TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14978, 26 April 1909, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

An enthusiastic photographer, who recently paid a visit to the Otira Tunnel workings, secured several pictures which show tho works as they are practically to-day, and depict the progress of the Midland railway in the vicinity of tho big tunnel. These pictures will appear in tho “Canterbury Times tins week. One illustration pourtraye the top and bottom headings of tho tunnel, auother shows a rock drill at work, while a third is a capital photograph of tho big cutting near the Rollcston River entrance to the tunnel. Several pages of tho illustrations will bo devoted to showing some of the scenic beauties of Auckland and the neighbourhood. There will be panoramic photographs of the city itself, and of some of the suburbs, besides some charming views of the harbour. The recent tennis tournament at Wanganui will be described in a neat set of photographs, and in an extended series of pictures the Wanganui Collegiate School will he dealt with. This series will include snapshots of the present buildings, of the laying of the foun-dation-stone of the new structure, of the present scholars and teachers, and a lino group of tho old boys who took part in tho recent celebration. The general illustrations will cover a very wide field in the matter of variety, and they havo boon selected with a view to interesting all classes of subscribers to tho “ Canterbury Times.” Tho reading pages will contain their usual stock of well-assorted matter, instructive articles, special reports of the doings in tho sporting world, and a capital lot of short stories. The annual meetings of householders to elect school committees will be held this evening.

“ Industries Week ” in Christchurch is to begin on Tuesday, and elaborate preparations aro being made by local manufacturers to make attractive display of their wares ip the various shop windows. The Railway Department will issue holiday excursion ‘ tickets from all stations on. the north line on Wednesday, available for return till May 1.

Owing to tho prevalence of measles in tho district, the Eiffel ton School, in tho Ashburton county, is at present cjosod. The annual meeting of the Young Men’s Class of the Ashburton Baptist Church was held on Thursday evening, the Rev W. E. Lambert presiding over a good attendance of members. Tho report and balance-sheet showed the class to be in a satisfactory condition. The following officers were elected: — President, the Rev W. E. Lambert ; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Greonslade and W. Thomas; secretary Mr W. U. N. Inwood; organist and treasurer, Mr W. B. Bell; editor of. journal. Mr L. Greonslade; committee, Messrs G. Meddins, R. Loy and E. J. Tucker.

In connection with the St Albans Methodist Church, a Wesley Guild has been formed. Under its auspices a literary society will meet on alternate Tuesdays.. At a meeting held on Wednesday evening, the following officers were elected: —President, the Rev W. A. Sinclair; vice-president, Mr C ; E. Salter; editor of “ Journal,” Miss Chaplin; secretary, Mr W. Kindle; assistant secretary, Mr T. Pollard; reporter, Mr Hassall; Mrs Kindle, Mrs E. Harrison, Miss E. Smith and Messrs Bousfield, Winton and W. Harrison. Arrangements were made for. tho preparation of a syllabus and for the opening gathering. Wellington builders are hopeful of better times in the near future, but at present they regard the position oi their trade as bad. Tendering for tho few jobs that do come out is very keen, and the prices put in are in marked contrast to the wide range of prices that used to be seen in more busy times. An extraordinary close set of tenders was received by Mr J. S. Swan, architect, for a new building of five storeys and a cellar, with a flat roof of reinforced concrete, to be erected in Willis Street. The first fivo tenders had a difference only of only £157 between the highest and lowest, though the amounts ran into nearly £9OOO.

Some time ago Mrs Brough commissioned Mr Bertram M’Keimal to design and execute a piece of statuary as a memorial to her husband, tbe late Mr Robert Brough. Mr M’Kcnnal, who was given a free hand in the matter, finally decided to design two female figures, representing tragedy and comedy, and he has succeeded in producing a work that will fittingly serve to perpetuate the memory of the wellknown actor. Mrs Brough proposes to ask permission to present the work to tho Commonwealth, and as Melbourne was the first place sbo played in ivith her husband, tho trustees of the Public Art Gallery will be asked to allow tho work to find a. permanent resting-place in the Melbourne Art Gallery.

Anniversary services in connection with the Tai Tapu Methodist Church were held on April 18, the Rev A. Ashcroft, the newly-appomtcd circuit minister, conducting his first services. The oongregations were large, especially in the morning, and special anthems woro rendered by tho choir. On Thursday the anniversary was continued with a tea and public meeting, which was well attended. At' tho meeting musical items were rendered by Miss Picken, Miss Burrowes, Mr and Mrs Burroives and Mr Kippenberger. Tho secretary of the church road tho report for the past year, which showed a substantial credit balance. Mr Ashcroft was formally welcomed to the church and circuit by Mr H. E. Peryman, circuit steward, and Mr F. Hubbard, on behalf of tho Greenpark Church. Mr Kippenberger for Prebbleton and Mr John Gilmour for Halswoll also welcomed the minister.

Professor Bickerton has recently set up at Wainoni Park some ingenious contrivances with which he proposes to. demonstrate the working ot tho solar system. To show the movements of tho entire solar system by mechanical means at once suggests a very complicated piece of mechanism, and in this respect the Orrery lives up to expectations. It contains three hundred cogwheels, and shows the motions of the various bodies of the universe in their travels round the sun. Tho speeds of the planets are accurate hi proportion, and in every case all the- known attendant moons are shown. In addition, tlie machine has had added t-o it a representation of the ecliptic with the signs of the zodiac shown. Tho Orrery has been placed . with tho Tellurian, which depicts tho path of tho earth and its moon about the sun. It is as if the earth has been taken from the Orrery and shown separately. The two pieces of machinery have been housed in Tho Pike, and there also Professor Bickerton has placed his suspended earth model, which shows hv natural causes the movement of tho earth along its ecliptic, and also the procession or tho equinoxes. It is intended to show the threo exhibits at the large schools in the distriot.

A well-known Taranaki horseman, Sir J. D. Mitchell, had a rather startling experience on. tho Main Trunk Railway line last week. He had purchased a horse for his son, and. after the train had left Taumarariui, ho was preparing to make a comfortable shakedown for tho night, when tho jolting of the train caused the lamp, which had been filled too full at Tanmaranui, to explode, and scatter the burning oil in all directions. Mr Mitchell, with considerable presence of mind, immediately closed tho small doers leading into the horse box, and tried to- smother the flames with his overcoat, but without success. Ho then tried to throw out tho horsefeed, which was burning fiercely, but tho flames drove him out of tho box. Hanging on to the footboard, he managed to attract tho attention of a passenger, who communicated with tho guard. The Westinghous© brake was at once applied, and the train brought to a standstill, but not a moment too soon, as Mr Mitchell’s cap was burned, and his eyebrows and beard wero singed. Both doors wero thrown open and the burning luggage was pushed out, aud the fire extinguished. Whilst the consideration of warm winter clothing for tho boys is exercising the minds of parents, Messrs Armstrong’s, Limited, invite all to view their new ranges of boys’ suits, especially worthy as they are of attention at the low prices asked. Tunic suits 5s lid, sailor suits 3s 9d, Nor folks from 6s lid to high quality at 15s 6d and 17s' 6d, The firm are noted for attention to the wants of the rising generation. X 3813 Messrs Armstrong, Limited, are making special showing of Imported Millinery, Coats, Costumes and Furs, at values that positively cannot bo equalled.. X 3813 Stop and think for a moment. Many people are all run down, tired out and hardly able to drag about—don’t know what ails them. Stearns’ Wine of Cod Liver Extract, tho great tiasuuo builder, is the answer. G Wedding and Birthday presents. Fletcher Brothers liavo just opened up a usoful assortment, including water sets (half a dozen tumblers, jug and tray), from 5s 9d to 9s (kl; wine sets 7s 9d, tea sets from 7s 9d to 50s, dinner sets 16s 9d to £5 ss. Call and inspect at Fletcher Brothers, Crockery Importers, Lower High St-root, X 2565

The Ola go Trades Council is issuing a manifesto appealing to the electors ox Dunedin and district to support a Saturday half-holiday. A movement is on foot in, Dunedia for the formation of a union of stage hands employed in connection with the local theatres. Several meetings have been held and rules have been drawn up, and these will bo .submitted to the Registrar of Industrial .Unions for approval. During Industries Week, which will commence to-morrow, there is to be an interesting display from the .Christchurch Technical College. Tho work is, to bo shown in tho windows of Messrs' Hastic, Bull and Pickering, (n Cashel Street, and is to include exhibits from the woodworking, coachbuilding, metalworking and plumbing classes. An indication of the existence of the discount system in regard to American goods exported to New Zealand was mentioned by a witness in the Arbitral, tion Court at Auckland recently. Some time ago, he said, he obtained a camera 1 from tho States at a discount of 40 per cent oil the published price list. Shortly afterwards his brother visited America, and took tho camera with'' him. On visiting tho manufactory, 1 and inquiring the price, ho found that if ho obtained tho article there ho would bo required to pay the full price, “ But this camera was sold at a discount of 40 per cent off that,” was pointed out. “Yes, but that was for. export,” was tho astonishing and in-' structive reply. A North Island journal states that protection to Nativo industry was the demand of a''sturdy settler whom the! Minister of Labour met at Makuri, in the Pahiatua district. “Look at that,” he exclaimed, pointing to a waggon load of glazed earthenware pipes standing on tho road. “ Don't you think these things ought to pay a duty?” “Why should they pay a duty?” asked the astonished Minister. “ Well, you seo, they interfere with' the sale of our timber for culverts.”: “Ah!” said tho Misister, “but don’t you think tho pipe-maker and his workmen have just as good a,right to be considered as the settler with hia timber? You won’t find mo bringing one industry into collision with another if I can help it.” |

The annual meeting of delegates to the Ashburton United Friendly Societies’ card tournament committee was hold on Friday evening. The bal-ance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of £1 11s fid, was adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Chairman, Mr J. D. Gobbe; refreshment committee, Messrs Tulloch, J, M’Kay and tho secretary; card committee, Messrs J. M’Kay and J.' Kerr; supervisors of room, Messrs Hannigaii, B. Fountain©, Kavnoy and T. O’Connor. Tho election of secretary was held over till the next meeting. It was agreed to commence tho tournamont in May. It was decided to continue progressive euchre matches, 1 and Mr M’Kay, on behalf of the Foros-I tens, offered a prize for the first match. 1

The Canterbury Confectionery, Bis-,' cuit and Fruit-preserving Employees'! Union recently hold a conference with! tho employers concerning the conditions! of work. After a full discussion it was decided that, owing to competition from 1 other districts, it would be unfair to have an award made in Canterbury if tho other districts did not fall into lino with it, and as that was considered unlikely, the conference was adjourned for six weeks, so that a meeting could 1 be held representative of the whole of New Zealand. A request has been sent to Mr Breen, of Dunedin, asking that a union should bo formed in Dunedin, witli a view to having an award mado to cover the whole of tho workers inj the dominion, Mr Breen will call &j mooting this week of employees with a view to the formation of a union in tho'. southern city. , Tho whims of tho public have to bo studied in many tilings, and amongst other matters their preference for certain cabmen must receive attention. This fact was demonstrated at tliof Arbitration Court in Auckland, when a driver, in empliasing the difficulty oi* cabmen working within fixed hours, said that many people in engaging a cab expressly stipulated for a .portion* lar driver with whom they were acquainted.. If a driver, who had com* pleted liis stipulated hours. of labour,' turned over ail “order job” to another driver, tho result was a loud com-, plaint, from the customer. People, often telegraphed their orders to indi-j victual drivers instead of to the, latter’s employers. Sometimes, it was stated, amidst laughter, when a cab was engaged for a ball or other social function, by a lady, she would not go at all if she could not get the driver of her choice. ;

Those who went to’ school ill: bygone years and “ wagged it j oil' neatly every possible occa» sion, must find it difficult to account for tho regularity of attendance by hoys of to-day, and will he inter-’ csted in an explanation offered by tho Chief-Inspector of Schools in the Auckland district, who says that it. is a matter of general remark that in re®, cent years tho traditional reluctance’ of young children to attend school hc9 been steadily waning. “In very many* of our schools,” continues .the inspector, “ tho pupils attend'gladly, and feel it a grievance if they are. kept away.! This is really a striking tribute to the growing efficiency of the elementary, schools. The more skilful and sympathetic teaching that has been a fea-, ture of recent progress, and the growing mildness of control and govern- j ment, largely due to the influence of| our lady teachers, has greatly helped to-, bring this happy change about.” ! Rapid progress is being made with: the alterations in . the Legislative Chambers at Old Government House, and it is anticipated that the work will ho completed some days before the assembling of Parliament. The House, of Representatives, with its padded benches, arranged in semi-ciroles, and its extended floor space and gallery, accommodation, will hardly look like the same apartment that did duty last, session. Tho “ Dominion ” states that, tho changes are altogether in the direction of greater comfort and convenience, and members will probably feel t-liat the Chamber and its adjacent rooms will bo good enough to last them' or their successors for a number of years to come. Tho ruins of the old, Parliamentary Buildings will bo “tidied up” before tho session,, aud certain . portions may bo roofed in . so ns to afford additional accommodation for homo of the work connected with Parliament. Ladies’ Gold and Silver Watches Engagement Rings, Muff Chains and all other classes of Jewellery too morons to mention at greatly reduces price®. K. Grieshaber, 155, Colomho Streot. XS37O Attention is directed to an advertisein cut on our front wherein tho Thursday Half-holiday Committee offer £IOO reward to anyone who can prove that continuance of Thursday halt-holi-day will mean workers and other’s having their Saturday holiday changed toi Thursday, as is being falsely stated. 6753 Evostrain. Headaches. —-Mr ' E. M.) Sandstein, F.8.M.C., D.8.A.0., Ophthalmic Optician, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight remediable by glasses. Fifteen years’ special study and experience. The most up-to-dato and completolv-equipped optical parlours in the colonies. Cashel Street W. (next Ballantyno’s). Hours, 9.30 t<* 6. Telephone 397*. 1898 j

Some sixty pupils ami five teachers from the Sacred Heart Girls’ High School, Christchurch, visited the Ashburton School on Saturday, and were entertained by the teachers and scholars.

A complimentary social and dance ‘will be tendered to Mr T. H. Davey, 'M.P., in the Alexandra Hall on May 12 by his supporters and friends. Tickets may be obtained from Mr A. Grover, the secretary, at the Royal [Exchange Buildings.

Efforts are being mndo to induce the Government to acquire Mr Chapman’s (Springbank estate, between Fornside and Gust, for settlement purposes. The ■member tor the district, Mr G. Witty, has already been approoclied on the question, and it is understood that a petition is in course of preparation for presentation to the Government.

On Friday, at tlio Magistrate’s Court at Ternuka, Harry Day was charged before Mr J. Blyth, J.P., with being an idle and disorderly person. Constable Gillespie gave evidence that the accused had been begging about Temuka, Orari and Winchester, representing himself as an English barrister and solicitor, "and asking for money. The accused was sentenced to fourteen days’ imprisonment. A Press Association message from Feikiing states that, as a result of a [public meeting on Friday to protest ! against the valuation of tho borough, the Borough Council, at a special meeting on Saturday, met the officers of the iValuation Department and asked for an all-round pro rata reduction. The officers refused to recommend this course, and the Council passed a motion to take steps to object to the wbqle valuation before tho Assessment Court.

In the course of his speech at Sydenffiam on Friday, tho - Mayor, Mr 0. ['Allison, made reference to the finances ! of the tepid baths. During tho ten and a half months tho bath? had been in operation the revenue obtained was £BO9 2s Id. The working expenses had been £450 17s 3d, leaving a gross surplus of £358 4s lOd. The interest lon the sinking fund was some £203, (and when this had been paid the net profit for the time tho baths had been in operation was £95 Is 6d. At the meeting of ratepayers hold in St Saviour’s Schoolroom, Sydenham, on Friday, Mr J. Forrester stated that he had noticed in the Christchurch newspapers a statement by one of the [municipal candidates to the effect that ■ the water rate in Sydenham was a shameful one. Mr Forrester said that ■ho .did not agree with this statement. The rate that had been struck four years ago was 3i per cent on the annual cost. Since that time it had been reduced, first to 3 per cent and then to 2i per cent, which, was the present Irate. In Timaru, tlio speaker said, j there was a special interest rate of 5 por cent and a water rate of 7 per cent, making a total of 12 per cent.' He [did not see any grounds for complaint !in the Sydenham rates when the rates 'o f a close neighbour were such as they I were.

j An ancient Greek custom, which lie- ' suited iii the ostracism of men who seemed likely to become so exceedingly [popular as to offend less fortunate peojpie, apparently was in the mind of the ,'Hon'T. W. Hislop, Mayor of Wellington, when he made his valedictory speech to the City Council on Thursday eight, says the " Post.” In concluding his address, ho said:—“l was tutored in that school which taught that When a person was considered necessary to a community it was on that very occasion ho ought to bo knocked on tho head, because it was one of tho old .principles of government that any per- [ eon wlio became essential to tho carry- ' ing on of government shouldv bo set ! aside, to make it clear that there 'should bo always some person able to come forward and administer its affairs.”

On Friday, in tlio Town Hall, Belfast, the Gaiety Concert and Comedy Party gave an interesting and greatly (appreciated entertainment in aid of the local Tennis Club. The comedietta, “ A Pair of Lunatics,” was successfully played by Miss Lucy Cowan and Mr A. Stewart Callaway. Songs were given by Miss Hilda Cocker, Messrs D. Maindonald, G. L. Steward, A. Pimm and A. S. Callaway, a violin solo by Miss F, E. Horsley, and a recitation, “ Two Points of View,” by Miss Lucy Cowan. A humorous sketch, “ Snorkins,” was cleverly interpreted by Mr G. Lucadon Steward, who gave ae an encore “ A Lover’s Sacrifice.” The accompaniments were sympathetically played by Miss F. E.' Horsley and Miss Olive BalJantyne. A one-act comedy, “ Done on [Both. Sides,” in which the characters were well sustained by Misses Lucy Cowan and Maud Moon, Messrs D. Maindonald, A. Stewart Callaway and ft. L. Steward, formed the second half of the programme. The annual meeting of the Elite Brass Band Society was held in the Band .Hall, Leeds Street, on Friday. Mr W. G. Dean presided, and there was a good attendance. The report ftnd balance-sheet, which wore adopted, showed:—Receipts £229 Is 9d, expenditure £259 9s Bd, assets £955 17s, liabilities £383 5s sd. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Dr 0. J. llussell; vice-presidents, the Hon H. F. Wigram, Messrs Tj H. Davey, M.P., H. G. Ell, M.P., T. E. Taylor, M.P., G. W. Russell, M.P., W. H. Cooper, F. C. Gerard, E. Duggan, CP, Gapes, R. C. David, T. F. Hall, G. W. J. Parsons, R. C. Bishop, S. ~ Orchard, R. M. Spicer and W. 11. Terry, the Rev N. Turner and Drs ! A. J. Orchard, H. T. J. Thacker and 'A. C. Sandstein; conductor, Mr Arthur Duggan; bandmaster, Mr G. E. Patterson; sergeant, Mr J. Thomson; corporal, Mr I. Stubberfield; lance-cor-poral, Mr F. Turner; secretary, Mr E. A. M. Leaver; treasurer, Mr W. Rowlands; librarians, Messrs I. Stubborfield and W. Morton ;• hall-keeper and custodian, Mr W. G. Dean; committee, Messrs C. Cook, C. L. Heath, T. Rogers, F. Turner, G. Williams, G. Patterson, A. Duggan, J. Thomson, W. G. Dean, W. Rowlands and E. A. M. Leaver; chairman, Mr W. G. Dean. It was decided to hold a jumble sale soon. Every man in Christchurch ‘will bo interested to know that the first consignment of the very latest suitings for the coming autumn and winter wear have now arrived at George Davies, where suits are being made from these high-class _ materials for .from 45s to 755, the suit to measure, j A written guarantee for a fit is given when your measurements are taken, ! and for style, fit and finish, gentlemen everywhere are finding that, in addition ;to saving £2 on a suit to measure, ■ superiority and satisfaction is gained in every other point. The address is 1 George Davies, 184-186 Colombo Street, iennosite Kincaid’s, Christchurch. I W X 4145 j jyfr \V. H. D. Newth, Medical Heri ballet, cures all diseases without the !p s o of the knife. Consultation Free. ’■l64 Armagh Street, Christchurch. I < 4115 Z,ewls and Anderson, 221, Cashel .Street, aro carrying a full range of euvs and rifles by leudin j? makers, including “Pape” and “Cogswell and T-Tarrison ” ; also waders and ammunition in all Tollable brands. X 3085 If you want Reliable Footwear, you Will get it at Robinson’s. ' We ar© 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), 1988

Constable M’Leunan, who has been stationed at Ashburton for some time, left on Saturday evening to take up duty at Kaikoura. Detective Eade yesterday arrested a man in Christchurch on a charge of stealing a lady’s bicycle, the property of Miss Agues Blakesly, about a month ago. At a sitting of the Juvenile Court on Saturday, a girl aged four years was committed, to tho Christchurch Receiving Homo because she had been living with an habitual drunkard. The Hon A. T. Ngata is to visit Tuahiwi on May 8, and tho Maoris of tho pa, together with tlio Maalumui Council, aro making preparation's to give him a suitable -welcome. The gathering will take place in the Runanga Hall, in tho evening. After refreshments the guest will "weak on Native matters, and a discussion will follow.

In reply to the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s cablegram congratulating tho Prime Minister on the Government’s action in presenting a Dreadnought to tho Imperial authorities, Sir Joseph Ward telegraphed as follows: —“ Deeply appreciate resolution Importers’ Association. Our desire is to help to maintain supremacy British Empire on seas, and am glad that your Association is doing its part in thoroughly practical way.”. ■

Tho Dunedin City Council recently purchased the Caversliam Gasworks for £14,000, and Councillor Smith, at ■ a meeting in South Dunedin last week, said that ho believed that tlio gasworks, if they had cost £20,000, would bo a highly profitable investment. Ho mentioned that since tho establishment was purchased the number of consumers in the district had increased by 30 per cent, during which time the consumers in Dunedin district proper had increased by only 2) per cent. A resident of Roxburgh found a weasel at his back door the other day, says the “ Mount Benger Mail.” Last Wednesday night a young lady was. awakened by something running over her bed and by a sharp pain in her face. Upon getting up she found that a weasel had climbed up the wall of the house and entered at tho window, the bottom sash of which had been accidentally left open. Blood streamed from the young Indy’s face, and it was discovered that the weasel had made two bites. Steps were at once taken to prevent any. evil results, and the wounds have now healed up, though the marks aro still plainly to be seen.

An old man-o’-warsman, about fifty years old, has elected to spend tho winter all by himself on Macquarie Island. He formed one of tlio party of “oil” men who go annually to tho island for the penguin season, and when the men prepared to return to the Bluff ho announced his intention to remain behind, but refused to givo any reason. He had a certain amount of money, and bo spent this on surplus stores. As the snip left ho was pacing up and down with his dogs. The island will bo quite deserted until August, aud existence there will bo most doleful, seeing that for the most part there will bo no daylight and that the weather is usually hazy. There was a large congregation at Trinity Congregational Church yesterday morning, when tho Rev W. J. ' Mayers, senior deputation secretary representing Dr Barnardo’s Homes, preached. Ho spoko of the value and influence of child-life and of the terrible surroundings in which many children were born and lived. Dr Barnardo, he 6aid, had given his lifo to the saving of children, and over three and a halt millions of money had been contributed during his lifetime, while over 60,000 children had passed! through the institution. Tho work depended on voluntary gifts. The Homes at present contained 8000 children and cost £SOO a day, £240 being spent every day in food alone.

True patriotism does not find expression in hooting, yelling and vituperation. The True Patriot is the man who is prepared to Do something for his country—something that will influence others to follow his example. The truest patriotism, therefore, is expressed by the immediate purchaso of one of Butcher's 18-ct. Gold Wedding Rings. 210, High Street. X 3157 To-day is the very last day of the boot sale at Stock’s City Boot Palace, and everyone who appreciates solid savings on footwear should visit it today before it closes. The address is White Hart Buildings, High Street. X 4145 Mr A. W. Martin, sole controller of Dr J. A. Sherman’s method of treating rupture, is now in Christchurch, and may be consulted at Warner’s Hotel up to the 30th. Hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 5541 AN INTERRUPTED PERFORMANCE A performance of the “Merry Widow ” was given at Constantinople by an Austrian troupe of artists, and drew a crowded house. Among the occupants of the boxes were Sir Gerald Lowther, tho British Ambassador, and Lady Lowther. Suddenly the performance was interrupted, and brought to a close. A group of Montenegrins, considering that the pieco wounded their national sentiments, created a great disturbance, whistling, hooting and beating the floors with heavy sticks. Most of tho audienco precipitately quitted tho theatre, and several women fainted. The demonstrators were finally arrested and conducted td a police station, where, after establishing their identity, they were released. Tho riot recalls similar scenes which occurred in Vienna, at Sarajevo, tho capital of Bosnia, and at Agram, the Croatian capital, several people being wounded at tho latter town. AERIAL REGULATIONS., Major Baden-Powoll, writing in the “National Review” on “Law in tho Air,” predicts that in tho third year from now most peoplo in England will havo seen a flyer in the air, and a great many of tho more adventurous ones will havo mado a flight. In four years’ time, ho thinks, flying will bo common, and accordingly ho proceeds to open up the question of tho rule of the road, the maintenance of international frontiers, and tho possibility or otherwise of continuing to collect Customs duties. He believes that, except in the case of heavy and bulky commodities, like corn, coal and jumber, it will not bo possible to continue collecting duties. He also discussoa tho subject of private boundaries, and tho right of flyers to travel over private grounds. The policing of tho air, lie points out, will be most important, and ho foreshadows a service of police patrolling tho air in extra swift flyers. Police duty on tho aerial “heat” should ho thoroughly enjoyable. Major Baden-Powell considers that it would bo well to make international regular tions on all these matters in good time, so that when the flyers arrive the law may be ready to doal with them. THE KING COUNTRY. The Hon A. W. Hogg, after a tour of the King Country speaks in terms of tho highest enthusiasm of its potentialities, says the Auckland correspondent of tho “ Lyttelton Times.” Mr Hogg states that the beauty of the sconory eclipses that of many of tho most renowned scenic reserves in tho South Island. • The native difficulty ho says stands in the way of speedy settlement and he expresses the opinion that it is a great pity that great areas of splendid land should he growing nothing but bush and bracken, and tho sooner tho State places this land in the hands of thrifty settlers tho bet-

ter for tlio dominion, its wcatlh and its exports. Altogether ho .is very much impressed with tho King Country and is satisfied that there would be a general oxo<jus from tho South if people only had an idea of tho character of the country. “Then again,” he adds ‘ the beauty of the scenery is so groat. I .have been through the famous sounds and witnessed tho glories of tlio Forty-mile Bush, but I. have never seen anything naif so r 'rand as the wonderful forest, scenery and magnificent gorges which aro to bo found in tho King Country.”

PUNISHING THE SUFFRAGIST. One of tho minor penalties now imposed upon women suffragists who deliberately commit offences against public oi'dor in London is tho publication of their ages. The London correspondent of tho “Ago” says that this is a form of humorous retaliation much enjoyed by the polico after a long period cf indulgence towards their implacable enemies, whoso continuous state of excitomcnt ancl lack of tho kind of exporienco which would enable them to make useful comparisons (such as experience in a New York mob) loaves thorn _ unfitted to roaliso the generally superior qualities of tlio London constable. It has been something of a shock to find that pretty and fashionablo spinsters in tlio suffragist army, who had appeared about thirty years of ago, and who might, in these days of advanced art in beauty doctoring and rest cures, have gone on almost indefinitely looking no moro than thirty, aro forty, or oven forty-five. These revelations have boon somehow extracted from tho “martyrs” by their captors, and from the police books they have passed into a number of tho papers with cruel precision. The polico seem to tliink that they may bo able to chock tho procession of the suffragists through the courts and on to Holloway by this practice, but it has made no appreciable difference to tho campaign so far. DEGENERATES. ‘ Tlio largo number of degenerates in Groat Britain is now somewhat of a menace. It is supposed that thore aro something like 10,000,000 people in England classod as degenerates from ono causo or another,” observed Colonel Burns, the managing director of Messrs Burns, Philp and Co., who returned to Sydney last week from a tour of tho world, occupying nine months, and embracing visits to Java, Singapore, China, Japan, tho United Staton, Canada., England, Scotland, Switzerland and France. “I do not moan criminals,” ho added, “but undesirables, weaklings, men who liavo not boon taught a trade-in short, unemployable men. This class does not assist a country in its progress; on tho contrary, it is to a largo extent a burden on those who do produco. The 30,000,000 workers of tho United Kingdom are severely handicapped by reason of.the. fact that they aro required to maintain the practically useless 10,000,000. lam glad to be able to say that when I loft thero were indications of a change in tho shipbuilding industry. A good many contracts havo recently been lot, particularly on tho Clyde, whero a better state of things appears to bo in view,”