SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 782, 14 October 1878, Page 2

SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

London, August 30. The Cape Parliament is prorogued. The Ministry has carried their taxation measures, passed an indemnity Bill for military operations, and obtained authority for loans of L 750,000 for war expenses, and L 1,750,000 for the completion of railways. A subsidy of L 15.000 per annum for a telegraph line between Cape Colony and England was also passed. Although the Kaffir war is virtually over, frontier fighting is still reported, caused principally by the depredations of marauding parties. The rebels hesitate to avail themselves of an amnesty offered, which is attributed to the exclusion of their chiefs from its benefit.

Gongbella has been sentenced to death for high treason, and Muganta for life imprisonment for serlitio7i.

During the sitting of the Judicial Congress at Stockholm, Sir Geo. Arney, formerly of New Zealand, delivered a very admirable address on the system for many years adopted in that Colony, namely, the remission of a portion of even short sentences, and the pecuniary restoration by offenders. These views were endorsed by Mr. Wm. Culloch. Dr. Jno. Guthrie (Independent minister of Glasgow) is obliged to leave Scotland on account of his health, and will shortly sail for New Zealand, where some of his sons are settled. Sir Arthur Phavre, Governor of Mauritius, is about to pay a visit to Sir Bartle Frere, at the Cape, to consult on matters affecting the welfare of the South African Colonies.

Ministers have decided against an early dissolution. Many of the Northern constituencies strongly object to it in the present state of trade. The work of preparation, however, is proceeding actively. Members and pew candidates are working their constituencies, committees are organising their forces, and the voting registers are being overhauled. The Liberals dread a surprise after all.

Speaking at the Southport Agricultural Show, the Home .Secretary said that the Government had done all in their power to secure Jhe farmers from the ravages of the cattle disease, and that they conduce to the welfare both of the agricultural interests and the public generally. The London Corporation are about to convert St. Paul's churchyard into a garden.

The Bristol Chamber of Commerce has resolved to despatch ten artisan reporters to the Paris Exhibition to report on certain departments of trade there.

There has been an <expfosi,on at the Chelwick Gunpowder Mills. Several persons were iniured, but none killed.

The iron clipper ship Eastminster, 2,000 tons, while being loaded in the London Docks, capsized and went down.

The English steamer City of Waterford, ran into and sank the French steamer Moselles off the Spanish Coast. Two stokers perished. There has been a series ef very heavy thunderstorms throughout the country during the past fortnight. Much damage has been done, and several lives have been lost by the lightning.