A curious rumour has been gaining J increased currency during the past few days as to the real purpose of Sir Arthur Gordon's visit to Kawau. It is that Sir Arthur's object was to see, on behalf of the Imperial Government, whether rfir George Grey would be willing to return to hU old governorship at the Cape, with a view to settling the increasing difficulties between the Boers and the native tribes of the interior and the colony. Certainly, from the universal respect and affection felt for Sir George at the Cape, no one could hope to cope with these difficulties so success fully, or to secure confederation so readily as he could. It is further rumoured that Ministers were made aware by hir Arthur i of the purpose of his visit to Kawau before I proceeding there.
Mr Henri Ketten, the renowned pianist and musical composer, will give the first of a short series of recitals this evening in the Theatre Koyal. The gentleman comes with the highest credentials, while the reports of his success in Australia have long ago prepared the local dilettanti for a rich treat. It will be noticed that the programme of to-night's recital includes some of Mr Ketten's own compositions.
We understand that the following gentle. men have consented to act on the general committee in connection with the visit of the Australian cricketers: The Hon. F. Whitaker (Attorney-General), J. M. Clark (Mayor of Auckland), AY. J. Hurst (M.H.R.), T. Peacock, Henry Brett, Jas. Russell, T, Macky (senr.), and James Phil son, Esqs.
