LATEST HOME AND FOREIGN NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1287, 22 May 1880, Page 2

LATEST HOME AND FOREIGN NEWS.

(REUTEB/S TELEGRAM, PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION) London, May 19. The first session of the twenty-second Parliament was opened formally to-day by Royal Commission. The speech from the Throne was read by the Lord Chancellor. It states that the relations of Great Britain with all foreign powers continue to be of a very friendly character. A hope is expressed that in concert with the Great Powers an early and. complete fulfilment of the Treaty of Berlin may be promoted, and that effectual reforms in Turkey, and equal laws for the Turkish race, may be brought about, together with the settlement of the question of territorial rights. The strict fulfilment of the Treaty of Berlin is deemed essential "and necessary in order to avert complications in. Eastern Europe. The Right Hon. G. J. Goschen has been despatched as Special Ambassador to Constantinople, with the object of bringing about a fulfilment of the Treaty obligations. Increasing efforts are being made to paGify Afghanistan, and establish an institution which will secure the independence of Government in that country. The confederation of the South African colonies will be recommended, and British supremacy in the Transvaal will be maintained. An Act passed by the last Parliament for the preservation of peace in Ireland will not be renewed. The speech concludes by stating that the principal measures to be introduced by the Government during the session will include the Burials Bill, and bills for the renewal of the Ballot Act, for the reform of the game laws, for declaring the liability of employers in cases of accidents to workmen, and for the extension of the borough franchise to Ireland.

May 20. Adelaide wheat, per 496 lbs, ex warehouse, 525. Five per cent New Zealand Loan, 1880, 106 ; Four and a half New Zealand Loan, 1879 to 1904, 98f. At the wool sale to-day, 8300 bales were offered, making a total of 244,000 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was rather firm. 10,000 bales have been withdrawn since the opening, , The P. and O. Steam Navigation Company pays 2 per cent, dividend for the half-year.

The Australian Cricketers commenced their third match against 18 players of Longsight. The English team went in lirst, and scored 118. Spofforth took nine wickets. The Australians have six wickets down for 26 runs. The bowling was dead on the wickets. The House of Lords have voted the Address in Reply after a short debate. The House of Commons voted the Address in Reply after a long debate, and the amendment of the Irish members was rejected by a large majority. Mr. Gladstone, the Premier, in a speech, explained that the Eight Hon. G. J. Goschen's mission to Constantinople was principally in reference to the Greek and Montenegrin questions, which were most pressing. It was necessary to disabuse the Turkish mind of the idea that England was specially interested in maintaining Turkey, nor did they desire to trespass on Turkish rights in Asia. The condition of affairs in Europe was not critical.

Berlin, May 21. A Ministerial Bill has been introduced into the Lower House of the German Parliament for the revision of the May laws. The changes proposed will provide a large concession to the Catholics in Germany, and meet the views of the Vatican.