McLean, brother in-law of Admiral Dewey, lias abandoned the latter in his candidacy for the Demo cratic nomination for Presidont, and has jumped into the front seat in the Bryan bandwaggon. London papers announce that a syndicate of northern capitalists, with unlimited wealth, is about to erect on the banks of the river Tees the largest armour plate works in the United Kingdom. The com mission includes the managers of the large steel companies and Stephen Furness, son of Sir Christopher Furness, ship owner, L ship builder, and engine builder. The New Zealand Natives Association held a smoke concert last night, there being a good attendance of visitors and members present. Songs and recitations were contributed by the President, the Rev. H. W. Williams, and Messrs i DeCosta, Paltridge, Robinson, Gush, Lewis, Smith, i Hill, Sampson, and McGregor, Mrs Reid i presiding at the piano. The proceedings ] closed with the singing of the National j ; Anthem. A number of new members j i were proposed. < In connection with the wreck of the ! U.S.S. Company's new steamer Kakapo at ' the Cape of Good Hope, several unsuc cessful attempts were made to get her off, and the company have been cabled by t their London office that the sea is break- 1 1 ing over the Kakapo, and that there is ] very little prospect of saving her. The 1 directors have lost no time in purchasing l by cable a new steamer to replace her. This steamer will leave Home in about a ] fortnight for Sydney direot. The Kakapo r cost £21,000, and was insured for £15,000, v No lives were lost by the wreck. t

Yet another Lincoln's-inn-h'elds firm of rolicitors— a great firm with a large number jf good families' affairs in its office — is in severe pecuniary difficulties. Mr Robson, well-known in connection with panoramic exhibitions, has arrived in nisborne, and opens at the Theatre Royal dii Tuesday evening, with his new kine matograph entertainment on " The War with the Boers." These views, which Mr Robson baa just received from South Africa, comprise a number of pictures of the battle of Gloncoe (the Hi at engage ment of the campaign), Elaudslaagto, Modrlor River, Spioukop and Tugola River, the surrender of Oronje, entrance of Lord Roberta into Bloemfontein. 