Abyssinia.

Manawatu Herald, 16 June 1896, Page 2

Abyssinia.

» The latest cables from Borne itate that it is rumoured the Italians intend to retire from Erythrea, which is to be divided between England and Germany. Erythrea is an Italian dependency on the shores of the Bed Sea with an area computed at 4,000 square miles and a population of 250,000. Its capital is Masowah. This province effeotually bars Abyssinia from the sea. After the death of King Theodore in 1868 the country of Abyssinia was broken up into various petty states and Italy assumed a protectorate over it. The present king, Menelik, has brought all these States again under him and as history has told U3, made Italy's position in that country very awkward. Kassala, which the Italians are holding on to for Egypta's sake is just outside of Abyssinia, in the Khalifa's dominions and is situated on what is known as the Black Nile. Between Egypt proper, which extends to Wady Haifa, and British East Africa, is a vast extent of country known as the Khalifa's dominions or Eastern Soudan. It was abandoned by Egypt in 1884, but the possession of Egypt is very much influenced by who may hold this territory containing as it does alinoit (he sources of the Nile, and from what correspondents have written it ap* pears practicable to divert the Nile so that Egypt might be waterless. It therefore appears to be the reason for the determined advance to Dongola and beyond, to hold the safety of the Nile so as to ensure its lifegiving waters to the land without which would become a sandy desert like the Libyan desert on its West and the Nubian desert on the South. England having saved the Italians from too great a disaster they are willing to offer the recompense of part of the territory they are heartily sick of, and as a member of the Triple Alliance they also offer a crumb of comfort to Germany.

The platform at the railway station has had a facing of limestone Spread over it making it much nicer to walk on. This k not much but it suggests that if the railway people have the stone why could not the Borough authorities get some? We learn it is brought from the Gorge, so there should be plenty of the material. Prohibitionists' hearts would have jumped for joy had they noticed the six crates of soda-water bottles landed from the Queen of the South for a firm at Woodville. Still some of this soda has been known to get mixed with brandy to the great improvement of the soda. To-morrow the sale of liquors, &0., seized by the bailiff takes place at Mr McMillan's auction rooms. A large attendance is bound to be present. Just fancy— a chance to buy good liquor at your own price. The first practical test of Professor Rontgen's discovery took place in the Melbourne Hospital last week. The patient was one who had had a needle buried in his hand. Dr Syme and Professor Lyle photographed the hand, and the position of the needle being clearly ascertained, an operation was performed, and the needle extracted. " The temporary depression " alluded to in the Governor's Speech as fast passing away, will unfortunately be still with us longer than we wish, as it is stated that down South Messrs Wood, Shand & Co. have failed, and there are rumours of another large company doing so. As an instance what one man can do in what may be termed a by-product of a farm, we mention that Mr Ellis, of Heatherlea, made last year £100 from bis purebred poultry. The Colonial Treasurer's approximate estimate of the net gain to the revenue under the new Customs Tariff was £3500, says the Post. Mr Duthie and other members of the Opposition put it as being nearer £50,000. The returns to hand show a gain of £55,000. Two constables at Auckland, Dempster and Sharp, who were charged with having been drunk and disorderly in a public street at Coromandel and found guilty, have been dismissed the foroe. Mr J. G. Wilson is to ask the Minister of Education if he will have an inspection made of the schools in the different school districts of the colony for the purpose of comparing the standard of education under the various school boards ? The case of Hemi Warena versus John Burr has resulted in a nonsuit, the Magistrate not being at all satisfied with the evidence. The State Schools in this district close on Friday for the mid-winter holidays. Mr Stanford, at Woodville last Friday, fined two young men named Troon £2 and £8 with costs, or 14 and 21 days respectively in gaol for having unregistered dogs in their possession. This is the second tima they have been up on the lame charge. Bacehories must be kittle cattle to deal with — mighty fastidious too. We noticed that the owner of Flying Shot imports pressed hay for the horse's consumption. Messrs Abraham and Williams hold a stock sale at Palm erst on on Thursday. In to-day's issue Mr G. F. Hawkins, solipitor, of Palmerston, notifies that purchasers of any goods held by him under bill-of-sale will be held liable in damages or otherwise td him. We are sorry to have to report on the authority of Dr Lamb that scarlatina is about, two families having one of their number laid up with it. The following five tenders were received lor the grubbing and ploughing advertised for by Mr Edmund Osborne, viz.: — T. Chamberlain (acoepted), J. Stuart, A. Reeve, B. Dunn and J. Beevts.

Mr J. G. Soott, formerly manager of th« Bank of New Zealand, Woodville and Palmerston North, leaves this week for Fiji. The Palmerston-Feilding football match played at Falmeraton last Saturday re* •ulted in a draw after a hard-fought gamt, and the Rongoteai were defeated for thji first time by the Piratei II for the junior championship. It is most probable the looal olub will have to play the Palmerston Club next Saturday, and a good game may be witnessed. It has been disappointing bo far to the local players that the last two matohis in which they would have taken part had been forfeited by their opponents, which although counting for them in points, is not sufficient. By making a forfeit to count a point more than a win, it would prevail oa the players to play their matches as fixed. There are saveral other questions in whith the local representative to the Bugby Union might with advantage move in the matter. Certainly the most effective medicine in the world is Sanders and Son's Eucalypti Extract. Test its eminently powerful effeot in Coughs, Colds, Influenza ; the relief instantaneous. In Berious cases and accidents of all kinds, be they wounds, burns, scaldings, bruises, sprains, it is the safest remedy — no swellings— no inflammation. Like surprising effects produoed in Croup, Diphtheria, Bronohitis, Inflammation of the Lungs, Swellings, 4c, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Disease of the Kidneys and Urinary Organd. In use at all hospitals and medical clinics ; patronised by His Majesty the King of Italy ; crowned with medal and diploma at International Exhibition, Amsterdam. Trust in this approved article and eject all Others.— [advt.] One of the drawbacks of country life, at least to the small settler, is undoubtedly the increased price he has to pay for any articles of clothing or general drapery, by reason of the extra charges for freight or carriage.. This drawback need exist no longer, for extra charges are done away with under the new parcel system which has been inaugurated at Te Aro House, Wellington. Under this system any of the parcels advertised will be sent to any address in New Zealand, post free, the prices charged being exactly the same as those at which the goods are sold over the counter in, Wellington. As may be imagiued, however, this liberal offer is only extended to cash customers, and all orders for advertised parcels must be accompanied by cash for the amount, before the order can be executed at Te Aro House. Wellington. In illustration of the system we will give an example. Take for instance No. 7 parcel, which contains 7 yards of double width stylish fancy check tweed ; 2 dozen buttons and silk and twist to match ; 2 yards of body lining and 4 yards of skirt lining. This complete parcel will be sent, post free, to any address on receipt of 15s 9d, from Te Aro House, Wellington.