TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14983, 1 May 1909, Page 8

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Tho following auctioneers’ advertisements appear on pago 15 : —A. 11. Craddock, National Mortgage ami Agency Company, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Harris Bros., Tonks, Norton and Co.. Farmers’ Baleyards, Guinness and Lo Cron, Conway Matson and Sons. Charles Clark, M’Kenzie and Willis. Dalgcty and Co. and C. A. Lees and Co.

Tho following is a statement of Customs duties collected at tho port of Lyttelton during tlie week ended yesterday:—Spirits 1:2729 14s 7d, cigars cigarettes and snuff £469 13s 2d, tobacco £787 10s, trine £BO 12s od, beer £l2O 4s, coffee., coca end chocolate £44 Bs. weight £723 IDs 2d, ad valorem £2498 13s Bd, other duties £l5B 11s 8d; total for tho week, £7611 fis Sd. A monthly meeting of the Kaiapoi Women's Christian Temperance Union was held on "Wednesday. There was a good attendance. The delegate to tho recent convention hold in Wellington gave a very interesting and comprehensive report, and the, afternoon waft spent in discussing matters arising out of'the report,. A visitor to tho Union spoke in an appreciative way ol tho work done by tho unions amongst sailors in seaport towns.

The Dreadnought offer was the subject of discussion at a meeting of the Oxford Terraco Baptist, Literary and Debating Society oil Thursday evening. There was a largo attendance, and the debate, evoked a good deal of interest. A vote resulted in an equal number for and against the motion “That the clter oT the Prime Minister was justifiable,” A syllabus lor tho winter session of the Society, which holds a meeting every Thursday evening, has been prepared.

Reference was made to Cue competition of Newcastle coal during the hearing of a dispute between the lviripaka Miners’ Union and the Northern Coal Company before the. Arbitration Court at Auckland yesterday. Mr W. i). Holgate, managing director ol the Northern Coal Company, said that tho company having increased the wages of tho men had been obliged to put up the price of coal. “This must stop now, lie said, “ on account of tho large shipments of Newcastle coal, which could be sold here at about the same price as local coal.” "Within the last week, ho contiuuetl, four vessels had loft Newcastle coal-laden and bound tor Auckland. Unfortunately, there was no protective tariff, and Auckland was .becoming a dumping ground for Newcastle coal.

Air W. H. D. Newtli, Medical Herbalist, cures all diseases without the use of tho kpife. Consultation Free. 104, Armagh Street, Christchurch. 4115

The registration of factories is proceeding very slowly, and the local Labour Bureau may possibly tako action against some of the dilatory factory owners, with a view to inducing them to register quickly. The Tai Tapu Lawn Tennis Club held a dance on Tuesday night in tho Town Hall, Tai Tapu, in aid of its fund for laying another asphalt court. The evening was fine, and a large gathering had an enjoyable entertainment.

The Matron of tho Christchurch Hospital acknowledges tho receipt of a sack of potatoes from St Luke’s harvest festival, magazines from Mr E. W. Reed, books and linen from Mrs Luttrell, and books from Mr Williams. There is a pressing need for old linen at tho Hospital. During April there were registered .in the Timaru district 21 marriages, 48 births and seven deaths. Tho figures for the corresponding period of 1908 were, marriages 14, births 29, and deaths 11. The number of marriages solemnised during last month, twenty-one, constitutes a record for tho district, the largest number registered in any previous month being fifteen.

Mr G W. Russell, M.P., speaking at Linwood last evening, stated that while in Australia recently he had gone over both the Sydney and .Melbourne public libraries, and had found that neither of them possessed a reading-room so convenient for tho great mass of the people as was that of the Christchurch Library. Ho thought that a public reading-room, where the public might go and read about what was happening, not only in their own country, but in other parts of the world, was one of tho most necessary features of a public library. A mooting of the Loyal Perseverance Lodge, No. 5955, of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, was held at tho Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolston, on Wednesday. A visit was received from the P.G.M., Brother Kent, tho D.P.Q.M., Brother Maurice, and tho N.G. of tlie Loyal Riccartou Lodge. The offices of L.S.V.G. and Guardian were declared vacant. Two members were elected to the Board of Management, and three brothers were declared out of compliance. The receipts were £lO 19s 8d and the expenditure £l2 7s. It is understood that there are one or two protests lodged in connection with Monday’s elections of school committees, and they will bo considered by tho Education Board at its meeting on Wednesday. In one caso, it is stated, a difficulty arose in connection with a vote given by a person.outside the district, and another election was held immediately. Meanwhile, however, some of tho householders had left the meeting, and the regularity of tho second poll was questioned,’. A correspondent has written questioning the legality of an election where only the requisite number of candidates were nominated and they were declared elected after a motion to close the nominations had been earned.. Inquiries show that there was no irregularity, in the proceedings. At tho ‘Scottish. Society’s ceilidh on Thursday Past Chief M’Laren introduced Chief Broun, who, ho said, richly deserved the position,' because of his unwearied exertions in the interests of tho Society. Chief Broun, on taking the chair, expressed his thanks for the high honour paid to him, and outlined the objects and history of tho Society. There was a very largo attendance, and a most pleasant evening was spent. Songs were contributed by Mrs R. Macdonald, Miss Stinnear, Miss Forrester, Messrs Jameson, Simpson, Price and M’Diarmid, Miss Bessie Macdonald being an efficient accompanist. Solo dances were given by Miss Kininmoutli and Mr Reeves, and reels by the Society’s juvenile dancers. A feature of the evening was a selection on tho bagpipes by Fraser’s Pipe Band, under the leadership of Piper Ronald Fraser.

Influenza colds are very prevalent amongst liorses in Christchurch and Canterbury just now. Mr J. R: Charlton, veterinary states that the disease owes its presence to an organism belonging to a group known as Pasteurella equi. Although a largo percentage of the horses in tho province arc affected, in only a comparatively few cases it has been found necessary to withdraw them from their work. Owners, however, have been inconvenienced, on account of tho constitutional disturbance that takes place, and the debility and rapid falling off in condition. As the disease is of a contagious character, and is easily transmitted, preventive measures tako an important part in the treatment given to horses. Mr Charlton believes that the water-trough, where all horses drink in- common, is a means of spreading the disease.

The Hastings correspondent of tho “Dominion” states that at tho hearing of a serious charge against a nmsio teacher at tho Magistrate’s Court on Monday, tho prosecution called on the Rev J.tloblwl an Anglican clergyman, to give evidence against accused. Mr Hob be pleaded privilege, on tho ground that ho received the confidence of accused in his spiritual capacity, and under the seal of confession. Tho prosecution contended that tho reverend gentle,man had already communicated the subject matter of his evidence to other persons—viz., the parents of two boys concerned in tho case. His Worship held that the Act exempted a minister of religion from giving evidence ■under tlie circumstances, notwithstanding that he _ had spoken to. tho parents on the subject of accused s confidence ; and, furthermore, lie declined, to allow a. letter from Mr Hobbs, found on accused, to bo put in as evidence. Air A. Hamilton, director of the dominion Museum in ’Wellington, visited Macquarie Island about ten years ago, and made natural history collections there. Speaking to a reporter in Christchurch last evening, ho said that when the Nimrod, goes down to the island on her coming expedition, site should find a good deal to do there. On his visit, ho did nob discover tho best collecting grounds until the day before he left, ami his opportunities were not as good as they would have been under better . conditions, . Although tho island is fairly largo, it is guarded by high cliff’s, and is rough and rugged, and it is difficult to get over the," ground. The bird-lifo of the island is fairly well known, and sea elephants, which are plentiful on the eastern side, havo been described frequently. There is Mill work to be done in regard to the mollussca and the chore fishes, and Mr Hamilton thinks that the Nimrod will record .soundings in the neighbourhood of tho island, as tho groat depths given between the. island and Now Zealand aro oil the authority of only a very limited number of soundings. The island lms a special interest to scientists, because it is one of tho remnants of a vast continent which is believed to have extended over tlib present Antarctic regions, joining New Zealand and Australia with South America.

Preserving Jars—Just arrived. Mason’s pints, quarts and half-gallon; At--1.-3 jars, v.ide-moutk, pints, quarts and bali-gallon ; glass jars, 3 in nest, Is 2d-; white jars, 4 in nest, Is -Id; tumblers, 2s 6c dozon ; preserving pans, cast-iron enamelled, 5s Od, 6s 9d, 7s 6d; light enamel, from 3s fid. At Fletcher Brers Impelters. Lower High Street. Winter, with its long evenings, is drawing near, and consequently one has now time to devote to reading or studying, which perhaps would in summer time be spent in outdoor pursuits. When the print is blurred and the '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

On account of the presence of ecar* latina in Kaiapoi, the School Commit** tee has decided to keep the Kaiapoi. School closed for at least a. week.

The Kaiapoi and Ilangiora Brass) Bands will play a programme of mueio, on the rotunda, Victoria Park, Rangiora, to-morrow afternoon, commencing at three o’clock.

•At a monthly meeting of the Christ-, church Operative Bootmakers’ Union, .held on Wednesday evening, the following resolution was passed—“ That this Union heartily thanks the president of the Industrial Association (Mr F. E. Jones) for his outspoken remarks in connection with tho boot trade, and endorses liis.opinion that al] boot® made in the dominion should hear a stamp to that effect.”

Mr G. A. Lewin, J.P., occupied tho bench at the Lyttelton Police Court yesterday. . A statutory first offender, charged with having been drunk, was fined 5s and cost's. James Patrick Walsh, a. fireman, was charged with, having been absent from duty on tho steamer Arawa without leave, and was fined two days’ pay, or 6s and costs, in default to undergo twenty-four hours’ imprisonment.

Tho Woolston Brass Band will play the following programme, at St Albans Park to-morrow, commencing at 2.30 p.m. :—-March, “Dreadnought” (Riramer): soprano cornet solo, “ Tillered! ” (Rossini); euphonium, solo, “Land of Hops and Glory” (Elgar); selection, “Roberto il BLavolo” (Meyerbeer); cornet solo, “Lost Chord ” (Sullivan); fantasia, “ Helvetia ” (Calvert); march, “ The Enchanter” (White).

The Tramway Board has written to the City Council asking that body to reconsider its decision in regard to the carriers’ stand south of the Cathedral which the Board wants to have removed. The Board states that the stand is a source of great inconvenience to tho passengers who wish to board the Linwood and Burwood cars, as they have to cross between tho rails and the vans. Tho Tramway Board also asks for permission to cover the side, channels at tho spot. The matter will be placed before the Council for consideration at it® uext meeting.

The shooting season, for native and imported game will open to-day. Pukeko, grey duck, spoon-bill duck and black swan may be shot from May Itq July 31. Game may not be shot at Lake Forsyth, Woodond, Yarns Lagoon, near "Greenpark, the West Coast Road from Springfield to Diilmanstown, Aburiri Lagoon, Horseshoe Lake, Glenmark Lagoon and Cheviot Lagoon. The river Avon, with its tributaries, from Dallington Bridge to the North Main Trunk railway lino is declared a sanctuary for all game.

Dr Thomas Hodgkin, one of the bestknown historians 'of the day, is to give a lecture, during a brief visit to. Christchurch. At the request of the Canter-* bury College authorities, Dr whose work on tho barbarian invaders of Italy is the standard authority u\ English, has consented to lecture on Monday evening, in the College Hall, on “Rome and its’Buildings, Imperial and Papal.” The lecture will be illustrated by slides, and will be free to the public, who will, it is hoped, do honour t > Hie distinguished lecturer by attending in largo numbers.

Oil Thursday evening a- concert!, and dance in aid of the Brookeido . Tennis Club was held in’ the Brookside Schoolr-ocm.' hit 1 F. Rowell was in the chair. Thos<l who contributed to the programme, were Mr Hammond’s orchestra (Leeston), Mesdames Doak and Lister, 1 Misses Oppenheim (3), Bladder, Scott (Waimate), Williams (Christchurch), Greed and Hempleman, tho Rev C.-Gordon-Biddle, mid Messrs Ross, Jacobs) and Holmes. Each item w r as loudlyj applauded, and the dance that followedwas exceedingly successful. The Knox Church Literary, and De-; bating - Society held its opening social on' Thursday evening in the Lecture, Hall, Bealey Avenue, The. following officers were elected:—president. Dr Erwin; vice-president, Mr William Goss; editor, Mr R. B. Cape-William-! son; secretary, Mr F. Gardner; com-i mittoo, Mrs Foster,' Misses R, Bain." and B. C. Rout, Messrs 8. T. Cox, A.i H. Anderson and F, M’Jennet. The; president moved a vote of. condolence and sympathy to the relatives of the late Mr Keith Cape-Williamson, who, was for several years an active mem-; her of the Society, and o-ne of its most brilliant and promising speakers. j An entertainment promoted by the! Boys and Girls’ Guilds was held a.t the Lower Riccarton Anglican Missionl Hall on Thursday evening, in aid of a-' fund lor establishing a Sunday Schoolchildren's library. The entertainment; was a pronounced success, reflecting credit on the energies of the members of the Guilds who had organised, all, arrangements, and on the supervisors the Rev H- N. Wright and Mr H.J Nelson. The programme consisted of! tableaux and plays by the members, pianoforte duet® by Misses Fountains and Nellie Luttrell. and Misses .Ricketts and Dorothy Reynolds, a pianoforte solo by bliss Scott, recitations by. Miss Rees and Mr J. F. Feron, a song by Mr F. King, and dances by Muss N,; Luttrell.

The following circular has been sent by tho secretary to the Canterbury Em-, pioyers’ Association (Mr.H. Broaahead) to members of the Association-“ I am, instructed to direct your attention to. an important decision recently given by Mr Justice Denniston in the Supreme Court, Christchurch, with reference to! the allowance which should be made by! tho Income Tax Department for depreciation of plant and machinery. It appeared that the Commissioner of Taxes had, up till 1907, allowed 5 per cent depreciation on half the value of the whole of the plant and machinery, but had, in the case of Messrs Wood Bros., millers, Christchurch, sought to alter his assessment for 1905. T 906 and 1907 by allowing 5 per cent on half the value of the boiler and engine only, Messrs Wood appealed to the Supremo Court against the assessment of the Commissioner, and their appeal was upheld. As it is probable that some other owners of machinery, may have received from the Commissioner of Taxes a demand similar to that .made upon Messrs Wood Bros., attention is directed to clause 116 of the Laud and Income Tax Assessment Act, 1908, which rends:— 1 If within three years after any tax has been paid it is discovered that too much in amount has been paid, whether by reason of duplicate taxation or otherwise, the Commissioner, upon being satisfied thereof, shall order the excess to bo returned to the taxpayer entitled thereto.’ ”

Support your own country and yoiu owu country will support you. Buy* only Butcher’s 18et Gold Wedding’ Rings, nil of which are manufactured by Butcher, at 210, High Street. Apply each ring to tho purpose for which it was intended, nnd your country will, support you, and your wife into the' bargain. X3lsi ~ Coughing is nature’s effort to remove tho phlegm. Constant coughing exhausts the sufferer and weakens tnq luftg tissues. Baxter’s Lung Preserver renders coughing quit e unnecessary, because it thins, the phlegm, soothes the lungs, and quickly drives the oo!d_.out of the system. X4lßl

Lewis and Anderson, 221, Cashol Street, are carrying a full range of guns and rifles by loading makers, including “Pape” and “Cogswell and Harrison”; also waders and nmmuni-j tion in all reliable brands. N 3085 I

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 the stock,-at Robinson’s, 119 Manche® tet Street (only address), t

Miss Ada Ward, the “®ctr ess-evan-gelist,” who is touring Now Zealand b deliver lectures uuder the auspices of the Salvation Army, arrived from the south yesterday. She was met by a. number of representatives of the Salvation Army. She will deliver her first lectures to-morrow, speaking in the Salvation Army Barracks at 3 p.m. and iu His Majesty’s Theatre at 7 P-m-

The entries for the Canterbury United Horticultural Society’s Chrysanthemum show are unusually large, and.-an exhibition of considerable excellence is hoped for. Tho show will be held in the Alexandra Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday. Programmes of orchestral music will be given each evening, and other means will be adopted to make tho show thorougldy attractive.

Mr G. W. Russell, M.P., has received word that Sir Joseph Ward will spend a day in Christchurch about May 10. The Prime Minister has decided to visit New Brighton, and will also receivo a deputation of the members of the Canterbury College Board of Governors, which will place before him tho various proposals which the chairman of the Board has made for increasing the Roope of the College work.

The Rangiora and Ivaiapoi Rifle Companies have arranged to hold combined church parades periodically, alternately at each town. The first parade will take place at Rnngiora to-mor-row morning, when tbe companies, with the High School and Public School cadets, will attend the service at St John’s Church. Tho. Rangiora and Kaiapoi Braes Bands will play tho companies to and from the church. It is the intention to hold the services in the optyiair during the warmer season, son.

It was stated recently that, in one day 1270 grain waggons had been received in and forwarded from- the Dunedin shunting yards- A reporter was informed yesterday that during the week endec! on March 24, 8047 grain trucks had been received in and forwarded from the C'hristchurdpyard. The greatest, number dealt with in one day was 1522, and this exceptional number necessitated the running of no fewer that twenty-seven special goods trains,

The Kowai Domain Board, Amberley, was recently put to considerable inconvenience by a letter asking for the use of the domain for a picnic on April 14. ‘The letter was dated from Christchurch and was signed “J. preece, P. 0., Box 642, for Tailors’ Association.” Inquiries made by the Board elicited statements from Mr Preece that be had not written nor authorised the letter and from the secretary of the Tailors' Association that it had never had any intention to hold a picnic. The Domain Board had another inquiry for the uso of tho domain, but declined it, apd also refused applications for permission to graze sheep, losing a considerable amount of revenue. Tho Board has now decided to offer a reward lor information that will enable it to prosecute the writer of the letter.

At the Magistrate’s Court at Ashburton yesterday, before Mr V. G. Day, S.M., George Watson for keeping an unregistered dog was fined 13s and costs. Lantry Maguiness for a similar offence was fined 6s and ordered to pay 2s 6d registration fee. . Frank Marcan for riding a bicycle without a light after dark, was fined 10s and 7s costs. Thomas Pennai was fined 20s and costs on each of two charges of allowing cattle to graze on the roads in the Longbeach district. Judgment for plaintiffs with costs was given in the following cases: Now Zealand Farmers’ 00-operativo Association (Mr Kennedy) v. A. Loe, claim £1 10s 6dj Thomas M’Dowell (Mr Crisp) v. J. 'Adams, claim £lB Is 7d. In tho case &f Donald Cameron (Mr Acland) v. JWiljiuTU D ©How (Mr Purnell), claim £5 14s ;d, judgment was given for tho plaintiff for an amount paid into Court, Cl 2s 4d, costs being allowed tho defendant amounting to £2 7s. The annual meeting of the Cust and West Eyreton branch of tho New Zealand Farmers’ Union was hold on April 24, Mr M. J. Dixon presiding. Mr F. Horrell was elected president and delegate to the Provincial Executive for the ensuing year. A motion was passed {expressing approval of small-sized cornRncks. The following remits were passed, to be forwarded to tho Provincial Conference:—“That the Railway Department and the shipping companies ibe asked to take effective steps to have freights adjusted to suit smaller .racks."’ “That tlio Union support the action of the Conference of Cliambers of Commerce in Wellihgton with reference tq the reduction of tho morti gage tax, with the object of encouraging closer settlement.’’ “ That an sfforfc be made to prevent the rating area of the Christchurch canal scheme being extended to the country dla--1 riots.” A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr M. J. Dixon for his efforts in making the recent visit of members to Lincoln College a thorough success.. A vote of thanks to the retiring president and secretary termiujated the meeting.

Tfhe annual meeting of tho Ash,Jburton Horticultural Society Avas held Jon Thursday evening, the president (Mr D- Wood) in the chair. Tho balance Meet showed a credit balance of £3 10s 7d. Votes of thanks were accorded to Messrs James Young, W. Bayliss and. G. B. Smith for acting as judges, and to tbe donors of special prizes. A committee consisting of Messrs Wood, Curias and Hodgkins was appointed to interview Mr John Studholme with reference to the prizes offered by him for a school gardens’ competition in tho Ashburton county. The following officers wero elected: —Patrons, the Rovs 50. Whitehouse and H. E. Bellhouso, nnd Dean O’Donnell; Drs Handcock, (Trevor, Hunter, Mullin and Maude, find Messrs T. Bullock, C. J. Harper, Jf. Davis, J. Studholme, Armer Orr, M. Stitt, W. H. Collins, G. W. Nicoll, |W. H. Rule, H. Friedlander, R. Friedlander, F. Ferriman and C. F. M. iWroughton; president, Mr D. Wood; Vice-president, Mr F. J. Dignan; committee of management, Messrs R. M. Dunlop, A. Millichamp, J. Rqadlioad, H. C. Orbell, T. F. Gibson, C. Clark, and H. 0. Craighead; honorary treasurer, Mr W. Hodgkins ; • auditor, Mr F. Watt; honorary secretary, Mr 11. J 5. Curtis.

Ladies’ Gold and Silver Watches, Engagement Rings, Muff Chains and all other classes of Jewellery too numerous to mention at greatly reduced brices. K. Grieshaber, 155, Colombo Street. X 3370

J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd., have ji, large aad experienced staff of Customs experts, and are in a position to deal expeditiously with tho passing of gc-ods through the Customs. Prompt delivery to all clients at lour rates. X 4039

Eyestrain Headaches.—Mr E. M. Sandstein, F.S.M.C., D.8.A.0., Ophthalmic Optician, may be consulted on ell cases of defective eyesight remediable by glasses. Fifteen years’ special etudy and experience. The most up-to-date and completely-equipped optical parlours in the colonies. Cashel Street |W. (next Ballantyne’s). Hours, 9.30 to 6. ’telephone 397, 1898

Keep dry and warm. You cau easily defy the weather by applying to 'Armstrong and Company, Limited, for your new overcoat. They have the best possible selection of new garments to fit any figure, please every eye, and euifc .every purse, priced from 14s Gd up. Boys’ and Youths’ Coats in proportion,

The price of milk in Wellington lias been raised a penny a quart, making tho price fourpence. It is stated that Madame Melba, has definitely decided to purchase tho portrait of Van der Yelclou, painted by himself, aud exhibited in the Canterbury Art Society’s Gallery this year.

Mr J. H. Moore has been elected to represent the borough of Waimate on the Timaru High School Board. lie secured 360 votes, the highest number ever recorded for a candidate in Vi n.irnate.

The Hon A. W. Hogg told an Auckland reporter that he had at present over 6000 men engaged under the Department of Roads and Bridges, Although lie is rapidly exhausting the vote, amounting to about three-quar-ters of a million, the Minister is determined to keep meu engaged whilo their employment is advantageous to settlement.

At n meeting of the Waimate County Council on Wednesday, tho chairman, Mr R. H. Rhodes, remarked that, notwithstanding that the institution of oldage pensions was expected to. relieve the financial strain upon hospital and charitable aid boards, tbe annual demands by these boards upon the contributing bodies were rapidly increasing. The South Canterbury Board’s levies had more than doubled in ten .years.

Mr V. G. Day, S.M., held a Juvenile Court at Ashburton yesterday. Two boys were charged with having stolen on March 27, at Trevorton, ten sacks valued at 2s 3d, the property of Harry Porter. One of the boys was also charged with having stolen a fishing rod, valued at 20s, the property of John Kennedy. After being severely cautioned, one of the offenders. was discharged, and the charge against the other was adjorned for one month.

Probably the secondary schools of the dominion, says tho “ New Zealand Times,” will some day be equipped with phonographs for language-teach-ing, and the Education Department in experimenting with a machine with that end in view. Accompanying the supply of conversation records is a les-son-book, iu which the conversations are printed with marginal notes. All the student has to dp is to comfortably seat himself, turn on the machine, and watch the book. The accent comes in time. Education experts believe that the system is excellent, and tho method seems to be easy for the pupil.

The members of the Opawa Bowling Club and their friends held a smoke concert in St Mark’s Schoolroom on Thursday evening. A good programme of music was given, tho following contributing items: Tbe Christchurch ' Quartet Party, and Messrs Millar, March, Cookson, Vincent, Webb, Collins and Morrison. Mr Lilly was the aocompanist. Mr G. Collins, a vice-president of the club, presided, and during the evening . presented the club badges and trophies to the following:—A. Perkins challenge singles: J. Clarke and Talbot, challenge doubles; Walmsley, Hunnibell, Jones and Kissel (skip), challenge rinks.

A writer in the “ Mauawatu Standard ” states that an interesting relio of the Maori war has recently been found. It is the sword of Captain James Duff Hewott. who was killed by the Maoris at ToL Farm, Wanganui, in 1860. His sword was taken by tho Maoris, and recently it was discovered in the Hawora Museum. It seen in tho hands of an old Maori woman, who said that she had lound it a “ long time ago in a rata tree,” aud she sold it to an Englishman, who, on examining it, eaw that it had belonged to a British officer. Tho sword was used at Waterloo, where it was carried by Colonel liewett, who, it is stated, lived to be the very last Waterloo offircefr. Tho sword is now in tho possession of his grandson, Mr C. R. Howett, of Awapuni, Palmerston North. In expressing his appreciation of tho work of tho St John Ambulance Association In Christchurch, tho Hon D. Buddo stated last evening that from Ills observation he realised that there Avas greater need of ambulanco knowledge in Christchurch than iu any other Now Zealand city, because of the greater amount of wheeled traffic. Tho wide extent of the city created tho need for Avide distribution. Then there Avas a phenomenal number of cycles in Christchurch, Some aged residents, he had learned were more afraid or cycles than motor-cars, but the cyclist had a faculty for just mining people,. and there Avero not so many accidents from cycles as .from motor-cara A demonstration of tho uso of the St John Ambulanco Association’s noAV ambulance van will be given on tho afternoon of Saturday, May S, in Granmer Square. Occasionally curious revelations are made as the result of official investigations into complaints of postal irregularities. A Melbourne suburban business man lately found that various roniittanceg from country clients had unaccountably failed to reach him, and, feeling convinced that laxity or peculation in tho post office was the cause, he lodged a complaint with the department. The matter was placed in the hands of Detective M’Williams, of tho postal staff. In pursuing his inquiries, the detective ascertained that the wife of the business man had been in the habit of paying for goods that eho purchased by means of postal notes that had been issued at country offices. Questioned by the detective, the wife admitted that she had opened some of her husband’s letters, and wli&n they contained postal notes eho had used them, without mentioning the matter to her husband. Tho incident is mentioned by the Melbourne authorities as being one of many in which roHections have been made without justification on tbe. honesty of postal officials. “ Well—able to return to work,” was the legend in the annual report opposite the names of over a score of onetime patients of the Otaki Sanatorium, says tlie “ Post.” The large percentage of recoveries, nearly 25 per cent of tho total cases for the year, was looked and commented upon by various members of the committee, at the annual meeting, as an extremely satisfactory result. For this, it is said, tbe open-air treatment was largely responsible. A member, referring to the discharged “ recovoreas,” expressed an opinion that it Avould be a good idea if those patients approaching their time of discharge' as well and able to resumo work could be made to do a little before they left, so as to become accustomed, as it were, to their new conditions. Otherwise their muscles' would bo soft and flabby, and it Avas possible that a return to hard labour would result in a further breakdown. It Avas possible for patients to be judiciously encouraged to do a little gardening about the sanatorium. Members of tho committee agreed no to the necessity for such training before patients, returning to work, left the institution. Each could cultivate a small plot reserved for his own special spade, and time both tho individual and tho grounds would benefit, the former in a stiffening up of his thoAvsj and the latter in adornment.

Exceptional value in furs is announced by Armstrong, Limited. Each article beautifully made in authentically correct style. Priced as usual at Armstrong’s, below all others. 3813 Convalescence is generally slow after an exhausting illness. Stearns’ Wine of Cod Liver Extract helps the patient to recover quickly by aiding Nature to build up the tissues and invigorate the whole system- 13

A general meeting of the members of the No. 5 Industrial Building Society of Canterbury was held last evening to dispose of the eighty-third and eighty-fourth appropriations of £3OO each. They foil to the lot of shares 143 and 210.

A presentation is to be made to Mr W. W. Tanner on Tuesday evening, in the Scottish Society’s Hall. The Mayor, Mr C.AUison, will preside, and Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon D. Buddo and Messrs T. H. Davcy and G. Witty, members of Parliament* will speak. Sir Joseph Ward is to be asked to make the presentation. Mr J. D. Ritcbib, Chief Secretary for Agriculture, has been appointed by the Prime Minister to represent New Zealand at tho International Conference of Sheepbreedere, to be bold under the auspices of the National Sheepbreoders’ Association of England, at tlio Royal Agricultural Society’s 6how at Gloucester next Juno.

The Glontunnel fatality and the part played in it by the St John Ambulance van were referred to at a. meeting of the Association last evening, by Dr Irving. The Association, he said, had been blamed because the van was not at the Addington railway station to receive the injured man from the train. He thought the result of the coroner’s inquiry anrl the inquiries made by the Association had proved that the Association was not to blame. Tho van might have been a minute or two late, but that was very doubtful. On a previous occasion the van had been detained going into the yard, and the driver, knorving this, had kept out of the way a little until tlio train should have gone on, •so that the patient could be got away quietly. A difficulty of the kind arose sometimes from Avant of knowledge on the part of the driver, and sometimes of the public. On one occasion the van had been telephoned for, but as it Avas engaged the brougham had been eent. The, friends of the patient, seeing nothing resembling the van, bad called tho nearest cab, and had driven to the hospital, complaining that the Aseociation had not attended to the message. It was hoped in future to supply the van with a uniformed driver or attendant, so that there Avould be no mistakes. This could not be done at present-, but it would be done as soon as possible.

CANNIBALS IN THE ISLANDS. When tho German steamer Prinz Waldemar, Avhich arrived in Sydney recently, called at Friedrich WiLhelmshafen, in German NeAv Guinea, news Avas receiveed of unrest on the part ol the natives of the Admiralty Islands. The only information which had reached the mainland wag that the master of a trading schooner, a native of Japan whose name wax' believed to be Kimmlno, had, with the tAvo native deckhands of his vessel, been killed by the islanders. It is presumed that the victims were surrounded and speared. The natives of tho Admiralty Group are cannibals, and are credited with torturing their victims. Few traders have been bold enough to attempt a landing on. the islands, which are duo north of German New Guinea, and these who have done so have usually come to grief. Visitors from tho islands of the Bismarck Archipelago state that scqres of murders harm been committed in these islands, and that whenever a stranger is secured a great feast is arranged. After being tortured the captives are killed by a.club, aud the body cooked and dressed in native fashion. Tho schooners and other trading veasels which the murdered men leave behind them are looted, and then destroyed. Traces of wreckage are frequently seen along tho foreshores. It is understood that tho German authorities propose to despatch an expedition to the islands. “ ENGAGED.” At times amusing incidents come under tlio notice of tiro Federal Public Service Commissioner and his staff in tho course of their duties oxamiVring and controlling the appointment of new officials. After\tho examination of candidates for positions such as telephone attendants, a list of successful applicants is'posted according to order of merit, and as vacancies occur the list is drawn upon in regular rotation. Recently the Melbourne Telephone Exchange required an additional attendant, and the young lady Avhosa name was first on the list was written to. She was asked by the department to forward certificates of birth and of the state of her health, and to report herself for engagement. There was an ominous silence for a week or _ two, and then the department forwarded a peremptory note, stating that unless she replied by the following day tho vacancy would be given to the next person on the list. By return, post there came a reply. Tho young lady apologised for her delay in replying, and by wav of excuse candidly admitted that she had been endeavouring, first, to solve the problem. Is Marriage a Failure 1* She had been married a week, and had decided that it was not a failure, consequently she would not require the appointment. The young lady had had “.two strings to her boAV ” in down-right earnest, marriage and a Government billet, but in ‘ tying tho knot” of wedded bkss she untied the other string, for departmental regulations deny to married women the right of employment in telephone exchanges. AUGUST BEBEL. Herr August Bebel, Avho is about to retire iuto private life on account of illhealtb, is one of the most remarkable political Leaders alive in Germany to-day. He has managed by the sheer' force of his personality and his convictions to bocome the admired loader of millions of his fellowme'n. The son of a sergeant in the Prussian army, Herr Bebel was born at Cologne nearly seventy years ago, and when still in hie teens he was apprenticed to a turner. Lator on he started in trade at Leipzig, and at tho age of twenty-on© fie became interested in Socialism, from which time all his energies have been given to the cause. Although he is almost entirely self-educated, ho pceseissee a gift of oratory which is almost unique, and even his bitterest opponents always listen with attention when bo speaks in the Reichstag on his favourite theme. In spite of his success, the veteran leader has always remained the simplest of men. He has a dislike almost amounting to a horror for the ornate style of speaker. A teetotaler and a non-smoker, ho lives tho simple life in real earnest in his homo in Berlin. To the arts he is almost a stranger, and he has never cared much lor reading preferring to base hie ideas upon ms OAvn experiences rather than to get them secondhand. In appeavance Bebel has been likened to John Burns, but his Avholo manner suggests the Frenchman rathor than tho German or Anglo-Saxon. With a short, unassuming figure, a small pointed white board, and sharp beady eyes, ho is by no means a commanding figure, or one whom people would expect to be a leader of men. It is only when be speaks that one realises the secret of ]ii o power, for there is probably uo other living orator who can be so forceful or can" express so much in so few or such simple words. MOTORING. Great Bargains in Second-hand Motor-Cycles. For one month only. 1 2-hp. Clement Garrard Motor, perfect order, price £27, reduced to £ls; 1 lj-h.p. Latest “ Motosachoche,” magneto ignition, price £35, reduced, to

£27 10s; 1 2|-h.j>. Minerva, two speed, Swift frame, perfect order, price £-15, reduced to £3O: 1. 2£-h.p. Ariel, m excellent order, price £.'•>, reduced to £l l 1.0 s; 1 !?j-h.p. Iluinber, free engine, chain drive, equal to new. price £55. reduced to £3*i; J. ,>l-b.n. uo Dion, motor quad, seals 2 ’persons, price £125, reduced to £SO; 1 2J-li.p. Minerva, B.S.A- fittings, good order, price .£3O, reduced to £22 10s; 1 31-li.p. Triumph, 1007 model, perfect condition. price £55, reduced* to £45; 1 o-li.p. "twin cylinder “J.A.P.,” new, price £75, reduced to £55; 1 31-h.p. Minerva, now, accumulator ignition, price £57 10s, reduced to £45; 1 3-)-b.p. Minerva, new, Simms magneto ignition, price £OS, reduced to £55; 1. motorcycle trailer, equal to neAv, price £lO, reduced to £7. Trials may be arranged Avith our representative on any of these machines. Inspection invited. Our Motor Cycle Garage is now open to all motorists free. Adams Limited, 138-140, High Street, Christchurch. . G. B. Brown. Motor-Cyclo Renrosentative. , * * 1988