AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2426, 28 January 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

♦ (By Electkic Telegraph.—Copyright.) Mklbovunb, January 20. The Regatta Committee hero have decided to olfov prizes to the value of £'. ; 000 in the International Regatta. The prize for the yacht race has been fixed at £500 and a trophy. At the nominations) to day for the vacant seat in the Legislative Assembly, easued by the death of Mr J. J. Madden, member for Belfast, Sir Bryan O'LonghUu was Uie only candidate proposal, and was therefore declared duly elected. Pkrt*, January. 20 The Government have received a despatch from Sir Henry Holland, Secretary of State for the Colonies, regarding the question of granting responsible Government to Western Australia, and which has been under the consideration of the English Government for sumo time. 'i he despatch states that after troing into ih ; i matter thoroughly, the Government have arrived at the conclusion that the population of the eolouy is too scattered to permit of responsible Government being granted ; and, further, that the proposal to divide the colony is quite impracticable at present, owing to the small population in the northern portion of tlie colony ; also, that it is not desirable to hand over such a vast tract of territory to 40.000 people. The despatch aoes on to say that if means can be devised by which the unalienated territory can be preserved for the benefit of future inhabitants, then responsible government may be possible, but under these circumstances the position is complicated by the public debt. Sir '01117 Holland requests an opinion on a scheme which proposes to divide the colony, say at latitude 26, the Legislature to control the territory south of that line, and the Imperial Government to have the control of the country to the northward, the proceeds of land sales in the northern half to be utilised in establishing a fund for the benefit of any colony that n;ay bu created in the Northern Territory, the interest of such a fund to form a part of the revenue of Western Australia. Sydney, January2(s. The Salvation Army have decided on a large; scheme of missionary work amongst the natives in the Australasian colonies. They propose to raise a contingent versed in the Maori langtiijio to carry on work ainot.gst the natives of New Zealand. Another party will be formed to work amonjrst the Australian .aboriginals, especially amotmst those in Queensland ; and steps are being taken to attend to the spiritual wants of the Kanakas and Chinese resident in the colonies. The army are also preparing to carry on their wnrl; ir.ore extensively in Western Australia. Adelaide, January 20. The revenue, for the half year is £97-1,200. The railway revenue is expected to be heavy, and there is little doubt that the close of the year will show a surplus. The financial outlook is of a more hopeful character than it has been for some years.