"AGE" SPECIALS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1613, 19 February 1884, Page 2

"AGE" SPECIALS.

:'.-'■ ;. » . : (PbessAssocution.) LONDON, , ' February 5, In the Queen's Speech no reference is made to the federation movement in the Australian colonies. Tho subject ,was omitted owing to the uncertainty felt by, the Imperial authorities whether the different colonies will, through their Parliaments, ratify the decision arrived at by the Sydney Convention. The names/of applicants, for the position' of'"Uommauder of* the South Australian' war vessel, Protector, have been submitted to" the. Lords, of the Admiralifcy for. their decision by Mr Myth, Agent-General of South Australia, The vessel was launched in January/' She carries ten guns. Sir Julius Tbgel is engaged forming a Company to lay. a duplicate sub-marine cable between England and i Australia. -He sails 'for New Zealand jonthe.26thinst.' Earl Derby -has expressed extremo surprise at tho non-receipt of any official despatches from the colonies dealing upon the, recent Federation Convention held at Sydney. ' The fresh disaster has'caused a profound sensation throughout Egypt, and there is quite a panic at Cairo. Suakiui is now threatened by the victorious rebels, and .desperate precautions are being made for its defence. Admiral Hewitt has landed a body of Marines for the defence of the town. The entrenchmentsoccupied by the Marines are protected by the guns of the Admiral's flagship. The country between Berber and Khartoum is in a state of tranquility.; Tho natives show every disposition to assist the Egyptian Government. in putting down the rebellion, In Suakini active preparations are being made. to. resist any attack- from tho Arabs. Baker Pasha is co-operating with.' Admiral Hewitt in organising the defence of the town upon whichan attack is expected. The leading French and German journals, commenting upon the reverses sustained by Baker Basha, ridicule the weak policy adopted by the English Government with regard to Egypt. Her Majesty has determined to dedicate her journals, which are now being.edited and., will be published shortly,- to the memory of the late John Brown.

Eight hundred marines were embarked on the steamer Poonah to-day at Plymouth; There was an immense crowd of spectators to witness their departure, and great enthusiasm was shewn. • LONDON, February 11, The Government have received a petition signed by all.the principal merchants of Calcutta, who ask the Imperial authorities to assist in establishing direct ■ steam' communication between Australia and Calcutta. The petitioners point out that the commercial relations of India with the Australian continent would be immeasurably benefited by establishing a monthly service of steamers, and that a large trade would by this means be developed between the colonies and India. It is suggested by the petitioners that the Imperial Government should i»rant a liberal subsidy towards the establishing of a direct steam service between Australia and Calcutta,