ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 50

ANGLO -COLONIAL NOTES.

(Fuom Oun Special Correspondent.) 30 and 31 Fleet street, London, December 8. Mr Perceval is quite well again, and has resumed bis duties at the Agency-general. Advertisements for professors to fill the Auckland vacancies are being advertised for in all the leading London dailies. Dr W. W. Giiffeu, (formerly of the Dunedin Hospital) has pissed the first half of the examination for Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons. He is now acting as clinical assistant at the Mooi fields Eye Hospital. Dr Fleming, ot Balclutha, sails to-morrow in the Ruahine, on his return to Otago. Mr and Mrs G. L. Deuniston, of Dune din. Lave made an extended tour in America, England, and Scotland. They spent some time in Liverpool and London. According to their present plans they will divide their time between England and Scotland until February „1, when they purpose leaving on their return to New Zealand. They will go by the Messageries line. A " New Chum" and an " Old Chum" have entered the "lists" iv the Glasgow News on the subject of " Hard Times in New Zealand." The fortuc r takes strong umbrage at the letter which I quoted last week whose writer gave a moat deplorable account of things iv the colony, and said, inter alia, that he had his boots blacked by a clergyman. " New Cnum," as a receut arrival from New Zealand, 'abserts emphatically that " the accouut is absolutely untrue," and gives many pregnant facts iii support of his assertiou. " Old Chum" thinks that the statements are probably true, aud that the boot-blackiug clergyuiau was most likely one who had sunk tarougu his own fault to the position of a " rouseabout " at an hotel Referring to the mtat-markicg Blue Book (which I sent ycu List week) the Sheffield Independent bays: — " l'here is a good market in Sheffield for No # Zealand mutton, sold under its true definition. Agents of New Zealand mutton are not only content bub anxious ror this accurate labelling, believing that the better their meat is known the more widely it will be demanded." Sir Julius Vogel's paper on New Zealand, which he is to read at the Imperial Institute next month, is looked forward to with a good deal of interest in Anglo-colonial circles as certain to be bright and interesting and full of matter for reflection on the part of English financiers and politicians. Messrs Skeffiington and Son, of Piccadilly, the well-known London publishers, are going to bring oub the volume of poems by Dean Jacobs, of ChristchurcD, setting forth in poeuc shape the history of New Zealand's evangelisation. The work is said to be one of much power and interest. " Banking in New Zealand " forms the subject of a long article iv the Trading World. It sajs: "Looked upon in the full light of events, New Zealand banking during this evtntful year shows a most substantial position — a position that fully justifies the immunity from panic which it has enjoyed, and a position that is full of promise." An elaborate analytic, three columns in length, follows, aud then come the deductions. First, the Trading World says, "It would be uugenerous not to allude to the really preeminent position held by the Bank of New Zealand in the colony " ; and it adds that the figures show "a very remarkable evidence of the singlarly strong position in the likings of New Zealand colonists that the Bank of New ( Zealand has established. " The article concludes aa follows :—": — " The figures quoted above speak fur themselves. The finaucial and commercial position of New Zealand is shown to be a sound and progre&bive one. The great English banks and tae bank of New South Wales have a good average progress to 6how, but the prominent position heltl by the Bank of New Zealand and its unequalled iuiiuence within the colony are remarkable, aud sufficient to call for observation from any unprejudiced student of banking figures. A powerful bank hka this identified with the interests of the colony, having the GovuriimeLt account, and ardently planted in the confidence and sympathy of Now Zeilaud^rs, is a niOioii&l institution that everyone interested in the colony will rejoice to sco prospering, as it ckarly is." A day or two ago I had a call from Mr Gisborno. During a subsequent stroll, we had a long chat about New Zealand affairs. Mr Gisborne, notwithstanding that he has settled down iuto the wealthy English squire, still takes the keenest intere&t in everything relating to New Zealand, in whose history he long had so prominent a part. He expressed a high opinion of Me Seddon's ability, which had been ppecially manifested in the capacity hs had displayed for learning, and uulearuing so much that characterised him in the patt, but tbab would have stood materially in his way in his present position. Mr Gisborue, notwithstanding that he was a member of the Grey Miuistry, which the late Sir Harry Atkinson had so prominent a part in defeating and discrediting, nevertheless spoke with most cordial and generous admiration of Sir Harry's character atd remarkable powers, particularly in finance, and remarked that it was that statesman's policy, as pub forth on bis last asbumption of office in 1887, which in reality was now bi-ing carried out, and which had exercised such a beneficial influence on the colon} 's welfare. Great regret was expressed by Mr Gisborne, as ib was on a former occasion by Sir Julius Vogel, that tbe original public works policy of the Ministry of which they were both members was not ciriied out. He observed that had the laud been reserved, as originally vroposed, along both sides of the railways made by the Government, the coloi>y would have been in a very different position to-day as regards both finance and land settlement. Some references to certain troublous passages in the New Zealand parliamentary session of 1891 brought up memories ef the historic scene when Mr Gisborne was fiaed £20 and lectured by Sir Maurice O'Rorke for endeavouring to bring under review of the House the ruling of the Chairman of Committees during tbe famous ' "stonewall" on the Representation Bill. Mr Gi&borno told me that he had laid the whole cafe and facts bofore the greatest EDglich authorities on parliamentary forms and procedure He communicated their names to me in confidence, so I cannot mention them, but I may say that they would be accepted anywhere hs absolute aulhorily ou the subject. Tha oivnjiou was in tvery caso that Mr Gi^borms wjs uDJustly aud irregularly condemned aud liueil. He had had uo part in obstruction, but (in Sir George Grej's words) "rightly strove to briug uudtr review a ruling of the Chairinau of Committee* which he believed to be unprecedented. ' Mr Gisborne speaks of that by-gone historic expor ie uc; without the faintest resentmetit — indeed, almost with a touch of amusement ; but I can see he is gratified to have hiß action endorsed by such high authority. The marriage is announced of the Rev, A. W. Averill, M.A., the newly-appointed incumbent

of St. Michael's Church, Christchurch, New Zealand, to Miss Mary Weir, second daughter of Mr W. Weir, of Queensborough terrace, Lancaster Gate, W> The wedding took place at Christchurch, Lancaster Gate, and the officiating clergy were the Rev. Canon Newbolt and the Rev. D. R. Norman. Mr and Mrs Thomas Brown, of Dunedin, who leave by the P. aud O. steamer Himalaya on their return to New Zealand, have decided to join their vessel at Plymouth to-morrow, instead of travelling overland by France and Italy aud catching her at Brindisi as they had thought of doing. Mrs Brown came back from Scotland on Saturday night, suffering from a severe cold, due to the severe weather experienced lately in the north. She has been confined to her room ever since from its effects, but hopes to be well enough to embark to-morrow. In response to an invitation issued by the British Australasian for suggestions as to the best method of increasing the efficiency of the offices of the Agents-general, several essays were sent in, mostly described as meritorious, but an independent referee awarded the prize to an ex-New Zealander, Mr Arthur Clayden. Mr Clayden gees in for drastic aud radical reform. He would erect a large centrallysituated building as the Agency-general for New Zealand, Tasmania, and all the Australian colonies; each colony to have an office in the building opening on to a spacious hal), the names of the respective colonies to be suitably displayed over the offices, whero should be found "practical colonists able to give just the word of counsel required, so that the plain countryman might return to his village farm with a cloac idea of what emigration really meant." Mr Clayden would have abundant mapp, views, specimens of produce, &c. Suitable literature should be distributed, andlectures given, in which latter "illusory pictures" should bo carefully avoided and "absolute truthfulness aimed at." But ho goes further than this in his proposals. He would not have seven Agents-general as at present, but one High Commissioner, with a requisite staff and separate offices for the different colonies, but all under bis control. Aud Mr Clayden would have every colouial representative absolutely prohibited from receiving any Imperial title or distinction, so as to keep the " Colonial Bureau "free from Court or Government influence. He thinks this would assure to the colonies an independent position in the councils of the Empire. He would also utilise the bureau for the solution of the problem of ensuring ampler justice to colonial producers. Other essayists go on much the same lines, but one of them is emphatic in his contention that the Agencies-general should not be as at present at Victoria street, in tho West End, but in tho heart of the city. How tho various colonies could ever agree upon such an arrangement as that proposed by Mr Clayden, and upon the personnel of the central staff (including the high commissioner), I do not pretend to aay. I should imagine it would be a hard nut to crack. However, such is the suggestion offered quantum valeat. New Zealand stocks in general have continued to rise during the wetk. Wellington Harbour \j> per cents, have gone up 4, and now stand at 106-103 Auckland Harbour and City, Christchurch Drainage, Napier Harbour, and Timaru Borough debentures all have risen more or less. New Zealand shipping shares have dropped slightly. The report of the Tyser line (of which I sent you a forecast last week) shows a debit balance of £57,994 on the profit and loss account, of which £27,079 was brought forward from last balance sheet. The report says •.—". — " The election of Mr E. M. Nelson, Sir William Corry, aud Mr T. M. Koyden to the board, at the last general meeting, was followed by protracted negotiations, with the object of bringing the long-continued opposition in the trade to an end, and the directors are pleased to report that, so far as New Zealand is concerned, an agreement has recently been entered into with the direct lines, and is working to the satisfaction and pecuniary advantage of all parties. As regards Australia, a basis has been found on which it it hoped a similar agreement will be entered into without any material delay, aud with the earns desirable re.-ults. The universal depression in the Australian trade during the period under review is unfortunately too well known, and it affected the earrings of the company disastrously. The export trade to Australia fell oft" immensely, and at the same time the price of frozen meat in Louden was very lew in consequence of the large number of consignments distributed in various hands, accentuated by the drought in this country, and shrinkage in value of Homegrown meat. On Monday Lords Justices Lindley, Smith, Bnd Davey heard an appeal brought by the executory of the Ute John Thomas Peacock, of Sudbury House, Hammersmith, against a judgment of Mr Justice Kennedy, who held that they were liable to pay £190 in respect of 380 shares in the New Zealand Gold Extraction Company, now amalgamated with the NewberyVautin Patents Gold Extraction Company (Limited). The deceased gentleman, who died in February 1889, held 380 £l-shares in the company, on which 10s per share had been paid. On March 1, April 18, June 20, and September 17, 1892, four calls of 2s 6.1 each were made, in order to carry out an agreement entered into in January 1892 for amalgamation with the Nevr-bery-Vautin Company. The New Zealand Gold Company was wound up voluntarily in April 1892. The secretary of tie New Zealand Compat>y did not know that Mr John Thomas Peaj cock wa3 dead until 1892, and the executors of the deceased did not know until the same date that tbe d^ceaFed had any interest iv the New Zealand Gold Company, as thb letters notifyiug the calls, &c, were returned through the dead letter office, marked " Gone away.'' The defence set up was, first, that no notice of calls had been given to the defendant, as required by the articles of association; and, secondly, that the money for which the calls were made was r- quired for an unauthorised purpose — viz., amalgamation. Mr Justice Kennedy, in the court below, gave judgment for the plaintiff company, and on Monday, aft er hearing Mr Cozens-Hardy, Q.C., and Mr Eustace Smith, their Lordships (without calling on Mr Mitchell for the respondent company) confirmed tbe decision of the court below and dismissed the appeal, with costs. Mr Tallis Triamell's many admirers in all parts of New Zealand will be ple-ised to learn that his new " Kyrie " and " Credo " in F — that is to say, the Reponses to the Commandments and Nicene Creed in the Anglican service — which were specially written for V:is choir of St". Peter's Courch, Wellington, New Zealand, j have, bc.-n published byNovello, E«en, and Co. j in thtir "Parish Choir" se.ric«. aud h.ive al- j ready m.it %vii/u a ruosL favourable reception iv ; Eughu.d. The music had long been suug from the MS. copies by the Wi-.Htnglou church choir, but at the special request, I believe, of Messrs Nov^llo, Mr Tiininell sent it. to them for publication, and has done very well by the j transaction. It is pleasant to find New Zea- j land supplying admittedly valuable additions to English Church music. I may add that all Mr Trimnell's music | enjoys high popularity among English choirs. '

His anthems and services may frequently be heard at all the great cathedrals, including St. Paul's and Westminster Abbey, and it is a fact that New Zealand as a colony is spoken of with much more interest and respect in the musical world of London on accouut of her being able to secure and retain so eminent a musician as he is on sll hauds admitted to be. Mr Percy Johnson, who has just returned from a tour of the principal English and Scotch cities, undertaken for the purpose of inquiring into the prospects for the sale of Australasian timbers, finds that a demand exists among manufacturers for tough, durable timbers, such as kauii, blue gum, red gum, ironbark, tallowwood, &c. Jarrah and kauri are now being used extensively for paving in London, and be is of opinion that the ordinary hardwood, as used for this purpose in Sjdney, Melbourne, and other cities, could with advantage bo adopted in London. He speaks from experience, having been some years with the Kauri Timber Company. There is also, he says, among cabinetmakers in London, a feeling that any new wood of good colour and attractive figure, such as totara knot, mottled kauri, &c, would command a ready sale. He is convinced that there is a future for these timbers here, and that they only require their merits explained by a >iractical man for them to be appreciated. With this view he is now making colonial timber a special feature of his business. I have heard it remarked that the mishap to the Miowera may prove a blessing in disguise to the line, as it has resulted in so specially famous aud popular a steamer as the Arawa being chartered for the service. No boat is a more general favourite in the whole Australasian trade, and the fact that she is running in the Vancouver service will pro tar, to be a strong point in favour ol this new line in the eyes of many colonials. Moreover, her frozen moat appliances are so excellent that this will also be greatly in her favour. The Christmas number of the Pall Mall Magazine contains an article by B. J. Hart, '"A Chribtmas in New Zealand," profusely illustrated with a number of beautiful views of New Zealand scenery. A brief account is given of the principal New Zealand cities, and of various localities of interest, and some of the graphic touches are very good ; but to me the article seemed rather spoiled by the attempt to give a Christmas flavour to everything, and to drag in Christmas by the ears everywhere. I suppose this was necessary to bear out its title, but to my mind it has weakened the effect. Dr Pennefather's handbook of New Zealand has proved a remarkable success. It has been most favourably reviewed all round, and is already in large demand. Everyone agrees that this latest of Mr John Murray's famous series is fully up to the traditional standard of that admirable collection. Looking at it from the New Zealander's and the tourist's viewpoint I regard it as a boom for the former and a boon to the latter. Talking of tourists to New Zealand, I wonder how you will lind the cjming tourist season. So far as I can gather there seem by no means so many as usual booking from London expressly for New Zealand, but there may be more than usual going by devious routes, or taking New Zealand as part of a large scheme which embraces America, Australia, China, Japan, &c. Certainly there is no lack of encouragement so far as the papers all over the United Kingdom are concerned. It seems to me that any letter, however long, that "booms" New Zealand with whole-souled vigour, finds immediate admittance to the columns of a British paper, especially if it be a provincial paper. I send you many quotations from these, mail after mail, bub they are merely the skimmings from a large mass of references to your favoured colony. If there should be any exception to the rule of enthusiastic praise such an exception brings forth with the utmost promptness a whole series of refreshingly vigorous couoterbla&ts. New Zealand is a veritable pet of the Home press just now. Most of the English papers (town and country) contain references to the recent New Zealand election, to the overwhelming victory won by the Government, and the effect of the feminine vote. The Echo says :—": — " It is just as well, in the interests of the colony, that Mr Seddon should be allowed to continue in office, for he has already done much good work, and is above, ail things a safe and steady administrator. He is a thoroughly practical colonist, and a man of the people, and though somewhat rough and ready in personal demeanour, is deservedly popular among all classes." The Echo adds :—: — " The movement to have him (Mr Seddon) superseded in the post of Premier by Sir Robert Stout has failed dismally, and Sir Robert will probably continue to sulk in his tent, a sad picture of the politically disappointed man." The Times remarks that "the result of the first parliamentary election that has been held upon a female franchise in the British Empire has not been such as to inspire either alarm or surprise. The New Zealand Government has been returned to power with a somewhat stronger majority than before. The political situation is not altered ; it is only slightly accentuated. . . . The outcome of the election has been that the women of New Zealand as a body have confirmed the political opinions of the men by whom they have hitherto buen represented. In this sense their vote may psrhaps be called Conservative, but in no other. There is no trace of the reactionary influence which it has been commonly assumed that women would import iuto politic;." Mr Rollcston rcctives the following complimentary valediction from the Times: — '• Mr Rollesfcon, who was leader of the Oppot-ition in the late Parliament;, is well known as one of the. ablest and most cultivated of New Zealand politicians. The new House suffers a loss in his absence." The Belfast News Letter " lets itself go " on the subject of New Zealand's reinarkubie progress (as shown by the Official Year Book for 1893) aud upon New Zealand's remarkable ferns. Sir James Prendergast has a paragraph all to himself in the Echo, which gives a brief sketch of his legal, judicial, and acting-guber-natorial career in New Zealand. Bishop Selwyn has been "drawn out with a hook "as leviathan could not be drawn. The Cambridge correspondent of the Guardian newspaper— the church organ — rashly (and quite unwarrantably ) a&serted that Bishop Selws'n "by voluntarily accepting a share in the appointment of Mr Aldis's successor — an office which the Agent-general had declined — has appeared to concur in the action of the council in creating a vacancy," aud added that "in Cambridge very general sympathy is felt for Mr Aldus " Tue bishop was naturally indignant at this imputation, jiiid lorlhwith called upon the corrih|joudtriit to explain on what ituthorifcy he stated that B'stiop iSfclwjn Lad accepted or that the Agwil-goneial had declined a fehare in th<! appo!i't.i.iiiir, and why even such acceptance implied Jipprovai. Promptly the correspondent replied that Dr Abbot was his aulhorioy, and that the inference Bcemud to him legitimate. j

The bishop then wrote to the Guardian pointiDg out that Dc Abbot's zeal for his friend Pro-

fessor Aldis had carried him away, and that he could not have known at the time what Bishop Selwyn and his colleagues had done. After reciting the correct facts, which are already known in New Zealand, Bishop Selwyn emphatically objects to the Cambridge correspondent's inference. "With the action of the council," says Bishop gelwyn, "we have and will have nothing to do. We are asked officially to fill a vacant post. How that post became vacant is absolutely no concern of ours. It is not our business to decide whether the council or Professor Aldis is in the right. If we refuse to act on the grounds which Dr Abbot assigns, we practically condemn the council, and that in the most dishonourable way on an ex parte statement. If we act, your correspondent affirms that we concur in an action which is held to be unjust. We emphatically decline to accept such a dilemma. We are not judges in the matter : wo have no right to be, and we consider it an unwarrantable assumption to make us such." There is a strong reminiscence of the old "G. A. New Zealand" style about this, isn't there ? Evidently the spirit of the great George Augustus has been inherited by his son. The Selwyns always know what they mean, and say it plainly. Like father, like son ! The Westminster Gazette thinks that the women of New Zealand have shown a creditable sense of public duty, and that the result of thoir admission to the franchise "is on the whole satisfactory." " That the colonies are so well served by their press is, perhaps," the Westminster Gazette thinks, " one reason why the Imperial Federation Leaguo has been obliged to extinguish itself. Long before it was able to muster its friends on a deputation the Colonial Governments knew through their press what was to be considered, and instructed their Agents-general accordingly." December 15. I had a visit at my office on Wednesday from Mr James Smith, the eminent Dunedin barrister. He was looking very wel), and seemed to be enjoying his sojourn in the mother country. Mr Smith, with whom I had a long and interesting chat on New Zealand matter?, does not think of returning to New Zealand for some time yet. His present intention is to remain over next summer. He is still staying with his brother, Sir Francis Smith, at Harrington Gardens, South Kensington. Mrs W. P. Tanner (of ChrJßtchurch) and Miss Tanner have come into town for the winter, and are now residing in a very pleasant part of Bayswatcr. Mrs Pereival Johnston has also returned to town after her sojourn at the seaside, and has once more taken up her quarters at Montague Mansion, close by the British Museum. Her sister, Miss Schultze, is now at Folkestone. There has nob been much doing on the Stock Exchange in New Zealand stocks during the past week. If there be any definite change at all in prices it is in a _ slightly downward tendency generally. Bat tjhis is simply due to the customary ante-Christmastide dulness of aH things outside confectioners, caterers, aud toyshops. The New Zealand Midland stocks have gone down two points. It is contended by the British-Australasian that "the reserves of some of the Australian Banks are mere matters of account," and that " the example of the Bank of New Zealand will have to be followed in.gradually building up a separately invested reserve." Disappointment is expressed that the Tongariro brings so small a consignment of New Zealand butter. What she does bring, however, is reported as being in good condition. It is stated that the imports of butter from New Zealand and Australia formed only one- twelfth of last year's total importations of this article. An attempt is being made by some persons interested in the dairy trade who have not joined or supported the movement to form a butter committee, to represent that committee as a " ring." This imputation is rather resented by the committee, who contend that the term "ring" cannot in fairness be applied to them, inasmuch as they are not seeking their own benefit in the matter, or endeavouring to bolster up prices artificially by means of a "butter corner," but are simply trying to arrange for uniformity of price and unanimity of action in the trade, so that there may be no undue " nndercutting " by one agent for the sake of snapping up part of the trade of a rival to the prejudice of the producer. An advance of 5s to 10 3 per ton in freights to Australia seems to have been generally adopted, and it is believed that tha upward tendency will continue. The disproportion between the freights to Australia and to New Zealand has long been excessive, and the latter might well be brought more into harmony with the other. An idea has been set afloat of having an exhibition in London of colonial products, under the auspices of the Imperial Institute, if possible ; if not, then independently. The newest New Zealand liver, the twinscrew steamer Gothic, " the largest vessel excepting the Great Eastern that has ever entered the port of London," will be open to the public again to-morrow for the benefit of the Seamen's Hospital. AU these things are good advertisements for the colony. People naturally say that if New Zealand wants such splendid new steamers as this for her own special trade, she must be a very different sort of place from the little cannibal i&land which so many people still picuure to themselves as New Zealand. It is a great pity that idiotic public seal, with its absurd Maori and missionary, is not altered with something more " up to date." What you want to force into John Bull's rabh-.r thick head is New Zealand's golden lleece, rivers of milk and honey, • flocks and herds, rivers with golden sands, prairies of golden grain, and all that sort of thing, not to fling Natives and missionaries at his head. The latter are all very well to read about in "penny dreadfuls," but they are not attractive as inducements to immigration. On the 20th, that indefatigable ex-Zealandian Mr Arthur Clayden will deliver a lecture on "Our Colonies" at the Borough Polytechnic Institution, and it is quite safe to predict that New Zealand will occupy no mean part of that discourse. He is also to address the National Liberal Club on " New Zealand Liberalism," on the 23rd. Several New Zealanders were present at the reading of Captain Williams's paper on " Uganda " before the Royal Colonial Institute last Tuesday. I noticed Messrs A. Micbie and C. G. Tegetmeier (both of the Bank of New Zealand), J. E. Nathan, L. Nathan, J. Nathan, and A. E. Nathan — all of New Zealand. Miss Flora Shaw, the "Australian special" and low " Colonial editor" of The Times, is to read a paper on the Australian colonies before the Royal Colouial Institute next month. Sho will btj the first lady who has ever yet read a paper at the institute during its 24 years' exi&teiice. This new departure is another sign of the Times — in a double sense. By the P. aud O. s.s. Britannia, just arrived in port, Dr Bond, Messrs Croxton, Fogwill, and Kuight have como from New Zealand. The Tongariro brings Dr Bushnell, Mr and Mrs Hirst, Mrs and Miss Lucy, Miss Worrell, Messrs Sfcrachey, Lawson, Wolfson, Cages, Clarke,

Ropey, Martin, Munich, O'Donnell, and Palmer.

The Austral, which sails to-morrow, takes for New Zealand Mrs Dashwood, Mr and Mrs Pearson, Mr and Mrs Petrie, Mr and Mrs Hartley, Dr and Mrs Hislop, Mr and Mrs Sugden (and family), Messrs Boyle, Donald, Sykes, and Todd.

By the Cuzco on the 30th the Yen. Archdeacon White and Mrs White leave for NewZealand, and by the following Orient boat, the Opbir, go to New Zealand the Rev. A. W, Averill and Mrs Averill, Mr and Mrs Darling, Mr and Mrs Manley, Mrs Young, Miss Evans, Messrs Conroy, Lambert, and Mansfield. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Williamson, Misses Landell (2), Mrs Hirst, and Mr Pynsent sail in the Parramatta next week en route for New Zealand. By the Britannia, which leaves on the sth prox., Mr and Miss Allen, Miss Dodson, Mr and Mrs Godfrey, Mr and Mrs Durby (of Auckland), Mr and Mias Mortimer, Mr Recce, and Mr Ure have already booked for New Zealand, as also have Mr, Mrs, and ISisß Garrick, Mr and Mr Michie and family (of Dunedin), Messrs Pennyman, Gibson, and Brighton by the Australia, which sails on February 27. At a meeting of the Executive Council of the Imperial Institute, held yesterday, 81 candidates for Fellowship were elected, making a total of 8479 Fellows on the roll to date.

At a meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute, held on Tuesday last, Mr Henry Reynolds, of New Zealand, was elected & Fellow of the Institute.

Mr Herbert England, of the firm of Scotfc Bros., engineers, Christchurch, has been actively "interviewed" by various papers, notably by tho Rhyl Record, which gives a long report and describes Mr England as " a light and intelligent conversationalist, full of enthusiasm for the welfare of New Zealand, and well up in every detail of its commercial life." The Post says that although "sensationalism and realism in preaching are not entirely unknown on this side of the world, the record in this direction has been beaten by two Dunediis ministers (Congregationalists), who have lately been preaching on the subject of the seamy side of Dunedin," stating that " no less than 50 per cent, of the adult male population of Dunedin lead evil lives." It adds : " These sermons have caused no little sensation in Dunedin, and indeed throughout all Australasia."

Lady Buckley is at present residing at Sfc. Leonards, in Sussex. Sir Patrick Buckley has cabled that business prevents his leaving the colony. Lady Buckley will therefore return to New Zealand shortly. There are not many •' stray " New Zealandors in Londou just now — most have fled before the advancing winter ; nor can we look for many new arrivals much before next April or May. But there seems to be a steadily growing tendency on the part of ex-colonists to settle down permanently in London and to take very kindly to London life.

Mr Percy Brown (of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand) and Mrs Brown have moved to Palliser road, a new and very pleasant part of West Kensington. Mrs Percy Brown (a daughter of Mr C. C. Graham, now of Dunedin) was formerly well known in the muaioal world of Wellington, and their house is a great resort of musical enthusiasts. They give most enjoyable musical afternoons, at which some very excellent vocal and instrumental music is heard, and where ex-colonists may often be met.

Mrs Percy Brown has devoted herself earnestly to vocalisation since settling in England, and has become a very admirable and artiatio singer. I heard her siDg several songs at a musical " at home" a day or two ago, and was greatly struck with the development of her voice and style. She would be an acquisition to the Now Zealand musical world if she should return to the colony. I met another musical ex-New Zealander at the same "at home" — Mr Baddeley, formerly of Christchurch, pupil of Mr G. F. Tendall, Mus. Bac. He is an excellent pianist, and played several pieces and accompaniments remarkably well and tastefully. He still takes much interest in New Zealand and in New Zealand music and musicians, and was specially anxious to hear of their progress in Christchurch. He does not seem to have any idea of returning to the colony at present. Quite a number of young ladies from Nelson are at present pursuing pheir arb otudicß in London. There are the Misses Fall (2), Catley (2), Atkinson, and Watson, and I believe one or two other a.

Mrs Thomas Flavell has made good progress in her chosen profession of masseuse, and has already had several patients whom she has

treated with complete success. Her change of residence to Plymouth will no doubt make a difference for a time, but Plymouth is a big place, and her skill and enthusiasm are sure to 11 bring grist to her mill. 1 ' I am still unable to learn anything about the Wellington bishopric. The Archbishop of York informed me a short time ago that nothing was yet settled. His Grace said, however, that he thought it very undesirable for the refusal of the bishopric by any clergyman to be mentioned, «*b this might seem to disparage the position by making it seem inferenlially an undesirable one. Of course I pointed out that it was almost impossible to prevent the fact oczing out of such offers and refusals haviDg occurred. I hear from another source that the post is under offer to another clergyman who has asked for time to consider the matter.

Mrs William Pharazyn has settled down for thp wiiiter in Dresden fof the sake of the bright, dry climate. Mrs PWasiyn had suffered much from influenza, and was advised not to risk another winter in England. I hear she haß derived great benefit from the change. Mr and Mrs D. S. Melville are still residing in Dresden, where they settled some years ago, on Mr Melville's retirement from his long service in the Union Bank of Australia, of which he was manager in several New Zealand cities. The excellent educational facilities offered by Dresden seem to attract a good many colonial and ex- colonial families thither. Quite an English colony is growing up there, and it is described as a very pleasant place socially. I am afraid the approach of Christmas is exercising an unfavourable influence on some branches of New Zealand trade. For instance, in regard to meat, all the run at this season is on roast beef and poultry, hence mutton is somewhat neglected. Butter ought to be in good demand, but the market is so sensitive and so easily glutted that the mere report of heavy Australian shipments being on their way has sent down Danish butter 9s per cwt, and this has reacted on the New Zealand product. Indeed the butter market is dull for all sorts except the finest qualities. But those engaged in the dairy trade continue to grumble at the gap of a whole month in the New Zealand shipments, which must result from the withdrawal of the Arawa from the direct service, without any other boat being even temporarily substituted. The Tongariro is just in, and there will be a whole month before the next ship, the Kaikoura, comes in. The commission agents say that this .sort of thing must not occur again if anything like a trade is to be maintained. It upsets all arrangements and throws everything out of gear. As I have so often impressed upon New Zealand dairy producers, regularity of supply and uniformity of quality are as important even as excellence. Of course it is not their fault tbat there has been this irregularity, but it is none the less unfortunate for them, and they will be the sufferers.

However, the new and splendid Gothic talc* s up the running this month, and should make up for all past inconveniences by the perfection of her provision for the dairy trade. .She has been visited by crowds of people since eke arrived at the Albert Docks, and the admiration has been universal. The Duchess of Albany duly inspected and admired her last Saturday, but I am not aware that H R.H. is a special authority on Bteamers. However, Royal patronage always tends towards popularity, and that is something !