CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 25 February 1892, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

♦ London. The total quantity of wool cata* logued at the series just closed -was 814,000 bales, of which 291,000 bales were sold, including 167,000 bales to Continental buyers and 16,000 to American. The course of prices has been irregular. Compared with the closing rates at the December series, all classes of merino were £d lower, and fine crossbreds Id lower. Prices were on the average £d lower than those ruling at the December sales, but superior lambs brought Id more, although the top prices were below those obtained in 1886. The wool trade is depressed, and an early revival is not expected. Tallow is unchanged. The English wheat market shows a general advance of 6d. The Continental and American markets are advancing. For Australian wheat on passage sellers are asking 41s 3d, but buyers refuse to give more than 40s Bd. Her Majesty the Queen has awarded the second class Albert medal to Hennessey, the coxwain of the Sandgate life boat, which rescued several of the sailors of the ship Benvenue when she stranded off Sandgate in November last. The presentation was made by the Queen herself at Osborne. Mr H. Chaplin, Minister of Agriculture, has introduced the Small Holdings Bill into the House of Commons. The measure proposes to enable county councils to levy a rate of. one penny in the pound, which it is estimated would yield ten millions sterling, for the voluntary purchase of lands ; councils are given powers to sell or let to holders. The Bill, which does not apply to holdings in Ireland, is viewed in a friendly spirit by the Opposition. Lord Knutsford, in. reply to a question by Mr Howard Vincent, said that Australian and Canadian goods would be admitted into England at similar rates to goods from the United States, West Indies, and the other colonies. Fifty eight classes would be admitted free of duty, while large reductions would be made in others. Mr W. L. Jackson has introduced into the House of Commons a Bill providing for free and compulsory eduoation in Ireland. The Hierarchy approve of the measure. The Bill prohibits the employment of children under eleven years of age, and between the ages of eleven and fourteen, unless they have attained a . certain degree of proficiency at school. It also abolishes fees where they do not exceed sis shillings per annum. The Echo publishes a sensational story with regard to Mr William Lidderdale, a son of the Governor of the Bank of England. It states that shortly before the date fixed for his wedding the young man left home with £1000 in his possession, with the intention, it is alleged, of visiting the Australian colonies. It is now reported that he fell overboard from a yacht while in company with a lady not bis betrothed, and was drowned. The police discredit this story, and are afraid that Mr Lidderdale has been kidnapped and murdered for the sake of the money he had on his person. The announcement of the death of young Lidderdale, which was pub* lished in some of the London dailies was forged. It is stated that he is going to Australia to purchase pro* perty, but the general belief is that no letter has been received from him communicating his whereabouts or intentions.