NEWS BY CABLE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5308, 30 March 1878, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

(RKVTER'S SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.) London, March 27. Russia finally refuses the English demands. The Peace Congress has been virtually abandoned. The situation is critical, but official circles believe that war may be avoided. A fearful colliery accident has occurred near Newcastle. Thirty persona were killed. March 28. A complete deadlock has occurred in the negotiations for the European Congress. Bucharest, March 28. Both Houses of the Roumanian Legislature have unanimously rejected the Russian proposals to exchange Bessarabia for the DobrudschaSt. Petersburg, March 28. It is semi-officially stated that General Ignatieff goes to Vienna on a diplomatic mission to endeavor to induce Austria to inform the British Government that the latter must not reckon upon the support of Austria. AMERICAN NEWS. Washington, March 28. The proposed Tariff Bill abolishes the classification of wools, and makes the duty on all classes 35 per cent, in lieu of the present average rate of 50 per cent, ad valorem. The Protectionists in the House of Representatives oppose the Bill. AUSTRALIAN NEWS. Sydney, Friday. It is stated authoritatively that the services of Colonel Scratchley have been permanently secured by the Australian Governments, in connection with defences, at a salary of £ISOO annually, and £SOO for travelling expenses. Commercial.—Brandy and kerosene are unchanged; rice, £22 10s. te £23; New Zealand wheat, ss. to ss. 3d. ; tobacco, sugar, and candles remain unchanged. Sailed: City of Sydney and Wakatipu. Adelaide, Friday. Flour, £l3; wheat unchanged. Melbourne, Friday. Great satisfaction is felt in business and political circles at the ending of the crisis. Parliament next week prorogues until July next. Judge Fellows is better, and hopes are entertained of his recovery.