RINGAROOMA AT THE BLUFF. AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

West Coast Times, Issue 2908, 30 July 1878, Page 2

RINGAROOMA AT THE BLUFF. AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 24. There was quite a busy time in the Assembly last week. The Hon. Mr 13erry, Premier, in a long speech, introduced a Reform Bill, which is to deprive the Legislative Couucil of all control over Money Bills ; they cannot reject or amend. The only other speaker on this occasion was Mr Service, who said it was simply a bill for decapitating the Legislative Council. The second reading is fixed for Tuesday next, but, although it may pass the Assembly, even Mr Berry himself, has no h\ope of it passing the Council. When the resolution to purchase the Hobson's Bay railway came before the House, a, number of the members of the Government said that both Houses are opposed,' and commenced "Stonewall" tactics t o delay the discussion, and succeeded f 'or one evening, so that Mr Berry Was acti lally hoisted with his own petard. Sir CI harles Sladen yesterday introduced his Reft nun Bill ia the Council, but it has just as, 1 much chance of passing the Aageml sly, as the Government measure has of i lassing the 'Council ; probably some coucessi lons will be made on both Bides. . It ha ib transpired that tbe Government

Loan Bill will be for eight millions sterling, but it is only proposed to float about four millions at first, owing to the Unwillingness of the banks to receive a larger sum on deposit. Between four and five millions will be devoted to railway construction, the remainder for the purchase of the Hobson's Bay railway and public works. Considerable interest has been excited by finding gold in the Magdala mine, at a depth of nearly 200 feet. Generally speaking, mining prospects have improved, and larger amounts are available for dividends. Judge Molesworth still keeps Dr Bradford in gaol, and re the settlement which he ordered the money is tied up aud placed beyond the control of Dr Bradford. The Australian Colonization Society are anxious that New Guinea should be annexed to Victoria, ami are not satisfied with what Sir Arthur Gordon told them . They waited on Monday last on the Chief Secretary, but obtained little satisfaction. He snubbed the deputation for endeavoring to usurp the functions of the Government and Parliament. Here, as in Sydney, a movement has been initiated for the presentation of an address to Lord Beaconsfield, on the successful result of his labors at the Congress. In the Stevenson'sa prosecution for conspiracy, defendants refused to enter into recognisances, and the Attorney-G-eneral applied to the Supreme Court for a warrant for their arrest, which the Obief Justice refused, saying their was no suggestion that they were about to abscond. Nothing yet ha* been done with reference to the appointment of a fifth judge, but it is thought when the time arrives either Mr O'Donoghue or Mr Casey will be appointed. W. J. Clarke, comes forward as a candidate for a seat in the Legislative Council, and it is thought he will be returned unopposed. Professor Hearn is also a caudidate for a seat for the Central Provinces. BusineFS is dull. It has been determined to hold an International Exhibition at Sydney, and tbe necessary preparations are being pushed forward. The French barque Success, from Japan to Melbourne, unladen, was wrecked on the North Coast of Australia, and four of the crew drowned ; the remainder, thirteen in number, were picked up in an open boat.