CABLE MESSAGES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3962, 9 February 1882, Page 2

CABLE MESSAGES.

BEITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. London, February 7. Members of both Houses met to-day, when the now session of Parliament was opened by Eoyal Commission. QUEEN'S SPEECH. The Queen's speech was read by the Lord Chancellor. The following is a summary: —The approaching marriage of Prince Leopold with Princess Helen, of Waldeck, is formally announced. The relation of Great Britian with Foreign Powers is stated to continue cordial and harmonious. Beference is made to the cession of Thessaly by Turkey to Greece having been honorably executed. Her Majesty will use her influence to maintain status quo iv Egypt, and to promote the good government and prudent development of the institutions of the country. The restoration of peace beyond the north-west frontier, and internally plentiful seasons experienced, an increase of revenue had enabled the resumption of public works iv India. Confidence is expressed that the Transvaal Convention will work favorably, although hostilities have been resumed inßasutoland, and affairs iv that country are still unsettled. The negotiation with France in regard to the Commercial Treaty will be continued at an early date. The commerce of the country is improving. The mildness of the season is favorable to farming, aud the prospects of trade generally are hopeful. The state of affairs in Ireland has improved, and crime is diminishing, owing to the good effect of the special powers provided for the suppression of disorder in Ireland. Guarded reference was made as to the measure to be produced for the reform of the procedure of the House. The speech concluded by announcing bills for changes in the Bankruptcy, Patent, Corrupt Practices, and County Government laws, for the reform of the Municipality of London, and the existing criminal code, and for other objects. ATTEMPT ON LIFE OF Mr. FORSTER. A letter containing explosive material, addressed to Mr. Forster, the Chief Secretary of Ireland, has been discovered by the police, who obtained possession of the packet and destroyed it. AFFAIRS IN EGYPT. Cairo, February 8. It has transpired that the new Ministry has definitely approved of the organic law recently demanded by the Notables, which the Chamber will be allowed to vote. It is further known that the Cabinet has laid its views before the Khedive, and that His Highness has declared that the law is consonant with the international obligations. AUSTBALIAN TELEGEAMS. Meluournk, February 8. G. Leacy, the well-known cricketer, has been found guilty of embezzling funds of the Metropolitan Building Society, and been sentenced to two years imprisonment. There are now sovon small-pox patients from the Mh/Siipo.e. All the eufferers are progressing favorably.

' Applications are invited for 40,200 share^ in the Keast and McCarthy Brewery Company, Dunedin^ Sydney, February 8. Efforts to float the Fiona, A.S.N. Co.'s oharterod steamer, which-re-cently went ashore on the Seal Hocks [ point, proved unsuccessful. A heavy sea is now breaking overjier, jind she is expected shortly to become a" total' wreck. The vessel will be offered at auction to-day. The result of the enquiry which has been held by the Marine Board into the loss of the Australian Steam Xavi- ' gation Co.'s steamship Fiona was made known to-day. The Board finds the vessel was wrecked through default of the captain, who has been summoned | to show cause on Monday next why | his certificate should not be suspended. |