the approaching general elections. The absentees from the division li^t were — Messrs J. "W. Kelly (Invercar gill), Mackintosh (Wallace), Maslin (BaDgitata), Pirani (Palmerston N.), b'aunders (Selwyn), th J. Smith (Christcburch), E. Thompson (Mars den), and Ward (Awarua). OE these the hon. member for Selwyn had previously taken a vote on an amend ment on the motion, also condemna tory of tbe administration of the Government, and the ex-Colonial Treasurer refrained from voting for obvious reisons. The member for Onehunga, who occupies the Speaker's chair, of course did not vote. What excugeß Messrs J. W. Kelly, Mackintosh, Maslin, Pirani, G. J. Smith, and E. Thompson will make to their constitutions for not voting on a " no confidence " motion remains to be seen, but they •will find the electors very hard to persuade that their interests were best served by the pusilanimous behaviour of these invertebrate members of the House of Kepresentatives, who had not the courage of their opinions — whatever they may be — and refused to record their votes on so crucial a question aB that of a "no confi dence " motion. It is the last time most of them will have an opportu nity of taking part in such a trial of party strength we fancy.
AFRICAN AFFAIRS. THE MATABELE RISING.
(By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) (Per United Press Association.) Capetowk- August 7. Bereßford'3 infantry tupported by Maxim gun.t, was advancing on Kopfe, held by the Matabele, when a Btrong force of the latter from ambush only forty yards off charged them. A most dfr> sperate struggle took place, and fighting was the hottest seen there. Beresford finding himself hardly pressed signalled for support, and it was in advancing to \m aid that Major Kershaw was Btot,

CRICKET. AUSTRALIANS IN ENGLAND.
