NEWS BY CABLE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5355, 27 May 1878, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

(REUTER'S SPECIAL TO PRESS AGENCY.) Athens, May 23. Severe but indecisive fighting has taken place at Crete. Constantinople, May 23. A great fire here has destroyed the palaces of the Minister of Justice and the Supreme Council of State. The Russians are advancing within the neutral zone. May 24. The Russian and Turkish Commission have failed to agree to a line of demarcation. London, May 23. Supplementary estimates have been introduced to-day for the Indian contingent army, and for an increase to the navy on the New Zealand station. On the resumption of the debate on the Government policy, the Eastern cpiestion was untouched. Lord Hartington’s motion was negatived. May 24. ' The strictest secresy is maintained re Schou; valoff's mission pending the reply of the British Government. The prevalent opinion is that it is of a pacific character, and that there will be an early meeting of the European Congress. ’ . . May 25. The Duke of Cambridge inspects the Indian forces at Malta. - SPECIAL. London, May 21. Tho hopes for the maintenance of peace are more favorable. A portion of the Sublime Porte was burned in the late fire at Constantinople. 1 The origin of the fire is supposed to have been accidental. The Government majority in the House of Commons is at least 121, and probably greater. A meeting of Congress is now almost certain. The following have been created Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George Sir W. Jervois and Judge Galt (of Canada) —Knights Commanders:—Mr Wilson, ,ex Premier of Tasmania ; Mr, Michie, Aeent General of Victoria ; Mr John Hay, President of the Legislative Council of Sydney. Companions : —Mr. Lefroy, Treasurer at Perth ; Colonel Anderson of Victoria; Henry Halloran of Sydney. Prelate of Order : —Bishop Perry late of Melbourne. -