LATE CABLE. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. (per press association.)

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8171, 1 May 1895, Page 3

LATE CABLE. By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright. (per press association.)

Received May 1, at 1.30 a.m. London, April 29. Wheat is la dearer. In the House of Commons to-day Sir \V. Y. Harcourt will introduce a Bill providing for the principle of one man-one-vote in Farliamentary elections. The members of both parties are greatly surprised at the early introduction of the measure, and its advent at the present stage is believed to point to the near approach of a dissolution. The Russian Government is preparing to mobilise the whole of her army and navy. All leave has been stopped among the troops in the Amoor region. A Japan correspondent of the Times wires that the situation is very grave. Advices fiom Hong Koug state that the Japanese massacred a garrison at the Pescadores on the occupation of the group. It is reported that Germany has proposed to Italy to prolong the Triple Alliance for ■ix years in view of the unsettled state of affairs in Asia.

Sydney, April 30 The court martial in connection with the trouble on board H.M.S. Ringarooma has commenced. The following charges are laid against Surgeon Lea by Captain Johnson, namely : Treating Captain Johnson contemptuously, refusing to go below when ordered to be placed under arrest, nml refuting to obey the commands to sign the entry in the log statiug that he hacf been placed under arrest. It transpires that Captain Johnson charged Surgeon Lea with nfglhct of duty in connection with a cert tin provision made for the treatment of wounded in action. Ihe doctor held that the matter complained of was not part of his duty. Later in the day the doctor ordered the captain to go below, as he was on the sick list, and required to be placed under observation. Captain Johnson declined, and in turn placed the doctor under arrest. The latter refused to obey the order as the Cuptain was on the sick list, and therefore not in command of the ship. Lea was subsequently released by the direction of Captain Castle, the senior officer in charge of the station. Sailed— Wakatipu. In the Legislative Assembly the Premier Announced that the Cabinet had decided, in consequence of certain statements furnished them, to appoint a Royal Commission to fully investigate the Dean case. In Committee in the Legislative Assembly on the Local Government Bill, Mr Watson, the labor member, moved an amendment, which was carried against the Government in the paab week, asserting ths principle* of one-man-one-vote in the municipal elections. The Premier, who was not satisfied with the last week's defeat, said the Govern nant had decided to make the question a party one, and would abide by the decision of the House if they accepted Mr Watson's present amendment. On a division being taken the Opposition joined issue with the Labor party, the result being the defeat of the Government by 47 votes to 42. The Opposition members exp'ained that their action was taken with a view to kill the Bill. Premier Reid, in order that the Bill might be dropped, then moved that the Chairman leave the chair, but Mr O'Sullivan moved as an amendment that leave be given to sit again. The debate is proceeding.