LATE CABLE NEWS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3319, 21 November 1883, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[By Telegraph ,J (Per s.s.Te Anau at the Bluff.) (Special to the Melbourne “ Age.") London, Nov. B.^ The report that the French forces in Tonquin had occupied the towns of Sontay and Baeninh without opposition has proved to be unfounded. An explosion of fire-damp, which occurred yesterday at Monkfiold collieries, Accrington, Lancashire, resulted in the death of 60 miners. The remains of the late Sir Wm. Morgan were interred to-day in Bedfordshire. The cortege was a large one, a number of colonial representative men being present. A banquet was given last night at the Langham Hotel to Mr James Mcßain, one of the Yictorian Executive Commissioners at the Amsterdam Exhibition, and a member of the Victorian Legislative Council. The affair was most successful, several well-known gentlemen from the Australian colonies being amongst the guests. The correspondent of the “ Standard” yesterday had an interview with M. Jules Ferry, the French Premier, with a view to obtaining an authoritive intimation as to the course which France intends to pursue relative _to New Guinea and the New Hebrides. M, Ferry denied that the French Government had any intention of interfering with New Guinea. In reference to the New Hebrides, he asserted that France was determined to maintain the neutrality of those Islands, in accordance with an understanding arrived at with England some time ago. Nov. 11. The Committee appointed to inquire into and report upon the best means of regulating the labor traffic in the Western Pacific, have sent in their report. The result of their enquiries and the nature of their recommendations have not, however, transpired.