Addition to telephone exchange list:— No. 322 Miss Williams, private residence, Hukarere.

In the House last evening Mr Seddon gave notice to move that the resolution with reference to morning sittings be rescinded.

The Hon. A. Pitt's Cigarette SmokiDg by Youth Prohibition Bill was read a first time in the Legislative Council yesterday.

At the monthly meeting of the H.B. Philosophical Society on Monday evening next the Rev. Herbert Williams, of Gisborne, will deliver a lecture on ** The Fourth Dimension."

The Rev. J. Hobbs, of Hastings, writes asking us to state that he has successfully arbitrated between the parties to a breach of promise suit which was set down for hearing at the nextsessions of the Supreme Court. The rev. gentleman states that he has acted as a friend to both parties, and that the case will not be heard.

Mr W. Stock having found a great demand fcr his Golden Grain butter has decided, for the convenience of his many customers, to establish a delivery service on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders left at the depot in Hastings street will receive prompt attention.

A private letter received by a Napier resident from a friend residing in Christchurch gives a striking example of the prevalence of influenza in the Cathedral city. The writer states that one of the employes of the Gas Company during the course of his rounds visited three hundred houses one day, and oat of that number only three of them were immune from the ravages of the grippe.

General cables and telegraphic appear on page two, Transvaal war news and an article re the great Siberian railway on page three, on page six an article by Dr. Koch dealing with the treatment of consumption, and Parliamentary and telegraphic on the seventh.

It is always pleasing to notice any of our local talent being called into requisition in other districts. We have just seen a pen and ink perspective drawing by ivlr C. Tilleard Natusch, architect, of Napier, of a country house in the " half timber " style which is now being erected near Feilding for Mr Godfrey N. Pharazyn. The drawing will be on view at Mr Crerar's, in Hastings street, for a few days.

To-morrow will be observed as " Gift Sunday " at Trinity Wesleyan Church. Tho special offertory will be devoted towards the extinction of the circuit debt and church renovation. Former Sunday scholars and adherents are invited to be present at one or both of the services and assist the office-bearers in this desirable object.

A correspondent at Petane writes complaining of the wretched state of the road between the Western Spit and Petane. "There is not," he says, "a worse piece of road in the whole county. If the Hawke's Bay County Council would speculate in a stone crusher they could get sufficient limestone to metal the whole of their roads at a very small cost. Timaru had a stone crusher thirty years ago and why not the H.B.C.C. ?"

The usual monthly meeting of the Port School Committee was held last night, Mr 1. M'Carthy in the chair. The report of the headmaster (Mr J. Wolstenholme) stated that the average attendance for tho month was 247. The prevailing epidemic of influenza had prevented a large number of pupils from attending regularly. Miss Magill reported that the average attendance at the Western Spit school was 29, illness being responsible for the absence of several scholars. Several accounts were passed for paymentand the committee adjourned.

The North British and Hawke's Bay Freezing Co. have received tho following London market report, dated 22nd July: —The market for New Zealand frozen mutton opened this week with a quiet trade, and there are no changes in prices to note. River Plate and Australian sheep are about the same as last week. Lambs—Prices are unchanged. Frozen beef shows a slight improvement for hindquarters, but forequarters remain about the same. The following are today's quotations :—Frozen sheep—Canterbury best 3£d, Canterbury seconds 3|d, Dunedin and Southland 3d, Napier and Wellington 2-Jd, Plate 2|-d, Sydney 2|d. Frozen lambs—New Zealand sd\ Frozen beef—New Zealand hinds 3£d, fores 2|d, Queensland hinds 3Ad, fores lid.

The Hawke's Bay Highland Society held their usual monthly meeting in the Foresters' Hall last night, Chieftain James McLean presiding.—The secretary was directed to acknowledge with thanks an invitation to the annual ball of the Invercargill Highland Society.—An autograph letter was received from the Duke of Cornwall thanking the society for the handsome illuminated address presented to him and for the lofty sentiments expressed therein.—lt was decided to forward a letter of condolence to the widow of the late Sir John McKenzie.— Four new members were elected.—The secretary having read a poem entitled " The Lads are Awa'," written by Mr F. Bull and previously published in the Daily Telegraph, the remainder of the evening was devoted to music and dancing. The chairman intimated that the next meeting will be held on the evening of the second day of the A. and P. show.

The Shops and Offices Bill had a rather rough time of it in the Legislative Council yesterday on the motion for the third reading. The Hon. S. E. Shrimski moved that the bill be read this day six months. The Hon. H. Scotland said industrialism was in danger through unreasonable demands and the non-con-ciliatory attitude of the working man. The Hon. W. M. Bolt said the bill needed revision to remove inconsistencies. The Hon. C. Louisson said it was not at all clear whether banks had been struck out or not, and the question shou'd have been cleared up before the bill left the committee. The Hon. J. D. Ormond strongly opposed the bill, saying it was not in a fit condition to pass. The Minister stated that the bill either consolidated existing law or gave effect to proposals such as payment for overtime that had been previously passed by the Council. He could not see why

the Council had changed its mind and deleted " office " from the interpretation. The Hons. G. M'Lean and J. M. Twomey advised the recommittal of the bill. The debate was adjourned till Tuesday.

Kirkcaldie and Stains, Limited, are showing a beautiful assortment of Ladies' Sunshades in all black, black and white, and newest colors. Also Tusson Silk with colored silk linings. The prices are from 3s 6d to 42s each. Some of these are now on view in their windows, and are tracting a great deal of attention.—Advt,

Kirkcaldie and Stains, Limited, have again been successful in -securing for their customers some wonderful bargains in Ladies' Blouse and Dress Silks. These were bought from the manufacturers at a very large discount for cash, and are now being sold at less than London prices. They are of the very newest designs, including the drawn thread silk.—Ad vt.