INTERCOLONIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 34

INTERCOLONIAL.

(Peb Pbess Association. ) Melbourne, August 11. Sir G. Berry, in reply to a deputation, promised to complete the revision of the tariff next year. He said he saw no hope for Victoria unless she had her manufactures established on a firm basis. August 12. The British India Company's steamer brings news of the foundering of the steamer Milton and the arrival of a portion of her crew at Singapore, after knocking about in the boats for two days and a-half. A panic occurred when it was found that the steamer was sinking. Tho native crew made a rush for the boats. Six were drowned in one boat. Altogether 15 hands are missing. August 15. At the Postal Conference Mr Kidd, Post-mabter-general of New South Wales, said his Government would throw the responsibility of giviiig the guarantee to the Eastern Extension Company over altogether if they were called on again to pay such an amount as they had t-j

pay this year. He moved that, iv view of tho losses sustained, tho rate for public messages should be raised to 4s 9d, Government and press messages to remain as at present. This was carried. The motion to agree with the proposals of tho New Zealand Government wns seconded by Mr Kidd, and also agreed to. Tho Western Australian Government telegraphed their consent.

August 16. The Government havo decided that the Agent-general (Mr Munro) shall take indefinite leave of absence.

Sydney, August 10. The Hon. John Kidd, Postmaster-general, is favourable to the proposed guarantee for a reduced cable rate with New Zealand. With regard to tho present arrangement with the Cable Company, ho thinks the latter ought to fix a maximum amount of loss to be guaranteed by the colonies instead of it being unlimited as under tho present agreement. Mr Kidd has wired to Queensland asking them to join the other colonies in the liability as to the guarantee, and he will visit Melbourne to attend the conference on tho matter, which opens there on Saturday. At the Queensland National Agricultural Association's show Mr Rowo, of Christchurch, secured several prizes for pigs.

August 11

The Telegraph fears that tho bargain proposed between New Zealand and the Cable Company, even if concluded on the fairest terms to tho contracting colonies, will more firmly establish the system of State partnership in private enterprise, which is falso in principle and mistaken in its application.

August 12. Sir H. Parkes, addressing his constituents last night, said that he was determined to keep federation in tho forefront of Australian politics. He condemned the importation of coolies, and advocated the establishment of irrigation colonies as a remedy for want of employment.

The Sydney Morning Herald thinks that tho proposal of the New Zealand Government to demand cash securities from foreign insurance companies will be likely to lead to reprisals on the part of the other colonies.

Brisbane, August 12. The defeat of the Constitution Bill, so far as setting up the central province is concerned, is causing some excitement at Rockhampton. A crowd burned in effigy the leading members who opposed tho bill.

August 13. The Rev. Mr Dawes has been elected Bishop of Rockhampton.