(AGE SPECIALS.)

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 70, 19 February 1884, Page 2

(AGE SPECIALS.)

London, Feb. 5. In the Queen’s Speech no reference is made to the Federation movement in the Australian Colonies. The subject was omitted, owing to the uncertainty felt by the Imperial authorities whether the different Colonies will, through their Parliaments, ratify the decisions arrived at by the Sydney Convention. The South Australian war-vessel Protector carries ten guns. Sir J. Vogel, who is engaged in forming a Company to lay a duplicate submarine cable between England and Australia, sails for New Zealand on the 26th inst. The Earl of Derby has expressed extreme surprise at the non-receipt of any official despatches from the Colonies dealing with the recent Federation Convention held in Sydney. The leading French and German journals, commenting upon the reverses sustained by Baker Pacha, ridicule the weak policy adopted by the English Government with regard to Egypt. Her Majesty has determined to dedicate her journals, which are now being edited and will be published shortly, to the memory of the late John Brown. Eight hundred marines embarked in the steamer Poonat to-day at Plymouth. There was an immense crowd of spectators to witness the departure of the troops, and great enthusiasm was shown. The Government have received a petition signed by all the principal merchants of Calcutta, who ask the Imperial authorities to assist in establishing a direct steam communication between Australia and Calcutta. The petitioners pointed out that the commercial relations of India with the Australasian Continent would be immeasurably benefited by establishing a monthly service of steamers, and that a large trade would by this means be developed between the colonies and India. It is suggested by the petitioners that the Imperial Government should grant a liberal subsidy towards establishing a direct steam service between Australia and Calcutta.