IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10237, 4 January 1894, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

[Special to Pbebs Association.! LONDON, Jan. 2. A rumour is in circulation that the Hon John Morley is contemplating resigning the Chief Secretaryship of Ireland, as he finds it impossible to govern the country without coercion. It is officially announced that the Duke and Duchess of York cannot visit Australia this year. General d© Winton, Comptroller and Treasurer to the Duke of York, in a private letter says that their Eoyal Highnesses regret very much being unable to visit Australia this year, but hope to be able to do so in 1895. The Duke has not personally published any reply to the invitation. The Duke and Duchess of York, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Queen and Government have considered the invitation extended by the Australasian Colonies to the Duke and Duchess of York. Though the absolute terms of their decision have not been made known, it is certain that the purport of the reply will be to cordially express gratification at the kindly feeling prompting the invitation, and regret that domestic reasons compel them to decline this year. The hope will be expressed that a more favourable chance of accepting the invitation may arise later on. Dr Eenwiek, Hew South Wales Commissioner at the Chicago Exhibition, has been knighted. Jan, 3. The Ameer of Afghanistan has been created Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. Dr Eenwiek, of Sydney, will be knighted on the Queen’s Birthday. It is reported that the Government proposes to limit the debate on the next Addreas-in-Reply to the speech from the throne to three days. YOKOHAMA, Jan, 2. The British Court at Yokohama has disallowed the claims for compensation brought by relatives of people lost in the Japanese steamer Christina, which foundered after a collision with the P. and O. steamer Eavenaa.