It is stated here that no speoial'or private intimation was received relative to the beer duty, but that the merchants and brewers who got rid of their stooks did so because, of the Hon. Mr Whitaker's statement in the Legislative Council. -He is , reported in "Hansard" to have said—"l am afraid that my hon. friend's (Col. Whitmore) beer also will, have to bear taxation as, well as his pro perty." The matter is under consideration. This however does not explain how it was known, more than twelve hours before the .financial statement was delivered, here that the tax would be 6d per gallon. There is some excitement about a reported gold discovery in the Mohaka district, and half a dozen parties are working on the reefs. Some stone whioh was alleged to have been taken from Thompson's olaim yielded at the rate of 20ozs. to the ton. Many doubt whether the stone was obtained there. There is nothing to justify a rush. Both papers here- support the beer, tax, although the " Herald" regards it as exces sive. The petitions against it are being largely signed by the publio. A meeting of the Licensed Victuallers Association took place yesterday, when they carried a resolution that " the Licensed Vic tuallers of Hawke's Bay deem the imposition of sixpence per gallon on colonial and im ported beer to be a great injustice to the trade and. the general public, and that it is a gross injustice to place suoh an imposition upon.a colonial industry that is already heavily taxed. A copy of this resolution to be for warded to the members of the House repre senting this province." It was resolved to place petitions in eaoh of the. hotels for sig nature, praying that the tax be abolished. WRLLLNGTON, June 11. The following message has been received by Dr. Lemon from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, for circulation to the Irish relief committees in New Zealand: — "While acknowledging with the utmost gratitude the magnificent contributions received, I feel bound to say furl—er that any assistance which can be extended will be much needed during the next two months. I would there fore ask that your subscription .lists_ be not and that any further contributions may be forwarded." • •. 