TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 992, 30 August 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

CABLE NEWS [REUTER’S SPECIAL TELEGRAMS TO THE PRESS AGENCY.]

TH E WAII.

Attitude of England.

Continued. Fighting at Shipka. Servia to take the Field. Great Battle Expected. Bombay, August 28th, 7.25 a.m. Sir Stafford Northcote stated at Plymouth that England’s policy was peace. But if her interests required her to go to war, her strength was equal to the occasion. She woidd observe neutrality, till friendly intervention was possible to end the war. Bombay, August 28, 12.22 p.m. A Russian official despatch states that they maintained their position at Shipka till noon on Sunday. Servia has resolved that her military shall co-operate with the Russians in Bulgaria, [agent -general's telegram.] London, August 28. The Turks during the past four days have been attempting to take the Shipka Pass, but have always been repulsed. The Russians are now reinforced. An attack on Osman Pasha by the Russians is looked for, followed by a battle of the most bloody character.

Affairs in France.

Complications Anticipated.

The prosecution of M. G-ambetta for his speech at Lille| having been determined on draws attention to affairs in France, where complications are anticipated.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[per press agency.] Dunedin, August 30. A meeting of the members of the Jewisli persuasion was held last night to consider the Education Bill. It was resolved that subsection 3 of clause 85 should bo struck out; that in clause 75 the word “ nou-rehgious ” should be added after “books;” also that the system should be purely secular. At a meeting of the delegates of Friendly Societies, held last night, the following resolution was carried That the time lias arrived for the various societies in Dunedin to co-operate for the purpose of establishing a medical dispensary, to be called the Dunedin United Friendly Societies’ Medical Dispensary.”

PAELIAMENTAEY

last Night’s Proceedings. Local Option Bill. Wellington, August 30. Mr Barton’s petition debate was adjourned and Mr Fox moved the Local Option Bill into committee. In doing so he spoke for an hour and a quarter, replying to the speeches delivered during the second reading debate. He accused Dr. Wallis of having broken his election pledges in coming forward, like the high priest of Bacchus, in defence ot°thc publicans. Dr. Wallis explained that he had broken no pledges. Mr Fox continued. He defended the principles of the Bill. He totally denied the existence of any claim for compensation. He would rather lose the Bill than admit it. Remedial, not merely palliative measures, were demanded by the urgency of the evil. No regulations for the conduct of the seller would be efficacious, and no punishment could be inflicted on the drunkard greater than those following this vice. As to any understanding about the right to a renewal of licenses, there could be none. Licenses were only annual, and by Sunday trading, adulteration, and other breaches of the law, publicans forfeited all claim to consideration. ■ Instead of being too strongly spoken of, they had been too lightly let off. He gave a sketch of the fearful state he found the hotels in Hawke’s Bay in. The local option principle was accepted seven years ago, but the claim to compensation was quite new. He would resist to the last taxing the working-men’s money to bribe the liquordealers to remove their blood-stained hands from the people’s throats. He had drafted new clauses to meet the objections regarding the boundaries of licensing districts. Mr Rees condemned Mr Fox’s telegram to Auckland about Dr Wallis, and also the abuse he heaped on the publicans. A good cause suffered thereby. He would support “abolishing all bar traffic without compensation, and would also make licensing commissioners elective. Mr Gisborne said if the licenses were abolished on the grounds of public policy compensation would undoubtedly be due. Dr. Wallis condemned Mr Fox’s intemperate language, and defended himself. Fairness and justice necessitated compensation. Mr Ballanco and Mr Joyce replied mainly to the remarks made by Mr Fos re*

garding their former speeches. Mr Swanson complained of Mr Fox arrogating all credit to himself, while he, in the Auckland Provincial Council,' had carried a far better Bill long before Mr Fox took the subject up. He felt humiliated at the manner Mr Fox talked of the publicans. He referred to many he knew in Auckland of the highest character. It was a disgrace and shame to have the whole class dragged through the mire. Were politicians so pure as to be justified in abusing publicans H There was a want of thoroughness about the Bill which would leave Bellamy’s and Clubs alone. Compensation would be due in some, but not in many, cases. He was willing to do anything that was fair to reduce intemperance, but he disapproved of Mr Fox’s tone and method. The Bill went into committee. Progress was reported on clause 2, after a long discussion, and 20 being altered to 50 in the clause. A variety of other amendment s were proposed, and the House adjourned at 12.30 a.m.