NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14029, 28 April 1911, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

It is anticipated that the erection of the Peacock fountain in the Domain gardens will be completed by the end of next week. It will be some little time longer, however, before the necessary cement work will be finished. At the monthly meeting of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Socialist Party, it was decided that Messrs Cook and Howard should be the selected candidates to contest the East and South seats respectively at tho coming Parliamentary elections in tho interests of revolutionary Socialism. The dates of various Court sittings have been fixed. The Conciliation Council deals with the boilermakers' dispute on May 2nd, and the tanners' dispute on May 4th. The Supremo Court holds a bankruptcy sitting on May Oth r.t 11 a.m., and commence the criminal sittings on Monday, May loth at 11 a.m. Tho civil sittings have been set down to commence at 11 a.m. on May 22nd, which, by the way, is in the calendar as a Supreme Court holiday. Mrs Cunnington delivered a lecture on "The New Social Conscience" at St. Stephen's Schoolroom, Ashburton, to the Girls' Club for the Study of Social Science, on Wednesday. There was a large attendance of members and their friends. The lecturer contrasted the principles of individualism with the new social ideals of collectiveism and co-operation on economic and social relations. In the course of her remarks, Mrs Cunnington happened to mention the work of Herbert Spenser, on the field of sociology, and explained how he had been the philosophic exponent of the theory of natural selection, etc. At the close of the lecture two ladies, lately arrived from England, told the lecturer that they bad known Herbert Spenser personally, and that he actually wrote parts of his 'Sociology" in their house! i

:! Our Dunedin correspondent tele- -, | graphs that there is reason to antici- ( | pate a big surplus for the year ended March 31st last, and it is also under- : stood that tho estimated railway rev--1 on no has been greatly exceeded. Of the twenty-three unregistered I dogs captured by the municipal em- > piovees during their raid on Monday. , eight have already been claimed. 11m others, uulcss claimed by their owners, or taken away by persons willing to > obtain there by paying the registration ice. plus the cost' of their keep, will be- done away with, probably on Moni day. ! When a telegraphic message from the I secretary of a centre was being dis- ■ | er.s-scd at the meeting of the Council ', of the New Zealand Swimming Associa- . j timi last evening, the secretary men- ! tioned that telegrams were tho gontle- > i man's usual method of communication. ,| A little while ago lie had sent one over seventy-four words in length, j "Ah," said'the Chairman, "a Govern- ' j ment official?" Advices have been received from the •; head office of the Norwich Union Life ; j insurance Society, showing that now , i business for the year .just closed .i amounted to £-5.585.78-5. working out 10.LP3 policies. This is over half ■ j a-mil!ion more than the business for ■; the preceding year. Dr. Newman is ■! chairman of the New Zealand Board of •! Directors, and Mr A. E. Kernot is i attorney and general manager for the ( : Dominion. (; Tho Domain gardens are looking all , tho better for the recent rains, but a , few more showers would induce a furi ther improvement. Tiie lawns are J looking very well indeed, tho grass hav- •'. ing come on in a splendid fashion. The ■ curator (Mr Young) is giving special '. attention just now to the new native section and the rose garden, and good : ■ progress is being made. It is antici- ; pared that on Monday next a start will • ! do made on the new drive from ! Armagh street to tho hill beyond Vic'i toria Lake. ( : At its next meeting; the Board of Governors of Canterbury College will '■ probably make some arrangements for > a series of popular scientific lectures during the coming winter, on the lines iof those of three previous winters. In . | conversation •with a '"Press" reporter . yesterday, the chairman (Mr J. C. 1 j Adams) stated that an effort would be. i! made to secure that the lectures would ;| be self-supporting. This desirable end .; had not been achieved in previous | years, tho Board having lost money on '', each series. Ho had not yet formulated !j a scheme, but something should bo • j done to prevent the lectures being a . j loss to the Board. ■ I The twenty-sixth annual ball of No. •I 2 Company New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers (now merged into No. 1 New Zealand Garrison ! Artillery, Lyttelton), was held on Wednesday night, in tho Lyttelton Club Hall. There wore ono hundred couples present, and the gathering was a great success. Among those present were the officers of the new company, Major Gill, Captain Rattray, and Lieuts. Rawnsley, Veale, Carcw, and Barnes. Quartermaster-Sergeant Taylor acted as M.C., and music was sup- | plied by Riordan's orchestra.

! The registration of youths under tho new Territorial scheme is at present much more brisk than was the caso when compulsory registration first camo I into force, although it cannot by any means be called animated. Up till tho end of last week 1505 youths between tho ages of 14 and 18 years had registered in the wholo of Canterbury-Nel-son Military district, and 910 between tho ages of 18 and 21 years, a total of 2410. The total of registration in the Christchurch City area up to tho same date were 910. The area Ser-geants-Major arc at present busily engaged in giving the new scheme as much publicity as possible by distributing registrations forms and posting proclamations in places whero they are most likely to meet the public eye. A prominent Territorial officer yesterday stated to a "Press" representative that the great difficulty Was that parents did not seem to that their lads were compelled to register themselves. As soon as they grasped this fact./there could be no doubt that there would be a much groater rush for registration. There havo been on view for the past week or two at the local office of tho Labour Department the plans of the workers' dwellings which, in course of time, will be erected on sections approved by the Department. Tito specifications did not come to hand at the same time as the plans, but those have now been received, and may bo inspected by those interested. The specifications will bo followed by the contractors, if it is decided to let contracts for the buildings. It appears that at present the Government have available eleven sections at Sydenham and nine at Addington, comprising part of the land purchased by tho Government under the old Act. The Department is naturally anxious thatv these sections should be applied for ( before buildings are erected on other sections, and, as a matter of fact, several have already been applied for. Apart from this, if a worker desires to have a dwelling erected on his own section, the application would be considered if the valuation met the requirements, and the applicant paid the valuation fee. The General Anglican Mission is now being extended to those parishes in the Christchurch diocese which were not reached last year. Tho first of these will be in parochial district of St. Stephen's, comprising the sub-districts, of Fernside, Swannanoa, Eyreton, Flaxton, and Ohoka, together with the Maori pa. These missions, extending to tho small country districts, are more or less in the way of an experiment, fulfilling the design of Bishon Julius that i no part of the diocese shall be left un- ] touched by tho General Mission. In. this instance short evening missions will ibe preached at Fernside and Swannanoa, and a full mission at Evreton. Later on, Flaxton and Ohoka will be reached by . another missioner. The mission began at Fernside yesterday. The missioner is the Rev. J. EusseilWilford, 8.D., who has had considerable exnorienco of the methods of English missions with the Board of Missioned at All Hallows, Barking, Londn °- He took part with the Rev. W. W. Sedgwick in the mission at St. John s, Auckland. He is a striking missioner. very earnest in his appeal, and noted for his clear and definite instruction. His method with children is a strong feature of his work. "The Newspaper Press Directory," the 1911 edition of which has just been published, is not only a directorsto the newspapers and periodica"! literature of the world, but is also a gazetteer of tho countries and towns of the world, an exhaustive record of British foreign trade, and a guide to the fiscal systems and to tariff charges of the British Empire. This is the sixty-sixth year of publication of the Directory, which is the recognised standard work of its kind, and the 1911 edition has been brought clo.,ely up to date, and its matter i 3, as usual, arranged in the simple and convenient form for which the Directory is notable. It contains its customary articles on the trade of the country, and of the British Dominions, which include the unicrue lists of tariff duties before referred to, and information regarding the import and export trade of foreign countries. Other special articles in tho volume include a most interesting piper by Mr Alfred F. Robbins on "Newspaper Ideals and Individualities," a review of "The Advertising Field of To-day," by Mr J. R. Charter, the extremely useful (to newspaper men) "Annual Summaries of Legal Cases Affecting the Press," by Mr Hugh Fraser, LL.D , and obituary biographies of Sir William Agnew, Bart., Mr Frederick Greenwood and other eminent men connected with the newspaper world.

A sale of work will be held in St. Mary's schoolroom this afternoon and to-ni£rht. The farm labourers who arrived in Canterbury from Home last week have nil been placed in situations. Mr Joshua Little, the formulator of a modified canal scheme, will explain his scheme at a lecture to be given in tho Alexandra Hall on Monday night. Lantern slides will be shown to illustrate the lecture. "You do not go in for all night sittings," snid Mr E. Newman, M.P.. president of the New Zealand Cricket Council la.st night, at tho e!os : "> of the quarterly meeting the business of which was carried through with commendable expedition. "Another venerable institution which sits in Wellington," he added, "would be greatly improved if it followed your example in that respect." Tho conference arranged to be held between representatives of the Sumner and New Brighton Borough Councils nnd ethers interested, relative to the proposal to appeal to tho Government, for assistance in the way of developing for the public benefit the attractions r,f tho resorts mentioned, will not bheld vet for some weeks. The matter will first of all be discussed by the two Councils, and the conference will be held subsequently. A meeting held last night, Mr F. A. Hornibrook in the chair, to consider the formation of a lacrosse club in Christchurch. was attended by some two hundred persons. It was decided that a club should be formed, its name, colours, and office-bearers to be chosen at a later meeting. The Club will hold a practice on Saturday week, at a place and time to bo advertised. Crosses will be available on the ground, and there will be present experienced players ready to give tuition and advice In the Marokopa (Auckland) district largo numbers of natives are congregating for the purpose of collecting the bones of those buried in a ground across the Marokopa river during the tioublesome times of Te Rauparaha. Many battles have been fought and decided there, and day by day relics cf those bloodthirsty clays are being found in tho form of stone axes, purin spades, greenstone, and flint-lock guns. The gathering of these Maoris is, of course, a time for feasting, and pork, potatoes, kumeras, beef, mutton, fish, maize, and other articles of food are being cooked in native ovens. The current number of "Tho Wanganui Collegian," the magazine of Wanganui Collegiate School, contains much information of the doings of both scholars and old boys. Sport is given much attention, but the more serious side is not forgotten. Tho illustrations comprise photographs of Bishop Wallis, Mrs Goodwin, who has been connected with the school for forty-four years, under five headmasters', the first eleven for 1910, and tho shooting eight for the same year. So far as quality of printing and get-up is concerned* "The Wanganui Collegian" compares favourably with any similar publication in tho Dominion. A lecture on "American Slavery, from Queen Bes s to Abe Lincoln." was given in the Oxford Terrace- Baptist Schoolroom last evening, by tho Rev. J. J. North, of Wellington. The lecturer handled his subject in an admirable fashion, and had tho most sympathetic and appreciative attention, or a very large audience during his recital. Tho lecture was illustrated by a. largo number of excellent lantern slides, which performed their part in showing the iniquity of the old traffic in human beings. The choir gave very acceptable assistance by contributing a number of plantatidn melodies. MrNorth was very heartily thanked for his instructive and interesting lecture.

Tho Canterbury College Board of Governors has received a circular stating that the governing body of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, is offering an exhibition of £50 a year, tenablo for two years, to an advanced student, commencing residence at Cambridge as a member of Emmanuel Collego in October, 1911. Applications should be sent in not later than October Ist to the Master of Emmanuel. Applicants aro to give an account of their career up to the time of application, and to describe as precisely as possible tho course of study which they intend to pursue. The offer is not confined to New Zealand, but appears to have been sent out to all the universities of the Empire.

The appointments to the rank of de-tective-sergeant are being discussed to some extent by tho local police officers. The appointments generally conform to anticipations, with the exception of that of Sergeant—Detective Siddells, of Wanganui. The position appears to be that this officer has only about seven years' service as a detective, whereas the regulation issued stipulated for ten years' service in that capacity. On tho other hand, it is pointed out that Mr Siddells transferred to the detective branch from tho uniform branch, in which he held the rank of sergeant. Had he remained in the uniform branch of tho service he would probably, ere this, havo attained commissioned rank. Another point is that only two city detectives have been promoted, and "both are stationed in Auckland. It is considered that it is in the cities that the detective-sergeants will be required, where they could take charge during the absence of the chief detectives. Four of the appointees are the only detectives on their stations. Tho opinion is expressed that tho appointments will be followed by announcements of transfers.

[ "We cannot definitely measure the influence which the association has assorted on Maori society generally," said the president (Mr J. Thornton) at tho conference of the Young Maori Pr.rty, at To Auto, Hawke's Bay. "But," he added, "we claim that the Maori of to-day is a better man, taken all round, than he wp.s ten years ago. He lives in a better house, amongst cleaner surroundings; ho has learnt to appreciate tho results of honest work. He has proved himself a successful shoeofarmcr and successful dmryfarmer, able to compete in both industries on equal terms with his white brother. He has a keener sense of the needs of his race. He is more anxious to havo the vexed question of land satisfactorily, settled, 60 that he may utilise his property as an individual owner. He is a soberer man, a wider-minded man, a bettor citizen. To this advance towards a better state of things the association has, I believe, Contributed in no small degree by its efforts to educate Maori public opinion. A race cannot be reformed from without. The desire for progress must spring from within. Tiie party has accomplished not, a little in creating and fostering that desire." Tho Christchurch Ministers' Association has made arrangements for th© Tercentenary of tho Bible to be celebrated locally during the coming week. On Sunday next reference will be made in all the Protestant Churches of the city and suburbs to this noteworthy event, circulars having been sent out by the Ministers' Association, inviting all preachers to make suitable mention of the occasion. The formal celebration will take place in the Cathedral next Thursday night, when a rnihlic meeting will bo held at 7.30. Addresses will be delivered by Bishop Julius, the Revs. Thos. Tait, C. H. Laws, and W. J. L. Closs, and a special selection of hymns is being printed for use at the meeting. A collection will be taken up in aid of the funds of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Invitations to attend the meeting havo been sent out to the Mayor nnd City Councillors, the clergy of Christchurch city and suburbs, and the local members of Parliament. Colonel Hawkins has been asked to allow tho Territorials to bo present, and seats will be reserved for them. A committee reoresenting tho Protestant Churches of Christchurch has had the arrangements in hand for some time past

J* The Wainiftkariri (both branch&g) •*,££ *-:*' tho Rakaia rivers were reported cfea r< ' ; nnd the Rangitata and Waitaki dirty, . < at 9 o'clock yesterday morning. The case, Inspector of Awards v. __<■, Tramway Board, regarding tho wage* of motormen, is to, como before th* Magistrate again in the way of & tohearing, on a date to be used. Two days successively sharp eliJ-s trical storms have aroused tho inhabitants of Greymouth at four o'clock in thc morning, after which heavy downpours of ram have continued till daylight, and then ceased. Tiie members of the Canterbury Lr*nd Board left for Waimate yesterday niorniiig. They will conduct tho examination of applicants, and tho ballot in connection with tho Allenholme Settlement, at Waimate, this morning." The Wellington Education Board has decided that owing to the overdrawn state ol" the relieving funds it oannofc see its way to rescind the resolution ie» furing to "supply-relieving teachers for those"" attending university examins. tions. Owinu to the flooded state of the rivers the West Coast mails did not reach Christchurch last ui_ht. The J Wainiukariri river was reported at 9 " o'clock yesterday morning to bo oft above normal at the Bealev, and still rising. Rain was failing; heavily, with no svj.il of clearing. The Mnit-ai arrived at Wellington from San Francisco at au early hour I yesterday morning. Fine weather was experienced on the voyage. A fairly big cargo is aboard, including oranges itnd - bananas. Ten days ago H. Rose, one of tho stewards, slipped and fell heavily, injuring himself internally. 'Didn't tho elections manaco to re turn more than one drunk?" remarked Mr H. W. Bishop, \S.M., at th© Police Court yesterday, after a solitary inebriate had stepped into the box. "I'm astonished. It says '_ great deal for the sobriety of the community. Being a fine day, 1 suppose, hr.d a lot to do with it." It is stated that the shop and fao-t-orv registration roturns, which hare - to hi- made to the Inspector of Factories, aro coming in very slowly, and that though the due date was April Ist, a very large number of shop* keepers and factory proprietors have not, so far, complied with the law. It is tho intention of the Department to allow a few moro days' grace, and ■ then proceed against defaulters. The Land Board, at Wellington yesterday, dealt with an application by .Mr . J.S. Lacey, v settlor at To Rata' Valley, off tho Wanganui River, for consideration of all account for the loss of I*7oo, sustained through a firo which destroyed liis crop ol" rape, tho seed for '. wliich cost him £180. Lacey admitted that he had received some benefit front tlio firo, which had cleared the land of ' some useless vegetation. He dented that ho had taken risk in sowing unusually early. The Board decided that ' it could not grant any remission in rent, but promised to consider the matter if legislation concerning the rentals of tho sections in tho district was passed. Mr C. J. CaUghloy, tho headmaster of tho West Christchurch School, having been interested in the recent discussions concerning the speech of the chil- • dren in conducting ono of the p-HindU ca) examinations of his school, paid par-" ticular attention to the enunciation and pronunciation of tho pupils. Tho examination has just ended, and Mr Caughley states that he has satisfied himself that the average of cluldren speaking with a twang is about three in each class of forty. In the lower standards, tho quality of speech is better than in tho higher grades. Up to . Standard 111. the twang is comparative- - lv rare; it is at its worst in Standards . IV". and V., in which the pupils ore from 11 to 13 years of age. Mr Caugh- . ley is convinced that these occasional -> "scares" do good, as they call attention to a possible evil hofor© it has any • chance to become general. Giiusl Guns!l A nico selections of ■ Hollis guns just-arrived. Call nnd in- ~ spect this splendid make of guns. -', Other makers at very low prices, rang- > ing from 82s 6d. Wo also carry & large and varied stock of cartridges of the best makers. Take this opportunity of securing ono of this shipment , —come early to save disappointment. Winchester rifles, cleaning rods, and. cartridgo bolts at W. Congreve and Sons, Ltd.. Colombo etreet. I Our pantechnicons are rain-proof nnd dust-oroof- Havo your furniture removed in oue by tur (-killed and careful vanmen. Our work satisfies. Our prices aro right. The N.Z. Express Co.. Limited. * To Fanners.—-Wo stock Ransome and Horsbv Ploughshares, all sizes; also all kind of oils. McClelland and Anderson, 89 Cashel street, Christchurch. 6 - THItOtJGH GERMAN EYES. ~ . The "East London Observer" says ■ that the pugilistic youths oi Whitechapel are having the • time of tbeir lives in teaching boxing in Germany; ; In Berlin and other towns the talk ii of ''ieitwaites" and "nocksaht.' . Learned treatises are being written on self-defence, and one Herr Oman attributes British greatness to the *- Briton's skill with his fists. "It is a a symptom of noble self-relumce. he A says, "when a man prefers his fists to a 'sword or pistol. The British Em- V . pire is founded on the black eyes of its enemies.'-"