VICTORIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3896, 12 October 1880, Page 3

VICTORIA.

Mblboubxe, Oct. G. Lord Normanby's message to tlie Queen on Oct. 1 was sent from Molbourne to Balmoral in 23 minutes. The Prinoe of Wales also replied to the Governor's telegram, saying that ho was very glad to hear that everything went off so well.

Government is now considering proposals to hold a military review afc an early date. The naval commanders in the bay have offered their assistance, and probably a sham naval fight will be arranged between the vessels in harbour, a field' forco co-operating. East Ballarat has invited the Governors and their suites, also the Judges and officers of men-of-war, Commissioners and others to visit tho town afc an early date. Work in the various Courts is now being vigorously carried on, and ib is-expected that the Exhibition will be completod within less than a month. The attendance on Monday numbered 6500; yesterday 2700 only, exclusive of admissions with passes. The guests of the Governor were frequent visitors to the various Courts. Lord loftus returns to Sydney on Oct. 8, accompanied by Sir J. Robertson.

The attendance afc the Hunt Club meeting on Saturday was very limited; and there were small fields, many horses being scratched. The Age in a leader on Monday, says that a movement is on foot under Sir J. O'Shanassy to turn oufc the present Government, and mentions Mr Murray Smith in the same connection. The Age urges the Liberals to resist tho temptation, but fears fchat many Liberals now in the Assembly cannot be trusted. This leader formed the subject of much comment ia political circles. It is believed to contain much that is true.

At a meeting of tho Harbour Trust yesterday, Mr Brady was instructed to interview Dr Hector on the subject of fche suitability of New Zealand timber lor tho purposes of tho Trust.

The Chief Secretary is now communicating with tho chiefs of the police department with a view to further redactions. Mr Clarko recently declared that he could reduce the Customs' oipenditure from £95,000 to £50,000.

Tho Indian Government, an influential syndicato of Calcutta merchants and others, havo tab>n active steps to introduce Indian tea into the Colonies. Mr Beathorpe is now here with that object, and tea is freely dispensed in the Indian court daily to all visitors.

H.M.S. Miranda, which loffc Plymouth for Australia at the end of August, was instructed to visit Inaccessible Island and Tristan D'Acunha in search of shipwrecked mariners.

The Argus, referring to fche banquet at fche Mansion Houso in honour of the cricketers, says that the news will be read with pleasure throughout the Colonies. Tho cricketers have worked their way steadily to the front by good play and good conduct. It concludes by stating that tho warmth of feeling displayed at Leeds and London will be cordially reciprocated when the next team visits Australia.

The Australian Frozen Meat Company ship 250 tons of frozen meat per Protos on Oct. 31. The meat consists of seven thousand carcases of sheep and a quantity of beef. The Peninsular and Oriental Company are building eight steamers, all exceeding four thousand tons, which they intend to employ principally in the Australian trade.

Tho diamond drill bore has been sunk at Kilcunda Mino ]65 feet 6 inches. Three seams of coal of good quality have been struok, varying from 3 in to 24 in.