TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13935, 18 December 1905, Page 7

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The steamers Purau and Canterbury are announced to run trips to Governor's Bay to-day. The ■ Union Steamship Company’s Rotomahana is announced to make the annual excursion to Akaroa to-day in connection with the regatta there. Dr W. J. An demon, one of the in-' spectors of the North Canterbury Education Board, has been selected from upwards of a hundred applicants for dhc position of Assistant InspectorGeneral of Schools. The 6.8. Cygnet left Lyttelton for Akaroa at 8.25 p.m. on Saturday,, "taking a number of members of rowing clubs and others interested in the regatta to be held to-day. The steamer’s accommodation was taxed to the utmost, her passengers, numbering 194 persons.

A Peel Forest correspondent writes: < —The dry north-west winds have given place to weather of a much more pleasant nature. "We have had several nice warm rains and thunder showers. Crops are very backward, and are not looking too well. Farmers are very busy putting in their turnips, and the dry north-west winds have enabled them to deal with twitch and other weeds. Shearing on the large estates is in full swing. The wool is light, but good. The Premier telegraphed to the secretary of the Christchurch Cycling and Moto» Club on Saturday morning, stating that he would have much pleasure in being present at the New Zealand Wheel Race Meeting at Lancaster Park this ‘ afternoon*, and would bo ' pleased to comply with the desire of the club 1 that ho should decorate the winner of the Wheel Race with the blue ribbon, presented for that purpose'by the lady supporters of the club. Sir Joseph Ward will also be present. The thirS-class cruiser Prometheus arrived at Wellington on Saturday, from Auckland. The Prometheus arrived in Australia last April, from England, in order to replace the Pylades ou the colonial station. She is now relieving the Challenger in New Zealand waters. In displacement and horsepower she is identical with the Psyche—--2135 tons, 7000 horse-power, and speed about twenty knots. The Prometheus was built at Hull, in 1898, and cost £135,916. She carries eight 4in guns, eight 31b, and two machine guns. The cruiser’s complement of men is 224. We are giving the best value in bicycles ever offered in Christchurch. Prices from £ll to £ls los. Genuine English-built B.S.A. Bicycles £l2 IGs. Repairs, unequalled in quality, at moderate prices. Boyd and Son, 191, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. 1988 Wedding and Birthday Presents Six Engraved Tumblers and Jug, on Tray, from 5s 9d. Splendid value in Tumblers, Glassware, Chinawaro, Cutlery, Household Ironmongery. See windows for Sale Prices in Dinner and Bedroom Ware. Big Reductions. Fletcher Bros., Direct Importers, Lower High Street. .X 3014

_ A petition protesting against the erection of abattoirs in tho Hampstead (Ashburton! district has been forwarded to the Hampstead Town Board. On .Saturday evening the Kaiapoi Brass Band played a number of eel co-t-ions on the lawn of tho Working Men’s Club, in tho presence of a largo number of the public.

At a mooting cn Friday night, the Ashburton Nc-lioeiise Council decided to send congratulations to the Molicense Councils of Oamaru, Invercargill and Grey Lynn.

The manager of the Burnham Industrial School desires to acknowledge, with thanks, donations towards tho boys’ annual Christmas treat from Air Justice Denniston, Messrs Fletcher, Humphreys and Co., W. L. Clark, Stringfellow, J. T. 8011, and a Friend.

Mrs Gower-Burns and Mrs E. Barber, who took part in tho perform.anco at Wellington of “ Athalio,” produce! under the direction of Mr Maughan Barnett, were in good voice, and each lady scored successes. The work was excellently interpreted by the body of singers under Mr Barnett’s baton. A young man named Richard Karris pleaded guilty in tho Auckland Police Court to having stolon from the steamer Waikare a quantity of jewellery and money, value 810, tho property of George King, and a watch, and discharges owned by Rupert Salmon. Tho accused was committed to tho Supremo Court lor sentence. A large entry was received on Saturday evening for the automobile gymkhana, which will take place at tho Metropolitan Trotting Grounds on Boxing Day. The interest will apparently centre in the event for cars of G h.p. and under, for in that event no fewer than thirteen owners have signified their -intention of facing tho starter.

A popular gathering wan hold at Waimate on Saturday afternoon, to consider a pro penal to make a presentation to Sir William Steward, recently re-elected, member for Waitaki. It wa.s decided that tho presentation should tako tho form of an. illuminated ad-dross to Sir William and Lady Steward, and a puma of sovereigns. A numerous committee, representing all parts of the electorate, was nominated to carry out the propceal.

At the last, mooting of the Haiapoi Women's Christian Temperance Union the annual election of officers was hold. Mrs Ellen was elected president. Airs Soulby secretary and Mrs T. G. Blackwell treasurer. -Satisfaction was expressed at the large increase of the nolicenso vote throughout the colony, and a letter of congratulation was ordered to bo sent to the Oamaru Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mr Watson gave a short address on the outlook. There was a large attendance of members. The No. 1 Battalion of North Canterbury Infantry attended divine service yesterday at St Luke’s Church. Lieutenant-Colonel Day was in command, and with him were Major Cromwell and Quartermaster-Captain 'Batchelor. The companies on parade were the City Guards (Captain Bishop), City Rifles (Captain Loasby), College Rifles (Captain Richardson), Imperial Rifles (Captain Alathias), and the Cycle Corps (Lieutenant-Commanding Finnis). The Garrison Band, under Deputy-Bandmas-ter Tankard, was also present. '

At tho Christchurch Catholic Club cn Tuesday last, an oratorical contest took place, Sir George C” ford and Sir H. H. Loughnan acting os judges. There were six competitors. The speeches were limited to ten minutes on some great historical statesman. Air AI. Kano was adjudged the winner,-his subject' being the life of George 11. Air D. Edmunds and Air 11. H. Hayward tied for second place, speaking, respectively, on Daniel O’Ooniiell and Lord Russell. The competition was arranged by tho Now Zealand Catholic Federated Executive, to take place in connection with the various Catholic affiliated societies of New Zealand.

A representative of the workers, speaking to a “Lyttelton 'rimes” reporter on the boot manufacturing trade, said that the new agreement entered into between the Federation of Employers and the Federated Union of Workmen was, on the whole, satisfactory from the employees’ standpoint. They had not got quite all they wanted, but each side had had to make some concession. The minimum wage had been increased by three shillings per week. The workers had been anxious to see introduced some system of apprenticing, but they had not been successful in securing this. In other directions the new agreement would prove beneficial to both parties.

The successful candidates at the examinations of the Board of Education, South Kensington, held at Christchurch in July last, were:—Model drawing— Second-dr-ss pass, Henry Murray and Robert Webster. Building, construction stage—First-class pass, Donald Green; second-class, Charles Nelson. Geometrical drawing—First-class, Dora Clutten and James Hilson; secondclass, Marguerite. Cole. Drawing from antique—First-class pass, Eva Freeman. Anatomy—Second-class, Eva Freeman. Drawing from life—First-class pass, Eva Freeman. Drawing in light and shade—First-class pass, Dorothy Rogers and Dora Clutten. Practical plane and and solid geometry, Stage I. —First-class pass, Donald Green.

The Ashburton correspondent of this journal writes that a strange affair happened on Saturday morning on the railway between Winchester and Orari, As the morning train from Timaru rounded the bend in the line at the ninety-mile peg, the engine-driver noticed a man lying full length across the lino, and immediately applied the brakes, bringing the train to a standstill. The driver, fireman, guard and several passengers went, towards the man, who got up on their approach, crossed the wire fence, went into an adjacent plantation and laid down amongst the trees. The man had no coat on, and looked wild in appearance. There was much speculation among the witnesses of his strange act as to its motive.

The Christchurch branch of the Independent Political Labour League met on Thursday evening in. the Trades Hall. The president, Mr J. A. M’Cullough, presided, and there were seventyfive members present; Five new members were elected. The secretary read his report regarding the general election, which stated that the financial aspect was satisfactory, and the expenses incurred, amounting to £(53 11s 3d, were passed for payment. It was resolved that the executive should make a' repo.it with reference to tho formation of branches of tho League in the Christchurch North, East and South, Ricoarton, Avon, Lyttelton and Kiiiapoi electoral districts, and of a central council, delegates to bo elected for the brandies under Rule No. 6. After the meeting a smoko conceit was held. Several toasts were proposed, including those of the League, Messrs J. Thorn and J. A. Efford and tho Election committees.

At Black, Beattie’s, great bargains are in evidence. Dainty French Muslin 2s 3d, now Is per yard; Ladies’ Fancy Straw Hats 6s Cd to 10s 6d, for Is each; Cashmere Hose Is 9d, for Is per pair; Collars and Collarettes 3s 9d to 6s lid, for Is 6d to 2s lid cadi ; Coloured Crash Skirts 10s 6d, for os lid each. 3262

We deliver Donaghy’s Gold Medal Binder Twine to nearest station at 4id per lb cash. Morrow, Bassett and Co. 1 X 3208

Jewellery Sale. Best KcliabJo Watches, Gold Mud Chains, Engagement Rings, Gold Bangles, Gold Brooches, Wedding and Christmas Presents, all Sold at Great Reduction for one mouth only. K. Grieshaber, JeweL hw. 155, Colombo Street. N 3371

Tho members of the Torauka Bra's Baud are at- present practising with tho view of competing at the contest- at Nelson in February. In view of the holiday which is being observed in exmn-eetion with the laying of tho foundation-stone of the Exhibition, the Premier has requested tho public offices to release as many of their staff as is compatible with tho working cl’ tho public service. The credit of having extinguished the outbreak of fire in the after-hold of the b.s. Wiminora, on the night- of Saturday, December 9, during tho passage from Wellington to Sydney, is due to Mr W. H. South, chief officer; Mr D. J. Morris, second officer; Mr R. Oxford, chief engineer; and Air C. Rogers, boatswain.

A number of owners of motor launches in Lyttelton are desirous of having a race for those craft on the day of the Lyttelton Regatta, and it has been suggested that, in order to provide prizes, a sweepstakes should bo organised. A meeting is to bo held to consider tho question, at Mr W. Radclift'o’s residence, next Saturday evening. A sitting of tho Lyttelton Police Court was hold on Saturday, before Air C. Fcrrior, J.P. A man named William Synionds was fined 40s, with two months’ imprisonment in default of payment, for having made use of obscene language in Oxford Street on Friday night. A charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct was brought against him, and on this he was convicted and discharged. • Amongst the congratulatory telegrams received by the Premier on the result of the elections was the following from Melbourne:—“ R. S-eddon Democratic Emperor, Wellington,—Congratulations triumphant victory over deadlineaV enemies human progress, and Empire federation.” In addition to messages rcce ; v-od from Canada, Great Britain, and elsewhere, congratulatory cablegrams have also been received from India.

A violent hailstorm, following thunder, passed over Akaroa on Thursday. It began at 1.30, and the hail-stones were pear-shaped, some of them measuring jin bj- 1-1 in. The hailstorm lasted twenty minutes, and then rain fell in torrents till 3 p‘.m. The hail did tho fruit soma harm, but the crops are not far enough advanced to suffer - to any extent. Shorn sheep suffered considerably. A telegram from Auckland states that an inquiry at Government House elicited the information that his Excellency has not received tho Cabinet’s recommendation for tho commutation of tho death sentence passed upon Lionel Terry. He is keenly alive to tho importance attaching to such a grave matter, and the recommendation will receive his Excellency’s attention as soon as it arrives.

At the Nelson Alcthodist Synod the lollewmg resolution was passed “ This Synod puts on record its gratitude at the sign of the moral progress shown through-out the colony in the large increase of the vote for no-license. It deeply regrets that there are still so many who are prepared to vote thousands of their fellowmen to misery and death by- voting for the continuance of the liquor traffic. It believes that the recent advance of anti-liquor sentiment throughout the various churches is a pledge that the liquor traffic in this colony is doomed, and before long will bo voted out of existence.” j

The fifty self-recording rain-gauges which the Government is procuring from England, in response to the wishes of a deputation who waited upon tho Colonial Secretary towards tho end of tire session, will reach Wellington early in JTeoruary. It is expected (says the “New Zealand Times”) that local bodies will avail themselves of tho opportunity of securing reliable informa, tion from the use of these instruments. “ Local government bodies,” remarks the Government Meteorologist, “should be primarily interested in questions relating to tho climatic changes, for only by taking into account particular information regarding rainfall, etc., can engineers, builders', and others apply the results of experience gained in other parts of tho world to their own problems of drainage, building, etc.” A sharp comment on tho West Australian Licensing Act was made from tho Kalgoorlie Police Court bench the other day, at the close of a case of Sunday-trading, preferred against Patrick Quoaly, a local publican. Defendant explained that the funeral of one of the members of his family took place on the day in question, and that after tho funeral ho asked his friends who had attended the funeral to have a drink. This apparently , constituted tho offence. The presiding magistrate (Dr Korney), after conferring with other justices on th© Bench, _ said: 11 The case Is dismissed, and It is considered that the law is a fool.” Sunda Singh, an Indian hawker, who died at Sydney (New South Wales) recently, was cremated at Hay. A pile of wood was collected for the purpose, and the coffin, containing the deceased, was conveyed by an undertaker from tho hospital to a spot where the pyre had been erected, four of deceased’s 00-roligionists marching after the hearse. When the funeral procession arrived at the- spot arranged for tho cremation, tho coffin was placed on top of the pile of logs, some lighter wood being placed around. Kerosene was poured on the wood in several places, and then tho pile was sot fire to shortly after four o’clock. No ceremony was conducted by those carrying out the act of incineration, owing, as one of them explained, to there being no Hindoo priest in the district. The burning of the body took several horn's, four Hindoos watching patiently. After the fire had gone out the watchers stated their intention of recovering deceased’s teeth and finger-nails from the ashes, and forwarding them to his relatives in India, to bo subsequently thrown into the Ganges. ‘

A meeting of the School Committees’ Association was held on Thursday evening, Mr H. A. Owen (president) in the chair. The. secretary of the Christchurch Technical Classes wrote in reference to the business done at the first meeting of the new Board of Managers, and the honorary secretary also reported on the business transacted at the meeting. Mr Gray, inspector of schools, Wanganui, Dr John St Clair Gunn, Kaikoura, and Mr E- J- I’orbes, Wellington, wrote in reply to_ the Association’s request for information regarding hotter seating accommodation for children in public schools. Dr Gunn wrote from a medical point of view. Mr Gray from an educational one and Mr I'orbos forwarded illustrated circulars and pamphlets of modem school fiirnitui e, and two largo photographs of the single desks which are in use in the Queen’s Park School, Wanganui, and tho Waitnki Bovs’ High School. It was resolved to thank the writers for their information. After some discussion it was decided to recommend that a special meeting of tho Association should bo hdd oiT January 19, to consider the recommendation of the committee—- “ That tho Association write to tho Premier, stating that it has the ques(ion of seating accommodation of the children in our public schools under consideration, and respectfully asks him to receive a deputation from the Association on the subject.

Tho great number who visited the establishment of Black, Beattie and Co. this week is sufficient proof that tho reputation this firm holds _ for value is being more than maintained. Special purchase lines in ©very department at half usual prices. 3262

Who is Watson? The cheapest and most reliable watchmaker and jeweller. 230, Colombo Street. Silver, Greenstone and Maori novelties. Watch repairing a speciality. 359^

January 9 is tho day fixed for the triennial election of eleven members to the Christchurch Drainage Board.

The Canterbury Engineers, under/ Captain Jones and Lieutenants Edinger and Andrews, atte-iul6d divine service yesterday at St Alary's, Addington. Tho Premier has authorised tho Collector of Customs to close the Customhouse nm.. 1 p.m. to-day on the occasion of the ceremony at- the Exhibition site.

Education Board examinations for scholarships will bo held at the Normal School this week—senior class to-day, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and junior class on Wednesday and Thursday. Plans and specifications for the concert hall of the- International Exhibition may bo scon, at tho office of Air J. C. Aladdison, architect. Tenders for the erection of the hall will bo received until January IG. A thunderstorm passed over North Canterbury yesterday afternoon, accompanied by heavy showers of rain, which was beneficial to the crops. In tile evening there was a little rain from the south-west and the weather wan threatening for to-day’s holiday. Rain fell intermittently in .Christchurch lastevening and tho prospects for a. fine holiday wore not encouraging. From all sources tho “North Otago Times” hears that the prospects for th e harvest throughout North Otago arc very bright. One gentleman, who has been travelling throughout the district for many years past, states that ho libs never seen the country looking so well, and if theyo should be favourable weather from now until the crops are reaped, the farmers ought to have tho best season ever experienced in this part of Now Zealand. , •

Tiro Technical Associated Classes Committee is advertising for a director for the classes. He will receive a salary of £450 per annum, and the engagement will be for at least three years. He will ha required to give his whole time to the duties of the office and will not be at liberty to undertake other tuition or educational work. He will also be required to teach one or more technical or manual subjects. Entries will close on January 15 with the secretary. At Waituna West, near Feildiug, on November 5, a heavy thunderstorm was experienced. “So close was it,” writes a correspondent of the “Non’ Zealand Times,” “ and so heavy the concussion, that my people were stunned for a second or two. The next morning I found that an immense rata tree on neighbour’s property had been struck and sot on fire, the splinters being scattered around for several chains (chiefly driven endways into the ground). Half a dozen sheep were lying beneath, killed. The sheep were so badly scorched that the 'owner next day rolled them into the burning tree and destroyed them. The tree itself was so shivered (and it was a solid one, nearly 4ft in dinmotorV +h?.t_ it practically burned away, root, barrel and branch. Afterwards I heard of other trees around which had been fired and of stock killed.” The Maheno broke all records in her run from Lyttelton to Wellington on Friday night, covering the distance from heads to heads in 9hr llmin. The time from when the signal “ full speed ” was given until “stop” was sounded was 9hr 45min. The steamer left Godley Head at 8.2 p.m. on Friday, and passed Pencarrow at 5.13 a.m. on Saturday. The previous fastest time from heads to heads by a- passenger boat was the Moeraki’s lOhr 17min, in March ' last, and the previous fastest by any vessel was the warship Orlando’s trip from anchorage to anchorage in 9hr 40miu. The Maheno’s average speed was eighteen knots an hour. According to.the telegraph notice hoard, the Maheno arrived at Wellington at 5.35 a.m., twenty minutes before the Rotomahana, which is set down as having arrived at 5.55 a.m. As the Maheno passed out of the moles at Lyttelton at 7.44 p.m. and the Rotomahana did the same at 6.15 p.m. on Friday, the turbine steamer did the run from moles to wharf in 9hr oljhin, or in Ihr 49min less than the Rotomahana, which occupied llhr 40min on the trip. The latter vessel did not, on this occasion, nearly approach her own best time, which is said to be lOhr 43min. Sweethearts and wives rejoice over Christmas greetings, when acoompained by a useful gift. Chain purses, Is Gd, Is lid, 2s lid; Ladies’ Companions, 4a lid, 7s 6d, 10s 6d; Dressing Cases, 12a 6d ’].ss, 21s; Hand Mirrors, 4s 6<l, 6s 6d’; Chain Bags, 3s 6d, 4s 6d, 5s 6d; Needle Cases, t>d, is, Is Gd, Is lid ; Choice Christmas Cards, 6d, 9d, Is, Is 6d per box { Comic Pest Cards, Id; Post Cards, English and Colonial Views, Black and White, Id, Coloured 2d; also Embroidered Handkerchiefs, Gloves, Belts, Perfumes, Purses, etc. Death and Co., Ltd., Cashel Street. See windows. 1988

Messrs Graham, Wilson and Smellio report having had a most successful season in their millinery department, and announce in their advertisement today that all their present stock of beautiful trimmed hats is to bo sold

at about half-price. 3562 Strange and Co. announce that their premises will be open all day to-day (Saturday), but closed all day on Monday next, in celebration of Anniversary Day. Visitors to Strange’s wall find a whole host of Special Holiday attractions awaiting them. 934 RAIL MOTORS. Mr H. W. Lucy, writes to the “ Sydney Morning Herald ” : Shareholders in railway companies are justly alarmed at the diminution of traffic, accruing from the competition of tramways and light railways. One company, the Ixmdon and South-Western, have for some time been quietly at work to counteract this evil. They believe they have found the means by starting a subsidiary service of rail motors. Three years ago Sir Charles •Owens, general manager for the Company, came to tho conclusion that some form of steam rail conveyance was necessary to meet tho modern difficulty. They tried the experiment on a short line from Fratton to East Southsca. It proved so successful that the company have determined to largely extend it. A service of rail motors is now in preparation to run regularly on lines in tho neighbourhood of Exeter, Bournemouth and Bodmin. There are two classes —a first-class compartment, providing accommodation for eight passengers, a third-class seating thirtytwo! The length of tho car slightly exceeds 51ft, and may he driven from either end. Carrying its full complement of passengers and a ton of luggage, its normal speed will bo thirty miles an hour. Nine cars of this standard are now being built at the oompanv’s works at Nine Elms and Eastleigh. The enterprise is being watched with keen interest by other companies, and may appreciably affect revenues. A PLUCKY LAD. A remarkable walking feat, showing a groat amount of pluck and endurance, was accomplished the other day by a Waihi boy, fifteen years of age, who was residing at tho time in Opotiki. It appears that lie was tillered work by M* J. W. Gray, a Waihi wheelwright, and was to begin on Monday morning; On securing tho job the lad at cnee made inquiries, and learned that the steamer leaving Opotiki would not call at Tauranga on that particular 1 trio. No other moans beiruc available.

an!, keen to be in time for bis work, lie straight way started on foot. Leaving Opotiki on Wednesday, he journeyed on foot right through to Katikati, arriving there on Saturday afternoon, a distance of over one hundred miles. Word ol his arrival was sent to Wailu, and a- horse was sent out- to meet linn, and the lad completed his journey on horseback. On Alonday morning ho was at his post at the workshop. NO TIME FOR CHURCH. . A statement made in tho Arbitration Court, at Sydney, a few days ago, to tho effect that mem bens of a tug boat crew got no Sunday off, drew tho remark from Judge Ilcydon that it seemed a frightful thing that in a Christian country men should have no chance of going to church. “It tends to make pagans of them,” said his Honor. “I don’s say that they would go to church, but they don’t get the chance.” His Honor, on being reminded that- sailors were not much bettor off, replied that in some- ships this Christian responsibility was discharged, as, for instance, on men of war and on Orient and P. and 0. beats, whore Sunday services were held. But these tug boat men apparently had no time to themselves from year’s end to year’s end. “I. should consider a term of imprisonment in Darlinghurst, apart from tho shame of tho thing, a light sentence compared with tho conditions under which these men work,” concluded his Honor.

CHINESE IMAIIGRATION INTO AAIERICA.

Another important change in the method of dealing with Chinese immigrants to the United States has been agreed upon, siys the San Francisco correspondent of the “ Age,” by President Roosevelt’s Cabinet. Tho plan adopted four or five months ago, under which ‘‘American consular officials in China were required to examine the certificates of each Chinese bound for tho United States, and either endorse or reject such certificates, lias already broken down. There are certain classes of Chinese who are exempt from the requirements of the Immigration Act—• merchants, travellers, students—but the consular officials resented being compelled to decide whether the intending immigrants belonged to one of these classes or were coolies, in which case their entrance to America was prohibited. They have shown an inclination to neglect tho work, as having no relation to their proper duties, and have turned it over to native interpreters, whose honesty is open to doubt. Tho consequence is that the Cabinet has decided upon the appointment of special agents c-f tho immigration service to serve in the United States consulates at tho important seaports of Aisia. The sole duty of these agents will be to inspect tho certificates of natives intending to immigrate to America, and determine whether or not tho holders thereof are entitled to enter tho States. Similar agents are also stationed at the consulates at important European ports to perform the same duties.

OVERCROWDING IN GERAIANY,

In Germany, writes Mr Sydney Low, in an article in the London “ Standard,” where the apartment system has been long established, the filling up of the towns has gone on at a great pace. The manufacturing expansion of the country is largely based on cheap labour drawn from the agricultural districts. The peasantry, accustomed to hard living and hard work, flocked into the towns, where better wages were to ho had in the mills and factories. The immigrants had to live somewhere, and they found that the land speculator and the house jobber had been beforehand with them, and put up rents to an exorbitant figure. The result has been a “ house famine ” in many of the industrial towns, and an amount of overcrowding which goes beyond anything experienced in England outside the slum areas. People are thicker, on the ground in Berlin than they are in almost any part of London, and a very largo proportion of quite respectable working-class families live in two rooms, or even in one room, and this is for the most part at higher rents than these which rule for similar accommodation in Bnglash great cities. In this respect, at least, the German workman is not better off than his English brother, German municipalities are making energetic efforts to deal with the “ house famine.” In. recent years they have worked out some largo and comprehensive plans to meet the difficulty, and they have expended much money and more thought and sagacious calculation upon them. Neither the central nor the local authorities ever shrink from a measure because it is what might bo called socialistic, and, indeed, “ municipal socialism ” is carried much further in some of the German towns than in any English borough or county.