GENERAL CABLES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1727, 5 April 1905, Page 30

GENERAL CABLES.

LONDON, April 1. The University boat race was won easily by Oxford. The inter-Varsity athletic sports resulted in a win for Oxford witu 6} points. Cambridge points. The Court at Paris lias decided that Carrie iSwaine is not the wife of Frank Gardner, and has mulcted her in ninetenths of the costs of the .suit brought by her to establish the validity of the form of marriage she went through with Gardner at San Francisco, or in the alternative to b© granted a share of Gardner*® estate. The Board of Trade returns for the year show that the United Kingdom’s trade in 1904 was £781,858,000, Germany’s £573,174,000, United States £512,845,000. Britain’s exports increased £1,018,000, and Germany’s £7,893,000. United States trade declined £0,G46,00D. LONDON, April 2. Reuter’s Agency states that the Duke of Connaught when visiting Brest in January mooted the proposal for a friendly meeting of the navies of England and France, and Brest has now been selected as the place for the event. The ‘‘Daily Telegraph” states that the French fleet will visit England during Cowes week, when the Royal Yacht Club’s races are held. Sir Michael Hicks-Beacli, in a letter to “The Times,” furnishing proof of the views held by the late Lord Salisbury in 1902, says:—“On behalf of Lord Salisbury’s Government I was permitted to assure the House of Commons that it was not intended to use the corn tax for the purpose of colonial preference.” During the Kaiser’s visit to Gibraltar, the cruiser Frederich Karl collided with the British battleship Prince George. The former was slightly damaged. The latter’s injuries were worse, and the vessel was docked. The British revenue for the March quarter totalled £56,933,000, the Customs contributing £8,422,000, excise £8,869,000, and stamps £2,270,000. The first penny postage letters were despatched by Mr Henniker Heaton, one to Lord Northoote (Governor-Gen-eral of Australia) and another to Mr G. H. Reid (the Federal Premier). Mr T. A. Coghlan has assumed the duties of Agent-General for New South Wales.

The Allan Line turbine-fitted steamer Victorian made a successful Atlantic voyage. The absence of vibration was noticeable. The Ulster Unionists, have decided not to support the Government on Irish issues unless Sir Antony MacDonnell. Under-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, is transferred-

MADRID, March 31. The famine in Andalusia (in the South of Spain) affects a million people. Many have died from Bread riots have occurred at Aeres and Antcquera, and are spreading. NEW YORK, March 31. The police at Brooklyn raided a house, .suspecting to find a prize-fight iu progress. They found instead a prayer-meeting, with a prominent sportsman leading in the Glory song The removal of a carpet revealed a chalk ring. Two battered pugilists ivere found in a cupboard. NEW YORK, April 1.

Ge-sler Rousseau, the anarchist, now in custody on various charges (who has made confession of complicity m the destruction of tho battleship Maine in 1898), has declared that he spent vears over a contrivance which was intended to deter larger nations intimidating smaller ones. The Recorder declared that a penalty of live years would be wholly inadequate, and postponed sentence indefinitely to allow of inquiry into the man’s mental state. NEW YORK, April 2. The Venezuelan Court has decided that the French Cable Company lias forfeited its concession for failing to fulfil stipulations. SYDNEY, April 1. A cable message has been received from the English Tennis Association, expressing its willingness to arrange a match against Australasia, .after the completion of the Davis Cup: the teams to he either four or six a-side. ■Messrs Wilding, Parker (both New Zealand players), and Brookes, Dunlop, Poidevin, and Donst (Australia) will furnish the colonial contingent. SYDNEY. April 1. Owing to the disclosures in a recent case over a- deal in land, insinuations are rife against the Bands Department and politicians. In one instance £15,000 is mentioned as having been paid as commission to obtain certain advantages. The Minister has promised the fullest inquiry into the matter. SYDNEY, April 2. Torrential rain has fallen on the coastal districts. The strong easterly gale on the coast continues, and is interfering considerably with the telegraphic services.

Wide areas at Marrickvillo, Glebe, and oilier low-lying suburbs are flooded. Many residents have been forced to leave their homes to seek shelter. SYDNEY, April 3. Th© rain and gale have ceased. The floods quickly subsided. During the storm 3!in of rain fell in the city. The low-lying districts round Darling ha-rbour suffered s-everely. In some of the back streets the water rose to a height of 10ft. IVfinny of the residents were flooded out. The police rendered prompt aid, and the Government provided shelter and assistance. Much damage has been done by the inroads of water in warehouses and business places. Th© tram traffic in some of the suburbs was disorganised for a time owing to damage to the lines. SYDNEY, April 3. A movement is afoot to send Keran, the swimmer, to England to compete in the amateur championships. A fourth case of plague is reported from Newcastle. MELBOURNE, April 3. The Commonwealth Customs revenue for nine months shows a comparative decrease of £385,000. The Pacific Cable Board claims from the Commonwealth the sum of £7200 for rebate for terminal rates. It is considered improbable that the claim will be recognised. PERTH, April 1. Two armed masked men seized and gagged two employees in the Devon Aline, Kalgoorlie, and removed twelve battery plates, supposed to be covered with rich gold. The police tracked a cart for ten miles, and arrested two men. BRISBANE, April 3. The "Sugar Journal” states that the leasing of sugar lands to coloured aliens continues, though Federal legislation makes it compulsory for ail Kanakas to be donor ted at the end of 190 G. BRISBANE, April 3. There is another case of plague in the city.