LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 197, 19 August 1880, Page 2

LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

OPENING OF THE WOOL SALES. . ] « - ■ London, August 1 7. The Ameiican harvest prospects are reported to be favorable, and the crop is estimated at 500 million bushels. The wool sales opened to-day with a good attendance of Home and foreign buyers. To day's catalogue comprised 6900 bales, ( chiefly inferior and faulty wools of all kinds. The tone of the bidding was hesitating. Prices were from a half penny to a penny lower than the last sales. Tbe present series of auctions will close on the Ist October. In the House of Commons to-day, the Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for India, in submitting the Indian budget said than an increase of taxation was proposed to the extent of 18 millions (sic). He also said that no definite proposal would be submitted by the British Government to aid Indian finance until the suspension of hostilities in Afghanistan. August 18. In the House of Commons to day, Mr Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, denounced the wickedness and cowardice of Mr Dillon's recent seditious speech at Kildare. He said the Government had no intention of prosecuting him. A report was current to-day that two barrels of gunpowder had been found in the railway tunnel under the Cork barracks, but an inquiry proved the whole thing to be a hoax. Paris, August 18. It is expected that the French grain crop this year will be an average one. Calcutta, August 18. Further information to band states that Ayub Khan has commenced bombarding Candabar, and that the British forces are acting on the defensive. News comes to band that the Citadel at Candahar is invested on three sides by Ayub Khan's army. General Stewart reports that he has reached Gundamuk with the British force ■which was left at Cabul after General Roberts' departure for Candahar, and that the evacuation of Cabul is now completed.