LATEST FROM EUROPE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1002, 23 July 1883, Page 2

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[rEUTER’s TKLEOKAMS—COPYRIGHT.]

The Annexation of New Guinea.

London, July 21.

The following is an abstract of the despatch dated the nth inst, from Lord Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to Sir Arthur Palmer, regarding the proposed annexation of New Guinea. The despatch deeply regrets that the Queensland Government should have assumed powers which it did not possess, and remarks that the fears ot annexation by foreign powers are indefinite and without foundation, adding, moreover, that the capacity of the colony to govern several millions ot natives is doubtful. The despatch trusts that the federation of the Australian colonies will speedily be brought about, and promises that the Imperial naval force in the Pacific shall be strengthened if Queensland contributes a reasonable sum towards defraying the additional expenses incurred. In conclusion, the despatch promises that a DeputyHigh Commissioner will be placed on the coast of New Guinea, thus securing a gradual protectorate over the island. A Bank Dividend. The English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank has declared a dividend of 5 per cent, for the past halfyear, and carried Lxo,ooo to the reserve. England v. America. The International Rifle contest between the British and American teams was concluded at Wimbledon to-day, and won by the former. Monetary and Commercial. Consols have further declined by and are now at New Zealand securities remain at yesterday’s quotations. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 164,000 quarters, being a decrease of 70,000 quarters during the week. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, remains at 465, and Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, has risen fid, to 32s fid. New Zealand wheat, ex store, has advanced is, and is now worth 43s to 465. Off the coast cargoes of New Zealand wheat are quoted to-day at 425. Australian tallow has declined fid; beef is now worth 40s, and best mutton 41s per cwt. Scotch pig iron, No. 1, f.o.b. in Clyde, remains at 48s fid; galvanised iron, 26 guage, packed in cases, f.o.b. in London, LlB 10s. The Cholera. Cairo, July 21,

The cholera epidemic continues to spread at an alarming rate, and the mortality in the city has been fully doubled. At the instance of England the system of cordons round the infected localities has been abandoned, and rigorous sanitary measures are now being carried out instead.