BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

West Coast Times, Issue 7299, 21 January 1889, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

London, Jan. 18,

The Colonial office are arranging for the purchase of a stern wheel steamer built for the Nile expedition for use in New Guinea rivers. At the Times-Parnell Commission to-day, Captain Plunkett gave evidence that the Catholic priests had denounced Curtin (who was boycotted and subsequently murdered) a week before the murder look place. The election for the vacaacy of the Govan division seat rendered necessary by the death of Sir W. Pearce was taken to-day when Mr Wilson, Home Ruler, defeated Sir J. Pender bo 1071 votes. The gunboats Dart and Palumah, now on the Australian station will be recommissioned for duty in the waters there. The Rev. Mr Spurgeon who was severely injured recently by falling down stairs is recovering. It is reported that the Marquis of Hartington has purchased the Manchester Examiner and Times, and the paper will be used as the mouthpiece of the Union Party. Iv the wreck of the steamer Priam, last week, Mr Sydney Holder of Adelaide was drowned. January 19. Elections under the County Council's Act created little interest. The returns Bhow that most of the members of the Metrotolitan Baord of Works were rejected. Sir John Lubbock and Lord Rosebery were at the head of the poll for the City. Sir R. E. Webster, Attorney -General, has decided not to submit evidence before the Times-Parnell Commission respecting the plan of campaign, because it is aleged that it tend 3 to political excitement. The latest information from Rangoon states that the Chinese Government are endeavoring to arrange a compromise with the Thibetanese. The Otago Quartz Mining Company with a capital of £100,000 is announced. A serious explosion has taken place in Hyde colliery at Manchester, and it is reported that 30 persons were killed. Paris, Jan. 18. The French Government are increasing the navy by the addition of four ironclads. Antwebp, Jan. 18, On Wednesday last, two aeronauts ascended in a baloon with the intention of making a passage to England, Since then nothing has been heard of them, and it is feared that the baloon has fallen into the water and the aeronauts are drowned, Rome, Jan. 18. Mr Gladstone, who is spending 1 tbe winter in Italy, has requested audiences with his holiness the Pope and King Humbert. Washington, Jan. 19. The Senate adopted an amendment to the Tariff Bill providing for the payment of a bounty of one per cent for sugar made from cane or sorghum grown in the States.