EUROPEAN.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 102, 16 May 1885, Page 3

EUROPEAN.

London, May 6.— Further details to hand with regard to the engagement between the rebel Indianß and General Middleton's force on Sunday last showr that the rndians, who were completely routed, lost fully 100 men. The troops were successful in rescuing the women who had been taken prisoners by the Batouchea. The London Chartered Bank of Australia has declared a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, and has carried forward and placed to the reserve fund £S,OOO. The " Standard " coneiders that the Queensland and Victorian loans just announced will hardly be felt in the present condition of the money market. In the House of Commons today, Lord Edward Fitzmaurice, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stated that Colonel Ridgew&y still remained in charge of the Afghan Boundary Commission. The debate on vhe policy of the Government was commenced to-day, in accordance with arrangomont, and was further postponed until Monday next. London, May /. It is announced that Sir Peter Lumsden has resigned, owing to his discontent with the action of England on the Afghan fron- > tier question. The " Daily News " today states that the Russian Government have assured England that they have no design on Herat now or in the future. . It has transpired that King Christian, of Denmark, has been invited by Russia to arbitrate on behalf of that country in regard to the Penjdeh incident, and that he has signified his willingness to accept the office provided that an invitatioD emanates from the British also. Lord Randolph Churchill is urging the members of the House of Commons to refuse to grant supplies to the Government, as a protest against their action in regard to the Afghan difficulty. The directors of the Bank of England decided to day to reduce the bank rate of discount from 3i to 3 per cent. In the House of Commons today, Sir Stafford Northcote gave notice of motion censuring the Government in connection with the Afghan frontier quesion. The effect of the motion if carried will be tantamount to stopping the recently granted credit of eleven millions sterling until the House is informed fully as to the policy of the Government and the way in which the money is to be employed. London, May?.— The Queensland. Victorian, and Tasmanian Governments protest against clause 31 of the Federation Bill, providing for the withdrawal of a colony. The shipment of Australian grapes by he Chimborazo is only marketable for disli ng purpoees. The death is announced, at the age of sixty-eight, of the Earl of Dudley. London, May S.— The mails per ss. Australia from Auckland, March 31st, were delivered today, via San Francisco. Three per cent. Consuls, 9S^ ; bank rate, three per cent. ; market rate, two per cent. ; New Zealand five per cent 10-40 Loan, £102 10s ; four and a-half per cent. Loan, £101 10s ; four per cent. Inscribed Stock, £99. Beef tallow, average quality, 31s; mutton, s£d to 5 id. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the United Kingdom is 3,190.000 quarters, 20,000 quarters more than last week. Accounts of the American wheat crop art unfavourable. The monthly report of the United States agricultural Bureau, estimates the winter crep at 2,400,000 bushels. London, May 10.— It is proposed to establish an Australian trade section in connection with the London Chamber of Commerce. The frozen meat by the Doric is selling at fivepence, and that by the Chimborazo at fourpence three farthings. Captain Bingham, Lieutenant Melward, and Lieutenant Bunbury have been selected for the New South Wales Artillery. If New Zealand should persist in endeavouring to annex Samoa, it will cause a difficulty with Oermany. Wheat is declining. Prices are as follows :— Warehouse, 3Ss ; off coast, 365. The last sale on passage lealised 355. The Chamber of Deputies are discussing the recidiviste relegation question. Sir Jules Benedict, the eminent composer, has recovered from his serious illness. Mr F. Archer, ex- Agent-General for Queensland, returns in July. The French Government have proposed that a committee of the consuls of the various Powers at Cairo should have supreme control of the Suez Canal. London, May 10.— The death is announced at the age of 65, of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Baronet. The Dorager Queen of Hawaii is dead. Earl Derby, Colonial Secretary, stated in the House of Lords last night that the Government were quite willing to produce the j papers relating to the correspondence between the Admiralty and the colonies on the subject of the formation of a colonial navy.

London, May 11. In the House of Commons to-day, the Marquis ot Hartington, Secretary of State for War, in reply to a question, stated that regarding the operations in the Soudan, the Government had decided lo make Wady Haifa the advanced frontier, and to withdraw the troops to that point on the rising of the Nile. The expedition to Khartoum, Lord Bartington said, would be abandoned, but an endeavour would be made to establish an administration at Dongola.

Lo>Doy, May 11. In the House of Lords to-day, Earl Granville Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, announced that a conference had recently taken place between M. De Staal, the Russian Ambassador to England ; M. Lessar, Russian, Commissioner ; Earl Kimberley, Secretary of State for India, and himself; and that the conference resulted in an agreement on the Afghan frontier question, which was perfectly satisfactory to both England and Russia. Lord Granville added that Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India, concurred entirely in the arrangement that had been come to. A report is current that the British Commission will proceed shortly to Herat, to erect fortifications there, the consent of the Ameer having been obtained. The report, however, lacks official confirmation at present. A Press Association message says : —The Ameer of Afghanistan permits the British troops to occupy and fortify Herat. It is stated in some quarters that an agent has been appointed by the Russian Government in Calcutta. Lonjuon, May 11. -Mr H. M Stanley has been appointed Governor of the Congo. London, May 11.— The Hon. Robert Stout, Premier of New Zealand, writing to the "Pall Mall Gazette," opposes Earl Grey's Federal Council scheme. The frozen meat by the ship Canterbury is selling at fivepence farthing per lb. It is believed that the British troops now serving in the Soudan will be withdrawn to a position below Assouan. It is reported that Osman Digna is in the neighbourhood of Berber.

It is intended to complete the railway system along the Nile, but the projected line from Suakim to Berber would be relmconclusion, Lord Hartington stated that England would retain possession ot Suakim until arrangements could be con eluded for the occupation of that port by a civilised Power. . . The Egyptian garrison at Kaesala is resisting the renewed attacks of the rebels.

Suakim, iviay /. Asuccessfulmidnightmarchwas made last night against Tahakool, which place was attacked by British troops, and the enemy 'B forces were defeated with heavy loss. During the withdrawal of the English troops, Mr Lambie, special correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald," was wounded.

Soakim, May 7, evening. Router's special correspondenttelegraphs : — " Woleeley to-day made an official inspection of the New South Wales Artillery, and expressed himself pleased with the smart appearance of the men and the condition of their horses. Lord Wolseley afterwards sent for Colonel Richardson, Commandant, and complimented him on the efficiency of his force. Suakim, May 8.

Her Majesty the Queen has telegraphed congratulations on the success of the operations at Tahakool on Wednesday night. Reutek's special correspondent telegraphs:—" Lord Wolseley today inspected the entire force under the command of Sir Gerald Graham, and spoke in terms of special praise of the excellent appearance and physique of the Australian troops. All the officers present remarked on the steady manner in which the contingent marched past. Lord Wolseley reviewed the troop? here this morning. The New South Wales infantry and ambulance and transport corps | did admirably. After the march past, the I whole column advanced in review order Lord Wolseley then sent for the commanding officers, and after addressing them, spoke to Colonel Richardson, commandant ot the Now South Wales contingent, in most gratifying terms, and said he was highly pleased, not only at the physique of the men, but the way they had turned out. It reflected thegreatest credit on all theofficers. The colony was to be congratulated on loyalty in sending men to the assistance of the mother country. Colonel Richardson says that the remarks which fell from Lord Wolseley with reference to the colonials, are the most handsome he has ever heard from a general officer. . i Major General Lyon Freemantle, m command of the Guards, also expressed himself highly pleased at the way the colonials had marched, and they might well , feel proud after what had been said by Lord Woleeley. The Artillery at Handoub was inspected was inspected by Lord Wolseley on Wednesday, and he referred in satisfactory i terms to them. He noticed the ambulance waggons favourably, and said they were of good pattern and woll- fitted for service. The heat is increasing. Suakim, May 9.— While visiting the troop-ship Ganges on Thursday, Lord Wolseley specially noticed the Australian patients, and spoke in a kind and cheering manner to them. Heavy rain falls at night. Soakim, May 10. Lord Wolseley has expressed his great appreciation of the offer of the Australian contingent for service as a body of mounted scouts.

Suakim, mayjz. Governor Edward Lewis Middehead, of the Now tiouth Wales contingent, died this morning at the Base Hospital. The early departure of the troops for home is expected. The enemy are quiet. Constantinople, May 9. —A shocking crime is reported from Bulgaria. A number of soldiers outraged a governess and a lady's maid in the employment of Mr Lascelles, Consular Agent of the British Government at Sofia, the capital of the country. The offenders were immediately pursued and arrested. Montreal, May 10.— A large and enthusiastic meeting was held yesterday to advocate the federation of the Empire, and a branch of the Federation League was established in the city. Ottawa, May 10. Telegraph advices have been received from Major - General Middleton, to the effect that he inflicted a decisive defeat on the forces of the insurgent, Louis Kiel, and succeeded in relieving the settlement of Prince Albert, which was beleaguered by therebelß. Another message says: -News to hand from the Saskatchewan district states that an engagemeut has taken place between thetroops under Major-General Middleton and the rebels, and that the latter were defeated.

Though immediate danger of war with the Russians has been averted, the following despatches published by the Melbourne " Age will still be read with interest :— London, April 27. The Erench squadron has arrived at Alexandria, and its presence is regarded as a menace to Egypt. The greatest enthusiasm prevails \n England over the prospect of war with Russia. Ib is considered probable that war will be immediately declared. April 30. The Russiau authorities have determined upon mobolising their army, and the necessary orders have been issued. It is expected that the British ultimatum will be despatched to Russia in the course of the next few days. The great Powers are endeavouring to have the Raltic declared a neutral sea in the event of war between Great Britain and Russia The " Standard " this morning announces that the Emperor of Russia has summoned the Grand Council of. the Empire to con

London, May 12. j In the House of Commons last night a division was taken on the vote of censure proposed by Sir Stafford Northcote, the leader of the Opposition, with the result that the motion was rejected by a majority of thirty. Mr Parnell and the Irish party voted with the minority. The general impression is that the proposed arbitration in connection with the Kusso-Afghan difficulty will be dropped. , It is considered probable that after the delimitation of the frontier line is settled a convention will be held in Russia. London, May 12. -The Redistribution of Seats Bill has been read a third time in the House of Commons. It is reported in Rome that the Pope has selected the Right Rev. Dr. Moran, Archbishop of Sydney, to succeed the late ! Cardinal McCabe as Archbishop of Dublin. Paris, May 11.— The committee of the Chamber of Deputies has approved of the terms of the Egyptian Convention. Berlin, May 11. — Count Herbert Bismarck has been appointed Under Minister of Foreign Affairs of the German Empire. Suakim, May I.— The New South Infantry returned to-day from Oto to Handaub, and will proceed to Suakim to-mor-row. Private Robert War, of the NS. Wales contingent, died at Suakim on Friday last, of dysentery. „ „

aider the proposal of the British Government to refer to arbitration the subject of the ocoupation of Penjdeh by Russia, a he accaptanoe of the proposal by the Grand Council is considered very improbable.

London, may a. It is believed that a secret treaty has been concluded between England and Turkey.

Batavia, May 2. The ironclad steamer Minin is the only Russian warship at present in this port. She has been disabled, and will require to dock for repaid before she can again proceed to eea.

London, May o. | Notwithstanding the arrangement with Russia to submit the Afghan frontier question to arbitration, the British preparations for war aro being vigorously proceeded with. _ ,„ ,, The Russian outposts at Zulncar, on the Herirud River to the weBt, and towards Moruchak on the Murgha River to the oast, will probably be evacuated while the proposed commission is engaged in examining the details of the Russo-Afghan frontier line. It is believed that Penjdeh will be allotted to Russia andZulticar and Meruclwik to Afghanistan.