ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT). London, July 29.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 221, 24 September 1887, Page 5

ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT). London, July 29.

Messrs Pettifc and Grundy's " BeHs, of Haslomere," the Australian rights of which have already been sold, was produced at the Adelphi Theatre last night. Mr William Westgarth, the great AngloAustralian financier and loan agent, contemplates a visit to the scenes of his childhood. Messrs Griffith and Farran have engaged Mr Douglas Sladen to prepare a selection from the Australian poets for their "Canterbury" series. Now Zealand and Now Zealanders are to be included, so Mr. Blackman, "Paddy Murphy," Mr John L. Kelly and others should be " on the spot." The book will go to press in November. Mr S W. Chesson is once more upon the war-path apropos of kidnapping in the Paciric. In the "Times" last week he describes some scandalous cases at the New Hebrides. Young Lord Dudley made his first appearance in London last week since his return from Australia. He seems a fine, manly young fellow, and created a very good impression. Sir Stephen Walcott, K.C.M.G., one of the greatest authorities on emigration, is just dead. Tho following exasparating paragraph appeared in Wednesday morning's papers : "The mail from New Caledonia brings some fresli intelligence of the efforts of the French to strengthen their position in the New Hebrides. A report is given by tho French Agent of Colonization on the condition of the French settlers there, which ho represents to be remarkably thriving. He proceeds to state that France has no such healthy colony, exception being made of New Caledonia, Tahiti, and St. Peter, off Newfoundland. A number of emigrants have turned the concessions given them by the New Caledonian Government to marvellous account. One of thorn leaped a harvest of Indian corn amounting to sixty beven tons, and the cultivation of bananas, for which there is an extensive market in Australia, is carried on prosperously. The New Hebrides tobacco is of the iinest sort, and is likely to be in good demand for making cigars. Mr Thomas Whistler, chief officer of the well-known Australian liner Ennerdale, has been awarded the Albert Medal for twice saving life under cireuniftanees of the greatest difficulty and danger. Once was off Cape Horn in the depth of winter, and ahet t time the .ship was going several knots an hour. The water was bitterly cold, and a huge albatros hoveied above the two men preparing to attack them. The bird had to be beaten oft" by a boathoolc before the boat's crew could save them. VVilliamson'fe agent in London has secured the Antipodean right*, of the highly successful Court comedy. " Dandy Dick." After the production of his forthcoming opera, " Dorcas," at the new Lyric Theatre, Mr Alfred Cellier will return to Melbourne, and {superintend the Australian companies in that work and " Dorothy."' An intci eeting commentary upon the character of the distinguished company which attended the recent ceremonies in connection v\ ith the laying of the foundation stone of the Imperial Institute is to be found in the fact that no less than thirteen notorious pickpockets were arie=ted whilst plying their vocation within tho pacied ptecincts of the Royal Pavilion. Tickets for this enclosure were (as I told you) nominally most difficult to obtain. It would beinsliuctive to learn from whom these " exclusive " visitors obtained them. Sir Arthur Blyth and other well-known Anglo-coloni.sts attended the annual dinner of the Savage Club on Saturday week. Lord Dunraven, who is just about starting for Australia, occupied the chair and delivered a portentously dull "jubilee" speech. lam afraid this ex Under-Sccre-tary for the Colonies is not likely to make a favourable impression at, the Antipodes I was sa/ily disappointed both with the matter and manner of his speech. Mr. Henneker Heaton rejoices greatly in the reinstatement of Sir J. Pope Henneesey at Mauritius From the first he worked hard in the shelved Governor's cause, indeed there can be no doubt the latter owes him a warm debt of gratitude. Mr and Mrs Heaton f-ail for Sydney by the next P. <& O. steamer. It is anticipated that the capital of New South Wales will receive the " member for Australia" with royal honours. The advent of Tom Lees, who styles himself champion pugilist of Australia, in Engand was hailed with much satisfaction by the sporting folks of London and elsewhere, for, says the Anglo-New Zealander,pugilism is still popular in certain circles, not only amongst the "lower classes," but wherever the instincts of sport are strong. It is not therefore) surprising that a match 'twixt the Australian and H. Perkins of Manchester excited great interest in sporting circles. Lees who is 29 years of age, sft lOin. in height, and scales list 21bs, was chaperoned by the veteran boxer, Jim Mace. Perkins is somewhat older and slightly taller and heavier, he was under the care of Professor Douelly. Six rounds were fought, and then the seconds of Perkins threw up the sponge. It was an easy victory for tho Australian champion, but Perkins is no great gun in the profession. 1 hear that another match has been made for Lees, who has accepted the challenge of Bill Goode of London. Goode is a thorough master of the gloves, but has not been engaged many times with the "raw Ws."