We do not suppose there is a journey in England attended with the expense and risk of travelling in com pajiy with one or two prisoners, as there would be between. Hokitika and Lyttelton. Speaking of the class of prisoners in the Colony, the Inspector says :— " The majority of male criminals in New Zealond prisons is, I am glad to find, not of the habitual and hardened class, but is composed rather of inci dental offenders, who have been driven to crime under the stimulus of driok, and many of them may therefore be deemed not wholly dishonest or irre claimable. To give to such prisoners

Peake was proposed as President by Mr D. Beujamin and seconded by Mr J. Chesney; for Vice-President, Mr A- W. Bock was pro posed by Mr J. Chesney, seconded by MrW. Hilldrup; aud Mr W. Heinz, proposed by Mr A. W. Bock, seconded by Mr D. Cullen, for the Treasurerskip. The three proposi tions being carried unanimously, Messrs Peake, Book, and Heinz briefly returned thanks, and the meeting separated. Mr Rolleston, bus, at last, signified that the Government intend to recognise the claim of the Huu Hau Tramway Company, by placiug a sum on tho Estimates for the purpose of liquidating this long outstanding liability of the late Proviueial Government of Westland. .The amount to be set down has not yet transpired, but it will be satis factory to the sbareho'ders to know that the tacit consent of the Government to settle the claim, by some monetary payment, haß been given. Mr Mack Alexander's benefit will take place this evening at the Town Hall. Mr Alexander has baea detained some two months iv Hokitika through illness, and purposes proceeding to Christchurch next week, where ho is offered an engagement. The programme is an psccllent one, and nearly all the leading amateurs of the town will take part in it. Mr Lissant will also sing some favorite songs. A large number of tickets have been sold, aiul there is cortain to be a crowded house. The County Chairman leaves for Welling ton via Christchurch, by coach, this morning. The building at the new rush, known as Jolly's Restaurant, will be disposed of to-day by public auction, by Messrs Wade and Bpence, at 1 o'clock. 