NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13234, 30 September 1908, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The auction announcements of Conway Matson and Sons, Devereux, King and Co., Baker Bros., New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Farmers' Saleyards Co., Tonks, Norton and Co., Gould, Beaumont and Co., Charles Clark, Canterbury Poultry Co., A. E. Young and Co., Macfariano and Co.. New Zealand Farmers' Co-op., National Mortgage and Agency Co., and lies and Co., will be found on page 11 of this issue. ,

The Canterbury A. and P. Association's annual horse parade will take placo on the Addington Show Grounds to-day commencing at 12 30 p.m.

A return presented to tho House of Representatives yesterday shows that during the five years, as from August, 1903, to August, 1908, 9,852,183 superficial feet of Oregon pine was imported into New Zealand. The importations of the same timber also included 6,171,719 laths and shingles, 4500 palings, and thirty round logs, the last named being imported during the-past year. Of tho total quantity of ordinary timber, 6,914,734 ft came into the Dominion during tho past year.

At Dunedin yesterday Mr Justice Williams delivered a judgment, tho effect, of which is that the Salvation Army need not pay duty on Mr Samuel Wilson's le_acy. This means about £181)0 saved to tho Army (telegraphs our correspondent).

The following further additions have been made to the Okarito Whale Fund: —"C. and II." £1 Is, Mr W. O. Rutherford £5 ss, Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd., £2 2s, Mr James Hay 6s 3d, and Mr Alex. D. Mcllraith £2 2s. Tho total to date is £144 4s lid.

The quarterly meeting of tho Loyal Rangiora Ixxige of Oddfellows' was hold on Monday evening. A letter of re--commendation was granted to a brother to the North Canterbury district. Two candidates were initiated. It was decided to hold a social to. bid farewell to P.P.G.M. Bro. W. H. Gillespie, who is leaving the district.

The general meeting of the Wood end Sports Committee was held on Monday night. There were about twenty members present. Tho following officers were elected:—Patron. Mr D. Buddo, M.P.; president, Mr F. Horrell; vicepresidents, Messrs N. B. Archer, C. Skcvington, C. Paternan, J. Stalker, sen., J. Bunting, sen., J. Judson, J. B. Moody, Jos. iitanton, F. G. Barker, and C. Moody, jun. It was "decided to hold sports on Boxing Day.

There was a narrow escape from a serious accident at Ash burton yesterday morning just as tho slow train from Timaru was approaching tho Hayelock street crossing. A> horse, drawing a baker's cart, had bolted, and when it wns close on to tho railway crossing a man ran out and attempted to stop the animal, but on second thoughts decided to allow it to go on, with the result that the horse with tho trap just managed to clear tho engine.

A large gang of workmen in charge of Mr P. Norman, foreman of works for tho Ashburton County Council, made a start on Monday morning taking up the concrete pipes that have served for a number of years for conducting the main water race through the Methven township. This work is being done in consequence of the Council's decision to replace the present pipes with larger ones that will not only cope with th* water race water, hut will take a goql deal of the storm water that at tim<s is very destructive to the roads in the township) Tis well as those in tho no -r vicinity.

The hapuka. New Zealand's biggest edible fish, has not been so plentiful of late years in local waters (says the "New Zealand Herald), and there are not wanting anglers who confidently declare that the finny giant is becoming extinct; Mr Ayson, tho chief inspector of fisheries, hold*! a different o-iiniori. When asked about the matter he stated that the hapuka was a fish with a very wido range, and had been caught south of Stewart Island. It is a deep sea fish, and though the fishing grounds in tho vicinity of Auckland might bo becoming, depleted of it, Mr Ayson scarcely thought it possible that there was any likelihood of tho hapuka being "fished out." From Mr Ayson's remarks, it appears that hapuka enthusiasts will have to go a little further afield—or, rather, afloat—for their pet sport.

The anniversary services in connection with tho Sheffield Methodist Church: were held last Sunday. Tho services, which were very well attended, were conducted in the morning by the Rev. R. Richards; of Sheffield,,and in the afternoon and evening by Mrs J. Richards,, Christchurch, the Sunday school children giving special anniversary hymns for the .occasion. The annual tea and public meeting was held on Monday evening, and passed off very, succes-jfully, theltev. R. Richards presiding. Addresses were given by the Rev. B. Dudley (Primitive Methodist) and tho Rev. W. Kyd, M.A. (Presbyicrian), and several members of the church assisted with songs and recitations. The prizes were presented by the -chairman. As evidence of the interest and enthusiasm of the scholars, tho chairman mentioned that some of them drove" and rode distances of up to eight miles.

The Tailoring Trade Union met on Monday evening, Mr Rickotts (president) in the chair. Correspondehco was read from tho Farm Labourers' Union, and the following resolutions dealing with matters therein contained were carried:—"(l) That this Union strongly urge tho Government to immediately administer the Shearers' Accommodation Act." (2) "That this Union endorse the resolution carried by the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council asking for the removal of Mr JusticeSim from the Arbitration Court." The Hon. J. T. Paul wrote urging the amalgamation of all Unions in. the clothing trade. It was decided to hold the mattor over for further consideration, and if possible to meet Mr Paul and hear his views more fully. The executive submitted several resolutions dealing with the proposed amendments to the Arbitration Act, but as it was considered too late to give effect to them, no action was taken. The assistant-secre-tary (Mr Ellis) reported having enrolled 123 new members since his appointment about two months ago. and that another new hranch of the Union had been formed at Waiinate.

A decision of interest to club secretaries'and others was given at the Magistrate's Court, Geraldine, yesterday by Mr C. A. Wray, S.M. Tho case was one in which Edwin Bull, a resident of Peel Forest, sued Frederick McCallum, who was secretary for the Martinborough Coursing Club, for £14. Gs,' being the price of forty-four hares supplied to the club. Defendant repudiated liability, stating that all tho consignments had been ordered through him by the club. In his decision tho Magistrate, after reviewing the evidence at considerable length, said the case really resolved itself into one in which the secretary was the agent for an undisclosed principal. Plaintiff at Peel Forest had lno means of knowing who tho responsible members of the club at Martinborough were, and consequently looked to the secretary personally for payment. Though the previous cheques paid to plaintiff were those of the club, yet defendant in no wav disclosed the identity of those responsible for the ordering of the hares. "Surely these sportsmen," said his Worship, "should have promptly come forward and paid tho debt. Judgment will be given for plaintiff for the amount claimed, with costs £2 35."

Lad~ Poore, at a prize distribution at Abbotsleigh, WaliToonga (says the '•Sydney Morning Herald"), made an interesting comparison of the opjJor-tun-itdos of Australian echool girls with theso of England girls tnmc years ago. "When .1 sec so .many bright, happy young ?aces about mc," she raid, "it makes mc think .of my own miserable schcol days, now a long time ago. You ought all" to be very thankful tfcat you were born into modern tames—some 25 years or more after mc. Before I was nino jeans old I was sent to an establishment for young ladies near London —rather spoilt,'rather delicate, and imported straight from Ireland. 1 still think with the greatest cmnmisc-ratic-i of my poor little self, but I learned two lessons which were well worth kamir.y —one to hold myself straight, and the .other to &lk reasonably good English. Now, I think, freni tho six mor.thr,' c-x----pcrieaico I have had, that Au_tra ! ian •."ris d > not talk nearly to much slang a> their English sisters, and tlhxy walk better and hold then-serves better. I hope that you wili sustain this very excellent reputation, for, from my point of view, even a plain girl who -has a good carriage is a pleasing Object-, and the proper use of the King's English ,-,■? a most desirable tiling. Never forget that yon have 'been born to a very great inheritance in tho English language—it will do anything that you ask' of. it." ;:'.:. ■■_ • ;.\ ; .

About 150 horses were sent to Calcutta in the steamer Aparima, \vhicn left Auckland yesterday. -

The epriug show of the United Horticultural Society, which is to be opened to-day in the Art Galkry, promises to be the most successful yet held by tho Society. . Ono of the specialities of the show will be a collection of forty specimens of the amaryllis, which'are splendid alike in form and in colouring. The show will be continued to-morrpw.

At a general meeting of th© Kaiapoi Co-operative Butchery Company in the Kaiapoi Oddfellows' Hall on Monday evening, Mx G. Tompleton (Chairman of Directors) presided. It was decided to extend the business to the making of small goods and £50 was voted to be applied to that purpose in alterations, to tho present plant.

/A third euchre match at Ashley between a married men's team (65 games) and a single men's team (5S games) gave the former two matches out of throe. The prizes for progressive euchre-playing were won as follow: — Ladies: Miss Bradbury Ist, Miss Poach 2nd, Miss R. J. Dick'3rd; gentlemen: Mr J. Crcssgrove Ist, Mr W. Butterfield 2nd, Mr R. Stuart 3rd.

From a paragraph which appeared in Saturday's issue of "The Press," it has been inferred that applications for the position of the matron of - the McLean Institute Homo for Gentlewomen were to close this week. This is not the case as, in accordance with the advertisement calling for applications, they do not close till October 19th, and will, of course, bo considered at a subsequent meeting of the Board of Governors of the McLean Institute.

-Tho quarterly meeting of tho Loyal Oxford Lcdgo of Oddfellows was held on Saturday, when there was a good attendance. A deputation from th© Nil Dosperandum Lodge waited on the Lodge in reference to the annual excursion. It was decided to hold an excursion some time in October, time ar.d place to bo arranged by the committee. It was also decided to hold a social in connection with tho Lodge next month. Two candidates were proposed for membership. Tho receipts tor tho evening were £53 19s Id, and expenditure £36 15s sd'.

A proposal to introduce the provisions of the Second Ballot Bill (minus the "gag-' 1 clauses) was unsuccessfully ma do at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Automobilo Association last night in deciding the election of president, for which office three candidates were proposed. Everything promised well for something in the nature of a reliability trial of the latest species of legislation, but unfortunately at tho eleventh minute the third candidate withdrew from the lists, and the. contest was conducted on old-fashioned conventional lines. -

At a meeting at Auckland in. connection with tho No-lioenso movement (says a Press Association message), Mr C. J. Tunfcj, who presidedj said that terrible as the drink evil was it was not tho only source of trouble to the people of the Dominion. Th© extra facilities granted' in Now Zealand for the Obtaining of divorco might havo even •more far-reaching effects than the drink evil. The Rev. R. B. S. -Hammond, of the Sydney Anglican Mission, denounced tho New Zealand 1 divorco law as a scandal to tho community, and he also referred to the judicial statement that a large proportion of the divorce cases were drue to the drinking habits of a nation.

In tho Farmer pages of "The Weekly Press" this week is an editorial note on "Breeding for Wool,'" and there are notes by ''Koran ■ on" ■'England's Imported Supplies of Food," 'Live* Stock in Australasia." and '•Woolly-Headed Shropshir-2*s.'' An English wool letter and an articlo on "Growing Crossbred, Wool" are both from a special correspondent at Bradford. There is an ac--count of a :giant specimen of oata grown by the Messrs Garten which yielded, equal to-160 bushels per, acre. Correspondents' letters aro published from Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, rapa, and Soutbiland 1 ' and there is a report of the ; North : Canterbury Farmers' Union executive's expression of, opinion regarding politics. Rural and stock notes, ; dairy, items, and market reports will also bo found in the saino pages, and commercial news are iate market reports and late farm news.

What was described on.tho programme asa "'grand vocal and instrumental concert 1 * was give_ at the Opera House last night (says (Monday's Wellington "Post"). By whom and; for what purpose did not transpire __tdl late in the entertainment, whejv the chairman declared the; ooncert. waa "-thel forerunner of others for of raising funds for .the —-aboiix roandidates now standing: for Parliament.! Tho promise of tho deecriptionof the concert was not fulfilled.. The performance was mediocre, arid the .audience, after giving a patient hearing to'the items at. the -start, became restive and rather "demonstrative,, augmenting the fundi*, by throwing coins on the stage. After the chairman had t mmg v "Nil Desperand-ami'' the entcrtainmeatoamo to an untimely end. A largo audience had dwindled away rapidly tne performance, and the latter part of tho programme wau> omitted-

A very largely-attended meeting of dairymen was held' in the Northern A. and P. Associatdoii's rooms at Rangiora yesterday to discuss the new Ciairy regulations. Mr R. Evans was voted to the ohair. Mr E. C. Patorson stated tliat at Woodland 1 a meeting had decidied that the regulations published on the 18th were far too severe for small farmers to comply with, and that if they were forced 1 to follow the regulations they would simply have to seU out. Those iiv Mr Poteredn's district who hekl'short leaeos of Maori.land would be put to great expense for the improvements. On the motion of Mr Philips, seconded by Mr Chambers, it was resolved:—"That this meeting of dairymen; strongly objects to the provisions contained in tlio Dairy Regulations, and' requests that the matteT be deferred for a year, in order to give members more time for maturo consideration, and that the farmers should be consulted before any decisions are arrived 1 at, and that this meeting is of opinion that th© present regulations cannot have been considered by any practical farmers." It was decided to forward the resolution to the Minister for Agriculture and Mr Buddo, M.P.

A meeting of tho Workers' Political Association was held on Monday night, the President (Mr W. I. Ballinger) in the chair. A resolution was ordered to be forwarded to the Premier congratulating him upon his attaining his political majority, and trusting that he might long be spared to occupy tho position of Premier of the Dominion. It, was decided to hold a public meeting in Manchester street Chambers, when thoK> members of the House of Representatives who are also members of this Association -rill be asked to give a resume of the legislation dealt with during tho present session. Tho Question of the returns of population as shown in the vital statistics was again considered, and it was decided to call the attention of the members of the House to the discrepancies between the figurea in tho Government Gazette and those furnished to the papers. It was pointed out that the souvenir issued in Auckland for the American Fleet gave the population figures as published in tho papery, making Christch-arch the third city in the Dominion instead of the second. The President was asked to attend tho Canal meeting on belnlf of the Associ-atio-i. Tho statements made by Mr C. A. C. Hardy. -M.P., regarding the agricultural implement manufactures wen- again considered, and it was decided to await the result of the Industrial •;•.Association's, commuiiication with Mr Hardy. "", '•;

It is intended to make a of an album and a purse to Mr William Rceco prior to bu *i_ll_ parturo for England. Tho will take place in the Domain on October 14th, and, m order interfere with the holidav—-tho dWsel ing Labour Day—the ceremony wifl>_*W held in the morning. ~^3|i A novelty in the waj of motor ability trials was suggested by -feali Neeley at the annual meeting of-_i_f_ Automobile Association last He said something miftht bo donn ffM tho way of boldins small triab dw»-_r* tho soa*son, in. inst_wing the natutJSf some of which ho recommended tii*&__{ number of curs should bo provjdi>_P with two gallons of petrol each. ,--K__? them out loose," lie said, "and seehhjpf far they will go."' Trials of script ion. th© speaker added, popular in" tho United States'*_li America. ■ -^V^S The Queensland Minister for speaking at a gathering at week, said that he had conclud&liSi rangoments with a company or BTa_«l cato who proposed to obtain al«_3|p from the grass tree. Mr Bell that ho had let them have soimfSß miles of country, about 100 miles d_HB along the coast, commencing at ture. Tlio alcohol is not to for human consumption. Tha scntntives of the syndicate aro to shortly make a proposal tO-'exfiSfl tho alcohol from tho prickly prarlrall uso it as fuel. * .':.-.; *$y||f Tho possibility of holding motof 'Ws races or. tho New Brighton ''boaic_'t||Bl mooted at tho Automobile meeting last night. Mr R. B.*Wis§gJ stated that tho Christohurch ''r*jj3|l§ and Cycling; Club had obtained ; pera§»|f sion from tho Avon Road Board ''to'SSil that portion of tho Now ' BrigjtsS foreshore under its jurisdiction forlf}*! purpose of holding motor crete A stretch of beach extending fjSg about a mile above tlio toxminus Burwcod-New Brighton the Waimakariri was thus availlMS giving a straight course-*--*«5- ■' "'" :^-'-4^S«

During tho last week or two Krvtrtl gardens in tho Avonsido been visited by flower thieves whollillfi exercised a considerable knowledgej<ijß horticulture by taking none > but:, tliaf choicest blooms. On laondayV'nigKibp garden in Brittan street * waa Vwfti|ij and somo flowers intended for- exhibit tion at tho forthcoming show and taken away. The footprmts'ptt&il to this being the work of a '■woSMuf sneak-thief. Several -thfcj vicinity have formed themselves into* a vigilance committee, and amaajp? merits havo been niade to patrol- tar district in tho hope of putting to this conitomptihlo practice, 'rf- j!§§

A mooting of the North Cw&rburp School Committees': Associatibnl ifjfc, held last evening, Mr W. R,Sinita\ presiding. Mr H. LangfordibrintthV up tho question of teachers' iuneraik' nuation. Recently, he said, a sohljat* had been passed by the however, was not, of sufficient" 'b»B«S*- ! to the teacher. Let the Civil Sernst; and the teacher receive the same;|sisi&' lument for, say, thirty years, and -fopfc tho Civil Servant would receive; IJISN superannuation, the teacher wan|d*rßft ceivo only £65. Ho moved "M&h\ ttik Association request the Education to proceed /with thoTtonirS annuation scheme in orderers might bo plaoed on a ing., 'iho motion was carried:' unanli ■—touslyV . ; '■'■'"": : " ■'-" ■ '••"■"v-rh-^S""*^^

It is not often that people clamouring for an increoso of mont inspectors/ but at the"_ieeling:irfs the Canterbury Fruitgrowers? -v3*kxj£l tion last,night several membei*s demand for anincreoso inof inspoebprs i*nder.-the OrcJitir4s *ym Garden .:P«stei*Act. ■ It : was the bou*idairies;bf the d»tric|fundfcttSsi control of vifi- W. Ctottrtio?, inspector,'extended : from';Kaikonra*l«| the Bluff, and ; ; itvWasVc«hte|id6a= th|l|| it was Utterly; itm spect saiis'f actbrily,,allij-.4 oral suth a wide area. . Tho appointment 4«1 at least threeinspectors for the terrj|| tory under, Mr Courtier's control antra tho registration of all orchards- veilm . adv<K»t»?a.^W:^; r ;::. y:-MMM' M TholfTUitgrowo m«| last night, Mr F. Sisson presiding. JHon,, 3t:f McNab wrote with I regard, tho. ; : regu latioiji •;?; regarding $is]mrtiNS fruit, that the only' relaxation decid«f| upon was putting banana* on.tho footing as pineapples and passion: Tho Minister j» tft-be holding the regolation».. i terbury member* :of rtatj'&g tljat «|| taxation of the : ing the ; better inspection of: ! btcfiafd*l under the Oroham- and Gard , Act, it- was'decidod to *tipi»H|tbs *mm 'taken by tho Motuekafi;Fruit»fflTOEff Co-operative Society, iv, thatrthe uwpectors the diffeimt -sonabte: cxperiraente for: : tions,and collect would bo of benefit; and; j»fl»W#«*ffl| It was further decid«2d ' (ihould, he fully ';. -dealt -with. $imS*B«&3§ erice of. growerewhich^:i*J(^|'P| ,,, Sßii should lie held _}'.Wilkinson; the Kjclatioh* "read;» brief deaux Spraying,"' which was : \#Pfl!j||§ ■at somo lengthy :' V^^j^iJ^S|

•.-. A ■'Sydney';rDiaiiy, ; seems determined to oaptwss "s*jj|SKf|ffl| ping on ti_rPaatftc. ago on*» under stress of thfc ferrod soyorai of their otW rout©?, while Thqncaa 3utiberhww*» Peninsular and Oriental the -whole of their trade ; b«*? i .hay and Japan had:heea their • Japanese ■ ooffipetitam,:>;» fresh/in public memory. Not Japamese ships plying Jtt numbers to Korea, .to the CBjoneso coast, and rivere, but to America, Australia, and now lines are De#rniin*« projected to the west coses °y__s_S America and to New York Yi&''WJsg§| Canal. In 1870 the ■,J*WSSM mercantile marine consisted MwS*S]§ 18,000 tons gross, fe iL__Si preaches 1,500,000 tons, with ing yards capable. of .■• ■tonung&WHaj steamers of 7000 or 10,000 likely reeuitof the American Pacific eervicea *r»U : shipment of American goods Jot•vKSSgg and Japan by the Suez should wor_ out largely to the tageof British steamship °.^^JOT| There is a frequently-toW; New Caledonia that a Mooktaa* once lost in the bush, and af *£J*?3lf dcring about some days in ,' !oftr P l l*?» water at last iliscovered <a When he nhmged his face into ever, he found ft was petroleum- 5fl?« mind became unhinged,. eui^Jrh^y^ m M wa* afterwards found he could member where the • Houston, acting on behalf; ■«■• Oswald, of Melbourne, is now carryinsg on boring operations near a - ni Si;-.SS search of oil (says the -'Sydney Telegraph"). On Soptomber , 3«>>;# Governor Richard started the '.<«?>?$! working, in th© presence of a J B J*ra§ wnmber of the husincv- men and,offiwn»g| of the colony. Mr Houston s-ud\M»Ss after careful proarxK-ting along >™*M west coaut of the island, and / ro ™f-% long experience on the oilfieju? fj ■■s**% native country, Canada, he consjderefe'f his of striking a good.'■■£?*sl or petroleum very favourable. operation:- are being folJov.-ctrwjth # tense interest. N- work/into «»1-.***s£B in tho coirarv, and petroleum .m»fiWif?3g piece it a?, fuel in tb*. blast furnaces, without whiril mineral deposits of the : many caseSi vai-olosa. '; ' :■'■ -'-) : ..^^Mmsßm

The new summer tramway time-table ».il( come into force on Monday, October sth.

A meeting of carters interested in tin- wheel tax i.s to be held in the Employers' Association's rooms at B o'clock to-morrow night.

Last cvenin-j a heavy fog came in from the sea over Christchurch and thy Northern district. In some parts of North Canterbury the fog was very dense.

A general meeting of the Canterbury Ladies' Hockey Association will lie mid ii. the Y.W.C.A. Rooms at 7.3U p.m. tomorrow, to protest against the action of the Domain Board in laising the f-iits of the hockey grounds in Hagley Park.

The first annual meeting of the Society for the Promotion of the Health ol Women and Children will be held in the Choral Hall at 8 o'clock to-nighi. Dr. Finch, District Health Officer, will pjcsidi", and an address, with limelight views, will bn given by Dr. Truby King.

At the Halswell Road Board's meeting on Monday, a petition, signed by a number of ratepayers of the district, was received, askin_ tho Board to take the necessary steps to securo tho £1500 available under Mr Andrew Carnegie's offer regarding public libraries. The matter was deterred till next meeting.

Replying to a deputation, whici urged that tiie Government should have the multiplicity of Acts dealing with native lands consolidated, the Prime Minister at Wellington yesterday Mated that it was almost certain that a commissioner would be appointed to codify the laws and remove the present chaotic condition of things.

The New Zealand Government training ship Amokura, Captain Hooper, r!n.R., which was to leave Wellington yesterday for a cruise in and about Cook Strait, will call in at Picton for provisions, etc., next Saturday, and remaii there until tho following Monday. She will manoeuvre between Picton and Nelson until Saturday, October 30th, when she will enter the latter port and make a stay there until the Monday. She anchors off Havelock on Saturday, tho 17th, and on the 23rd she wi.i return to Wellington,

Yesterday being the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, the annual festival of St. Michael's Church was observed. Communion services were held at G. 45 and 7.30 a.m., and a children's service at 9.20, tho Rev H. N. Wright being the preacher at the latter. Another service was held at 11 a.m., when Archdeacon Averili, gave an address. Tho services in the evening woro fully choral, and tho sermon was preached by the Rev. J. R. Wilford, of Prebblcton. The festive will l>o continued on Sunday next. Vhe interior of the church was tastefully decorated in honour of tho anniversary.

Judgment was given by Dr. McArthur, S.M., at Wellington yesterday (says a Press Association telegram), in a case in which a freak foal figured. The statement of claim set out that plaintiff purchased from defendant a freak foal, two calves, and a tent and poles for £200. The show was represented' to be worth from £70 to £112 a week. As the show had failed to produce anything like the return stated, defendant claimed to recover the sum of £'30. The Magistrate said he was of opinion that there had been some tall talk about receipts, but plaintiff was entirely to blame for the position in which he found himself. He gave judgment for defendant.

Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.P. for Nar pier, was banquetted at Wyndham (Southland) on Monday night, and prescMited with a gold locket in recognition of his opposition to the £6000 grant to Meikle (says a Press Association telegram). About 160 persons were present, and eulogistic speeches were made. Mr Fraser, in reply, said he and his friends in Parliament would do their duty to themselves and the Dominion by using every means to prevent such a tragedy as the. tragedy of filching 1 money from the people's poe- 1 kets to give to a person who, legally and morally, was not entitled to it. A resolution was unanimously passed pro testing against any sum being voted, seeing that Meiklo had already given a receipt in full discharge of his claims,, and calling on those members of Parliament who plaoo principle before expediency to resist to their utmost the passing of any further vote to Meiklo. Meiklo addressed a crowded and some? what rowdy meeting in another hall.

At tho Sumner Borough Council's mooting lns1« evening tho Works Committee recommended that Messrs Meares and Williams bo informed in reference to the Clifton Extension drainage tliat two large culverts were put in after the last flood, and if it was fount! .necessary more culverts would be put jni The Finance Committee recommended that application be made to the Treasury for a Government loan of £4000, in two annual instalments of £2000 each, to .complete the works scheduled far ' the public works loan of 1900, and that a letter giving details of tlio uncomJleted work be forwarded to the Hon. . Barr. A schedule of charges for stalls and amusements on the beach was also recommended. The reporta were adopted. The Hon. J. Me-» Gowan wrote stating the request of the - Council for a grant of £100 towards the upkeep of the Sumner road would receive consideration in the Supplementary Estimates.

During his visit to London'Mr W. H. Hamer, engineer to the Auckland Harbour Board, had an interview with representatives of the Admiralty regarding the proposed coaling station at Auckland. Ho received the following communication, which has been, forwarded by him to the chairman of tho Board :—" with reference to your interview in connection with a proposed coaling station at Auckland, although the Admiralty would bo glad to be furnished with information regarding any coaling depot which may bo established for commercial purposes, it is not probable that enich n depot will bo needed for naval requirements, niKi tho Admiralty would not be prepared to give any financial heln towards establishing it." A further letter from, the Admiralty Director of Works to Mr Hamer stated that it was unlikely that the Admiralty would contribute anything towards the interest and sinking fund on the cost of providing machinery, etc., for such a depot.

The Melbourne "Argus" of tho 19th inst. described a machine intended to do away with the necessity for postage stamps. Such a machine, it says, has been invented and perfected in New Zealand. But two Victorians, Mr H. Beswick and Mr R. J. Price, claim to havo invented a machine which is a vast improvement on tho New Zealand machine. When a penny is nlaeed in the slot it stamps "Postage paid Id" on tho envelope. When 2d is placed in the slot it stamps "Postage paid 2d," and so on.. The machine is not for office use only. It- is proposed to attach one to every letter-pillar where there is likely to be any business. Then letters can be stamped' at the pillar at any hour of tho day or night. Mr Beswick has been in . communication with the Postmaster-General (Mr Manger), and has induced him to favourably consider the proncsal. Mr Mauger has agreed to pay Mr Beswick £10 for installing one machine on a postal pillar to be selected. This is by way of trial. If the trial is successful, tho Department will purchase 100 machines, which Mr Beswick will supply at about 12s 6d or 15s each, and will refund the £10 paid by the Department for tho trial machine. If the trial does not satisfy Mr Mauger and.his oiKcers, Mr Beswick will retain the £10, and no more machines will be purchased. Thos*« who have examined the new machine speak highly of it, and tho postal officials are looking forward with interest to the practical test- which is to be made.

A Dunedin telegram states that Hudson and Co. (flour'millers) have presented a fifty guinea cup for a quiek-firmg gun comnetition among detachments of the Garrison Artillery of the Dominion.

The Kaitangata branch of the Farmer.-.' I.'r:io:i has passed a resolution condemning the dairy regulations, on the ground that they are oppr-eisive and unworkable.

Of sixteen Chinese who arrived at Port Chalmers by the Maheno from Melbourne yesterday, fifteen were newcomers, three being for l)ui>.din, one tor Lyttelton, and tne balance for Wellington.

A Feildins District Public Schools Amateur Athletic Association was formed on Monday night. It will embraceabout twenty-five schools in the \\ ;ingaiiui Education Board's district. Tne nrst annual sports gathering will be lieid in February next.

Th" Mayor has received a letter from the District Secretary ot tho International Order of Good Templars stating that a resolution had been carried by the district lodge asking the Council to take into consideration the erection of more permanent drinking fountains in the city and suburbs when carrying out the reticulation ot the high-pres-sure water supply.

A meeting of the Sir John Hall Memorial Fund Committee was held on -•tonday, Mr Geo. Payling presiding. A letter was received from Mr Kidson, the sculptor, stating that the bust of the late Sir John was completed, and it was decided that the memorial he placed in the City Council Chamber;;. The secretary (Mr K. o. Right-on) reported the amount of subscript ions m hanl and promised, and it was found fliat a further sum was required to defray the cost of the bust, the pedestal, and other expenses.

The Mayor lias received a letter from the Superintendent of the Wesleyan Mission, Sheffield, England, making enquiries on behalf of one of the members of his church for his father. Tlio enquirer's name is John Knight, 5G Carter road, Heeley, Sheffield. llis father, David Knight, left England for Now Zealand, on May 2yth, 1.6&). his destination being Christchurch, Canterbury. He arrived there on August Bth, 1883, and went to his wife's brother, Mr VYiiliam Pearson, of Canterbury. His second wife and three children followed hjm to New Zealand about three years after. He had lost his left leg, and wore a wooden one. The Mayor will be glad to receive any information regarding David Knight.

Lewis and Anderson, 221 Cashel street, announce that entrance to the completed portion of their new premises is by temporary covered way from Cashel street frontage. 0

"The Soul of Dominie Wildthorne," by Joseph Hocking, is a story which has caused widespread interest while in serial publication, and is one of the most romantic stories ho has written. It is on sale with other new books by Fountain Barber, High street, Christchurch. 4

J. D. Clarke, D.8.0.A., F.S-M.C, F. 1.0. (London), Ophthalmic Optician, lately returned afljr special study in London 'in reference to eye defects. Latest instruments. Charges strictly moderate. 'Phone 2321. Address, 148 Colombo street, opposite Recce's. 6

"Blue-Flame" Cooking Demonstrations will be given every evening th'.s Wvak at the Military Bazaar, tho 6concs, etc., cooked being put on hoard the "ironclad" for consumption. Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering may be si, id to be Contractors to H.M. i-iavy." , 6

The latest designs in Alpacas and Lustres received from London and rail's suitable for tailor-made costumes are now to hand at Eugene Spitz and co.s, Ltd., Ladies' Tailors, Whitcombe and Tombs Buildings, 198 Cashel street. 1881

At the Novelty Post Card Depot, 229 High street, Christchurch, there is now a striking collection of Post Cards of the newest kinds, just received by post from Ensland. 6

A distinct novelty in the way of photography is now being shown by Wallace and Co., Chemists. It is a miniature camera resembling very much" in appearance a gentleman's ordinary watch, and can bo carried in the vest pocket with ease. Tins wonuerful little - apparatus takes really good snap-shots, and the cost of the '*Ticka" is only 10s 6d. The samo firm has ajso just received a large shipment of the very best makes of cameras in every size and style, and their prices will be found to be the lowest .in town for photographic supplies of dependable quality. Wallace and Co. aro always pleased to give beginners lessons in amateur photography, and their dark-rooms are always at your disposal, freo of charge. The selection of photographic supplies stocked by this house is most complete and, as above stated, their prices are notably Jow. Just now they show some very attractive photo post-card alliums of artistic and practical design, ranging in price from Is 6d each. The inspection of all is cordially invited by Wallace and Co., Chemists, High street. 6

A very pressing invitation is extended the ladies to-day to visit tho show-room of Messrs Armstrong and Co., Ltd., Victoria square and High street. The company have an /advantage this season, in that all tho Parisian and London models have been selected under Mr A. E. Armstrong's supervision. We know of no superlatives that convey' an idea of tho beauty and exquisite taste pourtrayed in these creations of the world's greatest milliners; in addition, coming direct, they are priced much below their actual and artistic value here. In all departments the company make special displays of their new season's goods. 6

Storage at lowest j-**- for furniture or merchandise is provided' by the N.Z. Express co., Ltd., in brick store, at lowest rates of insurance, with maxi-" mum of safety. 3

Those hygienic cots as recommended by her ExceUency Lady Plunkct for inducing tho healthful sleep of infants can be obtained at the D.I.C. Furniture Department, next Press Company's new buildings, AVorce3ter street, and the price at which they are supplied places them within the resources of the most economical, being only six shillings each. As the demand is considerable orders should bo placed at once. G

31r A. W. Martin, solo controller of Dr. J. A. Sherman's method of curing rupture without operation, is now in Christchurch, and may be consulted at Warner's Hotel. This great method has stood the test for half a century, and the closest scrutiny of the medical profession, and has been the means, of restoring thousands to the blessings of a sound body. All sufferers should make 'full enquiry. Consultations are free. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; extra hours Friday evening, 7 to 9; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 4

Simple ideas, if p£ ten ted, often bring tortunes. Consult Henry Hughes, patent agent, 183 Hereford street (opp. United Service Hotel). Consultations free 6

Eyestrain. Headaches.—Ernest M. Sandstem, FJS.M.C, D.8.0.A., London, Consulting Optician, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight. Fifteen yeans' special sludy and experience. Latest methods and instruments. Consulting rooms, Cashel 6treet W. (next Ballantyne'6). Hours, 9.30 to 5.30. Telephone 397. 6