TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 14061, 16 May 1906, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

telephone office at Lower Riccarton was re-opened yesterday morning. A telegram from Palmerston North states that, owing to the opening up of some old cesspits an connection with the new drainage works, a number of cases of diphtheria have occurred in the town. The number of men employed on cooperative works in the colony is now 8246, of whom 4624 are on railway works and 3622 on road works. On the North Island Trunk Railway 1707 men are employed. During the month of April 107 married men and 436 single men were assisted by the Labour Department. Of this number 198 were from the North Island, 26S from the South Island, 45 from the Commonwealth, and 26 from Groat Britaim

The Campbell Street School Committee, Palmerston North, has decided to erect school baths, at a cost of £SOO. The Mayor yesterday received from the Government his commission as an Executive Commissioner for the Exhibition. At the Geraldine Magistrate’s Courtyesterday, before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M., ‘William Waters, on a charge of having been on licensed premises during the currency of a prohibition order, was fined £1 and costs. A second charge of the same nature was dismissed. / Additional donations towards the prise-fund of the Exhibition Agricultural and Pastoral Show have been received as follow :—Messrs W. Macfarlano £2O, John M’Arthur £5, R. Parry £3 3s, J. Stringfellow £3 Bs, W. F. Parkinson £2 2s, W. F. Hamilton £2 2s, and Dirk Pihl £2 2s. Mr J. T. Hogan, M.H.R., telegraphs to the “Wanganui Herald” as to the terrible state of the hack-blocks reads, and the sufferings of the settlers in consequence. He says the roads are seas of mud, and that the settlers are having an awful time. The Ohakuno mails have had to be taken in by pack-horse for the first time in ten years. Major Winter, second in command of the Salvation Army in the South Island, has received instructions from headquarters to take up an important appointment in one of the Australian States. A public farewell meeting will bo conducted by the provincial commander (Brigadier Knight) in the Victoria ‘ Street Barracks to-night, commencing at eight- o’clock. _ Major Winter and Mrs Winter will leave for Sydney by the Moeraki on Friday. A landlord, who was claiming possession of a house and damages, stated at the Supreme Court yesterday that he had had to live in a back room because his tenant would not leave when ordered to. H© had suffered undoubted damage, inasmuch as while he was living in the back room his friends could not visit him. “Well 1 ,” said his Honor, “at what value do you estimate the loss of your friends’ visits?” “ I can’t say,” replied the claimant, after a pause. “ Neither can I,” added his Honor emphatically. ( At the Rangiora Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr E. R. Good, J.P., Mr G. Whiteside, J.P., and Mr C. I. Jennings, J.P., Mrs Hamish Pyle, executrix of T. Pyle (Mr Johnston), claimed £8 6s 10d from H. F. Edor (Mr Van Asch); £2 19s 6d was paid into Court, the balance of the account for groceries being disputed. The case was adjourned for a week for the pro-, duction of books. In a claim by the same plaintiff against T. S. Tolputt for £6 13s 9d, judgment was given for plaintiff by default, with costs. “Where are the pigeons now?” asked Mr H. W. Bishop yesterday in hearing a charge of the theft of some birds by a couple of boys. The sergeant of police explained that some of them had been recovered’ by the owner, who had paid 6s to get them hack from the person to whom they had been illegally sold. “ I suppose you explained to the dealer (and it is certainly time he knew) that he has no right to keep, much less to sell, stolen property. If the owner likes to pay for it, it is his business. But I certainly would not do so. The 6s is undoubtedly recoverable.” A hitch has occurred in the arrangements for opening the Motupiko-Tad-mor section of the Midland Railway. The Acting-Minister of Railways (Hon A. Pitt) has telegraphed as follows to Mr Graham, M.H.R. for Nelson I understand that the engineer sent _to inspect the Tadmor railway extension cannot certify that it is fit to be opened for traffic. 1 understand from the Hon W. Hall-Jones that he does notpropose opening the line on May 24, and that the ceremony must bo postponed. I am very sorry, as I should have had pleasure in being present. _ I have ordered a new railway carriage to be sent to Nelson. This will be put together there.” A bazaar was opened at the Ranpdora Institute Hall yesterday by the Slayer (Sir E. W. Ralph), in aid of the Methodist Parsonage Renovation Fund. The room was tastefully decorated and the' stalk attractively arranged with a varied stock of goods, that spoke well for th.e industry of the ladies. Those in charge of the stalls were Mcsdames J. T. Withers, G. Watson, A. H-edeoke C. Jewell, W. H. Fester, A. Thompson, M’Kenaie and Miss Thompson, who were assisted by a large number of young ladies. An art gallery was in charge of Mr D. Graham, and there were several other attractions for the expenditure of small coin. Ru Rowiti (Louis Davis), a chief of the Ngatamanu tribe, (Bay of Islands, died on April 30. Amongst the telegrams of sympathy. received by deceased’s relatives was the following from the Premier:—“lt is with profound regret and great sorrow I learn of the death of Ru Davis. My heartfelt sympathy is with you and your people in your sad bereavement. The day dawns and the night comes. They are both inevitable, and those who are gone before form the links "that connect us with the Eternal. Their gcod works remain with, us, and help to keep them green and bright in memory.” This tel got am was addressed to Wiki (Victoria) Keepa, Major Keepa’s daughter. Deceased unsuccessfully contested the Northern Maori District with Mr Hone Heke, M.H.R., at the last _ general election. Ru Rewiti was married to a daughter of Major Keepa, a Wanganui .chief. ' - A' meeting of the committee of tin; School Committees’ Association was held last week, Mr H. A. Owen (president) in the chair. A letter was received from the Defence Department, in reply to the Association, in reference to the encampment and the expense in connection with the School Cadets. It was resolved to recommend to the annual meeting that the.ehcampment should bo held in the. last week of the Christmas holidays. Regarding the request of the Association to the Education Department as to the exhibition .of modern school furniture at the Now Zealand International Exhibition, the Inspector-General wrote that steps were being taken to obtain a representative collection illustrating school desks in use in, and approved by the authorities of, the countries mentioned by the Association. Thirtytwo School Committees wrote stating that they had passed resolutions in favour of single desks or improved seating accommodation in State schools. Before deciding, have a look at the New McCormick Grain, Turnip and Manure Drill; it will interest you. Morrow, Bassett and Co,, Bedford Row. X 3208 You Can ; Will You Benefit P—Two great clearing lines of Choice Winter Biousings at a big reduction of usual prices. 4500 Yards of all-wool French Flannel Bio usings, the newest in navy and white, black and white and fancy designs, cream grounds in new ring, spot, diamond and fancy effects, also in cardinals, pinks. . greens, browns,' violet’and heliotrope, lovely new effects, usually sold at 2s 6d, cut price Is lid; 2000 yards Choice Cashmerette Plo-us-ino-s at 6i,d. Beath and Go., Ltd,, Cashel Street. ‘ 25 Jewellery Sale. Best Reliable Watches, Gold Muff Chains, Engagement Rings, Gold Bangles, Gold Broodies, Wedding Presents, all Sold at Great Reduction for one month only. K. Grioshaber, Jeweller, 153, Colombo 1 Street. N 3371

Five of the business men of Gust having signed the necessary guarantee form, their offices "will be connected witn tie Telephone Exchange. The Government has accepted tenders for the “erection of twenty-five workmen’s homes at Petono. The _ prices are said to ho well within the estimate. At the Lyttelton Police Court yesterday before Air C. Ferrier. J.P., a male first offender.' who had been re>-. mandod for medical treatment, was convicted and ordered to pay 10s 6d expenses. ' To-day Mr Merchant,. who is retiring from the position of SurveyorGeneral, will be the recipient of a presentation from- all the officers in the Lands and Survey Departments in the colony. Air Hall-Jones will make the presentation. There has been a shortage of labour in Lyttelton this week, and three of the Union Company’s colliers, tie Rakanoa, Hawea and Kittawa, were considerably delayed through the want of sufficient men to discharge their cargoes. The secretary of the Christchurch Cycling and Alotor Club has received a communication from the Woolston Brass Band, stating that, at a meeting of members, it was decided to give the band’s services free on the occasion of the sports meeting to be held on Lancaster Park on Prince of Wales’s Birthday, Alonday, June 4, in aid of the funds of tie sanatorium for consumptives. The committee of the Canterbury Sports Protection 'Association met last evening, Air A. Cant presiding. Correspondence relative to defaulters was received from the. Alcrivalo and Richmond Football Clubs,. the Sydenham Hockey Club and the Sydenham Swimming Club. Seven defaulters were re-ported-as now .financial, three were finally posted, and several cases were hqld over. The Otago Association] forwarded a list, of defaulters who had now paid their arrears. The Waimato correspondent of the “Camara Alail ” writes;—As threshing proceeds in this district the yield of wheat and oats is found to be much bettor in quantity and quality than was expected up to commencement of , harvest. The recent improvement in pripes for both cereals will be a great benefit to many farmers. The quality of grain this season in this part of Canterbury is-much superior to that of the grain crops in Southland and North Canterbury, according to reports received fromtnese portions of the island. Although many of the Maoris in the Taranaki district have been placed almost on the verge of starvation, owing to the failure of the potato crops, there is a considerable sum of money to the credit of scans of them in the Public Trust Office as then* share of the rents of the West Coast native reserves.. Te Whiti has forbidden his followers to touch any of the rents, end the older men are implicitly obeying his mandate, with the result that year after year ■ the Public Trustee is adding to each one’s credit balance. The younger natives, however, are breaking away from the teaching of Te Whiti so far as the rentals are concerned, and are promptly making use of the money to which /they are entitled. The annual meeting of the Lincoln branch of the Farmers’ Union was , heldon Alonday evening.' There was a good attendance, and the president, Mr R. W. Lochhead, occupied the chair. The adoption of the report and bal-ance-sheet was moved by the chairman, ' who referred in detail to the more im- ‘ portant work of the year. The following officers were elected;—President, Mr, R. W. Lochhead (re-elected); vicepresidents, Messrs H. > C. Townshend and J. Topham; honorary secretary, Mr G. Stoddart (re-elected); committee, Messrs B. Pearson, W. Dunn and J. Wolfe. A letter was received from the local agents of the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, offering substantial reductions in farmers’ risks, but no action was taken in the matter. . The chairman brought forward the 1 scale of wages claimed by the Farm La- # boaters’ Union, but although the matter was pretty freely discussed, no definite decision was arrived at. The annual smoke concert and presentation of prizes of 1 the Lyttelton Pirates’ Amateur Athletic Club todk place on Alonday evening, fit the Lyttelton Hotel. Mr T. Wales, captain of the club, presided, and the company im eluded Air Wal®r Johnston, (secretary of the Canterbury Centre of the New’ Zealand Swimming Association), Air C. Kent (Sydenham Swimming Club), Air E. Eldridge (Richmond Swimming Club) and Mr W. C. Schumacher (one of the vice-presidents of the Pirates Club). The swimming prizes won during last season by members of the club were . handed to the winners by Air Johnston, who congratulated the club on' its improved position, and expressed hearty good wishes for its success in the fu- > ture. During the season the Pirates had '■ won three second prizes in inter-club : matches, and held eight club events, for which there were seventy-two entries. Its financial position was now very satisfactory. A number of toasts were drunk, with the customary honours. It was announced that the Rev Otho Fitzgerald and Mr E. Empson had pro raised prizes for the encouragement of football during the coming season. The prospectus of the Christchurch’ Technical Classes has been issued in. pamphlet form, and may be had on application to the director. A con- . siderable extension of the work will take place in the next term, which commences on Alonday, Alay 28. Five new classes are being started in building construction for those engaged in the building trade;;, applied drawing, mathematics and science for skilled artisans, and commercial geography, French and German for those engaged in commerce. As iretractor in sanitary science and plumbing the Board has secured the services of Mr Kenshaw, inspector under the Health Department, who is a first-class honqurm-an of the City and Guilds', and was formerly, instructor in plumbing in the sanitary engineering department of the Manchester Alunicipal Technical School. Mr Alawson Stewart and Air AY. E. Best, Fellows of the Accountants and Auditors’ Association, have charge of the book-keeping; Air H. S. Taylor; LL.AI., 8.A., of comihercial geography and correspondence, and Air J. P. Dakin, 8.A., who has recently returned bo the colony after two years in Europe, of commercial French and German. ’ We are giving the best value in bi- - cycles ever offered in Christchurch. Prices from £ll to £ls 15s. Genuine English-built B.S.A. _ Bicycles £l2 10s. Repairs, unequalled iu quality, atemoderate prices. Boyd and Son, 191, Gloucester Street, Christchurch- 1933 Splendid Knitted Jerseys for boys and girls, in cardinal, navy, heather and white, at prices ranging fjom 3s 6d‘to 5s 9d, to fit children from 3 bo 13 - years old, are displayed this week at Messrs Graham, Wikon and Smellie’s. 1362 Deer stalking as a sport has been the topic of our daily papers lately. But the ladies of Christchurch will find much better sport in buying our lino • of Sample Swiss Curtains in whit© and cream, which we are clearing ,at the following reductione-: 6s 3d for 4s lid, 7s Gd for 5s lid, 8s 9d for Gs 9d. Ss lid for 6s lid, 10s for 7s lid, 12s 3d for 9s Sd, 14s 6d for ll«/6d, 17s for 13s 6d. Como early to avoid dbappointment. Black, Beattie and Co. 3632 Warranted/to wear white throughout. Queen silver spoons, tea 2s 3d, oessert •4s 6d, table os 9d per half-dozen; good value. Knives known .make; dessert 3( 8d to 3s 9d, tablo 4s|)d to 14s 6d per half-dwjeu. Carving Sets from 5s to 355, at Fletcher Bros;, Lower High Street. 3

■ The congregation of the Gust Presbyterian Church has unanimously decided to give a call to the Rev R. Francis, & recent arrival from Scotland. Last week a party of twelve members of the Little P.akaia Gun Club visited the Oakleigh Estate and secured one hundred and forty-four hares. Many good bags of ducks have recently been obtained by sportsmen at Little Rakaia and also at Lake Ellesmere. One evening last week Mr J. Maguinnoae obtained more than sixty ducks from bis pond at Stoncy Gully. The annual .meeting or members _ of the Oust branch of the Farmers’ Union was held on Monday, Mr G. Rudden- ' plau presiding. The balance-shoot showed a credit balance of £4 C.s 3d, and it was stated that the number of paid-up members was forty-five. Officers wore elected as follow: —President, Mr judge; secretary and treasurer, Mr F, W. Ruddenklau; representative to tbo Provincial Conference, Mr G. klau. The annual subscription was fixed at ss. The monthly meeting of the committee of the Gust Institute was held on Monday; present-—Messrs J* Forms (president), Gardner, "Wood, jveig, Howat, Hassall and Packer. After some discussion it was decided to arrange toi a series of entertainments, the proceeds; to bo devoted to the erection o* an up-to-date Library room. It was arranged that members of the cammuteo should be asked to individually prepare a scheme, for a novel and unique form of entertainment. The following letter regarding the size of corns acts, received by a Christchurch merchant from _ Calcutta, nas read at a recent of the Cue u branch of the Farmer's’Union: —_ Corn- ■ sacks could be supplied in the size you mention, 46 x 24. The price would probably be 2d or 3d less per dozen than that for standards 44 x 261- The actual difference between the two bags is about 4d per dozen, but as the 46 x 24 bags would require cloth 24m wide, which mills do not make regularly, they would require a proportionately higher price, the extent of which would depend on the size of the order and t-h© stato of tli© market. There was a continuous stream of Heitors to the Art Gallery yesterday afternoon to view Holman Hunt’s celebrated picture, “ The Lignt of the World.” As was only expected, the picture more than- filled the eulo|nnmfl which had been passed upon it elsewhere. It is hung in the Gallery in an exceptionally good light, and every detail is admirably brought out. The picture is one which requires time for “perusal,” and it should not bo viewed hurriedly. Its obvious intention is backed by a spiritualism that is nob often observable, even in the higher creations of the masters of modern art. The picture will be on view at the Art Gallery for some days, without • charge. Impelled by last year’s Maori land legislation to do something with their - land, the Ngatipqrou tribe, on the east coast north of Gisborne, are (says the Gisborne correspondent. of the Auckland “Star”) making great strides in settlement. Hundreds of acres of bush are being felled this season, and the •Natives, who have been engaged in ‘sheep farming‘on co-operative lines,for ,• many years, owning large flocks, are greatly enlarging the scope of their operations. The Ngatipo-rous are much , interested in telephone communication, and are now connecting their settloi ments throughout the district with private wires, substantially erected, the total length of wire being about 100 miles. Bay of Plenty Natives are also raising money for the purpose of connecting themselves with the Ngatiporous by means of the telephone. , The value on Union Bank of Australia notes of all denominations has up to the present been printed in one colour. The bank has now issued new £1 £5, £lO, £2O and also £SO notes, with the value printed in different colours, thus making the difference in values more marked. The colours are: £l, pale cerise on a pink ground; £5, green on a paler green ground; £lO, yellow ochre on light brown ei-enna; £2O, white on a lavender • ground; £6O, white on a grey pink ground. In other \ respects the distinctive features of design are maintained, the most prominent being the figures of Britannia and the Coronation portrait of the late Queen. The new notes of different denominations also vary in size, the £1 issued being smaller than these formerly issued, the size’increasing slightly for each denomination. Tlio new notes are to be put into circulation at once. A general meeting of the Avon,No- - License and Vigilance Association was held on Friday. . Air J. G. Fraser , presided. The election of, officers resulted as follows:—President—Air J. G. Fraser; vice-presidents, Mrs Spencer, Messrs Hunter, Beckwith, Schumacher, Wilkinson and Wicks; treasurer and secretary, Sirs Herbert; committee——Messrs Sapsford, Gault, Hargrove, Spratt, Spratt, jun., Buchanan, Wise, Tretheway, Clarkson, Herbert, Pattereon, Armitage, Brunt, Jamieson and Winder, Meedames Stokes, Wise, Beilby, Patterson, Tretheway and Alias Armstrong; representing Marshland— Messrs Wilson, Myers, Rountree, Markham, Radcliffe, Goodman and Southon; representing Windsor—Mr De la Cour and Ahrs Goodrich; representing Dallington—Mr Armstrong and Mrs Holder. Mr Hunter presented the secretary, on behalf of tbo members and committee, with a dressing-case, in recognition of services rendered to ithe Association. ' At the Juvenile Court yesterday, before Air H. W. Bishop, S.AI., a charge .was preferred against two small children that they lived with a woman of bad repute. The mother of the children was present in the Court, and asked to be allowed to keep them. After hearing evidence, the children were oomniittd to the Receiving Home. Alary Alexandra Alacdonald, who was charged •with having faileqgto maintain bar infant, pleaded that she had other children to look after. She was told by the Bench that tho utter neglect she had shown for the child was inexcusable, and she was ordered to pay 5s per week towards its maintenance, the child to be sent to St Alary’s School, Nelson. Frank Pope and Edward Higgins pleaded guilty to charges of having stolen nine fowls valued at £1 3s Bd, the property of W. A. Smith; five pigeons, valued at £5 the property of W. Sens' ton; and twelve pigeons, valued at £2. the property of F. J. Pope. The boys f Bold the birds to dealers. The only excuse the boys gave the Court was that they wanted some money. Higgins, who was fourteen years old, was convicted and committed to the Burnham industrial School, and Pope, eleven years old, was convicted and discharged. Immense enthusiasm has been engendered in the city by the great Salvage Sale now progressing at the respective establishments of Aleasrs T. Armstrong and Co., High Street and Victoria Square. To judge by the great crowds visiting the firm’s stores daily, the Bargains must certainly be mere attractive than any submitted in this city hitherto. , 3257 Air G. S. Jones, the tending optician, over Simpson and Williams, High Street. Highest grade spectacles, and the “ Reform ” Artificial Eyes fitted at moderate prices. Hours 9 to 5. 53653 Regular shipments to tho United Kingdom and. Europe at fixed through rates, are made by tho New Zealand Express Co., Limited. Parcels ‘ and packages are taken at lowest fates. 53235 ~

| The police state that they intend to j take action against sportsmen who disj charge firearms on tbo Port and Cashj mere Hills, near public roads. The alterations to the Canterbury Hall entailed in its conversion into a theatre sure now in progress, and tiic buildinw will not again bo open to fine public in its old form. The Alaomalion Dramatic Company, will occupy tno tboat.ro for the opening season. At a meeting of the Dishop Hadnold Memorial Committee at Wellington yesterday it was resolved that thememorial should take the form, of an hostel, to bo erected in tiro proximity of Victoria College,, for the. accommodation. of theological and university students. At the meeting of the committee of tho Ashburton Technical Claeses Association held on Monday evening the secretary reported that the number in the ladies’ cooking class was 29, in the school cooking class 124, woodwork 131, dressmaking 18, shorthand 21, typewriting 12, book-keeping 15. Mr H. R. Smith, tho treasurer of the Consumptive Sanatorium Fund, has received from Air Alack Jost, the representative of Air Booth, who’’ is in charge of his 'picture, “Tho Light or the World,” a cheque for ten guineas, representing the amount paid by the “Lyttelton Times” Company for the privilege of reproducing the picture as an inset to the “ Cantor bury Times.” r ihe annual meeting of the Dunsandcl Public Library was held on Friday evening.. The .credit balance wan reported to be about £2O. It was, decided to purchase books and periodicals with the Government subsidy of £6. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: — Chairman, Mr vj. Sherrard; secretary and'treasurer, Air John Graham ; librarian. Mr Al’Tvenzie ; committee, Messrs W. Walker, D. Hid, W. Burgess, J. Al’Kensle and I). M’llraith. A conference of local bodies contributing bv rate to the funds of the Timaru Harbour Board has been convened bv vne Geraldine lined Board for', Saturday, May , 26, for the purpose of discussing the increased levies by the Harbour and Charitable Aid Boards. Tho South Canterbury Hospital Board yesterday requested the chairman to attend, the conference, to give any information required, ami especially to point out that the Hospital Board does not make its levy by rate, but for an amount required. At the Magistrate’s Court at Timaru on Monday, James Young, a hotelkeeper at Fairlie,, was prosecuted by the police for running a canteen at the Volunteer camp near Fairlie at Easter, without the authority of a conditional license. The Stipendiary > Magistrate dismissed- tho case, accepting the defence that a conditional license was not absolutely required for a canteen for tho supply of refreshments to Volunteers only, and the canteen had been run on that line.' though Volunteers were permitted to “ shout ” for friends. His Worship said that a conditional license might have permitted liquors to be supplied to others than Volunteers, or it might have been made a condition that civilians' should not be ■supplied. Coincidences are familiar enough in the game of cricket, but they do not always extend to tho administration of the game. Recently, however, a remarkable coincidence occurred in connection with tho New Zealand Cricket Council. At a meeting of the Council a member rather sprang a surprise on liis fellows by suggesting that- an. effort should be made to secure a visit during tho next season. from a Tasmanian team. Tasmania had not previously been considered in the arrangements for visiting teams, but, on the morning after the Council meeting the secretary ■ was surprised to receiyo , a letter from the Tasmanian Association suggesting that it. should send a team to New Zealand. Recently, says a telegram from Wellington, exception was taken to the high values placed upon city properties, and a deputation of Lambton Quay owners waited on tho Valuer-' General urging a reduction, in tho assessments. Tho later hold out no hope. He emphasised that the Departmental valuations were based on actual sales and selling values, and particularly referred to the fact that the enhanced valuations did not necessarily mean increased rates. It was the duty of the Alunicipality to so fix its rates that tho levies would not press unduly on pro-perty-holders. If the property owners were dissatisfied with their valuations, they had a clear remedy in tho Assessment Court. The members of the deputation agreed to take the latter course, and will make the first objection to a Lambton Quay valuation heard before the Assessment Court a test esse. A NOVEL ORAFS Emulating the achievement of Captain Voss, of the Tilikum, Air Edward Williams, of Whangarei, has, says the Auckland “ Star,” built a model of a craft which may bo described as an oval, barrel-shaped craft. One feature that Mr Williams, who has had much experience of tho sea, claims for Ilia boat is that she is practically unsinkable, and that it will take something more than a gale of wind to capsize her. The new boat will be 30ft long, with 7ft 6ft beam. She will have about threequartera of a ton of lead on her keel, and her estimated draught wiU be 3ft Gin. To militate against rolling, chocks will be fitted on each side. She will carry water-tanks fore and aft, altogether capable of holding lOOgal of water, besides being ballasted with dead ballast. Amidships will be found a comfortable cabin, 10ft long. Tho boat will be yawl-rigged, and will carry two masts. THE NATIVE DEPARTMENT, ■ The Government has decided to reconstruct the Native Department, to institute changes in tho Native Land Court (including the strengthening of the personnel of tho Judges), and to have the Native Land Purchase Department conducted on progressive lines. Air Edgar, who has been a Judge of the Native Land Court, has been appointed Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, and will take office- as from June 1 next. It is understood that his first duty will bo tho organising of the whole of the offices dealing with Native matters. For about thirteen years' past tho business of the Native Department has been carried out under three ' branches—Native Office (the Recording Department proper), Native Land Court, and Native Land Purchase Office. The two former have been under tho jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, and the latter under the Lands Department. Tho changes in the Native Land Court have not yet been definitely decided, but will be announced shortly. EFFECTS OF~A~HUEPJCANE. During the hurricane in the Carterton. district a few nights ago the men employed by Booth and Co-., sawmill-era, up the Mangatarere Valley, went to the trouble of. roping their v,'hares down with wire. They, were in uneasy slumber till early tli'o following morning, when a hurricane gust lifted the whares, three in number, from their ropes and deposited them in the river. Nearly everything was swept away; food aiid a lot of clothing all went by the board. The wind was sp fierce that _ the men had to crawl from where their whares had stood upon their hands and knees. Even then they were not safe, for the wind picked up an employee named

Innis and dashed him senseless against a fence. Tim men only reached shelter after much difficulty. One of the whares was lifted clean over a _ sevenwired fence before being deposited in tho river. Tlio men did the best they could in tho circumstances; they dressed themselves in the remaining attire they possessed and tramped down, to the homos of other settlers, where they were hospitably welcomed. At the company’s sawmill, near Carterton, tho wind ripped a third of the iron roof from the building, purlines and all, spreading the sheets over the paddock, and carrying eomo of them a distance of a quarter of a mile. In the yards the timber was blown in all directions, grant heavy steelin' of birch, Bft by 6ft, being thrown about in the greatest disorder. Stacks of lighter timber have been capsized in all directions. When the staff attended at the office in tho morning a lengthy picket was discovered sticking through the window, an indication of tho danger of being in a timber-yard whon there is a. gale. AIADAME CURIE. Tho appointment (cabled on Monday) of Aladaine Curio to her late husband’s Chair of Chemistry, at tho Sorbonne, is unique, and so are the circumstances which have led to it. Madame Curie is not tho first lady who has distinguished herself in science. Women have done valuable work in mathematics, _ astronomy, botany, and zoology, but it may bo doubted • whether any woman has over 'before achieved such brilliant results in scientific research as Mdmo Curie. She was born at "Warsaw, November 7, 1867, tho daughter of Professor Sklodowski, a Pole. Her father’s narrow income did not allow of an assistant, and at a very early ago his, daughter Alario was called into requisition, beginning with such offices as cleansing the various appliances in use in tho laboratory. She developed remarkable interest in chemistry, and showed signs of exceptional talent, becoming soon of great arsis tanco to her father in his work. Later she pursued her studies in Paris, and took many honours at the Sorbonne, including the degree of Doctor of Sciences. She published two*important essays: “ Researches into the Alagnetio Properties of Tempered Steel” and “ Researches into Radio-active Substances.” - This latter lino of research had for Gome time occupied her attention, and she had been encouraged to undertake costly and extremely minute and laborious chemical researches, directed by rare scientific insight. Shortly after her marriage with Professor Curie, who proved a sympathetic and able co-work-er, the world was startled by their discovery of radium, which has opened up a vast region of scientific investigation, and has necessitated the revision of theories supposed to have been unassailable. A few weeks ago tho Professor was killed in the prime of life by a lamentable street accident, and his widow has now succeeded to his pest. NATIONAL PENSIONS. . The “ Post ” says that details of the echc-mo of national pensions, wni-eh the . Premier announced in recent speeches, are being worked out by Air Morris Fox, Actuary of tho Government Insurance Department, in connection with Air F. W. Frankland, a former actuary of the D-spartmcnt, but now a resident of Foston. Mr Seddon’a scheme is that ahyone should bo able to deposit a certain sum monthly, say, at a pest -office, and that- th-e amount would be subsidised by the Government in proportion to tho means of the depositor. A poof person’s deposit, he proposed, should bo subsidised to the extent of 25 per cent, and the subsidy would b© decreased to 10 per cent in proportion to tho means of the depositor. ’ Interest and compound interest would bo paid on the deposit, and tho whole amount would provide an annuity for old ago. If a husband paid in something he would not be allowed to touch it without the consent- of his wife, and a wife making a deposit would not be allowed .to touch it .without tho consent of her husband. MOTOR-CARS FOR CROSSING , RIVERS. Farmers and run-holders should inspect tne new 14-h.p. Minerva car, which is specially mad© With plenty of clearance for crossing rivdrs. The 14b.p. AJinerva is built with four cylinder©, which gives plenty of power to enable the oar to b© driven over bad roads and up steep bills. The engine of the four-cylinder Minerva starts on the switch without turning the handle, which is a great convenience. Fourteen h.p. Alinerva, four-cylinder, winner --of the Hill-climbing Championship at Christchurch. Price £625._ Call and inspect. Fro© trials to ladies or gentlemen interested. Sol© agents: Adams Star Cycle Co., 138-140, High Street, Christchurch. 21