SPECIAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 8845, 23 November 1889, Page 5

SPECIAL.

(Received November 23, 1.20a.m.) London, November 22. Dockers’ unions are being formed in every port, with a view to prevent the trade of London being diverted. Public opinion is divided on the merits of the Dominion proposals of Sir Henry Parkes, and the suggestions on the subject made by Mr Gillies. In the course of an interview, Sir Julius Vogel expressed an opinion favourable to Colonial Federation on Imperial lines. The present movement, he thinks, is a forerunner of the separation of the colonies from Greatßritain, and he thinks it is essential that the Imperial Government should at once declare that they will forcibly prevent the colonies separating from the Mother Country. Sir Julius accuses British statesmen of callousness in the matter, and expresses a firm conviction that the colonists are strongly in favour of the unity of the Empire. Public opinion is favourable to the holding of another conference of colonial delegates in London. Lord Salisbury is not in favour of the proposal, because he is not prepared with any questions for the consideration of such a conference. It is generally thought that Sir Henry Parkes’ Dominion scheme has been suggested by him with a view to furnish an excuse for having to swallow which he fears will shortly carry the day in New South Wales. St. Petersbueg, November 21. Russia is steadily arming. At the Artillery Jubilee celebrations the Czar prayed God to avert war.