TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1412, 10 May 1886, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[KECTEU COPYRIGHT,] THE EASTERN DIFFICULTY. A Blockade Declared. Athens, May 8 In the absence of the Ministers, the charges d'affaires of England, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Turkey have delivered a joint note from there respective Governments declaring a blockade of the Greek ports. The combined fleets are now redezvoused at Suda Bay awaiting orders before proceeding further. The official journal published an article to-day disclaiming all hostile intention on the part of Greece, and stating that the movement of troops to the nothern frontier is merely a precautionary measure against sudden attacks.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTER —COPYRIGHT. ] COLONIAL DEFENCE. Sydney, May 8. The New South Wales Government are in receipt of a memorandum from Mr Griffiths, Premier of Queensland, upon the subject of a scheme for combined defence of the colonies. Mr Griffiths states that his Government is of opinion that it is undesirable that ships destined for coast defence should be joint property of the considers that vessels should bal pro vided and equipped by the Imperial Government, after which the colonies should contribute to their maintenance in a ratio based upon population.