He visited Sligo, his native place, and found that generally speaking, the position of the peasantry of IreUiid had undergone a very material change for the betler, and that everything appeared to be in a flourishing state. This is attri buted to the better land laws now obtain ing, which cause a compulsory reduction of rents by landlords. Out of the bubonic plague scare definite good has come to Sydney. The Mayor, recognising the value of early preparation for the worst that may be apprehended, has ordered that the city shall have a strict general clean-up. The inspector of nuisances and his helpers are now busily engaged in prying into all the dark and dirty corners of the back streets, removing objectionable matter, and fumigating slum dwellings. It is a pity that something as thorough as this has not been done periodi cally in the interest of public health.— Sydney Telegraph. The following letter from the Secretary of the Agricultural Department, Welliug ton, to the Normanby Horticultural Society is worthy of note by those inter ested in the fruit industry : — " Depart ment of Agriculture, Wellington, Decem her 10th, 1899. Sir,— This Department is desirous of leasing several orchards in different parts of the colony for the pur pose of conducting spraying experiments. Will you be good enough to inform me whether your society is aware of an avail able property suitable for the purpose ? I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, John D. Ritciue, Secretary. The construction of the dray road between Stratford and the Waikato is being pushed on by the Lands and Sur vey Department. The road has been formed for about 50 miles up from Strat ford, and a contract has jii3t been let for metalling the northern portion of it. The formation of the portion of the road from the Waikato down to the Mangaroa River has been completed and the work of bridging that stream is now proceeding at a satisfactory rate. There is only 20 miles of a gap, and where carriages can be driven all the way between Wellington and Auck land via the West Coast. The Greymouth Borough Council is about to call a statutory meeting to con sider the question of raising a £40,000 loan ; for a water supply £12,204, drainage £6621, public lighting £16,000, and street improvements £5175. 