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Patea Mail, 12 June 1882, Page 4

Population in this colony has increased at the high rate of about 80 per cent, during the three years ending 1881. The census taken at intervals of about three years shows the increases thus : —• 1858 ... ... ... 59-413 1861 ... ... ... 99-021 1864 ... ... ... 172-158 1867 ... 218-668 . 1871 ... 256-393 1874 ... ... ... 299-514 1878 ... 414-412 1881 ... 489-933 Political Committees for securing a share of the Government loan for public works have been formed for Otago and Canterbury. Members for the North Island have agreed also that the interior railway to connect Auckland with Wellington has an urgent claim for construction out of the next loan. It is considered certain that part of the Otago Central and part of the North Island Interior railways will be scheduled for construction out of the coming loan. The idea among politicians is that the loan will be for three millions. King Tawhaio promises to give up drinking. Here is a fine subject of conversion for Good Templars to take n hand. In his case the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Tawhaio and his boozing companions consumed a deal of liquor at the late native meeting;. but the grog bill remains unpaid, and the King has asked the Government to pay it. Mr Bryce says emphatically “ No.”

Mrs Dinah Mulock Craik, who is nearly always mentioned as the author of “ John Halifax, Gentleman,” has prepared for the press a volume of sketches under the title of “ Plain Speaking.”