The Lyttelton Times.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 125, 28 May 1853, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times.

May 28, 1853.

There is nothing new in English politics. All the members of the Government have been re-elected to Parliament, with the exception of Mr. Saddler, one of the junior Lords of the Treasury. ' Mr. Gladstone was returned for Oxford University, by a majority of 124.

It is rumoured that Lord John Russell, on the plea of delicate health, is to resign tbe Foreign Office to Lord Clarendon, and is to be leader of the House of Commons, without holding a place in the Government.

On the re-assembling of Parliament, on the 10th of February, Lord John Russell declared it to be tbe intention of the Government to abolish transportation to Van Diemen's Land as well as to Australia.

Lord John said it would, perhaps, be conve-

nient to the house (hat he should state the course which Government intended to pursue with respect to the measures which would be brought forward in the early part of the session. (Hear, hear.) Government intended, as soon after the estimates were laid upon the table as possible, to.bring under the consideration of the house the various items of the year. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the number of men for the army, navy, and ordnance, he could state, then, Government had no intention of proposing any increase beyond the number voted before the Christmas holidays. (Cheers). There would, however, be an increase in the estimates; and when the proper time arrived Government would be prepared to justify that increase, by reasons which they hoped would be satisfactory to the house. (Hear, hear.) Besides the estimates, a measure would be immediately brought forward to enable the Legislature of Canada to dispose of the clergy reserves in the manner proposed by Lord Grey when at the head of the Colonial Office. (Hear, hear.) The next question which would be brought under the consideration of the house, would be introduced by the President of the Board of Trade, who would propose a measure respecting light dues and other matters affecting the shipping interest of the country ; he should propose, on an early day, that the house should resolve into a committee of the whole house with respect to the relief of the disabilities affecting her Majesty's Jewish subjects, (cheers), —and a measure would also be brought forward on the important subject of education in England and Scotland. (Cheers.) The next question of importance to be introduced by the Government would be the condition of our Australian colonies in regard to transportation. It was proposed to abolish transportation to Van Diemen's land as well as Australia, and in considering that subject the house would be called upon to go into the general topic of secondary punishments. Immediately after the Easter recess, or as soon after as possible, the Chancellor of the Exchequer would propose his financial statement or budget for the year ; while in a few days hence the Lord Chancellor will state the intentions of government with respect to the registration of the purchase and sale of land,, with the view to proposing some plan for improving the industry of that portion of the Uuited Kingdom ; and as soon as the Chief Secretary for Ireland took his seat, he would propose the members of the select committee to whom the house had agreed to refer the two important measures on the su'rject of landlord and tenant in Ireland. (Hear.) The next important subject, which he had reserved for the last in his enumeration, was that of Parliamentary Reform. The house was aware that in 1845, in 1850, and iu 1851, he endeavoured to pass a bill for extending and improving the franchise, and it had since been erroneously supposed that he was favourable to a more comprehensive measure of Reform than that which this Bill contemplated. (Hear). Nothing, however,' was further from his intention, and those who had laboured under thismisapprehension must have misunderstood what he had stated on the subject. (Hear, hear). The question, therefore, was, whether the Government would think it better to renew the Income Tax for one year, and devote the year to a consideration of a Reform Bill. He did not say that such a course would be impossible^in respect of time ; but to introduce such a measure even shortly after Easter would require considerable attention and deliberation on the part of the Government. Considering the present state of affairs, the Government had come to the conclusion that they ought not to introduce any measure on the subject in the course of the present session. In coming to this determination he believed they had consulted the public welfare, aud would be supported by public opinion.

The London Correspondent of the Sydney Empire thus writes :—

" The Colonial Policy is a question of great importance; and although it does not possess the absorbing interest here which it does in the colonies, yet it commands more attention, and is better understood than it used to be. It is impossible to say what Parliament may deem fit to do in this case, but it is expected that the interference of the Home Government will be in a great measure withdrawn from the Australian colonies, and that a very small control will be retained for imperial purposes. It is pretty certain that you will have the entire disposal

of your waste lands placed in the powev of your local Legislature, and enjoy a much greater degree of independence than you have hitherto doue. The Free-trade policy has brought about this change more speedily than anything else could have done, by breaking down the old ties between the colonies and the mother country, and leaving both to do the best they can for themselves ; and there is no doubt that both will benefit by the degree of self-dependence which they now possess. The question of protection from foreign aggression, and the share in the cost to be borne by the Imperial Government, will also have to be considered, and it is not improbable, that that will be the only link which will bind the great Australian Continent with the mother country, except the feelings of love and friendship, which I trust will be drawn closer together, and make the inhabitants of both countries one powerful and happy people.''

Judgment has been given by the Court of Queen's Bench, in the case of* the Queen v. Newman, for publishing a libel against Dr. Achilli. It may be remembered that the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff in the first case, and Dr. Newman moved for a new trial; this was refused by the court. Several discussions have taken place on the question, which presented some new features, and, after hearing very able pleas in justification of the libel, the sentence of the court was, that Dr. Newman do pay a fine of one hundred pounds, and be imprisoned till the fine be paid. It is almost needless to say that the fine was paid at once, and Dr. Newman left the court with his friends.

A public Ball took place at the Barracks on Tuesday evening, and was numerously attended. The rooms were tastefuly decorated with flags, kindly supplied by Messrs. Reynell and Peacock. Dancing was kept up till 4 o'clock with much spirit. The want of a larger room was experienced, but Ave believe this will soon he remedied, as subscriptions have been made to render a larger room in the barracks available for balls and other purposes.

-Official notice has at last been received that His Honor the Judge has been prevented, from the want of any suitable conveyance, from visiting Lyttelton on circuit. There was only one civil cause set down for trial, and that will stand over until the Sittings of the Supreme Court in October next. There are two prisoners for trial: Joseph Loder charged with sheep-stealing, a.ndsßobert L. Maclcmurdo charged with stealing a watch. They were both committed for trial on the 22nd of February last. Joseph Loder was discharged on the 26th instant, on entering his recognizance to answer any charge that may be preferred against him before the Supreme Court. Robert L. Mackmurdo having confessed his guilt,' the Resident Magistrate was able to adjudicate summarily upon the case of stealing property not exceeding £5 in value. He was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment from the date of his first committal.

Wool, Sat.es.—The Wool Sales commenced on the 10th February, when 34,000 bales were, advertised for sale. About 1,500 bales Australian and 250 do. New Zealand, were sold on the 10th, and the results show an average advance, as compared with November rates, in all descriptions of clothing wool of Id. to l&d. per lb. The attendance of home buyers was large, and from the continuance of an active demand for manufactured goods' it was anticipated this advance would be sustained and even improved upon.