CABLE NEWS

Patea Mail, 1 February 1881, Page 3

CABLE NEWS

RECEIVED LAST NIGHT. {Renter's Despatches to the Mail.) GEELONG CUP. Melbourne, Jan. 28th. The Geelong Cup was run to-day, and was won by Progress. BANK DISCOUNT. Melbourne, Jan. 28th. The Banks have reduced their rate of interest on deposits to 8 per cent. EXHIBITION AWARDS. Melbourne, Jan. 28th. The following Exhibition awards to New Zealand exhibitors are announced to-day:—Firsts: Miss Anna Wilson, of Dunedin, for specimens of English modern point lace ; A. Moore and Co , Christchurch, for wheat, &c.; Royse, Stead, and Co., Christchurch, for 12 samples of cereals. Seconds ; Dr Hector, for geological maps; Miss McTavisb, Thames, for specimens of needlework from New Zealand flax; Marshall and Copeland, Dunedin, for malt and barley. Thirds: Board of Education, Napier, for school apparatus; Professor Von Haast, for geological report; Miss Jessie Logan, Dunedin, for lace-work; J. andE. Paul, Marlborough, for barley; Thomas Surman and Co., Invercargill, for malt; J. Bycroft and Co., Auckland, for biscuits. Fourths : W. Deverell, Invercargill, for specimens of survey drafting; W. J. Spreat, Wellington, for map of Otago; Miss M. F. Jones, Nelson, for point lace. Fifths : Gerhard Mueller, Hokitika, for map of Auckland; Charles O’Neill, Wellington, for plan of Wellington ; V. Almao, Dunedin, for hats. IRELAND COERCION BILL. London 28th. In the House of Commons last night the debate on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill, giving the Viceroy power till October 1882, to arrest and detain all persons guilty or suspected of treasonable conduct, and to limit sale and possession of arms, was commenced. Several members spoke during the evening, but the chief speaker was the Right Hon. John Bright, who addressed the House in strong terms of justification ot the action of the Government in proposing coercive measures for the repression of the prevailing disorder in Ireland. The debate now stands adjourned to next sitting, FIGHTING IN THE TRANSVAAL. Capetown, January 27th. Telegrams arc to hand from Natal stating that news had been received from Transvaal that a successful sortie has been made by the British troops from Pretoria. The Boers’ Laager was captured, and heavy loss was inflicted on them in killed and wounded. News was also received in Natal from Governor Brigadier-General Sir George Colley, who had reached Ingogo from Newcastle, stating that, owing to the heavy rains, the rivers are swollen, and the advance of his force is for a time prevented. SERIOUS BRITISH DEFEAT. Capetown, Jan. 28th. Telegrams from official sources have been received this evening from Natal, announcing a serious British defeat in the Transvaal. The information to hand states that Sir George Colley made an attack in force on the Boer position ct Langsuek. Heavy fighting ensued, but the enemy offered a strong defence, and finally inflicted a severe repulse on the colonial force, which was compelled to retire with heavy loss in billed and wounded. Sir George has now decided to await the expected reinforcements from England and India before resuming offensive measures against the Boers. GLADSTONE ON IRELAND. London, Jan. 28 th. The debate in the House of Commons on the second reading of the Irish Coercion Bill was resumed to-day. Mr Gladstone made a lengthy speech during the evening, in the course of which he reminded the House that the increase of agrarian outrages and the Land League had progressed together, and were strongly con-

nected. The coercive measures which the Government proposed to adopt aimed solely at the punishment of evil doers and abettors in the agitation. The debate was again further adjourned. ANOTHER CHANCE for TURKEY. London, Jan. 29th. It is announced that the British Government is in accord with the other Powers in regard to the action to be pursued for the settlement of the Turko-Greok difficulty, and has agreed to the proposed conference at Constantinople. At the same time it is known that the Powers have been informed tliat England s till believe?? that the compromise decided on by the Berlin Treaty to be yet binding on the part of Turkey.