SMUGGLING REPOETED TO BE PREVALENT.
(Pbb United Press association.>

- ; ~ ;, ;\ , /Wellington, May 8. A gentleman in Wellington, who was for many years, connected with the Police department, in forms the Post; that smuggling is carried on,to such an extent that the colony is.losing revenue at the rate of £250,000 per annum : and expresses an opinion that increased vigilance on the part' of the customs authorities would prevent a good deal of this illicit trade. 'An informant men tions a case where a certain tradesman in Auck land was recently offered, the opportunity of purchasing a ton of tobacco^ at Is per pound,; landed from a whaling vea'sel on a part of the coast which is not frequently visited by human beings. ' - . *'. ■

THE CHIEF RAILWAY. COMMIS SIONER IN AUCKLAND.
