NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 78, 2 April 1895, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

11031 §2 ANS> FOREIGN. THE CHITRAL DIFFICULTY. Sydney, March 30. Captain Onslow, the local military officer, who wont to India for six months trailli is attached to Low’s expedition to C..itral. Calcutta,, March 30. It is reported that a second detachment of British troops is isolated in Chitral, but nothing definite can be ascertained, as the telegraphic wires have been cut by the rebels. Calcutta, March 81. The Chitral force has left Murdan. London. March 30. Hon G. R. Curzon, the traveller who recently published a work upon the States in North-western India, declares that Mr Robertson has ample supplies to hold Chitral until ho is relieved. The fire of the enemy cannot command the fort. HOME RULE QUESTION. London March 81. In the House of Commons the motion tabled by Mr J. H. Dalziel, M.P. for Kirkcaldy, in favor of granting a legislature for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, each to have control of their own domestic affairs, was carried by 128 to 102. During the discussion, and while the division was being taken, the leaders of the Governwere absent from the Chamber. FRANCE AND ENGLAND. London, March 30. Sir E. Grey, in reply to a question, said Germany, Italy, and the Congo State had recognised the British sphere on the Upper Nile. The other Powers were aware of her claims, and had never disputed their validity. He had no reason to believe that the French expedition was advancing ou the Upper Nile. He was not aware whether the French expeditions had yet reached the Niger territory. The news was serious, if true. Sir E. Grey went on to say that undoubtedly the actions of the French in Siam and Africa had caused anxiety and uneasiness to England. On her part she had striven to maintain good relations, but if they were to be preserved the co-operation of the French Government and the people was necessary. The statement created a profound impression in the House, and the Press approved the firmness of tone adopted by the Government. Paris, March 30. The French newspapers referring to the British Foreign Secretary’s statements respecting the French expeditions, declare them to be empty swagger. The French Minister for the Colonies intends to reply to the statements in the Chamber of Deputies. THE CHINA-JAPANESB AVAR. Yokohama, March 80. Owing to the outrage committed on Li Hung Chang, the Mikado has decreed an unconditional armistice. The Japanese continue to advance, and their fleet is now bombarding Tai Wanfoo and Formosa. London, March 30. The great Powers decline to support the proposal of the Chinese Government for an armistice pending the result of the Peace negotiations now going on in Japan, or to interfere in in any way in the warfare. London, March 30. The appearance of the French expeditions in British territory upon the middle Niger breaks the convention of 1800. The authorities at Akassahope that Franca will immediately recall them in order to prevent a collision. The British East Africa Company has accepted a retiring settlement of £200,000 from the Saltan of Zanzibar, and £50,000 from Great Britain. Berlin, March 29. The Imperial authorities have assured Canada that it will be impossible for Prance to claim equal privileges in the event of a preferential arrangement being made with the Cape and Australia. The sword presented to Prince von Bismarck was with the united arms of Alsace and Lorraine. The Kaiser said it was offered in token of gratitude for the deeds of the Prince concluded 25 year ago. He then called for cheers for Bismarck. St. Petersburg, March 29. The Russian Envoys to the Balkan States have been directed to abstain from interfering in the domestic affairs of those countries, it being the desire of the Czar to develop the autonomic form of government there. Sydney, March 29.

At a meeting of shareholders of the Bank of South Australia the advisability of prosecuting the directors for for fraud was discussed, and it was eventually decided to consult the defence committee on the matter. A bill to amend the Conciliation and Arbitration Act passed the second reading of the Legislative Assembly without division. The measure was then committed. The Hon Mr Garrard said the award was not compulsory, though they might have to make it so. In the Legislative Council the Land Bill passed through committee. The bill reducing future Governors’ salary to £SOOO was read a second time in the Legislative Assembly by 39 to 31, and passed through committee.

The report of the Labor Bureau for the year states that the depression is severely felt, but there was a good demand for farm labor. In the building trade it says there was an acute depression. The number of unemployed registered 13,500, an increase of 1100 on the preceding twelvemonths. The bulk of these were sent fossicking for gold, and the increase in the yield of gold is largely attributed to this means. Although £OOOO had been received as refund on fares, there was still £12,000 owing. G. Dean, master of a ferry boat, was

charged with systematic attempts to noison his wife at the North Sydney Police Court, Mrs Dean deposed that she married accused in 1894, but was on unfriendly terms with him just before the beginning of this year. In March she noticed ft bitter taste in some lemon syrup, the same as in soma beef tea she had had some five weeks before. She also noticed a white substance in porter and tea which her husband gave her, and which she refused to chink. She very sick after drinking some medicine he gave her with a white powder floating on the top. He explained that the powder was ordered to be put in her medicine. The case was adjourned. Adelaide, March 29.

A deputation of farmers asked the Government to reconsider reciprocity with New Zealand, which they declared would ruin,the barley industry. The Premier said that if the colony was absolutely incapable of competing with New Zealand, then barley-growing was an exotic industry, and growers had better turn their attention to wine and fruit.

Perth, March 30.

An Italian business-man has proposed to the Government to set aside a suitable area to establish 50 peasant Italian families, who shall undertake growing castor oil plant for the production of oil, sericulture, and viticulture. He asks that the Government grant free or assisted passages from Naples, admit seeds and machinery free, and grant a moderate amount of protection to the industries initiated