NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume IV, Issue 182, 31 March 1896, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

THE TRANSVAAL. London, March 28. The Pall Mall Gazette and The Times are publishing cables which escaped the cencorship of the Boers, stating that the situation in the Transvaal is grave. It is believed Mr Chamberlain demands conditions which the Boers resist, whereby the fate of the contemplated reforms is endangered. THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION. Paris, March 27. France and Russia have refused to sanction the use of the Egyptian reserve fund. France insists on precise pledges being given for the evacuation of Egypt. Constantinople, March 27. The Sultan is incensed because he was not consulted by England and the Khedive before the Soudan expedition was despatched. VENEZUELA. London, March 27. Mr Ritchie said the solution of the Venezuela difficulty would be found in friendly arbitration within the limits approved by the British. Lord Salisbury had submitted the proposals to the United States Government in favor of referring all disputes between these two countries to arbitration. THE SUGAR TRADE. Sydney, March 28. A monster deputation representing the sugar interests will shortly approach the Premier to endeavor tb secure a revolution of the proposal to gradually extinguish the sugar duties. A sugar company affirms that if the duties were abolished it will mean the extinction of the trade as far as this colony is concerned. A MURDEROUS ASSAULT. Melbourne, March 28. A murderous assault has been made on Dr Cunningham at Talbot. A man, apparently insane, called on the doctor, and when the- latter opened the door struck him a terrific blow on the head with a tomahawk. He is unlikely to recover. Cairo, March 28. It is reported that the Italian troops in Adowah are badly organised, and without discipline. St. Petersburg, March 28. Russian scientists will send a search expedition if Dr Nansen does not return from his Polar expedition by autumn. Calcutta, March 28. An Indian contingent has offered its services fftr the Soudan expedition if required, while two powerful Shieks have offered aid. Melbourne, March 28. The Treasury has received from the executors of the late Samuel Wilson a cheque for £4034 probate duty on his estate. It is reported to the police that an unknown boat containing four men was seen to sink off Port Henry. Search is being made. . Sydney, March 28. There is a little more hopeful feeling about the threatened strike, and a number of the proprietors show more inclination to agree to the proposals of the conference.