TOWN & COUNTRY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 879, 4 January 1889, Page 20

TOWN & COUNTRY.

The regulations under the Beer Duty Ant, 1880, are gazetted. v The correction of the spelling of the word “ Seatoun ” is gazetted. The following gentlemen have been gazetted as authorised Native interpreters for Wellington :—Messrs H. S. Hadfield, T. McDonnell, E. Baker, J. White, T. G. Pontawera, G. H. Davies, and H. H. Carr. The companionship of the Melbourne Argus office have issued a most elaborate card conveying the compliments of the season. The New Zealand Times’ companionship, in acknowledging the same, cordially return the compliment. The Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company have received information that the s.b. Arawa, from Wellington, arrived at Plymouth on Sunday morning, after an exoeedingly smart passage of 37J days, which is 4£ days under contract time. Her caigo of frozen meat was in good condition. The Customs Department have approved and appointed a portion of the ground and first floor of a brick building, roofed with slate, situated on harbour allotment No. 3, In a right.of-way off the Queen’s Wharf, Wellington, to be known as “ Young’B Bond.” When the last train on Boxing Night on the Manawatu line was nearing Levin st ition the engine ran into a mob of horses, and some six or seven of them were killed. The train had to be shunted back a short distance to get the line clear of the dead bodies. Miss Dundas, neice of Admiral Fairfax, was married at Sydney last week to Arthur Boyce Allen, younger son of the late Sir George Wigram Allen, for many years Speaker of the New South Wales Assembly. The ceremony was conducted at the Cathedral, on the most fashionable scale. Lord and Lady Carrington were present. In order to avoid the unseemly crush which took place at Miss Essie .Tenyna’ wedding, tickets of admission were issued.

A few days ago Mr William Campbell picked up In the Maungahoe Valley, Paraekaretu, a piece of pure quartz m which bars of gold were distinctly visible (says the Rangitikei Advocate). The specimen, whioh was waterworn, was found on the edge of a watercourse. It had evidently been washed down during a flood. Talking of gold reminds us that Mr Roddick found a piece of quartz near the Marton railway station a short timß since, which was marked with clear specks of gold. In a recent article on the poverty of our public men, in the Pall Mall Gazette, it is stated that Mr Gladstone is not as well off as he might have been had he devoted his energies to other than public affairs. He resisted when In office a motion for increase of salary. He ha 3 taken no pension, though he is entitled to one. When he left office, says one of his biographers, “the numerous claims upon him are understood to have compelled the sale cf his very remarkable collection of valuable china and articles of vertu. There was something dramatically suggestive in Mr Agnew’s bid of £35,000 in a lump sum, for the Marlborough gems.” “Herefor the present,” said The Times of June 29, 1875, “ ends one of the most remarkable sales of an art property which has ever occurred in the annals jof auctions in this country." Mr Gladstone not only sold his house, but his library. Sir Arthur Guinness bought the former; Lord Wolvertou purchased the latter, to return it to Mr Gladstone as a gift. The following story of the late Mr Levy, of the Daily Telegraph, from one who visited his bedside, has been published When ho was earliest attacked with the disease that proved fatal, he conceived the odd notion that he had remaining only a certain limited and clearly defined stock of breath and strength, and ha watched over the expenditure much on the priueiifle that he used to examine bills of expenses. He lay on his bed, would neither speak nor move, while he breathed as economically as possible. Alarmed by his condition, the family sent to Loudon for a great doctor, who pame down and examined the patient as wall as his apparently comatose state would permit, Oh, he’s all right," said the doctor, aloud. ‘“He’s years to live yet,” “ What!” said the old gentleman, suddenly popping up from the pillow, where he had lain dumb and motionless for the greater part of the day, aren’t Iso bad after all ?” “ Not a bit of it,” sa d the doctor, cheerfully. “ Theu see mo walk,” he said, and jumping out of bed he skipped round the room. The effect of the Whitechapel horrors on the public imagination has taken the turn of producing quite an epidemic of oonfessions of murder. Scarcely a day now passes without one or two such “ confessions ” being recorded in London, and the same sort of thing is to be found, to a larger or smaller extent, in different parts of the country. There is one great drawback, however, to these bursts of confidence —that is to say, from the view of the gentlemen who seem anxious to get their necks in a noose. They confess to a horrible crime, bat the persons they are supposed to have slaughtered either turn up alive and well, or are found to be purely mythical individuals. The bibulous man when in his (cups is apparently not troubled by such matters of detail. His disturbed brain is haunted by the East-End nightmare, and nothing will satisfy him but going to the nearest police-station declaring that he is a felon of the deepest dye. The worst sufferers are probably the police authorities, who are compelled to make troublesome inquiries that lead to nothing except proving that their prisoner is suffering from a morbid delusion.

The body of William Gudsell, the enginedriver who waa killed on the WellingtonMasterton railway line between Mauriceville and Kopuaranga on Friday last, was taken South by the steamer Wanaka on Sunday to be interred at Oamaru, where the deceased formerly resided.

Don Juan Anchorena, cattle _ king _of Buenos Ayres, after providing for his family, haß drawn up a will, leaving a veiry large snm for charitable purposes, the money to accumulate for three centuries, when it should amount to £171,840,000. It is expected the Congress will deolare the will invalid.

A man named Leopold Herson (also known as Charles Cook and Robert Bolton), a patient at the Mount View Lunatic Asylum, died there on Thursday. An inquest held by Mr Robinson, R.M., next day disclosed that death was caused by general paralysis, and a verdict was returned accordingly. Herson had been in the Asylum since November, 1833.

Paraekaretu district at the present time is equal to any territory in New Zealand as a grazing country, says the Rangitikei Advocate. The once despised hill 3 that were said to be always slipping into the valleys have more verdure and more luxuriant feed than can be seen on any of the flat land in the lower portions of Rangitikei. For example, Mr R. C. Bruce has on his estate more than four sheep to the acre, and the stock are in splendid condition.

The Nelson Mail says:—“Mr Acton Adams has arrived overland from Christ church via Tophouse. We learn from him that the weather in the high country around the Wairau Gorge was unusually severe during the winter and spring this year, heavy snow having fallen and lain on the ground for a long time. Mr Adams has been a heavy sufferer from this cause, having lost no fewer than 10,000 sheep from the Tarndale run.

The children who took part in M. de Mey’s athletic display at the Columbia Rink recently were given an outing at the Hutt yesterday week. The youngsters proceeded to the Hutt, under the care of M. de Mey, by an early train, and held their picnic in a Daddock kindly lent by Sir W. Fitzherbert. The usual games and sports were carried on, and the young holiday-makers had what Americans call “ a real nice time.” Daring the afternoon the children gave a display on the lawn for the benefit o£ Sir W. Fitzherbert, who was highly pleased with their pro fioiency in the various exercises, and who, in recognition of his kindness, was heartily cheered. In the evening the party returned to town, having spent a thoroughly enjoyable day. M. de Mey desires to thank those who assisted him in getting the picnic up.

A rumour, which in some presumably well-informed quarters is said to be well founded, is in circulation to the effect that at the end of the passenger season the steamer Rotomahana is to be sent to England to be lengthened by forty feet, and to have new boilers put into her. It is said that Mr Darling, the consulting engineer to the Union Steam Ship Company, who is about to leave the Colony for England, carries with him full instructions with reference to the proposed alterations. The rumour is not confirmed by the local office, where no information has been received on the subject, so we simply give the report as it reaches us.

Of spectacular displays, says the Electrical Review, probably one of the most successful ever put upon the stage is that given at the end of the new ballet which was presented for thefirst time on October 31 at the Empire Theatre. Much of the effect is due to a use of the electric light on a scale considerably in exoess, we believe, of anything hitherto attempted in this way. Each member of the corps de ballet, to the number of 58, is supplied with a small electric lamp in the hair, attached bj a comb, the current being derived from a primary battery of four cells, measuring about inches by 2J inches, and weighing under 31bs, which is secreted at the waiat. The fitting of this large number of lampß to the wearers, which has to be completed during an interval of about nine minutes, is a piece of smart work.

An adventurous small boy, five years of age, who must have been born to be a traveller, caused his parents a great deal of worry on Thursday and Friday last. On Thursday afternoon he left bis home in In-geatre-street, and went forth upon his travels ; and from that time until late the following afternoon the place that had known him so often knew him not. His parents, as may easily be imagined, were greatly distressed by the loss of their ohild, and the aid of the police was invoked, with the result that last Friday that which had been lost was found at the Lower Hutt, where the boy was domesticated with Constable Harnett's family. It appears that the boy, having recently paid a visit to Plimmerton, was deeply impressed by the grandeur of the scenery in that locality, and, learning from hii unsuspecting father that one could get to Plimmerton by train, he did his best to get there.. 4 He had neither money nor friends, but he was young and strong, and so he buffeted with the world cheerfully, with the result that he was stranded at the Taita late on Thursday afternoon 1 . There he was taken good care of by the local clergyman and sent down to Constable Har« nett the next day. Now that his wanderings are ever the boy reßta peacefully in the bosom of hie family, and he will have to break doors in when he wants to go a-roving again.

White and Sound Teeth are indispensable to personal attraction, and to health and longevity by the proper mastication of food. Rowlands’ Odonto or Pearl Dentifrice, compound of Oriental ingredients, is of inestimable value in preserving and beautifying the teeth, strengthening the gams, and in giving a pleasing fragrance to the breath. It eradicates tartar from the teeth, removes spots of incipient decay, and polishes and preserves the enamel, to which it imparts a pearl-like whiteness. Rowlands’ Macassar Oil is the best and safest preserver of the hair, and produces a luxuriant and glossy growth ; is also sold in a golden color. Ask chemists-for Rowlands’ articles, of 20, Hatton Garden, London.

Tbo Medical Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the r ceipt of a case of apricots and cherries from Mr Amos, for the patients.

A good sized speck of gold was found in the crop of a duck killed at Feilding a few days ago. The bird was fed at Makino, so we may expect the settlers in that locality to keep a good look out for a likely prospect.

A female patient at the Mount View Asylum named Beechey escaped from the institution about noon on Sunday. Constable Doyle found her in the Salvation Army barracks at 10.30 Sunday night, and conveyed her back to the Asylum. The abandonment of infants by their mothers in the suburbs of Sydney is becoming a daily practice. The police state that the ohildren found during the month of December, in the Newtown district (Sydney), average one a day. Information was received by Inspector Thomson on Friday morning that a fiveroomed house, owned by Mr J. Squires, at Stokes Valley, was destroyed by fire at 2 a.m. yesterday. The building, which was a now one, was insured for £2OO and the furniture for £IOO in the Union office. The fire is supposed to have been caused through a defect in the chimney.

Baldwin, the aeronaut, whose sensational drop from a balloon by means of a parachute from an altitude of 9100 feet at the Alexandra Palace, London, on October last, created such astonishment, will shortly visit this Colony. He arrives in Dunedin on February 12th, and after visiting Christchurch, will make an ascent probably from the Basin Reserve, in this city, on or about Monday, February 18th. A man named Michael Butler, employed on Mr McGuire’s reclamation contract, had a narrow escape between 2 and 3 o’clock on Sunday morning. Butler was in the act of stepping on to the wharf from the ship Invercargill when he missed his footing and fell. Fortunately he caught a fender, and hung there until he was assisted on to the wharf. He was taken in hand by Constable Robinson and conveyed to Dr Collins’, where it was found that his shoulder had been put out. It is expected that the annual tournament of tho New Zealand Bowling Association will be held in Dunedin during the second week in February, on lines similar to the Easter tournament of last yearj’and in addition the following games will probably be played under the auspices of the Association :—lntercolonial match (Australia v. New Zealand), North Island against Middle Island, and interprovincial matches. Very little rink practice for matches has yet been held by [the Wellington Club, and unless they are content to be again beaten by Wanganui no time should be lost in arranging systematic games by the best players in each of the four places in the rink. Message, a carpenter residing in Riddiford-streefc, Newtown, died very suddenly on Saturday morning. At about 10 o’clock he was sitting on a box in his bedroom, when he fell to the floor and expired. Dr Porter, who was sent for at once, arrived too late, of course, to give any assistance. Subsequently the doctor made a post mortem examination, and found that death was caused by fatty degeneracy of the heart. Mr Robinson, R.M. held an inquest, when a verdict in accordance with Dr Porter’s testimony was returned. The deceased was 72 years of age, and has two sons living in Wellington and two daughters in Auckland. There was a large attendance at the Welling Bowling Club’s green on Saturday, some of the rinks being occupied until after sundown. The alphabetical match resulted in a majority of six points for the second section. The following are the scores : BinkNol—Messrs Deacon, Cooper, Crombie, and Campbell, skip (11) against Messrs K. Wilson, Whitehouse, McGlashan, and Maskell, skip (21). Rink No. 2—Messrs Flanagan, Barraud, Lindsay, and Letham, skip (20) against Messrs Riley, Wheeler, G. Wilson, and Sooullar, skip (21). Rink No. 3—Messrs Gale, Dranafield, and Fergus, skip (21) against Messrs Sloan, Mitchell, Macgregor, McKerrow, skip (16). Totals— Second section, 58 ; first section, 52. The other matches played were—Rink No. 4 Messrs Duthie, Exley, Blackett, and Barron (skip) against Messrs Gray, Gasquoine, Bal-" linger, and Elliott (skip), the former winning by 21 to 16. Another game was played between these sides, Mr Blackett acting as skip for and Mr Gray instead of Mr Elliott on the other side, the result being a victory for Mr Blackett’s side by 16 to 7. Rink No. 5 —Messrs McDougall, Stewart, Reid, and McKerrow (skip) against Messrs Crease, Hutchens, Hislop, and Flyger (skip), the latter winning by 21 to 18. Rink No. 6—Messrs Sloan, Mitohell, Lonsdale and K. Wilson (skip), against Messrs Maskell, Cooper, Blair and Deacon (skip), winning by 12 to 9. Rink No. 7 —Messrs Muir, Didsbury and Flyger (skip) defeated Messrs Shortt, Whitehouse and Noyes (skip) by 16 to 11. Rink No. B—Messrs Noyes, Shortt and Whittem (skip) defeated Messrs Cooper, Muir and Didsbury (skip) by 21 to I 12. Most of the first sets of pairs and fours were concluded after the matches. The green will be prepared for play to-day, but not to-morrow, in order that members may have an opportunity of witnessing the Caledonian Society’s gathering. In consequence of his many other public duties Mr John Duthie has resigned his seat in the general committee of the club, and Mr Geo. S. Cooper was elected in his stead.

Towle’s Pennyroyal and Steel Pills for females quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so prevalent with the box. Boxes, Is l|d and 2s 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. Prepared only by the Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Company, Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations.

‘Keatings Powder,’ destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of tnis powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase is ‘Keating’s,’ as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins, 6d, la and 2s 6d each, by all chemists;

Nelson, Picton and the Sounds seem to be exceedingly popular for excursions during tho present holiday season. During the Christmas holiday the number of visitors to the “garden of New Zealand” from Wellington altogether exceeded that of previous years, attracted doubtless chiefly by the regatta. The PeDguin, which left on Monday evening for Picton and Nelson, took nearly 60 excursionists.

The Duke of Cambridge has completed his 51st year of service in the army, having been gazetted as a colonel early in November, 1837. For some time in 1838 and 1839 he served on the staff at Gibraltar, and after-ward-having meanwhile been appointed to the command of the 17th Lancers —he was on the staff in the lonian Islands. Appointed Major-General of the Dublin District in 1846, his Royal Highness was Inspector-General of Cavalry for two years from April, 1852, and went out to the Crimea in command of a division in 1854. The Duke of Cambridge has been at the head of the army over 32 years, and became Commander-in-Chief by patent on the occasion of his jubilee of service last year.

India is rapidly becoming self-supplying in the matter of coal. The quantity raised in 1886 from 69 collieries was 1,388,400 tons, while the quantity imported was 848,87 S tons. These figures appear in Engineering. Strange to Bay, the Statistical Abstract of India does not contain a word or figure relating to mineral production, but the total import of coal, coke, and patent fuel for 1887 is set down at 781,959 tons only, so that, while the consumption is rapidly increasing, the import is diminishing. Tho official mind recognises nothing but what can be put under the heads of imports and exports. There are altogether in India 105 collieries open, but respecting some of them there is no information obtainable.

A curious Thibetan musket or matchlock has found its way from Sikkim, where it was picked up after a battle, to Calcutta. It is described in the Indian papers as of primitive design, although comparatively new. It is a smooth bore muzzle loader, mounted on a long, narrow stock. The barrel is fitted with a double pronged rest, the points of which are sharply shod, so that the restitself may either he placed firmly in the ground or used, if necessary, as a bayonet. The contrivance is ingenious, and the weapon is not altogether to be despised. Attached to it is a belt, on which are strung six hollow wooden plugs for powder charges, and a small horn for priming powder. The workmanship of the whole is very rough, and there is soarcely any attempt at ornamentation.

An extraordinary and daring feat was accomplished by a labourer named Tom Hardy at the village of Moulton, near Spalding, Lincolnshire. Some months ago a sailor ascended the lofty crocheted spire of the parish church and tied a handkerchief to the weathercock. Moulton was the other day en fete on account of two weddings, and whilst one was proceeding the man Hardy ascended the spire and brought the handkerchief down, much to the astonishment of a large number of spectators. In the year 1812 a labourer residing in the village went up the spire with his little child, which he tied with a handkerchief to the weathercock. He then returned to his home, fetched his wife to look at the chilcT, and Bubsequeutly ascended the spire and brought it down safely.

The new title conferred on Lord Dufferin has excited unfavourable comment from the Spectator, not on the ground that Lord Dufferin does not deserve his honours, but because the second title—“ Ava ” —means altogether too .much for a Marquesate. The Spectator points out that “ Ava ” is in history the name o f the whole Burmese Empire, not of its capital only, and that an Earldom of Cauada, or a Marquesate of Australia, would hardly be more high sounding. The Spectator says “Ava is an empire. ~ The Queen might also as well have created Lord Raglan, if he had survived and been victorious, Earl of Russia.” Against this it must be said that no one now speaks of our latest conquest otherwise than as Burmah, and that few people take Ava to mean more than the capital. Sir Charles Rilke’s visit to India is proving a serious source of embarrassment in social circles in that country. At the present time society in England does not admit the late member for Chelsea into its midst, and the matronly dames of India are greatly troubled in spirit at the thought that they should be asked to do what their sisters in England refuse to do. As the guest of Sir Frederick Roberts he has very different status from that of a private visitor. He will be a prominent figure in the camp, when on tour will participate in official functions, and it will be impossible to avoid him unless Sir Frederick Roberts is also to be avoided. Lady Dilke visited in India as Mrs Mark Pattison, and her local knowledge may suffice to steer her husband safely through the shoals which lie in his course ; but, at the best, his position will not be a comfortable one. Cardinal Newman, who lies seriously ill at the Oratory, in Birmingham, has lived a most ascetic life. He inhabits two rooms, one of which is his study ond the other his bedroom. No visitors are allowed to enter his apartments, but the Fathers have free access to their superior at any time. About servants he is very particular. One James Cuswell was his favourite, a regular Handy Andy, faithful but rough and ready. The Cardinal goes to bed at 10 p.m.,and gets op at 5 a.m., winter and summer alike. “Office” till 7 a.m., breakfast at 9 a.m., back to his room where he conducts his correspondence, his devotions, and hiß studies. Dinner at 1.30. For the last two years ths Cardinal has never gone out in the afternoon. At 5.30 he obeys the voice of the vesper bell. After vespers, which last about 15 minutes, there is a theological discussion and some general conversation. At 7 the Cardinal retires to his room for the night.

It is reported that Messrs Lynch Bros, have sold their well-known farm at Patiki to Mr R. K. Simpson, of Marton, for the sum of £10,500. The lady promoters of the Mount View Asylum Christmas tree beg to return their sincere thanks to Dr Hassell, medical superintendent, and all other officials connected with the institution, for their courtesy and assistance, and to all who so kindly subscribed to the success of the entertainment.

The Duke of Edinburgh will next spring resign the command of the Mediterranean squadron and retire from the navy, as in future he is to reside in Germany during the greater part of each year. The Duke has received a private intimation from Berlin that he will do well—as heir of his uncle the Duke of Saxe-Coburg.Gotha—-to live as much as possible at or near Coburg, or his succession to the duchy may be imperilled. A thorough investigation of the Swedish glaciers has been made by Dr Svenonins. They number upward of 100, and cover a total area of 154 square miles, giving an average of a mile and a half to each. It should be possible to extirpate this little lot, to the improvement of the climate, by assisting nature, the melting of the glacier in summer being proportionate to the surface exposed to the air. This surface can be increased at , a trifling expense. When a glacier is once got rid of it does not readily form again.

new novitiate and scholasticate for training Roman Catholic clergy is about to be established in Wellington. The Very Rev. Dr Pestre has recently arrived from Sydney to take charge of the new institu-' tion, and is now the guest of the Very Rev. Father McNamara, V.G., Adm. With Dr .Pestre, three other clergymen, the Rev. Fathers Doherty and Tubman, and Chaix, also arrived from Sydney. The two firstnamed gentlemen will be attached to the teaching staff of St. Patrick’s College, and the Rev. Father Chaix left last evening by the steamer Penguin for Nelson, where he will be stationed for the present. A new fare checking machine for ’buses and tramcars has been invented by a Liver, pool gentleman. In addition to fulfilling its primary object, we learn that “the machine also contains a diary, "a timepiece and a thermometer, and is sufficiently ornamental tc form a pleasing adjunct to the internal decoration of our ’buses.” Was there ever such a versatile piece of mechanism ? Having effected so much the inventor should not stop short at this point. He ought tolfo adapt his fare checker appliance that it may also be utilised say a 3 a timepiece, a weighing machine, a musical box and a foot warmer.

A petition, which has already been extensively signed by some of the most distinguished men in science and literature, is being drawn up to the First Lord of the Treasury in favour of the claims of the widow and children of the late Mr Richard A. Proctor to a pension under the civil list in consideration of Mr Proctor’s services to science and to the popularising of science. Mr Proctor left a family of six children by bis first wife and two by his second. The total resources of his widow are stated to be not more than £l5O, and one of his sons suffers from au incurable hip disease. An archaeological discovery of some interest has been made in the tidal river Hamble, near Botley, Hants. A boat-house is being built at the point of the junction of the Curdridge Creek on the river, some distance above the spot where there is a still existing wreck of a Danish man-of-war. In removing the mud and alluvial soil to make sufficient waterway, something hard was encountered, which, on being carefully uncovered, proved to be a portion of a prehistoric canoe. It is about I2ft long by 2£ft wide, beautifully carved, and in a fairly good state of preservation.

The present leader of the religious organisation known as the Shakers is Elder F. W. Evans, an Englishman, who arrived in America in 1825. He is now 80 years of age, and is at present visiting the city of New York. He represents his organisation as being thoroughly prosperous, and increasing constantly in point of numbers. All property is held in common. Whenever any member of the society wishes to leave his home, the treasurer of tho society furnishes him with money. In the everyday life of the society none of the members have any money, or any use for it. They lead an agricultural and pastoral life. Celibaoy is a strict rule of the order. The Americans have devised a decided novelty in harbour defence. They propose to flood the rivers and bays with petroleum to be set on fire when the enemy’s ships have come near enough. There exists an intention to try the plan in the approaches to Philadelphia. There is no reason why a trial should not be made ; indeed it is requisite that this should be done, beeause it may be expected that some unforeseen con* sequences may ensue, and it would be as well to learn something about them before emergency arises. It will be remembered that the Thames was on fire on the occasion of the destruction of tho Tooley-street oil warehouses, so that the idea is feasible enough. Indeed, it may be easier to set a river on fire than to put the fire out. The Fire Brigade torchlight procession on Monday night was a most successful affair. The procession started from the Mannersstreet station shortly before midnight, and marched through the principal streets of the city. Coloured fires were burned continuously along the line of march, and an excellent display afterward was given, the whole producing a very fine effect. An amusing tableau, representing “ The Dajjjfttown Fire Brigade,’’ formed part of th 6 precession. A very large number of people witnessed the procession, which was quite a feature of the proceedings in connection with usheriDg in the new year.

Bishop’s Bradshaw and Timetable for January is now to hand. The Russian warship Najezslnik, which is expected at Auckland shortly, is a wooden vessel of 1300 tons.

Eighteen cases of typhoid fever were re* ported for a recent week in Melbourne, eight having proved fatal. There were also 16 cases of diphtheria, 11 of which were fatal.

The Christchurch Press states that tb© weather is bringing on the crops in the northern district in a remarkable way, and everywhere magnificent prospects for harvest show themselves.

The consumption of water in the metropolitan area of Victoria this year has been the greatest ever known. For the past fortnight the daily consumption has bean 30,000,000 gallons. This excessive demand is a of considerable apprehension to the water supply authorities. A scheme is being prepared for tho drainage of the Sebastapol plateau, in the Ballarat district, for goldmining purposes. Tho proposal is for the outlay of a quarter of » million sterling, to be raised by private enterprise, with a Government subsidy of £30,000.

“King” Tawhiao is at present busily engaged beautifying his place of residence at Pukekawa, New whares are being erected every day, and what with cultivations, fencing, etc., the settlement is assuming a very prosperous appearance.

Three houses near the Haymarket, Sydney, are occupied by no fewer than 533 Chinese, who boast that they are lodged for an average of a week. The beds are mere shelves, ranged round the room in tiers, and fully 50 Chinese are looated in some of the rooms.

The R.M.S. Ruapehu brought one of the largest mails landed in this Colony for a long time. There were 303 bags in all, including 47 for Auckland, 44 for Wellington, 34 for Christchurch, 27 for Dunedin, and 103 for the first port of call. The balance is for the other smaller ports. There were also 30 boxes of parcels, the first paroel moil ever received from London, containing 904 parcels of the value of £670.

The Marlborough Press of Saturday Bays : —“A large number of diggers have left Mabakipawa and Waikakaho for their wellearned holidays. We may state, as indicative of the fact that more gold is being ob. tained at Mahakipawa than most people are aware of, that one storekeeper at Cullensville brought to Picton £6OO worth of gold on Monday. Messrs Hart Waikakaho, are reported also to be in luck’s way, having obtained 36 ounces of gold out of a pot-hole on Friday last, and while washing up on the following day obtained five ounces more. We have obtained thi3 information from a trustworthy source. The Maoris at Waikakaho are also reported to be on good gold.”

Signor Crispi, the Italian Premier, in the course of a recent interview with a Daily Telegraph correspondent, said : —“ As far as Italy and England are concerned, it cannot be too frankly admitted or too emphatically insisted upon that we want you, and you want us. With immense sacrifices we have created, armed, and organised a vast military host. We are now in a position, at a few weeks’ notice, to send out of Italy from 590,000 to 600,000 excellent soldiers, and yet to keep at home a force fully adequate to defend our frontiers aid coasts against foreign attack. As a land military power, disposing of such resources as these in the way of effective fighting troops, our alliance may some day be of paramount importance to Great Britain. On the other hand, we may require your support in the Mediterranean, and it must always be of tho greatest moment to a country in the geographical position occupied by Italy to have the strongest naval power in the world for its firm friend and staunch ally.”

M. Jules Imbs, president of the Paris Syndicate of Inventors, has been explaining, before a group of eminent engineers and constructors, his new system of locomotion, which is to convey passengers at a speed of 500 kilometres per hour, without noise, shaking, or possibility of danger, reduc* ing the transport from Calais to Marseilles to 40 minutes, from Paris to St Petersburg to eight hours, and allowing of the sending of troops to any part of the frontier in proportionally short time. Tho persons who have examined this new mode of travelling, with the aid of a new motor furnished by an utterly unknown application of electricity, a>e said to regard it as destined to be one of the leading wonders of next year’s great show. As far as is yet known, the new system consists of an aerial railway placed on an “endless bridge,” on which the new motor will propel at the rate just mentioned a series of vehicles shaped like boats, covered, but well supplied with light and air, and containing 200 places. According to the New York correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald, never before did such heavy sums change hands on a presidential election as on that just ended. The pool rooms alone in New York city held 2,000,000d01s in stakes, and a far larger sum was deposited in banks and hotel safes. The manager of the Republican campaign has won 100,000dols, and one of its secretaries 48,000d01s more. Mr Soott, who mainlyinduced Cleveland to write that fatal Freetrade message, has lost 78,000d015, a piece of poetical justice in which every democrat finds a certain amount of comfort, hut most of the other heavy Democratic losers are professional sporting men. These gentry insisted in keeping the odds at 10 to 9 in favour of Cleveland up to the close of the polls, and offered such large amounts that syndicates had to be formed by Republicans to take up such wagers, just for the moral effect of showing that all confidence in Harrison’s chances had not fled. A. vice to Mothers ! —Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting eeth 1 Go at once to a chemist and got a bottle of Mas Winslow’s Soothing Sthdp. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is perfectly harm less and pleasant to taste, it produces natural, quiet sleep, by relieving the child f cm pain, and the little cherub awakes “as bright a a button.” It soothes the child, it softens the gums allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the .bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhtoa, whether arising from teething or other causes. Mrs Winslow’s Soothi g Syrup is seld by Medicine dealers everywhere at Ijd per bottle. »

The s.s. Wairarapa arrived at the Bluff on Monday afternoon with 91 saloon and 56 steerage passengers for all ports. Tuesday was an uninviting day for aquatic excursions, there being an unpleasant jobble in the harbour, but notwithstanding this the various marine trips were largely patronised. Beside the steamers engaged by the Hibernian Society to run to Somes Island, the steamers Huia, Mana, and Neptune ran to Lowry Bay, and upward of 500 visited that suburb by the throe steamers during the day. All the vessels were gaily dressed with bunting, and as they busily plied to and fro the scene presented was a very pretty one. The last of the excursionists returned to town about 7 p.m.

The increase of cancer in England and its cause is, says the Insurance Record (Loudon), discussed in a pamphlet by Johu Francis Churchill, M.D.. written in the form of a letter to the Registrar-General, Sir Brydgeß Henniker. Dr Churchill, In tlhe first part of his pamphlet, draws attention to the very decided decrease in mortality from consumption which has taken place in England during the last thirty years—a period coinciding with the introduction of his method of treatment of phthisis by the use of hypophosphites of lime and soda. The proper method of administering hypop'nosphites, according to Dr Churchill, is very imperfectly understood by a large number of medical men who adopt this treatment for consumption. All sorts of compounds of phosphorous are made use of indiscriminately, without any regard to their special and destinctive action upon the system. It is to this that he attributes the fact that while consumption on the one hand is on the decrease, cancer on the other hand is steadily n the increase.

The great Syndicate whose objeot it is to get a salt monopoly in England, and so to raise the price from 2s 6d a ton to 12s 6d, and of which reports have been given in our telegraphic columns, has proved very successful. Messrs Morton, Rose, and Co. says a recent exchange, have been overwhelmed with applications for shares in the New Salt Syndicate ithe Salt Union, Limited), those from the Cheshire district being especially numerous. The authorised capital is three millions, but it is estimated that nearly 12 times that has been subscribed. The exact figures have not yet been ascertained, but applications for £25,000,000 of shares have been totalled, and it is computed that about another 10,000,000 remain to be dealt with. The ordiuary £lO shares are at a premium of from 3£ to SJ. On the Liverpool Stock Exchange, on Wednesday, there was great excitement with reference to the allotment of shares. The shares, nominally £lO, speedily run to £l4, and before closing were quoted at £l6. The Hospital authorities desire to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following contributions to the Christmas tree and Christmas festivities:—ss 6d from S. B. L. (per Mr Gaby), 7s 6d from Father Smith, a parcel of toys, Ac., from Mrs Twiss (Kindergarten School), toys from the Misses Jones, flowers from Mrs H. D. Bell (per Mr Turnei-), a large doll from Mr 3 Thompson, a parcel from Mesdames Bennett and Webb, the use of a truck from the Mauawatu Company to convey ferns, &c., down their line for decorations, the use of flags from Turn bull and Co., Christmas cards and envelopes from Mr Lankshear, two lambs from Mr E. Barber, Cuba-street. They also take this opportunity of heartily thanking tradespeople for having so liberally contributed of their goods ; also to the ladies and gentlemen who sent money, and to all who in any way contributed to the very enjoyable day spent fcy all who were able to partake of the abundant supplies provided. It will be satisfactory to hear that the amount contributed was more than double that of last year, and that there will be a good balance left after meeting all the expenditure. It is proposed to spend it in wheeled invalid chairs, by which the children and patients can be taken out into the grounds with comfort during the fine weather. The special correspondent of the Daily Telegraph in Rome has had an interview with Signor Crispi, and was favoured by the Italian Prime Minister with some declarations as to Italian policy in regard to various questions of the day. As far as Italy and England are concerned, Signor Crispi said that it could not be too frankly admitted or too emphatically insisted upon that “we want you and you want us.” “With immense sacrifices we have created, armed, and organised a vast military host. We are now in a position, at a few weeks’ notice, to send out of Italy from 500,000 to 600,000 excellent soldiers, and yet to keep at home a force fully adequaten to defend our frontiers and coasts against foreign attack. As a land military power, disposing of such resources as these in the way of effective fighting troops, our alliance may some day be of paramount importance to Great Britain. On the other hand, we may require your support in the Mediterranean, and it must always be of the greatest moment to a country in the geographical position occupied by Italy to have the strongest naval Power in the world for its firm friend and staunch ally. I am glad to say that not ODly are the official relations between England and Italy of the most cordial character, but that the strong sympathy which has existed for so many years between the English and the Italian peoples has never been more sincere than it is now. Italy owes a great deal to your conntry, and we are not ungrateful, believe me. It is natural that Englishmen and Italians should be friends ; they are so, fortunately, and we, for our part, shall leave nothing undone in order that they may continue to be so.”

The tram cars travelled by way of Courtenay-place on Tuesday in. consoquence of the Ingestre.street crossing being out of order. The service, was, however, excellently conducted, and no inconvenience was caused to the public. The New Year would appear to have been ushered in very temperately so far as alcoholic indulgence is concerned. No drunkards were arrested on New Year a Eve, and consequently there was no business for the Magistrate's Court on Tuesday morniug. The railway lines were largely patronised on New Year’s Day. By the first train to the Wairarapa 368 passengers were booked, the down train briDg'ng about 400. To the Lower Hutt and intermediate stations about 2500 holiday-makers wereconveyed. Between 1600 and 1700 persons travelled on the Wel-lington-Manawatu line. On Monday afternoon the Mayor called the members of the City Council together with a view to considering what steps should be taken to entertain Admiral Fairfax and the officers of the squadron during their stay in Wellington. The matter was discussed at length, and it was eventually decided that his Worship should invite the citizens to attend a meeting at which definite action will be taken. We understand that the meeting will be convened for Monday next. A man named Edwin Crowder, 32 years of age, died at the Lunatic Asylum, of which he had been an inmate since Novem. her last, on Monday afternoon. The deceased came from Normanby, and had been gradually sinking for some time prior to his death. Mr Robinson, R.M., held an inquest on Tuesday, assisted by a jury of which Mr Charles Connor was foreman. The evidence showed that death was caused by asthma and bronchitis, and the jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.

In Great Britain some stupidly mischievous young people are now writing and posting letters in the name of “Jack the Ripper.” At Bradford “a very respectable girl,” who earns her living in a mantle shop, has been arrested for indulging in this exceedingly bad joke, and the Glasgow police have been pestered by a similar freak on the part of a lad, also “in a respectcble position.” In both cases the first effect was to alarm numbers of very easily frightened people, and the second to caube a perfectly unnecessary addition to the cares of the police, who have always quite enough to do if they mind their business properly. The annual outing of the Hibernian Society was held on New Year’s Day at Somes Island and took the shape of a monster picnic, to which members anil their friends flocked in great numbers. The steamers Kauieri and YVaihi were chartered for the occasion, and until late in the morning they were kept going as busily as possible between the Queen’s Wharf and the island. During the day it was estimated that between 600 and 700 people visited the island, and it is to the credit of the management that, notwithstanding the crowded attendance, there was not a hitch in the arrangements. Tha Committee of Management were—Messrs C. Bradley (President), P. Carmody (Vice-President), E. Oarrigan (P. P.), M. Bohan (treasurer), D. Hayes, J. Gleeaon, C. Hickey, G. McNamara, W. Prenilorgast, E. and J. Dealey, P. O'Connor and T. Burke. Mr. W. J. Grant, the' energetic secretary of the Society, also was untiring in his efforts to make the outing a success. The Hibernian Band, under Bandmaster Jenkins, helped to ensure the success of the picnic. Early on Tuesday morning a youth, who was fishing on the Queen’s Wharf, at the rear of the outer goods shed, on the righthand side second tee, noticed smoke issuing from the shed. He immediately gave the alarm to the watchman on the wharf, and they on entering the shed, which was full of smoke, found that it cams from beneath the flooring near the donkey engine which works the wool.dumping machinery. A few buckets of water well applied soon got the fire under, and in a few minutes it was extinguished altogether. The origin of the fire is unknown, bat it is supposed that the heat from the engine-boiler caused the planking to ignite. The fire must have been smouldering for some days, as a 12in beam was burnt right through. The discovery of the fire was a mo3t timely occurrence, as the Bhed was closed, it being a holiday, and none of the men were about. Had it not been found, out, a most serious conflagration must have resulted, as the shed was full of bales of tow and other inflammable material. A gang of workmen were put on to raise the boiler, so as to prevent a repetition of a similar accident.

the last day of the past year Thomas Smith, of Horokiwi Valley, one of the oldest settlers cf the district, died at the ripe old age of 89. Mr Smith was a native of the city of Cork, asid arrived in this city in the year 1854. After a residence of three years in Wellington he took up land in the Horokiwi Valley, and remained there till the day of his death. He was one of the old stamp of true pioneers. Full of industry and perseverance, he pushed his way into an almost unknown country at that time, and by sheer indomitable pluck established a comfortable home for hia young family. He went through all the hardships and privations incidental to our early settlers, with a light and oheerful heart, and amidst difficulties which would have daunted many a less stronger minded man secured for himself and family a substantial home. During his long residence in the district he endeavoured to live at peace with all men, He took no part in local or general politics, bub devoted all his energy to the improvement of his property. He was considered one of the oldest members of the Oddfellows’ Society of the present day, having joined that order in Cork in the year 1829. Of strong robust health, he often boasted that he never had a day’s sickness in his life, and np to within a short time of hia death indulged in his daily dip in a neighbouring creek. His wife ha 3 been dead for several years, and he leaves three sons and a large family of grandchildren. Few men were better known or more highly respected in the province than the late Thomas Smith. He was ono of the old school of Irish gentlemen, firm to his friends, true to himself, and a neighbour whom to I now was to honour. His funeral took place on Wednesday,

The Nile has fallen 30in in a week. The water is now lower than was ever known in Egypt, even by tradition. The steamer Brunner, which arrived here on Tuesday morning from the South, brought 101 bags of English mails for Wellington and Northern ports ex the R. M.S. Ruapehu. The Wanaka, from Lyttelton, which reached here yesterday afternoon, brought 34 bags of the Ruapehu’s mails and 19 boxes of mails per the parcel post, by the Ruapehu. Twelve of the latter are for Wellington, six for Auckland, and one for Napier. The Fire Brigade annual ball was held at the Drillshed on Tuesday evening, and proved highly successful, fully 200 couples being present. The Drillshed was very tastefully decorated for the occasion with bunting and ferns, while at intervals round the walls were hung photos of the various brigades in the principal towns in the Colony. In the centre, in an enclosed fernery, Grey's band were stationed, and they contributed to the success of the ball in no small degree by the excellent music which they supplied. Messrs Jenkins and Webb acted as joint M.C.’s, and in the intervals between the dances several gentlemen contributed songs. Messrs Kennedy Bros, and Arena supplied the refreshments, which were eminently satisfactory. Foreman J. F. Adams and the secretary (Mr M. F. Kennedy) used their utmost endeavours to promote the success of the reunion, and to these gentlemen great credit is due.

A correspondent of the church paper, The Guardian, writes :—“An oft-discussed event in Bible narrative is that of the miraole of the sun standing still at the prayer of Joshua (Joshua x, 12-13), Many explanations have been offered of this wonderful occurrence, but without attempting to discuss any of them, we will turn to Whitaker’s Almanack for this year, and on page 531 find the Chronological History of Astronomy. To the date b.c. 1454 is the note, ‘ln the reign of Yao, the seventh Chinese Emperor, the sun is recorded to have stood still.’ The date affixed in the Bible to the event is b.c. 1451—only three years’ difference - and the closeness of the two dates makes it almost certain that they refer to one and the same event. The Chinese were keeping written records of astronomical observations 2857 years before Christ; and a member of our Royal Astronomical Society has verified an eclipse that ia mentioned in these same Chinese annals as taking place in b.c. 2158, 700 years earlier than this notice of the sun standing still.” It is an old and true saying that one goes from home to hear news. In the Colonies and India for the 14th November a Mr Geo. Graham, of Hove, Brighton, writes on the prospects, &c., of Taranaki, and says :—“ 1 beg to call your attention to the fact that a railway has been made from Auckland to Stafford (sic), a station distant ooly 35 miles from Taranaki. If a railway- were made from Stafford through this fertile district, then Tarahaki would be only about five hours distant by rail from the port of Auckland, which harbour is one of the best in the Southern Seas, and the safest in New Zealand. In the Taranaki and Wellington Provinces there is no coal. In the Auckland Province very extensive coal deposits exist, and on the YVaikato, near the line of railway, some have for., years been worked, and found suitable for steam and domestic purposes. At the present time all the coal used in the Wellington and Taranaki Provinces is imported hy sea. This would be remedied if the 35 miles of railway as above suggested was made, and then it would improve trade and oommorce and the value of property.” This is a most amusing geographical jumble. We (Australasian Ironmonger) are indebted to Captain Whitney for some particulars of the new rifle just adopted by the Imperial Government. The calibre is - 303 in, the smallest ever adopted, and less than half that of the Martini-Henry rifle. It has Mitford rifling, seven grooves, and one turn in lOin ; weight with magazine, 91bs 2oz, about the same as the present weapon. The detachable magazine holds eight cartridges and one in the barrel. The side arm is 12in lung, and weighs lib. The explosive consists of seventy grains of compressed black powder j the bullet is metal cased, and weighs 217 grains. The weight of a hundred rounds of ammunition is six pounds four ounces, or half that of the Martini-Henry ammunition. The range is effective up to 2800 yards, with a velocity of 2200 feet per second, about double the range of the Martini-Henry. The cartridge reß ruble ‘ the Lepel so far as is known, but its acouracy is much superior to even match cartridges. The weapon ia almost an exact equivalent of the rifles adopted by the European Powers. The annual Orange picnic, which had been postponed from the Prince of Wales’ birthday, was held on Tuesday in Mr Chittick’H paddook, Lower Hutt. The weather was fine, and there were about 500 people present. The members of the various lodges assembled at the lodgeroom. York-street, at 9 a. or., and matched in procession, headed by the Protestant Band, under Bandmaster King, to the railway station. The party were taken to the Lower Hutt by special train at 10.15. A programme of sports was successfully gone through on the ground, the results of the principal events being as follow :—Boys’ Race (under 10)—-Emeny, 1 ; Bernard, 2; Price, 3. Girls’ Race (under 10) —Mary Allen, 1; A. Patrick, 2; A. Purdey, 3. 100yds Handicap Members’ Race (prize, a silver emblem)—C. Morris (2yds), 1 ; James (scratch), 2, Thirteen started for this event. 100yds Boys’ Race (under 15; —P. Smith, 1. The 100yds Open Race was won by a Maori, who also won the pig hunt. In addition to the sports, cricket, rounders and other games were indulged in. The duties of starter and handicapper were satisfactorily performed by Mr G. Purdey, and Messrs J. Beck and D. Auld officiated as judges. The members of the Committee were Messrs Purdev, Parr, Harris, Beck, Patten, Auld, Serwill, Rash, Milligan, Thew, Clayton and Beherell. Several selections of pleasing musio were performed by the band during the day. In the evening a tea meeting was held at the Rechabifce Hall, which was well attended. The proceedings were wouud up with a danoe. Mr McWhiaey acted as M. 0., and Mr E. J. King, junior, ably presided at the piano.