AUSTRALIAN. [BY TELEGRAPH.-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1862, 12 June 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN. [BY TELEGRAPH.- COPYRIGHT.] [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.]

Melbourne, June 10. The Victorian Parliament was opened to-day by His Excellency Sir William Stawell. In his speech on the occasion the Acting-Governor, after recording the universal legret which had been felt at th« dtath ot Prince Leopold, referred at length to the recent Intercolonial Convention, and recapitulated the various matters which came under discussion. The speech announced that the minutes of the pioceediugs at the Convention would be laid before Parliament, and stated, with reference to the recidivists question, tint if unfortunately the protests of the Convention, the diplomatic action of the Imperial Government, and the unceasing exertions of His Excellency's advisers should prove ineffectual, his advisers would be prepared to take such steps as the threatened danger might necessitate, and with this view it was proposed to constitute a Council of Defence. The speech expressed gratification at the success of the international exhibition lately held in Calcutta. It referred to the abundant harvest, and affirmed the prosperous condition of the colony at the present time. Bills were announced for the amendment of the land laws, for the further extension of the railway system, for the" amendment of the laws relating to banking, and for the constitution of a Metropolitan Board of Works for the city of Melbourne.

Meltkiprxk. June 10. The Oriental Bank ca3c waa conclude'] to day, when Judge Molesworth decided that colonial affairs of the corporation should be wound up locally, under the company's statute. Considerable excitement has been caused by the appearance of small-pox at Malvern an 1 Prahran, partially^ con firming tho suspicion that the disease which caused the death at the sanatorium of the man Barker was small-pox, although the medical officers considered this case doubtful. The medical officers declare that the cases at Milvrrn are chicken-pox, aud not small-pox.

Brisbane, June 10. The Secretary of Lauds has introduced iv the Legislative Assembly a Bill providing fo the leasing of Crown lands ami the abolitiou of the present practice.