(Received February 3, 9.20 p.m.) London, February 4.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1808, 7 February 1884, Page 2

(Received February 3, 9.20 p.m.) London, February 4.

The following is a forecast of the Speech from the Throne, to be delivered at the opening of Parliament to-morrow :—: — The negotiations which have taken place with the French Government in relation to recent events in Madagascar, have tended to confirm the cordial relations existing between France and England. The nnforseen calamity which has overtaken the Egyptian force engaged in the pacification of the Soudan, has caused a temporary suspension of the withdrawal of British troops from Egypt", but the policy of an early evacuation of that country remains unchanged. Colonel Gordon has proceeded to the .Soudan, empowered to report upon the situation there, and to give effect to the Khedive's resolution to withdraw his forces from the interior of the Soudan country. Negotiations for the settlement of difficulties in the Transvaal are still in progress, and nothing has yet occurred tending to discourage a belief that they will result happily. Bills will be introduced for an extension of the franchise, for the better local government of the city of London, for ensuring the security of life and property at sea, for the suppression of corrupt practices at municipal elections, for closing public-houses in Ireland on Sundays, and a Bill to provide for the better dealing with business relating to Scotland in Parliament. A hope will also be expressed that time may permit of the passing of a Bill for the extention of local government, including the principle of Local Option in regard to the liquor traffic.