LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Advice from the hospital last night stated ■ that there was no change in the condition of Mrs. Dorothy McFarlane, who was severely injured on Monday through falling off a traracar in Khvber Pass. Sho was still in a semi-conscious state.

It is understood that the trarnwaymen of Auckland have suggested to the tramway company thf.t all men engaged in the service should have a full day's holiday during the period of the peace celebrations, half of them to go off on one day—probably on a Saturday— the other half on the following Monday. Asked last evening whether this was so, and whether the tramway company had replied opposing the proposal, the secretary to the Tramways Union said he was not in a position to make a statement- on the subject.

The patriotic funds have benefited to the extent of £178 as a result of the effort of the pupils attending the Takapuna public school The money raised during the year has been distributed amongst the several funds. In addition, the children made 2642 articles, of which 1384 were handkerchiefs, 375 hold-alls, 359 disinfectant bags, and smaller numbers of towels, scarves, socks, etc. The average attendance ait the school was 376.

Discussing the proposal to erect in stone a wall and tram shelter on the Symonds Street frontage of St. Paul's Church ground as a war memorial, the vicar, the Rev. C. A. B. Watson, at the annual meeting of parishioners, last evening, said the work was estimated to cost about £900, to which the City Council was contributing £350. He hoped the foundation stone would be laid by the Bishop in July, when the Synod would hi in session. On the motion of Dr. J. Hardie Neil it was resolved that the work be regarded as a general memorial ir. honour of all New Zealnnders who had laid down their lives in the great war, and that the names of those connected with the parish, who had made the supreme sacrifice, should be inscribed on the memorial.

A new rule concerning tha nee of free seating at. St. Matlthew's Church was adopted by the parishioners at the annual meeting last evening. The seating accommodation of the church is approximately 1250, and of this number 1000 are free at all times. Rented; pews are reserved for the holders until the sounding of the last bell, after whioh they become free if unoccupied. Congestion has been caused in the past, owing to churchgoers being compelled to wait in the aisles for vacant 6eata until almost the commencement of the service. At last night's meeting the parishioners' warden, Mr. W. Tailbey, sen., moved that all seats be free at the commencement of the second bell, a.nd this was approved. This will mean that all vacant seats will be free five minutes before the* commencement of the service. It was

agreed that in future sittings would be let on this understanding.

No subsidy for war memorial* will be paid by the Education Department except in the case of honours boards in schools to which the Department has already committed itself. Intimation to this effect has been received from the Hon. A. M. Myers by the Hon. G. J. Garland.

The New Zealand Defence authorities have been informed by the Imperial Government that the pre-war regulations governing salutes of guns and the dressing of ships have again come into force.

The primary school children in Auckland City and suburbs who are being trained to take part in the peace celebrations will attend mass rehearsals in the Domain next Friday and the following Friday. At tho request of the committee in charge of the matter half4iolidays for the days mentioned were granted yesterday by the Education Board.

A carved oak font cover, a memorial to the late Lieutenant Paul G. Clark, of *he Rifla Brigade, son of Dr. and Mrs. A. Clark, Remuera, killed in action, was unveiled 'ay Dr. A. W. Averill, Anglican Bishop of Auckland, in St. Aidan's Church on Sunday. The memorial, which was erected by public subscription, is a handsome addition to the church. It consist* of two panels, on one of which is carved a replica of the late officer's regimental crest, and on the other the family crest. These are surrounded by the memorial in. scription carved in bold relief.

The arrival of war brides and babes by the transport lonic alt Auckland last week forms the subject of a fine set of illustrations published on a double-page of today's issue of the Auckland Weekly News. The snapshots are particularly happy, and will, no doubt, be viewed with considerable attention. Aviation progress is well demonstrated by two splendid plates of the giant British airship, R33, which recently made its trial flight in England. A page containing portraits of winners in the recent competitions held at Napier should prove of general interest. Two pages are devoted to tho recent racing at Auckland and Christchurch respectively, while the recent golf tournament at Auckland is also pictorially represented. An interesting variety of othor subjects adds to the general attractiveness of the paper.

The second instalment appears in this morning's issue- of a splew'id new serial story, entitled " The Black Eagle's Claw," by John Sumner. This new story is one of fascinating interest, and abounds in dramatic situations of exciting interest. The story follows the intrigues of a distinguished member of tho Secret Service, and the threads of. mystery are so cleverly interwoven that the solution of the plot baffles the reader, and it is only in the last chapter that the author himself supplies tho key. From start ;o finish there is not a dull moment, and as incident follows incident the attention of the reader ie gripped, andl he is impelled to fellow an exciting narrative to its close. Instalments will appear Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Among a number of cartoons executed by Mr. F. Paine, Auckland's naval veteran artist, and despatched to England last year to be sent to tjhe men at tho front and in hospital, was one designed specially Ho be shown at an American hospital in London. Advise has just been received by the American Consul-Genoral, Mr. A. A. Winslow. from the Consul-General at London that the cartoon was not received" until March 10, by which time the American hospitals in London had been closed. He would see, however, that the cartoon was placed where American soldiers could examine it, and he expressed high appreciation of the kindly thought which prompted its execution and shipment.

" The parish of St. Aidan's is in a peculiar position, in that it has a vicar, a church, a parish hall, and a vicarage site, but no nouse for the vicar," said Mr. W. J. W. Philson at the mooting of the parishioners last evening. Mr. Philson attributed the absence of vicarage to the war, the parishioners having been more anxious to finance war matters than church activities. The new vicar would come ; nto residence early in June, and no arrangements bad been made for his housing. It was stated Ithat at present the buiding of a suitable house would involve about £2000. The parishioners had given approval of the expenditure. Mr. Philson said he considered they were sufficiently financial to authorise the immediate election of the building. " Other denominational bodice in Remuera have recently put up a building costing over £2000; if the .Anglican residents of Remuera cannot do likewise they should be ashamed of Ithemsleves," concluded Mr. Philson.

Dairy srienco classes for employee* of Xorth Auckland dairy factories are to be held in Auckland from June 30 to July 12. Arrangements are also being made by officials of the Education Board for classes to be held at Hamilton.

A farmer named Victor O'Haru, of Mamirewa. has tiled as a bankrupt. The tirul meeting of creditors will tin held on M.i\ 6. A contractor named William Hill HiMinir, "< Te Kuiti, bus :ilm> tiled a- a b;-ii!\iu;it

An q 1' iituuil\ >-.< 1.1 be giun to soldiers :ti llotoiua Co be instructed in wonlcla>sing. The Auckland Education Board decided yesterday to send an instructor to Rdtorua, for a period of four weeks.