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Southland Times, Issue 1543, 27 February 1872, Page 3

The representatives of the Czech party refuse to sit at the Austrian Beichsrath. Consequent upon the pacific assurance of M. Andrassy, the new Austrian Minis* ter, the Czar has given furloughs to 50,000 soldiers till next April. The number of breech-loaders in the Prussian army now exceeds 1,000,000. After January 1, the Prussian language will be compulaorily taught in Poland. The Czar's utterances at the St. George's banquet are considered to deal a blow at French hopes of a military alliance against the Germans. A great impetus has been given to the sale of preserved meats by two influential gatherings at Cannon-street Hotel last week. The first was promoted by Mr Edward Wilson, and was called to discuss the best means to popularise Australian meat and extend its use to all classes, the poor especially. Mr Wilson took up the question earnestly on philanthropic grounds. Among the speakers were merchants, Bquatters, importers, clergymen, and working men. No formal resolutions were proposed. The directors of the Vacuum Meatpreserving Company took the favorable opportunity to invite a number of those present to a repast on the following day off meats preserved by the vacuum pro* ceas. The attendance was large. Game, fish, poultry, and joints were tried. All proved. unexceptionable, and gave entire satisfaction. A valuable practical discussion followed the luncheon, and numerous shares were taken up. The leading idea at both gatherings was to establish dep&ta or shops in populous neighborhoods for the purpose of rei tailing the meat in small quantities,