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Otago Daily Times, Issue 14528, 20 May 1909, Page 6

At a meeting in Chrislohurch yesterday it was decided by the New Zealand Flourmillers' Association to reduce tlta (trice of Hour by £1 per ton all round. The price of flour therefore imw standi at: — Sacks, £10 15s; 100's, £11; 50's, £11 10s; 25V, £11 15s. The shipping price is £11) 10s, f.0.1i., and t|ie liiveTcargill price is £11. A mooting of the Uunediu Master Bakers' Union was held yesterday, when ii was decided lo reduce the price o[ bread by a halfpenny per 411> loaf from Monday liflxl. The price will then be 7d p;r 4Ui loaf. At Ja it night's meeting of the City Council Cr Ihtrnett. in moving the adoption of the Uesarves CoiumittcD's report, expressed the. opinion that it, Was a pity they should have lo appoint lion, rangers, lie would like to see every man °and woman in Dunedin Iron, rangers. Un maL-iiij,' inquiries on V. ait< \ ,i, e .. s . Apariiim, from Calcutta, with regard to the recent outbreak of smallpox « that port, it was learned (says our Auckland correspondent) that the ecourgo bad practically <i f ed out when tho Aparima took her departure froui B4 Auril 16,

The (lisboine Borough Council (says a Press Association telegram) established a local record at its last meeting, which lasted from 7.30 on Tuesday night, until 2.45 on Wednesday morning A section of die new council is al. loggerheads with the .Mayor; hence lh« protracted proceedings.

lu accordance, willi notice, C'r Oilkitrui at last night's meeting of ihe City Council moved that tile existing arrangement for the management of ihe, Public Library be abandoned, and that tho management and control of the library Invested in aco iiteo consisting of his Worship the Mayor (c.x officio) and seven members of the.,council, together with four representative citizens. C'r Ciilkisi.n said tho representative citizens were the most valuable there. Mr A. S. Adams hail withdrawn. lie would suggest that the tame councillors as before be appoint: d. with tho iiddilion of three others. Tnu motion was carried, and the lion. .1. T. Paul and Mr A. It. liarelay being nominated, a ballot w;rs laken, rc-ulting in the appointment, of Messrs W. .1. Morroll: M. Cohen, A. H. ISmcUy, ami the Hon. J. T. Paul, to act on the commiitej as representative citizens. The management and (■milnil of ihe library is now vested in his Worship the Mayor (ex oflicio), Crs Tapper, ilitrnett, Clark, Douglas, Ruiboifo.it, Stewart. (Jill;i«,ii, the lion. .1. T. J'aul, Messrs M. Cohen, Murrell, and Barclay. An Auckland .message states that Mr Hubert M'Nab addressed a meeting on '1 uesday uighl on universal trailing, ami was accorded an enthusiastic reception. A resolution was passed asuing the J'r.ine Minister to introduce legislation 'on ' the subject this session. 'fhe statement of liamways revenue and expenditure from April 1 lo April 28, laid before Ihe City Council la.it evening, showed IIuM the revenue had been 16s 6(1, and the expenditure il-ibffl 7s '&!;■- credit balance, £471 8s 3d. (Jn Ihe ivpr.scnuitii.iiis made that the, running of Hie railway and steamer service, lielvveuii tJil.'eliMown and t.oro on Saturdays will better meet tlnj le.pincmenis of the districts .-erred ihau Ihe present Friday .service, ihe Uail.vay Depamucnt has decided to run the s ,- vice on Mondays, Wediusuay,., and Saturdays Irom the beginning of June, tho Friday service being cut out. The appointment of Miss Kvelyn Culverwell as lady assistant for the reference department of llm Public Lihiary vva.s made by the City Council ia-t uighl. I'lii-rti were live candidates, ami the selection was decided by means of examination papei,.. The appo ,en; carries a s.iliiry of £170 a. year. An Auckland telegram .-talis lhal a deputation ol M) leading citizens, including a number of clergy ami ladies, waited upon Ihe Attorney -general yeslciday and urged the Cineriimeul, uoi |o abn W tin: mailer of bribery allegations in connectmn will, a lirensin-r commilice in (ihincmuri some years ago on account of (he decision of || m Cnnil of Appeal. Dr Kimllay, speaking a.- Miui-,icr of .lu.-tio, said that he had done all he could in ill:matter, anil the dcpuiaiion could adopt one uf two Willises they coilkl place ihe facts before the poiice, who would take act ion il a prima facie ca-e vvete made mil, or ihey could lake aelMiu ihemselvcs. Jf (he ~„|ic'c. were in doubt Ihey would no doubt refer the ipiestiou lir ihe Crown Solicitor. The City Council lust evening rejected «■ recommendation of the Tramways Committee that the reconstruction of the Ceorge strict tramway track be proceeded with in terms of the original recommenda.lit'll of the engineers and that such of the limber as might he approved by tha council, now on ihe sile of .the work, be ...-eil in such reconslruction. A section of the coni.,.;i ~..1 .1... i. i..-.

The City Council last evening rejected «■ recommendation of the Tramways Committee that the reconstruction of the Licorge shfel tramway track lie proceeded Willi ill lerms of the original recommendation of the engineers and that such of the rimber as might be approved by tha council, now on ||„. ~„,. ( ,| ~|,,. wor j ;j | w ..seil in such reconslruction. A section of I III! council oppose! Ihe work being procecded with mi the lines recommended, several favouring (ho uae „f ioncri'(c, ami it was carried, by way of amendment, that the matter be referred back to the M „„. millets with a view to concrete being utilisrd in Ihe ivi'ou.itruction.

Mi* Argue (member of lb,. International Viiivi llcallli Alovenient), who is at. present, touring (Jingo L'iMiti-al, gave. a. very int-ercslingaud most instructive lecture on *' Health ,ili.| ihe Viiivi System of Homo Tivniiueui." lo hulk.* 'in ihu Oddfellows' Hall, Kascl.y, on .May 17. P1,,, exiling being lin.! quite a number of ladies weiu present. Miss Argue, who is a very able speaker, fmiiKl her audience most attentive ami a|>|ii-uciaiivt'.

In reply io. a. telegram from the Dominion regarding the representation of New Zealand at the coining Defence Con foreuce in Knglund, Ihe Leader of tli.i Opposition (Mr Massey) states:-" In view of the fact lhat very important business " « :((M| »illi Ihe financial position and the urgent need for systematic reorganisation of the public service must come before Parliament during the forlluoming srs-iou, I am strongly of opinion that Ihe Prime Minister, who is also Minister of Finance, should not leave llio Dominion until such business is disposed of and Parliament prorogued. We should remember, 100, .that the Housa «f Hepresentatives has' been recently elected mid contains an unusua.lly large proportion of new iiienili:is. New Zealand should ecriuinly bo repre-eilUil lit Ihe Defence Conference, hut the High Commissioner is surely competent lo act as one representative, and another can go from here who need not be a. Minisicr of the Crown or a 1,,.,- of Parliament. Hul whatever arrangement may b, made, ihe session should be held as usual and Sir Joseph Ward should be present."

-U last, night's imviing of the City Cuined Cr Gilkison g avt . ,„„;,.,, ,„.„ )„', H<ml<) H}ove at. nest meeting :-ui) That it is advisable, in the interests of economy and ellicieitcy, Unit the control of the drainage works of the Duiiodin drainage district should now be vested in the Dunsdin City Council, assisted by a s|>ecial Drainage Committee, , m which the councils of other contributing bodies in ihe di-trie: should be represented. (I.) Thai, with a view to cliecting such amalgamation, the Finance Committee be rcipieslcd to endeavour to arrange a conference between delegates from the Duuedin City Council and" the Drainage Board."

A Weslport uuv-asjo slates lliai at a largn public meeting hisl niulit a resolu--11011 " us t ' ln ' i « l expressing" the opinion ll>al tlio ailvu-o of one „{ ,|„, , V01 . 1( |- S 10 . H ,. lllg engineers should 1,,. fI)llg | l( in „ im|( , c . lion with tliu improvement to Wostp'ort Harbour, so as to enable s |,j |)s ()f |. (I . ge tonnage to 1.0 fully loaded ami despatched from the purl. A deputation was appointed Io interview Jit- .Millar 10 <lay and place the views of the meeting before' him.

At a meeting in Christchurch on Mmuluv under tlio auspices of the, Canterbury Chamber of Commerce matters in nuinretion with debt-collecting were discii.-s.-d, The Lytlelton Times stales that llie following motiuli was carried'unaiiimously: -

''(1) That ;us it is impossible, iii many j cases, for retail traders and professional j men to obtain in the Magistrate's Court i an order for the payment of debts in- j "tried by persons who jire in receipt of j steady wages, ibis meeting of Cluistehurch I traders is of opinion that immediate steps ' should I H > taken with a. view to gutting ' the Jaw altered, jo that magistrates shall : rehired, whore it is proved that it ! debtor smnmonecl before them earns over [ the »um of £2 p L >r week, to give an order ' for the attachment of. the wages of such M'tor until the debt is discharged. (2) Hiat a copy of the foregoing resolution : be forwarded t0 ,i,e Parliamentary Committee of th,. of Commerce, ! Mmgioi,, with a request to obtain legal assistance in drafting a suitable amendment in the law, m,<| that it be suggested ! io the Parliamentary Committee that it j should seek tlio co-operation of tlio Now Zealand, Embers' Federation in bring-1

ing the niattor under tin? notice of the Government with a. view to obtaining its support/' It was also decided that the Minister of Justice .should be urged to facilitate the execution of distress warrants, as, at present, delays frequently occurred, the execution at. times taking from three in four mouths, (Hid al-n that when the warrants were returned an explanation of the reason of the return should he attached, the term "nulla bona." being deemed iiisiillieii-nl.

An address which was characterised by following .speakers as a most pregnant, outspoken, and forceful deliverance was given yesterday afternoon by Dr ]'\ 0. Patchelor at. the annua] meeting of the Society for the l'romotiun of the Health or. Women and Children. His address, which is reported in another column, merits a careful and honest perusal by all inemlwrs of the community, inasmuch as it, without llinching fiom a niu.it <lillicull, subject, gives an honest consideration to the moral life and tone of tho race. As i(r Batchelor remarked at Ihe outset of hi» treatment, doctors necessarily saw subjects from a. different aspect from thai in which they were viewed by tho general public, and the conclusions he gave uiteriince to were tho matured reotill of some 40 years' experience and observation in tho practice of his profession. The address embraces a serious indictment as to Iho relationship of tbi! s n xes, but, as sub-ei|ueiil speakers indicated, nothing bul good can come from a fair and honest facing of the facts, from which would, perhaps, arise some degree of reformat ion.

After keeping the Priestmiin grabs working all night on Tuesday, dredge 404 woiKed her bows through an opening in the culler (lain at Port Chalmers yesterday and was moored inside, Having a I'lkslinan crane on each side, she will now be able 16 keep both going for a time removing the [dies on each side, and will soon ha\e the opening large enough to enable the big dredge to work up to the dock entrance. Dredge 252 has been kept steadily at work dredging a channel from Ihe fairway, and has deepened the approach lo a. depth of about. 24ft at high water. Ibis channel has now been carried up close to the coffer dam, and by the time the coffer dam is cleared away lite big dredge will have but a short, distance lo dredge before reaching the dock entrance. At ihis point, however, lite debris is itlmo.:t awash at low water, bin being of limited area its removal will mil occupy much lime, and it is conliileully expected that everything will be cleared away within a furiiiighl.

A d rt'ivwl niecil of praise of the work done by the Kxcculivo Committee of the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children was given yesterday afternoon by Mr J. 11. llosking.' 'file general public, he said, had very little information as to the immense amount of work that the eominilLo did during the paM year. lie was quite sure that if VI mouths ago any of .ihe Indies counseled with the in.uiiurioti lw,| Im-lmi told what the position of the society would l>o at the cud of thai 4ime they would not have credited it. Mr llosking then reviewed iiime portions uf the work done, and couciudal by saying that the success of the operations of Ihe t'ociiiy and the fact that . next, mouth a general meeting would be held in Wellington of all the societies in New Zealand indicated that the women were, after all, capable of carrying out largo works with success. This statement was greeted with applause. The quest ion of adequate provision for the defence of New Zealand against a lu>ti!c force is of importance to every individual in the Dominion. It concerns the business man who has a large stake ill New Zealand industries, and it concerns the employee whose welfare is largely dependent, upon tho successful working of those indutiries. But. beyond considerations of self-interest is tne call of duly. Defence of home is a universal duly, and it is beenu-o of failure on the part of many to recognise that duly that the Volnnieer .-ydein of defence has proved inadequate. The que-iion is of such absorbing interest that the public meeting announced to be hold in Ihe Art, Gallery Hall on Tuesday next is opportune, and should command Ihe attendance of a large number of ladies and gentlemen.

It was specially mentioned bv Mr J. 11. Ilosking yesterday afternoon, during the course of his remark?, at the annual meeting of .the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children, that the idea which seemed lo be possessed by some people that the society run v&ometliing in Ihc nature of a foundling home was a mistaken one. "It was nothing of the kind," he said. Its object was to extend help lo people of all classes, whether in a state of destitution or not. The same jioint was mentioned by Dr Trilby King in his remarks when he refuted the idea that it was a charitable organisation designed io appeal lo only .'i special class; of the community, lie emphasised the breadth of the .society's opera'.ions, and said Hint there were no class bounds whatsoever. The aims oi the society were to bo of assistance and help lii every portion of the community, and not only lo sections.

At an adjourned meeting or creditors yesterday in the estate of W. J, Sokes, formerly a partner in Ihe Karckare Timber Company, the Acting Official Assignee (.Mr Hugh Gerard) iinnouucd (says an Auckland message) the terms of the agreement under which Dr Uayncr, who aeUuired the company's bush pioperlie,, had undertaken to pay the debts of that company. Dr Hayner's undertaking was to pay ihe wages claims in full, and the proved liabilities of the company up to a limit of £6000 in instalments.

At yesterday's meeting of the Hospital Trustees the i|ue.-tion of the collection of outstanding accounts from ex-palienis was again brought up. The subject arose in connection with a report by the special collector, who was., making neccs-arily slow progress with the work. Mr Callaway said there were people who took advantage of treatment at the Hospital who had no right to do so. ami he thought the Finance Committee should go thoroughly into the matter in order to devise a scheme to make such persons pay according («. their means. If this were done the institution would be in a better financial posi-

tion to give treatment lo those who were necessitous. The chairman (Mr S. Solomon) said ir, must neier be forgotten that the Hospital was 11 benevolent institution, and its first duty was to the poor. Speaking from his experience as u trustee, he should say there was only a very small percentage of those who used the Hospital who were not entitled io do ro; in fact, any room for complaint was the other way about, as only a small proportion of those who wore entitled io the tiso of tho Hospital availed themselves of the institution, this being probably owing to an impression that they were in receipt of charily. He thought the aim of the institution should be. where possible, to treat those who used the Hospital more, generously than they were doing. Mr J. M'Donald spoke on similar lines to the chairman, and the ro|iort. of the collector was referred to Ihe Finance Committee.

The Cavershflin Temperance Reform Council hold a social evening on Monday in the Cargill lioad Methodist Schoolroom, about. 60 or 60 members being present. It was unanimously resolved that- the council lwomoS permanent organisation, and that the executive arrange meetings ipiamerly during the year. The Hev. C. Hoyall occupied the chair, and after the business was disposed of camo io the chief objcci of the nicin-iiig—tlmt of presenting Mr A. T. M'lndoa with a puree of sovereigns, accompanied with an engrossed letter, as a Blight token of ftppreciatiou for his un-

tiring efforts as lion, secretary and treasurer to the council during the late campaign. Mr MTndnc sincerely returned thanks for the gifts, ami gave, a- brief explanation of the reason why he was so keen on the

temperance work. Solos were sung by Misses J'assmore ami Scott ami Messrs Slovens and Rainsfnrd, Mrs Clark acting as pianist. Short adilresses were given by the Kev. ,f. T. Jlinton and Mr Wright.

All enthusiastic meeting of the St. Andrew's Young Ladies' Co Forward .Society was held in St. Andrew's Mission Hall on Tuesday evening, Sister Christabel being in the chair. The attendance was good, over 60 members and friends being present. The subject, for the evening was " Impromptu Speeches," anil as most of the members wished to air their views when the opportunity ottered, the meeting proved a very enjoyable and profitable one. l''or the impromptu speech competition there were several entries, Miss L. Anderson being declared the winner. A deputation from the Sisterhood of St. Andrew's wailed on the meeting to ask the young ladies of the church to take over the fancy goods stall at the forthcoming new Sunday school bazaar, and after some discussion, it was decided to fall in with the withes of the Sisterhood. During the evening supper was handed round, and musical items were contributed by Messrs Provost and Eudey and a recitation by Mi.y Mueller, which were highly appreciated.

An entertainment under tho auspices of the W.C.T.U. was given in the Sailors' Host on Tuesday evening by the members of the Caversham Presbyterian Young Women's Diblo Class, assisted by the Boys' Class and several friends. A large number of sailors attended. Musical items were given by the class members,, aiid'somc of the sailors, and cupper was provided.

The temptation of tho appio was responsible for tin; appearance of three boys before, llr I-I. Y. Widdowson, S.M., at the Juvenile Court yesterday. It appeared that they had been robbing RII orchard at Havensbourne ami that similar doprcdations had been rather frequent of lale. The eldest lad's father was present, and urged I hat his son had remained outside llic orchard bul ailmillrd sliaied in the spoil. Tin. magistrate considered that boys who did this were worse than those who Weill, inside: they prevailed on the weaker vessel to do tho dangerous work. It was elated that the Imjs had all been thrashed, and .:he magistrate admonished and discharged them.

The patent course-recorder referred to in our cablegrams on Monday as having licen tried mi the steamer Mokoia, on the trip from Auckland to Sydney with satisfactory results is the invention of Mr S. E Fra.-cr. of die Waihi Company's stall' at Waikiiio, Mr Joseph Fraser, of Eraser and ISons, engineers, Auckland, and Mr Jiiiucaiix, chief draughtsman i„ t|, e latter linn's esiablishiiient. The apparatus was invented (or the purpose of recording the actual steering of a vefrsd, when set on a amice in accordance with the bridge compa-s showing the quality of tho steering, rehuive time, and any deviations from the set course. Mr S. K. I'raaer stilted to the Evening Post that t'i..> object of the invention is for the produciion of an apparatus, not for the navigation of the vessel, but for the recording of tho bridge compass when the vessel is being navigated on a set course. The apparatus may be fixed in the captain's cabin, it is simple in its operation, ensures strict attention to the steering of the vessel, and stimulates emulation on the part of the steersman. The mechanism consists of a set of traversing rolls for the paper, a magnetic needlo with marking device mechanical means for marking, ami a clockwork motive power, all of which are simple, reliable, strong, and accurate in construction.

A debate on the subject of military training, conducted by tho Tiniaru Debating Society, on Monday night was attended by HO persons. The following resolution was carried by a large majority:-" That this meeting urge upon the Prime Minister the desirability of appointing a Royal Commission to formulaic and present to Parliament a scheme for national defence, eliminating therefrom the unnecessary, objectionable, and oppressive features of conscription."

At the tearing 0 f the dispute in tlio butchering trade, before the Conciliation Court in Auckland, the prosperity of the Imsincss came hikli.t debate. Mr J. Marks, one of the employe,:;' assessors, stated that the employees hail been making more under the old toward than the employers. Mr S, Wing said whenever ho went to the theatre he found a few butchers in the dress circle. Mr K. Salmon said the employers would nave lo pass the increase caused bv the concession of lha men's demands on to the puohc. The employees did not agreo with the.sa contentions, and challenged the masters to produce their balance sheets.

At last, (says the N'ew Zealand Times) a start, is to bo mads on the construction of the- new Government House on its commanding site at Mount Viow. The pre''""nary work is to be put in hand at once, instructions lo that effect being jailed uu Saturday. A considerable amount of '"wiling is first „f all to he done, after wmcli the excavations for the .emulations will be made and the foundations put in, nil by the. Public Works Department. This work will probably occupy two or threo months, and in the meaidinio tenders arc to be invited for the supply of the materials, bricks, stone, steel, and wood, rcpiiied for the construction of the build'l'R itself. If these are found to be satisfactory—which, in view of the present elate of the markets is most likely to I* the case-one will be accepted, and the actual work of construction will b 3 taken in hand by the Public Works Department, which will find all the necessary labour, ft is cxpeclod that by the time the foundations are ready to build upon the department will be in a position to proceed with the operations.- The building will be as nearly incombustible as possible. Only the ver'v "linimuni of wood will be used 'in its con "traction, and even that will ho subjected to a chemical treatment which will render it practically fireproof. the lion. A. K. Guinness has a griev ance against the Press Aviation and cor les-poiKlcuts who reported his recent speech a: tireymoutli, wliica created sonielhiiij of a surprise in the ranks of the Government party. "1 was speaking of the Govern menfs measures of next session io a meeting of unionists," said Mr Guinness to an interviower. "I told thorn that I believed the workers would never bo satisfied with only ouo item-namely, an amendment of the Compensation for Accidents Act—being brought forward in ihu fii*t session of the new Parliament. There were -many other Labour laws which wanted amendment, and I said that ihe necessary legislation should be passed making those amendments. Instead oi 'having a rest in legislation, the legislation should be progressive and up-to-date. As to the possibility of rows in the House, I slated that, judging from experience and what hail been said by members returned to the, new Parliament, next session there were bound to lie political rows, more than had been the case in past sessions. What I was emphasising was that tho workers would never be satisfied unless il.ero was progressive legislation on tne lines that the late Mr Soddon had previously acted upon, so that the Labour and Libera! parties could work together. I nover said or intended to imply that I knew or hail heard of any combinations of any parties for the purpose of harassing the Government." Mr Guinness also indicated that he would again offer himself as a candidate for tho Speakership. We have received 83 from " AiigloIsraoiite" iu aid of Mr Pearson's Fresh Air Func-

The London Mining Journal, in its i.-sue of April 3, just to hand, devotes n special article lo a review of mining education in the British Umpire, in which it says that the Otago S-chool of Mines has attained a deservedly high reputation in rhe training of mining engineers. II diseu«es ai considerable length ihe A.K.S.M., and A.O.S.M. courses in mining al the Hoyal School uf Mine* and the Otago rfc-houl of Mines which are taken as representative of English and colonial (more particularly Australasian) types. The subjects of instruction, weeks in the .session, hours per week, fees per class and for the whole course, as well as the length of practical work at. the two schools, are shown in tabulated form, and the comparison is not unfavourable to the Otago School. A peculiar ease has come under notice iti Auckland at the Police Court. A man who had been fined for drunkenness appeared again the following day Me staled that he had felt sick on leaving the police cells, and the police bad immediately locked him up again and brought him before the court on anot.her charge of drunkenness. The evidence of the police was that accused, who was shaking all over at the time of his releasfl, was not in a fit condition io be set at liberty, and before he had left the station precincts ho was rearrested. The magistrate stated that in the circumstances .there was no charge to lay agate r-he man. However, he had had a free night's accommodation, ami should feel grateful to the police for preventing him from getting into harm's way. The man state/! that ho was grateful. Recently iho committee of departmental heads known as the Public Service Classification Hoard completed the classification of 1.113 civil service, but. the lint was modelled upon the conditions of last yca-r, when there- were 37 depart mails. Now there aie 16, and retirements will not cease until the winter is over, so the! there is some (probability of the classification schemo not being completed in finio (or presentation to Parliament during the coining session, as much of the classification work will have to be done over again, in C'liristc.hurcli on Thursday (says the I.ytlsliiin Times) Sir Joseph Ward said that the Government could do nothing in connection with the classification scheme imiil it had been before Parliament. A Timaru car-owner is much periurbed ill spirit because, as lie says, every accident that happens on the road is immediately attributed to a motor car without waiting io inquire who or what might, bavc been at fault. Tho fact is, he says, that horsed vehicles are muoh morO dangerous on the roads than are motor cars, many of I lie drivers of the former not even knowing their own silo of the read, and riders *of bicycles are very often as bad. He believes ihat cars are the least dangerous and best, controlled users of the roads, and that (lie great prejudice against them is the outcome of a socialistic spirit which delights in abusing that, which is beyond reach. If rare coiiltl l:o bought at a price within Ihe reach of all, he is confident thai within a week all the prejudice would dU-i-ppear, and they would be the most popular vehicles on earth. An interesting rplio was lound a few days ago by aji employee of Mr Richard Storey at Taniwha, near Auckland. Tie was digging a drain in a swamp on tlv? farm when he came across a brass sword handle buried at a. depth of six feet. The curio was shown to a. Herald reporter by Mr W. F. Massey, M.J'., who bad brought it in at Mr Storey's request, for presentation to tho Auckland Museum. The haft boro the marks of age. There was a partly legible inscription on (.lie scabbard, which appeared lo read "Dudley, Grand Parade, Portsmouth." In 'tho ornamental pailioit of (ho brass hanclguard the rose, thistle, and shamrock were clearly seen, the centre of the design being the Royal initials, "Y.T!." The sword lo which this strangely recovered handle formerly belonged was, there'ore. at one lime the property of a British and the make was that of tho late Queen Victoria's reign. A curious fact is that the sword-lm-ntllo was found in' a locality which was never visited by Britif.h troops, so far as the settlers of the district know. According to our Auckland correspondent, Mr J. T. Stevenson, F.E.A.S., stales that tho sunspots have already passed tho centre of the gun, and there is now little project ot any great magnetic disturbances. The sunspots should, ho says, shortly be at their minimum period, and, according to some scientist*, this may cause a drought. Mr Stevenson thinks that Auckland' is quite safe, humanly speaking, from earthquakes. Only two shocks of any severity, he says, have been felt there in 40 years. Mr T. Cameron, of Vhangarei, writing to the Auckland Star in regard to a proposal by Mr J. A. Lambert, of Marlborough, to have swallows and martins introduced into Now Zealand, states that the importation of live swallows was tried Gome years ago, but the attempt was not successful. " Some 30 years ago," he adds, " tho 'Now Zealand Government did offer a bonus for the first pair of swallows landed in New Zealand, but the bonus was never claimed. Tho swallow is in every sense an insectivorous bird, and extremely timid, so that it would seem almost, impossible to handle it, and quite impossible to feed it on such a lengthy voyage m that from Kuropo to New Zealand. I have often wondered that swallows never found (licitway hero from Australia, and I have as often -thought of trying myself to introduce (hem from Sydney. My plan would be to have eggs sent over-they arc easily procured near Sydney—and then see whether I could impose on our New Zealand fan-tails lo do the hutching out and the rearing of the young swallows, it occurred lo me io try iho fantails for foster mothers, because I judged their natural food would j u>t suit the young swallows. Of course, the far.lails might object to the exchange of eggs, but [ believe that perseverance in this direction might lead to success. If Mr Lambert, or anyone else having time to spare, would care to-try lbs egg business next spring, T think '1 could put (hem in the way of getting supplies from Australia. From an intimate knowledge of the whole family 'Hirimdmidae, I should say tint- th-re is vcr.-v little hope of liv.' swallows being brought here, oven from Sydney, and from Kuropo none at all." Mr A. W. Bickerlou arrived ai Wellington from Christdutrrh on Friday, and left in the afternoon for Sydney. His object in visiting Australia is to bring his cosmii) theory of impact into more prominence. "The official people in New Zealand," he remarked lo a Dominion reporter, "do not seem to caw for highclass originu! research, so I am going to sec wdiat I can do on (he other side. Now that my theory of cosmic evolution has received the hall-mark of the opinion of many qualified experts, it is time something was done to make it common property, and as New Zcalanders don't seem to bo interested, I am going to try Australia. I expect to be away two or Speaking in his capacity as chairman of the Technical School Board, Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P., at yesterday's meeting of the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children, said that they had striven for some years past lo get domestic economy properly taught there, and ho would a;!; the committee of the society to appoint a small subcommittee to confer with the board of the Technical School for the purpose of putting that branch of their course of instruction on a. proper footing. The sugges ion was! greeted with applause, coming particularly appropriately in view of the great prominence given by previous speakers to the necessity for teaching girls adequately in regard to matter appertaining to the rjroper control p_f home lifej '

An Auckland message .-laic- ihat Ihe Governor, accompanied by Caplain Shannon. A.U.C., arrived from Tokaanu yesterday morning. Tclegraphiiij' i;N night, our Invercargill corre-pondeuf >ajs that the I luce men cniKsi-ruf-d in the railway atcideni al the Bluff on Tuesday night were walking along (he line in single lile, Kyfe being in the. rear. A very heavy wind was blowing in their faces. The man who was uninjured pulled the other iwn out of ihe wal?r. I'yfe, who was killed, never recovered consciousness. His hotiM was at Kakaiini, where he leaves a wife and four children. Price and Henderson hail fiu.-n ttunedin. All inquest was held yesterday, Iho verdict being Ihat Fyi'e was kiliiil by being knocked oft" the line by a shunting engine, no blame being attachable tu anybody. A very keen interest is being manifested by the shopkeepers generally in the celebration of New Zealand Industries Week. There are scleral interesting exhibits in course of preparation, illusttating the processes employed in the various manufactures carried on in Dunediu and New Zealand generally. His Worship the Mayor has accorded tho proposition his heartiest approval, and hopes to see it taken up enthusiastically by all who have Ihe prosperil y of our city at heart. The lion, secretary of the commitlee of electors of Christchureh North which recently protested against Mr T. K Taylor's cablegram in regard lo the Dreadnought offer has (says the Lytlcllon Times) forwarded to Mr Taylor a copy of the resolutions recently placed before the Prime Minister by the deputation of electors which waited on him. An accompanying letter stales that the committee regrets that circumstances compelled it lo take action during Mr Taylor's absence from the Dominion, and on his return a deputation of electors would be glad to meet him and discuss the cablegram wiih him in a friendly spirit. Discussing the abolition of District Courts, the Oattiaru Chamber of Commerce (says a Press Association telegram) adopled a- resolution that it is imperatively necessary that four civil sittings of the Supreme Court should he held at Oamarii in the year, instead of two as at prcsint, as unless some substitutionary provision be made greal inconvenience will be experienced. Loth in regard to civil actions and bankruptcy proceedings. It was decided to communicate with the Minister of Justice. An Adelaide telegram published in the Argu s states that since settling down again to university work Mr Douglas Maiv.-on, who was a member of tho Shackleton expedition, has been occupying his attention in preparing charts of the journeys of the Antarctic explorers for publication in Lieutenant Shaekleton's book, which will appear later in the year. The scientific results of the expedition will not be made known till after the energies of tho party have been released from the completion of the eagerly-expected historic account. Many specimens were procured by Professor David ami Mr Mawson, but owing to tiie hurried nature of their dash to tho Magnetic Pole they were unable to do much actual prospecting lo test the mineral resources of the country passed through. Soma of the scientific specimens will be assayed by Mr M.iwson in a few months. The Wellington correspondent of Ihe Lyttelton Times slates that four nurses of the Wellington Hospital havo resigned. They had a grievance, and it arose out of the subject of promotion. The matter came before the Hospital Trustees on Tuesday, but was considered in committee. At the close the chairman (tho lion. (_'. M. Luke) stated that the nurses who had resigned and whose resignations the trustees had accepted were Nurses Foots, Westoby, Wilkinson, and Craig. They resigned, he said, because of the piomolion of Nurse Vvil-on io ihe appointment uf sister. They thoughi a nurse their junior in service should not be promoted over their heads, but the promotion was made on the recommendation of 'the medical superintendent, and the trustees hail been guided by that recommendation, a promotion made on a basis that had been observed from the beginning of the institution. Promotion to fill ihe places of the nurses who have resigned will be made from the ranks of the junior nurses. "I have not listened to an address or speech which has had so much effect upon me for imuiy days," said Mr James Allen, M.P., yesterday afternoon after listening to the deliverance of Dr Batchelor in Bums Hall upon the educational and social life of women in the community. "It is time we had those outspoken addresses, and it is time tho work of the society is reflected in Parliament." Parliament, ho continued, owed to iho society a great deal of help, and if tho workwent on in the way in which it had been going lie- wtis perfectly sure that, the vote i" the past, was more than justified, ami additional votes for the future would also 1)3 justified. A Press Association telegram from Auckland states that Madame Melba was 44 years old ycslenlay. She celebrated her birthday in receiving numberless friends and acquaintances at iho Grand Hotel. Madame Melba also received congratulatory telegrams from all parts of the Dominion and cablegrams from Australia, and London, and by post came a number of letters wishing hei the customary " many happy returns." Entries for Ilia winter show are coming forward freely, and it is satisfactory io note that exhibitors from a. greater distance than usual have this year entered mi many of the classes. In the sheep section exhibits will come from as far north as Culverdcu ami from as far south as Nightcaps. The competition in dairy produce and fat stock promises to be much Keener "us year than previously. The demands for space arc numerous, and every available foot, will be occupied. The CatJinsJahakopa, Railway League purposes making a, very attractive display. 'The New . Zealand and Australian Land .Company received on tho 18th mst. the following cable message from Messrs Gibson Bros., Buenos Aires, acting on behalf of the Argentine Ultra I Societynamely:. ''The Argentine Kural Society celebrates here, on the third day of June next year, an International Pastoral Agricultural Inhibition. Sheep to bo exhibited in groups of three-merinos and similar breeds, such as Corriedales,—must he properly shorn first day of July to third <lay of July (his year. Lincolns and similar breeds first, day of December to third day of December, 1909. The shearing of black-faced sheep is optional. Programmes and regulations will be forwarded by first opportunity to the Argentine Consulates." The election of Mayor of Sotitn Invereargill, which was deferred on account of the sudden death of the laic -Mayor (who was a candidate foi- re-election) jibt prior lo the statutory date for the election, was held yesterday. There were two candidates—ilessrs Andrew Bain and William Peace,—and unusual interest was taken in the election on account of the recentlyformed Ratepayers' Association, of which the main plank is anti-amalgamation (to form a Greater Invercargill), supporting Mr Peace, while Mr Bain is a man who has had wide experience on the Invetcaigill Council, the Charitable Aid Hoard, and the Bluff Harbour Board. The result was a win for Mr Peace by 22 volts, the numbers being-Peace 332, Bain 310. The Press Association slates that Mr I M'Carthy, S.M., delivered judgment yesterday at Dannevirke in a case brought ' liy the inspector against Henry Baker, licensee of tile Club Hotel, for selling mill; from an unregistered dairy. It was stated that defendant milked cows in an uui registered dairy and supplied the hotel

with (he milk. The department held ihat ihe supply of milk with weals, or with drink (-itch as whisky and milk), con--liiiitcd a sale within Ihe mc.imug of the Dairy Industry Act I lie magistrate reviewed lite case al length, and held that did no! cimsiitule a tale, and gave judgment for defendant, without costs. 'fife eighth annual business meeting of the Yum,- .Men's Christian Association ' wiD he held this iveiling nt the rueius. Stuart street. Have Vint a patent or an iiie,: tor u patent? \\V iuriiish Ihe money. Vim furnish the brains. li interested, communicate with tho Patent Exploiting Syndicate. Box tOii. Dtiu-eilin.-Ailvt. To cope with the growing demand for iiigh.class jeivcllery, Messrs (I. and T. Young, nf 88 Princes street, are specialising in making up articles to customers' own requirements, using nnly the finest quality stones, and guaranteeing the best workmanship. Designs prepared if n..,uirc(l.—Advt. For Influenza take Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. Never fails. Is Cd and 2s Gil — Advt. Just off the baai. atK) dozen ladies' cambric hemstitched handkerchiefs, put up m dozens but sold singly if preferred; price is per dozen.—Mollisona Limited -Advt. We recommend for watch, clock, and jewellery repairs A. J. Shaw, ].'! Unttray street. Absolutely tho bast in Dunediii.Advt. ' lever Epidemic.—Guard against contagion by using freely " K.P." Fluid, the great antiseptic, for flushing sinks, closets, drains, etc.; destroys all disease germs; invaluable in sick rooms. 9d, Is, is 6d, all chemists.Aitvt. Who is Pctkb Dick?— The most reliable Watchmaker and Jeweller, opposite Coffee iitlaco, Moray place, Dimcdiu. Charges "liiety moderale.—Advt.