LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3868, 10 December 1883, Page 3

LONDON.

December 3. Mr Murray Smith is vigorously supporting Sir F. D. Bell's action in warning the Government that in the event of the Recidivistes Bill becoming law the colonies would resort to defensive measures. It is believed in official circles that the proposal to permit convicts to leave settlements at periods of six months is intended to facilitate labor in the Now Hebrides. Sir John Hull, who came Homo for the benefit of his health, is much better. December 4. The Right Hon. G. J. Goschcn declines to be nominated as Speaker of the House of Commons, owing to defective eyesight. It is thought probable that Mr A. AY. Peel, member for Warwick, will now be nominated on Sir Henry Brand's retirement. The New Zealand Shipping and ShawSavill Albion Companies will probably accept Sir F. D. Boll's suggestion to continue the present division of the trade until next session of Parliament. Transports capable of embarking 12,000 troops have been ordered by tho French Admiralty to rendezvous at Algeria. The Chinese Admiral has notified foreigners in Canton that war is imminent, and has warned them to preserve strict neutrality. The chiefs on the British reserve in Zululand aro clamoring for Cetowayo's removal. All the tribes of the Southern Soudan have now risen in rebellion.

Mr AY. A. Long, the well-known colonial sporting man, has offered to back Trickett, Edwards, and Rush against Hanlon for £1000 a side.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright

[Reuters Telegrams.]