CABLE NEWS.

Patea Mail, 18 August 1882, Page 3

CABLE NEWS.

TO THE “ MAIL.”

(per reuter’s agekcy.) THE WAR IN EGYPT. Alexandria, 15th.—In consequence of the menacing attitude of the Bedouin Arabs, who are massing in the neigborhood of Mex, it has been deemed advisable to strengthen the British garrison at the fort, and reinforcements were despatched to-day for that purpose. The great scarcity of water, in consequence of the usual supply by aqueduct being cut off, is being severely felt by the inhabitants of this city. The available supply is very small, and it is being rapidly exhausted. Constantinople, 15th. —It has transpired that the force of Turkish troops des patched to Crete on the 7th instant, and which it was believed was intended for service in Egypt, lias been landed on the island, and understood that they will not proceed further. (AGE SPECIALS.) London, 15th.—The natives around Kafradowar are spreding a report that Arabi Pasha has called a meeting of the Ulana, or high priests, and has obtained from them a fatua (sacred or clerical decree) deposing the Sultan, Abdul Hamid, from bis position as head of the Faithful, and appointing Arabi Cheriff, of Mecca, in his place. Sir Garnet Wolsley has arrived in Alexandria. (ARGUS SPECIALS). London, 15th.—The Conference of the Powers has been adjourned indefinitely. The British have prohibited the importation of coal' and munitions of war to Egypt. August 16.—Baron de Lesseps has prevented the laying of the proposed new cable from Port Said to Suez. COUNCIL OF WAR. Alexandria, 16th.—Sir Garnet Wolsley, commanding the British forces in this countiy, presided at a council of war which was held hero to-day to decide upon the plan of operations to be pursued by the British troops. Sir Garnet subsequently visited Ramleh, where the quarters allotted to the Coldstream and Grenadier Guards were examined, and troops inspected. TURKEY’S CHANGE OF FRONT, Constantinople, 16th.—It has transpired that the Porte has now definitely decided to reject the military convention proposed by the Government for lire joint operation of the British and Ottoman troops in Egypt, and has intimated to the British Ambassador that no Turkish troops will be despatched to Egypt under the conditions of the proposed convention. ANOTHER ATTACK BY THE BRITISH. Alexandria, 17th.—At a council of war held yesterday, it was decided to forthwith make an attack upon Arabi’s position. The advance will be made from Aboukir, and not as first intended from Ramleh. A considerable force of British troops will embark here on Saturday for Aboukir, and on the following day the forts there will be attacked. The landing of troop>sis proceeding. RESTORING KING CETEWAYOLondon, 14th.—Cetewayd, late King of the Zulu tribes, and who recently arrived from the Cape, visited Osborne to-day, and was granted an audience by the Queen. August 15.—1n the House of Commons to-day the Under-Secretary for the Colonies stated that Government bad decided to restore Cetewayo to the sovereignty of the Zulu tribes, but that be would be required to receive a British Resident in his dominions, and that sufficient land would be reserved for those of the Zulu chiefs and people who objected to acknowledge the king’s authority.

(ARGUS SPECIAL.) The continuance of the Zulu military system and organisation has been prohibited by the English Government. Irish Political Demonstration, (ARGUS SPECIALS.) London, 15. ■ —The demonstration at Dublin is entirely of a political nature. The Lord Mayor unveiled the O’Connell monument, and then at the head wf a procession of 40,000 persons proceeded to open the Exhibition. Indian Budget Surplus. (AGE SPECIAL.) London, 15,—The Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for India, in bringing down the Indian Budget, said it would probably show a surplus of three million. Tho salt duty is to be reduced, and the cotton duty abolished. Australian Cricketers at Derby. London, 16th. —In the cricket match Australians versus Derbyshire, at Derby, the first innings of the Australians finally closed for 180, 51 behind their opponents. Horan was caught for 24. The home team then went in for their second innings, and were all disposed of for 78. The Australians then requiring 130 runs to win went in for their second innings, and when time was called they had put together 71 runs for the loss of five wickets. Banuennan, caught, 24, and Murdoch, 32, bowled, were the highest scorers. Tbc match was drawn, the Australians having 37 runs to make, and five wickets to fall. The ground was not in good order. Colonial Produce. Melbourne.—Malting barley is dull and unchanged at from 5s lid to 5s 3d ; shipping wheat is weaker, and has declined to 6s 9d and 6s lid ; New Zealand oats are sluggish at from 3s 6d to 3s 8d for feeding, and 3s 8d to 3s 9d for milling qualities, IRISH NEWSPAPER CRITICISM. A JOURNALIST IMPRISONED. London, 16th.—Mr E. D. Gray, M.P. for Carlow County, and proprietor of the Freeman’s Journal , has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, and to pay a fine of £SOO, for publishing certain articles reflecting upon the judges and jurymen who were engaged in trying the recent case of agrarian murder, Mrs Plimsoll. Brisbane, this day.—Mrs Plimsoll, wife of the “ Sailors’ Friend,” died here to-day. Banquet to Sir H. Parkes. Sydney, this day.—The banquet given to Sir Henry Parkes at the Exhibition last night was a great success. The building was lighted by electricity for the occasion, and 365 leading citizens were present. Sir H.Parkes made an elaborate speech in reply to toast of his health.