REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1017, 5 January 1880, Page 2

REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.

—.— [N£W ALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] British and foreign. London, January 1. The total reserve in Dotes and bullion in the Bank of England amounts to fifteen millions. The total stock of tallow in London is 17,120 casks. Kartell's and Hennessy’s brandies are offering for export at 10s 6d. January 2. General Sir Evelyn Wood has, by command of Her Majesty the Queen, been directed to accompany the exEmpress Eugenie on her visit to Zulnland next month.

St. Petersburg, January 1. A grand review of Russian troops was held here to-day, followed by a military banquet. The Czar and Czarewitch were present at both. Their relations were of a cordial character, and it is believed their quarrel has been adjusted. The basis of any understanding which may have been arrived at between His Majesty and the Czarewitch has, however, not yet publicly been made known.

The Czar has consented to divide the Government of Russia with the Czarewicb. A proclamation has been issued granting the right of rural municipal self-government to Siberia. New York, December 29. A great fire in Boston, has destroyed many public and private buildings, occasioning much disttess. + : [SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE ARGUS.] THE TAY BRIDGE ACCIDENT. London, December 30. The officials on the Dundee side of the Tay bridge saw the train advancing from the Fifeshire shore, and then a sudden flash of light, extending from the bridge to the water. Wondering at the non-arrival, they traversed the bridge, and found a sudden gap in the centre, where the train, consisting of an engine, van, and six carriages °had been engulphed in the water. Thirteen latticed girders, covering upwards of half a mile, had fallen. It is believed that the terrific force of the gale meeting resistance of the passing train caused the disaster. No one was saved. It is now understood that the passengers numbered about 90. The mails floated ashore with much of the wreckage. Divers have been employed to search for the bodies, There will be a Government inquiry. [SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE AGE.] AFGHANISTAN. London, December 29. The Afghans attempted to surprise the cantonments at Shirpar. The British were, however, forewarned and replied by a destructive cannonade with great havoc. The loss of the Afghans is estimated at 20,000. They tried to storm the entrenchments, but after two days’ fighting, they retreated to the hills. The cavalry is pursuing them, which increased the panic. General Roberts has reoecupied the 8.i1.i Hissar without any assistance, and is removing large quantities of gunpowder fom the city. The Afghan loss is enormous. It is believed that a general dispersion of the tribes will end the combined opposition to the British. Mahomed Jan, who commanded the rebels, escaped.

LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS. Melbourne, January 2. The revenue for last quarter amounts to £1,059,000, being a decrease of £79,000 as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. The revenue last - year amounted to £4,413,000, being a decrease of £182,000. The Customs revenue shows a decrease, of £69,000 ; territorial revenue, increased £48,000 ; miscellaneous I’eceipts, decreased £4-6,000. • The cricket match was resumed. Combined Australian Eleven first innings, 167 ; Victorian fifteen—second innings, 12 wickets for 109. January 3. The cricket match was concluded today, and resulted iu a victory for the Fifteen by 82 runs. The Fifteen in their second innings, scored 130, and the Eleven 88. Sydney, December 30. The Bowen has arrived at Cooktown. It has transpired at Hong Kong that the police hrve been in the habit of shipping criminals to Australia at the rate of forty at a time. Small-pox is increasing at Hong Kong. A heavy typhoon occuned at Manilla. It is reported that English officers are training Chinese troops fur the Russian frontier. January 2. Hennessy’a case, 455; bulk, 10s 6d; Patna rice. £2l 10s; New Zealand wheat, 4s 6d; oats, 2s 6d ; maize, 2s 5d ; Sugar Company’s No. 1, £3B. Mr Parkes, eldest , son of Sir Henry Parkes, Premier, died to-day.