Tv Tawhiao's brother is a dif ferent stamp, but no importance is attachec to hia succession, Tawhiao, with all hii weaknesses and frailties, is a fond and affec tionate father, and the faithful nursing o his favourite son in his last illness revealed thi boat traits in his character. One result of tin sitting of the Native Lauds Court at Otoro hanga, aud the investigation into tho titl< of the King country lias been to practically bar Tawhiao's claims, and the aged monarol now finds himself alike landless and power less. Wahanui, the potential representative of the landowners, will, however, see in dvi time- that fitting provision is made by thi ' Kgatimaniapoto for Tawhiao and the landles Waikatos. If Wahanni could be prevailei upoa by the Native Minister to take a seat ai » Native representative in the General As sembly, or to accept elevation to the Legisla fcive Council, a vast stride would be made t< the final solution of the Native question, as hi possesses practically the brains of the Kinj party. Our harbour defences are being pushed 01 apace, and Major Boddam, at present here 01 an official visit, has been much pleased will the work executed, everything being go in readiness for the heavy guns now on thi road out from Home. Large quantities o torpedo stores are now being landed from thi Piako, from London, nothing being wantinf save a cable for the submarine mines. Tin electric light apparatus is being prepared and the electric search light will be thi finest in the colony. Our torpedo corps is be ing made up to its full strength, and drille< in torpedo, work by Lieutenant Falconer who is proving an excellent officer forth' post. Major Boddam leaves Auckland abou the end of this week for Christchurch am Dunedin to inspect tho torpedo stores a those ports. Cr Devore has now become mayor elect and will shortly have the opportunity o giving tho citizens a taste of his quality a: chief magistrate. He gracefully solicited Mayor Waddell to propose his nomination 80 that all the (feuds over the threatenet fourth term were discreetly buried. As was predicted, the City Council, after swallowing the pill of retrenchment holus bolus, is nov engaged in the work of undoing most of thi reforms they ccnteinplated, so that little wil be left worth fighting for. 