TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1905. FALL OF PORT ARTHUR.

Bush Advocate, Volume XVI, Issue 603, 3 January 1905, Page 4

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1905. FALL OF PORT ARTHUR.

t ■■_ ~+ .• The news to hand to-day, that the Russians have accepted the Japanese terms for the surrender of Port Arthur , comes as a great relief after the horrors which have been enacted in the vicinity of the fortress during the last eleven months. Despite the enormous strength of the fortifications, and the heroic defence maintained by the garrison under General Stoessel, the remorseless determination- of the Japanese was not to be denied. Slowly but surely the ' outer lines of forts were captured, the magnificent ships of the Russian squadron were sunk or deserted, and then the final attack was commenced on the inner works. The fall of the Metre Hill forts, followed by those of Keekwan and Erlungshan, evidently proved to the Russians that the end had come, and a council of war accepted the terms offered by Japan for the capitulation of the fortress. Those terms will no doubt be honourable to the Russians. In the face of terrible odds, they have maintained a defence that will entitle all who took part to rank

with the moat noted heroes of warfare. Port Arthur for months past must have been literally a hell. This much is gleaned from the scraps of letters from the beleagured garrison that have found their way into print, and all must rejoice that the time of trial has ended. The victory is a most im- ' portant one for the Japanese. They! have once more won a position of absolute dominance on the" taadtong peninsula, and one that they are never likely to again allow themselves to jb>e dispossessed of by any treaty or 'agreement that may be, arrived at anibrig other Powers. Japan has shied the blood of her sons with a recklessness Tand a determination that has made'ihV whole world stand aghast, and she will take care that .that sacrifice has not been' made in vain. The fall of Port Arthur does not necessarily imply the end of the war, but it must very largely improve the postion of the Japanese if the struggle is continued.

. A column of Herbertyilie new* in addition to othei reading matter, will be found on page 2. Some newsy articles Will also lie fonnd^on paces 3, 6 and 7. '■"•■ ■." F 6 ' - The weather was wet and coldin Wellington and Dunedin on New Tear's eve. ' '■■ ' . .;••■■ . .■■■;. :,' '.■ .?: ,. .'•. The Dannevirke bowlers will leave for the Gisborne tournament on Friday next. '■ .'. ;. : : _ '■;■■.; ...'.: ..".. „,/,.• '. \ Miss King, of Herbertyille, sister of Mr E. A. Bang, has; been seriously ill, and it is expected that an operation will be necessary. Her many friends will hope that Miss Jan g^ will soon be restored to her usual robust Health: ' The three bands which provide Dannevirka with music paid invites to various parts of the town on Saturday night, and played the Old Year out and New Year in, their seranade being no cfoubt appreciated by those who were favoured with them. , : 4 Mr Goodwin has just finished a convenient woolshed on his section on the Marigahe Road, and is now busily engaged in shearing. This gentleman iritends : erecting at once a' residence, which will make a further pleasing addition to the landscape in the vicinity. On tie first page will in future be found the announcements of the departures of tb.e Union Co.'s steamers from Wellin'gtonand Napier. So, many persons travel^y tjie Company's • Reamers 1 that we are sure t^^iterpmef of the manager in. advertising these fixtures in the Advocate will be greatly appreciated by residents of this district. "., One of the ijest shearing tallies rme n ported this clip conies from Flat Point, where T. Lemington reached 231 for one day's work. At Akitio, A. Garmich.ie.al is stated to have -clipped 235 sheep in.a day. For several days his talley ranged from 220 to 230, arid it seldom fell below izro. r Four other shearers at the same shed averaged over 200 a day. -.■"'■. We understand that several gates were removed . from their hinges on Saturday sight by some senseless larrikins who , accompanied the bands. What the object of such stupid vanda-/ lism can be it is difficult to understand, for it can give Very little satisfaction to those perpatrating the trick, and might cause considerable, loss to those ivho J are made the victims of it. Mr A. MackaV; Registrar of Electors forWaipa^atJias received nctice that Mr Mabsfieldi Registrar of Wellington, will shortly visit Oannevirke^ forithe purpose ot explaining his new "card system" of placing names on the electoral roll, and also for the purpose of arranging a; house, to house visit, to every one being enrolled before the n£xt general election. In looking at some accounts at the Magistrate's Court, Blenheim, the S.M. noticed that the oreditor had, a,dd«d charges for postage^ Borne of theee items being ss much as 5s and 7s 6d. Hiat Worship said that be would have to disallow these items. The creditor said that the cost of sending out these bills over and over again— some of them extending over, three years— had beeu pretty considerable, and be thought be was entitled to some return. His Worship said that ?s 6d for postage would mean that an account had been sent out 180 times. He could not allow the charge to be included. Mr and Mrs Jas. Giimour, of ITmutaoroa, entertained a number of friends last night. A most enjoyable evening was spent in danejng, interspersed witE songs given by Messrs Jas. Giimour, M. Patterson and Miss Wiseman, a German song by Mrs Simms, a recitation by Miss Milled, and a Highland Fling by Miss Wiseman, First-class music was supplied by Messrs Galvin (accordeon), and JPatterson (violin), and Mr J. Augustine made an efficient M.C. Refreshments were provided in abundance. A bunch of mistletoe hung in the centre of the room was - -responsible for a lot of fun. > Pancing w)as kept up until the small hours of the morning, and the party broke tip. by singing Auld l#ng Syne," and giving three cheers.fe^Mr and Mrs Giimour. CAUTION Persons when travelling shoald'exexcise care in the use of drinking water. As a safeguard it is urged thatjevery traveller secure a bottle of . Onaaiberlain's CoJio, Cholera and Diarrhoea Bemedy before leaving Lome, to be carried in the hand luggage. This majr prevent distressing sickness and annoying delay. For sale by F. Jefrrby, Chemist. J. J. Gtjrtis & Co., Ltd., Custom House agents, Wellington. Yonr goods passed through Customs promptly. Forwarding Agents and General Car* riers. Furniture packed arid removed.— ADVT. ;•"■■■ ■■ ■'" ■•■""■■ " .' . " '•."■■'■.■■•-• • ' Equal value improbable, better value mpossible, try Uoyd's — Advfc Budge Whitworth cycles, rfree wheel, two brakes, £18 18s ; terms or exchange £21.-,Clarkson's*

A Home cable states that Shrubb, the running champion, has sailed from London to compete in championships hx Australia and New Zealand. The gate and stand takings at theAthletic and Cycling Sports yesterday amounted to 19s; this sutn being al record for Dannevirke. An exhibition of the speed of the motor cycle w.as.given at the Domain yesterday, Mr Ransom's "Minerva* machine being ridden by Mr Natrass a distance of five miles round theirack. Mr H. A. Deighton has made a good, recovery after his recent illness, and returned to Danaevirke last evening. He will resume his duties at the Bank of" ?few South Wales to-morrow. Mr 1 McGafßn has a number of team s engaged in metalling the uncompleted portion of the Mangahe road.— Mr Tay-^ lor is engaged with several tea,ms in re-r metalling portions of th© road that weredamaged last winter. A chopping match for a side wager of" £1Q was decided in Norsewoodon NewTear's Eve, A. Svensen conceding H_ Stbkes 15 Seconds in a 16in log. Thefinish proved very exciting, the last named winning by a few strokes in lmin ■43seca-,. : • ' ■ • ' ' ; _„'"' . . ... iMeßsrs H. Chadwick and Co., districtagents; for the New Zealand Government State Fire Insurance, wish to remind intending, iinsurers that they commence dperations to-morrow morning. The advantages they offer are State security;,; lowest premiums and participation m the profits: Messrs Chadwick and Co.. also represent life, accident, live stock,. plate glass, fidelityjguarantee, and publicrisk insurance. The Dairyman states that by Ohriat.rnaa 1906 the bulk of the work of hand, milkibg will b»ve ceased in this colonjr a practical, efficient, and .economical milkibg'^niachine being now within measurable distmncei. Within two years f roipi the present time that journal believe* that band milking will be as obsolete on all the large dairy farcui of New Zealand' ad iff the old scythe and flail on the largegrain growing f arms of the colony. i!h9 principle applied in the discovery is said to be new in every particular. In connection with the underhand*' chop at the sports yesterday, a protest-, has been entered by Deegan. the second man, on the ground that Martin, thewinner, had not supplied the bandi* capper with his correct performances. Martin states in his declaration that he haa no previous performances^ and an' I enquiry wan held by the Committe last night at which evidence was given that Martin has won a chop at Ross. This,. Martin denies, and the enquiry has beenadjourned for the present, pending thereceipt of further information. ■ Saturday's ■WaiDawa Mail contained^ the following : —Master Victor Harris. an son of Mr Harris, chemist, Waipawa, well-known as a brilliant boy violinist^ has been studying in London for the past twelve months. - He is now ninejyears of agp, and has obtained the senior advanced grade certificate of the Associated Board ef the R.A.M. and' the R CM. This is the highest pass Master Harris oaia secure for violin playing.; It is not usual for so younjj a. player to win 80 great a distinction. This talented boy and his mother will arrive in Wellington next week. The annual Church, of England social and. tea was held in the Norse wood Towh HalT on New Year's Eve, when_ in spite of very bpisterous weather there was a good house, over £10 being taken.. The tea commenced at 6 30 and was eontinuedtintil''about- 9 o'clock, when the hall was cleared and dancing commenced,* which was kept up to shortly before the incoming of the new yeat when hands, were joined and Auld Lang Syne was. heartily rendered. Mr G. Brabazon presided and thanked the company f prtheir patronage. Mr Smith undertook the duties of M.C. and the music was- ' provided by Misses J. Learmont and E. . Martini :