LOCAL AND GENERAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 31 March 1915, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Band of the 12th [Regiment leaves fox* Christchurch this evening to take part in the Band contest commencing on Saturday with the quickstep competition in the" afternoon, and the first test piece in the evening. The Band has been practising hard for the contest, and hopes to give a good account of itself. "Madam," said the man in the street car, "I know I ought to get up and give you my seat, but unfortunately I've recently jbined the Sit Still Club." "That's all right, sir," replied the woman. "And you must excuse me for staring at you so hard ; I am a member of the Stand and Stare Club." 'She proved' herself so active and conscien- - tious a meaniber that the man began to feel uncomfortable under her gaze; Filially he rose and said : "Take my seat, madam; I guess I'll resign from my tclub and join yours."

—ne famous geese of the 'Capitol at IRosme have found brave descendants in Belgium. Two Belgian officers are my authority for this story (writes one of "the "Daily Mail" correspondents in ;Northern France)., Beyond Pervyse—a difficult country flooded two miles wide, where the official communique has lately reported some progress^—there-is a lonely chateau. It is a valuable supporting point and' post of ' observation, and' although it stands right out .i_n front of the present German lines and is commanded by the fire of the Belgian artillery, it is, or wa9 a few days ago, still occupied iby an outpost of about fifteen Germans. The walls of the house have been knocked flat by shells, but the Germans live in a comparative safety in the cellars being revictualled and relieved at night. It may "be imagined thait the Belgians have spared no effort: to' take this isolated I advanced post so valuable as a look-out ito the enemv. Night after night bodies. lof Belgian infantry have crept stealthily out towards it, hoping to rush the'chateau -with the bayonet by surprise. And every time they have been defeated —by a flock of daicks! The farmyard still contains a numlber of Ijliese bird's, _ and though the Germans would, no doubt them as a dish they find tthem even more valuable as sentries than roasted, for they invariably, detect the approach of the .attacking party and 'begin to quack loudly. The approaches to the farm being limited: by the floods, the little German - garrison,- thus warned in the style of the .old legend, have always beon able hitherto to off "the attack.

Ladies "who desire smart goods at moderate prices will get well served at Trathen's, a splendid choice of new goods at good value pricey. NewJSports Coats, New Hats, Costumes, Blouses, Gloves, Underskirts, all' opened" to-day.—Tra<-then arid Co.—ls in the £ cash discoxm.t*

A remarkable degree of success attended the efforts of, Miss May and Master Seon Brown at the recent Christchurch competitions, the two children, securing nine first a,wards, one second; and two thirds. Included, in the first prizes were test piece, (elocution), for boys under 16, girls' test : piece, boys' championship, under 16 years; girls' under 16 years y character and action song, character recital, and gold medal for elocution junior championship, Hoys or girls under 16 years j won by Miss Brown for the second time in succession. •

Sports 'Coats' opened to-day. Charming Silk Knitted .Sports Coats, delightful colours, including Saxe, Cream, Vieux Rose, Violet, Black, Brown, etc., 22s 6d, 28s 6d, 32s ,6d.—Trathen and. Co., the Special House for Ladies' and Household Drapery.*

' The Anchor 'Company- announce excursion trips .by the s.s. Koi (between Nelson and Motuelta for, the Easter Holidays, particulars as per advertisement.

Trathen and Co. will be open until: 9 o'clock Thursday night-, and then closed until Tuesday niorning. Shop early tomorrow. New goods ex. s.s. Rotorua.on sale.*

Wouldn't it be an awful thing if British aviators were to fly over Berlin and drop tlieir h's on the defenceless populntion ?

Ladies Costumes. Another lot opened to-day. ' It is because our Costumes are cut by artiste and finished, by expert workers, that they fit so perfectly; prices 39s 6d, 455,. 655, 85s, 110s; -Is in the 43 cash discount.—Trathen and Co., the Special House for Ladies' Wear.* A meeting of the Committee of the Nelson Horticultural Society will be held at the Institute this evening. The business to be discussed is irt connection with the forthcoming autumn show. A proposal has been made that the show should be made a patriotic affair, and this is one of the matter • that'will r.e,ceie attention at this evening's meeting. ' Trathen and Go. have recently opened ia really, fine range of charming Fur Sets; ■ orices range from 15s lid to 15 guineas the set. The values are excellent this year.* . Your cycle is not put aside for motor repairs at Manks', and rementber we im>ort the best tyres, lamps, bicycles, and undries direct, therefore no old stocks Cycles from £5 Ss casli and good- too. fie a sport and give us a turn. In motor •r cycle goods you'll uet_ prompt ivility, and square dealing.*

'The running- of the Anchor Company's steamer ! Koi, leaving Nelson on Thursday night, has been altered from 8 o'clock to -9.15, to suit the convenience of intending passengers.

The la.to Lord Londonderry once told a good tale of an Irishman in his employ. 'Twas on the everlasting subject of Ire.land's wrongs. "We'll not get Home .Rule for ould -Oireland," said this son of Erin, "till Germany, France, Russia and America give them- blayguards of Englishmen a good bating." Alter a pause h 6 added proudly : "And, ibegorra, t'whole lot of 'em shoved together couldn't do it. Oh, it's the grand Navy we've got!"

In the report of the discussion at yesterday's meeting of .the Education .Board regarding the proposed new education districts, the concluding portion of remarks made were inadvertently omitted. Mr Scantlebury, in-.endorsing what had already been said', pointed out that one of the saving clauses in the Act was that the recommendations of the Commission had' 'to be ratified by Parliament before "being put into effect. The members for Nelson and Motueka, and. also other districts in danger of being wiped out could do a lot to 'help in the matter. The idea of the Education Department was to administer, everything from Wellington; but everyone must admit that the Education Boards and' also School Committees, had in the past done good work. If Nelson was included in the Wellington district we would not have, according to the population, one representative between Marlborough and Nelson. The Greymonth Board, he had been informed, -would sooner be included in the Nelson district than Tn Canterbury. "This Board should fight to the bitter end both before the Commission and in Parliament if there is the slightest chance of the "Board being wiped out of existence," concluded Mr Scantlebury. On the motion of Mr Gothard, it was resolved that the Chairman and the town members of -the Board be a Comi mittee to wait on Messrs Field and I Hudson, Ms.P., and urge on them:' the | desirableness of Nelson being, retained as an education centre.