BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14040, 25 October 1909, Page 5

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Press AstwcJation-TSy Telegraph-Copyright THE CONGO. LONDON, Oct. 22. Sir Edward Grey, speaking at Sheffield, said lliafc tho Government cannot recognise the annexation ol' the Congo till the system ol' government there had been -changed.- If the situation is prolonged indeiinitoly, it must result in an undesirable complication. WARSHTPS EOT!. CHILL Chili has decided to build a 20,000 ton battleship, ocean destroyers, and several submarines, at a cost of £4,000,000, GERMANY'S DREADNOUGHTS. BERLIN, Oct. 22. In a few days Germany will launch the Thuringia, making three superDreadnoughts in 00 days. SULPHURIC ACID IN WTNE. PARIS, Oct. 22. At the Pure Food Congress the Paris representatives of the French wine trade secured the passing of a resolution permitting a percentage of sulphuric acid in the manufacture of wine, despite th» nrotest of Professor Gnutier, president of the Academy of Medicine, and the Russian delegate's warning that probably the result would be the exclusion of French wines from Russia. FOREIGN INSURANCE COMPANIES Received 5.5 n.m., Oct. 24th. OTTAWA, Oct. 22. The Canadian Government proposes an Insurance Bill permitting foreign companies to do fire business on payment of 15 per rent, of the net premiums. Many protests are made by Canadian companies as to the injustice of permitting outside associations to do business in the Dominion without depositing £20,000. ; CANADIAN SCHOOLS. In many of the elementary schools of Canada appropriate lessons were given in connection with Trafalgar Day. EXPANSION OF TRADE. OTTAWA, Oct. 23. A deputation of leading Canadian manufacturers asked the Government for a subsidy of 250,000 dollars for a direct steamship service between Canada and Australia via the Atlantic. THE GREEK CRISIS. ATHENS, Oct. 23.

Many officers of the Greek Military League, fearing punishment after the King's resignation or death, are pressing the Crown Prince's renunciation of the succession in favour of his infant son. The moderate members of the League deprecate the proposal. THE ORIENT STEAMERS. The Orient steamers are to continue calling at Plymouth. HALLEY'S COMET. Professor A. Newall, of Cambridge Observatory, saw Halley's comet on Thursday with the aid of a large reflector.

AT THE VATICAN

ROME, Oct. 23. The Pope gave a private audience to a number of Australian priests, and manifested great interest in the religious affairs of Australia. His Holiness asked a number of searching questions regarding the prevailing conditions in the Commonwealth. SPANISH PREMIER'S POLICY. MADRID, Oct. 22. Interviewed by a representative of "Lo Matin," M. Moret stated that ho intends to hasten the termination of the Riff campaign. He will grant an amnestv for political and press offences, and will demand the maintenance of law and order. He will bo pitiless but iust towards law-breakers. It is reported at Madrid that General Wyler supersedes General Marina in the Moroccan command.