AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 9909, 15 December 1892, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

THE POET GLASGOW. SYDNEY, Dec. 14. The discussion in tho Legislative Assembly, with reference to tho crew of the ship Port Glasgow, came to nothing. IMPERIAL PENNY POST. Mr Kidd, Postmaster-General, says that tho New South Wales Government will not agree to the proposals of the Imperial Government with regard to Imperial penny postage, unless the Home Government undertakes to bear the cost, which will mean <£30,000 yearly to New South Wales alone. SAMOA. Arrived—Lnbeck, from Samoa. Her officers report that all was quiet there when the vessel left. The municipality of Apia has reduced its bankruptcy indebtedness to the Samoan Government to between seventeen and eighteen thousand dollars. THE MAKINS. Farther charges against the Makins are being investigated before the Coroner. Again a distressing scene occurred, through the daughter Blanche accusing her father of not looking after her mother, adding, "We have told enough lies to screen you, and through telling lies we are here.” The father met her remarks with defiant jeers. LIFE INSURANCE. The triennial investigation of the National Mutual Life Association shows a surplus of <£133,000, equal to a reversionary bonus of about .£300,000. The new business for the year was of a satisfactory character. BUTTER BONUS. ADELAIDE, Dec. 14. Tha Bill authorising the payment of a bonus for the encouragement of the butter industry, after being returned from the Legislative Assembly, was rejected by 10 to 9 by tho Council. FIRE. BRISBANE, Dec. 14. The scenery of the Town Hall, at Cooktown, caught fire during a performance, and the building was burnt to the ground but the audience escaped without mishap. REJECTED BY THE UPPER HOUSE. PERTH, Dec. 14. The Legislative Council rejected the Constitution Amendment Bill, also the Franchise Bill.