London, February 7. The Crescent which replaces the Orlando as flagship on the Australian station takes out new crews for the Ringarooma and Katoomba. February 8.. It is officially announced that the Crescent will replace the Orlando on the Australian station. i

The French in West Africa.
Paris, February 7. News from the V 7est Coast of Africa states that the French commander re cognised the claim of the Republic of Liberia and withdrew his men from the town of Cavally.
LABOR ITEMS.
London, February 7« There is some discontent among the, London dockers respecting overwork caused by the wool sales, which it is feared may possibly «nd in a strike. Adelaide, February 8, The master bakers and employees have established a conciliation board, consisting of five from each side. The board is to settle all future disputes.
Mr Reid's Mission.
London, February 7. Mr R. Beid, Victorian Minister for Defence, who is on his way to the Canadian Tarifi Conference, asked the War Office to establish meat depots for the Indian army at Colombo, Calcutta and Bombay. The officials are con sidering the proposal. February 8. On Monday Mr R. Reid will receive a deputation of colonists now resident in London, who will explain the diffi culties in regard to the distribution of colonial butter, and suggest a scheme to secure better prices.
The Loan and Mercantile Company.
.London, February 7< Mr R. H. Glyn, President of *he Bank of New Zealand, at a meeting of Directors said he thought it was their duty to assist in the reconstruction of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile, and any action taken with regard to the Company had not prejudiced the position of the Bank.
The Russo-German Com mercial Treaty.
