In the New Zealand Gazette of 16th July, 1899, the wheat on hand and avail able for all purposes as from 28th February, 1899, was stated at 13,308,214 bushels. This has been disposed of as follows : — For seed : 265,959 acres, at two bushels per acre, 531,918 ; consumption for population of 790,000 at six bushels for nine months, 3,555,000 ; wheat and flour exported from •28th February to 30th November, 1899, 2,718,803; total, 6,805,721 bushels, leaving on hand at 30th November, 1899, 6,502,493 bushels. The amount, however, returned as on hand at that date is 4,863,145 bushels, .leaving a deficit of 1,039,347 bushels. It is evident that the wheat on hand has been largely under estimated, in addition to which a considerable quantity was damaged both in stook and stack, and in all proba bility much of this has not been returned.
ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.
(Per Press Association.)

Inveroarcill, this day. A lad named Chambers, the son of a Venetian blind maker, was drowned whilst bathing at Waihopai.
Dunedin, this day. William Kirby, aged 26, died al Kaitangata early this morning from sun' stroke.
THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.
OUTBREAK AT RIO.
Electric Telejrraph-Conyrlght— United Press Aflsorintjon (Received Jan. 31, 10. a.m.)

Sydney, Jan. 31. The Canadian mail brings news of an outbreak of bubonic plague at Rio Janiero.
OSMAN DIONA IMPRISONED FOR LIFE.
(Electric Telegraph -Copyright— United Prcsß

Association)

Cairo, Jan. 29. Osman Digna has been imprisoned for life at Rosetta.
BRITISH & FOREIGN.
(Eloctric Telegraph- Cnpyritrht— Unitoil Pross Association )

ST. PETERSBURG. Jan. 29. A Nihilists' plot has been discovered at Warsaw and St. Petersburg. One hundred and fifty arrests were made.
Russian newspapers predict tiie gradual partition of China. Some prophesy a Russo-Japanese alliance.
AUSTRALIAN.
Electric Tolegraph— Copyright— United Press Apaocintion.
SYDNEY, Jan. 30.
