Kegarding the aspect of election matters theN. Z. Times says :—The province of Can terbury, up to the present time, shows by fur the greatest amount.of .political activity in.' preparation for the coming general election. It is more than probable that-every seat in Canterbury will be hotly contested/and we should not be surprised to find that many changes in the representation will be made. We need not enumerate the list of'candidates* declared or mentioned as probable, but in several electoral districts-five or six candi dates arc announced; J Otago will likewise send several new men to the General Assem bly, but we-incline 'to' the! opinion than' -ml

Nelson, Marlborougb\and the "West Coast most of the present members y.-ill be return-' cd. The Grey Valley constituency is anxiotts to elect Sir Julius Vogcl, but the Govern ment .have already premised- on his behalf that if elected for Wanganui he will sit for that "constituency. There are two seats for Wanganui, and the return of Mr Bryce, the present .member, and Sir Julius Vogel is considered certain. Meanwhile; twor local candidates besides these gentlemen "are in the field. The Manawatu constituency will be contested, Mr Walter Johnston, the sitting member, being;opposed,by: Dr."'Buller, whose practice at the Hew Zealand bar affords him ; icm.ple leisure for. the study .of political, science. Mr Johnston's return is a certainty. Rangitikei will also be: contested^' biit' Mr Ballance;iacquitted; 'himself :sov-welb last session thafche'is'not'likely-to he- disturbed. The Wellington ■ country1 districts aii'd Wai rarapa promise to be contested, with what result remains to be "seen: Hawke's Bay Taranaki, and "Aucldahdi -are-beginning to show sighs of political, vitality; ancVmany of the seats will be contested: It is satisf ac-: tory! to know that' the;people are beginning to take;:a lively'interest iu^ colonial politics; iThis result has been largely brought about by the Abolition 'of Proviuces Act of last

session: \. ..:,-•■ \\-.'i; .-.-..•..•;.■ .-.:.;:;;•■; ~ Wellington has some extr aOTdihary'attrac tions to the ere sv of the ship Herschell. Re-, centiy'six;m:ep'a'e'sei't^ seaman5 was drowned'ini attempting to.swim 1 ■ashore, add' itraddition' to this',four others' have been" 'brought-''-up'! for >l refusing' duty. .They had no coniplaint'against the Captain, ■ but simply wished to remain in Wellington' ■ i .i:i.. -v :■} ! ■ • jiin-iirV; i-.ayi- i. <:,:. i jMr Charles Chavannes has. been appointed j local agent for'Mr Young's coaches, vice Mr J. E. Wright resigned. 