NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7140, 30 August 1888, Page 4

NEWS OF THE DAY.

.* * bstkrPat's Pabliaxbot.—Tho pro* _ceedings in both Houses yesterday were c | a-1" clearing-op "character, and the sesaioi ■ is how practically "over, although there wi be a formal meeting to-day to put th finishing touches on the woxkof tiheXegi , lature. . An. agreement was arrived t between'the twtf Chambers in regard i m the" Kaftve Bills, "but the Mokau Bil has still to be dealt with by the Com" wjjttee. ttsaSBKBS EKTOBHTNO. —By the ff.S. i Wakatipu, which arrived in port from Weli lingfon at 11 a.m. yesterday, the following member* were passengers:—Hon. S. E. Shrhnski, M L.C., fcrfc Hodgkinson (Walj lace), Fitchett (Dunedin Central), Messrs yexrall (Ashley), Allan (Dunedin East), Rhodes (Gladstone), Lance (Cheviot), Ward (Awarua), and Cowan (Hokonui). ChhistchuSch Workmt» Men's Club.— The dramatic class of the above Club will ■givte an entertainment in the hall to the members and friends this evening. The piece selected is a very good one, erabracinsr very stirring incidents in the Crimea, Some very pretty scenery has been painted for it, and no doubt the performance will be largely patronised. Supbkmb Coubt.—His Honor Mr Justice iVardheld a sitting in Banco yesterday. In the case of Barrett (appellant) v McDonald (respondent), the conviction against the appellant in the R.M. Court, was quashed, with costs. His Honor also gave judgment in the case of the Official Assigneejv Deal and Manning and Co. The civil sittings will be reumed to-day at 11 a.m. ■Women's. Chhistiasi Temperance Association. —At the meeting of this tion yesterday, Mrs Packe gave notice of a memorial to be passed next Wednesday, and expressed a hope that every member would try to be present. The President read the sermon preached by the Bey. W. Harper on Sunday morning, at St. Michael's Church, and reported in the Press of Monday. The sermon was highly approved by the members of the Association. The Pbimate and the Chtjbch Property Teustees.—The Primate, at the meeting of Synod yesterday, gave notice to move to-day—"That a Committee be appointed by ballot to consider and report upon the circumstances under which the loan of £50,000 was contracted by the Church Properly Trustees, and on the question in dispute between the Church Property Trustees and the Sinking Fund Trustees, with power to call for all legal opinion's and correspondence connected with the same." Sudden Death op a Child at Waiau» —On Tuesday a girl, four years of age, daughter of Mr Wm. Geeson, was seriously injured by a kick by a horse, and died on Wednesday about noon. Three hours before death the little sufferer was seen by Dr. Bolger, but he having declined to give a certificate as to the cause of death, an inquest will be necessary. Cheistchcrch Bicycle Club.—A meeting of the Christchurch Bicycle Club was held at headquarters last evening. It was decided in view of the approaching racing season to recommence racing on the home trainer. After transacting a large amount of routine business in connection with the annual meeting on Tuesday next, the Committee adjourned. Malvkrk.—Our correspondent writes: — "So far, this has been the best lambing season seen for years in this and adjoining districts. A good percentage are safe from any ordinary bad weather, and look remarkably strong and well conditioned. Very few deaths have occurred iitt lambing flocks,, but sheep on turnips seem to suffer more than usual. A good demand still exists for all lines." CB'oss-CotraTßT Race.—The Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club's annual crosscountry steeplechase will be held near the residence of Mr H. P. Murray-Ayneley, at Qpswa, on Saturday, September Bth, 1888, and entries for same close with the Hon. Secretary, , Mr L. A. Cuff, on Wednesday, September stb, at 5 p.m. Something like seventy entries have been already received, and a large" number of intending competitors are hard at work getting fit for the race, which should prove a most interesting one, especially as the spectators will be able to see the entire course from the hills at <?pawa. The race will start at 3 p.m., and" spectators going to Opawa by the 2.40 train will be in time to see the start. CRaktgioba Debating Society. — The fortnightly i meeting of this Society; was held on Tuesday evening. There wag a good attendance; Mr T. W. Eowein the chair. The Chairman read a paper on "Longfellow, as-a Poet," written b^Mrs Rowe, whicn was" listened to with much pleasure by the meeting. Messrs Keir, Ball, Hesseli, Wright, Hugo, andPrestuey complimented the lady, on the excellen.ee of 1 her paper, and a vote of,thanks was passed.to her for it. The ediftr's box was then Opened, , and interesting; -„ speeches were made on several well-knowi topics, Mr Wright promised to read an essay on 'fiPemale it the next Meeting of the' Society, Mr "Hugo to oppose. The meeting then terminated. .... t Sefton 'Fabmers* Club.—The regular monthly meeting of the above club was held in the Town Hall on Saturday night "there a,'fair attendance of members, Mr jun., Vice-President, oocupied the chair. Several members who "had received some of the scrub exterminator, doubted if, it .was going, to be so "'effectual as-*ras claimed for it; but it wae considered advisable to try it boiled and igeeHrnat effect that would produce. The Chairman explained that owing to the "weVweather and the lateness of the season it had been difficult to obtain a suitable paddock to try the Howard pulverising plough, but if, the trial was postponed till about the Tnontbi of November! lie would have a lea paddock which he thought would be suitable, and he would bel happy to place itat the disposal of the club. After transacting an amount of routine business, tneicltfbadjbttrned. Fatal Accidhht.—A fatal accident occurred at Eiccarton yesterday to a boy named Jaa. Gibson, aged between nine and ten years, son of Mr -W; Gibson, -a fanner of West Weltbni' The and an elder brother were returning from the Aldington Baleyardswith three live pigs in a tip-cart, covered in' with rope netting. When opposite the Racecourse the pigs became restless, and heaved up the netting, throwingi'the deceased tothe ground, *od the wheel of the dray passed over his head jaitd shbulder. The brother procured the fteeietanceOf twomen who were working La an adjoining paddock, and one of, .them, Mr Joseph Wilson, butcher, placed the deceased, who was picked up in an un- ; conscious state, in his cart, and removed I &jn U> !Xh* boy, however, died on the wajf down." " The morgue awaiting an inquest. : AdcimATieATTOK Societt.—A meeting of the Council of this Society was heldap , * Hotel yesterday afternbon.T Pret BenferMessrs J. C. Boye (in the chair), wi. H. Spaceman, IC. Ferguson, S. <?. Farr (Honfiec.) and Dr. Frankish. The Chief Postmaster wrote that ordinary game licenses -taken, ous .numbered forty-six, M<seni<i h jeell iptmej«|>|f4ei £56. TheSecretary readnetters iff reply to his that the Society had fish for sale. The Societies, which had : written,-etatedihat they were not prepared to buy this year. Mr Spackman informed the meeting that in a private letter tret* i'Mr Shtyy > tto* v gentleman believed the Ashburton Society might want fish this year It was. agreed tbeb 45»9/SeCTetaiy i . should adverfaee that for sale; «iv* etato the price per thousand which was fixed. The Geraldine Society invited co-operation for the mtro4uetkm of red desrmtbe chwnow., ;4sW r some discussion the Secretary was instructed to «eo«*ain what would be the cost red deer into Cantervery pleasant letter was read -from Wr Notfcage, Ashford, Kent. H| acknowledged the receipt of a cheque troa expense was thp .greatest trouble in the carriage of crate tnd lobsters. It was decidedJhat tbjs .fishing season, sitop&te jr?**)?* October ho on.aivi-.after 20th December, 10s ,• boje under' sixteen. 10s; half time, ss.

pied during the evening session yeste_U» in a discussion in Committeo on the Cknvv Pension Fond. on m, A Nuisance.—For some little tunenaafc" business people in Chriatchurch have been annoyed by persons removing pig VB ££ the middle of tho day. Mr Inspecto Hobbs has succeeded in tracing the offene!, to one person, and an information _»» Columbia Rink has the Hon. Sec. of the Hospital Lady Si? Association a cheque for £8, the result rf the of the afternoon session so geaeromW given on behalf of behalf 0 f rebel fund. *-—*™au, St. John Ambulance.—Dr. De Ren*? lectured at the Hospital noon on the fourth subject of theeS in connection with the nui-siiag \|«£ There were about thirty members oft™ class present On Wednesday nest £ final lecture of this course will be given Football.—A football match -was pW at Leeston on Tuesday last between __t C.J.C. Kicearton and Leeston Clubs and resulted in a win for the homo team by 2 points, the score 'being—C.J.C., 1 by 1 point ; Leeston. S tries 3 points 'h__ visitors were entertained with a iamer and smoke concert at Spring's Hoteldnrv ing the evening, leaving tot town in a four, in-hand at 9 pj_. Chamber of Commerce.— The:''amn_i meeting of tbe Chamber of Commerce waa held yesterday, at which Hon. E. Parker the acting President, delivered a veryabla and exhaustive address. Mr A. Kaye {of Kaye and Carter) waa elected President for the ensuiug year, and Mr HiimpariM (of Fletcher, Humphries and Co.) Viol. President. A report of the proceeding! [ understood that Cr. Tait, who retard by I rotation this year, will not offer himself fop re-election for the South-west ward. Mr Bishop is not going to stand for nonl*. east ward; Mr Henry Thomson has been nominated for the ward. A roqiusition to Mr Levoi to stand for tho South-west ward is in course of circulation. Jatr TV.IB. Scott has been nominated for the Northwest ward, and it is stated that Mr Cooptr butcher, Armagh street, is coming forward for the __£^___ M^_B_iß_^^Wffii|__L. the Barrett s Hotel Case.—lnlSw yesterday morning the appeal from the BJB. I Court in the case re Barrett's Hotel, ia which the licensee was fined for inciting a> man to drink contrary to the Lice_ung Act, came on. Mr Martin, who appeawl for the respondent, stated that the witnesses he required to call had been unable to be found, and he was therefore not in a position to argue tho case. The appeal was therefore allowed with costs, and tin' conviction quashed. Kaiapoi Chess and Draughts &.üb—» At a meeting held in the Kaiapoi Institute reading room, on Tuesday evening! _> L Harold Evans in the chair—it waa *«■ solved to form a Chess and Draughts Clan in oonuection with the Institution, ths annual subscription to the same-being 2s »3d. Mr E. Kevell was appointed Hon, Secretary, and the meeting resolved to obtain a set of rules, also to hold the opening of the Club on next Wednesday evening. - . He Stood on His Dionitt.—ln Qa Supreme Court yesterday morning.m scan on appeal,thelearned . his Honor, said that the costs'tS be allow?! would be one guinea. Mr Holmes te«' dignantly refused to take such a fee, stating that he declined to be, placed on the same footing ns a fifth-rate attorney, and that his Honor might give the money to the poor box. Ultimately the irate counsel was soothed by the Eegistrar amending his advice by adding anothsr. guinea, making two guineas in all. Polo Match at Lyttelton Emit.—On Tuesday night a polo match was played between teams representing the Columbia Rink and the' Lyttelton Emk.: The fiama throughout was very well contested, but it appeared evident from the very start that the Columbias were outmatched. They, however, played a fine losing game, with plenty of spirit. Tho result was—Ly'tel* ton, 3 goals; Columbia, 1 goal. The Melbourne Land Boost.—A g~.« tleman writing frctm. Melbourne, in refer* , ring to land mania, says that syndicate, are buying nb land ten or twelve miles from the city. The property is subdivided into sections with about 20ft frontage, and sold on deferred payments, £5 ana £1 a month. The syndicates get as much** J63 per foot. The writer also pertinently re« marks that those who can aiford to pay tne railway fare from such a distance could afford to- buy nearer town something better than the Bections alluded to, which Jia designates " hen runs." Horticultural Society.—This body, • in accordance with a resolution passed at j. its last meeting, has issued ciroularasatMng ■ forth the objects of the Society, and ia* viting members. Pull particulars m giv,en f o£ the advantages mc i beM.djeriveatshow tiboeß, and, aparifrom this, it may 1» mentioned that at the monthly meetings of the Society, papers are read containing such" information on the subjects witn. which they deal that much useful know . ledge is imparted to those who are present. The Humble Bee.—A letter was read . at the Acclimatisation Society yesterday from Mr'J-. C. Boys/one of, its inemben. Mr Boya wrote—" I had it on very good v authority that a farmer made iB6O front red clover seed off two acres of land." Dr. Prankish supplemented this retnaA t>y observing that he knew of it local Una which had paid for a half-ton of red clovar seed at' the rate of Id per lb more » was paid by merchants in England (exclusive pf expenses) for English seed. Proo the aboW it would appear that the Society has done some good by introducing tw humblebee into Canterbury. Concert.—The programme for tho cott» cert to-morrow evening, at the Odd* fellows' Hall,.in aid of the prize;f_id « the, West Christchurch School, has we* issued, and is a very attractive one. Vow solos will be given by Mrs Eeid, Mi» & Eowley, Miss Speirs, Miss Currio, «M Messrs Price, MauricM*, Glaaville, }WW • Gent and PooleyV Mr and Mrs Wfttnm and Messrs Halley and Ogier will sag duets, and the pupils of the «*** will give a couple of part songs. A» Addington Workshops Band, MasterV. Sinclair, and Miss Kerr-will play mental pieces, and the Eev. P. B- M-~ and Mr Johnson will give recitations. Cantata at Ashbiteton.—Dr Bpo"« cantata, " David the Shepherd Boy, «■ .. produced on Tuesday evening bythsenwr of tbe Ashburton Presbyterian C&urcß, assisted By friends. There wm a W attendance, *the Oddfellows' Hall bejj crowded. The various parts veresllo»» m follows :—Abigail, soprano, Mrs OMt attendants,.soprano and alto, Mis*v»™ and Mrs Gamble} MichaL comtoto*' Flower; David, tenor, Mr H. 0. Vjo*v* \ Jesse, baritone, Mr D. Millar; ftwg} i bass. Mr J. Lamb j Saul, bass, Mr Ssm»« Abner and 1 messenger, Mr w. »"?"*: Messrs H. and E. Craighead, J" cast in the foregoing took tho P*™j shepherds and men of war. The *iL_r. ! a ; «wat.)sucoess, the gone through without a single notstw* hitch. Miss Kidd, piatto, and organ, rendered efficient assistance. ** Lamb wielded the conductor's baton. - ASHBUETON A. AND P. ASSOO*T«» A meeting of the Committee of burton Agricultural and tion was held on Tuesday There was a large attendance of , jnei the President, Mr J. C. M. Q*&grfa chair. The Cbaii-ian istoted W 1 * - Secretary, iMr A «. ' his poSatton, alia "he thereat. in promoting the interesta of tne tion. and,it would be hard Secretary as Two A the vacant position ; were ballot was taken,'with the , J. Quane received the appointoewj. date of the annual horse of ! fo ?r OctQb«r-:2aad, ml ,a ,Co«gS % j ajbn_ating -■,» I **?*&„ B. Sfcitt, E. Millar, C. Eeid, J. Williamß, appointed. A .f a^«_iia«»M 9S * X comprising Messrs Small, v Cookson, Bonifant, and vv A appointed to revise the ™£°gto & hearty vote of thanks was P***r h( , bad . Eesfcell for the manner ■*£%£. duritf carried out the duties of SjgJ 1 - 7 . . the time he had held that office. ,

Bo«d met yesterday, *«* *■£££?will amount of routine business. A rei*« be found elsewhere. «„„«» of a Th. Bed DsKs.-In the discussion at the meeting yesterday, it was 'j""".. Little deer liberated at Mr Bwheaii* TO Eirer, was still aUve and doing *f£ Gotox-A beautiful^o^oßly^u .pecimen of white friend Vaiajakanrf rtterw^ head of KM^il*?^.^tbeatmual A farthing. nmddened with dnnk, Sed pane? in the Kaiapoi WesleTan Parsonage, to. which, in con«quence of her state, she was refused adadtta«c« -Hernandw&aseWrelyciit,a*4 Xfe Brrfested later on she aiftged it-was cansed by her haviay injared a child. Polics Nkws.—Ellen Danby, alias was arrested by Detective - [KCoiinoryestedayoziaoaargiftofßteaunga pair of boots, valne 103 6d, the property of Cartifiae McGinley. Margaret Badongfcn4, for eteffing & net, toltk 3s lid, fte property of thoa. Armstrong, and , Thos. for being Idtfroccupier of a house m,Selwya street, Addiagtoa, fieqneatad, Jf reputed tbieTes, ireee also ecrested . jwteni*y. ■ < MEtBOFBira ExHTBETios. —Mr James of Allandale, has forwarded bis eedigree Ayrshire bull The Laird o' Cocktoto the Melbourne Exhibition, where he " sSald secure a prize. The Laird ©*. CockMnoKDe of a rery good strain of Ayrshire feod, ham always been very successful whenever shown, and left here on the 21st jjßfe, a perfect picture of healthy condition 1 . *

South Maevkbh Czmaxxx.— A meeting of Trustees was held at the schoolroom on Tuesday. The Chairman, Mr A. I*. Joseph, informed the Trustees that owiag Id pressure of business, and absence from the district, he wished to resign the chair. The bank-book, showing a credit balance of J2 12s Bd, was laid on the table. On the motion of Mr T. Brows, seconded by Mr Joseph, Mr Grindrod was elected Chairman, sad Mr McMillan was chosen to aaunt*i*ign cheques.

Chtbch Pbopeett . Tbust Grants to Cijkbgt Stifixds.—The report of the Churdi property estate, presented to the Diocesan Synod yesterday, stated that from the income of the estate no moneys were jgfagf to be available during the year front ftorember Ist, 188S, to the end of the following October, for grants towards the stipends of clergy, l'he Trustees were also of opinion there was no probability for some, years to come of such an income from the general trust estate as would TPufntfliTi the clergy stipend grants at J250 foTj&ich pftTf"*^" cure.

f; PaospßCHNe KiAK Waixate. — The proepeetora have just returned to Waittate, from Mr John Douglas , well known Walhao- Downs Estate, where they have % for the last ,weefc or two been trying the ' Serpentine Valley for gold. They say . that good prospects were got, and they BUBjhged to get a shaft down 30ft, but wet ~ ixsther coming on they decided to abandon the work for the present, but return again •hen the weather is more favorable. Both men are old miners, and it is said are confident that payable gold is to be got in and afcoTifr the vy and ~Waihaoxunga dis~

Noeth Cashkbburt Stieplechass. — The r cup presented in the Hunters* Cup Ewe, made by Messrs Coatee and Co., of this city, valued &t 10 guineas, and won feyMr S. J. Parsons' Kathleen, ia s> very handanme trophy. Upon a shield on one side has been engraved the particulars of the race and the winner, on the opposite side within a ribband is a sketch of a Steeplechase;, two of the horses clearing a (tine fence, and a third horse coming on. Ii is intended to arrange for a point to point steeplechase at Amberley shortly, to be open to members of any Hunt Club.

' Castkrbttet Catholic loxxbaht SoCdrt.—The installation of the Bey. Father . Eriind, who has been appointed by bis Lptdahip the Bishop to the spiritual direcierehip of this Society, took place on Tuesday evening last. After being introduced "to the members by the President, the Bey. -Pstfeer addressed the meeting at some length, giving an outline of the course he jpfoposed to f pursuein regard to the Society. * jL'vpte of tftanka to the retiring chaplain, ipoDpoeed by Vice-President Crook, and '•eeonded by Mr Chase, was carried unaniteounly. An elocution contest then took place, in which Messrs Courtney, Wilson, wvpe, Crook and Carney competed, Mr :o&rney being awarded first place.

* ~ Ihdootbiai. Buna>iN<j Societt. — A 38aetmg. a£ those interested in the formadim of a So. 2 Industrial Building Society 'wm beM at the Corn Exchange last night. ! Hs X Crooks presided, and explained the ■objects ami principles of the Society, and fiiafc over sixty names of intending memISere hid been, received. There were about jeaple present. It was decided to Itiim a> No. 2 on a similar basis to No. I, auad tiiefallowing Committee-was appointed Redraw up roles and report on September Safer-Mftasre.H. B. Kirk, J. Glanville, T t Sttn«a.T. Pellet, a. TVoodham, F. Cook, ti.fi. Po«B r T. Wallace, W. J. Bellinger •C, T-;BBSiea, J. P. Cooper, and. Gh B. Crooks-was appointed aod tonvener, and the proceedings cwayL ■ ' ■ .

Niw CokPANT.—In our advertising columns will be found the prospectus of a .Sj|* Cwppanv, entitled f' f The Pastoral and Agency-Compaay of Australasia, limited/* with a capital of feOOO.OOO, in 2,0W,000 shares of £1 each, *iti power to increase. The Company- has bee»forsied ; to establish a pastoral, agrienttnral and commercial "agency and nuance business, having branches jg all thf> Australasian ©atonies, flew Zealand, and in London. The •pecial feature about it is the introinto this daas of agency business jjj??*: WBtuel principle, under which, constituents being shareholders, and having rasaess transactione with the Company WO m its profits. Fifty thouw*d afcwee have been referred for. New «*lana, and the Hon. H. J. Miller, Hon. Peter, and Mr John -tudholme have Jg»<ftXßnted the New Zealand. Coon of gswawaal Directors. Messrs Acland, mWUi end Co. are the Christchurch brokers j* the Company. Full particulars of this ««?» and important undertaking Trill be SWa a the prospectus as advertised, to wtach our readers are referred. rfe»ucATiojre Ebctived.— " Present Day 2™^ or Great Questions for Earnest ll^ars,-» tte tiae of » pamphlet con™>fpartofaseriesof lectureT-by the aTiv* 1 «* Cfeistchurch. dealt with are-" What is I and doe* it Meet fee Deepest ***pJgs of the Human Heart-" "TCie £ J, B /^cter 8 -HkT e They &nry ' who delivered

A SwA&m ;6r SWACWUOJ&-—The North Wairarapa district appears to "be swarming with swaggers. At AJriteo no fewer than 1275 swaggers were ferried over the river without payment in the year ending Jane 30th last, many of them, having free feeds also; *t J&atauksna, for the month of June, 125 persons were supplied with meals, and that had been the average for the pro ceding four months; Gknburn gave 232 in six months; Blairlogie, 317 in four months. One runholder stated that " each guest supplied Tnmgolf with enough victuals to stave off starvation for a month/

The EBtrPTiox in Japan.—The Japanese passengers by the steamer Afghan, which has arrived at Thursday Island, give some details of the recent earthquake on the Island of Bun Tiy Zun- The island is of ; volcanic formation and is about 100 square miles in extent, with a fresh water lake on the top, enclosed by mountain ranges. On Jury 14th it was noticed that the water had turned to mud. A violent shock followed soon afterwards, almost paralysing the residents of the town, numbering about 2000. The town was virtually split in two parts by the upheaval. A large number of persons were swallowed up ia the chasm. Many rushed to the foot of the mountain, and were killed by the falling lava and boulders from tho mountain sides. THose who went westward away from the mountain base saved their lives. Nearly all the houses, in the town were destroyed. Most of the people resident there were buried alive, or were killed by the falling debris. The volcanic eruption lasted from morning till dark at night. Next morning fire sprang from the crater, and it was in the panic ensuing that most of the lives were lost. The mountain virtually fell upon the town, burning all within ite range; All the water on the island was turned to i mud. Many who escaped destruction by ] the volcanic disturbances have since been starved ia death.

Daxbt Pbodttcz at thk Melboitbjtb Exhibition. —In connection with the Melbourne Exhibition, there are to be seen two special shows of dairy produce in which it might be worth the while of New Zealanders to take part. The dairy industry is not bo advanced in Victoria ac in New South Wales, and the Otago Daily Time* thinks the prices ruling should prove remunerative if the- market were tried. The first of the special shows will be held on the 20th, 21st and 22nd September, and the second on the Ist, 2nd And 3rd November. The schedule includes cheese, butter for exportation, salt and fresh, eggs, preserved milk, sugar of milk, honey, tallow, hams, bacon, and chops, lard, and other articles.

The FuTtfEE ov Melbourne. —Mr Bendix Hallenstein, writing, to the Daily Times, expresses the opinion that those who- are now going- to Melbourne will in twelve months be worse off than if they had remained here. He adds:—" Victoria, though in many respects a much inferior country to New Zealand, has hitherto been more prosperous, through having adopted a more economical policy, and one more conducive to the progress of a young country. But the pre sent feverish prosperity of Melbourne—if prosperity it can be called—will as sure as I am now penning these linee, leave that city in a state of prostration from which it will not recover for many a day;' and the bulk of those who at this stage go to Melbourne, will not be in time to reap sufficient of the good things to compensate for the misery to follow. I do not expect, nor do I wish for a'boom' such as they now have in Melbourne, but I have no hesitation in saying that here we are making far better times. Settlement is gradually increasing, all our raw products are steadily rising, interest is lower, while agricultural and pastoral lands are approaching prices at which they can be profitably occupied."

A Strange Freak.—Rather an amusing incident occurred on one of the Victorian suburban lines lately. Four railway inspectors were travelling from Oakleigh to Melbourne. They had a compartment to themselves, and the time passed pleasantly enough, until one of the party suddenly uttered a wild shriek and began to execute an impromptu dance on the floor of the carriage. For a moment his companions thought that he had been seized with sudden insanity, but the point of an auger protruding from the cushion against which he had been leaning explained the mystery. Some one in the next compartment had bored into the partition, and the point, after Fenestrating the timber and the cushions, had finally imbedded itself in the Inspector's back. The injured person seized hold of the auger, when it was withdrawn with such violence that his fingers were badly braised. At the next station the officials made a descent upon the. adjoining compartment, and discovered an inebriated railway laborer peacefully reposing by the side of the offending instrument. He was at once seized and conveyed to the watchhouse, wnere he was identified as E. J. Connolly, a temporary railway employe. The Inspector escaped with slight injuries.; —Age