CURRENT TOPICS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6452, 25 February 1908, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

THE VANISHING MORIORI. The Native Health Officer, Dr Pomare, speaking to a “Times” reporter yesterday, said that during hri recent trip to the Chatham© he had found the few rorn,■Rants of the Moriori trilio living on the group to be faithfully obeying the Government’s regulations as to sanitation. and so on. But for all that, it was now only a matter of years before the race would bo quite extinct. At tho present time there were but six men and throe women of pure Moriori blood left, and as only one, a man, was at all young, and he was married to a wife of Maori blood from the South Island, the days of the race were practically numbered. LANDS FOE SETTLEMENT. Within tho next three months a large area of land acquired under tlio Lauds for Settlement Act will be thrown open for selection. This includes the following estates: —To Aral, Poverty Bay (10,539 acres); Taumata, Otago, 3388 acres; Meadowbank, Otago; Tautari, Auckland; and Braeburn, Nelson. About 6000 acres of the Piri Pird block, near Dannevirke, acquired from the natives, is now under survey, ahd will be opened in the spring. A considerable area of country would now have been ready for settlement, but great difficulty has been experienced in the work of survey. Surveyors are scarce, and those in the service of the department have their time fully occupied.

STOCK AND THE DROUGHT. It has been suggested by some people that one effect of the present drought and its accompanying fires would be to cause a great influx of sheep and cattle to the boiling-down works, for the simple reason that their owners had nothing to feed them on. This, however, has not been, the experience of the Wellington Meat Company. ( Speaking to a “Times” representative yesterday, the manager said he had not noticed any increase of business in this direction. In any case,- if stock had been starved, it would be of little us© for boilineg-down purposes, as the fat would then be almost a minus quantity. The only real difference noticed in the stock at present coming forward was that it was not of the same prime quality as usual. : though that was only to be expected.

BOBS” AND THE CADET . MOVEMENT.

A letter. has been received ■ by Lieutenant Colonel Loveday, the officer commanding tho public school cadet corps of tho Dominion, from Lord Roberts, conveying the latter’s congratulations on the success that has attended the school cadet movement in New Zealand. "That tho number of cadets," the letter remarks, “should bo now nearly 15,000 is most satisfactory, but it is even more so to know that the value of cadet training is being more and more recognised by tho general in the education of our hoys, and I hope that the time is not far off when it will be recognised as am essential part of that education. The country should be very thankful to you for the way in which you are fostering this groat movement, which is so valuable 'both for tho individual and for tho nation.” The number of cadets in New Zealand at present is over 15,003. tho strength, of the corps having thus increased nearly fourfold since 1902, when the number was about 4000. THE ART GALLERY. The New Zealand Academy of Arts in Whitmore street contains a collection which has grown year by year until it is capable of providing an interesting afternoon for even the casual visitor. Sunday is recognised in many big cities as tho popular day for art galleries, and the Academy has endeavoured to meet the public, as far as its limited funds will allow, by opening the gallery on the first Sunday in each month. As there are three other Sundays, ffnd possibly four, in some months, the average visitor has a fair chance of having his taste for art shattered by making a special visit which, will result only in Seeing the closed doors of the gallery. An effort, however, is being made to provide improved facilities. Mr W. Leslie, one of the Academy’s artist-members, has offered to gratuitously take charge of the gallery on one Sunday per month if three others can be found to display equal self-sacrifice by filling in the remaining vacancies. It is hoped that Mr Leslie will have an opportunity of carrying out his' excellent intentions.

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK. Mr E. P. Turner, Government Surveyor, is still busily engaged in carrying out the survey of the Tongariro National Park. The boundaries are being altered and generally revised so as to take in all the pieces of natural bush that may have been left out in the Scenery Board’s reservation, with a view to the adaption by the board of a workable scheme both in. regard to the boundaries and the preservation of th ? bush. Reports received by the Lands Department show that the whole of the bush country around Tongariro has been swept by tire, though the damage done has not been very great within the area comprising the National Park. Dr Cockayne, who is conducting a botanical survey of the bush at Tongariro, met with an accident, injuring one of his knees through striking a boulder. Acting under medical advice, he has proceeded to Christchurch for a fortnight's rest. WILTON'S BUSH. Official reports received by the Lands Department show that the damage caused to Wilton's bush by the fires has not been nearly so groat as was at first supposed. It is hoped, as a result of the valuable assistance rendered by men of the permanent force, now camped there watching this beauty spot, that much

of it will be saved, So far tho City Council doc-5 not seem to have concerned itself about the reserve, naving left the whole of the work of protection to the Government, but for the watchful care of whose representatives the whole of the bush might have been destroyed. It may be argued that the property is under the control of the Scenery Preservation Board, and that, therefore, the Council has no responsibility whatever in the matter. .But against this contention must be placed the fact that the reserve is situated so close to the city, and being perhaps the most charming of Wellington’s very few scenic resorts, some concern should have been shown by the Council in the endeavour to save the bush from destruction. Perhaps it is not too late even now lor the Council to take some action in this direction.

HELP TO BURNT-OUT SETTLERS. “Instructions have been given by the Department to the Crown Lands Commissioners that when application is made for grass seed by burnt-out settlers, and an estimate of the loss is given, the rangers are to proceed at once to verify the statement, and if a Government surveyor happens to be nearer at hand than the ranger, lie will make an estimate of the amount required for re-grassing, so that there shall be no delay,” I'emarked Mr W. C. Kensington, Undcr-Scc3*c-tary of Lands, when questioned on the subject yesterday. “We have got surveyors spread pretty well all over the country, and they, as weu as the rangers, will be of assistance in this work. Instructions to this effect were ksued a fortnight ago, and these have been supplemented since by telegraphic advices. Directly the Commissioner is satisfied of the amount of loss suffered, he has authority to give an order* to tho settler to obtain the seed from merchants from whom quotations have been received by the Commissioner. The loss will be mostly confined to the North Island. Practically not much damage has been done so far in Nelson, and comparatively little in Marlborough. Canterbury and Otago have not been effected by the drought in this respect, though there has been considerable Ices in Southland owing to the fires. This is already being dealt with. Generally speaking, I think It will bo found that the losses have been exaggerated/’

NOT A STRONG RAT. 'The Squatters’ Journal detects the rat of Socialism in the intention of the Government to provide grass seed for fire-stricken farmers, but as it is not a largo rat, it has decided to let it through the mesh just for this once. In yesterday’s issue it gravely remarked: —“The decision of the Government to grant State aid to the sufferers from the disastrous fires that have hcen raging in tho Interior this summer involves a principle that may not meet .with universal favour, but one which, in tho circumstances, it is difficult to quarrel with. If the fires had resulted only in individual hardships affecting only the individuals immediately concerned, there would hardly bo warrant for State assistance, but tho actual position appears to be otherwise. The individual losses, by their extent and their nature, mean a loss to thp \ commonwealth—not actually, but in. tho nature of, a national calamity; audit is,therefore, a legitimate concern of the State as a whole to assist to cure its wounds.” The argument amounts'to this: If thre? farmers or a dozen or a score had been yuined by fire, the State would have 1 been wrong to extend a helping- hand, but as the calamity is general the principle of helpful State Socialism must be condoned on general principles. Our juvenile contemporary’s logical method is curious but not unique. If we are to believe tho author of tho Bigelow Papers it once had vogue in American politics: I I just let on I smell the rat— That is. I moan it seems to me so; But of the Public think I’m wrong, I won’t deny but what it be so. An’ fact it don’t smell very strong.

TIRED TEACHERS. We Hope that the protestations of the Auckland school teachers, who have practically had the control of their cadet corps taken out of their hands, because of their failure to accompany the boys into comp on the Sabbath, will meet with the enub direct at headquarters. It appeal's to us that these pedagogues are either playing to the gallery, or they are just tired. The Sabbatarian cry is inspired by either the one or the other of these unworthy considerations. Some of our local clergy have taken advantage of the opportunity of a Sabbath encampment to got in some very good work. They were probably able to appeal last Sunday to a lot of lads who ‘‘never darken a church door” in such a manner ns to convey to them in a hearty and manly way some homely truths calculated to set the boys thinking, and have a marked effect on their after lives. The Auckland “Star” seems to have talked a great deal of nonsense in regard to the action of the Auckland pedagogues, overlooking tho fact that it was tho teachers who deserted the boys and not tho boys the teachers. If there is • any subversion of discipline, it .is on the part of the quaint disciplinarians who are funking the ordeal of the Sunday encampment. They might have sot an example of discipline and of duty for duty’s sake, but they are. as it were, sulking in their tents and letting the cadets go forth alone. We take a pride in the organisers of the encampment, who are just going gaily on without them. It will teach them a lesson and do good. Boys are better in camps, gaining discipline and learning drill, even on tho Sabbath, than wandering aimlessly about the countryside. For Satan finds eome mischief still for idle hands to do!

NEW FIRST STEAMERS. A correspondent of the “New Zealand Herald'' gives some interesting information regarding the first steamers built in New Zealand. The first steamer, he states, was built by Mr Stone, some time in the early fifties, and was called the Governor Wynyard. The engines were constructed by Messrs Bourn© and Dove, whose foundry was situated about the site of Dalton's tailoring establishment in Queen street. The vessel was not a financial success in New Zealand waters, and she was taken to Melbourne, where the diggings had been just previously discovered. The Governor Wynyard then carried on a service between Melbourne and Hobson's Bay, and did very well. “The second steamer built in Auckland was by the Messrs Tizard, and was called the City of Auckland/' adds the correspondent. “She was built about 1857 or 1858. and ended her career a short time subsequently in St George's Bay. She was engaged in the firewood trade, and burned her whole cargo on one oc- , casion between Coromandel and Auok-

land, and was also nine or ten days on the trip, bo it may be assumed tliafc she was not a financial success. I remember boarding her in Coromandel, when her owner informed me she was built on the linos of the Great Eastern, that is, that her length was ten times her beam, and that when they put new tubes in the bailor she would be a complete success." The third steamer built in New Zealand : was also fortunate. She was about to sail for the south with passengers bound for the Otago diggings, when some “evildisposed villain" let all the water out of the boilers, with the result that serious damage was done. Subsequently the vessel came to grief in. a hurricane which visited Auckland in the early sixties, when some twenty-five vessels were smashed against one another on the wharf. The Phoenix, as the steamer was called, sank at her moorings. Later cn she was raised and converted into a sailing vessel.

A BUST SCHOOL. Anyone who visits the Wellington Technical School cither during the progress of the day or evening Glasses will bo convinced that a big section of the community is fully alive to the fact that something more than a knowledge of ‘’The three RV.” is necessary to equip the modem youth or maiden for business life. Building is an industry booming in Wellington, and likely to flourish for many years, in view of the country’s wonderful capacity for development, and a glimpse of the classes in building construction, architecture, carpentry, joinery, and plumbing indicates that the coming tradesmen will bo equipped with something more than a rule-o’-thumb knowledge of their craft. These classes have booonio very much stronger this session. Other biramchos of the school’s work receiving excellent support are. those dealing with electricity, commercial education, and art. The development in the last-named lias not been so much numerically as in the larger number of subjects taken by the students, thus indicating a growing tendency to study art seriously rather than as a pastime.

A LIBERAL ESTIMATE. When tho Reverend Mr Harry, of Ballarat, oamo to oabnljt review the position on the morning alter the delivery of his now famous farewell sermon, he must havo been astonished at his own generosity. To acknowledge that in a small town of forty thousand inhabitants, or thereabouts, there should bo five thousand “genuine Christians” scorns to bo a wholesale exaggeration of charity, and yet, reading between the lines, it is evident that Mr Harry’s intention was to say something unpleasant. Ballarat, which, like a good many other places, must havo been sustained by a hope that there were at least a dozen righteous persons in it, will soon bt suffering from inordinate vanity. THE EIRE SCARE. Reports which reach us from all parts of the country indicate tnat the damage which has been caused by hush and grass fires in the northern part of the Dominion has been very gravely exaggerated. In very few oases, so far as can bo ascertained, have tho settlers suffered extensive or overwhelming damage, though in certain isolated districts the immediate loss of stock and fodder has made the winter outlook n serious ono for the individuals concerned. On the other hand the fires have, by sweeping through log and weed-infested country, cleaned up the land in most salutary fashion, and put hundreus, and, in oases, thousands of pounds on to tho value of the properties affected; Given a plentiful supply of good grass seed and an early and copious downfall of warm rain our farmers will have i.aie reason to regret the “drought” of 1903.

THE WHITE PLAGUE. Considering the princely Bums he has donated to public libraries, the halfmillion marks which Mr Carnegie has contributed to' the Koch tuberculosis fund does not strike the observer as being magnificent. When you boil down 500,000 marks into English money you get .£24,500, for the exact value of the German coin with, the high-sounding title is just HJd. It would take a goodly number of marks to booth the SbotsAmorican millionaire’s bill fob libraries in Now Zealand alone. If he had adopted tho ratio between expenditure on books . and on means for the suppression of consumption adopted by our Government, his benefaction to Dr Koch had probably run into millards of marks. But, after nil. the German professor has no'more right to look at a gift horse in the month than we had to accept the Carnegie breed of animal at all.

TO-DAY'S BOAT RACE. It may be said that tine eyes not only of Wanganui but of the world will be focussed upon tho result of the aquatic contest which will take place on a New Zealand river to-day. The athletes of tho Dominion hare already established , a remarkable, record, and it may be said without exaggeration that they have well upheld the reputation of tho British stock. It is a significant fact that the two men who will be engaged in to-day’s Titanic struggle for a world’s championship are natives of tho sunny lands of the Southern Hemisphere. Webb was bom at Lyttelton and Tresidder at W’allsend. New South Woles. The New 'Zealander has youth on his side, and is a! muscular and finished oarsman and a ! good stayer. The Australian is the older, the more robust, and tho more experienced oarsman. May they have a clean, fair race, and may the best ,man win I

INDIGNANT NEW PLYMOUTH. Xc was about time that somebody arose with the courage to fling a javelin into the ranks of the High Day and Holiday Association Unlimited. The Dominion of New Zealand is by way of becoming, a place where business is the least seri-| ous consideration, and work a perfunc-1 tory necessity for those whose real and serious bent is the pursuit of pastimes and tie playing of games. In many shops and counting-houses hours of time are dishonestly filched by artisans and clerks in aimless dissertations on sport, and for this reason it is rarely that an employer gets the whole-hearted and conscientious service of the young gentlemen whose wages he is called upon to pay. We venture to predict that even in Wellington more attention will be focussed on the newspaper windows to ascertain the result of the Wobb-Tresid-der boat race this afternoon than on the books and ledgers with which business in its incidence is more intimately concerned. Horse-racing used to occupy the leading place in popular interest, brut this has been dimmed of late by the precaution otf the Legislature to prohibit the puibiioataoin of the betting odds. Hut

the carnival spirit is unquenchable. In the provincial towns especially shops and offices are dosed on the slightest provocation, and tho few people who imagine that business is «, serious matter are often chagrined to find that tho populace has taken itself oft to witness a. football or cricket match or a horse race, and left trade and custom to take care of itself. When our public servants follow emit, and the stock offices, Custeimhouso offices, post offices, etc., put up their shutters, tho trouble is intensified. A baud contest is no doubt n very important phase of national development, and New Plymouth is justified in becoming a little excited by suoh on event transpiring in its midst, but many sensible people will agree with tho Minister of Internal Affairs that it does not justify tho suspension of public baseness for three half-days in the week, especially when tho more convenient alternative of liberating the officials in instalments presents itself.

NEWS NOTES.

Tho "Now Zealand Tiince” Special Hewing Number went to Wanganui yesterday morning in charge of Mr Dickie, our sale's agent, and a staff of special rumors, and was on sale in the streets of tho northern city yesterday afternoon. “Selling like hot cakes!” was tbo cryptic message which reached this office last night. The edition, which is a historical one, is most excellently illustrated by Mr Iliscocks, the local artist, and will bo made available to our readers with to-day's issue. A report of tho race furnished by our special reporters on the spot will appear in to-morrow’s edition.

The Government training-ship Amokura left Auckland on Saturday night in continuation of her northward cruise.

Mr H. Waterhouse, a contractor in the Martinborough district, has secured a contract from the Wellington Education Board to erect a small school at thc»Dyer settlement.

Mr B. G. B. Moss, who represented Ohinemuri in the Inst Parliament, has expressed his determination to stand for the Parnell scat at the coming general election. Mr Moss's father was member for Parnell for many years. There lias just comO to hand, consigned to the Chief Government Veterinarian, a largo shipment of white mice and white rabbits, from thfe Cancer Research Institute. London, for experiment purposes at the Wollacevillo laboratory. A Press Association telegram from Dunedin, published yesterday with regard to the headquarters of the Royal Exchange Assurance Company, was misleading. The company’s principal office for Bow Zealand is in Wellington, under the charge of Mr 0. 11. Bendall. Tho effects of the prolonged drought are beginning to bo felt in Auckland, where it is feared that the sources of tho city’s water supply will show signs of shrinkage unless rain comes shortly. Tho streets are being sprinkled with seawater, in order to avoid unnecessary waste.

Tho hush fires, the reports in regard to some of which appear to have been somewhat exaggerated, are. having their financial effect. Money available from lending institutions is tigntening, so far ns advances on stock, etc., in bush districts is concerned, and is likely to remain tight whilst the drought lasts. His Honor Mr Justice Chapman will sit this morning at 10.30 o’clock for the purpose of hearing a civil action in which Heber Brown claims from Heenan and Pronde damages for injuries through an accident which occurred some months ago while Brown was working at the new garbage destructor on Clyde quay. A common jury will be empanelled to try the case. The Government, steamer Hinemoa, which is returning from her periodical round trip to Southern lighthouses, arrived at Bruce Bay, South Westland, on Sunday afternoon from tho Bluff. She was duo at Westport last night and at Wellington to-morrow morning. Tho Hinomoa will work tho Brothers lighthouse prior to laying up for an overhaul.

The material for the Charlotte street tramway deviation, ordered from Home by the City Council, is expected to be landed in Wellington in tho course oi a week or so. The work, it is anticipated, will be completed before winter is over. It is hoped the Government will consent to tho setting back of tho fence of the Governor’s residence grounds by a few feet to permit of the widening of Charlotte street. •

The Scenery Preservation Boards of the Taranaki and Auckland provinces sat in Auckland last week. Thera were present—Messrs T. Humphries (SurveyorGeneral), T. E. Donne (Superintendent of Tourist Resorts), F. Simpson (Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki), and J. Mackenzie (Commissioner of Crown Lands for Auckland). Matters in connection with the , preservation of scenic areas. in )>oth islands were discussed and recommendations to tho Government made in numerous instances.

The fog-signnlline apparatus to ho erected on Godley Head, at the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour, has arrived, and employees of tho Public Works Department are now engaged in the difficult task of cutting a track down the almost precipitous cliff below the lighthouse to a suitable site for the signal station mid-way between the lighthouse and the water. It was not considered advisable to place it near the lighthouse, as that position would be too much above the sea.

The tender of Hr A. Hadeckc, of Rangiora, to carry out mißcellaneous repairs on the Government steamer Hincmoa at a cost of £GBO has been accepted by the Marine Department. The following tenders were declined:—Hutchison and Campbell (Wellington), .£741! Muirison and Hnnkinson (Bluff), £900; Gardner and Co. '(Port Chalmers), £1040; Cable and Co. (Wellington). £1190; Luke and Co. (Wellington), £1310; Seagar Bros. (Auckland), £1375; Fraser and Sons (Auckland), £l4lO. The work of duplicating the DunedinMosgiel railway line is being rapidly pushed on. It is anticipated that within a few months the south-going trains will be run on the new line —that is, on the overhead system—os far as the Gavcrsham Gasworks cutting, thun avoiding the level crossings at the various points, 'turther, it is highly probable that in about eighteen months the department w-ill be in a position to run on the new track as far as Burnside, whv.h means that the big double will have by that time been completed and in use. One of the lady speakers at a recent meeting in Christchurch was rather severe on the Charitable Aid Board. “A most excellent body of men, no doubt." she said. “But there’s only one woman on the Board. What do they know abont tho management of children P They know nothing. They manage the finances, or mismanage them: but what do they know about the little ones? Yet we hand over the children to this respectable body of—of—old women, I was going to say. but old gentlemen, I mean. 7 ’

The list of cases to come on. for hearing at the sitting of the Arbitration Court, commencing hero early nexS month, is growing, and there promisee to be a large amount of business to transact. Up to the present sixty-seven cases of enforcements of awards have been filed, concerning nearly all the unions in the city. In addition to three, there are eight compensation for acci,dent oases, and the following disputes to be dealt with:—Electrical Workers, Wellington Bakers. Federated Seamen. Wellington Merchant Service Guild, Wellington Pullers’ Union, and the Wharf Labourers; also an application by the Wellington Drivers' Union to attach parties.

1 Some rates were written off by tho Pe- | tone Borough Council last night for f very good reason. “The land not there, was tho laconic legend appended to the U'l-ori by tho Council's rate collector.. The secretary of tho New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association has advised tho secretary of tho Wellington centre that tho New Zealand Water Polo Championship has been allotted to Weilingtouj and is to be decided at tho Centre Carnival, which will bo held at tho Thorudoa Baths, on March 14th. The Pctonc Borough Council last night received- an application from tho Citizens’ Brass Band for permission to have aa exhibition of cookery by gas at tho forthcoming bazaar. The suggestion being deemed n good one, permission was granted, and tho Mayor and Engineer were deputed to make arrangements. A woman proceeded against her husband for maintenance at tho Magistrate's Court yesterday, but failed to obtain j udgment. Determined to got some satisfaction, she waylaid him in ono of tho passages of tho Court building, and stoutly belaboured him with an umbrella. Dr Prengloy, tho District Health Officer, has written to the Petono Borough Cc-anoiJ, suggesting a number of alterations in its Offensive Trades By-laws for 190 S. He has pointed out also what scorned to bo inadvertent omissions. The suggestions will probably bo adopted when the by-law® come up for confirmation. Mr Nelson Illingworth, tho sculptor, will visit tho King Country shortly to execute a commission for tho Government. Ho has been asked to place on record in bronzo a series of sculptures ropicsouting Maori men and women of tho, old school,showing tho well-marked facial characteristics of tho different tribes. Mr J. B. Harcourt, president of tho Racing Club, is to be entertained by the stewards of tho club ond friends at Trontham on Saturday. A epochal train will take the party to tho raoeooruirso. An attractive sports programme has .been arranged. It is requested that in-vitation-hoWors who have not yet re. plied will piano themselves in communi. cation with tho secretary. News was received by the police yesterday morning that two Wellington young men, Aubrey Biss (19) and Albert Mason. (20), were lost iu tho bush in the vicinity of Day’s Bay, they having been missing from their homes since tho previous morning. A search party was or. gamised. The young men wore qnicklj discovered, none tho worse for theii outing. Tho new electric light signalling ap< pnratus, which is to bo used at night for denoting to incoming vessels tho berths to which they aro to proceed, is being erected over tbo signal tower at the outer too of the Queen's Wharf. It has been necessary to remove tho mast usually used for the flag signals, and in tho meanwhile tho flags are hoisted to tho ond of the derrick of the ton-ton crane at the outer tee.

Fifteen boarders in a six-roomed house! This etato of affairs was brought under tho notice of tho Isotope Borough Council last night by a communication from Dr Prongley, tho District Health Officer. In reply to hie request that tha matter should be inquired into, the Council decided to suggest to Dr Prongley that ho himself should take action, owing to tho ajjsenc© of any by-law enabling its officers to enter tho place and make an inspection. The following volunteer officers will sit for their written military examinations on March 4tb :—Acting-Captain H. N, Liordct, First Regiment Wellington Mounted Rifles; Acting-Lioutcnant G. J. S. Small, Hurnmna Mounted Rifles; Captain J. Hielop, Third Wellington Mount ed Rifles; Captain J. C. MoKillop, Mastorton Mounted Rifles; Major C. D. McIntosh, First Battalion Wellington Eifla Volunteers; Contain A. MooDiannid, Wellington Highland Rifles; Lieutenant C. B. Harton, Wellington Post and Telegraph Rifle®; Acting-Lieutenant P. do B, Brandon and Lieutenant G. Logan, Heretunnga Mounted Rifles; Acbing-Liouton-ant J. A. Somerville, Alexandra Mounted Rifles.

It seems that tho advance agent of a big circus has more to do than, sec that his bills are posted in a oohspicuous place. Mr G. L. Peterson, tho re. preaontativo of the Wirth Brothers 1 circus, found that the only place in Wellington which he, could rent was tho site of tho old tramshods in Adelaide road; Even this section, was not big enough, l so a gang of forty Corporation employees, with horses and drays, not to mention the steam roadroller, were put on yesterday to carry the bank at the roar of the section further back, and to clear away the ridges and fill up tho hollows on tho property. The section presented quite a busy appearance when tho work was in full swing. It is anticipated that the work will bo finished to-day, leaving the ground ready for the erection of tho tents next Monday. Invercargill has its own aeronaut,, Mr It. Murie, who made an ascent there ! last Wednesday. One of the local papon seized tho opportunity, and Wrote as follows:—“Almost majestic in its conipoise, its dfforttese and unhurried motion. the balloon sailed north till it hung over tho Waihopai, whore the dropping of ballast mode it rise in. the sumo deliberate, uncanny manner to a yot greater height. Hero it seemed to bo stationary while Mr Murie apparently, looking over Bluff hill and Mount Anglum, watched the i’aterson’s Inlet fishing fleet’s operations till with_ the tail of his eye ho caught sight of Gore having its mid-week half-holiday. Just as a commotion in the main street of Winton attracted him a counter-breeze came along and Wafted him to the westing.’’ After this it is mere commonplace to read that the voyager of the air came safely to land again.