PER S.S. 'AUSTRALIA.'

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2602, 20 August 1878, Page 2

PER S.S. 'AUSTRALIA.'

MELBOURNE,

A German named Wolter was to-day committed for trial on a charge of absconding with the money ot his creditors. The prisoner left for Adelaide with £1,200. An order for the sequestration ofthe estate was made. In the Council Sir Charles Sladen has given notice that he will mli move a new clause in the Reform Bill, reducing the qualification for members to freehold property valued at £125 per annum, in&tead of £250. Mr Anderson has given notice of motion that the number of members be 40, and that the number of provinces be increased from to-night. In the Legislative Assembly, yesternight, Mr Lyell referred to the statement that the banks restricted advances for political objects. An analysis of the returns, he says, completely confutes the statement that last quarter's returns show a decrease of £GG7/177 on deposits, and a decrease of £168,459 in coin and bullion. The banks had to face an exodus of capital, consequently this stock of gold bullion which ought to be 20 per cent, of indebtedness does not exceed 14 per cent. In these figures he could see some of the mischief worked by the crisis. The immediate want of the colonies was more capital. ADELAIDE, August 15. In the Assembly, Mr Boucaut moved, as an tameudment ou his former proposal, that property bo taxed at sixpence in the pound on its "assessed annual value. —The readjustment of ithe^.Customs' duties is to eusue immediately. The Kapunda Babbit Preserving Company have shipped 42,0001bs of rabbit flesh by the Cuzco to London, and will send 61,0001bs by the Aconcague. THE NEW RUSH IN QUEENSLAND NORTH.

COOKTOWN, Wednesday.—A telegram from Palmerville states that payable gold is being got for 100 miles along both sides of the Palmer River, besides in the river bed. Tho party for the other new ground at the H'lvor Paver atarted this afternoon. They say that at present it is a good poor man's diggings, but they hope to have something better to report shortly. The prospectors take cradles with them. The new field can be seeu from Cooktown. The M'lvor empties itself into the sea under Cape Bedford, close to where the Leichardt went ashore, three years back. Carriage is rising, and loading becoming plentiful.