SECOND EDITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3799, 18 June 1880, Page 2

SECOND EDITION.

[Reuter's Telegrams.] MELBOURNE, June 18. The Crucial Test Appointed. Messrs Service and Berry have come to an understanding that the division on the Reform Bill should take place on June 24. Many large meetings are being held throughout the country to discuss the present position of political affairs. Debate Postponed. The debate on the Payment of Members' Bill will only be resumed after the division on the Reform Bill. SYDNEY, June IS. All Hope Abandoned. H.M.S. Raleigh has arrived from England. In accordance with instructions from the Admiralty, she examined Amsterdam Island, where it will be remembered the captain of the Vancouver reported he had seen lights, but no signs of the Knowsley Hall or of any shipwrecked crews were discovered. Beer Duty. In the Legislative Assembly New South Wales, the Bill to impose duties on beer was read a second time. Sailed — Tbe Australia for Auckland yesterday. GRAHAMSTOWN. Jink 18. Fire. S. Stevenson's hotel was burnt down lust night at 10 o'clock. There is no clue to the origin. Tlio insurance is £200 on tho building in llie Norwich Union, £200 on iho furniture, and £100 on the stock in the Imperial. The proprietor was about t> proceed lo Wellington as a delegate to the Licensed Victuallers Conference. Electoral Roll. At tho Municipal Council meeting, hold laßt. night, a Committee recommended tho taking of stcpa to increase the numbers on tho Thames electoral roll. The petition to unseat, Mr Kdward Kichardaon for Christchurch, und roplaco Sir Georgo Grey, lias received ov- r 100 eignaturea. WELLINGTON, Junk 18. An Active Public. In two days 1500 signatures havo boen obtained to the petition ugainst the Municipal Corporation." Amend ment Hill. Tho wholo of tho City Councillor** siu'iied the petition. (mou oun own cokkk<i'ondi:nt.) WELLINGTON, Junk 18. Political News. Tho Government clumsily expose.! their weakness bj threatening to sit on Saturday and Monday, with tlie only too apparent object of forcing a division beioro Messrs Jonea and Sheehan arrive. Whenever tho division does take place it will bo very dose, j and then, though Sir George Grey may not j havo a majority, Iho Opposition will have | shown strength stiflieicntly largo io keep the I Ministry in wholcaomo check during the I remainder of Ihe ecaoion, and compel them not only to abandon all idea of shelving tbe .Redistribution of Scata Bill, bnt to frame t io that, a dissolution ehall tako placo at the j close of the present session.