TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15557, 6 March 1911, Page 6

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

The current week’s issue of the “Canterbury Times,” which will bo on sale to-morrow afternoon, fully maintains the high standard previously set by the popular family journal, and as usual contains the latest information on the multitude of subjects dealt with. The illustrations extend over sixteen pages, and deal with a large and carefully selected variety of topical subjects. Two clever cartoons are given, depicting current events, the championship rifle shooting match now in progress at Tronthani is dealt with in an interesting series of pictures extending over four pages, wLilo the recent phenomenal rain storm in Wellington, where considerable damage was done by the sudden onrush of water, the Championship Regatta on the Wanganui River, the annual gathering of the Hawke’s Bay Caledonian Society, scenes around famed Mount Manawera, the Press Association gathering at Queenstown, and the farewell garden party tendered at Wellington to Sir Joseph Ward and Dr Findlay on the eve of their departure to London to represent the dominion at the Coronation of King George V. and Queen Mary and the Imperial Conference aro among an exceedingly interesting collection of pictures. The literary pages contain the usual budget of carefully chosen matter, while the pages devoted io sport, agriculture, naval and military matters, drama, mining and the world’s news are replete with the latest information from all parts of the world, and there are also a number of special articles of more than usual interest.

Mr J. Upjohn’s tobacconist’s shop, near tlio corner of Oxford Terrace and Manchester Street, was entered by burglars on Friday night, and goods valued at about £2O, as well as some cash, were stolen. An entry was mado by means of the back window. A pane of glass was broken and the latch was lifted and the window was then opened.

It has been definitely decided that Lieutenant-Colonel Abbott, D. 5.0., Auckland: Captain Socldon. Defence Staff; Lieutenant Standish, Royal New Zealand Artillery; and Lieutenant Turnbull, at present attending the Tauherenikau camp, are to go Home this month for a course of military training.

Riflemen are advised that the best shooting requisites are obtainable at Lewis and Anderson's, 112, Cashel Street, the stocks comprising B.S.A. aperture sights, cleaning rods, bags, caps, Young’s, Lake’s and Rangoon oil, range glasses, etc. 19S8

The congregation of the Rangiora Presbyterian Church will meet this evening for the purpose of electing a minister to succeed the late Rev D. J. Steole.

Shortly after two' o’clock yesterday morning a foolish individual sounded a false alarm on the small fire-hell in tho northern part of Rangiora. The largo bell at the station responded, ana within a few minutes the brigade had tho whole fire extinguishing plant in the streets searching for tlie supposed outbreak.

Tho anniversary services of the Methodist Church at Rangiora were conducted' yesterday by the Rev 0. Bond. Three services were, held, tho one in the afternoon being specially for young people. Appropriate hymns and anthems were sung, Mr Withers being organist. There were large congregations.

As a result of the Government’s promise to reward veterans who have seen active service in New Zealand, no fewer than 18S claims for land have been lodged to date at the Auckland Magistrate’s Court. Two of these have been held over pending the receipt of certain information from the Homo authorities, and investigation resulted in six being recommended, twenty deferred and the rest thrown out. The New Zealand Oddfellows of tho Manchester Unity will bo specially represented at the Coronation by Mr John Kershaw, of "Wellington, the corresponding secretary of the New Zealand branch of the Order, who, accompanied by Airs Kershaw, will leave on a visit to Groat Britain this week. The Prime Minister has communicated with the High Commissioner, asking to have seats reserved for Mr Kershaw. On Saturday the delegates at the Ashley District Oddfellows’ meeting requested the secretary to convey to him hearty good wishes for a pleasant trip and a safe return.

A meeting of tho committee of tho Children’s Convalescent Cottage at New Brighton was held at 2S, Gloucester Street, on Tuesday. There was a good attendance, and the quarterly report was read. On the motion of tho Rev I. Sarginson tho balance sheet for the past nine months was adopted, and on tho motion of Mr Crasdaile Bowen tho annual report, for printing was approved. During the temporary absence from Christchurch of tho honorary secretary and treasurer, Mrs Blackburn©, 22, Armagh Street, will admit children to the Cottage Home, and Miss S. E. Ross, 322, Montreal Street, will receive and pay out moneys.

The Christchurch Architects’ Association has forwarded to the Council of the New Zealand Institute of Architects in Wellington, a letter stating that the conditions for the competitive designs for the new parliamentary buildings are deficient in many importantpoints, and urging the council to bring the matter under the notice of the Government. It is pointed out that the conditions, except in a few cases, do not give the dimensions of the rooms, do not state which rooms will be on the ground-floor and which on the upper floor, and do not supply other information that should be in tho possession of those who wish to compete. A bazaar, organised by a number or very small children of Papanui, was held at Mrs Lea’s grounds on Saturday afternoon. The juvenile stallholders were kept very busy all the afternoon. Tho proceeds will be handed over to the matron of the Children’s Convalescent Cottage. The stalls were presided over hv the following : —Sweet stall, Miss Lea Mathews; fancy, Miss Daisy Smith; produce. Miss Beatrice Perkins; cake, Miss Mary Perkins; afternoon tea, Mrs Mathews and Master Herbert Lord; meat and fish, Miss Halfacre. Goat rides, which were in great demand, were managed by Master Harold Kettle.

In addressing a gathering at Lower Riccarton on Saturday afternoon, the Rev G. W. J. Spence, president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference, said that there seemed to be a revival in the provision of Methodist churches throughout the dominion. Discussions in the Conference at the present sitting in Christchurch indicated a rapid growth and development of the church, and its very success was in some respects a difficulty. The Conference had had to grapple with problems of a serious nature arising from tho rapid growth of the cause in all parts of New Zealand. Ho rejoiced that the. Church was doing a grand work for tho uplifting and Messing of the community. At the last meeting,, of the Ashburton County Council a letter was road from the secretary of tho Canterbury Automobile Association with reference to the speed limit for motor-cars across tho Ashburton traffio bridge and tho method of timing the drivers of cars by stop-watch. Tho traffic inspector reported that he had never laid an information against tho driver of a car which was not going more than twelve, miles an hour, and that in timing drivers of cars with his stop-watch ho. always varied his position on the bridge. The speed limit was six.miles an hour, but he always used his discretion and allowed a wide margin. It was resolved that the Council had full confidence in the discretion of its inspector, and could not see its way to make any alteration in the by-laws. The survey of the route for the extension of the Cashmere tramway will be commenced immediately, and as soon as it has been completed, and the detailed plans prepared, application will be made for ail Order-in-Council authorising the construction of the line. In tho meantime, inquiries are being made by cable for quotations for tjie supply of material. Progress is being made in the construction of the Windmill Road and South Crescent Road line. At present, the overhead work is being proceeded with, and the laying of the permanent way will be continued as soon as tho construction of the crossings ever the railway line has been completed. The material for this part of the work is being made at the Addington Railway Workshops. The Tramway Board has sufficient material to proceed with tho extension, though its stock is less by the loss, of 300 tons cf material, which was included in the cargo of tho Aotea. which was recently wrecked at Capo Town. Empire. Express Co. have largo new Pantechnicon. Export packers, and every care and attention given to Household Removals. ’Phones 884 and 813. X 1756

It will interest you to know that Nicholson and Co.’s Summer Sale has started. The firm has always had the reputation of selling reliable drapery at low prices. Study your own interests and pay them a visit. 198 S

The 1911 Model Bradbury Motor Cycle is quite entitled to the distinction of champion hill-climber, the perfect balancing of the engine with such large valvos and fly-wheel being simply a revelation. They are on view at the Farmers’ Co-operative Garage, where Mr Kibblowhite has also under his charge the Royal Enfield lightweight motor cycle. 1988

Visitors at W. J. Horwell’s Clarenco House during the past week were: — Mr G. Martin, Mr and Misses Enmes (2) (St Albans), Mr and Mrs Dickinson (Fendalton), Mr A. Headland (Oamaru), Mr G. Graham (Leeston), Mr Hampton (Ashburton), Mr Dufficld. Mrs, Miss and Master Chapman, Mrs and Master Daw, Mr C. M’Evoy, Miss M’Clough, Mrs* Dropper, Mr Baldwin (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs Stoker (Woodend). Dr Menstrup (Germany), Mrs Mitchell (Riccarton), Mrs Christiansen (Upper Riccarton), Mr and Mrs Robinson (Port Chalmers). Mrs Jones (Duneclini Misses Boyce and Evans (Invercargill), Mr Cresswell (Wanganui). Mrs Cresswell (Rangiora) 3603

At Friday’s meeting of the Ashburton High School Board of Governors, continuation free places were granted to Rita Holmes, Maggie Fouhv, James Clark and May Culverhouse.

At the Ashburton Magistrate’s Court on Saturday a young man was brought before Mr T. E. Upton, J.P., and Mr H. A. Lloyd, J.P., on a charge of lunacy. On his friends undertaking to place him under proper control ho was discharged. At a meeting of the Wakanui River Board on Saturday, Mr W. Anderson was elected chairman. The surveyor rep-crted that private protective works were being erected near the river boundary, out it was decided to watch tho progress of tho work and. to take no further action at present.

The English correspondent of the “ Pastor a list s’ Review” says:—‘‘The next annual conference of the National Slieepbrecders’ Association will be held on June 24, at Norwich, on the occasion of the next Roval Show. Tho subject for discussion will be ‘ The Supply ql Mutton and M’ool to this Country from Outside,’ and the Minister of Agriculture for New Zealand will be asked to read a naoer.”

A sitting of the Magistrate’s Court was held at Leestcn on Friday. W. Bennett claimed from E. "\Yashbourne a sum of £2 10s, value of grass seed alleged to have been wrongfully taken from the public roads at Brookside by defendant’s sons. Judgment was given for plaintiff for tho amount claimed and costs. A case Jacobs v. Taiaroa, claim £TO 9s, was struck out, there being no appearance of either party.

A Wellington lady is said to have engaged an attractive-looking housemaid, who inquired, among other particulars, whether it was the custom to allow the servants to have a hot bath at night. She was assured that this was included in the comforts of the home. She arrived in the evening, ate a hearty supper, had her hot bath, and next morning was not to be found. All the attractive young person wanted was comfortable and inexpensive board .and lodgings for the night.

A commencement has been made with the laying out of the golf links here, sa.ys the Hanmer Springs correspondent of tho “ Lyttelton Times,” ar.d every care is being taken to ensure that they shall be laid out on tho most approved lines. To that end Mr A. P. Smith, secretary of the golf fund committee, has been in communication with leading Christchurch golfers, with the result that the services of a competent man have been secured to carry out the work, which is being done under the direction of the Tourist Department.

A “ Visitor from the North ” writes to the Dunedin “Star” as follows: “ Is there in Dunedin a by-law regulating the motor-ear traffic in your streets? I am impelled to make the inquiry by a scene I witnessed last night at the .junction of Princes and Jetty Streets. As people from tho theatre were endeavouring to enter the fcramcars an automobile ascended the hill at almost racing speed, and turned the corner into your main thoroughfare at a pace that would not be tolerated, I do not hesitate to say emphatically, in any other town in the dominion. Women and men scattered in all directions, and it was surprising that no-one was hurt in the wild scramble that took place.” “ Would it be an exaggeration to say that there arc sixty bookmakers in Wellington?” asked Mr T. M. Wilford of Detective Hammond, when the latter was in the witness box at the Magistrate’s Court in Wellington on Wednesday, giving evidence in a prosecution against a man for alleged street betting. “ I think it would,” said the detective. Later, counsel asked the witness: “If you are sure this man used Willis Street for tho purpose of betting, don’t you know that other men are just as liable to be run in ?” “1 suppose they are,” said the witness, “but I don’t think you could prove that they were betting.” The witness said ho supposed the time would come when persons who bet-with bookmakers in the street would also be arrested, and ho thought that the number of bookmakers about town had increased since their licensing had been abolished. Mr Wilford said that he was of the same opinion; he knew that the abolition of licenses on racecourses would drive them to the streets and that was why ho voted against the measure passed last session.

A. volunteer lire brigade for Hanmer Springs is now in a fair way of becoming an accomplished fact. A committee was formed some time ago which met on several occasions, but no definite steps could bo taken owing to the fact that the Minister for Tourist Resorts wished to visit Hanmer and inspect the proposed site for a stand house in a central position in one of the Department’s reserves and look into the matter of allowing the highpressure. water supply to be used lor lire extinction purposes before giving his consent. As some time might elapse, however, before he could visit Hanmer, further representations were made to him on the matter, and he decided to grant the concessions asked for. Plans for the proposed building have now been forwarded to Wellington for approval, and on their return a public meeting will be called and a fire brigade formed. About £BO is required for all purposes, and the committee has. plans for laising the amount. The following comprise the officers and committee:—Patron, Mr D. Rutherford; president, Rev W. R. Campbell; vice-presidents, Dr Duncan and Mr A. P. Smith; treasurer, Mr S. J. Collett; secretary, Mr O'. 11. Cook; committee, Messrs O. Anderson, A. Anderson, P. Read, H. Pearce, T. Orr, E. Mills, D. Polter and R. Kinsella. .The Wholesale Club’s premises in Worcester Street presented a very animated scene on Saturday, the last Saturday in the old premises, particularly in the evening, when the warehouse was crowded in every department, and a big day’s business at wholesale prices was" done. Members and shareholders expressed themselves pleased that next Saturdav they would bo able to do their shopping at the new premises, where there would bo greater facilities for handling the rapidly increasing trade. Many of tho shareholders- were good enough to express sympathy with the management for the manner in which attempts had been made to throw dust in tho eyes of the public by interested parties, and congratulated them oil their success in spito of tho opposition and boycott of the trade.. Applications for shares are still steadily pouring in. 1988 The Aurophone—a boon to deaf people. The rarest and most perfect hearing device, portable, convenient and reliable. Enquiries and inspection solicited. Turnbull and Jones Ltd., Cashel Street. 1988

v.e are in it for Fruit Jars! Absolutely lowest rates in town. Mason’s screw tops from 3s dozen, Atlas Special wide mouth jars from 4s doz. Ring up ’Phone 2103, and we deliver promptly. Hastio. Bull and Pickering, opposite Ballantyne's. 1988

Be Up to Date.—-We have a large selection of Gas Pendants and Brackets. Tho latest Inverted Burners. Savo mantles and gas. Bronzed pendants from 12s 3d, brackets 3s 6d. Call and inspect the recent improvements in those goods. Shades in any colour. Also Mantelpieces and Tiled Grates in great variety. Our showroom is well worth a visit, W. Congreve and Sons, Ltd., Builders and General Furnishing Ironmongers, Colombo Street. 19bo Dinner Sots, 26 pieces, from 16s 9d to 355; 56 pieces, 39s 6d to £5. Tea sets, 21 pieces, from 7s 9d to 19s 6d ; 10 pieces, 22s 6d to £3 10s. V . and u. Cups and Saucers, 5s 9d dozen ; cups on ly 4 S 6d dozen. Earthenware Cups and Saucers, from 3s 9d dozen; Plates to match cheap, at Fletcher Bros., Crockery Merchants, High Street- 1

Mr W. W. C. Cossgrove, postmaster at Woodeud, lias been appointed to receive statutory declarations under Section 288 cf the Justices of the Peace Act.

The anniversary services of tho Kaiapoi Methodist Church were held Yesterday, when sermons were preached by the Rev P. W. Fairclough. There were large congregations at both morning and evening services. The following members of the Halsvel] Domain Board have been appointed : —Messrs J. E. Ferguson, E. Paterson. 0. M’Gougli, H. Cox, W. JI. Thompson, T. R. Arayes, J. M’Drury, A. Humm and A. Bird. The Board will meet at the Halswell School on March 21.

The February monthly prize in the Utility Poultry Club’s egg-laying competition was won by the Rnngiuri Egg Ranch (Otaki) White Leghorns, with 128 eggs, Mr W. 0. Sail's (Cust) White Leghorns being second with 126 eggs. The average yield from each pen reached 1121 for the ten months, and tho birds are still fairly fresh. Notice is given in the “ Gazette ” that certain portions of laud in the Hawdon arid Bealey survey districts, aggregating about 160 acres, have been taken under the Public Works Act. The land is required for the continuation of the Bealey section of the Midland Railway. An area of about fifteen acres in the Grasmere district has been taken also for the purposes of the railway.

A circular memorandum has been issued by the Canterbury District Commandant explaining that the suspension of the sale of Martini-Lee-Enfield rifles to rifle clubs is only temporary. The available supplies will be required for tho arming of the largely increased forces under the new defence scheme, and immediately new supplies are received rifles will be available for purchase by rifle clubs. A limited number of Martini-Enfield rifles are, however, on sale.

Regulations for the ©lection of Harbour Boards are published in the “Gazette.” In the provisions for the election of representatives by payers of harbour dues, or owners of ships, it is stated that where harbour dues have been paid by two or more persons jointly, or where any ship is owned by more than one person, the payers or owners must appoint one of their number to exercise their vote. The elections will be conducted in accordance with the Local Elections and Polls Act.

The annual garden party in connection with the Ashburton branch of the Mothers’ Union was held at the Presbyterian manse, Ashburton, on Thursday afternoon. About sixty members were present, and afternoon tea was served by Mrs Inglis (president) and members cf the committee. Addresses were given by the Rev G. B. Inglis and the Rev E. Whitehouse, and the County Brass Band played selections on the lawn. A vote of thanks was passed to the Rev G. B. Inglis, the band and the assistants.

A meeting of the. board of managers of the Temuka Technical Classes was held on Thursday. Tho report stated that the number of members had been increased, and two more classes had been added. There were 157 pupils attending the classes. The attendance at all classes was satisfactory. The Education Board wrote, stating that the request for additional.instructors in wool-classing could not be granted. A circular was received from Canterbury College, pointing out the excellent opportunities offered at the School of Engineering. No action was taken. A meeting of the Lyttelton Regatta Committee was held on Friday evening in the Lyttelton Borough Council Chambers, the Mayor, Mr M. J. Miller, presiding. There was a full attendance of members. The treasurer presented the balance sheet for the last regatta, showing that while the receipts were less than for the previous regatta, there was a small credit balance. It was decided to recommend to the incoming committee that a schooners' race should be included in tho programme for the next regatta. Honorariums were granted the secretary and the treasurer, and a vote of thanks to the Mayor concluded the meeting.

The course for the examination of candidates for registration as members of the New Zealand Society of Accountants, to be conducted in future by the University of New Zealand, now comprises the subjects of the third and fourth divisions of the examination for the degree of Bachelor of Commerce. Full instruction in these subjects will be given at Canterbury College in the evening by the lecturers on law, Mr T. A. Murphy, M.A..LL.13., and on accountancy, Mr J. Morrison, F.I.A.N.Z. Candidates who are successful in these subjects are allowed to count them as satisfying the requirements in optional subjects for the degree of B.Com. The lectures will begin on Monday, March 13.

In each of the combined districts which will elect members to the Lyttelton Harbour Board, one of the local bodies interested has been appointed by the Government to be the principal authority for the purposes of the election in its district. The appointments aro as follows:—Combined district, boroughs of Kaiapoi and Kaugiora ana road districts of Rangiora, Eyreton, West Eyreton, Cust and Oxford; principal authority, Kaiapoi Borough Council. Counties of Cheviot. Arnuri and Waipara, town districts of Mackenzie and Amberley and road districts of Kowai and Ashley; Kowai Read Board. County of Ashburton and borough of Ashburton; Ashburton Borough Council. Counties of Tawera, Malvern, Paparua, Heathcoto, j-ialswell, Ellesmere, Spreydon, Selwyn and Springs: Paparua County Council. Boroughs or New Brighton, Sumner, Woolston, Lyttelton and_ Akaroa, and counties of Akaroa, Wairewa and Mount Herbert; Woolston Borough Council.

The annual meeting of the Ellesmere Brass Band was held at Leeston on Tuesday evening, the president, Mr J. A Cunningham, presiding over a good attendance. The balance sheet showed the receipts to have been £B6 10s od, including a balance of £6 8s 8d brought forward from the previous vear, and the expenditure £46 0s 3d. leaving a credit balance of £4O 10s 2d. Tho election of officers resulted as follows: —Patron, Mr K|. Heaton Rhodes, M.P.; president, Mr J. A. Cunning* ham; vice-presidents. Rev Father Hills, Dr Nathan, Messrs J. Barnett, C. IT. Piper, H. O. Amos, M. Dixon. S. Johnston, G. E. Rhodes and O. Fisse. and Captain T. H. Overton; bandmaster, Mr G. L. Peters; deputy bandmaster, Mr T. Ramsay; secretary ? Mr T. Biivlis; treasurer, Mr E. Miles; sergeant, Mr F. Barnett; corporal, Mr F. Townshend; lance-corporal, Mr L. Spanger; committee, Messrs C. Lambic, E. BoyH and G. Harper i custodians, Messrs T. M’Vinnie and G. Harper. A sum of £ls was voted to the bandmaster, £5 os to the secrotary and £5 to the retiring treasurer, Mr’T. Ramsay.

It is said that there are more bicycles in Christchurch per head of population than in any other city of the world. A census of the various makes would probably show that threefifths of the cycles in use are “ Bells,” and the bulk of them the “ Perfect 1911 Model.” 1988

“Facts, sir; we want facts I” aa Charles Dickens put it. The city’s leading Cash Drapery House, Messrs Armstrong, Limited, are demonstrating tho fact hourly and daily that the best values for money aro always available at their sound trading stores. The firm has entrenched itself within an impregnable wall of high values and low prices that, baffles opposition completely. Their Re-building Sale now running affords the best buying opportunities over offered in the district. We recommend an early visit to Messrs Armstrong and Company. 1988

Constable Booth has taken charge of the Tomuka police district, in place ol Constable Gillespie, who has been retired on superannuation. The antiquated water-cart that has Sons service for many years in the Papanui district has been replaced by 8n up-to-date sprinkler. Friday being the thirty-sixth anniversary of the elevation of Mr Justice Williams to the Supreme Court Bench, the president of the Otago Law Society expressed to his Honor the congratulations of the legal profession in Otago on the occasion, and expressed the hope that his occupancy of the Bench might be extended for many years. His Honor was also congratulated personally by members of the profession. Mr Wright, M.P., has sent from Wellington* the following telegram to the president of the Methodist Conference sitting at Christchurchthe Press Association reports that Mr Isitt stated that the Government had offered to stake its existence on the 55 per cent majority, but that the temperance party declined. The temperance leaders here know nothing about such offer. Surely further explanation is necessary.’’ The applications for the position of town clerk and engineer for the borough of Ashburton will close at four o’clock to-day. Already a great many applications have been received, and it is expected that the appointment will be considered at a meeting of the Council this evening. The applications for a second engineer for the waterworks will close at tho same time, and will also he dealt with this evening. The firing of the big cannon, which no doubt is done “for the country’s good,” says tho “ Now Zealand Herald,” is not an unmixed blessing, as several residents of North Shore found at their cost recently. The concussion from the firing of the Sin gun on North Head is reported to have broken many windows in the adjacent districts, while in almost every house gas mantles were shattered, and in one instance pictures were shaken from the walls. One particularly heavy concussion was felt, which rattled crockery like a good healthy earthquake. A report was current that practically the whole of the windows in the prison on North Head were broken during the firing.

Tho Prime Minister has received a cable message from the Premier of New South wales (Hon J. M’Gowen), gays the “New Zealand Times,” stating that Mr Macfarlane, ControllerGeneral of Prisons, will visit New Zealand to report on the tree-planting prison stations, the employment of consumptives at camps and the treatment of inebriates by tho State. Mr 'Macfarlane proposes reaching Auckland by the Moldavia on March 15. and the New South Wales Premier’s cable message requested, that the New Zealand Government should grant facilities to him to enable these inquiries to be effectively prosecuted. Sir Joseph Ward has replied that everything Xvill be done to assist the visiting officer in his mission. A publio trial of the celebrated P Ajax ” Fire Killer on a big fi.ro is to be given to-night opposite the Chester Street Fire Brigade Station. The public are invited to witness same, 3000 Lovely 18-inch Switches (10s 6d), made from best quality human hair, any shade accurately matched. Hair Restorer, Hair Dyes, Tonics, Freckle Lotions, etc. Hemslev Burnet’s Hairdressing Rooms, Royal Exchange. 1854 NOT EASILY 7 DETERRED. At the Quarter Sessions in Sydney gome days ago, a man, who seemod to feel his position keenly, was arraigned on a charge of stealing a sum of money from his firm. The case had not proceeded very far when tho accused collapsed. In a short time ho revived, and explained to the Court that cn the previous night he niet with an accident, which resulted in his arm and two ribs being broken. Judge Docker suggested that the trial 6noukl be postponed in order to allow the accused time to recover sufficiently to bear tho ordeal. He refused, however, preferring that the case should he proceeded with, adding, “Let’s get it over.” Subsequently the jury found the accused not guilty, and ho was discharged. NEW ZEALAND BUTTER. When in Vancouver recently, says the “ Post,” Mr Andrew Gray, of Wellington, saw New Zealand butter from Cambridge, Waikato, selling at 40 cents (Is 8d) per lb. An inferior local butter was selling at 45 cents per lb. Mr Gray found that there was a very keen interest taken in New Zealand meat and butter by merchants in Vancouver and other parts of British Columbia. He spent four months in the United States and Western Canada. From Mr Middleton, a director of the Vancouver Cold Storage Company, he learned that New Zealand flutter was confused in tho British Columbian mind with Australian. As a good deal of inferior Australian had found its way to Vancouver it had prejudiced the sale of the New Zealand article, the quality of which was unexceptionable. A MAT WITH A HISTORY. The finest sentiment of Jove and respect on the part of a Maori family was embodied in an episode in connection with the last rites attendant upon ijhe death of tho late Mr T. W. M’Keuzie, says the “ Dominion.” When he arrived in Wellington in February, 1840—before Wellington was Wellington, in fact—as a boy of thirteen, he went ashore in one of the ship Adelaide’s boats, and with the adventurous spirit of boyhood wandered from the beach at Thermion into the wilderness of scrub' and bush that lay between the harbour front and tho hills. Among certain cf tho Maoris tho coming of the white man was the reverse of welcome, and of these the Chief Porutu, of tho Pipitea pa, was one. He saw the boy, and was, it is related, working up to the murder point, when his wife rushed on before him and covered the boy with a native mat, signifying by the act that he was not to be harmed, and that she wished to adopt him. At once young M’Kenzie and the mat became tapu, and the mat has been passed down as an heirloom of tho Porutu family. The mat was regarded with great veneration by Porutu’3 son, the lato E. Piti (Harry Pitt), who was boatman in the Customs service for many years in Wellington, and when he died it was bequeathed to his son, Mr Pitt, of Wainui. When tho latter heard of the death of Mr M’Kenzie. on Wednesday, he entrusted the sacred mat to his wife to bring into Wellington, offering to lend the mat for the bedecking of tho death chamber until after the funeral. Needless to say, tho venerable old mat (said to be over 100 years old), which did such signal service seventy-one years ago, has been viewed with no little emotion b\ the members of Mr M’Kenzie’s family, and the offer, so kindly meant, was warmly accepted. A _ WELLINGTON FLOOD. A resident of Kent Terrace writes to the Wellington " Dominion ” as follows: —“On Saturday evening we had plentv of excitement to compensate for a dull eventless day. We had Venice in the kitchen, Holland in the diningroom, and a yacht, which we are building, well afloat in the backyard. There was two feet of water there at ten o'clock, and, as the tide in the harbour Was apparently hanking up the stormwater channel, it was rising all the time. As we did not wish to see nur yacht dashing loose down Kent Terrace, v.-e judged it wise to tie her up. At 1 a.m. she was still bumping tho fence and tugging at her moorings, and, with • little sail on her, wo certainly could

have sailed her out the front gate, olio would, no doubt, have required a lixtie lifting over the footpath, but, once clear of that, she could easily have navigated an uninterrupted course down the Terrace, as lar as Courtenay Place, at least. In the house we wore driven slowly from one room to another —first from the kitchen (:Ift of yellow inflow) to the dining-room. Here the flood presently assailed us from three sides at once. We lifted the piano on the table for safety, and then fled upstairs. Next morning the carpet showed a deposit of mud nearly half an inch thick. Other residents of the street seem to have fared similarly.” AN EXPENSIVE LAWSUIT. It is evident, says the “ Age, that the case brought by South Australia against Victoria in tho High Court for the purpose of securing possession of tho disputed strip of border territory will be very expensive. No fewer than five Judges, five King’s counsel and four junior barristers are engaged in the case. It is estimated that the amounts marked upon the briefs of the barristers total £1750, of which two barristers are said to receive £SOO, two £4OO and one £3OO. The refreshers amount to close on £2OO a day, of which it is estimated that two counsel receive £-10 each, two £3O, two £25, two £2O and one £ls. In addition to this there has to be reckoned the salaries of five Judges and their associates, which amount approximately to £SO a.day. The cost of the trial, therc'fore, for the first three days of its initial proceedings may be set down as fol. lows: —Judges’ salaries, at £SO, throe days, £150; barristers’ briefs, £1750; barristers’ refreshers, at £2OO, three days, £600; total, £2500. In addition to this there will he the value of the work done by the Crown Law Departments of the two States in acting as instructing solicitors, the shorthand writing, which lies been let by contract, and the printing of documents at the Government Printing Office, which will be considerable. The average coat per day for the first three days, according to these figures, has been over £BOO a day. Only the fringe of tho case has been touched upon, and it is likely to proceed for weeks, so that the legal bill which the two States will have to meet will be considerable. Although heavy expense has already been incurred, the question of jurisdiction has not been decided, and it is expected that tho suit may extend over a month, or perhaps six weeks. REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE OF A NEW MOTOR-CYCLE. During the month just past a series of remarkable competitive successes has been achieved by a new and improved motor-cycle. Up till quite recently the standard in motor-cycles has been set by the 1910 model Triumph, which during the past year demonstrated its superiority over all competitors in a number of exhaustive trials. A better machine, has now made its appearance, and its success line been instantaneous and startling. Tho machine referred to is the 1911 model of the Triumph, which embodies a number of detail improvements on the old type. The n6w machine went out for its first test in the Invercargill hill-climb on the first of February. It came out first o*n formula and made fastest time. It beat nine other makes, some of them of higher powers. It annexed the two gold medals awarded. On the fifteenth of the month it wont for another try-ing-out at Palmerston North—-again on the hills. Again it won the first prize on formula, and again it made fastest time. Again it won the two gold medals. On the eighteenth of February the Triumph won the Hislop Silver C“up for the most meritorious performance oil the Dunedin-Nasebv and return trial. That’s four gold medals and a silver cup inside eighteen days. The reason is that the Triumph is sound in every part and right in every detail. Motorcyclists should call at Messrs Adams Ltd.’s shop and see the 1911 model. There’s only one price—£7o for the fixed engine model, and the free engine machine sells at £BO. Lamps, horns and speedometers are charged as extras. Adams Ltd., sole New Zoaland agents for Triumphs, High Street, Christchurch. 19S8

THE MELBOURNE CONFERENCE. United Press Association —By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, March 4. The Consumption Conference considered it desirable that sanatoria should be established, and that a large proportion of consumptives should be admitted for a period of instruction and training regarding the precautions which they should take. The admittance of consumptives to the general wards of hospitals and prisons was deprecated, and tho provision of separate accommodation was urged, xt was also considered that the State Governments should attend to tho housing and maintenance of necessitous consumptives and their wives and families. (Received March 6, 12.20 a.m.) MELBOURNE, March 5.

The Consumption Conference discussed hovine tuberculosis, and recommended that tho agricultural departments should be granted legal power to deal with such. It was also recommended that rooms previously occupied by consumptives should bo disinfected bv Government officials.