In the French Senate, M. Ferard (Minister of Commerce and Agriculture), denied that France had engaged with England in a fresh treaty, and referred to the proposal made by Mr. Gladstone as being contrary to French interests. He stated that the whole staff of the French embassy have resigned in consequence of the appointment of M. De Lancour as French Ambassador in London. In the House the Hon. W. E. Baxter referred to the superior speed of the Orient Company’s steamers over those of the Peninsula and Oriental Company’s. Mr. Fawcett said that Government were not responsible for the existing contract. Hews has been received that the Chinese are preventing Russian subjects from entering China.
CABLE NEWS.
LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Per Reuter's Agency.) Arrivals. London, June 19. The Merchant Shipping and Under writers’ Association report the arrival of the Arethusa from Lyttelton, sailed March 11; Western Monarch, from Lyttleton, April 2 ; Red Gauntlet, from the Bluff, Feb. 13.
IThe Commons and the Maori Scare London, June 19.
The Earl of Kimberley, Secretary of State for the Cononies, has announced that he has been informed that Sir Wil liam Fox and Sir F. Dillon Bell, com missioners appointed by the New' Zealand Government for the settlement of the Waimate Plains dispute, had a satisfactory interview with Tito Kowaru and an amicable settlement of the difficulty was expected to be brought about. Clemency. Paris, June 20.
The President of the Council of Min isters has proposed a plenary amnesty to all Communists.
Taking Courage. Athens, June 20. Extensive military preparations are going on, and the Greek army is being

increased with the view of enforcing the Greek claims.
AUSTRALIAN.
