REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1536, 30 August 1881, Page 2

REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. PROROGATION OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. London, August 27. Parliament was prorogued to-day. The speech from the Throne commenced by stating that England's relations with all Foreign Powers were of a cordial nature, aud then wenc on to allude to the settlement of the Greek frontier question ; the assurances made by the French Government regarding its action towards Tunis and Tripoli ; the the conclusion of" the Transvaal Convention ; the pacification of Basutoland, and the withdrawal of British forces from Candahar. In further allusion to the present state of affairs in Afghanistan, the speech said that her Majesty did not fear that the contest now proceeding between Ayoub Khan and the Ameer would disturb the peace of England, and added that the latter's friendly offices towards the conclusion of the hostilities, would be used when an opportune time arrived. The speech then alluded to the fact that negotiations between England and France, for the conclusion of a fresh commercial treaty, had been broken off, and stated Government was desirous of using its best efforts towards a satisfactory conclusion of the difficulty. Referring to the Irish Land Act, the speech expressed a hope that it would prove a benefit, equal with the care bestowed upon its consideration by Government and Parliament, At the same time, regret is expressed at the absence of various measures from the work of the session. In conclusion, it is hoped that the condition of Ireland may improve, and enable Government to dispense with, or abate special provisions which have been made for the suppression of disorder in that country. The homeward Australian and New Zealand mails, via San Francisco, which left Auckland on July 19th, were delivered to-dav.

Washington, August 27. The latest bulletin issued to-day, reports that President Garfield's condition is unchanged ; but his case is considered by his medical attendants to be now almost hopelesa.

August 28. A bulletin issued this morning, reports that President Garfield has passed a better night, and his condition has slightly improved. Calcutta, August 27. Telegrams are to hand from Candahar reporting that Ayoub Khan is now dividing his troops, and sending money and arms to Herat, with the object of obtaining further reinforcements. August 28. Telegrams are to hand from Candahar announcing that Ayoub Khan has completed the concentration and equipment of his forces, and will, to-day, commence his advance against the Ameer, at Khelat Ighilzai. Ayoub's cavalry have already started in advance of the main body.