LATE CABLE NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1589, 23 December 1885, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

(AGE SPECIALS.)

PEESS ASSOCIATION.,) London, December 9. j The Times to-day, discussing the resolve of Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, , Western Australia, and Fiji, to establish a Federal Council constituted of representatives of those colonies, applaud the decision arrived at, and expresses regret at the paucity of the inenibors of New South Wales and New Zealand to join it, but declares, at the same time, that the formal establishment of the Council, even though its range be limited, is a question of prirmry importance. In anticipation of a visit from an Australian cricketing eleven during the ensuing season, a programme of matches has been arranged, subject to alterations which may be made to suit the wishes of the expected visitors. The country clubs have expressed their willingness, to allow the Australians half the gate money, and the leading clubs generally are favorable to the visit. ' Dec. 13. Great surprise is felt m London at the sudden dismissal, with compensation, of the staff officers who have been employed m the selection of emigrants for South Australia. A letter from Mr Murf aj Smith has been published m The Times, m which the writer, after referring to the fact that the first meeting of the Australasian Federal Council is to take place m Tasmania next month, expresses his opinion that Australasian Federation has now been practically effected, n3twithstanding that some of the 4eading colonies have not yet given their acquiescene to the scheme. The Press compliments the Prime Minister (f^ord Salisbury) on the triumph he has gained m connection with his Bnlgarian policy.