AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 14 July 1880, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(PER WAKATIPU, FROM SYDNEY.) Sydney, July 8. The New South Wales taxation proposals of the Government, as embodied in the Bill, were only passed by a majority of two, amidst Opposition cheers. 58 members voted or paired. It is believed that in a full House the Government would , have a majority of 3, but it is doubted whether they will regard this as sufficient, or whether they will ask for a dissolution. A fresh case of small pox has broken out on board the steamer Java, which has already been quarantined. One of the Chinese is convalescent. It is not known whether the fresh case is of a European or a Chinaman, but it is reported to be of an extremely virulent type. Mr. Richard Driver, member of tho the Assembly, is dead, ife held a prominent position in sporting circles. Mr. Stewart, a former Treasurer, has been elected for Illawarra. He strongly opposes the wool and coal tax proposals. Melbourne , July 8. The Chief Commissioner of Police has applied for a Board of Inquiry into the conduct of the police in connection with the Kelly capture. The Government will probably accede to the request, but will make the inquiry more comprehensive and deal with the general organisation of the force. The election excitement is growing. The Berryites are alarmed at the number of Ministerialists already returned, viz., eight unopposed, including the Premier, Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Railways, and Minister of Lands. It is rumored that the Government.intend a further reduction in the Victorian navy, including several officers. Adelaide, July 8. The Warden of the Northern goldfieldi wires that the rich ground at the new diggings is limited in extent. Advices from the Northern Territory state that the Chinese have driven the Europeans from a place called Maeo and Canton. Three companies fought, during four days with revolvers, tomahawks, and other weapons. Many were seriously wounded. The rush is a good one, and it is estimated that 4000oz. have been taken out of a patch of ground measuring 15 by 25 yards. One 70oz. nugget has been found. Brisbane, July 8. Parliament was opened on the 6th inst. The Governor's speech stated that a contract for a direct Torres Mail Service would be submitted, also a Bill* to give authority to enter into a contract for the construction of a railway to the Gulf of Carpentaria, according to the proposals made to the Premier in England. Parliament will be invited to sanction proposals for tho augmentation o£ the revenue at the minimum of inconvenience to the taxpayers. At the afternoon's sitting Mr. Griffith, leader of the Opposition, presented a petition from Mr. Hemmant, former Treasurer, and now residing in London, making allegations against the conduct of the Government business in London, implicating the Premier and Mr. Palmer, Colonial Secretary. The Premier replied in detail. On the following day Mr. Griffith gave notice of a motion having for its object the unseating of the Premier and the Colonial Secretary, as being interested in a shipping contract.