Telegraphic News.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LIII, Issue 2814, 20 October 1903, Page 2

Telegraphic News.

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS. [By Telegraph]. OOOKSFOOT. Wellington, Oct, 19. The Agent-General] cables: —"No alteration in cocksfoot market since last report."

London, Oct. 18. The Hon. A. Lyttelton, the new Secretary of State for the Colonies, is suffering from jaundice and has cancelled his engagements. The " Daily Telegraph " states that the firm of Harland and Wolff will save 30s a ton under the contract placed with the American Steel Corporation. The Duke of Devonshire, in a letter to Sir M. Hicks-Beach, states that he is willing to accept the Presidency of the Unionist Free Food League if its constitution is broadened and its operations extended, and also if it is understood that it is not opposed to the Government's intention to propose tariff legislation for the purpose of commercial treaties and of the negotiation of hostile tariffs. He advocates striving to restrain the Government's action within those limits and strenuously urges that it is its d uty to present to the country economical and political arguments against Mr Chamberlain's proposals, a duty which ought not to be left entirely to Radicals and Opposition members, or to members of the Cobdon Club.

The League unanimously accepted the Duke's conditions.

There is some uncertainty with reference to the position of Mr Ritchie and Lord George Hamilton, who previously joined the League. Viscount Goschen, speaking at the Passmore Edward's Hall, declared that Great Britain is dependent for fourfifths of her food on the over sea supply. Wheat is much cheaper in England than in France and Germany, because we are Free Traders, and they are Protectionists. We ought, he said, to keep our food channels free. He was formerly wrong in supporting a food tax. Would the Colonies be satisfied with a two shilling duty? Perhaps, if it were imposed, they would ask more and then friction would arise.

Mr H. Asquith, speaking at Ladybank, in Fifeshire, said no scheme was devisable, giving equal preference to the products of all parts of the Empire. Any such attempt would lead to prolonged jealousies and bickerings. Paris, Oct. 18. King Emmaneul attended a shooting excursion at Eambouillet, and was present in the evening at a military tatoo in Paris. Balls in the streets formed a part of the evening's festivities. Pekin, Oct. 18, The Russian Administrator at Niu-'

chwang has proposed a municipality, including two British members and one American, their decisions to be subjected to his approval.

TokiOj Oct. 18. Four Japanese officers, buying arms and ammunition at Krupp's Essen Works, have been recalled. Japanese workmen at the Port Arthur docks have been discharged. The jpxodus to other parts of Manchuria continues. There is no excitement in Japan and the people are apparently confident in the Government's ability and policy. New *ork, Oct. 18. Dr Dowie expects to raise five million dollars in three weeks in New York, which will be used to establish Zion cities on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.