HOME AND FOREIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9078, 12 June 1888, Page 5

HOME AND FOREIGN.

' [press association.] A VALUABLE PATENT. London, June 8. The Government have purchased from Mr. John Watkin the exclusive rielits to an invention known as "The Position Finder," which automatically traces the course of a vessel, so that from the indications registered by the instrument guns may be brought to bear accurately on her from the forts. It is understood that Mr. Watkin has received £25,000 for the patent rights. A MASONIC CENTENARY. London, June 10. _ At the centenary of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, celebrated yesterday, the Prince of Wales presided. Fifty thousand pounds were subscribed in the room towards the funds of the institution. SOLDIERS ON "WHEELS. ■ London, June 10. Lord Wolseley has expressed an opinion that cyclist corps will soon become an integral part of every army. THE SUEZ CANAL CONVENTION. London, June 10. The Government have agreed to the convention for the neutrality of th« Suez Canal. A SWIFT CRUISER. London, June 10. ' The steam cruiser Medea, six guns, two thousand eight hundred tons; nine thousand horse - oower, has _ been launched at Chatham. # She is expected to prove the swiftest English - cruiser afloat. THE ORLANDO. London, June 10. H.M.s. Orlando, the new flagship of the Australian station, sailed to-day. THE CALIFORNIAN HARVEST. San Francisco, June 9. t The Californian wheat crop is e?» pected to exceed half a million tons. IRISH AFFAIRS. London, June 10. A large meeting of Irish autonomists has been held, at which Mr. Morley strongly denounced the existing system of governing Ireland, and urged that renewed efforts be made to carry Mr. Gladstone's scheme. FRENCH VINEYARDS DESTROYED. London, June 10. Unprecedentedly heavy hailstorms have occurred in the Department of Gironde. The vineyards are completely destroyed, and the loss is enormous. . , ; HOP-GROWERS. ■ r London, June 10. The English hop-growers are reported to be feeling the effect of foreign competition seriously.