LATE CABLE NEWS.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume III, Issue 303, 28 October 1881, Page 2

LATE CABLE NEWS.

[aojj specials.] LONDON. October 11. The Times has published an article calling attention to the mineral resources of Tasmania, which it speaks most highly of. It considers the island affords ail ample field for the employment of British capital. An extensive emigration has commenced among the coalminers on strike in County Durham. Large numbers have already left for America.

A tremendous conflagration lias occurred at Philadelphia. An immense amount of destruction was caused by the fire, no less than twenty miles of streets being burnt down. A terrible fire has occurred at Dorset, England. Before the flames could be extinguished an entire village was destroyed, and 100 persons were left homeless and in a state of utter destitution. The East Coast of Scotland has been visited by severe storms. The steamer Liverpool and several boats were wrecked, and the telegraphs along the coasts were destroyed. A destructive waterspout has burst on Algeria, killing 65 parsons and causing an immense destruction of property. Very heavy weather has been experienced throughout Europe during the past week, which culminated in a series of violent storms. From all parts of the Continent reports have been received of the damage inflicted, which in many districts is declared to be of a disastrous character. October 19. The situation in the Transvaal is growing critical. The Boers are exhibiting a bitter feeling against all those suspected of sympathy with the British, and the practice of ‘•Boycotting ” has been applied to a number of English adherents, who were refused assistance of any kind from the Boers. The proposal for holding an International Exhibition in New York in ISB3 haring fallen through, owing to the apathy displayed, efforts are now being made to arrange for a “ \\ orld’s Fair ” at Boston in 1885. The citizens there are very desirous of carrying the affair to a successful Issue, and much enthusiasm is being displayed. CAPETOWN. October 26. Telegrams arc to hand from Pretoria announcing that the Transvaal Volksraad held a sitting to day, when the ratification of the Anglo-Boer Convention was agreed to. The resolution of the Volksraad sets forth its reliance that the British Government will adhere to the promise it has mdae to modify the Convention where its working may be deemed feasible. MELBOURNE. October 26. The debate on Mr Ramsay’s motion, condemning the constitution of the Education Commission, was commenced in the Legislative Assembly last evening. In the course of the discussion, Sir Bryan O’Loghlcn stated that he would consent to add more members to the Commission, and appoint Mr Higginbotham Chairman, in the place of Mr Ormond. Mr Ramsay then amended his motion, and, in speaking to the same, said he objected to a question of public policy, such as the alleged grievances of the Catholics, being referred to the Commission. Mr Francis spoke in support of Mr Ramsay’s objection. Sir Bryan O’Loghlen declared that he would still consider the amended motion as a vote of want of confidence, and insisted on an inquiry into Catholic grievances. Further discussion followed, and the debate was then adjourned until to-day. The report of the shareholders’ inspector on the Moke Creek Copper Company having failed to confirm the statements containeu in the prospectus, the subscriptions raised here will, it is announced, be returned to intending shareholders. Arrived, this afternoon—Union Company’s steamship Tc Anau, from the Bluff. The Duke lias been scratched for the Melbourne Cup. Somerset is first favorite for the Derby at 6 to 4 ; Somnus, 5 to 1. SYDNEY. October 26. Reuter’s office is authorised by the French Consul to state that the report now current of the intention of the French Consul to establish a protectorate over the island of Rarotonga is groundless. Sailed, this afternoon—Union Company’s steamship Wakatipu, for Wellington.