At the wool auctions to-day 8000 bales have Been catalogued, there being firm and active demand. LONDON, February 24. In tie House of Commons yesterday, Sir Stafford Northcote, Chancellor of the Exchequer, gave notice of & motion having for its object the punishment of members who systematically obstruct the

business of the House. The motion proposes that members guilty of ob struction shall be temporarily suspended from the privilege of sitting in Parlia ment. The Standard to-day, alluding to Sir Stafford Nor_-cote's motion, hints that the Government will dissolve Parliament unless- tho obstruction can bo over come. The P. and O. Company's steamship Indus sailed for Galle to-day, Three per cent, consols are quoted at 98. At. the wool auctions to-day 8400 bales have been catalogued. Prices are being firmly maintained. Febrnary 25. In the House of Commons motions were made to restrict the duration of Parliament to five years, and also to abolish the immunity of members of Parliament and Peers from arrest. Both motions were defeated. CALCUTTA, February 24. The Finance Minister made his financial statement in the Legislative Council to. day, and was very favorably received. The surplus shown amounted to £400,000. There will, therefore, be no increase of taxation, nor loans floated. HOME, February 23. The Italian Government has resolved to send an official representative to the j Melbourne Exhibition, and will take other steps for the due representation of the country. [MELBOUBNE "AGE" SPECIAL.] LONDON February 25. The British Government consent to the request to appoint a representative of Great Britain at the Melbourne Exhibi tion. It is considered probable that Lord "Beaeonsfield will dissolve Parliament on March 3rd. The Nihilists threaten to fire St. Peters burg and destroy all public buildings unless a liberal Government is conceded. Latest news from Afghanistan states that several leading insurgent chiefs manifest an apparent unwillingness to submit. [MELBOUBNE " ARGUS" SPIICIAL.] LONDON, Febnu,ry 24. A Treasury warrant has been issued fixing the Brindisi rates for letters a$ sixpence, and for newspapers at one penny.
