LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2399, 10 May 1884, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

TERRIBLE DISASTER AT NOBEL'S EXPLOSIVES FACTORY. TEN GIRLS KILLED ANI> OTHERS WOUNDED. A LORD IN TROUBLE; BAIL REFUSED. INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND HEALTH EXHIBITION. ISTS TO SIR HENRY LOCH. PROPOSED BANQUET BY COLONTHE TURKISH GOVERNMENT AND THE CONFERENCE. ANXIETY FOR THE SAFETY OF DONGOLA AND KOROSKO. (Received May 9, 4.10 p.m.) London, May 8. News is to hand of a disastrous explosion which occurred at the factory of the Nobel's Explosives Company at Stevenston, Ayrshire. Ten girls employed in the works were killed, and other employees were more or less seriously injured. Lord St. Leonards has been committed for trial on a charge of indecent assault upon a female servant. Bail was refused by the Court to his lordship. The International Food and Health Exhibition at South Kensington was formally opened to-day, the ceremony being performed by the Duke of Cambridge. The proceedings passed off with eclat. Per Merchant Shipping and Underwriter's Association : Arrived, the ships Waikato and Wave Queen, from Napier; Cingalese, from Timaru; from Auckland. (Received May 10, 12.30 p.m.) May 9. A number of Australian colonists now resident in London have decided to entertaiu Sir Henry Loch at a banquet prior to his departure for Melbourne. It is announced that the Turkish Government is willing to adhere to the proposed European Conference provided the whole Egyptian question is discussed. It urges that the Conference should meet at Stamboul. Cairo, May 9. The Egyptian commanders at Dongola and Korosko, towns on the River Nile to the north of Berber, have sent communications to the authorities here in which they express themselves as anxious for the safety of the towns. Government has accordingly ordered reinforcements to be sent to strengthen the garrisons at both places.

[special to press association.]

London, May 5. Re the Oriental Bank, the Court insists that the corporation liquidates its affairs in England only, and it is estimated that if the liquidation is continued depositors will not receive more than 17s 6d in the pound. It is believed the depositors will shortly receive an interim dividend of 10s in the pound. The first call upon the shareholders will, it is believed, be £ls per share, payable in three instalments. It is suggested that Mr M'Eachern should represent tbe Australian creditors. A committee consisting of the largest creditors and shareholders, will probably assist the liquidator and directors in accepting proposals to sell the Australian land and buildings of the corporation. The Fi eewell (Ceylon) Company have failed, owing the Oriental half a million.

The Victorian colonists' banquet to the new Governor, Sir Heury Loch, is fixed for the 22nd inst. It is hoped that 200 colonists will be present. The new gunboat built for the Queensland Government will be launched on the Tyne on Tuesday. It bus been decided that Sir Andrew Clarke shall represent tho Australian Colonies at the Suez Canal Conference. May 6. The latest despatches from Gordon Pasha charge the Government with indelible disgrace in not assisting the garrison under his command, and also that the refusals to himself ciown the climax of meanness. He advises that King Leopold should occupy the equatorial provinces. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach's motion censuring the Government for delay in the rescue of Gordon Pasha and his garrison will be taken in the House of Commons on Monday. The Ceylon Government will guarantee the Oriental Bank currency in Cey-

lon. Several Australian banks are treating for the purchase of the Bank's business, including the premises in Singapore and Hong Kong, the banks undertaking to pay the notes that are in circulation.

Michael Davitt explains that it is his intention only to make an extended tour of the Colonies.