Owing to the want of a drainage system in the town, the people of Otaki are now labouring under a difficulty as to what to do with their soapsuds. The Road Board threatens prosecution, but are unable to tell the perplexed householders how to get rid of the refuse. The difficulty of draining Otaki will always be great, unless an elaborate scheme is carried out and\a good Stun of money spent; but that it will have to be done sooner or later is recognised by all who live in the place. Three chemists have visited Shannon within a fortnight to see what opening there is for business. Two more Chinamen hare also been looking round. If there .Wefe to let they would be quickly iakep uj£ bdt there are rioiie. rfild private fbsideiicbs ate itfc a ditep.tiiii; trip: lent-s rati be Seen here add tliere;— Mana wa tu Farrier:

flie Mori Mr Cadniari is expected iS ac tive front the North by Friday night’s tfairi. All tHd Ministers arc due in Wel lington by tHe 18th instant; Hi order that a full Cabinet meeting may be held: The members of Mr Bell’s election com • niittee and those who worked in his interest at the recent contest were entertained at a picnic at his country residence, Lowry Bay, on Wednesday. The tugs Duco and Mana had. been chartered to convey the' picnickers across the harbour, but the number was so great that it was found necessary to re quisition the Stormbird, and even then the Duco had. to make two trips to the scene of operations. Between 1500 and 2000 per sons of both 6exes, young and old, were present, and spent a very pleasant time in the beautiful grounds attached to Mr Bell s residence. The host and hostess, assisted by a number of friends, did their best to make the affair a success, and swings, cricket and other games' were provided for the juvenile girtion of the visitors. Minifie’s String and was in attendance and played a good selection of ’music, and the catering, which was in the hands of Messrs Godber and Bowley, was all that could be desired. 