LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2400, 12 May 1884, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. SUEZ CANAL CONFERENCE. THE RECIDIVISTE QUESTION. (Received May 12, 10.50 a.m.) Melbourne, May 12. Arrived last evening, the P. and O. steamship Parramatta, with Srez mail dated London April 4th. The Hon. Mr Service has received a telegram stating that Sir Andrew Clarke will represent the colonies at the conference of European delegates in reference to the Suez Canal. The Governments of the Australian colonies have sent by telegraph to the Imperial Government an identical note protesting against the action of France, and urging the Imperial Government to use continuous vigorous efforts to prevent the carrying out of the French proposals regarding recidivistes. [special to press association.] London, May 6. The Recidiviste discussion in the House of Commons has been postponed for a fortnight, owing to the papers on the subject not being ready. In the House of Lords Earl Carnarvon, speaking on the Recidiviste question, said it was impossible to exaggerate the importance attached to it, and he hoped that the Government would recognise the extreme depth of the Australian feeling on the matter. Earl Granville admitted that the subject was of great moment, and required prudent handling. Lord Lyons had repeatedly

pressed the French Govern meut as to their views on this question. The Times advises the Government to exhibit a readiness to farther the just desires of the Colonies. This paper also mentions that a report from Melbourne states that the Colonies are apathetic as regards Federation.

The Wellington correspondent of the Press referring to this subject telegraphed “I understand that some important news reached the Government by the Frisco mail in reference to the Recidiviste question. Some of the French papers appear to be assuming a very bounceable tone in regard to the position taken up by the Australian colonies; one of them, a leading economical paper, goes so far as to remind Australia that in spite of her audacious temerity, she is not of a stature to raeasur heiself with a power like France* M. Ferry, the French P.teraier, appears to be assuming a very decided attitude m the matter, and it is said that when Mr Murray Smith, the Agent-General of Victoria, went over to Paris to interview Lord Lyons on the subject, the English Ambassador was not able to hold out the hope of any change in the position. The authorities at Horae seem to regard the question with some anxiety, specially in view of the somewhat delicate relations subsisting between France and England in regard to various other questions of possible difference between the two powers.**