BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7225, 26 April 1884, Page 5

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(by electbic telegrapb-copybwst.] [Retjtee's Telegrams.] [Beceived April 25, at 9.55 p.m.J THE BRITISH BUDGET. LONDON, Apeil 24. Mr Childers, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered his Budget statement in the House of Commons this evening. He estimated the revenue for the ensuing financial year at £85,500,000, and the expenditure at £85,250,000. It was proposed to continue the reduction of the national debt, and £8,000,000 would be paid off during the year. In order to meet the deficiency arising from recoinage of worn and light coin, it was proposed to issue gold ten shilling pieces containing only nine-tenths of the quantity of gold contained in the present half-sovereigns. The speech also announced that it was intended to issue stock bearir-g interest at the rate of 2f per cent, which would be offered to holders' of all Three per cent Consols: No increased taxation was announced. GENERAL GORDON.

In the House of Commons to-night the Premier made a statement regarding the situation o£ affairs in the Soudan. Both the country and the Government, Mr Gladstone said, recognised that they were under an obligation to secure the future safety of General Gordon, and Ministers

were fully prepared to fulfil that obligation should occasion rcquiro it.

SUICIDE OF A CHINESE PEINCE. HONGKONG, April 24. Intelligence is to hand from Pelcin reporting that Prince Kung, hito First Secretary of State, who was recently publicly degraded by tho Empress, has since committed suicide. FRENCH CLAIMS. PARIS, April 24. The question of a projected European Congress on Egyptian affairs is being warmly discussed by the French Press, and claims are again being put forward on behalf of France for a share of British influence in Egypt and in the control of Egyptian finance and administration. [Special to Press Association.] [Received April 25, at 1.45 p.m.! GERMAN LINE TO AUSTRALIA. LONDON, April 24. Hamburg and Bremerhaven will be the ports of departure for the direct line of German steamers to Australia. The extent to which the German Government will subsidise the service is four million marks [.6200,000] annually. COLONIAL EXHIBITION. The exhibition in the Crystal Palace under the direction of MiLevy, who was Executive Secretary for New South Wales at the Amsterdam Exhibition, has been opened, and is a great success. The Cabinet had a long meeting yesterday on the Egyptian question. It extended over four hours. General Lord Wolseley was present. The shareholders of the Australian Mortgage and Agency Company, Limited, have sanctioned the proposed increase of capital. - » The police precautions for the safety of the members of the Cabinet have been renewed. [Received April 25, at 7.15 p.m.] A special meeting of the Egyptian Cabinet has been held to take into consideration the position of affairs. The meeting was attended by the Khedive, Riaz Pasha and Cherif Pasha. The proposal for the immediate relief of Berber was approved. Obituary Maria Taglioni, the famous dancer, aged 80 years. The English Government are expecting a further Note from the French Government regarding the Recidiviste question. ORIENTAL BANK. The annual report of the Oriental Bank has been adopted. The Board of Management intend shortly to introduce new capital. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. [Retjter's Telegrams.] [Received April 25, at 2.10 p.m.! LONDON, April 24. Consols remain at 102 f. The market rate of discount remains at If, and the Bank rate at2|. The total reserve in notes and bullion has advanced during the week to £15,800,000, the proportion of reserve to liabilities being now 49 per cent. There is a continuous influx of gold in large quantities now taking place from North America. New Zealand securities:—s per cent 10-40 loan, 103 f • 5 per cent 1889, 105; 4f per cent 1879-1904 loan, lOlf; 4? per cent inscribed stock, 101|.

Australian breadstuffs and tallow are without quotable change. The shipment of frozen mutton ex steamship British Queen has been landed in good condition, and is realising 6d and per pound.