THE TROUBLE IN CRETE. (By Electric Telegraph.-Copyright.) PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8840, 12 March 1897, Page 2

THE TROUBLE IN CRETE. (By Electric Telegraph.-Copyright.) PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Received March 11, at 9.57 a.m. London, March 10. Russia, Germany, and Austria are pressing the other Powers to apply coercion to Greece. Italy is understood to be willing to agree to join in the control of Crete. A report from the Consuls at Heraklion confirms the statemeet that 400 Moslems were massacred at Sitia. Several children were wounded, and one child's ears were cut off. The Archbishop of Canterbury, replying to an appeal made on behalf of the Cretans, says that the members of the Church of England will pray the Almighty to give the Cretans liberty and iustice.

Athens, March 10 The Greek admiral in Cretan waters has been instructed to ignore the orders of Admiral Canivaro. Colonel Vassoa has proceeded to the interior of Crete.

Received March 11, at 9.47 a m. Athens, March 10. The Greeks are blockading the Ambracian Gulf, on the coast of Epirus, South-West™ ii Turkey. Prince Guarge has been ordered to start for the frontier.

London, March 10 In the House of Commons Sir W. Vernon Harconrfc said that before acting upon the decision to utilise the forces of the Powers against Crete Parliament should be consulted. Mr Balfour replied that the British bombarded Alexandria in 1883, and blockaded Greece in 1853, without giving notice to Parliament. The Government would not violate its traditions in pursuing a policy of liberty for Crete and peace for Europe, and was not prepared to imperfl either by giving a pledge which might hamper freedom of action at a critical moment.

Paris, February 10. M. Hanotaux, in reply to a question in the Chamber of Deputies, declined to define the attitude of the French Government in regard to Crete. Le Temps advises * pacific blockade of Crete by the Powers.

Received March 11, at 10.20 a.m. Athens, March 10. The Greek flagship has left Crete for the Turkish coast.

Received .March 11, at 5.30 p.m. Athens, March 10. Sharp fighting occurred at the gates of Canea, during which sixty Turks were killed, In consequpnce of the grave outlook in the East the Servian reserves and | militia have been called out for drill In j April. Received March 12, at 1 a.m.

Athens, March 11. Sir Alfred Biliotti found 6000 insurgents had surrounded Oandaro, incessant firing is going on. Sir Alfred Biliotti called for the services of six hundred of a European force, and a cordon of soldiers was formed to protect the refugees, who were safely conveyed to Canea. The refugees numbered 1930, including women and children. After being succoured they were first embarked on board ,\n Italian transport and then taken to Selino, An armed rabble menaced and fired a few shots at the convoy, and afterwards burned a portion of the town.

Constantinople, March 11. Fifty-five thousand Turkish troops are massed on the Greek frontier, while Greece will have 12,000 there shortly.

London, March 11. Lord Salisbury, speaking in the House of Lords, said he was surprised at Greece basing her insistance to the possession oi Crete on sentimental and religious gronnds. Lord Salisbury contended that tho Government were in the position of trustees, and it was their duty to maintain above everything British interests.