LATEST NEWS.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1063, 23 July 1883, Page 3

LATEST NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN. [REUTER —COPYRIGHT. ] LONDON, July 21. The following is an abstract of a despatch dated the 11th instant from Lord Derby, the Secretary of State for the colonies, to Sir Arthur Palmer regarding the proposed annexation of New Guinea. The despatch deeply regrets that the Queensland Government should have assumed powers which it did not possess, and remarks that fears of annexation, by foreign powers are indefinite and without foundation; .adding, moreover, that the capacity of the colony to govern several millions of natives is doubtful. The dispatch trusts that the federation of the Australian Colonies will speedily be brought about, and promises that the Imperial naval force in the Pacific shall be strengthened if - Queensland contributes a reasonable sum towards defraying the additional expenses incnrrred. In conclusion the dispatch promises that a Deputy High Commissioner shall be placed on the Coast of New Guinea, thus securing a gradual protectorate over the island.

The English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank has declared a dividond of 5 per cent for the past half year, and carries £IO,OOO to reserve. The International Rifle contest between the British and American teams concluded at Wimbledon to-day, and was won by the former. CAIRO, July 21.

The cholera epidemic continues to spread at an alarming rate, and mortality in the city has been fully doubled. At the instance of England the system of cordons round the infected localities has been abandoned, and vigorous sanitary measures are now being carried out instead.

AUSTRALIAN. REUTER —COPYRIGHT. (Received July 23, 0.55 a.m.) MELBOURNE, July 21. At the Victoria Racing Club’s Winter Steeplechase Meeting to-day, the Grand National Hurdle Race was won by Dizzy and the Grand National Steeplechase by Blackthorn, During the latter race one of the horses, Chrysalis, fell, killing the jockey Meinne. (Received July 23, 1.20 p.m.) MELBOURNE, This day. Prisoner Burns has been fonnd guilty of the murder of Michael Quinlivan at Wickliffe in 1880, and has been remanded for sentence.