ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1023, 14 January 1882, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH MAIL.

London, Dec. 28. The death is announced of the Hon. Sir Robert Lush, one of the Judges of the Queen's Bench, at the advanced age of 75 years. Italy has been thrown into a state of intense excitement by the announcement that Prince Bismarck has appealed to the Great Powers to arrive at some conclusion as to the real position occupied by the Pope. It is believed that this course has been taken in consequence of the Pope’s declaration on Christmas Eve, when receiving the Cardinals and members of the Sacred College, that his position had become intolerable, and that he was perfectly a prisoner in the Vatican. The result of Bismarck’s appeal is looked forward to with much interest.

As the disturbances in Ireland continue to increase the Government have determined to divide tne disaffected portion into five districts, in which the administration of justice will be left entirely under the control of thu military authorities.

The police have a clue to the persons implicated in the robberv of the body of the late Earl Crawford from the mausoleum. The body of the late Earl is supposed to have been taken to London. -A strict, investigation into the whole matter ia now proceeding. The latest reports show that the Nihilists’ attempt to destroy the Russian naval station of Cronstadt by tire on Christinas Day was not very successful as the flames were extinguished before very much damage was done. A collision has taken place off Roche’s Point, Cork Harbor, between the Cunard Company’s steamer Catalonia and the Norwegian steamer Helena. The latter was sunk and nine lives were lost. The latest bulletin with respect to the health of Lord Selborne, the Lord Chancellor of England, is more satisfactory, and it is believed that he has practically recovered from bis illness, which was considered of a serious character. The Messageries Maritime Company are rapidly completing their arrangements for a regular seam service between Marseilles and Australia. Several large steamers are in course of construction for the service, and one whibh has been chartered for Melbourne was launched to-day; ' ’ The So .them Pacific Railway, which is intended as a direct American grain route for California to New Orleans, has been opened: Telegraph communication is being extended in China.

The Cape Government have decided decided to abandon Basutoland rather than incur the cost and loss which another war would involve. A great landslip has taken place near Jungfrau, Switzerland. A great many houses were destroyed, but providentially no loss of life occurred. In reply to a request made by the representatives of the British Cable Company, that steps might be taken to protect the ocean cables from carelessness or wilful interference, a coinmunicatioii has been received from the Board of Trade intimating that submarine cables are matters of international regulation, but at the same time encouraging the hope that some action will be taken. The Pall Hall Gazette, commenting on the recent disclosures in connection with the Milburn Creek Copper Mine, and the consequent expulsion of Mr Baker from the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, expresses the opinion that the matter should be left to a Court to deal with. , The Marquis of Huntley, who is charged with fraud, has left the country and is believed to be in Russia. ■Steps will be taken to obtain his extradition.