TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 14167, 15 September 1906, Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The following auctioneers’ advertiseappear on Page 15;—North Canterbury Co-operative Association, Harding, Son and Co., H. B. Sorensen, Conway Matson “and Sons, New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association. Sir Joseph Ward hoe accepted the position of commodore: at the Lyttelton regatta. At the meeting of the City Council on Monday evening, the water-works by-law will be discussed. A telegram from Dunedin states that, in conformity with Dr Hooken’s expressed wish, his collections will be noused at the Museum. On Thursday evening a sixteen a side euchre match was played at Wcodond between the local and ’Rangioxa' Oddfellows’ Ledges. The latter won forty games to their opponents’ thirty-seven. The Minister of Public Works has promised to attend the ceremony of opening the new Oust bridge on Saturday, September 29, when on his. way to open the new railway station at Dunedia.

At the Lyttelton Police Court yesterday morning, a first offender was convicted of drunkenness and discharged. Mr S. R. Webb was the Justice on the Bench.

Mr Justice Cooper will b© in Christchurch during the latter part of next week, and will hold sittings at the Supreme Court. Banco matters will ho taken on Thursday, and his Honor will eit in Chambers and in Bankruptcy on Friday.

Entries for the annual examinations at Canterbury College will close todav. The examinations will be the ordinary College pass and music examinations and those for College exhibitions and th© Aflsociatesh'ip of the School of Engineering. Candidates for the written portion of the teachers’ examination for the certificate of Licentiate of the Associated Board of the 1 Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, will be examined at Canterbury College today. Three .candidates have entered *nd four others, who have completed the written portion of their work, will also be candidatee for the certificate this year.

The Alnberley Football Club held a dinner in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening to celebrate winning the North Canterbury Rugby Union’s championship banner for the season just ended. There was a good attendance of members of other clubs. During the evening the Maori football team contributed hakae and musical items, which were much enjoyed. Mr C. B. Mason, president, occupied the chair.

At a meeting of the Feilding Borough Council on Thursday night, an opinion was received from Messrs Bell, Myers and Bell, that the agreement - with the Gasworks Company for th© sole right to supply gas to private consumers is void, that power only being granted by Act of Parliament, and the Council’s right to enter into *such an agreement being limited to public supply, such as lighting streets. As the Council contemplates acquiring the gasworks, this opinion considerably strengthens its hands in the negotiations. •

During the month of July 5180 men (4935 labourers and 245 artisans) wore employed upon Government co-opera-tive vrorks throughout the colony. The North Island Main Trunk Railway absorbed 2397 labourers and 111 artisans. The number of labourers on the Midland railway works (four sections) was 748. During July, 2213 men were employed by the Department of Roads, as follows Auckland district, 298; To Kuiti district, 408; Rotorua. district, 201; Hawke’s Bay district, 185; Taranaki district, 271: Wanganui district, 258; Wellington district, 127; _ Marlborough district, 61; Nelson district, 103; Westland distinct, 90; Canterbury district, 88: Otago 1 district, 38; Southland district, 87.-•

A few weeks ago (says the "New Zealand Times ”) the Press was gorged with awful tales of the hardships the co-operative workers on the Main Trunk. line at Ohakune were undergoing. It is a pleasant surprise to learn that there is a reverse side of the pictures vividly painted. A co-operative labourer from Ohakune visited the Labour Department’s Bureau the other morning, to say that, though there had been discontent, affairs up there were not nearly so bad as had been alleged: There was a certain class of men who only wished to work when the sun was shining, but , personally ho had nothing to complain of; he had mad© between 8s 3d and 9s Sd per day nearly the whole time be had been on the works, aiid he had now voluntarily paid his own fare to Wellington in order 1o take his wife and child up" to the camp. Dr M’Arthur and Captain Blackburne continued the work of the Wool Fires Commission yesterdajj, hearing further evidence at tho Provincial Council Chamber. The witnesses called were Philip E. Skelton, shearer, Thomas T. Robson, wool-buyer and dellmonger, James R. Clark, fellmonger, and Thomas H. Baker, wool-scourer. Dr M’Arthur and Captain Blackburno will leave for Timaru by the second express train to-day, and will take evidence there on Monday and Tuesday. They will then go on to Dunedin, and _w r ill be joined by the third Commissioner, Mr W. G. Foster, who is expected to leave Wellington on Tuesday evening. ■ The Dunedin sittings will probably begin on Thursday, and after they are over the Commission will return north, halting at Timaru and Christchurch,. to have the evidence given before two Commissioners formally confirmed.

A general meeting of the Christchurch Women’s Christian Temperance Union was held on Wednesday in the Y.W.C.A. rooms. Miss Roberts occupied tho chair. A letter was received from the Registrar of Canterbury College saying that it was not proposed to re-open the ladies’ reading-room at the Public Library. A deputation was appointed to wait on the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Miss Roberts gave a short account of the district convention held recently at Ashburton. It was resolved to thank Mr H, G. Ell and place on record an appreciation of his work in connection with, the anti-totalieator movement. It was decided to give the half-yearly tea and entertainment to the inmates of the Jubilee Home on Thursday, September 20. All members of the Union were asked to -contribute a basket for tho tea. For those who could not be present it was arranged that basket® could be left at tho Y.W.C.A. rooms before 2 p.m. on Thursday.

There is a good deal of conjecture in Christchurch as to how land will be classified under Mr M’Nah’s Bill, if it becomes law, for the purpose of restricting the area, that any man may hold. The question has attracted attention in the House, and Mr Field has placed' a question on the Order Paper urging the Government to adopt a oommonsense classification of land to take the place' of. the present classification, so that people will understand what is and what is not land of first and second-class quality. Inquiries at the Valuation Department's ' local office show that the Government valuers have no set definition of the terms. They class good land as first-class and poor land as second-class. In making their valuations, they are guided by the market values of land. The Lands Department also evidently does not attempt to define the terms. The words “ firstclass” and “second-class ” are used in the Land Act of 1892, but there does not seem to be any means of aecertainmgexactly what the terms are meant to imply. It is expected that if the BUI now before Parliament passes, a set of regulations will be drafted to enable it to be put into operation.

Unless you buy their outfits at Armstrong's, boys are a great expense to you, but school suits at 7o 6d, Norfolk suits 10s 6d, stockings ds, shirts Is, odd knickers 2s 6d, embroidery collar's 7fd, Conway suit collars Is lid, celluloid collars Od, are quotations to guide parents to the cheapest depot. 3150 Wo are giving the best value in bicycles ever offered in Christchurch, prices from £ll to £ls 16e. Genuine English-built B.S.A. Bicycles £l2 10s. Repairs, unequalled in quality, at moderate prices. Boyd and Son, 191, Gloucester Street, Christchurch. 1988 Our suits ,will please you just ae long as you wear them. Wo nave now opened up our new spring and summer suitings. Our tailor-made suits are built with a painstaking care, which ensures perfect fit, retention of shape, latest styles, and our prices cannot bo beaten elsewhere. See our patterns »nd place your orders at once. RJaqk, Seattle and Co. 3088

The crew of the dredge Manchester have subscribed the sum of £2 8s for an article of furniture for the Lyttelton Casualty Ward.

A complete delivery of the letter portion of the San Francisco mail will be made as scon as the letters are sorted this morning. Captain Clark, harbourmaster at Lyttelton, has received a letter announcing that H.M.S. Pioneer will arrive at Lyttelton to-day, and requesting that she might ho berthed inteide the moles. Mr J. G. Clayton, Government veterinary surgeon, will deliver a lecture on Wednesday at Waiau, under the auspices of the Waiau District Settlers’ Association, his subject being “Tire Brood Mar© and Her Foal.”

In connection with the biennial election for Commissioners to servo on the Southbridge Town Board the following have been nominated :—Messrs Michael Curran, J. S. Chapman, W. Gilbert, E. 6. Hubbard, A. Moore, M. Riordan, W. C. Smith, M. Twiss and Jones Woods. A poll for the election of seven members will take place on Wednesday. , Mr Major, member for Hawera, says that upon a Maori dying his) debts die with him, so that tradespeople to whom ho may owe money are not able to recover even though ho may have been possessed of real and personal property. Many hardships have, he says, boon inflicted upon tradespeople- in Taranaki owing to the death of native debtors, even through large sums of money are’ nt their credit in the hands of the Public Trustee.

For the week ended September 14 the sum of £8935 14s Id was collected at Lyttelton as Customs duties. The following are particulars under the various headings ;—Spirits £16.86 17s 7d, cigars, cigarette® and snuff £471 3s 4d„ tobacco £783 13s, win© £163 8s 7d, beer £7O 8s Bd, tea 5s Bd, coffee, cocoa and chocolate £32 19s, sugar, molasses and treacle £135 9s _lld, weight £550 10s, ad valorem £4855 6s lOd, other duties £lB5 11s 6d. On Tuesday evening the Rev A. Don delivered a lecture in the Lincoln Presbyterian Church on Chinese missions. The lecture was illustrated by a large number of lantern slides, and was greatly appreciated by the largo audience. On Wednesday > evening Mr Don repeated his lecture in the Preb-bleton-Church, which was crowded. Mr Don conducted morning and afternoon services in both churches on Sunday, and delivered interesting addresses on missionary work among the Chines© in New Zealand and Canton.

At the Ashburton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M., John Robinson was fined 10s and costa for having driven a vehicle at night without a light. Ernest Cryell, on a charge of furious driving, w.as fined 40s and costs. A number of informations laid by the Wakanui Road Board against traction engine drivers for having failed to register under the Road Board’s bydaws, were withdrawn. In a civil case, Edwin Manchester v, J. H. Blake, a claim for £2 18s, the defendant did not appear, and judgment was given for the plaintiff with, costs.

• The monthly meeting of the Southbridge Town Board was held on Thursday ; present—Messrs W. C. Smith, (chairman), J. Woods, M. Twise, W. B. Andrew’, E. J. Cowan and E. G. Hubbard. Correspondence w'as read from the Mayor of Wellington with reference to the .Seddon National Fund, and it was decided to approve of a technical university with free scholarships. It w'as resolved to approve of the heavy, traffic by-laws of the Road Boards’ Association, and a letter to that effect was ordered to bo sent to the Association. The tender of Victor Berg, for £l4 19s lid, was accepted, for the painting of the Towm Hall and Library. A meeting of the Christchurch General Labourers’ Union was held in. the Trades Hall on Tuesday, Mr H. M’Master presiding. The rule with reference to the admission of members was amended to read as follows:—“Any labourer of good character and sober habits, and a competent workman, may became a- member of this Union on payment of an entrance fee of 2s 6d, upon, his written application, without ballot or other election, and so continue upon payment of a subscription of 3d per week.” Tho secretary was instructed to forward the amendment to the Labour Department for registration. Nineteen now members were admitted. The delegates to the Trades and Labour Council reported that the Council was making inquiries with reference to setting aside a room as a reading-room for the use of unionists. In the Magistrate’s Court, Greytown, on September 5, Iraia To Whaite and Tom Williams were each fined £2 and 14® 3d costs for supplying Maori women with wine at' the pa at Papawai. It appears that the woman tohunga w’as at the pa, and certain ceremonies of a more or less religious character ' were being performed, and tho wane was administered as part of the Maori rite. The Magistrate spoke to the defendants as to the absurdity of the Maori tohunga being able to cure all ills, and made the lino the minimum. After the case was over (says the . “ Wairarapa News”) the Maoris argued why should tho Maori minister (the Rev J. Williams) bo able to administer wine, and these,two not? In the circumstances, they say they will not allow’ the Rev J. Williams to administer wine in tho Sacrament at the pa in future. The annual sale of work and entertainment held by the Rangiora branch of the Ministering Children’s League on Thursday in the Institute Hall was a great success, over £4O being netted, the principal part of which will go towards the funds of the children’s convalescent home at New Brighton. The Mayor (Mr E. W. Relph) opened Hie sale of w’ork, and the varied collection of articles on the stalls gave ample evidence of tho industry of the young people. There was a largo attendance during the afternoon, and the children succeeded in disposing of nearly all their stock. At the entertainment the hall was crowded to the doors. The programme consisted of instrumental music, vocal solos, action songs, dialogues and recitations, was given entirely by the League .members in a pleasing manner, doing credit to Miss Fuller, who trained them. Mrs Williams was the pianoforte accompanist and tho Rev F. P. 1 Fendall was' chairman.

Prom pi cash is the power that ensures value—it is the system adhered to by Messrs Armstrong and Co., drapers, of High Street and Victoria Square. Their goods are thus bought to the best advantage and sold with the same saving to customers. Compare their stocks and prices; you will bo surprised and delighted. 3150 You are invited to call and inspect First Shipments of New Season’s Drapery, Mercery, Model Millinery, etc now showing by Messrs Death and Coy. 1 11 view of Exhibition season," this firm has ordered very largely from all the principal centres of fashion. The values promise to excel anything shown in the past, and should meet with ready sale. Customers should place their dressmaking and tailoring orders early to avoid disappointment. Remember wo can, and will, give satisfaction. 1988 Traders, whether wholesale or retail, can reduce their bad debts by utilising the C.O.D. system of the New Zealand Express Com., Ltd. Amount of invoice collected against delivery of package and promptly remitted. XI9BB

At the annual meeting of the Wellington Woollen Company yesterday the balance-sheet, which made provision for a dividend of 5 per cent, was adopted.

At the- Waimate Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, before Major Keddell, G. H. Spriggs (Mr Perry) sued T. Di’Pherson (Mr Lee) for trespassing in pursuit of game on plaintiff’s property. After hearing lengthy evidence as to boundaries the case was dismissed.

The bowling green at th© Haniner Lodge was opened on Thursday afternoon, and reflected great credit on Mr Hood, who has' worked hard to make the green second to none. It is now nicely sheltered by a belt of pine trees, so that even in nor’-west winds visitors may enjoy the game, which is now so popular throughout New Zealand.

The headmasters of all schools which have Cadet corps and all officers of th© corps have been invited to meet Colonel Loveday at the Normal School at four o’clock on 'Tuesday afternoon. Colonel Loveday will consult with them as to the possibility of holding an annual camp of instruction for Cadets on the lines of that hold last year at Ashburton.

Mr J. Graham Gow, the Government Trade Commissioner, who returned from the East a fortnight ago, is at present under orders to visit and report bn Canada as a possible market for New Zealand products. District agents of the Department of Industries and Commerce are collecting samples of flax, wool, canned fruits, leather, seeds, etc., for Mr Gow, who will bring them under notice of commercial men iii th© Dominion.

A jumble sale, in aid of tlie funds of St-Saviour’s Sunday School, West Lyttelton, was conducted in the schoolroom on Thursday afternoon and evening by the teachers, assisted by several ladies of the congregation. A large, miscellaneous stock was offered and disposed of. There were well-supplied refreshment, sweetmeat and produce stalls, besides various games and other extra attractions. In the evening the articles not ©old at the stalls were disposed of by auction by Mr Guy Tabart, who kindly gave his services- for the occasion. The financial results of the sale were highly satisfactory. The three survivors of the Pitcairn Island’s crew who hail from New Zealand arc to be well cared for when they arrive in England from South America. The Minister of Marine, the Hon J. A. Millar, at th© instance of a Wellington shipping man who has been taking an interest in the boys, has sent a cablegram to the High Commissioner in London requesting him to look after the lads in London. If they are able to work, berths are to bo secured for them on vessels bound for New Zealand ; if they are incapacitated, free passages to the colony are to he provided for them under the provisions of the Destitute Seamen Act. The throe boys are W. Waddilove and 0. Lamber-ti, of Wellington, and F. Hayward, of Normanby., It is feared'■ that they are suffering greatly from the effects of the exposure and hardships they underwent between the time of leaving the burning barque and arriving at the hospital in Valparaiso. A meeting of the committee of the Canterbury "Chess Club was held in the club’s rooms at the Royal Cafe last evening, Mr J. Spiller presiding. Mr R. W. Black, an. old and esteemed member, tendered his resignation owing to ill-health. Mr Black has also resigned from the New Zealand Chess Association, of which body he has long been a vice-president. Mir Black’s resignation was-accepted with much regret, and the secretary was instructed to express the club’s sympathy. A subcommittee was appointed to draw up the .report for presentation to the annual meeting, which will he hold on October 26. The hon secretary, Mr E. 6. Baxter, tendered his resignation owing to leaving Christchurch, and. Mr Pascoe was appointed his successor. Two new member® were elected. It was stated that the club’s membership has increased greatly since taking possession of its room in the Royal Cafe. The Waimate Ploughing Match on Thursday was attended by about 700 people. The ground was in good condition. All the , ploughing done was better than last year. The chief interest of the day was centred on the Class A, where the champions, Brown Class A, • where the champions, Brown and Hall, met. Nt Papakaio last week, Brown beat Hall, reversing the positions of twelve months ago. This time Hall was the winner. The ploughing of C. Hay, a boy, was greatly admired. The following are the awards Class A, cut as you please, open (five entries) —T. Hall 1, A. Brown 2, P. Hunter 3, N. Gray 4.* Best feering, N. Gray; best finish A. Brown. Class B, no cut, cast shares (4) —J. Hay 1, J. Tuck 2. G. Hunter 3, W. Dunn 4. Best feering. J. Tuck; best finish, J. Hay. Claes C, amateurs (county only), who have never taken a first prize—P. Frost 1, C. Sullivan 2, W. G. Paul 3, A. Cochrane 4. Best feering, A. Cochrane; best finish, P. Frost. Eight entries. Class D, no cut, cast shares, for youths under eighteen—C. Hay 1. Jumping contest— Mr E. T. George’s Tommy, Mr J. W. Freeman’s Shanghraun 2, Mr L. Kelchor’s Blade Dick 3.

Some days ago (says the “ Southland Times ” of Thursday), a large whale made its appearance near the Pilot Station, at Bluff Harbour, and on Wednesday it again showed up, rolling among the rocks seeking to rid itself of the barnacles with which it was covered. On word being brought to the port, the old whaling spirit flamed forth, and preparations wore made to sally out in pursuit of the monster. Whaling gear was resurrected, a tried crew enlisted, and (tell it not to Frank T. Bullen) the whaleboat was towed away to the fray by the motor launch Loongana, accompanied by other launches conveying spectators, including ladies, anxious to see the fun. The afternoon was calm and sunny, but for some time the whale could not be located, and the non-biit'i-ness section were constrained to return without the satisfaction desired. Just after they had turned for home, the whaleboat sighted the quarry, and a harpoon and several lances were speedily driven home; also a bomb, which, however, did not explode. The whale turned and nearly capsized the boat, throwing the harpooner into the water. To effect his rescue, as the launch was about a mile away, the crew were compelled to sever the line, and whilst they were saving their comrade the prize slipped away, making in the direction of the New River. Ae there was no prospect of coming up with it before darkness fell, the boat’s head was reluctantly turned for port, which was reached after dark, and the incident remains,.ono of those exciting experiences which mark epochs in the fading of the whaling industry of Bluff.

Perhaps never before Iras the Farmers’ Co-op. made so excellent a display of summer apparel as is to bo seen just now. The display is not only comprehensive, but the prices also sire so very reasonable. With the painstaking efforts that are made to please customers and to satisfy their ©very demand it is not surprising that the Farmers’ Co-op. is doing well.; 3092

Nimmo and Blair’s Vegetable Seeds, 3d packets. Peas, Beans, Radish, Leek, etc. Flower Seeds Id packet, 100 varieties. Free catalogues. Also stock, Parrot and Canary Seed, 6d bags. Seed Potatoes. Fletcher Bros., Lower High Street. 1 Jewellery Sale. Best Reliable Watches, Gold Muff Chains, Engagement Rings, Gold Bangles, Gold Brooches, Wedding Presents, all Sold at Great Reduction for one month only. K. Grioshaber, Jeweller, 155, Colombo Street. X 3371

A united band performance will bo held in Hagley Park_ to-morrow afternoon, when a collection will he made at the gates in aid of the expenses of the Lyttelton Marine Band at- the coming Waimate contest. Mi- C. Reginald Ford, who was one of the members of the National Antarctic Expedition in the Discovery, will lecture in the Choral Hall on Thursday, September 20. Mr Ford was an active member of the expedition, and his story is one of personal experience. It will bo illustrated by a series of pictures secured during the progress of the expedition. The box plan is open at the Dresden. William Scott, a bookmaker, was charged at the Wellington Magistrate’s Court yesterday with laying totalisator odds to Henry Brierly at Riccarton on August 14. Briefly and, Scott’s clerk gave evidence for the prosecution. Counsel for the defence- contended that there was no proof that totalisator odds were laid. Witnesses for the prosecution admitted that there- was a specified limit to the odds, whereas totalisator odds were unlimited. Judgment was reserved.

The amateur athletic season will open in Christchurch on Tuesday night, at King Edward Barracks. An elaborate programme has been prepared by the Pioneer : and Garrison Clubs, consisting of polo vaulting, steeplechasing, running and walking. Large entries have been received for all the events, including some of the colony’s champions. The Garrison Band will be in attendance, and special provision for seating accommodation is being provided for the public. With regard to the proposed improvements to the grounds at the Hanmer Springs Mr Corlett, the inspector of works, recommends that the work should he postponed, as were it done nt present- it would interfere greatly with the arrangements during the busy season. The work would in all probability necessitate the closing of the baths, and it is considered that this work could be carried on to better advantage in the off season. The only work which it has been decided to do at present is the erection of a cloakroom and a drinking fountain.

There has been issued from the office of the Lyttelton Harbour Board a circular stating that the Board desires to ascertain whether the canal scheme, if upheld by Messrs Coode, Son and Matthews, would receive the hearty support of local bodies. The circular states that it is proposed to fix th© rating areas over a portion of the Amuri County, and th© Ashley, Selwyn, Akaroa, Mount Herbert and Ashburton Counties-, and the City of Christchurch and th© Borough-and Town Boards in those counties. It is -asked that replies should he returnedr.not- later than October 15. -‘

At the Magistrate'®.-Court at Motueka yesterday, John M’Nah. of Riwaka, was fined £1 and costs for killing a sea leopard. Mr Carter;' collector of Customs at Nelson,' prosecuted, -Mr Easton appearing for the defendant. Defendant said that lie was informed that a marine animal, presumably a seal, was stranded in a creek near the Riwaka wharf, and found it wounded, hut it showed fight, and he knocked it on the, head. It way afterwards, from the description, doomed,to.he a sea leopard, and the skin soldytpv'a hotelkeeper. The question for settlement now is to whom does the skin, belong. To- the purchaser P Or ik> it confiscated y.e illegally taken? At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before' Mr V. G. Day, S.DL, two first offenders, women' wore charged with- drunkenness.' • One. was convicted and discharged, and the other was ordered to pay 7vs- 6d medical expenses. Diary Portelli, an old offender, only recently released from gaol, was charged with drunkenness. She was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, on condition that she remained in the Samaritan Home for three months. Ellen Parkinson, who was before the Court on Thursday for the fu-st time after a twelve-months’ sentence, was again charged with drunkenness. Site was fined 20s, in default forty-eight hours’ imprisonment, the warrant not to be issued if accused remained in the Samaritan Homo for six mouths. This was her one hundred and third conviction.

At the Magistrate’s Court at Wellington yesterday Margaret Blytli, Thomas Clapham and Edward Fitzgerald, licensees of separate hotels, were charged with having applied a. false trade description to whisky contained in. bottles and sold by them. Counsel for the police stated that the informations had been laid to test whether it was admissible for publicans to fill up empty case whisky bottles with draught whisky and sell it as of the brand appearing on the bottles. Whisky purporting to be of two well-known brands bad been purchased, but when analysed it was shown to differ materially-from the standard. Conusor for the defence submitted that the Act had no application to putting liquor in bottles .and selling it in nips over the counter. It only applied to selling full bottles. Counsel for the police said that one object of the prosecution was to show the trade that this practice must stop. The Magistrate reserved his decision. A well-attended meeting of the residents of the Cashmere Hills was held in the schoolroom, Dyer’s Pass Road, on Thursday evening, Mr T. E. Taylor presiding. After a lengthy discussion of detail's the 'following resolution, moved by Mr A. R. Inwood and seconded by Mr Murray, was carried unanimously “ That the Heathcoto Road Board be asked to take such steps as are necessary for the institution of a (septic tank system of.drainage for the whole of the sewage of the eastern side of the Dyer’s Pass Road.” A committee was appointed to co-operate with the Road Board to give effect to the decision of the meeting. The secretary reported that the question of extending the Gas Company’s mains to the Cashmere Hills would bo dealt with at the next mooting of the company. It was decided to promote a petition to the Tramway Board urging the necessity for a shelter shed at the terminus of the Cashmere Hills line. Attention Invited.—Your money back during Exhibition.—Special sale guaranteed pedigree laying poultry. Wilson’s Saleyards this day at halfpast one. ■ 3212 Fires in San Francisco.—The local manager of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation of London'.has received information from hie head office that the losses of the company in the recent fires in San Francisco will amount to £450,000. The invested funds of this old company exceed £5,400,000. 3089 If you have the faintest suspicion that your eyes are not just right, if they bother you in any way, it’s best to have them examined at once. Do not go to the average optician or spectacle seller, for ho is unable to distinguish between optical defects and diseases, but consult John R. Proctor, 180, High Street, Christchurch, who will give you a thorough examination free of charge. X 2681 THE “ STAR.” In the “Star” of to-day, “The Siege of London ” will he continued. This comprises the second part of “ The Invasion of 1910,” "by V. lo Queux. Amongst the tales and sketches will be found “Big Busincas Britain Scorns,” “ At the Mint,” “ Casablanca,” “ Among the Savages of the Philippines,” “Women and Smoking.” “ Glimp'ses of Chicago,”, etc. The ladies are purveyed for in “ Quaker

Love Stories,” “The Etiquette of Dress,” “ How Girls Become Old Maids,” “ Queen Margherita and Race Suicide.” “ Woman’s World,” “ Household Hints,” etc. The permanent columns, “The "Week,” the Gardeners. Column, Brief Mention, and Wit and Humour will bo as good as ever. NEW SHEEP TRUCKS. Mr J. T. Prain, local secretary of the Fanners’ Union, informs the “ Otago Daily Times ’ ’ that a number of representatives of Farmers’ Unions who wore attending the Colonial Council held in Wellington last week, including Messrs J- G. Wilson, (president), M’Queen and Middleton (Southland), R. Scott and G. H. Stewart (Otago), Leadley (Canterbury), Phillips, Lambie and Forsyth (North Island), inspected, on th® invitation of Dir Ron-ayne (general manager of railways), two sbeep-trucks which had been fitted up with grating floors, as suggested by the Provincial Conference held in Dunedin in June last. Those present expressed themselves well pleased with the alteration, and -at the same time suggested, some further improvement© to th© sides of th© trucks —suggestions which Dir Ronayns undertook to carry into effect. Th© matter of two extra doors ,on sheep-trucks was also fully explained. Dir Wilson thanked Dir Ronayne for his courtesy in inviting farmers present to express their views-, and received in reply an assurance that th© department was always willing to hoar the opinions of practical farmer® on such matters.

THE WORLD’S HIGHEST BRIDGE. Within a few months fche highest bridge in the world will be completed, and foot passengers will bo able to cross the Royal Gorge, 2627 ft above the rushing waters of the Arkansas River in the United States. _ Several years age, when th© proposition was advanced to bridge the gorge, the idea was laughed at. Promoters of th© scheme went ahead with true Western spirit, and when the engineers’ plans were submitted to bridge builders they were pronounced feasible. It is planned to construct a bridge of the suspension type for light waggons and pedestrians only. Later a stronger structure -may replace it. One unique feature will be a glass floor, through which travellers may look upon the foamy stream as it rushes snakelike through the granite gulch. The Royal Gorge is the narrowest point in the Grand Canyon. At the top the width is but 260 ft, and far down in the semi-dark-ness th© -river flows over a- bed only 50ft from wall to wall. At the bottom of the Royal Gorge there is a jgilroad, on© of the most -remarkable pieces of engineering in that country. At spots it was impassible to find ledges wide enough to build the track, so “hanging bridges” were 'devised. Hug© trusses of steel were swung from one side of the gorge to the other, and from these the body of the bridge was suspended. TWIN-CYLINDER MINERVA MOTOR CYCLE. We have just received a sample 4s- - twin-cylinder Minerva motor cycle. This is a very powerful machine and suitable for a heavy rider for use on rough roads and hills. It is the latest production of the great firm of Minerva Motors, Limited, who are famed for the manufacture of reliable motor cycles. Usual price, £75; sale price, £7O cash. Terms for payment can be arranged. Full instructions to purchasers." Call and inspect. Adams Star Cycle Co., 138-140, High Street, Christchurch. 20