The Lyttelton Times. MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11539, 28 March 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1898.

President M’Kinley is striving to suppress the war party in the United States. All the American reports with respect to the Maine disaster agree that it was caused in the first place by an external explosion. The Spanish reports deny that- the explosion was external. The United States Government is hurriedly purchasing tugs and fast yachts, with a view to converting them into torpedo-destroyers. President M’Kiuley has been to strike a blow before the Spanish flotilla reaches Cuba. The American Conservalives do not support the President’s efforts to promote peace, and financiers prefer war to the uncertainty which prevails. M. Hanotaux states that the difficulties between France and Great Britain over the Niger territory are half settled. In the House of Commons Mr Curzon stated that the withdrawal of Germany and Austria would not affect the other Powers in regard to Crete. The appointment of Prince George as Governor will remain in abeyance until Thessaly is evacuated by the Turks. At the London sales on Friday competition was very spirited. The agents of Continental houses were the largest buyers. The University boat race, rowed on Saturday, was won by Oxford. Boisterous weather interfered with the Championship Regatta at Dunedin on Saturday, and only three events were decided. The Invercargill Railway Club won the Maiden Clinker Pairs and Junior Clinker Pairs, and the Ladies’ Plate was won by the Canterbury Rowing Club. It is intended to row the championship events this morning.

The P. and 0. steamer China, which has gone ashore at Perim, is expected to become a total wreck. The passengers and their luggage were all safely landed. Now Zealand 4 per cent stock is quoted at 114 J, 3|- per cent at 107, 3 per cent at 991. The English wheat market is firm, with an upward tendency, the Continental is firm and the American changing a little for the better.

Three hundred miners have been thrown out of work by the explosion in the Dudley mine at Newcastle. The fire is spreading, and the work of sealing the mine is proceeding with difficulty. The Right Hon R. J. Seddon arrived from the south on Saturday. He at once went to Lyttelton, where ho was presented with an address from the Liberals of that borough, and where he made a speechlasting about an hour and a half.