1 » (By Teleoraph.) Wellington, Aug. 3. Negotiations between tho Government and the 'Cablo [Company, for a reduction of rates on the New Zealand cable, have failed. They have been going on for tho lnst twelve months, and it was understood that Government were endeavouring to got both ordinary and Press rates reduced, at the same time that charges from Europe to Australia woro lowered. The latter havo been reduced for Press messages from 6s 5d to 2s 8d per word but no corresponding change has boen made on tbo New Zoaland cable. Tho Company asks for a subsidy for ten years instead of five, but Government have finally concluded to do nothing at all m the matter, and to leave the company to act as they please. In those circumstances tho prospect is thai instead of the public and tho Press of Now Zealand being enabled to share m tho great reductions allowed to Australia, present rateß will bo raised instead of being lowered.
AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH.
(Bir Telegraph.] Auckland, Aug. 3. At a meeting of the Auckland Presbytery Mr Alex, Thomson, of East Tamaki, an elder, was seized with a fit of apoplexy and died m two minutes. Tho Presbytery at once adjourned. The deceased's golden wedding waß colobratad a week or two ago.
THE MISSING TOURIST.
