LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2778, 17 August 1885, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. PROROGATION of THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE. THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES ON COLONIAL FEDERATION. STEAMSHIP MOVEMENTS. THE CAROLINE ISLANDS. GERMANY AND THE MOLESTED CHIEFS OF EAST AFRICA. (Received August 15, 9.30 p.m.) London, August 14. Parliament was formally prorogued to-day. The Speech from the Throne alludes to the failure of the expedition despatched to relieve the beleagured garrison of Khartoum, aud, while regretting that the objects were not attained, expresses pride at the action of the troops engaged in the campaign, and the satisfacton, with skill, displayed by their comrades. The loyal offer of assistance tendered by the various colonies had been received with great pleasure* Mention is especially made of the offer of the New South Wales troops, from which the colony served with distinction in the Sondan. Referring to Egyptian affairs, the speech states that although the death of the Mahdi had to some extent lessened the difficulties attending the performance of various duties in Egypt which had fallen upon her Majesty's advisers, Government were determined not to relax the efforts firmly found good government and order in that country. The friendliest intercourse continues to be maintained with all the Powers. The negotiations with Russia were still proceeding, which it is hoped will speedily lead to a peaceful settlement of the Russo-Afghan question. Alluding to India, it announces that steps are being taken to place the north-west frontier in an adequate state of defence.! Her Majesty has much pleasure in giving her assent to the Australasian Federation Enabling Bill, and to other bills, more especially those providing for the amendment of the Criminal law, for facilitating land purchase in Ireland, and providing for the better housing of the poor. Regret is expressed that depression in trade still continues. The Royal Commission which has been appointed to inquire into the causes of inactivity will give special attention to the question as to whether legislation cannot be provided which will tend to alleviate the present distressing state of affairs in the United Kingdom. The conclusion of the speech announces that an early dissolution will take place, and trusts that those electors to whom the franchise has been extended by the recent Act of Parliament will exercise the powers thus conferred upon them with sobriety and discernment. * [ln a cablegram from London, dated August 16, Reuter instructs—" In telegram of 14th, re prorogation of Parliament, omit the following sentences : After the word " pleasure " * "at the critical time when such were proffered, and was calculated to impress upon foreign Powers the unity of the Empire in times of danger." "Also, further on, after the word " defence " : t and "carry out various other works necessary to enable military operations, when required, to be carried out with the greatest alacrity." —Ed. K. T.] London, August 15. It is announced to-day that the representatives of the colonies of New South Wales and Tasmania have been admitted to the International Telegraph Conference. (Received August 17, 2 a.m.) August 16. The Hon. F. Stanley. Secretary of State for the Colonies, has addressed a circular dispatch to the Governors of the various Australasian Colonies on the subject of Colonial Federation. He trusts New South Wales and New Zealand will now see their way to join the federal body. After fully and carefully discussing their objections to the scheme, he expresses the opinion that the proposed Federal Council will prove equally valuable as deliberative and legislative bodies. Mr Stanley expresses gross t, satisfaction at. the posing of the Enabling Act, and is confident, if wisely used, it will prove of '. great value to the Australian Colonies | &nd. the u?tsrests of Great Britain. j

The Orient Company's steamship Liguria, from Mel borne July 10th, has arrived at Plymouth. The lonic arrived at Plymouth on the morning of the 11th. The meat is in good condition. N.B. This telegram was delayed owing to mutilation in transmission. (Received August 17, noon.) London, August 16. A report has lately been current that Germany has annexed some of the Caroline Islands over which Spain possessed a protectorate as part of the Phillipine Islands, with the view of obtaiuing Papuan laborers for the newly-established German settlement of New Guinea. The rumour lacks official confirmation, and is discredited in well-informed quarters. (Received August 17, 2 a.m.) Berlin, August 16. It is generally believed that the Sultan of Zanzibar will comply with the demands of Germany, and refrain from molesting the chiefs under hia protection.