Wednesday.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 49, 27 March 1885, Page 11

Wednesday.

At the banquet at Hawera on Monday, the Hon. Mr. Buckley, in responding to the toast of " The Ministry," said he hoped that in a very short time there would be connection not only between New Plymouth and Foxton, bub between New Plymouth and Wellington, and New Plymouth and Auckland indirectly, if not directly. He also spoke of the importance of the frozen-meat industry to the Colony, and said that the Government would do all in their "power to foster that and other industries. — Mr. Bryce said he bailed with delight the completion of this and other railways, because when the main lines of railway were completed Parliament would have to consider the wisdom of continuing the policy of borrowing, the result of which, no doubt, must be an incubus on the Colony for years to come.— Major Atkinson avoided political subjects, because he intended in a few weeks to address bis constituents on political matters. In response to Mr. Buckley's high encomiums on the district, he said that he was very glad to hear them, because he intended to bring before Parliament next session the question of the advisability of connecting the district with Auckland, and he hoped to have the support of the Colonial Secretary and the Government of which he was a member. — Colonel Trimble expressed & hope that there would be no material change in the presenc system of local government. Mr. G. H. Greenaway, clerk of the court; at Russell, writes as follows concerning the Maori prophetess :: — ■' She is now impressing on her deluded followers that on the final day (28th insfc.) she may disappear through the European nation, and that if so they must Beck revenge. A very uneasy feeling prevails amongst settlers inland. Some intend moving their families, believing that, from fear of meeting her followers on that day, she may disappear, when, being in a state of religious frenzy, they may commit many rash acts. The numbers at her camp are now about 400, and daily increasing. This being the final week, many hundreds are expected from the North, Hokianga, and other parts. Having been so wasteful, food will be getting scarce." The statement made in the Pall Mall Gazette on the 9th March that the British Government-, in order to propitiate Prince Bismarck, had conceded the Huon Gulf and the territory to the north of it to Germany, has been confirmed.

Fifteen thousand Indian troops are ready to march to the Afghan frontier.

The medical advisers of her Majesty have ordered her to go on a •visit to Aix-les-Bains for the benefit of her health. Aix-les-Bains is situated in Savoy, France, and is much resorted to for its thermal waters.

It is announced that Senator Philips has been appointed American Minister at the Court of St. James, and for the future this appointment will not be subject to political changes, but will be of & permanent character.

Earl Dufferin, Viceroy of India, started on Monday for Bawul Pindi, in the Punjaub, in order to receive the Ameer of Cabul on his vißit to India.

In the laet engagement, on the road to Tamai, the loss among the British and Indian troops was 245. The Arab loss was 1500. Major- general MacNeill has been blamed for the engagement. In the House of Lords on Monday a message from the Queen was read, in reply to the address adopted on the motion of Earl Wemyss, conveying the tbauks of the House for the acceptance of the loyal offer by New South Wales of troops for the Soudan, and

expressing satisfaction that the offers of the other colonies woald be accepted at the right time. Her Majesty's message stated that she was highly gratified at the loyalty and patriotism displayed by the Australian colonists.

Sir Henry Bruce, M.P. for Coleraine. oa behalf of the Conservative party, has given notice in the House of Commons of a motion censuring the action of the Government in agreeing to a European Convention for the settlement of Egyptian affairs.