Australian News.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3985, 6 October 1881, Page 2

Australian News.

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, September 21. On the resumption of the Budget debate Mr Berry said it was not the intention of the opposition to submit an adverse motion. He urged that the Government, if it does its duty, should send up beer and tobacco duties, and the increased Land Tax in the same Bill, and defy the Council to report on it. Mr Murray Smith, while acquitting Mr Berry of being the cause of the recent depression, said the violent language of his colleagues . had deepened the gloom.

A draper named Martin, residing in Simpson's road, Kijhmoud. attempted to murder his wife early on the morning of the 28th, but, she escaped before he could effect his purpose, although dangerously injured. Martin committed suicide by cutting his throat.

Mr Joseph Clarke donated £1000 tQ the Anglican Cathedral Fund, and Anonymous, in the correspondence of £he Argus, promises £6000 if, by the end of the year, £25,000 be subscribed in various sums. This offer was made in response to the Bishop's urgent appeal. At a oieetiug of American citizens, it

was resolved to wear crape on the left arm thirty days, aud a message of condolence to Mrs Garh'eld was forwarded without delay. " :Ti c Treasurer's Budget Statement on the 220 d was very brief, and he avoided those comparisons, which he said was the delight of rival financiers, who, he said, were anxiuus to knock some feathers out of each other. He described the financial position as partially satisfactory. In dealing wilh the national debt of Victoria Sir Bryan O'Lojjhlen said although the liabilities of the colony were stated to be 22| millions, the colony had a valuable dividend paying investment as a set-off. A syndicate of capitalists could easily be formed to take the railway lines ofi' the Government at the original cost of eighteen millions. As it is, the lines paid 4h per cent last year on the capital borrowed for their construction, which is fifteen millions the balances of Ihe saving came out of the land fund and the general revenue The Van Yean yields a profit of £8,000, and is valued at £2,000,000. Mnroover, the colony still owns agricultural lunds valued at £15,000,000. ,