Tho Under Secretary of the Crown Lands Department has replied to the suggestion from the Land Board to the effect that the Minister of Lands cannot see his way to proposing the" amendmeafc of the Land Act for the relaxing of exist ing conditions as to improvements with a view of facilitating the acquisition of freehold. The Board decided to again approach the Government in the matter. The Board also resolved thab a case be stated for a judge _ of the Su preme Court, under section 52- °£ tho Land Act 1885, for his opinion on clause 16 of the Land 4 ct Amendment Act 1887, as to whether right exists" of acquiring freehold at any time during currency or perpetual leases and their renewal ; and also as to whether the words "all such improvements, if any, are required to be made" refer to perpetual leases, and, if so, whether such improvements mean the j whole of those required by section 149 of i the Land Act of 188<i and its amendment during the first six years of the lease, or only those required up to date of applica tion for such freehold. Last month the City Council decided to invite the various municipal bodies in the colony to send delegates to a conference to be held here next Parliamentary ses sion, with a view to securing some neces sary amendments to the Municipal Cor porations Act. Circulars have been sent out embodying a resolution and inviting suggestions in the matter. As bearing upon tho telegram from Auckland respecting the Newton seat, it may be mentioned that the Premier claims Sir George Grey Is on the Govern ment side. Speaking of the elections generally, Mr Ballance said it was the de termination of the Government to fight every election that occurred in the keenest possible manner. Ministers have had an invitation to a banquet which is to be given to Mr M'Guire by his constituents in celebra tion of the Egmont victory. 