AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3370, 22 January 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Bx Telegeaph.J (Per s.s. Wairarapa at the Bluff.) Melboubne, Jan, 15. Politically, everything continues very quiet. Several Ministers have been absent from town taking rest, but are now returning. For some days last week, Mr Kerferd, Attorney-General, was somewhat seriously indisposed through an attack of congestion of the liver, but he is now convalescent, and able to resume his official duties; The only subject of political interest discussed during the past week has been the appointment of members of the new Civil Service Board. The “Argus” maintains the accuracy of the names announced some days ago, viz., Colonel Templeton, Professor Irving, and G. S. Symonds (Under-Treasurer). The other papers declare the statement to be inaccurate and premature, and are not certain that an official decision has not yet been come to. The appointment of Mr Agg as second Railway Commissioner, gives general satisfaction. It appears likely that a Commissionersbip will be conferred on Mr Ford, Secretary of the Harbor Trust.

Steps are being taken to accelerate the speed of the daily Sydney express, and from the 4th February the journey will be accomplished in under 20 hours. The Marquis of Normanby held a visitation at the University last week, to determine the difference between the Senate and the Council relative to certain regulations. The Governor after hearing the statements of both sides reserved his decision.

The Apollo candle works, Footsoray, narrowly escaped total destruction on the morning of the 10th. Besides the loss of the still rooms, a quantity of valuable machinery was completely destroyed. The loss, which exceeds £12,000, is divided among a large number of companies, none of which will therefore suffer to a material extent. Inspector Hoad, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, was a good deal scalded by boiling oil while performing bis duties. The subject of direct steam communication between the colonies and India is engaging attention. It is announced that James Service and Co. are having a steamer of 3000 tons built expressly for the trade, which will be launched next month. A court of enquiry is now being held into the charges brought by Lieut. Dennis, against Captain Fullarton. Lieut. Dennis is desirous of withdrawing the charges, on the ground that an amicable settlement has been come to, but the Minister for defence has refused to comply with the request, and has insisted upon an investigation into the charges. The enquiry is still proceeding. Beisbane. Parliament met on Thursday for the first time since the appointment of the new Ministry. Mr Griffiths made a Ministerial statement. He invited careful consideration of the Convention papers, and he hoped to submit a certain resolution thereupon next session. He stated nearly thirty thousand immigrants had arrived last year. The Government bad been unable to find out why the numbers had been so largely increased, and where the funds came from. The amount of £238,000 was known to have been spent in excess of the amount authorised. He added ho had telegraphed Home to the AgentGeneral instructing him to give formal notice to Gray, Dawes and Co to terminate the contracts under the 17th clause. He had also sent instructions to limit the number of immigrants to one thousand monthly, giving preference to nominated immigrants and confining free immigrants to single women and farm laborers. It was impossible to act in sympathy with the officers who had been carrying on Government business in England. He thought it would be impossible to inaugurate a new system without changing Mr Archer. The Government, therefore, had given him three months’ leave of absence. He had asked Mr Hemmant to fill the office during that period. It was intended to introduce a Bill constituting a Board of Advice for assisting the Agent-General. It was intended also to increase the poll tax on Chinese.