Monday.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 17, 21 August 1885, Page 9

Monday.

It is generally believed that the Sultan of Zanzibar will comply*s with the demands of Germany, and refrain from molesting the chlelsu under her protection. ; The frozen meat by the Orient steamer Austral is selling afe ' 4d per lb. The Federation Enabling Bill baa received-the Royal assent. For their services at Suakim, tbe New South Wales contingent have been awarded a clasp and a gratuity of £2 a piece to private*), the amount being increased for those occupying a higher rank. The following cablegrams have appeared in the Melbourne Age :—lt:—lt ia rumoured t'.iat the Czar is adopting a more openly belligerent attitude with regard to the Afghan frontier question. It iai further reported that M. de Giers is about to resign his position. Ttfe*--Kussian fleet in tbe Baltic has been ordered to winter at Helingfois, Gulf of Finland, and remain in readiness for active service. The' tone of Russia ba9 become very bellicose towards England. Extent flive naval preparations are being made in Bussian ports. Large supplies and munitions are being forwarded to the fleet stationed at,. Vladivostcc<. Beferring in the House of Lords on the 4th Ajugnstt" to the Afghan frontier question, the Marquis of Salisbury declared*his be>ief that Russia was dallying with the matter in order to gain time to obtain fuller information, in regard totbe topography of tbevCountry. • < * The Imperial Parliamert was formerly prorogued on Friday. The Speech from the Thron; alludes to the failure of tb« expedition despatched to relieve tbe beleagured garrison at Khartoum, and ■ while regretting that their object was not attained, expresses pride at the action of the troops engaged in the campaign, and satisfaction with the skill displayed by their commanders. The loyal ofier of assistance tendered by the various Colonies had been received with great pleasure. Mention is especially made of the offer of New South Wales, troops from which Colony served with distinction in the Soudan. Referring to affairs iv Egypt, the Speech states that although the death of the Madbi had to some extent lessened the difficulties attending the performance of various duties in Egypt which had fallen upon her Majesty's advisers, the Government had determined not to reduce their efforts (o finally found good government and order in that country. The friendliest intercoursecontinues to be maintained with all Powers. Negotiations with Russia are still proceeding, which, it is to be hoped will speedily lead to a peaceful settlement of the Busso-Afghan frontier question. Alluding to India the Speech announces that steps are being taken to place the north-west frontier in an adequate state of defencr Her Majesty has much pleasure in giving her assent to the Austtala - sian Federation Enabling Bill, and to other bills, more especially these providing for the amendment of the criminal law, the facilitating land purchase in Ireland, and providing fcr the better housing of the poor. Begret is expressed that depression in trade still continues. The Boyal Commission, which has been appointed to inquire into the causes of the inactivity, will give special • attention to the question whether legislation cannot be provided which will tend to alleviate the present depression of the state of affairs in the Unitsd Kingdom. In conclusion the Speech announces tbat an early dissolution will take place, and trusts those electors to whom the franchise has been extended by the recent act of Parliament will exercise the powers thu3 conferred on them with sobriety and discernment.