ACTIVITY OF THE CONSERVATIVES. - / THE SHIP OF THE AGE. j . ; London, May 5. As the outcome of several Conservative meetings which have been held during the past few days, to consider the politi cal situation, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach will,, on Monday next, in accordance with resolutions come to at the meetings, de mand in the House of Commons from " (he Government a full statement as to their entire Irish policy. Should the declara tion be deemed inadequate, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach will, it is announced, move a vote of censure on the Government. ‘ The first prize at the International Shipwrights’ Exhibition now being held, has been awarded to the Orient Com pany’s new steamer Austral. . The “ Times s \to-day, in a leading article on the Exhibition, refers to the decision of the judges, and concludes as follows : fe Whether we look upon the Austral a triumph of size, luxury, and speed, or, in the last resort, as a ship of war, she is in every way the ship of the age.” The formal opening of Epping Forest ■in Essex took place to-day with great eclat. ; The opening ceremony was per formed by Her Majesty the Queen in the - presence of a great concourse of people. An extensive procession to the scene of the proceedings was organised on the occasion. v The Australian cricketers are now prac -1 fising daily, but their form is described as “ poor.”

ASSASSINATION OF THE NEW SECRETARY ANT) UNDER SECRETARY FOR IRELAND.
MORE RIOTING.
