EUROPEAN ITEMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1075, 16 October 1883, Page 2

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, Oct. 2. The Times this morning publishes a letter from Mr Dicey, the well-known litterateur, on the subject of the rejection of the Irish informers by the Victorian Government. Mr Dicey contends that, by refusing to allow the informers to land, Victoria acted illegally, and expres es the opinion that Mr Service has rendered himself liable to an action for damages. He also expresses his surprise that the Marquis of Normanby should have sanctioned the illegal action of the Victorian Government. Addressing a meeting at Birmingham last night, Viscount Cranbrook severely condemned the apathy displayed by the Imperial Government relating to the proposal of France to deport habitual criminals to islands in the vicinity of the Australian Colonies. M. Wilson, son-in-law of M. Grevy, President of the French Republic, is accused of having cited the mob to insult King Alfonso. The majoiity of the holders of debentures under the Victorian 6 per cent, loan for L 3,820,000, which fell due on the 30ch inat., have availed themselves of the offer of the Government, and have received payment in cash. The bulk of the loan has accordingly been prepaid. M. Tricon, who was recentlyappointed French Minister at Pekin, and recalled shortly afterwards, denies that China is arming or making any other warlike preparation for resisting France. The Daily Nexus this morning reviews the evidence taken in connection with the foundering of the Austral, and expresses grave doubts whether the vessel is now in a safe condition. The Daily Telegraph, in discussing the same subject, condemns the finding of the Board of Trade in relation to sending vessels to sea before their stability has been thoroughly tested. The Telegraph contends that this portion of the judgment is harsh to owners and not warranted by the evidence. A rumor is-current in Paris that Commodore Erskine, the officer in charge of

the Australian Naval Station, has been insulted by a French officer named McLeod, at present sta'ieqed at the New Hebrides. October 8. It is considered probable that the price of wheat will continue low, as recent shipments from New Zealand have become heated during the voyage and the grain has sprouted.