LATEST CABLEGRAMS

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1332, 5 December 1883, Page 2

LATEST CABLEGRAMS

. „.. .- ■> ■ -„. '.♦.■■: rv:.. -.- -■ •... ■ • (PER REUTER'S AGKNUY. )> ■>• ' : ' De T d B' lOfcinV — ;-,,/. v-.ioMsT !•;„- 'QYDl!i£i%-..3..-At tq-day's £&ting of. the Conference tho question 'of. annexation was not dealt with.* » ' ' ;' ' ; ' A long discussion"' idok place on the subject of Federatfori.^ All delegates spoke, and finally' a sub-committee was appointed to consider the best means for constituting a Federal Council, and deciding upon its functions. Whitaker laid on the table certain amendments to the report, of the Committee on Annexation, but they make no substantial change in the report. Fraser presented a note from Mr Broome, Governor of West Australia, referring to several points of Federal interest, notably the question of cable communication with Ceylon. Broomn points out that, conimunication by land telegraph with the coast of West Australia will soon he completed. V .'. The Conference adjourned at midday until to-morrow. (Eeceived Dec.,4, i-15 a.m.) London, 3. It has transpired that communications have recently passed hetwee'h the German and English Governments regarding the state of affairs in China, and that arrangements have now been made for co-operation in taking such action as may be deemed necessary for the protection of the British and German' subjects resident in China territory. Calcutta, 3. Earl Ripon, Governor-General of India, returned to Calcutta to-day. His Excellency was received by the Natives with cheering, but hooted by the Europeans who were present at the time of his arrival. Sydney, 3. The amendment proposed by Whitaker to the report of the Committee at the Conference, consists of ten clauses, the main points being as follovs: — It provides that the authority of Great Britain over the Pacific Islands may be established by cessation of annexation, or by a Protectorate over the various Islands, as may be severally suitable, and that measures be adopted to prevent interference by foreigners. It recommends the annexation of New. Guinea, as far as that country is unclaimed l>y Holland It proposes that an effective guarantee should be given by the Australian Colonies for their share in

tlie cost by permanent Appropriation Acts, according to population. It declares that there is no intention of placing Great Britain in a position of hostility to foreigners in the Pacific. Stuart and Atkinson have telegraphed to London f6r details of matters now before the Conference, : ; The Melbourne Argus has published a special telegram, stating that the Convention has agreed to the principle of applying for an Imperial Enabling Act- for- the -formation of the Federal Union of the Australian Colonies. ; Reeeived Deo. 4, 4*25 .p.m. Sydney, 4. At the Conference this morning a long discussion took place on the subject, of annexation, including Whita-ker's-amendments to the report of the Committees. In the course of the debate Whitaker made an exhaustive speech in support" of his motions. ; Dalley, Attorney-General of New South Wales, submitted a proposition for the constitution of the Federal Council's functions as defined. It would be to deal with the following questions : — Naturalisation, Aliens, Patients, Quarantine Enforcement, Criminal, Process, Extradition, Copyright, Marriage, Divorce, Prevention of Influx of Criminals, Weights and Measures, Statutes of Companies, and Examinations of Marine Disasters. He proposed that the Council consist of two members from each Colony enjdying responsible Government, and one member from Crown Colonies. Yearly meetings to be held at time and-place to be determined by a Governor, empowered by the Queen of these Colonies to be able to summons special meetings of the Council.