OUR LETTER HOME.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5345, 1 April 1879, Page 4

OUR LETTER HOME.

About the only important political matter during the month calling for notice is the occurrence of a little native difficulty on the West Coast of the North Island, in connection with the survey of the Waimate Plains. The land that was being surveyed was confiscated by the Legislature for acts of rebellion by the natives, and though the confiscation has been to outward appearance submitted to, the Maoris have always had a hankering to get their lands restored to them. The existence of this desire has been well enough known all along, and has no doubt induced a good doal of circumspection on the part of the Government in dealing with the confiscated lands. Some time ago, however, it was decided to sell the land on the Waimate Plaims, and for some months past the preliminary work of survey has been going on without any attempt at obstruction being made by the natives. A few days ago, however, the surveyors, with all their impedimenta, including tents, instruments, &c, were moved away from the plains by bodies of Maoris, sufficiently strong in numbers to render opposition useless. There was no violence used, simply because it was unnecessary, but nevertheless the action taken by the Maoris is of a aature that is likely to cause the Government a good deal of embarrassment. The proceedings of the natives have been instigated by the chief Te Whiti, a fanatic, who has obtained considerable influence over the minds of the Maoris by pretensions of prophetic inspiration. Last week this chief had a meeting of natives at Parihaka, and the Native Minister availed himself of the occasion to pay Te Whiti a friendly visit, but the result was anything but favorable. Te Whiti 1 had, it .appears, desired the interview, intending 6o utilise it for the purpose of increasing nis influence with the natives by showing them how he could get the better of the Native Minister in a war of words, b"ut he was defeated in this design, and fearing that he would lose prestige altogether, he resorted to the extreme measure of ordering the removal of the surveyors. The matter has been somewhat complicated by the shelter Te Whiti is giving to a murderer named Hiroki, who several months ago killed a man named M'Lean, the cook of one of the survey parties on the Waimate Plains. It was not even alleged at the time that the murder had anything to do with the question of title to the land, but Hiroki having fled to Te Whiti for refuge, it suits him now to pretend that his killing M'Lean was in assertion of a right to the land that was being surveyed. At the interview Mr Sheehan had with Te Whiti, he upbraided the latter for not giving Hiroki up and, urged the surrender of the murderer. Te Whiti's answer was of a, kind quite characteristic of the cunning of the Maori mind. He first asked whether Hiroki would be tried by a jury of natives, and when told that the law permitted that the jury should be composed half of natives and half of Europeans, he wanted to know whether the Supreme Court sitting would take place at Parihaka. To that of course a negative answer was given, and then he was silemt, leaving it to be inferred that unless the murderer was to be tried at Parihaka hes would not be surrendered. It is thought that the Government will insist upoui Hiroki being given up to justice. With respect to the surveys, it is as yet uncertain what course the Government will j take. The natives have not only removed ] the surveyors off the ground, but have ii also dug up the survey pegs, thus render- i ing abortive much of the work that has been done. Meanwhile the Government have advertised the land for sale on the 6th of May, and it would seem to be \ necessary that prior to the sale measures ! should be taken for restoring the survey pegs, so that the several sections may be identifiable, and also to afford to buyers a guarantee that they will be able to take possession, of their purchases. In the locality the belief is that the affair will not lead to a conflict ; that if the Government show a determined front, the natives will yield, and will not molest the surveyors if they are put on the plains again with a force of constabulary to protect them. It is very possible that this is the correct view of the matter, and that the natives, as a body, have no notion of having a flight over the dispute, but there is always the chance that some hot-blooded young Maori may precipitate matters by an unauthorised act of violence, and thus bring about a renewal of the war with the natives. However, this contingency must not deter the Ministry from the course they deem advisau.^ ia the interests of the colony. Te Whiti has taken a stand which it would be dangerous to the country to allow him to retain, and something will have to be risked to move him from it. The Government are doubtless fully impressed witli the necessity of acting with firmness, j and already orders have f)een given for the concentration of bodies of the Armed j Constabulary in the vicinity of the plains. This is of course only ;i measure of precaution, and it is to bo hoped that there will be no need whatever for a resort to arms.

Early next week a large native meeting is to be held at Te Kopua, in the Auckland district. It is expected to be the largest and most important native meeting that has yet boon held in the colony, and great preparations have been making for it for a long tune. The Maori king Tawhiao is to be present, and also Sir George Grey and the Native Minister. The meeting has been looked forward to as likely to bring about .1 good understanding between the Government and the King natives. The funeral of the native chief Karaitiana Takamoana — whose death was mentioned in our last letter;— -took place on

the lat instant, at Pakowhai, with a good deal of ceremony. There was a large assemblage present, both of Europeans and natives. The body was interred in a brick vault erected for the purpose. The Rev. Samuel Williams read the burial service in the Maori languhge. Our new Governor, Sir Hercules Robinson, arrived at Wellington last Wednesday night. ' He came over from Sydney in H.M.S. Emerald, and was accompanied by H.M.S. Wolverine, in which his Excellency's suite were accommodated. His Excellency landed on Thursday morning, in company with several members of the Ministry, who had gone on board the Emerald to receive him. The Premier was not amongst them, and his absence has been made the occasion of a good deal of adverse comment. Sir George Grey's well-known aversion to Governors as at present appointed has perhaps given reason for the supposition that his absence was an intentional discourtesy, but, in justice to the Premier, his engagement to meet Tawhiao at Te Kopua must be accepted as a sufficient excuse. The meeting takes place so soon that had Sir George gone down to Wellington to receive the Governor he would have risked breaking his engagement. However, we do not suppose that the Premier's presence would have added much to the heartiness of the new Governor's reception. He was met on landing by the civic authorities, foreign consuls, clergy, and all the dignataries that happened to be in Wellington. The people generally were represented by as large a crowd as could get within sight of the landing place. His Excellency himself made very little show. He was attired, we are told, in ordinary walking costume, and Lady Robinson and the children were plainly dressed, much to the disappointment, no doubt, of the majority of the crowd. An address was presented to the Governor by the Town Clerk of Wellington. And here again there was disappointment for the assemblage, his Excellency's reply being of the briefest. After that the Governor was taken to Government House, and there he was duly sworn in by the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Richmond. A Gazette published yesterday contains the usual notification of his Excellency's assumption of the Governorship of New Zealand.

We mentioned in our last letter that there is an agitation on foot for the construction of a breakwater at Port Ahuriri Bluff, the present harbor works being considered as having failed to provide adequately for the trado of the port. The matter has been brought before the Napier Harbor Board, and with the view of carrying out the breakwater project a proposal has been made for raising a loan of £125,000, with which the current loan of £75,000 is to be paid off, and the remainder devoted to the construction of the breakwater. The proposal is to be further discussed at the next meeting of the board, when it is to be hoped that something will be done to obtain reliable information on the practicability of constructing a breakwater. That much, at all events, the board should do, if they do not wish it to be inferred that they are favoring the scheme for the Kidnappers Harbor.

We have had this year more than our usual amount of horseracing. On the 17th, St. Patrick's Day, we had the inauguration race meeting of the new Racing Club. The weather was favorable, and the attendance was very good. The racing was on the whole fair. On the following Thursday and Friday, the 20th and 21st instant, the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club races were held. There was a large attendance on the first day, but heavy rain came down when the principal race was being run, and very soon thinned the course of spectators. The next day the weather was fine, but the attendance was not so large, people dreading a repetition of their experience the previous day. The races altogether were successful. The Club intend haviug another race meeting in the spring.

Our obituary this month includes the names of two old and respected residents — that of Mr Joseph Le Quense on the Ist instant, and that of Mrs J. T. Tylee yesterday. The deceased lady was the wife of the Conimissionsr of Crown Lands of this district ; she was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends, and her loss will be very much felt among all who knew her. The late Mr Le Quesne carried on business for a good many years at Port Ahuriri, and was exceedingly well liked by all with whom he had any dealing.

Some few days ago Dr Wallis, the member for Auckland City West, addressed a meeting of his constituents. There are several circumstances that give interest to Dr Wallis's utterances, notwithstanding that he can scarcely be l'egarded as a politician of high standing. In the first place, it is worth noticing how his demeanor and attitude before his constituents contrast with the position he assumed in the House during the late session. Then he was a great card indeed ; at all events, in his own estimation. Ac the very start ©f the session he took up the role of Mentor to the G-rey Administration. When the address in reply to the Governor's speech had been moved and seconded, there was not a word of disapproval from the Opposition, but what opponents would not do there was a good-natured friend ready enough for in the person of Dr Wallis. " Seeing," he said, "that the Oppositien on the present occasion have entirely collapsed, I will, for the nonce, take upon myself the part of leader of the Opposition." Then he proceeded to pull the speech to pieces, contemptuously designating it as " this precious speech," and "this prophetic statement." Nor was he more tender in his references to the Ministers who were the authors of a speech which, he said, was more remarkable for its length than for its breadth or depth. The formation of the Cabinet by the Premier very much reminded Dr vVallis of the farmer who went out, sieve in hand, to catch stray horses. " Before he caught, and reined, and harnessed those honorahle gentlemen," remarked the honorable member, " they had grazed and kicked about in very different political paddocks indeed. Some of them were unquestionably rampant Radicals, and others were Tories of the most antequated type." How the Premier had constructed so curiously composite a Cabinet he could not understand. At one time he thought that the Premier had adopted JuliuSjCeesar's taste for fat men, but that explanation being altogether unsatisfactory to his mind, he went back to English history, where he found a Ministry which was called the " broad-bottom." Such witticisms are legitimate enough, but then we do not look for them to be levelled against the Ministry by a professed supporter; and when, in addition, we find him condemning the Ministers of Education, Public Works, and Justice, for what he termed the unsatisfactory state of their departments, and twitting the Ministers generally with flying here and there and everywhere during the recess, and with turning the Hinemoa into a Ministerial yacht, we are forced to the conclusion that such a friend is worse than an avowed enemy. Yet in spite of all this, notwithstanding his taunting the Premier with having dropped manhood suffrage, and with

other breaches of promises, Avhat do Aye find Dr Wallis saying to his constituents? He told them that the Government had endeavored with great perseverance to keep faith with their promises, and he avowed his determination to yield to them a steady support. "Well, all wo can say is that if his support is of the same nature «is that to which Aye have been referring, the Ministry will be better without it.

Another curious contrast between Dr. Wallis in the House and Dr. Wallis before his constituents is presented by his remarks on education in the two places. This is what he said on that subject when criticising the Governor's speech : — " In reference to the Education Act, we are told there are to be no amendments, and the conclusion I draw is that we are still to continue what is called ' free education/ that is we are to educate the people as paupers, at the expense of the State." Now, what other inference can be drawn from that sentence than that Dr. Wallis is averse to "free education," and is opposed to the people being educated "as paupers at the expense of the State?" Yet he told his constituents the other night that he was not an enemy to the pressent educational system, and that when the Education Act was brought in by Mr Bowen, he — that is, Dr. Wallis — had said that it was the very thing for New Zealand. After that we are almost inclined to doubt whether there are not two Dr. Wallises, so very much alike that they may be taken for one and the same person, and that the one goes into the House, and the other speaks to the electors of Auckland City West, when occasion requires it. Possibly that may account for the sorry figure Dr. Wallis presented when interrogated about denominational education. It was not anything like the same Dr. Wallis who in the House had chaffed the Premier and ridiculed the other Ministers. It was quite a different Dr. Wallis altogether. It was a Dr. Wallis who fenced with questions, and who evaded answering so much that he drew the exclamation of " No shuffling !" from one of his hearers. And we must say the exclamation was not without reason. When he was asked if he would support Mr Curtis's Bill, or any similar one next session, Dr. Wallis first took exception to the questioner not being an elector. Then he insisted upon the question being written down, and when that was done he said it was so exceedingly vague that he did not know what it meant. The end of it all was, as reported by the Star, that a motion of want of confidence in Dr. Wallis was moved and seconded, and was declared lost before the number of hands could be counted, and the chairman of the meeting beat a retreat from the platform, followed by the indignant expostulations of the surprised electors. We should think Dr. Wallis has had enough of speaking to the electors of Auckland Uity West, and that when the existence of the present Parliament is brought to a close he will have nothing more to say to that constituency, or it is more than probable he will find himself a rejected candidate.

We learn that thirty men of the Armed Constabulary are on their -Avay doAvn from Taupo to Napier, to be embarked by steamer for Wellington by the first opportunity after their arrival here. Inspector Scully has received orders to make provision for the men's accommodation.

At the Canterbury County Court, in England, on January 20, ejectment orders Avere applied for by tAvo farmers. During the hearing, a Mr Kimbor, counsel for the defendant, stated that " he thought it right to say in justice to his clients, that no fewer than 3000 persons had emigrated under the auspices of the union of Avhich the defendants Avere members, and are now in a prosperous state in NeAV Zealand." The Judge thought the information very important. The Hydes' Burlesque Company played on Friday to a very indifferent house, the bill consisting of " Checkmate" and the burlesque "Ye Honeymoon." It is difficult to understand why the company is not better patronised. The troupe is, on the whole; attractive, and several of its members sing and act exceedingly well, yet they, have been playing to unusually poor t( houses v during the Aveek. It is to be hoped that during the last few nights of their stay they Avill receive better patronage at the hands of the playgoing public. We Avould recommend those -who would like to see a splendid sample Of barley to pay a visit to our office. The barley, Avhich is really the best we have seen for a long while, was grown on Mr Bruce's land at Ormond, Poverty ' Bay, and, what is perhaps as remarkable' as its fine quality, it Avas sown and stacked Avithin nine Aveeks. Mr Rearden announces in our advertising columns that to-day there Avill be accommodation at the Commercial Academy for tAvo boarders and two day pupils. On Friday was the usual civil case "day at the R.M. Court, and although a large number of cases Avere set down for hearing, only three Avere brought on, the majority of thorn being either set-tied out of Court or postponed. The folloAving Avere disposed of : — Doney v. Hirini Takamoana, claim of £7 6s. Mr Lascelles Avas for plaintiff. There Avas no appearance of defendant, and judgment Avent by default, Avith costs £3 9s 6d.-R. P. Williams v. A. J. James, claim for £41 ss, of Avhich amount £10 had been paid. Mr Lascelles for plaintiff. Defendant did not appear, and judgment Avent by default for amount claimed, £31 ss, with costs £5 13s. — Boyce and Fail v. Ingram, claim of 413. Judgment was given by default, Avith costs £1 13s Gd. Mr E. Kelly, of Pavorty Bay, has now 3000 fat wethers en route to Cambridge, Waikato. The sheep have been selected from the flocks of Mr M'Hardy, PakoAvhai ; of Mr Rathbone, WaipaAva ; of Mr Bridge, Euataniwha ; and. of Mr Carr, Petaue. The Corinthian Cup Avon by Mr James Lyon's Tanlatea at the HaAvke's Bay Jockey Club races on the 20th inst. is now on vieAv at the importers' (Messrs Jensen and Co. ) shop, Emerson-street. The cup, which is solid silver, is both massive and elegant, and Aye congratulate Mr Lyon on Avinning such a handsome trophy.

In the Eesident Magistrate's Court on Saturday morning, before E. Stuart, Esq., E.M., Peter Bligh forfeited his bail of £l for drunkenness. One civil case was heard, Banner v. John Karl, claim of £14 4s lOd. Plaintiff sued as trustee in Scarfe's estate. There was no appearance of defendant, and judgment wont by default, with costs 455.

The Theatre Royal was better attended on Saturday night than on previous nights, and the performance passed off very successfully. The drama " Worth a Struggle" was well played, and received considerable applause. It was followed by the sparkling burlesque of " Somnambula," which appeared to be thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

A storekeeper, in Invercargill advertises for sale the rope and strappings used in the execution of "Walsh.

The attention of persons having accounts against the Artillery Volunteers and Cadets is called to a notice in our advertising columns. The Hon. the Attorney-General (Mr Stout) at a temperance meeting hold at Dunedin a few days ago, said that, taking our statistics, ho found that two or three times tho number of colliers whose deaths Were caused by the late accident were killed every year by drunkenness in the colony. He questioned tho efficacy of alcoholic liquor as a medicine, and instanced the case of a drunken Maori at tho Heads, who continued to drink port Avine because he believed that on one occasion a bottle of the beverage had saved his life. The hon. gentleman also referred to tho case of Captain Adams, Ayhose crow that used coffee as a beverage in proceeding to the Arctic Ocean had been more activo than previous creAVS Avho used alcoholic liquors. Mr Fox and Mr Oliver could bear testimony to tho fact that during the great fight in the Assembly of talking against time, those Avho stood tho trial best Avere those who did not take any intoxicating liquor. The members Avho took a cup of milk or coffee could sit up later and rise earlier, and do harder work than those Avho took hot Avhisky. [A voice: What about Sir Julius Yogel ?] The Attorney- General said he thought that if " Sir Julius Yogel had taken less, perhaps he Avould be better than he is noAV." — (Laughter and applause.) He (tho Attorney-General) had become a teetotaller solely for the influence of example. He did not think anyone could advocate the cause properly unless he beoame a pledged abstainer. — (Applause.) An. interesting game of cricket, resulting in favor of the Maoris by 25 runs, Avas played on Saturday last at Te Aute, between the Maori pupils at To Aute College and eleven pupils of the Napier Grammar School. Notwithstanding the unavoidable absence of three or four of their best players, the Napier felloAvs acquitted themselves splendidly, Ormond's batting and long-stopping being excellent, and Lincoln Eees's batting sorely testing the patience of the. Maori bowlers, Waite, on the Maori side, Avas <sonspicuous for his steady as Avell as slashing play; indeed, all tho Maori team were Avell worthy of the highest commendation, thoir fielding, batting, and bowling being far in advance of those of ordinary cricketers, and their appreciation of the game and the manly spirit in Avhich they played proving how highly their race can be trained in field and athletic sports, and with what agility and quickness they can perform their work. These strong and sturdy fellows promise to become some of the best cricketers in New Zealand. The kind and welcome manner, too, in which they received their Napier competitors manifested the enormous advantage there is in European training and instruction. Their Head Master, Mr Thornton, is himself a firstrate cricketer, and his manly bearing and most gentlemanly behaviour at once gained the confidence and esteem of the Head Master and pupils of the Napier Grammar School. The hospitality and generous reception Bhown on this occasion by Mr Thornton, will not soon be forgotten by the pupils of the Napier Grammar School. It is hoped that the return visit of the Maori eleven will soon be paid in Napier, when all lovers of this grand game here will have an opportunity of seeing the skill and spirit with which they can play a game, which, more than others, has been instrumental in forming and fixing the honorable emulation, manliness, and precision of the youth of Old England. A correspondent Avriting from Sydney in reference to our neAV Governor and family says: — "The new naval commandant, Commodore Wilson, Avill convey them to your shores Avith. appropriate pomp. What Lady Eobinson wants, hoAvever, is not pomp, but comfort, for lite the Princess Louise (another Governor's wife) she is a Aery bad sailor. The Governor's party consists of himself and Lady Kobinson, Miss Robinson (Avho has not "come out" in society yet), Master Hercules (little felloAv), Captain St. John (A.D.C.), a Mrs St. John (a daughter of Sir Hercules), and the Hon. M. Lyttelton (private secretary). The Governor leaves one daughter on this side of the Avater, Mrs Finlay, Avhose husband is an immensely rich young Victorian squatter. The Robinsons Avill be much missed by the upper ten in Sydney; and Sir Hercules himself Avill be missed by almost everybody. People contrast his departure from this colony Avith that of Sir George Bowen from Victoria, and of course the comparison is all in Sir Hercules' favor. By the way, it is alleged here that the party uoav dominant in Noav Zealand politics has some leanings to Eepublicanisin— that Sir George Grey is (tainted in that direction. Your neAV Governor Avill not help that movement ; ho is an out-and-out Imperialist. The integrity of the Empire is very dear to Sir Hercules Eobinsbn. 'Yesterday he said— "You will have some day, and I hope before long, to provide ; for the federation of the Australian provinces into one dominion. And above all, to arrange eventually for that closer political association Avith the mother country which Avill admit of many millions of self-governing Anglo-Saxons at the antipodes advancing in national life, while still remaining an integral portion of the Empire, of which it is noAV their pride and privilege to form a part." A Rangoon telegram, dated January 28th, in the Ceylon Observer, relates the following fatal balloon accident : — "Colonel Wyndham ascended in his balloon, made for the late King of Burmah, from the Bank of the Royal Lake, at 6 o'clock in the evening, on Saturday last. After ascending 300 feet the balloon suddenly burst, and descended like a stone into the lake. Several boats hastened to the spot, and after ten minntes succeeded in getting Colonel Wyndham dragged from underneath the debris. He was quickly conveyed ashore, and received medical aid, but it was of no avail. Blood was issuing from his nose and mouth, and it was supposed that death was instantaneous. He was buried next day. The balloon was composed of very inferior materials. A great crowd was present to witness the ascent, and saw the catastrophe." The head of EdAvard Kelly, one of the notorious gang of Victorian bushrangers, Avas described by Professor Ninishi, phrenologist, at Wangarratta, four years ago as foUoAVS : — " Tho head of this man is non intellectual. The base of the skull, Avith the Avhole basilar section of the brain, is a massive development of lower animal proclivities, and Avhich, being vastly in excess of the moral sectional measurement, inclines him to tho perpetration of sensual animal vices, and Avhich, Avith an adverse facial angle, prompts him to commission of vicious, brutal acts of outrage and aggressiveness. He has large organs of self-esteem and approbation Avhich give self-conceit and vanity. If one be Avounded or the other mortified, his animal nature Ayould knoAV no bounds. Ho Avould be likely under sudden surprise to commit the grossest outrages; and, being uncontrolled by any moral sentiment, this stamps his character as Avolfish and ravenous, his notions of right and Avrong giving him a dangerous range of action."

The latest freak of Edward Kelly (remarks the Riverine Herald) fully maintains his character for impudonce. In a mining centre within tho boundaries of the electorate of Eodney, a grand fete was to bo held on St. Patrick's Day. In this town resides one who is said to bo acquainted with the Kelly and Quinn families, and last week he received a letter from Ned Kelly, enclosing a £5 note towards the funds for tho demonstration on St. Patrick's Day, the recipient averring that Kelly naively states that tho bank-note was a portion of tho plunder annexed at Jerilderie,

In an appeal case from Timaru, heard at Christchiirch before Judges Johnston and Williams, tho conviction of a publican for keeping opon his billiard-room after 11 o'olook ut night was confirmed, because the billiard-i'doui was in connection with tho hotel.

Respecting 1 the negotiations which pi'oceded tho conclusion of the treaty betWeon Germany and Saniodj tlie' Si/dney Mommy Herald Writes : — " Mr Weber, Imperial German Consul, returned from an official cruise in H.I.G.M.S; 'Ariadne, on the 16th January. He immediately set to work upon his treaty, Tho first move was to secure the co-operation of the ox-King Maliotoai Negotiations, whioh lasted for three days; had to be broken off without tho desired crid being attained. The understanding" was that if Malietoa would give his sanction to a clause in the treaty, providing that Government grants should bo issued to all lands claimed by Germans, Avithout any further investigation, then Mr Weber would place Malietoa on the throne, or advarico the interests of his party in stay way desired. The moral influence of two gun-boats seem to have been brought to bear; nevertheless the Mulinun Government hold out, and would not consent to a clause which would Virtually have handed over two-thirds of the available land in TJpolu to the firm of J, 0. Godeffroy and Sons. Their obstinacy Was increased by^ a friendly adviser pointing out that if this COnCessidrt was made to Germany, then by a clause 1 , in the American treaty the same cdricession Would have to be made to America. This, of course, would be a serious matter, as the American Land Company claim a very large extent of iancL Thus Mr Weber, instead of securing all his lands by a stroke of the pen, had to content himself with a Lands Commission composed of Germans and Samoans. The treaty was signed on January 25; the Ariadne saluted the Samoan flag, and 10 minutes afterwards steamed, out of the harbor en route for Auckland, to catch the mail steamer leaving there for San Francisco on the 4th February. There has been great pressure employed in ail attempt to preserve absolute secrecy on the subject, but the main results contained in the treaty are known. So far as Samoa is concerned, the sting has been taken out of the treaty by the refusal of the Samoans to sign the clause handing over the land without investigation. It is impossible to predict how the Lands Commission will work ; difficulties will crop up, and differences of opinion arise, which will not be easily settled."

A most romantic and sensational laAVsuit is shortly to come before the Paris tribunals. A young man, who lived in a small toAvn in the wilds of the Eussian steppes many years ago, gradually improved in his business until he at length engaged on the Bourse as the great Mons Meyer Garfunkel, the happy possessor of a fortune of several millions of francs. He had married a Muscovite of rare beauty — Mdlle Rosalie Loury — and he ended by adopting another Mdlle Loury, whom his Avif e gave out to be her sister. In 1876 Monsieur Garfunkel died, leaving the bulk of his fortune to his wife and his adopted daughter, but excepting there from the sum of 1,500,000 francs, which was bequeathed to a Madame Rabinovitz, living in the town of Bodniz in Russia. Madame Rabinovitz, however, noAV declares herself to be the only daughter of Monsieur Garfunkel, by a Avidow named Taoule, whom he Avedded in his poorer days, when he was knoAvn as Meyer, and on the strength of it .she claims not merely the million and a-half left her by Monsieur Garf unkol, but also the money beqneathed to the Lourys. It appears that, according to the French laAV as Avell as the Russian, no one is alloAved to adopt a child Avhile he has one living. Hence Monsieur Garfunkel's act Avas utterly illegal, supposing Madame Rabinovitz, or Rebecca, as she Avas called, to have been his child. — European Mail, January 17th.

There is a story current, that when Lord Beaconsfield went to Berlin, his chamber Avas ordered to have tAvo beds ; for a AvidoAver this was curious. The detective found out, that during warm, nights, Dizzy for coolness's sake Avas in the habit, like the Spaniards, of changing his bed.

The proprietors of the Sydney Morning JELei % ald offer a reAvard of £100 for a prize poem to inaugurate the opening of the forthcoming Exhibition in Sydney. The competition is open to all the Avorid, and Avill close on 31st July next.

The rabbit nuisance is fully as great in New Zealand as it is in any part of Victoria. A gentleman Avho has lately travelled through Southland informs a contemporary that the Avonder is how the squatters get along at all. They have not yet been troubled by a land tax, but the invasion of rabbits is much worse. On several stations as many as twenty men are employed in destroying rabbits. On one large station known to our informant 140,000 rabbits Avere killed in one year, and last Avinter being a very severe one, the station books shoAved that onehalf of the sheep had. died from starvation and snow. Other stations report killing 500,000 rabbits, and this at 2£d and 3d each amounts to a heavy tax.

A correspondent in tho New Zealand Times of Monday last apparently takes it for granted that the present Ministry will be turned out of office a feAV days after the opening of next session of Parliament. He goes on to say: — "Who is to take their place? That's tho question ; there being, as is generally supposed, no organised Opposition. That supposition is only partly true, as Avill be seen on the meeting of the House. As to the coming men, if you are anxious to knoAV. I Avill give you some idea. Leader and Premier, Hon, J. Whitaker, notwithstanding his having intimated that he does not again intend taking office; Colonial Secretary, Hon. John Hall, and leader Legislative Counsil; Mr Stevens, of. Christchurch, Minister of Public Works . F. D. Fenton, Chief Judge Native Lands Court, Native Minister, to be called to the Council, or Avhat is more prpbablo, Avill find a seat in the House of Representatives ; Major Atkinson, Treasurer ; George M'Lean, Commissioner of Customs. This leaves open the offices of Postmaster-General and Minister of Lands, one of which Avould probably have been aAvardedto Mr Curtis, of Nelson, had he not sold his OAvn party in IS7*7, and sold himself to tho present Government in 1878. His repentance, though it be Avith tears, cannot be accepted. The rank and file of the House Avho Avill support the Government named will set their face dead against serving under any renegade. Hence tho portfolio of PostmasterGeneral Avill fall to one or other of . such men as Walter Johnston, Captain Kenny, Woolcock, Seymour, Fitzroy, or Wason. Eolleston, Avho Avould be a Aveakness to any Ministry, Avill make a good Speaker, and as Fitzherbert has made up his mind, if possible, to obtain the Speaker's chair in the Upper House, there will be an opening for Rolleston."

There is a distinction apparently in some cases as to choice of executioneers. The Timaru Herald in proof says \r"An unf ortunato man, whose every appearance told plainly that he had been putting in too much of his time in publichousos lately, went to the Police Station yesterday, and said he wanted to see Inspector Pender. He was shown into the Inspector's office, where he stated that some imaginary individual had decided upon shooting him, and that he had come to tho Inspector to be shot by him, as he would prefer to be shot by the Inspector than by anyone else. Tho Inspector, of course, saw that the poor fellow was suffering from delirium tremens, the effect of hard drinking, and had him locked up, promising, at tho same time, that ho would shoot him that evening."

The, following is reported ,in acontemporary as being tlje e^act colloquythat took place when Colonel Brett recently gave a constable into custody for not saluting him': — Tho* Colonel asked, Do you know nib?-— No, sir. Don't you know that I am a J<P. ?— No, sir. Do you mean to say you don't know me ? — No, sir; but I believe you are Colonel Brett. I don't know. At this stage the colonel raised his voice, and in a furious tonej which was heard more than fifteen yards oittside the Court House,- then I'll make f'eni know me., You passed me three times before, and would not salute me. I'll make you. I'll make yoii salute me. — If I knew fon I would haye 1 saluted you, sir. I have never seeti you aotirtg as a Justice of the Peace, or in any othef official way, or I should have known you ; neither have I been introduced to you. Do you think that a J. P. is to be introduced to every constable ? If you don't salute me I'll have you kicked out of tho force.— Then, sir, I decline to salute yoti. Your conduct is anything but that of an officer and gentleman, and I decline to salute you on these grounds. Then you won't salute me? — No, sir. Your conduct is most unbecoming 1 ss a Justice-' of the Peace and gentleman, '.and I decline to salute you. You won't ?-"No, sir. Then consider yourself a prisoner. I'll have you arrested. Sergeant, arrest that man. " That man" was arrested and detained in custody for eleven hours for "rof using. to salute a Justice of the Peace."' .

A niisera'b'le little specimen of humanityj named William Carter, was brought before the Melbourne City Court recently as a neglected child. This waif of the streets is described ass beirfg about six years old, three feet high, and aireitdy a confirmed drunkard and thief. Mr EEiil, the city missionary, informed the Bench" ihskt the child was employed by some women as j* messenger to fetch their beer, and that in the" tfcarse of his professional duties he was in the habit of getting intoxicated about three times a week.

The Otago Times takes up the gauatlet on behalf of one of the Dunedhi teler graphlstd, as to speed in telegraphing thus :--=•' We yestei'day published a paragraph that appealed in the Poverty Ban) Standard, stating? that, Mr Ashtorctj telegraphist, of Napier',- tad Sent a message for three minutes at the rate of over 60 words a minute, this feat being described as the fastest telegraphing that had ever been done in New Zealand. It is as well to state, that the Dunedin Telegraph Office has the services of the fastest operator here. Mr Jaggor — whose name was mentioned in the paragraph referred to— sent a message at the rate of 42 words a minute for half an hour, some time ago, to decide a small bet, and this may be regarded as no mean feat. In, a trial of speed, however, for two minutes, Mr Jagger sent 127 words-^-ovor 63 words a minute — so that Napier must take second place until their pet operator improves a little." A Southern paper says : — " Telegrams received from London last evening state that the prince of Wales will visit New Zealand after the Melbourne Exhibition'; a.nd also that there is a possibility, of the Duke of Connaught coming to Australia. In all probability the Royal brothers will make the tour in company.. We trust that the news may be correct, and that the future king of England and Prince Arthur may be spared tb set foot on, this, the most distant dependency of Her Majesty." The champion long-nosed man resides at Sacramento. Its owner was at breakfast, when a friend, seated on the opposite side of the table, knowing him to be a little near-sighted, remarked, " There's a fly on the end of your nose." "Is there ?" responded the owner of the horn of plenty. "I didn't know it. Just please scare him off; you're nearer to him than I am."

The Poverty Bay Herald of Wednesday says : — "'Mr A. Ashman, telegraph operator, in Gisbprne, has been asked to go to the Sydney Exhibition as the Champion operator of the Australian Colonies. The telegraph Department at Wellington undertakes to pay the cost of Mr Ashman's expenses. We believe that arrangements will be made which will admit of Mr Ashman taking his departure. Gisborne should feel proud that Mr Ashman should have been appointed to ( conduot its telegraphing. We believe that it is acknowledged beyond all dispute that this, gentleman is the quickest and most correct opei'ator in the Southern Hemisphere.". A Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney Morning Heraldwrites as follows: — The new Governor has arrived. He has announced, his readiness to be most liberally at; the.service of those who wish, to -confer with him, and he -is, going to hold a levee , next Wednesday week. ' He has, so far, avoided business, but he went to jthe races. ; Tordayhis troubles begin.. The question is, what will he do about, the South Bourke election ? Will he validate it, because his Ministers advise, him-to do so,'or will he. enquire into the matter, and use his own.; judgment? If ; he, do, this latter, he can. hardly fail to .refuse _to validate ,it, for. a more infamous .mis-r carnage of election justice never, was recorded in .election annals. The action of Lord Norinanby in this the iirst.exercise of his rule will a good. deaL indicate what his future, position is going to be. Mr Cavill, the English swimmer, has been swimming in the Yarra, from Jphnstono-street Bridge to Prince's Bridge. He is still, alive, and apparently well. But those who are familiar with. Yarra water wonder how he stood . it or swam, it. It is a clever thing to swim .seventeen or eighteen miles, but it is:a still cleverer thing to.have swam such a long distance in such, waterr Mr Cavill has a very strong stomachy to have done, the distance in a . fluid thick and slab with . abominations, such as the Yarra water is. He has since, however, confined his swimming to the sea, and he therein certainly , does exceedingly clever things. He will help to give an iinpetiis to jthe study and .practice, of swimming,which, notwithstandingats obvious advantages, is curiously neglected as a part of education. '