MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1194, 18 January 1895, Page 18

MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE.

The Armenians resident in Paris welcomed with enthusiasm ]Mr Gladstone, who is cn route to Cannes.

The Premier visited Ross last wook, and was accorded a hearty reception hy the Mayor, councillors and townspooplo. Tho Mayor presented him with an address of welcome signed on behalf of tlio residents by tho Mayor and councillors.

A now portfolio in tho South Australian Ministry has been created, tho AttorneyGeneral being made Minister of Industry.

Tho Hon Mr Garrard, Minister of Public Instruction in tho New South Wales Government, arrived by train on tho 10th from Napier. Ho was accompanied as far as Woodvillo by Mr J.E .March, S uperintondont of Settlements. In conversation with a New Zealand Mail reporter last night week Mr Garrard explainod that ho is making a very hurried trip through tho Colony, as ho lias to bo back in Sydnoy by the 22nd instant. Consequently, ho wont on South by tho Mararoa, and will bo a through passonger by her to Melbourne. His object is not so much to acquire information with reference to our village settlements as to tebt and amplify by personal enquiry tho reports which have - been received of tho working of tho Department of Labour in New Zealand,

Dr Bennett has been appointod chairman of the Clifton Public Library.

The election of a councillor for Oliiro Ward in the Melrose Borough Council in place of Mr J. Collins, who was elected Mayor of the borough, took place last week, and resulted in the return of Mr B. Tait, who polled 40 votes, his opponont, Mr W. J. Haines, securing 30 votes.

The Tarawera, from Sydnoy last week, brought 128 passengers, of whom 77 wore landed at this port.

The Bishop-designate of Wellington, the Rev Dr Wallis, and Mrs Wallis, who arrived from Sydnoy by tho Tarawera early yesterday morning week, landed from the .steamer at 9 a.m. They Hvero received by Archdeacon Pancourt, Revs W. C. Waters, T. H. Sprott, H. B. Harvey (Palmerston North), J. Jones (Hutt), R. Coffey, and Messrs W. H. Quick, C. E. Zohrab, C. P. Powles, G. E. Tolhurst and others. One of the Governor’s carriages was in waiting, and Dr Wallis was driven to St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, where tho Holy Communion was celebrated by the Ven. Archdeacon Fancourt, assisted by tho ItevT. H. Sprott. After the service tho Bishop-designate-* and. Mra- Wallis were driven to Government House. Tho bolls of St. Peter’s Church rang a peal last night week as a welcome. Tho consecration of the new Bishop will take place at St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral on the 25th inst. ’‘ ' ' - ’ -

Homo papers are- filled with eulogies of the lately-deceased Princess Bismarck, who is described as “ A Second Mrs Gladstone.”

Chief Justice Ide, of Samoa, is at present making a tour of New Zealand, accompanied by his two daughters. He was present at the opening of the railway to Rotorua and was the guest of the Premier there. Ho arrived in Wellington by Tuesday week's express and went on to the South on Wednesday evening in order to “ do ” the Otago lakes and Mount .Coolc. It is his intention to catch the nebfct San Francisco steamer frem Auckland and take passage in her for Samoa. Mr Ide is a member of the United States Bar. -

The toatn of Fijian cricketers who are to arrive at Auckland to play a series of matches in this Colony have made application through their hon secretary for free passes over the Government Railways. The matter will be considered upon the return of the Minister of Railways to Wellington.

Judge Bundoy has been appointed President of the South Australian State Board of Conciliation under the . Act passod last session.

Sir Thomas Moll wraith will shortly visit England for the benefit of his health, and has-resigned his position on the Federal Council. The Hon. H. M. Nelson will succeed him.

Lord Kimberly, jn reply to the demand of the Porte, has informed tho Sultan that Mr Gladstone’s speech to the Armenian delegates was not oihoial.

Admiral Bowden-Smith says that during the period of his command tho relations with France in carrying out the provisions of the New Hebrides agreement have always been most cordial and satisfactory. In connection with tho Samoan Group, tho German naval officers and his own have always acted togethei' cordially.

The Geelong rifle meeting was characterised by the magnificent shooting of Major Umphelby, who lowered the world’s record at 300, 600 and 600 yards by scoring 101 out of a possible 105 points.

Of all things Rubinstein disliked most applause and complimentary gifts. One of bin last appearances in public was at Stuttgart, when ho was so annoyed by tho appearance of a lingo wreath on tho stage that ho walked straight off and vowed ho would nover play in Stuttgart again.

The breaking of records goos on morrily. At a meeting of tho Manawatu Amateur Athletic Society a letter was recoivod from Mr J. Cotter, promising a trophy valued at £2 10s, to be given to any competitor who * succeeds in breaking any New Zealand record, , . ,

Scoroß of men woro compollod to walk tho stroots of Groymouth all Now Year’s night, being unable to find even a shakedown ; and in tho early morning littlo little knots of mon might bo soon lying under vorandahs, doorways, and otlior rude mako-shift shelters—and none of thom 4 through having imbibed unwisoly.

Mr G. A. Simmers, M.A., who has just boon appointed headmaster of tho Ashburton High School, is a tutor in tho Training Coilogo at Dunedin. Tho now headmistress, Miss Edith 11. Pearco, M.A., has boon for somo time touching at Cavorsham.

Mr S. Percy Smith (Survoyor-Gonoral) loft Wellington on Tuesday last, accompanied by Mr 11. Gordon (Chief Inspector of Minos) and Mr McKay (Government Geologist), in order to join tho Hon. Mr Cadman in his trip to tho Uriwera Country. Mr Cadman is to hold a mooting with tho Uriweras at Ruatoki on tho 21st or 22nd instant, and tho result of tho mooting will probably bo tho advancement of sottlomont in that part of tho country. Advantage will also bo talcon of tho trip to enquiro into tho mineral resourcos of tho Uriwera Country, and somothing may bo done to malco it available for mining operations.

Tho Mehtar of Chitral has boon murdered by his brother, who has seized tho throne.

It is rumoured that tho King of Corea has boon murdered.

When Robert Louis Stevenson was on a visit to a friend in Scotland somo years ago, ho sot out ono fino summer morning for a walk in tho fiolds. Tho fresh air and bright sunshine cau3od his spirits to riso in accord with tho scono, and, coming to a gate, ho took it at a flying leap. This method of clearing obstacles recommended itself as appropriate to the froslinoss of tho morning; it scorned also a silont protest against tho ways of tho Philistine, who would in all probability have unfastened tho gato and walked through. So ho determined to loap all tho gates ho mot with betwoon that place and tho high road. Tho scheme was carried out with success, though ho found more gates Ilian ho expected. Just as ho came to tho last ono ho did an impromptu dance and cleared tho gato in fine style, only to find himself in tho arms of a policeman. “ Young mon,” said the man in blue, “ I’ll just have to tako ye to tho police station.” " What for ?” says Stovonson ; “ is it for taking a walk on tho Sabbath P” “ Nay, it’s no’ just for that, but ye see I’ve boon watching ye for tho last half-hour, and soon all your dancing and jumping over gates. Now, ye ken, no decent body would do siccan a thing, and I’ve concluded to take charge of ye as an escaped lunatic.” Stevenson, who is responsible for this story, never troubled to explain how he undeceived tho vigilant guardian of the national character for solomn piety, but wo know that tho novelist was not consigned to a lunatic asylum, and that he boro no resentment against his captor.

Admiral Bridge lias assumed command of tho Australian Squadron, and Admiral Bowden-Smith sailed for England on Monday.

W. A. Hunt, well-known as one of the pioneers of tho Thames goldfield, who made a fortune from tho Shotover find, is now in a fair way of making another. Ho has pegged out a fine reef at Dundas, and samples treated at Coolgardie have yielded 9oz to tho ton.

Tho Marten Mercury thinks it will be a public misfortune if Mr Pirani is net renominated for a seat on tho Wellington Laud Board.

An application from tho matron at the Palmerston Hospital, that tho salaries of the nurses be increased, has been referred to the executive of tho Hospital Board.

“ Tho onergetic and sensible member for Palmerston.'”—Mai ton Mercury, anont Mr Pirani.

A writer in tho Napior Telegraph is looking for a certain printer with a bludgeon. He wrote of a man who know “ on which side his broad is buttered,” but tho gonial comp, made it road “ on which side liis head is battered.”

A Spaniard, who was travelling in Armenia during the timo of tho allogod atrocities said to have boon committed by tho Turkish soldiery, denies tho truth of tho statements published.

Drs Porter and Maeintire have been reappointed as tho medical staff at tho Palmerston Hospital with a remuneration of .£IOO each per annum.

A man mede a rush to catch tho train from Waikouaiti on a recent race-day. lie mounted the platform as tho train moved away, but not getting properly aboard fell off, and was left on his back lamenting. In sheer disgust he went back to tho course and backed Count d’Orsay. Dividend, .£l3 19s.

By the San Francisco mail Miss Dolco A. Cabot, tho lady editor of tho Canterbury Times, was informed of her election to full membership of tho Chicago Proas Loaguo.

Tho Commissioner of Taxos is at prosont in Dunedin, and the Deputy-Commissioner is in Auckland on business connected with their department. They returned at tho beginning of this week. It was reported some timo since that tho Victorian Government, in view of tho proposed imposition of a land and income tax in that colony, wero anxious that Mr McGowan should bo allowed to pay a visit to Mol-

bourne, in order that information might bo obtained from him as to tho working of tho land and income tax in Now Zealand. This visit will now probably bo rendered unnecessary, as the Victorian Upper House has just thrown out tho Land and Income Tax'Bill.

Mr A. Mair, formerly connected with the Wellington Magistrate’s Court, and subsequently transferred to Wanganui, Ims como down from tlioro to Wellington, on sick leave. Tho many friends of Mr Mair will wish him a spoedy recovery.

Mr E. Wilson, of tho Post Ollico Hotel, has givon a donation of Is to tho Crickot Association

Now South Wales did not collapso whon its Premier, Sir George Dibbs, some time ago made a lengthened tour of England and America, and Now Zealand has on a former occasion survived tho temporary absonco of its Treasurer. Men in tho highest positions of responsibility frequently tako holidays without resigning their appointments, and without injury to tho interests committed to their charge. If tho Colonial Treasurer should go to London on public business wo may rest assured that ho will render tho Colony bettor service by doing so than ho could by remaining bore during tho Parliamentary recess. If, on the otlior hand, ho requires to visit tho English capital on private business, tho public of this Colony, who fully rocogriiso his ability and services, will not begrudge him tho necessary leave of absence. To assume, as ono Conservative journal doos, that Mr Ward is going to London to aid in promoting a public company, whoso success will result in his personal advantage, is perfectly gratuitous, ancl might bo passed ovor as simply amusing ; but when another Opposition paper broadly insinuates that the Treasurer intends to use his official position and influence for that purposo, tho thing becomes outragoous, and calls for indignant protest. Whon, in addition, those > impudent assumptions are made tho ground for demanding tho Treasurer’s resignation, wo can only deplore that political partisanship lias deadened otlierwiao honourable mon to all sense of what is fair, manly and decorous in public polemics. —Lyttelton Times.

Whilo cleaning a schnappor, a man up North found a half sovereign of 1845.

Tho Good Templar lodge which has suddenly aequirod distinction by admitting 11. S. Fish as a morabor is Lodgo Pioneer, of Dunedin. The new member wa3 accompanied by his son. They woro “ welcomed with many congratulatory oxprossions of goodwill by tho assembled sisters and brothers.” Somo earnest speeches woro delivered by various officers, and then MiFish explained his reason for becoming a Good Templar. “ Bro. Fish, in tlio course of his remarks, gave it to bo plainly understood that ho was not; tlioro for any purposes of personal benefit, but mainly for tho purpose of setting an example to his son, as he believed that tho final settlement of tho temperance question would rest in tho hands of tho rising generation.” The proceedings throughout woro marked with much enthusiasm.

Tho Hon .T. McKenzie was a passenger Sunday by tho Penguin from tho South.

His Excellency tho Governor and a party of other gontlemon will proceed by the Ilinemoa on her next trip to tho Auckland, Campbell, Bounty and Antipodes Islands, lying to tho south of New Zealand. They will join tho steamer at tho Bluff, and leave by her on the 29th iust.

The Hon P. O. Fysh, Postmaster-General of Tasmania, cabled on Sunday to tho Hon Mr Ward that all are anxious for his presonco at the Postal Conference, and that tho date has boon fixed for February Ist.

Mr Mauglian Barnett, appointed organist of St. John’s, made a successful first appearance as a pianist in London at Burlington Hall, playing Beethoven's C Minor Concerto with orchestra, and afterwards recoivod engagements for concerts and piano recitals at South Kensington, North London, and for tho Civil Service Vocal Union's concerts. He also played in many of the provincial towns, his last concert in England being given at Hastings, in conjunction with Tividar do Nachez, the celebrated violinist. Health necessitating change of climate, Mr Barnett left England for Tasmania, and from theuce came to New Zealand in 1893, having boon offered tho appointment at Napior Cathedral. Ho has been successively organist of “The Church of King Charles,” Tunbridge Wells, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Leonards-on-Sea (one of the best appointments on tho South Coast), and also of the cathodrals of Hobart and Napior. Mr Barnett intonds teaching in Wellington.

Mr William Nelson, of the firm of Nelson Brothers, is in town.

By a calculation made a year or two ago by an American statistician, it seems that 70 citizens of the United States possessed among thorn an aggregate wealth of .£540,000,000. That gives an average of about .£7,500,000 apiece. There was one estate returned as worth no. less than .£30,000,000. There wero five individuals valued at £20,000,000; one valued at £ 14,000,000 ; two valued at d 112,000,000 ; six valued at JJ 10,000,000; six valued at ,£8,000,000; four valued at .£7,000,000; thirteen valued at .£6,000,000; ton valued at .£5,000,000 j four valued at .£4,500,000, and fifteen at £1,000,000. Tho brain reels before such figures. They express moasuros of wealth which tho ordinary mortal is powerless to grasp. Besides those seventy colossal fortunes, there are fifty other persona in tho Northern States alono valued at

ovor .£2,000,000 ouch, thirty of thorn being valued in all at .£00,000,000. Thoro wore some little time ago published lists of (53 millionaires in Pennsylvania, possessing in tho aggregate 4300,000,000, and of GO persons in three villages near Now York, whoso wealth aggregated 43100,000,000. In Boston 50 families pay taxes on annual incomos of about 43200,0(X) each. Thoro is nothing to comparo with such individual cases of wealth in Groat Britain. Baron Rothschild and Lord Overstono each loft about 433,500,000; tho lato Lord Dudley loft 434,000,000; tho late Dulto of Buccloucli, estimated to bo tho richost Scotchman, left estates valued at 43(5,000,000. One living English Puke is valued at 4310,000,000, and another at 438,000,000; but not many names could bo added to thoso to place against the abovo list of American fortunes. In 1884 there woro only 104 persons in tho United Kingdom whoso incomes from business profits were returnod as over 4350,000 a year. In 188(5 thoro woro only 17 ostatos which paid probate duty on about 43250,000 each.

Lord Randolph Churchill has again relapsed into a comatoso state.

M. Bartliou, French Minister of Public Works, has resigned owing to a technical difficulty in connection with his department.

Vice-Admiral Bowden-Smith has left Sydney for London in tho Omuz.

Miss McArthur, who rocontly lost her life in Morocco through ill-treatment at tho hands of tho Arabs, was a niece of Mrs Fletcher, of Gore.

Mr .T. C. Martin, S.M., and Mrs Grace Neill, Inspectress of Factories, who received a Royal Commission some time since to enquire into certain charges made against tho North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, have sont in their report, and it has boon forwarded to His Excellency the Govornor.

During their visit to Auckland tho v Arawa Natives have realised over 43100 by | performing halcas. *

Mr Tlios. Mackenzie, M.H.R., has novor | quite recovered from the “ roughing ” ho ) had to undergo during his trip of explora- > tion to tho Woat Coast Sounds about a year age. At tho close of the session he went up to the Hot Springs at Rotorua to try the effect of a courso of tho waters there, but ho did not dorivo from it the benefit he anticipated. On his return to Wellington rocontly ho was obliged to spond ton days in a private hospital, and he has now returned home hoping that rest and quiet may restore his health.

Admiral Bowden-Smith says no station is hotter supplied with coal and dockingaccommodation than the Australian station, first-class docks being situated in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, with docks of smaller size at Lyttelton and Port Chalmers.

Captain Komsley, superintendent of the Wellington Fire Brigade, on arrival in Auckland, was shown round the fire stations and the city generally by Superintendent Hughes, of the Auckland Brigade.

The Lyttelton Eogntta officials have presented a silver cigar-case to Captain Quinn, of the Banlchall (the flagship), and a handkerchief box of New Zealand woods to Mrs Quinn.

The Rev Brother Joseph, who has been for some years in charge of the Marist schools in Christchurch, whore he had made himself deservedly popular, has been transferred to Auckland.

Tho Mayor of Auckland, in a fix about tiro 200 Arawas, was reassured by a lator telegram:—Everyone is provided with money to pay his way.”

Captain Younghusband considers the situation in tho Chitral serious, as tho now ruler is weak and without experience.

Mr L. M. Fox, late of tho locomotive department of the railways, Wellington section, was onte v tainod last night by a few of his friends, prior to his departure for England, Avhen opportunity was taken to present him with a sot of views descriptive of New Zealand scenery. Mr Barter, in a happy speech, referrod to the sterling qualities of tho recipient, and wished him a successful and prosperous cureer. Mr Fox feelingly responded, and said ho would always look back with pleasure to the time spent in New Zealand, whore lie had boon always treated with characteristic hospitality and kindness.

The Premier arrived from Westport on Monday morning. Ho will probably deliver his promised address at Napier this (Friday) evoning.

Ministers were engaged in Cabinet all day Monday upon departmental matters.

Mr S. Percy Smith, Surveyor-General, left by Tuesday morning’s express train to join the Hon Mr Cadman at Auckland and to accompany him on his trip to tho Uriwera country.

Mr Geo. W. Burltrop, chief clerk in the Government Insurance Office, has boon appointed to tho position of accountant, loft vacant by the doatli of Mr Todd, while Mr R C. Niven succeeds to tho post of clnof clerk. Mr Barltrop enterod tho office as a cadet through tho Civil Sorvico examinations. Mr Niven was first appointed to the Dunedin offico in 1870, and was at one time resident agent at Invercargill and Dunedin respectively.

We understand that the Midland Railway Company’s notico of arbitration was

served upon tho Premior on Monday personally by tho lawyer who represents tho company, Mr Harris, of Christchurch.

Tho Queen has cabled to Khama, chief of tho Bamangwato, who assisted the British in the Matabelo war, assuring him of her support to his request that liquor should bo excluded from his country.

At tho inquest on tho victims of tho recent railway collision at Chelford, tho jury found that no ono was criminally liable for tho accident, and added a rider recommending that no shunting bo carried on during tho passing of an express train.

A. visitor at the Gore Swimming Baths was in imminent danger of drowning a few days ago when Mr Hume, a clerk in the Loan and Mercantile office at Gore, dived into tho water without removing any of his clothes, and brought him safely toiand.

Tho body of tho late Mr A. Peters, coach proprietor, has been interred at Napior.

London Chronicle, about Rubinstein:— “Ho was almost beyond comparison the greatest player of tho piano. Others may equal his technique, but nobody can approach his fire and inspiration.”

Stoddart’s team were disappointed with tlioir batting display on Saturday, and partly attribute it to tho fact that, like almost everyone olso in tho city, they were unable to got any sleep on Friday night owing to the intenso heat.

Reports continuo to be persistently circulated that Sir W. V. Harcourt intends to resign, tho cause boing a difference with his colloaguos over the propriety of a loan for tho inoreaso of tho navy.

It is reported that the Sultan of Morocco, finding himself unable to lotain his kingdom, has appealed to Groat Britain to establish a protectorate over the country.

Sir J. Mackenzie Bowell, Fromior of Canada, in tho course of an interview, said tho Dominion Government would aid the formation of Mr Huddart’s Atlantic Steamship Company to tho utmost extent of its power.

Tho men charged with tho attempt to poison King Alexander, of Bulgaria, have been acquitted.

M. Tauschanino, formerly a Minister in the Servian Government, and four other political loaders, have been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for participation in the plot to dethrono the King.

Mr J. D. Ritchie, Chief Inspector of Stock, has been in the South for a month past making his periodical inspection of stock, and enquiring into tlx a precautions taken for keeping down tho rabbit pest. Ho is now on tho West Coast, and may arrive from Nelson in a few days.

Mrs Campbell Praed, tho novelist, is at present visiting Queensland. She is a Queenslander by birth, and tho daughter of an Australian squatter.

Mr Fred Pirani, M.11.TJ., is to address his constituents at Palmerston North about the middle of February, and later on in other parts of tho district.

The Sydney Morning Herald resents Sir G. Russell’s contemptuous reference to Mr e Eddy at the rocent meeting of shareholders of the South-Eastern Railway Company.

At a rounion of the teachers in St. John’s Sunday School, Christchurch, Miss Bishop, who is leaving for Wellington, was presexitod with a copy of tho ” Teacher’s Bible ” and Farrar’s “ Life of Christ.” A presentation was also made to Miss Annie Elerig, who is leaving for Napior.

The estato of the late Sir Alfred Stephen has paid duty on <£15,000. The estate is divided among the sons and daughters.

Tho lion Thos. Byrnes, AttorneyGonoral of Queensland, has arrived in Wellington, accompanied by his sister (Miss Byrnes), Miss Gogge and Mr A. E. Lilley (son of Sir Chas. Lilley, and Undersecretary for Justice in Queensland) and Mrs Lilley. The party came from Auckland via the Hot Lakes, Taupo, Wanganui and Palmerston, and wero unfortunate enough to have bad weather all the way. Sir Patrick Buckley mot Mr Byrnes on his arrival, and on Tuesday introduced him to the Premior and tho othor Ministers at present in Wellington. On Tuesday they visited the Museum, Parliament Buildings and Supreme Courthouse. A garden party was held on Wednesday in honour of the visitors at Sir Patrick's residence at the Hutt. The Hon Mr Byrnes and party left on Wednesday by the Takapuna for the South, but Mr Byrnes’ sojourn in the South Island must necessarily be brief, as ho has to bo at Hobart in time for the opening of tho Postal Conference. The remainder of the party, however, intend to “ do ” the Otago Lakes.

Lord Rosebery will shortly retire from the London County Council. He took his seat as a member of tho London County Council for tho City Division with Sir John Lubbock in January, 1889, and in tho month following was elected chairman. In that office he established a high reputation for his impartiality, his firmness and his suavity. Owing to his many public duties, ho resigned his seat in 1890, but was again elected in 1892, aud once more became chairman, till the approach of the gonoral election compelled him to retire from that position, Sir John Hutton succeeding him. VV

Ex-Constablo J. McKenna, of Blenheim, is dead. Soon after joining l the Constabulary in Christchurch, in 18(55, ho went to tho West Coast, and afterwards to Blonhoim. Ho left tho forco in May last year, owing to ill-health.

Mr W. W. Collins, junior member for Christchurch, addrossed a mooting of his constituents on tho 10th, and received a vote of confidonco. Ho generally supported tho Government and tho policy of the Liberal Party.

Lady Glasgow is expected to visit Rotorua noxt week.

Mr W. L. F. Fetch, M.A., Foilding, has boon appointed visiting examiner and inspector for the Groy district.

Mr 11. Morey, manager of tho Newcastle branch of the Bank of New Zealand, has been transferred to Wellington.

Tho joclcoy Hodge,whose body was found in tho Tirnaru harbour on Sunday afternoon, achieved in 1881 at Tirnaru tho unique feat of riding tho first and second horses in the Grand National Stooplechaso. Tho Agent, who was ridden by H. Lunn, foil some distance from tho winning post and stunned his rider, and Hedge, after passing the post first on Claronco, caught The Agent and redo that horse homo second.

Tho Rov A. Chodowski, Jewish Rabbi at Christchurch, who is leaving tho Colony, has boon presented with a purse of sovereigns by mombor's of his congregation.

Mr B. Lines, who has been 53 years in tho Colony, died at his residence, at Woolston, on Monday, at the age of 90 years.

Mr Froudo used to toll how Carlylo’s “ Sartor Eosartua ” was rejected when it was first offered to tho publishers, most of whom laughed at it as a display of eccentricity and bombast gone mad.

Tho boys in tho upper standards of tho Lawrence School, thanks to thp liberality of Mr C. C Rawlins, aro to bo taught to typewrite.

Mr D. E. Theomin, managing diroctor of

the Dresden Piano Company, Dunedin and Wellington, is a passongor by tho s.s. Wakatipu. lie has been on a visit to Sydney.

Mr W. 11. Judo is back again in England. He is tho principal of the Liverpool Organ School and College of Music, of which the Bishop of Liverpool is patron. Since his return from Australia ho lias been busy composing new tunes to old familiar hymns.

Hr Matthews boon re-elected chairman of the South Wairarapa River Board.

Mr Lilloy, who accompanies tho Hon T. Byrnes, is Mr E. M. Lilloy. Ho is a barrister by profession, and is not a Government official.

Mr J. F. Hogan, M.P., secretary of the Coloniqj,, Party in the British House of Commons, returns to England via Vancouver, by the s.s. Warriraoo. After having visited Victoria, he says that ho considers the colony thoroughly sound and stable. ■ n '"■

Mr Sillier has presented the Grey town 'Biflo Club with a handsome silver cup for competition.

At the railway workshops at Napior on Tuesday evening, Mr Palmer, who is about to b© transferred to the Superintendent's office at Wellington, was presented with a beautiful diamond pin.

Mrs Besant, in a letter to the Daily Chronicle, admits that she was deceived by Mr Judge’s alleged messages from the Mahatmas, and did her best to oxposo and suppress him. The American branch of the Society ought to do the rest, sho says. She preferred to suffer under the charge of fraud rathor than divulge private documents;

Mr W. Gray (secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department) is to accompany the Postmaster-General to the Intercolonial Postal Conference at Hobart.

The Hon C. J. Johnston has been unanimously elected chairman of the new board of directors of tho Wellington Woollen Company.

Miles and Co., New Zealand merchants, of 79, Gracechurch street, London, have suspended.

A gontloman named Hall, recently deceased, after making a few legacies, left the bulk of his estate to establish a consumptive homo for respectable poor in Sydney.

Sir Thos. Mollwraith has sailed for England for the benefit of his health.

Lord Brassoy has accepted the Governorship of Victoria, in succession to Lord Hopetoun, whose term of office is about to expire.

Tho Daily Telegraph congratulates tho Empire and the colonies on Lord Brassoy’s acceptance of tho Governorship of Victoria, especially in view of the threatened reduction in tho salary of tho office.

Tho Daily News says Lord Brassoy is tho right man in the right placo. At tho same time tho paper highly eulogises Lord Hopotoun’s record in Victoria.