THE LOAN AND MERCANTILE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2891, 6 February 1893, Page 2

THE LOAN AND MERCANTILE.

London, February 4 At the annual meeting q{ the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Mr Bristow stated that the existing depression in Australia, and the low prices ruling in ' produce, had reduced the profits of the company. The shareholders complained that the '.; expenses in connection with the work- , ■ ing of the company were excessive, hut the chairman assured the meeting that the employment of the very best men | was necessary, and consequently they had to pay high salaries. Sir E. W. Stafford and Mr Thomas Russell were re-elected directors. LABOR MATTERS. The master cotton-spinners adhere to their demand for a 5 per cent, reduction in wages. NEW ZEALAND MEAT. The Admiralty have decided to victual the Australasian squadron with New Zealand salt pork. PROBATE AQT, It is reported that on the results shown at the end of the yew the Colonial Probate Act of 1890 will shortly be gazetted as applicable to New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand.

THE HANSARD UNION FRAUDS.

At the trial of those charged with . fraud in connection with the Hansard Publishing Union, - evidence was adduced that £1,250,000 bad been lost to the shareholders, who would not receive a single penny. St. Petersbubo, February 3. The correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" "says that Russia is preparing for war, which is inevitable.