NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13613, 23 December 1909, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

"The Press" will not be published on Saturday next (Christmas Day). The usual Saturday 16. page paper will be published to-morrow. Advertisers are requested to send in their advertisements for to-morrow's issue as early as possible to-day. Advertisements already ordered for Saturday will be inserted in to-morrow's issue.

A man was arrested by Detective McLeod yesterday on a charge of stealing a bicycle.

The whitebait season at Kaiapoi is almost finished for this year. It has been a somewhat uncertain one; but while whitebait was at 2s to 2s 3d per pint fishermen had a good source of income.

The Prime Minister has promised Mr T. H. Davey, M.P., that a sum of £300 will be granted as a •compassionate allowance to the family of the late E. C. Free, who was killed at Just's crossing, Templeton.

On Tuesday evening at the Church of the Good "Shepherd, Phillipstown, Bishop Julius administered the rite of confirmation to 21 candidates—six males and fifteen females. The candidates were presented to the bishop by the Rev. H. E. Ensor.

It is understood that the proposal to place a memorial window in Holy Trinity Church, Avonside, to the memory of the lato Mrs Pascoe has been very favourable received by the parishioners. English and colonial makers have been supplied with information as to tho subject to bo dealt with, and have been asked to submit designs, and it is confidently expected that the work will be put in hand within the next few months.

The matron of tho children's convalescent cottage at New Brighton desires to acknowledge 'with thanks a donation of £3 9s from the "Empty Stocking Fund," per Dr. Crooke; a donation of £3 3s from the Hyman Marks Trust for Christmas cheer, per Mr F. D. Kesteven; also postal notes for 2s each from Masters Herbert Lewis and lan Jamiceon, New Brighton. It is expected that the Cottage Home will bo quite full at Christmas timo.

A meeting of the executive committee of the Sumner Gala was held on Monday evening, the Mayor, Mr E. Denham, in th© chair. It was reported that subscriptions and trophks amounted to £65, which, together with further donations promised, made the financial position very satisfactory. It was resolved to have a torchlight procession and fireworks display, under the direction of Messrs Bickerton Bros., and to engage the Sumner Band for the afternoon and Derry's Band for the evening.

The fifth annual meeting of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servarts' Sick Benefit Society was held in the Ambulance Room, Christchurch Station, on Monday. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The chairman, Mr E. Cameron, congratulated the members on the successful year's working. The balance-sheet showed receipts £1024 Is lid, and expenses £971 5s id, leaving a balance of £52 16s lOd. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr H. T Jackson; vice-president, Mr W. Diffin; treasurer, Mr M. Mullaney; secretary, Mr J. J. Burrows; committee, Messrs E. Johnston, H. J. Johnston, A. McNaughton, H. Owen, D. Jones, J. Robbins, W. Dockery, W. Haig, F. Smith, E. Cameron, H. Mills and J. Fowler. The following resolution was passed:—"That on receipt of proposed rules for a Dominion A.S.R.S. Sick Benefit Society, providing they are satisfactory, a vote of members be taken."

A meeting of the Cashmere Hills Domain Board was held yesterday morning, there being present Messrs M. Murphy (in the chair), G. Scott, C. Allison, W. Dunlop, and T. D. Boag. The chairman of the Board, Mr J. T. Brown, wrote resigning his position as a member of the Board on the ground that he was leaving for the North Island. The resignation was received with regret, members making complimentary reference to the value of Mr Brown's services to the Board, and Mr M. Murphy was elected as chairman. The SeJvvyn County Council wrote stating that Mr T. D. Boag had been appointed a member of the Board in the place of Mr G. Witty, M.P., who had resigned. Mr Boag was welcomed as a member of the Board. The secretary reported that the Auditor-General had disallowed an item of £2, expense incurred by the Board in visiting the reserves, and entered on the Board's balance-sheet. The chairman was authorised to incur any necessary expense in connection with future inspection of the reserves.

The Christchurch Regatta Club met a_ the Canterbury Rowing Club's boathouse last evening. Mr F. D. Kesteien, who presided, stated that the local railway authorities, when approached regarding the train service to Lake Forsyth for the Regatta, said that arrangements similar to those which obtained last year were acceptable. This ratter, however, required to be confirmed by the head of the Department at Wellington. The secretary had collected £52 towards the Regatta. Lake Forsyth was very low at present, but it was very clean, and would provide a good course. At the suggestion of Mr Duggan, one of the delegates, it was decided to have flags displayed in banner fashion from horizontal bars on tho mdc posts and finishing posts. This would enable coxswains and the crews of best and best boats to follow the course without difficulty. It was decided to elect the Mayor of Christ«™i c a vice-president. Mr A. R* Craddock was appointed starter; Mr i 1 umpire, and Messrs F. J. Cowlishaw and H. H. Smith judges.

The Auckland City Council .proposes to fix a standard of efficiency for drivers of motor-cars.

The temperature at Christchurch in the shade yesterday at neon was 70deg., the maximum during the day being "ldeg.

The Maheno, which arrived in Auckland on Sunday, brought 650 bags of mail matter—English and Australian. The mail constitutes an easy over-sea record for Auckland.

An Auckland citizen has offered to lend to tlie Art Gallery in that city a small oak panel, whereon is a painting in oil, the subject being the "Judgment of Paris." Tlie work is said to be by Raphael.

The Auckland City Council has decided to ask the Tramway Company to paint the centre poles opposite each stopping-place with aluminium paint, so that the public may at night have a better knowledge of their position.

The Dannevirke North school cadets, competing for the North Island Challenge Shield, put up 527 out of a possible 840. Cadet Law has made sixtysix consecutive bull's-eyes in the last three days.

A false alarm of fire was registered at 5.45 p.m. yesterday from the indicator at Goss's timber yards in Durham street North. The brigade turned out from the Chester street and Lichfield street stations, only to ascertain that tho alarm was an accidental ono.

Rumours are in circulation in New Brighton to the effect that an enterprising burglar has discovered that an outlet for his peculiar activities was to be found at the seaside. It is alleged that £20 was stolen from the bedroom of a lady visitor.

At the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company's mill and at their town factory the employees will cease work from Christmas Eve till the morning of January 4th. This lengthy holiday has been made possible by the employees foregoing several one-day holidays recently.

Strong exception has been taken in Dunedin to the remark of the Hon. R. McKenzie that a serious collision occurred through imperfect brake action of the City Corporation tram-cars. The Minister and the different Dunedin members have been advised that the statement is absolutely incorrect.

The work of pipe-laying in connection with the municipal high-pressure water supply reached an important stage on Tuesday, when tho laying of the spiral steel pipes was completed. A number of smaller pipes have still to be laid before the reticulation of the city is finished.

The programme for the first annual competitions in connection with thc Christchurch Musical and Literary Competitions Society has been issued. The judges will be Messrs Baeyertz and Maughan Barnett. Mrs Montague, so long accompanist for the Dunedin Society, will fill tho same position for the Christchurch Society.

A party of New Sou tl 1 Wales teachers arrived in Wellington from Sydney by the Manuka yesterday. They intend touring the South Island, playing cricket matches against the teachers in the several centres. One match, it is hoped, will be against a New Zealfiutl representative eleven at Wellington before the visitors leave on the return trip on tho 14th January.

About forty officers of Wellington Garrison went out to Johnsonvillc and Porirua on Sunday for a staff ride. Theoretical engagements were conducted between "red" and "blue" divisions. Lieut.-Colonel E. Chaytor directed the operations. The officers returned to Wellington by the 5.40 p.m. train from Johnsonville. after an arduous day's manoeuvring.

The following have passed the dental examination just concluded!, which is the last to bo held under the old regulations: —Miss Evans (Auckland), John E. Alexander (Auckland); A. H. Ingle (Marion), H. M. Curtis (Wellington), F. B. K. McArthur (Auckland), Horace Gribblo (Wellington), Percy G. Jeffries (Palmerston), Noel L. Trent (Napier), Thomas Johnson (Christchurch), Fredrick Brown (Auckland). *

The Wellington branch of the Engine Drivers', Firemen's, and Cleaners' Association passed the _ following resolutions:—"We herewith tender our sincere thanks to those members of Parliament who have endeavoured to get official recognition for our Association, and we trust that the Minister of Railways will carry out his idea of dividing the service into sections in respect to the Union, such sections to be federated to deal with the business appertaining to the whole service." \

A striking example of regular school attendance was mentioned by the headmaster (Mr C. D. Hardie) at the prize distribution at the West Christchurch District High School yesterday, when a lad named Arthur Barnett stepped forward for his attendance prise. Mr Hardie stated that the lad had' not missed one school day for eight years, and for the last three years he had had to walk twelve miles to the school and twelve miles back home. Tlie lad was loudly applauded by those present.

A very fine collection of ancient Chinese oopper money has come into the possession of Mr A. Hamilton, director of the Dominion Museum. The collection dates back to 910 8.C., hut there are coins which were in circulation up to 1400 A.D., covering 25 centuries. The coins are of peculiar shape, some resembling razor blades, others small hand mirrors, others again swords, yale keys, and two-pronged darts. All have a hole in them, some as if used for suspending the coins as charms, or trinkets.

The Elite Brass Band will play the following programme on Victoria square rotunda this evening, commencing at eight o'clock:—-March, "Invercargill" ; selection, "Auber" ; waltz, "Prayer and Passion"; sacred song, "Nazareth" ; inarch, "Under the Red Cross"; selection, "The Lily of Killarney"; air varie, "Adeste Fideles"; march, "Santiago." The Elite Band, under Conductor A. Duggan, will give a programme of sacred music at Hagley Park (near Victoria lake) on Sunday, commencing at 3 p.m.

At the meeting of the North Canterbury Board of Education yesterday, Mr H. Boyd, pursuant to notice, moved:—"That the r.on-contribution of the Canterbury Agricultural College authorities to the agricultural scholarship scheme of the Board is a matter of extreme regret to the Board, and that the whole question of providing increased facilities for agricultural education be referred to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report." Mr Boyd contended that the Board of Governors of the Lincoln College should award a number of scholarships annually in proportion to the endowments the College received, such scholarships to be open to boys attending the District High Schools of the province. Tho motion was seconded by Mr Opie and carried.

In the last four years 145 candidates have been sent uo from the West Christchurch District High School for the Junior Civil Servioe matriculation examinations. A large number of the candidates have taken positions among the highest in the Dominion in the examinations for which they have sat, viz., sixteen in the first fifty for tho Dominion (Junior Civil Service), 2o matriculation and solicitor's general knowledge, eleven Board junior, and four Board senior scholarships, one junior national scholarship, twenty-two school of art exhibitions for girls, five ii-ternational exhibition medals and certificates for writing, and twenty-one Navy League, Arbor Day, and Industrial and Beautifying Associations' essf.y prizes.

Jas. Graham, who was admitted to the Hospital on Tuesday night aufferina. S from the effects of an irritant poison * is progressing favourably. ' 1 On Saturday, New Year's Day. all " 5 telegraph offices usually opening" fro£ -. 0 to 10 a.m. will only remaiiT open * ft on; 9 a.m. to 9.30. ,

The D.I.C. warehouse and showroona will be open for business all day to- - day (Thursday) and special attractions I lor afternoon shopping. « A.s is usual at Christmas time, the i tamers Co-op.. Cashel street S" ? making a comprehensive and attract™ t display of all Christmas lines, andiff " t.u- convenience of their inanv clients" '■ and the public generally, have decided to keep their retail stores open oa - Friday, Christmas Eve, until 9 p.m. 4 „ Lewis and Anderson, 221 Cashel* 1 stieet. are showing a unique selection / of novelties in sterling Silver. \rt "3 Enamel, Leather Goods, and General "I I'ancy Goods, suitable for Nmas Pro- 1 sents. . -J

That the public appreciate the roomy new- premises of the D.I.C. is proved i.- th- crowds that throng this favour, ite emporium daily now. The thousand ot pretty and useful presents ia the tancv Department help hundreds to solve tlie -What shall 1 get?" prtf£ Jem to their entire satisfaction, while the toys. a.s usual, are an endless source ol attraction for the very vount I-.ither Christmas, too, still holds dai. receptions. Bring the children. DLC

"An cystcr may be crossed in lovfc,"' - wrote Sheridan. The bivalve's cisaj>- .'. pointment would be trifling in co .pari- £ son with any child's whose stocking had not been filled at Christmas from Armstrong's Toyland. j

The Christinas Conundrum! What to '" buy, and where? It is solved by Hastie . Bull and Pickerings unique offering.' ; . Taste satisfied, purse gently entreated* *'*• gi\ er and receiver delighted*. Entrance _ immediately opposite Baliantynea. % We have been requested to announce ~* thnt our old friend. Father Christian, ''= will to-day inspect tho principal rtreeto' " of the city, taking his departure pae motor car, from Messrs Armstrong/and Company's, Ltd., High street establish- ' ment at half-past two o'clock, aad «. riving at the same firm's Victoria '" sqi'are shop in due course. The kindhearted old gentleman, will distribute "' souvenirs of the occasion en route. Associated as he is with the popular firm he naturally advises everyone to buy -£ fre.m Messrs Armstrong's extensive **' stocks. .'

W hen Travelling, avail yourself of ow Checked Baggage System, as now car- -ji Tied out from door to door between the ■* principal towns of tho Dominion. • Our } system enables you to travel in com- | fort, free from the trouble of pera.- £■ ally looking after your baggage, and ' * freo also from the risk of loss involved S in carrying your luggage unchecked. J Call or give us a ring, and we will '. arrange for your baggage being coli '-' lected, checked, and delivered at your' -. destination. Note this specially:—You I obtain all these benefits without _" any extra. cost to yourself. «■ The New Zealand Express Com. ? pany, Ltd. Offices throughout the .! Dominion. Christchurch office, comer f Hereford and Manchester streets. 4 '*

Lubricating Oils.—The best are o&» .** tamed at McClelland and Anderson's, ;f_ 224 Cashel 6treet, Christchurch. Land- *| ing over 2000 gallons this week. Book, f, your orders early. ... 4' . Remember Clarke and Proctor's for -'5 High-class Christmas Lines in Art i "_ Metal, Silver Plate, and Quaint Goods :j at lowest prices, 118-120 Colombo- | street. 4 - i No sooner is one Christmas past than «j another is here, and one of the greatest ■] problems for parents with large fami- ' -3 lies is to make a certain sum of money - . buy a certain quantity of toy. By & purchasing them from John R. Procter, _ oculists' optician, 180 High street, Ll Christchurch, you procure strong eer- j$ viceable toys at a minimum'coat. Large |t assortment; inspection invited.' S-?| Merchants and Importers realise that * expert knowledge is essential in ail .':. businesses. J. M. Heywood and Co., _ . Ltd., as Customs and Forwarding J* A gents are qualified to place 6UcK| ! " knowledge at their disposal. 4'JL, Who can name the New Zealand Dreadnought P Well, the Cabinet Can. and will name it, but there is a five 'M pound note, awaiting the man, or child who first anticipates the OaU-t&s net's choice. This stimulus to intellect";-j| is offered by our enterprising g p«rary "The Weekly Press," which lishes full details of the competition m,V| its current issue. : .ft-?;.§