AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 340, 21 March 1874, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

Melbourne, March 12th

Mr. Erancis has issued his address to the electors of Richmend. In it he places but one issue before the country, namely — that of constitutional reform. He proposes that when a measure has been passed in two consecutive sessions of the Assembly, and been rejected by the Council in consequence of a conflict of opinion, the Governor shall have power to prprogue, and that thereon both Houses may meet together as one Chamber, and discuss and pass such rejected measure. This policy is generally regarded with favor but objections are taken on the score of its being likely to bring about conflicts between the two branches of the Legislature, and thus frequently postpone all useful and necessary legislation. It is doubtful whether, as a policy, it. will prove acceptable to the country. The election campaigne has fairly commenced. The Chief Secretary addresses his constituents next week. Parliament has been dissolved. At the sale of Thompson's stud, King of the Ring fetched 1000 guineas. In the libel action, Freen v. "The Town and Country Journal," a verdict for plaintiff was given for £350 damages. It was stated in court that £12.000 has been sunk in the paper. 15,000 persons visited the Nelson, in dock, last Sunday. The English Eleven won the match in Hobart Town by eight wickets. They commence their final match against the Victorian Eleven to-day Protos won the Australian Cup, and Maid of Avenel the Newmarket Handicap. The Board now sitting will make enquiries into the working of the Lands Departments. The first cargo ' of coal has arrived from Western Port, and is pronounced to be of good quality. The Victorian Seaman's Union has sent home a very elegant testimonial to Mr. Plim801l in recognition of his services. New Zealand Fours, £91 ; Bank of New Zealand, £17 17a, buyers at £16 15s. A criminal information for libel has been laid against the -" Licensed Victuallers' Gazette."' Through the non arrival of the Cyphrenes, from London, the Tartar will return with the Californian mail on Saturday, bhe is full of cabin passengers. Great privations were suffered at the Pal. mer River during the floods ; horses and dogs were eaten. The gold prospects were good. New tracts of country have been discovered Captain Ross starts on an expedition from Adelaide to Weatren Australia this month to meet Mr. Forrest, who is coming from Champion Bay. Major Warburton states that without the camels his expedition would have failed, as the camels went ten days without water. The members of the new Italian Opera Company arrived per the Nubia. The season opens on Monday. Wheat, 6a 6d ; and flour £14 10s. Oats are advancing, 5s 2d ; feeding do, 5s 6£d. Thwe have been large sales of geneva at-14s, Hennessy's case brandy, 28s 3d. Sugars are quiet, in fair demand. New Patna nee, £22 to £23. Considerable business doing in kero*ene.