The Southland Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1873.
The European news brought by the Albion is of rather more than uaual interest, and deserves some comment. Mr Webb's line, we learn from Dr Featheeston's telegram, ia now really defunct. Following, on the present occasion, the good maxim of de ntortuis nil nisi honum, we will say nothing about it. From France we hear of the continued indisposition of M. Thiers. It is ■ hard to say what will become of that country when the only man who seems able to rule it at present shall cease to direct its affairs. The prospects of France are gloomy enough, and seam to be so regarded by Frenchmen themselves. From Germany there is nothing new. Prince Bismaecz doubtless continues the ruling spirit, though he has ceased to be Premier of Prussia. The most Jilulw »Kplanaii«B cf fci»»aomol">ttii poll tion (he continues Chancellor of the Empire, and a member of the Prussian Cabinet), ia that he is more a German than a Prussian, and therefore more inclined than the King of Prussia and his colleagues to subordinate Prussian interests to those of the united German Empire. President Gbant seems to have had little to write about in his inaugural message. He believes that the world iB tending towards Republicanism fof course of the American type), and that it is being prepared to become one great nation. Rather remote contingencies both, but perhaps the telegraph has done bim an injustice. Items of newa in wbich we in New Zealand are specially interested are those about flax, wheat, iron, wool, emigration, and the Central Asian question. New Zealand flax seems in good demand, and the price continues firm. We can scarcely help asking why flax-dressing is not followed more generally in the Southland district. Tbe market now is certain, and the price such that a margin of profit also is certain. The margin too must get larger as machinery improves and freights decrease, and this will happen as the industry assumes greater dimensions. Wheat continues in firm demand. Iron is a little down in price, which would be satisfactory news if we could believe that it would continue to go down. What difference the fall will make to the New Zealand Treasury cannot be exactly stated, but it must be considerable, and should raise the spirits of the Minister for Public Works. Wool is down — greasy 2d on tbe December sales. This was to have been expected. The price, however, is still very good, and it is to be hoped will not recede any further. Dr Featheestos" telegraphs that the wreck of the Northfleet has had a bad effect on emigration, causing it to fall off during the winter months. Tbis is to be regretted, as New Zealand requires labor, and bas uphill work to compete for it with tbe United States, Canada, and the Australian Colonies. The Gladstone Ministry had been defeated on the Iriah University Bill. Whether they will resign or prefer to appeal to the country by a dissolution we can only surmise. The appearance of a new Foreign Minister in Downing■treet might perhaps bave an effect on the future of New Zealand through the Central Asian question, especially if the new Government were Conservative. There is a belief on the Continent (erroneous, no doubt), that England under Mr Gladstone's leadership will never fight, no matter what insults may be offered, and it is possible, though we hardly think it likely, that should be continue in power the Czar might venture on steps which would of necessity lead to war. In the event of a Conservative Ministry obtaining tbe reins, it may be thought by some that he would be more cautious, aud disposed to play a waiting game. To judge from the state of public feeling in England, the Con aervative tenure of power, should tbat party obtain office, is not likely to be of long duration.
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Southland Times, Issue 1719, 25 March 1873, Page 2
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653The Southland Times. TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1873. Southland Times, Issue 1719, 25 March 1873, Page 2
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