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Hastings Standard, Issue 514, 31 December 1897, Page 2

To-day is a festive day for Scotchmen. It is the one day in the year in which they set business aside and devote themselves to the thorough enjoyment of " hogmany." "Whatis " hogmany some will ask. Well, it is a name given by Scotchmen to the last day of the year. Its meaning is variously explained. Some say it comes from horjtjH-iioff, a Scandinavian word for "killing-night," i.e., the eve of the feast. " Hagmena " is a North of England name for the last period of the year. The two evidently mean the same, but reduced to custom it would perhaps be more consistent to spell them both, "Whusky.-'' A GOOM <Lsal of alarm is being occasioned in various parts ci the world concerning the action of Russia in respect to China. The Standard can see no cause for alarm. The bounce and bluster of Russia is nothing new. It is a periodical growl from the "Bear." Great Britain holds the key to the situation, and whatever Russia, or France, or China may do, there is iio danger of war so long as Britain exercises diplomacy. It is amusing to read the ridiculous production® of Colonial alarmists when dealing with the subject-, Thkt have queer ideas of charity ia Victoria. As old va&n jiaisecl Gouds has

been sent to gaol by the South Melbourne bench because, in suffering from pai'alysis, he was utterly helpless. If this were done in New Zealand there would be an universal protest. But in Victoria they do things differently. If a man is without friends he is sent to gaol to find some.