Only the seats of the four Ministers mentioned in yesterday's telegram will be uncontested at the forthcoming elections. All the other seats will be contested. The delivery of exhibits at the Exhi bition building has commenced. Sailed—Te Anau, for Bluff, yesterday. SYDNEY, July 7. In the Legislative Assembly last night, the Bill for imposing the new taxes on wool, coal, and stock was.read a second time on a division by a majority of two. It is considered doubtful whether the Government will proceed with the measure in face of such a small ma jority. BRISBANE, July 7. Parliament was opened yesterday by the Acting-Governor who, in his speech on the occasion, announced that Bills would be submitted for a railway to the Gulf of Carpentaria, for the augmentation of the revenue and for other objects. After the meeting of Parliament the leader of the Opposition presented a petition from Mr Hemmant, formerly Colonial Treasurer, but now residing in England, charging the Pre mier with maladministration of the business of the colony during his visit to England. Mr Mcllwraith, the Premier, made a statement replying effectively to Mr Hemmant's charges.
NEW ZEALAND.
fp_B PBBSS ASSOCIAT-ON SPECIAL WIBB J

AUCKLAND, July 7.
At the annual meeting of shareholders of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agenoy Company, Dr. Campbell presided. He said that the business as, administered by the Board of Directors continued to be most satisfactory and encouraging. The two retiring directors were re-eleoted, and Mr W. J. Taylor was ap pointed colonial auditor. The license fees received by the Auckland County Counoil amount to £3715. A true bill was found against Coombs for embracery. In the case of the robbery of the mail bag the Grand. Jury made a presentment condemning the carelessness with which mail bags are carried.
