though I don't think it is worse. Inde The bubonic plague is still prevalent, there was a considerable falling-off in the number of cases yesterday, only five being reported. Great efforts are being taken to cleanse the dirty Chinese quarter, and even the Celestials themselves are beginning to recognise the virtues of whitewash and the need for the clearance of dirt and rubbish.
'THE REIGN OF THE ACTING NEN, usual in summer, is about to set in, the 7 departure of several officials by the P. & O. 2 steamer Formosa on the 7th inst. leavin; sundry vacancies to be filled. This veneal took Mr. Justice Wise, Mr. A. K. Travers, Postmaster-General, and Mr. H. C. Nicolle, Local Auditor. In co1 ence of their departure, the Hon. A. M. Thomson has been appointed Acting Postmaster-General in addition to the post of Acting Colonial Treasurer, Mr, 'T. Sercombe Smith has been made Acting Puisne Judge, Commander Hastings, Acting Police Magistrate, Mr. H.
Lethbridge, Acting Captain-Superintendent of Police, and Mr. E. M. Knox, Acting Local Auditor. This list may be enlarged before long. Mr. Carrington, the new Chief Justice, is expected out about the middle of next month.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.