NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14306, 18 March 1912, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Our Lako Coleridge correspondent writes that the telephone lino to the site of tho works is finished, but no building has been yet erected to serve as a telephone and telegraoh, office. The boiler, engine, and winch for the pile-driving have arrived. The first payment of wages has boon made by tho tunnel contractor to the men. The huts for the men employed on the tunnel work will bo erected directly the material arrives on the ground.

Through the initial energy of the Mayoress of Wellington (Mrs T. M. Wilford) tho spontaneous assistance of the Hugh Ward Comedy Company, and tho subsequent generosity of th'o general public, Wellington was able to build and equip 1 a new hospital for children. The i.n- j portant function of declaring tho hospital open was performed last week ly his Excellency tho Governor. Tho cccasion is commemorated by "Tho Weekly Press." which devotes its centre paf?es this week to a splendid set of illustrations of tho ceremony and of the j exterior and interior of the bunding- i For the man en the land or the man contemplating going on the land, there will be interest in tho engravings ot the \,\<r dispersal sales at Balmoral and Snowdon, and tho fodder tests which were carried out at Belfast. The industrial population will find somot-mifr of educational value in the pictures ot China, which depict the 'Jhineso methods, beforo they wore rudely i-i'.er-rupred by the revolution, of work, o. travel, and of transport. Timber ti-n". a Veteran of the Gnmfields, a frip up' Mount Scaly, tho Hakaia Horticultural Show, ami tho Kiver Carnival at New Brighton, aro a few of tho otIKT attractive pictures. and m colour the illustrations are largely ot districts that aro in the early stages ot settlement.

The W.C.T.U. Convention at Dnnedin passed tho following resolution on Saturday:—" We dosiro to show our appreciation of the address Mr Flamnnk recently gave at a meeting of the Educational Instituto in Timaru. and we request tho Government to tako immediate, action to anpoint qualified men and women doctors to lecture to tho elder boys and girls of the schools on sex physiolorr on scientific lines."

Tho camp of instruction for officers and non-commissioueel officers, which was held on the Ash burton show grounds broke up on Saturday. Colonel Burnett-Stuart and Major Pinwill paid n visit of inspection- on Friday and expressed themselves pleased with tho manner in which the camp had been conducted. Colonel BurnettStuart gave some good advice on disciplino and camp sanitation, and said ho was glad to sec that with only a few days experience the men had attained tho required standard of efficiency.

Through tho generosity of Captain Amundsen, tho Antarctic explorer, tho Wellington Zoo will shortly have an added attraction in tho shapo of ono of the dogs which ho used in his dash for tho South Pole. Mr John Castlo, on behalf of tho Wellington Zoological Society, sent a cable message as follows to Captain Amundsen: —"Captain Amundsen, Hobart: Would you present tho Dominion with a dog which has been to tho South Pole, also an autograph certificate for- our zoo and museum, thus providing a lasting memorial?" Captain Amundsen immodiatoly replied as follows:—"With pleasuro."

At a meeting of the committee of the Industrial Association, held en Friday evening, considerable discussion took place as to the advisability of otherwise of holding another Now Zealand Industries Week, similar to the fixtures which wero Ko successfully conducted in 1910----11. As it was reported that various retailers had experienced considerable benefit from tho publicity given to local manufactures, and the educational valuo of tho displays, it was felt that an Industries Week should bo again held this winter, this effect was unanimously agreorl to. Tho dates decided upon wero from Friday, April 26th to May 2nd, inclusive, and a strong committee was set up to make the necessary arrangements.

At a mooting held at Belfast on Thursday evening Mr Jas. Dunlop was voted to the chair, and on the motion of Mr Spencer it was decided to form a Ratepayers' Association. The following officers wero! elected:—President, Mr Jas. Dunlop; vice-presidents, Messrs It. Guthrio and Wm. Durilop; lion, secretary, Sir T. Morton: hon. treasurer. Mr 11. Guthrio; committee, Messrs G. Yateman, E. Harris, 0. Howson, W. Crawford and J. Clelland. It was decided to name tho Association the Puraaekanui Ratepayers' Association. Thirty residents, including three members of the Waimairi County Council, joined the Association. Tho meeting was addressed by Mr Good, president of tho Sydenham Burgesses Association, Mr Gulliver, president of the St. Albans Burgesses Association, and others.

Tn writing to Mr It. W. Brown, manager of tho Farmers' Co-operative Tnsuranco Association of> .New Zealand, his "cousin, Mr John Campbell, vice-president of the Marshall and Ilsley Bank, Milwaukee, U.S.A., (one of tho largest banking institutions in America) says:—Wo were very much interested in tho Coronation Number of "The Weekly Press." Tho illustrations were as well dono as thoso I saw in London, and it seems strange to us that you can support so largo a paper., '•"Tho Weekly Press," and its special issues, are well-known in all parts of tho world, and tho continual testimonials received _by residents of this Dominion respecting our contemporary, go to show that, in combining artistic reproduction qualities with mechanical perfection, tho Christcburch Press Co. offer a distinct service to tho public who require printing.

Warm commendation of tho compulsory military training system was expressed by Dr. C. Prohdergast Knight, of Wellington, in a speech at tho luncheon tendered to tho Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) in Xgaruawahia last week. Ho described tho Defence Act of tho last Parliament as most wiso and statesmanliko, and expressed tho opinion that by it tho men responsible' for its enactment had earned tho lasting gratitude of tho people. !Ne\v Zealand was iv the situation of tho ancient Britons after the withdrawal of the Roman lesions. It was existing only on the sufferance of tho Japanese, for, while- it was safe during tho allianco of Japan with Great Britain, it would 'bo* gravely imperilled when Japan withdrew her shield. .Modern invention had enormously creased the radius of a navy's activity, and tho safety of the Dominion could' bo assured only by the fulfilment of a system of training for its defence

Tho Chinese* fruit shop in Cashel street continues to be a rendezvous on Saturday nights for thoso who lmvo lots of timo on their hands and liketo bo on the spot when anything out of tlu> ordinary is expected. Throughout the early portion" of last Saturday night Cashel street, in tho neighbour hood mentioned, was fairly well filled with little knots of Deonlo discussing this latest phase of too alleged "Yellow Peril." However, those, wljo came ; n the hope of seeing fun were disappointed, as nothing happened. Two European fruit-hawkers had their carts on the opposite side of tho street, and did fair business. Trade in tho Chinese shop seemed decided! v brisk, and its patrons were not subjected to any comment or advice- from tho spectators. Shortly after 10 p.m.. the crowd became much larger, many people on their way home • being tempted to linger and see what tho outcome would bo. There were a number of constables in uniform and plain clothes present, and also dt-tee-tives and other members of tho police force, and about 10.30 they set about dispersing the crowd, who gradually shifted towards Colombo and High streets, and the bulk of tho sightseers, finding there was no attraction there, took the advice of the police officers, caught the late cars as they came along, and made for home. By 11 p.m. the crowd was appreciably thinner, and it gradually melted away.

A slight frost occurred on Saturday night, and some damage was done to tender plants left outside overnight.

Tho ordinary meeting of th>; City Council, which should have boon 'vld to-night, has been postponed till Wednesday at 7.30 p.m... oil account, of tho "risit of the Mayor and councillors io Timaru to-day.

The Canterbury Art Society's Exhibition was well attended op Saturday, end the pictures on exhibition were inspected with keen attention. T<vday the exhibition will bo oi:en from 10 a.m. to o p.m., and from 7 n.m. to 10

The annual meeting of the Christchurch Citizens' Association will bo held this evening at S o'clock, at tho Chamber of Conimerce. After tho formal business has been disposed of, the members will bo invited to discuss tho roads' scheme recently proposed by his Worship the Mayor.

The Nelson "Colonist," which is now in the 55th year of its publication, has been enlarged to an eight-page paper, which should be more in keeping with the requirements of a district that is progressing rapidly. The , "Co*on>t," in its new form, is a marked improvement on the old.

Labour continues to bo in good demand in Southland (telegraphs our Jnvercargill correspondent). All classes of artisans are busily employed, and unskilled labourers need not be long lookins for work. Flaxniillers have not given up looking for suitable men. ss there- is practically jione available. There is also a dearth of sawmill workers, farm workers and domestic workers.

The Christchureh Model Yacht, Club sailed off tho first two heats «f tho President's Handicap race on Saturday afternoon. Six yachts started, with tho following , ' result:—First heat: Master Cooper's Harem, 1; Mr Eckenstoin's Patoena, 2; Mr E. Jones's Isa, 3. Second heat: Master Cooner's f.nrein. 1; Mr J. Haydon's Doris,"2; Mr J. G. Firth's Oeo, 3.

Tho '"'Fielding Star"; Proprietary has formed the business into a private limited liability company, under the stylo of "Pirani and Co., Ltd.," and tho shareholders aro Messrs Fred Pirani, Tom L. Mills, and G. Fitzpatrick". Tho last-named has boon taken into tho firm as a recognition of the sterling services rendered to the business since Messrs Pirani and Mills purchased it six years ago. Tho company has a paid-up capital of £20.000, and it is intended shortly to erect offices more suitablo for the- business now being transacted.

Tho ordinary meeting of tho Canterbury Trades and Labour Council was held on Thursday evening, .Mr D. G.. Sullivan, president, in the chair. A new delegate was received from the Hairdressers' Union. Tho ■ following wero appointed trustees: —Messrs W. Taylor and C. J. Fraser. Tho secretary's resignation was received, and it was decided to elect a successor at tho next meeting. Remits to tho Easter Conference of the Tradps and Labour Council's Federation of Labour wera discussed and approved. A special meeting of tho Council elected Mr Pkydell delegate- to the Technical College for tho year.

One of the last acts of the Cabinet before leaving office is the- passing of tlic plans for the new Parliament Buildings (says a Wellington message.) Tieforo tho work of erection commences a great deal of excavation and filling is necessary, and a stat-t was mado with this work on Saturday morning. The principal officials of the Public Works Department were ou the grounds. The laying out of the first portion of the work, and dismantling tho gardens, will begin next Saturday. The foundation stone will be laid either by the Governor or by Sir Joseph Ward. It is expected that tho building will be completed for the session in 1914.

A garden party was held on Saturday afternoon at "Montecillo," River road, Beckenham, tho residence of Mrs T- \V r . West, president of the Sydenham branch of the Creche- and Kindergarten Association, in aid of tho • branch's funds. The weather was favourable and tho proceedings proved very pleasant. Croquet was played with 74est by a number of thoso present, and others enjoyed themselves in a friendly chat over a cup of tea, and in strolling through the pretty grounds- The flower stall, work stall, and afternoon tea tent each did satisfactory business, and it is anticipated tho result. of the feto will be an acceptable addition to the amount available for tho laudable work that tho Association has in hand. Tho Canterbury Trades and Labour Council has decided to support, amongst others, tho following remits to tho annual conference of the Tirades and Labour Councils of the Dominion: —That tho Government be urged to erect a larger number of houses in each centre, with the view of bringing down the extortionato rents now charged; that the objective of tho Trades Councils' Federation of Labour be tho control by tho peoplo of all tho means of production, distribution and exchange; that all workers, including domestics, be brought under the Conciliation and Arbitration Act; that a Stato coal mine and dopot b<» established immediately in tho Auckland • district; that tho C'.overnment ho urged to tak<vimmo>d ; ato action, with tho view of bringing down the excessive cost of living; and that the general principle of Professor MiKs's unity scheme bo endorsed. The couticil has also divided to support a nunihnr of re-affwirations;

Tho Ghristchurch Domain Board met at tho Domain Gardens on Saturday afternoon, for the purpose of inspecting tho Park and Gardens. There- wrro present—The Mayor-(Mr J. J. Dongall), Messrs Walter Hill, Geo. Harper, C. D. Morris and H. J. Beswick (chairman). Mr J. Young, tho head sardener, showed members the collection of flowering shrubs which have jus€ jrrived from Paris, to the order of the Board. It was decided to undertake a number of odds and ends of, work, v.-ith n view to improving tho Gardens, and ir. was resolved to approach tho United Tenuis Club regarding the erection of a fence from tho entrance at Riccarton gate to the- tennis court boundary, so as to get over the difficulty of (sh<>>»p getting out, through people leaving tho gate open. The Board decided- to take out a nunibpr of trees in tho South Park, with a view to Vc-j>lantiug one sido.otf tho avenue with planes, and it was resolved to inn.trove the walk from Addington saloyards to the Hospital corner, and to erect a r.cvv bridge over tho creek.

Whilst at Port Chalmers the Rangatira loaded 114 bass of scheclite for transport to the London market. From a quantity noitifc of view this is a very small item (says the Duncdin "Star"), but when it is recollected that the product is valued at anything from £60 to £120 per ton, it does not appear so insignificant. The principal scheelito mines in New Zealand arc situated at the head of Lnke Wakatinu, where a large number of men earn a livelihood during the summer months by searching , for tho precious substance In the winter, however, tho bulk of the claims are unworkable owing to the height at which they are situated and the quent intense cold. The sclietflite- is used in the process of.tempering steel, and was until lately almost indispensable for that purpose. Now, however, another substance, found in quantities in New South Wales, is being us ™ ] n tho same way. Scheelito is found in only one or two countries in the world. America is the chief producer, but there, as everywhere else, tho supply is limited. The product is much speculated in, and is consequently liable xo great fluctuations in value.

Air Joseph Hockridge was on Friday elected lor the Hororata riding of the •Selwyn County Council. He- secure*! o7 votes to Mr Herbert Oliver's 41.

A Press Association telegram from Auckland last night stated that the Victoria from Sydney was expected to arrive- at 7 r>.m.. and the. mail shouUi! connect with* tho Main Trunk express.

The annual meeting of tho Canterbury District Law Society was hold in the Supremo Court Library on Friday, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President. Mr T. W. Stringer, X.C; vice-president, Mr 11. I). Andrews; lion, secretary. Mr W. J. Hunter; lion, treasurer. Mr G. H. X. Helmorej council, Messrs O. T. J. Alpers. M.. Donnelly. Geo. Harper, F. K. Hunt and G. T. Wcston.

At the Ir.yercargill Police- Court on Saturday a widow was charge-d with misrepresentation in applying for the old age pension. Shu had sworn that she had three children under fourteen years of nge, -whereas enquiries showed that eve was tho child of her daughter. Defendant said that she had maintained tho child since its Iv.rth, and did not wilfully mislead the Court. The trato (Mr Cruickshanlc) said that iliero must be frankness on the part of applicants. Those who made falso declarations wore liable to three months' imprisonment. The iiension was refused.

When the late Chief Henderson, of the Scottish Society, came into office thero was a debt in existence whicii ho was anxious to see wiped off. It was his idea that a bazaar should be held to extinguish the liability, and ho had just given expression to this idea hi 4 .10 speech he delivered a few minutes 1-e----fore his tragic death at the second gathering in Carnival Week. The Society took tip the idea with enthusiasm, intending as a tribute to his memory tj give effect to his last wishes. The prospectus has now been issued, and the bazaar will bo held in the Society j, rooms on tho afternoons and evenings of March 28th. 29th and 30th.

Confusion of names at tho Auckland Police Court on Thursday morning caused a certain amount of amusement. A man named Milligan was called upon, and one of tho waiting defendants was ushered iv from tho prisoners' loom. Ho was charged with being a rogue and vagabond. "Who's a rogue and vagabond?' , ho demanded in a raucous voice. "Go down to tho shipping offices and you will find out about that." When asked if he dosired to bo dealt with summarily, tho occupant of tho defendant's box expressed such indignant surpriso as to ?ivo riso to enquiries, which showed that the man's namo was Finnignn and not Milligan. Ho left tho Court with an air of triumph—to appear later on a charge of assault.

The fortieth church anniversary and harvest thanksgiving services in connection with tho Oxford Terrace Baptist Church were held yesterday. The church was decorated with festoons of corn interwoven with rod and white flowers and bordered by an abundant supply of fruit and vegetables. During the morning services the Rev. R. iS. Gray gave a brief talk to tho cliildron about "Sowing," in its relation to formation of character. At tho evening service Mr Gray preached to a largo congregation on the- subject of ".National and Individual Fruitbeanng to God." Tho church decorations arc co be renewed for next Sunday's services. The choir sang Harvest Thanksgiving hymns and tho "Tβ Dcum."

The peoplo of Lyttelton made a ready response to tho invitation of tho Mayor (.Mr M. J. Miller) and the Mayoress to visit the Diamond Harbour Estate on Saturday afternoon. Tho weather was fine, although a keen sou'west wind made tho trip across tho harbour a somewhat chilly one. Three steamers —Purau, Canterbury, and Monica —had been engaged by the Mayor to carry the peoplo and their children from Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour, and for the first few tripa tho carrying capacities of tho boats were well taxed. Several hundred adults and as many moro children went across to Diamond Harbour wherea very enjoj'ablo outing was epeut. The cliildreu were liberally regaled"with cordials and cakes, and tho adults spent the timo in inspecting tho estate-, which it is proposed shall ba acquired by the borough of Lyttelton for the purpose of a trans-harbour settlement.

A circular memo with regard to the 1912 instructional camp for staff and um'ts, received by tho Officer Commanding Canterbury district from headquarters, Wellington, states: — "The new permanent staff of noncommissioned officers will bo finally selected and medically examined in April, and on appointment they will be paid £7 10s. They will at once provide themselves with khaki uniform as laid down in the dress regulations, and from timo of appointment - till the end of May will attend all drills and camps within reach of their residence to gain what instruction they cnn. They will be« taken on pay on May Ist, ami should make arrangements to termiuato their civil vocations at tho end of April. On Juno Ist they will join a camp of instruction for two months. On August Ist they will bo allocated to districts according to their suitability, and without reference to their previous places of residence."

A troll-attended meeting of members of the Beckenham-Fishenqn Residents' Association was lield ou Friday night in Peek's store, Colombo street. It was resolved that the office-bearers should consist of a president, two vice-presi-dents, an honorary secretary and treasurer, and a committee of nine mem* bers. Tho following; officlers wero elected : for the ensuing year:—President Mr W. "VV. Charters; vice-president, Mr W. C. Large; lien, secretary and treasurer, Mr H. CI. Bnilev] committee, Messrs G. B. Dennis, E J Cooper, W. E. Bullcn, S. McAllister, A- Hulbert. H. Firman, J. Ward, F. E. Talbot and T. "W. West. It was decided that one vice-president should be chosen from Beckenham members and ono from Fisherton members. Tho election of a vice-president from Fisherton members was left over till tho next meeting. Votes of thanks wero passed to Mr J. Young for his services as honorary secretary and to llr Peek for tht> use of a meeting-place, which he generously placed at the •disposal oi the Association for future meetings. A number of matters concerning tho welfare of the district were brought up by members and these will be taken in hand at once by the committee.

"I am disturbed over the injustice that has been doiie to Captain At wood of tho Elingamite," says "Neptune," in tho " Shipping World." Briefly reviewing tho case, ho says that Court discovered that, according to the-chart, tho Three Kings Islands wcro wrongly placed, and that, therefore, the. charges against Captain Atwood of negligence in tho navigation of the Elingamito wero "unproved." "''That, as it seems to mo," ho says, "is a'feeble way of putting it. Here w<vhavo a. capable navigator declared guilty of negligence, deprived of his means of livelihood, made tho victim, of injustice, find put under tho shadow of incapacity for ■many years owing to a faulty chart. And ' Neptune' would appeal to tho president of the Board of Trade and Sir Walter Ho well. X.C.8.. to make a survey of the law and practice and discover eomo means of rioting tho wrongs of this man." ')he "Guild Gazette," a journal of tho Imperial Merchant Scrvico Guild, published'at Liverpool, comments on the case as follows:—" Although, after a period of nine years, the error made by tho Court in unjustly charging Captain Atwood with negligence has removed tho stigma from his professional career, it is poor consolation to him from a monetary point of view, and it would seem, from the meagre evidence which is at our disposal, that ho has a just claim for compensation against tho New Zealand Government."

For the first time for many years ■;■'■! the colls at tlio city police stationuere x ' empty on Saturday night, and re-' mainod so yesterday. So far as is '■<■' known there is no business at nil for the- Police Court to deal with 10-day— '•■ not even a private summons, case. - •'*

Tho Feilding IJorough Council Is in a -"' peculiar position in regard to tho Man- ' ' Chester Rifle Company's'drill hnU, which . • is leased fw pictures five nights of tho week. Efforts have been made to <*>!• " • lect the rates on it, but havo failed. Being used for drill purposes one in the week exempts tho property from taxation. Tho Council's solicitor i<<- ' port«xJ at tlio meeting on Thursday tb.it tho Council -would, in his opinion, fail ia any action to recover tho rates. s •

There is (says tho : 'Dominion's" • * marina correspondent) n somewhat uneasy feeling amongst millers regarding the stability of the timber market, and recent fluctuations havo been npwod with a fair amount of apprehension. At present, however, there does not ,eca ' to be much cause for alarm, as tho mills havo been busily engaged .since Christinas. Tho recent importations ot Oregon pi no may havo been responsible for causing a temporary glut in xhe market. '

At the Juvenile Court on Saturday . before .Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., a hoy of Iα was charged with wilfully <!aii;!j»ing ten window panes, valued at £'2, tbo . property of Mr 11. O. Cookson. (}«>- lendant admitted breaking two of tho '" windows with a stick. Chief Detective ■ Uishop said there, was a gang of seven • or eight boys in Richmond fausinj; trouble. Tho Magistrate warned thb boy that unless he. mended his ways he would bo gent to Burnbuni. Ho was convicted and discharged, and hi>father was ordered, to pay £2 for tho damage.

A meetiuj; of tho committee of the North Canterbury Motor Cyclists' Club was held on Friday evening, Mr G.H. Jackson presiding. Tho Sumner Borough Council wrote granting permission to • hold .a hill climb within its district, and it was derided that the climb should' tako place on March 30th on tho Sum- -. ncr Hill, entries to close on tho 26th. With a view to affording members an opportunity of establishing beach records, it was decided to &et apart April 2nd for the purpose, and to ad- - vise the members. A club run to Hanmer was arranged for April 6th', leaving '. Cathedral square at 9 a.m.

When in Ashburton, call at Q. H. Carson's cycle and motor depot for motor and cyclo accessories, tyies, etc. Mr Carson is district agent for Ford Vulcan, and Cadillac cars. ' 4 At this time of the year numhers of Colonials journey to tho Old World. Among those who havo recently taken their departure, is Mr A. E. Armstrong o? Messrs Armstrong, Ltd., of tlus city. Mr Armstrong has embarked on an extonsive f buying tour. In anticipation of tho arrival of consignments from him, tho firm are holding a special sale, with tho object of clearing out existing stocks. Bargains abound at both stores. 6

Dainty Gifts for Easter Brides- - Messrs Hastie, Bull, and Pickering, opposite Ballautyne's, are just now showing very charming, yet inexpensive, now goods in Art Silverware. Antique Copper and Brass; also some- recent i designs in Art Porcelain, including _ * dainty Tea Sets, etc. . 5!)1 ' /

A reliablo vacuum bottle, "The Autotherm," for keeping liquids hot for 24 hours, is procurable tor 9s 6d at; Lewis and Anderson's, Ironmongers, 112 Cashel street. Other stylos, 15s to 3Ss Gd. -~ , t> Our checked baggage returns established an absolute record last month. • Shows travellers are appreciating this great boon, which eaves them timo, trouble, worry, nnd averts loss. ( Wβ handle baggage both ends, collecting it» checking it on by train or steamer, and delivering at .other end. Tho N.Z. Express Co., Ltd. . * j?HE IXDAFER'S LOGIC. ■» In the "Blue Blanket," .an Edin- j burgh civic paper, Dr. Mackenzie de- I scribes somewhat unkindly, tho Glas- . gow loafer —under tho title "Civic Ideals." "Why should I save?" asked ,; the loafer. "I make enough to keop mo going, I make enough to iced mc, I have enough over to let inn drink up to 10 o'clock. Why should I save? If I grow sick, you must take mc to tho hospital. If I. take- small-pox you must take mo to Belvid'cre. If I spend all my* money and havb nothing to eat you must tako mc to tho poor-house. If I get drunk on the streets you must tako mo to the police-offico and >- tho prison. You'vo got to do it. What is the good of saving?" A WORKMAN'S LUCK. A Poplar workman dropped in for n bit of luck through visiting Christie's. ■- with a domestic relic for eale. Modestly ho displayed a blue- and whito plate, >•, which had been in the family for many ■ years, but was sadly put out when ho , ' ' learnt that ii; Was merely of tbo krt- ?' chen cupboard dynasty. As ho turned to go the oourtcous expert, taking pity,, y asked him what ho had rolled up under; ' - his anp. "Oh, that's a picture- woV.v had for a long timo; but it ain't no , < good, I fear." Tho export immediate- / ly saw that it was a first published * etato "of J. Ward's mczzoi int aftor ( ' Hoppner's "Children Bathing." "You . A - Jcavo this with us and wo will mjo what . wo can do with it," was his comment. . J Xoxt day tho Poplar "picture ,, caino >< up at Christie's. "Twenty guineas," said Mr Sabin. Mr Pollard, tho ,-: veteran collector soon joined in, and r raorrily tho arithmetic danced t>»" ". 280gs. Just as tho hammer was fall-. .- t----ing Mr Dighton called 29Ogs. and-Mr 1 ,1 Sabin had to give 340gs for tho prize. ' ,-j

£15,000 A YEAR. Incredible though it may t,oeni, iherft \ is at -present iv New York a composer earning an income of £15,000 a year,

although ho cannot write or read » note of music. Two years ago this composer, Irving Berlin, was a waiter in ~* China-town restaurant, and it was hh custom to pick out on tho piano hi-' own tunes for tho entertainment of customers. Somebody suggested that ho should get a friend to put them into

music for him, and one of these tuaes, known as "Alexander's Ilag-Tinw Band," which is now }>cinq whistled', and sung all over America, looks lito| beating nil music publishers' rccoraf,', for in a few months over, a million copies of the song had been sold. After the famous Marathon race in London, which resulted in thn disqualification of Dorando, Mr Berlin wrote a Bang named aftor tho little Italian, and played it for tho first tinio in 4}« ■ restaurant, wboro it mndo a bis hitHo sold it for £o, and tho publisher made £4000 out of "it. He now obtain? hotter prices for his work, and is said to bo getting an income of £15,000 a ~; year. RESULTS OF THE RELIABILITY '% TRIAL. Principal interest in the jCanrprbnry *>, Automobile Association's reliability trial I on Friday and Saturday last cetrhw £ in the performance of the four Silent Knight Minerva cars. The trial ™»a r ~t tho first in New Zealand in which cars equipped with tho famous Knight ti&J." ' * valvo engino were entered. Kverybody •" ; Itaows that the Knight ongino maw _, an absolutely eilcnt-running car, but i« -^; reliability, efficiency and petrol economy - ,- had not hitherto been demonstrated in competition against the old-fashionee, . tappet valvo engines in this oounfcrj-i _ Tho result of the trial was the cow - plot© vindication of all claims mads e» behalf of the Silent Knight Minerva car. Every one of tho four cars &' tered made a non-stop run, and tw.. ,; winnings of the team included tho JW , . ,- guinea Star Cup, a £30 trophy gjr«* ,! -".. by the Association, three gold meda^i ., •"-^

«nd a silver medal. la the priv.i+e ' owners' class, i:i which there were eighteen entries, Mr X. C. Gilnhrist, driving a 23 h.p. Minerva, -won first prize in the class, tho Star silver oi.jp, awarded for the best record for reliability and economy of petrol, and a ?okl mecfnl for a non-stop run. Gold nu-dals were also won by .\hs> R. A. Groou, with second lowest petrol consumpfon I'lβ h.p. Minerva), and Mr K. O. Dixon (10 h.p. Minerva). Messrs Adams, Ltd.'s H> 1.-i- Minerva frame-:! a silver ■ medal and mado a non-stop run in tho trade class. The success ol the Mmenra in tho hands of private owners demonstrated that the car does not depend on expert handling to .secure in competition the liioab important pciae". :nd provc-d that the Sileut Knight encina is not only reliable, but most economval in the consumption of petrol. Minerva cars arc .sold at the English price, plus actual cost of importation, and we can "ive immediate delivery from stock of cars which arc- admitted to be the best in the whole v/orld. Adams, Ltd., sole agents for Sik-nt Knight Minerva cars. Oarag 6 ' T ,l;in ' street, Christchurch. 6 OBSERVER NOVEMBER sth. SAYS: "The motor show at Olyir.pia was .noteable for the fact that it witnesses tho introduction to Europe, of the 1012 Cadillac car with an electrical solfrtarting apparatus, fitted as a standard and with the starting handle superseded. It is a bold move that might be questioned if any linn other than the Cadillac were bringing it forward. " It has won a unique position for itself. Dexter and Crozier, Ltd. 6 FOR ABSOLUTE SALE. Wo have been instructed by tl.o on-ner, who has boupht two more cars, to dispose of his 1-1-20 h.p. fivo-snnter Ttenanlt. The car is in perfect order, and is fitted with every accessory, inrlnding electric head lamps. Any it in! given. A. W. , Smith and Con, Centra! Garage. , 6