THE LATEST.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 936, 7 February 1890, Page 17

THE LATEST.

(per press association.) (Received February 6, 12.30 p.m.) Melbourne, February 6. It is still doubtful whether the proceedings of the Federation Conference will be open to the press. Sir H. Paikes favours the views of Sir S. Griffiths, of Queensland. Mr Playford, of South Australia, is understood to be strongly opposed to them. A statement is made, on what appears to be pretty good authority, affording reason to believe that an agreement favourable to the objects of the Colony will be arrived at. It is considered likely that "Victoria will fall in with the views of New South Wales. The Conference is expected to last about a week. Mr Giilies has had a long interview with .* ir Henry Parkes, in which the latter gave his reasons for objecting to take the chairmanship. He pointed out that at all other Conferences the Premier of the Colony in which they took place presided, and saw no reason why that rule should now be de parted from. Sir Henry Parkes says he has several personal and private reasons for not accepting the position, which he considers sufficient without stating them publicly. In face of his objections it is not likely Mr Gillies will pres« the matter further, and he will probably preside himself. It is expected that the banquet to night will be the most brilliant and imposing function of the kind which has taken place in the colonies. Apart from loyal toasts, the only sentiment pro posed will be 2 United Australia,” to which Sir Henry Parkes will respond (Received February 6, noon.) Cairo, February 5. Emin Bey is improving in health, and it is expected that he will bo able to sail for England in March. Lisbon, February 5. A serious disturbance took place a*t the performance of a pantomime last night. In one of the scenes two of the clowns impersonated Major Paula and Captain Castillo, Governor of Mozambique, and in the act of pro tecting the Portuguese flag from a sup posed attack. The audience looked upon this aa an insult to the national flag, and immediately rushed the stage and wrested the flag from the clowns. A disturbance followed, during which the crowd were roughly handled by the military and police, who had been called out, but the building was wrecked. Berlin, February 5 The Emperor William has summoned the Staatsrath in order to thoroughly discuss the condition of operatives. He will preside himself. Paris ? February 5. The estimate for the past year shows that the expenditure exceeds tjhe, revenue by 36,000,000 frames. London. February 5 The Australian banks aye rect ifying, large deposits. The money market is easier. Th© quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,100,000 quarters, and for ihe ConAfOjOQQ (jiu.rters. The Amer «

t # > c can visible supply is estimated at 32,500,000 bushels" | Bank of New Zealand shares are j quoted at LB. ! SPECIAL. (Received February 6, noon.) London, February 5. After a long delay the trial of the Bishop of Lincoln for ritualistic prac tices has finally commenced, It first came before the Ecclesiastical Court last February. It is probable that the Parliamentary inquiry into the feasibility of an Imperial 08nny post will be granted. Mr Buxton, M.P., has advised the dockerß to be reasonable. Truth states that Sir Henry Norman has privately intimated to Lord Knutsford his intention to retire in the spring. Mr Parnell himself initiated the proceedings which brought about the settlement of his action against The Times, and the latter pays costs aa between party and party. Allpress asserts that he revisited Adelaide. He also states that he was successful at the gaming tables of Monte Carlo. It is expected that the bank will be recouped its losses. Allpress is anxious to be extradited promptly. Madrid, February 5. A Spanish Deputy called attention in the Cortes to the persistent presence of the British squadron at the Canaries. Lisbon, February 5. Portugal ia requesting the Powers to convene a conference on the Zambesi question, but if this cannot be done the Government is willing that the Slavery Conference now sitting at Brussels should arbitrate. St. Petersburg, February 5. The Czar declines to recognise the Republic of Brazil during the lifetime of ex-Emperor Dom Pedro. Berlin, February 5. The rumour is revived that Bismarck meditates resigning. Sofia, February 5. A plot against Ferdinand of Bulgaria is ascribed to Russian machinations.