CABLE MESSAGES.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 374, 20 February 1880, Page 2

CABLE MESSAGES.

LATEST EUROPEAN.

(Reuters Telegrams.)

f Special to the Mail]

St. Petersburg, Feb. 17.

This evening intense excitement has been occasioned in this city in consequence of a renewed and dastardly attempt to destroy the Czar and the Imperial family. From the particulars which have at present transpired, it appears that about the time at which the guests invited to a grand dinner at the Winter Palace were assembled, a mine, fired by electricity, was suddenly exploded under the guardroom, which is situated immediately beneath the grand hall. A terrific explosion took place, causing a large rent in the flooring of the dining hall, where the Imperial family were supposed to be congregated. Most providentially, however, they had not assembled, and all the members of the family consequently escaped. The guardroom, however, was completely destroyed, five of the guards being killed - on the spot, and no less than thirty others (more or less) seriously wounded. Not the slightest doubt is entertained that a deliberate attempt was made to assassinate the Czar and the Imperial family. And the act is believed to be connected with a plot to destroy the palace, which was discovered some time ago.

(FROM THE LYTTELTON TIMES.) London, Feb. 16

During to-day's sitting the House of Commons went into : Committee on the Irish Distress Relief Bill. An amendment was proposed that an advance should be made towards the relief fund from the Imperial Treasury instead of from the Church surplus, but it was defeated on division.

Three per cent consols 97£*

Feb. 17.

At the wool auctions during the past week 8031 bales have been catalogued, Australian realising 10 per cent advance. There was a large attendance of Home and foreign buyers.

Rome, , Feb. 16.

The Pope has issued an encyclical letter, declaring that the law of divorce had an immoral effect.

[Anaus' Special.]

London, Feb. 16

In the money article of the Times is published a memorandum from the representatives of certain industries, who purpose meeting to consider the withdrawal of the application for space owing to the tariff. They regret that the pro-

tective system was not modified previous to the dissolution. Fresh legislation is regarded as impossible, in sufficient time to be of any advantage to exhibitors. The policy of New South Wales is contrasted favourably. Wheat is unchanged. Purchases are small pending the collapse of the American ring, whose fall is expected. Feb. 17. There was a large attendance at the wool sales and keen competition. . Cape shewed a preponderance. Twenty-two thousand bales were taken for Yorkshire and the. Continent. Prices show an average advance of l-|d to 2d on scoured and greasy. [Age Special.] London, Feb. 16. .AypubKhan,.with 6000 men,has left Herat for the, purpose of joining Mahomed Khan at Ghuznee, whose forces it is said, are decreasing. General Stewart will attack Ghuznee within a fortnight, from the Candahar side, and General Roberts will despatch a column from Oabul to assist him.