CHINA.

Kumara Times, Issue 925, 17 September 1879, Page 2

CHINA.

[NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] _ Hong Kong, July IS. It is said there are in this city at the present time some fifty odd'miscreants called by tbe Chinese " kan kang," or pirates, v/ho,-armed with revolvers and other weapons, are prepared to carryout any crime, however heinous. They carry on a fraudulent gambling house, and generally lead a predatory life. News has been received in China that tb'e province of Hi hais" been restored by the Russians to the Chinese Government. Instructions have been' given that the Paku forts are to fire a salute when the British Minister passes on his way to Pekiu. J It is stated as probable that the Chinese Government will give its sanction to the laying of the trans-Pacific telegraphic cable, to couuect China ans

the far east with the Pacific states of America. The Chinese Government lias paid to the Spanish authorities the sum of 18,000 clols. indemnity for pillage of the Spanish Soberana, wrecked cm the coast of Formosa in 1862. A torpedo explosion occurred the other day at Nankin arsenal, while a public exhibition was being held. One man was killed, and a number badly wounded. Famine again threatens the unhappy province of Shantung, owing to the wheat crop having entirely failed. Shanghai, July 13. The Viceroy Ti has just concluded a large contract for torpedo material With a foreign firm, amounting to 50,00ddols. The troops, 5000 in number, stationed at Nankin, are to be cvtnecl with Martini-Hen-w rifles. A torpedo boat is ordered from England, capable of steaming seventeen miles an hour. She is expected in an early steamer. An order for four gunboats of the Alpha and Beta class has also befen given, with instructions to hasten the completion of the ord^r. The foundations of a new cottouspinning mill are beinu laid here. The first of A new line of steamers for traffic on the river Yang-Tze, was launched at Shanghai on the 21st June. She is owned by Messrs Jardine, Mathieson and Co.