LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2981, 22 May 1886, Page 2

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

+ [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright SCHEME FOR THE DEFENCE OF THE COLONIES. PRODUCE MARKET. THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION AND THE PRESBYTERIANS. DR. STEELE IN REPLY TO MR. STOUT. (Received May 21, 10.45 p.m.) Sydney, May 21. The Cabinet has pronounced in favor of the scheme for the defence of the Colonies, in which shall be included a clause that the Colonies shall bear the expense of equipment and maintenance of any war vessels which may be required to be provided for the exclusive use of the colonies. The steamship Hauroto sailed for Wellington this afternoon. Maize shews an improvement of Id since last report; but Now Zealand wheat and oats have declined Id per bushel. To-day’s quotations of New Zealand wheat arc 4s Id per bushel; New Zealand oats, 2s 5d per bushel; maize, 568>5., 3s fid. (Received May 21, 2.55 p.m.) Later. Dr. Steele, of the Presbyterian Synod, has written a letter in reply to the communication addressed by the Hon. R. Stout, Premier of New Zealand, to the Moderator of the New Zealand Synod. Dr. Steele states that clergymen engaged in Christian missions at the New Hebrides will never be parties to the annexation of the island by France. Any pleas whatever in the matter cannot be settled by the decision of the New Zealand churches alone, as other religious organisations who are interested have eqnal claim to be heard on the subject. The entire trade of the groups is in the hands of British subjects, and the natives have evinced a preference for British rule, combined with a strong antipathy against French. Dr. Steele concludes hy expressing the opinion that the discontinuance of the transportation of criminals to the Pacific should not be purchased by concessions, but should be demanded in the name of justice and humanity.

(Received May 21, 12.45 p.m.) Adelaide, May 22. Wheat is firm at 4s 7d to 4s 8d Other produce is without change.