BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVI, Issue 993, 24 November 1883, Page 4

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

fJteuter'a Special.) Paris, .November 20th. The Recidivist Bill, providing for the wholesale deportation of habitual criminals from French cities to the Pacific islands, was under discussion in the Senate to-day. The measure was warmly criticised, and the principal cause ultimately rejected by a considerable majority. Belgrade, November 20rh. Three leaders in the recent rebellion in thia country, who were condemned to death, have been Bhot. Alexandria, November 19th. The report to hand last week that a detachment of Egyptiau troops had been attacked' and routed near Suakin, a port in the Red Sea, is now fully confirmed. The troops numbered 500, and were proceeding' to reinforce the army in the Soudan, when they were attacked by the rebel hillmen. Mr Moncrieff, the British consul at Suakin, who was with the detachment, was killed. Only 14 men escaped, and they made their way to Suakin, which was sbsequantly attacked by the rebels, who were, however, repulsed by the Egyptian garrison. The latest reports state that another attack upon Suakin is imminent, and that the population is flying from the place, fearing that it will fall into the hands of the rebels. * * r * November 20th. News has been received here from the Soudan which gives currency to a report ttiat the Egyptian forces under Hicks Pasha, who are operating against the followers of El Mahdi, the False Prophet, are short of provisions and surrounded by the enemy. The position of the Egyptian troops is said to be critical. The Khedive has given orders that a force of Baahi Bazoubs and some regiments of black troops shall proceed -without delay to Suakin, the scene of the recent defeat of the Egyptian regulars by the rebel hill tribes. Hongkong, Nobember 20th. ' A report has reached here from Tonquin that the Chinese forces have abandoned Sontay and Bac Ninh, upon which the French commander contemplates'making an attack next month. Cape Town, November 20th. Intelligence is to hand from Natal that Maukoroane, one of the leading Zulu chieftains, has asked that his territory and people may be placed under British rule. London, November 20th. An official statement has been published that the Queen's health has greatly improved, and that her Majesty his nearly recovered from the effects of her accident at Windsor Castle in March last. She is now able' to walk much better than has been the case for some time past. The cargo of the Doric, from New Zealand, consisting of 8000 carcasses of frozensheep, has arrived in good condition. The death is announced of Sir William Siemens, the well-known electrical engineer ; aged 60. The Colonial wool auctions opened today before a large attendance of Home and foreign buyers. The opening catalogue comprised 9800 bales. ' Good competition was experienced, and ruling prices were well maintained. The present series close on December 12. November 21st. The trial of the Fenian, Poole, for the murder of Mr Kenny, in whose case the first jury was discharged, being unable to agree upon a verdict, was concluded yesterday at Dublin, when a verdict of guilty was brought in, and the prisoner sentenced to death. At the conclusion of the trial, Poole spoke boastfngly of his connection with the Fenian Brotherhood, but denied that he had been concerned in the murder of Kenny. The cargo of frozen meat, consisting of 3650 carcasses of sheep, per Garonne, from Melbourne (October 6th), arrived in a perfect condition. It has been decided, however, by the consignees to store the meat fur the present, as the market is temporarily glutted by the Doric's cargo. A French brig named the Bocaberg has been in collision with another vesßel in the Atlantic. The Rocaberg sank almost immediately, and 88 persons have been drowned. Bombay, November 21st. The Duke of Connaught arrived here to-day from London, en route for Meerut, to take up his military command. His Royal Highness landed in presence of an immenae concourse of people, by whom he was cordially received, much enthusiasm being displayed. A countryman stepped into a fruit store, and invested in a nickel's worth of chestnuts. In about half-an-hour he returned, and handed, the proprietor one of the nuts. ."What does this mean?" askedthe dealer* " Well," remarked the customer, " that is the only sound chestnut I found, in the pint, and so thought you had put it in by mistake. lam an nonest< man, and don't want to take » mean advantage of a fellow."