BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3501, 25 June 1884, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. [Reuter’s Agency.] [Received June 24, 1884,10 p.m,] The European Conference* London, Juno 23. The following is the substance of the Convention which, as Lord Kimberley announced in the House of Lords, on the 15th instant, has been agreed to by the French and English Governments, ns preliminary to holding the projected European Conference on Egyptian affairs. By the terms of the Convention it is stipulated that the present British occupation shall cease, and the British troops be withdrawn, at the beginning of 1888 {sic) if other European Powers consider that the stability and tranquility of the country will then be sufficient to warrant the adoption of such a course. With regard to the question of Egyptian finance, it is agreed that in order .to secure the control of the Egyptian National Debt, and to extend the control of the Budget, the office of President of the Egyptian Council of Ministers shall be held by an Englishman. The Convention also refers to the necessity for ensuring the preservation of Egyptian neutrality in' time of war. In this connection, England engages hereafter to propose the adoption by the Powers of a treaty similar to that which in 1870, England, Prussia and France agreed to respect the neutrality of the Kingdom of Belgium. Similar measures are also to bo adopted with a view to maintaining the neutrality of the Suez Canal.

(Special to Pbess Association.) London, June 22, Lord Lyons is still hopeful of a satis* factory settlement of the recidiviste question. The Sussex Regiment has been ordered to proceed to Assouan, The P. and 0. R.M.S, Indus, while

steaming down the Channel collided with and sank a light-ship. The Indus sustained no serious damage, and proceeded on her voyage to Sydney.

June 21.

Prince Bismarck is urging the clerical party to withdraw their objection to the subsidising of a direct mail line to Australia.

The Suez Canal Commission approves of (ho proposal to widen the canal, and have appointed a Committee of Inspection.

The Moscow “ Gazette’’ urges the employment of armed volunteer cruisers for the purpose of strengthening Russian interests in the Pacific.

In the debate in the House of Lords, on the reoidiviste question, Earl Rosebery complained of the inadequate representation of the colonies in that chamber.

The Oriental Bank Company wil 1 withdraw half a million of the Victorian assets.

In Mr Maurice Lyons’ Northern Territory Pastoral Company, 3000 shares have been subscribed by colonists in Nova Scotia, Queensland, New Zealand an ’ Victoria.

It is intended to entertain the Marquis of Normanby at a banquet at Willis’ rooms on July 9th. Should the Prince of Wales be unable to be present, either the Earl of Carnavon or Lord Rosebery will preside. It is expected that Colonel Scratchley will bo appointed High Commissioner of the Pacific if the colonies will agree to contribute £16,000 annually. Lord Rosebery proceeds with the debate on the Reoidiviste Act on July 4th. Australian wheat cargoes, principally for Continental export, are averaging 40s 6d.