HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9605, 21 December 1896, Page 5

HOME AND FOREIGN.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright ANOTHER BICYCLE ACCIDENT. London, December 18. Sir Jame3 Fergusson had a serious fall from his bicycle, the force of the blow rendering him senseless. LIBEL ACTION. Miss Brooke3 brought an action for libel against Truth for accusing her of imposture and writing begging letters. The jury stopped the case, and brought in a verdiot for the defendant. Miss Brookes admitted having received £6800 in seven years. MOUNT WELLINGTON OBSERVATORY. The Royal Geographical Society support the proposal to build an observatory at Mount Wellington. A DISPUTED DEMAND. The Congo Free State claims 150,000 francs duty on ivory which belonged to Stokes, the British trader, who was put to death by order of Major Lothaire. The Marquis of Salisbury has refused the demand. THE OROTAVA. A rope attached to the mainmast of \ of the sunken steamer Orotava broke and the vessel settled down in a worse position than before. ACT AGAINST GAMBLING. Brussels, December 20. The Senate has passed an Act declaring gambling in stocks and fictitious delivery of goods criminal offences, and also passed a strong law against betting and gambling. THE TARIFF BILL. Washington, December 18. In the Senate Mr Golman said the democrats would not obstract the Tariff Bill next session.