LATEST CABLEGRAMS

Inangahua Times, Volume X, Issue 1588, 17 August 1885, Page 2

LATEST CABLEGRAMS

* BY KI.KCTUIC TKI.EGHAIMI — Col*YßieilT. Received August 14, 10.15 p.m. Sydney, 14. It is stated here upon good authority that the Peninsular and Oriental Company's s.s. Massillu. which was fitted up as a cruiser during the unsettled state of affairs in Central Asia, and which was stationed at Port Jackson will shortly be 'disarmed and return to England. (Per Merchant Shipping and Under* writers Association.) London, 18. Arrived — Glenlora, from Auckland, April 26th ; Border Chief, from Lyt telton, M\yl3tli; Norman M'Leod from Timaru, May 21st. Received Aug. 15, 9.20 p.m. London, 14. Parliament was formally prorogued to-day. The Speech from the Throne alludes to the failure of the expedition despatched to the relief of the l»eieagured garrison at Khartoum. - While regretting the objects were not attained expresses pride at the action of the troops engaged in the campaign and satisfaction with the skill displayed by their commander. The loyal offers of assistance tendered by the various Colonies had been received with great pleasure at a critical time when such proffered aid was calculated to impress upon foreign Powers the unity of the Empire at a time of -danger. Mention was specially made of the offer of N.8.W., troops from which Colony served with distinction in the Soudan. Referring to Egyptian affairs the Speech Htates that although the death of the M ahdi had in some degree lessened (iifliculties attending the performance of the various duties in Egypt tlmt had fallen upon Her Majesty's advisers, Government were determined not to relax the efforts to firmly found good

government and order in thatconntry. The friendliest intercourse continues to be maintained with all the Powers. Negotiations with Russia were still proceeding, which ft is hoped would speedily lead to a peaceful settlement of the Russia Afghan frontier question. Alluding to India it announces that steps are being taken to place the north west frontier in an adequate state of defence, and carry out the various other works necessary to enable military operations when required to be carried out with great celerity. Her Majesty has much pleasure in giving her assent to the Australasian Federation Enabling Bill, and to other bills, more especially those providing for an amendment of the Criminal Law and Facilitating Land Purchase Bill, Ireland, and providing for better housing of the; poor. A regret is expressed that depression in trade still continues. The Royal Commission which had been appointed to enquire into the causes of inactivity will give special attention to the question whether legislation cannot l>e provided which will tend to alleviate the present depressing statu of affairs in the United Kingdom. In conclusion, the speech announces that an early dissolution will take place, und trusts those electors to whom the franchise has been extended by the recent Act of Parliament will exercise the powers thus conferred on them with sobriety and discernment. Londox, 15. It was announced to day that the representatives of the colonies of N. S. W. and Tasmania have been admitted to the International Telegraph Conference. Adelaide, 15. Wheat is 3s lOd to 4s, though business is reported to be holding off at those prices, Adelaide flour, town, £8 { 12s, to £9 per ton ; country, £7 15s to £8.