AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 963, 21 May 1879, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Ixvehcaegill, May 20. The following is a summary of Australian news, per Rotorua, from May 10th to the 13th : VICTORIA. A spirit of conciliation is manifesting itself politically. Extremists on either side meet with support. Sir Charles Sladen, leader of the Upper House, expressed his opinion that the constitutional difficulty -would be solved if approached in a spirit of moderation, wisdom, and loyalty. Mr. Jenner, M. L. C., ■stated that the reform measures, tempered with moderation, would probably pass the Council. The Government intend to propose a system of Government life insurance for sums not exceeding L2OO. The imports last year show a decrease of L 200,000, and the exports a decrease of L 221,000, compared with 1877. A deputation of ironmongery merchants urge the allowance of drawbacks on all imported dutiable goods exported to other colonies as near as possible at the same rate as the import duty. The Commissioner of Customs promised favorable consideration. There is an outcry in the country districts at the enormous expenditure on the Exhibition building. The additions amount to L 70,000. The main building commission is authorised to spend nearly L 30,000 on machinery, annexes, offices, &c. Over LIOO,OOO more is proposed for temporary extension. The Provincial and Suburban Bank, the largest banking company in Melbourne, suspended operations 'on May 12. Its authorised capital is L 50,000; paid up capital, L 47,000. It had practically no 1 reserve fund. The suspension is the , result of a difficulty in obtaining money due to the bank, consequent on the de- i pression in trade. The bank never did a • large business. There is no apprehension ■ of inconvenience in commercial circles, consequent on the failure. ]

Milliard, a selector at Emerald Diggings, was stuck up by a man representing himself as Ned Kelly. The police ascertained that he •was not the outlaw, but it is believed that the gang, finding the old quarters too hot, may break out in the directions of the Dandenong Ranges ; consequently the residents are on the alert. The Government propose to ask Parliament to authorise tramways, as feeders to railways. Mr. Eeid, M.L.C., states his intention to submit a Bill to the Council, making LlO freeholders and L2O householders electors of the Council. It is alleged that Monk was never shot at by the Kelly sympathisers. The Government are investigating the matter. Monk swore positively that two shots were fired at him. His story is generally accepted. A lot of grapes were recently shipped from South Australia to Sydney. The Customs refused to land them for fear of phylloxera. They first proposed to throw them overboard, but ultimately agreed to allow them to be transhipped to Auckland. NEW SOUTH WALES. The racehorse Leviticus was stolen near Grafton, by a notorious horse stealer. Franck, proprietor of the Totalisator, was committed for trial for promoting gambling. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Dent, captain of the schooner Moonta, shot himself on the 12th, having run the vessel aground. The Art Industral Exhibition was opened at Adelaide, in connection with the Stow Memorial Church.