The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11530, 17 March 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1898.

It is reported from Bekin that there is no foundation for the statement that Sir Claude M’Donald, the British Ambassador, had protested against Port Arthur being leased to Eussia. As feeling in Australia is very strong on the subject of alien immigration, Mr Chamberlain declines to recommend the disallowance of the West Australian Alien Immigrants Act. Space amounting to 55,850 square feet has been allotted to India and the colonies at the Paris Exhibition, but they will be expected to erect their own buildings. The United States are fortifying Tortugas Islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, and laying mines for the protection of New York. Prices are generally well maintained at the wool sales, which opened in London on Tuesday. The Judge of tho Bishop of London’s Consistory Court has granted an order for the exhumation of the body of Thomas Charles Bruce, supposed to have died in 1864. The burial is said to have been a sham one. A claim to the Dukedom of Portland is connected with the case. Sir George Turner, Premier of Victoria, has undergone a surgical operation, and is progressing favourabiy. Cusack, the Sydney Eookwood murderer, has committed suicide by shooting himself, Elliott and Lee, the atmospheric gas

promoters, who lately absconded from Sydney, were arrested on the arrival of the Moana at San Francisco, but, as the British Consul and the American authorities agreed that their offence was not one for which they could be extradited they were subsequently released. The proposed visit of a team of English footballers to Australia has been postponed until next year. Mr J. H. Witheford has cabled from London to the Auckland Harbour Board that there is a prospect of the Admiralty equipping the Calliope Dock. The Kifle Association meeting was continued at Oamaru yesterday, when the Oamaru Match was decided, and two stages of tho Wellington Match were completed. Private M’Qregor, of Oamaru, is leading in the competition for the Champion Belt. The committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association has decided to call a conference of delegates from County Councils and other public bodies, with a view to formulating a scheme for tho irrigation of the Canterbury plains, and inducing the Government to assist in the work. .

Tho Selwyn County Council is negotiating with the local freezing companies for the establishment of a public abattoir.