NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12484, 21 April 1906, Page 8

NEWS OF THE DAY.

—-**■- — -Jl The auction c_uiounc«me-tts of tao'Mj North, Canterbury Co-op. r J. D. Thom__, Conway Matson and; ) H. B. Scre-Bsen, Charles Clark,' Reynolds and Co., TVxnks, Norton Co., F. C. T_bart, Guinnees and l*>'oi Cren,- Dalgety and • Co., W«g&tf"|| Stephenson and Co., Ingram and National and Agency Devereux Bros., Rolfo and Co., C. &*:>s£ Lees ajid Co., Field and Royds, ing, S*cn and Co., will 'be found fiO : fl pages 15 and 14 of this issue. > The exhibition of the Art Societjr *-« ',-$» well attended yostefltiay. It will b»H««| op-n. to-day, and in the evening t n »_jjs|l art union, will bo drawn. . /£F£'ffl'_ ! A special thermometer for taking temperature of. frozen butter or nxwJEiLp J__ moat was shown, to a,Wellington l-epresentariv© by Mr Kinsella, ChW;||l». Dairy Commissioner. The device is b*~MM English invention called a spike t ** e '_js9 mometer, the thermometer being <"-s*»ig*Jl in steel and fitted with a neat woodenj"|* liandl© whicli can be rapidly from the main body of the thermometer Jm after it has been driven into tho ro * te, butter. Owing' to the construction ™_j*« tho thermometer, the glass comas _tQ£ immediate contact with th© article is being tested, and thus tho quickly indioatca the actual tempemtaw J and enables th© testing of a large nur_*Vri her of articles to be effected expeditic_~ -t 1- V ly- _ r| Thrs story sounds apomyp—al, bnt is none tho le_ true (says the Auckland -,| "Star*"). A party of bowlers were •*©- > «| cently indulging in a quiet game on tho,*! Kooky Nook Green when they saw _«*•"-»-'£ . ral Ijoys running along behind the ward-bound Kaipara train and •' a koroseno tin thereto. This done, thj-j kiddies followed the train along oat overtaxing their waning keeping abreast of their tin for e»B*o|| time, and evidently en_jo_ying their joko to the full. It may be ni©ntiOT*4Jfcs that tho Rooky Ncok Green l^^flff, Club i.s a temperance .iwttitution, -M}F-Jj|l_| that tho fiery waters which lead to iwfM Jj of rich relations and wondrous happ****?__,; ings find no resting place there. f Hearing from Christchurch -', tnrers that Southland birch was '„■ xwod in the manufacture of many a*"*?!! *» tides, Mr H. G. Ell, M.H.R., bfTz , municated with the Minister for J_anaVi£ y urging that some permanent rctarrarij _*"- tion be made in order to consort-© th*'-""'' __, class of tinilier. Mr Ell hiw just s - ceived a reply from the Minister *w*-'S - v ing that the Commissioner for Crow*jg ,< I_nd» in Southland ha-? been cated with in order that arrangomon»-s. ,-, may be made to roserro birch ~' in that district, for the pmpesps niony, * tioned. Mr Ell nho wrote to tho Mm-.; ; istcr suggesting that steps be taken '. * prevent wasteful destruction of manuka* , i timber. In reply Mr Duncan stated - i that he was making enquiries to ; < tain whether the timber is bHng W« : ' destroyed, and if so what steps I**h*jj J < L**t be taken to prevent that d-struc-£* , I tion- -;v

V - — ; ; —— 11*© annual elections of school com--n-.tees will take place on Monday evening. The lluiildiiig Committee of the Now Zealand International Exhibition will pay a visit of insp.-ction to the building on Monday next at. 2.15 p.m. Indications at the petroleum bore at Motnron, (near New Plymouth) are very enennra'-i *'■".• !lIK ' ' f JS expected that niHiketiibh' oi! ■'"ill be flowing in a few day**Code addresses for inland telegrams jnav now be registered. If tho code address is th<" same as that on cablegrams the charge is 10s per annum, if different, £1 ]»'r annum. The monthly fee to cover both iegi„trafions is -1-s. The weekly social gatherings in connection with the Canterbury Caledonian Society will commence on May 3rd, When a sale of th© articles left over from tho bazaar will take place from 2.30 to 5 p.m and at 7.30 p.m. A mesMijre received by th© Chief Postmaster, Christchurch. from the Postmaster at, Bealey yesterday, stated that the coaches were unable to leave lor Christchurch. owing to tho Otira River being in flood. Tho results of the surveyors' examinations show that Thos. McFarlane Mnckland). T. H. Johnston (Welling- ;;„,, and W. C. Wall (Wellington) nu-sfcil with credit in tho order named. y. Freeman (of C'hristcburch) completed his examination, and with the others a entitled to a surveyor's license. The summer number of tho Boys' High School magazine just published contains si large quantity of information interesting both to present and to pa/if. pupils of the school. The number is illustrated with photographs of tho first eleven, the monitors, and tli© ath- "" letic team. At a meeting of the committee of St. Patrick's Eve concert held last night irjien Bi*hop Grimes presided, th© balance-sheet s-!iow<*d a net return of £101 9-s 4d, which is to bo handed over to the Sis'tera of Nazareth, in aid of the funds of Nazareth House, The first general meeting of the Canterbury Co Liege Arts and Crafts Guild took place last, night, whom a programme of. music was performed. Competitions in landscape, figure, still life, nnd architect urn 1 and ci-aits branches were held, some of th© work being :'.•" much beyond th© average for similar associations. Two-thirds of tho platform foundation for the now railway station at Dunedin has been laid, th© work being expedited by the use of a patent concrete j mixer, which is the only appliance of _ "its kind in New Zealand, and which I has already Mived the Government £1050 for labour since it was brought into use. The New Zealand Shipping Company's j. steamer Rimirtaka was gaily decorated iritn' flags and bunting at Lyttelton yesterday in honoirr of tho marriage of her comimnnder, Lieutenant J. J. Cameron, R.N.R., to Miss Whitson, daughter of Mr T. W. Whitson, secretary of the Union Steam Ship Company at Dunedin. ; At the Cathedral, in the course of th© morning service to-morrow, the i Bishop will dedicate a new window in the south nisi©—offered as a memorial of tho late Mr Richard James Strachan Barman by his widow and family. A > volunteer church parade will also take place at the same service, and the sermon will be preached by tho Bit-hop. At Ash burton yesterday, before the Mayor (Mr H. Davis) and Mr I). 1 Thomas, J.P., Arthur Charles Clifford appeared on a charge of having, on or about April 14th, stolen tho sum of £0 in bank notes from the person of Robert Danziels. An adjournment was granted till Wednesday next, on the understanding that defendant guaran- . -teed tho expenses of witnesses. Bail was fixed at £200, accused himself at £100 and two sureties of £50 each. In the civil case of Edward James Smith ! v Leonard Sutherland, claim £2 10s. j judgment was given for plaintiff by default with costs. Tho will of the late William Han-op was before Mr Justice Cooper at liuiedin yesterday. The valuo of the real J and personal estato was certified to bo £28,013 18s lOd, on which the Commissioner of Stamps claimed £3582 9s 2d . by way of duty. Th© Public Trustee took exception to the duty, on the ground that with th© exception of two tnnuitios all bequests wero exempt, l>e-u-g gifts for the public benefit. Th© bequests consist of Oddfellow scholarships, and the residtio of £20,000 for .building the new Anglican Cathedral. Mr Justice Cooper said that a.s it was tho first, time the Court had been asked to interpret the words "for the benefit of the public" he would take tim© to consider. The Canterbury branch of the Political Labour Leagu© entertained tho ' raiting delegates to th© l*abour Ijoagiie Conference aba social in tho Oddfellows' Hall, Montreal Street, last night. Mr A. Paterson presided, and tho gathering ■■took the form of a concert and dance, with several speeches thrown in. Those called on for a few remarks wore the Hon, J. Rigs;, Mr J. T. Paul (Dunedin), Mr D. McLaren (Wellington), .Mr T. G. Love (Wanganui), and Mr Campbell, of Taihape. During tho evening musical and other items were contributI cd hy the Addington Workshops OrI rhestra, the Misses Thomson, Wilson, I. Williamson, and Messrs T. Cooper, jWgUroivn, Sinclair. Palmer, Sullivan, and >j '•Professor Dini. I Mr C. H. Reynolds, CLE., general I manager of the Pacific Cable Board, I paid a flying visit to Wellington this IL week. He sayr- tiiat tho cable stations (IB »ro in adiniirable order, tho Board's wrvic© is being mainitainod very effiaent'y, and traffic is steadily improving. In fact, tho traffic for March was tho highest yet recorded, and with incroas- ""*€ facilities in AiiMtralia, it is hoped that a very material increase will take Place. As regards Now Zealand, tho •racrfic cable has already a very largo »nar*e of the traffic. There is, therefore. not touch scope for a ,big advance. It is only in ©oimoeticii with, the general prwper-'tyofthe _ ui itry that tho Board can look for amy crca . t . increase in its receipts from this colon v. It was Mr ' ir-™ 6 ,* to have visited the ! feouth Is and during his present visit -L;_ ° n - V ' but owin X t° it being u.rBmtry necessary that he should return to Aust-mJia as soon as possible, he will have to forego that visit on this occa•»n. He leaves for Sydney to-day. After completing his ia Aus- - _j ■• Mr R*- v "o |tls -""II return to AnokJwj towards the end of J„„e. and then il make.an inspection 0 f the Fiji, Fanning I "land, and Vancouver stations-. _k n T^ e „ Promit - r » having requested the il_V**j*;n Commissioner to make private inlj9 . lrT «•» to the famine in Japan, has r«comm "'*"'c-tion in which tho «*gn Commissioner replies that investisations have revealed the fact tliat the ?•*• "supposition as to the area affwtcd _ *J. th© famine, which led to assistance ' wsng declined, is wrong, and that the "*» affected is more extensive. Tlie "*W.-ments of s _y, npu thy and gocxlwill by offers of generous contribu- '»*» to tho relief fund have led the • "«Pa-*ese Government to decide on ac"Pting donations offered. The High (ik n ' n ?!'*' on<,r g ™* ou to -*" I **' t - wt t,,o v j! 1 -** Government) are grateful for tho timely_ assistance, and ©specially for the t?ft t ,ec>,in « ■''■■ieh finds expression in _ j- l '*'" Illra, "time, they are do-•-JKtlieiir utmost to meet the'situation *?* to alleviate the sufferings of T7ie . ""Stressed. The Premier states that the u Wernment luis decidetl to forward any Wn.tnbution in the wav of food or 2™*Y that may be privately offerer!. _«? Tenln "©nt ' s forwaixling £20 colin Nelson for the Famine Fund, Ibe greater amount of which has Iktu •wtribu-wl by the State sdiool child•*o of the Nelson distru-i.

Tho recent fair and gift auction in connection with tho Leeston Method-is-t Church resulted in a profit of £35. Tho ordinary meeting of the City CouncU will be held on Monday evening next. As far as can be ascertained there is no fresh development in connection with the freight war between the Federal lino and the other companies. Wfiifliam Oswald Ske<<t, bulkier, a l-Tjikmpt, was committed for trial at Gisborne yesterday, on four charges of alleged breaches of tho Bankruptcy Act. Tho following is tho rainfall at Beachoroft (Southbridge) for March :— Total fall 1.68 in, days with rain 11, maximum fall .B2in on Oth, previous average (nine yeans) 2.34 in. A general meeting of tho members of tho No. 5 Industrial Building Society of Canterbury was held last evening, to disposo of the ("9th appropriation of £300 by ballot, which fell to share .X. A meeting of tho Hortic!!<ur.-il Society was held lost evening, when Mr J. Armstrong presided. Mr J. S. Sinclair road an interesting paper on "The Grape and its Cultivation.'' Ho answered a number of question*-, nnd was accorded a hearty vote ol thanks. Tho Canterbury Rowing Club intend to .dote their season this afternoon, when the youths' single sculling race for tho life- members' cup will bo rowed, also tlie usual closing day scratch fours. Afternoon tea for tho members and their friends will be served in the Clubhouse. During the week ending A.nril 20th, 1000, the amount of CWonis duties collected nt Lyt-.td'ton was £5409 13s Rd, mado up as follows:-Spirits £1078 9i> Bd, cigars, etc. I'ISO (is 4d. tobacco £018 lis Rd, win© £83 7.5, lK«er £01 18s Ud, coffee, etc. £10 Is Od, sugar, etc. £ 178 Is, weight. £309 4s Rd. ad valorem £2145 8s Gd, ofTier duties £348 3s 9d. After a week of fine weather at Inveroargill, during which t'ho farmers busied themselves in. cutting and securing their belated and, in places, meagre corn crops, dense soutihenly rain liegan on Thursday evening and still continued last night. All the rivers wero in flood. There was a warm nor'-wester in tho North Canterbury district on Friday, which was fast ripenintg the late pea crops. The dry weather of a tow days- has assisted tho potato harvest. I'lie digging of tho potatoes is being ■rapidly got ovor by means of the horse machines, which are making excellent work in tho Eyroton and Mandcvillo districts. Tho Rev. Don. who has been" working amonrpst th© Chinese in Otago sineo 1881, delivered an interesting lecture in tho Hanmer HaJl on Thursday evening, the subject treating of Hong Kong, Canton, and the surrounding villages. The address was illustrated by limelight views from photographs taken by Mr Don on his visits to China. A successful progressive euchre party and social was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lincoln Road, on Thursday, under the auspices of the Addlngton Catholics. Th© ladies' prize was won by Mies Davison, and tho gentlemen's by Mr M. Bowdcn, while tho "booby" prizes were won by Miss Pope and Mr (1. Leicester. Supper and refreshments wero provided by the lady members of the congregation, and dancing followed. The Shops and Offices Act was severely handled by the Labour Conferonce yesterday. Ono member declared that it was a disgrace to any civilised 1 .legislature. The chairman volunteered the statement that th© Act was freely ignored by shops and warehouses alike. He knew of cases whore employees came back and worked all Saturday and Sunday handling fruit and other goods, and all they get was a few shillings in the way of overtime.

A Press Association message from In-vercai-gill states that the police in that town hiHce Ix-en getting rid of some un-(k&in-able Characters suspected of the recent shop-breakings. Jo© Foggan and Charles Mason, alias McDonald, and William Ma ley were sent to gaol yesterday for three months as idle and disorderly persons consorting with reputed and, convicted thieves. Jas. McCoy, alias Percy Lagal, got two months tho previous day on a similar charge.

In commenting on a case in which four boys wore charged with theft nt the Dunedin Juvenile Court, Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., questioned the efficacy of bitching in deterring these boys from repeating the cffence. "If the birch is to be administered at all," paid tho masistnato, "tho constable officiating must do it properly—in such a way .as to make those boys remember it. 1 have beard that boys go out and laugh afterwards. It is what the 1*033 in the public schools in England get—at Rugby even sons of peers of the realm are birched—and 1 1 trust that the attention of the inspector will be called to tho matter." Mr Keir Hardie, M.P., and Mr Ramsay Mac Donald, M.P., writ© to a Wellington resident in regard to tho proposed visit of those notable labour leaders in the Old Country to New Zealand. Mr Hardio writes:—"Arrangements for a visit of tho Labour M.P.'s j depend upon whether an autumn session is held or not, and we shall not know that for some time." Mr Mac Donald says:—"l am afraid we shall havo to bo very careful in New Zealand, ag wo really want to see and hear all sides. We arc still doubtful as to whether w© should accept an invitation to address purely political meetings, unless they aro got up on broad labour linos. Wo shall have.to us© the greatest discretion so as to fulfil tho programme we have before us." At the Lyttelton Police Court yesteidoy. liefore Mr G. I_urenson and Captain Maroiel, J.P.s, two small boys, fourteen years of age, were charged with having, on Thursday, stolen a quantity of coal, tho property of Messrs T. McOlatchio and Ck>. Evidence was given showing that the lads had picked up tho coal (about a hundredweight) while th© vessel in which it 'came was being discharged, from tho wharf, on which it had fallen out of the railway trucks. Mr Marshall, i-epresentative for Messrs .MoCVatchie and Co., said that his firm did not wish to press tho cliargo, hut they wanted to stop the practice of pilfering coal from off the wharves. Mr LaureiiEon said that the Bench were convinced that the lads had stolen the coal, but they did not wish to brand them as criminals, and. would therefore let them go on tho "understanding that their parents gave them a good thrashing. A breezo sprang up at the Labour Conference just before lunch yesterday, when Mr Collins, representing Hawko's" Bay. got up and objected to tho Chairman lecturing him when he considered that he was perfectly in order. The Chairman: 'T rule you out of order now." Mr Collins replied with Home heat : ■'You aro too toiul ol getting up and lecturing the delegates of this Conference in connection with the subjects under discussion. If you are going to take up that attitude, I must consider my position.'' The Chairman retorted that he was exercising his right to speak to the motion. Mr Rosser then demanded: "Are you speaking as a delegate or as Chairman?'' and when Mr Hood replied that he was f-peaking as a delegate, Mr Rosser contended that he should leave the chair. Mr Hood's grievance was that members were taking up a pessimistic attitudo in regard to the Conference, and were condemning its work; and after a tew more retorts, th© meeting quietened down.

The Town CleTk has received a sum of eleven guineas from Colonel Slater, collected at tho Easter camp for the Consumption Sanatorium. A Bealey message at 10 o'clock yesterday stated th© river was high— on© foot above normal. A light northwest rain fell throughout th© night. William Oswald Skeet, builder, was committed for trial at Gisborne on a charge of failing- to keep proper books and for other changes under the Bankruptcy Aot. The Dunedin "Star" says the double train service between Ohnstchurch and Dunedin is likely to be discontinued in winter, and resuscitated during October to May. It is an open secret that the dual train, doily does not pay. The business at the Lyttelton Police Court yesterday was dealt with by Mr G. Lauren.son, J.P., and Captain Marciel, J.P. A batch of throe first .offenders for drunkenness appeared first. The men were cautioned and convicted and discharged. Papanui lias been agitating for an afternoon delivery of letters, and its efforts have borne fruit. The hon. secreiary to the Papanui Progress Committee received a letter yesterday from the Department «t Wellington, .stating that arrangements wero being made to give effect to the committee's request, and an afternoon delivery from the Christchurch offico will be made by letter-carrier. Tho problem of to-day is, how to keep up r.pjMx'iranees on a small or moderate income. To solve it, pay a visit to Boath and Company's Drapi-ry and Clothing Store, they can, and will. Mipply your needs. Style, quality and valuo considered—as cheaply as any, and cheaper than many Cliristchiircli stores. You are invited to call and inspect the latest shipments of up-to-date novelties just to luand. Boath nnd Co., Ltd., Cashel street iSee window for some of the novelties. 25 Blankets, flannels and quilts, in fact nil warm clothing for comfort, interests everyone at the present moment. Tho cold weather has fairly set in now, mid one must make their purchases of warm goods early to prevent the possibility of chills and their attendant evils. The D.I.C. are .showing a big selection of warm cosy blankets, which should interest everyone. Tho prices are very reasonable, and the qualities of the highest* standard. 31 The Crown Iron Works Company, Ltd., Manchester and Gloucester streets, have a very large stock of enamelled baths, wonderfully cheap, which should be seen by intending purchasers. 6 Looking back is a waste of time. It doe-.ii'. require much foresight to observe that winter is here, and cold weather here to stay. How is your overcoat—seedy? Then secure a new ono from tho most reliable clothier of your acquaintance. Black, Beattio and Co. 4 Low prices aro better than arguments. Our values do their own talking. They appeal to the economical buyers better than pages of talk, with nothing to back them. Black, Bcattie and Co. 3 Boys' leather belts 10id, boys' knit hose, all sizes, Is, 1-oys' reefer jackets 3s and upwards, lioys' shirts, all uizes Is, gents' white shirts, short fronts, from 2s lis, working shirts Is Od, stout winter underpants Is lld> all-wool colonial pants 3s Od, macintoshes 12s Od, winter overcoats from 19s Gd for a grand coat, Epsom coatis 27s Gd to 39s Od, our special cut; and everything in th© department at our usual bed-rock cut cash prices and unapproachable value. T. Armstrong and Co., High 6treet and Victoria square. 8 A great treat is provided to-day for lovers of the beautiful, by the grand exhibition of millinery showing hi the large windows of the respective e-iaTi-lisli'mcnts of T. Armstrong and Co.. High .street and Victoria square. Many of the items shown are London or Parisian creations, and others of quit© cqi-al beauty an© conceptions of their experienced modistes and made on the premises, and are surprisingly inexpensive. Ladies should avail themselves of the firm's cordial invitation to i_U and inspect their large, well-assorted stock. 0

Life in a consumptive camp is '-".-ndly an exhilarating way of living. J>o not allow a neglected cold to land you in such an undesirable place. We strongly recommend Aminta as tho -.cry lx.st cough medicine manufactured. Price Is Od a bottle. Williamson and Co . Pharmaceutical Chemists, High street. near Freeman's, Ltd. 3 Beautiful blousings—Flannelette in the newest designs, 94d, ll.d, and Is Id per yard. Fashionable French flannels at Is, Is 6_d, and Is ll.d per yard. Splendid value at Graham, 'Wilson and Smellie's, near Clock Tower. 4 Exceptionally well-knitted hose, and half-hose for men and children, representing special value at Graham, Wilson and Smellie's, near Clock To.v- r. 4 Splendid value in warm lined w titer gloves for winter wear, 2s I'd, .-!■> I'd. and 3s lid, at Graham, Wilson and Smellio's, near Clock Tower. I Th© mail order department of trades may b© extended and operations facilitated by arranging for collection cf amount of invoice by tho N.Z. Express Co., Ltd. Prompt reports and remittances guaranteed. 5 Notice to purchasers of oil engines.— Messrs Robey and Co. or© landing their latest oil engine, fitted with self-starter. H. McClelland, sole representative, 224 Cashel street, Christchurch. 8829 We are giving the best value in bicycles ever offered in Chri-stchurch. Prices from £11 to £15 1.55. Genuine English-built B.S.A. bicycles, £12 10s. Repairs unequalled in quality at moderate prices. Boyd and Son, 191 Gloucester street, Christchurch. 0 Just received, further shipments of autumn novelties. Inspection invited. Forty model hats and toques, exquisite styles and colour effects, 25s Gd, 29s 6d, 355, 42*-, 49s 6d, 555: new motor caps, navy, cardinal, etc., 2s lid, 3s Gd, 3s lid, _ 3d, 4s Gd. 5s 9d; ladios' ribbed wool vests, long sleeve.*, Is 3d, Is Od, Is lid, 2s 9d, 3s 0:1. 4s Od; short sleeves, Is to 4s Od: Red Riding Hood capes, all sizes. 12s Od to 18s lid; ladies' woven vests, long and short .sleeves. 2s lid, 3s lid, 4s Ud, os Od to ess Od: new tweed coats, latest shapes and colouring*. 27s (kl. 32s Od, 37s Od to Gas. Boath and Co., Ltd., Cashel street. 40 Mr E. A. Earp. consulting optician by examination, may be consulted daily at F. T. Pannell and Co., Cathedral square- Hours, 9 a.m. till 0 p.m. Artificial light used. Consultation free. Moderate prices. 14 Wanted Known—Lamps—Bring them to bo fitted with chimneys, shades, wicks, burners, galleries, or altered from table to hanging lamps. Also in stock, a largo assortment of bracket, tabic, hall, hanging, and hand lamps from Is each. See window; all marked in plain figures. Competition defied. Fletcher Bros., Lamp Importers, Lower High street. 6 Mr Schulz, engina driver, 7 George street, Christchurch, says he has had asthma tor fifteen year., and that Kuraiiii— stops an attack at once. A dote at night ensures a good night's Jeep. Sold by all chemists, 3s per bottle. Prepared by Kirk, chemist, Sydenham. 30 If you have tho faintest suspicion that your eyes are not just right, if '■ they bother you in any way, it's best I to have them examined at once. Do not go to the average opticion or spectacle seller, for he _ unable to distinguish between optical defects and diseases, but consult John R. Proctor, 180 High street, Christchurch, who will give you a thorough examination, free of charge. 214-5

We invite you to inspect the new MoCormick grain, turnip, and laanure drill. Morrow, Bassett and Co., Bedford Row. G A BATTLESHIP~"wiTH SAILS. The world at large knows very little that is really authentic about the design of the British battleship Dreadnought (says the "Daily Express.") It knows very much less about the great Japanese battleship now approaching the launcliing stage at Kure. It is stated that the British Admiralty are stigiidy chagrined by the rigour of this reticence on the part of our ally, since they afforded the Japanese Naval Construction Department every facibty for investigating the design of the Dreadnought. Captain Pakenham, British Naval attache at Tokyo, has been able to communicate to the Naval Intolligenoo Department some interesting general particulars of this forthcoming floating fortress. The meet remarkable innovation in this new battleship will be a return to yards and sails. She will carry two tall masts, fitted with light steel fLre-controi platforms. On each of these can be spread topsails, top-gal-lant yails, and lower courses. It will be difficult to the British naval mind to reconcile the very questionable utility of tacks and sheets to a modern battleship with the manifest disadvantages ot fio much additional top-hamper to deal with in clearing for action, lho new vessel is to have a displacement ot 19,000 tons, and a sea speed of twentyono knots is being aimed at. In appoaranoo this gigantic Japanese battleship will mark a striking departure. Not only has the ram been omitted from her design, but she has a "schooner bow." PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE FRENCH SUNDAY. Tha Commission which has been, con. side ring the introduction in Erance of a weekly day oi rest, "le repos hebdomadaire," recommends Sunday as a compubory day of rest for every one except for certain trades .which are necessary on aiiil days of the week. lho report will be laid before the Chamber of Deputies as soon us postable (says the Paris correspondent of the "Standard ), so in -another generation we shall probbably have to abandon the phrase, "Continental Sunday," amd if we replace it by a new phrase- it will probably bo by "European Sunday," in which the English Sunday will be included. For i- is quite dear tlhnt the Continent and England are drawing nearer to one another in the use of Suiullay. The old-fashioned English Sunday meant no work and m> play. Tho Can't mo nital Sunday meant play, but, unhappily, also a great deal of work. Waile England is forgettalng the austerities of Puritanism, and taking to play on Sunday, Franco is advancing in tho" economics of labour, and tinde work seven days a week intolerable. Much play on Sunday ,of course, i-nvolves some labour, and perhaps the European Sii-m----day of the future will consecrate tihe spirit, rait her than tho letter of the low, so that every ono will have a weekly diay of rest, even if not every one gets it on Sunday. FOUR HUNDRED^!ILBS WITH A MADMAN. Reports received from Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, state that Sergeant Field, of the Canadian NorthWest Mounted Polio?, made a journey of 4CO miles recently with a lunatic strapped on a dog sled over snow through an uninhabited country. At every step, or whenever he thought his chances to escape were good, the insane man made attempts, to regain hi.s liberty. His food had to bo forced down his throat with a spoon. For several weeks reports had been brought in by trappers of a "wild pan" at largo in the Fire Bug River district. Serjeant Field was t<.nt out, but could hud no traoo of the lunaitic or any mocassin-prints in tho snow. Eventually J* came across a email log dwelling. Thinking the building was d-cverted ho entcied, but had barely time to look around before the lunatic dashed in end epnajug upon him. The officer, after a desperate struggle, succeeded in overpowering the madman, and strapped him on to tho sled. RELIABLE BICYCLES. Gentlemen on the look-out for a reHable bicycle at a. reasonable price, fthould inspect the Modele Royal New Hudson, which wo are offering at greatly reduced prices. The Mod'eve Royal New Hudson Road Raoer is a fast, reliable machine. Usual price £18, now £15. The Modelo Royal Now Hudson Roadster is a wellt-eq.nipped bicycle, strong and easy running. Usual price £19. now £16. See our windows ait 138-140 High street, lit up witli electric light every evening until uin-e- o'olock. Wo give two years' guarantee with every New Hudson bicycle. Adams Star Cycle Co., 138----140 High street, and 198 Colombo street, Ohristoiiuroh. 3