AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10663, 25 May 1895, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

[[Special to Passs Association.] VICTORIAN RAILWAYS. MELBOURNE, Mat 23,

Although tho Railway Committee agreed that none of the suggested lines through the malleo country had any present prospect of a profitable return, it was of opinion that there was justification for the Government making one or more o£ the lines if it can get Parliament to declare the realise country inalienable, the idea being that the Government can make a great deal of profit over and above the less on the lines by leasing the inallee lands. It is understood that tho committee recommends that all land-owners near all future lines should be taxed on the betterment principle. There appears no possibility of the committee endorsing the Minister’s proposals to cut down the standard gauge on a number of existing lines to narrow-gauge, as it would be expensive and not beneficial, and would add further to the already large expenses of the standard rolling stock. THE CREDIT FONCIER SYSTEM. Before the Banking Commission, Mr David Pinlsyson, general manager of the Union Bank of Australia, in hie evidence considered tho Credit Foncier system, with proper safeguards, a good idea, but great care would have to be taken to see that valuations were not made too high. It gave no more absolute safety than the present system, and any person desirous of borrowing money, and having good security to offer, could get money as cheaply as the Government could offer under the new system. Good security, he said, was as essential for the Credit Foncier as for private enterprise. VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. A forecast of the Governor’s Speech for Wednesday refers to the gradual improvement in trade, and the return of confidence in the colony. The increase of exports of produce is in need of encouragement, and members will be asked to assist in the establishment of the beet sugar, fibre and oil industries. Parliament will also be urged to take into consideration the action of the Government in urging forward the Pacific cable. CRICKET. ADELAIDE, Mat 24. Mr George Giffen has been presented with an address and 400 sovereigns in recognition, of his valuable services in the test and intercolonial cricket matches.