LATEST FROM ADELAIDE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2632, 6 February 1868, Page 6

LATEST FROM ADELAIDE.

January 28, 6 p.m

The postal question is again engaging public attention, and a deputation yesterday waited on the Government from the Chamber of Commerce on the matter. The Hon. W. Milne declines again to enter Parliament. Agricultural meetings have been very general througout the colony. Herr Eunge, a well-known musical professor here, died suddenly yesterday. The gross exports for the past year were valued at £2,750,000, of which £1,250,000 represented breadstuffs. The returns for the year show that the Government laud sales have been gradually decreasing in amount; also that the total number of acres transferred under Torrens' Act was 2,500,000, and that the quantity of land already brought under tbat Act is double that still remaining under the old land system. The population of the colony now numbers 173,600. The birth rate has been decreasing gradually during the last five years. The general revenue for the last year fell short ofthe Treasurer's estimate by £200,000. The chief deficiency is in that derived from the land sales.

The Government, out of consideration for the loss sustained by the farmers through the failure of their crops, are opening depots for firewood at all the railway stations, paying the farmers cash on delivery.

The vacancies occasioned by the resignation of Messrs. O. K. Richardson and O'Halloran have been filled up by the promotion of Mr Josiah Boothby from the office of ohief clerk to Under Secretary, and the promotion of Mr E W. Hitchin from the post of Under Treasurer to Auditor General. Mr J. L. Haining, tho Assistant Auditor General, becomes Under Treasurer, vice Mr Hitchin,