TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15257, 18 March 1910, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The Supreme Court at Wanganui was occupied yesterday with a case of alleged toliungaisui against a Maori named Paku and his wife. They were found guilty on all counts and remanded until Saturday for souteuce. Mr John Jamieson, chairman of the Ease Christchurch School Committee, explained at the fair yesterday that if Mr T. Jd. Davey, M.P., had been asked to open a new school building he would liavo been presented with a golden key. As, however, it was a fair tiiat he had opened, it was thought that a uaoro appropriate gift should be made, and ho had much pleasure in handing to Mr Davey a gilt “merry thought" bone, which, ho hoped, would be a pleasant memento of tlie occasion. Mr Davey said that ho would regard the gift as a mascotto and its presentation as an omen of prosperity, especially as it came from a body which represented the childhood of tho country. Tho annual Now Zealand University tournament will be held in Christchurch at Easter, and it is expected that tho gathering of University people will be an extremely largo one. Tho reception to the delegates from the four University Colleges will take place on Saturday, April 20, aud oil the same day the lawn tennis tournamont will bo played on tho Avonsido courts. At 7.30 p.m. the visitors will be entertained at a picnic. On Eastor Monday an athletic sports meeting, at which the University championships will bo decided, will be held at Lancaster Park, commencing at 11 a.m., and in the evening the University debate will take place in tho Choral Hall. Tho final games in tho tennis tournamont will bo decided on the following day, and that evening a ball will be held in tho Alexandra rlall. • Dates have still to be arranged for tho boxing tournament and the match for the llaelam shield for rifle shooting. A ladies’ hockey match and a football match will probably be included in tho programme. At 10 o’clock this morning tho Great Reorganisation Boot Salo starts. Tho promises of D. Stock, Ltd., will be opened at that hour, and tno public may depend upon getting something really sensational in the way of footwear bargains. 1

A private telegram received in Christchurch last evening stated that the Governor and his party, who arc at present on tho West Coast, descended to the sixth level of tho llcss Goldfields Company’s mine at Ross yesterday. In a report published yesterday of a meeting of creditors in the estate of P. A. Ring, it was stated that there was a secured liability of £342 to tho New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association and the security was valued at £l4O. The value of the security was wrongly given, as it is estimated to produce £340.

Arrangements have been made for tho Mayor of Christchurch, members of the City Council, local members of Parliament, and a number of prominent citizens to visit Lake Coleridge on Tuesday and inspect the source of the proposed power installation. Tho party will go in motor-cars, starting from Christchurch at about 6 a.m., and returning probably about 8 p.m.

At a special meeting of the Temuka Borough Council on Wednesday evening, it was decided that a welcome should be tendered lo the Governor as ho passed through by tho second express train on March 24. The MaTOT of Temuka (Mr T. Buxton, M. 1.) and tho chairman of the Geraldine County Council (Mr G. J- Dcnrustoan) will bo asked to deliver addresses, and tho school cadets, the school children and the Municipal Brass Band are to be invited to attend.

A proposal was made recently that the Canterbury fc»unck of tho Isavy Leaguo should entertain the officers of H.M.S. Powerful at a ball while the flagship is in Lyttelton, but information lias been received that the Powerful will bo anchored some distance from tho shore and a sufficient number oi officers could not accept an invitation. Tho proposal has therefore been dropped, and the meeting which was called for to-day to discuss it will not be held.

In the reclassification of tho Auckland Reference Library the attention of tho authorities has been drawn to a scries of volumes of considerable historical interest. These are tho “Journals of tho House of Commons,” of which there are a great many volumes forming a complete record of the transactions of, and debates in, tho House from 1847 to 1852. The volumes kavo only paper covers, hut thby are being substantially bound and should form one ot the most interesting collections in the library.

Since leaving England in February, 1908, Mr Mayers and the Barnardo Boys have held over six hundred services and meetings, and have raised moro than £IO,OOO for tho Barnardo child-rescuo work. This sum is to ho expended in a now hospital to be erected iu the Barnardo Girls’ Village as an Australasian tributo to Dr Barnardo’® memory. Tho party has been well received in every State, and in the dominion. Situations have been secured for ten boys who came out with the secretary. Tho chief cities of Australia and Now Zealand have contributed tho proportionate cost of a bed each in the new hospital, and large photographs of tlic-so places will bo hung upon its walls. It is to bo called the “Australasian” Hospital.

Speaking .on the subject of Rotorua’s revenue to "a “New Zealand Herald” reporter, Sir Joseph Ward said the direct rovenuo through the Department in Rotorua fer the eleven months ended February 28, 1910, showed an increase over the same period for last year of £1560. “ I fully anticipate,” said he, “ that tho close of tho month, which also closes the year, will show an increase of .over £2OOO, whereas the expenditure will be less than in tho previous year. During tho year many desirable improvements have been carried out in the town, the asphalting of streets to minimise the dust nuisance has been extended, and as we have funds in hand this work will bo pushed on much more extensively in the future.”

At a recent function in Wellington framed memorial certificates were presented to the relatives of tho two Penguin stewardesses, Mcsdames Jacobs and Hope, who lost their lives in tho wreck. The certificates recorded “that by their unselfish devotion to duty they earned the gratitude of every passenger.” At the same time the Society’s silver medal and certificate were handed to Mr Robert Darroch,- chief officer of the s.s. Ulimaroa, who in Wellington harbour, on June 25, 1909, dived in after a man who had fallen between his vessel and the wharf and saved his life. Mr Darroch, who has a long record of life-saving feats, mado a characteristically brief speech, remarking: “This is the toughest part of the rescue,” and returning thanks very briefly. Ten shillings a day for water were being paid by some few people in Balclutlia prior to a good shower some few days ago, which replenished in somo degroo tho exhausted water tanks. The season had throughout been an exceptionally dry one, and rain was often eagerly looked for. A heavy rain fell over a wide district on Wednesday night, and proved most- acceptable to all. Some of tho crops in the district and in the south generally have suffered from the drought, this being particularly tho case in respect of winter turnip?, several fields of which have developed signs of blight. The fine weather has been most favourable for cereals, and as a consequenco tho quality of the wheat fro-m the south this year, millers 6ay, is as good as, and in many cases superior to, much of the wheat from the more popular districts of North Otago and Canterbury.

At Sydenham yesterday a church parlour in connection with tho Sydenham Methodist ouirch was declared open by Mr J. L. Scott. The building was formerly used as a gymnasium and had been transformed, into a cosy hall, which will ho furnished after tho style of a sitting-room. There was a very large attendance at the opening ceremony, and among those present were the Rev C. H. Laws, president of tho Methodist Conference, and the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr C. Allison. The Rev L. Hudson stated that most of tho work had been done voluntarily, and the actual outlay had been £l4l. The parlour was opened free of dobt, but another £IOO would be necessary to furnish it proporly. Mr Allison and Mr Laws also spoke. During the afternoon refreshments were sorved and musical items were given by a number of ladies. Tho annual meeting of the Temuka Catholic Young Men’s Club was held on Tuesday evening. The president, Mr G. A. Winn, was in the chair, and there were fifty members present. The report stated that the membership was seventy-six. The various social functions had been well attended, and football, boxing and billiards had been successful. Regret was expressed at the death of tho patron, the late Archpriest Lo Menant des Cliesnais. The balance-sheet showed receipts £Bl 3s lid, expenditure £BO 9s Bd, assets £l3B IGs Gd, liabilities £32 3s. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. It was decided to appoint a caretaker and to arrange a football match at Temuka on Eastor Saturday against tho Christchurch Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ team. Officers were elected as lows:—Patron, the Rev Father Fay; spiritual director, the? Rev Father Lo FIocli; president. Mr E. B. Gillespie; vice-presidents. Messrs R,. Wa-reing and F. D. O’Connell; secretary, Mr J. Tangney; treasurer, Mr F. Twomoy; committee, Messrs P. Kane, F. F. O’Connell. S. Couglilan, M. Fitzgerald and G. Spillane; selection committee, Messrs J. Tangney, P. Kano and G. Spillane.

Insectibajio is sold in tins only. There are five sizes. Messrs Fairbairn, Wright and Co. are wholesale agents.

Just the Tiling.—Seo tho circular in 11 Times ” this morning, and seo if it is not just the thing. The “In Liquidation ” Assigned Stocks Salo at M’Clea’s Corner. SGS2

Professor Scott and Mr A. L. Beattie have been appointed a Commission to report on tho brake system in use on the Auckland tramways.

Tlie matron of the Christchurch Hospital acknowledges with thanks donations of parcels of old linen from Mesdames Sinclair, Wood and Campbell. , The Elite Band will play at Hagley Park on Sunday aftornoon. A collection will bo mado to assist the hand in meeting tho expenses of competing in the Temuka Band Contest on Easter Monday.

Heavy rain fell at Ashburton for several hours yesterday mo-rain* and there were some light showers during tho afternoon. The only celebration of St Patrick’s Day was the closing of tho Government offices and banks. A concert in aid of the convent school funds was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall in the evening, and was largely attended.

Aucklanders appear to be still very sore over the Knyvett case. -The “Herald” states that one member of Parliament, a Government supporter, “ is prepared, when Parliament meets, to movo a vote of want of confidence in the present Administration, unless, in tho meantime, the matter has been satisfactorily settled, and justice done to Captain Knyvett.”

A meeting of men was held in St Mary’s Schoolroom, Merivale, on Tuesday to consider the advisableness of starting a branch of the Church of England Men’s Society in the parish. There was a fairly good attendance and it was unanimously decided that a branch should be formed. A small committee was appointed to draw up a schedule of rules for the branch, attend to other details and report to a meeting on Monday, March 21. The police are still engaged in a search for the young man named Robert Barker, who left his home in St Albans on February 26 and has not since been seen by his relatives. Barker t who is an epileptic patient, is of sligbjt build, medium height and very dark. He was wearing slippers when he loft home, and a man answering to his description lias since been seen at West Eyreton. Barker’s relatives are very anxious to receive news of his whereabouts.

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Acclimatisation Society Mr H. M. Cotton introduced tho question of obtaining a collection of stags’ horns showing the growth of the head in its various stages from one point upwards, as the horns were cast each year. It- was suggested that if kindred Societies would assist a unique collection could be obtained and placed in the Canterbury Museum. The matter of -obtaining a specimen head from the Rakaia Gorge herd was left in the hands of Dr Moorkouse and Mr CJ. Sloman.

With regard to a paragraph in the “Lyttelton Times” on Wednesday, stating that the authorities of Canterbury College issued a number of voting papers to graduates without stamps, and tnat each elector consequently had to pay. 2d for the privilege of voting, Mr G. H. Mason, Registrar of the College, states that he has made inquiries, and has ascertained, that the statement is not c®rrcct. The clerks in the office say that the envelopes were properly stamped. It is possible that one envelope might have accidentally got through witnout a stamp, but Mr Mason thinks that even tnat is very improbable. Asked by a “Dominion” reporter whether ho could give any information as to- the amalgamation of the i olice Provident Fund with tho Public Service Superannuation Fund, under the legislation of last session, tho Hon Dr Findlay said that the Police Provident Fund would by operation of law be merged in the Public Service Superannuation Fund on April 1, and thereafter those members of the police force who- had been contributors to tho Police Fund would bo subject to tho provisions of the Superannuation Act. Uudei the Act of last session they were entitled to elect a member of the Superannuation Board, and tho election would take place about May 31. It could not very well take place earlier, because certain preliminary steps had to be taken, such as the preparation of tho roll of persons entitled to vote. Then notice of the date of election had to- bo given, -and the candidates had to bo nominated, all of which would take up a certain amount of time. So he thought it unlikely that the election could be held before the end of May. A new typo of target, specially designed for use in connection with miniature rifle ranges, has been obtained for tho pupils of the St Albans School. A number of these targets aro already in use in the North Island and ono has been installed in Queenstown. The target is the invention cf Messrs Kelly and Hughes, of "Wellington, and is designed to see tire safety and efficiency. It is adapted for use at- a range of twenty-five yards, and consists of a stout frame constructed of mildsteel, containing four paper or cardboard targets. The frame runs on two strong wires, along which it is drawn back to the firing base for the marking and renewing of the targets. Four steel screens, which arc also operated from tho firing base, aro provided, and with them any number of the targets may bo concealed, in order to- prevenf ill-aimed shots from striking the ot-hei targets. These screens are automatically thrown down when the carriago is drawn back. Major M’Donald, the officer commanding the Cadet forces of the dominion, lias stated that the target is simple, easy to work, durable and cheap. By its use the markers’ mantlet is rendered unnecessary, and the possibility of accidents is reduced to a minimum. Ho strongly recommends committees about .to establish miniature ranges to use the apparatus. The target will be exhibited to members of school committees, school teachers and others.

Mr A. W. Hogg, M.P., has been making comparative notes concerning the various tram services of tli© dominion. Ho places those of Dunedin and Wellington in front, travelling on them being fairly swift, while the public convenience and comfort are studied. “The cars,” he says, “are bright and clean, and passengors have a choice of open-air or enclosed seats, but .Wellington alone provides the double-decker. Dunedin hill trams worked by cables have brought the suburbs into close contact with the city, raising land values and rents enormously. The cosl. of travelling uphill is three times as much as going down. The cars aro short and bobbin-shaped, the passengers in the centre sitting back to back. Christchurch cars are large, wide and commodious, but rather noisy, the airbrakes beneath producing tho vibratory effects of a steam launch. Auckland cars aro of tootlieomb design, shorf seats with a central passage for tho strap-hangers. On difficult grades they resemble stage coaches with refractory horses under bad control. The brakes and drivers arc often at variance, and when they are overcrowded, which often happens,’ all hands, conductors, included, seem to suffer from “nerves.” The Wanganui trams are a small but useful service. The cars aro clean and comfortable, and, judging from their politeness, the drivers and conductors must either bo Frenchmen or of French extraction. W T ith regard to the inspection of tickets, this is carried out in Wellington occasionally, but in Dunedin with much regularity.” No one who needs new Boots or Shoes now should miss the Great Reorganisation Boot Sale. It starts to-day at 10 a.m., and D. Stock’s store in the W T hite Hart Buildings is crowded with great big bargains in really good and stylish footwear. 8 ino future prosperity as well as the safety of New Zealand does not depend upon improved military arrangements which may result from the visit of Lord Kitchener, but will bo peacefully accomplished through the medium of the increasing salo of Butcher’s ISct gold wedding rings, still obtainable only at 210. High Street. X 3157

All tho Canterbury rivers were rojjorted dirty yesterday morning. All tho Government offices were closed yesterday in observance of St Patrick’s Day.

The ballot for sections on the Ngatapa Estate, seventeen miles from Gisborne, took place on Wednesday. Thero was fair competition, tho lots attracting from fivo to eighteen applications each. Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay applicants tecured almost all the sections. \ The charge sheet at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday contained the names of three inebriates. One was fined Ids and costs, in doiuult forty-eight hours imprisonment, and tho other two were jach fined 5s and costs, in default twen-ty-four hours’ imprisonment. Mr ti. \V Bishop S.M., was on the bench.

For some time past thero have been peculiar petty thefts from residences in Christchurch. It would seem almost as if someone with experience was working systematically. One house was visited twico and on each occasion a purse was taken. The room from which the purses were taken has a_ window by which accoss from the exterior is rendered comparatively easy. The police have no clue to tho affair and as yot have nothing definite to work on. On Friday tho scholars of tho Sumner Sohool, with their parents and friends, held their annual picnic at Leeston. In spite of a threatening sky, about 200 entrained, and Leeston was reached in glorious woather. During the afternoon a liberal programme of races was /un off, the Mayor of Sumner, Mr E. Denham, acting as judge, and the Hon J. Barr presenting the prizes. The Sumner Brass Band gave its services foi the day.

Work on the railway is well in hand as far as the Ward township, says a Marlborough correspondent, and the settlers have been able to rail grain from the south of Lake Grassmere. The lines are now laid as far as Lake Elterwater, and as tho bridges are now well on towards completion, the platelaying as far as Ward should bo completed before many weeks are over; hut the ballasting will take some considerable time yet. It is understood that three miles of new work southwards are to be put in hand at once.

The new prison reform scheme involves tho classification of institutions as follows: —Penitentiaries for male prisoners; an institution for sexual perverts and criminals of unsound mind; an institution for incorrigible drunkards ; prison camps; a reformatory farm; and a penitentiary and reformatory for women. Most of the institutions existing at present will bo used in this arrangement. Napier and Dunedin gaols present so many difficulties on account of their situation, design, and the impossibility of installing necessary industries that, as soon as proper provision can be made, they will be closed.

Judging from the expressions of opinion at Thursday evening’s meeting of the Invercargill Council, says the “Southland Times,” the idea of a municipally-run picture entertainment has been abandoned. It is, however, proposed to have a regular picture show in the theatre on unbooked dates the venture to be undertaken by some show company connected with the corporation on profit-sharing terms. Already (overtures on these lilies have been made by various manages*, while tho Mayor mentioned that a man who had purchased a moving picture machine had spoken to him on the matter. The question was referred back to the finance committee, which will at next meeting either recommend that one of these offers should bo accepted, or submit a Recommendation that applications should he publicly invited from show firms for offers and terms, in the form of a tender.

I Three large blocks of land in the Westland, Nelson and Wellington land districts have been cut up for closer settlement, and particulars of tho conditions on which they may be obtained are available at the Christchurch Lands Office. The first block is in the [Westland and Gillespie’s survey district, and consists of 3495 acres, which has been cut into nine sections, and will be offered on renewable lease, with exemption from rent. Applications will close at Hokitika on April 19, and the ballot will take place on thq following flay. The Nelson block of 6035 acres is second-class unsurveyed land in the Murchison County, and will be offered in two blocks, applications closing on April 13 at Nelson. An area of 24C0 acres in the Rangitikei and Waimarino counties will also be balloted for on renewable lease, one section being of first- • class land and the others of secondclass land. Applications will close on April 27 at Wellington.

I Something like a crisis appears to be imminent in connection with the nascent petroleum industry of New Zealand, and the first visible sign of it is the inquiry received by the Taranaki Petroleum Company as to whether and Upon what terms it is disposed to sell its rights, says the “ Taranaki Herald.” The inquiry was cabled from London, but there is nothing before the directors to indicate whether its real source is British, American, German, Dutch or what. There is at the present timo a Jteen desire on the part of the British ’Admiralty to obtain abundant supplies •of crude petroleum for fuel for use in the Navy, and one may bo sure that other nations, if convinced that oil fuel is the good thing the Admiralty believes it to be, will be equally anxious to acquire supplies. The “ Herald ” suggests that the Taranaki Petroleum Company would, at any rate, bo well jidvised to take the Government into its confidence, so that the Government may acquaint the Admiralty with what is being done.

The conduct grades for prisoners unifier Dr Findlay’s new scheme are to be three in number, and admission to the higher grades will be gained by good conduct and industry, and as a result there are corresponding privileges. Each prisoner by performing his task will earn credit marks, which have a definite monetary value. The relief of the dependants of a prisoner is made the first charge upon his earnings. Should those dependants bo idle, immoral or disorderly, they will receive no benefit. Prisoners have the opportunity of purchasing for themselves certain comforts, such as a strip of carpet, for their cells, a picture, writing materials, and certain articles of food. Earnings Bpent in such personal comforts have not so great a purchasing power as in the ordinary public markets. Prisoners may allow their earnings to accumulate, and receive them on discharge in Buch manner as the authorities decide. There is to bo a debit side to the marks system, on which will bo entered all Dad marks for laziness, insubordination or breach of the rules, or feigned illness, self-imposed injury or other circumstance which causes the prisoner through his own fault to lose time. Besides their monetary value the marks will bo considered as data for examination when the question of a prisoner’s release is considered.

Bring your lamps to bo repaired and fitted with burners, wicks, chimneys, shades, illuminators, globes, etc. Table lamps fitted for banging lamps. Also In stock, lamps from Is each, at Fletcher Bros.’, Lower High Street ; i X2

Ms.ny people aro taking advantage pf the remarkable bargains now obtainable at Chapman and Woolley’s Furniture Warehouse. Chesterfield, Utrecht velvet, £6 10s. Thirty days only. 47, Victoria Street. X 4355 Easter’s almost here, and those who have not had time -to think about their holiday clothes till now will find some useful suggestions in Graham, Wilson and Smellie’s announcement in this issue. Tire newest and best for ladies and gentlemen’s, autumn wear is otfered by this firm at their well-known moderate prices, and shoppers are advised to call in and seo the splendid selection shown at “ The People’s Flace for Value.” X 3610

Tho contractor for the Waiau bridge is making very satisfactory progress with the work. Already fully twothiuds of the piles have been drive*, while a considerable amount of work has also been dono in connection with the upper portion of tho bridge. It is expected that tho structure will be completed well within contract timo. The country lying between Christchurch and Kaikoura is at present looking exceptionally woll, and its appearanco is in marked contrast to that of this time, last year, when scarcely a green blade of grass was to bo seen north of the ilurumu. Even the steep hillsides, which are usually brown and parched at this season, present a green appearance, and there is every prospect of an. abundance of winter feed. The annual meeting of the Ashburton Baptist Sunday School was bold on Monday evening. It was reported that all the branches of tho school work were in a flourishing condition. Thero was a credit balance in hand of £2 19s. It was stated that during the year the school l:ad added a cradle roll to its other activities. The attendance had kept up to a satisfactory level, and the branch school at Fairton was promising.

A patrol of Girl Peace Scouts was formed -at Kaiapoi on Wednesday evening by girls from the woollen nulls. Major Cossgrovo gave an address on the movement, and it was decided to call the patrol the “Kook Patrol. Miss B. Martin was appointed leader, Miss M. Creagh corporal, and Miss \\. Bate scoutmistress. It was decided that meetings should be held in the Women’s Christian Tomperance on ion rooms on Wednesday evenings.

The Supreme Court at Gisborne yesterday was occupied hearing a claim Field versus Thompson, for a sum of £175 damages alleged to have been sustained by the attack of defendant’s dog on plaintiff’s daughter. The defendant sought to show that tho plaintiff’s children had encouraged the dog to stay at their home, and had also provoked tho animal. Considerable evidence was advanced, showing tho fiery disposition of the dog, and tlio jury awarded plaintiff £6O damages, tho defondant also boing called upon to pay £9 medical expenses and court costs.

Being an Irishman, said Loro Plunket at a Wellington gathering, ■ he might have his little prejudices, but ho thought tlie averago Englishman and Englishwoman the most difficult people to know until they had been properly introduced. In an English railway carriage he might see an agreeable-looking gentleman in a corner, and make a remark about the weather. Then it immediately becomes absolutely frozen,” continued his Ercellency. “If ho does answer me ho thinks I am a ‘confidence man,’ and if wo don’t talk, we part on good terms, lie thinking I am also a very respectable person.”

The unbridged condition of the M aiau River was responsible for a considerable reduction in tho attendance at the Kaikoura show on Wednesday. Tho heavy rain in tho back ranges ' on Monday caused tlio river to rise rapidly, and the large number of show visitors who loft for Kaikoura on Tuesday morning found on their arrival at the river that it was much too high to make crossing practicable. . This caused a number to abandon the trip and return liomo, but others whose business made it imperative that they should bo present, made a second effort to cross early on Wednesday morning, and this time succeeded, although tho waters wero stiLi very high. A meeting of tho committee of the Society for the Protection of /Women and Children was hold on Tuesday at the residence of Mr J. H. Fountain; present—Mesdames A. C. Sandstein, (president), J. H. Fountain, H. it. Smith, Stringleman, F. Pratt and M. H. Lissaman, Sisters Marian and Mabel, Miss Shanks, Dr Ethel Orchard, tho Rov F. ltulo and Messrs D. N. Adams and G. H. Hall. A hearty welcome was extended to the new members of the committee. Correspondence referring to a number of now cases was road, and these and other cases were dealt With. It was decided that during the absence of the secretary new cases should be roported to the president, Mrs A. O’. Sandstein, 19, Latimer Squaro, or to Mrs J. ii. Fountain, 172, Gloucester Street, or to any member of the committee.

At the Magistrate’s Court at Cheviot on Wednesday, Mr T. A. B. Bailoy, S.M., fined R. C. Wilson 5s and costs for having driven a vehicle at night without lights. W. Spence was fined £1 and costs for a breach of a prohibition order, and Thomas Welch, for assisting a prohibited person to procure liquor, was fined £5 and costs, being allowed two weeks to pay the fine. Seven young men wore charged with having broken «two panes of glass in a shop window. They were convicted and discharged, the Magistrate ordering that an amount already paid by them to cover the damage should be handed to the owner of the shop. Three applications for prohibition orders were withdrawn. H. D. Leaman obtained judgment by default against E. K. Robson for £9 14s, and J. 11. Cooper similarly obtained judgment against R. Craighead for £3. In tlio case of J. H. Cooper v. the Mackenzie Domain Board, the plaintiff was non-suited.

The Government’s action in. withdrawing the extra capitation grant was referred to at the ceremony of opeing the fair at the East Christchurch School yesterday afternoon. The chairman of the committee, Mr John Jamieson, explained that the committee had relied upon the grant, and the fair had. been held in consequence of its withdrawal. Mr T. H. Davey, M.P., said that the Government had found it necessary to tako that step on account of its retrenchment policy. Ho did not think that it would he expedient for him to entor into a disquisition on political matters just then; it would be better for him to refrain from doing so until he reached Wellington, where, with the help of his fellow-members, he would do all lie could to havo the grant restored. Ho read the following telegram lie had sent to the Hon G. Fowlds, Minister of Education:—“The East Christchurch School Committee has organised a carnival and fancy fair, the recent reductions prompting them to raise funds in this manner. The Government frequently subsidises public money raised for laudable objects, and I should bo pleased if you would grant a subsidy on the amount raised.” Mr Eowlds had sent tho following reply:— “ I regret that it is impossible to comply with your request, there being no vote from which such a subsidy could bu paid.” The Great Reorganisation Boot Sale starts to-day. D. Stock, Ltd., reopen their premises in the White Hart Buildings at 10 o’clock this morning with the biggest feast of footwear bargains you’ve ever seen. The prices are such that these bargains will go with a rush, and it will bo well to get in early and secure what you want in good reliable footwear at astonishingly low Sale Prices. . 2 MR ASQUITH’S APPRECIATION. Tho Prime Minister of Groat Britain has evidently cast longing eyes in tho direction of New Zealand. Miss Mcriol Talbot, tho Victoria League envoy, told an audience in Auckland that before her departure for Australasia Mr Asquith remarked to her that cf all tho places which she was to visit ho envied her most her visit to New Zealand. “ And now I havo visited all tho countries in my tour,” sho added, “I understand still more tho justification for Mr Asquith’s appreciation of New Zealand, for hero, even more than in Australia, I feel at home. Your dominion very much resembles England.” FIREPROOF FILMS. The liability of fires in connection, with biograph films has been mitigated

to somo extent by the invention of noninflammable films, but a device wgs exhibited in Sydnoy which, it is claimed, will remove all dangor of (ire. When a. biograph picturo is being shown the film runs through a narrow strip of white light, and tlio heat and light together nro sometimes tlio causo of sudden outbreaks of fire. Tho now invention causes three jets of carbonic acid gas to play on tho film from a cylinder in which tlio gas is compressor!. This renders tho film fireproof. It is further claimed that compressed air can be ID-: od infftcad of carbonic acid gas, because tlio air by constantly playing on tliq film keeps it so cool that all danger ■of it taking fire will be obviated. The cost of this simple preventive is trifling. AN OBSTRUCTION CASE. _A case of obstruction recently dealt with by tlio Birmingham Court, England, lias features similar to tlioso of the caso tried in Christchurch on March 5, when an evangelist was ordored to pay £2 2s costs or go to gaol for a month. In the Birmingham case the offender, Stewart Gray, was a candidate to represent tho West Division of tho city. In a letter to tho chief constable, before bo opened bis campaign, lie said : —“ I am offering myself as a candidate for the West Division of Birmingham, on the question of back to the land, working for the poor. I have no funds for balls, so my meetings must therefore be in the open. I begin to-morrow in tlio open square just clear of tlio Chamberlain clock.” The crowd obstructed the thoroughfare, and Gray was arrested and was fined 40s and costs, or a month’s imprisonment. Ho announced that ho would “do the month.” HOLIDAYS FOR HORSES. Holidays for horses are to be provided, it appears, by the United States • —at any rato,' for tlioso in the public service. A commencement has been made in the case of all tho horses that are employed in tho Post Office Department at Washington, which aro to have thirty days’ holiday every year, oxactiy the same as tho human employees. In explaining what is’being dono, tho chief of the Department stated that every year every employee of tho Government had thirty days’ holiday, and they did not seo why horses should not have the same. There were times in the summer when business was light, and, with a little arrangement, every horse will bo sent to have a month’s complete rest on the fine rich pastures of Maryland, which belong to the Government. A change to the green grass of the country and tlio cool shade of the trees will, it is thought, be thoroughly appreciated by tho horses after the heat and asphalt of tho city. PROFESSIONALISM IN FOOTBALL. A strong attack upon professionalism in relation to Rugby football was mado by Mr D. Weir, of the Wellington Football Club, at the annual meeting of tho club. “ Amend tho rules,” ho said, “ make tho game' faster—and what then? You can’t play it. It’s tho man who will step along and take his £3 a week who will be the football player then, and you or other fools will go on the bank and watch him.” Thero were many who thought tho winning of matches was the only thing to bo desired. Surely there was something more to bo desired than that? For himsolf, he would soonor they never won a match than that they should resort to somo of the tactics of their opponents. Tho plain truth was that many of those associatdd with football in Wellington wanted to play the game for the public and not for the play. If certain innovations that wero being advocated by two Unions at the present time Were brought about it would bo good-bye to football as they were proud to know it. The thing that would displace it would bo worse than a pony race. It would not bo without its allurements, this new thing. Somo of those he was addressing might be attracted by it. Inducements would be held out to them —they might sec opportunity cf making lots of money out of it. But to what end? Lot them sacrifice their honour; let them touch this new thing witli a 40ft polo, and when their football days wero over and they recalled tho past they woidd regret it every remaining day of their lives. Football was'a game—keep it a game, play it as a game. SALE. Wanted known, that we have decided to run a sale, for one month, of cycles and accessories, and will advertise special lilies offered in this space from day to' day. We are opening tho ealo with a line of 25 1910 model freewheeling Eadio Star Bicycles of tho very highest quality. These machines are fittted with back-pedalling brakes, front rim brakes, free-wheels, steel mudguards, and are guaranteed for two years. Usual price £2O, now reduced to £l6. We are also offering a line of 25 Standard Star Cycles manufactured by the Triumph Cycle Co., Coventry, makers of the famous Triumph motorcycle. These machines are fully guaranteed for ono year. Usual price £ls, now reduced to £lO. These bicycles will be found to be excellent quality and value, and practically everlasting. Although we have a large stock of Star cycles, we aro only prepared to sell 50 at tho reduced price; therefore, come and select a machine at once. Our workshop has just turned out 20 secondhand cycles, all nicely enamelled and plated and in perfect order. Prices from £2. Wo are prepared to arrange easy terms for the purchaso of any bicycle. Adams Limited, 138-140, High Street, Christchurch. Talbot motorcars for hire at the Garage, Tuam Street. 1898