London Gossip.

Patea Mail, 14 October 1880, Page 3

London Gossip.

The Government have decided not to retain Candahar, though the date of the withdrawal of the troops is not yet fixed.

A movement has been started in London for the formation of a Syndicate for the construction of the Australian Transcontinental Raliway. The Government will not rc-enact the Peace Preservation Act in Ireland. It is reported that Austria proposes a Congress to settle definitely all outstanding questions in regard to the East. It is stated that Russia has backed Persia in her intrigues with Ayoub Khan for securing to him the Amecrship of Cabul. Ayoub is reported to be proceeding to Masred. Ten thousand British troops remain at Candahar, and the rest have been withdrawn.

The murder of the Marquis Mountnorres has increased the feeling of terror in Ireland; and the language of the Leaguers has aroused a demand for repressive legislative measures. Sir Charles Dilke, Foreign Under-Secretary, is about to proceed to Paris, to rearrange the treaty of commerce between England and France.

A week ago Mr Gladstone foresaw the present situation at Dulcigno, and proposed a naval demonstration at Stamboul —forcing the Hellespont, if necessary. He even named the ships and regiments to be selected for the service, Germany, however, refused, and the proposal was coldly received by the Queen. There arc rumours of a tension between the Court and the Cabinet.

Tlie Ti am says Australian indebtedness, tried by any statistical test, is a more bagatelle, and that the colonies, when prosperous, will attract immigrants. Referring to New Zealand, however, the Times says the state of things there was not equally favourable. Its debts really embarrass it, and the colony is now bound to show its ability to pay its way for some years to come without further borrowing.