New Zealand Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4442, 15 June 1875, Page 2

New Zealand Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1875.

The intelligence from Europe, by the Macgregor "at Auckland, which appears in another column, is satisfactory so far as it goes. Wool growers should be pleased, as it was reported on the 28th May, that the wool sales were proceeding briskly at firm prices. An abundant harvest is also anticipated in Great Britain, which, of course, is a matter of the greatest importance to a country like New Zealand, which depends uponjthe English market for the sale of its staple products. The strike of colliers in South Wales is at an end, the men having consented to accept the masters' terms of a reduction of 12i per cent, on wages. There is a fact in connection with this strike which is worth noting. The South Welch colliers acted under instructions from the Northern Unions, which had a direct pecuniary interest in prolonging the strike, as it limited the out-put of coal, and proportionately increased their own earnings. Many of the Northern Union men employed " cheap labor " to do their work, and pocketed the difference, living in a state of idleness and beer. These facts were painfully brought home to the unhappy families of the men on strike in Wales, who are not likely to be again deluded by the agents of distant Unions. Moreover, a very serious question has arisen as to the liability of ratepayers to maintain the families of men out on strike. This is one of the greatest social questions of the day in the Mother Country, and it will tax the wisdom of legislators to devise a remedy. A telegram, under date June 2nd, informs us what a very narrow escape Europe had from being the theatre of another great war. Germany took alarm at the warlike preparations of France, and determined to "strike the first bldw in " another war," before her rival and neighbor was prepared. Thanks to the intervention of England and Russia peace has been preserved. This news explains a previous telegram to the effect that Marshal MacMahon had thanked the British Government for its friendly offices on behalf of France. But the disclosure by Earl Derby in the House of Lords will not tend to make France and Germany regard each other with more friendly eyes. Alsace-Lorraine is to be the field for the early summer manoeuvres of the German Army, which would then be well in hand to "strike "the first blow in another war" for supremacy. Should Germany force France into another struggle, she will not be supported by the public opinion of Europe, as she was when Napoleon took the field to cross the Rhine. And the public opinion of Europe would count for something in, «uoh a. oontoot. From America, we learn that " the third term scare is at an end. General Grant did not act upon the friendly advice of the New York Herald, to resign the Presidency and visit Europe, and thereby earn for himself the gratitude of a misgoverned people, but he has intimated that he is not a candidate for re-election. The successful General, however, has survived his popularity. Certainly, things have been done under his administration which will scarcely be ciedited by students of Constitutional Government in the United States in after years. Coming to matters affecting the colony, we are pleased to learn that Mr. Thos. Russell, representing New Zealand, and Sir Daniel Cooper, representing New South Wales, have agreed on terms for a joint mail service via San Francisco. Tenders are invited for the service in England and Australia, up to the 10th instant.

We think every one will be gratified to learn that Mr.- Vogel's public services in New Zealand have been recognised by the Imperial Government, her Majesty having created him a Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George. This news will no doubt be gall and wormwood to Sir George Grey, who detects in the decoration of distinguished colonists a design on the part of the English Government to hold the colonies in leadingstrings. Sir Julius has worked hard in thepublio service, and fairly earned his star and ribbon.

The Australian news does not suggest comment. Gold is being found rather more plentifully in New South Wales and Queensland than at previous dates.