LONDON GHAT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13958, 18 July 1907, Page 2

LONDON GHAT.

(FaoM OUE OwH COEHESFONDKNT.) LONDON. May 31. King Edward did another of his gracious acts a few days ago when he received 46 of tho veterans of the Crimean war and Indian rebellion of half a century ago. These were chiefly East Anglians, and they wore entertained at Sandringham, where his Majesty welcomed them cordially.- On tho lawn alwve the terrace on tho east front of the house they were drawn up in line ready for the King's inspection, thoso who were physically unablo to remain standing being accommodated with diairs. His Majesty shook each cordially by the hand, inquired concerning his health, examined his medals, and talked with him concerning the engagements in which he had taken part. After that his Majesty addressed all the men as follows: "I am very pleased to see so many o-f you hero looking so well and hearty. I hope that, although you aro no longer young, you have some years yet remaining: in which to enjoy this Norfolk air, and that I shall see you hero on a great many future ocoasions." The visitors wero then conducted to the ballroom, where abundant refreshments v/ere provided.

REVIEW AT ALDERSHOT. On Tuesday the King, with the Duke of Coiinaught and Prince Fnaliiini, of Japan, reviewed tho troops at Aldershot. As befitted tho occasion, as ono spectator remurks, the sshemo of operations which had been prepared by Sir John French was of more than ordinary interest. Here in the peaceful counties of the South of England was being reproduced with faithful accuracy tho tactical and strategical situation which but a fow years ago was represented in Northern Natal by the stem reality of war. For this purpose such part of Great Britain as lies to tho eouth of the Thames and of Gloucestershire took the place of an oversea colony, which, unprepared for war and insufficiently garrisoned, was being invaded from t-ho north by different columns of the enomy. Thn main portion of the forces at ) lie disposal of the local Commandcr-in-Chief had been forced buck to Aldcrshot. where they were being besieged by a hostiln army of double their strenirth. Their hope of relief was by reinforcements, which wore daily landing at Plymouth, Southampton, and Dover, and wero being hurric<l to the front. Hero, then, we had tho strategical situation that resulted in the eiego of Ludyemith. The King holds another review of tho Aldcrshot Army Corps on tho 12th of Juno in honour of the King of Denmark. Princo Fushimi concludes his visit to England to-day. He will embark in the Canadian Pacific Railway Company's steamer Empress of Ireland, which sails in the evening for Qucbeo and Montreal. The Prince has created a highly favourable impression during his stay in England, and if wo may accept «r, any guide his views and feelings, his words and demeanour, tho good impression has been mutual. At least we hope so!

NEW COLOURS. At Buckingham Palace on Wednesday the King presented new colours to the let Battalion of the Coldstream Guards. Tlio ceremony, whioh took place on the fine stretch of lawn in front of the terrace, was favoured by fine weather, and presented a brilliant spectacle, the scarlet uniforms and the new gjreen of the- gardens being thrown up in strong contrast by the bright sunlight and sparkling lake. Tho consecration of the colours was solemnly performed by Bishop J. Taylor-Smith, chaplain-general 01 the forces. Laying his hamls upon the colours, he said: "In the name of tho Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghnrt. we do dedicate and set apart these- colours that they may be •& sign of our duty toward our King and country in the sigrht of God." The King then addressed the Battalion as Mows: " Colonel Lambtoji, ofiiocfl and non-com-missioned officers and men of the Ist Battalion of the Coldstream Guards, I am very glad, us Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, to have the opportunity oi presenting colours to this battalion, for, although it is not now tho custom to carry tho colours into action, the colours still remain, and will always bo looked on as the emblems of loyalty to tho throne and country, and also the emblem of duty and discipline. It is not now necessary for ino to touch on tho history of the Coldst.rca.ni Guards, as it. Ie so well known. They have always acted in the past with the greatest loyalty and devotion, both in peace and war, and I feel sure that in confiding these coloirrs to this baitalion the great traditions of tho regiment will bo worthily uphold." This address v&3 received with enthusiastio cheering. THE QUEEN. Queen Alexandra- returned to London from the Continent, last evening. Her Majesty hud a still rougher crossing of tho Channel than hor husband underwent, and even tho turbine steamer took well over the hour to make the nra from Calais to Dover, and had her decks swept by heavy seas all tho way over. Thus a late start took place from Dover, and as the Queen is understood to dielike fust travelling, her special train to London took only just under two hours to cover the V 8 miles to Victoria, or a. quarter or an hour longer than tho ordinary boat train. Ite-r arrival was therefore fully half an hour after tire announced time—.t cav her trum pass a suburban station at- it- nitre nrnble. Tho King and various members of the royal family met l»r Majesty at Victoria, mid large aronvds li:ied tfip ' street' outside, ohcering the King and Quenn a.< ihuy left tlie terminus. I'lrc Qttccn, »'ho wore Waclc with 6om« pink Honors, looked very well, anrt certainly rcumctl bettor for her lour, despite the roughness of Inn , oea-trvossmg, but Princess Victoria, still kypciwed somewhat pale and languid.

ACCIDENT TO THE CjUlflSN Cl' , NORWAY. Queun Maud of Norway—who, I need hardly say. in King Edward's daughter— mot with a rather awkward accident in Train* the day before yesterday, which narrowly escaped 'tminjr attended by serious consequences. TJ* Qnoon of Norway was driving with the wife of the I'Voncli .President in ('lib famous park of Vorsnillc*. As tho carriage passed over tho bridge which crosses an arm of the artifieiaJ Juke "car the miniature village oi Marie Antoinette, ono of tho horses caught jln log in tho paling. The nniinal swerved ffitn fright and iell into fiht> la.ke helow, Irreaiiiriv, its leg, and i<as drowned before ii; could be extricated. The postillion did <iot have time to save himself, and w<l4 'thrown, into tho lake as vfcll. but wa« imhuH. The prompt action of M. D«jardin-.Boauniet7. prevented Queen ilaud from beinjr thrown out of the carfiagu. Her Majesty ajid Mine. Failliom alighted and watched the efforts to extricate the horses from the lake. Tbo Queen was greatly agitated by the accident. Queen Maud and Mine. Failliercs proceeded lo th<i railway station in another carriage, somewhat unnerved by the narrowness of Ijieir escape, a. , , tho consequence!! 'miglit- i-aeilv hare been fatal.

CROSBY HALL. Quite a shock was given to the British nation and a genuine sensation caused by the announcement that Crosby Hall, in Bistiopsgak' street, one of the oklost and most famous historical edifices in the City of Tjondon, has recently been sold by the freeholder. Alderman Sir Horatio Davies, and that its demolition, with a view to a bunk beinjf built on its site, is probable. Crosby Hall was originally built by Alderman Sir John Crosby in H65 on ground leaded from the ndjacent convent of St. Helena. Richard, Duke of fJlniicestor, purchased it from his widow, and it became a. imtoce in name us well as reality. It was in 1483. in the council chamber of Crosby Hall, that the crown waa offered k> Richard by fhi) mayor and a deputation of citizens. Ciosliy Hall immediately afterwards became the official residence of the chief magistrates of the city. Sir Thomas More was another distinguished occupant, of Crosby Hall. The old hall escaped the 3re.lt f iro of London. A fine specimen of Koman tesselated pavement of the probable date A.ll. 275 was found in making the foundations tor 11 new wing, ami has been inserted in one of the walls. The Times remarks: " If the recent sale leads to the demolition of ;i buildiny of such great antiquity and historical interest, it will cause groat regret. Sir Horatio Davies has, it is understood, reserved to himself the right of retaining snd removing anything of antiquarian and archiEological value which lie may wish to potsoss." But London will 'lose one of the finest'of its few renuiinini; non-ecclesiastical buiklings of relatively iinciont date. Unfortunately it is entirely at the option of the freeholder to save or destroy the venerable and historic palace. It is understood that the price paid for it was over a, quarter of a million, and that probably quite £500.000 would b<> required to purchase it for the nation. A vigorous effort in this direction has already been set on foot to acquire it (or a city museum, but the City Corporation is throwing cold water on it, though it \vae pointed out that ever since the year 1417 it bad been linked 111 history with the name of Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London.

CRICKET. Cricket has still continued with cold'ungenial weather and cloudy skies. The South Africans suffer positive, pain from tbo low temperature, and find Jt hart) to field- with half-frozen fingers. Yet they nave won every match they have played so £-ir—three in all, against Leicestershire, and the M.C-.C. respectively. It is th<jir bowling that has proved most effective in piling up their victories. It is good and varied, and difficult beyond that of any team known in recent years. No doubt the mast formidable work has still to come, but 60, wo all hope, has the fine, warm weather which will improvo tho prospects of " our friends the enemies." As regards other cricket, there is little calling for notice excepting tho continued fine form of the Kentish bowlera, Fielder and Blythe, and of the two ex-Australians, who are tho main bowling stay of Middlesex, Trott andTnrrant, both of whom: also are batting and fielding well. Rhodes ailso sKTmaintains his revived bowling form, and so do Waes, Gunn, ami Hallam, of Notts. But Knox lias not iccovered from hie mishap, wherefore Surrey weeps sore and refuees to be comforted, although several promising young bowlers have been unearthed. As yet. however, tho county championship is " anybody's."

TRANSATLANTIC TRADE. A Southampton correspondent writes todiiy:—"The firet English ship to land passengers at a French port from tho Untied States was the great 23,950-ton White Star .tiner Adriatic, which arrived at Cherbourg- from New York yesterday morning after having landed a party of passengers afc Plymouth during the proctxling- night. Thus, tho White Star Line, has entered tho liets with tho German lines in an attempt to wrest from those energetic competitors the .cream of tho Transatlantic trade, which they have now held practically unohallcngtxl for many years. The Adriatic arrived iiext at Southampton at 7.30 in tho evenirifc to the accompaniment of tremendous cheers and whistle blasts. The Ma-yor and corporation wont out to jncel the great liner, which towered above (ho other steamers lyiing at the decks like a aky-sora-per against *-o many bungalows. Tho Mayor delivered an-address of welcome amid general Everj berth on tho Adriatic was occupied, and the service now inaugurated by the White Star Line is expected to prove higlily proh'table. The change of base will benefit Sou-thamtfon to the detriment of Liverpool, for all of tho 450 me-nihere of the crew will have- to make Southampton their home in future, which means the transfor-eneft of. hundreds of homes to the southern port,"

A PECULIAR CASE. A man living at Walfchamston, near London, stole a bottle of lemonade. Ho began to unscrew the stopper when the bottle suddenly exploded and destroyed his eyesight. The unhappy thief had the impudence to take proceeding to obtain an award under the Warluncir's Compensation Aot, but the CJerkenwell County Court jiidjfe promptly decided against him, holding th'at the accident was directly and eolery'duu to an act of theft, but for which it would not have happened, A BRAVE BOY.

A marvellous tale of boyish courage comes from Vienna to-day. Josef Tucek, a 14-year-old school boy, was presented yesterday with a watch by tho well-known surgeon, Professor Baron von Eieelsberg, for remarkable courage during an operation. The boy's arm had to bo amputated, but he refused to have an antethofcic, as ho declared ho wanted to watch -the operation. He was so insistent ami promisvd so solemnly not to mind the pain, that the professor let him have his way. Ho did not. shrink or utter a sonnd during the course of the amputation, which he watched with the greatest attention, and at the end stated that tho interesting- sight was well worth the pain.

AN INTERESTING DOCUMENT.

At one of the West End auctions yesterday there was offered no less interesting ji document than the original official order for tho massacre of Glericoc. Its purport was that every person talow the age of 70 years was to bo put to tho 6\vord, and this was exprcE6od in plainest terms without tho slightest softening or citpumlooution, as I cm testify from actual .personal perusal of the document itnelf. It realised £1400, but was not. bought for America as has been asserted in tho papers. The purchaser is quite willing to dispose of it to any suitable institution in the country that may caro to i/osass it.