CABLEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 529, 11 January 1878, Page 2

CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST WAR NEWS.

[recter's telegrams, per press agency.] London, January 10.

Acting under the advice of the British Government, the Porte consented to hold direct negotiation for an armistice with Russia. Tiie Turkish commanders have ac oi'dingly been instructed to conclude an armistice with the Russian Com-mander-in-Chief.

DIRECT AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(KF.I"TKE:"s TELEGRAMS, PEP. PRESS AIIENTY.) Melbourne. January 10. Affairs here are becoming alarming. yesterday a number of unclassified officers of long standing were dismissed without notice or claim for compensation. Further dismissals are contemplated in various public departments, including the Chief Commissioner of Police. Public works are stopped, and a large number of

workmen thrown out of employment. The compensation allowance for plassified officers is enormous. The police magistrates have-received L 40,000. Mr. Berry has addressed the people of Geelong, and also a mass meeting at Melbourne. The supporters of the Government have addressed their respective constituents on the cause of the present crisis. The wildest excitement prevails. The Governor, in his speech at the opening of the Porl land Railway, alluding to the state of allairs, said his duty was to give support to the Government so long as they kept within the law and retained the confidence of the majority of the people ; and his position would be one of strict neutrality. That was the view taken by the Imperial authorities. The Civil Service is in a state of disorganisation, consequent on the uncertainty as to whose dismissal will take place next. None have been discharged to-day, presumably owing to the absence of seven members of the Cabinet at Portland. Licenses cannot be granted owing to the absence of the Police Magistrates and the Justices.

Tiio Nelson's armament has been reduced to that of a frigate. The "Victoria will be placed in command of Captain Maunderville, and will act in consort with the Cerberus.

It has been decided to invite tenders for 50 cases torpedoes. Sir W. Jervois goes to Adelaide tonight, and leaves for England in the Staad Amsterdam on the 9th "February. Sydney, January 10. Arrived —H.M.S. Sappho.