GENERAL NEWS

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 104, 6 May 1907, Page 3

GENERAL NEWS

A society has recently been formed at Preston, Lancashire, with the object of promoting social intercourse between the clergy of the Church of England and Non-con-formist ministers. The Brotherhood of Painters of America last year spent about £450 a month for organisers, and these organisers were instrumental in increasing the strength of the brotherhood by 5000 members Aa the entrance foe is £5, the finances increased by £25,000 from this source alone.

A sheep farmer in the Narrabt* district of Mew South Wales has a fine flock of 3000 merinos absolutely black. These have averaged 7£lb of wool, rather more than white merinos in the same district, and the wool Bold at 13d per pound. The last lambing was 84 per cent., and there was not a piebald among them. The mutilated body of Eric Aubory Morrison, second son of Captain Morrison, deputy harbourmaster, 'Fremantle, was found in a cellar at u'tbie rear of his father's residence on April 3. Medical aid was summoned, but it w&3 found that death must have occurred several hours previously. For some time past the lad >had been experimenting with a view to constructing an acetylene gaa motor. The appearance of the cellar indicated that a severe explosion had occurred, which resulted in the lad's instant death. The body was found lying in a pool of blood, which had flowed from a fracture of the skull above the eyebrows. Apparently no one heard the explosion. It was on a corridor train going south. Among the passengers was '■a newly-married couple, who made themselves known to such an extent that the occupants commanced whispering and sniggering. The bride and groom stood the remarks for some time, but finally the latter, who was a man of tremendous size, broke out in the following language to his tormentors :— " Yes, we're ■married-jubt married. We are going OD6 hundred and sixty miles further, and I am going to ' spoon ' all the way. If you don't like it you can get out and walk. She's my and I'm her sheltering oak." •During the remainder of the journey • they were left in peace.