NEWS BY CABLE.

Manawatu Herald, 22 February 1881, Page 3

NEWS BY CABLE.

(REUTEIi'g TELKGa.IiIS). Londox, February 15. The Febrnary- March series of wool sales opened today. Prices generally show a decJine ot 7£ per cent compared with the closing ratea of la t auctions.

Later.

The opening catalogue at tha wool sale today comprised 2180 bales. There was a good attendance oi Home and foreign buyers. The demand was fair, but prices were, at> compared with the closing rates of last sales, fully £<i lower for g:«asy, and Id lower for scoured wools. The total arrivals f r the auction amount* to 810,000 bales, and the probable quantity to lie- offered is 800,000.

February 16. Stephens, the former Fenian Headcentre, is now at Paris.

In the House of Commons last night, the oine Secretary', .-ir William Veruon Harconrt, in reply to a question, made a statement, iv the course of which he virtually admitted that letters suspected to contain treasona a correspondence had been opened in transit through the post. The statement gave riae to a lengthy discussion in the House, and the Press generally refer to the matter at length in their leading articles, various opinions being expressed as to the action of the Government.

News has been received from Beyrout, in Syria, that troubles have arisen between the Christians and Turks, and s-veralconflicts have taken place, resulting in loss of life to both sides.

Mr Parnell has addressed a letcer to the League at DuUin, iv which he urges the members to maintain a passive attitude of resistance to the coercive measures proposed to be adopted by the Government in Ireland, and moreover, to use every means to foster an agrarian agitation of the masses, not only in Ireland, but throughout Great Britain.

The Daily News of today publishes a paragraph stating that the Government has received telegram^ from Sir George Colley, containing proposals for peace by the Boera. The Daily News adds the proposals are now being diseased in the Cabinet.

Berlin, February 15. The German Parliament was opened today by the Emperor, who, in his speech on tbe occasion, strongly affirmed the fact that a general agreement exists among the Great Powers to use every possible effort in the direction of the maintenance of Euro* pean peace.

Sto.ney, February 17. Accounts from the Temora Gold Fields continue to be nniformly good. Melbocbne, Eebruary 17; It is rumored here that the Government intend to propose a conference of both Houses of Parliament shortly, for the special consideration of the Beforni Bill, and in order to give an opportunity of affecting » compromise in dealing with that .measure.