CABLEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 27 December 1880, Page 2

CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST HOME AND FOREIGN NEWS,

itBUTER'S TBLEGRAM. PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION). London, December 23. A ship named the Juro, from America with a cai'go of arms, has been seized off the mouth of the river Shannon, on the west coast of Ireland, where it is presumed her cargo was to be landed. ' The capture was effected without difficulty, but the occurrence has caused great excitement in districts of the Shannon.

The death of George Eliot the wellknown authoress, is announced to-day.

The total ' reserve of n.otes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 13,250,000. New Zealand Securities.—s per cent. 10-40 loan, 103; 5 per cent. 1889 loan, 106 A; 4A percent. 18791904 loan, 97f, Cape Town, Deoember 23,

Telegrams received from Dublin in Natal to-day state that a report has been received there from the Trans-vaal that the Boers have inflicted a serious defeat on British troops at Middleburg. The engagement is stated to have been most severe, and that the British were out-numbered, and lost 200 in billed and wounded, and 50 officers and men were taken prisoners. No official telegrams have yet been received here or in Natal confirming the above report.

December 24.

Telegrams from Transvaal give details of the attack by the Boers on the British position at Potchefstroom, the news of which came to hand yesterday. The fighting was severe, s,nd lasted some time, but a strong defence was offered by the British troops, and the Boers were ultimately repulsed with considerable loss. News has been received from Natal that Kinger, the Boer President, has issued a proclamation which, while deprecating any war with the British, states that the Boers are determined to assert their independence in Transvaal.

DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS,

(reuter : s telegram per press association.) Melbourne, December 24.

The following horses have been scratched for the Champion Stakes to be run on -New Year's Day :—Columbus, First King, South Hamilton, Yardley, Gloucester, Heron, Lord Lisgar, Royal Consort, Aiblins, Baron Mueller, Constance, and Western Von Princess.

The firm of Johnston and Company have contracted for repairs to the steamer Sorata, which/went ashore on the coast'a short time <tgo. - Sydney, December 24. Sailed—Union Company's steamer Eotorua, for Auckland, yesterday. . Brisbane, December 24.

The' Duke of Manchester purposes making a visit to the interior of Queenslands.

Launceston, December 24.

The Australian team won the cricket match in one innings with 122 runs to spare.