Parliamentary Notes.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5805, 20 December 1886, Page 2

Parliamentary Notes.

The American Woollen Duty. New Guinea. Exhibition Presentation. Shipping. Fatal Fire. PJeuter's Telegrams.] rßeeeived Dec, 20, at 1 p.m.l LONDON, Dec. 18. In receiving a deputation yesterday the Postmaster-General expressed the hope that the Australian Colonies would join the Postal Union. BFRLIN, Dec. 18. The Bulgarian deputation has arrived in this city, and will have an early interview with Prince Herbert Bismarck, Secretary for Foreign affairs. The Reichstag hag adjourned for the Christmas holidays, without having made further progress with the Bill providing for an increase in the army. PABIS, Dec 18. In the Chamber of Deputies yesterday, a temporary Budget was voted, and the present session of Parliament closed. , WASHING-TON, Dec. 18. In the House of .Bepresentatives a proposal that a reduction be made in the tariff for woollen goods, and that the import duty on wool be removed, was rejected by a majority of six. LONDON, Dec. 18. It is announced that Government will not proclaim a British Sovereignty over New Guinea unless the Australian Colonies are prepared to give a permanent grant for the proper administration of Government in that country. In the event of this being done the Imperial Government will a?sist. Sir P. Tupper, on behalf of the Executive Commissioners of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, has presented Sir P . Cunliffe Owen with a service of plate. In making the presentation, Sir P. Tupper eulogised the services rendered by Sir P. C. Owen to the Exhibition. Sir Philip, in expressing his thanks, said he was convinced tbe Exhibition would knit together the Colonies and England, and would develop the commercial interests of the former. MELBOUBNE, Dec. 20. The Peninsular and Oriental Co.'s s.s. Clyde arrived yesterday evening. SYDNEY, Dec, 20. The s.s. Waihora arrived this morning. A serious fire occurred at Maitland ytsterday, whereby eight shops were destroyed, and a child was burnt to ! death.

LONDON, Dec. 18. The E.M.S. Buapehu sailed thii -afternoon for New Zealand, calling a1 "Madeira and the Cape en route.