LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 158, 9 July 1902, Page 2

LOCAL & GENERAL NEWS.

Athletic. —A meeting of members of the Renwick Athlotic Association is called for Monday, 14th inst., at 7.30 p.m. in the Oddfellow's Hall, Renwick*

Volunteer Ball. — Tho General Committee for the Volunteer ball meet on Monday evening, and tho Ladies' Committee on Wednesday, lGth inst.

The Temperature. — The lowest temperature rpading in the colony this movning was Bealey 31*. Christchurch registered 30", anrl Blenheim and Qneenstown next, each 37. The highest reading was Auckland 55*.

Bcllock Roasting.—The natives have decided to postpone the roasting of a second bullock, which it was announced would take place this week sonio time, until the festivities again faro place in connection with the King's Coronation.

Parade. — The Blenheim Rifles parade to-morrow evening in blue uniform. After a short parade SurgeonCaptain Redman will give an ambulance lecture, and nominations will probably be taken for an actinglientenancy.

Debate. —At last night's meeting of tho Mutual Improvement Society there was a large attendance of members and visitors. Several new members were proposed and elected. The subject for the evening was, "Is it conducive to the best interests of the community that women should compete with men on equal terms ? Mr D. P. Sinclair took the affirmative side, and was supported in his contention by Miss G. Rose, Messrs W. W. Avery, and E. H. Penny. The proposal was opposed by Messrs L. A. Browne, P. Paine, W. Jordan, and F. Gash. On being put to tho meeting, members of the Society only voting, the proposal was carried by 13 votes to 11. Next meeting will take the form of a miscellaneous entertainment, being devoted to music and literary selections.

On the Trail of Buller.—General Biiller had perhaps the toughest task assigned him of any general who commanded in the recent war. The public of Blenheim will have an opportunity to-morrow evening of hearing a descriptive lecture on " The Battlefields of Natal," by the Rev. W. J. Williams, who has recently visited all the principal battlefields, including Colenso, Spion Kop, and Ladysmith. Mr Williams 13 a graphic speaker, and, having a specially-prepared set of lantern slides to illustrate his subject, he may be trusted to make the late scenes of conflict, which have made history, live again in the imagination of his audience. This lecture entertainment was received with rounds of applause by a ''crowded house in Nelson a few evenings ago. It is announced to be repeated to-morrow evening in Wesley Hall.

Injurious Birds.—Tho Birds Nuisance Bill, introduced by the Minister of Lands, makes it incumbent upon the local authority to take effective action for the destruction of injurious birds. In order to insure concerted and simultaneous action, the Governor may divide the whole or any portion of the colony into districts ; and in each district a conference of delegates from the local authorities shall recommend a suitable day on which the work of destroying injurious birds shall commence. Inspectors with full powers may be appointed by any local authority, who shall have power to levy a general rate not exceeding 116 th of a penny in the pound for the purposes of the Act. It is also provided that poisoned grain may be laid. The Minister may appoint inspectors to carry out tho Act if the local authority fails to do so. One clause stipulates that if any injurious bird hatches its young within a radius of ten chains of a residence, the occupier of this residence shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding £10 unless he satisfies the Court that he had taken all reasonable steps to prevent the bird from batching on his land.

" STOP THE LEAK "—Tn the Blue bag. Empire Company's Royal Blue an do its work, but it must have a sound Blue bag.

"When London Wakes."—Playgoers of Blenheim are promised an exceptional treat when Mr Van Burg's Dramatic Coy. will produce at Victoria Hall the sensational drama " When London Wakes." The piece is full of striking situations and intense effects, is well written, with an interesting plot, and the scenery, accessories, and costumes are the same as used in Mr Van Burg's theatre in Christchureh, when the piece had a phenomenal run of ten nights to crowded houses on each occasion. The presentation was favorably criticised by the Christchurch press, and was enthusiastically received by the public. The leading characters will betaken by Mr Geo. Coppin, jun., eldest son of the celebrated Melbourne actor of that name, and Miss Millie Collier, eldest daughter of Mr Geo. Collier, the original Simon Legree in "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Both these artists have made high reputations for themselves in Australian theatrical circles.

'* Wet Paint" we often see about, And wisely keep our distance ; Advice like that is good no doubt, And valuable assistance. But there's one thing more precious still, Of that you can make sure, By driving off your cough or chill With Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. 4