LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 295, 2 April 1874, Page 2

LATEST ENGLISH NEWS.

London, March 19. At the opening of Parliament the Queoß stated that the foreign relations of the lountrj were friendly, and that Minuter* would endeavour to maintain peace ; and that the marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh would lead to friendship between the great powers. Th© Ashantce negotiations had been settled satisfactorily. Her Majesty regretted the sad state of Bengal consequent on the famine, and stuted that the Viceroy had been iustiucted 10 spare no expense to mitigate the calamity. The speech announces measures for simplifying the transfer of land. A Royal Commission will bo appoiuted to consider th© Acta relating to Masters uud Sen ants. A Bill will be introduced to amend the Licensing Act. The Government will direct attention to Friendly and Provident Societies. In the Lords, the Marquis of Salisbury announced that tho famine loan amounted to ten millions. It is intended to enquire into the conduct of Dr Keneally during the late trial. Disraeli intends shortly to release the Fenian prisoners.

March 21. Mr Butt moved an amendment to the address in reply to the Queen's speech to the effect that the House legislate in favor of Irish •elf-government. The amendment w«s negatived by 314 to 50. At the close of the wool sales prices were easier. 240,000 bales remain for next sales. It is believed that money will become easier. Wheat has dropped owing to expected arrivals. Ade Uide, 67s to 68s.