TELEGRAMS

Patea Mail, 14 February 1882, Page 3

TELEGRAMS

(per united press association.) This Day.

“ AGE ” SPECIALS. Attempt to Wreck a Train. London, 31st Jany.—An attempt made to upset an express train near Canterbury, by tearing up some sleepers on the line, was discovered in time to prevent fatal consequences.

Arctic Explorers.

Towards the latter end of December, intelligence was received that the Arctic exploring yacht Jeannette had been discovered on the coast of East Siberia. The crew had abandoned the ship in three boats, two of which reached land in safety, but gnjve fears are felt as to the fate of third. Intelligence lately received renders it probable that Lieutenant Delons, commander of the Jeannette, and his companions, reached Melville Island, at the extreme north of the American Continent, and hopes are now entertained that they will be saved.

Custom House Frauds in Russia. Great excitement has been caused throughout Russia by the disclosure of enormous frauds having been made in the Customs department. Defalcations exist to the amount of 70,000,000 roubles (nearly 10,000,000 sterling.) Tbe Russian Government lias decided to reduce customs duties on imports. WAR PREPARATIONS in RUSSIA. Russia is making great warlike pereparations with the evident design of interfering in complications that have arisen in Eastern Europe. Large bodies of troops are being massed in tbe South, where they are held in readiness for immediate action. It is rumored that with view of strengthening its position in the war with Austria that now seems imminent, Russia has concluded a secret treaty with Roumania. War Horrors. Great indignation has been caused among Austrian troops operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina at barbarities practised by insurgents upon prisoners. Some of the soldiers were found to be shockingly mutilated. Sir H. Parkes in America. The New York Chamber of Commerce has decided to give a public entertainment to Sir 11. Paikes, the New South Wales Premier, Arrangements have been made for a banquet on his arrival at New York. Ritualism Triumphant. The Rev. A. H. Mackonochie, vicar of St. Alban’s Church, London, against whom legal proceedings have for some years been instituted in connection with Ritualistic proceedings in his church, has appealed against the decision pronounced upon him by tbe Law Courts. The appeal has been decided in his favor. The Australian Explorer. A petition has been forwarded to the Imperial Government requesting that an annuity may be granted to tbe relations of the late celebrated explorer, Leichardt, on account of valuable services rendered to science by the deceased. Twenty-two Colliers Killed, There has been a terrible explosion in a

mine in the State of Virginia. Twentytwo miners were killed.

RUSSIAN TREACHERY.

A telegram appears in the Times stating that Russian troops are occupying Merv, the principal town of Indenpendent Turkestan. The occupation has occasioned much comment, especially in view of the recent assurance given by the Russian Government that there was no intention to take any such steps.

Irish Property Defence Fund.

The Irish Property Defence Fund, established under the Presidency of the Lord Mayor of London, has reached £30,000.

Volunteer Claims.

Wellington.—lt is now definitely decided that the Commission to investigate Volunteer Claims will consist of Messrs Fulton, Bunny, and Colonel Haultain. It is understood that the former gentleman will act as Chairman. The Commission is not yet signed, but is expected to be done prior to the departure of the Governor for Christchurch on Thursday evening.