LATE CABLE NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2810, 25 September 1883, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

(By Tblegbaph.) (Per i.s. Bingarooma at the Bluff.) [Special to tue Melbourne "Age."] LoKDOir Sept. 12. The Daily Neus this morning demands the abolition oE the kidnapping system which is now being carried on m the South Seas by Queensland planters. Baron Macleay, who recently explored New Guinea, ond who has had extensive experience amongst the natives of the islands m tbo South Pacific, has written to Earl Derby denouncing the existing Queensland labor traffic system. BiscussingtheTamßtave outrages, tbo Press generally condemns tbe aggressive lice of conduct pursued by Captain Johnstone, of H.M.S. Dryad, m impeding the operations of Admiral Pierre, prior to the bombardment of Tamatave. Messrs Hisginson and Morgan, of Ifoumfß, the latter gentleman being a member of the firm of Meesra Morgan and Nephew, land speculators at the New Hebrides, are at present m Paris, and it is reported that they are arranging for the shipment of French convicts to Islands of the South PaciSc. The Agents-General for the different Australian colonies, to-day recei?ed a reply from Earl Derby, m answer to a letter written by Mr Smith, Agent-General for "Victoria, requesting a definite announcement of the course which the Imperial authorities intend to pursue m regard to tho proposed annexstion of New Guinea Rnd the New Hebrides. Earl Derby's statement consists of several vague asturaucea of the interest taken by the Government m the welfare of tbe colonies, but its general tenor is evasivs and unsatisfactory. He states, however, that the Government intend to adhere to their previous determination not to annex New Guinea, and aleo that they will decline to annex ony other islands m the PaciGo. With regard to Ibe report that the French Government, intended to deport habitual criminals to the New Hebrides, Earl Derby promises to confer with Lord Granvills with a view of determining on tho line of policy which the English Government shall adopt. He points out. that (he Tongan and Samoan Islands are protected by existing treaties, and that the independence of New Hebrides is recognised by the French Government. Earl Derby also refers to the representations which have been made to him concerning alleged outrages committed by Queensland planters engaged m the South Sea labor traffic, and etatea that be will communicate with Sir Arthur Gordon, the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, upon the anbject, with a view of having tbe statetceats thoroughly inve»tigated. An animated discussion is beiDg carried on by the French newspapers as to the propriety of France annering the New Hebrides. A considerable diveraeness of opinion is exhibited, the Pree« being very equally divided on the point. A grand festival m celebration of the 400lh anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, the reformer, U being held at Wittenberg, Germany. The festival was formally opened jestetdaj by the Crown Prince of Prussia. The Times this morning advocates that the Agents-General of the various British Colonies should form a Council for tb« purpose of advising the Secretary of State for tha Colonies on all questions pertaining to Colonial interests. Australian hops are being sold for £9 per cwt. m the London market.