NEWS BY CABLE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7341, 4 December 1884, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

Bt ELEOTBIO TELEGRAPH.—COPVRIQHT.

(bidtbk’s telegrams.)

NAVAL SUPREMACY OF ENG-

LAND.

Loudon, December 2. In the House of Lords to-day, the Earl of Northbrook, First Lord of the Admiralty, made his promised statement as to the measures which it is proposed to adopt with the view of increasing the strength and efficiency of the Imperial Navy. His Lordship stated that the Government was determined to maintain the naval supremacy of England. She now possesses 46 ironclads, while France, the next naval Power, has 31. In view of the constant progress in naval science, the Government wished to increase the navy gradually, and for the present it was only intended to construct four new irouclads, but a number of torpedo vessels would be built without delay. Sydney, December 3. Sailed, yesterday afternoon —Wakatipu, for Wellington. SMALLPOX IN SYDNEY. No fresh cases of smallpox have been reported since Monday. Two of the patients in quarantine are seriously ill.

(Received December 3, 8 p.m )

ARRIVAL OF TROOPS AT DONQOLA. Cairo, December 2.

The first of the whaleboats conveying troops to the front, has arrived at Dongola.

THE ENABLING BILL, London, December 2,

In the House of Commons to-day the Hon. Evelyn Ashley stated in reply to a question that the amended draft Bill for constituting a Federal Council for the Australasian colonies, would be transmitted to the colonies this week, and the Government hoped to bo able to lay despatches on the subject before Parliament before the prorogation of the present session. The ship Berengaria, which left Melbourne for London on August 9, while proceeding to Sunderland, struck on a rock near the Galloper Light on the coast of Eases, aud sank shortly afterwards. The P. and O. steamship Shannon arrived at Plymouth to-day from Melbourne (October 9). Melbodbne, December 3. Sailed, this afternoon —Te Anau, tor Bluff.

(special to united press association.)

(Received December S, 9 p.m.) WRECK OF THE BERENQ4R|A. OFF THE ESSEX COAST.

SEVENTEEN PERSONS MISSING, London, December 2.

The ship Berengaria, bound from h|elbpqrne to Sunderland, struck on a rock and sank off the coast of Essex. Eleyen of those on b oar 4 Wore respqed, bqt the captain and sixteen others sre missing.