VICTORIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 180, 13 June 1862, Page 5

VICTORIA.

(PROM OTJK OWN CORRESPONDENT.) JCNB (5, ISG2.

Mr. Heales has succeeded in passing his Common Schools' Bill through Committee of the Assembly, in spite of very serious opposition from Mr. O'Shanassy and a number of his friends. One of the Catholic clergymen took occasion on Sunday, to point out to his hearers that the bill was a very objectionable one, and advised, his flock to sign a petition against it. This has been done ; and a very strong opinion exists in the minds of many, that to such an extent is Mr. O'Shanassy under the power of the priests, that he will even prorogue the llouso rather than sec the bill pass, as it aims a blow at the root of the present denominational system of education. It was discussed in the Committee whether clergymen might become members ofthe Board, and Mr. Eleales, with his usual weakness, gave in to O'Shanassy. suid voted with him in the division list, carrying, by his own vote, an amendment that clergymen might become members ofthe board. Many members voted on the same side, because they did not like the idea of placing a ban on "»y profession. It haa since been pointed out that it would be more desirable for the Board to be composed of laymen ; and a motion has been given that on its third reading the clause should be altered so as to exclude clergymen. The third reading takes place today, and a strong muster of the friends of national education is expected to see the Bill safely sent t<the Upper House. The case of Bowie versus Wilson (proprietor cS the Argus'), for libel, has occupied the Supreme Court for the last five or six days. The case ;;; one of some interest, as involving the liberties of the press. The Argus commented upon the management of the institution, '(the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum) of which Dr. Bowie has long been the manager, and boldly wrote that it was capable of much improvement, and (ha: one of the patients had been confined of a child. The evidence, as far as it has gone, has proved that at first the Asylum was not conducted in a very efficient manner, but that lately the management had much improved. That, however, the patients were frequently used in a rather unkind manner by the attendants, and that a woman who had been an inmate of the Asylum, had been confined; and that.the father was Me. Bowie's coachman. For the prosecution it was proved, however, that at the time of the occurrence the female had been discharged as a patient, and was engaged in the establishment ns a servant. As to the general libel ofthe establishment not being well conducted, the 'evidence of nearly all the witnesses, pro and con, goes to prove that the management of the Asylum might have been in better hands, r-.nd Dr. Bowie's own evidence even; went to show that lie has had very little experience in Lunatic Asylums, except such as he has picked up as the Superintendent of the Yarra Bend. It is most likely to turn out another instance where this colony pays very high salaries: to gentlemen who have had no previous training for the posts they hold. The Land Bill has passed the Council's Committee without amendment, and was read a third time on Tuesday night. The revelations about the ten millions map ended with Mr. Duffy's explanation that he would restore the land abstracted, and the Council—satisfied they had been felt aa a power in the state—rapidly went through the remaining half of the bill in a single sitting. It is now believed the prorogation will take place this month—probably next Friday. Previous to the third reading of the Land Bill, a letter from the Surveyor-General was read, stating that the in up had been restored to its original position, and that it had been initialled and varnished. The bill is now ready for the Governor's assent.

Much anxiety haa been manifested in relation to the Heal Property Act, better known as Torrens' Act. In reply to a question put by Mr. Rolfe to the Government, the hon, the Commissioner of Railways stated that all his lay colleagues were anxious the bill should become law, but he had not vet an opportunity of knowing what was the opinion of the law officers—that would be known in a few days. It ha 3 since been rumored that their opinion is to the effect that they will recommend tne measure to be reserved for the Queen's assent. In that case, the Council have determined not to assent to the Appropriation Act until they know the bill will be assented, to

The vote of £5000, placed on the Estimates for paying four lecturers to go home and act as agents to promote immigration to tins colony, was struck out by a majority of two. It is stated nine hundred applicants had applied for the coveted billets, and of course there have been nine hundred disappointments. Many members voted against the proposition because (?) they feared the Government would send home unsuitable men, or political partisans who hud done them some sir vice.

The Gottcnburg, steamer, has arrived under canvas, and will be immediately placed 011 the slip to undergo an overhaul ami have her propeller fixed. She is built on the model of tin: Oscar, and will be laid on for Otago on the 12th of this month. You may expect her with the mails on or about the 19th hist. She was ver\ unfortunate in being detained by contrary winds 80 long that her provisions were all gone, bavin." consumed the last biscuit just prior to makic' Port Philip Heads. She is a very fine-lookii • vessel, expressly built for the intercolonial tiart and will no doubt become a favorite passenjn ship. The barque William Watson arrived from Dunedin, and the captain was charged with a breach of the shipping regulations in not making a correct return ot the efl'ects of a passenger who died. The return was that he died possessed of 255., whereas another passenger swore he had handed over £43 to the captain. It is very clear perjury has been committed on either Ride, and

the case hnsr been remanded to allow of further evidence being adduced. Cas.tlcinnine is anxiously awaiting Mr. Pyke's resignation. All sorts of rumors are afloat as to probabie candidates, but nothing can of course be done till the Speaker it empowered to issue a. writ for a new election. Some of Mr. Pyke's admirers have resolved'to invite him to a farewell dinner. A movement is also on foot to induce Mr. Michic to stand when the seat becomes vacant. It is, however, asserted Mr. Michic has no desire to enter into the political arena, as he is busily engaged retrieving his lost ground, which he will no doubt do very fast if He gets many cases like the present. His brief iv Bowie versus the Argus was £80, and £20 a-lay for "refreshers." Mr. Wood receives £78 ami the same " refreshers" as Mr Michie. T;.e otiier hamsters engaged receive equally satisfactory refreshing tokens of their abilities.