AUSTRALIA.
(From (he Argus, Oct. 3 to Oct. 8, inclusive.) An Intercolonial Free-trade BUI has been read a second time in the South Australian Legislative Assembly. Commodore Stirling has officially inspected the Galatea, and complimented Prince Alfred on the admirable efficiency of the crew. The debate on the second reading of the Permissive Liquor Bill was resumed to-day (October 5), in the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, and after a short discus sion it was passed, and formally committed. A private letter by the mail states that several Catholic prelates will return from the Council by the Californian mail. Melbourne is to be a Catholic archbishopric, with six suffragans, including the bishop of Western Australia.
A despatch from the Secretary of State for the colonies intimates that the Lords of the Admiralty have approved of the designs for flags for the Government of Victoria, and the Celonial Mercantile Navy, as adopted here some months ago. A private Fiji letter states that Mr Drew, Thakombau’s secretary, has resigned his office. Mr Butters had returned to Levuka, and was much disgusted with the surveillance exercised by the shareholders’ committee. He had an interview .with the King, and en deavoured to obtain further concessions. Thakombau only replied, “It is finished.” The war has ceased at {Samoa.
