LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2895, 8 February 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

- [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. ♦•-• — THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. FRANCE AND GERMANY AND THE NEW HEBRIDES. ADJOURNMENT OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. THE SECRETARY OF STATE ox SAMOAN AFFAIRS AND THE NEW HEBRIDES. ARRIVAL OF THE JOHN ELDER. REMOVAL OF TEA FROM BOND. STEAMSHIP MOVEMENTS. (Received February C, 2 p.m.) Hobart Town, February G. [n the Federal Council yesterday an address was adopted for presentation to the Queen stating that the Council heard with alarm that arrangements have been completed between France and Germany for- the disposal of the New Hebrides, a matter which deeply interests her Majesty's subjects in Australia. The Council could fully rely on the assurance contained in Lord Derby's despatch of April 21 ISBS, but considered, nevertheless] that it was a matter of urgent necessity that the provisional arrangements of 187 G, whereby England and°France were mutually understood not to occupy the islam!,} in question should give nluco

to a definite arrangement recognising their independence. It was then resolved that the nexi session of the Council bo held at Hobart.

The Standing Committee appointed to act during the recess consists of the senior representatives at the Council of Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria ; and the question of the infix of French criminals into the Pacific was referred to this committee.

The President of the Council, Mr Service, made a valedictory speech, in which he stated that he was satisfied that the work done would prove valuable. The Council was, to a certain extent, incomplete, in consequence of the absence of representatives from New South Wales, South Australia, and New Zealand. He urged theStanding Committee to use evenendeavour to induce thorn to join. Mr Griffith moved that the thanks of the Council are due. to Mr Service for the able manner in which he had presided over its deliberations.

The Council will be formally ad journed to-day.

(Received February 8, 1.30 p.m.)

February 8. The Federal Council has been formally adjourned, and the representatives of the various colonies have left for home.

(Received February 8, 1.30 a.m.) Melbourne. February 8. Government is in receipt of a telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the effect that there is no change to report in Samoan affairs, and Germany has given a renewal of her former assurances that the annexation of those islands is not intended.

Referring to New Hebrides, Colonel Stanley states that England adheres to her previous understanding in regard to Raiatea, by which it was agreed that French flags should be hoisted on the island on condition that British ships be placed on an equal footing with traders from other nations.

(Received February 8, 1 a.m.) Adelaide, February 6. Arrived, this morning, the John Elder, from London January Ist. Sydney, February o. Large quantities of tea are being removed from bond in the expectation of an increase of duty. [Per Wakatipu, at Wellington,] Melbourne, January 30. In the collision which occurred in the Yarra between the steamers Nemesis and Nelson the latter was a good deal damaged. Lawrence, the City Bank defaulter, was committed for trial.

A banquet given to Dr. O'Dohertv was largely attended. Sydney, January 30. Parliament, after Sir John Robertson's s'atement, adjourned lo allow the Treasurer to prepare his budget. The mortality in the suburbs last month, according to the RpgistrarGeneral'a report, was unusually heavy, reaching a greater number than in the previous month.

The rainfall in Sydney last year was ten inches below the average of the preceding twenty-seven years? After a lengthened debate on the Tonga troubles, the Wesleyan Conference yesterday adopted the report, with an amendment, affirming the desirability of retaiuing the Rev. J. Moulton in Tonga.

The water from Ihe temporary supply was turned into the Botany dams to-day. Some good rains have" fallen, but only lasted a short time, and were not barely sufficient.