Late European News.

Otago Witness, Issue 1813, 20 August 1886, Page 13

Late European News.

The following cablegrams have appeared in the Melbourne Age :i — The question of the future of the Colonia and Indian Exhibition is now under consideration. It is suggested that the exhibition should be closed in two months and be repeated next year, an endeavour being made in the meantime to remedy the defects so apparent in some of the counts. This proposal, however, is meeting with strong opposition, especially on the part of nearly all the executive commissioners, who are of opinion that it would be a prolongation which is unnecessary and would be unprofitable. The proposed testimonial to the Prince of Wales in recognition of his services as president of the commission for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition has not been taken up quite so heartily as expected, and up to the present there are only a few subscribers. The World predicts that the Prince will decline the testimonial. Tho advocates of Northern Queensland separation are making progress. At their request the Earl of Dunraven has consented to introduce an Enabling Bill into the House of Lords. The Republique Francaise has a lengthy article on the New Hebrides question. It declares that England wants the islands, and is therefore angry at the French Government; but it ridicules England's claim, and asserts that there is not the slightest justification for it. France, continues the paper, has forestalled England, and has practically annexed the islands; that being so, she will never withdraw her flag or troops, despite all that may be said about her action.

At the usual monthly meeting of theW.C.T.U. at Port Chalmers, held on Thursday in the Mechanics' Institute, the members were strongly • recommended to discontinue buying groceries from those holding a bottle license. The chair was occupied by Mrs Johnstone.