ITEMS BY THE TORRES STRAITS MAIL.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 301, 31 May 1875, Page 3

ITEMS BY THE TORRES STRAITS MAIL.

(From the Arqns. ) The Emperor of Germany’s 72nd birthday and Bismarck’s 61st were celebrated in great style at Berlin. Marshal MacMahonhas been invested with the order of the Golden Fleece. It is reported that Don Carlos is about to attempt to enter Castille, but rumours of peace are prevalent. The first railway in Majorca has just been opened. Great destruction of property with numerous deaths had been caused by floods at Delaware. A large number of English volunteers are about to visit Havre. The tariff of charges of the Eastern and Australian Steam Navigation Company has been circulated at Manilla, and it is thought that if sufficient inducement offers, the steamers will call there on their way to Australia.

It is rumoured that negotiations are pending between the Chinese Government and an English house in Hong Kong to bring out a loan of three millions. It is reported that war is imminent with Burmah in consequence of the murder of Mr Margery. The Prince of Wales intends coming to India next November. The widow of the late Emperor of China is dead. Prince Theig, the Prime Minister of China, has expressed himself in favor of foreigners entering freely into China. Trade in China is dull. The firm of Augustin Hern and Co has failed. Trade in the Straits is fair. New territories are being opened on the Malay Peninsula. Sir William Hackett, judge of Penang, goes temporarily to Fiji, to organise the court. The labour question is increasing in importance, the demand for coolies being greater than the supply. Fifteen hundred immigrants are absorbed weekly for the Straits and the new settlements. There is a probability of emigration from India to the Straits being stopped, owing to the stringent measures taken by the Indian Government. Five hundred Chinese left for Australia by the mail line since January. Mining matters in the Straits are better than they were. An extension of their lease has been granted by the King of Siam to the Galena Company, which has already sold 23,000d01. worth of ore. Complaints are made as to the bad quality of shipments of Australian wines and preserved meats. The cultivation of tea has been introduced into the province of Wellesley, with the prospect of success. Labour only is wanted to make that and coffee planting pay. A complimentary ball was given to Governor Sir Andrew and Lady Clarke before their departure for India, and a piece of plate was presented to them. Forty-four prisoners are to be tried by a special jury tor the outbreak in Singapore prison, and the murder of the superintendent.