ENGLISH ITEMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2035, 12 January 1889, Page 2

ENGLISH ITEMS.

London.. January 10 and 11. The Pope has sent a golden medal to Cardinal Manning. ' Dr Lightfoot, Bishop of Durham, is m a precarious state of health. The trial of the Bishop of Lincoln on a charge of ritualism commences on February i2:h. A disastrous gale has raged around the coast of Great Britain, and numerous wrecks and fatalities are reported. The friction between England and Portugal respecting the claim of the latter to Nyassaland is becoming acute. The National Bank of New Zealand has declared an interim dividend* of five per cent. It is announced that the betrothal of the Czarewitch and Princess Alice Victoria of Hesse will take place at Easter. The Hon Mr Stanhope, speaking at Sevenoaks, Kent, said the agricultural outlook was vastly improved ; io per cent more land was under wheat than formerly. In reply to a deputation on the subject, Lord Knutsford disclaimed any intention on the part of the Government of handing over Becbuanaland to the Cape Colony. Lord Kimberley, speaking at Wymoadham, Norfolk, said the colonies

were evidently anxious to secure as Governors Peers of the Realm, and this wish, he thought, should be gratified. . At the public reception tendered him by the people of Birmingham, Mr Chamberlain, responding to the toast of " Parliament," said he would not accept a title if offered one. A twofold • Parliamentary reform was necessary m order to ensure a better despatch of business, namely, the relegation of much of the work to Grand Committees, and personal punishment of members guilty of disorderly conduct.