London.

Manawatu Herald, 30 March 1899, Page 2

London.

In the House of Commons, ihe Right Hon J. Chamberlain, Secretary oi State for the Colonies, in replying to Sir 0. Dilke, said he anticipated that the Select Committee on the Old Aga Pensions scheme wonld report during the present year. The Right Hon. 0. T. Richie, President of the Board of Trade, has dropped the Automatic Couplings BiU, p -nding further inquiries on the subjeot. Mr Longstaff, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, has contribuied £25,000 towards the expenses ofthe proposed Antarctic exploring expedition that is propostd to ba sent out next year. The London "Times," in commenting on the subjeot says that £40,000 is now available, tnd observes that probably others will emulate the example of Mr Longstaff in equipping a national expedition worthy of the oountry. It was also hoped the Government would help the expedition in some way. The •• Daily News " says there are tremendous possibilities involved in an exploration of the Southern Polar regions. The grievances of the British subjeots resident in the Transvaal have been embodied in a petition addressed to the Qaeen, who is requested to order an inquiry to be held into the matters complained of, with a view to bringing about ref )tm. The petitioners state that since the promises of reform where made by President Krnger in 1895 the position of the Outlanders has beoome worse, and it has now grown intolerable. Th_y also state that they have been prevented from ventilating their grievances. The " Times " warns President Kruger that since 1895 there has been a rsvulaion of feeling in Franoe and Gfrmrny in regards to the Transvaal.