LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1882, 18 August 1874, Page 2

LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT. [anglo-austbalian press telegkaph AGENCY.] Auckland, Aug. 17. The Hero has arrived. She left Sydney on the 11th. London, Aug. 7. Parliament is prorogued. The Royal speech stated that foreign relations continue friendly. Her Majesty's Government would employ all its influence to maintain treaty obligations and promoting consolidation of peace. A delegate has been sent to a conference at Brussels, which had been assembled on the suggestion of the Emperor of Russia, after assurances from various powers represented that no proposals would be made to alter recognised rules of International law, or placing restrictions on naval operations ; in sending the delegate her Majesty's Government had reserved full freedom to accept or reject the recommendations of the Conference. Negotiations had. been commenced in reference to a reciprocity treaty between the United States and Canada, and it is anticipated that the treaty will be revised at an early j date. Continued disturbances in Spain were deeply regretted, but while her Majesty earnestly desires the restoration of peace and civil order, it is believed that such a result will more surely be brought .about by a rigid abstinence from any interference by European : powers. The treaty w ith the. Sultan of Zanzibar ,f or the suppression of slavery ,had been ; faithfully observed ; already much had been accomplished in. : that direction. A subject for much gratification was that the famine in India hitherto had been attended with little mortality. Such a thankful result was mainly attributable to the exertions' of the Viceroy, Lord Northbrook,,and his subordinates. The .speech also : refers to the steady progress of measures taken for the pajification of the inhabitants of the Gold Coastj and the organisation of the Government in that dependency; Treaties of peace have been concluded with important tribes. The King of Ashaiitee hai persevered in his efforts to discharge the obligations of his treaty with Great Britain. It was hoped r that a reduction of taxation would be possible, when Parliament is operating on the imports of the country. The revenue shows increased elasticity. . It is announced that through the good

offices of Germany, by other European Powers, the Govern ment had taken measurefcto preserve neutrality in the Pyrenees:BThe result is asserted to have been obtai^d without in any way wounding the aignity of France. The English harvest is proceeding satisfactorily. The corn market is drooping, and languid ; finer qualities of Adelaide bring 60s to 62a per 4961 b; Adelaide flour, 41s to 45s per 2801 b, according to quality. The Archbishop of Canterbury's Church Discipline Bill passed, and Lord Penzance accepted the Judgeship of the newly constituted ecclesiastical tribunal. During a discussion in the : House of Commons, Messrs Gladstone and Disraeli both said that although tranquility prevailed in Europe at present, an influence exists indicating great troubles sooner or later, in which Spanish affairs would play a prominent part. Mr Bourke, Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in replying to a question from an hon. member, said no power had contemplated armed intervention as regarded Spain ; England would discourage any such proposition. ; In the Mouse of Commons, Mr M c Arthur moved a resolution approving of the Government's decision for annexing Fiji, which was discussed. Mr Dilke moved an amendment urging caution, but both were rejected. Mr Gladstone spoke strongly against Parliament relieving the Government from entire responsibility. Mr Lo wther, Under Secretary for the Colonies, declared that cession must be unconditional, and domestic slavery could not be tolerated. In speaking in the House of Commons, both Mr Gladstone and Mr Disraeli saw that although present European affairs were peaceful there were not wanting signs that soon there would be a disturbance. The affairs of Spain would probably form the prominent cause.