NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13363, 3 March 1909, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The auction announcements of A. E. Oraddock, Harris Bros., Now Zealand Loan and M.A. Co., McKenzio and Will's, Gould, Beaumont and Co., Tonks, Norton and Co., Dalgety and Co., Charles dark, Friedlander Bros., National 'Mortgage and Agency Company. Baker Biros., H. Neave and Co., New Zealand Farmers' Co-op., Conway Matson and Sons, A. E. Young and Co., H. B. Sorensen, C. A. Lees and Co., and Farmers' Saleyards Company will be found on pages 10 and 11 of this issue. At the Auckland- Magistrate's Court yesterday, Carl Frederick Walker, a clerk in tho office of the Hon. J. A. Tolo, Crown Solicitor, was charged with having uttered a forged document purporting to be a cheque, and with forging a document. He was remanded for a week on two sureties of £100 each. A memorial service will be held in Christ's College Chapel on Sunday afternoon next, at four o'clock, in connection with the death of the late Mr Keith Cape-Williamson, of Canterbury College, who perished in the wreck of the Penguin. The service is being held at the suggestion of tho Students' Christian Union. The Loyal Benevolent Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., held its fortnightly meeting on Monday evening. The balance-sheet and report for the halfyear ending December 31st were received and adopted. Tho funds of tho Lodge now stand at £4791 10s 10d. P.P.G.AV. Bro. Browne and P.G. Bros. Locke and Manders were elcctedi delegates for the district meeting on March 18th. Tho Woolston Brass Band will play the following programme at Victoria square to-morrow evening, commencing at 8 o'clock: —March, "Mephistopheles" (Shipley Douglas) ; overture (by request), "Les Trompettes de' la Couronne" (Ord Hume); grand fantasia. "Songs of Robert Tannahill" (Ord Hume); euphonium solo, "The Lea Rig" (Etherington); cornet duet, "Ida and Dot" (Losey); grand selection, "William Tell" (Rossini); waltz, "Blue Danube" (Strauss); march, "The Boomerang" (White). A meeting of the committee of ratepayers of Lower Riccarton, appointed to arrange a scheme of amalgamation of the district with Greater Christchurch, was held on Monday last. The question of the advisability of including J a portion of the Fendalton district in ( the proposed area was discussed. A j member of the committee reported that I ho had interviewed a number of the i Fendalton people, and, with a few ex- j ; ceptions, they were in favour of beinc; i j included in tlie area to be brought into i | the city. A list of the names of some ) | twenty prominent ratepayers cf the j j Fendalton district (some of whom wero j i prepared to assist financially) was hand- \ ed in to the chairman, and it was una- | nimously decided that tho Ferdalton 1 district bo included. ! At a special meeting of the Canter- ' j hurv Hctc-i and Restaurant Employees' j l F'nion. held on Monday, it was resolved r I to add a new sn'j-clau&e to Rule 5 to j : the cfi'.'ct that :—"Any member leaving ! ! his or her c:rol<""*nient shall iM.tity the | I "lecrriary to th.it effect. CV;::trit:uI iior.s shall r.ot then be char;_-e.oHe fcr j ; ih:> period—dating free: receipt cf ; 1 such netifienf'-rn that the member may ' j be uremj loved. * Subsequently an cr- > . dinary :;-.:■ :>tin!_; of the uninn —as held, i : at \t '. ich it .va;. luisiiimcu-slv ds.-oided :—■ ! j "T-Mt the TV:t.l and He-.tai:vr.:v. Er.-.- '• > i-!.-v.>e-_ Fri n 1- !'.i-c:-Li!v in i>.vour of ; ! the ni.'r; ■■;:" tho S-'iirdt-y Half-iriii.-lay ! . O'..::.::: i::■<•. wishes ;h.;i. eve-;- :-urc ."':-.', ! a I'd Im _'•-- that every —'no is , : ;■-■."! ') - vi-; i;> - i.; t a your of the Satur- | I liar half-holiday." j

About twenty South Canterbury riflemen have "left for the Dominion Meeting at Trentham. Two cases of alleged sly grog-selling are set down for hoaxing at tne Aii-i----burton Magistrate's Court, by Mr V. G. Day, on Friday. Mr F. W. Isitt was in A&hburton on Monday evening, and had a conference with a number of the members of the No-license League regarding tin© future of temperance reform in the district. Preparations are being made for tho building of a boardinj_houso in connection with the Christchurch Boys' High ■School. It is hoped that the building, which when completed will hold about thirty boarders, will be ready about the end of the year. The Richmond Workinc Men's Club held a most enjoyable picnic on Saturday at the Burwood Tea Gardens. Tne Christchurch Professional Band dis- ' coursed sweet music, tbe weather was perfect, and the outing proved most enjoyable. 'Ihe public .schools competitive exhibition of produce, at the Dahlia OJid Fruit .Show in the Alexandra Hall next «ieek, sihoitld prove a very interesting new departure. Liberal prizes are offered in the various classes, and on the second day of the -show (Thursday) tho school children accompanied by their teachers, will be admitted free" to the exhibition until between ono and two o'clock. Tlie work of erecting the skeleton of tho Okarito whale at tho Christchurch Museum is now approaching completion. Tho huge head has been placed in position also the greater part of the body skeleton, tho tail section alone remaining. Already a large? part of the temporary wooden scaffolding has been removed, the skeleton being attached to a permanent iron framework. "Nobody cares a snap of the finger at Home for ritualism," declared Bishop Neligan at Auckland last Thursday night. ''You never hear it mentioned there. A friend of mine, when asked how this came to be, replied 'because tho Anglican clergy in England to-day care for nothing except foreign missions and social questions.' I hope that will be true of the clergy of New Zealand, and of the diocese of Auckland,"' added the Bishop. Mr John Cook, who has formed a number of patrols in connection with the Boy Scouts stated yesterday that he expected Mr Frank Baden-Powell in Christchurch very shortly, and he would be armed with full authority from lieneral Baden-Powell to organise the movement. At present Mr Cook, in conjunction with Mr Empson, of Wanganui, has been instructed to draw up and submit a scheme for organising the Boy Scouts of the Dominion. They have resolved to nominate 'Colone. Cossgrovo to the charge of the South Island. Tho lectures in connection with tho course for the University degree of Bachelor of Commerce and for tho College certificate of higher commercial instruction begin on the 6th inst. Full courses of lectures are now delivered in economics, commercial and physical geography, commercial history, com mercial French and German, industrial and commercial law, currency and banking, statistical method, economic history, accounting, and accountancy, as well as in the subjects common to the arts and commerce courses. They aro open to all persons over sixteen desirous of improving their knowledge whether matriculated and studying lor tho full degree or not. Tho wreck of tho steamer Penguin has mado its mark upon the mortality returns for Wellington for the past month, tho deaths being 96 for February, as compared with 48 for the corresponding month of last year. There have been over 50 deaths registered in Wellington as. the result of the disaster. Taking the other statistics, thero is shown a big falling-off in marriages and births for February, 1009, when compared with the came month of last year, the births registered being 143, as against 183; and 90 marriages, as against 105 for February, 1908. Taking the two months of this year, it is found that the births number 315, or 43 less than the same period of 1908, and tho marriages, 177, aro five less than January-February, 1908. The annual meeting of the Cattle Insurance Association was held last night. The report showed that the receipts had been £868 5s 9d and the expenditure £908 lis, leaving a debit balance of £40 3s 2d. The assets and liabilities account showed:—Dr.: Sundirv creditors £110 7s 2d, National Bank £17 18s Id, capital £721 8s sd, and loss for twelve months £40 3s 2d ; total, £809 10s 6d. Cr. : Sundry debtors £84 10s 6d. deposits National Bank £725; total £809 10s 6d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following were elected as a committee:—Messrs Conway Matson (chairman), John Barr. F. Tavender, Jam.es Knight and F. Steel. Tho General Committee recommended that the fees on cows be raised from 2s 6d to 3s per head, buyer and seller paying half each. The meeting passed a Vote of thanks to the treasurer, secretary, and inspector, for the able manner in whioh they hud carried out their work during the past twelvo months. King Dick, the lion in the Newtown zoo, celebrated his fourth birthday on Tuesday. The many sympathisers with his loneliness have been consoling themselves with the reflection that it was to be ended at last, and that he was to be provided with a mate, but their hopes are doomed to disappointment for the present at any rate. Certainly, a pretty little lioness eighteen months old, was taken to tho Zoo, but she was not allowed to reside long in her new abode, and she has been returned to her original owners. Interviewed on the subject by a "Dominion"' reporter, Mr J. P. Luke, chairman of the Reserves Committee of the City Council, paid there had been a slight misunderstanding about the lioness, and it had been sent back to Wirth's, as no provision was available for housing it. The new lion house is being built, a double compartment structure, but it will not bo ready for a few weeks yet, and it was considered desirable to return the lioness with the idea of getting one later on when the Council ■would open negotiations with Messrs Wirth Pros. The committee of the Society for tno Prevention of Cruelty to Animals met last night, Mr J. 11. Parker presiding. The Acting-Inspector submitted his report for the month which, in r .cr aha, stated that certain horses worked in a public conveyance showed signs of bettor treatment. The Inspector was instructed to pay particular attention to the horses of the owner of a public conveyance plying in the city and suburbs. Mi=s Morrr-w ms appointed tj reprcacnt the Sr.eiety at the annual Ir ter«aticj:al Anti-vivisection and Ar.i- I rr.nl Protection Congress to be held in | Lcr.don frcm July Oth to 10th. A ' -lengthy letter from Mr R. O. Duncan I v.'_s. rad dealing with his o'-jeciion to the Society's, attempt to hr.ye t'i_- v-"> I ci t',o overhead chock rein yr. *?hii:!tcd I en account oi the :.!:fic:-in__ ..-> which , hcrr.-- were si'.hj-.ct-: ■'.. .The writer' quoted the opinion* cf several veterinary who stated that the rein indicted nc cruelty. The chairman .vta*. ■:! that th.. ohfrrtiin vis t ire ever"..cad i !■.".•!: rc-i'i, n\"i b :• poin'rrl c;;t ihit scc-:ct-:es i'-i ]_'p .?. .id. Amtrica. and -\\:~:r.:.'.~ w< ro a'.l::uin- .'cr th- di« ■~:.-.i::v._:;c-> cf if. ii-.:. H" ;.-cc cited ■•..-pori ~..-;r:ion -.i:-.-i.\;--■u.-.'ible i> the v.zl- oi thi> ,-Tiion of h.-r:u... Aft..- <I : ■<■::.■ :::n:> siLject, a::d the matter dropped. j

Tho following additional University examination r- iks have been received": —C. W. !•*;;. ;»w, 8.A., Helen Leversedge, first section B.A. The rainfall at Carew. Ealing, for February, was .Soin, falling on six days. The heaviest fall was on the 10th February, when .39in was recorded. Cabinet has issued an order that no Government officer is to authorise the advertising of Government or Crown notices without the previous authority oi" tho Minister in charge. A number of bands have signified their intention of taking part in the Kaiapoi hand contest on Easter Monday, which is being promoted by the Kaiapoi Cycling Club. Herr Zimmerman has been elected- musical judge. Bishop Julius intends paying a pastoral visit to Ashburton on Saturday, and will bo the preacher at St. Stephen's Church on Sunday morning and evening. He will conduct a Confirmation service during the afternoon. The river Avon, from the Fendalton bridge to the Dallington bridge, Christchurch, has been gazetted as a sanctuary under the Animals' Protection Act, 100 S. and no imported and native game sh::<! be taken or killed on or about tho river so reserved. At tho statutory meeting of tho Nelson Harbour Board yesterday Mr John Graham, M.P., was re-elected chairman for the eighth time in succession. Ho pointed out that Nelson was the only Hoard in tho Dominion that carried out harbour improvements to tho present extent without imposing any rates. Berry's Private Band will play the following programme at Sydenham Park this evening, at 8 " o'clocu: —March, ''Arabian" (Rinimor); selection, "Weber" (Round); valse, "Funa" (Linde); song, "The Song that Reached My Heart" (Jordan); selection, "Mozart" (Round); "Spring Song" (Mendelssohn) ; selection, "A Trip to Blackpool" (Bidgood); inarch, "Silver King" (Allan). Mr J. dirtier, ono of the Government i'riu. experts and inspector of orchards, was at Rangiora yesterday, and examined tho fruit offered ar, th© saleyards. He reports that there is this season somo very fine locally-grown fruit, and it is intended to collect some samples ior exhibition in England. Tho fruit in northern Canterbury is not so much marked by the hailstorm of January last as is the case iv tho southern districts. Yesterday a largo number of pupils from the Girls' High School, under the charge of Miss Gibson, head mistress, went to Corsair Bay, Lyttelton, where a very enjoyable day was spent. It was intended to hold tho annual swimming races in the Corsair Bay baths, but only four races were got off, as the water was too chilly, and it was decided to complete the programme today in tho Boys' High School baths. The Cashmere Hills residents have now completed all tho necessary preliminary details with reference to their being addic-d to Greater Christchurch, and have sent in a petition with the requisite number of signatures. Tho unimproved value of the area proposed to be added to the city is £23,533, and capital value £51,331. There ore two miles of roads in tho area. MrG. "Witty, M.P., on Saturday telegraphed to tho Hon. J. A. Millar, telling him that tho work at Clarence road crossing was still being carried on, and asking him to stop it till the matter was settled. In reply, Mr "Witty received a telegram yesterday from the Minister to the following effect:—"lnstructions have been issued to stop work et Clarence road pending my return to Christohurch at beginning of next week. —J. A. Millar." The final meeting of Mr H. G. Ell's Social and Presentation Committee was held on Friday evening, Mr H. R. Rusbridge presiding over a good attendance. The Chairman reported that after payment of all accounts there remained a small balance, and it was decided to hand tho amount over to tho Children's Ward Fund." Hearty votes of thanks wero passed to the chairman for tho able manner in which he had carried out his duties, and also to tho secretary, Mr A. Andrews, for his labours. Some portion of the civic party visiting the Woodstock site on Monday had rather an unpleasant time. One of the motor-cars broke down—as is sometimes their wont—most inconveniently, and had to bo towed homo by tlie other. This was all very well for tho occupants of the first oar, but those in the second got the entire dust, which roso in clouds, and on arriving at the City Council Chambers wore thickly powdered. Tho return was somewhat less of a triumphal procession than tho start, when both motor-oars started' off most gaily. At the special meeting of tho Ashburton Borough Council on Monday night, a letter was read from Professor Bickerton, applying for a. close night in the .Domain on March 2oth (tho day of the Marathon Race and the A.A.C. and A.C. Sports). Tho applicant offered £3 3s and half the pavilion receipts to the Council for tho privilege. The offer was accepted. In consequence of the Council having decided on a new system of scavenging, it was decided to purchase the present contractor's cart, and also to procure a ciiitable'cart for dealing with houso refuse. The following telegram has been received by Mr T. Sullivan, secretary to the South Island Railway League, from Sir Joseph Ward: —"ln reference to the suggestion that the first pile of the Waiau bridge should he driven on the same date as the annual A. and P. Show, upon enquiry I regret that this cannot bo done, as it would necessitate a plant being specially taken to the bridge site at a cost of probably £100, and as the bridge is to be let oy contrast and the plant would be required to be removed, I t*kink you will agree with mo that the expenditure under the circumstances is not warranted. In any case the fact -of the pile not being driven will not delay the prosecution of the work." At tho monthly meeting of the Waimakariri Harbour Board on Monday a letter was received from the Shipping Company applying for exemption of dues on tho steamer for a trip in which it entered the river but beinj* unable to reach tho wharf had to go on to Lyttelton to discharge. This was agreed to. The Shipping Company suggested that steps should bo taken to connect the river with the North railway line by a siding and public wharf. The writers pointed out over a million feet of timber and 10.000 tons of coal had been brought in by the steamer which could to a groat extent have been put on the railway and probably 100.000 sacks of grain ar.d produce could oe shipped from the river. The matter was referred to a committee to report iron. At the last annual meeting of the United rire Brigade Association, held at Ma'Ur rf-n early in 1903, tho executive decided to offer prizes to members rf the r.' ; oDciatic:i fcr essays on tho thrfo following subject's:—"Fire fighting, ancient and rucdern ;" "How best to improve the fire service of the Dominion," and "S'lcuid insurance companies contribute to tho upkeep of fire bric«do-,!'" Papers were lent in from all "arts cf the J)c~iin:on, and a Press A'rociaticn rr.c-"~a _;c from Napier si-'tr-f; that, the judges- have made the awnrds :—First subject—A. P. Gnd'-,er iPcio::' Fire J. G. Ci'b. .rl (.Xapi-.-r Vire Bri.^.dc), A. E. i:.v.;l> , _-:i f.V-.T-k-r Fir..- i'dicel. Second M.bV..----J. (~ Gllb-rd (Xn-ier Fire '*■"•;.-.-:■•!, J:-i:t. (luvcrrarjn'Jl F":■•■• J'.-.iv.d;. >. Captain Bak.rr (Eden terrace i ■•■■;.■ ■ I ■■;_-;:_!_;. Third subject —J. G. Gilbcrd .Napier Fire Brigade). I

ior lire Brigade.)

The Mayor has received a letter from the Heathcoto Road Board consenting to the alteration of the names of twenty-one streets in cases in which they had duplicated. The Auckland Employers' Association and others havo made a present of £200 to tho four Huntly miners who remained at work during tho recent difficulty at the mines. Mr Carnegie's kindness is evidently appreciated in Dunedin (our correspondent states), for during February 11.654 persons visited tho Carnegie Free Library. The shadow of tlie black man apparently falls very darkly on Dunedin, for on Monday night the Labourers' Union pledged themselves to vote for no member of the Drainage Board supporting the employment of coloured men There is a movement on foot to start a Public Library for Linwood in tho Old Borough Council Office. An application has been made to the City Council for information as to the terms on which the building could be rented for the purpose. In response to representations made by the Ironmasters' Conference in Wellington, the Commissioner of Taxes has notified that in the future an allowance for depreciation in the assessments for income tax will be extended to 5 per cent, oi half tlie total valuo of all plant and machinery. From to-day Nelson reverts to thr. Wednesday half-holiday, after trying Saturday for a year. It is underthat an effort- is being mado by tho Saturday advocates to demand a poll at the coming municipal election. Opinion is much divided ns to whether Wednesday or Saturday is better froi>.-. a business standpoint. The Mayor has received a letter from the Petone Committee in connection with the English Children's Bread Fund to the effect that £1300 had- been subscribed in Wellington to the fund. Tho letter also asked the Mayor to forward any subscriptions received by him. Tlie Mayor, it may be noted, has not received any subscriptions on account of tlie fund. Charles Clark will hold an auction sale of paintings in his rooms, Hereford street, to-morrow, on account of \V. Hounsom Byles, R.B.A. Tlie pictures aro now on view. 6 It would be difficult to imagine a more pleasing display of novelties tha.n that now on view at tho D.I.C. New Warehouse. Fashions for ladies, gentlemen, and juveniles are showing in the latest styles at popular prices; newest ideas in furnishings, furniture and household requirements are in strong evidence. This great opening display continues to-day. No visitor is pressed to purchase at the D.I.C. 4 Christchurch men are invited to call and see the choice selections of tho very newest in tweeds, coatings, and serges just opened up at Graham, Wilson and Smellie's. When ordering your new season's suit here you secure the latest cut, perfect fit, and skilled tailoring and reliable quality throughout. 4 When the ground is hard and dry and you cannot get along with anything else, you get a Benicia Disc Plough. W. Bassett and Co., 23 Manchester street. 3 "H.B.P."' stands for Hastie, Bull, end Pickering, also for Hardware at Bod-rock Prices. When you think of hardware, think of "H.8.P." It will always bo to your advantage. Location, Cashel street, opposite Ballantyne's. 6 The s.s. lonin had'lßoo tons shipment landing, 65. tons of this was Robey Engines, etc. McClelland and Anderson, agents. 224 Oashel street, Christchurch. 6 Eyestrain, Headaches. —Ernest M. Sandstein, F.S.M.C, D.8.0.A., London, Consulting Optician, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight. Fifteen years' special study and experience. Latest methods and instruments. Consulting rooms, Cashel street W. (next Ballantyne's). Hours, 9.30 to 5.30. Telephono 397. 6 Lewis and Anderson, 221 Cashel street, are Carrying full stocks of riflemen's requisites, comprising Orthoptics, Verniers, Sliding V Sights, Bags, Rods, Rifle Covers, etc. 6 If our readers will take time to-day to look in at either of the drapery and clothing stores of Messrs Armstrong's, Limited, they will surely find many things to their advantage. Vivid word painting would fail to convey the value the firm are now offering. A persona! inspection only can carry I home the bargains that may be had. 6 i Boys Conway suits 4s 6d, stockmen's 45 lid, Galatea hats 6d, knickers 2s \ 3d. 2s 6d, all good goods, and at- Armstrong's only, the best clothing house ; in town. 6 j Merchants having goods for delivery should get us to handle their consignments. We collect goods, ship them, pay dues, distribute goods at other end, and collect charges. Try our system; it's economical, labour-saving. New Zealand Express Company. 6 THE STATE OF THE RIVERS. The following report of the Canterbury rivers was received at 9 a.m. yesterday : —Ashley, Waimakariri (North and South branches), Ashburton ( Upper, Lower, and Mouth), and Waitaki, clear; and Selwyn, Rakaia, Rangitata, and Opihi, fishable. " BONELESS DUOK." America's amazing genius for invention has (says tho New York correspondent of tne "Daily Telegraph" on January 14th) resulted in the growing of piplcss oranges, etoneless plums, thornless cactus, and, as I know from personal investigation, other equally extraordinary successes are still being scored by Mr Luther Burbank, tho horticultural wizard of California. To-day, however, the boneless duck claims chief attention. It is not quite -boneless, of course, but from samples exhibited here I can vouch for the fact that tho bird seems to be absolutely 'breast-boneless. Bridgeport, Connecticut, has tho honour of rearing the first batch of breast-boneless ducks, much to the delight of American chefs and housekeepers, because, as everybody knows, it has from time immemorial been the broast-bono of the duck that presented most difficulties to the dissector. Charles Winter, of Bridgeport, is the inventor of the breast-boneless breed, and his portrait appears to-day in the leading newspapers. "It has been a question of careful culture and selection, nothing else," says Mr Winter modestly. "Years ago I succeeded in reducing the breast-bone to a mere rudiment, and now there is hardly a suggestion of breast-bone. Experience shows that breast-bones for domestic fowl are hardly more necessary than appendices for civilised humans." CHINA'S PROGRESS. Sir Robert Hart, Inspeotor-GcHernl of Customs in China, was tho guest- of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce early in January- He said that foreign trade bad doubled in Chirm in ten years', and Great Britain, which had half of it ten years ago, had half of it row. Foreign merchants wero now pnying more attention to the necessity of iiiitinc the tastes of the natives, and the Briri h merchant *till b?l_ his. own. thov.ijh c-:rpotition was kerncr now than fornvr'y. The Chinese to-d.iy did murh for that foreigners ;:r.?<! to do, and Indian nnd Janan-rw mi!!:; found cuvt-omcrr, in Chin-os? markets. Notwithstanding thi=r. the '.---.lire of trad- -1 - grew, and there were crxningj for no v.- ventures. Japanese competition would bo felt

more and more, for not only wa»T»s_£ffl becoming more ond more tlie ra*i3t3?m turmg country of the Far -" her proximity to China and tho .U2 . of her people, to things which*V*? "" * peans ooukl not attenmt *' her advantages which sho wct2_ Europeans snouid strive to 4» JBi:. tho Japanese found possible j n hVS ling goods in small quantities ___?£'.- ---t raversmg China in person. J_*'S*:;. directions, we » w still ft,,. fro £ •« ,** day when progress would eeasf _5 hn-tber developments *•„__ be ' fcible. China »as changing i_ ' quarter. Education oa W_2_* - method!* was wlcomcd j raihr«?2 ' steamers wero increasing; nwrs_„2_ were being established at dlT££_ ant points. Progress woukf eon>«i_! .t would only be slow in *%£?£* try and among such a people. _ HE MIGHT HAVE DONE WOHSfc. The story of how he nearly «_■__-- a hole in two of bis fellow-beings »fta\ * a bullet was told at the lUndiS Rifle Clubs dinner on Saturday ,rZv by the Federal Attorney-Uene-al i_. Hughes). Tiiere happened to £a £X liamentary shooting match on ono ,__! when Mr Hughes was a niembe- o{ l? Mate Parliament. The politicians tr_J ' a man short, -and," said Mr Hu_w "I was a«f_ed to fill the place, p„£a2| ably because 1 was v short man " «■ they went to the Randwick nail - whore Mr Hughe., was given a riflfc (2 tho left of the mound waa a little _i hut, where amnuinitioii was kept i? ha<l no idea how far tho target tn, ~ away." explained the politician, "W it was a long way—quite a long *»? They gave mc a number of cartrjfh__ and the rifle was loaded. The instroeX was perambulating in front of m c ~1 while. I was turning round I pulled+_! trigger accidentally, and the riflo 9Z! off. The bullet went through tho nu ambulating gentleman's leg—he w«T» Scotsman—and struck the little tin Ink on tho left. There was another genffc man insido the hut, sorting ammigj. tion, I think. Ho came out in gr«* style—very fast. The instructor 8»J . 'My God! it is incredible!' I suppS he meant it was incredible that plo like mc should havo a gun." £M Mr Hughes appeared to have h&" mostly concerned with losing the _3 He demanded that it should not «m_. - and with tho assistance of one lE . "Billy" Diok, carried his point. '-Wfia ono or two ricochet shote, and a gooj * deal of luck, I did not," ho "do so very badly. Still, I have alvra " thought that I might have done a gr«|--' deal better, and I am sure the Som£.'.. man and the ammunition gentlemit' * thought I might havo done a great dnlc r worse." -=•*_■