N.Z. MAIL PUBLISHED WEEKLY. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1990. THE WEEK’S SUMMARY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 978, 28 November 1890, Page 18

N.Z. MAIL PUBLISHED WEEKLY. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1990. THE WEEK’S SUMMARY.

The financial crisis in London, which was at its height when our last issue was published, appears to have now run its course, although its after-effects cannot as yet be realised. The house of Baring Brothers is to be resuscitated, and the former members of the firm, Lord Revelstolie and Lord Northbrook, have placed the whole of llieir private fortunes in the concern, which Sir Edward Guinness has also joined. Under these circumstances, there seems to be no reason why the difficulty should not be tided over. The question whether Mr Parnell should retire from the leadership of the Home Rule party has been greatly discussed, and it was reported that gentleman had, owing to the persuasions of Mr Gladstone, consented to resign, temporarily, and Mr Justin McCarthy would reign in his stead. Later news, however, proves this report to be- unfounded, as Mr Parnell has definitely refused to resign. By following this course he has undoubtedly weakened the cause of Home Rule, which will be regretted by all who take an interest in the future of Ireland. The forecast of the Queen’s speech has been telegraphed, and is of the usual vague character, both as regards the doings of the past and the promises for the future. The relations between Great Britain and other countries, we are told, are satisfactory, and the state of Ireland has improved, but there is nothing new in this, as the Speeches from the Throne have said the same thing every time Parliament has opened, with, it is to be supposed, the same reason. The most interesting portion of the speech is that which refers to intended legislation, which promises so largely as to give colour to the idea that it is intended to place a Conservative programme before the country in view of an early dissolution. The obituary of the week contains the name of the King of the Netherlands, whose death has been expected for some time. In the early part of his reign he initiated many Liberal reforms, but latterly he has suffered from severe illne?s whicli prevented him taking so active a part in the affairs of Government. The Countess of Roseberry also died during the week, having succumbed to an attack of typhoid fever, a disease that has recently been pretty prevalent among the upper classes in England. General Booth appears to be making a success of his scheme for forming over-sea colonies, and the Queen has signified her approval of the idea, while the money is pouring in rapidly. Although the day of polling for the general election is rapidly approaching, there is not much appearance of any excess of excitement over the event. In Wellington the various candidates have

been busy addressing the -.electors and in canvassing, but- as- their views are pretty well known by. this time nobody takes much interest, as the people have probably mado up their, minds whom they intend to vote for. The most important event of the week; in connection with the election has been the retirement of Sir George Grey.. This step .has been demanded on account «»f failing health, and both the cause and the result are to be. deplored. It is a pity that the announcement was not made earlier, as the time is too short for the electors to find any man at all worthy to stand in Sir George’s shoes. The contest for the Wellington mayoral chair this year was limited to two candidates, Mr A. W. Brown, who has * served before, and Mr 0. F. Worih. The former proved victorious by a majority of 288. We may conclude the week’s summary by a reference to the Agricultural and Pastoral Show, which opened on Wednesday, under rather unfavourable auspices as regards the weather. The exhibition is highly creditable, and shows a decided improvement on those of previous years. A large number of visitors have come in from up country districts, so that success is assured.