AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2777, 1 May 1890, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(bv elewkic iklegrapji.—copyright.) Sydney, April 2S. Dk. McLeod, who was arrested at Napier, has been committed for trial on the charge of bigamy. The other charge, that of criminally assaulting a young woman in his employ, some years ago, fell through. The prosecutrix was unwilling to prosecute, and the case was accordingly dismissed. Mr Solomon Joseph, proprietor of the Tarn worth News, who was charged on the J 7th instant with publishing a malicious and defamatory libel on Edward M. G. Eddy, Chief Commissioner for Railways, has divulged the author of the letter complained of. The letter in question was written by an ox-railway servant, and was to the effect that a number of appointments had been made in tho Railway Department, and in many cases either friends or relatives of the Chief Commissioner had been selected. Mr Eddy has instituted criminal proceedings against the anthor, Parliament was opened this afternoon. In the speech from throne, it was promised that Bills providing for the construction'of additional railways and other public works would be introduced. A comprehensive measure would be brought down, dealing with district self-govern-ment, and members would be asked to consider the reduction of the inland postage to one penny. A Bill will also be introduced, extending the voice of the householders in determining the issue of publicans' licenses. The Divorce Bill will be introduced again this session. The Postal Bill gives power to the_ postal authorities to prevent transmission by post of objectionable literature. Later. In the speech from the throne, this afternoon, on the occasion of the opening of Parliament, the Governor announced that in connection with the financial statement, it was intended to introduce a reform in the existing tariff, and to readjust the burden of taxation in accordance with the principles laid down by the highest fiscal authorities, the soundness of which had been confirmed by their own experience. The Opposition will not oppose the Address-in-reply or the public works proposals, if the Government declare their fiscal intentions. The Legislative Council has adopted the Address-in-reply. April 30. Arrived : S.S. Cairntoul, from Lytteltun. Melbourne, April 30. Sailed, yesterday, Wairarapa, for Bluff. Brisbane, April 30. A goods train was completely wrecked by running into a washaway. No casulties are reported. Adelaide, April 30. There is considerable excitement on the Stock Exchange, owing to the failure of two leading stock brokers, one of whom over-sold, and was unable to deliver. A company has been formed to purchase the assets of the Commercial Bank of Australia. £120,000 will he distributed to the purchasers on the lottery principal. There was a tremendous rush for shares, and the whole were allotted in a few hours. The Government has instructed the police to suppress the Lottery Company, which includes many leading citizens.