New Zealand Times. TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4412, 11 May 1875, Page 2

New Zealand Times. TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1875.

Our English news per Tararua, at The Bluff, contains several important items. The first, as most nearly concerning New Zealand, is under date May 1, to the effect that Mr. Vogel has concluded an arrangement for a submarine cable between Australia and this country. No particulars are stated in the Press telegram ; but we are in a position to supplement the bare announcement of this important fact, by stating that the agreement is with the Eastern Extension Company, Mr. Vogel having telegraphed, under date April 28, that the arrangement for a submarine cable with that company was nearly completed. It is needless for us to enlarge upon the .vast importance direct telegraphic communication with England and the other great commercial nations would be to this country. Mr. Vogel is, therefore, to be congratulated upon his second undoubted success since he went to London.

The next item of importance has reference to the annexation of New Guinea. A deputation waited on Earl Carnarvon, and impressed upon him the necessity for annexation. He admitted the importance of the subject, but was anxious to have a more general expression of opinion from Australia. We should think this will not be long wanting. Australia cannot consent to the acquisition of New Guinea by any foreign power; its possession by Great Britain is absolutely necessary for the protection of the commerce and settlements of the Australian continent. Englishmen will take the risk of settling New Guinea, just as they risked settling New Zealand and Fiji. The scope for colonising enterprise in New Guinea is unequalled in the world. Already, we find that the Colonial Office has been forced to take cognizance of New Guinea, by giving Governor Gordon extended powers for the protection of the coast tribes on that great island. This is undoubtedly the first step towards annexation. The Dutch have elbowed the English out of Sumatra ; it is now the turn of the English to elbow the Dutch out of New Guinea.

The banquet to Sir George Bowen, presided over by the Duke of Edinburgh, and attended by the leading men in the United Kingdom, is at once a recognition of the distinguished services of the Governor of Victoria, and of the importance of the colonies to the Crown. Perhaps the latter may be regarded as the real point of the banquet, which is such a conspicuous exception. Nevertheless, our former Governor has fairly earned this formal recognition of his services by the distinguished public men who assembled to do him honor. Small local criticism finds no echo at the political heart of the nation ; there, men who have served their country with distinction, are always certain to receive their due meed of praise. Sir George Bowen was popular in New Zealand ; he is popular in Victoria ; and recent events point unmistakeably in the direction of the Dominion as his ultimate government. Like the Thane of Cawdor, Sir George Bowen is '' a prosperous gentleman."