Mr Alexander McKay, F.G.H., and assis tant ia the Government Geological Depart ment, has perfected a photographic camera and combination lens, bs .whinh i^t- » taien rUi^-jj -rhr™_«id objects sixteen miles distant from his lens. Tho Government consider that Sir Julius Yogel baa no claim on tho colony. Mr Chap man, solicitor, will probably be instructed to act with the Solicitor- General m contesting the case. Messrs Bell, Gully, and Izird have been retained for Sir Julius, Air 801 l having previously conducted the claim when it was beforo the Public Petitions Committee of the House of Representatives m 1885. Tho Poßtmaster-General has not yet re ceived a reply from tho United States Government m answer to his messogo asking whether the Mails Subsidy Bill had passed both branches of the Amorican legislature. Unless a reply be received to-morrow Mr Mitchelson will again wiro, asking tho fate of the Bill. In tho event of the Bill having passed, the Government will at once recom mend the renewal of the San Fraccisco ser vice, and they have no doubt that their pro posals will be adopted. OHBISTOHUBOH, Jclt 28. Harriett, wifo of Charles Mattin, of Wad dington, was found drowned iv a water race there yesterday. Sho had been under treat ment for insanity. Frederick Marsland Hadfield, formerly of the City Hotel, was committed for trial to day on threo chargeß of forging tho name of William Goodwin to cheques on the Bank of New South Wale 9, aggregating £132. Josoph Harrop was charged with him, bnt the infor mation was dismissed. All the cheques wero cashed at the bank. There are seven more charges against Hadfield, m two of which Harrop ia implicated. Mr James Campbell, formerly of Messrs Acland and Campbell, and for six years auctioneer for the National Mortgage and Agency Company, who ib leaving for Qiabome to join Meaßra Cameron and Shelton, was to-day presented with a purso of sovereigns The presentation was made m tbo presence of a largo representative gathering by Mr John Anderson, junior, president of tho Agricul tural and Pastoral Association. Tho presi dent of the Chamber of Commerce and other gentlemen spoko m highly eulogistic torms of ilr Campbell's ability and probity. A meeting of wool buyers has decided that tho holding of wool Bales at Ashburton, Hangioro, and Amberley, is opposed to the best interests of buyers and collars. 