GENERAL NEWS.

The Defence Minister has received advice by cable that the 33rd N.Z. Reinforcements have reached a port of call. They are in excellent health and spirits. The first of Professor Trueblood's of classic recitals will be given in the Y.M.C.A. Concert Hall to-morrow night. The subject will be "Jlark Twain." A collection will bo taken up for t-h© Y.M.C.A. War Fund.

The letter published in "The "Press," ( on Saturday on the supi'csed growth of \ pac fisni in" New Zealand was written by Miss M. L. Grigg, not by Mrs Grigg, as stated. Another pupil of the Canterbury Aviation School, J. 15. Rawnsley, of Wellington, has passed his flying tosts before Colonel R. A. C'haffey, examining officer. This pupil, who is the twenty-ninth from the school to oualify, only commenced training on January 3rd, and has been roady for examination for about a week. A b?y. for wlmm Mr Alters apprarod, was charged in the Juveni'e Court yesterdnv with the theft, on January 2oth, nt Christchurch. of a fe'.t hat valued at 3Gs Gc!, the pronerty of Richard Pete* - Gray. The defence was that accused had paid a deposit of 2s Gd on the hat and went round the next day to pay the balance, but the shop was closed. Accused was cautioned and discharged. The Electricity Committee reported to the City Council last night that negotiations with tho Public Works Department regarding an extension of the contract for a supply of electricity from Lake Coleridge for a further term of five years (making a total of ton years from'the date of commencement of supply) had been completed. A letter was received by the Christchurch City Council last evening from Mr E. Jiannan, on behalf of the parents of the girls who won the recent Rose Bow] Life-saving Competition, congratulating the Council on having such a capable instructor as Mr Breward in charge of the municipal bath, and paving a high tribute to his qualities. The Council expressed its appreciation of the correspondent's praise, and received the letter. The overseer of the Sehvyn Plantations reported to yesterday's meeting of the Board that the total rainfall at Dariiekl during 1917 was 31.42 inches, a monthly average of 2.18 inches. The rainfall for 1916 was 28.65 inches, and for 1915 19.73 inches. September had the heaviest rainfall last year. 5.43 inches being registered. December coming next with 4.48 inches. and May third with 4.23 inches. June had the lowest monthly rainfall, only 1.08 inches falling. The matter of duplicated street names in Christchurch formed tho subject of ;i clause in the re; ort to the City (V u-cil lust night of the By-laws committee, which made the following recommendations: —Hanover street, Sydenham, to be changed to Burke street; Harp'-r street, Svdenham, no alteration; Harper street, North Richmond, to bo changed to Julius tcrracc; Lcith street, Sydenham, no alteration: Leith street, St. Albans, to be changed to Petrio street; Victoria street, central, no alteration ; Victoria avenue, Opawa, to be changed to Cholmonde'.ey avenue; York street, Central, to be changed to Woka place: York street, Opawa, 110 alteration. The report was adopted.

At yesterday's mooting of the iSelwyn Plantations Board, it was alleged that considerable pilfering of dead timber from plantations was taking place. Tho overseer reported that last month he bad visited a certain lessee, and had found that lie had been taking firewood from his reserve. The lesseo admitted having taken tho timber, but explained that he understood from the former tenant that this was permitted. It was decided to write to tho lessee, asking for an explanation, the Board to decide on its future action at its next meeting. The overseer stated tliat in other cases wattle tro?s had been cut down for fencing posts. "In its future planting policy the Board will have to ensure that a railway is within rcasonablo reach," declared Mr R. Nairn, at yesterday's meeting of the Se.hvyn Plantations Board. Continuing, Mr Nairn stated that many of the Board's plantations possessed little commercial value for timber purposes, owing to their distance from a railway. In these, cases the cost of carting would swallow up any profits to be made from the sale of the timber. It was pointed out by another member that a lot depended on the value of the timber, and instanced the fact that while macrocarpa and blue gum could be profitably carted long distances, tho pinus insignis, on some of the plantations, could not be handled profitably. In the course, of his report to the City Council last evening, the Mavor (Mr H. Holland) said no had that evening met representatives of the Addington Burgesses' Association and the owners of the property at the corner of Linc n ln and Park roads, recently owre:l by William White, ivith rearard to that particular property. Mr Holland said that years ago there had been a strong agitation that the city should acquire the corner and round it off, thus making it safe -for vehicular traffic. Only about five feet, he said, was between the tram and the side-channel, and the position became particularly dangerous when there was extra traffic, as in show and race weeks. The Mayor continued that Mr Reese, of Reese Bros., had that evening offered the corner to the Council, in order that the danger existing might bo obviated. That was, he said, only a verbal offering, but -he honed that when it came before the Council in writing it would be adopted. It will be remembered that some short time ago a. request was received from the Imperial authorities that British Army officers might xeceivo treatment at Rotorua. The matter was considered by Cabinet, and it was then resolved that the Imperial authorities be advised that the Government of New Zealand would ocjvide free medical treatment, including baths, massage, etc., for twenty officers of the Imperial Army at the officers to make their own provision for board and lodging. Referring to this matter the Minister of Public Health said: A cablegram has now been received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies stating that the Army Council expresses warm appreciation of the offer of the New Zealand Government, but stating that as a result of enquiries addressed to the administrative headquarters of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force it is ascertained that there is no accommodation available in hospital ships or transports leaving for New Zealand except for sick and wounded members of the New Zealand Forces. Under these circumstances the Army Council much regretted that advantage could not be taken officially of the kind offer of the New Zealand Government.

A ruling on a point of legal procedure was given by Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court yesterday morning. During the civil sitting of the Court Mr X?. J. Hunter announced that a case in which notice to defend had been filed had been settled, and applied for costs. Mr H. D. Acland, who appeared r>n behalf of defendant, opposed the application. He stated that since filing notice to defend lie had ascertained that, apart from the moral considerations of the case, defendant's chances were small on account of a certain provision in an award which had bearing on the case. He asked the Magistrate if. in these circumstances, since he had promptly notified Mr Hunter of the fact that l>e was not going to defend, his client could fairlv be called upon to oav costs. Mr Hunter reminded the Magistrate that Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., had ruled that cosis should be allowed in such cases. Mr F. W. Johnston supported the contention that costs should be allowed in such cases, as also did Mr J. A. Cassidy. Mr Hunter pointed out that a guinea costs, which would be due on one case, was only compensation for creparing the case. Hp asked for a juling on the question. The Magistrate replied that wherever notice to defend was filed, costs must be paid as in a defended action. Mr Acland: "Then I take it that this is to be the nrocedure in all cases of this kind in this Court?" The Magistrate: "Yes."

I All the Canterbury rivers wore reported clcnr yesterday. The Canterbury No. 2 Military Service' Board holds its next sitting m Christchurch en I'ooruary oth. Two nineteen-year-old recruit?, Frederick Moses Stewart, farmer 111 Richmond terrace, New Brighton, aid Frederick John Shadbclt, f" ut f n ' I Wilson's road, enlisted m Christchurch for active service yesterday. It is understood (says a Press Association telegram from Wellington) that ] the sergeant of the guard at J rentham ; ■ Cumi) has been found not guilty ty j ; court-mart ill in connexion with tiio | recent escape of prisoners from | the camp prison. Since the escape, | plans which were previously de- j j tided oil for the better organisation of ; the detention camp liaVe been completed. ; Want .1 Truss? Let Loasby ft , vou. Large assortment just landed. Why suffer:-' Come and "ask Loasby , about it." Advice and medicine, I'-s Gd; children, 2s. 1 Armstrong's Annua] Stocktaking Sale wili commence, owing to the short interval between the opening of the stores and lunch timo, at 9 o[elock today. and every morning during sajd r;criod. 1 Sit for those New Year portraits today. Do not put it off any longer—and be' sure they are made by Steffano Webb, Petersen's Buildings, High street. Tele. 1989. 8 Christchurch citizens! Explain to grocers that it wili be to their distinct advantage to stock plenty of "Golden Rule" Soap, "Golden Rule" AVriting Tablets, and "No Rubbing" Laundry Help. Kincaid's, Ltd. 5 Crockery Specials—White and Gold Odd Cups" (no saucers!, 3s Cd the halfdozen ; Saucers to match. Is 3d the halfdozen ; Plates sold separately. Drayton's, Colombo street. Tele. 2004 . 6 Armstrong's Annual Stocktaking Salo commences at 9 o'clock to-day. 2 Vou can depend upon everything being done promptly and well if you onlv"hand your shipping documents to J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd. They are recognised as experts at this work. Telephones 250, 1241. and 2174. 6 FOR SALE, 15cwr W r OLSELEY EXPRESS VAN, £200. AVe have for salo a 12-16 h.p. strong, economical, roomy Express Van (brand new body, nicely painted), complete, with windshield, spare wheel, etc. Now on view at our garage. Price for quick sale £200. Adams, Ltd., 219 Tiiam street. A 2382