AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXIII, Issue 3357, 22 May 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

GREY RIVER ARGUS SPECIAL WIRE. PER ROTORUA. Invercargill, May 20. The following ia a summary of Australian news per Rotor ua, from May 10 to May 13. VICTORIA.. A spirit of conciliation is manifesting itself politically. The Age claims that the embassy is victorious, but condemns the form based on Sir M. Hicks-Beach's proposals as unscientific. The Argus contends that Mr Service's scheme, submitted last session, not only covers all the ground of the Secretary for the Colonies, but extends beyond his directions in liberality, i A largely attended meeting of the Opposition members was unanimous in favor of Service's programme. The Governor visited Geelong, and met with an enthusiastic welcome. At the banquet he spoke in favor of more general adoption of agricultural pursuits, condemning the centralisation of population in towns. Sir Charles Sladen, leader of the Upper House, expressed an opinion that the constitutional difficulty would bo solved if approached in a spirit of moderation, wisdom, and loyalty. Mr Jenner, M.L.C., stated, that a reform measure, tempered with moderation, would probably paas the Council. The imports last year show a decrease of L' 200,000, and exports a decrease of L22L,000 compared with 1877. A deputation of ironmongery merchants urge allowance on drawbacks of all imported dutiable goods exported to other Colonies as near as possible the same rate as the import duty. The Commissioner of Customs promised a favorable consideration. There is an outcry in the country districts against the enormous expenditure on the Exhibition building;. The University Council are invited to adopt a resolution permitting women to become members of the University, and receiving the same privileges as males. Tenders are invited for the Murchison and Shepparton line, contrary to the terms of the compromise upon which the line was sanctioned by the Council. The Minister of Railways proposes to construct the railway on a route that practically excludes Tatura. On Sunday afternoon eight persons were precipitated into the water through the gangway from the Sandridge Pier to the Ellen Stewart breaking. All were saved, without material injury. Milliard, a selector at the Emerald diggings, was stuck up by a man representing himself as Ned Kelly. The police believe the gang, finding their old quarters too hot, may break out in the direction of Dandenong, consequently the residents are on the alert. The Government propose to ask Parliament to authorise tramways as feeders to railways. Monro, M.L.A., addressing his constituents at Carlton, stated that Sir G. Bowen told him on Black Wednesday that the Ministry had agreed that all public servants then dismissed would be reinstated for a period provided the Appropriation Act for the year was passed, but the promise was quite disregarded. Mr Reid, M.L.C., statea his intention to submit a Bill to the Council making LlO freeholders and L2O householders electors of the Council. The late Chairman of the Harbor Trust, has been elected for the Central Province unopposed. He adopts Service's scheme of reform and advocates moderation. Rev. J. M'Grew has been nominated Moderator at the next Presbyterian Assembly. It is notified that the Italian Government offer a reward of 3,000 lires for the best essay on genus. Critics allege that Monk was never shot at by Kelly sympathisers. The Government are investigating the matter. Monk swore positively that two shots were fired at him. Hi 3 story is generally accepted. Some grapes recently shipped from South Australia to Sydney were refused by the Customs to land for fear of phylloxera. It was first proposed to throw them overboard, but ultimately the agent allowed the owners to tranship th© grapes to Auckland. A Cabmen's Protective League has been formed in Melbourne. It is proposed that 2000 city cabmen form a co-operative store. An extraordinary case of charitable imposition has occurred. A lad named Pearce was found starving on the wharf. He alleged he was a new arrival, and unable to obtain work. Subscriptions were flowing in freely, when an uncle upi country states that the boy's name is [ Prince, and that he is lazy, and good for nothing. He was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment as a vagrant. New South Wales. Frank, the proprietor of the Totalisator, has been committed for trial for promoting gambling. The . racehorse Leviticus has been stolen near Graf ton by a notorious horsestealer. Laycock challenges Trickett to row for L2OO a-side. Trickett declines to row under four months. South Australia. Dent, captain of the schooner Moonto, shot himself on the 12th, having run the vessel aground. An Industrial Exhibition has been opened in Adelaide.