AUSTRALIAN.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4507, 15 June 1883, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN.

Meibottbxe, yesterday. The Agent* General in London telegraphed to the Government that he is arranging a deputation of Agents-General to wait upon the Earl of Derby in.regard . to the proposed annexation of the New Hebrides. He apprehended there will be a difficulty consequent upon the agree* meat that exists between England and France not to annex the Pacific Islands.

The telegram further states that public feeling in London is opposed to a sweeping policy of annexation. The intercolonial bridge across the river Murray, at Albury, was opened today. A- demonstration took place at Albury. and addresses were presented to the Marquis of Normanby. and to Lord Loftus. Among those present were the members of the Victorian and New South Wales Ministries and the Legislative Assemblies, the Judges, and the Mayors of the principal towns, with 800 invited guests. The "National Anthem" was sung by school children, and the streets of the town were gaily decorated. After the formal opening of the bridge a.banquet was given at which fully 1000 per sous were present, in the railway sheds adjoining. A ball will take place to-morrow evening. . Later.

At a banquet at Albary to-day Lord Loftus, in replying to the toast of bis health, offered congratulations upon the junction of the Victorian tind New South Wales railway system. The Marquis of Normanby,replying to the toast of his health, expressed bis belief that the first step of uniting the capitals by railway must end in the federation of the respective colonies. The opening of the Murray Bridge passed off most successfully. Sydney, Yesterday. ;The libel case, Anderson y. the proprietors of the Sydney Morning Herald, is still proceeding. Telegrams from Newcastle state that the action at law brought by Mr Law against his former employers, Messrs J. and A.. Brown, was concluded to-day. The jury awarded substantial damages, and the plaintiff was entirely exonerated from the charges preferred against him. 'Sailed, this afternoon: The R.M.S. City of Sydney, for S»n Francisco, Tia Auckland, with specie valued at £14,500. Also the steamship Hauroto, for Wellington, via Newcastle.

[Received June 15,1 p.m.] MELBocrBNB, This day. In the speeches delivered at the Albury railway demonstration yesterday, frequent reference was made to the question of federation. The Hon. J. Service in the course of his address, intimated that he would take, an early opportunity of inviting New South Wales to consider a proposal for political union with Victoria. The speech was warmly applauded. The House of Assembly has been successfully lighted with the Lane incandescent electric light.