CABLE NEWS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 181, 26 November 1896, Page 4

CABLE NEWS.

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London, Nov. 25. The wool sales opened brisk at 5 per cent advance on October rates. At the Old Bailey the charges against Lady Scott and two men named Cockerton and East of having published a criminal libel on Earl .Russell, son-in-law of the first-named accused, are proceeding. The Duke of Connaught being unwell Lord Willinm Seymour presided while Major - General Ilutton, late Commandant of the New South Wales forces, extolled the excellent military qualities of his Australian comrades, and expounded a Federal scheme of defence. He dwelt at length on the want of a continuous policy, and thought it would be wiser for the colonies to spend a larger amount. Major-General Tulloch, formerly commandant of Victoria, declared that the success of Australian defence was largely due to Victoria and the action taken Sir F. T. Sargood in IHB-1. Lord William Seymour advocated the setting up of an Imperial Council of Defence in London. The Manchester co-operative delegates who recently visited the colonies have submitted a report to the directors. It will be discussed shortly and a decision arrived at at an early date. The London County Council lias appointed a committee to enquire into the management of the Works Department, where it has been alleged irregularities occurred. The Times' correspondent telegraphs that the rebels in the Phillipine Islands drew some Spanish troops into ambush and killed :'(X) of them. At the wool sales 11,700 bales were offered, comprising a good selection of merinos. There was a very large attendance of buyers. The rise is general except for short heavy wools from Queensland and South Australia. There has been competition among buyers from all centres, including Americans. Paris, Nov. 24. Figaro states that Franee opposes the British occupation of Massowah , especially after her occupation of Don- | Financiers are agreed that it is impossible to afford the Porte help until practical reforms are executed. I'p.ftouia, Nov. 21. By the orders of President Kruger the staff of the African Critic have been arrested under the new Press law, but were afterwards released. Nkw YI>I;K, Nov. 21. T he outlook in the West Indies and Guinea is serious, and in the event of closing the cane liehls riots are feared. The Demerara Government is anxious. Maduio, NOV. 21. The trinl of 120 Anarchists for complicity in the recent bomb outrages will begin at Barcelona in June. Svi'NKv, Nov. 25. Commander Herbert 1 Sooth, of the Salvation Army, on his arrival here received an enthusiastic reception. A procession of :-SOO Salvationists, carrying torches, paraded the streets. Mklhochni:. Nov. 2.">. Meetings of members of the National Life Association of Austalasia and the Mutual Assurance Society of Victoria have been called for December 11th, to consider the adoption of a scheme of amalgamation drawn up by a joint committee consisting of the officers of both societies. The scheme has been under consideration for several months, and the report has been recommended for adoptioii by the directors of both societies. The object of amalgamation is the consolidation and extension of the dual business, a saving in expenses of management, and a more complete organisation of office starts. The argreement proposes to transfer the business, assets, and lia bilities of the Mutual Society to the National Association as the older and larger society. Under tin; amalgation scheme it is now proposed to gradually reduce the number of directors to seven, and dispense with a number of employes. This is the first amalgamation of the kind ever attempted in the colonies. The new Loan Conversion Bill has been circulated. It authorises the Government to raise £2,000,000 at 3 per c:;nt. to redeem 1 per cent stock due in 1897. The coversion, which is authorised for April next, will mean a saving of over £'2:3,000 annually in interest. Adelaide, Nov. 25. The visit of members in tho House of Commons is purely in connection with private affairs. Brisbane, Nov. 25. In tho Legislative Assembly the Premier announced that Sir H. Norman, ex-Governor of Queensland, had been appointed the colony's AgentGeneral.