TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXII, Issue 13603, 24 November 1904, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

At the usual monthly meeting of the Ashburton County, Council yesterday, Mr C. J. Harper was 1 re-elected chairman. ■' Mr J. M. Wilson, the American Socialist gave an open-air address in Ashburton, ;on Tuesday evening, to a fairly large audience. The Premier and Sir Joseph Ward left) Wellington by the Mararoa last -night for the Dunedin show, and the opening, c.f the Ida Valley to Ophir section of the Otago Central railway. Mr W. W. Smith lias presented the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association with a copy of his work on “Plants Naturalised in the County of Ashburton," and also a copy of Mr E. F. Wrights book on “Plant Diseases.” The Dune dial correspondent of tie “Lyttelton Times ” -telegraphs that Puller's Company, Fitzgerald’s Circus rajndi Stephenson's English Musical Comedy Company will give a combined show on the Caledonian Ground,; of which a burlesque cricket match' will ba a feature, on Saturday, in a-idi of tha Gertie Campion fund. ■ The Hon T. ¥. Duncan, Minister of Lands, returned to Dunedin yesterday from a visit to the Greenfield Estate,-' recently acquired for close settlement. He was highly pleased', with-the result of his inspection. Four surveyors are engaged laying off tbs property, which-the Government will tali# over on March 31. The Lincoln Road District- Fire Brigade had its first practice on- Tuesday evening in Superintendent HeUewell’s - paddock. During tbo evening the one-man manual exorcise was gone through, and some very good times were- pub up. The Brigade will in future meet fortnightly for practice it the station. After the practice! the' members were entertained at supper by the Superintendent. Yesterday the Mayor sent the following telegram to Mr Seddon in regard to the proposed International Exhibkioni;—“As I am anxious to push on with the exhibition, ah early reply to my letter of the 17f,h lust, will oblige.” Last, night Mr Gray received' tli® following telegram frram,tih© Premier The matter is now before Cabinet, and "I hope in the course of a few days to furnish you with full particulars." ‘ . At Nelson last night the rifle champion, Sergeant Ohing, and Colour-^rgeant;.lr-vine, who were individually welcomed _ots thoir return from the Bisley meeting, were given a public reception and congratulated. The Mayors of Nelson and Richmond, Colonel Wolfe and Major Hark ness, welcomed and congratulated the riflemon on their successes, and Sir Robert Stout also spoke. Sergeant Oiling and G o lour - S erg eaiit Irvin® were each presented with at rifle. A meeting of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held on Tuesday, Mr T. Harrison' presiding.. , L -It was decided to instruct supervisors at. the recent show to furnish reports in. all classes where protests bad been lodged. A protest lodged by Mr Digby . was digmissed as frivolous. The chairman reported that the recent show had resulted in a small loss, but there was a credit on the year’s working of £136 13s 6d. Accounts amounting to <£274 were passed f«P payment

A week’s mission, to begin early next month, is to be conducted in St Joseph s Catholic Church, Lyttelton, by a Beclemp-to-rist Father from Australia-. It would seem that blackbirds arc verv numerous in the Rangiora district. Mr'C. Leech stated at the meeting of the, Aehley County Local Bodies’ Association yesterday that one boy had brought him thirty-seven dozen eggs, and that about another twenty-five dozen were taken from the 'flax at his place. On Monday evening the Daxfkld Union Sunday School held the anniversary' teanieeting. The R;v J. Maxwell (chairman), W. J. Oxbrow and Fawcett were present, and contributedi to the programme. The .children sa-ngl several pieces, the prizes were distributed and Miss G. Brown, Mr Slewart, and Mr A. Hitchins contributed items. Tiro credit balance at the close of t-ne yeir amounted to £5 8s Bd. The chairman of the Aehley County Local Bodies' Association, a,t the meeting yesterday, stated that while Road Boards had power to sell or stop unused roads, they had no authority to let them or to sell tlio.-grass eeed growing on them. Ho thought, the law should be amended to give local bodies that authority. Mr D. Bitddo, who was'present, stated that ho believed power was conferred last session to ecll the grass seed on roads. ■ Tire ' twentieth annual festival of the Christchurch Diocesan Choral Association will take place at the Cathedral to-dtiy. The hours of service are 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and tihe Ven' Archdeacon Averillvwill preach the ’ annual termon at the evening service. Surpllced dhoits will assemble «s the marquee on.'the north side of the Cathedral at 2.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.. The unsurplic-ed’ portion of the choir will be admitted by Hie north and south doors, and must be in their places by 2.55 p.m. andl 6.50 p.m. Sea will be served in the Colosseum at 4.30 p.m. / A public meeting was held in the Halawell Schoolroom m Monday night to! consider ;■ the desirableneßs of establishing a school-bath. There was a large attendance, and Mr F. W. Quaife, chairman of the School Committee, - presided. After some discussion, it was resolved; “ That the HalsTvelj bath fund should be at once inaugurated, add a 'coomrittee elected. ’ A committee was appointed, and Mr Quaife was elected chairman. Mr Patterson* treasurer, end Mr Gurney secretary. A subscription list was! opened, and £ls was collected in the room. The Produce Committee of the Chamber of Commerce has bad under consideration ■ effect of the new regulation coming into force on February 1, 1906, on stocks of grain in four, bushel sacks, which may' Ire hold, at that .date, and has forwarded the following'resolution bo the Minister, of Railways: “That the Minister of Ballwavs be requested, on receiving an intimation from holders, of the quantity of grain held on the date of the new regulations coming into force, February 1, 1905, to provide for carrying such grain without penalty, upon it being certified on consignment notes that it is not part of the 1905 crop.” At the meeting of the Ashley County Local Bodies’ Association yesterday one of the delegates asked! whether anything had been heard from the Christchurch City Council respecting the Government subsidy returnable to the local bodies in connection with the Bottle Lake Hospital. Mr F. Morrell (chairman) stated- that tho Mandevillti and Rangiora Road Board had refused to pay the contribution of £BO odd’ claimed from it. in spite of threats' of legal proceedings. Inquiry elicited the fact that: the other Boards in the countyhad paid. The clerk to the Rangiora* Board, stated that the City Council hud 1 applied for the Board’s signature, to enable the collection of the subsidy from the Government, but it was refused. Probably this was delaying the. refund. Is so, it was strange the City Council did not take the threatened' legal proceedings. The Lincoln District High School has just completed its first year and Dr Anderson’s'report, states that a considerably amount of valuable work has been done “A good interest,” he says, “appears to have been created in secondary subjects, and in most respects good progress lias been made by the better pupils, more particularly by "the girls, in features on the literary Bide,” English, French and Latin earn complimentary remarks, particularly the first - two, and the inspector concludes his report by saying that “ a. farther year’s work, necessarily less tentative in character may be expected to be productive of good fruition.” In addition to what may be termed purely secondary subjects, the teacher, Miss Gibson, M.A., Ires successfully- attempted a programme including book-keeping and shorthand, and a weekly -class in. dress-cutting, and the boys are taking up mechanical drawing under tho headmaster. Arrangements in connection with the Public Schools’ annual sports meeting on Saturday are being rapidlypushed forward, and the committee is taking every care to ensure the success of the gathering. In order that the teachers in squads should be well acquainted with the various places taken up at different times in the afternoon, a meeting was held at the Normal School on Monday afternoon. Representatives frdm all the large schools attended and tho secretary supplied all present with a plan of the work, and explained the details. The squads will firot give single displays at 1.30, then fall in for the march past, which takes place after the battalion drill by cadets. The squads in physical drill, over thirty in number, will then move uj), and four separate displays will bo given by dumb-bells, clubs, wands and by all sections together. There will be n'eariv 1000 children in this display, and it should be very effective. , ■ . A meeting of the Ellesmere branch of the. New Zealand Fanners’ Union was held at Leeston on Monday evening, the president (Mr T. B. Howsnn) in the chair. A letter was read from Mr D. Jones, Weedons, .stating that Mr IV. H. Boynes bad been appointed organising secretary for the Union in North Canterbury, and that he was at present travelling with Mr -u Curdy-, the colonial organiser of t he Union. Mr Jones suggested that Mr Boynes could profitably spend a few days in the Ellesmere district. It was decided to ask both Mr M’Curdy and Mr Boynes to visit Lees-ton on next sale day, and failing that. a. fortnight later. A discussion took place regarding the personnel of the Charitable Aid Board. Mr IV. M’Millan paid ha did not believe in outsiders being nominated for membership. The chairman said that a member of the Board had told him (the chairman) that if many more lady members were appointed the rates would soon be doubled. Mr Cowan considered that every member of the Board should be responsible to the ratepayers. The Selwyn County Council should appoint its own members, and not take cutelders. In answer to the chairman, Mr M’Millan .said that about £736 had been paid’‘but, by the Ellesmere Road District last year on account of Hospital and Charitable Aid, and about £637 this year. ,/ Special value in fashionable dress goods ja being shown in Black", Beattie and Co.’s windbw. . These goods, which are special value, comprise, a nice range of serviceable materials, and are being offered in full dress lengths at 8s lid, 9s lid, 10s 6d, 12s 6d, 15s 6d, 15a 6d, -17 s 6d, /19s 6d to 22s 6d, there being only 200 lengths. A visit of inspection will well repay buyers. 1988 There never was a time when money would buy more than it will to-day. There never -was a place where better value could be found than at Butcher’s, Jeweller, High Street. Just arrived* a parcel of Ladies’ Solid Geld Watches at 2gs; also Ladies’ Silver Watches at 265; all guaranteed. Our Engagement and Wedding Rings are too well known to need mentioning, but it can truly be said that the happiest women in Canterbury wear them. It will cost you nothing to,see our goods, but when you see them you will bo pretty sure to buy. Butcher, Jeweller, High Street* Cbrist•hnreh. 1983

Thirty head of cattle from Wellington were landed from the s.s. .Rotomahana at Lyttelton yesterday. Councillor M’Mahon was elected chairman of tho. Waimea (Nelson) County Council at its annual-meeting yesterday. The Auckland Harbour Board has accepted the tender of the Ferro Concrete Company of £43,450 for a new railway wharf. The concert arranged in Timaru for the benefit of Miss Gertie Campion netted £27 12s, which has been sent to Mr Bert Boyle. Sixty-seven patiente were treated at tho Timaru Hospital during October, of whom 29 were admitted during the month, and 40 were discharged—23 cured, 11 relieved, 5 unrelieved* and 3 by death. The Hospital Board has been presented with a framed photograph of the. late Mr Jehu Hamilton by hi.r family. Mr Hamilton waa for many- years a member of the Board, and the photograph lias been hung in tlie Hospital boardroom. Mr G. A. Marcus, late station-master at Timaru, lias informed tbs “Timaru Herald ” that if the electors invite him to do so. he will with pleasure become a candidate for Timaru at tho next election. Ho says that he is a Liberal, but not a follower of Mr Seddon. Tho shareholders in the Fiver head Paper Mills Company have approved a scheme for amalgamation with the Otago and Mataura Mills! and to form a new company, with a capital of £IO,OOO, to take over the whole of the properties and plants, stock and book debts* to be paid for in shares. As the Mayor has not yet received a. reply to his communication to the Premier in regard to (he proposed International Exhibition, sent last week, Its lias forwarded to Mr Seddon the following telegram : —“ As I am anxious to push on with tho exhibition, an early reply to my letter of the/17th lust. will, oblige.” Returns received by- the Hon C. H. Mills, Minister in charge of the Cook Group, show that during the quarter ended September 30 the exports from Niue were .valued at £1278, made up as follows - Copra (41 tons), £416 native-made hats, £746. Move than half the exports were to New Zealand. The copra crop will be smaller than usual. During October 115 patiente were admitted to the Christchurch Hospital, 101 were discharged and 11 died, leaving 113 remaining on October 31. Of the patiente who died four were moribund on admission. Ninety-two operations were performed under anaesthetics, and there were 1024 attendances in the outpatients’ department. Mr G. Witty, M.H.R., recently- forwarded. to the Government a petition from Chaney’s Corner residents asking for a post office and telephone bureau. He had received a reply to the effect that if the petitioners can name a place where a telephonist will take charge without pay, the Department will give the request for a telephone office favourable consideration. Tho question of obtaining a postal delivery by letter-carrier for the Heathcote Valley was recently brought under the notice of the Postmaster-General by Mr 6. Laurenson, M.H.R., who has received a. reply to the effect that from inquiries the Postmaster-General finds that the mail for Hc-athcoto Valley is too email to warrant the employment of a letter-carrier to deliver it. For the first time in Christchurch, and probably for the first time in New Zealand, the heliograph was used by moonlight at the Engineers’ camp in Hagley Park on Tuesday evening. The bright moonlight, shining on the mirror, pave m remarkably good reflection, and the signals could 1 be read a. considerable distance away-. Clone to the heliograph the light was so strong that it dazzled the eye, being as bright as the light from an acetylene lamp. “I can safely- say I have never had my •health toasted so cordially in twenty-five years of public life.” Thus the Premier, at the Taiii apa banquet. Then warming up, he confided to his audience that the art of government was no great secret. He had been sometimes told that lie drove, and did not lead. His notion of leading was to assert his position, and never to make terms with tho enemy—to dare him to do his worst. “If it hud not been for that, neither I nor the party would have been in power so long.” The Wookton Brass Band will play the following programme on tlie Rotunda, Victoria Square, this- evening: March, “The Storm Fiend” (Greenwood); rag time, “At a Georgia Camp. Meeting” (Kerry Mils); selection. “Semiramide” (arranged by Smith) ; waltz, “Fairy-Light” (Rimmcr) ; cornet solo* “ The Old Green Isle ” (Gordon Temple) - ; fantasia. “ Irish Songs ” (Rimmer); raise, “ Blue Danube ” (Strauss); march. “Homeward” (J. OrdHume); and “ God Save the King.” The Crown Ironworks Company is erecting new premises on tire- corner section at Gloucester Street and Manchester Street, next to the Agricultural Hall. The- new building will have two a.ndi will be of brick, with stone facings. On the- ground floor there will be a workshop fronting Gloucester Street, and throe shops fronting Manchester Street. Upstairs there will ba hall 34ft by 64ft, two offices, one 30ft by 15ft and the other 12ft by 22ft, cloak rooms and other rooms', and a large corridor, with an entrant;® at a right-of-way along Canterbury Hall and leading into Manchester Street. The bottom part of tho building will bo battened, lined, and painted, and tho top plastered, with ornamental frieze and cornices. . The coiling will bo decorated with block zinc. An exceptionally strong roof will bo made, framed principals covered' with boards and irons being used, Tho architects, Messrs Luttrell Bros., and the! contractor, Mr W. H. Bowen, expect that the building will be finished by March. The report of a. conference of medical men of South Canterbury, on the treatment of phthisis, wae received by- tho Tima.ru Hospital Board on Tuesday. There were present at the conference Drs Hogg (in the chair), Unwin, Bowe,’ Thomas, Gibson, Dry den (Timaru), Warren (Tomuka), Barclay (Waimate) Steevens (Hakateramea), and Dr Finch, District Health Officer. The following resolutions were carried 1 :-r-(a.) That it is desirable that- a- 'sanatorium should be erected- for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in ' South Ga.nte.rbmy; (b) that the situation should be a sheltered one within «■ few miles of Fairlie township ; (c) that the sanatorium should be built-upon the* most , economical lines, to’ accommodate twenty-four patients ; (d) that an ample area of land should be acquired to be planted with suitable* trees; (e) that th® sanatorium should Ire under the control of th© local practitioner. Mr Gillingham (Mackenzie County), member of the Board, mentioned! that Dr Mason, Chief Health Officer, had visited Fairli© when seeking ai site for a* sanatorium for Canterbury, and was pleased with a cite- at a county plantation four miles from Fairlie, except that it was rather cut of the way on a site for all Canterbury. The Board resolved to thank the medical men* for th® report; which was referred to the incoming Board for consideration. Just now. the showroom of Messrs Beath and Co., Ltd.,,is worthy a visit of inspection. In addition to their large and wellassorted stocks of millinery, mantles and underclothing, they are now showing a number of special purchases which are being cleared at exceptionally low prices. Chilren’s millinery, sun hats and bonnets 5s lid, 4s lid, 5s 9d, 6s lid, 7s lid, 10s 9d; crash and linen costumes, latest styles, 22s 6d, 24s 6d. 27s 6d, 51s 6d, 355, 425, also a warehouseman’s stock of sample vests, spencers, bodices and combinations at about cost price. Beath and Co., Ltd., Cashel Street. 1988 jewellery sale for one month only. Ladies’ Gold Watches from 355, Ladles’ Silver Watches from £l. Ladies’ Rings from 10s upwardu. All goods sold at greatly reduced prices.—K. Grieshaber, Jeweller, 155;’ Colombo Street: X 3371

Last evening the City- Council elected Councillor Sorensen to represent it on the Board of Trustees of the. Samaritan Home. It is reported that- good specimens of gold have been obtained at Browning's Pass, near the Wilberforoe River. It- is likely that some prospectors from Otago will visit the locality- soon. Yesterday's meeting of the Hospital Board was unusually short, occupying only a little over ten minute©. Two members, Messrs. Fold'wick and Dobson, who arrived late, were not able, to take part in tho proceedings at all. A letter written by- a wife to the husband she had deserted was handed to his Honor Mr Justice Denniston, during tho trial of a divorce suit yesterday. His Honor’s only- remark, after reading the letter was, “ It’s a mixture of the ‘ FamilyHerald ’ and attention to her- luggage.” Tho wife had evidently- asked her husband to pack up her belongings and send them after her. The “ Mafcaura Ensign ” says that a. claim of a somewhat unusual nature is to be investigated at the Gore Court-. Some time ago, it is understood, a member of the district legal fraternity- scut a. “collect ” telegram to the Commissioner of Police at Wellington, th© amount payable on the message being £1 0s 6d. The Commissioner declined to disburse the charges, and application was made by- the Telegraph' Department to the sender for the. amount, with tho result that legal proceedings are to be taken for its recovery. Tho petitioner in a divorce case at tho Supremo Court yesterday, made a great point of the fact that when his wife deserted him she took away a lot of his pro-’ perty. When ths„witness stated that he had inquired for his wife, going to Auckland, even, in search of her, his Honor asked, “ Was it your wife or your property- you went- after?” “I went to seo my- wife, your Honor,” replied the witn-ens, very quickly, and then ho added, somewhat thoughtfully, “ and my property as well.” “Ah, I thought so,” said his Honor, “No doubt you were anxious.” Mr G. B. Nicholls, the Otago agent for the temperance party-, is just njbw- conducting a series of organising meetings on the West Coast. Successful gatherings have been held in practically- ali. the centres in West-land, resulting in tho formation of leagues for active work. Mr Nicholls writes that ho has found a great awakening on tho. Coast as to temperance work, and declares that he would not be astonished at anything that might happen at the next election. There is very little prejudice against no-license, he says, alrd the heavy- weight of the shouting system is proving too great a drain upon the young men. A meeting of subscribers to the J. G._ Scott Memorial Fund was held in the East Christchurch School last evening, Mr J. Henry- presiding. Th© chairman stated that the balance, after payment of all expenses, amounted to £44 11s 2d. It was decided to obtain four portraits of the late headmaster, one each for the boys’, girls' anti infants’ department, and for PhillipstoWn, and that the balance of the money, estimated at about £4O, should be invested as a prize fund. It was decided to give two annual prizes, one to boys, and one to girls, for all-round proficiency after the final school examination, such prizes to be suitably inscribed. Tho headmaster and headmistress for the time being were appointed trustees, and the matter of investment was left in their hands. At the meeting of the Ashburton* County Council yesterday, the report of the* committee set up to consider the question of water-rac-e extension, submitted at the previous mooting, was further considered. The commi'tbe recommended that, as extensive additions had to bo made to the water-race system, the present water-race rate should bo abolished, and tie water rates included in th-e general rates, to be paid by all'’ratepayors, instead of, as at present, time© who have water-races on their property, it was considered that as all benefited, either directly or indirectly, ail should bear the cost of the water-supply system. After a long-discussion, it was decided by five votes to four to adopt the report. The new rating arrangements will come into fore© next June. The executive of the 1 Christchurch Burgesses’ Association met last evening, Dr Russell presiding. A letter was received from th© Women’s Institute, inviting th© Association to send a delegate to a meeting to bo held on December 2, for th© purpose of discussing the necessity for the appointment of boards of control for public institutions. The secretary-, Mr J. H. Ne-wlyn, was appointed to represent the Association. The Town Clerk wrote acknowledging the receipt of letters from the Association in reference to the proposal for the establishment- of municipal baths. Letters wore received from Messrs T. E, Taylor, M.H.8., and H. G. Ell, M.H.R., stating that in their opinion the City Oouncil had no authority to take compulsorily the whole of the Bank-of New Zealand site, but the Council could obtain the necessary power as the Wellington CityCouncil had done in a similar case. A vot© of thanks was passed to Mr T. H. Divvey, M.H.R., for sending tho Association a valuable official paper. A complaint was received regarding the laying of metals for the tramways in High Street, and Mr W. I. Ballinger and the secretary were appointed a committee to go into the matter. In brief, the) M’Connick is the machine 1 to buy-; it represents the highest quality in harvesters, X 3208 For Patents consult Henry Hughes (P. M. Newton), paten*-. Agent, 185, Hereford Street., Christchurch. Th© oldest ana best firm in New Zealand for Patent and Trade Mark business. Obtain pamphlet “ Advice to Inventors.” X 3368 If you have tho faintest suspicion that your eyes are not just right, if they bother you in any way it’s best to have them examined at once. Do not go to th© average optician or spectacle seller, for he is unable to distiguish between optical, defects and diseases, but consult John R. Proctor, 180, High Street. Christchurch, who will give you a thorough examination tree of charge. X 2681 Serb Beer Extract 7d bottle, to make 8 gallons good herb beer; Hops 9d, Whole ■inger Is lb. Brown* Sugar 2jd lb, Corks Is gross, Pickle Bungs, Wine Corks in stock; also Dried Apricots, Peaches, Prunes, Tinned Pineapple, Apricots, Peaches and Pears, very nice for the holidays, at Fletcher Bros., High Street, Christchurch. X 3014 AN ART GALLERY FOR. DUNEDIN. Steps are. being taken by the Otago Art Society to rah© funds to provide a public art gallery. Mainly- through the efforts of Mrs M’i.ean, wife of tlie Hon George M’Lsan, a total of £625 has been promised, including £IOO each from Mrs* M’Lean, the Hon B. Oliver, Mrs George Gray, Mr Russell, Mr St John Buckley- and Mr John Roberfcs. It is anticipated that £2OOO will be collected shortly. ADULTERATION IN THE OLD DAYS. Adulteration laws were quite as necessary in the good old days as in the sophisticated twentieth century. Even th© adulteration of feather beds and bolsters had to be provided against. October 14, 1495, is the date of a statute prohibiting tb© sale in English fairs or markets of these articles or of pillows, “except they be stuffed with one manner of feathers.” It expressly denounced the use of such “ unlawful and corrupt stuffs ” as “scalded feathers, or fen-down.” Th© last substance is the same as cotton-grass, and was evidently in great demand as a fraudulent substitute in bod-stuffing. In tie eighteenth century, again, there are complaints of people who bought fen-clown at, a half-penny u pound, and sold it among feathers at sixpence. THE AUCKLAND POTATO CROP. Mr Kirk, Government Biologist, has commenced au investigation of th© potato disease in Auckland. He says that tihe crops are attacked by throe* pests* namely, early

blight or altemaria, the Irish potato disease or phytephora.. and macrosporium fungus. “Some few years ago,” he says, “ I knew of the existence, of rhytophora in one isolated spot in the colony, but I had not heard of it again until now. Macrofivporium has been known to exist at intervals practically all over the North Island. Alternalia has been found once or twice, but Auckland has distinguished itself by having all three einniltaiiGOUsly. So far no similar outbreak has been reported this year in any other part of th© colony. All that is necessary is systematic spraying according to agricultural leaflet No. 25.” AN ACTOR’S BANKRUPTCY. Last month, at Boston, United States of America, Arthur M’Keo Rankin, actor, and manager for Miss Nance O’Neil, filed a petition of bankruptcy, with liabilities amounting to £5523, and assets, consisting of clothing, set down to produce £2O. There are fifty creditors, of whom Miss Nance O’Neil is tho largest, with a claim for £2400, for salary and money lent during tho last two years. Twelve of the creditors are in London, and hold claims for salary-, scenery-, costumes and advertising, contracted during the short season played there in 1992, a season which ended in a fiasco. Miss Nance, O’Neil and Mr M’Kee Rankin will be well remembered in Christchurch, having played a short season here in 1901. The repertoire on that occasion included “ Magda,” “ Queen Elizabeth,” “Camille,” “School for Scandal,” etc. Mr Rankin and Miss O’Neil were alleged to have mad© £lo*ooo during their Australasian tour. AN AUSTRALIAN APPRECIATION OF MR SEDDON, A resident of Wellington has been informed that the question of inviting Mr Seddon to visit Now South Wales ha-s been quietly discussed in labour circles, and that the .Premier will be approached at some future date with a view of inducing him to journey across the Tasman Sea. The writer, who is closely in the secrets of the Labour Party, states that tlie Victorian Labour leaders are in full sympathy with the movement, and they would be only too glad to co-operate in any scheme that would, bring about a visit to their State from Mr Seddon. “ What th© Labour Party wants,” said tho writer, “is a man of fUeddon’s calibre to crush the eel-like* tactics of Reid -and his associates. Watfion is a first-rate man in many respects, but he is not a Seddon, lacking, as he does, tlie personal magnetism and indomitable fighting spirit- of Maoriland’s boss politician.” With Mr Seddon at bis head, asserts the writer, the Federal Labour Party would quickly make mincemeat of the Conservatives now in office. KILLED BY CHEAP WHISKY. Th© New York correspondent of a London paper, telegraphing on October 12, said : Twenty-five sudden deaths liave occurred' in tiie lust eleven diiyi in the tenement section of New York City, extending along, the Hudson River on Tenth Avenue, between. Forty-sixth and Fifty-sixth Streets. Peculiar circumstances surrounding th© deaths which occurred in such a confined area aroused the suspicions of the police, and investigations' have been made. It Inns bdan found that the deaths are due to cheap whisky, which has been sold largely in th© usighbourhood recently. This whisky, the police discovered, was being manufactured in basements .and cellars, and quantities which they- -have seized contain a large proportion of wood alcohol. Mont of these cellar distillerieg were private stills, and' the whisky paid no ctxcis© duty. The authorities have raidbd the stills, and arrested _the njanufocturers of t-he -poison. Th© neighbourhood had been kept in continual uproar owing to the numerous funerals, as al) the friends of cuob victim, who wore either related or known to each other attended each funeral. Tlie disturbances in th© district became greater as death followed death, and extra police had to be called in to keep order.