LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3149, 1 August 1881, Page 3

LONDON.

July 18. In the House of Commons the attention of the Government was called to the Bolomon Island massacres, and the steps taken by Oommedore Wilson for the pnnishment of the natives. Messrs --■ Richard and Gorst questioned the Government on the subject, and expressed an opinion that but little good could accrue from the retaliatory measures such as were adopted during the cruise of the Emerald, when the huts and plantations of the natives were indiscriminately destroyed. Mr Trevelyan, Secretary of the Admiralty, replied justifyiog the course pursued, and declaring that the repeated massacres committed by the savage natives of these islands rendered some punitive measures absolutely necessary. Arrangements have been concluded for the visit of a professional team of cricketers to Australia during the coming season, and the hitch caused by the objections raised by the Nottingham ~~~- cricketers has been overcome, they having signified their willingness to join the team. July 21. Hostilities have broken out among the Indian tribes in British Columbia, who are fighting desperately with one another, and intelligence has been received of a fierce battle which has taken place between the opposing parties. The encounter lasted a long time, and eighty Indians were killed, besides a large number wounded. The presentation of the prizes won at the meeting of the National Rifle Association held at Wimbledon took place today. The meeting was declared to have been a thorough success, a high average r of merit haying been obtained by the marksmen. Owing to the persistency of the juries in acquitting all prisoners charged with Agrarian crimes and outrages, the Judges have adioumed the assizes which were being held at Cork. An agitation has been started in Ireland with the object of making an appeal Wp to Mr Gladstone to discharge all persons who have been arrested on suspicion, as the Land Bill has finally passed. The annual meeting of the Cobden Club has been held, at which several prominent public men and political economists were present. A number of speeches were delivered, in which reference was made to the growth of protective principles, which was deplored by most of those present. July 23. Political affairs in Portugal are in a very unsatisfactory state, and great dissatisfaction with the Government prevails. The Government of Lisbon, thinking a republican tumult would ensue, has decided to abandon the military review that had been projected. A destructive outbreak of yellow fever has occurred at Havana, in the Island of Cuba, causing great mortality among the inhabitants. A serious fire has broken out in a large wine house in Bordeaux, and no less than 8,000 casks of wine have been y totally destroyed. The Government have now under consideration the recommendation made to Her Majesty on the subject of granting honors in connection with the Melbourne Exhibition, and it is believed that the announcements will very shortly be published. Arrangements are progressing for an exhibition to be held in Milan in September next illustrative of the culture of the vine. A congress of scientific men will also be held at the same time for the / purpose of considering the best means of dealing with the phyllaxero and other >~ diseases of the vine.

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