London.

Manawatu Herald, 3 December 1895, Page 2

London.

Jabez Spencer Balfour, ex-M.P. for Burnley, who was convicted before the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice on charges of fraud in connection with the Liberator Building Society and other allied companies, known as the Balfour group of companies, was sentenced to 14 years' hard labour. The Judge, in sentencing Balfour, said the prisoner's was the master mind which planned the frauds. Balfour had obtained millions by suing others who were simply tools in his hands. The prisoner received sentence without showing any outward emotion. G. E. Brock and M. Theobald, two of the other directors of the Balfour companies, were sentenced to nine and four months' imprisonment respectively. The Crown has deoided not to proceed further in connection with the oharges against those alleged to be implicated in the frauds. At the wool sales, an excellent selection was offered, and there was a brisk sale. Prices were very firm. The Bradford market is firmer, and business is limited, owing to sellers holding, consequently prices are dearer than in London. Six case 3of pleuro-pneumonia have been discovered among the cattle brought by the Maori King from Sydney. The Provost of Glasgow is arranging for a meeting of the shipyard employers and the strikers, with a view of coming to a settlement of the strike in the shipbuilding trade. At the wool sales there is spirited competition, and prices are very firm. The measurement freights by sailing vessels to Melbourne and Sydney will be raised 2s 6d per ton about the middle of December. New Zealand long- berried wheat is quoted at a nominal figure. South Australian, 28s, market restricted ; Victorian, flat, 28s 3d. New Zealand mutton — First quality, 4|d per lb ; second quality, Bfd. New Zealand hemp flat, none sold at Friday's auctions. Butter— Colonial, 100 to 106 a. The Rakaia' s chilled beef from Queensland was carried at a temperature of 80 degrees. There was a sign of mould on the 45 th day, and the beef was frozen hard on the 49th. When discharged the meat was sweet and sound, but dull in appearanoe. The Rakaia's shipment of chilled meat from Queensland is virtually unsaleable. A few of the carcases

brought Is 8d per stone. Muoh of the meat was tainted, and a portion was condemned.