Sydney, November 13. The Governor departed quietly on Monday, and Sir Alfred Stephen was sworn in the following day. Political Affairs. The Ministry are perfecting arrangements for meeting Parliament. The Hon. Georgo Thornton has joined the Government as Ministor of Mines. This came as a surprise on the community, as Mr Thornton has long since taken no active part in public life. There are most conflicting accounts as to the strength of parties, but the general im pression is that the Government will not stand long after the House meets. Owing to the insurance companies increas ing the risks for mercantile warehouses, a new mercantile insurance company is pro jected. Very discouraging accounts are received from the country, owing to the want of rain. The Labour Market Disturbed. The labour market is in an un settled state. The cooks and stewards aboard the Lyemorn left the steamer because the head steward was discharged. They subsequently found they had made a mistake. The wharf labourers deoline to work on the Tasmanian Co 's boats unless they are paid for smoke-time. Lambton Colliery strike over the ferry question continues. Melbourne, November 13. The contract for the new Princes' Bridge has been let for one hundred and twenty one thousand. The Premier has obtained leave in the Assembly to bring in a bill to borrow four millions for railway and other public works.
