London.

Manawatu Herald, 1 May 1897, Page 2

London.

In the House of Commons, Mr Balfour, Leader of the House, in reply to a question, said the Powers maintained a neutral attitude with regard to Greece, and Turkey. They, however, were willing to mediate when a favourable chance presented itself.

Such newspapers as have displayed a friendly tone towards Greece are now advocating mediation by the Powers.

In the House of Commons, Mr Vincent, M.P. for Sheffield, moved that a toll be levied on foreign manufactures imported into England, in order to provide pensions for the poor.

Mr Balfour, First Lord of the Treasury, opposed the motion. He admitted that it might possibly be necessary in order to raise new revenue to modify the existing fiscal system.

The motion was negatived.

According to the Blue Book just published, Mr Chamberlain, Sec retary of State for the Colonies, forwarded several firm despatches to the Transvaal Government in March.

The despatches complained that the Transvaal Executive had concluded three treaties with other nations without the Queen's assent. The Act for the expulsiqn of alien immigrants from the Transvaal, and the stringent press laws passed by the Yolksraad, were breaches of the Convention.

The Transvaal Government did not reply to the despatches.

Ihe Powers are negotiating with a view to intervening to stop further hostilities between Turkey and Greece.

The King of Greece has announced his willingness to abdicate the throne in favour of Prince George, his second son.