■ ■ Complaints have been made by members of seyeraleouutrycorps that their attendance at the late encampment at;Oamaru has been un noticed. With regard to this matter, it may be explained that officers commanding were re quired to hand in their marching-in state to the commandant; but this was not done* in' 'several instances, and it is from this neglect that these companies were overlooked. The Waikouaiti Rifles, we are informed, attended the encamp ment and acquitted,themselves creditably. The Tuapeka Rifles also received commendation for ttieir drill, and also for their steadiness in the march past. In our report ;we omitted to men tion, in connection with the railway 'arrange ments, the name of Mr Crombie, stationmaster at Oamaru, and his staff, who worked-hard in despatching the crowded trains. ': ..'•' '~'■

-It is reported (says Truth) that after having retired on his pension, Sir Hercules Robinson intends, to live in New Zealand, a' colony of which-he waspnce Governor, and for which he has always had a great liking. ; ; '.: ;

; A visit from what is thought to be a real English swallow has created some exciteinerit at the Mosgiel Woollen Factory. Our correspond ent at Mosgiel inforins us that several persons who are supposed to be good judges are con vinced that the visitor is an English swallow, and it seems inclined to take up its quarters about the factory. -:-. : :^-;■'■:':/::'. -..,- ■''■■'. .. ;-•'••;■/; ■'■.':

At Friday's meeting of the Waikouaiti County Council Mr James Green tendered his resigna tion as chairman of the. council, giving as his reason that he found it necessary to take the step >o that he-- could protect the riding which he represented. :■■ Consideration of the matter •was held over till next meeting. .. .; -,

; From the current number of the "insurance and Financial Journal" we learn that Mr A. Hill Jack, the; general manager of the National-In surance Company since its initiation, leaves with his family for London, and, though iiot officially announced, is riot likely to return to the colony again. Radical changes are contemplated in the company's London office, and; the directors feel that Mr Jack is the one person beyond all others to undertake the duties and responsibilities of their London office. 