AUSTRALIAN.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8665, 14 December 1893, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN.

Press Association—rfy Telegraph—Copyright. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS. Melbourne, December 13. The Minister of Education, in reply to a deputation, promised to ask his colleagues to favourably consider an alteration of the law prohibiting religious instruction in.State schools. THE " AGE" LIBEL ACTION. Mr Purves, Q.C., has. commenced his address for the defence in the libel action, Speight versui the Age DEFICIT IN A MASONIC BENEVOLENT FUND. Lempriere, Secretary of the Grand Lodge, explains in connection with the deficiency in Masonic accounts that ten years ago his assistant robbed him of the amount of the deficiency in the Benevolent Fund. The matter, .he says, was reported, and as he thought arranged. It has been decided to ask Lempriere to resign, and there the matter will end. AN UNFORTUNATE COMPANY. Sydhey, Deoember 13. The Dubbo Boiling-down Company has been fined tbe sum of £16,870 in additiou to those fines inflicted against the Manager and Secretary, for killing without a making, a total of £50,610. A remission has been applied for. AN EMERGENCY TAX. Adblaid-., December 13. The Legislative Assembly bas passed through all stages a BiU doubling the income tax for one year as an emergency tax, rendered necessary by the rejection of the Taxation Bill. The labour party opposed tbe measure, urging tbe Government to hold a special session after the Christmas holidays to repass the original Bill.