CABLEGRAMS FROM LONDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7639, 17 May 1886, Page 5

CABLEGRAMS FROM LONDON.

[FROM THE MELBOURNE AGE.] London, May 3. The shipment of grapes sent from Victoria by the Orient steamer Austral proved to be saleable. 150 casee of Victorian fruite sent have sold well. The appointment of Dr. Moorhouse as Bishop of Manchester has been formally ooDfirmed. The ceremony of enthroning him will be performed on the 18th inst. The Colonial and Indian Exhibition promises to prove a splendid succeee. The whole of the principal metropolitan newspapers to-day publish an extended account of the opening ceremony and the exhibits in the different courts. All speak in highly eulogistic terms of the display made, at* indicating the maguificant and varied resources of the colonies of Great Britain, and all agree likewise in the belief that the Exhibition must exercise an important effect in establishing the solidarity of the Empire. May 6. Sir Andrew Clarke, Acting Agent-General for Victoria, has, in obedience to instructions from his Government, lodged a strong protest with the Colonial Office against the proposed cession of the New Hebrides to France. In the protest Sir Andrew Clarke expresses his surprise at the aotion of the Colonial Office in continuing to advocate the acceptance by the colonies of the compromise offered! by Franc* that convict transportation to the|Pacific shall cease, in view of the steady and strong opposition of the colonies to the proposal. Sir A. Clarke adds that the answer sent by the President of the Australian Federal Council, expressing decided antagonism to the annexation of the Island by the French, is final. It is stated in well-informed circles that amongst the recipients of Birthday honours in the present year will be Mr. Jameo Mcßain, President of the Legislative Council of Victoria, who, it ie expected, will be knighted. May S, It is reported that the Cabinet has decided to leave the question as to the retention of Irishmen in, or their exclusion from, the House of Commons as an open question, with the view of inducing the Hon. Mr. Chamberlain to support the second reading of the Home Rule scheme submitted by the Premier. It is understood, however, that Mr. Chamberlain will not be content that the matter should be left so, but that, as a condition of his supporting the measure, he will insist upon a specified pledge being given that Irishmen shall continue to be eligible as members of the House of Conimone The Canadian House of Commons have passed a resolution in favour of granting modified autonomy to Ireland. The Hon. John Pearson, Judge of the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, is very ill, his condition being precarious. May 11. Mr. James Mason, of Fiji, who is at present in England, has opened a fund for relief of the distress caused by the recent hurricane which devasted the Fiji Islands. The Russian Government have intimated their concurrence with the action of the combined Powers in blockading the Greek ports in order to enforce compliance with the demand that the Grecian forces should be disbanded. The commission appointed to elect a •mcceesor to Dr. Moorhouee, as Bishop of Melbourne, have entered upon the task, and will hold a formal meeting on the 25th instant, when they hope to be in a position to fix upon a suitable candidate.