BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 211, 5 November 1896, Page 5

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

London, November 4. The Queen and Lord George Hamilton (Secretary of State for India) have cabled messages of sympathy to India respecting the threatened- famine, and promised assistance should the worst expectations be realised. A Simla correspondent of the ' Times ' says that the drought arises from the neglect of irrigation. Many works which would yield a return of 7 per cent, are left untouched. For wool there is a good enquiry at five per cent, above the closing rates of last sales, excepting for inferior sorts. Owing to the distress consequent on the lack of work, 53,000 people are at present employed on relief works in India. Copenhagen', November 4. Five Anarchists have been arrested here. Rome, November 4. The Pope has issued a Propaganda authorising Bishop Nulty, of Meath, to compel priests to disavow Parnellism. Six priests have already been warned that they will lose their parishes if they disobey the order. Constantinople, November 4. It is stated that the Armenians threaten to poison the city water supply. ; INTERCOLONIAL. Perth, November 4. [ A boat belonging to the eteamer McGregor capsized in Esperanee Bay. While the crew ! were struggling in the water a shark dragged I the cook's assistant from the arms of the second officer, and the unfortunate fellow ! was not seen again. Brisbane, November 4. Excepting in the central districts splendid rain has fallen throughout tho colony, and the drought has broken up. The s.s. Yamashiro Maru, pioneer steamer of the new Government mail service from " Japan to Australia has arrived. Three 3 steamers are building for the Australian 3 trade. The present jervice is monthly, but ' it will shortly be increased to fortnightly. I Adelaide, November 4. , The price of a 21b loaf has been raised to ) 4d. c In the Assembly a bill for advancing seed ; wheat to distressed farmers was introduced. i. The Premier estimated that about £30,000 1 would be required to purchase wheat, but, if f more were needed, the Government would i put no limit. Five per cent, interest would a be charged on the loan, to be a first charge c on next year's harvest, and the whole to be repaid by Mar0b.,,1899. ' > .