CABLEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1005, 9 July 1879, Page 2

CABLEGRAMS.

j DIRECT AUSTRALIAN -N KWS. (RECTEK's TELEGRAM I'i'.K PRESS ASS JCIATION). Melboup.ne, July 8. | Parliament was opened to-day by the' i Governor, who, in a speech on the occasion, said that the present was a very serious juncture. Tradewas universallydepressed, but the depression was felt less here than elsewhere." Signs of a beneficial change were, however, apparent. Botli the agricultural and mining interests were gradually improving. He said he had reason to believe that the Prince of Wales would visit the International Exhibition; and announced that no increase of taxation was considered necessary. The Government loan was a brilliant success. He lioped the mission to London would prove beneficial, and result in the satisfactory progress of legislation. The speech announced Bills for the amendment of tiie Land Tax Act, the reform of the constitution, with the object of securing a final adjustment of the functions of the Council aud the Assembly, and thus terminating the recurrence of disastrous deadlocks. The address in reply to the speech was carried without opposition. Arrived —Arawata.

July 9. The Government intimates that they_ propose introducing a Bill to amend the present electoral law and numerous other important measures, unless the Reform Bill should absorb all other questions. In the Legislative Assembly, last night, on the Speaker announcing the return of Mr. Deakin for East Bourke, Mr. .Gaunson moved to protest. Mr. Deakin has since resigned owing to the strictures passed on his conduct. Sydney, July 9. The Legislative Council has rejected the Hon. .Sir John Robertson's proposed clause in the Land Bill, and, in consequence, the measure has been dropped. In the course of the debate in the Legislative Assembly last night the Premier stated that he intended to submit a motion in reference to the action of the Council on the Land Bill.

Arrived —Mail steamer City of New York from Auckland.

(special to press association.) Melbourne, July 8. The Opposition will not move an amendment to the address on behalf of the Catholics. The Argus states that the Catholics abandon their claim for a separate education grant. Organisations are forming to obtain permission for religious education to be given in State schools between school hours.