THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.

Notwithstanding the number of arrivals, is not of much importance. The May mail, due in Wellington on the 20th insfc,, had not ai'rived when the steamer left.

From. Auckland the matter of chief interest is a terrible fire, by which whole streets have been swept away ; particulars will be found in another column. In the General Assembly, the Native bills and the Electoral Keform bills wei'e under discussion The ballot, as will be seen from the report of the debate which we give elsewhere, was rejected. In the appoi'tionrnent of [Representation bill, the House had increased its members from 42 to 50 — thus, says the 'Now Zealander,' "the constitutional demands of rapidly rising districts lite Ahuriri, the Bluff, Wairoa, &c, for immediate representation, will be at once provided foi\"

JYonv Wellington we learn that Dr. Featherston and Capt. Rhodes would contest the vacant seats for the city in . the General Assembly with Messrs. Wakefield and Howler. Mr. Carter had announced him3elf a candidate for the suffrages of the Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa electors — rathe.: too late, however. The declaration of the poll in the superintendency election was postponed pending receipt of the official return from this district and Wairarapa.