AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10836, 20 August 1898, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Telegraph-Press Association.-Copyright.' WEST AUSTRALIAN RETRENCHMENT Perth, August 19. The Government propose extensive reductions and dismissals in the public service, The Public Works Estimates have been reduced from a million to less than half a million. WEST AUSTRALIAN BUDGET. Perth, August 18. The Budget Speech was delivered by the Premier in the Assembly yesterday. The estimated surplus for the coming year is about £8000. The total trade of the colony last year was £10,358,000. Exports increased over £2,500,000. He introduced proposed tariff, reductions totalling £45,000. They include a decrease of the duties on cattle, horses, pigs, chilled and tinned meats, bacon, hams, cheese, oatmeal, clothing, and hemp, this decrease being partially reimbursed by the imposition of a 5 per cent, duty on machinery and 2d per gallon on local beer. The Government, the Premier said, did not intend at present to ask the House to authorise loans for the construction of railways, which would have to wait. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BUDGET. Adelaide, August 18. In the Legislative Assembly, the Treasurer delivered his Budget Speech. Tlio year closed with a debit of £28,000, reckoning £56,000 paid off the public debt. The revenue decreased £61,000 compared with the estimates. It is estimated the present year will show a surplus of £2000. No new taxation is proposed. The conversion of loans has resulted in a saving of £25,000. JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS. Sydney, August 13. Mr. Justice A. H. Simpson replaces the late Judge Manning. Mr. Walker, Q.C., has been raised to the Bench, and succeeds Judge Simpson in bankruptcy.