THE INCREASE OF THE ARMY

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7270, 7 March 1885, Page 5

THE INCREASE OF THE ARMY

London, March 5. The Times to-day states that the Government have decided forthwith to ask Parliament to authorise an increase of the standing army by fifteen thousand men. The Marquis of Hartington, in the House of Commons to-day, confirmed the statements which had been current that it was proposed to increase the standing army, but added that the number of the additional troops was as yet unsettled. GERMAN MISSION TO ENGLAND. London, March 5. Count Herbert Bismarck, acting Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Germany, arrived in London on a mission to bring about a friendly understanding between Germany and England on the Pacific question, BANK OF AUSTRALIA. Londo.n, March 5. The Bank of Australia has declared a dividend for the past half-y<sar at the rate of 14 per cent, per annum, and carried forward and placed to the reserve £23,000. LONDON MARKETS. Consols remain at 97£. The bank rate of discount continues at 4, and the market rate at 3| per cent..

The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England remains at £15,500,000 during the week, and the proportion to liabilities continues at 47 per cent. New Zealand securities are at the following quotations :—The 5 cent. 10-40 loan is 102, ex div. ; 4£ per cent. 1879-1994 loan, 101 ex div.; 4 per cent, inscribed stock, 99. Colonial breadstuff's remain, at last quotation, viz., Adelaide wheat, ex store, 365; New Zealand ditto, 28s to 345; Adelaide flour, 255. Tallow: Australian average quality beef, 33s ; mutton, 345. |*ER N.Z.L. AND M.A. CO-1 London, March 3, Woo).—The market is unchanged. Wheat.—The market is dull. The shipments afloat are 2,700,000 quarters. Adelaide is worth 35s 6d, New Zealand 31a 6d, and Tußcan.33s 6d per 4961bi. Adelaide (f.a.g.) is worth (c.i.f., off coast) 35s per 4801bs. Adelaide wheat, to arrive ex iron ship, is worth (c.i.f.) 35s per 4801b»., March bill of lading. Tallow.—The market is overstocked. Mutton is worth 33s 6d, and beef 33s per cvrt. Leither.—The market is unchanged. New Zealand Hemp.—The,finer qualities are in good demand. Common qualities are neglected. Quotations are unchanged. Kauri Gum.—The market is quiet. Fine pale selected is worth 2205; good palo scraped sorts, 95a ; and medium half scraped sorts, 63s per cwfc.