The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1898.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11542, 31 March 1898, Page 4

The Lyttelton Times. THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1898.

Many London underwriters are now charging war premiums. The warship Eapid, homeward bound from Australia, is-missing.

Prince Knag, President of the Chinese Council of Foreign Affairs, has refused to sign the convention making concessions to Enssia, and has resigned his position. Intense dejection prevails at Pekin, and many denounce Li Hung Chang as a traitor.

The Eussian Minister of Foreign Affairs states that Eussia will keep Talienwau Bay open for trade and that the largest hospitality will he extended to the ships of friendly nations.

The British gunboats on the Nile have captured the Dervish stronghold of Shendy. Great Britain will send delegates to the International Conference to be held at Brussels upon the abolition of sugar bounties.

The Eussian Volunteer fleet in the East has been specially equipped with guns and ammunition. The vessels have also been manned by Imperial seamen from Vladivostook.

Mahmud, the Dervish leader, has asked the Khalifa to give him fresh instructions prior to an action against the British Army. He points out that the concentration of the British forces prevents any attack upon Berber by the Dervishes. A strong support is being given to the anti-Jingoistic policy of President M’Kinley by Mr E. J. Phelps, formerly the American Minister in London, and Mr L, P. Morton, formerly Vice-President of the United States.

The Sultan's guards mutinied and attempted to take his life because they were furious that the war against Greece had resulted in no addition to the territory. The mutiny was suppressed after a hundred had been killed and many wounded.

The doctors state that Mr Gladstone's recovery is hopeless, though it is possible that ho may linger for weeks. The sealing down of the Dudley pit has been completed, and the experts are of opinion that the fire will be effectually smothered in a few days. Much excitement prevails in West Australia over the imprisonment of miners in connection with the infringements of the new alluvial mining laws, and serious complications are feared. The Championship Regatta was concluded at Dunedin, yesterday. M’Grath and Hogan, of the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club, won the Championship Double Sculls.

At a meeting of volunteer officers and prominent citizens, held at the Garrison Library last night, it was decided to start a subscription list for the purpose of raising the sum, <£2oo, required for procuring the instruments for a garrison band.