LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Evening Post, Volume LIII, Issue 114, 15 May 1897, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Lieutenant-Colouel Hume, Inspector of Prisons, will return from the West Coast next week. The Wangauui-New Plymouth section of railway is now open for through traflic. An announcement to the effect appears elsewhere. Mons. de Mey D'Alkemade has been appointsd Gymnasium Instructor to the Permanent Artillery, at a salary of £100 a year.

The cheap rates of interest, combined with the facilities that exist for doing busi- . ness with the Public Trust Office, have caused an additional number of applications for loaas to be made to the Public Trust Office lately. The applications are not confined to any one particular locality, but are spread pretty well all over the colony. The Telegraph office officials inform us that Eucla reports :— " 6.15 p.m. — Perth line interrupted a day beyond Albany, no circuit beyond Balladonia on the Coolgardie line between 5.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The bulk of the day's business is still waiting." A well-attended meeting of the Executive of the Prohibition League was held last evening. The Rev. F. W. Isitt, who is now a resident in Wellington, was added to the Executive. The Rev. Mr. Dawson and Mr. W. J. Helyer were appointed delegates to represent the League at the Temperance Convention to be held at Pahnerstou North on the Queen's Birthday. The meeting decided to bring under the notice of the Minister for Justice a serious irregularity alleged to have occurred during the election for the Wellington Suburbs Licensing Committee. The following resolution was passed : — " This meeting protests against the proposal to increase the drinking facilities of the community by issuing fresh wine licenses in and around Wellington." The passengers by the Manawatu down train last evening included Mr. H. J. H. Eliott, Under Secretary of the Mines Department, who has been on a hurried visit to the Auckland district. Amongst other things he had several interviews with the Auckland Chamber of Mines, and has brought back with him a number of suggestions which that body is anxious to bring under the notice of the Government. A schedule, which the representatives of English companies will be required to fill up, has been agreed upon. Mr. Eliott paid a hurried visit to the Thames, and found that great progress had been made iv the district since he was last there. Mr. G. Wilson, the Inspecting Engineer of the Mines Department, who weut up North with him, will not be back in Wellington for a month. Mr. G. H. Scales, Secretary of the Wellington Agricultural and -Pastoral Association, is making enquiries through the Wellington and Wairarapa districts from farmers and others as to the suitability of the soil iv their respective places for the growing of barley. He is also asking settlers to forward specimens of their soil to him or to the Government Analyst. The action of the Association has been brought about at the request of Messrs. Staples & Co., brewers, of this city, who intend to offer through the Association some handsome prizes for the best paddock or paddocks of barley grown in the, district. This new departure should warrant the attention of settlers, both in the vicinity and in the Wairarapa Valley, and 'should lead to interesting as well as practical results. Mr. Scales will be able to supply to settlers wishing to obtain an analytical report of the qualities of their soil the particulars and details as to selection. News has been received in Wellington that Mr. Samuel J. Loring, traffic manager of the Hokitika-Grey, Midland, and Grey-mouth-Bruuner railways, died iv Greymouth this morning from inflammation of the bowels. The deceased, who was 57 years of age, entered the service in 1875, and was a valued and much respected officer. He had only been on the West Coast for about two months, having been previously stationed at Dunedin. He leaves a widow and a grownup family. The following are the latest additions to the Telephone Exchange: — Lane's Stables (Tattersall's Horse Repository), Moles-worth-street; Tinakori-road Bureau ; Veterinary Laboratory, Department of ' Agriculture, Sydney-street; T. W. Young, private residence, Brougham-street; Mrs. E. A. Mayer, CustomhoOse-quay ; A. H. Miles, private residence, Terrace; John Nelson, Taranaki-place ; F. W. Maddock & Co., Farish-street; Alex. Cowan & Sons, 43, Featherston-street ; Hutt County Council, Lambton-quay; Britannia Hotel, Willisstreet ; Star Hotel, Lambton-quay. M. Tracy in his statement of his affairs attributes his bankruptcy to slackness of trade and bad debts. The only business at the Magistrate's Court this morning consisted of four firstoffending inebriates being offered the customary alternatives. The Brooklyn residents mustered in force last night to do honour to their newlyelected representative in Parliament, Mr. Charles Wilson, whom they entertained at a social gathering in the Vogeltown Schoolroom. The building itself was prettily decorated with evergreens and a liberal display of bunting. The new member for the Suburbs, who was cordially received, said he did not wish to say any hard things with respect to his opponent, and he considered that now the battle was over both sides should bury the hatchet. Personally ho entertained not the .slightest ill-feelingagainst those who had been ranged against him in the recent encounter. A capital concert programme was gone through, embracing songs by Messrs. W. Corliss, W. Lighlfoot, J. Barnett,, B. Taylor, A. Sinclair, T. Barnett, J. Burrell, and G. Smith, and recitations by Messrs. W. Corliss and A. Blockley ; a " Sailor's Hornpipe" by Mr. t)ay, and a funny " Irish Song and Dance Act" by Mr. Delaney. At the termination of the concert an excellent supper was provided by a committee of ladies. Dancing followed' until an early hour this morning to music supplied by Mr. Fischer, who had also played the accompaniments. Before quitting the hall, Mr. Wilson extended his hearty thanks Jo the committee and all present for the compliment accorded to him. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were heartily cheered on leaving for town. ' At a meeting of the Management Committee of the Wellington Football Association held last night an appeal was considered from the Swifts' third team against the inclusion in the Albion team of A. Overend, who was alleged to be above the age of 17, which is tlie limit for players in the Third-class Association. There was no appearance for the Albion Club, and on hearing the evidence of tJie Swifts' delegate and others the Committee held that the rules had been infringed, but allowed the Albion Club 10 days within which to show cause why the match should nol be awarded to theS wif ts. It was decided to defer the playing of all club contests drawn for 22nd May until 29th May, owing to the public holidays. It was resolved that the secretaries of the Third and Fourth Associations should be informed that, in persuauce of rule 11 for club contests, all appeals must be made to and dealt with by the Senior Management Committee. This was in consequence of certain proceedings that had taken place before that Association. At the Magistrate's Court this morning Mr. T. M. Wilford applied for the release of James M'Lelland, who has been imprisoned for having failed to find sureties that he would pay for the support of his illegitimate child, on the ground that the child has recently died. Mr. Jellicce appeared for the mother, and asked for the payment of funeral expenses, in addition to arrears amounting to £13 145. Mr. Wilford contended that no power was given the Magistrate to do this. Mr. Kenny was' of opinion that he had that power. He thought the expenses should be paid. He granted the cancellation of the order providing that the affidavit of the child's death is filed, and on payment of the arrears, and the payment of £3 for funeral expenses. Mr. Edward Withy has presented the Auckland Technical School with a large wprking model of a beam engine and sawmill, which cost £100 to make, ' " ".

The harbour extension works proposed to be carried out by tbe Patea Harbour Board consist of a 500 feet wall opposite the present, training wall, with the object of ui'.rrowing the bailing channel and increasing the scour, thus improving the depth of water. The work will cost about £5000, ot which £3000 baa been borrowed from the Postal Department. The particulars of the accident at the Thames on Wednesday which resulted in the death of Mr. John Childerhouse (uncle of Sergeant Gentles, of the Permanent Artillery of Wellington) show that he was knocked down by a fall of mullock in the Nonpareil Company's mine. Some of the stone struck him on top of the head, and after saying to his companion, "I'm done for," he became unconscious. He died on liis way to the Hospital. Deceased leaves a widow and six children. Mr. C. H. Izard took the chair at the general meeting of tbe newly-formed Gymnastic Club last evening. There was a very good attendance. It was decided to call the club the Wellington Physical Training School and Gymnasium. Mr. J. C. Martin, Public Trustee, was appointed President; and Messrs. W. 33. Woods and Henderson, Treasurer and Secretary respectively. The election of the Committee was postponed until the next general meeting, which will be held on an early date ; meanwhile the provisional committee will act. The Plant Committee reported that everything would be ready by Tuesday next, and it was resolved to commence operations on that date. After the general meeting had dispersed a meeting of the Committee was held, the President occupying the chair. The Secretary was instructed to dose with the offer of St. Peter's Vestry re schoolroom, and a subcommittee was set up to draft a code of rules. Votes of thanks to Messrs. C. H. Jzard and J. C. Martin and to Mr. Corrigan were passed. At n special meeting of the Seamen's Federated Union last night, a Board of Management, consisting of the executive officers and five conunitteemen, was elected to Mipervise and facilitate the business comiug before the Union. The recently-formed Kelburna Rifles are making satisfactory progress in' their drill. The Wellington Woollen Company has secured the contract for the uniforms for the corps, and members will receive orders for measurement at Tuesday's parade. Lieut.-Colonel Newall has granted the company the use of an orderly room. \ The Workers' Union, at its meeting last night, decided to hold a conference in the Trades' Hall on the Queen's Birthday. This will be the first conference of delegates of the Union since the removal of the headquarters from Waimate to Wellington. Mr. R. Patton presided. The old Thorndon Lawn Tennis Club was dissolved and a new one formed in its place at a well-attended meeting of members held last night. The lessees of the club's grounds, at their own request, were relieved of their responsibility, and a committee of 12, consisting of eight permanent trustees and four members chosen annually, was set up in their place. The permanent trustees elected were : — Messrs. Simpson, Fulton, A. Young, G6re, Goring, Wilson, Kennedy, and Pollen ; and for the ensuing year, Mrs. Fulton, Miss Kennedy, and Messrs. Hartman and Mackay •were elected. Mr. Simpson was chosen President; Mr Fulton, Vice-President ; Mr. Hartman, Hon. Secretary; and Mr. Kennedy, Hon. Treasurer. The rules were re-drafted, and it was decided that tbe Thorndon Club should affiliate with the Wellington, Provincial Lawn Tennis Association. Green, red, and yellow were chosen as the club's colours. Mr. and Mrs. C. C. N. Barron, who have been actively connected with the old club since its inception^ were unanimously elected life members' of the new club. Messrs. Mark and S. C Kebbe'U, whose many services to the .old .club were worthy of recognition, were each, presented by Mr. C. C. N. Barron, on behalf 01, the members of .the disbanded club, with'% silver cigarette case. Mr. Barron spoke in high terms of the energy and ability displayed by the two recipients in their conduct of the club. A very old man named Oliver Woolnongh, whom the Wellington Benevolent Trustees sent back to Woodville, has been arrested in that town on a charge of having no visible lawful means of, support. Arrangements are to be made to place him in the Refuge at Napier. The Charleston Prospecting Association Laving exhansted its funds, at a meeting held on Wednesday evening last at Charleston ten gentlemen contributed a sufficient sum to maintain one man at prospecting for six weeks. The man selected will join the staff of Mr. Burke (who represents a Wellington syndicate), and with that gentleman's party will prospect the country from Bullock Creek to Piparoa Gorge. On Friday evening the Wellington Chess Club will open the season "with a match Married v. Single. Play will commence at 8 o'clock, and the public are cordially invited to attend. The following are the teams : — Married — Messrs. W. Maokay, Barrand, Still, Ryder, Brown, B. B. Allen, Esson, Tamer, 8. Maokay, Dryden, Petherick, Richardson, J. Littlejohn, Anderson, and Naismith. Single — Messrs. Barnes, Mason, Tait, James, Kelling, Wright, Matthews, Janion, Hadfield, Turnbull, Whitelaw, Tone, R. Smith, W. W. Smith, Moore, Carman, and Topp. Carl Hertz, as announced in another column, is to make a few farewell appearances at the Opera House prior to his immediate departure for London. Admirers of his unique entertainment (and they are many) will be pleased to learn that they will be afforded an opportunity of witnessing "Vanity Fair," which the London press of last year unanimously voted as a veritable triumph in the illusion line. 'Vanity Fair," was recently staged at Christchurcb, where it created a perfect furore — indeed bo great was the interest created that the management had to submit to a fine for overcrowding the theatre. The box plan was opened this morning at Holliday's, when there was a big demand for seats. Since .the season is positively limited to the five nights, intending patrons should secure seats at once. The Superintendent of the Home for Aged Needy, Adelaide-road, acknowledges with thanks the receipt for use of the inmates of the Home of parcels of clothing from Mrs. F. E. Fitzgerald, per Dorcas Society , 14 hand-knitted comforters from Mrs. C. L. Innis ; and 16 pairs of handknitted mufflers from Mesdames Gilbert and Booth, and Misses Ruth, Blake, Brewer, and Shultz. Mr. Herbert Spackman, Choirmaster of St. Thomas's Church, has organised an attractive concert in aid of the Church Building Fund, the programme of which appears in our columns this evening. In addition to Madam Merz, who is kindly giving her services, Master Amadio, the pupil of Mr. C. J. Hill, will contribute a flute solo, and also a duet with his master. Master Amadio, we hear, will not appear again for some time as a soloist, Mr. Hill having decided to withdraw him from the concert platform for the present. There will be a quartet of violinists, and Messrs. R. 8. Gibson (tenor) and Hugh Wright (baritone) will contribute items. Mrs' •Spackman will be responsible for the accompaniments, and will also give a vocal selection, while Miss Stuart, one of our most promising pianists, will play a solo, PatroDS may be sure of an enjoyable concert. A special meeting of St. Paul's parishioners is convened for Monday evening re the proposed re-building of tbe Sydnev.itreet Schoolroom,

A return prepared by the RegistrarGeneral shows the development of the ejele industry in New Zealaud. There are now 125 persons employed in 19 works, and the value of manufactures and repairs increased fr0m. £5655 in 1890 to £18,817 in 1895, when 734 cycles were made at those manufactories. The land, buildings, and plaut in use in 1895-96 were estimated to be worth about £24,000 as against about £6000 in 1891. The impudent robbery of a large sum of money from a boarding-house in Courtenayplace early in the present month was investigated at the Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon, when John Dalton, alias Shortall, attasM'Gregor, appeared to answer a charge' of having, on the 4th instant, stolen £72 iv money and articles valued at £4, the property of Henry Thompson. Mr. T. M. Wilford defended the accused. Henry Thompson deposed that when he lived in Ghuznee-street he had shown accused his box and its contents, including 58 sovereigns and £14 in bank notes. Had seen the box last on the morning of 4th May, and in the evening it had disappeared. It was quite possible that he had told other wharf labourers that he had money in his box. Had not seen accused for six weeks, and witness did not think he knew that he had removed to Courtenay-place. Accused , had advised him to bank his money, and he wished he had done so. Had told accused that he had banked the money, but that was a trick- to deceive him. Mrs. A. M'Carthy, residing at Kilbirnie, stated that on 4th •May she and her son and a young lady were proceeding to Kilbirnie about 10.30 p.m., and at the reserve at Pirie-street a noise like a box or case being thrown into the reserve had been heard. Shortly afterwards a man came in view walking in the direction of the town. Accused was the same style of taan as the man they had seen. His general appearance was similar. Eugene M'Carihy, the son of the last witness, gave evidence corroborating this. He had afterwards identified accused as the man he had met on the road. At this stage the case was adjourned till Friday next. _, According to a recent report of the Inspector - General of Schools, the average attendance of scholars in the Wanganui district is lower, with but four exceptions, than in any of the 13 educational districts in New Zealand, no less than one pupil in every five being absent daily. The - strange part of it is that it is not the small schools or schools in the bush districts, where children have to travel many miles in all sorts of weather on rough and unmetalled country roads, that show the lowest average attendance. On the contrary, the greatest leakage is in the larger schools in the district. In urging the appointment of truant Inspectors by the Education Board, the Herald approves the suggestion that the police should be employed for the purpose, believing that their efforts in compelling truant children to attend school would be far more successful than would be the case were an ordinary individual employed, as the sight of a man in blue would strike terror to the guilty conscience of a child straying from school. Were the police employed, it says, our education system would for the first time become really compulsory, the benefits of our education would be extended to those neglected children who are the most in need of it, and a wholesome check would be placed on the manufacture of " larrikins." The Blackball Company has received notice that the Pareora, with the first shipment of Blackball coal, which was expected to arrive here on Monday, has been unexpectedly delayed till Wednesday. At the annual meeting of the No. 3 Cooperative Building Society, held last evening, the report and balance-sheet were presented, showing a successful year's opera- j tions. Altogether £1300 was appropriated in loans, which are being re-paid with commendable promptitude, and the profit on the year's working was £27 11s 2d. The report and balance-sheet were adopted on the motion of the Chairman, Mr. R. Fletoher. Mr. C. E. Chitty was re-elected one of the auditors of the society, and Messrs. Whitehouse and Browne were reappointed directors. Mr. Martin was elected in place of Mr. Fletcher, who did not desire re-appointment, but received a vote of thanks for his services. A similar vote was passed to the other directors and the officers of the society. While recognising the value of home lessons, the Taranaki Education Board has passed a resolution enjoining its teachers to exercise extreme care in giving these lessons, and avoiding excessive home work. The Board, for instance, disapproves of long arithmetical problems and other work requiring much mental strain, and insists that home lessons should be given with the object of fixing instruction already imparted and thoroughly understood by pupils, and in no case as a punishment or in lieu of work that should have been done in school. Greymouth has decided to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with a gala week, with a variety of diversions, including a carnival with fancy dresses and masks at the State School, a fancy fair, processions, games, a mock coronation, and the whole to wind up with a fancy dress ball. The proceeds are to be devoted to building a jving to the hospital for the better accommodation of old men. A strong argument for a railway, says the Poverty Bay Herald (Gisborne) of Friday last, is the fact that pver a week has passed since there was a boat from the North. Owing to the delay of the Anglian, ten days elapse between the despatch of the hst and the next Southern mails. The Queen of Portugal is a notable zealot in medical studies, and consequently takes a great interest in all new discoveries bearing upon the art of healing. She has occupied herself of late with tbe Rontgen rays, and her Court ladies have served her as subjects for her practical experiments. The sight of their own skeletons.pholographed by aid of the rays, according to a story iv a Berlin contemporary, has produced an unexpected revolution in the fashions of the Court. The ladies were terrified when they perceived the actual results of tight lacing upon the natural configuration of the ribs. So they havo declared war Jlgainst the corset, resolving to take the Venus of Milo for their model in future. We (Westminster) have very strong doubts, however, whether in a tight between science and fashion science would come off as conqueror. Dr. William Morton, of New York, has completed a single negative, by means of the Rontgen rays, of the photograph of a woman sft 4in in height. The negative, which is 6ft long and 3ft in width, shows clearly and sharply the skeleton and joints, and not only indicates the flesh and outline of the woman's form, but the rings she was wearing, the hairpins in her liair, the way tho hair was coiled on her head, and the organs of the body and the articles of clothing she had on and their texture. The photograph required an exposure of half-an-hour The film was stretched upon a board covered with three layers of black paper, and the woman, Who was fully clothed, was laid flat upon her back on the board. A Crookes tube, suspended 4ft 6in above her, was used, with an induction current. The photograph is a marked success, and is the first of its size and character ever produced in one piece. Steps are being taken to have John Douglaj, ths alleged defaulting Auckland land agent, declared a bankrupt. In another column we publish the programme of the open-air concert which the Foresters' Brass Band intends to give in the grounds of the Wellington Hospital tomorrow afternoon, at 2.30.

A meeting of the Melrose Borough Council w.is called for noon to-day, for the purpose of confirming thej rates, but the business was adjourned till the 25th inbt. At a meeting held last evening, it was decided that, in addition to the public reception, Archbishop Redwood, on his return, will be entertained by the Catholics of the city at a.converiazione. Mr D D. Hyde, of Wellington, has been appointed judge of canaries at the annual show of the New Zealand Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association in Auckland. At a meeting of the Musical Committee of the Caledonian Society last night, the arrangements for the society's 12th concert were considered, and an offer of the services of the Garrison Band was accepted with thanks The coming concert promises to be exceptionally successful. Madame Cope's second popular concert is announced for Wednesday next. The success of the first promises well for those to follow. Mr. Hunter-Brown, a classical banjoist, will make his first appearance to a Wellington audience. Miss Hall will repeat, by request, the Vivandiere song, and Miss Burnett, who created so favourable an impression in the "Marii ana "trio, will sing a solo. Seats should be reserved early to save the disappointment late-comers experienced last Wednesday. Messrs. Harcourt & Co. wall on Tuesday next hold an important auction sale of real estate, when a block of building 1 land, containing over 2£ acres, will be sold. This large area lies ljetween Tasman-street and Adelaide-road, and adjoins tho section nowused as a Chinaman's garden, which was sold a few weeks ago by the same firm at .812 5s and .£l3 15s per foot frontage. This block, like the Chinaman's garden, has been withheld from sole by special circumstances, but the lease to the Tramway Company having now terminated, the land has become available for immediate occupation. The land is distant only a few minutes' walk from tho Basin Reserve, and when it and the abovementioned garden area aro opened up they will provide a large residential block in a popular and accessible neighbourhood — a much needed addition to the available house accommodation in this city. The land will be offered in one block, and if not sold thus will be afterwards sold in sections. Following this, a valuable estate of 24£ acres at Karori, with dwelling and numerous outbuildings, will be sold. This property is woll-known as formerly Mr. C, C. Graham's. In its present state it is a very attractive country residence and small farm; and it offers Bpecial prospects of future profit by its suitability for subdivision, situated as it is at the corner of the main road and the Pork Vale-road. A property of 1 acre of freehold land at Palmerston North, with two nearly new houses thereon, will also be sold. This block brings in a good return, the houses being well let at 8s per weok eaoh. Messrs. A. G. Tame & Co. advertise their stock sale at the Upper Hutt on Wednesday next. They also sell, on the same date, on the premises, Upper Hutt, the butchery business of Mr. E. Butler, together with shop, slaughter-yards, land, and plant, the whole as a going concern. The firm advertise, further, that they have a number of businesses for sale, and have also several openings for parties desirous of entering into partnerships. Messrs. J. H. Bothune & Co. announce •that they will sell by public auction, absolutely without reserve, at their rooms, Featherston-streefc, on Thursday next, at 2 p.m., a large and most varied collection of superior household and office furniture, particulars of which are given in our advertising columns. These should attract the special attention of those furnishing either dwelling-houses or offices to this unreserved sale. Owing to the large demand for last week's New Zealand Graphic, containing special pictures of the Hawkes Bay Floods, several editions were rapidly exhausted. This week's number contains, in addition to last week's flood illustrations, a large number of new ones. Messrs. A. G.JTaine & Co. advertise particulars of their sale of furniture, &c, at Eosina-terrace, on Tuesday at 1.30 p.m. They also insert particulars of their sale of furniture at Caf6 Eoyale, Willis-street (which bas been seized by the bailiff for rent), on Tuesday at 11 o'clock sharp. Two valuable testimonials of interest to all who suffer from coughs, colds, bronchitis, &c, may be seen on page 3. Intending competitors in the elocutionally contest, to be held in tbe Choral Hall on Friday, 21st, are reminded by advertisement that they must send their names to Mr. G. Petberick oh or before Monday next, 17th. The first prize is a gold medal and the second a silver medal. At St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral to-morrow tho services will be conducted as advertised. The order of services at St. Peter's Church for to-morrow is advertised. The anniversary services in connection with St. John's Presbyterian Church Sunday Schools to-morrow -will be conducted in the morning at 11 by the Rev. J. Paterson, afternoon at 3by the Eev. C Dallas ton, and evening at 6.30 by the Rev J Paterßon. On Tuesday, 18th May, the cantata" Esther, the Beautiful Queen " will be rendered. At the Terrace Congregational Church tomorrow, the Bervices will be conducted by the Eev. J E Glasson. At the Courtenayplace Church the services will be conducted by the Eev. W A. Evans at the morning service and by Mr. Eouth in the evening. The Revs. A. C. Lawry and J. T Nott will preach in Wesley Church, Taranaki-street, to-morrow morning 1 and evening. The services at Mblesworth-streot will be conducted by the Eevs. J. T. Nott and T. F, Jones, who will preach a sermon fa young men, and at Trinity Church, Newtown, by the Revs. T. F. Jones and A. C. Lawry. At the Vivian-street Baptist Church tomorrow the Eev. C. Dallaston will preach in the morning and evening. Morning subject, "The Seven Churches of Asia," ervening, " Ecce Homo." Mr A. F. Turner will prench at tho Church of Christ, Dixon-street, to-morrow evening 1 . The preachers at the various Primitive Methodist Churches to-morrow are—Sydneystreet, Eevs. T. A. Pybus and Or. H. Mann ; Webb-street, Keys. J . H. Mann and J. Dawson ; Newtown, Revs. J. Daw&on and T. A. Pybus. The Eev. Mr. Neave, f rom Eiverton South, Otago, will officiate to-morrow at St. Andrew's Chnrch, Terrace. The Eev. P. H. Spencer, of the Evangelical Church of England, will conduct services to-morrow morning and evening in the Oddfellow*' Hall, Lambton-quay. Addresses will bo drtivered to-morrow •vening in the Gospel Hall, Herbert-street. The first anniversary of the Helping Hand Mission will be celebrated to-morrow and Wednesday next. The services to-morrow will be conducted in the morning by the Eev H. B. Bedstone, at 11 o'clock. In the afternoon a special P.S.A. meeting will be held, consisting of sacred aougs, bolob, readings, recitations, and a special addrass by Pastor A. F Turner. In tho evening, at G. 45, Mr. E. Crabb will deliver an address entitled "F.our P.'s, or Who is to Blamo ? " and at 8 o'clock, after the usn^[ Church services, the Eev. H. Dawgon, recently from Christchurch, is _ advertised to deliver a speoial address suitablo to the occasion. On Wednesday a grand social will be held, in which leading city talent will tako part. That wonderful material flannelette is more in evidence than over this season. There is apparently no end to the variety and novelty of the patterns and dosigns which each succeeding scaspn brings out. For the coining winter a. bewildering display of lovely fabrics has been imported by James Smith and Co., whoso faith in the popularity of the material may bo gauged by tho fact that thoy alono have already opened up for this winter's trade nearly 200,000 yards of flanneletto of all kindfi, which thoy are now showing at that woll-known emporium, Te Aro House. Chiefly should attention be attracted to the lovely exhibition of blouse flannelettes. On viewing the dolicato blending of colours, the intricato and artistic patterns, and tho beautifully-finished texture of these materials, it is difficult to believe that thoy really Can be flannelettes, to be purchased for a few penco per yard. Striped, plain, reversible, tweed, sealetto, pino pattern, tartan, Trilby, and a thousand and one other varieties are now being; Bhown nt T« Aro House.— Advt.