EUROPEAN.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 29, 22 December 1883, Page 6

EUROPEAN.

Xondok, December 12. — A destructive hurricane of unprecedented violence passed over England to-day. Several persons were killed, and others seriously injured. A large amount of property was also destroyed along the path of the storm. London, December 13. — All the shares placed in the English market in a company to purchase Messrs Mason Brothers business at Sydney have been subscribed. At the Colonial Institute, Mr Murray Smith will read a paper on Victoria. It is reported that H.M.S. Raleigh wil replace H.M.S. Nelson, on the Australian station. Lord Derby replying to a deputation, with reference to the French Annexation Policy in Western Africa, said the question was seriously occupying the attention of the Cabinet. He was unable to assert that France should not settle theunoccupied or unclaimed territory on that coast.

London, December 13.— The New South Wales 4 per cent, inscribed loan of three millions is announced to be placed in the market to-morrow. The minimum is fixed at par, and tenders will be opened on the 20th inst. The success of El Mahdi's troops is greatly exciting the tribes of Arabia. Mr Morley, speaking at Newcastle, said that the attitude of the Australian colonies, with reference to the annexation of the islands in the Pacific, involves a most delicate, difficult, and momentous question, and he contends that whether their request is refused or partly granted, an appeal will be made to England for federation.

Loxi>ox, December 13. — At a meeting of persons interested in the late International Fisheries Exhibition held at Cannon -street Hotel last night, much dissatisfaction was expressed at the awards of the juries, and it was resolved that a deputation should wait upon the Government to protest against the same. The steamship Kent, outward bound from London to Melbourne, was found, on arrival at Port Said, to be on fire in the hold. The fire was extinguished soon after it was discovei'ed, and only slight damage was done to the cargo. The election to fill the vacancy in the representation of Ipswich in the House of Commons resulted to-day in the return of Mr "West — his opponent, Mr Charley, being defeated by a large majority. Mails per Orient steamship John Elder, dated Melbourne, November 3, were delivered via Naples yesterday.

London, December 13. — The latest new.-, from the Soudan states that messengers have arrived at Khartoum reporting that the False Prophet, El Maluli, is encountering great difficulty in organising further attacks, oh ing to his heavy losses in the recent engagements.

London, December 13.— The British men-of-war in the Chinese seas are being placed on a firm war footing, with a view to protecting British interests. The. Chinese Government are arranging for the protection of foreigners in Canton, in view of a probable outbreak of hostilities. London, December U.— The Right Hon. "W. E. Forster, M.P. for Bradford, addressed his constituents last night. In the course of .his, speech, Mr Forster said he was rejoiced to hear of the proposed federation of the Australasian colonies, and trusted Lord Derby would be able to accede to the request of the Australian Convention for the annexation of New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

London, December 14. — Commenting on the New South Wales loan, the "Standard" states that the system of rabine borrowing either indicates bad management or pressing necessity, and is likely to injure the credit of that colony in the English market. In the event of the loan not being covered, a syndicate will probably be formed to take up the balance. The Cape loan has been rendered practically unsaleable. Cherif Pa.sha considers that either Turkey or England should take steps to subdue the rebellion in the Soudan. Sir William Me Arthur has written to the London Chamber of Commerce inviting them to support the claims of the colonies in respect to wines, and that similar concessions should be granted to them as those given to Spain. The " Daily News " supports the annexa« tion scheme of the colonies. 30,000 French troops have left to reinforce the army in Tonquin. The French Chambers will shortly be requested to vote twenty million francs as an additional war vote. The bombardment of certain ports in Madagascar by the French still continues. London, December 14. — Both Houses of Parliament are summoned to meet for the despatch of business on February 5. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,800,000 quarters, being 100,000 less than last m eek. j

Londox, December 15. — The "Spectator" considers that' the decision of the Convention in favour of federation is a great step in the right direction, and that the scheme is capable of being moulded into a definite, practical shape. The convict question is a most serious one, as on the one hand it may involve the declaration of the independence of the colonies, and on the other may lead the Empire into a European war. The " Economist " thinks that instead of establishing an Imperial Council for the colonies, possessing ill-defined powers, it would be more desirable to develop the present system of informal representation of the leading colonies, but with separate envoye for the smaller groups. The " Saturday Review "approvesof the principle of federation, but discourages the extension of our claims in the Pacific, more especially at the present, when America disputes the validity of the Clay-ton-Buhver Panama treaty.

London, December 15. — The announcement of the New South Wales loan has caused considerable excitement, and the brokers are " bearing " New South Wales stock, seeking to compel the colony to give a pledge to refrain from further borrowing next year. There is almost a panic created . in the stock market. Westgarth's circular reports that the market is entirely upset, that New South Wales four per cents, have I dropped two per cent, in price. The brokers threaten to refuse the loan altogether unless it is withdrawn for six months. The "Pall Mall Gazette" says that investors must remember that the new policy decided on by the Australian colonies in regard to their foreign relations will mean increased expenditure and additional debt. The "Economist," in speaking of the new loan, expresses an opinion that New South Wales is going too fast. The brokers think that the loan -will float, as investors are offering a quarter per cent, premium. The New South Wales inscribed 4 per cent, stock, ex October interest, is quoted at 99g , and Victorian 4 per cent., ex April and October interest, at 100£. Min a Jury, the Tichborne adventuress, has been sentenced to a year's imprisonment for her recent frauds. London, December 15. —The steamship Kent, which was found to be on fire on am- •

val at Port Said, resumed her voyage for Australia after overhauling and restoring the damaered cargo.

Loxdox, December 1G. — Admiral Sir W. N. W. Hcrvefct, commanding the East Indian squadron, has gone to Souakim, on tho Egyptian coast of the Red Sea.

London, December 16. — In addition to the forco of 3,000 men which will embai'k for Tonquin within a week, under General Millot, another body of troops of the same strongth will be despatched during the month of January, The fortress at Bacninh will, it is stated, not be attacked until the arrival of these reinforcements. Despatches to hand from Tonquin state that 6,000 French troops were being landed near Sontay, and that an attack on that place is expected to be made on the 12th. The enemy was estimated at 10,000 st\*ong. The Marquis Tseng is willing that England should meditate in the Tonquin difficulty.

Londox, December 17. — A camel-driver, who accompanied Hicks Pasha's army, as* serts that the only survivors were thirtyseven who were taken prisoners. Sir Win, Vernon Harcourt, Home Secretary, has declined to respite O'Donnoll. Admiral Courbett, in charge of the French fleet in Chinese waters, has been instructed to act on the defensive until a further reinforcement of eight thousand troops arrives in February next. The notorious libel case of Belt v, Lawes will be retried unless the plaintiff agrees to accept the offer of five hundred pounds,

London, December 17. — O'Ponnell, the assassin of Caroy, was hanged this morning.

Loxuox, December 17.— 1T.M.5. Forward, which has been ordered to the Australian station, will commenco her voyage in iMny next. Tho steamship Kent, which was found to be on fire on arrival fit Port Said, has resumed her voyage for Australia, after overhauling and re-storing the damaged cargo.

Pauls, December 14. — Intelligence is to hand from Tonquin reporting thcit the King of Annam has been poisoned, and that his death lias been caused by a conspiracy among the anti-French party in Annim.

Pauls, December 14.— General Millot has received orders to proceed to Tonquin in command of two brigades, comprising 3,000 men. The forces in Tonquin will, by these reinforcements, be raised to a strength of 15,000 men.

Fakis, December 15. — In view of the necessity for the despatch of reinforcements to Tonqnis, M. Ferry stated .at the sitting of the Chamber of Deputies to-day that it would be nece&sary for a further vote of credit to meet the expenses incurred, and that the sum of 20,000,000 franc* would be recmired for that uurnose.

Maukio, December 14. — Prince Frederick William, the German Crown Prince, arrived to-day at Baicelona, en route for Italy.

Horn: Koxc, December 13. — Information has been received from Canton that the fortifications surrounding that city have been put in complete readiness to withstand the attacks of the outbreak of vrar, should it occur, and that strong bodies of troops are posted in the neighbourhood of the city.

Hoxu Konu, Decombev 14.— Admiral G, 0. Willes, C.8., commanding the China I squadron, is now at Canton.

Hoxi: koMi, December 14. — A report has reached here that the usurper of the throne of Annam, who caused the late King to be poisoned, has refused to recognise the treaty which his predecessor made with the French Commissioner, M. Harmand, and will declare war against the French.

Alkxan'dria, December 15. — A seriousfire occurred in this city. Temporary buildings, ■which were erected in the square to replace those burned at tho timo of the bombardment of tho city by the British squadron, have been totally destroyed. A serious religious ferment has commenced in Upper Egypt between the Mu.ssalmans and Christians, and it is feared that the ill-feeling may <rive rise to a serious outbreak.

Cat ho, December 12. —Later despatches to hand from the Soudan state that the , Egyptian garrisons at Duen and Shan are being massed at Khaitoum, in view of an attack which it is expected will be made upon the towa by the Arab rebels. It is also stated that El Madhi is sending a force ! of K',ooo men into the Darfouv district.

Cairo, December 12. —Baker Pasha is now engaged in organising an expedition against the Soudan rebels. His force >\ ill be composed of Egyptian gendarmes, negro I troops, and a contingent of Bendouin Arabs? .

Cairo, December 13, — The latest intelligence to hand from the Soudan is to the effect that an immense body of Arabs, >\ hich .El Mahcli recently had under his command, has greatly decreased, and that large nuin- ! bers of his adherents are dispersing.

Caiko, December 14.— A telegram has been received from the Governor of Dongola announcing that he has received authentic information that Hicks Pasha was not killed at the time his army A\as annihilated by the rebel Arabs, but succeeded in escaping, and is now at Birket.

Caiko, December 16.— An eye-witness who escaped from the battle of El Obekl, when the Egyptian army was annihilated, confirms the .statement that Hicks Pasha was killed when his troops were routed, and denies the truth of the telegram received from the Governor of Dongola to the effect that Hicks Pasha i,? alive and at Bivket. A report has reached Khartoum that General Hicks Pasha was captured by the rebels, his hands cut off, and his body otherwise hacked to pieces. It is reported that the Khedive desires to abdicate, unless the English Government retain the troops in Egypt.