NEWS OF THE

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14406, 13 July 1912, Page 10

NEWS OF THE

♦ The auction announcements of '- Matson and 'Co., Wright, \: and Co., Dalgoty and Co., .Farmers' : c Saloyards Company, Brown, L;t:le ead'i. * Co.. \V\ E. Simes and Co.\ Toufa, v* Norton and Co., and Harris Bros, trill i-' be found on pago 19 of this issue. \~t The Palmorston North Borough *| ■ Council Inst night adopted a echeiiHj of ■,'* '' tramway construction. /•; A public meeting last night decided v 1 to hold an Indiistrie-s Week in Napkt'"-1 for the display in the shop windows «{; TEf New Zealand mamuac;ur<t>, in conjutMS. *- \| tion - with - musical and elocntionaiy ';| competitions, for the week oommenciT If ing August 14th. , J 3>eer are doing seine damngo to tho : 3 1 turnip crops of settlers in the Albttry' ,1 § district. With a view to etopping thit," •' I the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society have decided to ask tfca\ H Minister of Internal Affairs for leave"-" I t:> put a man on to shoot the old hintU> B which lead tho other deor down to lh*..\§| settlors' crops. «. i Tho newest thing in travelling coa» ■-; § veniences, which makes tho buwaes« of-icS cotting from, place to place a is tho electric oarriago. a recent import -1 tation from the United State*, A' \i resident of Christchurch is tho hapftr * ;i possessor of one of these convcyaacw,;."' 1 In outward semblance not unlike tht '. § ordinary motor, it slides, along -the streets swiftly and with absolute nbao,- , i lessness. It is charged fr6m> iie ' --1 power-house at a small cost, and can go'" w a hundred miles without a rechargo,-.'^l Tho Sisterrin-Charge of St. Savieur'i ;f I Homo acknowledges with thanks I following gifts:—Clothing, 1 Jackson, Maxwell, Bullock, yeweav,,, 4 ! Palmer, Chapman, Miss Tripp.-GM.iL \§ St. Stephen's Day School, FtodaUoa y'f? Sewing Guild, "A Friend," . aaft ,*;,\| parcel from Little River. f and cakos: St. Stephen's I>ay SchooUff! cakes, buns and biscuits, Miss Trent,'V'l Messrs Gill, and Aulsebrook and Cβ*,.'.-I Meat: Mrs G. Andrews, Bclfao|; 1 Freezing "Works, 5s Miss Leslie pec?; I Miss Maohin. .'H-'i Tho Rev. R. G. Coatos. organiang;':-! secretary of tho Seamen's Institute, v -*b addressed a largely attended meeting WjT || ladios in tho Akaroa Borough Chambers on Tuesday on tho aims and'" M objects of tho Seamen's Institute. ,, <-|| Ladios' Guild. Ho gavo nn excellent ,'X description of, the work dono in connection, and it was resolved that ft ; ]B ladies' branch of tho Institute should • -g be formed in Akaroa. The following ["M officers woro elected:—President; G. Arnietrone; ; hon. treasurer. Mtt£ : j|| Julius, and hon. secretary, Mihs E^' B Westenra. . 'Tim At the request of th'e Akaroa Borough <•'<s Council, tho Hon. R. H. Rhodes secured"/,;!! tho services of Mr Parry, Government;,,, Eg engineer for tho hydro-electric at Lake Coleridge, to make an inspects tion of tho electrical installation of the; !*j| borough. Accompanied by Mr Yicker*?'* 8 mann, Mr Parry arrived in Akaroa eafv.{S Thursday, and. after making haustivo inspection of tho whole JTtKfifc.'Uß ho pronounced it on ideal one, installation - a "credit to tho cagneett'/'U who had carried out the work,4H*,,'jß was also very, favourably imprceswto; .I tho very cheap prico at which supplied to consumers. A detnilcd.w7>|a port is to" bo-presented to the CoiiflSp v AB at it& next meeting. -■' At tho monthly meeting of Opawa School Committee the master reported an average attenaaac*SH of 297.2 out of a Toll number of 327,-; JH Tho visiting committee.* report of ißfc'jjJl provements effected on school was received and approved. New have been.bought for the 6«aool library 2 M costing £3 10s, out of a epectal fna<t'jj| provided Jor tho purpose. Misa eon, who had boon, absent through uKfipg ness for come weeks, resumed her dutitt- nj on Monday, Bth. , The Board of cation advised that the sum of £20 »4f| had baen placed to the credit of the-Vi|| committee at the bank, being incldta-s:t|l tal allowance for the ouarter. counts were -passed for pajp*M£ }ffl amounting to £6 Iβ od. PreliminMSM | arrangements were made for ,««* nual school concert, to be held at t».--:H end of August. It was ««>lW;|»yi celebrate Arbor Day, July ' I '* h planting ornamental ehrubs ,artd WE 1 ! nblo trees whero they were. ; for shelter on the school grounds, ,Wj*' | chairman, being instructed to PF3*#ffc''l the trees, the headmaster and « s »gjs;-i I Committee to superintend the plantse*^,,l I . "Thoro is ft good deal of and talk about the Cost of mission yoing on in the now," remarked a prominent man to a "Southland Times" ,on Thursday evening. Thc.cpcaker i just returned from a bnet bUßn».i.-| l tour of tho "Wellington and districts, and tho opinion was freely expressed that the- w o rkl Commission, was all to no end., gontleman, whose 1 business e*]»n*"j?.;f extensive, gave it as his opinion-"» ■ tho cost of living could and should »« 1 eummed up in throe words. ■»£. '< t «»ta*F were "cost of pxodnotion. , ' of living to-day woe not to be cpmpWWSS with what it was forty or fiCty- &*!£• ago, and evon in those days tlieyßWJf considered themselves well off. *' *W.'| I lived in a frugal manner, ; according to the extravagant TMOti&j&Mi living adopted to-day. Ho couldW.ty a comj>o:nsori : of some of tne P , Bread had been dearer, and rr&X. thirty years ago it had cost l» 41b loaf. Tea was bought at 3s Oβ PJ|*,« lb, sugar at 6d per I°. potatoes J* W3f which often ranped to £20 per and sago at 6d per lb, oatmeal •*&■ 6d perlb, and almost everything'«»|.,S was dearer in proportion to the quoted to-day. The conditions for hard work, but cyen in tho f«*»jf;l this they had been able to make na&jgjm by a frugal syetcm of life. i Ai*f~M Mr John Studholme, of j who is a candidate for a ecat wgj, i North Canterbury Education Board the South Ward, has issued a circtt*^>, t I to tho members of the 6chool tees in tho ?forth Canterbury '-§ in which he states that ho, has wfflf i , -' 8 for many years, a deep >n ter . Cß *.rf!7V : I education, and has had of studying at first hand some of I educational methods now in force P,-,,5« the United States, in Canada, *nd«» (England, more particularly /*r&-\M ' methods in connection, with the , a « ling of agriculture and home e? S w I In his opinion education .shoultl ■w• v a threefold—moral, mental and and he is in favour of tho iatrodocUeo ,l| of tho N«w South Wales systeffl .9s | Bible-reading in schools. The .*~Z-.;m devoted to military drill in *c pnflW-. J Echools could be more usefully ployed in physical training, &n teaching the dements of hygiene. M. vision should be made I the . pe "jj^'.-I cal inspection of the pupils attendi ng v ,| the primary schools. Ho i» *J»gfc| favour of school garden.-, nnd «»JJf *■ etudy; he is of opinion that the JHV;e Libiis should not be overloaded, wherever possible schools consolidated, that in all High BgJJy ■ provision should be made for the «"£s» ing of agriculture being an «P£"jg3fJ nu6ject. for boys, and tho B homo science as a compulsory stt for girls. Ho nlso holds that fgSgM thing possible should be done W| tract into tho teaching 1 retain therein, tho very best

The South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society have just purchased 1500 rainbow trout (yearlings) from tho North Canterbury Society. Tho handsome new theatre which Is being erected in Timaru by Mr Wni. Gunn, is now. approaching completion, but it will bo a month or six "weeks yot beforo it will be ready for use. A letter received from a Wellington business man who went to Australia recently, states that "things are not booming so much in tho Commonwealth as ninny-of us were led to believe from tho glowing statements published in some of the newspapers." Tho writer is, accordingly, returning to New Zealand. Dr. Truby Kin??, who recently received leave of absence in order io doliver lectures on infant life and kindred subjects, will commence his' series of lectures next week. Tho first address will bo given at Lower Hutt on Monday afternoon, and will bo followed by ono at Pctoiii , on Tuesday evening. Tho subjects on both occasions will bo "Health and Heredity: How to Promote tho Rising Generation." It will be illustrated by lantern sides. A competition is announced by tho , proprietary o f tho new continuous picture- theatre- at present being built in Hereford street. A prize of five guineas is offered to the person who suggests "tho most nppropriato name for tho theatri?. Competitors must forward their suggestions to tho office of "Tho Press' , not later than the 31st inst. Tho winner, of the prize will Im decided by a committee of pressmen, independent of tho proprietary. There haa been a irood deal of disciission lately in Timaru j'bout the effluent from ono of the septic tanks ■which serves the town. By some it has been said that tho affluent is not what it ought to bo, and that offensive matter from the tank washes upon tho beach. Examination by an expert, however, reveals tho fact that this is not so. It is hard to distinguish the affluent from fresh water,' and the brown scum which washes upon tho beach luis been proved to be a harmless marine organism. tl was reported at tho Westland Charitable Aid Board meeting on Wednesday that tho Board's overdraft at tho National Bank waft £1890, and thero wero some hundreds of pounds in. cheques outstanding. Tho manager of tho bank notified that no furthef cheques than those already in circulation would be paid. Members of tho Board concluded from this that tho best -way out of the difficulty was to striko a levy for twelve months with- . out delay, as no subsidies would bo paid by tho Government on tho interim levies already struck by the Board. .A meeting of tho Cambrian Society •was held on Thursday. In the absence of tho vice-president, Mr Rhys Williams occupied tho chair. Tho Rev. T. A. Williams gavo an addross on Loyalty. - 'Everyone the speaker naidy should strive to bo loyal to an idea, to one's ' conscience, national aims, and Empire. Mr Kvan Parry suitably responded, in an interesting speech upon the diversity of languages. The sub-committKo . reported upon the progress of the forthcoming Eisteddfod, and stated that they had secured the services (gratuitously given) of professor Arnold Wall, Mr "Llewellyn Owen, Mr H,owell. and Mrs.Robert Williams (Wellington), i.a adjudicators in the various sections. At tho banquet tendered at Blenheim Inst week to Mr John Duncan, *x-M.P. for Wairaii, Mr A. P. Seymour, ex-M.H.R., entertained the company with somo interesting reminiscences ■ of 60 years ago, when tho "como down" to the Wairau from Nelson took place—when tho site now occupied by 'Blenheim was a wilderness of flax ami rnutjo, when travellers had to subsist on damper nnd bUJy/'tea, with black sugar which had'to bo duff out of tho hng. .Ono of .the .trqubies tho early settlors had t# copiend with (said' Mr Seymour) wee the prononessof thorr horses" to contract sore tracks. His friends,often used to wonder why ho always allowed, his horse's tail'to grow so long. Ho had a very good reason. Whenever his attimal became restive j under the saddle, he would drag tho hair from its tail and stuff it into tho lining of tho saddle, much tottbo.'advatitago of tho horse and himself. Confirmatory news has reached New Plymouth in reference to the oil refinery (?iys the "Herald"). Arrangements tor" its delivery have been completed, and ifc wns arranged that the first shipment should leave in June . provided strikes- did not interfere with ? its despatch). The refinery manager ha3'becn engaged/and was himself go- . ing over the plant with tho manufacturers prior to .leaving for New Zeajand. It is contemplated that all initial work, including the preparation of tho foundations, will bo put in hand so ns to bo ready to proceed at once ■ wfth the erection of the refinery when it'arrives. Tho thoroughness with • which the board on the other cido is handling tho whole business is giving genernl confidence to the advisory board on this .<ide. Preparation-, aro also be•iriK made for pushing forward with all tho expedition possible of sinking now bores in order to feed tho refinery as . soon ns erected. The refinery ordered is thoroughly up-to-dnte, and the wax oldnt has been considerably- added to tpXKCct the analysis of the Mpturoa oil. Th<* lack of opportunity afforded the Auckland police of attending church services is disturbing tho minds or the ministers of the Auckland Presbytery. ". One of a bunch of reports presented by tho "Relicion and Morals Committee on Wednesday night told of a deputation that h«d interviewed Inspector i.litchell in regard io tho matter. The inspector explained that aa a rule a policeman had ono Sunday off in four, but at tiniQS nrrnnßpmen+s could not be mado to mako tho guardian of tho law's"dn of rest" a reality even at such lengthy • periods.' As a result it occurred occasionally that a nolieeman did not get a Sunday off for a stretch of two months. The committeo stated that this was not entirely satisfactory, it being apparent that the Auckland police force was under-staffed. In view of, tho recent changes in Government, the committeo did not think it expedient to make any representations to tho Department just j at present, nnd, on receiving uio assurance of tho "Rev. Mr Miller (tho chairman) that the committeo would keep a watchful eye op tho force, tho Presbytery, decided to let the question stand over till matters -political became more settled. "It is to bo regretted that the municipalities have not so far established fish markets, but I understand that tho . Wellington City Council is moving in the matter" (says the Secretary to the Marine Department" in his annual report). "I am convinced that the establishments of such markets would have a beneficial effect on tho fishing industry, and would enablo tho public to get "bettor and cheapor supplies of fish." The department's rock oyster ' beds in the north, between May Ist ■ and July 31st last year, yielded 4782 sacks, a ready sale being found at 12s 6d a sack, and a profit of £565 was made. "Owing to the heavy demand a. higher priec could easily have been obtained, but it is the desire of the department to sell them at such a prico as will place them within the reach of all. and Sell them direct to consumers as far as this can bo done. Last season it was found'that, owing to the limited supply. som«j dealers who could not , , obtain all . they wanted wero arranginc; with individuals to purchase at the department fi ! ■ depot ostensibly for themselves but .' really for dealers to whom they rewld at a higher price. If it is found that '■• this practice continues," the department *ill arrange to doliver them itself at " thehouso for which purchasers say they »fe bought, and if. this dors not ston the practice other steps will betaken. wit 7 ** - ' ——

The Black Leghorn and Ancona championships at the recent Temuka Poultry Show were won by Mr I*. Pearce, of Christchurch. Tho Dur.cdin hairdressers' assistants will go before tho Conciliation Commissioner nest Wednesday with the object of securing £3 a week for all journeymen (instead of the present £2 10s), and a day closing at (ip'clock on five nights of the week, ancrat 9 on Satururday. Under such an agreement they would still work 52 hours a week. An examination of Senior Cadet ''non-coms" wn3 hold at Ash burton oi Thursday evening, under Captain W. I Tucker. The successful applicants S from Company 3(5 wore T. Alexander, !W. Digby, J. Harris, and A. MaoI Donald, and they were appointed serpoants. From Company 3-j, L. [ Chriytie, A. McCluro, and R. Templeton wcro made sergeants, and L. Thompson,' W. Dalley, and B. Hart corporals. Sir Arthur Guinness has had several interviews with the Minister of Labour in regard to establishing workmen's J homes at Cabden and at Greymouth, I near tho Hospital. On Tuesday evening tho Minister informed Sir Arthur that Cabinet had resolved to purchase five acres, known as Hamilton's Block, lat Cobden, for this purpose, but no decision had been arrived at with regard to tho railway reserve near tho Hospital. Sir Arthur Guinness will soo tho new Minister of Labour and urge upon him tho necessity of having a start mado as soon as possible. A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that a warrant has been issued for tho arrest of George 'Sutich, an Austrian,, lately in business as a gumbroker in Auckland, on a charge: "That he, being an undischarged bankrupt, left tho Dominion within 12 months of tho presentation oi' tho petition, taking with him £20 and upwards of his property which ought by law to have been divided amongst the creditors." Sutich has already been arrested at- Melbourne on a warrant previously issued by the Offiei-il Assignee, and Constable Farr, of Auckland, has left to bring accused back. A meeting of tho Christchurch Pigeon Club was held on Wednesday. Tho Club's shows wero continued, the classes for the evening being:—Working Homers, 500-mile cock and hen, and cock and hen ringed 19-11. Tho awards were:—soo-Milo Cock, 1?. Ashworth Ist; F. D. Wilson, 2nd and 3rd. 000-Mile Hen, F. D. Wilson, "Ist; R. Ashworth, 2nd and 3rd. Cock ringed 1911, F; D. Wilson, Ist; R. Ashworth, 2nd: l< , . Smith, 3rd. Hen ringed 1911, F. D. Wilson, Ist; 11. Ashworth, 2nd; A. Laurence, 3rd. It was resolved that the classes for the next mooting should be Dragoon Cock and Hen, and also to ask Mr H. B. Gould to deliver a paper on the samo breed. Tho solution of a problem which has concerned many people—-how to sco tho world on next to nothing—has apparently boon Eolycd by an elderly English worker who wns a passenger for Sydney by tho Westralia. lie told a "New Zealand Herald" representative before the vessel sailed that ho was formerly mi employee, on tho docks at London. While* at this work ho saved £10, find, being single and unfettered, decided to start out on this magnificent sum to tour the world. He obtained a steerage passage tor ftouth Africa, and landed at Capetown with only a.few shillings. He worked there for a month, earned another £10,-and made for Australia. After another month's work_ at Brisbane ho bought-his pnssago to New Zealand, and for tho rest of two months he was an employee on a dredgo on the Molyneux River, in Otago. Ho was leaving Auckland with ft' steerage ticket for Sydney and £6, and he confided to tho pressman that he had spent the time of his life, nnd felt that his 58 years weighed as lightly on him as £0. , One. of tho most enjoyable dances of tho' "season was" held in tho Alexandra Hull on Thursday evening, when tho employees of Messrs W. Strange and Co., Ltd., held their annual ball. Completo arrangements had been .mado in anticipation of a largo attendance, which exceeded even expectations. "There were 120 couples present, including representatives from tho principal •wholesale establishments of the city. The arrangements for tho enjoyment and comfort of those present made by tho committee, Messrs J. A. Clarke, H. B. Strange, F. Fowler, ami the Misses E. .Fountain*;,- and L. Willcox, wero thoroughly well planned and executed. The firm * provided. a generous, supply of furnishings nnd decorations, so that tho spacious corridors adjoining tho Alexandra Hall were transformed into a series of comfortable resting-places for tho dancer.*, while a cosy lounge was arranged for tho ladies, and an' attractive' smkoing nnd .card room for nondancers. Fox's Bhncl provided excellent music, and the gathering was a very great success in every respect. . Tho quarterly meeting of the Sydenham Methodist Circuit was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday. Tho members met for social tea at 6 p.m., the meeting being held afterwards. There was a good attendance, presided over by tho Roy. A. N. Scotter. The membership returns wero reported as: — Seniors 190, juniors 9. Tho statement of receipts and expenditure for the quarter was presented by the circuit steward, and showed a deficit of £35. In view of tho many wet Sundays, and also cf the minister's removal expenses paid this quarter, the position was considered fairly satisfactory. Letters of sympathy wero directed to bo sent to the relatives of tho late Mrs Joan Scott and.Mr T. Berry. Tho reports of tho Sunday school and C.E. Societies were presented, and showed progress in theso departments. The ftieeting agreed to co-operate- in the llov. Vallance Cook's mission to bo hold next year. A circular wns read from tho President of tho Church, appealing for help on behalf of tho "Wnihi circuit, which has been greatly affected financially as a result of the miners' strike. In response, a collection was taken up, which realised £1. A pamphlet from tho Welfare of tho Church Conimitteo appointed by Conferenco -was discussed, and it was decided to arrange a meeting of tbo church members to further discuss tho matter and tho means to bo adopted. Tho fear of a strike of : Otago coal miners is having an immediate, effect both in tho far-seeing largo and small consumers of coal and also on the merchants, who are at presentvainly endeavouring to fill tho abnormal orders they are receiving (says yesterday s "Otago Daily Times"). Besides the trucks of coal consigned to particular merchants, a number of trucks are also brought into the yard not so consigned. These latter generally make their appearance at what is called -the 8 o clock and 1 o'clock shunts, and immediately the engino comes to a standstill the trucks are rushed. Yesterday morning there were only five trucks cf coal to go round about 50. waiting carts—bo it is needless to say sonio went away in the empty condition they arrived — whilo at 1 o'clock what may bo ternfcd quite a large number of waggons wero forwarded—nine being run into the siding for about 30 carts. It is quite a sight to see tho vehicles manoeuvring for position—the road runs between two lines of rails, and no carter is sure on which line the coal will be shunted;— then the cry goes up, .'Here they come!" as tho engine with her load runs into view; in back what carts there can; • and then tho loaders-no— tho more men a driver has the bigger his chance of getting a large loadcommence to fill bags, throw lumps into the carts, and even pile them m heaps on the ground, to be bagged after tho truck is cleaned out. Occasionally excitement leads to a resort to lists but on the whole the togethrr in i moat p-ood-humoured fashion. This rush for coal has now been going on for about two months.

The Mayor has received £1 * s from the Aerated-water Workers' Union towards the Hart benefit fund. At, the Hpkitika Magistrate's Court yesterday two brothers were . each fined Jbo and costs for cutting timber on a scenic reserve near Lake Kanieri. A donation of £2 2s towards the Coal and Blanket" Fund has been received from Messrs W. E. Muudny and oons. A meeting of old boys of the Christchurch Boys' High cfciiool will be Held in the school next l-'ridav evening, tor the purpose of forming 'an Old iJtys' Association. Tho Christchurch Ministers' Association will hold a convention for tho deepening of tho spiritual life in tho Congregational Church, Worcester street, commencing on tho £2nd iust. A man named Tier was arrested on n charge- of burglary at Messrs Hill and Son's premkes in Wellington on Thursday, tind was remanded till July lath. Kail amounting to £lol> was allowed. At the Stratford Magistrate's Court yesterday.' two Territorials wcro each fined 5s for refusing to take tho oath, provided that they took it. within seven days, and for musing to attend the annual training camp.'thf.v. wore fined £1 aud £1 10s respectively, the amount of tho latter fine being due to tho fact that the youth admitted having laughed at-Territorials doing their duty, and urged others not to attend parades. A charge of expectorating in a tramcar was preferred against a defendant in the Auckland Police Court on ■Tuesday. Defendant entered a. tram with two companions, one of whom was remonstrated with by tho conductor for spitting in the car/ The injunction apparently had no effect on defendant, who shortly after wilfully expectorated on the floor. It was stated, on his behalf, that the offonco had been committed owing to the threatening attitude adopted by the conductor. A fine of £1, with costs 355, was imposed. At a meeting of tho National Peace Council on Thursday; resolutions ivere passed expressing tho opinion "that tho assignment of the portfolios of Defencu and Education to the samo Minister, intensifies tho already grave menace of militarism to the school children of the Dominion,' , and indignantly protesting against "isuch proceedings as those reported from Gisborne. where a Court-martial with nil its attendant.-military and quasi-legal paraphernalia tried youths for an offence which onuld and should be dealt with in a Civil Court." A meotinp: of creditors in tho estate of Charles Wliitehou3e, storekeeper, of Knikoura, was held at tho Official Assignee's office yesterday. , The debtor estimated his toUU debts at £331 5s sd, and his total assets, at £120. leaving a deficiency of £2(51 5s od. Several 'creditors expressed the opinion that the debtor had proved himself nn honest, hard-working man, ,nnd that it was only through continued misfortune that he-had-been -compelled to file a- petition in bankruptcy. The matter was left' in tho hands of tho Officinl Assignee to arrange. ''■■■ Shortly after 7 o'clock on Wednesday evening John Harris, aged 35 years/a labourer, walked off tho steamer Maori at tho Queen's wharf, Wellington, and crossing the wharf fell head foremost into tho hnrbour. The alarm was raised, nnd the second officer of tho Maori dived in to tho assistance of Harris, -who appeared to bo drowning. Assistance was quickly at hand, and members of the Harbour Board staff hauled both men on to tho wharf. Hnrrifj wns taken into custody on n charge of drunkenness. . Nightwatcnmon Angel and McDermit throw the life-lines right over Harris when he -was in the water, but ho made no effort to seize-them. ~.■■■ . •' l ' : A meeting was hcki'at Lyttelton-last night to form a committee.to support tho Marino Band in its coining engagelnent at tho Duncdin contest. A committee, to be called "the Lyttelton Marino Band's Citizens' Committee, was formed. Tho president, and vicepresidents of the' band and the following gentlemen wcro formed into a. committee, with power to add to their number:—Tho Mayor of Lyttelton,' and Messrs F. Benjamin, A. Stiver, 11. Rich, N. Davis, F. Page, S. Tredennick, T. C. Hatton, L. A. Stringer, J. Gower. C. Falconer, and W. Lister. Mr T. C. Hatton was elected secretary, Mr G. Whitfbrd assistant secretary, and .Mr F. Benjamin was elected to tho position of treasurer. 1 A point affecting life insurance policies in New Zealand was raisod in the Supremo Court case of Thompson v. Blythe at Wanganui yesterday. Defendant wns a beneficiary in her Into son's estate, consisting wholly of an endowment policy maturing at the ago of 60. Plaintiff, to whom deceased owed £18, sued for tho amount. Mr Mackay arguod for tho defendant that tho policy was protected, and Mr Treadwall/fqr the plaintiff, contended that protection did not apply, as the policy was not for tho whole life. Mr Justice Cooper reserved'his decision, but stated that at present ho thought the policy wns protected. The Act, however, needed careful construing. There was a largo attendance at tho quarterly meeting of the St. Albans Methodist Circuit on Thursday oveningj The Rev. H. 15. Bellhotis© presided, and welcomed tho Rev. A. Couch, wlio took his seat for the first time. The.number of members was reported to ba 305. The> balance-sheet showed that the income for the quarter •was only £1 7s lid lers than the Expenditure for the same period. It was decided to send tho sum of two guineas to aid tho Waihi Church in its prceent difficulties. The meeting agreed to co-operate in the mission to be held by tho Itcv. V. Cook, of England, during 1913. and to appoint secretaries for the League of Prayer. iUr C. E. Salter introduced the discussion on the circular sent by the direction of tho Conference, and the questions contained therein.were carefnilv considered seriatim. A valuable draught horse was killed by a Wellington tram car in a rather peculiar way. The horse was being led clown tho street by its owner, the animal having simply a halter on. Being in good condition, it became restive, and got on tho tram track, in-front of a two-decker which* was coming down tho hill at a good rate of speed. The owner of tho horse, who still retained a tight hold of tho halter, tried his utmost to pull tho horse off the track, which only seemed to make it more persistent in staying there. Finally tho car crashed into the horse, which received the impact sideways, and was carried along the track for over 20ft, and was thrown on one side. The injuries sustained by the unfortunate animal prored so severe that it died within half-an-hour. Tho front of tho car was dented, and the catcher smashed. Very sad talcs, and sometimes bitter remarks, are heard in the Magistrate's Court, but the scene was changed at the Court on Friday (cays the Hastings correspondent of the Hawke's Bar "Herald"), when four well-known business men had to appear. One of tho gentlemen hoped that h's Worship, in inflicting the fine, would remember that it was his birthday, whereupon the opposing counsel wished him many hapoy returns of the day. Later on the Magistrate announced that each defendant would be fined Is without costs. The defendants were so overjoyed -with' his Worship's ruling that they could not wait to get out. of tbe courthouse beforo congratulating one another. This they did in loud voices, which caused the Magistrate to say, "Tell thosf jubilant individuals to subside or*the Magistrate may reconsider his decision."

The Aylesbury Settlement, IMb acres, divided into six sections ranging jrom 53 to 3M acres, situated about three miles from the Kinvee railway station, «-ill bo open for application at Jj ,! f i Lands Oflice, Christclmrch, on the 29th J iast. t Discussing tho Cathedral cab-stand i I question yesterday tho Mayor eta tea < ( that an arrangement would he submit- : J ted to tho City Council vdixh 10. : I thought would be satisfactory. . , l . uo ; cab drivers would suffer no injustice , whatever. i At the Wellington Mas^" ,10 ' 3 Court yesterday, John James Adams, a blacksmith, was convicted of haying used his business premises as a con ;* mon gaming house and was fined x<^ I with ecsts. A second information that !he had made bets in a shop registered as a factory was withdrawn. An indication cf tho appreciation oj property in the business centre 01 i Christchurch is given in a transaction j that, has. bean practically completed i recently. A fairly large block in the eonlro of the city which, eight or twelve months ago, under oiicr at ~f':y per foot lias now been secured at i.~u(J I per foot. ! Tho tramway system was hung up for a few minutes'yestcrdnv afternoon, just before two o'clock. The cause was a "slash over' , in the power-house. . A fair number of passengers coming into town started to walk after the current was off. but most of them were overtaken and picked up after tho power was on again. It's the most quickly prepared and economical, the most wllolesome and best tasting of all colfces 1$ "Camp!" *' Messrs Wright, Steplienson and Co., Ltd.. one ol the oldest-established grain, seed, frozen meat and dairy produce firms in Otajxo and Southland, have opened a -branch in Cashel street. Christehureh, in premise,? lately occupied by Messrs Brown, Little, and Co. 2 The most important and progressive finny employ tho Nrw Zealand Express Co.. Ltd., and approve ita alertness, accuracy, and tip-to-date methods. Do' you want entries passed, parcels forwarded, goods shipped or stored ? The New Zealand P'xprePS Co. will give you the same (service as is satisfying others. 0 ''Good wine needs no bush." It goes without saying that when- Messrs T. Armstrong Company, the popular drapers, lay themselves out for business, they adopt the right measures to rrento it—sterling articles at low prices is the keynote struck. Their A\ inter Sale commenced in winter wuather, but iho inducements offered were sufficient to make buyers defy tho elements with happy results to themselves —tho dollar's almighty power was never so well illustrated au nt Armstrong's Sale. Their fine window displays, with prices placed upon each article, aro quito an education. 6 Winter Sports. Fresh stocks of Golf Balls just landed, Zodiacs, Zodiac Zoincs, Challengers, Colonel, Dtmlops, Arrows, also Ayres Tennis Balls. Lewis and Anderson, 112 Cashel street. 6 Out they go! Two lato shipments of high-grade guns to bo cleared at low prices. Bonehill's latest improved D.8.8.L. at £4, £i 15s, £5 10s. Tho famous "Bayard" guns at £o up. A great opportunity. Hastie, Bull and Pickering, opposite Ballantyne's. (5 When r:oving, employ J. M. Heywood' and Co.. Ltd., as they employ none but careful men to handle your furniture. They hay© three largo pantechnicons, so that no job is too largo or small for them to undertake. 'J Is it coming on—lnfluenza? If you feel unaccountably languid, feverish; out-of-sorts, make no mistake. That's influenza. Tako precautions, and Berry's Influenza Cure. It quickly removes tho fcverishnesß and tones up tho system. 2s, post free 2s, Cd. Jno Berry,^opp.-Keoce'sv- •-• » ■ '.>*v"; ■'" 3 - For elo-jtric light; clectrid fittings, electric heaters, electric irons,'electric motors, electric lifts, electric signs, in tact, everything eLjtrical go to Turnbull and Jones. Ltd. . G Thoro aro a largo number of pcoplo suffering from headaches, eye-strain, or impairment of vision., who pnt off tho examination of their eyes until long after it should bo done. For the best optical service, find goods,consult .John R. Procter, oculists' optician, 200 High street, Christehureh, who also undertakes repairs of every description. 8

THE CANNIBAL APPETITE

May is a great month with missionary societies, and I am reminded of tho story that before tho first Bishop of New Zealand left England, Sydney Smith, in taking leave, affected to impress upon his friend tho dangers of his miosion (writes T. P. O'Connor, in his Weekly). "You will find," ho said, "in proaching to cannibals, that their attention, instead of beiug occupied by she spirit, will be concentrated on tho flesh; for I am told that they never breakfast without a cold missionary on the- sideboard." In shaking hands with the now prelato as ho was leaving tho house, Smith added, "Good-bye. "Wo shall never meet again; bufc let us hope that you wili thoroughly disagree with the savage that cats you."

DYEING OP SEALSKINS. I During last night, vith ono of tho : City Guilds, I learnt (tf'rites Sir Henry Lucy in the "Sydney Morning Herald") from my neighbour, who is in the busi- [ ness, tho unfamiliar fact that London has practically the monopoly in the dye- : ing of sealskins. There is a firm named Martin, who for generations havo done tho work, and havo established such a reputation that Martin-dyed sealskins ! are indispensable to the trader. Tho i

furs are shipped hither from America, aro dyed, and returned, tbo American dealers willingly pnying freight both ways' and tho import duty, so as to have tho indispensable dye. Its secret

remains in tho Martin family, and, in spito of tho enormous temptation, to' sharo it, has hitherto remained tmdmilged. The peculiarities of tho Martin dyo nre, I wns told, that it gives a vivid black colour to the skin.

it lasts as long as tho fur., and :'q yet

composed of ingredients so light that it adds nothing perceptible to tho weight of tho garment.

"FIND" IX A FARMHOUSE. An. oak cabinet which belonged to Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII., and was discovered lately in an old farmhouse near Ludlow, Shropshire, has been purchased and presented by Mr Robert Mond to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The cabinet stands slightly over oft high, and has beautifully carved panel doors, the central one containing an elaborately designed "A." The interstices of tho carving still show the vermilion colour which once covered the whole exterior. .Originally it was mado for Prince Arthur, and was used either at Lud!<nv Castle or Twiken-hall Manor, where tho hoy Prince brought liis fifteen-year-old bride. Catherine of Aragon. Five months after this marriage he sickened of tho plague while on tho way to Ludlow Castle, where he died in April, 1502. Catherine afterwards married his brother, who became Henry VIII. •SOCIETY" BANQUET FOR DOGS. The latest freak entertainment giveu in New York at the Hotol Yanderbilt, took tho shape of a dog banquet. The idea was originated by Mrs A. L. Holland, the wifo of a multi-millionaire, who gave tho banquet in honour of Pekinese dog, and sent out invitations to eight other Pekinese canines ot tho '"smart sot." Without exception the dogs turned up ■(the ••Chronicle". says) "with their mistresses, and the nine ladies and nine dogs sat together at a

table gorgeously decorated in tho Chinese fashion, -while a Chinese- orchestra rendered- weird selections ot native- music. Luncheon was served for tho ladies, wlriio special attendants catered for tho wants of the principal guests, who had silver basins of brvad and milk placed before thera. followed ; by cut-up biscuits a::d choice morsels or . chicken. Only the breasts of chicken ; were served to these pampered animals. ;As a scuvenir of the affair cr.ch do" , guest was presented with a silver coij lar with his name engraved on it. ! THE EUCALYPTUS IN AMERICA. j Australian euealy-ts appear to be 1 gaining much favour in America. When ;he was in that country earlier in tho 1 year on an immigration mission, tho Minister for ■Agric-.lturoV. tecretary j (Mv .Dcnvnck) found that tho Southern Piiciiic I?alin-ay Company had planted over 1000 acres of Australian gum-trees •in Uiklornia for supplying liardwno<l tor railway construction pui-poses. The company had demonstrated its a—veciatio'.i of this timber by usiir,' it to build its Los Angeles offices. Mr Dowrick also met a representative of a la"<'o j motor manufacturing tirni, who was ' &SF* tl y. Jnipj'cesed with some samples of ; Victorian woolly butt which he. w-s shown. Hβ had the wootl examined, ami. on tho renprts of experts doclared that the timber could probably secure an extensive- market in \me'"ic'i as a substitute for hi?kory in the inainilacturo of certain parts of motor-enrs , i-lp askPt! to be supplied with further J well-seasoned samples of the Timber. :Mr Janice Cameron. M.L.A.. i s ~o w arrani;iu K to send to thi<t firm several f-amples of seasoned woolly bi'tt fro-n C.inpshind..in order that thoi>- u S o f'l ; tins purpose.may \x: tlioroua;hlv tested I m Americ '

THE CHIEF MOTOR RACE OF THE I 1 WORLD. The Grand Prix do Paris, to win which is tho most coveted honour ■in motoring circles, was run on Wednesday, June 2Gth, over the Dieppo circuit, total distanpe 956 miles. In the class for cars of limited horse-power the Sunbeam Company, entered three cars, and secured first, second, and third places—a most phenomenal performance, and. a world's record. Hawkes, Limited, are South Island agents for these cars. Full particulars to all interested. Royal Garage, Christchurch- 7

A PATHWAY TO ADVENTURE CLOSED.

One of tho pathways of British adventure iias bren closed by tho extinction,' under tho now scheme of South African defence, of tho hardy old corps nh frontiersmen, tho Cnpo Mounted Rifles.- It is merged now in tho eonfit a bulnry force, under the control of tho I nion Government, and in future i lie Biitish Islands will not be its recruiting ground. iSomo young men of roving minds will rcjjret the lass of the opportunities it, offered ; many middler.ged men of different classes will hear of its abolition with a sigh. Its military history i:> for tho most part a icoord of minor affairs, though ol whatever big tighting there has been in South Africa it has had its full share. But it has made v man of many a joung fellow whose host qualities did not develop under the conditions of life at Home. Its varied duties and the vast spaces in which it operated called for independence and initiativo nnd responsibility, as well ns courage, discipline, nnd endurance. Ib offered to young Englishmen who had outrun tho constable, or kicked over tho traces at Home tho opportunity of making a fiesh start in. life. To somo extent it was liko the French Legion Etrangcro, with the advantages of the British flag and tho English language.

"SWIFT" VICTORY AT OLYMPIC GAMES.

That great international sports gathering at present beinp; held at •Stockholm —tho . Olympic Game* , —has gathered together tho athletic champions of all the world. Each country lias sont its best men—its champions. The man who wins,- at tStockholm- has to be a world-beater.- In tho cycling section on this occasion tho competition was expected to bo terribly keen. All the cyclists sent to Stockholm aro record-breakers. Tho man who -wins out in thnt company has to be a mighty good man, and ho hns to rido :i mighty good bicycle. If he. is a wise man, as well as a'-speedy rider, ho will be found riding a '"Swift ,, —the world's best bicycle. The-first result of the cycling events at Stockholm" was sent' to tis by cable yesterday. It announced that Lewis, riding- a "Swift,", had won the 2fjO miles race, beating famous' riders from all parts of the world. This mbnns that the "Swift" has been put to the supreme test an<l has upheld ite reputation. Tho "Swift' 3 is tho best racing bicycle becnuso it is tho most scientifically designed and tho most easy running. For exactly tho same reasons, the roadster models aro tho most comfortable, and involve the least effort for propulsion. The "Swift" is stocked by us in three styles—Royal Siiporbc, Royal Club, and Imperial. Lhdics' and men's roadsters aro equipped with mudguards, free-wheel, and two strong rim brakes. Prices rangdl from £12 10s wo, and terms will be given from £1 deposit upwards. Call and see tho -world's best bicycle. Adams, Ltd., Agents for "Swift" bicycles, High street, Christchurch. o

MICHELIN MOTOR TYRES. As stockists for Michelin Tyres, we

arc enabled to supply the public with any size cover or tube- at , wonderfully low prices. These Tyros fit all makes of oars, and for honest valuo there is nothing at present can compete with them. A; W. Smith aud Son, Central Garage, Michelin Tyre Stockists. (i

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS.

Tho only telephone numbers of Smith's Taxi-cabs, Ltd., are 1533 and 1337, which ring direct to the Company's Head Office. Open day and night. 6