Happily it is seldom that tho com munity is touched as it has been this week (writes tho Melbourne Argus of the 27th ultimo) by the terrible mor tality of tho family of Mr W. H. Steel) Inspoctor.general of Public Works, A week ago that family was intact but it has beon almost annihilated by the scourge of dipthoria, which, on Saturday bore off two sons, on Monday took away a daughter, and on Wednesday proved fatal to the lather, leaving the mother with one Infant, Our contemporary points oiit that if these four had been slain in their beds by somo vile mur derer a cry of vengeance would have rung through tho community, but as they were done to death by. a diseaso which is a disgrace, and visits the com munity because it is nut mindful. ot sanitary requirements, little is said about thorn,

A moeting of creditors intho estate of William Booth, junr, laborer, was held' in the Courthouse, Carterton, on Satur day, 11th, at 2,30 p.m. Tho Deputy Assignee presided, and explained that the meeting was convened for 9.30 a,in, but ho had Bent a telegram to Mr Middle ton, solicitor to adjourn the meeting, but unfortunately that gentleman had gono to Greytown before the telegram reached Carterton. The Deputy Assignee stated that he was instructed to state that the debtor was entitled to £IOO under his grandfather's will, which would pay wages in full, and giye a dividend ot 12s 6d to unsecured creditors. Mr W. Booth, of Carterton, who was presont, said he was prepared to pay the wages at once, but he expected the unsecured creditors would give timo for their divi dends. Mr W. P. Allen proposed, and Mr Dellar seconded," that tho creditors are prepared to aCcopttho terms offered, but the otlicr assots in tho estate to he availablo for the creditors." This was carried, aud Mr Moriarty proposed, seconded by Mr Allen, that the debtor be recommended for his immediate discharge, The motion was carried. 