[Age Specials.]

West Coast Times, Issue 4872, 23 March 1885, Page 2

[Age Specials.]

London, March 10.

The latest intelligence from Afghanistan, is to the effect that the Russian troops are menacing the towns on the frontier. Collision between the Russians and Afghan troops, is regarded as imminent.

March 12.

The proposed International Conference, or telegraphic matters will probably be postponed nntil 1886.

March 13.

Iv the Hou^e of Commons last night, Mr Gladstone, answering a question, said that Government would endeavor to secure a fair share of the northern portion of New Guinea. Both Mr Gorst, member for Chatham, and Mr Torrens, member for Fiusbury, criticised the cessions made in New Guinea, by Gladstone. In reply to further inquiry, Sir Evelyn Ashley, Political Secretary for Colonial Office, said he was not aware that the Government portion of New Guinea, annexed by Germany, was being entrusted to the German South Sea Company.

Replying to a question in the House of Commons, last nighr, Mr Gladstone) stated that the position of of affairs between Great Britain and Russia, re* raained unchauged. Tho Czar had repeated his pacific assurances, but there was reason to believe that the advance of Russian troops still continued.

March 15.

The official liquidator of the Oriental Bank announced that tho?e accepting the compromise, which has been already announce J, before July, will receive a second dividend in September, and probably the remainder will ultimately bo paid iv full.

The Czar has written to the Emperor of Germany denying that peace is endangered by the present complication, and expressing a confident hope that the difficulty will be averted.

In commercial circles in England, great disquietude still exists aud shippers to Australia are insuring against war risks.

March 17.

Sir A. Blytb, Agent- General for South Australia, speaking- at the Royal Colonial Institute last night, advocated a system of complete self-government for the Australian Cplonies.

The members of the Dublin City Council have decided not to accord any official welcome to the Prince and Princess of Wales during their intended visit to Ireland. Hong Kong, March 16.

The Bothwell Castle, barque, from Newcastle, which left that port on the 17th November, ran into a reef off Ngarik Islands and became a total wreck. The captain and crew were saved, Ngarik Islands lie ou the eastern side of tbe group of Pacific islands known as Caroline Islands.