Death has been making himself felt again in the Lyttelton Times office, another of the old identities—Mr W. Wheeler—having passed away, heart disease being the cause of his death. Mr Currie will probably obtain the appointment of morning printer. Since the death of the hon. W. Reeves, the following appointments have been decided upon in the office: Mr J. C. Wilkin, confirmed as general manager, and Mr Saunders (formerly sporting editor) to the revising editorial chair. No other alteration of any moment.

Printing business generally is bad as bad can be: it is asserted that there are not three offices in town fully employed. The Master Printers' Association is still alive, and owing to the energy displayed by some of its officers will be kept alive; but they have their work before them, as several of the members, it is alleged, do not stick to their vows. If it should again come to a competition as to which should be the cheapest, depend upon it the conflict will be a severe one. The only direct visible result from the federation conference is the preparing of a tariff of charges, which will be adopted by Dunedin and Christchurch. I hope next time to be able to write more cheerful news.

The local branch of the N.Z.T.A., at a meeting held in March last, passed a rule that in jobbing-offices no such thing is to be recognized as a casual hand. All such are in future to be treated and paid the same as permanent hands. The Society defined casuals two years ago; but the distinction is now to cease.