AUSTRALIAN NEWS. (PER S.S HERO AT THE BLUFF,) Melbourne, March 28.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3027, 5 April 1882, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. ( PER S.S HERO AT THE BLUFF,) Melbourne, March 28.

The only political event has boon the address of Mr Berry to hit constituents at Geelong. He referred mostly to the past, aud laid but little about the future. He advocated the leasing system, and the State buying back all sold laud. He gave no indication of the future movement! of the Opposition.

By tho (liatli of Mr KiTiiot a vncuuoy hn«i occurred in tho representation of Gee-long. The Government has decided to abolish the oflloe of Secretary of Agriculture. Two more deaths have occurred in the Hospital from erysipelas. At the inquest tho jury requested the coroner to bring the matter under tho notice of the Government. Advioos It five been received by the Education Department from Franco, that tho French Government is determined to onfor decorations of honor upon several Victorian savants, among whom is Pro* fusHor Strong, Professor of Classics in Melbourne University. Tho Cabinet has avoided to order two Alpha-Beta gunboats, instead of ono of the Staunch pattern as proposed. The Government has decided upon re-organis-ing the torpedo corps, and plaoing it under Major Elleiy. Tho Bisliop of Melbourne has been lecturing on the necessity of irrigation of tho plains by means of oanaln. He regretted the indifference shown by the fatmors, and besought thorn to resolutely and determinedly push their claims for assistance from the Government, and not uoaso their efforts till their object would bo attained, and ho said until every drop of water supplied by a bountiful providence would bo used to the utmost advantage of the farmers ho would not cease to exert himself in the matter. Judge Haokett is about to retire, and this will cause a vaoanoy in tho County Court Benohon. White marble from the Caswell Marble Mine, New Zealand, was tested with satisfactory results. It is stated that Mr Morley, who is resigning the head mastership of the Church of England Grammar School, is about to enter the ministry and be ordained. Diy weather continues, and destructive bush fires ooourrod in the western districts, and several selectors wore entiroly ruined. The Warnambool Woollen Mills wore destroyed by fire. They wore insured for L 13,000 in several offices. About forty operatives were thrown out of employment. Foars are beginning to be entertained for several of the overdue ships. Bryant, amongst other thinsrs, stated that the Africsi was taken round several islands in the Straits, and purpoaoly dotained in the Biy of Fires, in order that her consorts might arrive boforo her. This ii denied by Lieut, Fredericks, who was aboard. The cypher despatoh is not dented, but it is upon (quite another matter, and the Admiral never consulted Bryant or pluoud any confidence in him.

Sydney, MuroU 28. The Primary Judge in Equity has refused an injttnotioii to Mnyo, whost horses Hesperian nnd Hastie, wero disqualified by the Australian Jockey Olub from running on Saturday. Sir John Robertson, on going aboard tho steamer at Circular Quay, fell overboard, and, unnhaarvad »warn 25ydt to the pier steps. He then returned to the Club, none tho worse for hit drenohing. The distress at Mount Browne continues, Water is becoming more soaroe, and thore is & difficulty in obtaining provisions, owing to tho inability of the carriers to keep to tho road. Rolief has been sent by tho camol convoy from South Australia.