MISCELLANEOUS.

Colonist, Volume XLVII, Issue 11336, 19 May 1905, Page 4

MISCELLANEOUS.

London, May 17. The wool sales closed spirited, with prices the highest during the series. The sales included : Mako 10>&d, Marorangi 12i£d, Moeraki 12% d. The Committee of Ministers has decided to permit Jewish artisans to reside in any part of Russia. A serious draught; prevails in Andaiiisia, in Spain. Many districts are almost without . crops, and farmers are selling cattle, being unable to feed them.

A fire has destroyed two churches apd 200 houses at Freezenveen, in Holland.

Herr Tattenbach, the German Envoy, has handed the Sukan of Morocco the Grand Cross of the Order of the Eed Eagle. Mr W. H. Taft, as Acting Secretary of State for the United States, has approved of the decision of the Panama Canal Commission to buy machinery, material, and ships for building the canal in the cheapest market. The Protectionists protest against the decision. The authorities at Leith have declared that the town is not infected by plague.

Brisbane, May 18.

The State Government has informed the Federal Government that it objects to pay £10,000 per annum for the Vancouver mail service, and wishes to be placed on the same footing as the other States. Sydney* May 18. Before the Tariff Commission a Chinese merchant testified that since the Federal tariff came into force the smuggling of opium had largely increased.