[t,q the editor. ] Sir — As I have instructed my solicitor to take proceedings against Mr Joyce in respect of the statements contained in his letter, published in your issue of yester day's date, I shall refrain from making any comments upon it, leaving my vindi cation to a court of justice. ' ■■■ i ' ■ ' J am, &c;, • ••' RoiAtf d Davis,

LATEST TELEGRAMS.
[NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, May 22. The Government have granted Mr Mac andrew's request for a dissolution of the Otago Provincial Council. Two large meetings held in Rangitikei have endorsed the separation movement. Christchuroh, May 22. The Superintendent, in forwarding to the Council a communication on the Nel son Inland Communication Committee, expressed an opinion unfavorable to give a Waste Lands subsidy towards the con struction of any railway, as also to the Province incurring any liability for the construction of any railway beyond its own bonndary. Dunedin, May 22. There are two candidates for Colonial scholarships. Invercargill, May 22. The election took place to-day, as fol lows : — Cuthbertson, 159; Wood, 144. GrRAHAMSTOWJN", May 22. Mitchell, who resided two years at Ohinemuri, has abandoned his place and come in with his wife, not considering it safe to remain there any longer. It is reported the natives there have been con sulting as to making a night attack on the Thames Gold Fields. Auckland, May 22. Affairs in the Waikato are darkening, and it is generally believed war will ensue, and that the first hostile shot will shortly be fired by the Maoris. The press unanimously demand the seizure of Kawhai, as a guarantee for the surrender of the murderers and as a base of opera tion in the event of hostilities.
