A Ministerial Crisis.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4921, 9 January 1895, Page 3

A Ministerial Crisis.

The Victorian Government Defeated. (Received January 9,10.50 a.m.) Melbourne, January 9, The hostility of tbe Legislative Council towards the Land Tax continues, In the Legislative Assembly last night, after securing the reduction in tho sum appropriated for tho payment of Ministers from £15,000 to £10,400, the Premier moved tho second reading of the Bill to reduce the payment of members from £270 per annum to £2OO. Mr Hancock protested against the Bill, holding that it was a concession toscreochurs, aud said theimpression abroad was, that it wrb tho outcome of an attempt to abolish the payment of members altogether. The second reading of the Bill was carried on division by 60 votes to 20. In Committee on the measure the crisis was precipitated at a late hour last night. Sir J. Pattorson moved to reduce the amount from £270 to £250, instead of £2OO as propusodin the Bill. This amendment was negatived, whereupon Mr Hancock moved the reduction of Is on the amount suggested by Sir J B. Patterson.

Mr Murray moved to report progress, and tho Government opposed the motion, but on the division the Labor members, who had hotly opposed the reduction in the payment, joined forces with the Opposition party, tho result being the defeat of the Government by eight votes.

The Premier them moved tho adjournment of the House, stating 1 tbat the Government had lost control of the business, and would like time to consider their action. This was agreed to, and the House adjourned till Thursday. The Premier's statement is takon to imply ut resignation. The Fatal Prize Fight Loxnox, January 8. The reporters charged with being accessory to the manslaughter of Smith, the pugilist, who was killed in a glove light, have been discharged from custody. ,Jhe Tasmaman Loan. Loxdok, January 8. The amount subscribed for the Tasmanian loan of £750,000 was £'2,400,000. The tenderers at £97 18s receive I pop cent, A syndicate tendered for a million and a quarter at that price. The loan averaged about £9Blos.

The Distress in Newfoundland. St Johns, January 8. Great distress exists, and owing to the threatening attitude of the mob, who demand bread, bluejackets from H.M.S. Tourmaline have been landed to preserve- order. Explosion on a Steamer, Great Loss of Life, Rio de Jaxkiro, January 8, An explosion took place on board a pleasure steamer in the harbour yesterday, which set tho vessel on tire, 120 people were drowned. Bankruptcy and Suicide,

Paris, January 8. The firm of Ponsnrt, Galliot and | Hcims, who are extensive purchasers ill tho London wool market, Lave failed. Their liabilities are £BO,OOO, and | the assets are stated at £65,000. [ Galliet has committed suicide, The Pacific Gable. London, January 8. All the five tenderers for the Pacific Cable stipulated that the lino should he laid at the cost of the State, although they were willing to ; keep it in repair for three years. j The Indiarubber and Gutta Percha ! Compauy's tender was the lowest, the price being £1,600,000 via Fanning Island to Sydney, and £1,250,000 via Samoa and Fiji, ending in New Zealand ; the miuimum speed to bo 12 words per minute, which reduces the rata for public purposes to fivo words,