EUROPEAN ITEMS.

Patea Mail, 11 January 1882, Page 3

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

( Argus Specials, per Melbourne steamer at the Bluff.) Bismarck's Appeal. London, Dec. 28th. Italy has been thrown into a state of intense excitement by tbe announcement that Prince Bismarck has appealed to the Great Powers to arrive at some conclusion as to the real position occupied by the Pope. Disaffected Ireland. As disturbances in Ireland continue to increase, Government have determined to divide the disaffected portion into five districts, in which the administration of justice will be left entirely under the control of the military authorities. Attempt to Fire Cronstadt. Latest reports show that the Nihilist attempt to destroy the Russian Naval Station at Cronstadt by fire on Christmas Day was not very successful, as the flames were extinguished before very much damage was done. French-Australian Steamers. The Messageries Maritime Company are rapidly completing . their arrangements for a regular steam service between Marseilles and Australia. Several large steamers are in course of construction for the service. One which has been christened the Melbourne, was launched to-day. The Cape and Basutoland. The Cape Government have decided to abandon Basutoland rather than incur the cost and loss which another war would involve. Fraud by a Marquis. The Marquis of Hnnlly, who is charged with fraud, has left the country, and is believed to be in Russia, Steps will be taken to obtain his extradition. Bank Revenue. The bank revenue returns for the nine months from the 31st March to the 31st December, 1881, have just been published, and show, an increase over the corresponding period of 1880 of over £2,500,000. Wreck Report. A return issued to-day shows that the value of English and colonial property lost at sea by wrecks during 1881 was £18,000,000. ( Age Special.) Terrible Accident. London, Dec. 27. At Cambornetowne, Cornwall, a bazaar was being held in a chapel, and in order to provide extra accommodation a temporary flooring had been constructed above the ground floor. The bazaar being crowded, the floor suddenly collapsed, crushing down those who were underneath. A fearful scene followed. The air -was filled with the screams of the wounded and dying. It was some time before the survivors could be extricated from the ruins, and the dead bodies collected together.

EXPLOSION. 20 LIVES LOST. On a steamer lying in Cork river, State of Maine, a terrific explosion suddenly, occurred, which killed twenty persons who were on board at the time. Montreal Harbor. Arrangements are being made for the construction of new harbor works at Montreal, which are much required owing to the great increase of shipping to that port. It is proposed to establish a syndicate/witlra capital of £4,500,000. The scheme is receiving warm support, and is likely to be carried out. Appeal by Nihilists. The Nihilists in Russia have issued a manifesto in which they appeal for assistance from all who desire to free that country from the present tyrannical Government, and establish freedom throughout the empire.