CABLEGRAMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2083, 25 January 1894, Page 36

CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Peb Pbess Association.)

London, January IG. The Earl and Countess of Mar and Kellie have sailed in the steamer Ophir for Australia. The machines used in printing the Pall Mall Gazette and Budget are run by electricity. Tho Daily Chronicle warns investors against taking up shares in unknown West Australian gold mines, and of the danger of rotten companies being promoted. The Rev. W. Paton has "assured the Marquis of Eipon that the labour contracts between the Queensland planters and the kanakas are scarcely more than disguised slavery. At the Imperial Institute the Marquia of Lome suggested the adoption of a system of inter-State insurance to reduce the effects of banking losses. January 17. The total quantity of wheat and fljur afloat for tho United Kingdom is 2,880,000 quarters, and for the Continent 1,000,000 quartern. City brokers believe that the time is opportune for placieg a Queensland loan on the' market. General Tulloch, commandant of the Victorian military forces, in a letter to tha Uuited Service Magazine, declares that if the British Navy is supreme Australia will be aafe from raiding expeditions, and that the only fear U that the military forces may be inacUqua'.e. General Cbesney considers that the sending of an expedition to conqner Australia would be absurd and impossible. In the French Chamber of Deputies exMlnistßr Flourens said that the alliance with Russia was designed to promote peace. He hoped that the Euspicion with which the English looked upon the alliance would soon be allayed. The Chamber adopted the proposal put forward by tbe Socialist section to apply the (>B,ooo,ooofr to be Fayed by the conversion sctiemo to reducing the land tax. M. Burdeaux, Minister of Finance, protested, and declined to accept the direction given by the vote, whereupon it was rescinded by a majority of 100, and the bill passed. Ten vessels were wrecked by a cyclone in the Black Sea and los£ with all on board. The Djiily Chronicle's Rome correspondent says that the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church nearest to this Pcpe believe that a revolt is certain.

January 18. The American visible wheaC supply is estimated at 100,200,000 bushels. Sir Andrew Clarke, Acting-agent-general for Victoria, is urging colonial exporters to send Home shipments of compressed hay, which he is convinced will find a good market. The New Zealand and Kiver Plate Land and Mortgage Company (Limited) showa a noi profit of L12.G00 for the year. Of this amount L2OOO is placed to the reserve fund, and LIO.OOO carried forward. Two of the directors — Sir William T. Power and Mr Thomas Russell, O.M.G. — retire. The new directors are Messrs Nathan M'Coss dark and H. J. Gibbs. The P. and O. Company's steamer Britannia is ashore in the English Channel. No particulars are to hand. The Britannia floated off uninjured and proceeded on her voyage. The Bank of England returns published today show the total reserve in notes and bullion to be £17,926,000., The proportion of reserves to liabilities is 49-98 per cent. New Zealand long-berried wheat (ex warehouse), 293 3d (market quiet) ; Australian do, 303 (quiet.) ; Victorian do, 29s Gd (flat.) Frozen meat and hemp are unchanged. Sugar : Beet German beet, 12s 4£d ; Java, 1«3 3d. No. 1 best Scotch pig iron (f.o.b, in the Clyde), steady at 43s Hi, Danish butter, 118s (id ; Victorian factoryrnado, 102s to 112s; New South Wales, 100s to 1083. Factory batter by the Coptic realised 106s to 110s ; choice parcels, 112s. The Treasury officials declare that Mr Ptel's paper en the Australian financial crisis, written in Augnst last, was an unofficial essay by a junior clerk intended for the information of hia chief, and to show his skill in draughting, and it Lad not obtained publicity here. Mr Peel showed the paper to Mr Baker, in the city, who it is believed sent a copy to Sir G. K. Dibbs without authority, with the object of 3ecuring a better price. Mr J. H. Reynolds, of New Zealand, assisted by the Victorian agents in London, has formed an important combination to receive and distribute the finest quality of Victorian butter next season, Mr Reynolds himself taking all shipments of fine New Zealand butter. The combination has secured cold storage accjmmodation, and will thus be able to regulate the market. Sir Andrew Clarke and Sir Saul Samuel concur that it 13 desirable that Mr Dancan Gillies, the recently-appointed Agent-general for Victoria, should bring a formal agreement from the colonies respecting the coinage of silver and bronze, otherwise it will bo futile to reopen the discussion on the Buliject. The New Zealand Trnst and Loan Company dechre a dividend at the rate of 9 per cent. The Japanese Parliament has been dissolved owing to its anti-foreign tendencies and the hostility displayed to the Government. Foreign residents in Tokio are not afe. The Czarina is ouffeiing from acute influenza. The year's deficit in Prussia amounts to T0.000.0G0 marks, which is to be covered by loan. The French expedition at Madagascar will consist of 10,000 soldiers. The intention is to extinguish the influence of the English missionaries in the island. Pending a revaluation of the assets of the New Zealand and River Plate Company, a discussion of the reconstruction scheme investments has been suspended, and all moneys received will be used to pay debentures.

■ January 19. The new board of directors of tbe New

Zealand and River Plate Land Mortgage Company will ascertain the losses made and assess the amount required to be wricten off. They will then consult a meeting of shareholders as to the future policy of the company.

Tho New Zealand Shipping Company's Kaikoura has pnt into Teneriffe with her cargo on fire. No particulars are to hand.

[The Kaikoura loft Plymouth on her outward voyage on the 13fch insfc., Wellington being her first port of call in this colony.]

Tho lower orlop deck of tho R.M.S. Kuikoura, which put in at Teneriffe with her cargo on fire, was flooded and tbe fire extinguished. The damaged cargo was landed at Tenet iff c, and the vessel proceeded on her voyage.

Mr B. Blake, M P., appeals to the Irish sympathisers to raise £48,000, £9000 of which is wanted for the payment of members.

An injunction has been obtained against Madame Tussaud to restrain the proprietors from putting an effigy on view there of Moneon, who was tried for the murder of Lieutenant Hamborougb.

News from ihe West Coast of Africa states that the Sofa slave-dealers pillaged the villages of the interior and massacred the women and children. The British forces surprised them, killing 250 of their number and setting free 400 captives.

The Czar, aadresaing his courtiers, said it was his greatest ambition to deserve the title of the peasants' Emperor. He had tried to prevent themoujiks dying of hunger, and that was the only way to rule.

The French press are publishing reports to the effect that the King of Italy is seriously thinking of abandoning the country, while Queen Margherita is represented aa being always in tears, and as passing whole days in prayer.

I'tvo hundred volunteers ara leaving Canada to protect the Queen of Hawaii against the Americans.

January 20. The United States Treasury bonds were subscribed twofold.

The Standard's correspondent wires that financiers propose that America, France, Great Britain, and Germany should form a monetary union, fixed on the basis of a yearly purchase of silver, allowing India unlimited coinage, a,ud fixing the price of silver at 4d above the rupee value.

The Italian Premier, Signor Criapi, asserts that the commercial rupture with France la driving the Italians into the German markets. .

Tbe Bank .of Australasia has given a fortnight's notice of its intention to withdraw from the a sociated banis. The bank dec ines to give its rer-sons for adopting this course, but it is generally understood the step is not an aggressive one. It ia rumoured that the cutting of rates by the reconstructed banks has had something to do with the matter.

The Earl of Kimberley has abandoned the proposal that Is 3£ 1 should be the minimum for India Council bills. The announcement has caused some dismay in Calcutta. January 21. Tho Russian Government have agreed Jto renew the modus vivendi in connection with the Behring Sea fisheries. Russia is sending the warship Kurik, of 11,000 tons, to the Mediterranean waters. Signer Crispi, the Italian Premier, says the slow mobilising of the troops intended to prevent the extension of the revolt has proved that Italy is unprepared for war. The Paris correspondent of The Times says the statesmen of the various Continental nations are considering the propriety of ' reducing the term of compulsory military I service to one year, instead of two or three years, in order to alleviate the burden of the people. An Anarchist magazine containing sufficient explosives to have destroyed the whole ! town has been discovered in Gelsenkirchen, [ Germany. A number of arrests have been made. It is reported that a Radical conspiracy, which had hoped to depose Kirg Alexander [of Servia, has been discovered. A number of officials are said to be involved. I New has been received that almost tho I whole of Jeremie, a seaporb town of Hayti, [has been destroyed- by fire, by which GOOO people have been rendered homeless. Lord Elgin met with a brilliant reception in Bombay. In replying to an address the Viceroy said he was certain he would enjoy the support of a loyal people. Silver is unquotable, the market beiDg disorganised. Rupee paper, LGI 10a por 1000. Colonial butter is unchanged. The consignment of preserved milk from Queensland was opened in excellent condition. Tbe English wheat market has a downward tendency, while the Continental is inactive, and American shows a general decline. For Australian wheat, on the passage, sellers are aekirjf? 28s, but buyers refuse to give more than 27s 6d. Tallow : Medium mutton, 275 ; beef, 26s G'J. Details of the defeat iuflicred on the Sofas show that the engagement was a decisive one. Siventy-sevet prisoners were taken and 400 slaves released. Mr and Mrs Zirenbergr, who were plaintiffs in the libel action against Truth, have been for trial for perjury. Pahis, January IS. France is organising an expedition against Madame r. A quirnity cf dynamite hidden in a package of ostrich feathers exploded in the mail room on the Messaoeiies Maiitimes Company's feteamer Equateur on her arrival at Bordeaux. Tbe explosion resulted in the death of three sailors and wrecked the vepgcl amidsbips. January 19. The Government have appointed a commission to inquire into tho condition of the French Navy. TheFiench imports and exports for the year each show a decrease of 250,000,000fr (10 millions sterling). Paeis, January SI. The French Chamber of Deputies has sanctioned the treaty with Siam. Beelin, Jannary 17. Speaking at the opening of the Prussian Diet, Emperor William expressed regret at the growing deficits, which he said could only be obviated by the organisation of the financial system of the Empire, IJe an-

nonnoed that last year's deficit, amounting to 25,000,000 marks, would be covered by a loan.

January 19. The state of Prince Bismarck's health is again causing some anxiety. St. Pjsteksbukg, January IG.

The Russian Government have demanded the right of access to the naval stores formerly deposited on Poros, a small island of Greece.

January 20. An Anglo liussian convention re the Pamirs has been virtually arranged. Rome, January 17.

A serious encounter took place between the troops and Anarchists at Oarrara, many of the latter being killed and wounded. The labour leaders at Palermo, in Sicily, have been arrested for inciting the populace to riot.

Antonio Monzello, formerly Minister for Agriculture, has been extradited from London in connection with the Banca Romana frauds, amounting to two and a-baif million pounds. Counsel for accused says it is intended to make him the scapegoat for political frauds.

The Banca Generale has applied for moratorium owing to the run upon it. The bank is stated to have a large surplus.

Martial law has been proclaimed in Oarrara. January 20. A run has taken place on the State Savings Bank in this city. Athens, January 20. It is believed Russia will permanently rent Poros, a small island of Greece, and fortify the island. Cairo, January 17. It is reported that the Khedive will pay a visit to London in June. Hongkong, January 1(5. One of the temples in Ningpo has been destroyed by fire. The building was crowded at the timp, and in the ru3h to escape the people were jammed on the stairways. Three hundred lives were lost. The origin of the tire wa3 accidental. January 21. A series of severe earthquake shocks have been experienced ia Mongolia, and 100 natives were engulphed. There is a silver crisis in Hongkong, Shanghai, and Singapore owing to the scarcity of Mexican dollar?. A band of Tonquin pirates caught a French force in ambush at Caihiuh, killing and wounding 25 of their number. Calcutta, January 18. The Indian Government have decided not to impose an import duly on silver. Washington, January 17. Tho Committee of Ways and Means has decided to bring the reduced duties on woollen goods into force in December. The Senate has rejected President Cleveland's choice of Mr Hornblower a3 judge of the Supreme Court. There is considerable excitement in Florida over the fight between Corbett and Mitchell, and the Governor has again ordered the troops to prevent it taking place. January 18. An amendment to defer the free admission of wool into the United Ssate3 until August was rejected, co that the duty will ba removed immediately on the bill becoming law Mr Carlisle, Treasurer, invites tenders for 50,000,000d0l gold 5 per cent, bonds. New Yoek, January IG. The Brazilian correspondent of the New York Herald wires that before abandoning Bage, which the insurgents had captured, their leader ordered that all loyalist prisoners should be beheaded. While retreating from their position the insurgents were attacked by the Government forces, and lost 400 men. January 18. The use of dynamite bombs in the United States is increasing. So far only isolated cases are reported, and various motives are suggested. Mr Carlisle, Secretary of the Treasury, has fixed the minimum of Treasury bonds at 117. January 19. The committee of the Duval Athletic Club in Jacksonville declare that, in the event of interference by the militia to prevent the prize fight between Mitchell and Corbetr, the club will be prepared to resist, and can rely on the support of GOOO man, January 20. News from Brazil states that the rebel Admiral Gana repulsed an attack on Coucicao Island, the Government losing 120 killed. It is reported that the chief of police in Jacksonville, Florida, has sworn in 400 special constables to assist the State militia in carrying out the Governor's orders to the militia to stop the Corbctt-Mitchell fight. I San Fbancisco. January 21. News has reached here tbafc the natives of Jlanua have rebelled and proclaimed Tamasese king. The natives resisted a general disarmament. OTTAAVA, January 19. T.vo French Canadians were fined 25d0l for attempting to dynamite Nolson's Monument in Montreal. The Government altered the change to one of wilful damage to property. Rio de Janeiro, January 17. The insurgents are again bombarding the city. A number of persons have been killed, including several Italian residents. A detachment of the rebel fleet is blockading Santo?, January 19, The instrgenttf have captured Paranngua a maritime town of 7000 inhabitants. January 21. The rebels are fleeing from Bage, which is hemmed in by the Government forces. The town must surrender, or its inhabitants will die of starvation.

At the Canterbury Board of Education meeting on the 11th inst. notice of motion abolishing corporal pnnishraenfc of girls in the schools of the district was given. The matter arose out qf a complaint which was being investigated against the master of a country school of undue severity.

The crime statistics Jfor |t>he past year show that the number of persons apprehended was 1727 as against 1253 in 1892. Of these, 78 males and five females were committed for trial, and 52 males and two females subsequently convicted, whilst 1169 males and 284- females were discharged,