markß thereupon for a future letter. On Satur day, May 29, a banquet on a scale of great magnificence was given by J". C. Prost, Esq., Vice Consul of the Netherlands, to the captain and officers of H.N.M.s.s. ' D'Jambi.' The entertainment took place at the mansion of Mr. Prost, in Macquane-street ; the 6hte of colonial society were present, the customary post prandial speeches were made, and the company separated at midnight. Mr. Atkinson has been defeated in the Central Cumberland contest- the successful aspirant for legislative honors was Mr Macpherson; the latter had a majority of 80. Mr. Atkinson, it will be remembered, formerly represented this electorate, but re signed nis seat in consequence of a pressure of private business. Mr. Hill, or, as lie is known as " Professor " Hill, has been delivering lec tures on elocution, he lias been well backed up by the press, he is a man of education, but as a lecturer I think nothing of him. The action West i>. Hanson and another, has just terminated. The damages were laid at 42,000. The trial lasted nearly the whole day, at four o'clock the jury retired, remaining out of_ court about an hour, on their return a verdict was given for the plaintiff damages 2,000 shillings. Mr. William Bede Dalley, who appeared for the defendants, was " nobly eloquent," indeed, his address was extremely clever. A crowded and enthusiastic meeting was held (June 3rd) at the Temperance Hall, to consider the best means of indemnifying the proprietors of the Empire for their losses sustained in the late action. The attendance was very numerous. Dr. Lang, with his customary tact, made a long, rambling, yet still able address, the doctor was obliged to admit that lie had unjustly denounced the literary chief of the Herald — the D. D.'s excuse was in substance that lie had been misinformed. It was unanimously resolved that Messrs. Han son and Bennett should be held harmless ; but whether money enough, to defray the expenses entailed upon the defendants by the trial be obtained, is quite another affair. The new tariff recently agreed to by the commissioners at Melbourne, has caused great excitement in this city. 