NEWS OF THE WORLD.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 434, 27 March 1890, Page 2

NEWS OF THE WORLD.

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL TO STANDARD.] BRITISH ANTfORKIGN. COLONIAL STOCKS RISING. A SOCIALIST CANDIDATE OPPOSING JOHN BURNS. GLADSTONE GIVES THE LIE DIRECT. EULOGIUMS ON BISMARCK. THE IRISH LAND PURCHASE BILL. Colonial stocks are rising. Russia has intervened Ishak Khan in Samarcand. Servia has begun fortifying the Bulgarian frontier. The British Budget will be brought down on April 14. The Queensland loan is quoted at 2% per cent premium. A Socialist candidate will oppose Mr John Burns for Battersea. France continues the temporary commercial convention with Turkey. Prince Bismarck is reported to have said in anger, “The King will see me again.” The Bank of Australasia has declared a dividend of izj£ per cent., with a bonus of 6d.

The English 1 Government have promised to reconsider the question of volunteer equipment.

Mr Chamberlain states that the success of the English occupation of Egypt justifies its continuance. Lord Dunraven has resigned from the Sweating Committee, because his draft report was not considered by them. Mr Gladstone states that he does not intend to retire from political life till Home Rule has been achieved.

The situation in Germany remains unchanged except that Count Herbert Bismarck has resigned and the resignation been accepted. President Harrison has issued a proclamation warning trespassers against infringing on the Behrings Strait fisheries. The Portugese at Mozambique, under order of the Governor, refused supplies to a British man-of-war and insulted the officers.

Betting'on the University boat race has veered round to 6 to 4 on Cambridge. The Oxford crew is regarded as being overtrained.

The Emperor has written a letter to Prince Bismarck stating that his resignation is a blow as severe as the death of his grand sire.

Prince Bismarck may possibly accept a title on condition that he does not alter his name.

The Emperors of Germany and Austria will have a meeting shortly. The latter and the King of Italy have written to Prince Bismarck regretting his resignation, and admitting the value of his services in the cause of peace. Mr Balfour, Secretary for Ireland, introduced the Irish Land Purchase Bill in the House of Commons on Monday. He contended that it is improved upon and was cheaper and more rapid of execution than Lord Ashbourne’s Act. Purchase would be voluntary and there was no risk to the British taxpayer, though British credit was utilised. The maximum advance would be twenty years’ rent less local rates paid by landlords. The total amount of advances would be limited to thirty-three millions plus ten millions provided under Lord Ashbourne’s Act. Money would be re-lent as it was paid. The Bill has made a favorable impression in the House except among the members of the Parnellite party. The Bill creates a central land department. Paymeut of 4 per cent for 49 years ensures a freehold, a special board of supervision, and amalgamates holdingsand controls immigration and emigration, as well as seed supply and fisheries. Tenants pay heavier amounts for the first five years in order to form an insurance fund and erect laborers’ cottages. In other respects the Bill is similar to Lord Ashbourne’s Act. It is understood that Messrs Parnell and Davitt are opposed to the measure. Mr Gladstone, speaking at a meeting of the National Liberal Club, said the Bill was a bold bid for popularity. The measure involved a large pecuniary liability to the British taxpayer.

AUSTRALIAN.

A LOCUS PEST. A LAND OF FLOODS AND DROUGHTS. A pest of locusts has caused great destruction at Adelaide. The coal miners at Waratah have struck on account of the owners refusing to pay the district hewing rate. The influenza epidemic is spreading in Melbourne. The members of the police force have been affected mildly. The influenza has also made its appearance at Hobart. The rainfall that has taken place throughout New South Wales since Sunday last has been the heaviest ever recorded here. The country districts are flooded. The weather is now clearing. Fears are entertained of another flood in Queensland. Charters Tower is under water, and railway communication with Sydney is still interrupted. At Townsville, th.e flood has been the higest ever known. Boats _ were engaged rescuing people all last night. A hurricane which was exptrienced yesterday drove the residents out of their houses, and they took refuge in the schools and hotels. The amount of _ damage done by the hurricane is estimated at .£lO,OOO. ’Fifteen houses were wrecked and thirteen blown off the blocks. Two fatalities are reported.