Australian Summary.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3456, 22 January 1880, Page 2

Australian Summary.

(Pbh Albion.)

(Peb Pkess Association.)

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Parliament re«opened on the thirteenth. The secret manner of conducting the inquiry into the recent railway accident at Parratnata was strongly condemned. Oa the fourteenth the stamp djuties were considered and carried, The tariff

resolutions increasing duties on spirits imported, also distilled in the colony, sparkling and other imported wines wi;re agreed to.

Compulsory measures required.

Several disclosures indicating shocking neglect of educational advantages by parents of children in country places, have excited comment.

Allegations by an Aldermen, that upwards of £10,000 was being paid to contractors for plastering nine rooms in the Town Hall, has been categorically .denied by the City Architect, who explains that the sum covers flooring, gasfittings, windows, and'much other work.

The most extensive bush fire ever experienced, raged on the night of the 13th round Newcastle.

A practical discovery rendering bank notes non-photographic, has been discovered by a Sydney chemist. It is stated the leading banks are in treaty for the purchase of the patent. SYDNEY. Irish Famine.

Subscriptions for Irish relief are pouring in. Country towns are moving in the matter. Influential gentlemen are personaliy canvassing Sydney. Frazer and Co. have given £5550, and promised a second ditto if required. The Bank of ISew South Wales contributed £500. Prominent theatrical and musical artists subscribed handsomely, besides offering their services for an entertainment fund.

A numerous meeting of Protectionists has been held to protest against the fiscal policy of the Government. An Alderman in the Gonlburn Council stated that a certain Alderman was embezzling the Council's money, and refused to withdraw the allegation. VICTOKIA. The Exhibition. The main building of the International Exhibition, including the dome, is nearly completed. The erection of temporary courts has been commenced. Owing to the strong representation of the English Commissioners at the Exhibition, joined by those of Franco, Italy, and Switzerland, the Government has consented to provide additional space to the extent of 100,000 feet.

An accidental explosion of gun-cotton took place at Bray brook. Four lads who were fishing observed a wooden building burning close by, and an explosion took place shortly after. All the lads-were seriously injured by the explosion. The presence of the gun-cotton ia the building is unexplained. The affairs of the Australian and European and Commercial v Banks are adjusted. The shareholders of the former receive 325, or its equivalent, and that represents a loss of 38s. The Transactions of the Melbourne Fishmongers' Company (Limited) were so successful last year t'nat the company will be enlarged.

The Harbour Trust has decided to carry out Sir John Coode's scheme on such land as they are possessed of. This is done ia some measure as a protest.

Several Piimitive Methodists at. the Moonta mines have seceded from that body and now call themselves Independent Methodists. A dispute has arisen between the parties as to the division of the church buildings.

SOUTH = :AUSTEALIA

The Postmaster General ha 3 received information that the steamer Seine has arrived at Banjoewangie with a section of the duplicate cable to be laid between that place and Port Darwin.

The Irish Belief Committee has received "' £2188 additional subscription. £1500 was received from Archbishop Gold, including his own donation of £50. Several subscriptions of £IC3 |juineas have been received, and the committee hope to remit £5000 to the Lord Mayor of Dublin on Friday. Meetings in aid of the fund are being held all over the country, and large sums are being collected. TASMANIA; Hobaetown, January 14. A Deficiency in Revenue. The Treasurer's budget' shows a net defiency for the lasijf ear of £135,000, which is to be met by Treasury Bills, extending over ten years. The'estimated' revenue for the eusuiug year is £381,500 and expenditure £434,532, leaving a deficit of about £35,C00 ; £12,000 is to be provided for by new taxation, through the customs, £22C30 by an excise duly of 3.1 per gallon on beer, arid Is 3d on spirits and by imposition of a property tax, the duties on tobacco ill be 2s 6d per lb, kerosene 6d per gallon, works of art are to be admitted ad valorem a.ad a loan of £40,000 at 4 per cent, is to be

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