NEWS IN BRIEF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7382, 17 July 1885, Page 6

NEWS IN BRIEF.

Professor Rice U In Wanganui. New Zealand's total assets are estimated at £181,000,000. The total indebtedness of the colony is said to be fifty-four nrillioue. The Wellington Post ia opposed to the renewal of the 'Fneco mail contract. The doubtful debte of the National Bank of New Zealand are estimated at £131,000. The amount of tea duty collected at the port of Auckland from May 1 to June 31 was £203 000 The Polynesian Gazette winds up a leading article thus :—"May God bless the Prince of Walee." Mr. Dargaville proposes that all publichouses throughout the colony should close at eleven o'clock. The Manuwatu Herald eays that Wanganui is becoming proverbial for lunatics and crack rifle shots. According to Sir Julias Vogel, New Zealand, in proportion to its population, is the wealthiest country in the world. Mr. Wakefield, M.H.R., says no one deserves less to be remunerated for his financial servioes than Sir Julius Vogel. It is said that in the upper part of the Thames valley during the last few nights ice has been formed from two to three iuches in thickneet. The Wellington Press says :—" There never was suph a braggart as Sir Julius Vogel has been as to the origination of political or financial projects." Sir George Grey, Mr. Stout, and Sir Julius Vogel are to give evidence before a select committee of the Legislative Council upon the constitution of the Council. The Maoris have been making great preparations for a feast at Taiporohonui. They went out shooting tuis, and killed no less than 2200 in a few days. Yet the tuis are supposed to be protected by the native game laws 1

A magnificent sample of native copper taken from the Champion Copper Mining Company's ground, Nelson, haa been sent to Wellington, and will be exhibited at the Exhibition. This epeoirnen is about two feet six inches long and weighs 821bs. The Stout-Vogel Government are now known as the "Preserved Banana Ministry" —firstly, because they are so very thickskinned ; and secondly, because the dried fruit in question was the only solid item of their whole fiscal polioy that the House cared to digest. Mr. Isherwood, well known in musical circles in Wellington, and who was in Auckland a few years ago with an opera company, has gone to England by the Aorangi. Mr. Isherwood is going home to look after considerable property left him by the death of his aunt, Lady Bruce. At Chriatchiarch, a few days ago, a prominent dog owner made a pathetio appeal to His Honor in the Supreme Court to be excused from serving, on the ground that he was training doge for the Waterloo Cap, and would lose a large sum of money by his having to aerve on the jury, instead of looking after the preparation of his doge. His Honor, however, was obdurate.