BRIEF MENTION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 228, 30 September 1902, Page 3

BRIEF MENTION.

The cold snap continues. Where are the Spring showers ? Frosts were recorded in the Far North this morning.

The adoption of the serum cure for scarlatina in Vienna has greatly reduced the mortality from this disease in the hospitals.

It is probable that at the close of the session His Excellency the Governor will spend a few days trout fishing in the vicinity of Wellington. Why nob try Marlborough ?

The United States Kubber Company is forming a combiue to control the rubber output of Bolivia. King Leopold of Belgium is interested in the scheme.

It is generally nnderstood that the Opposition "ticket" for Wellington City at the forthcoming Parliamentary elections will be—Messrs Atkinson, Duthie and Aitken.

It was announced at one of Dr Torrey's meetings at Dunedin that a gentleman had given £1000 for the foreign mission "in return for blessings received during the present mission."

Each friendly society in Napier is to contribute £5 a year towards the hospital funds, which will entitle any member, or his wife or his children, to secure free treatment at the institution.

Mr Wragge, the Queensland Meteorologist, is emphasising his little difference of opinion with the Brisbane clergymen, by naming his latest series of " disturbances" after them.

After the actual Coronation of the King there was an unrehearsed addition to the official programme.

One of the peers called for three cheers for the King, which were given with a spontaneous enthusiasm quite regardless of the sacred nature of the building.

The all-night tram service in Sydney is officially reported to be averaging £7 8s 6d per night, which is considered highly satisfactory.

Do you know any difficult tricks with matches ? -Yes; I've often tried to light my cigar with the last one.

A merino ewe at Montreal, Cooma (New South Wales), gave birth to five lambs, three of which died.

Eleven valuable rams, worth in all £1000, died at Eramble station, near Molong, New South W&les, after being shorn.

The other night Charles Walker, 46, blew his head off at Melbourne because he was unable to obtain employment.

Senator Platfc, of Connecticut, was building a house. He had occasion to hire a carpenter, who was a plain, unvarnished son of New England.

•'You know all about carpenter work?".asked Senator Platt. "Yes, sir," was the reply.

" You can make windows, doors, and blinds?" "Oh, yes, sir"

•'How would you make a Venetian blind ?'' The man thought steadily for several minutes. "I think," ho remarked finally, " that I would punch him in the eye."

The quantity of Victorian gold actually received at the Melbourne Mint during August was 78,6990z of fine gold, equivalent to 85,6870z gross.

Twenty years having elapsed £80,000 is now available for Roman Catholic Church purposes under the will of the late Rev. Dr Backans, a ptoneer priest of Bendigo.

Priscilla Demley, of Warrnambool, has commenced an action against Marcus Oldham, of Toorak, claiming £10,000 damages for breach of promise of marriage.

A Western Senator had the floor, says an American paper. It was a great speech and good, and pictured in glowing colors the future of Nevada, if only men could be wise in their generation, and make the appropriation for irrigation.

He left nothing unsaid. He defied argument, and finally concluded by declaring solemnly:—"ln fact, gentlemen, all Nevada needs is water and better society."

Whereupon another Senator ot> served: "I would like to remind the western gentleman that that is all Hell needs."

A man who was knocked down by a tram in George Street died in Sydney Hospital next day. He did not recover consciousness, and so his name was unknown.

The price of bread has been again increased in Melbourne by per lb loaf, making the price in the outer suburbs 6|d, and in the city and nearer suburbs 5Jd. .

When the guests bidden to the wedding of a Kettering solicitor had assembled at the Baptist Chapel, Leicester, it was found that proper notice had not been given to the registrar, and the ceremony had perforce to be postponed.

A short time ago a young naval officer serving in the West Indies was stricken with illness and ordered home, says the "Pall Mall." Wishing to apprise his parents of the fact, he telegraphed them briefly, "Invalided; remittent fever," appending his own name to the message. When the telegram was delivered in London it ran, " Invalided ; remit a fiver."

The insuring of one's life is one of those things which one is most apt to put off. There are few, however, who postpone what ought to be the inevitable until so late -a period in life as did the tough old smack-owner of Grimsby.

When he presented himself at the insurance office he was naturally asked his age. His reply was " Ninetyfour."

" Why, my good man, we cannot insure you," said the company. "Why not?" ho demanded.

" Why, you are ninety-four years of age." " What of that?" the old man cried. " Look at statistics, and they will toll you that fewer men die at ninety-four than at any other age."