Our Australian Letter.

Otago Witness, Issue 1499, 7 August 1880, Page 8

Our Australian Letter.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Melbourne, July 20th. THE VICTORIAN GENERAL ELECTION.

" Nothing happens but the unforeseen." The Conservative triumph of February last has been completely effaced by the result of the general election just concluded. The cDQttsb has been short, sharp, and, so far aa rewards the Service Ministry, decisive. Strangers to our politics miy well wonder at the fickleness displayed by the populace, and ask what has occurred during his brief tenure of office to justify the withdrawal of the confidence reposed in the Conservative leader less than five months ago. The attitude of the Government has been studiously moderate ; indeed, in their efforts to avoid any unnecessary irritation of their opponents, they have almost offended many of their own less cautious adherents. When the tenth Parliament was dissolved the Ministerial party comprised a compact body of 42, while the Berry and O'Shanassy following numbered 44. The Conservatives confidently appealed to the country, believing that the reaction agaiust Barryism would suffice to give them a majority against even the united influence of the Liberal leader, the Catholic vote, and the Age. They miscalculated their strength and tho Jpower of their opponents. It cannot be deniui that the Ministry contested the elections with many advantages in their favour which they aro not likely to enjay again. Their political organisation was believed to be superior to thou opponents' ; they had a better command of the sinews of war, and apparently more enthusiasm on their side. Besides all this, it was believed that the country was siok of the vacillation of the Liberal leaders, and oould in the maia endorse the Ministerial scheme of reform, not because it was acceptable on all points, but because it was adhered to with a steadfastness which indicated that its originator, at any rate, considered it likely to prove effectual. The astuteness of the Age in a great measure neutralised this latter advantage. The scheme of Reform suggested by it at the last moment— and based largely on the lines of the Service scheme, but going farther in a Liberal direotion than the Premier believed the Council could accept— was endorsed by the l<*te Liberal representatives in Parliament, and was presented to the country with a great flourish of trumpets as the only moderate and constitutional plan yet originated. The Hottentot-Esquimaux scheme— as Mr Service's proposal was designated — was scouted, and the electors were warned that if they approved of it manhood suffrage would be destroyed, the destinies of the country would be placed in the hands of the 30 " Tallowfats " who compose the Upper House, and Liberalism would be extinguished iov the next century. Politically tha election was fought on these lines, and ife soon became evident that the Liberal scheme (which I fully explained in my last letter) would meet with much support. The proposal to txtend the franchise for the Council to all ratepayers was undoubtedly popular, and at once enlisted the sympathies of the 40,000 ratepayers who would be left out in the cold if the line were drawn where Mr Service desired. It was no use for the Premier and several of his supporters to Btste that personally they, too, were in favour of the ratepayers' roll being adopted, but that they dare not propose it, as the Council would eventually reject it. Then again, the Conservatives were greatly hampered by their quarrel with the Catholic party. It is now admitted that there was much more in Sir John O'Shanassy's boast that he had returned 20 members in February lasb, than Conservatives were then prepared to admit. For the second time within five months the doughty knight has made bis influence felt too plainly to allow of further question. It is aot toj much to say that he virtually holds tho key of the situation at the present tima. His following in the new Parliament may not be numerically largs — it would be unsafe to credit him with more than six or seven personal supporters — but the defection of these would be enough to almost destroy tne present Berry majority, and at any rate render it insufficient to carry on the government in the face of the able men who will soon follow their leader into the "cool shades of Opposition," where Sir John vowed he would consign them. Many votes, too, were lost to the Government by the systematic misrepresentations to which the Premier was subjected. It was no use for Mr Service to repeatedly deny the calumny that he had aa. serked that if a working man could not live in Victoria oa 5s a week he had better go to South Australia. Over and over again he warmly denied having ever entertained or expressed auoh an idea, which was altogether foreign to the views he had ever felt towards the working classes. He pointed to the energetic assistance that his Government had given to the unemployed ; that they had found work at current rates for over 1000 destitute men. But neither assertion nor proof could overtake the injury done by the dissemination of a libel so admirably adapted to kindle the resentment of the unthinking classes. The Chinese question was also skilfully traded on. It was circulated th^t. the Ministry wees in favour of Chinese immigration, and every Opposition candidate helped to aptead the falsehood. Again and again it waa denied, r.nd it was pointed out that tho Min'.oiiiy, on V-.o contrary, had boon the first to enforce the Service retjula' tions prohibiting the eub-lef ting of contracts to Chluese, besides having promptly agreed

to Sir Henry Parkes' proposal that the Colonies should aot in ooncert la checking immigration from China. The Premier wa* charged with having an overweening lust for power that was absolutely Satanic, and he was accused of aiming at the extinction of Liberal principles and the humiliating of the Liberal party by bullying and intimidation. Oa their side the Conservatives were not inactive. The old charges against the Barry Ministry were again revived, but they had lost the merit of freshness, and while all true Conservatives believed them, all Liberals dismissed them with the oontemptuons remark, "Oh, tho old charges again !" , „ When tho eventful day came each aid© professed to be sanguine. The Conservatives unquestionably were quite unprepared for the , profound disappointment wmob awaited them. The voting as a whole watf considerably lower than in February, which may be aocounted for in a great measure by the difficulty of travelling in the country distriots in the winter Beason. In many oonstituenoies seats were contested with surprising olosenesa, but when all was over the net result was that the Service majority had dwindled down to 35, while the Opposition strength had increased to 51.- Of these only 44 are declared supporters of the Berry programme, the remaining seven chiefly constituting the O'Shanassy section. Several of the most promising members oh the Conservative Bide are among the rejeoted. Mr Lyell, the defeated representative of Emerald Hill— admittedly one of the ablest financiers in the Colony — Mr Andrews, of Geeloug, Mr Walker, of Riohmond, Mr N* Jones, of Villiers and HeytetJbury, the indefatigable secretary of the National Registration Society, are all men of more than ordinary ability. One of the most ourioua features of the election haa been the return of no less than five members of the Age literary staff. Sir Bryan O'Loghlen comes back as member for West Bourke. All the leading opponents of the Government secured re-election, and no Minister wag rejeoted, though "Dr Madden waa uncomfortably pressed at Sandridge. THE NEW PUISNE JUDGE. It was stated during the elections that the late Government, after their defeat on February 28 Lh, advised the Governor to appoint Sir Bryan O'Loghlen, the Attorney -general, to the Supreme Court Benoh, in suooession to the late Mr Justice Fellows, one of the most eminent judges who has held offioe in this Colony. The Marquis of Normanby, however, declined to follow this advice — so the Btory runs— and the challenge to oontradiot it was not accepted. It was, however, regarded as inevitable that the baronet's ambition would be gratified shortly when he sucoeeded in winning his way back to Parliament again. The Servioe Ministry, by almost their last official aot, have barred his way to judioial distinction by appointing the Hon. George Higinbotham. The Liberal Government urged the hon. gentleman to accept the appointment some months ago, but he refused to do so, but the solicitations of tho other side have apparently overcome his scruples. He will be an ornament to the Bench. Politically he ia an extreme Liberal, but a more disinterested, purehearted politician never entered upon a public career. He retired from politics some years ago because he was unable to give i effect to some extreme views respecting the \ position her Majesty's Ministers in Victoria should hold towards her advisers in the Home Country, He has been repeatedly urged to come, forward again, but has steadily refused. He is the acknowledged leader of the nisipriiis Bar, and his appointment will be highly popular throughout the country, though exception is certain to be taken to a defuuet Cabinet filling up so important an office. THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES. The novel financial proposals submitted by the Treasurar have been the means of striking a heavy blow at the prestige and popularity of the Parkes Ministry. Mr Watson has done more to weaken the Government than the Opposition were able to accomplish all through a ssssion of almost unprecedented length, and after all without any result, for his proposals to impose an export duty on wool, a tax on horses and cattle, and an export duty on coal have fallen through. After several very close divisions, the Government were at length placed in the uncomfortable position of only carrying the clause in the Taxation Bill imposing the export duty on wool by the oasting vote of the Chairman, and as a necessary consequence the measure lapsed. Apparently thinking it would be useleßS to submit any fresh proposals to an Assembly .which had already twice rejeoted the schemes of the Government, Sir Henry -Parkes resolved on a prompt prorogation, and this was accomplished on July 13 bh. The Governor's Speech was couched in a very laudatory vein, and was evidently addressed to the country in preparation for the anticipated appeal to the constituencies. The session has, however, been unusually fruitful in practical legislation of importance. As the Governor is made to remark, "The session would have been remarkable for the pissing into law of the two great measures — to extend the blessings of education, and to readjust and provide more efficiently for I the representation of the people," even had 1 nothing else been accomplished. Whether this Parliament, which stands prorogued to August 31st, will meet again is a matter of doubt. Much financial inconvenience would be avoided if it did, but the Government naturally do not wish to court another defeat just prior to the iuevitable appeal under the new Electoral Acb. Parliament expires by effluxion of time before Christmas, so that under any circutnstannces the constituencies mast be consulted soon. It is slid that a number of members regret having rejeoted the excise proposals of the Government, and would vote for them if they were re-submitted. But it is possible that excise alone would not meet the increasing deficiency, and tha Cabinet might be driven to submit a scheme for direct property taxation. It is probable that they will consider it wiser to await the decision of the country. If returned with a strong majority they would be able to force their proposals through the Assembly quickly, and, after a short seasion, adjourn all other legislation until next year. If they came back materially weakened they would, of oourae, be gUd to leave their

Bucoessors the very awkward task of settling the finances en a sound basis. It is notioeable that Mr Garrett, who has so long been a faithful adherent of Sir John Robertson, deserted his friend recently, and his ability and experience mark him out aB oce of the coming leaders of the future. In connection with the general election, it must be remembered that the new Electoral Aot will enable the country to send 21 additional members intolParliament, and will besides rectify the many glaring inequalities in representation which have so long existed. THB DEFENCES OF THE COLONIE3. Sir William Jervois, Governor of South Australia, on July Bth, delivered in Adelaide on "The Defences of England and the Colonies." Of course his profesaional training and experience as a military engineer has eminently qualified him to Bpeak with authority on such a »übj cot. The importance of his remarks will be acknowledged when it is borne in mind that the mercantile marine of the British Colonies nearly equals the aggregate tonnage of that of the United Kingdom in 1803. Most of the Australasian Colonies are really relying upon Great Britain to defend them in case of attack, and she has expressed her willingness to do so with "her last ship and her last man"; but surely it devolves upon these wealthy and snergetio young communities to assist themselves. Sir W. Jervois points out that the maritime routes of commerce, where adjacent to the Australian seaboard, must be protected, and he indicates the necessity of establishing important coaling stations at Singapore and King George's Sound, and the fortifioation of these places, whioh would become valuable naval posts for vessels of war in case of the outbreak of hostilities. There are matters, in his opinion, connected with the general defence of these Colonies which can only be dealt with by combined aotion. For instance, he believes that " unity of military organisation and measures required for general naval protection, including the defence of naval stations in Australian waters, which are common to the whole of these Colonieß, oan only be carried out under federal arrangement." He considers that all the Australasian Colonies, including New Zealand, should share the cost of defending naval outposts like King George's Sound and a harbour in Fiji, which are immediately conneoted with the defence of Australasian commeroe. He reminds the Colonieß of the splendid inheritance they have received from the Mother Country, and gays he confidently looks forward to the day when, as their population multiplies and their revenues largely increase, there will be " Australian troops ready to act in concert with British regiments, and Australian ships prepared to join with. British squadrons, if need be, in doing battle with a common foe." The lecture has oreated a considerable impression throughout these Colonies. Serious ohabges against the Queensland PREMIER. The Queensland Parliament . has opened Btormily. Mr Thomas M'llwraith, the Premier, who has just returned from a wedding tour to England, has had to bear the brunt of a very terious attaok. Mr Griffith, Q.C., the leader of the Liberal Opposition, at the earliest opportunity presented a petition from Mr Hemmant, an ex-Treasurer but now a resident of London, which made a number of damaging accusations against the head of the Government and the Colonial Secretary. These charges have been thus summed up by the Brisbane Courier :—: — " 1. That Messrs M'llwraith and Palmer, being registered as part, owners of certain ships— namely, the Scottish Hero, Scottish Knight, and. Garnet— whioh shipß are employed by M'llwraith, M'Eaoharn, and Co. in carrying out contracts with the Queensland Government for the conveyance of immigrants and freight, have suoh a beneficial interest in such contracts as disqualifies them from sitting in Parliament. "2. That under these oiroumstanoes, two members of the Ministry having an interest in the shipping business of M'llwraith, M'Baoharn, and Co., that firm obtaining a contraot in January last for. the carriage of 15,000 tons of rails from England to Queensland at an unusually high rate of freight, tenderers for the work having been called on to perform it under- certain conditions, whioh materially increased the cost of oarriage, and which conditions were waived as soon as M'llwaith, M'Eaoharn, and Co. had obtained the contraot. ' "3. That in January last the Premier let a oontraot for 15,000 tons of rails, at a price of £9 18s 6d per ton, to the Haslam Engineering Company, the rails to fill this order having been some months previously purchased by that Company, or some person for whom they are now agents, at £6 per ton, whereby he, either by collusion witi the speculators or by culp*ble negligence, assisted to defraud the Colony of some £60,000." The petition, as Mr Griffith remarked, almost amounted to an impeachment of the Premier, but the latter met his answer boldly, and his reply is considered tc have demonstrated his innocence of the implied corruption. He showed that he and Mr Palmer were simply registered as owners of shares in Mr A. M 'll wraith's vessels because they were trustees under a marriage settlement. With regard to the rails, he explained that on arriving in London he found that rails had risen nearly 50 per cent, in price, and that the tender of the Haslam Company had simply been accepted because it was the lowest, and beoause there was no chance of the market falling. He admitted that it was possible the Company had brought the rails on speculation, but contended that he could not be held responsible because It was in their power to make a profitable arrangement with the Colony. Respecting the shipping contract, he produced tenders to prove that the most advantageous terms had been secured. The debate was a very bitter one. The general opinion seems to be that the Premier has been unjustly assailed, and that it was ungenerous to attack him in the absence of more distinct evidence. The Opposition, however, are disinclined to leb the matter drop, and a select committee has been appointed to probe it to the bottom. Mr M'llwraith and Mr Palmer have been served with writs claiming £3000 damages ia each case, for having sat in the Assembly on six oooaeions after being disqualified, Of course '

this action is simply taken to . test the legality of their position. Should these matters be satisfactorily cleared up, the Government will be unquestionably stronger than last session. The Premier has come back fall of grand projects for the development of the Colony by means of foreign capital, and intends to make a bold attempt to carry them out. He is desirous of abandoning the system by which the State has undertaken the immense work of railway construction, and has become a convert to the idea that this duty, as in America, should bo carried out by private companies, who will be repaid by extensive land grants. His idea will receive a large measure of public support, but some uneasiness is felt lost the adoption of the American system may not also involve the inauguration of the dangerous railway rings, whioh disgrace the great Republic. The discussion on these proposals will prove interesting. The new mail contraot with the British India Company, involving an annual subsidy 'of L 50.000, will be hotly debated, and there are other items of Government; policy which are certain to meet with strenuous opposition. MISCELLANEOUS. In South Australia the Morgan Government are quietly submitting their measures to Parliament, and so far have encountered , no serious opposition. The Eleotoral Districts Bill has reached the Upper House, and been amended there ia the direction of increasing the number of members of the Council from 18 to 24. This will very possibly cause the rejection of the measure, as the Assembly will not accept Buch an amendment unless accompanied by some provision for making the Chamber more amenable to public opinion. The revenue returns for the financial year justj ust closed show that the total receipts were 11,830,781, some L 169,000 more than the previous year. The expenditure for the year waa LI, 853, 113. The New South Wales Government refuse to abandon the collection of customs duties on the frontier. A new goldfield of extensive dimensions has been discovered on the Margaret River, Northern Territory. About 1000 Chinese and 20 Europeans are on it, and the Government resident reports that the Chinese are getting large quantities of gold. A fight recently occurred between the Canton and Macao , men over some rich ground, but peace has been restored. The Tasmanians are becoming impatient, as they have heard no news respecting the arrival of their new Governor. Meanwhile Sir Francis Smith, the Chief Justice, is dispensing the hospitalities of Government House to the satisfaction of all, Mr Giblin, the Premier, has returned to Hobart Town, after a long visit to Adelaide and Melbourne, and is preparing to meet Parliament next month. His lieutenants have been making ( extended tours throughout the Island, and his Minister of Lands has already scheduled public works which it will require a million loan to construct. His colleagues will, however, exercise the pruning-knif e unsparingly. Mr Giblin was rather lionised in Adelaide, and, it is reported, received warm invitations to settle there. His ability would make itself felt wherever he resides. The difficulty of making both ends meet financially is the prevailing trouble in Western Australia. Ever since the appointment of Mr Barlee as Governor of British Honduras, the finances of the Colony have been in an embarrassed condition. The deficit now approaches L 60.000, which considerably alarms the good people of Perth. It is propoßedto apply to the Imperial authorities to authorise a more real control than is at present enjoyed by Parliament over the expenditure or the Crown. By this and by additional taxation they hops to escape from their difficulties.