AUSTRALIAN.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5166, 7 August 1885, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

[Received August 7, 12.45 p.m.] Sydney, This day. Upon receiving intelligence of the passing of the Federal Enabling Bi 1, the Premier of this colony, Sir Alexander Stuart wired to Sir Saul Samuel, the Agent»General in London, expressing regret that the measure had been passed, and informing him that the action described would prevent New South Wales joining the Federal body. He considers the title of tho bill therefore, as now, a misnomer, and suggests that it should be called a bill to provide for a Federal Council for a part of Australia only.

Melbotxene, Yesterday. The Victorian Government has decided not to take any further steps to bring about the inclusion of Victoria in the Postal Union. In the Legislative Assembly last night, Colonel Smith's motion for a Select Committee to enquire into the circumstances attending the appointment of Mr Allison D. Smith as Assistant Locomotive Superintendent of Victoria railways, was rejected by 33 votes to 16. The Victorian Agent-General ia London, Mr Murray-Smith, telegraphs to Government that the abrogating proviso has been expunged from the Enabling Act. Sydney, Yesterday. Sailed : The Union Company's s.s. Tarawera, this afternoon, for New Zealand. To-day was the day fixed for selecting land under the new land Act, and a large number of applications were received at iho land offices in all parts of the colony. Adelaide, Yesterday. The Orient Co.'s s.s. Orient arrived here this morning with the London mails to July 3rd.

[Age Specials.] London, July 28. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced in the House of Commons la9t night that the tax ou colonial bonds would remain unaltered, viz, 2s 6d. Latest news from the Soudan shows that the Mahdi died of typhus fever. It is reported that the rebsl tribes repudiate the right of Khalifa Abdoola to succeed the late Mahdi as commander of the rebal forces. The British authorities hope that it will be possible to pacify the rebels, and so end the struggle.