HOME AND FOREIGN.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 19, Issue 1376, 16 July 1872, Page 2

HOME AND FOREIGN.

London, May 17. A genera] rise in agricultuial wages throughout the country is gradually taking place. The Conference in connection with the new unions '•vas held in London, and attended by local delegates, members of Parliament, and others. The Dundee domestic servants held a public meeting, and formed a protection association, and the gentlemen's servants formed a union at Leamington. The seamen at Southampton are on strike, seriously inconveniencing the mail steamers. The Government have sustained a series of small defeats, greatly weakening their position; the discomfiture was created on local taxation, and that was followed by an important reverse in the Ballot Bill. The Conservative* again gained a victory on the Scotch Education Bill, and Faweett's Dublin University Test Bill, which threatened the existence of the Ministry, but led to a postponement of the question indefinitely. Sir Wilfrid Lawson's Permissive Prohibitory Bill was talked out The second reading of the bill for the repeal of tlie Party Processions Act passed the Lords. Mr Brett made a good-humored speech in favor of Home Rule. President Grant is likely to be de nounced for bribing Canada with a guarantee for the railway of two and a-half millions to sacrifice the fishery interests and claim for Fenian raids. J une 3. Mr Gladstone explained in the House of Commons that President Grant objected formally to withdraw the. indirect claims, but was willing not to press them. The law officers advise that a supplementary convention precludes the prosecution of the claims. The present negotiations refer to the actual extent of future obligations. Various speakers urged a more decided attitude, insisting on the absolute withdrawal of the indii ect claims. June 4. America proposes a united commission to arrange a treaty defining the rights of neutrals. In the debate on Earl Russell's motion, the negotiations were attacked by Eusscll and Derby. Earl Granville said that if the treaty failed England would be in a better position before the v odd, having done her utmost for a settlement. The Marquis of Kipon moved the adjournment of the debate, which was negatived by 125 against 85. June 7. Earl Granville read a letter from Mi Sclienvk enclosing a telegram

from the American Government,, giving the assurance that the consequential claims are abrogated under a supplemental treaty; The Senate's amendment/which the English Cabinet hesitates to accept, relative co the definition! of indirect claims, is to be abandoned, by England in future complications. Earl Russell's motion was withdra»n. The Scotch Education Bill, enforcing Biblical teaching, has been reserved. Bismarck threatens the denaturalisation of the Jesuits, The following is the first direct telegram of news from England .perr Renter's Company to the Australian; Associated Press by sub-marine, telegraph : London, June 22. The Times, in reviewing the correspondence with the Australian Governors on the Inter-colonial question, reciprocates the remarks that if the Colonial Legislatures, after mature deliberation, should petition the Home Government for the repeal of the law against cfiffer* ential duties, the concession must ultimately be made; but if the power so acquired be used in a Protectionist sense as distinct from simple Customs Union, it will seriously lessen the bonds attaching them to Great Britain;. The production of the Yictortan* tariff correspondence has been refused. The proposed New Zealand and Tasmanian loans have been placed on the market. The American wool duty has been reduced 10 per cent. Wool Market.—The total arrivals of wool have been upwards of 200,000* bales. The attendance of both home and foreign buyers has been laige.. The bidding commenced with great .spirit. The prices as compared withi last series, show a slight decline. Upwards of 4500 bales were offered. Sydney wools preponderated. A private telegram received frorat London, dated June 22, mentions a fall of Id per lb in wool, but the market then firm.