London.

Manawatu Herald, 16 March 1895, Page 2

London.

The Government is very anxious to prevent the spread ol the boot strike, and is intervening with a view of settling the difficulty. The Board of Trade officials are negotiating With employers, and the men have been asked to formulate their grievances, with a view to their settlement by means of arbitration. A section of the factory-owners is trying to extend the lock-out to all parts of England. At present Scotland is not affected. The week's mortality in London from influenza is returned at 478. The death rate in many provincial centres is remarkably high Alderman Arthur Arnold has been elected chairman of the Loudon County Council, and Mr J. W. Benn, M.P., vice*ch airman. Mr W. H. Dickenson has been re-elected deputychairman. Dr E. Robertson, M.P., Civil Lord of the Admiralty, in the House of Commons, said that the attempt to recruit the navy from the mercantile marine had failed. He estimated the cost of construction for the coming year at £5,400,---000, one-half of which would be spent on battle-ships. A loan of £8,000,000 would bo required for works at Portland, Devonport, Dover, Hongkong and Gibraltar, which would be met by terminable annuities not exceeding thirty years' currency. The eight hours system in dockyards had proved a great success. General Booth has selected Canada for his oversea colony. Lord Rosebery's health shows a slight improvement, and the Prime Minister was able to attend a Cabinet meeting at his private residence. Dr Dale, the well-known Congregational minister, has died suddenly of syncope. The Oroya has been driven further in shore by the last gale, and is now labouring heavily. The main hold is flooded. The Queen has arrived at Nice. Sir T. Mcllwraith is better. The doctors now have more hope of his recovery, but are afraid the improvement may be only one of many torn* porary changes. Lords Ripon and Knutsford and the Agents-General have called to enquire after him.