AUSTRALIAN

Inangahua Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1236, 10 June 1897, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION). . i ■ . BY TELEGRAPH — COPYRIGHT. Melbourne, June 9, • The Rev Mr Isitfe, the New Zealand temperance orator, deolined the invitation ofthe Victorian Ailianoeto lecture in Victoria in consequence of having accepted an invitation by tbe United Kingdom Alliance. He wilt proceed to England in August to conduct a campaign there. Adelaide, June 9. Parliament will be opened to-morrow. The speech from tho throne will announce the continuance of the land tax assessment for another three years The programme for tbe session includes measures for drought-distressed farmers and pastoralists, the biennial retirement of half the members of tbe Legislative Assembly, reduction of the Council franshise, water conservation works, and the establishment of a graving dock at Port Adelaide. The Federal Bill wilt be one of the first measures considered. Sydney, June 9. At a me sting of the National Shipwrock Society a cheque for £420 was received, subscribed by fi<-ms in Eng. land interested in the colonial trade. • Reo 9.50 am.. Melbourne, This Day. A conference of the municipal representatives to consider the question of State or municipal fire insurance, consequent on the recent heavy increase in rates made by the fire insurance companies', decided to ask the Government to appoint a commis* sion to enquire. Adelaide, This Day. The el oot iocs resulted in the return of an Opposition majority to the Legislative Council. Consequently tbe Early Closing, Employers' Liability, and Council Franchise Bills, are considered doomed, and the Federal Bill ■ will be taken in commifctos of the whole in both Houses immediately after the debate on the Address-in-Reply being finished.