Annexation of New Guinea.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4751, 23 July 1883, Page 4

Annexation of New Guinea.

The Wimbledon Rifle Meeting. Continued Spread of Cholera. [BsotjEb'b Telsukaks.] LONDON, July 20. In fche House of Commons to-day the Hon Evelyn Ashley read a telegram from Mr Service, Premier of Yiotoria, stating that a resolution had been passed by the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, urging that * British influence should preponderate in the control of the second Suez Canal. LONDON, July 21. The following are abstracts of a deapatch, dated July 11, from Lord Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to Sir Arthur Palmer, regarding the proposed annexation of New Guinea: — The despatch deeply regrets that the Queensland Government should hare assumed powers which it did not possess, and remarks that the fears of annexation by Foreign Powerß are indefinite and without foundation, adding, moreover, that the capacity of the Colony to govern several millions of Natives is doubtful. The despatch trusts that the Federation of the Australian Colonies will speedily be brought about, and promises that the Imperial naval force in the Pacific shall be strengthened if Queensland contributes a reasonable sum towards defraying the additional expenses incurred. In conclusion, the despatch promises that a Deputy High Commissioner shall be placed on the coast of New Guinea, thus securing a gradual protectorate over the island. The English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank has declared a dividend of 5 per cent for the past half year, and carries £10,000 to the reserve fund. The International Rifle Contest be* tween British and American teams was concluded at Wimbledon to-day, and won by the former.

CAIRO, July 21. The . cholera epidemio continues to spread at an alarming rate, and the mortality in the oity has been fully doubled. At the instance of England the system of cordons round infected localities has been abandoned, and rigorous sanitary measures are now being carried out instead.

[Special to Pbess Association.]

LONDON, July 21. The New Zealand mutton ex British Queen has realised an average of 7d per lb ; the Australian, ex Lusitania, 6|d to 6£d. The Peruvian forces have been defeated by the Chilians with the loss of a thousand men. The French are endeavouring to force a convention with the Siamese. Eight thousand telegraph operators have struck in America, affecting the communication with 200 cities in the United States and Canada. Most of the troops stationed at Cairo have been seat to Suez. The Egyptian officers everywhere thwart the action of the British Government. In regard to the seoond Canal, the result now depends on Baron de Lesseps being willing to make further concessions. The Economist, disousßing the question of Australian Federation, expresses a fear that the iaanoial and tariff

differences present an almost insuperable obstacle. LONDON, July 22. Cholera has appeared in Ismailia. The P. and O. boat Bohilla has not touched aay of the Canal ports, and has prooeeded direofr.