EUROPEAN ITEMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1358, 22 December 1885, Page 2

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, December 9. In anticipation of e visit from an Australian cricketing eleven doring the ensuing season, the programme of matches has been arranged, subject to alterations which may be made to suit the wishes of the expected visitors. The County Clubs have expressed their willingness to allow the Australians half the gate money ,Jand the leading dabs generally are favorable to the visit. London, December 11. A hitch has occurred in connection with the representation of Western Australia at the'first meeting of the Australasian Federal Council, to be held in Tasmania In January. Colonel Stanley hesitates to sancti m the proposal that Sir Napier Broome should act on the Council as representative of that v colony. Colonel Stanley feels that if such a responsibility were allowed to devolve upon the Governor, it would entail frequent absence from his own colony, and consequent neglect of hts proper duties. London, December 13.

The German Lloyd’s Co, which baa been subsidised by the German Government to carry the mail between Australis, Germany and the East, is to make Ant* were one of the ports of call. Great surprise is felt In London at the sadden dismissal, with compensation, of staff officers who have bean employed in the selection of emigrants for South Australia.

A letter from Mr Murray Smith is published iu the Times, in which the writer, after referring to.the fact that the first meeting oi the Australasian Federal Council ia to take place in Tasmania next mouth, expresses the opinion that Aoatraiasian Federation has now bsen practically effected, noth withstanding that some of the leading colonies have not yet given their acquiescence to the scheme. 1 The Press compliments Lord Salisbury on the triumph he has gained inoonnection with bia Bulgarian policy.