GENERAL CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 98, 20 December 1912, Page 6

GENERAL CABLES.

A GUANO ROYALTY

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright

(United Press Association.) London, December 19

Lord Harcourt, in reply to a question said they were negotiating with the pacific Phosphates Company for the payment of an additional sixpence royalty on Ocean Island guano.

VALUABLE PICTURES LOST

Paris, December 19

Three studios in the Boulevard at Saint Jacques were gutted by an explosion. Seven hundred pictures, valued at £BOOO were destroyed. Two Australian lady artists lest several pictures.

ROBBERS’ HAUL OF JEWELLERY

Malta, December 19

Three thousand pounds’ worth of jewellery have been stolen from a jeweller’s shop.

THE FORBIDDEN CITY.

Pekin, Decern tier 19. The Dowager Empress has offered to relinquish the Forbidden City and reside in .a summer palace. It is understood the Government will accept the offer when funds are available. The winter palace is practically deserted, except for the Empress, her son, and a few. retainers, who are rapidly stripping the place of valuables.

THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS

London, December 19

Lord Essex, a number of members of the House of Commons, as well as journalists, Sir John Taverner (Agent-General for Victoria), and many Australian® attended a farewell to JVIj- Henry Stead who is proceeding to Melbourne to assume the control of the Review of Reviews.

THE OPIUM TRADE

London,. December 19

English and Indian opium merchants have memorialised the Indian Office requesting a suspension of the sales 'of opium in India pending an understanding with China.

PUTUMAYO RUBBER

London, December 19.

Mr Mitchell, British Consul at Iquitos, gave evidence that with the American and Peruvian Consuls be accompanied Arana on the Putumayo expedition, and was frustrated whenever he attempted to speak to the Indians. The company’s men shadowed and overawed the Indians.

FALSE PRETENCES

London, December 19

Philip Yorke, ex-theatrical manager was summoned at Marylehnue Court for obtaining £l5O on false pretences from Mrs Kingdom Smith, a Sydneyite, in connection with the proposed starring of her daughter in the music halls.

A SEAMEN’S CONFERENCE

(Received 9.35 a.m.) London, December 19

The Seamen’s Union officials from all parts meet in London on December 28th.