THE WEEK’S SUMMARY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 993, 13 March 1891, Page 18

THE WEEK’S SUMMARY.

The labour troubles in England are still in a very unsatisfactory condition. The Government intend shortly to appoint a Royal Commission to enquire into all labour disputes. Tho European situation is not so alarming as it was a week ago. There is no probability of the general peace being disturbed. The German Emperor on his coming visit to London, will be the guest of the citizens of London. There is a probability of Bismarck again re-enter-ing public life, He has become reconciiled to General Caprivi. H. M. Stanley is preparing for a visit to these Colonies. The gensral elections in Canada up to the present time show a majority in favour of the present Ministry. Owing to the continued illness of Sir J. Macdonald a new Premier will be sworn in before long. There are expressions of feeling made public that Canadian independence is preferrable to annexation. The revolt in Chili is still making headway, and the affairs of that country are in a wretched state. Irish affairs are still mixed. Tho Bishop of Down has excommunicated the supporters of Parnell. Mr Parnell intends to interfere at tho general elections with constituencies possessing Irish voters. It ha 3 beon discovered that the evicted tenant*’ fund held in Paris only amounts to L9OOO, whereas it was supposed to be close on L 30,000. Lord Salisbury is of opinion that two great shadows overlie British trade. One is the protection tariffs of Francs and America, and the other the present labor difficulty. There has been another slight panic on the London Stock Exchange, and the “ bears ” have worked the markets to a lively tune. Sir Charles Dilka, who is standing for the Forest of Dean constituency, bas had some new light thrown on the old scandals of his life. Sir Robert Stout has incurred the displeasure of the Grand Masonic Lodge of England, and ha 3 been deprived of his rank in that body. The financial crisis in the Argentine Republic still contiues, but there are signs of a hopeful settlement. The Bank of England will shortly issue LI notes. There is a feeling in financial circles in London that tho banks have too much money locked up. It is alleged that the Belgians in Africa have been guilty of many cruelties towards the natives and are encouraging slavery. Mr Justice Stephen is supposed to be insane, and he will shortly be removed from the Bench. More medical discoveries are reported in Germany. One savant declares he has found specific for tuberculosis in capsicum. Koch’s remedy is in many quarters considered a failure. The French are fighting the Natives on the Niger river in Africa. The Khedive has granted a general amnesty in the Soudan.

In Australia the principal topic is the Federation Convention now sitting in Sydney. Sir G. Grey made a characteristic speech a few days ago. Sir George was awarded a public reception on his arrival in Sydney by New Zealanders. The Postal Conference has finished its sittings. The shearers’ difficulty is still unsettled.

In New Zealand the past week has been generally quiet, with the exception of the Wellington province. By an unfortunate explosion of gun cotton at Shelly Bay Fort, Wellington, two men lost their lives, and others wore severely injured. The opening of the Gorge Railway on Monday was an occasion of general rejoicing.