London.

Manawatu Herald, 12 May 1894, Page 2

London.

His Honor Judge Williams explained that he wished it to be undersisboilregarding the New Zealand Soah aM Mercantile Agency Company that he allocated no blame to anyone in particular. It was clear that some of the officers and directors might without cause be made the objects of substantial blame. He did not impute to any of the directors personal responsibility or blame. The Judge has again invited counsel for the Loan and Mercantile Company's directors to address the Court and supply additional evidence. They are considering whether they will take advantage of the offer. The press generally severely criticises the directors' management. The papers demand that Mr Mundella, President of the Board of Trade, should resign his post in the Ministry after .the remarks of Mr Justice Williams. Mr Mnndella declines to resign from the Ministry, on the ground that Judge Williams' statement is not a judgment. The Daily Chronicle says this excuse is not sufficient and that he ought to resign. The Government whips are betraying considerable anxiety regarding the division on the Bill to give effect to the Budget proposals, so far as they relate to the increase of the beer and spirit duties. The Parnellites will vote against the Bill, but the other.section of the Irish Party will support the measure, despite the strong pressure brought to bear on them by Irish publicans to vote for the rejection of the proposals. During the discussion oq the Budget proposals in the House of Commons, Mr Goschen attacked Sir W. V. Harcourfc, Chancellor of the Exchequer, for going to the colonies for a precedent in support of graduated taxation. He declared that the landed interests in Great Britain had been almost ruined by Australian mutton, and that they were now to be wiped out by Australian finance. The proposals for the disestablishment, of the Scotch Church have been abandoned owing to the pressure of other business. The Daily Chronicle is afraid that the hoisting of the British flag at Wadelai may be accepted by the Mahdist-s as a deliberate challenge to try their strength with the intruders. Sir E. Grey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Office, says the British troops were not ordered to occupy WndelaiLord Bosobery, speaking at a meeting of the National Liberal Club, said the Government would presevere with their programme, even if they had only a majority of two. Thirty thousand miners in Scotland refused to agree to a reduction in wages, and have in consequence been locked out' by the ■nrine-ownera. - The World sa,ja that Sir W. V. Hareourfe will shortly receive 'an Earldom. . : . Mr Henry Gibbs has joined the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's Board of Directors. The Times, commenting on Mr Justice Vaugban Williams' statement, says it is indecent and scandalous for Mr Mundella to retain office in the Ministry, and hopes that Lord Rosebery will intervene.