LATE ENGLISH NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4600, 2 October 1883, Page 2

LATE ENGLISH NEWS.

(Pee s.s. .T-js Anatt at the Bluff.)

[Per Press Association.]

London, September 19. In consequence of the refusal of the British Government to annex New Guinea and the New Hebrides, it is proposed to hold a meeting'of Australian colonists in London in order to support the Colonial Governments in their demands , for annexation. The Hawaiian kingdom have protested against the proposed annexation of the New Hebrides and other islands of the Pacific of the Pacific by the French. Sir Wm. Morgan, of the firm of Morgan and Nephew, Noumea, who is now in Paris^ and who, it was alleged, was making arrangements for the introduction of French convict labour into the New Hebrides, denies that he is interfering in the matter. The French, authorities have decided upon the immediate renewal of hostilities in Madagascar. The commanders of the French men-o'"«war in the vicinity have coincidently received instructions to bombard the towns and villages situated on the east coast of the Island.

Latest advices from the seat of war in Tonquin show that a severe engagement has taken place at Haiphong between the mercenary troops engaged by the French and the,"Black Flag" forces, in which the mercenaries were eventually defeated. The ill success of the French forces in Tonqiiin is causing immense dissatisfacv tion in France. The Left Party are demanding a convocation of the Chambers, and the position of the Ferry administration is regarded as critical.

The meeting which was arranged to be held by the Irish National League at Miltown Milbay, a town of County Clare, Ireland, has been prohibited by the authorities.

September 22. The announcement that the New -Zealand Government intend to convert the loans of that colony into inscribed stock has been frequently discussed in financial circles, and the proposed conversion is denouncfd by holders of 4 per cent debentures. The proposal to issue Treasury bills is regarded as an under™ hand attempt to float a further loan- of £1,800,000. A letter from Sir F. D. Bell, Agent-General for New Zealand, appears in the Times this morning, explaining the reasons which induced his Government to resolve upon converting their debentures into inscribed stock. Referring to the adverse manner in which the proposal has been criticised by a, section of debenture holders, the Agent-General emphatically denies the report that Government had acted in an underhand way.

Eolations between England and Turkey are somewhat strained, owing to a decision of the authorities of the Port to adopt a protective tariff. The Mediterranean fleet has been directed to proceed to the Dardanelles and make a demonstration.