SPECIAL TELEGRAPHIC.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 833, 31 March 1885, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAPHIC.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) D U N E D I N . Monday Evening. The news about Russian affairs this morning is, as will be seen from the cable news I send you, decidedly gloomy. It will be seen that Russia is massing troops at a seaport on the Caspian sea, and that she has not made any reply to England's ultimatum, so that it looks us if she meant war. The fact that the Victorian Government have ordered out H. M.S. Nelson to cruise along the coast is also important, as showing that they have received serious news. The New Zealand Government, however, have not received any definite news, as the following Press Aseociatton telegram is published this morning from Wellington :—" Up to midnight the Government had not received any important cablegrams from Home. The.latest information received was to the effect that considerable anxiety was felt in London as to the result of the negotiations with Russia, and also that Earl Granville had intimated that England would not flinch from the stand she had taken in the matter." Great interest was shown in Dunedin to learn the result of the champion boat-race on Saturday night, and there was quite a rush for extras. The full telegrams in this morning's paper, which I also send you, shows that Beach had the greater stamina, and lasted the longest. We shall hear no more now about the wheels under Hanlan's boat, or the small electrical engine which it was hinted he kept under his seat. The Fleming children have been committed to the industrial school by Mr Oarew, R.M. The father has been unable to obtain bail, and it was stated that he was agreeable to the committal of his children to the school. In the Oxford v. Cambridge boat-raoe in England on Saturday, Oxford won by two and a-half lengths. The mysterious disappearance of young Gray from Oamaru is quite unaccountable. Mrs Baldwin, when asked at Oamaru what had become of him, said he had gone with the New South Wales contingent to the Soudan ; but this was i bad guess, for the contingent had sailed before he disappeared, ft is three weeks since all trace of him was lost. His father is a Wesleyan clergyman at Waimate. He has been in Dunklin prosecuting che search, but has had to give it up in despair. Tne Government are pressing forward the measures for the defence of the colony. The Naval Volunteers in Wellington have been taught .torpedo practice by the instructor, Mr dmythe, and the boats are to be taken oat this week and the crews well drilled. The question of thorough re-organisation of the Volunteer force is under consideration, as well as the appointment of an officer to command the force. His Excellency the Governor is expected to leave Wellington for Christchurch in order to take up his family, but he will stay in the capital if serious news is received from England. . CABLE HEWS. ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. London, March 27. Earl Granville, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had an interview yesterday (Thursday) with M. De Staal, the Russian Ambassador. He states that the Government had still under consideration the reply to the communication of the English Government. 6 March 27. The Times to-day publishes a telegram that Russia is massing 50,000 troops at Baku, a fortified town on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. General Stewart, Oommander-in-chief in India, will at once take the field _with 50,000 troops. General Hardinge and Lieut. - General Sir F. Roberts will command the divisions, and H.R.H. the Duke of Uonnaught the Reserves, who number 10,000. The English Government has arranged for 30 transports, which are now being prepared for carrying reinforcements to India. Recently the Russians have attempted to purchase several swift steamers in England, but they have been frustrated. The English Government are arming the steamers Arizona, America, Oregon, and Alaska, which will be used in the event of hostilities breaking out with Russia. Several other vessels are also to be armed so as to be ready in case of emergency. Her Majesty's war vessels Roguefort and Black Prince will probably be added to the strength of the Australian squadron. INTERCOLONIAL. HANLAN 7. BEACH. Sydney, March 28. The sculling match between William Beach and Edward Hanlan for £SOO a-side and the championship of the world took place to-day over the usual course on the Paramatta River. The morning was dull with light rain falling, but towards noon the weather cleared and at the starting-time was fine and the water smooth. Every point of vantage was thronged with eager spectators. The steamers were loaded to their utmost capacity and the greatest interest was manifested by the immense assemblage. Both men were in splendid condition. Hanlan rowed in his new Ruddock boat. The two men got well away and for the first mile the pace was terrific, both being well together. Then Beach gradually but surely d/ew ahead until he was half a boat's 'length in front of Hanlan. From that out the New South Welshman increased his lead, and at Putney had nine lengths to the good, the Canadian then being in. difficulties. Beach was still fresh and pulliug strong. Passing Gladeville it was patent to all that the race waa virtually over. Beach won as he liked and came in six lengths ahead of his opponent amidst a perfect storm of applause and the most intense excitement. The time was 23mins. 45seca. Melbourne, March 28. The Evening Herald states that the Victorian Government have received a telegram indicating that war between Eugland and Russia is imminent, and that orders have consequently been issued by the Government for a warship to be in readiness to go to Port Phillip Heads. It also states that work on H.M.S. Nelson, which is now in dock, will proceed throughout to-night so as to set her ready for sea without delay. s J March 29. A proclamation was published in the Gazette yesternight prohibiting foreign over-sea vessels from entering the Beads between sunset and sunrise. Intercolonial and other vessels are prohibited from navigating the channels in the bay unless accompanied by a qualified pilot. The Victorian gunboat Albert proceeded to /the Heads last night to enforce the proclamation, and the Victoria follows shortly. Great activity is being shown in the various branches of the Defence Department. It is announced that the Nelson has received orders to be in readiness on Tuesday next to cruise along the coast.