England and Russia in Asia.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 92, 7 March 1885, Page 3

England and Russia in Asia.

The impression caused by the disquieting telegrams of the last week about Russian advance on Afghanistan and intrigues with the Ameer are relieved by the news this afternoon that the Russian press anticipates an amicable settlement with England. The visit of the Ameer to the Viceroy of India is also a sign that English influence is still predominant at Cabul. The fate of his predecessor and the circumstances attending his own elevation should convince Abdurrahman Khan that his interests lie with the British. He receives a subsidy of £120,000 a year from the Indian Government for his good-will, and that is a large sum to lose in exchange for the doubtful friendship of the northern invader. The policy of keeping the wild mountain tribes of Afghanistan as a buffer between Russia and India is an ad I mirable one, and the Ameer may the more readily lend himself to it from the consideration that the alternative is loss of his independence and annexation to one or other of the aggressive forces which are pressing him on either side. The Southern passes of Afghanistan are all in the possession of the British, but if conflict between Russia and England is to come, its first shock will be on the northern and not on the southern border of the Ameer's territory

Says a correspondent of the " Bay of Plenty Times ":-" Where one tourist comes from Auckland to Tauranga for the Lakes ten go via Cambridge j and they deserve them, as they look after their own interest." Cheap fares by steamer are now announced, so Tauranga may still have a chance of sharing the coveted traffic, In reply to a question put ..to him while at JEtotorua lately, the Native Minister 'replied that the Thermal Springs , Acfc would remain in force ; and it was* the intention of the Government to have 600,000 acres surveyed and c|it,up into Bmall blocks aad then leased'f|f|i years, , /