CABLEGRAMS. BRITISH & FOREIGN.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 196, 26 March 1887, Page 5

CABLEGRAMS. BRITISH & FOREIGN.

London, March 17. It is announced that the Imperial Government have prepared an extensive scheme for colonial defence, which will be submitted to the colonies represented at the approaching Imperial Conference, The memorandum with reference to colonial defence?, which is now under conBideration of the Imperial Government, has been forwarded to the Agents-General, but ia regarded as strictly confidential. Violent attacks have been made on M. de LeaEeps for his describing Germany as the natural friend of France. London, March 21.— Sir Henry Holland, In a memorandum to the delegates to the Imperial Conforence, enjoins complete secrecy in reference to the proceedings. The Victorian delegates hold a meeting on "Wedueeday. Mr Downer, the South Australian delegate, will confer with the members of the Marriage Reform Association on Wednesday. London, March 22.— 1n the House of Commons last night, Mr Morley moved that no facilities be giveu for greater stringency of the law in Ireland without security against the present excessive ronts It is probable that tho debate on the motion will last for a week. In reply to a quostion in the House of Commons, Lord George Hamilton, First Lord of tho Admiralty, stated that the Queen's review at Portsmouth on July 21 would includo important evolutions to te?t the defence of tho British seaports Fears are entertained of a rising in Afghanistan in the spring, m consequence of which the Atneor is sending additional troops to Candahar and elsewhere. Russia is reported to be sowing dissensions between the Ameer and the Shah of Persia. A serious conspiracy was recently discovered in St. Potoreburgh, implicating members of tho upper classes as well as Btate officers. It is stated that several offi tiers of the guards have been arrested, The editor of tho "Moscow Gazette" warns the Germ\ns that that there exists a national and traditional quarrel between the Russian and Genmn peoples, distinct from courts or Governments, which is aggravated by commercial jealousies. The gravity of the general situation may be gauged by the w«r preparations by all states, especially in South-western Russia.

London, JMarcn w. The olofcure ruins have been finally adopted by a majority of 202 to 41, and will be put in operation forthwith Londok, March 21.— The Executive of the Nihilißts have delegated fifty of their nnmber to execute the Czar. The Marseilles Council having adjourned in order to commemorate the anniversary of the Commune, M. Goblet, the French Premier, is awaiting the Prefect's report of the proceedings. Mr Balfour, • Secretary for Ireland, will to-morrow introduce a Crimes Bill, having many stringent provibions. London, March 21.— Mr John Kynaston Cross, who w.is Political Secretary at the Indian Office in tho late Gladstone Ministry, committed puicide while in a state of ill health. The Queen has =ent a message to the Czar congratulating him on his escape from the bombs of nihilists.

London, March 22. Iramenee preparations have been made in all part? of Germ-iny, to celebrate the anniversary of the Emperor William's birthday. There is a brilliant assembligo of royalties, princes, and envoys m Barlin. There are altogether 84 royal guests present. London, March 23,— Mr Norton, the Sydney labour delegate, will shortly leave on a brief visit to Germany, after which he takeß bia departure for Australia in the Nicar, one of the German Lloyd line of eteamere.

London, March 22. The Board to make inquiry into the circumetances connected with the collision between the Kapunda and Ada Melmore is proceeding with its work. The evidence shows that Mr Cotterell, chief officer of the Kapunda, put the helm down diroctly| he saw tho Ada Melmore, which also put her helm down, and the action of the latter was the cause of the collision. Tho statements that the Kapunda sank immediately after she was struck, that the female paesengers were locked in their berths, and that the Ada Melmore had no lights were confirmed. An influential deputation, consisting of 100 Tory members, has waited on Mr Goschen, asking him, in view of the depression in the farming interest?, to make provision in the forthcoming budget for granting relief to thoso following agricultural pursuits. In reply, Mr Goachen paid it was his opinion that the time had arrived when it was desirable to review the incidence of taxation generally throughout the United Kingdom, not with the object of remitting any the taxes, but with a view to bring about redistribution, so that personal property should be made to contribute more than present aid. He considers there should also be a change made in local taxation, The intention of the Government to pass a bill for the suppression of crime in Ireland has been discussed by the London Press. It is expected that a lively debate will ensue, and that the bill will meet with much opposition. The *' Standard,' 1 referring to the motion of Mr Morley, cays that such a coarse would only perpetuate the anarchy which now prevails. The arrest of Father Keller has created a great eeneation in the extreme Irish States of America, and has had the effect of -stimulating an increase of contributions to the Nation at League Fund. London, March 22. — Protests against being excluded from the Imperial Conference continue ttf be received from the Crown colonies. Tho inhabitants of Jamaca have protested against being excluded from sending a delegate. St. Petersburg, March 20. Wholesale arrests of persons implicated In the late plot against the life of the Czar oontinue to bo made in this city. It is rumoured that neveral officers have been secretly executed. Melbourne, March 19. — Meteorites of -extraordinary size were seen on Thursday throughout the woetern district of Victoria. Meteorites were also observed in Mel* bourne oxtending as far as the South Australian border. They were accompanied by earth tremors. A thousand casea of typhoid fever has occurred in Victoria this season, over 200 of which proved fatal. The police cleverly captured a gang of forgers while presenting a cheque at the National Bank at Sandridge. A cheque for over a thousand pounds was found on one of the prisoners. Adelaide, March 21.— The first batch of returns for the general eleotion show a majority for those candidates who favour a protectionist revision of the tariff. Brisbane, March 21.— A board belonging to the schooner Mary King, of New Zealand, which foundered on the Tasmanian coast in 1883, has been found near Mackay.