AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 250, 18 February 1897, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

CABLES.

GENERAL ITEMS

(/'</• I'/v.vs Asportation.—<'opi/rii/lit.)

Sydney, This day.

The has approached the Government with a request to .send a detachment of 100 infantry, the men to be chosen from the permanent volunteer forces, to take part in the Queen's diamond celebrations. In the course of an interview, Bishop -Julius, referring to Prohibition in New Zealand, said the movement was splendidly organised, but it had received a severe check. His own belief was that New Zealand was a sober country, that Prohibition was dangerous as a policy, and had little chance of success, and that the State system of licensing control was probably the best. A despatch has been received by the Governor of New Caledonia from the French Minister for the Colonies stating that the British Government propose to prohibit the recruiting of labor from the Solomn Group by French vessels unless such vessels cease to supply the Islanders with arms and ammunition.

The departure of the detachment of Mounted Rilles for England to-day was made the occasion of an enthusiastic demonstration. The force consists of 40 otlicers and men with -11 horses. They will be attached to English regiments for ten months' training. They will also be available to represent the colony at the Queen's record reign celebrations.