Mr W. Gordon Macpherson, M.A., the late Diocesan Inspector in Auckland, arrived home by the Buteshire about ten days ago. He has settled down for the time being at the Norfolk Hotel, Padding ton, and talks of writing a volume of t( lmpressions of New Zealand, and doing other literary work —that is, of course, if he can get any. Sir Percy Fielding, Lady Louise I leld ing, and Miss Fielding have booked passages for New Zealand by the K M.fe. Ophir, sailing September 21st. Colonel Edmund Leach, C. 8., who acted as deputy assistant-adjutant-general in the New Zealand war of 1863-66, has just been appointed to the command of the troops in the West Indies with temporary rank as major-general. Miss Wolfe Murray, who accompanied the Duchess of Buckingham upon her “ Pour Continents ” expedition, and whose lovely portrait is one of the most attractive features of Her Grace’s “ impressions,” is engaged to Lord Elibank’s eldest son, the Master of Elibank. L’lie marriage will take place a week after the Duchess’ union to Lord Egerton, of Tatton. During the visit of the International Congress of Journalists to the Laesken Palace last Thursday, the Australasian delegate, Mr W. H. Triggs, was specially singled out by the chatty old King of the Belgians for a talk. His Majesty asked a number of questions about New Zealand and the frozen meat trade, and said he greatly wished the latter could be ex tended to Antwerp. He added that he had heard much of the scenery of the Hot Lakes and Southern fiords of New Zealand, and finally wound up most graciously as follows: —“I should like, cher monsieur,” lie said, shaking Mr Triggs’ hand cordially, "I should like to meet you again in your pwn country, but, alas! I fear I am too old

f now.” The Queen and Princess Clementine also reserved some of their sweetest smiles and most sugary compliments for the for tunate Australasian delegate. Mr Henry Thompson, who arrived Homo about a month ago, has already arranged to return to the Colony. He will probably sail for America by the Cunard liner Cam pania next month, but is undecided whether he will continue the homeward trip by way of San Francisco or by the already open section of the much-vaunted “ all red route.”

As I half suspected would be the case, Mr Chris. 