Thore arc many ways o’ looking at things, A real Aberdeenian—it would be interesting to know the conjunction of the planets when he was born—is credited with refusing a large legacy, because his circumstances were such as to prevent his paying the taxes upon it. The whalers in Queen Charlotte Sound have captured five whales this season, representing about 20 tons of oil. Messrs Greensill and Co. have already shipped 66 barrels, and have 90 more to go. If the whalers go on at this rate through the season, they will net a large sum. In the House on Wednesday night the. second reading of the District Railway Purchasing Act, 1885, Extension and Amendment Bill was carried by 28 to 21. The Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill was received by message from the Governor and passed through all •Uge» without discussion*

There is now a railway in Asia Minor which traverses some of the country in which the Apostle Paul performed his mis-, sionery labors. It runs near the sites of several of the “ seven churches ” men tioned in the Book of Revelation. Mr S. J. Maoalister, late Chief Pos’- master, on Saturday night received another token of the esteem in whiih lie is held throughout the district, a hand some oruet and preserve jar being pre sented to him by the mail carriers of Marlborough. The presentation was made by Mr Clark (Clark and Pickering) and Mr Allen (Kaikoura). It is curious fact, thongh the late Lord Redesdale succeeded his father in 1830, he was unable to take bis seat in the House of Lords for several months, ab the certifi cate of his baptism could net be found,the the ceromony having taken * place in the house,and no legal record having been pre served. The late Lord Chesterfield was kept out of the House for nearly two years through a similar difficulty. A meeting of the members of the old Aits and Industrial Society was held last night, Resolutions were passed authoris ing a public meeting called by the Presi dent to elect a committee of management with fail power to appoint and remove officers and to repeal and make rules. The meeting has already been convened for Monday next at 8 p.m. at the Insti tute. 