LONDON.

[From the Evening Star's Correspondent

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

London, May 2.1. LEONARD HARPER AT BOW STREET.

Only a few pressmen were present at Bow street on Saturday when Mr Leonard Harper, looking very grey and old, was placed in the dock and charged, under the Fugitive Offenders Act, with "fraud as an attorney or agent within the jurisdiction of New Zealand." Chief Inspector Swanson, who brought the accused from Jersey, described how, from information received, he proceeded there and found Harper in the hands of the police. Witness read him the warrant charging him with fraud in New Zealand. Harper said : " I have not benefited myself a penny by it. I am living on charity h>Te, and the furniture in my house is on the hire sj stem." He further said he had written to the Law Institute of New Zealand expressing his willingness to return at auy time. Harper was conveyed to Bow street and again charged. He made no reply. The inspector also answered a few commonplace queries put by Mr Gill, who appeared for the prisoner. From his replies it appeared he could not confirm Harper's statement that he had been in communication with the authorities in New Zealand. Mr Gill was not able to do much for his client. He objected, however (with what motive was not very apparent) to the locale of the proceedings. As they were taken under the Fugitive Offenders Act and not under the Extradition Act, the case should have been heard in Jersey. The magistrate smiled and over-ruled the objection. Mr Gill evidently knew he would. The question of bail then cropped up. Mr Gill assumed, as a matter of course, it would be granted, but the police pointed out the charges of fraud involved large sums, and that the accused was besides "wanted "on other charges. Mr Lushington consequently refused bail and remanded Harper for a week.

On Tuesday a representative of the N.Z.P. A. visited Holloway Castle, the gaol where Harper is incarcerated, and sent in a note asking whether he would care to make any statement through the Press, but as he had already seen his wife and his solicitor no other visitors were permitted. On Wednesday morning, however, a gentleman called upon us on Mr Harper's behalf, and left a brief statement in the handwriting of the accused. From this it appears that Mr Harper is still ignorant of the particular charges against him. He states that he was asked to remain in England in order to arrange with the English creditors of the firm if necessary, and has repeatedly expressed a wish to return to the colony, and his intention to do so so soon as required, but was requested to remain here. He went to live in Jersey with his family some eighteen months ago, because he found he could do so cheaply in that favorite holiday resort, and because Mrs Harper deemed it possible to add to the allowance made her by relations by taking in lodgers. Whilst in Jersey Mr Harper has been in regular communication with various people in New Zealand, and has received and replied to letters from the Official Assignee and the secretary of the Law Society. No attempt whatever has been made to conceal his whereabouts, and, therefore, in the face of his expressed desire to return to New Zealand whenever required, Mr Harper is at a loss to understand what has induced the Government to have him arrested without giving him the opportunity of returning of his own accord to answer the charges against him.

Mr Harper was arrested on Tuesday last week, and for a couple of days was kept in confinement. When Inspector Swanson arrived in the island and took charge of his prisoner, however, he treated him very courteously, and the twain came to London, so that other passengers by boat and train knew nothing of their relative positions. Upon his removal to Holloway Mr Harper became once again an ordinary prisoner, but the efforts of friends have reduced the unpleasantness of incarceration to a minimum. The accused, I hear, has so far suffered nothing in health by reason of his arrest and confuiement, and Mrs Harper bears up bravely under the strain.

THE WARD BANQUET.

The Anglo-colonial gathering which met at the Holborn Restaurant on Tuesday evening to do honor to the Hon. J. G. Ward was almost if not altogether unprecedented in the annals of New Zealand. One would at any rate have to go back more than fifteen or sixteen years to find another. I doubt myself whether so many New Zealanders ever before fed together under one roof in London. The recent meeting of the Colonial Institute in Mr Ward's honor may have been a larger affair, but on that occasion the fair sex were in strong force. On Tuesday evening we were all men. Sir Edwyn Sandys Dawes presided, and received the guests with much cordiality, supplementing the usual bow with a shake of the hand, and introducing each new-comer personally to Mr Ward. Punctually at a quarter to eight we filed slowly in to dinner and sat down in the Venetian Saloon — close upon 200 strong— to an admirable and most intelligently-constructed menu. And on this point I must, I really must— fearless of the editorial blue pencil — pay a tribute of sincere admiration to Mr O. R. Strickland, who designed and ordered this sumptuous repast. We knew Mr Strickland, have known him long, as a City magnate, a prop of our mercantile marine and an Anglo-colonist of distinction. But he now lives in 200 memories as something infinitely more precious — viz., an understanding gourmet. We went to bed on Tuesday blessing his discriminating palate and his fine taste in champagne; and, what is even more to the point, we woke up next morning headacheless, and still satisfied. To sum up shortly, neither at the Mansion House nor at any other public banquet have I ever partaken of a better dinner. The eatables included every seasonable delicacy from turtle soup, salmon and whitebait via Bouches d'Ecrevisses, and plovers' eggs in aspic to lamb, ducklings, spring chickens, York ham (boiled in Madeira), and asparagus. The gentlemen who sat opposite to me, and whom I judged from their appearance and conversation to be experts in such gatherings, opined that the banquet would (taking into consideration the invited guests) cost much more than the guinea a head charged us, and that Sir E. S. Dawes contributed a big cheque towards the expenses.

And now as to the company. Obviously I cannot recite 200 names. Sir E. S. Dawes presided, with Mr Ward, Sir Saul Samuel, Mr E. M. Nelson, and the Hon. D. Gillies on his right, and Sir Charles Tupper, Sir W. Perceval, and Mr Framstone (of the Colonial Office) on his left. A glance down the cross tables revealed several Nathans (Mr L. D., Mr L. A., and Mr Maurice), Messrs James and A. Bull, Mr Henry Reynolds (of Auckland), Mr M'Coash Clark, Mr James Huddart and his son, Mr A. Rhodes, Mr M. Homer, Mr Hallenstein, Mr Owen Jones, Mr J. H. Witheford (with six or seven guests), Mr E. T. Doxat, Mr G. Cowie, Mr C. G. Tegetmeier, Dr Wyman, members of all the great shipping firms, the Cunard, Ismays, Shaw, Savill's (Mr Temple, Mr J. A. Potter, and Mr W. Savill), the Orient (Mr Anderson), Sir W. Corry, Sir Arthur Haslam, Mr George Beetham, Mr W. T. Holmes, Rev. C. F. Mortlock, Mr T. Johnson, Mr Pharazyn, Hon. J. B. Whyte, Sir Julius Yogel, and Mr R. H. Glyn. The London papers were (barring ' The Times ' and the ' Central Press,' for some reason I cannot fathom) left out, but the 'Age,' the 'Argus,' and the leading dailies in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin (barring the Wellington 'Post') were represented — Mr Byrell, Mr Mennell, Mr Saunders, Mr C. Rous Marten, Mr W. E. Robinson, and Mr A. S. Rathbone being the New Zealand journalists present.

THE SPEECHES.

The menu was of such prodigious length that we did not get to the speeches till a quarter to ten, but they were fortunately short. Sir E. S. Dawes was all right in proposing the loyal toasts, which he polished off in six words. But the "Guest of the Evening" weighed heavy on his soul. Sir Edwyn commenced with what lie evidently hoped would be felicitous references and comparisons between England, Japan, and New Zealand, three islands all about the same size. He was, however, a little fosrgy in his language and metaphors, leaving us in d»ubt where the point came in. But maybe, as the man in the story says, there was no point. Sir Edwyn got on to safer ground when he dilated on the manifest advantage of emigrants to the colonies re dunun? after some years with minds enlarged to leaven the Old Country with their knowledge and ideas. Mr Ward was not an emigrant, but a native-born Antipodean. He had been called on since he arrived in this country to enlighten ua pretty frequently concerning Now

Zealand, and he had done so, in his (the speaker's) opinion, excellently well. Finally Sir Edwyn— who, like most of Mr Ward's friends, has been captivated by his wife —asked the company to couple Mre Ward's name with that of the guest of the evening. They owed her something for giving up a ball or a visit to the opera, and letting her husband come there that evening. — (Applause.) The toast was drunk with enthusiasm.

Mr Ward, in replying, distributed profuse thanks on behalf of his wife and himself for all the generous hospitality and kindness which had beeu shown, nay, showered, on them since their arrival Home He was gratified to observe that both sides in New Zealand politics were represented at the gathering, and accepted the fact, not as a compliment to himself, but to the colony. After further remarks in this strain the Treasurer passed on to praise the breadth and liberality of the Press of Old England, which, he was bound to say, contrasted remarkably with the narrowness and the prejudices of certain of their own newspapers After a repetition of what he had said at the Colonial Institute re New Zealand being oi ly too anxious to welcome eligible emigrants, your Treasurer referred to the fact of Mr Busby, the first eligible emigrant from New South Wales to New Zealand who set foot in the Bay of Islands — " 'tis sixty years since" — being amongst them that evening. This excited applause and much craning of many necks to get a glimpse of the venerable Busby. Mr Ward then adverted to a lighter vein. Some people, he believed, thought New Zealand produced only meat and butter and wool and flax, but he could assure them that was not so. The colony also grew authors, artists, vocalists, and actors. It was not, perhaps, wise to individualise, but if he were to do so in the case of authors he might mention B. L. Farjeon, Fergus Hume, Marriott- Watson, R. A. Loughnan, the late Vincent Pyke, H. B. Yogel, Mrs Harrison Davis, and last but not least Mrs Baker, whose two novels, published under the pseudonym of "Alien" during the last six months, had, he was informed, achieved marked success in this country. — (Applause.) These were all New Zealand writers or writers New Zealand might fairly claim; and if they came to consider Australasian singers, what aboutMelba and Amy Sherwin, Philip Newbury, and Mandeno Jackson. — (Applause.) There were lots more like these growing up 14,000 miles away. — (Laughter.) Some jocular references to the recently -floated loan followed, and a handsome tribute to the useful work done by the Colonial Institute, Mr Ward ending as he had begun, with thanks all round.

Sir Charles Tupper (an admirable after-dinner talker) paid the present New Zealand Government sundry full - flavored compliments, averring that beneath their wise guidance and beneficent dispensations the clouds which had at one time wrapped the colony in gloom had disappeared. It was, Sir Charles considered, most necessary for colonial Ministers to come Home from time to time, and he felt sure Mr Ward must have learnt much as well as taught much during his visit. He touched on the Ottawa Congress and the admirable work done there by the New Zealand delegate in supporting the Vancouver cable and service. Finally, Sir Charles paid Sir Westby Perceval a tribute of ungrudging praise on his good work as AgentGeneral, and congratulated the colony on the possession of such an invaluable servant. We then toasted the Agent-General con amorc.

Sir Westby's speech was the best of the evening, excellent alike in manner, matter, and delivery. He gracefully acknowledged the compliments paid himself and Mr Ward by Sir Charles Tupper. It gratified him sincerely to find Mr Ward's services properly appreciated, because he knew how genuine they were, and how thoroughly he deserved the success he had achieved in London. The criticisms directed against his leaving the colony for this visit were most unjust. He did not want to talk business to them now, nor to dilate on the ordinary products of the colony. Many of those present could tell them far more about meat and dairy produce than he could. But a word or two might be said concerning the undeveloped industries of the colony. Few people had any notion how varied the resources of New Zealand were. Sir Westby said :

I don't think the people of this country sufficiently recognise the enormous mineral resources of our colony.— (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Attention is now being given to this, and I venture to predict, that at no distant date New Zealand will occupy no mean position in the mining world. We have, as you know, already extracted some fifty millions of gold from New Zealand. That is a mere earnest of better things to come. We have most rich deposits of iron in conjunction with limestone and coal, au industry which is simply awaiting the English capitalist to develop. — (Applause.) I venture to say that that industry has been overlooked, and that it is deserving of the attention of the capitalists of this country. —(Hear, hear.) Another industry which is now growing into favor and into notice is our timber industry— that has a very great future before it.— (Hear, hear.) Mr Ward, in running over the gamut of the industries and resources of New Zealand, did not touch upon our scenery. That is an industry of the greatest value to the colony. If the Government only does its duty, and does what is necessary to attract tourists and visitors from this country, I am confident that will prove a real source of wealth in the very near future ; in fact, I would almost be prepared to say that before very long the three industries of mines, scenery, and timber will eclipse the industries of agriculture and meat and dairy produce. — (Laughter.) That is a very large statement to make, but I feel confident that the time is not very far distant when some of our undeveloped industries will come to the front, and will go a long way towards eclipsing the industries we now lay such store by.— (Hear, hear.)

The toast of " The Chairman," proposed by Mr Ward, and jocularly replied to by Sir E. Dawes, wound up the evening.

THE WARDS' iMOVEMENTS.

The weather on Saturday last was too cold for a river picnic, so Mr and Mrs Ward went instead to the Tower. On Wednesday they were present at the meets of the Coaching Clubs m Hyde Park, and to-morrow are to be amongst the distinguished company invited by the War Office to witness the Trooping of the Colors. Mr Ward has been refusing invitations of a private character by the dozen every day latterly, and keeping his evenings as far as possible free.

MR WARD'S VISIT TO LORD ROSEBBRY.

Mr Ward had a long and interesting interview with Lord Rosebery on Tuesday, but declines to furnish any particulars. From the fact, however, that he speak 3of the prospects of both the Vancouver mail service and cable much more hopefully I am disposed to believe he impressed—or thinks he impressed— the Premier in favor of one or both. I also have reasons for suspecting that there is a little plot on hand to decoy Lord Glasgow from New Zealand to New South Wales, replacing him possibly with Sir W. C. Robinson, and that Mr Ward has been consulted thereupon. Should Lord Glasgow decline to be shifted (as seems not unlikely) the facts may never leak out. If your Government can in a friendly way speed the noble earl to Australia, I've a notion they'll do so, though whether Sir W. C. Robinson would be more amenable to their wishes I take leave to doubt.

PERSONAL.

Lady Perceval's health has hitherto barred her from participation in those social functions which are supposed by the sterner sex to be among the chief delights of feminine life ; but she was, I am glad to say, sufficiently well to attend the last of the May Drawing Rooms, held at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. Lady Perceval had no particular desire to attend this function, but did so because she felt that it was more or less a duty in connection with Sir Westby's official position. In consideration of her delicate state of health Lord Carrington very kindly obtained for Lady Perceval the valuable privilege of the entree, which, as I have explained before, reduces the discomforts of Drawing Rooms to a minimum. Lady Perceval was presented by Countess Spencer. She wore a pink brocaded satin petticoat, with a train of terra cotta velvet arranged from both shoulders and lined with pink satin. The trimming consisted of clusters of La France ro->es. Sir Westby . accompanied his wife to the Palace, but did not attend the Drawing Room. The Hon. Richard and Mrs Oliver have returned to town from the country, and have taken up their quarters at Garland's Hotel, Sussex street.

'The Timea's' ecclesiastical intelligence today contains a note to the effect that the Rev. John Still, rector of Hockwold-cum- Wilton, has been appointed as commissary in England to the Bishop of Wellington. Mrs Ballance is looking wonderfully young and well — quite a different person, in fact, to the worn invalid of a year ago. She seems, too, to have enjoyed her stay in the Old Country, and to have marked with interest, if not edifi-

"_*__. v ' - cation, the various novel phases of the advanced woman movement. Mr W. B. Clarkson, of Christchurch, who arrived Home by the Taicui on Monday last, looked in at the N.Z.P. A. with his nephew [your cycling champion) the same afternoon. He comes chiefly to investigate the mysteries of the meat market at this end, and had already paid an introductory visit of inspection to Smith field. Mr Clarkson went to Yorkshire yesterday to visit his relatives, but we shall see him from time to time in town during the next three months, and may, perhaps, be able to further the end he has in view. Mr R. F. Curtis, of Blenheim, who has come over here on a visit of combined business and pleasure, is stopping with Surgeon-general Sir John Mouat, X.C.8., at 108 Palace Gardens terrace, KensiDgton. I have to announce that Mr Frederick Huth Meinertzhagen, late of Waimarama, Hawke's Bay, died at Tunbridge "Wells on Monday last, aged forty-nine. He had been unwell for some time past, but the end was somewhat sudden. Dr and Mrs Collins, of Wellington, have gone North to Derbyshire on a visit to Mrs Collina's sister. Mr H. B. Yogel will probably spend some time in Russia prior to returning to New Zealand. He has long desired to visit St. Petersburg and Moscow, and his present plan is to go to both early next winter. Mr Yogel says he does not think Sir Julius has seriously thought of competing for the ' Statist's ' £1,000 prize for the best scheme for Imperial federation, though he has talked a good deal about it. The new member for West Dorset (Colonel Williams) is the father-in-law of the Bishop of Wellington. He has long held a very high reputation in the county, and was elected by a large majority to succeed the late Mr Farquharson, known to fame chiefly as the individual who, at a cost of £5,000 damages, grossly libelled Mr C. T. Gatty. Mr Hay and his wife, erstwhile of Auckland, arrived in t ngland yesterday, and proceeded at once to Brighton to be present at Dr Honeyman's funeral and help Mrs Honeyman. Mrs Johnson, the wife of the late Captain Johnson, who came Home with her two daughters to recruit, is at present staying with friends at Norwich, but will, I hear, remote to Kingston on Thames for the summer. Mrs Johnson's voyage Home by the Tongariro was marred by a series of unpleasant incidents— unpleasant to all on board, but the more so to her because of her recent bereavement. Rounding the Horn the ship's docior died quite suddenly, and a few days out from Monte Video two passengers passed in their checks, whilst two others temporarily lost their mental balance. These occurrences cast a heavy gloom over all on board for the remainder of the trip. But for Mrs Johnson the heaviest blow was yet to come, for on arrival at Plymouth she learnt that her cousin, to see whom she had mainly taken the trip, had died the preceding day.

Mr J. H. Seagar, of Christchurch, who arrived in London early in April, and is now enjoying sprhig's delight? in Devonshire, is qualifying for a page in that as yet unwritten work ' Advertisers of New Zealand.' He opened his lecturing campaign in the South street Baptist Church, Exeter, the other evening, and illustrated a chatty paper by means of some excellent photo specimens of indigenous woods and grasses, Maori-made cloths, native ornaments, and weapons of war. He also had on view a goodly collection of sea shells and curios of various kinds, including many items from Fiji and the Solomon Islands. His lecture was entitled 'New Zealand and New Zealanders,' and the silver collection ensuing was appropriated for the church's benefit.

THE FUNERAL OF MR LEABY.

The funeral of Mr X.. H. Leary, which was to have taken place on Saturday last, was postponed at the last minute owing to the receipt of a cablegram from Dunedin expressing a wish that the mortal remains of the ex-mayor should be conveyed to New Zealand for interment. Mr James Doughty, whose unceasing attentions to Mr Leary during his illness have been the theme of admiration amongst personal friends of both men, had invited the Agent-General, Mr "Ward, and many prominent New Zealanders in London to be present ; but the exigencies of the 'Frisco mail prevented all but a few accepting. The cable from the colony scarcely arrived iD time for Mr Doughty to notify possible mourners, but this was done, and arrangements entered into for the conveyance of the remains to Dunedin. Then, however, a second cable came to hand cancelling the first, and Mr Doughty had to arrange for interment at Tunbridge Wells. The sad ceremony took place on Wednesday last in the local cemetery. Owing to the very short notice only a few friends were able to be present at the grave side. Mr Doughty was there, of course, and he was supported by Mr Ewen and Mr Hart (of Sargood's), Mr A. Hill Jack and Mr Melville (a member of the well-known Stock Exchange firm), and the doctor who attended the deceased during his illness.