THE FRENCH IN MADAGASCAR.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1165, 25 October 1883, Page 1

THE FRENCH IN MADAGASCAR.

(From the special correspondent of the Melbourne Argus.) (Continued.)

Before closing this letter, I may mention as a significant fact that the Government balances in the local banks are being pretty largely reduced. Whether this has anything to do with the hostilities at Madagascar, or whether the stability of the banks is in any way in question, the fact remains that large remittances are being made to the home authorities, and that the Mauritius Government account-—only comparatively recently divided between the two chief banks in Port Louis, instead of remaining in the one establishment—is being reduced down to the minimum absolutely required for current local expenditure.

In conclusion, I would express »y individual admiration shared I ata sure by many here and elsewhere—ror the tact and promptitude displayed by Sir John Pope Hennessy alike in rescuing British subjects from a critical position, in doing all he could in Mr Shaw's case, and in fostering friendly relations between both English and French and English and Hoovas. Sir John, with tfhom I have already enjoyed the privilege of considerable personal communication, is a man of English reputation both as a speaker and a writer. He is evidently keen in percepand strong of will, and I fancy he need be for the work that lies before him. I have purposely refrained from referring to any extent to Mauritian politics and social matters in these first letters of mine, but I have already noted certain reforms that are beginning to sprout under the new rule, and with these I shall deal in my future budgets. The Malagasy ambassadors, who left England a couple of months ago, are expected here daily en route to Madagascar. If lam here when they arrive, I shall make a point of seeing them. I shall also interview any others who may arrive from the island itself, so that my next letter on Madagascar affairs will contain, 1 trust, many items of interest. The M.M. steamer Sydney, which takes this, has been in quarantine here for a week, and there has been a good deal of uncertainty about the exact day of her leaving. To be on the safe side I post my letters with a goodly margin of time. Should any further information on the Madagascar question reach me before the boat actually sails, I will place a supplementary letter on board.