BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8395, 2 February 1888, Page 5

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

L*r 9LMOTMIO TXLMBBAFB. OOPTXISHT.] [SrjKJLU, 70 PBSBS ASSOCIATION.] [l.iitwi Feb. X, »t 2 pjM.l RAILWAY COMMISSIONER. SHIP. LONDON, Jax. 31. Twenty-three applications have been received for the Commissioner* ship of Railways for South Australia. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. The Right Hon W. H. Smith, First Lord of the Treasury, speaking at Chelsea last night, said that the first husiness of next session would be the introduction of a Bill providing inter alia for the enlarged control of the House over business immediately under consideration, with a view to confine debates within reasonable hours. [Received Feb. 1. aft 9 p.m.l WHEAT* LONDON, Jjus. 51. Ten thousand quarters of Auatra-lian'sea-damaged wheat havt&been sold at 33s 3d. [Received Feb, 3, at 1.45 a.m.] ‘ THE SUGAR DUTIES. BRUSSELS, Jav. 35,. The Premier-annouuces that^tl^'

fcugar duties will not be changed during tbe current year. THE COPPEE BING. LONDON, Fbb. I. lit is reported here that the Copper Ring have succeeded in obtaining contsol of the Chilian copper producers. THE FISHEEIES DISPUTE. WASHINGTON, Jab. SI. President Cleveland has made a proposal to the Senate to refer the fisheries dispute with Canada to arbitration. [Ksoaived Fab. 2, at 2 a.m.l A CHALLENGE. LONDON, Jab, 81. Jem Smith has issued a challenge to Sullivan for a fight to a finish. THE IMPEEIAL POLICY. The Eight Hon W. H. Smith, in a speech, announced that the Government would introduce a measure next session, having for its object the simplification of tithes. He argued that the Irish policy of the Government was the best that could he pursued under the existing circumstances, and they intended to persevere with it. He repudiated the idea of a return to Protection, but thought that the Government would probably agree to tbe conversion of consols. OBITUAEY. Mr Caird, head of the engineering firm of that name, is dead. The death is also announced of Dr Asa Gray, the well-known botanist, aged 78 years. LOED 0. BEEESFOED’S EESIGNATION. It is stated that the reason why Admiral Tryon declined to succeed Lord C. Beresford was because he endorsediihe views of the latter. 'AFFAIEB IN INDIA. CALCUTTA. Jab, 31. A British regiment has been sent from one of tbe northern stations to assist in opening up the road to Thibet, which has been practically closed by gangs of Thibetan marauders. EELEASED. FANIS, Jab. 31. A tout, who was arrested at Boulogne on suspicion of being concerned in the death of Mr M’Neill, a journalist, who disappeared after the Smith-Kilrain fight at Eouen, has been released, the authorities, after full enquiry, arriving at the conclusion that M'Neill’s death was not the result of foul play. THE DAMASCUS INCIDENT. CONSTANTINOPLE. Jab. 31. Owing to the representations made by-Comte de Montebello, the French Ambassador here, the Porte has promised to enquire into the Damascus “ incident.” ITALY AND ABYSSINIA. MASSOWAH. Jab. SO. The Italian expedition are about to occupy Snitta, and the headquarters will be transferred thither. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cablegram : LONDON, Jab. 31. Wool.—The sales opened this day with spirit, at the level of last sales. For cross-breds the market is firmer. Competition by both Home and foreign buyers is active. The French demand, however, is only moderate. The sales comprise about 275,000 bales ; 75,000 bales have been sent direct to the manufacturing districts. Wheat. Market is depressed. New Zealand average and long-berried are worth respectively 33s and 34s per 4961 b. Leather.—Market firm, and best sides are worth lid per lb. Frozen Meat. —Market unchanged. Canterbury mutton is worth 3|d per lb.