London.

Manawatu Herald, 23 September 1893, Page 2

London.

The Matabele forces are reported to be within 90 miles of Fort Salisbury. Mr Buxfcon, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, admitted that the position in Mashonaland is very grave. If Lobedgula attacked British settlers, the company would be justified in taking offensive action. He contended that it was imperative to resist the chance of incurring a costly war through the too hasty action of the colonists. The Government wonld not permit them to act on the aggressive unless Sir H. Loch consented. The general impression of the public is that the vacillating action of the Marquis of Ripon is likely to encourage Lobengula. The Times says that a coal trust, embracing all the collieries in the United Kingdom, is projected. The capitalised interest is calculated at a hundred and ten millions. Sir George Eliot is promoting the coal trust. It is proposed to assure ten per cent interest on two thirds of the capital. Five per cent of the profits is to be equally divided between the workmen "and the owners. It is officially announced that Sir Henry Norman, Governor of Queensland, has withdrawn his acceptance of the Yiceroyship of India. Wool is very firm owing to the prospect of an advance in rates. Home buyers are competing spiritedly, A large parcel of Melbourne wools was bought, for America at about original prices. The estimated visible American supply of wheat is 66,800,000 bushels.