CABLE NEWS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1680, 11 May 1904, Page 62

CABLE NEWS.

LONDON, Majy 4. A scene occurred, in the House of Commons owing to a suggestion by Mr Reginald McKenna, Liberal member for Monmouth North, that a great quantity of unstfipped tobacco be imported in anticipation of tho duty on stripped tobacco.

Mr McKenna implied that Mr Austen Chamberlain, the Chancellor of tho Exchequer, had been duped by consulting Mr Call ah or, a member of the Tariff Commission, and a largo holder of unstripped tobacco-. Mir Austen Chamberlain denied having consulted any member of the Tariff Commission, and warmly rebuked Mr MoKenna far insinuating dishonesty without accepting tho responsibility of making a direct charge. Major Trenohard’s column of 350 men, after a stubborn fight, defeated the Choho natives, in Southern Nigeria, killing and wounding two hundred and burning six villages. Four of Major Trenchard’s force were killed and seven wounded.

The Associated Chambers of Agriculture are pressing the* Government to expedite the passing of the Butter Adulteration Bill. A reconnaissance made by the British expedition in Thibet showed that the Thibetan® had built a wall at Karo Pass, two and a half marches from Gyangtse, with fifteen hundred defenders, armed with rifles and cannon.

The Now Zealand-Snn Francisco liner being unable to call further at Fanning Island (the Pacific cablo station) the Pacific Cable Board has arranged, subject to the consent of the Commonwealth, that the Yanceuver-Australian mail steamers shall call at the island once every two months.

Judge Parker, a. probable' candidate for the Presidential election, has been assured of an overwhelming majeriy at the National Democratic Convention. LONDON, May 5. The efforts of friendly natives to cope with the Mullah have failed. The latter sitilil imports arms. Owing to the breakdown of the transport service the British troops in the interior are withdrawing to the coast. The Rev Donaldson, Rector c-f Hornesey, 'has boon appointed Bishop cf Brisbane.

On the ground that the licensing was within the Bishop’s discretion, tho King’s Bench lias discharged a rule nisi granted to the Rev T. S. Carltcn, ail Australian curate, calling on the* Bishop of Liverpool bo examine, and, if qualified, to admit th© Rev Mr Carlton uo the curacy at Southport.

Sean Parks, a “ walking delegate” who gained much notoriety during labour troubles lalst year, died in Sing Sing Prison. Mr Victor Booth, of Oarnaru, New Zealand, has won the Charles Mortimer prize at the Royal Academy of Music. The London County Council’s estimates for the year total £8,500,000, including £4,000,000 for education. LONDON, May 6.

One Morant, stores clerk at the London County Council’s asylum at Horton, and two others have been charged with wholesale plundering of stores. Morant deposed that a system of wholesale waste and illicit profit-making characterised all of the Council’s asylums, where tons of food were wantonly destroyed. Speaking in the House of Commons on Mr Boland’ ( s motion in favour of the repeal of the Crimes Act, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman Urged the repeal of such a “musty, ovmel and exasperating weapon.’* Self-government was his remedy for the grievances, and since the Government had conceded threefourths, it had batter 'take the final step. Mir Redmond expressed great gratification at Sir Henry Campbell-Banner-man's statement.

The motion was rejected by 197 votes to 124.

News from Thibet states that the Dalai Lama refuses the Chinoso Amban (envoy) transport, and declines to send a representative to Gyangtso to meet Colonel Youngliusband, who is conducting a British mission to Thibet.

The Thibetans at Karo Pass liavo been reinforced and monaeo the expedition. Colonel MacDonald, who. is escorting tho mission, intends to dislodge the Thibetans from Karo Pass, which is two and a half marches from Gyangtso. In tho Hawse of Commons) last night Mr Balfour peremptorily refused Mr MoKonna’is request for tho appointment of a Select Committoo to inquire into tho exceptionalfly large imports of unstripped tobacco recently made anticipatory of tho Budget. He" accused Mr McKenna of making a .prepared attack on Hie honour of a member of the Government. A noisy scene followed' this statement, and! continued until the Speaker ruled the discussion irregular.

[On Tuesday Mr McKenna, Liberal member for Monmouth North, stated that a great quantity of unstripped tobacco had) been imported in anticipation of the duty on stripped tobacco. He implied that Mr Austen Chamberlain, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, had' been duped .by consulting Mr Oallaher, a member o the Tariff Commission, and a largo holder of u ns tripped tobacco. Mr

Chamberlain denied having consulted any member of the Tariff Commission, and rebuked Mr MoKonna for insinuating dishonesty without accepting the responsibility of making a direct charge.] An important deputation of Unionist members urged the Premier, Mr Balfour, to redress anomalies in 'the electoral representation during the present Parliament.

Mr Balfour replied that the matter is engaging the serious attention of the Government, but it will be impossible to do anything in this direction during the present session. The shipment of Chinese coolies for the Transvaal has been delayed owing to the outbreak of plague at Hongkong.

PARIS, May 4. Tho municipal elections in France show that the policy of M. Combos, Premier, has progressed in the provinces. The French nation has purchased Mr Rupert Bunny’s picture exhibited at the Salon for tho Luxembourg Gallery. This is the first Australian who has been thus honoured.

PARIS, May G. Tho President lias decreed that the products and manufactures of French agriculture and commercial establishments in the Now Hebrides shall be admitted free to French colonies, except New Caledonia'.

In consequence of the strike, steamers arc lying at Mansieilles without officers or crews.

An anchor-chain of the ironclad Henri Quatre snapped at La Rochelle, cutting a gunner iix three and killing another.

CONSTANTINOPLE. Mav 4

Many valuables at Constantinople have been sent to Broussa, in Asia Minor, where it is reported the Sultan will remove in the event cf. war.

ST. PETERSBURG,

May 5

Eighty inhabitants of Bender, declaring that the war was the result of Jewish instigation, sacked the Jews’ houses and killed six. Thereupon tho Cossacks appeared on the scene, but did not use arms. They telegraphed for imstinuotionis, and the reply from Kishineff, that they must fire, caused the mob bo disperse.

ROME, May 5

The Pope has protested against M. Loubet, President of France, visiting King Victor Emmanuel at Rome without calling at tho Vatican, thereby recognising the usurper. It is believed that the protest is intended to warn the Emperor of Austria that if be intends to visit the King of Italy he must not visit without previously calling at the Vatican. ROME, May G.

Signor Nunzio Nasi, a member of the Chamber of Deputies, formerly Minister for Public Instruction, who was charged with irregularities in connection with travelling" expenses, has fled, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. CAPETOWN May 4.

Mr Walton. Colonial Treasurer, has announced that the Cape deficit is three-quarters of a million. He proposes to introduce an income tax and an additional hut tax.

NEW YORK, May 5.

When Sam Parks (the “walking delegate’’ who has just died in Sing Sing prison) was in the witnessbox at his trial, he declared that the blackmail he obtained from the employers went into the trade union exchequers, bpt while he was in prison ho confessed that the money went into his own pocket. The United States Government has assumed control of tho Panama Canal. SYDNEY, May G.

A Clrinese leper escaped from tho lazarette, but was recaptured. He struggled desperately, and, getting possession of a tomahawk, rushed upon a warder. A constable fired, wounding the leper twice before he stopped his rush.

There was glorious weather for the first visit of Lord Northcote, GovernorGeneral of Australia, to Sydney. Enthusiastic crowds were in the streets,_ and there was gay bunting everywhere. The Lord Mayor presented an address of welcome at the Town Hall. MELBOURNE, May G.

A witness before tho Royal Commission which is inquiring into the butter trade said bribery to secure trade was rampant. One firm with ■which ho liad. been connected had spent altogethar about £SOOO, or £2O weekly, as bribes. BRISBANE, May 5.

The Government has decided to effect further retrenchment i'n the Civil Service by retiring sixty-four officers on July Ist, and reducing the salaries of eighty others. This will effect an annual saving of £17,000. Another oaiso of plague is reported. ADELAIDE. May 5.

Tho P. and O. aind Orient Companies havo notified' butter exporters that owing to the uncertainty of maintaining a weekly service when the mail contract expires they will be compelled; to o-ivo twelve months’ notice to cancel the contracts for the carriage of buttor The Bank of Adelaide lias declared a dividend of 8 per omit., a,nd oajuriod forward £IB,OOO, and £15,000 to the reserve fund.