AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 422, 13 March 1880, Page 16

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

Melbourne, March 4. The race for the Australian Cup was run to-day, and resulted as follows : Columbus ... ... ... 1 Petrea... ... ... ... 2 Zambesi ... ... ... 3 There were sixteen starters, and it was a good race, but the favorites were nowhere. Time : 4min. 6secs. A heavy shower fell shortly before the race. The new Ministry has been formed as follows :—Mr. Service, Premier and Treasurer ; Mr. Ramsey, Colonial Secretary and Minister for Education ; Mr. Kereford, Attorney-General; Mr. Madden, Minister of Justice ; Mr. Gillies, Minister of Railways ; Mr. Duffy, Minister of Lands ; Mr. R. Clark, Minister of Mines ; Mr. Bent, Minister of Public Works; Mr. Cuthbert, Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Customs ; Mr. Frances and Mr. Anderson are in the Cabinet without office. The House will again meet on May 11. Sailed : Albion, for New Zealand. March 5.

Mr. James Service, the new Premier, has intimated that he will adhere to his Reform proposals, as set forth in his address last month to the electors of Maldon—namely, to maintain intact his former scheme of reform, including a joint sitting on the Norwegian plan. It is expected that Mr. Service will address his constituents in a few days. Mr. David Elder succeeds Mr. Murray Smith, member for Boroondara, as manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in this city.

The new Ministry has been sworn in by his Excellency the Governor. The Hon. W. J. Clarke has resolved upon selling his tine stud of horses and retiring altogether from the turf. March 6. The last day's races of the Autumn Meeting took place to-day. There was a better attendance than on either of the previous days. The Newmarket Handicap was won by Aspen, with Japan second, and His Lordship third. It was a close finish. The Town Plate was won by Columbus. The racing throughout the day was very good. March 8. The new Government have decided to rescind certain vexatious portions of the regulations which have from time to time been issued by Mr. Longmore, the late Minister for Lands. Madame Camilla Urso, the great violinist, will visit New Zealand shortly. At the cricket match to-day, the "Victorian Fifteen beat the Australian Eleven by one wicket. The excitement was most intense at the finish of the game. March 9.

It is not probable that there will be any opposition to the re-election of Ministers.

Mauritius advices dated 17 th January state that the sugar market was active. Large sales had been made, and stocks were small.

The Union Company's steamship Rotomahana grounded on the banks of the Yarra, but it is expected will float again at midnight. March 10

The Hon. Mr. Service at Maldon to-night expounded the Government programme, and maintained his own scheme of reform. The question of the franchise for the Council has not yet been decided upon. The Government propose to empower the Council to expunge those items involving motives of policy from Appropriation Acts, dealing therewith by a separate Bill. It is also proposed to subsidise the Mallee country out in small blocks, and renting them to the highest bidder, but all agricultural areas to remain untouched, the squatters to be allowed to hold land subject to selection. The administration of the railway is to be entrusted to a Commission or Board. Mr. Service announced that Civil Service reform would take place upon the basis of a reduction of salaries of all classes of new officials. He proposed the abolition of pensions, civilians being compelled to insure their lives, all facilities being given them to do so. In regard to the Melbourne Harbor Trust he said their power would be enlarged. He estimated the year's deficiency at £365,000, after the deduction of £300,000 to be referred to lapsed votes. He stated that officials would be prohibited from interfering in politics, and said the Government would endeavor to remedy the injustice done by their predecessors wherever - such was practicable. They would not interfere with protection, whilst relieving farmers and miners, nor alter the Education Act. The subject of payment of members was not mentioned by "Mr. Service. The sugar market is weak, and prices are £1 per ton lower. The Rotomahana got safely out of the Yarra during the night, and sailed to-day for New Zealand.

Sydney, March 4.

The Legislative Assembly last night refused to vote a salary for an assistant to the Private Secretary to the Governor, or an increase to the salary and forage for the Aide-de-Camp. Strong exception was taken to a statement by Sir Henry Parkes, the Premier, that the increases had been submitted in compliance with a minute from the Governor.

March 5.

Hennessey's (case) brandy, 355. to 365.; do., bulk, qrs., lis. 3d. to lis. 6d.; Defoe's kerosene, is. 9d. to Is. 9|d. per gallon ; Patna rice, £22 ; New Zealand wheat, 4s. 6d. per bushel; New Zealand oats, 2s. 6d. per 401b5.; maize, 2s. to 2s. 3d. per 601bs. ; Raven's twist tobacco, Is. sd. per lb. ; candles, D.R. J.'s, Bd. to B£d. per lb. March 9.

A man has murdered his two children at Bathurst. He was suffering from the effects of delirium tremens at the time. March 10.

Bishop Selwyn has arrived at Gunga from Norfolk Island, en route to Auckland.

Adelaide, March 5. The ship Devon has been chartered to load wheat for the United Kingdom at 60s. New Zealand oats are quoted at 2s. 6d. March 6.

The market for breadstuffs is quiet. Town flour is worth £ll to £ll 55., and country brands £lO 10s. to £lO 15s. Wheat is quoted to-day at 4s. 9d. March 10. Wheat has declined, and is to-day quoted at 4s. Bd. Brisbane, March 10.

A large number of blacks made a raid yesterday upon a station near Georgetown, and3|drove||awayJ£a largejnob of cattle.

King George's Sound, March 6. The P. and O. Company's steamship Bangalore, with the inward Suez mail, has arrived here. She has measles on board, and one death has occurred on the passage.

Hobakt Town, March 7.

The Legislative Council has adjourned for three months. This step has been taken in consequence of alleged discourtesy shown by the Government to the Upper House.

March 10.

The Assembly last night passed a resolution declaring the action of the Legislative Council, in adjourning its sittings for three months, in consequence of alleged discourtesy of the G-overnnient, to be unconstitutional.