TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume I, Issue 89, 27 January 1880, Page 3

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(Special to the Post.) London. Jan. 20. The enthusiastic support accorded to Mr Parnell in the Home Rule agitation in America by Cardinal M’Closkey, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, has given great umbrage at the Vatican. The Pope is reported to be ill, and it is said that his indisposition has been increased, if it has not been actually brought about, by the worry and anxiety caused to his Holiness by the state of affairs in America and Ireland.

Jules Favre, the French statesman, died to-day, after a short illness, aged 70. The Agents- General for the Australian Colonies are about to present a petition to the British Government asking that a uniform rate of Gd per half-ounce for letters sent via Brindisi may be fixed. January 21.

Lord Beaconsfield is ill with bronchitis. No immediate danger is apprehended, but some anxiety is felt as to the effect of such an illness on a person of the Premier’s advanced age. A terrific explosion of fire-damp took place to-day in tho pits between Hanley and Newcastle-under- Lyme, North Staffordshire. The full extent of injury to life is not yet ascertained, but it is believed that 150 persons perished in the disaster. It is stated that Germany intends to acquire some of the South Sea Islands in the Samoan Group, for the purpose of founding penal settlements for the reception of convicts from the German Empire. January 22.

The situation in Afghanistan has again become very threatening. It is reported that 20,000 Ghilzais, taking advantage of the road between Jagdalak and Cabul being undefended, and General Robert’s isolation in the city, have formed near Jagdalak, and are now marching on Cabul. General Roberts has ample supplies, both of provision and ammunition, and it is believed that he will be able, without any great difficulty, to hold the city against the insurgents. The hostility is stated, however, to be spreading among the tribes. The next London wool sales open on 17th February. Up to date 46,000 bales have been received. [.MELBOURNE ARGUS SPECIAL].

London, Jan. 21. Dr James Russell Lowell, at present United .States Minister at Madrid, has been appointed to represent that country in England. The Government has refused to fix a special postage rate for letters sent to Australia by the Orient line of steamers. A resolution to vote half a million dollars (about £50,000) towards the Irish distress fund has been proposed in the United States Congress, and referred to a special committee to report upon. The Standard states that the report of the capture of Tchiliscar from the Russians by the Sekke-Turcomans is confirmed hy authentic testimony. A Berlin telegram ir. the Times says that the Minister of State has informed the Saxony Chambers that the Federal Couneil was discussing a project to found convict colonies in the Pacific, but had not come to any definite decision on the point. The Daily Telegraph adds that Bismarck in giving his support to the Polynesian Company formed to take over Godeffroy’s business, intended to support this project also. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] London, Jan. 21. Adelaide wheat 5Ss Gd. Adelaide flour unchanged. Australian tallow further declined. Best beef 35s Gd, best mutton 395. It is understood that the Home Rulers in the House of Commons have resolved to prevent work during the present session, with the object of obtaining increased attention to the state of affairs in Ireland. A terrible explosion occurred to-day at the Lycett colliery in Staffordshire. Seventy nine miners were killed. Five per sent. New Zealand 10'40 Loan, 1024. New Zealand new loan 103ij. The next series of wool auctions is fixed for 17th February, The arrivals to date amount to 50,000 bales. The total probable quantity to be offered, including that left over from last auctions, is 250,000 bales. The quantity of new arrivals to be included in the sales has been restricted by the Importer’s committee to 250,000 bales. January 22. The steamship Sultan has arrived from Australia The fortnightly mail service of the .Orient Steamship Company to the colonies will commence with the departure of the Chimborazo on the 7th of February, In future the Orient Company’s, steamers will not carry any mails either to or from the Australian ports. A large meeting of Home Rule members has been held, at which, on the motion of the O’Donoghue, a vote of sympathy was passed with their resistance to the landlords. A resolution was also adopted at the same meeting, binding the . Home Rule members to maintain an independent attitude in Parliament. The Daily News of to-day. publishes telegram from Afghanistan, stating that Mahomed Jan has gathered a large force, and is now threatening the British positions in and around Cabul. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, This Day, The brigantine Progress, which went ashore at Palliser Biy on Friday, i 3 now a total wreck. . The new cable across Cook Strait will be laid immediately the steamer arrives. Owners of race horses condemn the Racing Club for not putting the course in better condition. £2OO baa been oollected at the Rom an

Catholic Churches in aid of the Irish Relief Fund. Christchurch, This Day. The result of Colonel Scratchley’s inspection of Lyttelton harbor is said to be that a recommendalion will be made that Government have four more big guns erected in addition to the four already here. A run out was made in one of the small steam launches plying in harbor, to judge of their adaptability for torpedo service, as it is probable Government will be asked to obtain five or six small vessels for torpedo boats. At the gates of the Roman Catholic Church over L2OO was collected in aid of the Irish Famine Relief Fund, and a meeting was held in the schoolroom after midday mass and resolutions were carried promising to give eveiy assistance to the general committee appointed recently at a public meeting for raising funds. Dunedin, This Day. Three milkmen were fined 10s each and costs for selling adulterated milk. L 92 was collected at St. Joseph’s Church on Sunday for the Irish Distress Fund. Normanby, This Day. The Armed Constabulary commanded by Col. Roberts, Captains Marshall, Taylor, and Fortesoue, marched from Wailii at 6 - 55 and reached Kapunui at 9.15. There they intend to make their first camp, and will probably build a redoubt.