LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2536, 7 August 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

■»■•» [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. >-.—< HOMEWARD SUEZ MAILS. THE PROPOSED ENGLISH EXPEDITION TO SOUDAN. VOTE OF £300,000 TO MEET THE EXPENSES. PRINCE GEORGE A K.G. THE CHOLERA IN FRANCE AND ITALY. FRANCE AND CHINA AND THE INDEMNITY. REPORTED SEIZURE OF KELUNG BY ADMIRAL COURBET. (Received August 7, 1.10 a.m.) London, August 6. The Homeward Australian mails per steamship Orient, via Brindisi, were deliveved yesterday. In the House of Commons last night, on the motion of the Premier, the sum of £300,000 was voted to defray the expenses of the English expedition to Soudan, if such be necessary, and with the understanding that the money is not to be employed unless required for that purpose. Prince George of Wales was invested yesterday with the Order of the Garter. Paris, August 5. The cholera epidemic has diminished considerably in this country during the last few days. The disease, however, is spreading in several parts of Italy. Hong-Kong, August 5. It is reported that Admiral Courbet has seized the harbor of Kelung on the island of Formosa, and also taken possession of the coal mines in the vicinity.

[special to press association.] London, July 31. The subscribers of the new Oriental Bank are steadily increasing. The London Banks are wiiling to advance cash on the deposit certificates of the old Bank, so as to enable depositors to invest in the new one. There is no doubt but that the creditors will be paid in full, and it is believed that the final c*U of £5 per share will not be required.

August 2,

Writing on the subject of the Dutch claims over New Guinea, the Standard states that after inquiry it is found that they have lapsed. The same paper assumes that now the colonies will take steps to annex the whole of the island. The Spectator urges that the several Agents-General of Australasia should be formed into a Colonial Council of advice.

The Saturday Review in a strong article of Colonial representation, urges that the Australian Colonies should be permitted to elect representatives for the Imperial Parliament, In the House of Commons on Monday Mr Gladstone will be asked to pass this session the Australasian. Federation Enabling Bill. The Spectator favors this course.

August 3. Mr Sexton, M.P., has abandoned his visit to Australia.

An exhibition for American inventions and goods will be opened in London in May, 1886. A great meeting has been held at Guildhall to celebrate the jubilee of

the abolition of slavery ; the Prince of Wales presided. Earl Granville expressed regret at the kidnapping which was carried on in the Pacific.

Two large passenger steamers are being built on the Tyne for Messrs Hudart and Parker's line of Victorian steamers.

Lord Northhrook said that in refusing to allow the Victorian men-of-war to carry the white ensign, it was not intended as a slur. The proper flag for Colonial men-of-war was the blue ensign.

Mr Gladstone apparently does not intend to submit any proposals to Par* liament regarding the Egyptian question, and he is not willing to give facilities for debate. August 4. It is expected that H.M.S. Caroline will shortly be ordered to the Australian siation. A wholesale expulsion of Russian subjects from Berlin has been effected by the German Government, and 2000 persons have been compelled to leave the city. It is, however, understood that their expulsion has been requested by the Russian Government.