AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9027, 4 November 1892, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association. Telegraph.—Copyright. A MELBOURNE FAILURE. Melbourne, November 3. Steps are being taken to set aside a composition arranged by Fink, with a view to bringing about liquidation of the estate in order that the whole of the assets may be made available for distribution among the creditors. THE MERCANTILE BANK. Melbourne, November 3. The first dividend of 2s 6d in the £ has been declared by the Mercantile Bank of Australia. Two-thirds of the amount goes to the English depositors. SCENE IN~PARLIAMENT. Sydney, November 3. A scene occurred in Committee upon the Electoral Bill, recriminations arising between Mr. Barton, Attorney-General, and Mr. Rae, one of the labour members. The latter refused to obey the chairman when called on to apologise, and was removed by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Subsequently, however, he thought better or it, and made the necessary apology. NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATION. Sydney, November 3. The new Postal Amendment Bill, introduced in the Lower House, provides for the use of postal notes, and prohibits the carrying on of lotteries through the Post Office. The new Marine Bill provides for representation of engineers, officers, and seamen in the Chamber of Commerce. ' ; ' ;..-, THE SURVEYORS' CONFERENCE. Melbourne, November 3. The Surveyors' Conference has passed a resolution that a Board ot Examiners consisting of not less than five members should be appointed in each colony by the Governor, two members to be ™inated by the professional; head of tne Survey Department, and three by the Institute of Surveyors.