REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1409, 7 April 1881, Page 2

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. London, April 4. Intelligence has been received that conflicts have occurred on the Tunisian frontier over a disputed right of an English subject (Mr Joseph Levy) to an estate at Enfidd. The matter has already caused a diplomatic difficulty between, the English and French Governments, and it is feared that a fresh complication may arise. Telegrams to--day from France announce that active military preparations are being made by tlie Government of that country, and the French press discuss the difficulty in an excited manner. April 5. In the House of Commons this evening the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, made his Budget Statement in Committee of Ways and Means. He showed that the revenue for the past financial year amounted to £84,002,500 and the expenditure to £83,125,000. He estimates the revenue for the financial vear jnst entered upon at £86,000,000, "and tin* expenditure at £B-1,687,500. He aunouncf'd that the fhnmcial proposals of the Government included the reduc

tion of duty on Foreign beers, and a conversion of the National Debt, resulting in a reduction of the amount of the same by .£6.000,000 in 25 years ; the gradual abolition of plate duty; the adjustment of the sur tax on Foreign spirits ; and the adjustment of legacy and probate duties. The result of these changes would be to still leave a surplns of £300,000; but a reduction of one penny in the income tax, 6d to 5d in the £•, would be proposed, and the surplus would thus be converted into a deficit of £275,000. A bulletin issued this morning reports that Earl Beaconsfield has passed a quieter day, but the fever from which he has been suffering has increased) and his case is still deemed critical. Calcutta, April 4. News has been received from Afghanistan that the troops despatched by the Ameer to Candahar have been rapidly pushed on, and are nearing their destination. .» - LATEST AUSTRALIAN NEWS. Melbourne, April 6, The frozen fish from England by the Lusitania has arrived in excellent condition. Mr Sergeant has been sentenced to two months' imprisonment for his assault upon Mr Munro. In the Legislative Council to-nighfc notice of motion Was given for the appointment of a select committee on the Reform Bill. The debate on the motion was fixed for to-morrow. Sydney, April 6. A count out of the Legislative Council last night has precluded the inteuded prorogation of Parliament to-day. Brisbane, April 5. The revenue of Queensland for March amounts to £319,000, being an increase of £28,000 compared with the amount received for the corresponding quarter last year.