“A new plan for a Polar expedition,’’ Public Opinion states, “ has been submitted by several officers of tbe Russian navy to the Minister, Admiral Shestakoff. Starting with tbe conviction that it ia impossible to reach tbe North Pole by sea on account of the islands that surround the Polar region, the Russian officers propose to start an expedition in sledges from the New Siberian Islands, which are 900 nautical miles distant from the goal. This space is to he covered by sledge parties, who would make depots of provisions in the newly discovered islands, and tins slowly but surely advances towards the securing at the same time the return journey of the expedition. When elaborated, the scheme will be sub mitted to the learned societies of Russia, and the necessary funds raised partly by sub scription, though it is probable that, if the Government approves it, it will advance at least part of the expenses. Indeed, it is pro bable that if any feasible scheme for reaching the Pole, either by way of the New Siberian Islands or by way of Franz Josef Land, were presented to Mr Oscar Dickson, he would be inclined to give it bis favorable consideration and active support; only he would, no doubt, require that Baron Nordenskjild should be tbe leader. When we remember the obstacles met with by the poor Jeannette party in tbeir escape over the very route prooosed in the Russian plan, we confess that we are very doubtful of its feasibility. So far as infor mation goes at present, it seems that Franz Josef Land would be a more hopeful basis than the New Siberian Island?.”

The s.s. Wanaka, due here early this after noon from Lyttelton, brings up the Te Anaii’s English and Australian mails. Mr E. Arnold, whoso shop is situated near the Fire Brigade Strtioa iu Courtenay-place, announces that he is selling off baskets, per ambulators, &c. Mr Arnold's workmanship is usually of the highest class. The sale of plate glass-mirrors, English furniture, &c., by Dtvan and Co. co-morrow, bids well to be a success. We have seen many d : splavs of imported furniture, but a more reohiercl.e display we have not witnessed ' before. Keeu competition is sure to be the result. Some people’s ideas as to what constitutes drunkenness are peculiar. 