February 13. — The deadlock continues in the negotiations between Germany and Eng land relative to annexation in New Guinea. It is inevitable that Lord Derby will sur render to the demand of Bismarck unless the Austra'ian colonies agree to united action in protesting against Germany occu pying any portion of the island. The call upon the shareholders of the Oriental Bank is not being freely responded to. The Standard, in referring to the liquida tion proceedings, states that it is doubtful whether the liability of shareholders is not unlimited.
Germany disavows any intention of an nexing Samoa. The Agent-General of New Zealand has irade strong representations to the Colonial Office as to the designs of Prince Bismarck upon Samoa.
February 15 — Lord Wolseley has tele graphed to the Imperial Government, stating that the report of the messenger who left Khartum on the 2nd instant, ami affirmed that the place had not then fallen, is unre liable. The fall of Khartum, Lord VVolheley adds, is strongly confirmed, information to that effect having reached him from various sources. The Consul representing Greece was made prisoner, and remains in the keep ing of the rebels. February 16.— A letter published to-day in the Daily Telegraph auggeats that the women of i ngland should present the mem bers of the New South Wales contingents for the Soudan a silver bugle as a special memento of their patriotism. The same writer farther suggests that Her Majesty s ould present a special ensign to the Aus tralian troops.
The Times in a leading article on the Gordon relief expedition, says that the despatch of Australian troops to Egypt is a step which has practi -ally effected the military federation of the British Empire.
INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.
(per united press association,)

February 24.
AUCKLAND.
