THE Evening Star. PUBLISED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3444, 8 January 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1880.

■ The possession of Merve is one of the main objects of Russian policy in the East, for it is the key to a large territory, and as a strategical point is of the greatest importance. With Merve, Herat and Cabui, England could bid defiance to Eussia, and prevent her further advance eastward, It will be seen from our cablegrams that Khan of Merve has applied to the Indian Government for assistance, and no doubt but his request will be granted. It is impossible for England to recede from the position taken in regard to Afghanistan, arid at once must be decided the question which power, Russia or Great Britain shall retain possession of the most fertile and flourishing countries of Central Asia, Persia, Afghanistan, and the smaller independentkhanatesadjoining those countries. We shall not be surprised to hear of Lord Lytton taking Merve, under his protection, and without loss of time taking possession of Herat. The other statement in our Indian news, that Abdul\Rahma'n hag fled to Balkh under the protection of Eussia, is of con« ■equence, aa showing the attitude taken up by our rival in Central Asia, and may lead to untold complications. "As long as England had assurances that Eussia was not taken offensive steps against us, in Alia, although, at the same time little dependence was placed on such assurances, the policy of England was plain, and the prospect of both powers being involved in a war over the possession of her fresh territory somewhat removed, but when ;|§jissia openly assists those who are ilf posing us, and affords protection to the discontented, it may lead to England demanding more than assurances of peaceable intentions from the Government of St. Petersburg. , • Tenders for the completion of the Hape-Karaka.road were opened by the Board of Works of the County Council, yesterday, and Messrs McCormiok Bros, tender of £406 was accepted. :*there were three other tenders, two of them being very, close to the accepted one. The last was that of Messrs Hart and Horn, viz., £5f30. Messrs Young and Cos. tender of £89 was accepted for the Eolleston street contract. Messes Kaurt and Ali's Oriental Exhibition will open here in a few days. They have made a most successful tour of the colony. The Velocipede Circus is doing a good business. The farea*are low, and as a most enjoyable ride is obtained, our young people are patronising it. The Circus commences, at 2 o'clock each afternoon, and during these warm evenings an hour's ride on the little wooden horses is a pleasant and healthy exercise. Wb are informed that the agent of the Norwich Union is to be proceeded against for the amount of the insurance for which Mr Driscoll stated he paid a premium of £6 17s 6d, some day in laut month. Mr Miller is engaged by Mr Driscoll, and it is stated that witnesses are forthcoming to prove the amount of premium was paid to the agent on the day stated. A TOT7NG man named Walter Dam caned some larrrikins in Auckland who insulted his female relatives and annoyed himself, He was fined 40s. It has bow been definitely decided at Timaru to hold a- grand Orange procession on the 12th July. It has transpired that prior to Chiniquy's meeting at Otahuhu, a deputation from Orangemen (Messrs Donald and Eeid) waited on Archbishop Steins to acquaint him of the rumours as to the expected disturbance at Otahuhu. A satisfactory interview with the Archbiihop and the Vicar-General ensued. The deputation were assured that all the clergy could do would be done to prevent any of their people from committing a breach of the peace. At the conclusion, the Bishop shook hands with the deputation*; and thanked them warmly for having come to him and openly stated their opinions. We are now in direct telegraph communication with South Africa, and in today's issue we publish South African news of. Tuesday's date. The extension of a cable from this colony to America will complete the girdling of tho world with that wonder of modern times —the electric telegraph.