SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15578, 7 October 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

SOCIAL AND GENERAL.

PERSONAL.

It is reported, says a Press Association telegmm from Christchureh, that tho fa.iliiifr health of Sir William Steward, now in tho 72nd year of his age, is canning fomo anxiety to his friends, Ho is suffering from an old-standing throat trouble

A Press Association telegram from Wellington states that tho Rev. ,1. J. North, wlw for t'no past oight years has been minister of tho Wellington 'Haptist Church, has been called to tweeed tho Rev, It. S. Gray, of Oxford Terrace Church, C'hristchurch. Mr North is taking u week lo think over tho matter.

Archbishop Ked>\ood who left Wellington on the 26th iusf., en route to Vancouvcr will be absent from NewZealand for about six mouths. In Canada, Uw United SUitcs, and the United Kingdom he will make a brief stay, and will tJien proceed to Rome, whero ho will have an audience with ami rojiort to tho Pope on the affairs of the arclidinccsc. Now Zealand is now a domain of the lloman Catholic Church, and tho head of it is expected to report personally to the Pope- onoo in five years The Very Rev. Dean O'Shoa will act as administrator of the diocese during the archbishop's absence.

A Gazette notice stafas that the position of staff officer for tho Senior Cadets has been abolished, and these ollicers have, been appointed officers in charge of area groups, with Um> temporary rank of captain. These officers are Lieutenants Matthews (Auckland). Thorns (Olaco), liobinson (Wellington), and Kelsal! (Canterbun-).

t Though not absolutely definito ns vet, it is anticipated (says the Dominion) tli.it his F.xccllcncy the Governor and Lady Islington will leave tho Dominion finally on Monday, December 2, sailing from Auckland on that dato for Sydney, whero they will connect with the Orient liner Ostcrley. His Kxcollonoy will leave the steamer at Colombo, and proceed to Calcutta, to tako up his duties as Chairman of tho Commission that is to inquire into matters affecting tho Indian Fulilin Services. Lady Islington will proceed on to England, prolwb'v accflimianied by Captain Macdougall, A.D.C. Tho Hon. Joan Dickson-Poyndcr, daughter of their Kxcellencire-. is to leave for Enpland in November. Mr Guise (private sccrotarv) and Mrs Guise will leave for Homo shortly before MirUlmas.

Couples who had the privilege of being able to say they were nvirried by the Anglican Bishop, George Augustus Selwyn, are now getting somewhat rare- (says our Auckland correspondent), but Mr arid Sirs llarknoes Hamilton, who recently celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of tlioir wedding at their residence, Kllerslie, wcro married by llishop Selwyn in St. Mary's Church, Parnell, on September 11, 1662." The Roanl of Governors of Caiiterfcivrv Collo v lias confirmed the appointment of Mr Hugh Stewart, 8.A., of Cembridge. a& professor of classics at Canterbury College, whore ho will take up his duties at tJie beginning of next year.

Some 40 ministers and lay members nf the Dunediu Presbytery entertained the licv. A. M. FinUyson and Professor J. Pk'kie (lecturer of systematic theology at Knox College) at the Waratah Tea-rooms on tho lwt instant. Mr I'inlayson has just retired from the clerkship of the Presbytery after hoiciiiisr the position for 31 years, while Professor Dickie is leaving (or Scotland on tho 12th instant on a holiday trip extending over six montlis. The Ilev, A. Whytc (Moderator of the Duncdin Presbytery) occupied the head of the tabic, and at the conclusion of the lunch several of the gentleman present made most eulogistic referctices to the services rendered to the Presbytery by Mr Finlayson during his long term of service the He v. R. it M Sutherland presenting him with a silvermounted wnlkimr-'tiok and a fountain pen. The Rev J. Chisholm then presented Profe«<(ir Dk-kie with a travelling nig. a high tribute being paid bv several speaker* to the recipient's verv high scholarly attiinnieiits and the splendid manner in which he was conducting his work at Knox Colhwe, ]jt rcoly, Profcsor Dickie m'd h«

hoped Io return to the Dominion by next April. A very hearty camaraderie characterised lho whole proceedings, which were closed with tho benediction.

CASUALTIES AND OFFENCES. The Hawkc's Bay Herald states that Harold D. Uetison, .1 single man. aged 42, ft o;irpenter employed on a building tain? erected at Bdenham Station, Wsihorpe, was discovered kneeling by his Iwdside dead. His throat was rid, tho (lend having been committed with a pocket knife, which was stiJl tightly clasped in tho deceased's hand. At the' inquest evidence was given concerning the decease's drinking habits. On August 29 ho reached 1 HiUitings from Tokonmni. whom ho had earned a big cheque. ; Aftcr spending some days drinking in Hastings he resumed work, this limo being employed with others at I'xlcnham Station, which he reached on September 9. Since then ho had not had imy drink, but showed symptoms of mental disturlancc as tho result of his bout in Hastings. Tho medical evidence showed that the deceased had been a hard drinker, and tho coroner returned a verdict that tho deceased had cut his throat, while in a state of unsound mind duo to prolonged drinking.

After lying in a semi-unconscious condition since Juno 19, William Retter, the jockey who was injured hy falling from a horse whilo training at Kiccarton, died on 27th tilt at tho Christchurch Hospital. Mr ISishop (coroner) held an injuest on tho 2j)ih, when a verdict of accidental death was returned. Leonard Hagerty, a jockey, said that on June 19 Uctter, Coker, and ho were schooling horses over hurdles at Kiccarton. Retter was riding Parallel, owned by Mr Ilogan, of Wcstpc-rt. At the third ft nee Rotter's mount nit very hard ami fell. Rotter fell in front of the horso, which kicked him along a bit. Tho uccident was purely tho fault of the horse, as Retter had a clear course, and was not interfered with. Tho animals were going at a nice half pace. Clarence Plumridgc. aged 14 years and nine months, died in Christchurch Hospital on tho 291h September as the result of a gunshot wound accidentally received whilst out shooting rabbits on the Port Hills o» September 15. At tho inquest evidence was given by tho owner of tho gun, Leonard Soman, aged 17 years and nine months, that he and tho deceased were out shooting on tho 14th. Between 7 and 8 p.m. they called at deceased's house to get a drink of water, and left tho gun and forgot nil about it till the following day alwut 11 a.m. Witness denied that lie had lent the gun to Plumridgc. The evidence of ono of the boys who was with Plumridgo on the 15th, 'was to the effect that he was with Plumridge when he bought 25 cartridges on the Mth. The coroner asked Soman if ho had told tho truth as te not having lent or promised to lend the gun to Plumridgc, and Soman stoutly assorted that ho hud teld the truth. The coroner informed tho police that that was as far as he could go, hut if thev got further evidence they wouid pnfsibly prosecute Soman. A verdict was recorded in accordance with (he medical testimony, that death was due to a gunshot wound accidentally received.

The body of a man was found on the river beach near i'oxton on Sept. 24. It has lieen identified ns that of David Lynn, who was cook on Iho 6leamer Gertie, trading to Koston, ami who disappeared from tho vessel at Voxton some weeks ago. Frank Corcoran (40). Thames, failed to return home on Sept. 24. On the 25th his wife received a letter by poM stating that he hud strained himself and that Iho pain was unendurable, and that ho would be found on the hill. A search partv discovered him almost in extremis, with au ompty ly«ol bottle bosido him. He wat, removed to tb? hospital, where hn died.

Tracy Percy Pengreavcii Wills, 36 years old, died suddenly at Christchureh on the 19th uit. under somewhat tragic circumstances, He was in .a cycle shop, and appeared in » perfectly normal stuto of health. Ho was given a glass of water, and u lew minutes afterwards he collapsed. On medical ■assistance being got, he was declared to bo suffering from tho effects of a strong acid poison, and a small bottle found on his person led to a strong presumption of suicide. It h understood that he had been worried over financial matters during the past few weeks. He leaves a wife and two children. At the inquest a verdict of "Suicide" was returned. The evidenco showed that Wills took prussio acid.

In the vicinity of tho Matawhoro Saleyards on September 18 an accident occurred that terminated fatally. A man named S. Torr. aged 55 years, a bullock driver for Mr J. Clark, was driving a team of bullocks along the road on bis way to To Arai. When passing the saleyards the unfortunate man, who was sitting on tho ehnft, jumped oh" tho waggon, presumably to turn Jus bullocks to tho side of tho road. He slipped and fell under tho front wheel, and both wheels passed over his body, fracturing his thighs. He was removed to the hospital, but died next morning. I'Jio police have received word from Middlcmarcli that Samuel Stevens, aged 75, died as tho result of injuries received by the upsetting of a spring-cait at Sutton Hill, An inquest was held on the body, when tho coroner brought in a verdict in accordance with tho medical testimony, which was that death was duo to shock and injury to tho lungs. Tho hearing of the charge of manslaughter against Mathias Reck, of Dannovirke, was resumed at the Supreme Court on Sept. 17. Dr Veitch, who made the post, mortem, stated that the body of tlic deceased was extensively braised and a rib fractnrrd. He did not think the injuries could have been sustained by a death of his wife and on minor clwrges. H. ,). Edmunds, aged 59, nn architect, well known about Marlon, wna found lianging in a shed at Turakina on September 19. Ho had been .nlwtit Turakina for a week, and had been missing sonio lime. A Press Association telegmm states that an extraordinary rase came before Mr W. G. Itiddojl, S.M., at Wellington on Sept. her 20. An 11-year-old boy pleaded "Guilty" to a charge of having attempted to commit suicide on September 15. On that date tho boy took umbrage at l>oing corrected by Irs mother for misdemeanour at tho dinner table, ajid shortly afterwards he was found practically unconscious hanging in an outhouse. Standing on a box, ho had tied a ropu to a rnftor. adjusted the noose to his neck, and then kicked the box from under him. A considerable time elated before he was out of danger. The Magistrate, cautioned the lad and discharged him.

A fatal accident occurred in Auckland on the 17th nit., when a tray named Lyall Watson, aged seven years" was knocked down by a tramenr. receiving: suoli injuries that he dir<l at the hospital during the owning.

Thomas Anderson Roliertson (49). married, died at Christchurch on tho 17th ult ns the result of poisoning. Ho was in the habit of taking some drug for indigestion, and it is belifved that the took "Rough on lints" bv mistake.

The body of Williiim Rnlxvls. a seaman on the steamer Opawu, who lias been missing since Hie evening of September 12, was found on the 21st at tlio Wellington wharf whore the vessel is lying. The deceased was about 60 years of ago. Mr W. Walker, a well-known resident of WVpiro Bav. died on the 20th tilt, as the result of injuries received through a dray which he was driving to To Puia on the 17th. topplinc over a bark. In a statement before Ills drntli Mr Walker said tome jhoep jumped out and frightened his horse**

J. H. Sigloy. aped about 65, shot himself on Sept. 21 at Awakino, on account of mental distress, occasioned it is said, by his twins ostracised by his fellow residents at Auakip.o beeniwe of an allegation that he gave information to the police which led to a seizure of liquor. The allegation preyed considerably oji his mind and, coldshouldered on all fides, he at last—» the police are informed-sought solace in taking his own life. It is a well-known fact (says the Post) that illicit whisky drinking is rife in tho King Country, especially around Awakino, and a man who is believed to lave " informed" is treated in a manner that cannot Iw mistaken. That something should bo done to suppress \vlwky-riinniiig in the King Country, it continues, has been forcibly evidenced of late. Some weeks or so ago a bushman was admitteil to the New Plymouth Hospital a complete physical and mental wreck on account of having imbibed too freely of kid and doped whisky. Only List week, in a ease in which a man wa« accused of stealing a cjsj) of whisky seized by the police, the fact was elicited that although it was a prohibited district the township of Awakino was fairly littered with whisky bottle*. When a resident got a case in it was the custom was to invite all his friend? to join in a symposium. Mostly they drank whisky neat. Many people wlx> havo sojourned in the prohibited area aver that owing to the difficulty of detection matters will never be righted until prohibition te rouoved alto-

pctlicr. I'roperly-condiicted hotfls would, thpy hold, makn fiir more for law unrl order I and iltx'cncy than tho present illicit trade ; rhicli is carried on. j

Deck was n<:nnittcd on the charge of culpable homicide in connection wiUi Hie fall. The hotly found in the Waikiuiac Creek (iitibnriic. has boon identified as that of Albert Oliver, aged 19, who was formerly ! • innloyed on the railway works. He had boon to the jiolic« station the previous day, , mid asked to l« locked uii. as he was out «\ work. !

A shocking fatality occurred 0:1 (lie Cor in-; thic whilst that vessel was coining up to I'orl Chalmers on Sept. 27. Slic came into tho ] lends .iliout noon, am! as soon .is lh« vessel got into smooth water some of tho crew were ordered to got the cnrito gear ready for loading bv tho time the Corinlhio got alongside tho wharf. A start was madeJo hoist one of llie booms at No. J hatch. This was being done by taking a couple of turns of tho fall, or 'hauling end of tho rope, around a small drum on the md of ,1 winch on tho lower deck. When the end of the boom had been hoisted to an anfile of about 45 degrees, tho order was given to cease hoisting and to make fast. Nathaniel Channoll, lioatswam's mute, was holding the fall on the winch drum, and a | seaman named Jamos Mcllowdow was instructed to secure tho rope, with a I " stopper "—a short piece of rope—to pre-' vent the halliard fall from running hack in tho blocks, and when tho stopper had lieen mado fast the bosun's mate slackened o(f the rope from the winch drum. As soon as that was done tho wholo weight of the long iron boom, weighing several tons, was east upon the two half hitches cf the fall. Tho i hitches failed to grip tho rope, which was wet with rain, nnd allowed the boom to lake charge and come down with a run, crashing upon the upper deck. An able seamen named Robert Jasper had meanwhile been working at another winch, getting it ready to work cargo at No. 3 hatch, and this winch- was situated directly beneath the falling boom, which fell on Jasper, smashed him against un iron railing, and crushed his chest in, death being instantaneous. Dr Howard, the fillip's surgeon, was summoned immediately, and at once realised that the fearful injuries sustained by the unfortunate man had been instantly fatal. Jasper was a married man, with a wife and five children living in Lindon. lie was a native of St. Themes, Jamaica, and was about 45 years of age, having joined tho vessel during her last visit to Loudon. All tho running gear used for hoisting the lioom was quite new, and not a strand was broken, tho fatality being apparently quite accidental. Another tragedy occurred in the southern portion ol the city on Sept. 27, when John Duncan M'L'luo, a single man, age 42, cut his throat with a razor, and succeeded in taking his life. M'Cluc was u bootmaker by trade.

At an inquiry into tho circumstances surrounding the death of Mr George Thomas llace, licensee of the Farmers' Arms Hotel, the evidenco went to 6ho\v that as demised was going out on horseback the horse shied •it a motor car, and as the horse was somewhat lestive Mrs Uaco called him back. Deceased told her he was on'y going round tho block for a ride, unci that ho would ho back in a minute or two. Ho then turned the horse round anil went on, and ns lie did so ho touched the horse with a whip. The animal then reared up and threw him. Deceased fell on his right side, imd his head fell back, striking the street, ile was carried into the hotel, and a little later was able, with assistance, to go upstair?. A little later a doctor was called, and deceased, having become unconscious, was removed to tho Hospital, where he died on Sept. 10. never having regained consciousness. After hearing tne evidence the coroner's verdict was that the oaiisu of death was a fracture of the base of iho skull, caused through deceased being accidentally thrown from a horse.

A primmer named Oeorgo M'Gurk, aged 36 years, who was serving a sentence of seven jeans for having attempted to murder a man at Devonport, was accidentally killed at the Mount Eden Gaol on 12th u'lt. Ho was hauling up timber in connection with the roof of the now wing which is being built, and u heavy piece fell out of a sling. 6trikmg M'Gurk on the head. lie died ?0 minutes after the Occident.

Wcblcy Hudlio'.d, aged 18 months, met bis death in a peculiar manner in the Nelson district on the 11th lilt. His parents wen; travelling in a motor boat between Awarou and Tonga, and during tho journey tho child fell against the engine fly-wheel, and was instantly killed. Letters for Competition closinp 8/10/12: John Harvey, an elderly married man, died at Waihi on the 13th' ult. as tho result of a draught of lysol. Deceased was the oldest identity in the Ohiuemuri goldfields.

The police authorities havo been advised that tho dead body of Lucicn G. Glenn, a cook, who left Utinmcr Springs for tho liessack Station on the 12th tilt., was found at tho foot of a sleep blub" on the Ilanmer Hivcr. Tho deceased was 55 years of ago and a widower.

Lawrence Geange, a single man, aged 22 years, was fatally injured in tho bush at Mr Bond's section on tho Mataroa-.Manga-wcka road, near Mnnui. Ho was felling a riinu, which broke branches of a rata, the latter falling on tloangc and fracturing his skull. He died three hours afterwards. His parents reside at Huntcrville.

Mr Frank Fox, an employee of tho Harbour Board, met with a fatal accident while working at Pclichct Bay. It appears that he was assisting in a gang, under Mr John I'ringle. foreman, to place a culvert in position in a ditch across a road on the reclaimed ground. The cidvert was 18ft long and Oft wide, and weighed about 20cwt. It was turned over. prc|nrator,v to being lowered, and deceased with several others went round to tho.other side to put it in position. He must somehow have got undernoilli unnotircd by his companions, for on its being raised a little he was found in a criialirxl position. Dr Ritchie arrived soon afterwards, and the body was removed to the Morgue. Mr Fox was a young married man, and a resident of South Dunedin.

A sad accident occmrrrd at Paeroa on tho 2lst uIL, three children of Edward Shaw twiner drowned. It appears that, four children named Mary Shaw (aged 14 years). Keuneth Shaw (12), Jack Shaw (7). and Port Moresby (14); were out on the river in a small boat with a Kail tip when tho wind caught the sail and overturned tho boat. A Maori bov saw the accident and told Shaw, who was quickly on tho sceno and rescued Moresby, who was hanging on to the bottom of the boat. The other throo children wont down, and so far only one body has been recovered. A largo, party is at present encaged in dragging tlio river.

An elderly man, Kenneth Matthews, alias Mutlioson, was found in tho Turanganui River, near llisborne, on September 21. Ho had been dead for some days.

Michael O'l'Mahorly. who was admitted to the Wellington Hospital on August 20 suffering from a fractured leg. died nt the institution. The medical authorities wanted to amputate the limb, 'but OTlahorty refused, blood-poisoning set in, and . death ensued.

While Mrs Morton, of Auroa, and hfr nephew, John Morton Caplcslone, aged three years, were driving to Otakcho, Taranaki, on September 8, the harnes3 broke, and the occupants were thrown out, The boy wae killed. Walter Scott, 31 Years ol age, committed suicide by cutting his throat with a rr.ior at Waipiro Bay, near CJfeborr.o. At tho inquest on the 7th a verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was rncorded. Scott, who had beer, working nt Puketoro Station, and had been peculiar lately, was biouiilit in by his mates on Thursday to see Dr O. ; borne. Ho was sunVring from insomnia, and Dr Osborne gave him a sleeping draught and gave- instructions that he should be watched. A mate slept with him, and up to midnight ho had no s-loon, in spite of tho draught. Scott then said he would try something else, and reached out of lied' and took a razor and committed the deed. His mato struggled with him and securrd the razor, but too late. Scott had worked in India and Africa, where ho contracted enteric fever.

A singularly audacious Sunday morning raid op. the bar of an hotel while the licensee and his wife wore at church was narrated at tho Palmcrston' North Police Court on September 30 (says tho correspondent ol the bytte'ton Times). Krom the evidence, live men appear to have gone in a body to tho bar, entering by the hoarders'

side door, fillrcl their pockets with over 2C botUes of whisky and ale, and then repaired to the cottage annexe of their boarding house adjoining, where they indulged in an extraordinary orgy of drinking and strnp. Threatened with the |*>liee for their noise by the boarding-house owner, thev gave him tiro bottles of whisky. On the licensee's return the theft was discovered, and u police raid revealed the men lying among the liquor, too drunk to account for themselves. All were convicted. line man, who had been imprisoned in (.'hristchurch as a rogue and vagabond, received three months, and tlte rest one month.

The constable at Oterohang.i telegraphed to headquarters at Auckland that at about noon on the 2nd an old-age pensioner named John Warren, a white man who lived with Maoris, wu bitrnrd to death in a mujm

wharo at Otcwa. Particulars are not jet. available.

Kvidcnec at the inquest on Cornelius Coad (sometimes called Kcardon) and Albert Allen, killed at llihitahi on the Ist, showed thai a falling riinn had lodged in (he fork of another rimu, which split down while the foiled tree was being pulled down by n hauler. The halves of the split tree fell in different ways, striking Allen and Coad, who were pinned to the ground. Both mvn were killed instantly, their bodies Wine badly mutiklod. Allen leaves ft widow and one child. A verdict of ".Acnidental death" was returned, no blame being attachable to anyone. The bush foreman staled that the practice of hauling away trees stuck up was usual. lie had never known of n tree to pplit before. Thomas Cook, a labourer employed in Iho Wcstinghousp brake section of the. Petono Haihvay Workshops, was killed on the 4tn iitft. He was putt ins; a hand brako on ft Main Trunk carriage which 'had been placed on the examination road in the yard, when a shunting engine came on the roar of the carriage and ran over him. Death was instantaneous. The dcccuscd was 45 years old. He held decorations for service in Egypt and South Africa. Twelve months ago lie came to New Zealand on account of his wife's health. A widow and one child, aged seven years, are left in strai'.ened circumstance*.

On tho 4th inst. Mr James 11. Foster, custodial; of tho Government Buildings,' and his daughter Kva Marion went for a drive. Tho horse bolted, and the trap collided with another trap, which was coming in the opposite direction. Both vehicles were overturned and their occupants thrown out. Those in the second trap escaped \nhurt. Mr Foster and his daughter wero badly hurl. .Miss Foster sustained a fineture of the skull in two places, and her condition is hopeless Mr Foster received a severe scalp wound, and his noso was, injured. Hopes are entertained of his recovery.

MISCELLANEOUS. It is understood now, snys our correspondent, that Wellington will not after all benefit to such a largo extent as was expected by the Macarthy bequest, A revaluation of the estate indicates that instead of boing of the supposed value of JESOCCCO it is not of a greater value tha.ll between £370,000 and £380,000. It is also understood that tho estate is so tied up by the will that during tho life of the widow the bequests to tho city will not amount to much moro than £6000 a year. It will bo neccfirary to pets a special bill through Parliament this year in connection with the administration of tho bequests.

Tliu vital statistics for Dimcdin for tho month of September are as follow: — Births, 143; deaths, 80; marriages, 42. For tho corresponding month last year the figures were:—Births, 147; deaths, 79; marriages, 59. The totals for this year to date are:—Births, 1536; deaths, 633; marriages, 508. For the same period in 1911 the figures were:—Births, 1320; deaths, 641; marriuges, 553. It will be 6oen that there have been 16 more births and a decrease of 8 deaths and *5 marriage* to far this year.

An old Maori named Hohcpa Tauhou, who died at Tul pa, near To Arolia, on Sept. 19, was only a few years short of the century, ojkl formed ono of the last links with the riotous days of Wircmu Tamehana, who, in the early part of the nineteenth century, carried lire and sword into many a village in the Waikato and Thames. Tauhou was a famous fighter, and was amongst those who manned the pa at Rangiriri, where tho Kingitc Maoris mado their last stanJ for the sovereignty of the liowcr Waikato. Over 120 of the European forces and 50 Natives of tho besieged forces fell on thai day of slaughter, when the whites endeavoured to dislodge tho Maoris from their stronghold. Twico did tho besieged 6iilly out and hurl back their assailants, who wcro greatly in tho majority. Tauhou, wlio was then in his prime, was in the thick of the lighting, and when the battlo was ever ho was among tho wounded. Tho old fellow was well known in the Waikato and Thames, and it is expected that his tangi will bo largely attended.

Of about 500 passengers who arrived by the Kuahino only about 10 havo mado application for situations at the Labour Department. The Department states, says our Wellington correspondent, that the demand for farm hands appears to bo growing at a much greater pace than the department can supply the men. There is also an unsatisfied demand for married couples. The department also has vacancies for coachpainters and moulders, and could placo six of the latter at once. Three engineers arrived by the Kuahino and made ono call at the bureau. Positions arc now awaiting them. Bricklayers nro in demand iit 14s per day for positions outside of Wellington, and the fares will bo paid.

Mr A. D. Bell, of Ida Valley Station, has donated £21 to the Dunstan Jubilee Fund (says our Alexandra correspondent). There is now an absolute certainty of a successful gathering, probably equal to the Gabriels dully celebrations. The festivities will bo equally divided between Clydo and Alexandra, and it will Iw well for those intending to attend to arrange early for accomfodation. Both places can bo utilised if tho (jovprnment grant train facilities.

The monthly meeting of the Trades and Industries Committees of the Duncdin Expansion League was held in the interim secretary's oflico on the Ist tnst., Mr J. F. Arnold presiding. A report submitted by tlic secretary of tlio joint meeting of this committee with the Country Development Committee to inquire into the shortage of labour iptostion was approved. Mr P. R. Sargood submitted copies of correspondence that hod passed between him and tlio Genoral Manager of Railways regarding certain anomalies which exist in the freights on tlio Olago Central line. The correspondence was received, and the secretory was instructed to filo it for further reference. A memorandum from Mr Moritzson regarding the diversion to Wellington of LondonDuncdin direct boats was received, and thechairman was requested to make inquirioj from tho shipping companies regarding the matter, and io report to next meeting.

A memorial to Mrs Selwyn, wife of tho first and only bihhop of New Zealand, is to be placed in St. Mary's Cathedral, Parncll, wliero it will form an appropriate companion to that lately erected to tho memory of Mrs Cowie. Mrs Selwyn, who died at Jiichlield, England, five yearn ago, at the age of 97, was the daughter of Sir John Richardson, somo time a justice in the Court of Common Pleas. She Hvcd in New Zealand from 1842 to IE6B, dttriiiL' which time she was a constant help and sup"port to her husband in his great ami arduous work. There arc few now remaining of her New Zealand friends, Imt eo great was her influence during tlio 26 years she was in the country thai her memory will ever Ik- revered by both races. The window, which is the gift of one of her New Zealand friends, has been ordered from Messrs Clayton and lioll, and may bo expected in alwut. six months.

A bullock which was l>eing taken to tho

abattoirs |u/ddock to await its ultimate slaughter made a vain endeavour on tho 2nd inst. to escape iu> inijx'ndirig fate, and incidentally delayed the running of the south trains for close on four hours, and created no small amount of excitement. Tho animal broke from its driver a. little More 4 o'clock, and making its way along the railway line, sought the gloom of the t'.ivcrsliiim tunnel, in which it was speedily lost to view. The r-iiway officials were at onto notified of wh.v. had occurred, and ail tho trains running through had to go at a very slow pace, so tint the animal might not be run over and tJio engine perhaps derailed. Men with lanterns rode through the tunnel on trains in an endeavour to locate the animal and drive it from its lair, but owing to tho smoke and the fact tint tho bullock developed a very fiery temper these attempts mot with no success. The bullock ultimately made its appearance nt tho town end of the tunnel, where it evidently did r.ot like tho hostile reception mot with at the hands of those who were awaiting it, and after charging all ami sundry, sought cover again in the gloom. After a, very exciting four hours the bullock ultimately got jammed between an engine and the wall of the tunnel, and wcj pronpily killed by one of toe railwiy

oflioia.k It wax Uien lifted into a truck and brought out oi its hiding-phee.

A report on the Teachers' Superannuation Fund states that at the end of 1911 the number of contributors was 5384. 'J ho annual rate of contribution paid as at the end of the year was over £39,000. Allowances in forec at the end of the year wore 324, represent ing an annual charge of £18,787 as follow:—Ordinary retiring 'allowances, 194. representing £15,349; retiring allowances in medically unlit cases, 30. £1875; allowances to widows, 50, £913; allowances to children, 50, £650. The. balnnco at the credit of the fund ajid inverted by the Public Trustee at the end of the year was £183,117. The fund receives 41 per oent. interest on daily balances in tho hands of the Public Trustee, and nochargc is mado for investment The number of contributors increased from 3247 at the end of 1910 to 3384 in 1911, and pensons in receipt of benefits increased from 270 to 324.

A domestic servant who recently landed in Now Zealand discussed tho sorviuit question with an .Auckland Herald representative. She and many of her friends apparently appreciate tho conditions of service here, tho good wages, easier work, and delightful climate, but she could not understand why there was such a dearth of servants on this side of the globe, a.nd such a largo number of girls on the other side anxious and willing to come to New Zealand under a properly organised and Government controlled fichemc. What is wanted, she said, was better accommodation on the boats and a few cnpahlo ladies to tour the country districts of the Old Country and let. girls really know the prospects in New Zealand. All that domestic servants in Great Britain can get at present is a bundle of pamphlola from emigration agents, whose sole interest is Iheir pnsragc money ! 'lf Now Zealand does not hurry up Canada will secure tho best that is to spare," alio ccncludrd.

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that during August 2436 persons arrived in New Zealand from overseas, and 2470 departed. The figures for August, 19U, are as follow-.-Arrivals, 2652; departures, 2531.

The Norwegian whaling steamers Norwegia unci Zoahndto, on thpir way from Norway, loft Jlokirt after calling, on September 50 for Now Zealand. Tlicy aro up-lo-date whalers, eich of 100 tons register with a. length of 132 ft and a beam of 21ft s:n. Tiny loft Sandefjord on August 6, and will join the fleet of whale-hunting steamers already operating in New Zealand waters. A new floating factory, the steamer Polynesia (formerly the Tokio), a vessel of 3827 tons, built in 1895, and owned by tho Antarctic Whaling Company, h also on her way to New Zealand, and is expected to arrive very shortly. Another whaler, the Lionel, is on her way from Tonsbcrg to Sydney, and will join the fleet which has its headquarters in Jcrvois Buy, New South Wales.

A Press Association telegram from Cliiistehureh stales that the number of lopors in New Zealand has decreased from five to two, and these patients aro two Europeans who arc still confined at Quail Island. In conversation with a reporter to-day the Hon. Dr Pomaro (Nativo representative in tho Cabinet) sad that some time ago thero were four patients on the island, two Europeans and two Natives, but the Natives had been cured and had left the island. A fifth sufferer, a Maori woman, who lived out of Wanguimi, died a few days ago. Dr Pomare said that all tho latest methods of treatment were being adopted at Quail Island.