LAST NIGHT'S TELEGRAMS

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1403, 14 August 1878, Page 2

LAST NIGHT'S TELEGRAMS

[BY SUBMARINE CABLE.]

SPECIAL TO THE "GLOBE." London, August 12. Extensive forest fires are raging in Siberia, caused by design rather than accident. The Fenian prisoner Claney was pardoned and released from Chatham.

[special to the peess agency.] London, August 12. The Bank of England has raised the official minimum to 5 per cent. The British Australasia Trust Company, with a capital of two millions, made a first issue of one million, which was subscribed twofold. [eeutee’s telegrams to the peess AGENCY.]

Constantinople, August 12. The Mahomedan population of the province of Batoum assembles to resist the Russian occupation.

London, August 13. The Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to a question, said that the British ironclad squadron would quit the Sea of Marmora when the Russians evacuated.

Bombay, August 13. The Indian Government despatches missions to Cabul, where the Russian mission arrived.

London (undated.) The Australians played against Audley. The first innings of the Australians closed for 50; the first innings of their opponents for 33. The bowling of the Australians was very effective. Boyle took twelve wickets for 19, and Garrett five for 12 The Australians, in their second innings, have three out for 23 The wicket is dead. There is a large attendance at the match.

AU3IKALIAN. Sidney, August 13. Arrived—Wakatipu. Greorge Alfred Lloyd arid Company have stopped pavmeiit. [Per Tararua, via Bluff.] Meltjoubnk, August 7. The Reform Bill debate in the Assembly drag* its ilow length along, and will not be

concluded before next week. Some very good speeches have been delivered on both sides, Sir Bryan O’Loghlen and Professor Pearson have championed the measure from the Ministerial side of the House. Sir Bryan said that the system of the plebiscitum was in operation in Switzerland, and in describing vrhat Q-overnment might do with a Srrn and united majority behind them to enable thtm to carry a Bill, said perhaps a deputation of members of the Council might be necessary, or it might he necessary to invite the Q-overnor to step on board a steamer in the bay. This was regarded as somewhat revolutionary language, but Sir Bryan took care to state it was only putting a hypothesis.

Professor Pearson thought the Ministerial scheme had precedent. It works well in Switzerland, and to a limited extent is enforced in California, New Jersey, and other American States. The Government Bill, according to Professor Pearson, is a display of masterly moderation, and, in his opinion, the British Parliament will not hesitate to pass it into law, preferring solid union with the colony to the gilded ornament of a Legislative Council.

The speaking on the other side has been quite as good, Sir John O’Shannesey and Mr Kerferd being the principal Opposition speakers. So long as the debate is confined to the leaders on either side, it will bo well sustained ; but this is a question upon which every member considers himself qualified to speak, and one upon which his voice must be heard.

In the Council Sir 0. Sladen’s Reform Bill is being considered and amended. No representative of the Government has yet been appointed in the Council. In the meantime Mr Cuthbert takes charge. The alteration in the ocean mail contract will increase the net cost to this colony from £15,000 to £25,000 a year; but perhaps Government will not grant any subsidy for a special service, but leave it open to all comers to bring the mails on. Judge Molesworth has released Dr. Bradford from custody, after three weeks’ imprisonment.

Hill Jenkins, well known as a local poet, is dead.

Berghoff and Touze], well known in the New Zealand trade, have resumed their old tobacco business.

Dr. Somerville left Melbourne to-day, and proceeds via San Francisco to Scotland. The child stealing case in Fitzroy has resulted in the woman Mary Ann Fitzgibbon being committed for trial. The schooner Dave, with a small party of adventurers, left for New Q-uinea on Saturday las*. Advices are not favourable from that island.

Sugars slightly weaker. Good business done in hops.