LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN

Kumara Times, Issue 2573, 3 December 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN

INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. THE REDISTRIBUTION OF SEATS BILL. PROVISIONS OF THE MEASURE. EIGHTEEN MORE MEMBERS FOR BRITISH PARLIAMENT. AMENDMENTS IN AUSTRALASIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL. A DISCONCERTED OFFICIAL. THE PROPOSALS FOR INCREASE OF BRITISH NAVY. AMERICAN NEUTRALITY LAWS V HOSTILE ACTS. (Received December 2, 3.10 p.m.) London, December 1. The Hon. W. E. Gladstone introduced the Redistribution of Seats Bill in the House of Commons to-day. The provisions of the measure are as follow: Boroughs with a population under 15,000 will be merged in counties ; those under 50,000" will return single members; while larger boroughs will be divided into single member wardships. The number of members for the Metropolis will be increased by thirty-seven, Liverpool by six, Birmingham and Glasgow by four each, and Manchester by three; while the City of London will be reduced by two. On the whole England gains six members, Scotland twelve; Ireland and Wales are unchanged. The Premier announced that after the Bill had been read a second time, Parliament would adjourn until February next. In the House of Lords to-day Earl Derby announced that the amendments proposed by the Imperial Government in tko draft of the bill to constitute a

Federal Council of Australasia had been submitted to the Colonies, and an early reply was expected. (Received December 3, la.m.)

Evening, It is announced that the Right Hon. Sir E. Thornton has been appointed to succeed Lord Dufferin as British Minister at Stamboul.

Sir R. D, B. Morier will succeed Sir Edward Thornton as Ambassador to the Russian Court.

Leonard H. Courtenay, M.P. for Liskeard and Financial Secretary to the Treasury, has resigned, owing to the fact that the Government bill for the Redistribution of Seats does not provide for the representation of minorities.

(Received December 3, 12.45 p.m.)

December 2,

In the House of Lords to-day, the Right Hon, the Earl of Northbrook, First Lord of the Admiralty, made bis promised statement as to the measuies which it was proposed to adopt with the view of increasing the strength and efficiency of the Imperial Navy. His Lordship stated that Government had determined to maintain the first supremacy of England. She now possesses 46 ironclads, while France, the next naval power, has 31. In view of the constant progress of Naval science, the Government wished to increase the Navy gradually, and for the present only intended to construct four new ironclads; but a number of torpedo vessels will be built without delay. (Received December 3, 1 a.m.) Washington, December 1,

President Arthur’s message to Congress urges an extension of the neutrality laws in order to prevent hostile acts being plotted on American soil against friendly nations.

[special to press association.]

London, November 27

Mr Joshua Ives, of Cambridge, has been selected ns Professor of Music for the Adelaide University.

November 30.

In the Oriental Bank case Justice Chitty has delivered judgment to the effect that the first holders of shares are only liable for six months after transfer of their shares.

An explosion has occurred on board Admiral Courbett’s ironclad, resulting in the death of fourteen persons.

[SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE,]

London, November 18, G. Perkins beat G. Bubear to-day in the rowing match over the Thames championship course, for £IOO a side.