ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 605, 21 May 1851, Page 4

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

The revenue returns for the quarter ending the sth January, 1851, have just been published, and they are most satisfactory, as, notwithstanding the repeal of the brick duty, the modification of the stamp duties, and the further reduction of the sugar duties in October last, the falling off is only £109,428, as compared with the corresponding period of last year. The returns for the year show an increased receipt of £164,922, in spite of all reductions ; and, as the expenditure will, it is expected, be able to show in April next a surplus equal to that of last year. The last monthly return of the Board of Trade, also exhibits a very healthy sign. The no Popery cry is now nearly extinct in England, but an attempt has been made to perpetuate it in Ireland. A meeting for that purpose was held this week in Belfast under the Presidency of Lord Roden, but in point of numbers and influence it proved a decided failure. Abuse of Lord Clarendon and denunciation of the Whig government for grant-

ing money for educational purposes in Ireland were the thief themes of the speakers, and on both subjects they met with an applauding audience. The Times is fast veering about on the Papal question, and as this paper may now be said to represent the Government, any indication of its feelings may be regarded as semi-official. The Advertiser is of opinion, from the formidable array that will be brought against the Government on the meeting of Parliament, that the Russell Administration will be dissolved, and that a great political crisis is at hand. Lord Stanley, it is rumoared, would then be called to the head of the Government. Strenuous efforts are being made by the Reformers to obtain a repeal of the window tax and the duty on paper in the next session of Parliament, and with that view many of the corporate bodies of the kingdom have presented addresses to the Queen. The Daily New advocates in very strong terms the adoption of Galway as a packet station for American steamers, upon the grounds of safety, economy and saving of time, Preparations for the World’s Fair arc progressing on a most extensive scale. It is said the Great Britain steam-ship will be ready to sail for New York in April, to bring over a “ host” of visitors. This noble vessel is being refitted by Messrs. Gibbs, Bright & Co., of Liverpool. Ireland.—A great fire occurred on Sunday morning last in Dublin, by which property to the amount of £30,000 was destroyed. Great efforts are now being made in Dublin to revive the Irish manufacture movement.

The geiwal aspect of the country is peaceable. John O’Connell still continues to hold forth in Conciliation Halt The rent for the past week was £2O.