LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2976, 17 May 1886, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] Cv Electric Telegraph—Copyright. >—< — THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION. NOTICE to FRENCH AMBASSADOR. MEETING OP LIBERALS AND RADICALS. SUGGESTION TO WITHDRAW THE HOME RULE BILL. ENTERTAINING THE EXHIBITION COMMISSIONERS. MEETING OP CONSERVATIVES. HEAVY RAIN IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES. RESOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT RE THE NEW HEBRIDES. (Received May 15, 3.30 p.m.) London, May 14. In the House of Commons to-day Osborne Morgan, Under-Sect etary for the Colonies, slated in reply to a question by Howard Vincent, that France has offered to discontinue the deportation of convicts to the Pacific if she were allowed to occupy the New Hebrides. Mr Morgan added that her Majesty’s Government had agreed to give the matter consideration, provided that the occupation took the form of a Protectorate, and that freedom of religion and trade was guaranteed. The cession of Rapa to Great Britain is also one of the conditions implied, Morgan also staled that Government had consulted various colonial authorities on the matter.

(Received May 15, 9 p.m.) In the House of Lords last night Earl Rosebery, Secretary of Slate lor Foreign Affairs, stated that he had informed M. Waddington, French Ambassador in London, that it was improbable the British colonies would consent to the cession of the New Hebrides, Lord Rosebery added that although M. Waddington- had been notified, the British Government had not sent a formal reply to France, because negotiations with the colonics were not vet completed. A meeting of Liberals and Radicals took place to-day, when Lord Hartington and Mr Chamberlain both urged the Government to wibdraw the Home Rule Bill. (Received May 17,1.15 a.m.) May 16. The Executive Commissioners of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition were entertained at a hanqnct by the Fishmongers Company last night. The

Duke of Cambridge was among the guests and spoke. He expressed the opinion that the feeling of unity between the Mother Country and her colonies was never more strongly marked than at the present time. His Highness also announced himself an advocate of the federation of the Empire. A meeting of Conservatives was held here last night to consider the Irish proposals of the Government. Lord Salisbury addressed the meeting. He stated that it was impossible to place any confidence in the Irish people, and advocated the policy of continuous coercion as the only means of restoring order in Ireland.

Heavy rain has fallen in the Midland Counties, and large tracts of country are flooded, 'serious damage being occasioned in many districts. It is announced that Government has finally resolved not to allow the annexation of the New Hebrides by France. [special to press association.] London, May 13. Mr Chamberlain, in addressing a meeting of sixty Liberals, assured them that it was useless to continue parleying with Mr Gladstone with regard to his Home Rule proposals. The Daily News urges that the Bill dealing with the Irish question be read a second time, on condition that it shoud then be withdrawn and recast for the October session.