LONDON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3211, 14 October 1881, Page 3

LONDON.

October 11

The frozen beef brought per steamship Orient from Melbourne was sold at the Smitbfield market to-day, and realised an average of s£d per pound. The meat was in excellent condition.

A banquet took place at Newcastle-on-Tyue last night under Conservative auspices. The Marquis of Salisbury, Sir Stafford Northcote, and other leaders of the party were present, and spoke on the occasion. The Marquis of Salisbury, in his speech, referred to tbe state of affairs ia South Africa, and stated that he was confident the Government would again have to " eat dirt" in the Transvaal. Sir Stafford Northcote spoke on tbe question ot England's commercial relations with the other Powers, and repudiated the idea that the Conservatives favored the adoption ot a policy of protection. The presence of the French man-of-war at Alexandria at the present juncture having caused some comment in political circles, it has been explained by tbe French authorities tbat the vessel is merely making her usual periodical visit, and that her presence in Egyptian waters has no connection with tbe recent events in that country. Two hundred thousand pounds were to-day withdrawn from the Bank of England for Egypt. October 12. A large conservative meeting was held to-night at Newcastle on Tyne, when addresses were delivered by the Marquis of Salisbury and Sir Stafford Northcote.

The former, in the course of bis remarks, expressed himself as satisfied with the policy being pursued by the Government in regard to Egypt. Sir Stafford Northcote stated his opinion that external pressure both controlled and weakened the action of the present Administration, and both speakers urged that greater vigor was necessary on the part of the Government in dealing with Ireland. October 13. It is CHrrently reported here this morning that the arrest of Mr Parnell has been ordered by the Government, and that he is now in custody. The rumour, however, requires confirmation. Mr Gladstone was to-day presented at the Guildhall with the address adopted last month by the Court of the Common Council of the City of London, desiring him, in consideration of the estimation in which he is held, to permit his bust to be placed in|the Guildhall. Mr Gladstone, in receiving the address, thanked the Council for the honor proposed to be done to him, and expressed his willingness to sit for the preparation of the bust at the Guildhall to-day. Mr Gladstone took occasion to confirm the report current this morning that Mr Parnell had been arrested, and spoke in justification of the action of the Government in the matter.