Late Cable News.

Hastings Standard, Issue 443, 5 October 1897, Page 4

Late Cable News.

(Per Press Association.—Copyright.) London, Oct. 8. The Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the condition of the sugar industry in the West Indies, of which Sir Henry Norman, late Governor of Queensland, is chairman, has presented its report, which says that the beet sugar industry in Europe, and the high protective duties upon sugar from the West Indies, are causing the depression in the West Indian sugar industry. As the best way to neutralise the Continental bounties, the Commission recommends that Great Britain should grant the sum of £60,000 to clear off the floating debts, £30,000 to settle laborers on the land, £120,000 for the establishment and control of the factories at Barbadoes, £27,000 annually for the next ten years to develop minor industries and improve the means of communication, and £20,000 annually to assist the ordinary expenditure of the small islands of the West Indian group. Sir Henry Norman advises the imposition of countervailing duties. The majority of the members of the Commission, however, do not concur in the chairman's recommendations. Ottawa, Oct. 4. In view of the termination of the mail contract with the Allan line of steamers in November, the Canadian Government is inviting fresh tenders on condition of the contract being for vessels that shall net call at any American port. Madrid, Oct. 4. Senor Sasrasta is forming a strong Liberal Government. New York, Oct. 4. The newspapers, commenting on the names suggested for the new Spanish Ministry, approve them. Cairo, Oct. 4. The Abuhamed railway, with the exception of one section of 15 miles, has been completed. Slatin Bey, who was for a long time a prisoner amongst the Mahdists, states that the Mahomed Dervish general at Metemmeh is a good fighting man. Calcutta, Oct. 4. Mr A. 11. Savage Landor, the wellknown artist and traveller, who attempted to reach Lhassa, the capital of Thibet, was deserted by 28- of his followers, only two standing by their leader. The party also lost their provisions and fell into the hands of the Thibetans, who tortured Landor with red-hot irons and afterwards proceeded to behead him, but as the executioner was in the act of raising his axe the Grand Lama prevented the execution. Landor was further tortured for eight days on a rack prior to being released. Brussels, Oct 4. The Belgian Miners' Congress has demanded 15 per cent increase of wages before November sth, otherwise a general strike will be ordered. Sydney, Oct. 4. Mr Ben Tillet, whose health has not been good, has been advised by a doctor that he is doing too much speaking, and must take absolute rest. He leaves for New Zealand on Friday. The German warship Falke has arrived from New Guinea. She reports having shelled the village where the murderers of Governor Yon Hagen resided. The natives, in fear of further consequences, speared the two actual murderers and beheaded them and sent their heads to the captain of the warship. Melbourne, Oct. 4. The cycling season was opened today, when a novelty in the shape of a Brassard was introduced, by means of which the winner is entitled to £5 per week as long as he can hold the championship against all challengers. Forbes, of New Zealand, is first winner, scoring six points against Megson's five, having won the ten and five mile contests. A number of leading riders refrained from riding, preferring to challenge the winner, instead of competing against a number.