GENERAL NEWS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 491, 2 December 1897, Page 3

GENERAL NEWS.

(Per Press Association. — Copyriyht.)

London, Dec. 1. The Hon. Gerald Balfour, replying to a deputation at Dublin, said so large a portion of the session had been mortgaged to the Irish local government question that the Government would not reintroduce tbe Agricultural Industries Bill. Mr Robert Grayson, who represented the Canadian - Australian line of steamers, has been admitted as a partner in the firm. He relieves Mr James Huddart, who returns to the colonies. At the wool sales a better demand was apparent and a rather better spirit maintained. Berlin, Dec. 1. The Emperor, in the course of a speech, said Germany did not desire to rival the naval Powers of the first rank, but she must retain by preparedness her sea prestige among nations. A measure to reform the military penal procedure was, he said, necessary in order to suit disciplinary requirements. W ap.saw, Dec. 1. Eleven persons were killed in a collision between goods and passenger trains. The accident is supposed to have been due to a blunder of a pointsman. Sydney, Dec. 1. The Spanish Consul, from facts that have come under his notice and from the local knowledge displayed, is inclined to believe that the so-called "Spanish swindle" is being perpetrated by Englishmen. Melbourne, Dec. 1. It has been ascertained that the man named George Goodwin Crouch Smith, supposed to be the man who shot the cashier of a bank in Cape Town, left Melbourne for the Cape in July last. He insured his life for £IOOO and made a will before leaving. His wife resides here.