CABLEGRAMS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 426, 7 December 1889, Page 5

CABLEGRAMS.

London, December 2. A letter received by Kmin Bey from the Mahdist General when the latter was besieging Wadelai has been published. It calls upon Emm Bey to surrender and embrace the Mahdist religion, promising him at the same time high honours and protection in the event of his compliance with the demand. The R.M.S. Rimutaka left Plymouth yesterday for New Zealand. Lord Salisbury ridicules the idea piomulgated by Lord Rosebery in favour of a British Imperial Federation. Sir Henry Parkes's acquiescence in the suggestion of Mr Gillies that representatives of New S juth Wales should attend the Federal Council is generally approved in political circles and by the press. It is understood that Lord Rosebery is in favour of Colonial Federation, bat is doubtful if Sir Henry Parkes's scheme could be succe sfully ca-ried our.

Loxdox, December 3. A rumour has reached here to the effect that the Mahdi is dead.

Zanzibar, December 1. Major Wissman has received letters from Stanley, stating that the supplies forwarded by him have been received, and intimating that in all probability he will reach Bagamayo on Wednesday next.

Bkrlin, December 2. Count Herbert Bismarck spoke at some length in the Reichstag to-day in support of the votes necessary for the maintenance of the various German protectorates. He dwelt especially in the course of his speech on the benefits which the Germans had already derived from acting in accord with Great Britain in these matters. He also touched upon the Antislavery Conference, and expressed the hope that it would succeed in the objects for which it had been convened.

Melbourne, December 2. The Government of this colony are very anxious to encourage the dairying industry, and besides the practical steps taken in that direction by the imposition of heavy import duties, they are now holding out encouragement in the direction of an export trade. A bonus is being offered on all butter exported to England, ranging from one penny to threepence per pound. The bonus varies according to the price at which the butter is sold. The Federal Council will meet at Hobart in January, There is, however, very little business for consideration. Mr Gillies has suggested that the conference of delegates from the various colonies should meet at the same time and place to discuss the question of federation, and the proposals of Sir Henry Parkes in connection theiewith. Messrs Dalgety and Co. report of their wool sales as follows :—": — " Offered 3,600 bales to the usual large muster of buyers. There was considerable animation consequent on the advice of the London market, which was fully reflected in the bidding. 3,200 baks were sold at excellent pi ices. The feature of the catalogue was the inclusion of several high-class western district clips which evoked keen competition, the price for these wools being fully equal to the very highest at last season. Two lots of greasy wool realised ,£l5, several others to ,£l4. There was a very strong competition for all grades of crossbreds. The prices were even a litt'e better than last week. Washed and scoured wools fully maintained previous values."

Sydney, December 2. " A tremendous storm has been experienced at Grafton, on the Clarence River, New South Wales. A tornado struck the western side of the town, and immense damage was done to buildings. The crops in the district were cut down, houses were unroofed, and several persons reported as injured by falling debris.