NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 464, 24 March 1909, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(Bi tiLzaaLva— rnssa association,) » EXCITINC BCENE IN A THEATRE. Reofton, March 23. An extraordinary scone took place in tho Princess Theatre last night. Maskelyno and Dovant's Mysteries Company was performing, when -Qio monkey taking part in tho cabinet scene, coming m, put his hands playfully on a man, who had volunteered, in responso to tho invitation. The man, evidently frightened, struck tie actor personating tlw monkey, and commenced to run about th« stage, hitting tho witch, fortunately personated by a. man, and only being stopped bj tho severe rating of a lady member. The mombers of tho company' behaved admirably, but stated it was a uniquo experience Tho audience was greatly shocked. PROPOSED BRANCH RAILWAY. Timaru, March 23. Messrs.' Craigio and Buxton, M.P.'s, and Anstoy, M.L.0., made a tour of inspection to-day of tho country over which would pass the proposed branch railway to servo the upper part of Pareora Settlement. Between this and Timaru a largo area of firstclass fanning country was shown them, i great part of which is beyond one day's cartage, whicli limits tho production. Tho grain country used to be in large blocks, but is now much subdivided, and subdivision is still going on. Messrs. Anstey and Craigio are strong advocates, .and Mr. Buxton is most favourably impressed, and promised to assist in urging tho construction of the lino. It is proposed to make 25 miles, all easy level work, except a bridge at Pareora. Tho future extension to Waimato over heavier country would bo kept in view. Several Ecttlers mot the party, and urged tho necessity for improving their transit facilities. - _ ' I "~~* t ®\ OTACO SIXTY-ONE YEARS OLD. Dunedln, March 23. 10-day was generally observed as a holi' day in celebration of tho sixty-first anni versary of tho settlement of Otago. The weather was delightful, llacos were held at Middlemarch, and ,i regatta at Lakfl Waihola, At the regatta fhe principal ovent was the interprovincial fours between Otago and Southland, over a mile and a half courso. Tho event was won by Otago by two lengths. THE BjuAD FUND. Palmcrston, March 23. Tho money collected in Falincrston in aid of the bread fund totalled £257 4s. 3d. 01 this £144 10s. sd. was collected publicly, whilst tho balance was voluntarily sent to tho "Standard,"-whicli also opened a list. Tho public lists closed last night, and the money was remitted to-day to tho Treasury for transmission to London. EXCITING CHASE. Cloborno, March 23. A young Maori, who, it is alleged, broke into the store at Paparoa, was seen by two other Maoris, who gavo chase. Hβ ran into tho sea up to his neck in endeavouring to avoid capturo, but the police wero summoiled and ho was arrested. THE WEATHER. Tuparoa, March 23. Tho rain is falling hero heavily (3 p.m.). ' TENDER FOR SALVATION ARMY HOME,

Eltham, March 23. Tho tender of O'Reilly and Misoalet, of Ngairc. has been .accepted for tho erection of tho Salvation Army Boys' Hoino at Eltham, at £420 for labour only." Tho tenders for painting and joinery have not yet been dealt with.