TELEGRAMS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2752, 18 December 1894, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN • London, Dec. 14. The National Agricultural Union have resolved to promote a strong party in the House of Commons to claim the appointment of a Royal Commission to enquire as to the best means of lessening the burden of taxation on the agricultural community. The Times says that it is essential that England should spend £5,000,000 annually in the construction of new warships. Letters received from Armenian missionaries show that the previous estimates of the number killed in the recent massacre by Turks fell short of the mark. A careful calculation gives the number killed as 10,000. Great Britain has acquiesced in the proposal of the United States to construct the Nicaragua Canal on lines of ownership similar to those adopted in the construction of the Suez Canal. Dec. 15. Mr Gladstone will spend the winter in Cannes and Biarritz. Lord Rosebery in addressing a meeting at Stratford advised the independent Labour party - to coalesce with the' Liberals, who were determined to deal with questions affecting the working class thoroughly. Though unable to accept the Norwich programme, he promised to introduce a Bill for the unification of London. Mr A. J. Muudella, formerly president of the Board of Trade, in addressing his constituents, explained his connection with the N.Z. Loan and Mercanitle Agency and his reasons, for resigning his Portfolio after Mr Justice Williams’ remarks on his action as a director. He declared that the reason why his explanation had not been given earlier was that the case was still sub judice. Be had done his duty and feared no man’s censure. Paris, Dec. 15. The French marines - have occupied Tamatave, the Hovas fleeing after three shells had been fired from the warships. Berlin, Dec. 13. Herr Leibkneoht made a violent attack on the Emperor in the Reichstag. He boldly inveighed against his policy and condemned his hypocrisy. The speech caused another scene. The Reichstag refused the application to prosecute the Socialists for refusing to cheer the Emperor. Rome, Dec. 13. The Italian Government have dismissed several magistrates for failing to execute the law in connection with the Bauca Romana scandal. Dec. 15. The Committee of the Chamber of Deputies have advised that most of the documents relating to the Banca Romana ( scandal be published, and that some referring to Signor Crirpi’s private affairs bo suppressed. The Chamber adopted the report, as it is generally thought that the Premier’s action in producing the documents was unjustifiable. Constantinople, Dec. 15. The Porte consents to the British, Russian, and French consuls in Erzeroum, the capital of Turkish Armenia, being appointed to hold an enquiry into the recent outrages in Armenia by Turkish soldiers. The invitation to the United States Government to take part has been withdrawn by the Sultan, owing to the limitations placed on the Consul by President Cleveland. New York, Dec. 13. The town of Reynolds, in Georgia, was struck by a fearful cyclone and practically demolished. Whole families were buried beneath the fallen buildings and debris which caught fire before some of the unfortunate people could bo rescued. It has not yet been ascertained how many perished. Washington, Dec. 15. Debs, leader of the late strike, has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for defying the judge’s injunction in connection with that strike. Ottawa, Dec. 13. The despatch of the cruiser Blenheim from London with the remains of the late Sir J. S. D. Thompson and the Queen’s message of sympathy, have evoked immense enthusiasm throughout Canada. St. John’s, Dec, 14. Mr D. J. Greene succeeds Mr A. F. Goodridge as Premier. Owing to the recent corruption and bribery disclosures it was impossible for Sir William Whiteway (an ex)Premier) to fill the vacancy. Deo. 16. The Newfoundland Government have arranged to pay interest on the public debt falling due in January. Operatives are in a semi-state of starvation, being without money to purchase bread, and employers have no money with which to pay wages. AUSTRALIAN CABLE. Sydney, Dec. 14. The Legislative Assembly sat continuously for 32 hours, discussing the estimates. Very few reductions were made. Drs Dongier and Mouion, two local medical men, the latter a nephew of Dr Rouix, expect to have tfi§ pew diphtheria cure ready for use in a fortnight. They are extracting serum from calves, the latter being cheaper than horses. Dec. 15. The five mile bicycle champion of Now South Wales resulted as follows : Brown, 1; Simpson, 2. Times— l0 ‘ ; 42 4 sth sec. >jaUn The return asked in thw L iillt ive Assembly the retl . e ° chmollt ma 0 j the late Ministry, shows that on the plea of retrenchment 372 officers were dismissed, while 1570 were appointed. 'J he report has caused a mild sensation. Melhoorne, Doc 14. In committee on the Laud and Income Tax Bill a proposal was made that the £SOO exemption should apply to mortgagees as well as to owners. The Premier agreed that in mortgages up to £IOOO the £SOO should be deducted, and this was carried. In the section providing for an income tax the Premier moved that the tax on incomes derived from property bo d mbled as follows, 8d in the £ up to £I2OO, la in the £ up to £2200, Is 4d in the £ over the latter amount. The motion was carried. An amendment was proposed in Committee ou the Tax Bill in the Legislative

Assembly that the Government should forego the old land tax which dates from June last till February next in place, of the new tax which dates from last July. The Premier refused to entertain the proposal, stating that it meant a difference of £60,000 to the revenue. On a division the amendment was carried by a majority of one vote, but the Premier announced that he would seek to get the decision reversed on the third reading of the Bill. If unsuccessful he said that he would require to bring down fresh taxation proposals. Dec. 16. Much needed rain has fallen throughout the country. Adelaide, Dec. 16. The Government have informed the Legislative Assembly that they will not attempt to pass the State Advances and Consolidated Loan Bills this session. They expect to prorogue Parliament by Friday next. The Treasurer laid on the table an agreement made with the Bank of Australasia, Union Bank of Australia, Bank of Adelaide, Bank of New Zealand, and Commercial Bank, for banking Government moneys not in excess of £730,000, the business to be equally divided between the banks mentioned, and interest allowed on monthly balances at a rate of 1 per cent, below the rate given to the public for 12 mouths deposits. Brisbane, Dec. 16, The Hon. T. J. Byrne, AttorneyGeneral, has left on a visit to New Zealand, and goes thence to the Federal Council. Perth, Dec. IC. The Supreme Court has awarded Earle bis claim of a one-fifth share for the discovery of the rich reef by Dunn Bros, in the Coolgardie district. The Dunns have given notice of appeal. THE COREAN TROUBLE. ' Shanghai, Dec. 13. The Japanese, who have lauded between Taku and Shanhakwau, are believed to be advancing on Pekin. Dec. 14. The report of the capture of Kiuchow by the Japanese turns out to be untrue. Prince Kung has been appointed virtual dictator of China. Li Hung Ohang has regained his influence at Court, it being found that his services are indispensable to the country at the present crisis. Deo. 14 The Japanese have sent 1000 sledges for the use of the army in Manchuria in order to enable it to travel over the snow. It is thought likely that Li Hung Chang will go to Japan, as Envoy, to treat for peace. General Tachile’s forces have checked the advance of Major Yon Hannekin after sharp fighting. The Chinese were the offensive party. A further war loan of 50,000,000 dollars is'to be raised in Japan,