LATE CABLE NEWS.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6369, 17 February 1886, Page 3

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[By Tblbqbaph].

[Per 8.8. Botomahana, at the Bluff.]

["Ae«"Sp»CIAMO ; LONDON, February 8.The representations made on behalf of the Victorian Government in the case of MajoT-General Downes nave been considered by the army and navy authorities. It has also been urged' ointly by the Agents-General for the colonies that officers belonging either to the British navy or army, and on the unattached list, should "be permitted to draw.their pensions whilst holding appointments under colonial Governments. The Imperial Government has now decided to permit British officers to accept civil positions in the colonies without forfeiting their pensions. The regulations of the army and navy bearing on the point are to be assimilated, but the alteration will not aflect Major-Genenl Downes. February 4. Germany has approved of France occupying the Society Archipelago, including the island of Baiatea. February 7. The Eastern Extension China and Australian Telegraph Company have undertaken to reduce their charges on general cable messages to 9s 4d per word, a proportionate reduction to be made on Government and prees messages. The reduction will not come into operation until let July. - '