TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 13969, 27 January 1906, Page 5

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The following auctioneers’ advertisements appear on page 15:—Tonks, Norton and Co., North Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association, New' Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association, C. A. Lees and Co., National Mortgage and Agency Company, .Wright, Stephenson and Co., Harding, Sen and Co., Conway Matson and Co., Canterbury Farmers’ Co-operative Association, A. E. Campbell and Co., Guinness and Le Cren. The- Wakanui Road Board has purchased a stone crusher and shingle screen. Mr John Shearer, of Wheatstone, Ashburton, has sold his draught entire Balgowrie to Mr James Weir, Papakaio, Qamaru, for 500 guineas. The annual tea meeting of the Tinwald Presbyterian Church was held on Thursday evening, when there' was a good attendance, and a pleasant evening was spent. At the Magistrate’s tkuirt- yesterday, •two first offending drunkards were each fined 5s and costs. William H. Fisher, a prohibited person, was fined ICs and costs for drunkenness, and 40s and costs for procuring liquor. The following estates of deecased persons were certified last month: — Canterbury—Mary Jane Holmes £ll/9, George Dawson £3051, Ann Thompson £2363, Emily W. Acland .£4293, John Nash £1338, Elizabeth Grierson £5261. A calf which was being landed at Lyttelton on Thursday broke loose and dashed into the tunnel, where it met a train. Its career ended there. Strange to say, its body -was not mangled. It had evidently been struck on the head and thrown clear off the line.

The Ashburton County Scottish Society celebrated the anniversary of the birth, of Robert Bums on Thursday, when t'E-sre was a large attendance of members. Mr James Crai.gie, Mayor of Timarn, delivered an excellent address on the Scottish bard, which was listened to with eager attention and frequently . applauded. He was accord- ’ ed a hearty vote of thanks. Judging from the large number of visitors pouring into New Brighton at present, there seems to he a warm appreciation of the attractions of the sea-side borough. A large number of the employees ■of Messrs Strange and Co. paid a visit to the New Brighton Domain on Thursday, where an enj-oy- - able afternoon was spent in games, etc. Plentiful supplies of good things helped to make the outing a success. The visitors were enthusiastic in their praise of the Domain. At the llakaia Magistrate’s Court ■ yesterday, before Messrs Ha-rcty, Blackly and Lambic, Justices of tho Felice, T. Morland was charged with having rabbits on his property and with failing to take steps for their destruction. Mr Scott, a rabbit inspector, stated that the rabbits were numerous, and that no steps had been taken to reduce them. The case was adjourned for three months. Michael Shea, an old offender,, was sent to gaol for three , months for vagrancy and three months for having stolen a coat, value £2 l()s. At the Ashburton Magistrates’ Courtyesterday, before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M., tue case against Harry Grieve, for failing to comply with maintenr ano© order was adjourned for a week. F. Pv. Jones was fined lOs and costs, 17s, for being found on premises by the police during a sly-gro-g raid. G. W. Leadley, charged with failing to have ■ his child vaccinated, was ordered to have it done. A similar case against Thomas Rollitt was adjourned. In the civil cases W. H. Collins and Company v. F. Rose (claim £SO on a dishonoured promissory note), Thomas Elliott v. G. T. Bates (claim £ls on sal© ot horse), and Reid and Gray v. Andrew Morris (claim £5 11s), judgment by default was given for plaintiffs, and costs. 'ln the case Begg and Company v. Henry Stephenson, claim £4O and -£o damages for detention of goods (two pianos) and unlawful seizures his Worship said that the case depended on the identity of the pianos. Judgment nould befor plaintiff—the goods to ©d to plaintiff or their value, £4o—also costs, £8 Hs, but no damages. A ’ bulletin dealing with nitrogenfixing bacteria has just been issued by the Agricultural Department. The subject if dealt with exhaustively by the Government Biologist (Mr T. W. Kirk). He says that during the past year great prominence has been give* to the question of nitrogen-fixation by the nodule • bacteria on the roots of leguminous plants. This is due, in tho maim to the recent very successful work carried out by the United States Department or Agriculture with regard to the artificial inoculation of lefrumes of these bacteria. Last year he obtained from Dr T. Moore (Department of Agriculture), to whonj. is owed tbe present system of manufacturing cultures, a supply of culture' for the treatment of beans, peas, vetches and red clover. Part of the culture ho sent to Mr Clifton, who is in charge of the experimental station in the Auckland provincial district, and tho remainder he tested at the Weraroa experimental station. Three plots of each of the above kinds of seed were sown—(l) no treatment, (2) soil-inoculation, (3) seed-inoculation. The results proved (1) that on land which will-already produce a_ good crop of legumes the inoculation is of little - benefit to the ci-op treated, but (2)i it increases the number of nodules on the roots, and consequently the quantity of nitrogen left in the soil for the benefit of a following crop, such as grain or ' roots, which have not the power of providing nitrogen for themselves; (3) the inoculated seed invariably gave better results than the inoculated soil. Mr -Kirk is arranging to supply farmers with small quantities of treated and untreated seed, in order that they may conduct test plots for themselves. Who is Watson? The cheapest and most'reliable watchmaker and jeweller. 230, Colombo Street. Silver, Greenstone and Maori novelties. Watch repairing a speciality. 3590 Jewellery Sale. Best Reliable Watches, Gold Muff Chains, Engagement Rings, Gold Bangles, Gold Brooches, Wedding and Christmas Presents, all Sold at Great Reduction for < one month only. K. Grieshaber, Jeweller, 155, Colombo-street. X 3371 Australian papers just to hand give particulars of a miraculous escape from drowning. A party of ladies and gentlemen sailing in Sydney Harbour were upset by a sudden squall. Two ladies only were saved, and -Doth were found to be .wearing Butcher’s 18ot gold wedding rings, obtainable only at 210, High Street. j KI9SB

The s.s. Matatua took from Lyttelton 6791 boxes of butter weighing 33954 cwt, and 219 cases of cheese weighing 264 cwt.

Constable Maine, of iafieoln, has gone on a holiday to Australia, and Constable Gibson, of Christchurch, is at present in charge of the station. The managers of the Rangiora technical school intend to- .start classes for typewriting, shorthand and commercial bookkeeping if a sufficient number of pupils can be obtained. Mr Clement L. Wragge has written to a Rangiora friend that ho will be, in the colony again, shortly with the latest and most beautiful pictures of the heavens in 'existence. In-, consequence of the broken weather having interfered with the progress of the contractors engaged on the alterations to the Waltham School, the school will not reopen till Monday, February 5. The following is a statement of the Customs duties collected at Lyttelton for the week ended January 26: Spirits, £1662 !)s sd; cigars, cigarettes and snuff, £227 IQs; tobacco, £892 12s; wine, £l3l 15s lid; beer, £23 2-s 4d; coffee, cocoa and chocolate, £5 11s; sugar, molasses and treacle, £135 6s 8d; weight, £258 Ss 2d; ad valorem, £6197 17e 6d; other duties, £305 14s 2d; total, £9940 7s 2d. The general manager of the National Bank of New Zealand has received cable advice from London that the Board of directors has resolved to make an issue of 50,000 of unissued shares of £7 10b each in capital of the bank. The shares will bo issued to existing shareholders iii the proportion of one new" share for every two shares ( now held, at £3 10s per share,* of which £2 10s will bo capital and £1 premium. Full particulars will bo supplied to shareholders; by circular early in March. The “Bruce Herald” says that the effects of the wet season are plainly seen in the very mixed condition of the grain crops throughout the district. With the exception of a few favoured spots, the crops are much below the average. In the low-lying parts the almost continuous rains in the early part of the season have had the effect of -rotting out the seed completely, and oven on the higher ground the crops appear thin and irregular. Smut has also made its appearance in many of the wheat crops. ' The unfavourable season is stated to be the cause' of this. Certainly the trouble is far more prevalent than is usually the case.

The annual treat of the Little Rakaia School was held in the school grounds on Thursday afternoon, on the occasion of the breaking-up of the school for the harvest holidays. Thor© was a' good attendance of parents and friends. During the afternoon, games and races were got up for the children, and a number of toys were presented by the committee. At the conclusion of the treat, the prizes were distributed by Mr James Thompson, chairman of tho committee, each child in the school receiving a prize. Cheers were given for the mistress (Miss Sloan) and the chairman, and a vote of thanks was passed to the ladies who had provided the refreshments. <r>

, A gentleman who was \a passenger for Wellington from Lyttelton on Monday was the victim of what appears to have been a very adroit robbery. He had with him a leather case containing a parchment document of no value to anyone but himself, to whom, however, it was of considerable moment. He carried the case under his arm, and, befor© going on board the steamer, spent some time standing on the wharf. Afterwards, when he examined tho case, he found that it had ' been cut open and that tho parchment had been abstracted. It is' surmised that this may have been done while ho was on the wharf. He was, of course, greatly concerned at the loss of the document, but is in hopes that its present possessor, to whom it can be of no use, will return it. Indeed, he is willing to give a “consideration” for its recovery. There seems to be absolutely no limit to the credulity and simplicity of some people. A recent arrival from Ireland was accosted by a stranger in a Christchurch street on "Wednesday afternoon, and after a quiet conversation had been entered into, the stranger suggested to the Irishman that It would be a good idea for both of them to go to Dunedin, where they might find good billots. _ The Irishman unhesitatingly fell in with the suggestion, and did not see any reason to refuse to give his newly-found friend £2 with which to buy the railway tickets. Tho friend immediately left on his errand. It might be supposed that with money gained so easily he would not return. He came back soon afterwards, however, blit only to’ announce that the money was not sufficient. The Irishman gave him £2 more, and he left again and was seen no more that day. On Thursday they met a second time, and the friend made a ready _ excuse, explaining that tho sum was still short to the extent of £2 10s. The Ineh.man, still trusting, wont to the bank, drew out that, sum, and handed it over. With £B 10s in hard cash, his friend left him, presumably for Dunedin, and the Irishman is now awake to the fact that ho has been too confiding. If he waits long enough, his friend may come back for a further instalment.

A'meeting of the Class Committee of the Christchurch Technical Associated Claeses was held on. Wednesday, Mr J. Hight in tho chair. It was reported that Mr J. H. Howell, the newly-ap-pointed director would be prepared to take up his duties next month. As the question of submitting a draft plan of the new buildings to the Department was of urgent importance, it was decided to request Mr Howell to come at once, and he is expected to arrive on Monday. The new term wiU commence on Monday, February 5, and as there will not be time to attempt any reorganisation, the classes will be carried on on-the same lines as formerly, during which the director will make his recommendations for the future. A slight change has been made in the terms and the fees for the first term. Instead of ten weeks, as formerly, the term will be for thirteen weeks, the fees being raised in proportion. The following appointments were made : —Miss M. D. Digby, teacher to the typewriting class. Miss B. E. Digby taking charge of Pitman’s shorthand in tho place of Miss Rout,. who had resigned; Mr B. J. Marquet was appointed to tho wool class, Mr J. W. Ramm to the tailoring and cutting, and Mr John Cook to the carpentry and joiners’ class. A letter was received from Mr Walter Hill, placing at tho disposal of the managers the necessary wool for the wool-sorting class. Every part you can put your finger on on a M’Cormick Binder shows points superior in harvester construction. Morrow, Bassett and Co., Bedford Row. X 3208

The special tailoring prices, told about in an advertisement in this issue, should attract a large number of spectators to tho window display this week of fashionable suitings, at Messrs Graham, Wilson and Smellie’s (near Clock Tower). 3268

In the seething vortex of Clearing Sales running in tho soft goods trade at present, Messrs' T. Armstrong and Co.’s values still remain unassailable. Gents’ Stout Tweed Suits 21e, Boys’ Suits for school wear from 8s 6d, Working Shirts Is lid, 2s 3d, Gents’ Boater Hats 4s 6cl for Is Galatea Hats 7pi and 9d, Knit Sox 6d, Macintosh Coats 12s 6d, Gouts’ Umbrellas 3s 6d, Bush Rugs 3s 6d and 4s 6d, Overalls 3s 3d and 3s 9d. High Street and Victoria Square. 3956

His Lordship Bishop Grimes will eay Maes on Sunday, at Sumner, at 9.30 a.m.

The Government has granted 1 £3500 for the erection in brick of a building for a technical school in New Plymouth.

At_ the Rangiora Borough Council meeting last evening fifteen applications were received for the position of dayman, Mr Tristram was appointed. The Rangiora Borough Council last night appointed Messrs R. Ball, J. Carmichael and J. Saqsom and Mrs Saiisom and Mies Boyd as managers of the technical classes.

At a special meeting of the Rangiora Borough Council held last evening the weekly half-holiday w'as again fixed tor Thursday, but a motion was carried urging the Government to legislate lor a Saturday half-holiday throughout the colony. The Civil Servants of Christchurch have decided to hold their annual cycle road race on the evening of Thursday, February 15. Keen interest is being shown in the proposal by a number of riders, and a largo field is expected to start. A course about five miles in length will bo laid off on the Marshland Road. The bracelets to- be given for the ladies’ bracelet events at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s approaching meeting are on view in the window of Messrs Sandstcin and Son, Cashel Street. One, of massive design, is in throe tiers, and is not with eleven diamonds and the same number of rubies. The other bangle is also very handsome, and six sapphires and thirty diamonds I’avo been used in its manufacture.

One cause of complaint by tUe Sydney wharf labourers is the weight of a sack of wheat, which may be put down at 2501 b. To carry snob a weight hour after hour, and often along rickety planking, is certainly very laborious work. Both in North anti South America a three-bushel sack, whicn would weigh about 1801 b, is the largest used, and Australia became acquainted ‘with these handy packages when grain was being imported during the drought.

A circular letter in regard to the method of dealing with juvenile offenders has been adth-eased by the Justice Department to the stipendiary magistrates of the colony, the object being to prevent the association of youthful offenders with criminals. In this it is suggested that such offenders should bo dealt with at special sittings, and that no child should remain in gaol or lockup pending trial. ..It is thought that experience gained in this way _ will bo of value in framing any legislation that may he required.

Mr W. P. Massey, member for Franklin, leader of tho Opposition, arrived from Wellington yesterday morning, and attended a complimentary social given to Mr R. Moore at Ran'giora last night. Mr Massey delivered an address at the social. When seem by a representative of this journal yesterday, the leader of the Opposition declined good humouredly, but emphatically, to be interviewed. Mr Massey will return to Christchurch to-day, and will remain in the district for several days befor© returning to Auckland, where he is to be entertained by his constituents. Tho Surveyor-General of South' Australia, in reviewing the allotment of land last year, and tho progress of closer settlement, states that perpetual leases were taken up chiefly in country to the south-east of Tailem and on the west coast, while closer settlement land was taken up near Port Lincoln. Altogether last year 2,121,720 acres, of the annual rental value of £3256, were allotted. So far, the Government is not settling many people on tho land; it is simply transferring South Australians from poorer to better districts, and finding room for sons of settlers to make a start for themselves. There is no increase of population by this closer settlement.

On Wednesday evening tho Good Templars of the Christchurch-Lyttolton List-riot, at tho invitation of tho Protector Lodge, met in United Subordinate Lodge Session, in the Albert Hall, Colombo Street. The meeting was thrown open to visitors, and a good programme of musical items was rendered, and refreshments were handed round. During the evening Bro C. H. Bascand, D.C.T., who is leaving Christchurch to take up the position of Organising Agent to the Grand Lodge of Now Zealand, was presented, on behalf of tho District, with a handsome dressing-case, as a token of tho esteem in which ho is held by the members. Rro Bascand suitably replied.

A remarkable instance of the ingenuity of postal officials was recently found in tlio delivery of a post-card at Temuka. . The card was posted in Christchurch, but the sender forgot to address it, and the only indication it bore as to its intended destination was *the introductory “Dear Myrtle” and the postscript (ladies write postscripts even on post-cards), “ Pldfes© _ bring back with you two post-card views of Temuka.” The postal officials correctly surmised that the card was to go to a young lady named Myrtle then presumably staying in Temuka. The card was safely delivered about a mile from the Temuka pest office on the day after it was posted in Christchurch. Tho contemplated marriage of Princess Ena, a niece of King Edward, to King Alfonso, of Spain, has attracted more than usual attention in Europe on account of the Princess being a Protestant, it being supposed that this formed a barrier to the union. The matter seems to have settled itself in a simple manner according to the following item of news taken from Sydney “ Freeman’s -Journal ” :—Our correspondent, Dr W. J. Croke, LL.D., writes under date December 15 as follows: — All that is known to the Holy See about the Anglo-Spanish marriage is that it is to take place, that the Princess is to become a Catholic, and that she will bo Catholic Queen of Spain. But officials' and dignitaries disclaim that there has been anv interference by the Papacy, or that the Duke of Norfolk came to Rome with any mieision or commission in the matter.

The inspectors who were appointed under the Friendly Societies Act of 1883 to inquire into a series of charges preferred against the executive officers of the North Island Grand Lodge United Ancient Order of Druids, by Lodge Pacific (of Wellington) have submitted the result of their inquiry to the Registrar of Friendly Societies. Tho inspectors find, that the charges were not sustained. They much regret that 'the inquiry was considered .necessary, a proceeding which, while provided for in tho Friendly Societies Act, was one that hitherto had not been called into operation by -any Friendly Society in New Zealand. They thought that the fraternal spirit inculcated by all friendly societies, guided by a liberal interpretation of rules and mutual forbearance, should have sumcloivfc Influence to con fin© disputes for •settlement’ within the j u-riediciioii of their own appointed tribunals. At the Ashburton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Thomas Paterson was committed for trial at‘ the next sitting of the Supremo Court at Timaru, on a charge of having committed perjury when giving evidence in a recent sly grog-selling case. Our Sale seems to have struck tho chord of popularity at tho proper time —from the response each day. Outvalues are the delight of every buyer. Black, Beattie and Co., High Street. 4

Our sale seems to have struck the chord of popularity at the proper time —from the response -each day. Our values are the delight of every buyer. Bargains in every department at our annual clearing sale. Black, Beattie and Co., High Street. 4

The tender of Messrs J. and A. Anderson, Christchurch (£3228), has been accepted for the manufacture and erection of the Gatlin’s River railway bridge. The Wellington electric tramway returns for the nine months ended Decomber show a surplus on working of £7262, after making provision for £9071,- interest on loans, and £2059 for sinking fund.

It is expected that the city surveyor, Mr A. D. Dobson, will return to Christchurch to-day. Ho will at once take in hand the work authorised by the City Council .on Monday for the provision of facilities for watering the streets.

The special committee sot up by the City Council to inquire as to the possibility of acquiring the Christchurch Gas Company’s business will meet- on Tuesday to prepare a report for submission to the next meeting of the Council.

The annual district meeting of tire Ancient Order of Foresters, held at Auckland, unanimously carried a resolution heartily approving of the suggestion made by the Premier to hold acolonial conferencejo-f friendly societies in Wellington during the sitting of Parliament.

The secrete ry of the Good Roads Association, Mr Looming, has been informed by the Mayor that the' City Council will receive a deputation from that body at 8 p.m. on Monday, February 5, with regard to certain matters the Good Roads Association wishes to place before the Councillors. A meeting of ladies was held in the Colonists’ Hall, Lyttelton,, on Thursday For the purpose of forming a ladies’ committee in connection with the bazaar to- be held at next Christina slide in aid of the funds of the Lyttelton Rowing Club. A strong committee was formed, and it was decided to hold another meeting ntoxt Monday evening.’ The cultivation of can-ary seed has been successfully established in- Queensland. Last year about 100 sacks were harvested on the Darling Downs, -and the area sown has been steadily growing for a year or two past. At present the cultivation is confined to lands near Clifton and Toowoomba, where the seed meets with a ready sale at from 16s to £1 per cwt. The grass which produces it (Phalaris canarionsis) is indigenous to the Canary Islands, but it lias been, easily naturalised, not only in Queensland, but in many parts of Europe. The result- or the abortive .poll held on Thursday in regard to the 2>roposal to raise- a -drainage loan of £50,000 may place the Drainage Board in a serious position. The Board has two engines for its pumping plants, but both plants have to be worked generally in order to cope with the There is, therefore, no' " stand-by,” and if either engine breaks down, there will be an anxious time for the Board’s officers. Daring the past few weeks of dry weather, one engine has been sufficient, but tor, quite twelve months both had to be used simultaneously, and neither could get a rest. In the event of one of the engines breaking down, the sewers would choke, and groat -expense- would have to be gone to to relievo them. Thursday’s election cost the Board over £IOO. The position will be discussed at the hext' meeting of the Board, on February 20. -

A youth named William Briggs, of Wangaratta (Victoria), has been injured in a peculiar manner. He was a passenger from Melbourne by the Sydney express train, and when near Broadmeadows a goods train was met travelling on the opposite line alongside. Briggs was sitting near the window, with Ins head resting on his arm, that lay on the sill, when he was suddenly struck on the side of the head; while a passenger sitting on the opposite side of the compartment was heavily struck on the arm. It is surmised that a loose rope attached to a tarpaulin on one of the trucks of tlie goods train caused the injuries. Briggs sustained,a wound on the head, which required the insertion of several stitches.

At• "Wednesday evening’s meeting of the Now Zealand Rugby Football Union a letter was read from a Mr Norman M. Halcombe, of Stanford University, requesting the secretary to forward a copy of the rules of football as played in New Zealand., and asking if there were any books dealing with the game. Mr Haloombe says:—- “ There has been considerable discussion (and, indeed,’ every year brings the same controversy) anont the roughness of the American game, its lack of spectacular effect, duo- to mass play, and the bad element introduced through professionalism. This year the feeling that some reform was needed has been especially strong, and the English or New Zealand game has been suggested as the alternative. Being the only representative of New, Zealand at Stanford, and, moreover, being an old football enthusiast, I am very anxious to be in a position to forward the interests •of our national game. Should the College Athletic Committees substitute Rugby for the gain© at present played here I am convinced that it vyould he a grand thing both for us and the Americans, leading, as the game became established, to international. and inter-collegiate contests, by which w© should get to know one another, and establish a bond' of friendship, which would be impossible under other conditions.” The: secretary was instructed to forward the information required. The Premier is contemplating an early visit to Australia. In acknowledging,- in a lengthy letter, the receipt of a resolution passed at a meeting of New Zealanders in Kalgoorlie to celebrate the victory of his Government at the polls, he says—“ It is gratifying to mop as it must he to the people of Now Zealand, to know of the deep interest taken in their political ■ wellbeing by New Zealanders who, though far away, always have a kindly feeling in their hearts-for their mother country, or, as Bracken, fittingly termed it, ‘ God’s Own Country.’ Personally, I feel I shall be scarcely able to ever repay obligations which the great confidence of the people of this colony have imposed, and which have been accentuated by my good friends at Kalgoorlie. Beyond calling at Albany, I have not seen anything of West Australia, and I am looking forward to the time when I shall bo able to visit the Australian Golden West, and there to meet kindred spirits, the open-hearted, manliest of men, who are ever to be found upon the goldfields. It would ho a grand reunion. Many of the Now Zealanders are West Coasters, both, of the younger and older generations. From them I should be able to gather their experiences in hospitable Australia, and would bo able to give thorn from fair New Zealand the kind remembrances of these they have loft behind. lam just leaving Wellington, to take a well-earn-ed rest on the West Coast, and, if all o-oes well, hone to he able to visit Australia in about three months’ time.” Jam Jars—Cheaxmst in town per dozen: Mason Quarts, 3s od; Half-gal-lon, 5s 6d; Tie over, 11b 2s, 21b & 9d. Tumblers, 2s per dozen. Also Screw Tops, at Fletcher Bros., Importers, High Street. 1 From now on it e buy fast and furiously. You’ll want to visit the store where shopping is easy, and prices .-rv convictions. Black, Beattie and Go., High Street. 53262 If you have the faintest suspicion that your eyes are not just right, if they bother you in any way, it’s boat to have them examined at ones. Do not go to the average optician or spectacle seller, for ho is unable to distinguish between optical defects and diseases, hut consult John R. Proctor, 180, High Street, Christchurch, who will give you a thorough examination free of charge. . X 2681

There will bo a trial run of the electric, cars on the Lincoln Road line on Monday morning at ten 1 o’clock. A prisoner named Crook, who escaped from the prison work® at Wellington on Thursday, was captured yesterday wearing civilian clothes, alleged to be the proceeds of a burglary committed during his brief period of liberty.

An enthusiastic meeting of Timaru business men was held yesterday afternoon, there being twenty-eight present. It was unanimously resolved to constitute the members into a Chamber of Commerce. Mr J. P. Newman was elected president, and Mr Priest vicepresident. A committee of seven was appointed. The Timaru Harbour Board lias been asked by the engineers who are superintending the construction of their new dredge at Glasgow, for a general and absolute power of attorney. The Board’s solicitors advised that they cannot give such a document, that they capnot delegate to an attorney the exercise of discretionary powers which they are authorised to perform as trustees for the public.’ If any such document was executed it should contain provisions that no substantial variation or modification of the contract should bo binding on the Board, unless first sanctioned, or subsequently informed by them. The agret-Ti to execute the power of attorney with such restrictions appended. , At a. meeting of five and twenty business people at Timaru last evening, a resolution was passed affirming the desirability of forming a company to erect a large marine hotel, and a provisional directorate was appointed to obtain offers of sites and collect information as to the cost of building, etc., and report in a fortnight. One after another spoke of tlie ineftfficiency of existing accommodation, and the Mayor, who presided, said that the owners of hotels could not and would not bo expected to enlarge their premises with such risk before them of losing their licenses in three years. Most of the speakers advocated erecting an up-to-date building of sixty to one hundred bedrooms, but a suggestion to erect one of fifty, to be added to if necessary, found favour. It was pointed out that it was desirable to have the building ready, if gone on with, before the Christchurch Exhibition opens.

Referring to the Kinloch Estate, Mr H. G. Ell, M.H.R., telegraphed yesterday to the ' Hon T. Y. Duncan that there was grievous disappointment at the Department not carrying out the promise that native bush on the Kinloch Estat» would be set apart as scenic reserves. .Mr Ell added: “We have been putting forth every nerve to pre-, serve the remnants of the beautiful forest on Banks Peninsula, and now you are making away with 350 acres in areas of 10, 20 and 40 acres. It is simply cruel. The irony of the matter is that in your sale pamphlet the occupier is warned not to touch plantation trees, while the primeval bush, which no nian planted or can replace, is to be destroyed. There is strong feeling here. What is £IOOO or £ISOO to the loss of what will make beautiful the countryside and help to preserve our native birds for all time.” In reply, the Minister has telegraphed to Mr Ell that ho fears there will be trouble in getting Parliament to vote money in largo sums for land to grow bush on at over £lO per acre. “ However,” he adds, “ there might ho some portion reserved. Please see Mr Kensington, who is in Christchurch now, and show him what you wish done, and I will put the matter before the Cabinet, and endeavour to meet your wishes.” Mr Ell will interview Mr Kensington upon the matter this morning. We are giving the best value in bicycles over offered in Christchurch. Prices from £ll to £ls 15s. Genuine English-built B.S.A, Bicycles £l2 10s. Repairs, unequalled in quality, at moderate prices. Boyd and Son, 191, Gloucester Street, . Christchurch. 1988 Call on us for brushes. We keep all kinds of brush ware; import them direct and sell them cheap. Whether a tooth brush or a yard broom, a paint brush or a pot scrub, if its a brush you want, get it from Minson and Co. X 2613

Price-cutting extraordinary at Beath’s Great Stock-taking Sale. Drop in to-day. Lovely Marabout Stoles, 35s 9d for 15s lid, 50s for 19s lid, 60s for 25s 9d; Wide Millinery, Is lid for 6(d; Whit© Lace, 11 Jd, now Old dozen j White Embroideries, 41d, now 2J-d; Ladies’ Embroidered Hose, 2s 6d for Is 64d; Fancy Zephyrs, 8)d for 3-ld, 101 d for 4£d, Is LVd for old; Wool Delaines, Is lid fells ; Silk Embroidered Crepolines, 2s lid for Is Gid; Linen Crash, Is 3d for 5-Id. Beath’s Further Reduction Sale. 1988 SUGGESTED INDUSTRIES. In conversation with a reporter yesterday, Mr H. E. Kugolmann, a visitor to Christchurch, made some interesting suggestions as to the possibility of developing ’some small industries. Mr Kugelmann is a member of a large American firm of botanic druggists, and he explained that druggists make use of some very homely commodities in large quantities. These commodities have found a market of some proportions in the Australian States, and supplies are obtained from Australia by America. . Tbo bloom of rod clover, dried, baled and pressed is much used, the output in Australia being something like; fifty tons a yoar, and the price is 4d per lb. Yarrow, practically a weed in this country, is also useful, and the plant, dried when in full bloom, commands a price of £lB per ton. Rib grass, similarly dried, is another on the list of druggists’ materials, and is worth as much as £l2 per ton. The last mentioned by Mr Kugelmann was the beto noir of gardeners, the übiquitous, irrepressible dock. The root, sliced and .dried, is largely ueifd, and the price made by this com mop cause,of cursing is no less than £2B per ton.

DISILLUSIONED AUSTRALIANS. An Australian who has wandered in many lands, and who has not enough money to return to Australia, says that ho would sooner be in Victoria “ a thousand times” than anywhere else. The Agent- Gan ©rail (Mr Taverner) found this wanderer in London looking for some cheap way of returning to Victoria./ Mir Ipaverner adds that there were a number of these people in Great Britain, and he raises tho question whether some efforts might not h© made by the State to aid them:. On© was a farmer in South Gippsland, and Mr Taverner was endeavouring to get the best possibe terms with tho steamship companies to assist- in, his return to Victoria. There was another man,—a native of Scotland—who came to Victoria ten years ago and engaged in farming. Then, ho sold his farm and returned to Great Britain. He regrets having .returned,, and would ho glad 1 to bo back in Victoria. Ho states that he lies' six children, horn in, Victoria, “who are crying to be"tafcen out of this wet, cold climate.” Another man camo from tho north-western district of Victoria.. He has' been to Canada and South. Africa, and is not satisfied, with either. Mr Taverner suggests that if theso men were bronght out to Victoria and settled l on land, thfe repayments could be spread over a,

number of yeans. According to the “Argus,” Mr Bent said that the question of immigration would he considered .at the Premiers’ Conference in Sydney during March. THE “ STAR.” There are three editions of the “ Star ” on Saturday, one at three o’clock, a second at four, and a third at eight, the last-mentioned giving th©_ very latest news up to the time of going to press. The articles in the magazine portion of to-day’s “Star” will coyer a great range of subjects, and ought to provide most interesting reading. In the section devoted to tides and sketches will appear another instalment of the serial by John K. Leys, entitled, “ All in the Dark,” besides the following:—“X-Rays and Cancer,_ “ Slaves of the Synod,” “Is into His Own Again,” “ Strange ■ Captivity,” “The Fat Man’s Crime,” “Where Uncle Sam Tries His Big Gone,” etc. In the ladies’ columns will be found: — “ The Simple Life,” “ Grace of Manner Wanted,” “ Millionaires Who are Looking for Wives,” “ Cash Prizes for Ugly Girls,” “ Women Officials of the American Government,” “ Hints to Anxious Mothers,” “ Woman’s World,” “ Household Hints,” etc. There will, of course, bo also “The Week,” the bandsmen’s column, brief mention, fun and fancy, and all the news of the day. B.S.'A. STARS. We wish to give notice that we can supply B.S.A/ Star _ Roadster bicycles, 'specially built to suit the requirements of riders. The B.S.A. Star can be supplied fitted with any height of frame, any shape of handle bar, any tyres, any gears. This will be found to be a reliable machine, and is sold at the reasonable price of £l6. Easy terms arranged. Adams Star Cycle Co., 138-140, High Street, and 198, Colombo Street, Christchurch. 34