NEWS BY CABLE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 889, 15 March 1889, Page 25

NEWS BY CABLE.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. ENGLISH. (PER press association.) London, March 6. Viscount Mandeville, son of the Duke of Manchester, has become a bankrupt. His liabilities are LIOO,OOO, and bis assets nil. The brokers have conceded balf-a-crown decrease on freights when loading ships despatched by the shipping Committee. It is stated that a Hamburg firm are quoting freights at 20s. London, March 7. Great excitement was caused when it was learnt that M. Eochereau, manager of the Comptoir d’Escompte de Paris, had committed suicide. -t*. run was at once made on the bank, but the excitement quickly subsided, Messrs Eofcbschild and others supporting the institution. In the House of Commons the Address-in-Eeply to the Speech from the Throne has been adopted.

The managers of the Copper Trust are arranging with the American mines to reduce the output and stop delivery of ore at present, in the hope that the demand for the metal may overtake the supply. Dr Tanner, M.P. for Mid Cork, has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment on a charge of making a seditious speech. A cargo of wheat by the Mehkeith has been sold at 36s 6d.

London, March 8. A plan has been submitted to the naval authorities for the eo'nstruction of 70 warships with an aggregate tonnage of 318,000 tons at a cost of £21,500,000. It is proposed to build 8 battleship of 14,000 tons each, 2 of 9000 tons, 9 large and 33 smaller cruisers and 18 torpdeo gunboats Thirty-two of these vessels are to be on the stocks within a year, and the whole to be completed by April, 1894. Mr Goschen, in laying the proposals before the House of Commons, explained that of the total cost £11,500,000 would be included in the oidinary Naval votes for the next year, and £10,000,000 would be raised by additional taxation spread over seven years. The debate was adjourned for a fortnight. Mr E. Stanhope, in submitting the Army Estimates to the House of Commons, said the increase by L 600.000 was chiefly owing to the purchase of new magazine rifles for the army. He

also stated that the force would be increased by 2300 men, with the object of strengthening the colonial garrisons at coaling stations. A syndicate has been to work Judellsivger’s wool-scouring patent, , „ London, March 9. In the House of Commons Lord G. E. Hamilton, the .Eirst Lord of the Admiralty, explained that the difficulty of obtaining steel had delayed the contracts tor the Australian fleet, yet he hoped that the ground lost on that account would be recovered. Severe floods in the west of England have been experienced. The city of Bristol and the town of Leicester were inundated. Eailways and bridges were demolished. A.t a meeting of the Eighty Club Earl Spencer said that at the right time he believed that Gladstone would be prepared to submit a policy giving Ireland power to govern herself. . . , Late information received shows that the prospect of saving H.M.S. Sultan, which went ashore at Malta is improving. _ . The TJuionists support Sir G. E. Hamilton in his proposal for a large increase in the navy. Sir Eandolph Churchill threatens a long and severe fight. At the banquet on Wednesday at the Imperial Institute, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Charles Beresford, Mr Stanhope, Yiscount Cross, Sir B. G. W. Herbert, Baron de Worms, and the AgenteGeneral will attend. The Prince of Wales will propose the toast of “ Prosperity to the Institute.’’ Sir Arthur Blyth proposes the health of the Heir-Apparent, after which the Earl of Carnarvon proposes “ The United Empire,” Lord Knutaford replying. Coarse London salt has advanced 10s.

New Zealand frozen mutton is quoted from 4d to 4fd per lb; beef, did. . . In consequence of adverse criticisms the directors of Ibe Quayle (Thames) Mining Company propose to wind up the Company, as they are dissatisfied with the value of the property, Copper is quoted at L 55. It is believed that all the American copper mines have agreed to reduce their output by 20 per cent, and stop all shipments lor two months. It is believed that the Spanish mines will also reduce their output. rho Statist states that the Melbourne banks utilised their resources to engage in wild speculations, and are now severely compelled to curb their operations. London, March 10.

Mr Isaac Pitman, the originator of Pitman’s system of shorthand writing, was banquetted on the occasion of the celebration of the jubilee of shorthand. It is intended to strike a medal in commemoration of the event. Two clerks of the Provincial Bank of Ireland, who absconded with L 25,000 of the bank’s money, have been arrested at Barcelona.

11.M.5. Nympbe will sail for Australia after the summer naval manoeuvres.

Antwerp wool sales open on the 19fcb. The series will comprise 11,600 bales, including 1100 bales of Aus tralian.

Arrived—Ashley Brook, s.e., from Napier; Banklands, barque, from Wellington (20th December). At the tallow auctions to-day 1575 casks were offered, of which 750 were sold. Mutton, medium quality, 23s 6d ; beef, medium, 235.

At the public sale of Australian woolled sheepskins to-day there was an average attendance of Home and foreign buyers. The biddings were eager, and the market firmer. Crossbreds, fine, greasy, realised 6d; inferior andifaulty, sd; merinoes, medium, greasy, 6d. The English wheat market is lifeless, the Continental inactive, and the American has experienced a general decline. Eor Australian new crop, on passage, sellers ask 39s ; New Zealand ditto averages 36s 6d. Forward business is inactive. The arrivals of foreign wheat are small. There are no Australasian cargoes off coast or at ports of call. Mr J. A. Eroude has been converted to the cause of Home Eule. London, March 11.

Mr Stevenson, in a letter to The Times, denounces the tyranny of Dr Knappe, the German Consul at Samoa, and cites instances of his arrogance. The floods in the West of England

are now subsiding. At Bristol the damage is estimated at L 40,000, and several fatalities are reported. New Zealand hemp is quoted at L3O 5s to L 36 10s. Obituary —Ericsson, the Swedish engineer. London, March 11. The B.M S. Eimutaka sailed frotii Plymouth at midnight on Saturday. Her mails were delayed by the floods in the west of England. Creagb, a landlord, was shot dead while driving to church at Quin, Co. Clare, on Sunday last. His sister, who accompanied him, had the tip of her nose shot off. Dr Sellon, of London, who abducted Miss Wilcox, his neice, an American heiress, early in February last, has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment. March 12.

In the House of Commons Mr Stanhope, Under-Secretary for War, said that he hoped the work of arming all the British coaling stations would be completed before the end of the year. Large contracts for heavy guns bad been granted to Yickers, of Sheffield. In the House of Lords the Earl of Carnarvon has introduced a Bill providing for the disqualification of peers guilty of certaiu offences.

Ihe New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company (Limited) have received the following cable message from their London office, dated Bth March: —“ New Zealand Hemp— Market quiet ; medium is worth D 36 10s per ton. New Zealand Frozen Meat Market is quiet. Canterbury mutton is worth 4£d per lb ; Wellington do, 3£d per lb ; frozeu beef-fore-quarters are worth 4|-d per lb • hind-quarters, 4-fd per lb. SPECIAL. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, March 6. Miss Muir, an actress, who is the daughter of a New Zealand squatter, was detected in attempting to enlist in male attire. She was arrested, but at the request of her friends was discharged from custody. The news that Stanley has safely reached the Aruwhini Biver is confirmed.

London, March 8

Twenty-one persons, arrested onlhe charge of complicity in the murder of Inspector Martin at Gweedore, have been discharged. Fourteen others, including Father McFadden, are now being tried on the charge. The case for The Times before The Times-Parneil Commission is being brought to a close. News has been received of the vsreck of the ironclad Sultan, 19 guns, 7720 tons, one of the Mediterranean Squadron, at Malta. The officers and crew landed safely. London, March 9.

The Statist reiterates its January article, quotes the lusurance Eecord, the Melbourne Journal of Commerce and others, and gives a history of freehold farms, with a list of members of Parliament as provisional directors, and explains the bank managers’ letters received indirectly. Earl Spencer, speakingat the Eighty Club, said that Mr Parnell bore his unexampled slanders with dignity and patience. He charged the Government with complicity. Lord Eosebery endorsed these views, and said Mr Parnell was grandly received in England. The destiny of Ireland, he thought, was indissolubly entwined with that of England. Ho refrained from making anv reference to the Commission. The Standard states that the copper bubble has burst.

London, March 10.

It is expected that English financiers will interpose to arrest the fall of copper below the basis of L 59 per ton, by arranging for a reduction of the output. The copper syndicate is modifying the existing contracts with a view to effecting sales gradually. Sir Charles Warren, late Chief Commissioner of Police, has been appointed to the command of the British troops at Singapore. Lord Eandolph Churchill, in a letter to The Times on the proposed naval expenditure, attacks the proposals of the First Lord ot the Admiralty, on the ground that the Admiralty cannot be trusted with the expenditure of such a large sum as proposed. John Hooper, member for Cork S.E., has resigned his seat. It is stated that a prominent Parneilite member is commencing a libel action against Mr Smith, a newsvendor. The alleged libel is contained in a publication recently offered for

sale by Smith. [We presume that this refers to the well-known publishing and newsvending house of W- HSmith and Sons, the head of which is W. H. Smith, the Eirst Lord of the Treasury iu the present Government. —Ed. N.Z.T.] London, March 11. Henry George has arrived iu London, where he received a great ovation. Mr J. A. Fro'Udo denies that he favours the political separation of Ireland from the Empire. Archbishop Ullathorne is said to be dying. Mr Stevenson, the novelist, m a letter toTheTimes, defends J.C. Klein, the San Francisco journalist, from the attacks made on him in reference to Samoan affairs. London, March 11. Charles Santlev, the famous baritone, will sail for Australia in April, and will appear at 40 concerts. Barrett, charged with the murder of the boy Gill at Bradford in December last, has been acquitted. Lord Tennyson’s health ia again failing. The poet laureate will proceed to Madeira for the benefit ot the climate.

Copper is now quoted at L 53 pßi‘ ton, and shows signs of rallying, the financiers having como to the rescue of the syndicate, and arranged with the mines for the suspension of the output for two months. It is expected that this will have the effect of raising the minimum price to L 67 per ton.

CONTINENTAL

(HER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Belgrade, March 6. King Milan is suffering from a nervous malady. Yienna, March 6, The Austrian press are protesting against the action of Eussia in the Balkan principalities. Vienna, March 7. The announcement that King Milan of Servia has abdicated in favour of his son, and that M. Eistics, the Liberal leader, was one of the appointed Eegents, was received here with displeasure, as it is feared that the Eussophile tendencies of the latter will cause trouble.

Rome, March 7

Signor Crispi, Premier, who recently resigned and undertook to reconstruct the Ministry, has submitted to King Humbert the names of the gentlemen forming the new Cabinet, but he adds that it is doubtful whether the Ministry will secure a majority in the House, and recommends His Majesty to summon Signor Baecarini to form a Government.

Paris, March 7.

Ten thousand weavers have struck at Armentieres, a town in the northeast of France, and are attacking the factories. Troops have been sent there to restore order. Paris, March 8. Shares in the Comptoir d’Escompte de Paris have fallen heavily. The Bank of France has been requested to advance 36,000,000 francs to meet today’s demands. The troubles are due position of the Imperial copper syndicate, which was considered critical.

Her Majesty the Queen has arrived at Biaritz.

The French Government haß officially refused to give any support to the Panama Canal. The Cabinet has decided to repeal the order proclaiming the Due d’Aumale an exile.

Paris, March 9

In connection with the Comptoir de’Escompte, the whole of the assets are given as security to the Bank of France ; beside, the associated bankers have a guarantee of 20 millions affected. The crisis has affected the Bentes. The shares of the leading bank (Comptoir d’Eseompte) are quoted at 500 francs. It is believed that the Comptoir is deeply involved. [Published as received.] The excitement over the copper syndicate has been allayed. The weavers’ strike has ended. Berlin, March 8.

The Schlesische Zeitung, published at Breslau, has published an account of a fight at Samoa, in which it states that the German warship Olga bombarded Mataafa’s camp. The American naval authorities, after vainly protesting against the action, opened fire on the Olga from one of their warships. The Olga thereupon sent out her torpedo boats, which successfully operated against the American warship, thoroughly disabling the vessel and destroying all hands. [This is evidently a hoax, as an affair of this kind would be knowa in

Auckland or Sydney quite as soon a© in Breslau, and latest advices from Samoa state that matters are quiet.— Ed. N.Z.T.]

Vienna, March 8. The uneasy feeling resulting from the situation in Servia is increasing. Belgrade, March 8.

Colonel Granich, whose Ministry succeeded that of M. Eistics and hold® office until after the election in March, 1888, has formed a new Ministry, of which he is Premier.

Home, March 8-

Signor Baecarini having declined to undertake the formation ot a new Ministry, tb© Cabinet constructed by Signor Crispi and submitted to King; Humbert has been accepted. In the new Cabinet the following portfolios' have been allotted :—Signor Dodo, Finance ; Signor Giolet, Treasury; Signor Fuidli, Works ; Signor Lacava, Postmaster-General; General Bertole Yaile, War; Signor Zanardelli, Justice ; Admiral B. Brui, Marino ; Signor Boselli, Public Instruction. St. Petersburg, March 8. The Eussian press is exultant at the abdication of King Milan of Servia. St. Petersburg, March 9.

The Czar has .ordered a searching inquiry into the action taken by Atchinoff, the Cossack leader, in attempting to form a settlement in Sagallo, at Tajurah Bay. Eussia obtains the conversion ot a loan of 700 million francs. Paris, March 10. The town of Biarritz was gaily decorated in honour of Queen Victoria’s arrival. Her Majesty was received with great enthusiasm by the people. President Carnot forwarded a telegram of welcome to Her Majesty. Shares in the Comptoir d’Escompte are now quoted at 350. Slates in tho copper syndicate and Eio Tinto mines have also suffered a heavy fall. All the depositors ot the Compton? d’Escompte have been paid. It is reported that the Shanghai branch of the bank suspended payment temporarily, owing to lack of specie. Berlin, March 10. Mr Kasson has been appointed American Minister at Berlin. It is reported that the Samoan difficulty has been obviated by diplomacy, and it is thought improbable that the German Training Squadron will now proceed to Samoa. Paris, March 12. It is expected that the affairs of the Comptoir d’Escompte will be wound up immediately. SPECIAL. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) St. Petersburg, March 6, M. Passiet, the Eussian Minister 1 of Eailways, and M. Saint Jervial* Inspector of Eailways, have both been indicted for complicity in the accident which befel the royal train at Borki in October last. Belgrade, March 8. Ex-King Milan’s son will assume the title of Alexander I.

Ex-Queen Natalie will return to Servia.

The political situation is unchanged* A Kadical Cabinet has been formed. Paris, March 8.

General Boulanger, in the course of a speech yesterday, said that the attempts to create a war between Italy and France were criminal. The suicide of M. Eochereau, the manager of the Comptoir d’Escompte de Paris, is attributed to the threatened collapse of the copper syndicate, of which he was the principal financier. Thousands of depositors besieged the bank. Two million sterling were withdrawn. The other banks are assisting the institution.

Soeia, March 9. The Eegent’s manifesto re-affirms > the existing national relations. Paris, March 10.

The Chamber of Deputies has approved of the proposal of the Government to repeal the order proclaiming the Due d’Aumale an exile. Berlin, March 10.

Chief Marshal Couut von Moltke has celebrated the seventieth anniversary of his entrance into the Prussian army, and was on the occasion the recipient of gifts from the Emperor and Empress, and numerous other presents and addresses. The Samoan Conference will not commence its sittings until after the arrival of Mr Kasson, the recently

appointed American Minister to this Court. Pabis, March 11. The press insists that the Comptoir d’Eseompte should be reorganised, and that a new company should continue the business exclusive of the liability on the guarantee to the copper syndicate, and thus ensure the repayment of deposits. St. Petersburg, March 11. The “Free Cossack'’ Atchinoff, who recently attempted to establish a mission, in Tajurah Bay, has been deported to the Caucasus. Paeis, March 11. The Chamber of Deputies have decided to prosecute several deputies for alleged complicity in the recently suppressed Patriotic League. It is expected that Boulanger will be included in the list of accused. In the course of an interview, exPresident Grevy expressed an opinion that between the Boulangists and the Orieanists the Republic was being destroyed. THE EAST. (PEE. PRESS ASSOCIATION'.) Tlong Kong, March 9. As the Chinese at Ohei-foo are plotting tho deni ruction, or expulsion of foreigners, a British corvette has been despatched to the scene. Calcutta, March 10. The Maharajah of Cashmere has boon discovered plotting to poison the British resident. Upon discovery he offered to abdicate. Calcutta, March 12. The Am ear declares that, noi withstanding tho statements circulated by his enemies, he is hostile to the designs of Russia. SPECIAL. (PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Calcutta, March 11. The Maharajah of Cashmere, who vsr difcovercd plotting to poison the British Resident, is mud to have become insane. AMEBIC AH. (per press association.) Washington, March 9. Mr Blaine discredits the information that an engagement between the Germans and Americans at Samoa could have taken place.

Ottawa. March 13. The Canadian Government has agreed to grant a subsidy of LIO,OOO to the Canadian Pacific Company’s Atlantic line of steamers. SPECIAL. (PER press association.) Washington, March 9. Mr Bayard, Secretary of State, denies that any conflict has arisen between Germany and the Americans at Samoa. New Fork, March 10. Dion Borcicauit and Miss Thorndyke have been re-married here. New York, March 11. A party of five French tourists fell into the hands of Indians at Yellowstone Park, and after being tortured, were scalped and massacred. Port-au-Pbisce, March 11. Fighting has been renewed between General Legitime's forces and the insurgents. Great barbarity is reported on both sides. AFRICAN. (per press association.) Suakim, March 7. The Abyssiniam? are besieging the Dervishes r.s Marsala, and Osman Digna is advancing to their relief. El Sennoui«»i is inarching oit Khartoum. The Mahtii is much alarmed at his rival’s advance. SPECIAL. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Pretoria, March 10. Paul Kruger, President of the' Transvaal Bepublic, and F. W. Reitz, the recently-elected President of the Orange Free State, aro engaged in parleying, with a view to bring about the federation of both Republics with 1 South Africa. AUSTRALIAN (rEft PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, March 7. The following is the Government Statist’s official report on the wheat yield, &e. : —The probable consumption of wheat during 1889 is given at 7,986,900 bushels, and the estimated yield at J .573,000 bushels, leaving a deficiency of 6,413,000 bushels. The probable consumption is based on the experience of the past ten vears, and the mean of ten.

years, if the average is maintaifibd, would give an estimated Consumption o£ 7,424,000 bushels. To this must be added, however, the quantity re quired for seed purposes, which is estimated at 562,000 bushels, making the total as above of 7,986,000 bushels. Tho average consumption per head during t ibe past. 10 years is given 6-7. During the year 1888 New South Wales imported 560,284 bushels from Victoria, 521,324 bushels from South Australia, 456,960 b\i3hels from New Zealand. The opinion is expressed that flour is bound to rise by leaps, but that it is unwise to force the price so that people will not buy; and that New South Wales will be able to absorb the whole of the New Zealand surplus wheat Btipply, though probably America will send a couple of million bushels. In the course of an interview a member of one of the leading firms in the grain trade expressed an opinion that, although certain prejudice exists against New Zealand wheat, that prejudice will bo beaten down by the force of circumstances,' provided the English wheat market maintains a good tone, and that both New South Wales and Queensland will be absolutely dependent for their supplies on New Zealand.

Regarding the possibility of California competing with New Zealand, the same gentleman said they could not do so unless New Zealand forced the price and Compelled tho market to drag. The Californian market acts in unison with the English market,and so long as the present condition of the latter is maintained Californian growers will beunabletoland wheat in Australia for less than 5s 7d per bushel. The moment the English market falls, however, say to 395, and provided the New Zealand wheat should be selling at above ss, say at 5s 6d, then tho Californian growers could successfully compete with New Zealand growers. Otherwise there is uot much to fear, although American grain would find favour here. Sir Henrv Parkes has succeeded in forming a new Ministry, and the following portfolios have been allotted:—— Premier and Colonial Secretary, Sir Henry Parkes; Minister of Lands, Mr J. N. Brunker; Colonial Treasurer, Mr W. McMillan ; Minister of Public Works, Mr Bruce Smith ; Minister of Justice, Mr A. G. Gould; Post-master-General, Mr Daniel O’Connor ; Minister of Mines, Mr Sydney Smith ; Minister of Public Instruction, Air J. 11. Carruthera, Mr G. Bowen Simpson will represent the Government in the Legislative Council with the portfolio of Attorney-General. At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to-day, Mr R. J. Creighton, of San Francisco, explained his scheme for a fortnightly San Francisco service. He contended that five firstclass steamers could land mails in the colonies in the same time as those oi‘ the Orient and Peninsular lines. The cost of the service would be £BO,OOO per annum, of which he anticipated the American Government would contribute £40,000, leaving the colouies to pay the balance. The Chamber, after listening to Mr Creighton, approved his scheme without favouring anyone Company. Efforts are being made to secure the simultaneous action of the various Chambers interested in recommending the scheme to the different Colonial Governments. A passenger by the Rockton, from Fiji, reports that during the voyage he was robbed of a portmanteau, which contained 30 sovereigns, 30 napoleons, L2OO worth of diamonds, and a letter of credit for LIOGO. There is not the slightest clue to the robber. Melbourne, March 7.

Margaret Fitz Gerald and Mrs Curtis, her sister, have been arrested on a charge of murder arising out of the case of concealment of the birth of an infant. Both accused recently arrived from New Zealand. William Harrison, condemned to death for the murder of John Duggan at Elmore, near Bendigo, will be executed on the 18th instant. The sentence of death on four young men, Meredith, Batty, Wren, and Minogue, tried on the 27th February for a criminal assault on a woman at Studley Park, has been commuted. The first named three will bo imprisoned for 12 years wish two floggings, and >lie last named seven years with one flogging. Fifteen thousand bags of wheat were sold to-day at 5s 84d to 5s 4d. " Hobart, March 7.

Arrived-—R.M.S. Arawa, from Plymouth, via Teneriffe and the Capo,

at noon, with 51 passengers for Australia, and 100 for New Zealand. The Arawa sails for New Zealand at noon to-morrow (Friday)Adelaide, March 8.

Wheat has advanced to 5s for shipping parcels, but holders show little disposition to sell. Wheat is ss. In consequence of Sydney advices the market is hardening. Sydney, March 8. Sailed —Wairarapo, for Auckland. Arrived —Alameda, from Sau Francisco, via Auckland. The Gull, an Auckland-built vessel, has been wrecked at Mailicolo Island. The crew reached shore safely. The Woman Delawrie, arrested on a charge of systematic baby-farming, has been convicted and sentenced to five years’ hard labour. A jockey named Tierney was ihrown from his horse and killed instantly at Orange races. _ Parliament has adjourned until the 3rd of April to enable the Ministers to offer themselves to tbeir constituents for re-election. Searle has received a letter from O’Connor inviting the champion to arrange a match eituer in America or England. Largo sales of wheat have taken place at 5s 3d. New Zealand flour has advanced to Ll 3 10s per ton. The values of New Zealand and Californian fffiur are irregular, in the face of the drought and other drawbacks. The commercial outlook is anything but hopeful. Melbourne, March 8.

A boat capsized yesterday afternoon in Franklin Harbour, and two men named Pillifent and Ingram were drowned. The barquenline Nellie Slade, which arrived from Boston to-day, mul a remarkable escape from foundering on the voyage. During a dead calm a huge waterspout struck the vessel and overwhelmed her in a deluge of water. The foremast, maintop, and jibboom were carried away, but the barqueutiue succeeded in making the Bermudas, and there effected repairs.

Wheat is quoted at 5s 4d. Sydney, March 9.

It is reported here that Mr Spreckles is offering that if the San Francisco mail contract is renewed he will build several magnificent boats for a fortnightly service, to include Wellington and ‘Melbourne as ports of call ; that some will proceed from San Francisco via Auckland to Syd ney, and others from San Francisco via Wellington to Melbourne. In the Assembly last night papers were laid on the - table in connection with the case of Thomas Walker, the recently-elected member for Northumberland, against whom a verdict of murder was recorded 13 years ago by a coroner’s jury at Toronto. In accordance with instructions from Sir Henry Parkes in 1887 the police inquired into the matter. The papers show that Mr "Walker, who was a spiritualist, arranged with a friend named Saunders to have a private Spiritualistic seance, and during the investigation some phosphorus ignited and Saunders was burned, his injuries being so great that he died therefrom. Walker absconded, and a verdict of murder was returned against him by the Coroner’s jury. Replying to inquiries made by the police, the Canadian Government said that, owing to the lapse of time and the death of the witnesses, the Coroner did not feel justified in applying for Walker’s extradition ; that, further, it did not appear whether the facts proved at the inquest were sufficient to establish a case. Mr "Walker states that the matter has been reked .up for the purpose of endeavouring to ruin his political life. He explains that the death of Saunders was accidental, and was the result of experimenting with phosphorus. The verdict of the jury was a disgrace. He never evaded justice; on the contrary, he informed the Canadian police of his whereabouts. Obituary. —The Rev Boyce, Wesleyan minister, aged 84. He visited New Zealand 40 years ago in connection with the organisation of the Wesleyan Church, when he walked overland from Auckland to WMlington. Sydney, March 10.

At the annual demonstration of the Newcastle miners it was stated that L 20.000 was lost during the strike. The Colonial Sugar Company have advanced their prices. No. 1 is selling at L 27, No. 2 L 26, No. 3 L 23. The Government have cabled Home stating that the deficit is the same as

when the previous Parkes Government took office. Melbourne, March 9. Sir Henry Loch has sailed for England, and Sir William Robinson has been installed as Acting Governor. Melbourne, March 10. A fatal fire occurred at Mount Moorooplye, Creswiek, to-day. A cottage owned by a man named South was burnt. A stepdaughter of his, aged 21, bravely rescued three children, but in attempting to save another both perished. Hobart, March 9. The Court of Inquiry has decided that the wreck of the Southern Cross at Rocky Cape was due to striking a rock not marked on the chart. The officers were exonerated. Sydney, March 11. The Australian wheat jdeld is estimated at 17,000,000 bushels!, showing a deficiency of at least 4,000,000 bushels. The season, however; has been fair for other cereals, abo for root crops, which will allow potatoes and other vegetables in Bomet measure to take the place of wheat. It is, however, too early to estimate precisely the yield of root croprf and the exact effect of their consumption on the wheat market. No reliable information is obtainable in regard to stocks of wiieat held privately. In the course of an article this morning on Mr R. J. Creighton’s proposals fora fortnightly Bau Francisco mail service, the Sydney Morning Herald suggests the extension of the present contract for another year in order to afford full time for the consideration of the proposals for a line from Vancouver.

Messrs Bannatyne and Co. have received advices that an advance of 10s per ton has taken place on nil numbers of the Colonial Sugar Refinery Company's sugars. The body of a young woman named Reilly was found in the streets last evening, and from the appearance ot the body it was apparent that death was due to malpractice. At the inguest to-day a verdict of murder against some person or persons unknown was returned. Wheat is firm, prices are unchanged, and is selling freely. Melboubne, March 11.

Parliament was dissolved to-day. The polling for the general election is fixed for the 28th inst. The racehorse Lochiel has been sold to Dr Prins, of New Zealand, for stud purposes. The price at winch it was sold was <£looo. Beisbane, March 11.

Reports from the country districts betoken a general break-up of the drought. The heat at Charters Towers is said to be terrible, and the season there is the worst ever known. The deaths from the great heat are startling in their frequency. There have been 35 funerals in three days. Albawt, March 11.

Late papers by the mail steamer give details of the murder of Inspector Martin whilst attempting the arrest of Father McFadden at Gweedore, on 3rd February last. It appears that after celebrating mass that day, the police appeared at the doors of the church, with the intention of arresting the priest. The latter, however, succeeded in reaching his house, the police being in close pursuit. For the greater part of the distance from the church to the house the police had to face the rushes of about 100 peasants. The inspector was stunned by a blow, and while lying on the ground he was beaten by the peasants, who ran away at the priest’s command. Every bone in Martin’s body except the right temporal bone was fractured. The skull was smashed and the bone driven into the brain. The body presented a most shocking spectacle. MfeLBOUBNE, March 12. Mr Gillies, Premier, has put forward a statement of the Government platform. They propose to reduce the duty on tea and to abolish the duties on coffee, cocoa and kerosene ; also the probate duties below certain value ; to reduce the postage to one penny ; to grant bonuses to producing industries to tbe extent of a quarter of a million, and to devote the sum of £1467,000 to the development of agricultural industries. Mr Deasy and Sir T. Esmonde, Irish M.P.’s, have arrived her. They will wait for Mr Dillon before beginning their tour of the colonies. Wheat is in steady demand at 5s 4d. Adelaide, March 12. The Imperial Government has consented to allow Major-General Downes to retain his position as Commandant

of the South Australian Forces, pro vided he does not draw his pension, Wheat is very firm at ss.