CABLE NEWS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2782, 23 December 1887, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

. Berlin, December 20. ■ The usual presentation of Christmas gifts to Hussar regiments; was made to day by his Highness Prince Willielm. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony of distributing the presents, the Prince delivered an .address to the troop 3, in which, (alluding to the present state of European affairs, lie said the times were grave and the future uncertain. London, December 20.. Owing to the failure of the northern whale fisheries, vessels of 400 tons are saleable at Peterhead at £2500 each. A London firm has offered to subscribe £2OO if Victoria will organise an Antarctic exploring fund. Mr and Mrs Gladstone leave for Northern Italy on the 26th, where they will stay several weeks. December 21. Reports have been received at Zanzibar from Albert Nyanza country which state that Mr Stanley with his expedition for the relief of Emin Bey, reached Wadelai early in September, after undergoing great privations. The Pope's Jubilee presents are valued at 60,000,000 francs, of which His Holiness bestows one-fifth on charities. The Daily Telegraph suggests the formation of a company to kill rabbits in Australia, and preserve them for exportation to Europe. The Berlin Post estimates that the Russian force on the frontier exceeds the Gorman Austrian force by 171 infantry battalions, 100. squadrons of cavalry, and 45 batteries of artillery. The reported attempt, on the life of the Czar is officially denied in St. Petersburg.

.SERIOUS FIRE IN CUBA STREET WELLINGTON. -

A serious fire-broke out in Cuba Street. Wellington, shortly after three o'clock this morning, and as the N.Z. Times went to press, the fire was still raging. It commenced in the building occupied by Mr Mawson, baker, and from thence rapidly extended to the premises of Messrs Barber, butcher, White, chemist, Ziman, pawnbroker, and Levy, grocer. On the alarm being given by the firebells, the Brigade quickly turned out, aud there , wai a good supply of water, but so far their efforts had failed to check the progress of the flames. The block is owned by Mr Edward Dixon, and is insured for £2OOO in the Victoria Office. Mr Levy's stock is also insured in the Victoria, and Mr Ziman's in the Colonial. LATER. Wellington, December 28. The fire is now out, only the upper floors being destroyed. • The stock in the lower portion, however, was thoroughly saturated with water. Levy's stock is insured for £SO, Mawson's for £IOO in the Victoria, and Ziman's for £4OO.