GENERAL CABLES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 182, 19 December 1912, Page 5

GENERAL CABLES.

JAPANESE FRUIT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 18, 9.45 p.m. / Sydney, December IS. The steamer Nikko Maru brought the first shipment of Japanese apples, comprising 150 eases. They are expected to prove a formidable competitor to the Californian varieties. The steamer also brought fifty cases of good-sized oranges for Wellington. HEAT WAVE IX AUSTRALIA. Sydney, December 18. A heat wave is general" in Australia. To-day the shade- temperature was 92 deg. in Sydney, and 115 at Menindic. The highest record in New South Wales was 122 deg. at'Ecula, the highest recorded in Australia.

A LIBEL ACTION. Sydney, December 18. The celebrated libel case of Billie Barlow, the actress, against the Bulletin newspaper, has been revived. The case was heard on March 27, 1901, and judgment was given for defendant, with £lO3 costs against Miss Barlow. These remained unpaid. The Bulletin to-day received permission to issue an execution for that Amount against Miss Barlow, wlto is at present in Sydney under engagement to J. C. Williamson. THE SYDNEY FIRE. Received 18, 9.45 p.m. Sydney, December 18. The insurance on the Company's fire amounted to £70,000. THE CHINESE LOAN. Received 18, 10.45 p.m. London, December 18. Chinese loan will he issued 'early in 1913. J

IMMIGRATION. Received 19, 12.5 a.m. London, December IS. Mr. Hunter predicts a considerable diminution in Australian immigration in 1913. There are already signs of material reduction. Canada will make renewed efforts, paying a 40s bonus for farmhands and domestics, who are more difficult to get in consequence of the rise in wages due to past immigration. THE OPIUM TRADE. Received 19, 12.5 a.m. Shanghai, December 18. There'lias been an accumulation ' of opium stocks to the value of £12.000,000 sterling in consequence of China's systematic obstruction to the foreign opium trade, which has created a serious situation. It is believed that China desires to Repudiate the Anglo-Chinese Treaty. Sir ,T. Jordan has therefore warned China that unless observance is assured he will be compelled to draw the attention of the British Government to the subject.