AUSTRALIAN. [BY TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1803, 26 January 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN. [BY TELEGRAPH.— COPYRIGHT.]

[UKUfEll'ci TELEGRAMS.] Sydxky, January 24. Disastrous bush fires liave been raging to day in the neighbourhood of Newcastle, ami lia\ c caused great destruction to settleib' property in the district. Brirbvxk, January 24. i Iti the Legislative Assembly this afternoon, the Polynesian labourers' Bill was brought up for discussion, and read a second time. The Colonial Treasurer made his Financial Statement in the Legislative Assembly last night. He estimates the revenue this year at £2,500,000, an' increase of £21,000 on last year, and! calculates there will be a surplus at the end of the present year of £89,000. Melbourne, January 24. Some clue is believed to have been obtained in connection with the murder recently committed near Geelong. They have found a revolver in a pond near the scene of the outi age, and also a bullet, which has been proved was bought at" Geelong a foitniglit ago. Nearly four inches of rain have fallen at Mell>)iirnj sin jj -Sun lay last. The fall is quite unprecedented.

(Received January 2oth, 1.10 p.m.) Sydney, Friday. The Colonial Treasurer made his financial statement last night. He estimated the levenue for the present year at £7,640 090, a million of new revenue being provided for to meet the falling off in land receipts. He announced that a pioperty-tax of a penny in the pound would he levied, which it was. expected would yield £700,000. A ieveision of the tanff would be necessary, providing for mci eases in the duties on tea, toluicco, su<_'ar, timber, spirits, etc. The present free trade policy would not be effected by these increases. The statement was well received by the House generally.