HOME AND FOREIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9016, 31 March 1888, Page 5

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[press association.]

L.B.W.

London, March 29. The Standard, referring to the vexed question about 1.b.w., hopes that the Marylebone Cricket Club will re-con-sider the recent decision, and fall in with the opinions of the majority of the county clubs.

THE ABYSSINIAN WAR.

Massowah, March 29. It is thought that the scarcity of water and the want of food will compel the Negus of Abyssinia to commence fighting. Sharp outpost fighting has taken place at Saati, and it has been the means of checking the advance of the rebels.

The attack of the rebels on the outposts was commenced on Thursday last at daylight.

MR. BRIGHT ON FEDERATION. London, March 29. The Right Hon. John Bright, speaking at Birmingham, declared that Imperial Federation was a dream of absurdity, and contended that the colonies would never become responsible for the warlike policy of Great Britain, and the divergent tariffs would also prove and continue to be an obstacle. He regretted that New South Wales and Victoria had never federated, but admitted their remaining apart would possibly strengthen the amicable relations existing between England and the colonies. MR. CHAMBERLAIN. London, March 29. The freedom of the city of Birmingham has been presented to Mr. Chamberlain, in recognition of his valuable services in connection with the Canadian Fisheries dispute. BANK DIVIDEND. London, March 30. The Bank of South Australia have declared a dividend of six per cent. HOME RULE IN WALES. London, March 29. The election for the House of Commons to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Frank Ash Yeo, late M.P. for West Glamorganshire, resulted in Mr. Randall, Home Ruler, being returned. Mr. Randall polled 3964 votes, against 3360 by his opponent, Mr. Llewellyn. THE STANDARD AND COLONIAL STOCKS. London, March 28. The Standard states that it is nonsense the way investors have rushed for New Zealand, South Australian, and Queensland stocks. SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RUBIES. London. March 29. The leading French lapidaries pronounce that the rubies brought home by Mr. Richard Pearson from South Australia are of excellent quality. THE PACIFIC SQUADRON. London, March 29. H.M.S. Swiftsurc will shortly relieve H.M.S. Triumph as flagship of the Pacific squadron. GENERAL"BOULAN GER, London, March 29. General Boulanger has withdrawn from the contest for Savone. ZANZIBAR. ■' Mozambique, March 29. Seyyid Ivhalif succeeds to the throne of Zanzibar. THE CONVERSION SCHEME. London, March 28. The holders of the new 3 per cents, are not inclined to agree to the conversion paid off on April 5. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL. London, March 27. At a meeting of the members of the Gladstone party it was decided not to offer an v opposition to the local government scheme. GOLD FOR GERMANY. London. March 27. Heavy withdrawals of gold have taken place for shipment to Germany,