LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2906, 20 February 1886, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. THE COLONIAL EXHIBITION IN LONDON. THE GLADSTONE GOVERNMENT POLICY. ADDRESS-IN -REPLY. THE LONDON RIOTS AND POLICE REFORM. WOMAN SUFFRAGE. (Received February 19, 2.30 p.m.) London, February 18. The Corporation of London have subscribed £IO,OOO towards the Guarantee Fund for the forthcoming Colonial Exhibition. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Gladstone announced that the Government would accept the Address-in-Rep)y with the amendment introduced by Mr Jesse Collings, calling attention to the question of small allotments for the people, but that they would refaae to agree to any further amendments. He then informed the House that the annual budget would be brought down on the 22nd March, after which the Government proposals for dealing with Irish affairs would be introduced. These would deal with the maintenance of social order and with the land difficulty, as also with the fatme method of administering the government of that country, which could be done without resorting to measures of a repressive character. Touching the Reform of Parliamentary procedure, Mr Gladstone stated the subject had been referred to a Select Committee. Tn conclusion, he announced her Majesty's Government adhered to the policy laid down by Lord Salisbury on Greek affairs. (Received February 19, 10.30 p.m.) February 19.

In the House of Commons last night, the Addiess-in-Reply to the Queen's speech was voted in its amended form, after a short debate.

Mr Childers, Home Secretary, and the chairman of the committee which was appointed to inquire into the recent riots, stated that the inquiry had disclosed the necessity for reform in the police administration of the metropolis.

A bill providing for women's suffrage was read a second time in the House of Commons yesterday. Teneriffe, February 18. The New Zealand Shipping Company's Royal Mail steamship Ruapehu left yesterday Homewards. Madeira, February 18. The New Zealand Shipping Company's Royal Mail steamship Rimutaka left to-day for New Zealand via the Cape of Good Hope.

[special to press association.]

London, February 15

The annual meeting of the Federation League was held to-day. The report presented was of a hopeful character, and it is considered that the cause has been greatly advanced by the action of the New South Wales Government in despatching a contingent to the Soudan. Sir Alexander Gait, High Commissioner of Canada, and Mr Doflson, of Tasmania, urged the immediate projection of a scheme of federal defence. There was only a small attendance, and Lord Rosebery and Mr W. H, Smith, who were present, did not speak.

February 16. The Corporation of the City of London are arranging for the reception of the notables visiting the Indian and Colonial Exhibition.

Mr Gladstone expresses sympathy with the movement in favour of State emigration.

Sir Charles Dilko has declined to enter the Ministry because lie is unwilling to risk re-election. Many letters are appearing in the daily papers demanding that the Queen's Proctor should intervone, and a section of the Press declares that the case looks suspicious.

Mr Gladstone, on the ground of the necessity for preliminary inquiries, proposes to postpone dealing with the question of Home Rule for Ireland. The scheme for conversion of New Zealand stocks, which was announced last week, is greatly liked. It is expected to save £IOO,OOO a year. Mr Pender states that reductions on the press cable rates cannot lie arranged if non-contributing colonies are "to benefit by them. As it is the Eastern Extension Company is risking loss through the opposition of Germany.