AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 789, 22 October 1878, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PEE S.S. ItINGAItOOMA. AT THE BLUFF.) Mf.ljuhtrxk, October 16. The Reform Bill has reached the Council, where it was read a first time yesterday ; but no order was made for its second reading. It is thought that the Council intend to adopt the same tactics as the Assembly, where the Council Reform Bill remains hung 1.1 SIJICt; tile- li» O6 movod liy \Tl*. Berry. Mr. C'uthbert, who some months ago resigned as a member of the Cabinet, still acts as the representative of the Government in Council, and advocates a'll their measures, except his own particular one of reform. Business in the Assembly lias been of local interest only.

There are some hopes that the session may be brought to a close in November. A telegram has been received from the Chairman of the Associated Banks in London stating that, as the money market is easier, there is a probability of floating a two, or three million loan, if the Government will undertake not to introduce any further loan for twelve months at least. The Banks also suggest that the time and the minimum be left to their discretion, acting with the Agent-General.

The Loan Bill for five millions has now passed, and the debentures will be sent Home next mail.

The Cable Duplication Question has been settled so far as the Cable Company is concerned. They have accepted all the terms, and it only remains for Mr. Berry and Mr. Burns to sign the contract on behalf of their respective Governments ; but it is believed that the New Zealand reduction will first have to be decided, and terms arranged for a reduction for Press rates over the New Zealand cable. A Lands Commission some time since found that Mr. A. C. Allan, Assistant SurveyorGeneral, had been guilty of dummying land, and the matter having been brought before the Cabinet, he is to be allowed to resign.

A charge of tampering with jurors is at present before the Police Court, in which David Henry, a well-known money lender, is the jirincipal defendant. Despatches received by the Governor contain the opinions of law officers on the question of payment on the authority of the Assembly, as recommended by the Government here during the crisis. The law officers recognise an appropriation under the 45th clause of the Constitution Act, but state that the Governor was not justified in signing warrants on the authority of the Lower House alone.

Bishop Selwyn, of Melanesia, was a passenger to England by the Garonne. The weather has been variable, great heat being followed by sharp cold. During Monday night and yesterday there were violent squalls, with hail showers.

Messrs. Berry and Sladen have agreed that the two Reform Bills be referred to a conference of five members of each House, to be appointed on Tuesday. It is not anticipated that any result will be trained. Sam Emery and Reeves, two comedians, arrived per Chimborazo. Miss Ada Ward was also a passenger from the Cape. Business continues dull, but little improvement is noticeable. A large number of Cuxs horses have arrived from the other Colonies ; but there is little betting, and no alteration in the odds.