ENGLISH AND FOREIGN.

Waipawa Mail, Volume VI, Issue 680, 19 August 1884, Page 4

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN.

[Special to Melbourne “ Age.”] London, August 6. The delays in making the preliminary arrangements for the formation of the new Oriental Bank are likely to prove detrimental to the successful floating of the company. Many of the properties of the old bank have been sold, the National Bank of Australia having purchased the premises previously occupied by the Oriental Bank at Stawell, Chewton, and Bunboola. It is probable that the formation of the new bank will be abandoned. August 7. The political excitement occasioned in Great Britain by the rejection of the Franchise Bill lias led to the formation of a league for the reform of the House of Lords. The time has been extended for receiving offers for the £IOO,OOO worth of debentures to be issued by the Thames Valley and Rotorua Hallway Company, New Zealand. [Special to the Press Association.] London, August 12. The wool sales opened to-day. There was a full attendance, especially of Home buyers. The competition was very keen. The prices are firm on last closing rates. Fine crossbreds are slightly improved. To-day’s arrivals, including shipments per Doric and Victory, gave a total of 330,000 bales available for these sales. Mr Fawcett, the Postmaster- G eneral has expressed a hope that the Australian colonies will send practical delegates to represent them at the Postal Convention to be held shortly at Lisbon. Lord Derby has again been urged to include the Pacific Islands in his annexation scheme, but has declined to accede to the request. The frozen meat ex Potosi is selling at to 4fd. Owing to the excessive heat experienced here the market is somewhat depressed. Colonel Romillv, Deputy Chairman of the Customs Board, condemns the action of the German Government in supplying Snider rifles to the native inhabitants of New Britain and New Ireland. Sir Saul Samuel, the Agent-General of New South Wales, acting under instructions from his Government, is strongly urging the delay of the Federation Enabling Bill until the New South Wales Parliament has considered the resolutions passed by the recent Australasian Convention. Lord Derby is impressed with the wisdom of this step. August 13. The Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Colonial Under-Secretary, will shortly confer with Sir F. N. Broome, Governor of Western Australia, with a view to the prevention of kidnap piug among the Perth pearl fisheries. A Fiji planter, writing to The Times , alleges that Sir Arthur Gordon’s administration among the Islands has reduced the labourer to a life of hopeless slavery. The Times doubts this assertion. Colonel F. Homily states that many natives, both from New Britain and New Ireland, have been kidnapped into Queensland. The German Press are furious at the annexation of the Walvisch Bay district by the Cape Colony. [Reuter’s Telegrams.] London, August 11. In consequence of the bombardment of Kelung by the French, offers of mediation between France and China have been made by some of the Powers. The French Government have, however, declined these offers. The allotment of shares in the new Oriental Bank Corporation which is now being formed has been delayed, pending the receipt of applications from Australia and the East. A cricket match, comprising mixed teams of Australians and Englishmen, smokers versus non-smokers, has been arranged to take place on Lord’s ground on September 15, 16, and 17, for the benefit of the English cricketers’ fund. Lord Harris will act as captain of the smokers, aud Dr W. G. Grace as captain of the lion-smokers. France has threatened to seize Amoy and the Piscadores, a group of small islands off the coast of Formosa. August 14. Parliament was formally prorogued to-day" by commission. The Queen’s speech was read by the Lord Chancellor, and expressed regret that several important measures which had been introduced had failed to become law. It stated that the friendliest intercourse continued to be maintained with the various Powers, and alluded to the resumption of diplomatie relations with the Mexican Hepublic. It lamented the failure of the Conference on Egyptian affairs, and added that the Government would continue to fulfil with fidelity the duties arising out of the presence of British troops in the Nile Valley. It expressed a belief that the special mission of Earl Northbrook to Egypt would materially aid Her Majesty’s counsels on the Egyptian question and the future steps to be taken in that country. Regret was expressed that Zululand,* outside the reserve territory, was now in a disturbed state. Allusion was made to the improvement which was manifest in Ireland, and to the prospects of an abundant harvest throughout the kingdom. The speech announced that Parliament would be called together *ij:iin in the autumn, aud concluded

by saying that the prevailing loyalty to the Throne, and the respect shown to the law, inspired the belief that the national aim was to pursue a course of order and moderation, and there was every appearance of a settlement which would prove conducive to the happiness and liberties of the people, and the strength of the Empire. The catalogue at to-day’& wool sale comprised 10,000 bales. Prices were firmly maintained. The total quantity offered since the opening of the series is 29,800 bales, of which 1,200 have been withdrawn. August 15. Tawhaio and party will sail for Australia by the steamship Potosi, leaving on the 22nd instant. Prime New Zealand mutton is quoted at 5d per lb. At to-day’s wool auction good competition was experienced. The catalogue comprised 10,500 bales. Crossbreds are now ruling fully a halfpenny higher than at the close of last sales. August 16. The Times , in its issue this morning, announces that China has declared war against France, and is making active preparations to prosecute hostilities. A force of 6,000 Chinese has been landed at Hoihow, and heavy masses of troops are being stationed along the Kwangsi frontier of Tonquin. At to-day’s wool auction 10,100 bales were offered. The market continues firm. The cargo of frozen mutton ex steamship Doric has been landed in excellent condition, and the quality is considered prime. Paris, August 16. In the Chamber of Deputies to-day, a vote of credit of 76,000,000 francs, for defraying the expenses in connection with the settlement of Tonquin, was passed by a substantial majority. In his speech on the occasion M. Ferry remarked that the vote of the Chamber would materially strengthen the hands of the French Government in dealing with China. New York, August 15. A convention of the Irish National League has been held at Boston, at which 410 delegates were present, and resolutions w’ere passed in favor of full support being accorded to the principles of Parnell and his party. Melbourne, August 15. W. Poppens, the absconding hotel- ! keeper from Wellington, was brought up at the Police Court to-day and remanded until Thursday next, bail being allowed in £2OO. Three more cases of suspected smallpox were yesterday reported to the health officers. Sydney, August 16. The sculling race between Edward Hanlan, of Toronto, Canada, and William Beach, of Sydney, for £SOO a-sicle and the championship of the world, took place to-day over the regular course on the Parramatta river. The w'eather was magnificent, but the water was slightly rough. A splendid start was effected and a dead level was maintained until the first quarter of a mile. Hanlan then forged ahead, and when a mile and a half had been covered was about a length in advance. Beach, however, responded, and rowed right down on Hanlan.. The latter allow r ed his boat to cross and a foul took place. Hanlan put up his hands and claimed a foul. Beach, however, kept pulling away. Hanlan followed, but Beach came to the post an easy winner by five or six lengths. Time, 20mins. 29secs. The umpire disallowed the foul claimed by Hanlan. Hobart, August 15. The lion. W. H. Giblin, Premier, has resigned office on account of illhealth, and efforts are now being made to re-construct the Ministry.