("Age" Specials.)

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 76, 15 November 1884, Page 3

("Age" Specials.)

Banquot to Agents-General. London, November 3.— A banquot was given to the Agents-General of the Australasian colonies by the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Earl Morley presided. Speeches were delivered by the Agents-General, which were cordially received, and the proceedings throughout were eminently successful.

Depression of Trade in England. The House of Commons yesterday, by a majority of 19 votes, rejected the motion for an inquiry into the existing depression of trade and agriculture in Gieat Britain. Daring the debate, Mr Childors deprecated any resort to protection, and declared the adoption of a British Zollverein to bo impossible.

The Federation Enabling Bill. Consideration of the Australasia Federation Enabling Bill by the British Parliament, it is now generally anticipated, will be postponed until the session of ISSS. It is considered probable that the AleutsGeneral of the several Australasian colonies will apply for an early interview with M. Ferry, the French Premier at Paris, with reference to the Recidiviste Bill, provided Earl Derby approves of the proposed interview. The " Times" this morning: contains an article upon the proposed federation of the Australian colonies and the action of New South "Wales. It eulogises the course pursued by New South Wales, believing that any federation movement at the present time is premature, and that the powers to be conferred by the proposed Federal Council are excessive.

China and England. It is reported that China is unwilling to avail herself of the oilers of mediation on the part of England and other powers between her and France.

Victory for the Liberals. The municipal elections thi-oughoufc Great Britain have resulted in the return of a majority of Liberal candidates.

Dull Times in Holland. The distress which at present prevails in the iron and shipping trades in Holland is said to be greater than for many years past