MURDER OF THE SHAH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2201, 7 May 1896, Page 21

MURDER OF THE SHAH.

— ■ ' » ■■ THE SUCCESSION TO THE PERSIAN THRONE. Teheran, May 2. Molla Reza shot the Shah while entering the Azlm Mosque. The Shah died two hours later from bis wounds. Muzzafer succeeds him, but it is expected that Mizza will contest the succession. Order prevails in the city. Reza, who belongs to the society called "Babi," which has made four previous attempts on the life of the Shah, has been sxreßted.

London, May 3. The Queen has sent a message of sympathy to Teheran at the death of the Shah, and deplores the loss the world has suffered by his death. At the same time she congratulates Persia on having so worthy a successor as Muzzafer. Russia and Turkey have recognised Muzzafer-ed-din, the eldest son of the late Shah, as successor to Nasr-ed-dio. The Persians acquiesce in the succession. The Sultan of Turkey is extremely terrified at the Shah's fate, and has prohibited all mention of his murder. Pabis, May 3. The President sent a message of condolence to the new Shah on the death of his father. *ANasr-ed-Din, the Shah of Persia, who has just been put out of the way, was born in 1829, and ascended the throne in 1848. At the age of 14 he was made Governor of Azerbeidjin. On his accession he was for some time guided by the counsels of Mirza Tagui, the Ameer, who was appointed Grand Vizier. The Ameer, beiug a man of great ability and energy, instituted many reforms, and for his eminent services was rewarded with the hand of the Shah's sister in marriage. Jealousy on the part of the courtiers led to the Ameer's banishment, or according to some accounts, his murder. Naar-ed-Din has for many years shown a desire to cultivate closer relations with England by the commercial conventions he has granted. He made a tour of Europe in 1873, and again in 1889, when he was favourably received io Bngland and elsewhew.

. THE REFERENDUM. ♦ A TRIAL IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA; .ADELAIDE, April 30. The use of the Referendum in connection with the general election to ascertain th« views of tbe people on the education question will have interest for colonies other than our own. Tbe scrutiny of the votes cast will necessarily tako a long time, and bo far tha results in 15 constituencies only have been ascertained. The voting on the three issues i submitted to the popular vote in these IS districts is officially declared to be as follows :— First iesue: Ace you in favour of the con* tinuance of the present system of education ia the State -schools P There voted for the continuance of the national system * ... ... ... 29,432 Agaiant its continuance ... .*. ... 9,280 Second isi lue : Do you favour the introduction of Scriptural instruction in the StAt* schools during school hours P There voted in favour... .♦. 1(f,025 . There voted agaiDst .„ .«. 18,978 Third issue : Do yon favour payment of the capitation grant to denominational schools for secular results ? • « There voted in favour.., ... 6,791 There voted against ... 23,606 This is the first time that the Referendum has been put to practical use in Australian politic?. ,