AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8926, 15 December 1887, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[rioter's telegram.] THE VICTORIAN LICENSING BILL. Melbourne, December 14. In the Legislative Assembly last night, the Licensing Bill was returned from the Legislative Council with amendments, which were agreed to in globo by the Assembly, amid cheers. Under an arrangement between the opposing parties, ' a message is to be brought down from the Governor to-day, recommending an amendment to the effect that compensation to dispossessed publicans shall include consideration for the value of the license. THE INFLUX OF CHINESE.' Melbourne, December 14. A deputation from the Victorian Anti-Chinese League waited upon the Premier to-day, to urge upon him the necessity of proposing legislation to prevent the further influx of Chinese into the colony. The deputation presented a resolution adopted at a recent meeting held at Oarleton, which was in favour of the imposition of a residential tax of £20 upon all Chinese, and increasing the poll tax to £100. Mr. Gillies sympathised with the deputation, and expressed a hope that the non-issue of further naturalisation papers, coupled with the thorough administration of' the existing law, and united action on the part of the other colonies next year, would prevent evils arising from Chinese competition. CRUSHED TO DEATH. Brisbane, December 14. Telegraphic advices from Mackay report that a fatal shipping accident occurred at that port to-day. The s.b. Gunga, with 150 excursionists on board, dragged her anchor, and drifted on a reef, damaging her keel. She then steamed into the stream, but her line becoming jammed, carried away the stanchions and other gear, crushing a woman named Holland and a sailor named Campbell to death. Several other persons sustained injuries. VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. Melbourne, December 14. It is probable that Parliament will prorogue at the end of this week. THE ZEALANDIA. I Sydney, December 14. ! Arrived : The Union Co.'s Zealandia, [ with the inward 'Frisco mail.