NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11876, 25 April 1904, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Light rains fell in Ashburton at intervals on Saturday. The Westport Coal Company's output last week was 11,884 tons 16 cwt. The Terra Nova will probably leave for England about the end of next week. Sir Joseph Ward intended visiting the volunteer bazaar on Saturday afternoon, but did not do so, as he was suffering from a bad cold. The number of people who attended at the first night of the Volunteer Bazaar in this city on Thursday is officially stated to have been 5560. Tlie annual meeting of the Ashburton Branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was called for Saturday afternoon, but it was decided to adjourn it for a week. During Sir Joseph Ward* stay in this city, the junior member for Christchurch, ~.r T. H. Davey, M.H.R., introduced between thirty-five and forty persons to the Minister on various matters of a private character. On Friday evening last at the Lyttelton Club a billiard match was played between Mr E. J. Campbell, the Victorian champion, and Mr J. Hill, of Lyttelton, in the presrenee of a large nurb-.r of spectators. Mr Hill, who received 3CO points in 800, won tlie match by 47 points. Arangetnents had been made for Sir Joseph Ward to receive a number of deputations at tlie Borough Council Chambers, Lyttelton, on Saturday night, before his departure by the steamer for Wellington. Unfortunately, however, bir Joseph Ward contracted a uevere': cold, which made it impossible for him to receive the deputations,'but he will do so on his return from Wellington in about ten days' time.

The annual election of school committees for the North Canterbury Educational District will take place this evening at 7.30. The Industrial Exhibition held in Wellington last week in aid of the public" school cadets battalion hand, resulted in a profit of about £100. In. compliment to tho industry in which our coming Governor is interested, four hotels in New Zealand have been re-named "The Plunket Hotel." At a meeting of the Ekatahuna branch of the Fanners' Union, a member enquired why 2Ad per lb only was paid for North Island pigs, whilst the quotations in the South Island were 4£d. Tlie reason was given that pigs in the South were grain fed, whilst those in the North were fed on c--kim milk. Mr J. H. Parker, of Wellington, tennis champion of New Zealand, who recently won the Champion Singks in South Australia and Tasmania, is expected buck in Wellington next Wednesday. It is proposed to entertain Mr Parker at a smoke . cert next week. The fishing notice posted at the Tourist Office on Saturday stated that the Waitafci river was in good onkr for fishing, the north branch of the Waimakariri was fishable, the Rukaia was not finable, and the Rangitata was dirty and not fishable. Amongst tlie successful applicants for sections in the Edendale settlement, Southland, were Mr Chit*. F. Moore, Livingston* street, Christchurch; Mr Ikorgo Barron, Cave, Tiinnru; Mr Wm. Fleming, Ashburton; Mrs Georgina Clark, Ashburton; Mrs Eliza Campbell, Pleasant) Point, Timaru; Mr John Milmine, Studholms Junction; and Mr Edwin Baker, Hawarden. A Canterbury man, Mr H. E. Clark, of Ashburton, acted as scrutineer at to* ballot. In connection with the fruit classes for the Horticultural Show, to be held on May 4th and sth, the committee on Friday evening received a letter from tlie President (Captain R. H. Rhodes), stating that the prize money for collections of fruit, both in the nurserymen's and amateurs' classes was very small, and offering to supplement the amounts offered, in, the former by 353, and the latter by 30s. This offer vas thankfully accepted, tlie compiler of tlw Fruit Schedule pointing out that he had been limited Ho a stated sum. In the course of his astronomical lecture on Saturday night, Mr Wragge indicated come very fine slides, which he stated fas had received direct from tlie Royal Geographical Society. They were intended, he said, to advance the cause of popular education, and yet (in a rueful tone of voice) the Federal Government had actually charged him duty on them. No wonder that a change of Government was wanted in Australia. On Saturday Mr W. Minson (President of Hie Industrial Association), and Mr W. Devenish Meares (President of the Chamber of Commerce), waited on Sir Joseph Ward in reference to tlie promise made by him in May last year, as Minister of Railways, to recommend £o the Executive a reduction in tho railway rates between Lyttelton and Christchurch. Sir Joseph Ward stated that the matter had not been forgotten, but as the railway financial year only closed in April, it was- impossible to make any alteration till after that date, but the reduction in the rate from »even to six and a half miles had now been made, and would shortly be gazetted. That the installation of the electric tramway system has meant considerably increased prosperity to the, borough «* North-East Valley, was shown on Friday evening, says tlie "Otago Daily TJjae*," by Ct. I. Green, a candidate for the Mayoral chair of North-East Valley, in his address at Opoho. Cr.'Green stated that the present rateable value of the borough was £21,495, as against £19,845 lest year, or an increase of £1650. Tho capital valuo of the borough lost year was £396,900, and - this year it had increwed"to no {eat a sum than £429,900, or an mcreaae. of £33,000—-surely a striking testimony to the rapid progress of this progressive borough. The total amount expended in works by the Council for the year just ending will be £1519 9s Id. At the commencement of his lecture on Saturday night, Mr Wragge stated that one of the morning paper* .{"The Frew") had remarked upon bis frequent uee of the ejaculation "Oh!" What was he to say, he asked. Not only the English, hut any other language, ; must fail him to describe the wonder* of the universe of which he wis treating Later fa -the evening, when Mr Wragge was imagining the journey of a disembodied spirit through the universe of worlds, he alluded coot again to the criticism made concerning him. "Supposing," the lecturer stated, "that our jeporter (God -less him) were an astral foul • voyaging through athe Pleiades. I wonder if ha would not ejaculate "Oh!" . In connection with the working of the' tablet system on the Canterbury railway*, the member for Riccarton wrota *to;w» &iitfster for Railway* bringing rade*_w», notice the danger experienced by •tawon—.asters and others in exchanging tabktav • Sir Joseph Ward has replied stating that., it has been decided to equip all tlw , stations between Christchurch and Rolleston with automatic tablet changing apparatus. Experiment* were recently made with a view of ascertaining the moat suit, able type of exchanger for the New . land railways, and a decision' having been - arrived at, the equipping of the station* between Christchurch and Rolleaton will he put in hand immediately. The De*. partment's decision in this matter will be heartily welcomed by all who have to do with the working of the tablet syateuu A visit was paid to the Lake. JElleeßMn outlet on Saturday by Messrs W. Dunlopi . chairman, and G. Witty, M.H.R., and W. McMillan, members of the Behryn County Council. They were well pleased with the progress with the work; which will be completed in a few days, provided the sea does not rise too. much. The contractor has only one beam and about thirty feet of upright boards to put . in, but the work can only be done when the sea is calm, and then only for two to four hours between tides. "Operations have been carried on under great difficulties, owing to the sea silting up with sand the whole width of the era end of the "outlet, ocoops have had to be put on, and the* water forced through the outlet to scour out the Ettnd. As soon as the work previously mentioned has been done, the doors can be closed, and {the flooring put down in about two days. At. prevent there is a splendid flow of water through the pntlet. Difficulty has been experienced owing to the current in the lake banking up sand, in the front at the inlet, hat this trouble has been practically got over. . .Regarding the disposal of the Edendale settlement, Southland, the "Otago Daily . Times" ha« the following:—"Number* of - applicant* failing to get the sections of j their choice, were allowed to Jake up other % sections in the same block for wltich no % one had applied, and in several cases when this second choice was given there '* was more than one applicant, and tlie ballot box had again to be* resorted to. The ballot for the sections in subdivision 23 gave ri?e to rather a little episode. Mr J. W. Cox, of Ba.ciutha, having beet* denied by the ballot box tho section «f h«* choice ;iO3K), tignified his willingness :o take one of tho other sections ya. that block not applied for. He fixed on-sec-tion iOO. Mr Alexander Marshall, »if Middlemarch, who was also offered hi* j choice, wished section 100, and on the j matter being put to the ballot Mr Cox proved unsuccessful. Invited to make another selection, he chose Mction IC4. Mr Thomas Marshall, of West Taieri. .»!»■> wanted section 104. The matter was again referred to the ballot box, which witcruel persistence declined to favour Mr Cox! Encouraged to make another try, Mr Clox this time selected section 101, and secured the consolation prize in a walfc» i over."

Th? two newly-elected members* of the CiW CoSa f« the Central ward, Cr*. £• G A-* and W. K. Samuels. *ill take their a***** at tUc -«« tin ß •°- n, B" t ' 'Hi* fofloa-ing accused persons vill ap- ? o'clock this inorniug:—|e ££ ytkomoko, incest; John O'Connel Sfck declaration of birth; Francis ■j£j. '«-.»* ™ d Tb Tc S omtheft. Tlie civil sittings will commence to-morrow. Mr C. Bean, treasurer to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a cheque for £10 from Mm rownend, being her own donation of £5 towards the Society's funds, and aso a subscription of £5 from h« fat 1 .<r. Mr G. H. Moore, in appreciation of «>- ---good work done by the Society. ■n,e committee who have charge of tae arrangements for the comphmemary concert to Mr* Burns to l;e >-ld in tl, ,V i — n suffer inn from an Canterbury Hall, arc sutur Sd .""enouSi to fill double the pro£»_i ?he demand for ticket. »- tncouraßina;. and there is every prospect of a successful concert. *mong the land v~Ud in the Public Tru"ee under the Unclaimed Lands Act Bangiora. consisting of 50 a-re«; also part Jural section 570, borough of Rangiora. o «„ arx-a of 11 acre... and W 18. part of rural section 571, town of Rangiora, c 5 perches. A number of Stratford residents lately visited the Government experimental farm a littl- way from Waverlev. and speak in high terms of the grounds and experiments "that are being carried on. Only, said one man, " tliey seem to be making a success out of what we long ago proved to be a failure." Colonel Hume. Inspector of Prisons, arrived in Christchurch on .Saturday. He states that the arrangements in connection with the prison camp nt Haunter are proceeding in a satisfactory manner, and more tree-planting will be undertaken. He will visit tho camp tlus week. Mr H. O. Ell, M.H.R., needs about £3 more in order to meet expenses in connection with name plates for the trees in the Domain gardens, and will be glad to receive contributions. A name plate has been affixed to the very old cabbage tree near the southern bridge, stating . that this tree was growing in the same spot when Canterbury's first settlera arrived. Tlie inspector of Stock at Ne_:on recently observed a number of rabbits exposed for sale in the town, and he at once notified the local Press that all the back country, from where the rabbits came, was being systematically and simultaneously poisoned, and that there was a considerable risk in using them for food. The sheep-guessing competition at the Bawke's Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Autumn Show on Wednesday resulted in a dead heat between three of the competitors, each of whom guessed the j actual weight of the five sheep, 250w. They were Messrs G. Bee, E. A. Howell, and Kohupatiki, who divide the first, second, and third prizes. The sheep were killed at the Hastings abattoir, and weighed hot, in accordance with the conditions of the competition. The advice of Mr Cock, of New Plymouth, to young men, is opposed to that of "Punch,'' says tne 'Taranaki Herald." He said, speaking of what he considered a land boom, that a young man who bought a section for £150 should marry and live on it and not pay rates for nothing for 20 years. He added that thertfefhad been placed on the market more sections than there were men, women, and children 'in the place. A petition had been got up ■\ for the cutting up of land for workmen's * homes, but, judging by the non-success of "y? the Spotswood scheme, he could hardly # think the petition was genuine. - -' -At a recent meeting of the Tapanui branch of the Farmers' Union, the mutual - fire insurance scheme was discussed at tome length, and the President placed couch information regarding it before those present. Lists for members to sign de- ,\ daring their intention of supporting the project were to hand, and before the association could be registered there must not •ha <»wer than 100 owners of farm* on Isolated property guaranteed as subscri- ;»_ hers, with risks' amounting in the aggre'r - «te to not less than £40,000. Risk* would I; be \ effected only with member* of the * " Union, end under the scheme the rates < ' ~on farmer*' risk* would-be'very greatly ,; ~ ndoced; minimum annual payment* of 5s .". to 10s per £100 of insurance being eugv :' fated in li*u of 8s to 22s od per £100 now ruling in the colony. in connection with the School Commit- ._ fee eWctiona to-night, it may be well to -■- ~ note that the School Cimmhtees' Election "- , Act, passed last session, gives the follow- ~- .IMf as the amendment of the School Com- - WtteW (Election Act, 1901: —"Provided that in the case of husband and wife any * qualification possessed by either of them ■hall be deemed to be possessed by each .* «'„._•! them." Previously, the law was that' i 'not more than one person was entitled to ntjta in respect of the same qualification. Persons who vote on the residence quali- * - ficatioiu, must have resided iin the school : - district for three months next before the daito of the election. A wife may vote, [-.. bat cannot be elected, unless she is the [ *lo**»-bolder,'* the owner, or tenant of > the house roe lives in, or is the guardian . of a child attending the school. A somewhat exciting accident happened to Mr a E. Daniell'* Weraiti sawmill, Mar Masterton, recently. Four trucks carrying logs to the mill were being drawn „• . '. ?? • *t«ep inchne by a wire rope, and when near the top a shackle at the end of ft* rope broke. The released trucks ran back, and in crossing • suspension bridge, which is buut on the inchne, and over the Taue—; River, the trucks left the rail*, "sad catting through the floor and beams of the bridge, landed" on the river bank some ;, jSf* below, and were all smashed to atoms. . The low, carried by the velocit- tber had j _*_,"***' ~~* °n through the "end of the bridge, and imushed up the approaches to the main atructure. Fortunately, the man m charge waa walking .'alongside the load~ji_.i7' i! n ~* "P* broke, and'es2_T * --thing more than a great tng_t. Some idea of the force of the impart of the log, -__ ihe pmA Mfrom the feet that one solid totara, log. *«t long, by 4ft Bin in diameter, was •put from end to end. .J-wAuU-ul Education Board, at its d<ni_rfl__ _*_K£ TOme Pathetic evi- «■? aSi2? la^ hi P »hicli many connfairi- _r«,J^. 7 ' "was,, he believed, a ~fP<»*t3-a wm v follows: il& lT.u fow - Betorebreakit^tjt* "•?* "• Settle, and tht thm r«° MP in with "drtart to milk. What 1 do ««o» noon: I come in from milking and fc «_3 **? dßha »: *ken Igo for potatoes % •Sl P^_ them ' U,m Ig» and make the 5 - 3u ' f out th * hons *- I P- fc o* y «* potatoes at 11 o'clock, and have dinner * «?!?*_. , Itt U,e a f*emoon I lielp to wash - -Li* ? 2,i!,es ' the «- Igo and help mv %. . »_"! r wrough l»er work. In the evenine *£* i *!r *T ca,T *' ,, and XB° and mi,k - After ■c - __*** oae •— lkm g I come in and get tea , : »«y: give S and R their tea. ' _mL_ ~" '" ssons ' an< ' t * ien P nt them -' • - _!_ > After tea I wafth up. learn.my ? - - s*» lessons, and go to bed at nine o'clock." 'i'- 2*l •mmmunication. reported Inspector I'- ' Tf , I an, diacle>ed a terrible fctate of affairs. - _*. a ? red t * ,e d:ffict, h-*» in the path of Kbeatioß in many of the country districts, ''- . •*** that the teacliers contrived to do so ''' S_"' 1 * s wa * t,le * answer to ¥ _*** w bo thought little of our primary s_. edttation system.

Tliere is a possibility that Mr Massey, the Leader of the Opposition, will deliver a political address at Kaiapoi early ia May. One evening during last week, while the volunteers were preparing for the opening of the Garrison Bazaar, some sneak thieves stole three of the workers' bicycles and seven lamps. News has just been received of the death in Pretoria of Mr T. D. Baker, late of New Zealand. Mr Baker captained the New ; Zealand football team in Pretoria, whose portraits appeared in the "Weekly Press' a few months ago. Tho Wellington City Council has authorised the prosecution of Kempthorne, Prosper, and Co. for the alleged storing of a lurger quantity of dangerous goods at their late premises than was allowed by the by- j law. j It is understood that at present instructions from England as to the movements <>f the Morning are being awaited, and that it is not vet certain whether the vessel will proceed Home or be disposed of in the colony. At the Public Gardens additional name plates of trees, shrubs, and plant.*, to the number of one hundred, have been placed in position. Nearly all the different pine trees have been named, but there still remain a large number of trees and plants unnamed. Consumption ought not to exist among the well-to-do classes, said Sir William Lroadbent. chairman of the National Association for the Prevention of Consumption, speaking at Bournemouth. Bad conditions of life caused it among the poor, and excessive drinking was a great factor in predisposing persons to attack. Tlie electrical power supply of Rotonia is to be increased considerably, for the present supply is inadequate for the town demand. Au'engineer will go to Rotorua, before the end of the month to report upon the best, method of increasing the supply. It is quite possible tho Department will lay down an electric tramway to connect Rotorua and Whakarewarewa. A decision of some interest to fanners was given by the Gisboroe magistrate a few days ago. It appears that the defendant in the case Had killed six pig*? which had strayed on his property, and was sued for the value of the animals. In giving his judgment the magistrate held that to justify defendant killing the pigs he must first "show that his 'land had been properly enclosed by good permanent fences, and as this had not been done, the judgment would go for plaintiff for the value of the pigs and £5 4s costs. Constables Mitchell and Rowe arrested two men on Saturday on a charge of having been implicated in assaulting and robbing James Armstrong. Another man has been previously arrested in connection with the same matter. Constable Mitchell arrested a young man on Saturday on a charge of having broken into and entered the premises of Mr R. Pitcaithly. Detective Ward arrested a man the sam* day on a charge of having stolen a rug. Mr W. Radcliffe, J.P., presided at the Lyttelton Police Court on Saturday, when Joseph Higgs, for selling cigarettes to a boy under fifteen years of age was fined two shillings. Edward Cave and Harold Blackler, two boys, were each fined 2s 6d for using shanghais in Canterbury street to the annoyance of passers-by. On a charge of breaking a window, they were convicted and discharged, as they had already paid for the damage done. Mr W. R. Haselden, S.M., occupied the Bench at the Magistrate's Court on Saturday. Two first offenders, charged with drunkenness—a male and a female—were each fined 5s and costs. Catherine Ashby pleaded guilty to a charge of having stolen, at Sydenham, a skirt, valued at 2s 6d, the Sroperty of George Shaw. Sergeant ;ourke informed the Court that petty larceny and shop-lifting had been rife m Sydenham of late. Tlie skirt stolen by accused had been hung up outside a shop. The Bench inflicted a fine of 20s, or in default seven days' imprisonment. One of the boats of the English Trawling Company about to operate in the colony will be stationed at Wanganui, which is to be made the distributing centre of the Company for that coast, and on acre of ground has been acquired at Balgownie on behalf of the Company, on which it is proposed to build commodious storerooms for the fish. That some excellent fishing grounds exist within a few miles of Wanganui there can (says the "Herald",) be no doubt, and the hauls from these will/ it is anticipated, be more than sufficient to supply, not only the town itself, but the whole coast from Palmerston to New Plymouth. For keeping down the weeds ura tho Dux one-horse Cultivator, complete", with hilling attachments. Price, £2 10s. Morrow, Baasett and Co. 6 Furniture.—There is now to be seen in the Cashel street windows »of the D.I.C. an exhibit of solid oak dining-room furniture of the Old English style. A large selection of similar. goods in very highclass designs are now to be seen in the Furniture Showrooms of the company's warehouse, and everyone who recognises the. value of unique and tasteful furnishings are invited to visit these departments. before all are sold out. 29 . Black, Beattie and Co. have now opened a full and complete stock of Men's Macintosh and Rainproof Overcoats. These have been made to special order, and have all the appearance of being tailor-made. 31 Inventors.—lnventors ahould consult Henry Hughes, Patent Agent, 183 Hereford street. Established 1882. P. M. Newton, manager. 9329 Mr Edward Hope, surgeon dentist, has commenced practice at 45 Hereford street East Telephone No. 1361. 1481 Ladies requiring stylish winter jackets, should inspect Beath and Co.'s large stock of latest fashions, btyles and values unsurpassed. Lovely tweed jackets, 14s lld, 19s 6d, 25s 6d, 29s 6d, 355, 425, tos ; black jackets, 21s, 27s od, 32s od, 39s 6d, 49s 6d, B3», 84s; new mole jackets, 47s 6d, 555, 635, 725; new shape mackintoshes, 27s 6d, 355, 39s 6d; children's jackets, stylish tweeds and cloths, latest shapes ! and coloura, 10s od,- 12s 6d, 15s 6d, 17a lld, 19a 6d, 21s; new stock of. drvsu skirts, in latest shapes* and trimmings, exceptional value. Boath and Co., Limited, Fashionable Drapers, Cashel street. Special purchase. A large stock of ladies' choice and up-to-date winter jackets, in newest materials. 2ibelines, Tweed, and Flake effects, to be cleared at special prices, 17* 6d, 21s, 22a 6d, 255, 29s 6d, at Messrs Black, Beattie and Go.'s establishment. Visit of inspection invited. Also, a special line of French Blouse Flannels. in newest patterns, to be cleared at Is 4£d and Is 6*d per yard. Patterns may be had on application. " 32 If we were asked to recommend a really good mouth wash and dentrifice we would most unhesitatingly say "Dentol." Its regular use cleanses and whitens the teeth, and leaves a most pleasant amsation in the mouth. 1* Pianos can be purchased on the one, two, or three-year hire system from 30 guineas; oigans from 17 guineas. Lowest prices. Easiest terms. It Francis, The Musical Exchange. 159 Manchester street, Christchurch. 32 Bring your lamps to be fitted with chimneys, shades, illuminators, burners, galleries, or altered from table to hanging lamps. Also in stock, a large assortment of bracket, table, hall, banging, and hand lamps, from Is each. See window, all I marked in plain figures. Competition dei fied. Fletcher Bros., lamp importers, | Lower High street. 5986 | FOR THE MAIL.. ' Another excellent mail number will be this week's "Weekly Press," published tomorrow. It deals largely with two of the recent functions in which the Governor took part—his visit to Tuhoeknd, and his farewell from the -people of Dunedin. There is also a collection of the newest ill-atrations connected with the Russian-

Japanese trouble, and a further instalment j of the splendid copyright engravings relating to the Antarctic expedition, and the boats concerned in it. As an advertisement of the colony and its doings 'Tlie Weekly Press" stands first, and the management has anticipated .a brisk demand for copies. THE ORIGIN OF LEAP YEAR. Apropos of the supposed right of women to propose to men on February 29th, the "Spectator" says that the legend goes that St. Bridget asked St. Patrick for a year in which maids might woo. He conceded her one year in seven. She, no doubt, confident of the compelling charm of Irish women, but anxious that other maidens less blessed should be granted an extended privilege, succeeded in persuading the saint to reduce the number seven to four, and on gaining the concession immediately offered marriage to St. Patrick himself. The offer placed him, of course, in a difficult position, but he is credibly lelated to have extricated himself by means of a kiss and the gift of a silk gown. THE PARADOX OF IRKUTSK. Irkutik, near Luke Baikal, is said to be the worst city in Siberia. Yet it is celebrated for i lie number of its churches and the religiousness of its inhabitants. On •Sundays the churches are always well filled. " It has a population of 65,000, out of which number there are 30,000 criminals on ticket-of-leave. Everybody goes about ■ armed, and there is an average of a murder a day throughout the year. Here is a recent case. A lady lutd taken a fancy to another man, so she decided to get rid of her husband, promising to reward her new friend handsomely if he wonld help her. On hi* agreeing to do so she formed the following plan—namely, to take her husband out mushrooming, and then to go over the brow of a hill out of his eight, when the friend was to come up and shoot the husband. She, on hearing the shot, was to run back and find her husband dead. The plan was carried out, but, unfortunately for the lady, there was a police inquiry, and at the trial she confessed everything. Both were found guilty of murder, and the man got eight years' imprisonment, while she, as accessory to the fact, got twenty years.