NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 142, 19 June 1886, Page 4

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

SUMMARY FOR HOME READERS.

AUCKLAND. N.Z..

June 19th, 1886.

New Zealand, and especially the northern portion of it, ha?, during tbo last few days, attained what most people will think an unenviable notoriety, because of the violent eruption of Mount Tarawera, in the Hot Lake district, on the 10th instant. Sudden, alarming and destructive as was this out break of volcanic energy, and deplorable as are its results in tho sacrifice of human life, and suffering and loss entailed upon natives and settlers over a wide extent of country, there is really nothing in the occurrence that should militate against the attractiveness of tbi3 part of the colony to tourists, invalids, settlers, or others, It- has been our proud boast that in the Hot Lake district we had the most wonderful centre of volcanic phonomona on the face of the globo, and it was well-known that at any time a violent outburst of pent-up foi-cos might take place, causing havoc in a greater or lesser degree. Tho late oruption, therefore, need not be deplored as imparting to this part of the colory a character which it did not formerly possess. In fact, tho eruption has rather added to tbe feeling of security in Auckland city and other thickly-populated districts, bec&use it has demonstrated that we are not within the range of volcanic or seismic disturbance. Although it is much to be regretted that these " things of beauty," the White and Pink Terraces of Rotomahana, which promised to be " a joy for ever" to thousands of visitors, should have been destroyed, the Hot Lake district will rather gain than lose in its attractions for tourists. Already from different parte of the colony people are flocking to Rotorua to witness the splendid spectacle of a volcano in active eruption and behold the devastation which waa wrought in a few brief houra. It is found, too, that the medicinal baths and springs at Ohinemutu have not beon affected by the eruption, and tourists, as heretofore, will be glad to resort to these wonderful healing waters. One effect of tho disaster may be to check tho growth of a large town at Rotorua; and tho Government having acquired the greater portion of tho land in tho neighnourhood under the Thormal Springs Act, may be induced to declare it a public resorvo, with 'only hotels, resident doctor's establishment, and a few necessary tradespeople for tho convenieuco of visitors. Individual distress is being actively alleviated by sympathetic effort horo and elsewhere, und the national calamity may after all, in the way indicated, prove a blessing in disguise Our special sheet, with full lottorpresa description and illustrative engravings, will supply readers at a distance with a vivid idea of tho splendid yet awful spectacle which the eruption presented, and the. work of ruin and devastation which it wrought.

The Stout-Vogel Government appear to be secure in office until the natural death of the present Parliament. The Treasurer's Financial Statement, of which an outline appears elsewhere, proved to be a non-sen-sational document, whose moderation disarmed criticism, and it was adopted aftdr a briof and unimportant diecussion. Mr Montgomery, a formor Opposition loader, moved a resolution, which was accepted as a direct challenge of the financial policy of thoMinistry, to tho effect " That the Government &hould reduce the Estimates of Expenditure by £75,000," Retrenchment being a popular cry just now, it was thought that he might secure a majority in favour of this motion j but on a division taken on 3rd instant it was rejected by 4_ votes against 2S. Since then there havo been persistent rumours that Mr John Bryce will, when the Government loan proposals aro brought forward, move as an amendment that they be reduced by half a million sterling, but the Government appear confident of defeating this also should it be pressed to a division.

With New Zealand politicians, retrenchment, which is all very good in the abstract, becomes obnoxious whenever an attempt is made to apply it practically. This objection will remain so long as roads and bridges and loan expenditure generally constitute the Alpha and Omega of polities. There is little hope thero fore^ that Mr Bryce's much-talked of proposal to reduce the loan proposals to a million sterling will faro any better than Mr Montgomery's motion to reduce the estimates. Mr Bryce's reason for intending to make such a proposal is said to bo that, if a million and a-half are borrowed, it would all be spent in the first year, leaving nothing "for the second. His friend says a roduction would not affect the allocation already made for works. The motion will, it is expected, be opposed by a number of strong Oppositionists, so that if pressed the result will onlybo a further victory to the Government Mr Bryco, if well-advised, will try to avoid such a conclusion.

There was quite an affecting scene in the House on the 27th ultimo., when Major Atkinson congratulated Sir Robert Stout on his knighthood. His remarks were nicely worded and were apparently inspired by true manly feeling. Ho referred to the many fierce battles that had been fought on the floor of the House and to the party feeling that had occasionally run so high, and rejoiced that those discortant elements had never led to any interruption of his friendly relations with the Premier. He considered the appointment an honour to the country, because tho distinction was conferred on one of a type of colonists of whom any country might, feel proud — possessed of great abilities, und what was of more importance wide general sympathies. It might be said that he had ever sought the public welfare. Heconsirlered that thohon. gentleman was well entitled to the distinction conferred- xpon him. Mr Macandrew eulogised the Premier for the manner in which he had raised himself to the highest position in the country, and offered his warmest congratulations. Mr Stout mado two attempts to address tbo House, but on both occasions broke down. About half an hour later ho made another attempt, and mastered his feelings so far as to say that the honour was unsolicited and unexpected on his part. He had no friends in England, and he assumed that

the honour was conferre^J^*s^ the position h e helrf j SCOn«i__&r-, ihan from any p e ZL n WfSS* He felt that &£&^*ledßf^ borne the heat «&%2?*S w|« more entitled to theS? of «>e d_? ha« regretted that they *2? th *n hft> the list It would ybeT„ e np not *&&* to say to Whom he _£_ g?•»■* forft 8 would readily under S & d' *Wtfl?! but had the Lnour lt n by th« lr 086 others who we^fewWjS*! have been moro »S,. it, no °a*g -hole of the f«KSaMB*W generous feeling, and J,fae cheered. It may h___j% *er e 1?^ conferred on Sri/ft*f.^tth >* faction to colonists S^Jffi The visit of the R ev Rks, ' Fiji, for the purpose of'S^w^ to commerciel relation frhi»R *£ group of islands and T^ ft in tho Union 3*»*SB that the 8.8. Suva, w Q y m& forms the Fiji inter- nsula, n9» ne, 8 makeregularmonthly'fc^e.fi new hne will bo worked: £ sft* S Company's service, from A,™,ihe &«ton Connection will betaade *i»*> d toS thus affording a second *£__! Aw»«i between Auckland and aS_SS,"*5i Increased facilities sho aid S^? Gt0 «_ : trade; and without _m____tVfiS. able direct service whi-h ___\ tha "Sfc by the enterprise* 0 f fe^ of the Janet Nicole, «"?■ «** by regular and frequent ** H tion, Auckland my^^.^NSg of the island trade tbat aISeS» will be squeezed out of tbe field,

The annexation of the Kai* j was it appear*, Uo» t^ authorities at the request of ff J?m land Government, and on the TJ ™ Premier the House of Sj3i__S__?* agreed to attach the U_S!SSS^mi Judefcg from the correapemde*lffiS^ Parliament it ia inconceivable „i^ Government should have l___V*? •* these worthless rocks to the *£. • 5? ■* responsibilities of thia colonvW*!*» a communication from New 7«_ Wto Granville writes that H« _£&*'Uni ment is prepared to annex ft____f*K as the first atop, instructb,?^ issued by the Admiralty £&•_* miral on the Australian &2Rl__Ad" British flag on theislandtX^feS 6 Queen's sovereignty. MrEvaniwT 11" 18 on behalf of theidmira% ( wK>o W' onial Office, "My LordJX£»* objection to the annexation of fteffi" or islets by - New Zmmttfi_\ Government wishes; bat __ v rT' cannot imagine any poeeihlA ' commercial or military, which .__.U!e' be to that colony, some small and urd_ronW2s?S guano. The Kermadec Group on in number, lying £ ~,o ut V__T •*? N.E. horn AucklW and J2S miles east of a direct Un- from AmAi j Fiji. They are very sin;.!^ ft islets. The fourth, fUoul or S__T Island, is a volcanic isCd. T,6Bott high, well wooded and about 12 _S_t in circumference. Thelslandea Wa «£ apart from one another. There are _l open roadsteda at Raoul Island, which™ be used according to the direction oi wind, which ia variable. T_atad___ never good When Captain M_3» yeyed Raoul Island in 1854, one Sbrt family was settled upon it, but it i» h« lieved now to be uninhabited, volcmlb eruptions having caused it to be abandoned aa dangerous. Sunken reefa are reported at different points to the m% west up to one hundred mileß distant Her Majesty's ships seldom visit the Group," and Earl Roseberry, of the Foreim Office, writes that as no foreign power would appear to have laid claim to the Kermedec Group, and as these MandHura not included in the list published hy tha United States Government of Guano Islands appertaining to that State, he in not aware of any objection to their Mneia. tion to New Zealand.

The Premier has introduced a Civil Senice Reform Bill, which has been much com. mended. The object of this Bill i 8 to deal with the public service and not merely tie Civil_ service branch of it; Appointment* appointments. Although the measure it not yet out of the printer's hands, and it is unlikely it will be distributed to-day, I am fortunately in a position to place before your readers evety information Member of Parliament will have the right of nomination till the whole in to have their nominees appointed. _V_en the first vacancy occurs all the members have the right. to name one candidate j a ballot is Sen taken, and should the nominaiitmofsay Port Chalmers be successful that Act would not have the right of nomination till the other ninety odd members have had their turn. A civil service examination has to be passed in all casea. The object of the Bill is to effectually prevent the.intern of appointment by patronage which hu long prevailed, and in all cases (unless in special subjects such as science, medicine, chemistry, and law) persona. entering the service must commence ascadets and work thoir way up. This will prevent people coming from Home with credentials, and being pitchforkfed'into high positions with large salaries.*' The Government have power to dismiss after three months notice, and no more than three months leave of absence is allowed. A Commission may be appointed every three or five years to revise the salaries and report in accordance with' the; ■ necessities oi the time. This commission will.be of a non-political character, and will consist of prominent commercial men. Should the Bill become law, .the first commission will probably be appointed soon after the close of the session, with instructions to report where saving can beeffected by amalgamation of offices, reductions, ett

There is still very little excitement hero over the New Hebrides question, despite the alarming rumour of Freneh'anneration and the vigouroua attempt to manufacture a public opinion on the subject. 'Theto* of the Protestant churches of the colony have united in warmly protesting jP« the proposed cession of these 'islam to France, and petitions, iargely signed, uw been sent to the Government without inducing them to alter their policy. Fan* ment has, however, been stirred to fer as to inflict a temporary defeat uMnOJ Government in the matter of the newHebrides. At a meeting of tiei'MM Islands Committee, held o.May2Bayery stormy discussion resulted in theKUo^s resolutions proposed jby Sir GeoiW m being adopted:-" That It Jii that an arrangement should He «». eluded between England, France. M many, and the United States, «W to occupy nor annex any «" or islands in the ffifJJ Ocean. If possible, ,th« .Is*S&* this Convention by .other -ft* should be obtained, following <ie»«P of the mixed commission .for ,«* JK pression of the slave flM&g for many years at the <^<*Bjf3 such a mixed commission for W&S might be created, consisting of gg Bioners appointed by the coo j powers, the said cobw» ■«*™« u tho powers conferred ,by v|?fcS& Act 37 and 39 Vie. of6)m^mg. missionerforthePacifi.'whilst«.eumW fti vernmentswouldexerciseovartflare^ , powers which are by the same Actco*^ upon Her Majesty in Council. ......^ After the resolutions to^S Julius Vogel lost his trtm2_2ptf pettishly Suggested that tMgfg gh adjourn, as he conwivd <^ 1 J^, mischief- had been d°*»:sLKs Mr Eolleston expressed Wi- fof that the remark was uncauw and aaid that one member should noi his fellow membere becauwW from his views. Bar tySgEffifc _ to move that Parliament mSLjtk views of the Committee, « « . „jh fhat the dee Won arrlvea [tf . help England out «' "^rf will affect a settlement of \W' d ffl Islands Queation *»[■ VST**."-- * give satisfaction to the faWEgjS *. Robert Stout, on the "Mfflfo* dissatisfied with the f*W^]j;tftte which he says, will ***#&fflmU Government of the Austrian ~, The discussion of the question or ment is still proceeding.. The Native Minister b« *£ V mate estimate made of the■ » tion of the colony, ffS that the number in 1886 i „,tart in ISSI it was 43,093. $&s&* population of tbe JjHKgj B horff 2,001. A detailed return w # be prepared, but in |fc£gss grtt*f lance considers this-.«#■**&gJ»2 ing, in so far as.it shows Jg» haß |ft* the native raco is not *&&# !».«" enough,, seeing th a tthpMa^f. B » of decimated by «MfM. *J through disease and JL^ljJ are remodiable. ««■■•.?. to-*^ fiuo a .race «^Jffi Aj* ft total extinction. ??^o U ntry.**hf?|» the Maori in _^W&td **£ race multiplied „Bq4 {f^ ■•» "f many ceDtufleft ,„._«!?*;; "; - . ... „r.. (Wis* °'v..-.-■

t ho negro transplanted to ftrt ile -.nf America. It would appear, the sOl fhat the habits and vices of civili bo «ever, v* hen comD incd with such fßtio° proper precautions for the ncg' e nrfl of health as wo sco in (nain' en h vo village the want of eanierery n *" tions, the crowding of the tary, Pf n CB ovor -he 3 ted wbares, and then pc°? le „nt in tho cold air ; and the lying iu' biu ? wetdotho?. Tho Maori would sbo ut . ID n ten f old more hardy if ho had adopted Europoan clothing. Bo ' ...visiter of Marino has given a pledge of a lighthouse on tt at r.i.nd will bo commenced as soon as C« v!er Lit winter is over. This is a work ibeP re r" 0 f which has for years boon {be u r S B j -j H t,i, eso columns, and which advocate a travelling community tlie -ice to sco taken in hand. Cuvicr with tho Mercury group, Ho off I*" 1 ,,' Handel Peninsula, right in the * c /Timers to and from the Son th and track oi „ day thosc lglands,and especiti* p ,°,,'; P r Live clear indications of tho g but at night or in thick ES i. r they constitute a danger which ffea t any time culminate in a frightful may a Vjj_ it is only by careful seamancataatrop j avouraD i c circumstances that eb ' P JL has hitherto been avoided at this Parous and inhospitable spot; but 1 narrow escapes havo taken placo. EflTe -r Island where the lighthouse is to bo C has a high peak, and a building X! little height should suffico to give •Ttaence to the light. The island is two ?T. lons and lies twenty miles north■d of Cape Colvillo. Mr Peacock, tho her f° r Newton, deserves credit for """Snw the Ministerial pledge to erect the and it is hoped that tho Jolise obtained will not fail of fulfilsent.

tfr Ballanco is very much in earnest ovor .* village Settlement scheme. Ho intend, f establish these settlements all over the i.__ and as no locality is more suitable Am the districts North of Auckland f r the location of a population of settlers __D_ their attention to a variety of small farm industries, tho Minister of Lands has nointed Mr John Lundon to examino the 600,000 acres of Crown land ! t i, e Hokianga district, in conjunction wi'h a Government surveyor, with a view of selecting suitable sites for putting __~ scheme into operation in Auckland Provincial District. We presume that Mr Lundon wa3 chosen, if not from the coincidence of political sympathies, on account of his local knowledge. Considering that the Government have, of courao, „o idea of an approaching election, they manage to make these things nick in very well- However, we wish _i Lundon every success in his present venture, and if ho should succeed in locating 1,000 families as he expect?, tho appointment will be moro than justified Hewill, however, find himself badly hampered by tho limitation of the areas to '20 aeros. The holding is too email to enable a mau to maintain a family in comfort, unless ho mends half hia timo in working for neighbouring proprietors. Not less than fifty acres of land, and that in cloeo proximity to a market, or having railway facilities.issufficient. Wedo not want the crofter and Irish holdings with thoir attendant metchedness reproduced in New Zealand. Tho land is offered undor the following conditions: The land is to be hold on a perpetual lease for a term of thirty years, nnd lor subsequent terms of twonty-ono years ; rental to be based on a capital of not lees than 20s per acre representing rental of £1 a yoar for a twenty-acre allotment. An advance of £20 will be mado to assist a selector in the erection of a houso ; and in bash lands a further sum not exceeding £-2 10s an acre will be advanced for bush felling and for grassing. Tho annual ront to bo spercent, on the capital value of tho land, to follow with 5 per cent, on such sums a3 nay be advanced payable half-yearly. Each selector shall within two years cultivate one acre, and within four yeara tho half of tho remainder of his selection.

Tho presence of tho German squadron under Admiral Knorr at Samoa appears to have brought thediepute between national interests, and between King Malietoa and the rebel chief Tamasese, to a climax, tho result being that an unforeseen and unexpected denouement waa brought aboutby the American Consul taking advantage of a clause in the treaty and hoisting the American flag, which now flie3 over the flag of King Malietoa The German squadron which was vory recently at this port reached Samoa early in May. Considerable speculation was indulged in at Samoa, as was also the case here, as to ohat would be thereault of the Admiral's visit, and the first fact having any political significance was that Admiral Knorr in no way recognised Malietoa. The latter consequently determined to place his grievances before the Admiral in writing, and in doing ao solicited a full inquiry into sundry complaints made against the Germans, Here again, offence waß taken by Malietoa, owing to jo reply to his communication being forwarded from the flagship until several days had olapeed. Whilst thu_ ignoring tho Ring it was vory remarkable that the Admiral's ship, the Bismarck, went down to Fasetootai, close by where Tamaseeo lives, and that the Admiral went ashore to pay that chief a visit. Hero much feasting took place, and it is said that the German Consul informed Tamasese that Germany waa prepared to recognise him aa king, and that the English would throw over Malietoa and side with Germany in the matter. Thia roport, however, was subsequently contradicted by the Consul. At all events, the ceremony in effect was a recognition of the German Admiral of Tamaseae's position, although not formally saying so, by, for instance, the firing of a royal salute. Malietoa appealed to the British and American Consuls, and it was ultimately suggested that if Malietoa would place himself under the protection of the American flag, he could prevent the Germane from doing anything against hisanthority. Mr W. L. Rees.of Auckland, who waß in Samoa in connection with Messrs McArthur and Co.'s law-suit, also came to the aid of Malietoa, and roceived the appointment of Attorney General to the KiDg of Samoa. He was also consulted by Malietoa on the question raised by the American Consul as to the definition of the Samoan treaty, and he considered that; it was clearly within the powers, conferred therein that the King could claim protection from tho United States in the event of disputes arising. Consequently on the next night the old King took the Samoan flag, which ho had not been allowed to hoist for many months previously, carried it to the American Consul (Mr Greenbaum) and claimed the protection of the United States. Mr Greonbaum accepted the responsibility, took Malietoa undor his {.- otoction, and notified on the following morning that he had done so and'that from that timo forward the Samoan flag and the king were trader the protection of the United States. He then hoisted Malietoa's flag, with ml American flag over it. H.M.S. Diamond was signalled when the German squadron was weighing anchor to leave. It is understood that the German Admiral cent ashore to Squire whether the Consul thought « desirable for the squadron to remain, hut received a roply in the negative. Ihe American warship Mohican also Mmc in on the day that tho Diamond arrived. Both vessels accorded Malietoa's % a royal salute. The Diamond after staying a few days, left for Fiji jnaPangopango. The-Mohican remained. tne American Consul forwarded to Auckland ,, 9_followu)g cablegram for despatch : — Washington.— Malietoa placed Samoa •raaer the protection of the United States on the 19th May. Granted. The Mohican Uunerican man-o'-war) is here. Everyrfttg'!. qniet."

. At the meeting of the City Council on 3rd 'nstant, the Mayor moved, "That this Counts forward to Her Moat Gracious Majesty •cablegram of congratulation on tho attainment of the jubilee of her roign, JJ _ follows :—' To Her Most Gracious •"jesty the Queen : Your loyal and oevoted subjects, resident- in tho City of Auckland, New Zealand, tender their ein««congratulations en the attainment of ">9 jubilee of your roign, and hope that TO way be long spared to your devoted ""jeetß throughout tho Empiro.'" He *?.*-v>t it was their duty as true and loyal injects to send such a message of congratulation.—Mr G. Aickin seconded the ™*°H°n, expressing his pleasure in observing j_ J" 9 first message of congratulation nf°?C be Bent from Auckland, the first city "' tho colony. Tho motion was carried "oaaimousiy,

The President of the Chamber of Com_H_*'i Gravea Aickin), in conjunction "™o the Railway Sub-Committeo, has tn % re(* a lon X and vigorous memorial J? we Minister of Public VVorks eetJ,.out: the lines of railway which com .'" entitled to> and which the on mm ercial community desiro ?ee pushed ____'. ."his report suggest, that the .""owing lines ought to be completed with"•aPeriod of, say, five years:-!. The ox

ension of tho Main Trunk Lino from lelcnavillo northward to tho Bay of 'slanda, 2. Branch line from Main Trunk lane to New Plymouth via Stratford 3. Branch line from Main trunk line eastward to Napier, The ■ oport odds; "That in regard to tho simultaneous construction of the latter two lines we would suggeet commencing at •Stratford on tho West, and Hastings on the liast, working in each case towards the [joints of junction on the Main Trunk (Central) Lino. Tho object attained ny •ulop.ing this course would bo to render I'.'tch section as finished available for settlement. The report sots out the loading passage? of Mr Mitchelson'a record ■nendations on the Auckland railways which recently appeared in our columns. It further observes that "thia portion of tho colony has a just claim upon tho public purse for tho proposed expenditure, seeing tnat the rest of tho colony had already beon well provided with raihvay communication, affording those facilities for trado which we are now seeking. Therefore it is considered fairly that, as tho Middle laland has 950 miles of railway boon for traffic, as against 523 open for traffic in the North Island, we have a strong caso in asking, in common equity, for similar me.ms of carrying on commerce, and developing our lands,as havo been granted in othor portions of the colony." Ihe report will come before a meeting of the Chamber to-morrow for adoption. Tho works recommended are undoubtedly thoso which Auckland may ultimately claim, but to take them ail in hand now would moan a very much greater rate of borrowing than the Government propose, or the country desires, and we would prefer to see the linea in hand brought to a state of completion and made profitable, and the North Auckland railway pushed on, before new lines are commenced. The Taranaki railway appears to us the only onp that should be made an exception to this rule. If the people wish to restrict borrowing, they must bo willing to make local sacrifices;

At the Harbour Board meeting on Juno '2, the schedule of works recommended by tho Works and Tariff Committeo, was discussed at considerable length, and compared with analtcrnativeschedulosubmitted by MrMcGregor (Engineer). The allocation for Hobson-street Wharf and sheds by tbo Uonimitteo was £60,000, and by the engineer £SS,OOO, tho additional £28,000 being for an arm eastward to give three deep-water berths for large steamers. The Committeo _ estimate was adopted. The engineer's estimate for widening and improvements on Queen-streot Wharf was £10,000, against the Committee's £25,000, and after some discussion the latter was adopted. For the Railway Wharf and sheds tho Committee sot down £10,000, and tho ongineer £45,090,£30,000 being the estimate cost of an arm eastward. The amount was ultimately fixed at £26,000, tho work to include an elbow 420 feet in length, deepening of the approaches to the wharf, and shed accommodation. Tho engineer rccommonded a roduction on the Froeman's Bay works, and it was fixed at £30,000, being a roduction of £10,000 on the Com mittee's estimate. Tho revised schedulo was then adopted as follows : — IIob?or.-strcct whart and Studs .. .. £(10,000 Queen street widening and Improvements 2.5,000 Kill way Wharf and sheds 23 Oi 0 Quay-B'reetjetty and shods 11,000 ferry landings North and South shors .. 15,000 Freeman's Bay reclamation, roads, sewers, &c _ .. .. 30,000 Now Dredger .. _. 23 000 Contingencies .. 10.0.0 Total «200,000

The Govornuiont claim (hat although tbo railway revenue fell bolow the estimato, the working expenses havo beon kept down, and tho public have profited to tbo extent of £50,000 in reductions of faros. The position of the railway account for tho past yoar, as compared with tho previous year, according to a roturn just presented to Parliament, is as fo.lows : — Working lines open : Increase, no miles ; working exponsos, decrease £5,000 ; revenue, decrease £3,000 ; not revenuo increase, £2 000 ; tannago of goods, increase 78,000 tons ; passengers, increase 130,000. In ISBS-6 the percentage of expenses to revenue was 65*79 per cent., as against 65 99 per cent, in 18S4-5. Tho reductions in rates, fares, and charges affecting numerous industries were equal in amount to about £50,P00 a year, of which about £30,000 is duo to agricultural produce. The chief items on which reductions have boen mado aro agricultural produce, agricultural lime, native coals, bricks, etc., cheese and milk, agricultural implements, grass Feed, whito pine for export, suburban pas?engor fares, market tickets, etc.

In the annual sheep returns tho total number of sheep in the colony is .stated at 14,546.501,- as against 13,978,520, or an increase of 568,251. Auckland's increase is 30,465 ; Napier, 64,496 ; Taranaki shows a decrease of 3,712. Wanganui an increase of 1,970; RangitikeJ an increase of 7,626; Wellington an increase of 43,837; Kelson an increase of 25 ; Marlborough a decreaso of 14,179; Canterbury an increase of 331,213. Although tho effects of

the rabbit post havo been severely felt in Otago during the past season, yot tho returns for that provincial district show an increase of 97,450. Tho roturns of sheop infected for tho year, shows thirteen owners, with an aggregate of 139,000 sheep, as against sixteen owners and 112,000 sheep for last year. Regarding the kea question, tho opinion of the Inspector is that, in some places, they are committing ravages almost incredible, in one instance ovor 200 sheep being destroyed in one lot. It is recommended that the sum of £1,000 should bo specially appropriated for the destruction of tho kea pest, This might bo expended in bonuses of two shillings per beak, and would represent 5,000 heads. The sheep-owners are only too willing to subscribe as well, and by offering strong inducement tho wholesale destruction of thi3 neat should ensue.

The bootmakers' strike, which has now run about eight weeks, has at last been ended by an amicable arrangement arrived at by the Committees appointed by the opposing manufacturers and the Union. Tho Committees met at Kobson's Rooms on May 28, and continued their consideration of the tariff. Concessions were made on both sides, and eventually a statement of prices for all work was drawn up for future guidance. Tho men havo gained the demands with regard to the limitation of boy labour, also as to tho wages of weekly hands,

and the remainder of tho resolutions dealing with the rules and regulations of tho factories. In the tariff of piece work, concessions have been made on both sidep, but tbe men havo gained an incroase of prices on tho bench. They recommenced work on Monday morning, May 31, but on account of the altered circumstances, a good number of the hands will be still out of work until things get into a more settled state. We understand that tho rates agreed on, mean an increase on tho cost of production, taking tho lines all round, of 6 or 7 per cent. The employers estimato the loss to tho commorce of the city by tho strike at £12,000—£4,000 of which was wages which the men would have earned during the eight weeks of tho strike.

Mr William C4rundy, who camo to Auckland from England about threo years ago, is returning by the Orient Company's route, via Sydney. He is not a disappointed colonist, but is, on the contrary, very deeply impressed with tho splendid climate and natural resources of the colony. Having visited nearly every part of tho North and South Island, he is able to speak from personal observation, and is convinced that New Zealand offers the very best openings for men of character, ability, and small capital. It is his intention to give lectures on the subject in different parts of England.

The Government have handed to Henare Kaihau their answer to " King " Tawhiao's petition for a Maori Parliament and Committees. It is understood to disapprove of tho proposal on the ground that the change would lead to fresh difficulties and new troubles. It is not at all clear that the proposals for a Native Council of the kind would meet with the approval of the natives of the other tribes, and in the interests of all parties, it would be much better for Tawhiao to accept a position in the present Government of the colony, as a member of tho Legislative Conncil Tawhiao is said to be talking of undertaking another mission to England, but Sir Georee Grey has pointed out to the native ambassador now at Wellington that Tawhiao could do no good by going to England again, although, at tho same time, he said he did not think he would do any harm if he kept sober.