AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 139, 8 December 1887, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY.

(Ter s.a. Rotomahana at the Bluff.l

(Per Proas Association.) Melbourne, Nov 30. On Thursday last tho Austrn l; an Nav-nl Defence Bi" was read tho ff-st time. Mr Surgood suggested that, inconsequence of the great importance of the measure, it bo read a second time that evening. Every member speaking ; n the debate expressed the greatest loyalty and enthusiasm. Tho Bill was road secondly aud passed all its stages, and placed on tl a record as passed unanimously. All the members rose to their feet and gavo time hearty cheers. The Governor tho next day gave the Royal assent to tho Bi", Tno Earl of Carnarvon spoke at considerable length ftt tho banquet given him on Ftiday evening by tho President of tho Council, and referred to his connection with the Colonial Office. He alluded particularly to the extension of the reflations between Australia and Europe which has taken placo within his own experience. In a number of ways Australia and Europe acted and reacted on each other above all lands in tho Southern Seas, becoming the object of ambition to foreign nations. France was negotiating for Egypt with the New Hebrides in her hand, and if the New Hebrides was to be the price of Egypt and the Suck Canal, he frar kly believed that Australia 1 would be a gainer. It was necessary above all to plaoe tho great naval stations abroad in a position of complete dof once. Regard - ing New Caledonia, Franco had no moral right to send cihr : nals t) a spot so close to the Australian shores. Ino Imperial Goveumeut shov'd do its utmost to protect Australia in that direction. The colonies, Lord Carnavon added, were steppmg from a position in whioh local duties had bean tbo mam occupation into a position wherein Imperial duties and the partnership of Imperial labors and dangers would be henceforward their lot. In passing the Naval Defeuoes Bill with such unanimity and promptitude, Victoria had givon ths best answers to thoie foreign powers who looked with jealous ayes on the greatness of Great Briiam,