TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14977, 24 April 1909, Page 8

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Tho following auctioneers' advertisements appear on pages 14 and 15:— A. E. Craddock, Baker Bros., C. A. Lees and Co., New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, Dalgoty and Co., Charles Clark, Conway Matsou and Sons, Canterbury Co-operative Produce Company, Harris Bros., H. Neav© and Co., M'Kenzie and Willis. Guinness and Le Cren, Now Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agencv Company, and National Mortgage and Agency Company. The Wellington bakers have decided to raiso the price of bread from 7d to 7£d the 41b loaf from Monday next. Detective 11. Kennedy yesterday arrested a woman on a charge of stealing a watch and chain, a medal and a sovereign case from a man on Thursday.

Messrs T. C. Horn, E. Wolff, A. Moderate, M. J. Dixon and J. G. A. Ruddenklau were yesterday elected at the triennial election as members of the Waimakariri-Ashloy Water Supply Board.

Mesdames A. Boyle and T. W. Stringer will act as judges of the decorative classes for ladies at tho Canterbury Horticultural Society's chrysanthemum show. The show will be held in the Alexandra Hall on May 4 and 5.

A Press Association telegram states that the following resolution was adopted at a mooting of tho Council of tiro Now Zealand Institute of Journalists yesterday:—" Tlmt the Council of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists regrets that in tho Rejection of delegates to represent New Zealand at the Imperial Press _ Conference the literary side of journalism did not receive sufficient consideration."

The following is a statement of Customs duties collected at tho port of Lyttelton during the week ended yesterday :—Spirits, £2087 3s 7d ; cigars, cigarettes and snuff, £219 16s lid; tobacco, £1157 16s; wine, £ll3 14s 4d; beer, £27 7s 4d; coffee, cocoa and chocolate, £32 18s lOd; weight, £657 17s;' ad valorem, £2684 6s Id; other duties £740 2s Id; total for the week, £7721' 2s 2d.

A' Press Association telegram from Palnierston North states that Charles Hood, penniless, friendless and an asthmatic cripple, was sentenced yesterday to three months' imprisonment in Wanganni gaol on a charge of vagrancy. On being conveyed to the station to catch tho express he collapsed on the platform, and, being driven in a cab to a doctor's, died on arrival. Hood, who was twenty-five years old, hailed from Wellington. One of the jurymen summoned to attend an inquest at the hospital last evening failed to be present at tho hour fixed. Mr Bishop, the District Coroner, stated that ho would line tho delinquent juryman 40s, but tho man arrived half an hour lato and explained that he had understood that the inquest was to bo hold at the morgue, and not at tho hospital. Under tho circumstances Mr Bishop decided not to inflict tho fine. I At tho meeting of the General Oommitteo of tho Canterbury Industrial Association last evening one of tbo members stated that lie had heard that it was tho opinion of many people in Christ-church that the membership of tho Association was confined to employers of a certain class. lie thought that the Association should make it widely known that membership was open to anyone who took an active interest in the encouragement and advancement of Canterbury industries. It is stated that a wealthy syndicate of ten members has been formed in Pictou for the purpose of making further investigations in regard to the gold-mining operations at Waikakaho. They proceeded to Waikakaho on Sunday last for the purpose of inspecting the large area of quartz country over which they havo secured the rights. Arrangomonts were made to start work immediately, and it is hoped in tho course of a few days to forward twonty tons of quartz to the School of Mines at Auckland.

A few days ago, in answer to a request bv a correspondent 'Poultry, a member of the " Lyttolton Times staff wrote to Mr A. Carr, manager of the State Foultry Farm at Milton, asking for details of his dry-mash system of feeding, referred to in a recent article descriptive of the farm- Mr Carr replies: " You will find tho following satisfactory, using mixture No. 2 as a change from No. 1. The trough must be kept full and always before the birds. Give green food in tho middle of the day and Iced whole gram in the evening, crushed oyster shells, grit and' charcoal mixed and plenty of clean water at all times in front of them." The details of the mash are as follow:—VNo. 1: 501 b pollard, 101 b bran, 121 b maize meal, 201 b crushed dried bone, 101 b crushed dried blood, 21b flour of sulphur, ill) salt. No. 2: 601 b pollard, 151 b bran, 151 b crushed oats, 151 b crushed wheat, 101 b blood meal, 21b Singer or Pratt's spice for poultry, -Jib common salt. Mix and dry thoroughly and keep dry." Mr Can- encloses a photograph of a model trough and stand, which is in uso on the farm. Mr W. H. D. Newth, Medical Herbalist, cures all diseases without tho uso of the knife. Consultation Free. 164. Armagh Street, Christehureh. 4115 Lewis and Anderson, 221, Cashel Street, are carrying a full range of guns and rifles by leading makers, including "Pape" and "Cogswell and Harrison " ; also waders and ammunition in all reliable brands. X3OSS If you want Reliable Footwear, you will get it at Robinson's. Wo are still selling off Kirby's Assigned Footwear Stock. Call early and get the pick of the stock, at Robinson's, 119 Manchester Street (only address}, W)&9

On. Thursday evening the ministers of the Kaiapoi and Rangiora Methodist circuits, and the local preachers, to tho number of twenty-four in all, mot at Mr R. Evans's residence at Kaiapoi, and discussed matters affecting tho welfare of tho circuits.

At the Magistrate's Court at Ashburton vesterday, before Mr H. Davis, J.P., and Mr T. E. Upton, J.P., Thomas Matheson and John M'Crenor were charged with keeping unregistered dogs, and were each fined ss, with costs 7s, and Mere also ordered to pay 2s 6d, registration fee. A similar charge again John Dolan was adjourned for a week, but after the Cojirt roso tho defendant paid tho Court costs and registration fee.

A weekly meeting of tho Christchurch Prohibition League was held last evening, Mr C. E. Salter presiding. A programme of work tor, the winter months was adopted, and it was decided to hold a social gathering on Friday. May 7 Arrangements were niado for holding a jumble sale in each of the Christchurch electorates, and a committee was appointed to canvass for contributions.

In connection with tho householders' meetings, which are to bo held on Monday evening, to elect School Committees, the "Women's Christian Temperance Union has appealed to women householders to attend the meetings, and to endeavour to elect women to sit on the committees with men. The Union urges that tho education of the children is a matter in which tho mothers aro as much interested as the fathers.

A draughts club was formed in Goraldinc at a meeting held on Thursday evening. Tho following officers were elected:—Patron, Mr W. Nosworthy, M.P.; president, Mr E,. Skinner; vicepresidents, Messrs F. 11. Flatman, J. Maling and J. M. Twoiney; secretary and treasurer. Mr K. Petrie; captain, Mr James Reid; vice-captain, Mr G. B. Creemer. A room was engaged for meetings of the club, and tho subscription was fixed at ss,

Six deer, presented to the Buller .Acclimatisation Society by Mr Churnside, of Victoria, have arrived at Westport. Tho stags liberated in the vicinity of Giles's Creek are causing the settlers a great deal of serious annoyance and loss. A horse was killed recently and another was wounded. Some time ago one sottler had three horses killed by stags, and another settler had a horse injured. The "Westport Times" says that the district is paying rather heavily for its sport. Tho Ashburton County Scottish Society held a social gathering in tho Oddfellows' Hall, Ashburton. on Thursday evening. Mr John Lane presided over a large attendance of members. After a selection had_ been given by the pipe band, tho chairman delivered a lecture on " The Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie." A number of songs were sung in connection with tho lecture by Miss Terris, Messrs H. Craighead, E. G. Craighead, W. Aitcheson and J. Lane and tho Scottish Choir. Misses Terris and Lane were the accompanists. After tho lecture supper was served and a dance was held.

The present > extraordinary activity of Ngauruhoe appears to he infecting the whole of the adjacent country to a renewal in pome parts of its old thermal life. The bed of Waihora Bay, on the western end of Lake Taupo, was on Sunday night suddenly awakened out of the long years of calm in which it has slept. While the big volcano, thirty miles or more distant, was in the height of its eruption, a fishing party on the shores of the bay were aroused by two loud explosions, and in tho morning the waters of the lake were quito warm, while numbers of fine trout, some as heavy as 181 b, were floating on tho surface or lying stranded on the shore. The supposition is that a convulsion of tho lake bed occurred, probably an outbreak of boiling water from some old geyser stirred into fresh activity by volcanic agency. At an adjourned meeting of the Lyttelton High School Old Boys' Association, Mr C. Just presided over a good attendance. Tho meeting was for the purpose of formally constituting the association, and tho following officers were elected:—President, Mr G, A. Lowin; vico-presidents, Messrs C. E. Brown, J. L. Wilson and D. J. Page; honorary secretary, Mr G. Rich; honorary treasurer, Mr E. Curtis; committee, lUessrs J. Grubb, F. Peed, A. Just, J. Toomey, J. Webb, D. Brown, and R. Rich; honorary auditors, Messrs F. Sutton and C. A. Rich. After recording a vote of thanks to Messrs E. J. Just and C. A. Rich for their energetic efforts in forming the association, tho meeting adjourned. At a meeting of the committee, held later, it was decided that the shield to be presented to the school should be purchased at once and presented to the school as soon as possible. Tho Mackenzie Town Board, Cheviot, recently took proceedings against Mr G. T. Pulley and other ratepayers in its district for the recovery of amounts stated to be due for rates. Tho case was heard by Mr V. G. Day, S.M., who has now given judgment for the Beard. In his judgment Mr Day stated that before the Town Board was set up in November, 1907, the system of rating on unimproved value was in existence in the district, and the Board had wrongly levied its rate under that system. Its only power of rating, as a new corporation, was under tho provisions of the Rating Act, 1894, and its amendments, and the rate should have been struck on the annual or the capital value. The amount of tho rate struck was within the amount in the pound that the Board was entitled to levy under any system of rating. "There is no doubt," added the magistrate, " that if the defendants applied to the Supremo Court an injunction would bo granted restraining the Board from collecting tho rate. I am. however, precluded from accepting that as a defence in this Court by reason*of Section 50 of tho Rating Act, 1894, and the various cases decided under that section. Judgment must be for tho plaintiff Board for the several amounts claimed from each defendant, but as the Board has been so careless in its methods the judgment, will bo without costs." Whilst the. consideration of warm Tvinter clothing for the boys is exercising tho minds of parents, Messrs Armstrong's, Limited, invito all to view their non ranges of boys' suits, especially worthy as thoy are of attention at the low prices asked. Tunic suits 5s lid, sailor suits 3s 9d, Norfolks from 6s lid to high quality at 15s 6d and 17s Gd. Tho firm are noted for atitention to tho wants of the rising generation. X 3813

Tho graudest opportunity yet seen in Christchurch for saving money oil footwear is open to you for just one more day, for tho Easter boot sale at Stock's closes at nine o'clock this evoning. This last day is going to be a bigger success than even the previous sale days, for bigger bargains than over will bo sold to make a complete clearance of tho season's stock before the winter shipments arrive. Your visit to Stock's City Boot Palace will wovo woll worth whilo to-day. The address is White Hart Buildings, High Street. N 4145

Winter, with its long evenings, is drawing near, aud consequently one has now timo to devote to reading or studying, which perhaps would in summer time bo spent in outdoor pursuits When the print is blurred and tho 'otters seem to run into each other, thus showing a defect which can be remedied by consulting John R,. Proctor, Oculists' Optician, 180, High Street. X 2681

lesterday being St George's Day, th<j Government offices and the banks were closed.

Lieutenant Shackloton's recent lecture in the Wellington Town Hall in aid of the funds of tho Victoria Collego Gymnasium was a finanoial success.' A sum of about £250 is anticipated. On May 1 a. display will be given bf the St John Ambulance Brigade with the new ambulance waggon, which has , recently been received by the Ambulance Association from British makers. ' Yesterday morning during the rain the side channels in Worcester Street were flooded and the north-west corner of Cathedral Square and Worcester Street was under water. In, Tuam Street there was a little flooding and in Lower High Street the gutters could not take the storm-water.

Some wonderful stories are told in regard to the uiunber of black swans at the Chatham Islands. These biids were introduced on the islands about fifteen years ago, and they are now, present in countless numbers. A gentleman who visited the islands recently was told.by another visitor that ho had seen the -birds sitting nine deep in a great continuous line several miles long. It is stated that last year 20,000 swans' eggs were exported from the Chathams to New Zealand.

The "New Zealand Herald," Auck< land, says that tho finding of a moa' skeleton in a scoria cave at Penrose, in the opinion of Mr John Attwood, of Te Awamutu, is conclusive proof that the moa survived the glacial period, and lived, if not until very recent times, at least till the latter end of the postpliocene period. The later volcanid formation of Eden County, he states, is clearly of post-pliocene times. There is not a shell on the hill tops, nor hi any other part of tho series, that is not in existence on either side of tho isthmus, and nearly every shell that occurs either in the Waitemata or Manukau has its fossil type, strewn from one end of the series to the other. The skeleton was found in a oave, cracks caused by the retraction of lava on cooling, similar to many other fissures in which aro dozens of human bones in no better state of preservation, j

The articles reprinted in the "Journal of the Department of Labour " ara sometimes the subject of adverse criticism, but the Minister of Labour was pleased when he received a letter re« cently from a well-known educationist, praising warmly an article on "Tha Empire and Labour," which appeared in the March number of the journal. "It is excellent from start to finish," says the Minister's correspondent, "and is one of the most patriotic and most, powerful articles on the problem of labour and nationality that I remember to have read. If you can, may I Buggest to you k> spread it broadcast among the working men of this country." Tho article, which first ap» peared in the" Westminster Review,"advocates a 'policy of Imperial cooperation in aeveloping the resources of the Empire and its human assets 'by means of a comprehensive emigration scheme? i

In a letter by the London corres* pondent of the " Age," an announce* ment was made that the American land boomer was beginning to turn nis at* tention to Australia. Lord Crwe, ha stated, had forwarded to the Con.m- n« wealth representative in Londo" a letter from the British consul at Chicago stating that an "influential" firm there which " buys pieces of land and divides them into lots of 320 acres or less, selling for cash or on annual payments to settlers," had asked him to ascertain whether it would be possible to carry on business in Australia on simi« lar lines. Referring to this announce* ment recently, the Victorian Minister of Agriculture said that the Victorian Government had not yet been approached, but in any case it wouldr have nothing to do with syndicates, " We deal with individuals," he said, "but we are not going to allow land grabbers, from America or anywhere else, to get land in order to deal it out to the people here." A writer in the "New Zealand Herald" gives an interesting account of the great feast at the recent Maori conference at Huntly. in the Auckland province. He says that a couple of days before the conference commenced over 100 tons of potatoes were* stacked in the centre of the pa grounds,* tbgether with proportionate quantities' of kumaras, cornstalks, and other vege« tables, broad, meat, fish, mussels, and other articles of food. Two motor** launches lightered fresh supplies of provisions each day. Tho tables of tho wharekai (eating-house) were laid out in European style, and neatly aproned l cooks from a" detached kitchen served. sumptuous helpings to all. Shark was a popular delicacy. The call for tea was considerable, and dozens of large coppers were kept continually on the simmer. The conduct of the Maoris is described as splendid. A Native sergeant of police and a body of some twenty youths were detailed for duty, with 'instructions that any breaches were to bo reported to the police at Huntly. No such reports were necessary. A notice strictly forbidding tha carriage of liquor into tho pa grounds, under threat of fines, was posted at the entrance gates. The Rev W. J. Mayers, who will conduct services in His Majesty's Theatre to-morrow evening, and will give lectures on Monday and Tuesday, is senior deputation secretary to Australia and New Zealand on behalf of Dr Barnardo's Homes, and has been connected with tho Homes for twentyono years. . Before he left England the "British Weekly," referring_ to his visit, said:—" His oratorical gifts, his intimate acquaintance with every dotail of the organisation, and bis deep love and long-standing friendship* foi Dr Barnardo will ensure the success of his journey, and commend his argu* ments to the Australasian public." Mi Mayers has brougi t with him a—largQ number of letters of commendation from prominent men in England. One of these, the Rev Dr Campbell -Morgan, recently said :—" 1 always feel when I listen to Mr Mayers, and watch him with his boys and at his work, that I have never known a moro conspicuous instance of the right man in the right place. It is evident that the child qua child is in bis heart, and he speaks for them, not so _ much as an advocato' standing outside their actual life, but as one who lives, suffers and laughs with them." The normal condition of man is health. Coughs and colds have to be caught and can only be contracted when some law of Nature has been violated. Tho purpose of Baxter's Lung Preserver is to cure coughs and colda quickly. It never fails, never disappoints. ■ 4181 Messrs Armstrong, Limited, aw making special showing of Imported Millinery, Coats, Costumes and furs, at values that positively cannot be equalled. X 3813 • To-day is the very last day of tha boot sale at Stock's City Boot Palace, and everyone who appreciates solid savings oil footwear should vieit it today before it closes. The address if White Hart Buildings. High Street. X 4145 Ladies' Gold and Silver Watches, Engagement Rings, Muff Chains and all other classes of Jewellery too numerous to mention at greatly reduced prices. K. Grieshaber, 155, Colombo Street, N 3370 With a supply of eighty horses . and carts at their disposal, J. M. Hey wood and Coy., Ltd., are in a position to undertake any carrying work entrusted ta them. Telephones 2SO a«d 1241. X4O3E

The- annual meetings of householders to elect school committees will bo hold du Monday evening.

A meeting of the Opawa Band of Hope was held on Thursday, Mr Rpbinson presiding.' There was a very large attendance. Items were rendered by Mißses Williams, Clarke, Collins, Burns (2) and Myrtle Richardson, and Messrs Oatway, Kirk, Martin, Burns. Ciampess, Hollis (2) and Stanley Falloon. An address was given by Mr A. Dyer.

The councillors of the Scottish Sociuly of New Zealand met on Thursday for tho election of office-bearers', and the Council Is now constituted ag follows :—Chief, Mr Charles Broun; chieftains, Messrs J. Williamson, G. Martin and S. Robertson; librarian,, Mr A. Fraser; treasurer, Mr G. A. D. Sutherland; councillors, Messrs J. Oalder, A- Clark, J. Ford, R. Macdonald, S. M'Donald, G. M. Mackenzie, J. MaoLintock, K. Matheson, R. D. Simpson and J. Wilson.

A sign of soundness in trade in Auckland, despite the much talked of depression in New Zealand, is the continuation of the scarcity of the smaller classes of house property (says the "New Zealand Herald"). For. those who make their habitation in dwellings of from four to seven rooms the terrors of "house-hunting" have been in no way diminished during the past twelve months. The four-roomed cottages are stated by agents to be the most difficult to obtain, as very few houses of this Bbo are being built. Five and six-room-ed residences also command a steady demand, and houses of this class in desirable localities are very rarely untenanted, as in most cases they are let to new tenants before the outgoing tenants have given up possession. Mrs George Mackenzie, general secretary of Pandita Ramabai's Mukti Mission, who, with her husband, has returned to New Zealand from a visit to India, purposes holding a sale of work in the Alexandra Hall, Manchester Street, during next week in aid of the funds of the mission. The Mukti Mission is an undenominational Christian mission, designed to reach and help high-oaste Hindu widows, deserted wives and orphans from all parts of. India. It aims at training young Women and girls sheltered in the Mukti Home, mentally, morally and spiritually. After receiving a thorough training for some years they go out as teachers or Bible women to work in different missions, and many of them marry and settle happily in their own homes. A meeting will be held in St Paul's Schoolroom, Madras Street, at 7.3(W0n Tuesday evening, at which Mrs Mackenzie will give an account of her visit to India.

A meeting of the Lower Riccarton 'Anglican Mission was held on Thursday. The vicar, the Ven Archdeacon Averill presided, and the Rev H. M. Wright and Mr Coates were also present. The vicar, in reviewing the accounts for the past year, congratulated the district'on the successful effort in paying off the loan of £2OO on the Mission Hall. He also stated that Mr Coates, late of the Melanesian Mission, had been appointed as Jay reader, and that services would now be held morning and evening every Sunday at Lower Riccarton. Votes* of thanks were passed to Mr H. G. Jones, organist, and various Church workers. The following ladies and gentlemen were appointed a committee for the snsuing year:—rMesdames Luttrell, Luranya and Vickery, Messrs Calvert,. Colville, Feron, Harris and Jarman, and Mr E. Evans as representative appointed by St Michael s vestry. Musical items were given by Miss Cresswell and Messrs Waring-Colo, Coates, Nelson and the Rev H. NrWright. After refreshments the meeting closed by Einging the National Anthem. The "Otago Daily Times" states that the goods traffio on the HuruniBluff section of the railway is at the present time abnormally brisk. Unusually heavy trains loaded with grain, chaff, and manures, are being forwarded north and south daily, and on the Canterbury portion of the section 20,000 sacks of grain a day are being railed. On Tuesday no fewer than 1233 waggons ' were handled in the Dunedin goods yard. This number was made up by 491 arriving, 603 being forwarded elsewhere, 166 being shunted into various sidings for immediate use, forty-nine to Kensington, and twenty-four to the wharf. One goods , train from the south this week comprised 110 waggons, all heavily laden with, grain, ' timber, coal, etc Tho demand being made- for waggons is everywhere very large, and the Dunedin traffio department is doing its utmost to cope with a big rush, and to distribute the available rolling stock to the very best advantage. On March 31, 1908, the total number of waggons on the Huru-nui-Bluff section was, 7700, and since then close on 200 12-ton waggons have been supplied to this district. As a matter of fact the stock is always being increased. Mr J. Duncan, M.P., who accompanied the Hon R. M'Kenzie, Minis•ter of Public Works, on his tour through Marlborough, expresses himself as being very appreciative of the Minister's courteous and attentivo consideration of all local matters brought under his notice. Mr M'Kenzie spared no pains in examining the conditions of every request. A number of matters raeptjioned to Mr M'Kenzie at Seddon, such as the need of an overhead bridge and a bridge across the Awatere River to the westward of the present structure, belonged to the Department of Railways, and Roads and Bridges; but wherever his own Department was concerned Mr M'Kenzie took away a full account of the circumstances. In regard to railway works, Mr M'Kenzie's practical experience as a successful contractor was a valuable asset to him in his capacity as Minister. As far as the Minister's reply to the deputation which urged the speedy completion of the South Trunk line is concerned, Mr Duncan says that, though Mr M'Kenzie was judiciously non-committal, he gave an impression that he is by no means blind to the merits of this line. It is at least, encouraging to know, remarks Mr Duncan, that while a halt is being made on some branch lines, work is not being Blackened on the Blenheim-Waipara. Mr Duncan was agreeably surprised at the rate of construction and the methods employed on the Seddon-Flax-bourne railway works. They were better than ho anticipated, and, he says, have manifestly improved on the former conditions.

True patriotism does not find expression in hooting, yelling and vituperation. The True Patriot is the man who is prepared to Do something for fais country—something that will influence others to follow his example. The truest patriotism, therefore, is expressed by the immediate purchase of one of Butcher's 18-ct. Gold Wedding Rings 210, High Street. X 3157

"Evestrain Headaches.—Mr E. M. Bandstein, F.S.M.C., D.8.A.0 Ophitlialinic Optician, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight remediable by glasses. Fifteen years' special study and experience. The most up-to-date and completely-equipped optical parlours in the colonies. Cashel Street iW. (next Ballantyno's). Hours, 9.30 to 6. Telephone 397. 1898

We invite you to our first showing of j autumn millinery- The styles are the 'smartest in the city. The prices the 1 lowest. Nicholson and flayne. Lash Colombo and Armagh Streets. ' IS""

At nine o'clock yesterday morning tho Ashley River was reported clear, the Wairaakarirj and Ash bur ton as discoloured, and t.ho Selwyn, Rakaia, Rangitata, Opihi and Waitaki as fishable.

During tho first three months of the present year, discount stamps were issued by the Government aud sold in the Wellington district to tho value of £586 os; in the Thames, to £2; and in Auckland, to £6 ss. No business was done e'sewhere.

lu regard to rapid cabling the Premier has received a letter from Mr J. Henniker Heaton, stating that there wore four great inventors who proved in his presence that they could send 500 words in thirty minutes over tho cables. The Premier remarks that this news is most reassuring;, for the great obstacle in the way of cheapening cable communication is the capacity of the cables.

At a monthly meeting of the Canterbury Christian Endeavour Union, held on Thursday evening, a largo amount of business was transacted. Reports of good were received from tho committees. It was decided to forward literature to tho Otira Tunnel, to be distributed among the workers. It was announced that the annual convention would be held on Juno 9, 10 and 11, in the Baptist Church, Oxford Terrace. A recent burglar scare in Wellington was reported to have had the effect of causing a big demand for revolvers for defensive purposes, and the "Otago Daily Times" states that the adventures of the escaped inmate from Seacliff Mental Hospital in the country round that locality have had a similar effect, although on a greatly reduced scale. A resident of Waitati was in Dunedin on Thursday, and before returning to his home he purchased a revolver from a hardware firm, remarking that it was as well to be prepared for possibilities with dangerous incendiaries abroad.

The statistics of the post and telegraph revenue for the quarter euded March show a revenue, of £'J25,762, against £183,615 for the same period of last year. Of the total, £152,623 was contributed by the Postal Department. In the four chief centres the revenue was:—Wellington, £44,181; Auckland, £39,871;' Christohnrch, £22,593; Dunedin, £15',612. During the quarter £2,486,461 was deposited in the savings bank and £2;460,956 was withdrawn. During tho same quarter of last year the deposits exceeded tho withdrawals by £159,252. The rumours that were current during the earthquake disturbances in Whakataue at the latter end of November and December last, to the effect that Whale Island had broken out into eruption, although discredited by many at the time, have been proved by subsequent discoveries to have been to a certain extent founded on fact. A party that returned to Whakatane, in the Bay of Plenty, recently, after having spent the Easter holidays on the island, states that while hunting goats on the northern side, one member of the party, in eager pursuit of the quarry, pushing his way through the stunted ti-tree, came suddenly upon a blow-hole, several feet in diameter, from which a small column of steamwas issuing. Later disooveries by the party disclosed the fact that in one of the sides which had been disturbed by the shocks a crack in the earth extended for some distance, from which in three or four places steam was.rising.

Mr E. Tamblyn, honorary secretary of the Lawrence-Roxburgh Railway Leaguo, hag received tho following from the Minister of Railways:—"l have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 15, forwarding copy of resolution passed at a meeting of the Dunedin branch of the Lawrence-Rox-burgh Railway Leaguo, in regard to the cessation of work upon the construction of this line. In reply, I have to say that this is a matter of Government policy, and the decision of the Government is one that was arrived at only after careful consideration. The Right Hon the Prime Minister, as head of the Government, has communicated to those concerned', and also for public information, a statement of the reasons for the action of the Government in this matter, and .a careful perusal of these reasons should show there were grounds for the decision arrived at."

A Wellington citizen recently told a: reporter of the "Post" that Wellington city hardly realised what a good asset it would have in its electric light establishment when the debt was paid off. The city, to-day, he said, was in the fortunate position of _ having a business so profitable that it was able to meet all calls upon it, and yield substantial sums to be used for carrying out extensions, instead of the Council having to borrow them v or charge them against capital. Amongst the moneys that were being put by from year to year, out of the net profits earned by the electrio lighting venture, was a sinking fund of £3OOO a year, which by the end of 1933 would have wiped out entirely the whole sum for which the business was acquired. Meanwhile, the city was paying interest on its debentures, 4 _ per cent, also out of. profits. Concisely putting the position, the business was paying away about £6OOO a year for depreciation and £4OOO for profit, and, further, many heads of expenditure was being met out of profits which could be charged, quite legitimately, to capital account. By 1933 the business should bo worth well over a quarter of a million sterling, and not a penny beyond actual profits would have beou paid for it. The closing day of the Easter boot sale at Stock's City Boot Palace will mark its biggest success, and that says much, for bigger bargains than over will be offered to-day. Many odd lines, and sample pairs of boots and shoes will bo cleared to-day at half price, and it will pay tho ladies and gentlemen of this city to call in and look through the magnificent bargains shown at Stock's, before the sale closes at nine o'clock this evening. Address, White Hart Buildings, High Street. X 4145

Preserving Jars—Just arrived. Mason's pints, quarts and half-gallon; Atlrs jars, wide-mouth, pint 6, quarts and half-gallon ; glass jars, 3 in nest, Is 2d; whito jars, 4 in nest, Is 4d; tumblers, 2s 6d dozen; preserving pans, cast-iron enamelled, 5s 9d, 6s 9d. 7s 6d; light nnamel, from 3s 9d. At Fletcher Broa,i lnipaiters, Lower High Street. JAPANESE IN NEW ZEALAND. In connection with the statements regarding Japanese visitors making notes of what they see on their travels through the colonies, a Gisborne citizen, who was in business in China, and 'is well acquainted with Japan, related to a "Herald" representative an incident of a few years ago. He went down in a steamer by which Fitzgerald's circus company travellod. That company included some Japanese jugglers, also a Japanese interpreter, with whom the Gisborne resident entered into conversation. He learned that the jugglers would not bo allowed to accept the engagement with the company unless the services of the Japanese interpreter were also engaged. This young man had been trained by the Government at considerable expense, and when asked why a man of his acquirements should be allowed to fill in his time travelling round in that way with a circus, ho was informed that that was only a minor matter, his real mission being to report on ■' industrial" matters for. the Go-

vernment ho represented. He thereupon showed a note-book which he carried, and which contained a daily record of the places he visited, a duplicate copy of each leaf being, bo stated, taken and forwarded to Japan. Thebook contained full 'records of Gisbome's harbour, its situation, depth, and so on. On further inquiries, the citizen found that tho Japanese had been travelling extensively in this way, he'for instance, know much more about Scotland than did the- New Zealander who had been reared there. Tho latter states that whatever use the information may be put to, industrial or otherwise, he is quito satisfied that there is a good supply of it in the archives of tho Japaneso Government. His own impression of Japan is that it will find the weight of its naval armaments a burden too crushing to bo maintained, and that it will go back in that respect instead of becoming a great and growing power, as many people imagine*. THE SNOBBERY OF SOCIETY. In glancing at some of the varied aspects of the subject of " National Evolution" at James's Hall, Sydney, a few evenings ago, Mr G. H. Reid, M.H.R., made many points which appealed to the demonstrative and risible faculties of the audience. "When I think," he said at one stage " of the miserablo social distinctions which separate humanity, even in our own civilised communities, I cannot help looking with intense admiration on the sweet democracy of childhood. You see the little children playing together regardless whether their parents are in the wholesale or .the retail line. (Laughter and applause.) It is only as these sweet little democrats grow up and become vitiated by false, snobbish ideas of life that it becomes possible for the lady whose husband has a warehouse in York Street to refuse to associate with the lady whose husband keeps a shop in Balmain. (Laughter.) It even goes lower down than that, because the lady with a very small shop would not think of associating with tho lady who goes out washing. But the craving for distinction is a good thing if well directed. One of tho best things about it is that there is a new kind of social distinction coming up, among the many spurious kinds, and that is the distinction that man or woman gets by acts of unselfish devotion to their less fortunate human creatures. (Applause). The most melancholy spectacle in the world which comes under the head of pleasure is the spectacle of the pleasures which are enjoyed by the idle rich. There are, according to what I have read, no more melancholy, slave-driven creatures than those who are tied to the chariot wheels of fashion. If you want to know what slavery is you will try to go througn a London society season."

THE RESULTS OF THE MOTORCYCLE RELIABILITY TRIAL.

Christchurch to Akaroa and return. Distance, 114 miles; 19 competitors.— The motor-cycle reliability hill-climbing and petrol consumption trial was run on March 6, and resulted in a sweeping victory for the 3$ h.p. Triumph motors. Everybody knows how tho Talbot cars wiped out 36 competitors in the late motor-car trials, and again we have the pleasure to report to the public that the Triumph motor-cycles, in competition with seven well-known makes, have repeated the victory of the Talbot team by winning all the premier prizes. Mr R. English, the Judge, awarded the prizes to the 3§ h.p. Triumph riders as follows: —For reliability, open claGs: Ist, W. Blundell; 2nd, F. Howarth. Private owners' class: lst.-C. Bailey; 2nd, A. Beken. Hill-climbing, open class: G. B. Brown. Private owners' class: F. S. Barnett. Lowest petrol consumption, open class: W. Blundell. Private owners' class: A. Beken. Best performance in hill climb: G. B. Brown. Highest aggregate marks, for reliability, lowest petrol consumption and hill-climbing: ~ B. 'Brown. Making a total of eight hist prizes awarded to riders of Triumph motor-cycles. What a victory for Triumphs I A world's record! All other makes of motor-cycles wiped out. The success of the Triumphs in the trials is our reward for selling to the publio the highest class goods. Fifty Triumph motor-cycles now arriving, price £7O. Adams Limited, sole New Zealand agents, 13S-140, High Street, Christchurch. 1988