(Special to Melbourne "Age.")

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 73, 25 October 1884, Page 3

(Special to Melbourne " Age. ")

Tory Noblemen and the Franchise Bill. London, October 13. — The Marquis of Salisbury, Earl Cairns, and the Dukes of Richmond and Gordon are at present in Scotland, and have held a conterence on the subject of the attitude of t e House of Lords towards the Franchise Bill.

Germany and the South Pacific. Germany has decided upon establishing a coaling station at Mahakui, New Britain, and at Mahrsall Island, both in the Pacific Ocean.

Direct Anglo-Australian Cable. Sir James Anderson, in a letter to the "Times" a few days ago, admits that a direct submarine cable from England to Australia is possible, but points out that it would cost an enormous sum to maintain. In political circles it is deemed probable that consideration of the Australian Federation Enabling Bill will be postponed until the Parliamentary session of ISSS.

Oriental Bank Buildings. The Bank of New Zealand has purchased from the liquidator the Melbourne and Sydney banking premises of the Oriental Bank corporation. Tenders have also been invited for the purchase of the freehold establishments in other cities belonging to the insolvent corporation.

France and New Guinea. The instructions issued by the British Government to Commodore Erskine to proceed to New Guinea, and proclaim a British protectorate over the Southern coast and adjacent islands have occasioned great excitement in France. The Parisian press animadvert upon England's insatiable greed for acquiring a new territory, and urge the French Government to protest against the British protectorate.