SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Evening Star, Issue 13150, 5 January 1909, Page 1

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

CHRISTCHURCH, January 5. The following jeremiad is from the ' Temuka Leader':—"Assisted at the death of 1908. We too have had an election, and certain people screamed themselves hoarse by crying 'Liberal!' The honest truth is that there are no Liberals in New Zealand at the present lime. Liberalism died with the late Mr Seddon. There are humbugs who call themselves ' Liberals,' and fools who believe them; and it so happens that they are in the majority at the present time. But humbugs are always found out, and our political humbugs will be found out withm the next three years. Meantime we wish our readers a happy New Year." General satisfaction is expressed by local tramway conductors and motormcn with the action of the Tramway Board in appointing the latest ticket inspector from the ranks of their department. This principle was contended for in the recent trouble arising between the outdoor running staff and the Board. GISBORNE, January 5. Under the heading 'What Was It?' the 'Herald' states:—"lt is not often that the Gisborae Harbor is visited by 'sea serpents,' but yesterday afternon a weirdlooking marine monster was seen in the bay. While a wellrknown local gentleman was visiting his brother, the second mate of the Monowai, he noticed something resembling a rock about 300 yds off the steamer's starboard quarter. He drew his brother's attention to the object, and the officer at first glance thought it was a whale, but on bringing the glasses into operation discovered what he declared was I the. most peculiar monster he had ever I seen. The first mate also saw the object, and was of the same opinion. The portion of the monster which could be seen lumbering on the water was from 15ft to 20ft long. From - what could be seen of it, it appeared to be covered with inflated bladders, and had a very long snout, with large nostrils. It would remain on top of the water for about three minutes, and then disappear for ten minutes. Three times it came up, but on going down the third time it disappeared altogether."