AUSTRALIAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2282, 24 February 1887, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Irbutek's telegrams.] [Received B'ebruary 23rd, 5.50 p.m.] Melbourne, February 23. Sir H. Parkes arrived here this morning. It is understood he will make enquiries regarding the management of the Victorian railways ; also as to what steps shall be taken to prevent the importation of diseased horses into Victoria. Hobart, February 23. The Shipping Company's Kaikoura arrived this morning, and sailed at noon for New Zealand. (Received February 23rd, 11.15 p.m.) 1 Adelaide, February 23. A public meeting was held in the Town Hall last night, attended by .three thousand people, to hear the Premier's speech regarding the present position of the colony, and the proposals! of the Government. It was stated that the deficiency at the end" of June would.be slightly under a million, and he ascribed the present depression to a succession of , bad seasons and the .falling off in the laud revenue. The estimates for the year had not been realised, especially as regards Customs, and /the Government proposed to sell Crown lands and issue. Treasury bills, and borrow more, money if necessaryi It was also, intended to impose, a Land and.. Property Tax of a penny in the pound, with a j£soo' the railways to be placed under a commissioner. It was not intended , to alter the Customs tariff. The speech was favourably received;