Whereas in 18S1 fully two and a half per cent, of the total deaths were due to cancer, tha percentage in 1898 was no less than six and a half ; that 13 to say, that out of 7244 deaths 471 were caused by this disease. — N.Z. Times. The Esteve Steel Company offered to experiment wjth Taranaki ironsand. The cost of the experiment, £100, to be borne by the Government. If the company prove that high-class steel is procurable from New Zealand ironsand, as good and as cheap as Sheffield crucible, the Govern ment must purchase the process for £25,000. For producing Siemens steel they will require £40,000 cash and royal ties. Mr Sedtlon wrote od December 19 last that the Government was unable to accept the company's terms. Indignation has been aroused in Napier at the fact that although ' Lieutenant Berry, formerly of that town, died when ou active service in South Africa some weeks ago, neither the Defence Depart ment nor the War Office has given his widow and two children any monetary assistance. Up to a few days ago the only money given to Mrs Berry from any public source was £10 voted to her by the Patriotic Committee in Napier, and she is now being supported by her parents. Her husband's life was insured for £250, but owing to delay in getting proof of death, the amount his not yet been paid over. The Napiar Borough Council has voted Mrs Berry £10 per mouth for to or three months, aud has also decided to com municate with the Defence Department regarding her case. The Academy of Music was last evening tho scene of a bright and attractive gather ing, when a grand fancy dress ball was held in connection with tho loianthe Assembly dances, the season beinjj brought to a conclusion last night. There was a largo attendance, upwards of a hundred couples being present, whilst a number of spectators had seats on the stage and in the gallery. Tho ball was a decided success, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, A number of strikingly hand some costumes were worn by the ladies and gentlemen present, and the scene iD the hall whilst dancing was going on was a mosb animated one. The members of the committee, which consisted of Messrs Quigley, fekillicorn, Wallace, Sheridan, Hush, and J. 