AUSTRIANS AT BELGRADE.

CAPITAL BOMBARDED. RUSSIA MASSES . HER ARMIES. "HE DIE IS CAST." ' I N i ' i ' i GERMAN AND BRITISH, FLEETS -AT SEA.

To-day's cable news is ominous. Austria and Servia are at grips and an. artillery duel is proceeding near Belgrade, the capital of Servia, which,has been captured and occupied by the Austrians. The attempt to restrict the area of conflict now. seems well nigh hopeless. Diplomacy is still at work, but Russia, upon whose decision the fate of Europe hangs, shows no sign of weakening in her determination to stand by.Servia, On the contrary, the latest, news to hand states plainly enough that 1 she is determined to intervene on Servia's bohalf. Already several of her / Ai , my CJorpa, totalling 700,000 men, have been mobilised, and at any moment now she may declare her intention to move against Austria. Germany and Franco also are fully propared, and Britain has not been idle. There is still a lingering hope that a general conflict may be averted, and Sir Edward Grey is preparing fresh proposals; but the general feeling throughout Europe is pessimistic. Direct diplomatic .negotiations between Russia and Austria have been suspended—another significantly ominous sign. Everything now depends on Russia, and Russia, wbilo professing readiness to negotiate', is pressing on feverishly with her preparations for war.

f By ; Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

EXTREMELY GRAVE

IF RUSSIA MOBILISES

EUROPE WILL BE AFLAME ("Times'; and Sydney "Sun" Services.) • ! , (Rec. July 30, 5.10 p.m.) . ' • London, July 29. "The Times" military correspondent says Russia has _dono all in her power to avert hostilities and she-has been -liandsomelyj.snubbe'd'tfor her,, pains.. It; was the result jof' M. Sazanoif's (the Foreign Minister) pressing advice that 'Servia positively crawled in humiliation before Austria. Subsequently Russia commenced- direct communications with Vionna. If war is unprovontable Germany , is likely _ to use her. wholo armed strength in its terribly automatic way and if Russian mobilisation is announced it will be a miracle if all Europe is not aflame. -..-■■ STRONG BRITISH EFFORTS. LOCALISING THE AVAR. , - London, July 29. : ~ Mr. Asqaith, Prime Minister and Secretary of State for War, speaking in the. House of Commons, said the situation was extremely grave, but the Government, was doing everything to circumscribe the area of oonflipt. ■ ENGLAND CANNOT TURN .ASIDE. I. . ("Mines" and Sydney "Sun" Services) ." • London,, July 29. ''The' Times," in a leader, urges that' the war imposes an instant duty upon' political parties.' While the great Powers are furbishing their armour it is obvious, "The TimesJ' sayfc, that England'cannot turn aside and engage in nn/election.' No change of Government is possible at present. . I SERVIA'S TERRITORIAL IN- ; TEGRITY. ' Paris, July 29. "Le Temps" publishes a St. Petersburg . telegram ; announcing that Austria has officially informed' Russia that she respects Servia's territorial integrity, and is even desirous of not occupying Belgrade. ; AUSTRIA'S SUCCESS - ' WILL UPSET THE BALANCE OF POWER. . "Times" and. Sydney "Sun" Services. (Rec. July 30, 5.10 p.m.) ■ _ Romo, July 29.1 The "Corriere Dellasera," tile leading journal of Milan, says though Vienna denies all intention' of territorial .conquest, Austria can better attain hor object by reducing Scrvia to political servitude than by occupying her territory, and the success of Austria will upset the balance of power of the Triple Alliance' to the detriment of Italy. •• HOPE NOT ABANDONED. Paris, July 29. M. Bienvenu Martin, Minister of Justico, received the German Ambassador. The newspapers have not abandoned hope for an avoidanco of a European war. ' 1 , The Powers are actively exchanging views. KAISER'S ACTIVITY.'. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, July 29. "The Times" Berlin correspondent 6ays that the Kaiser's hamo lias been carefully kept out of public accounts of the crisis.. The public, is not aware that ho conferred with the Chancellor (H'err von Bet'hmnnn-Holwegg) and tho Minister of War (Lieutcnant-General von Folkenhayn). The Kaiser is taking a more direct part in the handling of tho present crisis than since the November days of 1908. The Emperor had an hour's conference with tho Crown Prince and other Princes at the Neus 'Palace. A Germrfn torpedoer passed tho battleship France: with M. Poineare (the French President), who is returning from his visit to Russia, aboard, anil fired- salutes. WAR OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. " London, July-30. The optimistic views held were largely based on the fact that lighting had not commenced, but was discounted by. the knowledge that Austrian plans did not permit of'the crossing of the frontier* until next week. In the meanwhile it is still doubtful how far mobilisations, particularly Russian, extend.

.The "Daily Mail" points out the possibility of correspondents' messages being withheld or altered for the direct purpose of misleading as in the Balkan war.

The German Press is abstaining from any mention of the movement of troops. The British War Office announces that it has taken 110 steps in -the nature of mobilisation, but orders have been.given of a purely defensive character for naval measures which are also precautionary.

PESSIMISM IN FRANCE AUSTRIA DISTRUSTED. • 'RUSSIA MUST NOT BE BLUFFED. (Rec. July 30, 10.55 ,p.m.) '' Paris, July go. ; The French Foreign Office is still pessimistic and regards the only chance of peace being for Germany and Italy inducing Austria to postpone, active'hostilities and accept Sir Edward Grey's proposals. Diplomatists decline to be reassured by the German hopes that the conflict can be localised, by the declaration of territorial disinterestedr.ess-.on .Austria's part and the fact that Russia cannot tolerate any interference in Servia's status as an independent nation.

The, French view is .that' Austria is trying to repeat the. coup of 1909 and it would be fatal of Russia to allow herself to be bluffed a second time. ""

EMPEROR FRANCIS JOSEPH

TOUCHING MANIFESTO SERVIA'S INGRATITUDE Vienna, July 29. Tho Emperor Francis' Joseph, in a touching manifesto, regretting his inability to couseorato his remaining years, to peace, says ho has been compelled by .a malevolent enemy's intrifues to grasp the sword to defend the [diarchy's honour. He refers bitterly to Servia's- ingratitude for Austria's past support. Austria had tried peacefully to persuade her to desist, from criminal propaganda, which had resulted in a murderous, well-carried out conspiracy. He was fully conscious of his responsibility ,beforo the Almighty for tho step he had taken. A BOMBASTIC SPEECH ARMIES OF THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE. ' , Vienna, July 29. The Burgomaster, addressing a crowd, said that Central Europo was as strong aa iron, and would show tho enemies of> peace that it was the armies ol the Triple Alliance which ordained the course of the world's history. The Archduke Joseph, speaking from the balcony of tho Palaco at Budapest, said: '"As brothors we go together to fight together. -Wo will either bring glory home or die togethor." N ITALY MISUNDERSTOOD WILL REMAIN NEUTRAL. ~,, _ - Vienna, July 2D. ■ Iho Press completely transformed the communication of the Italian Ambas-1 sador, which, did not contain a promise of Italy's help. _ If all the- nations mobilise Italy will also mobilise in Lombard}', but remains neutral. ... Ro'mo, July 29. Dissensions have aristm between the' Marquis San Guiliano (Foreign Minister) and Signor Sala'ndra (Premier), Signor Salandra wishing Italy to preseivo strict neutrality m the event of a general war. AGED PRINCES OFFER THEIR SERVICES. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun"-Services.) ' _ Vienna, July 29. Two Princes, one over CO years of age, and tho other 50, havo voluntarily reported themselves for military service. This symbolises the spirit in Austria. PRACTICAL HELP. WORKMEN SUPPORT THE STATE. Vienna, July 29. The Fidelity Pension Association of Hungarian Workmen is buying a million Kronen worth of Hungarian rentes, in order to show its desire to support the State.

THE DIE IS CAST. AUSTRIA'S PROPOSAL INADMISSIBLE. (Rec. July 30, 9.55 p.m.) London, July 30. Router's correspondent at St. Petersburg says in Russian eyes the die is cast and only a miracle cau avert war. Austria's proposal to discuss terms when Belgrade is occupied is regarded as inadmissible. EMPEROR' .WORKING OVERTIME. OVATION FOR THE TROOPS. . (Rec. July 30, 10.20 p.m.) Vienna, July 30. Emperor Francis Joseph is working from 5 o'clock in the morning until 7 in tlio evening, with only brief pauses for meals. He desires to go to Budapest to be nearer the seat of operations: _ The Emperor's manifesto has intensified tho manifestations of patriotism. Great ovations have been accqrded the troops going to the front. _ It- is announced that all Servians liable to military service will be arrested as prisoners of wars

GERMANY PREPARED

TO FACE EVENTS BELLICOSE NEWSPAPERS ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. July 30, 6.10 p.m.) Berlin, July 29. A Prussion military organ says the fighting power of Russia has been overstated. In recent times she has never unaided defeated a. first-class .; army. The. preparations for war are complete. Germany can face the advent of crave wonts in complete calm, trusting to God and her own right arm. PACIFIC TONE OF RUSSIA. ECHOED IN GERMANY. Berlin, July 29. Tho semi-official _ newspaper "Norddeutsche Allogemeino Zeitung," 6ays tho pacific tone; of Russia's communique lias found a hearty echo in Germany. The paper exhorts the nation to 6upport tho Government by a quiet moderate attitude. The_"Kreuz Zeitung" demands an immediate explanation of Russia's mobilisation, while-.another journal cle-1 clares it is a mistake to allow tho Russians to gain a considerable start in the mobilisation. j

SOCIALIST DISORDERS LEGATIONS GUARDED. „ Berlin, July 29. Socialists collided with the police, who drew their sabres. Several arrests have, been made. Similar conflicts occurred at Stuttgart. Troops 'have been requisitioned i to guard the foreign Legations. OPPOSED TO THE WAR,

PROTEST MEETINGS HELD. (Rec! July 30, 10.20 p.m.) Berlin, July 30. : _ Fervid, patriotic demonstrations contiuue, but 'thoro is a, strong undercurrent opposed to .the'war, chiefly Socialists. Slimy crowded ] protest meetings have been-held in Berlin and elsewliore.

BOMBARDED

'SERVIA'S CAPITAL CITY / ■ BRIDGE BLOWN UP MONTENEGRINS ON THE MOVE ' St. Petersburg, July 29. A Belgrade telegram states that tho city is being bombarded, and that a bridge over tho Save River has been blown up. i SERVIAN DYNAMITERS. Paris, July 29. Telegrams from Vienna confirm the report of the dynamiting of a bridge on the Danube by the Servians.. The Austrian . bombardment of Belgrade forced the Servian dynamiters to retire. ..... ■ SCOUTING ON THE FRONTIER. ' ' .Vienna, July 29. It is reported that the Servian troops have as their objective {Mints near Valjqvo, Ushitea, and Svilajnac. Strong' divisions of volunteers and regulars are reported to be near Laznica. Servian'aeroplanes aro scouting along tho frontier. WOMEN BUILD. EARTHWORKS. . ' _ Vienna, July 29. Montenegrin women aro assisting to build earthworks at certain points. Somo disorder and disaffection: is reported -in Montenegro's recentlyacquired territory, where the populace is opposed to war. A Montenegrin brigade, with mountain artillery, has reached Priboj, Servia. BRIEF ENGAGEMENT. SERVIANS WITHDRAW. •' (Roc. July 30, 10.20 p.m.) Vienna, July 30. Early on Wednesday morning'the Servians blew up tho bridge at Semlin. The Austrian infantry and artillery, in co-operation with three monitors at the confluence of tho Save and Danube fired ou the Servian positions damaging tliei barracks and other public buildings. The Servians withdrew after a brief engagement.

ARTILLERY DUEL

SERVIAN STEAMERS CAPTURED. MUCH DAMAGE FN BELGRADE. (Rec. July 30, 10.55 p.m.) Vienna, July 30. A detachment of pioneers captured two Servian steamers laden with ammunition and mines after a sharp encounter with the crew, who were in superior numbers. Shells fell in various quarters of Eelgrada causing great damage, and Wounding a well-known banker. An artillery duel is proceeding at Cishnitsza, four miles from Belgrade. The Austrians have another bridge section on their sido of thb River Save which they can erect in a couplo of days. BUSY AT MALTA. (Rcc. July 31, 0.15 a.m.) Malta, July 30. Incessant military naval preparations have been going on throughout the 'nirtht. All leave lias been stopped and officers hare been recalled.

LATEST NEWS.

CAPTURE OF BELGRADE. AUSTRIA AND RUSSIA SUSPEND - relations: ' • £ BRITAIN AND THE ENTENTE. (Rec. July 30, 11.30 p.m.) London, July 30. Direct diplomatic intercourse between Austria and Russia was suspended yesday, indicating a growing tension. It is understood that Sir 15. Grey is preparing fresh suggestions. He had a lengthy interview with Count Mensdorff (Russian Ambassador) last evening. It, is understood in diplomatic circles that M. Sazonoff (Foreign Minister) has intimated that though the conversations with the Austrian Ambassador have been .resultless, he will remain conciliatory, and to end the tension will welcome' any steps taken in other quarters. , Amongst many suggestions, one made J. Berlin is that Russia might reconsider her action if England made clear her intention to remain, neutral. Russian and French public opinion, however, is convinced that England intends to support the Entente. The Tsar and Kaiser exchanged telegrams yesterday. NAVAL BOMBARDMENT OF BELGRADE. (Rec. July 31, 0.15 a.m.); Berlin, July 30. A Vienna telegram, delayed in transmission, dated Wednesday, July 29, states that after heavy bombardment by. the Danube gun-boats, Belgrade was occupied. . COUNCIL OF WAR. IMPORTANT CONFERENCE AT BERLIN. A conference between Herr Von Bethjnan Hollwcg (the Imperial' Chancellor), Herr Von Jagow (German Minister for Foreign Affairs), and .all the imperial high military and naval authorities has been sitting at Berlin. The result has not been announced. _The Crown Prince conferred with the Kaiser for threo hours.

CALLED TO THE COLOURS'

RUSSIA'S ACTIVITY t ; BELGIUM ALERT London, July 29, , Router's Agency states that the Russian mobilisation affects the Austrian frontier, not the German. The peace noting strength—sixteen army corpsis now doubled. . Reutor's Agency states that the partial' mobilisation on the south and soutli-wost of Russia does not imply a rupture with Austria. It is confidently hoped that the Powers will succeed in influencing an understanding between Austria and Russia. TRAFFIC PARALYSED. . Berlin, July 29. , Traffic on tlio Eastern Frontier of Germany ia paralysed. All the serviceable horses in Russian Poland have been impounded. POWDER MAGAZINE EXPLODES. St. Petersburg, July 29.. Several powdor magazines blew up at Warsaw, Poland, and a number of bomb explosions ocourred at the post offico. Many persons were killed- or wounded. It is reported that the whole citadel was blown up. The affair is semi-ofEcially attributed to lightning,

TWELVE ARMY CORPS MOBILISED

. RUSSIA DETERMINED. (Rec. July 30, 11.20 p.m.) . „ St. Petersburg, July 80. The following Army Corps havo been mobilised:—The Seventh arid Eighth, under General Nikstin; the Fifth, Thirteenth, Seventeenth, Twenty-fifth, and Grcnadior Corps, under General Plavaninth; the Tenth, Eleventh, and Twenty-first, under General Ivanoff; "he Sixteenth and Twenty-fourth, under General Salza. . The incorporation of the reserves raises this fores to' 700,000. BRITISH FLEET SAILS. AFFECTING' SCENES. (Reef July 30, 11.30 p.m.) London, July 30. The Admiralty circulated a Noto in the fleet cautioning officers and men against communicating information to newspapers, and other unauthorised persons. Tho first flcot has left Portland. There were affecting scones on, the piers; thousands of relatives farewelled the tars, and women in evening ; <jlress wished their husbands and sweethearts good-bye. The ships passed out with the bands playing and tho crews cheering.' : i FRONTIER WATCHED RESERVES URGENTLY SUMMONED.

Brussels, July 29. The Government is taking the most stringent measures'to ensure her'neutrality. The frontier will bo carefully, watched day and night, particularly near Verviers, 15 miles E.S.E.-of Liege. A comprehensive system of signalling has been organised. Six of militia have been called up immediately, but all the reserves will be called to the colours if France or- Germany violates Belgian territory. Belgium has urgently summoned three classes of her reservists. RETURNING RESERVISTS. New York, July 29. Ships are crowded with Austrians, Hungarians, and Servians, returning to participate in the war. Tho Austrian Government has granted an amnesty to all reservists who have not reported themselves to the Foreign Consulates and who havo consequently been treats ed as deserters. Austria promises them immunity if they will resume their places in the ranks. JMOVEMENTS OF WASHIPS. . Malta, July 29. Tho British Mediterranean fleet arrives to-morrow, and will coal and provision immediately.. ("Times" and Sydney "Sua" Services.) (Rec. July 30, 5.10 p.m.) London, July 29. Three Italian warships 1 on the Clyde have been recalled. ■ London, July 29. • Copenhagen reports that twenty-eight German warships pawed through the

Great Belt southwards, and that another largo fleet arrived in the Baltic. FRENCH PREPARATIONS PARIS STOCKED WITH PROVISIONS. (Rec. July 30, 11.5 p.m.) Paris, July 30. Tho Government is quietly but rapidly preparing for eventualities. The Paris reservoirs and aviation factories are guarded, and manoeuvres have been cancelled. Four Germans employed in tho Carbel Flour Mills have been discharged and repatriated. All wagons in Paris have been requisitioned, and the drivers held at tho Government's disposal. Tire city's stock of flour is seven thousand tons, and is being rapidly augmented. Working-class families are stocking provisions. There is no sign of financial panic, but gold is increasingly scarce. Tho Government has forbidden Socialist anti-war meetings. Socialist demonstrators, who in normal times were discharged, are being sovcrely sentenced. Yesterday a group of well-known aviators, including M: Garros and M. Chevillard, petitioned tho Premier offering to form an air squadron. TWO YEARS' RECRUITS. / TO BE RECALLED. (Rec. July 30, 10.55 p.m.) ' Paris, July 30. M. Viviani, Prime Minister, invited M. Delcasse, M. Pichon, and M. Ribot to express their views on the situation prior to a Cabinet meeting, at which M. Poincare (the President) presided. It is expected that Cabinet will recall the 1910 recruits who only did two years' service. "

MARKETS PARALYSED

BOURSES CLOSED

NUMEROUS FAILURES London, July 29. The Manchester Stock Exchange is at a standstill. There have been two failures on the Glasgow Stock Exchange, The Stock Exchange is at a standstill, dealers refusing to make prices. Consols are now at £69 15s. ' . There havo been five failures on the Liverpool Stook Exchange. The Russian and Dutch Bourses have olosed. ' ■ Berlin, July 29. The Bourse has been closed. Paris, July 29. The Bourse is at a standstill.' SLIGHT RECOVERY IN CONSOLS. London, July 29. The Stock Exchange is still stagnant, members declining to deal with orders regarding stock from the Continent, especially Germany and Paris. This is throwing large quantities of stock on the London market, which till now has taken everything sent.' Imperial consols closod at £71, after a Government broker- had bought at £70 10s. P. and 0. stock is at' £280. There have been seven failures altogether. BRITISH BANKERS UNDISTURBED. London, July 29. Mr. Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, speaking iu tha House of Commons, said tlio Bank of England had informed him that there was nothing in the _ present financial situation necessitating a meeting of bankers i to deal with it. ' UNITED STATES GOLD RESERVE. Washington, July 29. Mr. W. G. M'Adori (Secretary of the .Treasury) says its strong financial position enabled the United States to export large auantities cf gold to Europe without risk. Ample reserves ..of coin and bullion are stored in the Treasury vaults.

CHICAGO WHEAT PITS MARKET MORE NORMAL. New York, July. 29. The Chicago wheat market receded unexpectedly, owing to rumours as to improved war conditions and the likelihood of the localisation of t'ho Balkan conflict. Stocks again fell slightly, but it is believed the worst is now over. ; INCREASED MARGINS DEMANDED. New, York, July 29. The Chicago Grain Exchange has been compelled to favour the demand for increased margins. Wheat gamblers and brokerage houses now demand lOd. per bushel, a margin which is likely to speedily restore normal conditions. SYDNEY STOCK EXCHANGE AGAIN DEPRESSED. (R-eo.. July 30, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, July 30. In sympathy with London advices the stock markets were again depressed, _ though the rush to sell was less noticeable than yesterday. The sales made shoved an increased weakness', at concessions on the previous day's prices for both mining, and investment stocks. i AUSTRALIAN WHEAT MARKET. (Rec. July 30, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, July 30. The wheat market, is practically at a standstill; buyers are prepare!! to give an advance, but sellers are holding out. A GREAT IMPROVEMENT. I (Rec. July 30, 9.55 p.m.) New York, July. 29. The stock market has. greatly, improve tl heavy buying having replaced the previous selling. The Chicago wheat .market is quiet and prices are lowering slightly. RUSH FOR GOLD. • HEAVY-LOSSES.ON THE BOURSE. (Rec. July 30, 10.55 p.m.) Berlin, July 30. It is calculated that the losses on tHo Bourse since the end of June are about one hundred million sterling. Tho Reiclisbank is besciged with persons changing notes for gold as this is .practically the only moans of obtaining gold, tho ordinary banks paying 111 notes, ( FINANCIAL CRISIS. (Rec. July 30, 11.30 p.m.) London, July 30. The Stock Exchange crisis was largely financial, foreign banks withdrawing funds that were used on the Stock-Ex-change, in order to face the drain at Home. The withdrawal of loans necessitates real sales by holders of shares. RISE IN FOOD PRICES IUOTS IN VIENNA. Vienna, July 29. Food prices have-advanced by fifty, even one hundred, per cent. /There is only a ten days' cold storage supply of "meat. This will probably mean tho admitsioa' of meat duty free. TJu> pub-

lie is clamouring against the rise in prices, and mobs assaulted the stallKeepers in the markets. The police dispersed tho rioters. THE SINEWS OF WAR. 1 STRENGTH OF TRIPLE ENTENTE. Paris, July 30. European Governments have been for two years hunting for gold, especially France, Germany, and Russia. Tho Triple Entente 'has in hand £426,000,000 in gold and silver and tho Triplico £211,440,000. Russia has over £180,000,000, and France £182,000,000; ALL MARKETS DEPRESSED MANY .FIRMS SHAKY. ' GAMBLING IN- WHEAT. (Rcc. July 30, 11.55 p.m:) London, July 80. Owing to the sharp advance in American options the market is excited j holders are very reserved, and are asking Is. 3d. to 2s. advanoe, but buyers are cautious and business ia restricted. Australian cargoes to arrive are offering at 395. 6d. to 395. 9d. Copper, on spot, £57; three months. £58; electrolytic, £60 ss. . Cotton, July-August, 6.75 d.; 6pot trado is very limited and futures are demoralised; buyers and sellers are aivaiting political events. The Chicago wheat pits were crowded and sessions were excited; prices had a startling fall of,four points upon heavy profit, taking and suddenly rebounded three points, followed by another fall. September option' 887-8 cents to 011 cents; December, 91 cents to 94 cents. _ Several firms with important Continental connections are awaiting remittances from clients, and unless received the position of many firms will be jeopardised. . Oalcutta, July SO. The tension in Europe has "caused stagnation of Continental business. The jute sellers refuse to operate and the banks decline forward exchange business until the situation is defined.

SHARP RISE IN FLOUR DEARER BREAD. . • (Rec. July 31, 0.5 a.m.) • - london, July 30. Flour lias risen 2s. 6d. a sack in Liverpool since Friday, and if there is a further increase it is expected the quartern loaf will be increased a farthing. Fears are entertained that Continental countries are placing ail embargo on the export of wheat. !

PEACE CONGRESS

MEETING CANCELLED NEUTRALITY OF TURKEY. ("Times" and Sydney "Sua" Services.) , (Rec. July 30, 5.10 p.m.) ' July 29. Turkey has informed the Powers that she' is .adopting a neutral attitude for the preaent. Vienna,; July 29.. The World's Peace Congress has cancelled the meeting at Vienna fixed for September nest. : i.v, . ij. Paris, July 29. M. Poincare (President,, of Franco) and M. Viviani (Premier), who have returned from Russia, received an, ovation unprecedented in, living memory.

SOCIALIST PROPOSAL

GENERAL STRIKE TO CONFINE THE CONFLICT. (Re?. July 30, 11.5 p.m.) Brussels, July 30. Tho International. Socialist Bureau, including Mr. Keir Hardie, discussed the possibility of common action on the part of the Proletariat to avoid the extension of tho conflict. A general 6trike and revolutionary action wais suggested. A" definite decision has been postponed. ' ■" JEWS RESTRICTED. ' (Rec. July 30, 11.20 p.m.) St. Petersburg, July 30. The Tsar has ordered tho temporary suspension of the Counoil Ministers' resolution restricting the service of Jews as directors of companies. WAR INSURANCE LONDON INSURANCE RATES. (Rec. July 30, 9.30 p.ni.) Sydney, July 30. The Marine ■■ Underwriters' Association has received a cable showing that insurance rates for shipping outwards and homewards, via Suez, haa been increased to one per cent, on Britishowned vessels, and two per cent, on others; via Cape, to and from United Kingdom, British-owned vessels J per cent., others 1 per cent.; to and from Continent, double rates. LLOYD'S INSURANCE. LARGE. BUSINESS DOING. (Rec. July 31, 0.5 a.m.) ' London, July 30. Lloyd's are doing a large business in insurance against Britain fighting a Continental Power during the " next three months. Twenty guineas per cent, war risks are being charged on British ■ ships to Australia, via Suez, and 2Qs. per centum.' for other flags.

HAMBURG INSURANCE RATES. (Rec. July 30, 10.20 p.m.) Berlin, July 30. The Hamburg insurance market quotes 4 per cent, for ships trading between Australia and Hamburg on the erudition that upon the outbreak of war the ships make for the nearest neutral port and remain there.

NEW ZEALAND ACTION

ORDINARY PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. Owing to tho disturbed state of affairs in Europo tho precautionary measures usual under such, circumstances are being taken iri the different Dominions and Dependencies of the Empire, part of the arrangements being tlmt the permanent, force-should be moved to the forts. These' measures, however", do not in any way suggest tlmt Great Britain is likely..to be involved in hostilities. c-". • ■ . TELEGRAPHS, (r A notice sent out by tlie. Telegraph Dopartmont states that - the normal route to Servia .via Austria is interrupted. Cables may be sent via. Northern, or via Harve, Malta, and Salonika. Secret language is. prohibited. Normal routo to Bulgaria- and Rumania interrupted. Cables inay be 1 forwarded via Harve and Malta.