TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10654, 15 May 1895, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Contents. —The Hon J. G. Ward has accepted the invitation of the Government of Canada to visit the Dominion. According to a cable message he will arrive in New Zealand on July 7. An interesting point has been decided by tho House of Commono. Viscount Wolmer, son of the late Earl of Selborne, objected to relinquish his seat foe one ia the House of Lords. The House of Commons, however, has decided that Viscount Wolmer has now become a peer, whether he chooses to accept the position or not, and is therefore debarred from occupying a seat in the Lower Chamber. A request made by Canada to Great Britain for a grant of a million pounds towards defraying the cost of federation with Newfoundland has been refused, and it ia now stated that tho prospects of federation are almost hopeless. In consequence of the projected issue of a great Chinese loan the Sydney silver market is very active, and a sharp advance was recorded yesterday. The “Canterbury Times.” —The mail edition of the Canterbury Times is published this morning, end may be obtained from all agents, for transmission by the San Francisco mail. The number is a very attractive one, containing, besides the usual unrivalled collection of reading matter, another of the aeries of sketches with camera and pen in the South Pacific entitled “ Summer Isles of Eden.” Tho Canterbury Times is unequalled as a medium of conveying the news of the colony to friends beyond the sea.

Meetings.— The following meetings take place to-day s—Selwyn County Council iO.SO a.m.; City Council, noon; Market Gardeners and Fruiterers, A 1 Hotel, 7.30 p.m.; Lyceum, masting of members, 8 p.m.

The Currency Question.—Mr Clark, secretary of the Dunedin Social Democratic League, but formerly a resident of Christchurch, ia on a visit to this town with tho object of giving an address on the currency question, in which he will take up a position antagonistic to the appreciation of currency generally. Lihwood Borough Council. — A special meeting of the Linwood Borough Council was to have been held last evening to determine claims and objections to tho burgess roll. Tho meeting lapsed for want of a quorum, and was adjourned till Friday evening at 7.30. Those present were—the Mayor, Councillors Pentecost, Joseph Taylor and John Taylor.

A Runaway. —On Sunday last a-,horse attached to a vehicle belonging to Mr E. Evans, Kaiapoi, was standing in front of the Wesleyan parsonage, when something startled the horse and it bolted towards its home. Galloping across the girder bridge, the trap collided with one side of the bridge and wrenched one of the wheels off, leaving it on the bridge. Tho horse continued its homeward journey with part of tho trap, aad was finally secured at its owner’s farm.

Implement Tbiai.—A trial of Messrs P. and D. Duncan’s improved cultivator was held at Hororata on Friday. The trial took place in a paddock belonging to Mr John Duncan, one part of which was infested with twitch, and another was very atony and hard. The implement did its work most effectively, and where it had cross-ploughed the land the soil was loosened and the twitch thoroughly rooted up. There was a large attendance of neighbouring farmers, and tho highest opinion of the grabber was expressed.

Industeial Exhibition at Lbeston.— An industrial exhibition arranged by the Leesfcoa Wesleyan Sunday-school was hold ia the Town Hull on Thursday, Friday and Monday. The whole of the arrangements were in the bands of a committee of ladies, consisting of Misses L. Barnett, JLongstaS, D. Barker, L. Hills end J. Harper, Misoaa Barnett and Losgstafi acting as secretaries. The exhibition was divided into sections for children under twelve, children under sixteen, and adults, and included cooking, needlework, woodwork, drawing, composition and spelling classes. Tho various classes were well filled, and the exhibits displayed wore exceedingly creditable. Several handsome prizes had been given by friends, and where there waa no spscial prize, order of merit cards were awarded. The exhibition was very well arranged and carried out by the ladies, and was instructive as well as interesting. During tho evenings good musical programmes were provided. MASONic.—Tho regular meeting of St Augustine Lodge, No. 4, was held last evening ia the hall, 3’slanchester Street. In tho course of the proceedings, the Immediate Past Master, W. Bro W. J. Hawley, waa presented with a Past Master’s jewel, in recognition of his services to the Lodge during his year of office, Tho presentation was made, on behalf of the Lodge, by P.M. Bro Charles Hull, who spoke of the esteem ia which Pro Hawley was held, and wished him “ all good things.” Tho presentation, which was aa utter surprise to the recipient,'hia term of office having expired in January, was feelingly acknowledged. Tho jewel, an exceedingly handsome specimen of the gcldntaitbs’ art, which had been specially designed and manufactured by Messrs Coates and Go., bora oa its reverse a suitable inscription, and on tbs ribbon the monogram of the reeijoisut, worked in gold. The announcement waa made that ia tho course of a few weeks it was intended to give a grand Masonic concert, which tbs general public would have tho opportunity of attending. Peihitive Methodist Ceuech. —The anniversary tca-m acting iu connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, Cambridge Terrace, waa held last evening, when thero was a good attendance. The following ladies presided at the tables Mesdamea Suck, Wright, Edwards, Meld, Chapman, Hulston, Chaplin, Bunt, Harrs, Isrselsen, Brooker, Miilns, Robinson, M’Lellau, Lomas, Cambridge, Wood and Dawson, Misses Kuck, Wright, Meld, laraelsen, Wood, Cragg, L. and B. Coombridge. Ac the public meeting held afterwards the church was crowded. The chair was occupied by Mr T. E. Toneyclilio. The Kev J. Dawson reviewed the work of tho past year. He stated that the church membership had increased, and referred to the good work done by the choir, the Mutual ImprovementScciety,tha Christian Endeavour Society and the Baud of Hope. The balance-sheet showed receipts—Trust fund, £231 12s 8d; receipts for ail purposes, £470. The 'on ru of £l5O had been paid off the debt on the church during the year. Thero waa a balance in hand oa the trust fund account of £2 4a 6d. Addie-ises were also delivered by Mr T. E, Toaeycliffe, Brigadier Hoakmg (Salvation Army), ißevs.K. Erwin a»3 C, C. Penny.

Acknowledgment.— The matron of tho hospital desires to acknowledge the receipt from Miss Cunningham of books for the children’s library. Kandbville and Rsngioba Road Board. —At a naeeiicg of toe Board held on Friday Mr G. Wallace was re-elected chairman. A ballot was taken to decide as to which of the members should retire at the end of tho year, and the names of Messrs Wallace and Stalker were drawn.

Sunday Trading.— Last Sunday evening a number of young meu visited several hotels in the city in order, if possible, to detect the licensees in Sunday trading. It is stated that they bad very little difficulty iu procuring liquor at some of the hotels, aud it ia understood that informations have been laid against the licensees of eleven housoc.'

St John’s .Literary Association. The usual weekly meeting was heid on Monday evening. About sixty members were present, and the chair was occupied by the Rev H. C. M. Watson, Five new members were elected. The editor and her assistant then road tho “Journal,” which proved very interesting and amusing. Arrangements were made' for the mock Parliament to be held shortly, and the meeting terminated in the usual manner.

Christchurch Parliamentary Assembly.—A meeting of the executive was held on Monday evening at the City Hotel, Messrs Swann and Hornsby reported that they had, in accordance with a resolution, waited on tho Hon C. C. Bowen, who bad consented to act as Governor on the opening night, June 5. It was decided to call the members together by advertisement for the opening night, in order to arrange all preliminaries. One new member was elected. It was ?»golv»< to forward a letter of thanks to tho Hon W. P. Reeves for having secured the use of the Provincial Chamber for the Assembly. Oddfbllowship.-— The Loyal Addington Lodge, No. 6544, held its fortnightly meeting on Monday. Sick business and correspondence ware dealt with. One candidate w»b proposed for membership and one brother whs granted a clearance to the Royal Rangiora Lodge. Several members of the Loyal Norwich. Volunteer, Benevolent and Christchurch Lodges, and the D.P.G.M., Pro Griffiths, of the Lyttelton District, were present. The usual business was gone through, after which the Lodge adjourned for harmony. Light refreshments ware handed round, and after a pleasant evening the Lodge was brought to a close by the N.G,

Mutual Improvement Society. —St Saviour’s Mutual Improvement Society held its weekly meeting in the form of a “ social ”on Monday evening. There was a large attendance of members and visitors. Songs were contributed by Mies A. Reeve, Messrs Hailey, Knott, Largo, Bullen and Bourdot; pianoforte solos by Misses Hughes and ilirtzel; recitations by Mrs Do L La Mare and Mr Large. Tbs Rev E. A, Scott gave some personal reminiscences of the West Const. Refreshments, provided by the members of the society, were handed round during the evening. The singing of the National Anthem brought a pleasant meeting to a close.

Bands of Hops,— A meeting of the Durham Street Wesleyan Church Band of Hope was held last evening. The Band of Hope has lately been resuscitated under an ene*rgatio committee of ladies aud gentlemen, and bids fair to become a thorough success.—The opening meeting of the Church of Christ Band of Hope was held on Monday evening, Mr Clark presiding. Thera was a very good attendance. A programme was gone through, consisting of recitations by Misses Hannam, Mitchell and Beattie, Master Crows and Mr Goring; songs by Messrs Wilkin, Crawley, Brocket!; and Mitchell j addresses by Messrs Wood and Crow®, and a concertina solo by Mr Wilkin. A scene, entitled " The Wanderer's Return,” w?.s well given by Messrs Brocket!: (3), Pogson aad J. Beattie.

Poiltical. ■!—On Monday evening Mr Meredith, M.&.R. for Ashler, addressed the electors the Oddi'ellAws’ Hall R.’t Amberley. The chair waa occupied by Mr W, S. Smith. In his address Mr Meredith dealt wish the work of lacc session, the nature of the loan conversion, and the Advances to Settlers Act; and suggested as means of relieving the unemployed! the developing of dairy industries aad the encouragement of local manufactures. A vote of thanks to Mr Meredith, moved by Mr Ralph Worr.all and seconded by Mr Richard Woracll, closedthe'meeting.—Mr D. Bnddo, M.H.S. for llaiypci, addressed a meeting of his constituents in the Oddfellows’ Hall at Woodend on Monday night. There waa a good attendance, and Mr J. G. S. Wiueloe was voted to the chair. At the conclusion of the address a number of Questions were put and answered eaticfactorily. A hearly vote of thanks was accorded Mr Buddo for his address. Women’s Political Association.— At the usual weekly meeting of the Women’s Political Association held last weak, at the Temperance Hall, Gloucester Street, there was a very large attendance. The Lady President occupied the choir. It was resolved that the association should join with the Liberal organisations in Christchurch in inviting the Premier to deliver an address ia this city and in contributing towards the expense. The Lady Secretary waa instructed to. press upon the attention of tho Government the necessity for the adoption of the strongest measures to prevent the immigration of Chinese and other Asiatics. It was resolved—“ That the attention of the Government be called to the infectious nature of consumption or tuberculosis, and to the largo number of people coming to the colony suffering from each complaints, with a view to action of a repressive nature bsing taken.” The delegates of tho Association in connection with tho efforts being put forward to obtain a searching inquiry into all matters connected with the management of the hospital having reported, the course they had taken was approved. The subject for discussion at next meeting having been agreed upon., the meeting terminated.

Insurers’ Protection Association.— The monthly meeting of the committee of she Canterbury insurers’ Protection Association waa held yesterday. The President (Mr Wm. Reese) occupied tho chair. A considerable amount oi business was transacted, and twenty-seven new mem-

hers were elecie). Ib was intimated that the amount; of business transact* d reached J5G7,465, and that a largo amount of business was now under negotiafcion. Correspondence was road from several districts seeking information. It was decided to recommend that they should form their own Associations and affiliate with the Canterbury Association. Subscriptions were reported to bo coming ia in a very satisfactory manner. The Secretary stated that ho bad been informed that the Underwriters’ Association was engaged in the preparation of a new tariff, which it was intended to submit to the insurance companies on or about June 3. The opinion was expressed that it would gave a great ceal of future misunderstanding if the Insurers’ Association was consulted as to tihe formation of a new tariff, as none could be accepted unless considered fair to all the members of the Association, After arranging several matters tending to strengthen the Association, the meeting closed. A Teak Ahead or this Times.—-Wa aro now fitting to “Rapids” ail 1595 Stanley Show improvements,aataoiy, large tubing and chain wheels, detachable gear, narrow tread, swing chain adjustment and patent head-lock; huielied fcecond to none. Write for catalogue. Waller, Mybro and Co., 48, Manchester afreet. —[Advt.] Geacious!— Have you seen 0. H. Mamikig’ti m-otty unci new display oi I holographic Work jnr.t r.ddod at Studio ? If not, lose no time in doing so. His Indian and Australian experience in the Art shows to what perfection it can be brought. Patronised by Royalty and Vice-Royalty. Studio, 150, Colombo Street. XI3IO Stasjdish a;;» Purccr, photographers by special appointment to bis Excellency the Governor and tiie Countess ot Glatvow, Studio, High Street.— LA DVT, i Tima ravraants—2s (M per week, 23 Ca per week, 157 Sections, quarter and half-acres, riie favourite place for nicnxcß at Now Brighton North. Trams nine times daily. To be sold cheap. Small deposit, balance 2s Gd weekly; no interest charged. Plan to be seen and all information,at W. Thomson’s,. •152, Colombo Street,-[Ajm.} ' ■

Tee Opera House.— The Tivoli Speciality Company, which has just concluded a season iu Dunediu, opens at the Opera House on Friday evening.

New Brighton Tramway Company.— The annual meeting of the New Brighton Tramway Company will be held at Hobbs’s Buildings on May 28, at 11 a.m. Magisterial. — At the Christchurch Magiai.rat'-’a Court yesterday no civil business was transacted. A largo uumbsr of oases will be disposed of to-morrow. Supreme Court.—A communication baa been received from Wellington to the effect that hia Honor Mr Justice Dannistoa m iy be expected to return to Christchurch early next week. Avon Refuge. —A meeting of the committee of the Avon Rcfuae waa held yesterday afternoon, hia Honor Judge Ward presiding. It waa decided to open the Refuge on Juno 1.

Personal. —Mr W. Lawson, sou of Sir Wilfred Lawson, the well-known champion of tbs temperance cause ia the House of Commons, is at present on a vii-it to Canterbury, He is travelling in search of health.

Musical Union Concert.— The final rehearsal for the Musical Union concert, which takes place at the Opera House tomorrow evening, will ba held in the Durham Street Wesleyan Schoolroom this evening, commencing at 7.30.

Warning to Cyclists.— Yesterday a gentleman left a pneumatic-tyred machine outside the Public Library, and, upon returning to taka it uwr.y, found that it had disappeared. A reward for its recovery is advertised in another column. Church History,— Lost evening the Rev A. W.Averill, vicar of Sc Michael’s, gave the first of a series of four lectures on “Tha history of the Church of England.” There waa a good attendance, and the lecture was illustrated by limelight views exhibited by Mr E. W. Sanger. Entertainment. —An entertainment will he given in St John’s Sunday School on Friday next. The first part will comprise musical itoms, vocal and instrumentftl, and the second part will be an address by the Bishop of Christchurch. A collection will be made ia aid of the Sunday School funds. Land Sale at Kaiapoi.— Mr T. Pashby’a well-known farm of 175 acres neat Kaiapoi, comprising some of tho richest land in Canterbury, is to bo soldiu emalhfarms by auction on May 30. This property was offered to tha Government for settlement purposes, but it is understood that ©ejection was taken to tha price asked.

Christchurch Presbytery. The, Christchurch Presbytery held an. ordinary meeting yesterday, whan the principal business was a decision to divide the Sefton district. Ashley and Lobar a ara to be added to the Eaugiora charge, and Ssftou, Mouat Grey Downs, Leitbiiold and Amberley constituted a separate charge.

The G curl ay-Stokes Company.—Mr William Gourlay, who opsno with his company at the Theatre Royal on Monday, conns with a good reputation aa a low comedian, and his coatsr songs and eccentric dancing have been accorded high praise. Hia corkscrew dance, which is a speciality of bis own, is said to be ® xtremely good. Mr Gourlay introduces ? *t ia a scene in Bevels.

Evangelistic Address. —On Sunday evening Mr W, Toshach, who ia about to proceed to Tasmania to carry on a Presbyterian mission at Latrobe, gave an evangelistic address at the Rangiora Institute' Eall. He received attentive hearing from sn audience numbering about a hundred and fifty, his address being of an earnest character. The sisgiug was led by Mr T. Withers, pianict.

Rangiora Borough Reserve.— A special committee of the Rangiora Borough Council on Monday arranged with Mr Murdock, tha lessee of tha borough reserve, for an extension of hia lease from Sept. 1 to April 15, 1895, &3 value for the buildings he has erected on tha property, and which the Council was to tsks over at a valuation on the expiration of the lease in August. The value of the buildings was estimated at from -8160 to .£l7O.

Sydenham Wesleyan Church, — A sale of Japanese work for the benefit of the Sydenham Wesleyan Church will take place in tho Sunday-school room this and to-morrcw evenings. To-aight the sale will be opened by Mr G. J- Smith, M.H.R., at 7.30. Tha stalls have been' fitted up to represent a street in Tofcio, Japan, and a large selection of useful and ornaments! goods wiil be offered for sale.. The attendants will ba attired in Japanese costumes.

The Gunabd Family.— The audience at the Ooara House last night was evidently well pleased with the very attractive entertainment given by the Canard family. Miss Helen Gordon gained encores for her admirable singing, and similar compliments ware paid to the mandolin and b*njo cuets of Miss Gordon atio. Professor Canard, the latter artist’s waltz played on the baajo and tho songs or tho " Two Migaonnea.” Pvofoasor Canard’s prestidigitation was elao much appreciated, and the highly-effcctiva trunk trick was especially popular. Tea Canard family will appear to-night for the last time during the present season.

Ths City Bate Collector.— On Monday the city authorities discovered, as the result, primarily, of an investigation of the list of defaulting ratepayers, that there wan a. shortage in the accounts of the rate collector (Mr 3. Heard). The Mayor suspended him, brought tho matter before tho Finance Committee, and obtained the opinion of tho city solicitor (Mr V?. P. CowHshaw). who advised him to lay an information. Eia Worship, however, decided not to do so without consulting the Council, and, accordingly, a special meeting was held at 4 p.ta. yesterday, when the Mayor’s fiction was approved and a coo ran o£ action decided upon. After the meeting bin Worship resolved to place the affair in the bauds of tho city solicitor. It is understood that, the deficiencies discovered so far amount to upwards of £l6O, end that they extend over a period of about tcu montho.

Timber Sale. —The annual sale of timber at Little River was held yesterday by Messrs H. Matron and Co. oa account of Messrs Wood and Laurie. Though tho excursion train did not carry many passengers from Christchurch there was a large attendance at tlio sale, about throe hundred, including buyers from all parts of Canterbury/ being present at the luncheon and remaining throughout toe proceedings. The sales comprised 195,000 feet of timber, 2000 pests and a large quantity of firewood, sad the 372 lots were disposed of in three minutes less than three hours. Tho demand wao very keou, partly' bscauce of anticipated activity in the building trade and partly owing to the supply of timber year by year becoming le--s. ' The rale, therefore, was most successful; totaca sold as high as 15s Gd por 100 fact. It is worthy of mention that of the eleven annual sv.les that have been hold, all have been favoured with fine weather.

Pafahtji Farmers’ Club.—A meeting of the members of this club was held last evening in tho Papaaui Library. There was a fair attendance, and Mr E. J. Detroit wi-,3 voted to tho chair. The minutes of the previous meeting agreeing to tho dissolution of the club were read and confirmed. The honorary Treasurer, Mr F. Dalahunt, rsad a statement of the club’s financial position, which was adopted, showing th«t all tho liabilities of the club had been p>dd off. leaving a small credit balance in baud. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Donald, seconded by Mr Kettle—“ That the balauoo be divided amongst the members present.” A vote of thanka was passed to ail tho past officers of the club. Great regret was expressed by the Ghuirrarrn of tho dub that it was necessary to wind rip owing to the apathy chown by she lurmoio in tho ci.riricv. 1:; was decided that Mr Donald should bo requested to take charge of the books and property of the club. The meeting concluded’ with a vote of thanks to the ;Cbairmßa, '

A HUMOUR. The Post give« currency to a rumour that the New Zealand Estates Company has approached IViuiietera with a proposal to Itgiiliaa a great lottery for the purpose of disposing of *0760,000 worth of the assets of too Company. The Post adds that though the necessary Bill will pro-b-.bly be introduced privately. Ministers are inclined to look not uni'avourably oa the scheme. Similar lotteries have recently been organised in Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria, though not on such a scale. ANTI-TOXIN. The Wellington, .branch of the Medical Association has pasted o, vote of thanks to the Government for its forethought _in introducing a supply of sati-tozin which came Just in time vo meet an outbreak of diphtheria at tb.o Huts and Pet-one. The doctors say that it has already been the meane of saving several lives which otherwise would aimcsli certainly have been lost. UNMARRIED. UNEMPLOYED. _ The Premier has received a petition ! from ono hundred and four unmarried mxemployed of Auckland, protesting against the*preference shown married men by the Labour Bureau. A FOOLISH AMUSEMENT, The youth of Now Plymouth tried a new and eseiuing but dangerous game recently. While there was a crowd on the beach & man, dressed iu what looked like a prison garb, w&x seen hurrying ahead of another person dressed in imitation of a warder. The game was made very realistic when a third* party raised a rifle and took a pot shot with blank cartridge, at the supposed prisoner, who carried out his part by falling down as if shot. A HEAVY THUNDEESTOEM. Tha thunderstorm of Friday evening was very heavy on the Peninsula. It was felt most on the eastern side, where tha storm was almost immediately overhead. There were terrible showers of hail, and the hills beyond a certain height were covered with hail end snow, whilst on some parts of the lower laud the hail lay thick. Tha e.s. Jana Douglas had a very bad time of it, as it wag so dark she could not ess the light whan off Akaroa Heads, and was delayed aome hours, being uncertain of her position. The hail covered; hor docks to the depth of several inches,; and absolutely removed the paint from the funnel and other parts of the vessel.

A DANGEROUS POSITION. The Waikawa correspondent of the,. Southland Times reports that a large.' steamer was observed close in shore during] a dense fog Inst •••Thursday night; so closethat the voices of those on deck could be, plainly heard, ss if in eager conversation, ) and the electric lights showed plainly from her port-holes. Had she touched the MokiKoef another Wairaiapa cataatrophe would, have occurred, as the breakers would have ■ crushed any boat that aighfc. A STRANGE FIND. A South Australian correspondent writes from the Hundred of Fox, in the SouthEast, as. follows “ One night last week, prior to retiring for the night, my wife and' child went into our sitting-room. Ab the] child was reading a hissing noise was heard,, which was thought to be a cat spitting, hut in a minute or two the sound was repeated, and upon a search being made with a candle the child saw a snake coiled round the look and key of the front door which, of course, was closed. As my wife was, working a sewing-machine in tha room during the afternoon, we think the noise’; must have attracted the reptile from out-y side. Ab coon as I was apprised-'of the] die covery I despatched the snake. Thai reptiles are very numerous in this district,” WOMEN AS ODDFELLOWS, At Wellington a few evenings' ago a meeting of tha Independent Order of Oddfellows was held to consider tbo question, of establishing a branch for'women. Bro H. J. Williams, P.G.S. of Australasia, delivered an address explaining the aims ; and objects of the Eebskah degree for womeo, and pointed oat that the degree," cow numbers in America 202,444 members,; and that a sum of over ABO,OOO was dis--tvibuted last year in relief. The objects, of the degree were, he said, mainly to provide benefits in the shape of .insurance in case of sickness or do-.th. for women who had to support themselves. On the motion of Bro Crichton, it wss unanimously resolved to form a branch of the Biebek&a. degree, to ask for a charter at once upon a guarantee ■of thirty names being obtained, and that Bro H, J. Williams be nominated as the first Noble Grand. Mora than thirty names were handed ia during tha meeting, 00 that a charter will be! applied for immediately. IS A BRITISH COLONY A M THIRD POWER?” _ A paragraph baa appeared ia the London papers to tho effect that an Agent-General of one of the Australasian colonies having requested the Imperial Government to give a definite statement as to whether a British colony which has formed treaties with a foreign Power constitutes a “Third Power,” a reply has been given to the effect that such is not the case. A British colony, it was pointed out, forms an integral part of the British Empire, and ia hound uu within the British Constitution. It therefore follows, as a consequence, that should an agreement be come to for tho establishment of a preferential fiscal arrangement between the colonies within the British Empire a foreign State could not claim equal privileges with the colonies concerned. CAUSE OP HOSPITAL SCANDAL. In a letter published in the Auckland Herald of recent date, Dr E. H. Bakewell says The Auckland and Christchurch Hospitals have both, for many years, been remarkable for the perpetual succession of scandals and disturbances, of changes of administration, and of dissatisfaction on the part of tho public in connection with thorn. I have read much and heard much, about' these two hospitals, but I have never yet seen any article or latter which touched on the root of. the mattor. I therefore venture, as one who has been for many years a hospital official, both in England, in other colonies, and in New Zealand, to lift tho veil, end expose the real causes of all this turmoil.” After explaining at considerable length tha rule and practice regarding hospital appointments in England, and condemning the New Zealand practice of appointing general medical’practitioners to be hospital surgeons, Dr Bskewell makes tho following serious allegations :—" In this colony, the system of appointing men by personal favoixr snd interest, without any regard to their professional qualifications, attainments, or experience, has produced the most disastrous consequences, I have seen but little of the operations practised hero, because the surgeons carefully avoid inviting or even encouraging the presence of surgeons who are not 011 tha staff, but I have seen such cases of sheer butchery as nearly made one sick. On one occasion I was present at an operation for ovariotomy, and left after eeeing the operators for half an hour trying to get at tho tumour. I have seen a whole staff egragiously wrongin their anatomy, and cutting downfor an organ that they could not find, simply because it nover was in tho place they were cutting. I have seen a case ot cancer, in which the surgeon had removed only part of the disease, the wound had consequently cover healed, and I was obliged to perform a far more extensive aud severe operation than would have bean required at first, if the whole diseaoed muss had bean removed. But I might tell of many other cases which have convinced ine that tho present ■ system of election, both to tho resident and viriting appointments, is radically wrong.” Ho suggests that all hospital appointments should be open for comp'jtitioa, and that examinations should he hold with a view to dismissing sli members of existing staffs who failed to show their competency. AMONG ICEBERGS. The ship Earaock, which arrived at WellmgtfW Jrw

an exciting timo among the icb. For sis days from April 11 she was almost entirely surrounded by icebergs, and at one etaga Captain Yates had to steer due north for twelve hours in order to obtain a'clear passage. It was estimated that tha vessel passed between eight hundred snd nine hundred bergs, some of them between two and three miles long and si? hundred feet high. She escaped without injury. , EABBITSKINB. The Department of Industries ia_ send* Ing & parcel of prepared rabbit-skins, to Canada, with the view of opening '.a market. It also hopes to begin a trade with Japan in the same article. HALF-A-CROWN. Just now in America the Yackea.A* raging over the prime of 1878, when silver was deprived of free coinage and legal tender. To-day wa ace taking the silver half-crown as weakly payments for strong second-hand ordinary Bicycles, ranging ju price from eight half-crowns. The line must be cleared.—Adams, Ourtiea and Co., 78, Manchester St, Christchurch. XI