GENERAL CABLES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 97, 19 December 1912, Page 3

GENERAL CABLES.

A GAMBLING HELL

London, December 17

Fifty detectives raided in Belgrave Square one of the largest gambling houses ever raided in the West End. The stake counters ranged from one to a hundred pounds. The players were bound over in £SO each, and the principals were remanded on bail.

CABLE RATES,

London, December 18

Mr Samuel (Postmaster-General), in reply to a question, said that the Government would not answer Australia’s request for a subsidiary conference until a reduction of the Atlantic cable rates was made. Ho added that further reductions were contemplated on January 1. THE INSURANCE ACT. The Insurance Act has created 884 new officials in England, with salaries aggregating £89,000 annually. THE CHINESE LOAN. It is understood that<the Six-Power Chinese loan will bo issued early in 1913.

IMMIGRATION

Mr. Hunter predicts a considerable diminution in Australian immigration in 1913. There are already signs of material reduction. Canada will make renewed efforts, paying a 40s bonus for farm hands and domestics, who are more difficult to get in consequence of the rise in wages due to past immigration.

THE OPIUM TRADE

Shanghai, December 18.

There has been an accumulation of opium stocks to the value of £12,000,000 sterling in consequence of China’s systematic obstruction to the foreign opium trade, which has created a serious situation. It is believed that China desires to repudiate the AngloChinese Treaty. Sir J. Jordan has therefore warned China that unless observance is assured he will be compelled to draw the attention of the British Government to the subject.