REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1054, 16 February 1880, Page 2

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

BRITISH ANI3 FOEEIGN. London, February 12. •. Three per cent. Consols, 9G|. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is sixteen and a-half millions. The Five Per Cent New Zealand Loan is quoted at 12i, The House of Commons, after a short debate, refuged for the second time to assent to the introduction of a Bill to perpetuate the Boyal charters of banks. February 13. F, H. O'Donnell, member Dungarvan in the House of Commons, moved an amendment to the address regarding Iri>h affairs, but was defeated by a majoiity of 120 against 12". The Irish Distress Belief Bill, promised in her Majesty's speech, passed the second reading. Sir William Bagge has been elected member for Norfolk. Lord Lyminton, liberal candidate, has been elected for Barnstaple, defeating Caveden. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, replying to Mr M*Arthur in the House of Commons, said that the Queensland management of Torres Island had been faultless. He also iutimated that Government had not at present any intention to extend jurisdiction to New Guinea. Berlin, February 12. The Beichstng has been opened. The Imperial speech justified the increase made in the German army on the ground that the armament going on amongst their neighbors rendered that course necessary ; but the speech also pointed out that thi course of action being pursued implied no departure from the pacific policy which had been laid down for the guidance of the German Empire. [SPECIAL TO MELBOURNE ARGUS.] London, February 9. The '-Wool Trade Beview" says that owing to the continued wet last year, sheep . rot was extremely prevalent, especially iu the Midland and Western counties. 10,000 sheep, chiefly ewes are dead, and they are dying in parts of Oxford, Warwick, Somerset, and Gloucester. Only a small proportion are left. It is expected that a proportion of the lambing ewe* will succumb, and the matter is becoming one of serious consideration. Tugs are bringing the nmil steamer Hankow to Plymouth, her engtues being disabled. February 10. The Hankow was in great danger.

While being towed iuto Plymouth the tugs lost control, and the Hankow drifted towards the breakwater outside. She afterwards brought up between the shoals and bumped on the bottom at evevy wave. Finally tour tugs brought her in safely. The gale was so furious, and the waves so high, that had the cables parted all must have perished. [special to mklbourxk age.] Loxdox, February 2. Fighting was renewed at Herat between the Cabuleae troops and the Heratese. Lord Salisbury is suffering from gastritis. There is a serious famine at Cyprus. The British authorities arc alleviating the distress. February 10. Latest news from Afghanistan states that the fiercest attempts are being madG to arouse fanaticism. The high priest appeals to all true believers to massacre the British. Lord Salisbury is improving. February 11. A reduction in the Russian uavy to the extent of 12,000 men has been made. M. Cremienx, a French statesman, is dead. The " Post" states that the Victorian election is watched with anxiety, and praises the Marquis of Normauby. "♦ rLATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS. . Adelaide, February 14. Wheat, 4s 8d per bushel; flour, £lO 10s to £ll per ton, with market firm at these quotations. Sydney, February 14. The exhibition first prizes for wheat were awarded to M'Gill, Otago ; oats, Cunningham, Christchurch, and Meek, Oamaru ; barley, Harley, Nelson. The Judges give the palm to New Zealaud for malting barley and oats) and to Adelaide for wheat j Andrew, of Nelson, second prize for hops } Strong, Invercargill, 3rd ; Coffee and Trent, Christchurch, 2nd prize for pepper; M'Donald and Miller, Dunedin, first prize for bacon; Blake, of Picton, 2nd ditto; Sheedy, of Ddnedin, 2nd for hams.