AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3823, 30 March 1881, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Pbb s.s. Tababtta at the Blupe.;

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, March 22

The Government have determined to push the Eeform Bill, and to take a division probably today. A number of important measures are undisposed of. The presentation to the Home Government by the recent Intercolonial Conference, praying for increased British influence in Polynesia, included newspaper articles in which the names of Sir A. Gordon, and Commodore Wilson were mentioned. Both have taken serious offence in consequence, and have addressed the Imperial Government on the subject.

There was a victorious career of both candidates for Maldon up till Friday. In the polling, Mclntyre's friends were most sanguine of success, and the result justified their anticipations, he being returned by 629 against 405. Works for the improvement of the Van Yean water are rapidly proceeding, and Whittlesea Common is being fenced in. An experiment with lime is being tried at Eastern Hill tank. G. M. Eampant, an eminent French engineer, visited the resorvoir on Saturday with Baron yon Mueller and others. He states that he can purify the water effectually in a short time. The Government have ordered the plans and specifications of the new Prince's Bridge' forthwith. The cost will be £90,000. Sydney, March 22. The City Surveyor reported that the Town Hall contractors had been overpaid £2,300. The reports from Wilcannia are very discouraging, and numbers are returning. It is stated that more police protection was required at the place. Laycock will have a public reception on his arrival. £350 has already been received and more money is coming in. SOUTH AUSTEALIA. Adelaide, March 22. A deputation from the Chamber of Manufactures and the Agricultural Society suggested to the Chief Secretary that licenses should be granted by the Board of Health for flax-steeping operations, 1 with the view of encouraging the trade. Mr Mann promised to obtain a report 1 from the Board; The Gazelle fixes the nominations for the new Assembly on the 4th, and the elections on the Bth, 11th, and 20th of The Adelaide imports last year were £5,581,0Q0, showing an inprease of The exports were #5,5?4,000; being an increase of £811,000. The Government will probably remit the duty on phosphorous, in consequence of the quantfty used for the extinction of rabbits. Professor Pepper has made au assignment of bis estate.