_ The returns of immigration to and emigra tion from the colony for April show that the departures exceeded the arrivals by 495. The arrivals and departures were:— „.. ,„, , Arrivals. Departures. United Kingdom ... 131 317 New South Wales ... 352 691 Victoria ... ... 446 511 Queensland ... ... — 10 Tasmania ... ,„ 50 23 Other places... ... 119 131 Total ... ... 1098 1593

OUR RAILWAYS.
A GREAT IMPROVEMENT,

Wellington, May 31. So far during the current financial year the New Zealand Government railways have earned a net profit at the rate of 4| per cent, upon the capital invested in their : construction. The average rate of interest on the loans raised for this purpose is estimated as below this figure, so that the railways are now paying at least the full interest on their coßt. Bufc of course it is nofc .to be expected tbat this rate of profit can be maintained throughout tho whole year. There is thought, however, to be every reason to anticipate that the lines will pay fully 3 per cent.,this year unless an unforeseen check should occur.
DISASTROUS FIRE AT GREEN ISLAND.
