LATE CABLE NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1131, 14 May 1880, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[By Telegraph.]

Bluff, May. 10. The following cablegrams appear in the Australian papers brought by the Rotorua ;—:

London, April 28. Mr Gladstone to-day waited on Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor, and formally intimated that, he had succeeded in forming a new Ministry. Subsequently the members of the new Government were presented with the seats of office.

The Duke of Marlborough, Viceroy, of Ireland, has vacated Ids office in due course, owing to the change of Government. His Grace, and the Duchess, his wife, having rendered themselves extremely popular with the Irish people, were accorded an enthusiastic ovation on the occasion of their taking their departure from Dublin. They were presented with addresses by the city corporation and the representatives of the principal public institutions, expressive of the deepest gratitude and esteem, more especially in connection with the steps taken by the Duchess of Marlborough for the relief of the famine stricken peasantry in the west of Ireland.

A general meeting of the Orient Steam Company was held to-day, when a satisfactory report was .submitted, and the usual dividend declared. The chairman congratulated the shareholders on the success of the operations of the company for the year, and considered that their trade with the Australian Colonies showed every sign of increasing with the improved prospects of business. It was intended to double the capital of the company, thus raising the amount to. £7,000,000, and also fit up their steamers with the necessary machinery for conveying from the colony to the Home market cargoes of animals preserved by the freezing process.

Intelligence has been received from India of another defeat of the hostile Afghans. The British troops, under the command of General Ross, were attacked by a large body of Afghans, near the village of Sydabad. The fight lasted several hours, but the superior arms and discipline of the British soldiers prevailed. The enemy was repulsed and compelled to retire, leaving over 1200 dead on the field. Abdulrahman has opened negotiations with General Roberts, with a view of bringing about amicable relations. He has promised to submit, and repudiates having any sympathies with Russia. His overtures have been received with caution, and it is proposed he shall afford some proof of his sincerity before he submits. April 29. Mr Thomas Brassey will be the Civil Lord of the Admiralty in the new Ministry.