I have entered thus fully into the particulars of this case in order that it may come under the notice of the authorities, and that some steps may be taken to prevent such occur rences ; the one mentioned being but a solitary instance of the evil I complain about. A meeting of magistrates was held the other day, having been convened by his honor the Superintendent, for the purpose of considering the advisability of calling out the militia. It was decided that no steps whatever should at present be taken for the purpose. The natives throughout the province appear to be peaceably inclined, so far, at least, that they have as yet given no evidence that would lead to a contrary opinion. My remarks m a recent letter about Mr E J. Duncan, the manager of the N.Z S.N Com pany, have been made the subject of consider able discussion in Wellington. It appears that in giving a brief outline of a disagreeable posi tion in which Mr. Duncan was placed while m Austialia, I alluded to the gentleman implicated as "one of the not veiy efficient managers " of the company which he represents. In all truth this was a modified expression of public opinion, and the matter would have been better if it had rested where it was. But this would not suit Mr Duncan. He considered his " honor "at stake, and he was determined to vindicate his allowance of that valuable commodity at any hazard. With this view, having first obtained a copy of the Southern Ceoss, which con tained the statement impugning his efficiency, he was seen rushing about the town in search of some kindhearted individual who " would lay him on " the track of your unworthy " own correspondent " In vain were guesses hazarded — in vain were enquiries made by the n ate manager — your humble servant remained undiscoverable, and thus for this time escaped that most forcible of all persuasions — aiqu mentum hacuhnum But Mr. Duncan was not without his champions First in the field v* as the Independent, towhieh journal it isslylyhintedour worthy friend is a contributor, not that I v* oukl for a moment insinuate that ho wrote the article referred to, or even supplied the data on which it was founded. 