AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9257, 20 July 1893, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Press Association.-Electric Telegraph.—

THE VICTORIAN BUDGET. Melbourne, July 19. Mr. A. Downes Carter, Colonial Treasurer, in his Budget attributes the depression to the lowness of the prices of the staple products. The revenue for the past year was £6,963,000, of which £738,000 had been raised by means of Treasury Bills, and the expenditure had been £8,183,000. The revenue for the ensuing year is estimated at £7,343,000, and the estimated expenditure ii £7,623,000. Retrenchment is to be carried on with a firm hand. Fresh taxation was rendered necessary, and an income tax, similar to that in operation in New Zealand would be imposed ; also 3 per cent, primage duty on goods under 25 per cent, ad valorem. In concluding the Colonial Treasurer stated that he was convinced the colony would soon rebound to its former condition.

STORMY WEATHER IN THE TASMAN SEA. Melbourne, July 19. The captain of the Mary Wadlejr, which arrived from the Thames to-day, reports having encountered veiy stormy weather crossing the Tasman Sea. Shortly after sailing she was thrown on her beam ends, and the deck cargo had to be jettisoned to save the vessel. A STEAMER IN COLLISION. Sydney, July 19. The schooner Guiding Star collided oft Red Head, near Newcastle, with the steamer Elingamite The schooner was cut in halves. Her cook, named Matheson, was drowned, but the other members of the crew were taken on board the steamer. THE NEW SOUTH WALES MINISTRY. Sydney, July 19. The Attorney-General has departed for Canada for the benefit _of his health. In order to deal with matters in his department the office of Solicitor-General, which has been in abeyance since 1873, lias been revived, and Mr. O'Connor lias been appointed to the position. THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. Brisbane, July 19. The Legislative Assembly has adopted an address requesting increased representation on the Federal Council.