LATE CABLE NEWS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1275, 28 June 1886, Page 3

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[“ AGE ” SPECIALS] London, Jane 17. Earl Carnarvon has entertained a large number of Au-tralian colonists to a banquet held at High Close. Sir I Samuel Davenport responded to an admirable speech to the toast of the colonies. Regarding tie New Hebrides question, the “ Morning .Post ” writing on the subject ascribes the bold move made bj" France wholly to the cowardly policy of the English Premier, r-H- Gladstone. The “Standard’' is particularly pro nonnced in its allusions to the question, j Referring to the reported annexation of j the Islands by France, it says that if events shou'd prove that any such action has been attempted by the French Government, it will bo nece s sa r y that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Bail Rosebery, should enter a stern protest against such a broach of the international law, and demands reparation. It is preferable, the “Standard’ adds, that England should quarrel t with France than with her own colonies The “Pall Mall Gazette” of this evening writes vigorously rela ive to the reported action of France. It says that if the French Go ■varnmont persist in taking the New Hebrides they will be guilty of such a gross breach of international law that it will become necessary for Lord Lyons, the British Ambassador to France, to demand his passports from the French Government. Mr Jas. Bryce has been questioned by both Sir Michael Hicks Beach and Mr Howard Spensley in the House of Commons on the subject, but Mr Bryce was not in a position to add anything to the official utterances that have already been made on the question. Lord Salisbury has given notice of his intention to ask Lord Roeeb' ry for information on the same matter. The English Press is unanimous in insisting that England shall maintain a firm attitude with regard to j the New Hebrides

It is stated that the Hev Charles James Thomson, vicar of St John the Baptist’s, Cardiff, and chaplain of Bishop Llanluft, has been offered and \vill,probably accept the position of Bishop of Melbourne. The vacant Bishopric has been offered to Archdeacon Blunt, of East Riding, County Cork

June 18 Mr Gladstone’s journey to Edinburgh has been one prolonged ovation, the Premier being received with the utmost enthusiasm at every stopping place. June 20

Whilst M. de Freycinet disclaims any desire on the part of France to secure the New Hebrides by strategical means which might cause annoyance to the English Government, it is certain that France will continue military provis’on for the protection of French subjects against attack by the natives of the Islands The official press of France insists upon a renewal of negotiations between the French and English Governments for the cession of the islands to France. It is generallv expected that the approaching elections will result in a material strengthening of the Gladstone party and chat a majority will be returned to the House of Commons pledged to support the Irish policy of the Liberal leader. Juue 21 A special service was held yesterday in St Paul’s Cathedra’, in commemoration of the Quesi.'s accession to the throns. Visitors from Australia now in London attended the service in great numb rs.