LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2530, 31 July 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] 1:!y Electric Telegraph—Copyright, > —< THE IMPERIAL FEDERATION SCHEME. FIRST MEETING OF CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES. THE EGYPTIAN CONFERENCE. ARRIVAL OF THE WELLINGTON. HOMEWARD MAILS VIA SUEZ. THE REPORTED DEATH OF OSMAN DIGNAH. REPORTED ADVANCE OF GORDON FROM KHARTOUM. THE LANGSON OUTRAGE. APPEAL TO THE FRENCH TO PROLONG THE RESPITE. (Received July 30, 1.40 p.m.) London, July 29. The first meeting of the Conference organised to discuss the advisability of Imperial Federation was held to-day. There was present a large representative attendance of Colonial and English delegates. The Right Hon. W. E. Forster, late Chief Secretary for Ireland, was appointed Chairman, and in his opening speech urged that the federation of the British Empire should be carried out on the principle of perfect equity. Mr W. H. Smith, M.P., moved a resolution setting forth that federation was essential to the permanent unity of the Empire. Eail Rosebery seconded the motion, but said that he was not in favor of any. interference with local autonomy in various parts of the Empire. His lordship suggested that colonial delegates should sit in the House. The Hon. E. Stanhope, M.P., moved that a society be formed for the furtherance of the objects of the Conference. After discussion both resolutions were adopted, and it was decided to appoint a committee, with the Hon. W. E. Forster as chairman, to carry out the decision of the meeting. The Egyptian Conference met again to day, but was further adjourned till Thursday next. Arrived in the Channel, the ship Wellington, from Lyttelton, May Ist, with a cargo of frozen mutton. (Received July 31, 12.55 a.m.) Evening. The Home ward mails via Suez and Brindisi, dated Melbourne, June 17, were delivered to-day. (Received July 31, 1 p.m.) July 30. The delegates to the European Conference on Egyptian questions have 1

reported that it has been agreed that there should be a temporary reduction, at the rate of ten per cent., on coupons payable for interest on Egyptian loans, with a view to meet the existing financial difficulties, (Received July 31, 0.55 a.m.) Cairo, July 29. The rumour regarding the death of the rebel chief Osman Digoah, which was circulated here yesterday, has been officially denied. (Received July 31, 1 p.ra.) July 30. A report is now current that Gordon has been able to advance from Khartoum, and, having defeated the rebels on the line of march northwards, has reached Berber and occupies it. Paris, July 30. Li Fong Pao, the Chinese ambassador has appealed to M. Perry to prolong the time fixed by the French Government for China to meet the demand for an indemnity in connection with the Langson outrage. M. Ferry has, however, refused Li Pong Pao’s request. The respite granted by France expires on Friday next. [SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION’.] London, July 26. The Thames Valley Rotorua Railway Company are applying for £IOO,OOO by means of debentures at 95. In the House of Lords Earl Kimberly stated that the British flag had been hoisted over Stellaland, but was pulled down by the inhabitants. The Marquis of Hartington has intimated that the Government hardly anticipated an autumn campaign in the Soudan. A captain of a Spanish gunboat has been arrested at Jamaica by the captain of H.M.S. Flamingo for firing on a British sloop. July 28. A collision has occurred off Cape Finisterre between the vessels Gijon and Laxhara, resiling in 130 lives being lost. No other particulars are to hand. The French allowed the Langson garrison three days to surrender without being attacked. The officers of the garrison, in reply to a demand, said they had no orders to surrender. French officers who were taken prisoners are well treated.