ENGLISH NEWS VIA SUEZ.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 421, 6 March 1880, Page 8

ENGLISH NEWS VIA SUEZ.

(per s.s. arawata.)

In the distressed districts in the West of Ireland, constant apprehension exists that some sanguinary conflict may occur. The lawless movement which followed the land agitation, shows traces of concert and design. Rarge masses of men and women collect from remote localities, and meet at appointed times and places. The position they take up and the tactics they follow (the women being placed in the front) are proofs of a systematic plan arranged by leaders, who do not themselves appear. Rawlessness is increasing rather than diminishing, and is spreading southward. Great riots have occurred in Cork. It is stated that the British Government has

decided to make advance of loans in distressed districts in Ireland, at a nominal rate for two years, bearing interest afterwards at one per cent.

The Hon. W. H. Smith, First Rord of the Treasury, in a speech said it was the desire of the Government to avoid annexation as far as possible in Afghanistan. Germany is narrowly watching affairs, in France, in view of possible warlike aspirations of Gambetta’s party.

LATEST NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN. Bombay, January 31. General Roberts is re-occupying Cabul, and offers pardon to all offering submission, except for those principally concerned in the late disturbances.

Mahomet Jan, assisted by C-holam Hyder, is expected to shortly attack Cabul, the latter supplying 12 regiments of infantry and 12,000 horses. The British forces have been largely re-inforced, and troops are continually going forward from Bombay to the front. The total force in Bombay to be ordered on service for Afghanistan, if necessary, amounts to 15,000 men and 63 guns. Roadmaking and other works, to facilitate British operations, are in progress.