AUSTRALIAN NEWS.
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[Per fl.s. Botomahana, at the Bluff/) MELBOURNE, October 12. Those who paid for admission into the Exhibition during the past week averaged about 3000 daily, except on Saturday, when the number exceeded 7000, notwithstanding the counter attraction of the Strauss Band at the Flomington racecourse. Many of the courts are still busy preparing, but aa the ad mission of exhibits is now stopped, it is expected all will be completed at an early date. The complaints made in connection with the refreshment contracts continue. The supply and the catering generally is far from giving satisfaction. About 7000 cards were issued to the conversazione on Thursday night to the Exhibition building. A formal pro teat hae been made by the foreign commis sioners against the lighting of tbe Fxhibition. The British, fine art gallery will be entirely closed.
Lord Loftus and a distinguished party were entertained at luncheon at Deniliquin on Friday. In a speech, he warmly advocated Australian confederation, and appealed to the colonists to endeavor to progress in that direction. The Duke of Manchester hoped tbe Australians would have direct representa tives in the Imperial Parliament and a voice in tbe government of the empire. Sir J. O'Shanaesy, on the same occasion, favored intercolonial Free Trade. The speeches were very favorably leceived.
