NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 20

NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

Sydney, May 12. The Speech from the Throne at the opening of Parliament will embody the policy recently enunciated by the Premier. One of tho subjects receiving early attention will bo tho construction of light railways; also tin l introduction of the measure for the extension of tho Chinese Restriction Act (o other coloured races. A Bill to facilitate the resumption of largo estates for the purpose of promoting closer settlement will be brought down, and while Parliament will not be invited to deal comprehensively with local government, a palliative in the shape of improvement in the municipal laws, and providing for municipal loans under Government guarantee, will bo introduced.

Parliament was opened this afternoon by the Governor, Lord Hampden, with the usual ceremony. The Governor, in his Speech, referred in sympathetic terms to the death of Sir Henry Parke.;. He expressed tin l belief that the attendance of all tho colonies at the Federal Convention was assured. Otherwise, the Speech was on the lines of the forecast already telegraphed. MrTasl.-er, child' male of tho Ivxrqueutine Rio, which has just arrived from Napier, was knocked overboard during the voyage while slacking tho mizzen sheet, and drowned.

The Full Court is bearing Meagher's and Dean's appeals. The first point—viz., that the indictment was bad —was decided against the appellants. Tim second point --that Meagher's .speeches in Parliament were inadmissable as evidence —is now being argued.

Melbourne, May 12. Bryant, manager of the Union Bank at Heei ton, has been arrested on a charge of fraud in connect ion with a cheque for £OOO. Heavy rains have fallen over the southern did rids with snowstorms in some parts. The River Barwou has overflowed its banks, and Hoods are feared.