MAIL NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 520, 31 December 1877, Page 2

MAIL NEWS.

The Pull M'<iH G<(~etlf asserts that Germany is urging ISclginm to accept a (German protectorate, and to make her military system conform to that of Germany. She guarantees the inaependence of ]3elginm in all other respects, and 'jra.nts territorial compensation. Oerniatiy argues that in the event of another FrancoGerman war, which is probable, a military convention with (Jermany would render Belgium unassailable. Tho 'Ac.rtti' believes tlio argument has made great way in high quarters. •Jumann, the chief stronghold of Jow-iik.-ih. in India, has been taken by the British. The l>was trilling, the expedition meeting with uninterrupted sucThe works at the new tl-'cks, Liverpool, have been damaged by gales. 'I wo thousand seven hundred men Were thrown out of work for three weeks, The King of Abyssinia has written to Colonel Gordon, accepting terms of peace with Fgvpt. A silver ball lias been inserted in the Pope's leg. and has relieved the pain. A special t'foin Koine says the Popj received the French pilgrims, and spoke a few words with great ditheul'y anil feebleness of voice. His sutt'erings made a melancholy impression. He was carried by four men.

Mr. Foster, the Ageni-Gencral for New South Wales, lias written to the Tim**, acknowledging the ell'.»rts of the American Postal Department, to facilitate the delivery of the San Francisco mail. The American war ship Huron went ashore in a fog, shortly after leaving Port Munt'o. Survivors :_'ive tiie following account of the wrick:— The vessel was heading her conrse south sonth-east, tin.* wind blowing .strong from sonlh southwest. under "after sail to steady her. and steaming alum; at 14 knots when the vessel struck. All hands rushed on (leek. Captain Ryan and the oilicers acted promptly, and the crew responded to all orders with alacrity. The surf was terrible, and shortly after the vessel struek a boat was lowered, but immediately swamped. Ihe vessel slewed broadside to sea. which mtuie a el-an breach over her, sweeping everything from the (leeks, carryint; the boats from their davits, and many of the men and otheers were washed overboard, and several killed by pieces of the wreck The vessel broke up rapidly, and the surf became more ami more turious. making it beyond human ell> >rt s to hold on. Signals of distress were made, but no response was received, and no one knew where they were. All who did get ashore were washed there by the surf. The cause of the wreck is attributed to local attraction of the compass, and a strong current setting on .shore, which made the vessel go lurt.her smith-west than the course indicated. bodies were washed ashore in a mutilated state.

Tlio working men in Pan r:».nciso<> are auitating against; miy further introduction of Chinese. There arc said to he .'!(>,000 Cliinese labourers in Sail Francisco.

A (ire at, Chicago has caused a loss equal to a million dollars. Two men were killed and several injured. t'OMJIKIICIAI,. San Francisco. Hops, dull. ft 001. in fair demand ; Australian imports have; born made at a loss. Wheat, fim, 2dols KOe. Barley, Idol COc to Idol Toe. Oats, Idol SOe to 2do!s. New York.—Wheat. Idol. 45c to Idol 55e. Sperm oil. lilol 7c: bleaehtd. l'iol 35c. Whale, oOe to (JOc. : bleached, li.'lc to