BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Per Press Association.) London, August 14. '

Otago Witness, Issue 1917, 17 August 1888, Page 21

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Per Press Association.) London, August 14. '

Messrs Tyser and Co. have joined the shipping ring. The Mutual Shipping Company have agreed to abstain from increasing their capital, and are canvassing for customers of the ring loading for any ports in Australia but Sydney and Melbourne, to which they will despatch a limited number of vessels. The rates of freight are to be increased on 4th September, and there is a probability of a further increase. A committee representing shipping companies is being appointi-d to confer with the shipping ring with a view to regulating the rates of freight. . Sir Arthur Blyth and Sir Graham Berry had an interview yesterday with Lord Knutsford, who said he had consulted the Marquis of Salisbury respecting the Chinese difficulty in the colonies. The result of- the interview was unsatisfactory, and Lord Knutsford expressed surprise that the colonies showed an

unwillingness to continne parleying on the question through the Government. It is alleged that her Highness Princess Helena, wife of Prince Christian of Schles-wig-Holstein, and daughter of her Majesty the Queen, will shortly become a convert to Romanism. Her tendencies towards Borne and the Catholic Church have long been known, but it is said that his Holiness the Pope was not aware of her intention. Cardinal Moran, speaking at Kildare, said that through the wisdom of colonial statesmen Imperial rule became a symbol of peace throughout Australia. The Royal assent has been given to the Irish Commission Bill, the Imperial Defence Bill, and the Local Government Bill. A collision took place in the English Channel yesterday between the Newcastle steamer Bosphorus and the Abbeytown, bound for Warrnambool, laden with cement. The Bosphorus"" sank, but her crew were I saved by the Abbeytown, which reached Plymouth with her bows stove in. ' Mr Henry Broadhursfc, member for Nottingham, presented a petition to the House of Commons praying for the assistance of the Government in colonising the East Coast district of New Zealand. Mr W. L. Rees and Wi Pere are the petitioners. Fifteen thousand Thibetans are reported lo be at Makulato Pass, and British reinforcements are advancing to meet them. The Khedive of Egypt has protested against the annexation of Massowah and Zulla. At the Pan-Anglican Conference it was decided that the next meeting be held in America. Sir C. Russell, instructed by Mr Lewis, a well-known solicitor, will conduct the case of the Irish members before the commission. Mr Paraell's action against The Times will be tried in Scotland in November. The proceedings are not barred, es they were commenced prior to the Royal assent being given to the Commission Bill. The Times expresses surprise at the action of Mr Parnell, and contends that the proceedings were brought too late, and only with the object of evading a statutory inquiry. Mr Chamberlain has written a' letter to The Times to prove that Mr Parnell was formerly willing to assent to a policy of coercion, including a change of venue in the case of outrages and the paying of compensation to those who suffered by agrarian murders. • Messrs O'Connor and John Redmond, M.P's, have commenced separate actions in England against the proprietor of The Times ' for charges made against them. In the action which Mr Parnell intends bringing against The Times in Scotland £50,000 damages are claimed. Berlin, August 14. Field-marshal General Count yon Moltke has been appointed President of the National Defence Commission, and has resigned his position as Lieutenant-general of the Prussian army staff. He will be succeeded by Lieutenant-general Count yon Waldersee. The resignation of Count yon Moltke of his position as head of the Prussian army has created a sensation in Germany. The British state that it is alleged Prince Bismarck ..suspected the Countess yon Mollke' of meddling in politics and was concerned in designs hostile to himself, and was also intriguing on behalf of those desirous of war. The Emperor William has written to General Count yon Moltke a friendly letter accepting his resignation as Field-marshal of the Imperial forces. PEKIN, August 13. The Empress Dowager has expressed hei intention of resigning from the Government of the Empire in March next in favour of her son, the Emperor. Natal, August 13. Sir Arthur Havelock demands that the Zulu chiefs Denizulu and Undabuka shall be extradited from the Transvaal. Paris, August 13. The line of railway from Constantinople to Paris has been opened. The French Government have informed the Porte that France has no designs on Tripoli. During the election for the department of Charente fnferieur to-day serious riots took place at St. Jean D'Auley, and a professor of the Lycee fired five shots at General Boulanger, none of which, however, took effect. Calcutta, August 13. An Indian patriotic society is being formed for the purpose of opposing the action of the National Congress. Massowah, August 13. A force of 350 auxiliaries alone: with their Italian officers who were despatched against the Abyssinians at Sagnite were totally annihilated owing to treachery of the native allies, who joined the force during the evening while an engagement was taking place.