AUSTRALIAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XX, Issue 141, 15 June 1886, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN .

Sydney, Monday. Arrived this afternoon — Hauroto, from Wellington.

In the Legislative Assembly to-day, the taxation proposals of the Government were affirmed in Committee, and the Bills necessary to give •ffeet to them will be introduced and dealt with in the Assembly without dalay.

Tuesday,

The directors of tho Mutual Provident Society have decided to abandon the proposed opening of n branch in London, and have recalled Mr Black, tho actuary who went home to organise the branch.

Heavy rain ia fallins: in Sydney and over many parts of the country. Melbourne, Monday.

At the banquet given to-night to Mr Murray Smith, late Agent General for Yifl. toria, the attendance numbered 500.

This Day.

At the banquet last night an enthusiastic reception was accorded to Mr Murray Smith, who, in his speech in reply to the toast of his health, expressed himself confident that New South Wales would before long join in the Australasian Federation. He described the existence of a penal settlement in New Calodonia as a scandalous disgrace to France, but stated that he believed that that country was showing signs of awakening conscience with regard to the transportation of criminals to the Pacific.

Albany, Monday. Arrived — Shannon, with English mails dated May 14.