Reports are being freely circulated that the Roman Catholic Church (just nearing: completion) is to be razed to the groun on Thursday, the 26th inst. It isa lofty and imposing structure, built principally of native granite and marble. Funyshui interference and envy seem to be the supposed and real causes for this proposed demolition. We learn that the resident Fathers have demanded immunity from any trouble, or they will call in help from their own government. Tt is stated also that H.E. Li Hung-chang has forwarded a despatch, forbidding the procession. If so, ithas very little effect, for preparations are going forward for a grand display, and crowds of visitors are pouring in to see the eelebration, As there is sure to be a numerous band of thieves and vagabond nondescripts in attendance, the local officials will be sorely taxed to preserve orler, in the face of the threatened recurrence of riot and pillage. A large force of native military have been Grafted in; the foreigners have yood cause to dread more than to rely upon them for any help, in the event of trouble arising. The Sungpu case is freely discussed from the native standpoint in the tea houses, and cannot be said to add to the good feeling towards foreigners generally, ina time of festivity and excitement.
OLD CLARY SETTLED, One of the Missions located here has just secured the satisfactory settlement of an outstanding claim (since the 1891 riots) in a city called Waweichou. It may be noted that the official and the local constable were the hindrances in the way of an earlier settlement. The latter was the chief actor and direct instigator of the whole trouble. The removal of the official made the way comparatively easy to clear the matter up.
NEWS ITEMS, During the past few months both the C.LM., and Alliance Mission have secured a plot of land each, and contemplate building at an early date.
'ELE. Teh Hsing, Governor of Kiangsi, passed through this port on the Lith inst. only making a very brief There was the usual waste of gunpowder when H.E. arrived. About midnight on the night of the 15th one fort fired " full salute, supposing H.E. had arrived. The other forts discovered the mistake before firing the full complex:
Local sportsmen take full advantage of the fine weather, but as both pheasants and snipe are scarce, only an occasional "lucky bag" en be made.
We are glad to chronicle the safe return of Captain Knight Gregson, the genial agent of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Ca. t this port. He looks robust after his brief furlough and we are selfish enough to hope he may remain at his present post for many years yet.
The rice harvest seems to have been good and an average of 600 catties to the has been realised. It is being ry shipped at fairly good prices, and the local farmers generally invest the money in adding new houses of mud and thatch to their poor tumble-down properties.
H.M.LS. Carvline is expected on die 29th We have no gunboat in port at present.
instant.
'24th October.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.