NEWS OF THE DAY.

The lambing season ba. : in Sou-h Canterbury, the first make their appearance being on .M» • the dStrict. / Owing to ro many members of the Sg Humane Society Court «' Dire-tort •• unable to attend the inking «jj*s Te*4*rr_v -ftemoon, it postpone' it- till a more suitable <*** District -Twig- Kettle is _?*™s "Sti form a "Wanganui P«oners' Ar The main object- of the society jna m assist persons on their dtsccsrg 2 i. to obtain employment. " = The Dorset Horn sheep * T. O. Hay. of Ptgeon Bay *££"& the quarantine island at l£J*JJj t* shipment comprises nine .*****£ <*rj „ms. and they arrived in n*J|to #1 ditmn. The sheep were # Hava sen. Mr Ebeoezer Hay, best flocks in Dorset-hit* **£&* X wiccefs r.f the breed m this !*"S7ir sure to b 2 watched with ccnsaWW 1 tCTeSt ' _ ttmtaita" A committee meeting of the w»~ £ Horticu-tural Society. *\*_**l7_ a L&* Lowe, presided, has oi tbe motion carried f**ff -*!-_*_* meeting of the Rose and Societies, the committee JS consider any proposal for *r*&»ntf that shall assure a Society, and that a general "J e P , Si» -T three societies be held at * d t!__Ml** l *_. ranged. The committee has schedule for ihe -'-pring ««w "jg , on September 17th and Is*** -*S^ggjj|g

About half-p»*t nine o'clock last night *n alarm of fire waa given from the 010 -■Junction Hotel box in Victoria, street. The Brigade turned out, but th* alarm proved be a fol** <«*■ Tie Otago University Fund now totals jjote on £700. Only £60 more ig required at, entitle th* institution to the Governof £1500. Th. City Co-ftcU notify that they intend jßlrtjduoing a local Bill during the. present, patten of Parliament., to enable toe payto Messrs Haskins and Murray the) gums of £500 *nd £350 respectively aa regrisg allowances. A meeting of the Oanierbury Branch of t_« Pharmaceutical Society, to have been lt\& thia evening, has b**n postponed till Friday, August Bth, owing to the death of Mr J- C. Sopp* one of the oldest A telegram from Auckland states that/ tfs Colonial Ammunition Company have! pjottfaet/ired and delivered to the New Zetland Government 550,000 rounds of .303 ammunition, for use of the Defence 'force*, " ein g ati <n * r,vte °f shout 6,500,000 panda per annum. At New Plyniotrth yesterday, the Governor unveiled the bust of Sir Harry AttyßMffl, in the local Council chambers, in tfct presence of a large of «-t*r*nf« and the public. His Excellency Jjft there List night for Auckland. A lady w«s examining ths mechanism fl * pistol in a house afc Manaia, near H_.wer_, last week, when it accidentally vrt&t off. Hrr daughter happened to be in (Wet of her a*, the time, the bullet just O-tttog ber by a few inches. Alterations are being effected to the Ihlrttdin Telegraph Office at a cost of about OSXO. A start will nlso shortly be made with the work of altering the Post Office in that city, the cost of which is estimated at from £5000 to £6000. f There are twelve entries for the cycle road ■tuee from Timam to Christchurch, which j|4o take place to-morrow. The route.is via Tem-ka, Geraldine, Maronanrmad, Tindrt!4, Ashburton, Dunsandel, and the finish yjfl be at the Riccarton Hotel. Ox John Boag, Middlerigg, Brookside, |bs sold to Mr John Rowe, of Waikato, tie entire colt General Bobs, at a very «rti»faotoiy figure. General Bobs's dam ii the noted mare Middlerigg Princess, and hit Hire is I/ochiel. General Bobs js to be jhipped to Auckland tto-morrowj M» George Buckley, widow of the laf.«j Hon. George Buckley, died yesterday at Park terrace. Mrs Buckley wad a lister of the lat« Mr John McLean and Mr Allan ..VfcLfin- She leaves two sons—Mr O. A. >I. Buckley, of Laghmor, Ashburton, and 3frW. P.M. Buckley, of Dunsandel—and but daughter, Mrs A. C. Rolleston. A large Cornish boiler, sold by the Kaiajx>_ Woollen Company to the Christchurch _%■ Council, to be used at the abattoirs, wm yesterday conveyed from the compauy's works by a traction engine, and M~wjr placed on a railway bogie for town. The weight of the boiler is about five tons. In connection with tbe vital statistics for the -Wnth of July, the great preponderance) - 'pf ftirths in the district as compared with N th- city is noticeable. In the latter thet total it 36, whilst the former totals up 105. The Registrar adds to the record for thai iktriet the note, "including six sets of twist." The,bearing of the case, North Canterwry Board of Education versus tho Tai Tapu School Committee, whdoh was expected to have been tried at the Supreme Court on Tuesday last, has had to be postponed indefinitely, owing to the absence of Mr Justice Denniston. It is understood that Mr J. B. Fisher will represent the riaintiff Board, and Mr T. G. Russell the defendant Committee. , The vital statistics for th© month ol July show the foUawing:--Birth_--City: Males 13, females 23. District: Males 55. fana.es 50; total, 141. Last year the total was 180. Mamage*--C_ty: 30, district 12; total, 42. Last yea_r th© total , waa 49. Deaths—Oity: Males 16, females 18. District: Males 36, females 27; I tctal, 96. Last year the total was 95: A oonsidwable eartent of damage to tbe North line on Monday evening by the engine being derailed has been repaired. The tecid«&t. which was caused by the engine fanning into a cow, has entailed a heavy ex|p«_« <m the Railway Department, and has necessitated the employment of a large gang of railway platelayers. The 'Tapanui Courier" says that so open Jw the winter been that the chiysantlbeWttma have blossomed right through and WA the spring flowers. Violets, primroses, crocuses, and other spring flowers *r» t»_t In bloom, and pear trees are bursting their buds. Spring in July beats all _*st record*. Tbe Dunedin Workers' Political ComWittee have passed .> resolution protesting *«Mialfc the action of the City Council in -flowing the control of the construction of to* city trams to arift into the hands of contractors who are importing the rolling •todt «n_ material, which can be made in the, wSony better and cheaper than tho imported article. • 11« Socialist Party in Christchurch has I JWnwed a resolution to Mr C. H. A. T Op«. conveying thanks to him for his ac- ™* * tn« recent meeting of tho Board ? Juniors of Canterbury College in eiwavouring to remove an abuse which i v __T* ae<i in tie misapplication of pub* ne fmfe to tfte benefit of a class, whereby . Slft? -has been limited and I Jt* btoefits curtailed." T»e Ashburton Acclimatisation Society I"*' »*J» th« •Tcmuka Leader," agreed y>jm 10,000 rainbow trout into the AshS_!_2JS__ wr . "* ad 50 ° into * h « Rnkaia and £*&_**, the North and South Canter■W Bocioties promising to do the same, j v!li!? arfy , sas5 as ** ked the Government to ! SSrSI th w %* vi the P«ymeDt of lhMT* 0 *" 1 by the tfociety. It has •"»*««> decided to erect huts at the """"ws W the Rakaia and Rangrtela rivers. ._*»' *_ HarhmM ' R meetfijg' 'yester_.?*'i__!'>r tf,r was from -° c Secreta.rv rife*s r M Apartment, aoplvinc for -i of pilotage and port" charges on ISJ?"*** N °rf«>lfc, £99 6s 3d The f™*r« opinion was that the chin being tivTL* CBr ?° vesseJ difl -»t come" within tr_ w" i- A troopship, and therefore «f A e ? fclt H t<» the refund. In view tL k c '?»--~t*«-es the Board decided t!_irjL*;?J c,,ltul ' al business of < «Wttths!,nd Implement and Engineering ™*&*\ changes hands to-day a' new n^Sr been floated in Chr «tcSur c h I__SLiT t!t ; le of C™*** aad Duncan. to take the same over. Arrangein /program for building an upin Christchurch, this city /«Wlon than InvercareUl, where the worfo, of th' ¥"!£*' si,tlK, t-d. The importance ▼W» • Ch ristchurch will be undeiwtood *~' ,t * t * d tlw * something lite fifty «S« ""-n ¥ retnoved ne re- The mannMr F <_. Un<Jer the trj_»atr«nent of ttofM " tK, P w '» who has had twenty-four ;"*T«perieno* in the business, and the p 5 UEdtr the management of Mr A. ■ tLrr***. *oth of whem were late partI "^«tJ»« -present company. j'nproTOments are being made to *■ »T ftSSrt * t * R «h«l to the Defence Offio. ;' UDdw Colowl Webb's '*-■ «-^ t ?* aterblur3 " Ca!edoßi « n Society is ar- '• cofc_l£ v* r tJl * Kra-ting of a scholarship I ? 1903. The present scholw4l *«Pida_ric l J of scarlet fever, _i»htberia, ' "»•&<* ° a ' Pr«- "» Wellhurton for the la*fc two or "• "wjuths, ia now s te_dily declining. ' &V n t?*^ )Ml<iilion * l rob«erip-ic_ of £2 cehS r*_,l* terans * Homes has been reP^"' office from Mr W. ' tbif»" ** c manufacture of bats from * tm W__» ll, * Usrial w ™ opened at Wellington i Ths Ma y° r the "*'■ I-. thMttZT*? "-O-ion, and was presented witE turned out. 1> nf T- W P"** o that an annual Conference II lL TP**** of Mines will be held in W<£itS£ _i W th * diecl,t * ion of matftew that X™ P o ** their notice during their visit* HP 9 varjots part, 0 f ihts

A resident of Maka_raka (Gisborne district) is driving an engine at fils residence with the aid of natural gas- The experi--nen* having provwi _ucoe«*f_, he propose* to utilise thia gas for providing motive power in his factory. A consignment of ten thousand eyed ova of English brown trout has been despatched front the Masteiton hatchery for Suva, Fiji. The ova is carefully "packed in a specially constructed box containing ice, and on the voyage will be kept in a cool chaa_ber. The .meterological report for July, as recorded a*-he Rhodes Convalescent Home, shows the total rainfall to have been 1.23 inches, rain having fallen on nine days. The highest reading of fch« maxxmwn thermometer waa 67, and the _a__muin mean 51.516. 'ihe .owest reading of the minimum thermometer was 30, and the minimum mean 34.258. At ths Harbour Board's meeting yesterday a report was rtad from the Haa-bourmaster, Captain Clark, with regard to the rockets alleged to have bien seen at New Brighton. The tug was gent away, and despite a close search nothing had been seen. It was reported that Professor Birkerton was in the habit of letting off rocket*. If this was the Case, the Harbourinoster thought the Professor should let the Harbour Board know when he did so. The N Battery of Artillery held the weekly gun drill on Wednesday evening, wlhen an examination for sergeant was he.d. and tl;a succ<x~fiil member «» J l " ,r ' poral Palmer. The gunnery grants were given out to the successful members. After parade a meeting oi the officers and noncoamnissioned officers was held, and ft was decided to .give a purely military entertainment, for the uniform fund, in the Oddfellowß' Hall. j Regarding the report in the London j "Daily Express," that Dan Kellv and Steve Hart, members of the famous kellv gang, served under assumed names in one ot the irregular regiments during the Boer campaign, the Melbourne "Age" says that some cousins of the Kehys went to South Africa as members of one of the Victorian Contingents, and it is possible that their knowledge and connection with the outlaws has jiven rise to the statement published in London. Colonel Webb has received about sixty, additional war medals for distribution to returned troopers. Where a number of men entitled to receive medals are resident within reasonable distance of a centre, such, for instance, as Rangiora, an effort to arrange a public presentation afc the hands of the Ma/vor or member for the district will be made, and in other cases the medals will be forwarded, together with a receipt, which the men will ba required to sign and return to the Christchurch office. The committee of the Canterbury Athletic and Cycling Club met on Wednesday. Tlie following comaidttees were elected for the coming year:—Shooting Committee, Messrs Wells (captain), Montague, Iggo and Forbes (secretary); Entertainment Committee, Meesrts Wells, Iggo, Mason, Montague and Malcolm; Billiard Committee, Messrs Wells, Iggo, Montague, Mason and Mafcolm; handicappers, Messrs Andrew and Iggo; Touring Committee, Messrs Malcolm, Andrew, FincHay and Kennedy. During the summer months a cricket team will be put in the field, and enter for the Thursday competition. The Committee of the New Brighton Beautifying Association met on Wednesday Mr C. J. Clayton in tihe chair. The secretary reported donations of £1 Is from Messrs Geo. Mclntyre and C. J. Clayton. After discussion as to the most suitable place to commence operations in the borougn. the Esplanade was decided on, and a committee, consisting of Messrs Checkley, Robb, and Lees were appointed to report before approaching th© Council for permission. Messrs Wyatt and Clavton were appointed to wait on the Borough Council with regard to the planting of marram grass on the beach. The Secretary was instructed to thank the Christchurch Beautifying Association for gifts of trees and shrubs. An Entertainment Committee will be set up at the next meeting to carry cut; entertainments, to raise additional : funds for the association. Mir Cockayne Cmi'sed to deliver a lecture on New Zeai flora,' illuuistrated with limelight slides. The Committee will meet on the second and last Wednesday in eaoh month. | Ladies will be interested to learn that at " Strange's" may just now be seen a collection of very smart millinery novelties, •specially imported by Strange a*ia Company, for wear at the approaching Grand National, and for early sptrixi _ri wfai*. These attractive novelties have only just been unpacked. 9809 We advise our readers to carefully peruse tlie catalogue herewith of bargains offered at Beath and Cos. winter sale to-da.v. This firm have one genuine clearance at the end of each season. They make reductions of a very startling nature, creating a sensation throughout Canterbury. Buyers flock from all parts. We urge an early visit. 98H Consumption is now attracting the attention oi those outside the medical profession, who recognise the ravages it is making. Townend'- Cinnamon Cure is an old and proved remedy for this milady. Numbers of letters from people attacked rejoicing in their recovery prove this statement. Cinnamon Cure ia the best known remedy for chronic coughs, bronchitis, and stubborn colds. 2s 6d everywhere.—(Advt.) The Bearings of Stars.—The bracketbearing fitted to Stars is perfectly dustproof, and cil retaining. Owing to the bracket being oil retaining, the machine can be ridden in wee wearther without injury to bearings. The bracket axle is specially made from tool steel, and well hardened. The hubs are dust-proof and oil retaining, cones and cups being made from the best tool steel, and carefully hardened. F.asv terms arranged to suit oustomers. Call and inspect. Adams Star Cycle tympany, 70 Manchester street, and 198 Colombo street, near Cathedral, Christchurch. 1 At this time of the year many people, and ladies especially, suffer from ohapped hands. Wilton's Hand Emollient is not only a cure, but a preventive for this trouble. Ladies using it will find that it keeps tbe skin cool and white, and the hands retain, even in cold weather, all their usefulness and charm. Obtainable from Geo. W. Wilton, 3 Cuba street, and all chemists and storekeepers. Price Is 6d. —<Advt.) Notwithstanding the phenomenal success of Beath's Winter Sale, there is an immense stock left in all dE-partments, owing to job purchases at very large discounts. Further reductions- Balance must be cleared before new spring goods arrive. Fawn tweed costume lengths 15s for 6s lid, stylish tweed costume lengths 13s 6d for'7s ild. Jap. sffk Is lid for ll_,d. pure silk ribbons 2s lid for 6Jjd. Is lid for 4£d. lace scarves 2s 6d for children's cloth gaiters 2s 6d for lHd, lined kid gloves, fur top, 2s lid for 2s 3d, fur necklets 5s lid for 3s lid, 12s 6d for 7s lid, 15s 6d for lis 6d, job baskets of children's gloves 4J,d, fancy flannelette, 200 blouse lengths 2s 6d for Is, at Beath's Sale. 3 We are requested by Strange and Company to announce that their highly successful stock-taking sale will be resumed at 10 o'clock this morning. Ladies who can conveniently do so will find it to their advantage .to attend the sale oefore lunch, and so escape the inevitable crush in ths a-fterooon. " 9810 Boyd and S<.n, Gloucester street, are dev>ting their large appliances and staff almost exclusively to bicycle repairs. Remits, very best work at lowest prices.— (Advt-) Repairs Cycles.—We are rep_r_g cycles at 70 Manohe-t-r street, and 193" Colombo street, near Cathedr-1, Christchurch. Adams Star Cj«le Company, Christchurch.—(Advt.) Lamps—We hold a large stock of reading, hanging, and hand lamps, and we guarantee to sell cheaper than any other firm in Christchurch. Reading limps from 3s 9d, hand lamps lid, chimneys from 3d each, wicks frern Id. Fletcher Bros., Importers of Lamps, Chimneys, .' etc., High street, Christchurch.—(Advt, | Cheap bikes at last Thirty ladies' and geo-l-men 'a, bicycles, overhauled, enaaneHed, and pkrtfcd by ourselves, new dkuns and tyres where necessary. All a* clearing sale pr "es, for fourteen days only. Outes, Low >, and Co., Manchester street. —(Advt.)

THE VACANT BISHOPBtC. 4ucklaad telegram states tfiat the Committee appointed at a. recent meeting of the Synod to n&ke ewpiiry in Eng'and and elsewhere as to those available for ti» office of Bishop and to report to tie next Synod tie names and qualifications of those commended to them, nave decided to cabla to Bksbop Moorhouse, of Manchester, with a view bo his sending out by early mail the namee of a few suitable clergymen, who may be available for the position. A cable message to this effect was despatched yesterday. PRICE OF A~PRETTY FOOT. A stoiy is being told about M. Captier, the famous Paris sculptor, wh«# tr&gio death took place recently (ays the London "Express"). He found great difficulty in getting hold of a model whose feet were Jerfect for his Venus statue. At fast be iscovered a "Trilby" whose feet were a marvel of beauty. Unfortunately the lady could not sit for him, as she was professionally engaged at other studios. Sbe>, however, offered to have her feet cut off if M. Giptier would buy an annuity for her aged mother. Needless to say, the sculptor had to refuse tb:3 offer, much to the apparent regret of the plucky model. GREAT RAILWAY RACE IN AMERICA One of the greatest railroad races ever entered into in the United States has recently been carried out by the Pennsylvania and the New York Central. Both these companies inaugurated a twenty-hour service between New York and Chicago, a reduction of four hours on previous services. The trains consisted each of six coaches and a locomotive, and they each arrived 4min ahead of time. The distance by tb<3 Pennsylvania route is 980 miles, and that of the New York Central is 912, and the average ppeed per hour was forty-nine and forty-seven males reßpsetively. Over ithq stretch between Harrisburg and Altoona the Pennsylvania train ran ninety-fivq miles au hour, and the rate over the Syracuse and Albany stretches was eighty miles an hour. Tde locomotives were the largest ever construot-ed, weighing nearly eighty tons apiece without the tender.