LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 810, 9 May 1871, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN.

Melboubne, April 27. The Parliament was opened by commission on Tuesday. The Governor read his speech this afternoon. The Alhambra arrived on Saturday morning. The mail sniled punctually on Sunday. Sir James Palmer died on Sunday. He had a very large funeral on Wednesday. The Hon. Chas. Duffy withdrew from his candidature for the Speakership. Captain Macmahon was elected unopposed. Arrived—Prosperity, from Hokitika. The Hon. C. G. Duffy met with a serious accident by a fall from his horse. He sprained the lower part of his back, and has consequently retired from his candidature for the Speakership. Henry Parkes, late Colonial Secretary of New South Wales, is at present in Melbourne on business connected with Hall's line, he has interviewed the Chamber of Commerce, with a view to get the Government to grant a subsidy of from .£BOOO to £IO,OOO. The Asterope, from New Zealand to London, 51 days out, has been spoken by the Hampshire, on the 6th March, in lat. 13deg. lOsee.j longitude, 27 W. Sydney. The annual report of the National Provident Society shows that 1900 new policies have been issued, producing £33,500. New premiums totally invested. The capital now exceeds £831,000. liobertson, the bank teller at Tamworth, has been convicted of embezzlement, and sentenced to four years' hard labor. Wool sales less active. Arrived—City of Melbourne, from Melbourne. Adelaide. The question of intercolonial legislation is now being discussed. A considerable quantity of wheat has been contributed to the French Eelief Eund. Arrived—Annie, from New York, with kerosene for Dunedin. Hobaet Town. A daring robbery was committed at Government House during dinner hour; a box, containing £lO3, was taken from the servants' quarters, which belonged to the Governor's coachman. A last crushing from the City of Hobart claim averaged 3oz 2dwt 18gr to the ton. [For remainder of reading matter see Supplement.']