London.

Manawatu Herald, 16 February 1897, Page 2

London.

Frozen meat and hemp is unchanged. The Bradford wool market is slaok. The English wheat market shows a weak tone, without quotable change ; the Continental doll, and the American a general decline* ,-- Russia} Persia and Afghanistan L have closed their frontiers towards India, to prevent the introduction of the plague. The Madras authorities are appealing to Lord George Hamilton, Secretary of State for India, against the decision to open the port of Mecca to pilgrims. The resolution of Mr Balfour, First Lord of the Treasury, in favour of giving the Education Bill precedence over other business, has been adopted by the House of Commons by 855 to 117. - ' It has. been announced in the House of Commons by Mr Balfour that the Queen's celebration day will be declared a publio holiday. In the House of Commons Mr x Balfuui* stated that a Commission would be appointed to enquire into the financial relations of England, Ireland and Scotland. The Commission would be instructed to examine the whole State expenditure of the three kingdoms and report on ihe amounts common to each, how the Irish local services defrayed by the State compared with England and Scotland, and whether in regard to thu present taxation and existing exemptions Ireland is entitled to I farther abatements.