Published in The Argus on January 22, 1878, this story comes from Penshurst in the Western District.  It was previously published in the Hamilton Spectator on January 19.  I agree with the reporter that there are snakes stories and snake stories, but none like this snake story.

A SNAKE IN A DRAWINGROOM. (1878, January 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1956), p. 10. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5918117