AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5283, 14 June 1895, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

[Special to Pbess Association.] THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN LOAN. MELBOURNE. June 18.

The Argus, commenting on the South Australian loan, says the fact that so much money is available locally at a low ra of interest, ib proof that capitalists are unwilling to seek ordinary investments, ah that enterprise must be at a low ebb.

CUSTOMS DUTIES BILL.

SYDNEY, June 14.

The Customs Duties Bill was passed through Committee without important amendment.

LEGAL PROCEDURE.

In the Legislative Assembly, Mr Schey moved the adjournment .of the House in order to condemn the action of the Got eminent in allowing the Crown Solicitor to defend Major-General Hutton, Commandant of the Forces, in the libel action brought against him by Captain Close. The Government, he said, was not justified in allowing the Crown Solicitor to defend a person in a oivil action. The I Premier, said the writ was accepted on the distinct understanding that.it referred to the official action of Major-General Hutton; otherwise in no case would the solicitor have been allowed to defend him.

CUSTOMS' DUTIES BILL,

Ti;e Customs' Duties Bill was read a second time by 64 to 33, and good progress is being made in committee. On the motion of the Premier, a new clause was added giving the Government power to remit duties on articles used in manufacturing processes provided that the manufactured articles are not subject to duty. > .

A WARM DEBATE. In the Legislative Council the AttorneyGeneral made a hot attack on the action of some members in respeot to the land and income tax, which he characterised as uncourteous and savouring of assassination. A warm debate resulted, and eventually it was agreed that the second reading of the Bill Bhould be taken on Wednesday. .

THE LONDONDERRY MINE.

PERTH, June 14.

The rich shoot in the Londonderry mine is Btill full of gold, and appears'rioher than ever. The shoot appears to ba dipping to the south in a true coiir&e.