The N.Z. Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 1899. EPITOME OF THE DAY'S NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXX, Issue 3827, 24 August 1899, Page 5

The N.Z. Times. (PUBLISHED DAILY.)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 1899. EPITOME OF THE DAY'S NEWS.

Vflta WBIOH la iNCOItFORAMD THE WELLINGTON Kstahlibhed 1845

The Victorian Legislative Assembly has passed the Old Age Pensions Bill,

Military guards have been posted at the entrance to some of the churches in Pans.

Maitrc Labori has resumed the direction of the defence at the Dreyfus court-martial. Mauser rifles and ammunition are being distributed in some districts of the Transvaal.

Mr Thomas McKenzie has remained in Auckland to discuss the export trade with settlers.

■X hew cannon tested at Shoeburyness throws projectiles a distance of fifteen miles.

Sailing vessels have experienced severe gales off the coast of New Zealand during the past fortnight. An Imperial officer has been appointed as adjutant of the NewfZealand military forces.

General Merrier has been .severely questioned by Maitre Labori at the Rennes court-martial.

Mr Arthur Duncan yesterday won the Open Golf Championship at Miramar with a total score for two rounds of 184.

Lord Brassey believes that the first Governor-General of the Australian Commonwealth will be a member of the Royal Family. i

Mr Barton has resigned the leadership of the Opposition Party in New South Wales, and has been succeeded by Mr Lyne. A Blue Book on the Transvaal question, which has just been issued, deals mainly with the convention between the Republic and Great Britain.

Portugal stopped the landing at Delagoa Bay of arras and ammunition intended for thiTTransvaal, in consequence of a representation on the subject from Great Britain. PITH OF PARLIAMENT. The financial debate came to a sudden close in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, and the Premier made his reply before the dinner adjournment. Mr Kelly made a strong criticism of the marine scandal, and characterised the report of the Commissioners ns absolutely unreliable.. The Premier replied to Air Duthie’s criticism of the Financial Statement, and contended that his conclusions were not supported by facts. Consideration of the first item of the Estimates was commenced at 7.30 p.m. ' The Opposition put. in a strong claim for the Public works Estimates being brought down as soon as possible, together with details of the public accounts, and that the House should be given an, opportunity to discuss ,the report of the Marine Commission and the Wrigg case. The Premier promised to give'the House the opportunity desired, and as to the Public Works Estimates, he said he wanted the Loan Bill put through before he could place them betore the House.

A long discussion ensued, members taking the opportunity to ventilate grievances of all, descriptions.