Among the 'Topics of the Week', the Australasian reflects satirically on the benefits of Sir Redmond Barry's tree-planting endeavours at Pentridge Gaol. Another topic is the legal case brought by William Gourlay against Ambrose Kyte. Gourlay contended that Kyte broke a promise to let St George's Hall to Gourlay. Gourlay, who lost the case, sought damages of £1,000.