["Age" Specials.]

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 97, 11 April 1885, Page 3

["Age" Specials.]

The Federation Enabling Bill. London, March 24. — It is probable that Earl Derby will insist upon retaining the clause in the Federal Council Enabling Bill permitting colonies to retire from the Council. Sir F. Dillon Bell is convening a meeting of the several Agents-General to consider the matter.

Banquet to a Colonial Governor. A banquet was given last night to Sir Napier Broome, Governor of Western Australia, who is returning to the colony. The Agents-General were present, and responded on behalf of their respective colonies. Sir F. Dillon Bell, in the course of his remarks, stated that his Government were opposed to the amendments made by the Colonial Office on the Federal Enabling Bill.

The German Steamers for Australia. The Oceanic Steamship Subvention Bill, which provides for u line of steamers from Germany to Australia and the East, has passed its third reading in the fteichstag. The amount of Government subsidy provided for in the measure is £4,000,000.

Australasian Defences. It is improbable that Captain llhodos, T vho was appointed supervisor of the marine defences of Victoria on the suggestion of Major-General Scratchloy, will proceed to Melbourne, as the Imperial Government desire to retain his services. Another selection is now being made. Armstrong guns are replacing defective Martini-Henri rifles which were sent out to the colony, it having been found that the parts were not interchangeable.

German Colonisation in New Guinea. It has been decided that a number of German States foresters shall be sent to New Guinea for the purpose of colonising that position of the island which was recently taken possession of by Germany.

Obituary. Sir Sandford Freeling, who recently occupied the position of Govornor of Trinidad, is dead.

The Revolt in Canada. The revolt amongst Indian half-breeds in North- West Canada is headed by Louis Reel, the leader of the lied River insurrection in 1870. They attacked a small garrison in charge of a body of police. The latter were repulsed and the fort taken by the rebels. The military are now being called out to attack the rebels.

London, March 26. General McNeill who is in command of the troops forming zarebas on the road between Suakim and Tamai, is generally censured for allowing the forces under his command to be surprised by the Arab attack on Sunday last. The evening papers state that the autumn campaign in the Soudan will probably be abandoned. Russia is assuming an aggressive attitude, relying upon the weakness of Mr Gladstone. An English Squadron, destined for service in the Baltic in case war shjould be declared between England and Russia, is nearly ready, and preparations are being hastened as rapidly as possible. The St. Petersburg Press are advocating the fitting out of swift cruisers for the purpose of harassing and destroying British commerce in the Pacific and ludian Oceans. Earl Derby, Colonial Secretary, has assured Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for New South Wales, that steps will be taken to ensure the safety of submarine cables should war be declared between England and Russia. Earl Derby is desirous of an engagement being entered into by which all submarine cables shall be neutralised.

Aden, March 26. After a prosperous voyage the s.s. Iberia has arrived at Aden, the troops on board bein<r in excellent health, Temperate weather was experienced after passing Leewin, and the time was profitably spent in drill and manual exercise. The men have been improved in the use of the rifle and bayonet, and the officers have practised revolver-shooting and swordmanship. The horses are in splendid condition, and have received the utmost care and attention during the voyage.

Aden, Maroh 28. > The transport Australasia arrived this morning, Some tempestuous weather was met with, and five horses died on the passage. The steamer proceeds direct to Suakim this afternoon. A force of 10,000 Arabs is reported to be between Suakim and Tamai, and a doa« pevate engagement is anticipated. Lieutenant-Colonel Christie, BrigadeMajor, and secoad in command of the New South Wales infantry, has left the contingent, tor reasons which have not as yot transpired. The latest news from Suakim shows that the physique of the men forming the New South Wales contingent is excellent, and has been warmly eulogised by the British officers. It is expected that the contingent will be employed at first in convoy work, in order to accustom the men to strict discipline.