AUCKLAND NOTES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13161, 7 July 1908, Page 9

AUCKLAND NOTES.

(special to "'Tire tress.") AUCKLAND, July 6

The American Consul-General has forwarded the following acknowledgment of the official courtesies tendered by Auckland visitors on Saturday to mark the anniversary of tbe declaration of Independence of the United State- ot" America: —"The American Consul-General for New Zealand (Mr W. T. l'riekett) thanks his many callers for their kind and considerate visits of Saturday, on the occasion of 132 nd anniversary of American Independence. He rejoices in tho era of good feeling now existing between the great count rie.s speaking the English tongue. He hopes that all future differences between these powerful nations will be settled by arbitration, and that they may always stand together for right, justice, and the peace of the world. It certainly augurs well for the future to witness tho enthusiasm with which the great British Commonwealth of Australasia aro making preparations to entertain the American Fleet, which will soon bo coming across the sea to greet them. .May the mutual jjood fellowship and kindly feeling whi"h will he manifested on this unique and remarkable occasion go far to cement the friendship of John Bull and Uncle Sam."

The new' bath buildings at Rotorua are rapidly approaching completion. The work of laying down tho private haths is proceeding apace. Tho baths are of porcelain, with nickel-plated steel hand rails to assist bathers in and out. Each private bathroom will be furnished with a plush upholstered couch and chair. The statuary belonging to the Tourist Department is being fixed iv position, and occupies conspicuous places in tho main hall of the building. These works of art aro very costly, and run into several thousands of pounds. It is expected that the building will be in readiness for the opening ceremony, which takes place on the loth of August,'during the visit of the officers of the American Fleet.

What appears to be a somnambulist escapade took place in the vicinity of St. Ileliors Bay the other night. Tho hurts of the case are that a lady, who had been in indifferent health for some time pi'st, suddenly left her bed, and, attired only in a nightdress, left the house, and made for the beach. When the lady's absence Mas discovered a search Mas at once instituted, and tho services of the police Mere requisitioned. Footprints Mhich led right to the M-a tor's edge Mere traced, and it M-as . urmisod that a tragedy had taken place. The mystery, however, M-as happily solved by the finding of the lady the next day comfortably seated by a cheerful fire in the house of a friend a mile and a half from her home. Later in the day she returned to her home, apparently littlo tho M - orse for her adventure.

.V most unusual occurrence M-as witnessed in the Rachael pool in the Sanatorium grounds at Rotorua. While the workmen M-ere engaged inserting a plug into the outlet pipe, which conveys the water to the pavilion baths, the pool began'to boil, fiercely, and became greatly agitated. This phenomenon has never taken place on any previous occasion, and tho unusual activity could not be accounted for.

Tho Railway Department propose to make an important improvement to the Otahuhu railway service at an early date. It is intended to run a motor train between Penrose and Otahuhu, connecting at tho former place with all trains (except Sunday trains) running from Auckland to Onehtmga. This Mill increase the number of trains between Auckland and 'Otahuhu very materially, and will give Otahuhu a train from town every week night instead of on only two nights a M-eek as at present. The new service will como into force in a few weeks' time.