NEWS BY CABLE.

Opunake Times, Volume III, Issue 139, 1 November 1895, Page 2

NEWS BY CABLE.

EASTERN AFFAIRS. Melbourne, October 29. At his reception, Lord Brassey, in referring to the Russo-Chinese treaty, said the news from the East proved the value of our Imperial union. The colonies mi;:! t :s t specially be concerned regarding any arrangement between Russia and China, but they were most seriously concerned in the maintenance of free access for British trade to Chinese ports. It is clear, he went on to say, that in proportion as the British Government speaks, and speaks evidently to all the world with the knowledge that it speaks with the united Empire behind it, so it is certain that the representation which the Empire may find it its duty to make will carry weight and receive attention. The Military Commandant, when interviewed, said the situation was serious, and the present was not the time to reduce the Australian defence forces, but rather to increase them. He added that in the event of possible complications Australia must be prepared for war. London, October 80.

The Times’ Hong Kong correspondent states that at a public banquet at Vladivostock in September, General Donkovosky, Governor of Eastern Siberia, referred to the concessions, and assured his bearers the Vladivostock would remain headquarters, while Port Arthur would receive a portion of the fleet.

The Times, referring to the alleged Russo-Chinese Treaty, states that the highest diplomatic authority has declared the Treaty does not exist, and adds that it learns without doubt that its correspondent was misled regarding at least the approach to Port Arthur, but that perhaps the Governor was trying to show the way to people at St. Petersburg. Melbourne, October 80.

General Hutton, interviewed, said that while deprecating any alarmist utterances, he considers the position in the East threatening, and that as developments in Chinese waters might be of great importance to Australia the necessity for a federal defence force was more pressing than ever. He was surprised at non-appreciation of the development bearing on events since the war with Japan. The whole question is complicated, and with Turkish - Armenia difficulties, and the probability of further developement in the Mediterranean, it would tend to something like a political revolution. St. Petersburg, October 80. It is officially denied that Russia has entered into a treaty with China. The Novoe Vremya thinks that Great Britain is seeking a pretext to declare war with China. A Russian company is building a road to connect Teheran with the Caspian Sea, costing 2£ million roubles, in order to secure the Persian trade, and it is alleged that the Government will guarantee a dividend. MORE OUTRAGES IN ARMENIA. London, October 29. News have been received of outrages in Armenia. Moslems fired several villages between Erzeromn and Trebizond, and shot many Armenians. They burned young men, and outraged and horribly mutilated women. Altogether 150 deaths are reported. Constantinople, October 80. Armenians and Turks have been fighting for three days at Mar ash,the capital of the Pashalic of its own name. Two thousand rioters assailed the gendarmes. The Armenians murdered the commander of the bourgeois. DROUGHT IN S. AUSTRALIA. Adelaide, October 80. The drought is working wide disaster to farmers and pastoralists. In the northern areas the crops are ruined and there is no feed whatever. Sheep are dying in hundreds, are cutting the throats of a large number for the sake of the skins.

IMPROVEMENT IN PRODUCE. Sydney, October 30. A feature of the wool sales to-day was the better demand for medium classes. Crossbreds also shared in the active demand, selling up to (Hd lb. There was spirited competition in all the better classes at full rates. The wheat market is unsettled, though there is a strong upward tendency in prices. Roller flour has advanced to £10; bran, Is; pollard, Is Id. All produce lines are hardening owing to the return of dry weather, Melbourne, October 30. Wheat had a strong advance to-day, and sales were effected at 3s B[d. Holders want 3s 9d. Flour has advanced 10s per ton. TRADE TO MANCHESTER. Sydney, October 30. Macarthur and Co, have completed arrangements with the Greenock Steamship Co, for a regular line of monthly steamers from Australia to Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow, begipning in May next. They are to be fitted with cool chambers for the carriage of frozen meat, butter, and other produce, also live stock. Each steamer will have accommodation for 43,000 carcases of mutton. Prior to the beginning of the regular service the Gulf of Siam will make a pioneer trip to test the trade of ports mentioned, leaving Sydney/on November 9th and calling at Melbourne. She has already secured almost a full cargo including 3500 carcases. London, October 30. In consequence of France assuming no responsibility in connection with Malagasy Treaties with other nations, some English newspapers urge that international action be taken. Newcastle, October 30. The management of the Cardiff colliery has withdrawn the notice of reduction, and states it has no desire to expect a general reduction of wages.