. Cooper undertakes the Agent* Generalship until relieved by Stewart in April.