NEWS BY CABLE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 233, 26 February 1876, Page 10

NEWS BY CABLE.

ENGLAND AND AUSTRALIA. THE ALFONSISTS TRIUMPHANT IN SPAIN. THE FRENCH ELECTIONS. THE SUEZ CANAL SHARES. London, February 8. Her Majesty the Queen opened Parliament. The speech referred to the existence of cordial foreign relations, reforms in Turkey, the purchase of the Suez Canal shares, and the visit of the Prince of Wales to India. A Royal Commission of Inquiry is promised respecting the suppression of the slave trade. Bills are also promised for the establishment of an ultimate tribunal of appeal ; for the amendment of the Merchant Shipping law ; and legislation on universities and primary education. The Duke of Edinburgh will take the command of the Sultan for a special cruise. The Duchess of Edinburgh will proceed to Russia. In Spain the Alphonsists are masters of Biscay and Olava. “ February 9. Both Houses of Parliament have voted addresses in reply. Explanations occurred on the action ox tne Government in supporting Count Andrassy s note, and also respecting the purchase of the Suez Canal shares. Mr Gladstone approved of the support given to Count Andrassy’s note. ■London, February 16. A Royal Commission has been appointed to inquire into the condition of the slave trade at Zanzibar. , „ . In the House of Commons the Chancellor of the Exchequer introduced a motion for a loan to pay for the Suez Canal shares, also for the debt due to the Commission. The debate was deferred to Monday next. Wool sales opened yesterday. Total arrivals up to date amount to over 100,000 bales. Upwards of 55,000 bales were offered, of ■which Cape wools preponderated. The attendance of both home and foreign buyers was large, and biddings commenced with great spirit. Prices are about the same as last series. The Sultan has issued a decree bringing into operation the reforms set forth by Austria, and offering an amnesty to all the insurgents on their returning to obedience. February 19. The Merchant Shipping Bill has passed its second reading in the House of Commons. The Premier, in answer to a question, said the choice of a title was the prerogative of the Queen. Lowe and Foster objected to the adoption of the despotic title Empress. Jacob Bright is elected for the City of Mojiclicstcr. The wool market is active. Competition continues, but Australian sorts generally are a shade under last February’s rates. Faulty and crossbreds show a heavy reduction. The wheat market is dull, the mild weather having improved the prospects as to growing crops. Adelaide is quoted at 51s. to 535. London, February 22. The Commons voted the amount necessary for the purchase of the Khedive’s shares in the Suez Canal. Gladstone and Lowe attacked the details of the transaction, but defended the purchase itself as a political act calculated to strengthen the Empire. The Alfonsists are triumphant over the Carlists in Spain, and the latter are flying to the French frontier. The French elections have resulted m a triumph for the Moderate Republicans. Minister Buffet, being defeated, has resigned. General Schenck, the American Ambassador to England, has resigned on account of an impending trial in connection with the Emma mine. AUSTRALIAN. Sydney, February 21. The Sydney Government have withdrawn the tobacco duties. The Swordfish, from London, passed a large American ship, on November 16, abandoned at sea. Sydney, February 22. The Government is considering the advisability of dividing the banking account. The question of re-organising the Volunteer force will probably be postponed till next session - The Sydney team is the favorite for the intercolonial cricket match. Anxiety is felt owing to the drought. February 23. The Hero arrived last night. She spoke the steamer Hauraki on Monday, bound from Auckland to Sydney. A private telegram announces the arrival of the La Hogue at London. A great tornado occurred at Bowen, Queensland, on Monday. Houses were blown down, and numbers of persons seriously injixred. Heavy rains also fell in Melbourne. At the manslaughter case at Sale, it transpired that the deceased died indirectly through contagion at the infirmary. The briekmakers at Echuca have struck for an increase of wages. The Assembly are discussing the incometax. There is considerable opposition to the proposal. , ... . A man named Sevens has been committed for trial for beating his wife to death at At Adelaide the bodies of Mrs. Gordon and child, lost in the bush, have been found, lhey had been travelling in a circle for twenty miles. 1 Wheat is quiet. Brandies lower. Melbourne, February-21. There is great excitement in politics, and disgraceful scenes occurred Assembly last week. The Albion sailed on Saturday for the Bluff •with the Suez mails. “ The Steamer Avoca arrived at Adelaide with the extra Suez mail.

AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY. (Per Otago, from Sydney.) Melbourne, 16th February. The new Standing Order has been assented to by the Governor. The Government intend to proceed with their financial proposals before proroguing. While adhering to the general principles of their scheme,, they will not insist on every, detail. A Supply Bill for £540,000 was passed through all its stages in both Houses. The Assembly proceeded, to deal with Mr. Lalor’s case as a matter of privilege. Mr. Lalor was requested to attend in his place, and to offer an apology, and on that understanding, the motion that he be committed to the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms was withdrawn. The question gave rise to some debate, Mr. Lalor himself asserting that the words complained of were not used in the course of his speech, and therefore did not constitute an offence. Mr. Lalor having apologised, the motion was withdrawn. Some very excited language was used. Messrs. McKean and Purves nearly fought in the corrider because the latter said that the statement made by an Opposition member was a deliberate lie. It was only by great exertion on the part of their friends that they were kept from striking one another. , , The Mining Department Board has sat and taken the evidence of several officers, who detailed the conduct of Mr. Brough Smythe towards his subordinates. Six small houses in Earl-street, Carlton, have been destroyed by fire, and two others damaged. Watson’s Junction Hotel at Sunbury also, has been destroyed by fire. The Somersetshire sailed for London with a number of passengers. Information has been received in Adelaide that the Imperial Government have assented to the request of the Victorian Government, having reference to inscribed stock, and will make the Bill apply to the colonies generally. A shocking accident occurred at Bathurst through the explosion of a kerosene lamp. A. family were seated round a table, when it burst, setting fire to Mrs. Nagle, Mrs. Reardon, and Thomas Nagle, five years old. The first two are shockingly injured, and it is feared they will not recover.