SUPREME COURT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2541, 26 November 1902, Page 50

SUPREME COURT.

Monday, November 24. (Before his Honor Mr Justice Williams.) His Honor took his seat on the bench at i half-past 10 o'clock. GKAXD JURY. The following gentlemen composed the Grand j ur y : — Messis Keith Ramsay (foieman), Chas. William Kattray, Ed-ward Roberts, Neville Sievwright, William C. Skeet, Harold Tapley, William Wardrop, Thomas W Whitson, liklmond Ackroyd, James Anderson, William i Barron, William Crawford Burt, Arthur Came- , ron, William Dall, Henton M. Davey, William ' FTaser Edniond, David Miller Fea, John Walter j Gore, Henry Guthrie, David Smith Jolly, and Charles Spencer Owen. his honor's chabge. His Honor addressed the Grand Jury in the following terms: — Mr Foreman and gentlemen of the Grand Jury, — The calendar on this occasion is, lam happy to say, a light one. There are 10 accused persons, charged with seven different offences. There are two cases of theft ; j there are two cases of assault and robbery; ' there is a case of assault, where two of the ' employees of the lieviathan Hotel are charged i with assaulting the managing director ; and 1 there is a. case where the accused is charged j with mischief in shooting and wounding horses. The only csise at all out of the common is a, case* where a husband and wife are chaxgsd ' with an offence under " The Registration of ! Births and Deaths Act, 1875." By that act, when a child is born, certain particulars have I to be given to the registrar of births. Amongst those particulars are the name of the father and the name of the mother of the child. If anyone wilfully gives to the registrar wrong particulars, then the 'persons who give that informaI tion are made by the act guilty of a misdemeanour. What happened in the present case according to the depositions is this : That a child was born to a girl in Dunedin. Previously to the birth of the child she had advertised that she wanted somebody to adopt it. The female accused came and said that she •would adopt it, and would register it in her ' own name. She took the child away. Then , her husband registered it, not as the child of the girl, but as the legitimate child of himself and his wife, whereas, according to the deposi- I tions the husband and wife had never had any j child of their own. That is the case which the depositions disclose. The motive which they may have had for doing this is immaterial. . { The only question is whether they did it wil- , J fully. Of course, if they knew it was not their j I own child, and they registered it as their own, , the only conclusion is that it was done wil- , ! -fully. I am afraid, gentlemen, that I shall ' !«3iave to trouble you to come back for a few ! minutes on Wednesday morning. The -witnesses in the only case from the country — a case i m which the accused is charged with shooting j horses — have not arrived this morning, but | ■will be down on Wednesday morning. If they ' had been compelled to come down this morning thry would not have been able to register their ' votes to-morrow, so they will be down on Wednesday morning instead. The case, however, is ' a very short one, and will only take you a few I minutes on Wednesday. If you will retire to , your room, gtentlemen, the bills will be laid ' before you. I TRUE BH.LS. ' I The Grand Jury returned true bills in the I following cases- — Edward Martin, assault and robbery ; Charles Crawford and Charles Cun- , ningham, assault, causing actual bodily harm ; Thomas Blackwood and Charles Kemp, assault and robbeTy; Jani^s Murphy, theft; Joseph Brown and Julia Blown, false registration of , birth. i THE OrOHO CASE. Frederick William Lowry was called, and, after being searched, was placed in the dock. At the 'previous criminal sittings the ac- j cused was charged with assaulting a girl on the 30th July, near Opoho, and two juries disagreed. Mr D. V. Macdonald appeared for the accused. 4k The Crown Prosecutor (Mr J. F. M. Fra=er) stated the position of the case, and intimated that he did not intend to xjrooeed further in the matter. His Honor: A nollp prosequi is entered. The accused is di°charged. ASSAULT AND ROBBERY. Edward Martin was charged with, on the I.3th September, a-fi Dunedin, Tobbinf» one John Hoskw of the sum of 12s, and using personal violence towards him. The accused, who was defended by Mr Baron, pleaded " Not guilty. All witne=°es were ordered out of court. The Crown Piosecutor said the facts of the ca"-e weie these John Honker -was a wharf I laV,ouror, lit ing in Asher's right-of-way, off Tillenl st,ppt. On Saturday, 13th September, he returned to Ins house about a quarter to 10 p.m., and saw the accused standing against a cottage adjoining the house of Mr Timms, painter. The accused asked him for threepence, and Hosker replied " I have no threepence for you " Tlie accused then asked him for sixpence, but Hoakcr "brushed past him and went further up the right-of-way. The accused followed him and knocked him down, took the money out of his waistcoat pocket, and ran away. Hosker kept one hand m this trousers' pocket, and thus prevented an attempt to rifle that pocket. When Martin was arrested next day he declared that he had not been out of his house after half-past 7 on the night of tho robbery, but this -would be contradicted by three witnesses who saw him in the street, not far away, one as late as a qunrter to 10. Evidence -was given by John Hosker. Amy Timmo, Plain-dothes Constables Connolly and Hill, James Jones, George Morgan, and James Power.

Mr Baron said that he proposed to call witnessps who would prove an alibi.

Martha Steel deposed that she was housekeept/ to Martin, and lived in Asher's right-of-wav. Martin came home about 10 minutes to 9 o'clock on the evening of the 13th September. She went down the lane to help him home. He laid down on a sofa in the kitchen. While standing at the door she heard the quarter chime. He did not wake until just before 10 o'clock, and he did not go out again. Edith Ashley swore that she saw Martin at Mts Steel's at 10 o'clock. He remained there till 11 o'clock, when witness left.

On the court resuming at 2.10 p.m., Mr Baron called Isabella Garxick, and then proceeded to address the jury. In doing so, he criticised ihe evidence. Th'o portion of the evidence he asked the jury to give particular attention to was the evidence of Mrs Steel, which was, so far as it related to Martin's being m her house, corroborated by the other witnejUHp,

The Crown Prosecutor also addressed th« jury, pointing out that Morgan was in a position to recognise accused, and did recognise him, and that being so the alibi must crumble to pieces at once.

His Honor then summed up, and, in doing so, said the question simply was whether accused was identified as the ma.i who attacked Hoaker. It was an important fact that Hosker was sober at the time. He said he had had no drink that evening. His (Hosker's) identification of accused was the main evidence for the prosecution. His Honor reviewed the evidence for the defence. The jury must be satis- ! fied that Hosker was knocked down and robbed) i by some person, and they must have no reasonable doubt as to accused being identified as the man who committed the act. If they were so satisfied they would find accused guilty on the second count. If they were not satisfied, then accused was entitled to be acquitted. The Jury retired at 5 minutes to 3 o'clock, and, returning at 3.20, brought in a verdict of " Not guilty." EOBBERY WITH VIOLENCE. Charles Kemp and Thomas Blackwood were indicted for that they did, on the 6th October, at Dunedin, rob one Edward Crabbe of a. cheque book and a. letter, and that they did at the same time use peisonal violence. They were also charged on a second count with assault with intent to rob, and on a third count with assault. Both prisoners pleaded " Not- guilty," and were defended by Mr D. D. Macdonald. The Crown Prosecutor, in stating the facts, said that Crabbe went down to the railway station to sea a friend off to Port Chalmers on the night of the 6th October, and when he left the station he was under the influence of . drink. He was violently assaulted near the Terminus Hotel by the two accused. They knocked him down and kicked him about, ana " went through " his pockets. It was fair to point out that both these young men were under tho influence of liquor at the time, and perhaps some of their wild statements and wild 1 threats were due to that fact, but he (the Crown Prosecutor) was afraid it did not account lor all they did. One of them threatened to shoot Crabbe. A good many people saw the affair, and the police wers sent for, and would state what they saw on arrival on the scene. When they got there the prosecutor was lying on his side. Crabbe made the statement that he had been robbed, and when the accused were searched the letter belonging to Crabbe was found in the right-hand pocket of Blackwood. That had been taken from Crabbe's pocket, but Blackwood said it was a letter he had written about a- job. A doubt might arise as to criminal intention, and men, in the condition of accused, knocking another man about ■without criminal intention could be understood, but where they " went through " the man's pocket and took his belongings fromi him, the position was entirely altered. Of course, if they were sober there would bo no doubt in the matter.

Evidence was given by Edward Crabbe (the prosecutor), John C. Donovan (assistant porter at the railway station), Detective Livingstone, Constable Osborne, and Sergeant Griffiths, who said Blackwood charged Crabbe with " going through " his mate for " nine quid." Kemp said that he had not lost anything — that they had been drinking together. This closed the caae for the prosecution. Mr Macdonald said he would call the accused to pive evidence.

Thomas Blackwood stated that he had been a seaman, but wbs now a labourer. Had been working at Mr Joseph Sparrow's. On the night of the 6th October he and Kemp went down, to the railway station in company with four men-of-warsinen. They were a little early for the train and went into the hotel on the station and had a drink thfre. They were under the influence of drink. Kemp and he got separated 1 , and he heard him singing out " Tommy." Thai? was after the train had gone. He went to sea what was the matter, and saw two men running, and made after thtm. The two men were • Kemp and Crabbe, the former being after the latter. Witness said '"What's the matter," and Kemp replied " I don't loiow what this man wants. I think he wants to rob me." "Witness said " Let him up till we see." Kemp said, "Go and fetch the police," and witness replied. " Xo, don't mind the police. "We will give him a hiding and let him go." "Witness asked Kemp if Crabbe had taken anything from him, and he replied " No.' Kemp said if he (Blackwood) laid a hand on Crabbe he would' break his (Blackwood's) head. Witness was going to strike Crabbe. Kemp said, " Send for the police," and turning to Crabbe said, " That is not the name you told me before. You said 1 •your name was Johnston before. You will have to go to the police if I drag you myself." Crabbe said. " For heaven's sake let me go." Witness wavted to give Crabbe a hiding and let him go, but Kemp would not have that, and ■went away to ring up the police. When he returned the police came up. Witness had no revolver. He only pretended to shoot Crabbe. "Witness picked up a letter from the ground. Did not see a cheque about the place. j Had never been before the court previously. > Had not been long in the colony. Denied having said that Crabbo had robbed Kemp of " nine quid," or that ho ever saicl the letter found on him was his. Had never been before tho court previously.

Charles Kemp said he was storeman at J. W. Smith ami Co.'f, and had been there for about six months. Previously he had been with Matheson and Pram for about 18 months. Had been in New Zealand nearly all his life. Had never been before the court previously. On tha evening in question a man rushed out at him from the overbridge, and he (witness) sung out to Tommy. Witness chased the man, who pioved to be Crabbe, and he (Crabbe) fell •when he got near the railway crossing. Witness stood over him, and asked " "What's your little gamp"? and Crabbe started to plead with him. The rest of this witness's evidence was corroborative of that given by Blackwood. He, however, added that he never heard of his ■being robbed of " nine quid." Did not think he ever said that he had not been robbed. Ernest Hardy (bookkeeper, Messrs Hicks, Swift and Co.) and Percy Hislop (accountant, Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association) gave evidence as to the good character of the accused Kemp, and Richard Young (foreman boilermaker. Messrs Sparrow and Co.) spoke on. behalf of Blackwood.

Counsel addressed the jury, his Honor summed tip, and the jury retired at 5.35 p.m., returning at 6.20 p.m. with a verdict of "Nob guilty." The court was adjourned till half-past 10 a.m. on "Wednesday.

Referring to the reported suicide of Mr F. Krau«s at Levuka, the Polynesian Gazette of the Bth inst. states that the decea&ed was found lying in a chair witN a gun across his knees and with the top of his head blown away. There was no suspicion of foul play, as from the position! of the body and the direction of the shot there was left no doubt but that th« deceased had shot himself. The cause wa9 thought to be that the deceased had received bad news from Europe, a mail having arrived the day previous.

Mr H. D. SMITH, Bradgate, lowa, October. 17, 1899, writes: "I find Jayne's Expectorant to he the ONLY COUGH REMEDY THAU CAN BE RELIED UPON, and I confidently recommend it."-

The Track Committee are continuing their good work. They are making and asphalting about 11 chains more of the track by extending it up the Anderson's Bay road. This work should be finished some time this week.

Mr A. Crow, manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory's branch in Dunedin, has just compiled a handy pocket guide for cyclists. The information contained in the guide is of use to the rider around Dunedin, and to the wheelman, who wants to tour ihe country, giving, as it does, distances around Otago Harbour, round about the Taieri Plains, and all round the goldfields. The Dunedin-to-Christchuroh road route is also given. The information ia carefully compiled, and may be taken as reliable. Copies of the guide can be obtained at the "company's branch at the Octagon, a small charge being made to cover the expense of printing. The Union Steam Shipping Company's recent arrival, the s.s. Moeraki, brought out a. motor car. The motor is, I understand, for Mr James Mills, managing director of the company, and we may soon see it in full working order in our streets. The asphalt crossings from the cycling track to the main road, put down by the Track Committee for the greater convenience of suburban cyclists, are indeed a boon, and the committee are deserving of the sincere thanks of those cyclists who reside in any of the streets leading on to the Anderson's Bay road. Just her* I may say that though the Track Committee are not just now actively oanvassing for subscriptions to enable them to keep up th«ir good work, they nevertheless will be pleased to receive at any time donations towards the Track Fund.

The top portion of the Queen's Driva i» now nearly finished, and made suitable for cycle traffic. Arrangements have been made with the St. Kilda Borough Council to improve the Victoria road (at the back >f the racecourse) between Onslow House and St. Clair, by having the same topdressed with quarry dust well rolled in. This work when completed should make the road as pleasant to ride upon as the Queen's Dri\e now promises to be. Early m Monday morning a number of p&ople were to be scon gathered round the entrance to the telegraph office examining the locomobile brought down from Auckland by the Messrs Hennmg. From a chat with Mr Hj&nnjng, senr., 1 gathered that he would .not. have time to go farther south than Dunedui, -urgent .business necessitating his returning to Auckland by first steamer. He- -tells m-e that in his opinion, the steam car is the one of the present day that would most easily overcome the difficulties of the hilly and rough road between Oamaru and Dunedin, and that he found no difficulty in negotiating the Horse Rang© on the way down, though the road was not at its be«t. The locomobile Mr Henning is introducing to N^w Zealand runs in pric^ from £250 upwards. The manipulation of the machine is extremely simple, and with a couplo of minute'?' instruction I easily mastered the steering fit to career along one of the streets at a fair speed and with perfect confidence. Mr Henning purposes making another overland trip, leaving Auckland soon after Christmas, and arriving in Dunedin some time in January.

Don Walker, who, it will be remembered, raced some years ago on the Caledonian track in Dunedin, is a favourite for the forthcoming AuMral Wheel Race. He is at the present time the ino'.t speedy racing man in the Commonwealth, and his recent successes- ■ have induced a number >f people to freely pick him as next Austral winner. Such a win would be extremely popular. "Certain-tie 1 ?" can go astray in cycling a3 well as Melbourne Cups. No one (says "Wheeler" in the Sydney Referee) would have cared it the .stavt to lay much against Don Walker's «hanci in the 10 miles, for it looked *<". if he only needed average luck and a ole.ir run, .o win. But. as it turned out, not one of the cracks even finished. After a couple of laps Mutton, Randrup, Burton, and Pye cleared from the field, and, pacing splendidly, soon had a long lead. The back liwsion took things pretty coolly, there being no ixmcerted at(•eipt to pick up the lost ground. Later on the ram poui:e<J, and that settled it There were ore or two fitful sprints, but gradually Walne,. Walkt-r, Morgan, and gttatl fU* VI *ta iik. Burton led gfc

the 13C.11, with Mutton last. The latter attempted to come round the other three at the tennis courts, but fell, and Pye just ■won. Notwithstanding the rain and the unusual occurrence, the race was interesting to the end, and the crowd were almost as •much pleased as if Walker had succeeded. Bill Martin has tried his six-horse power motor pacing cycle on the St. Kilcla track. The track) will not carry the pace the- machine is capable of. It is expected that he will be able to get full speed on at the Sydney Cricket Ground, or the Adelaide Oval.

Major Taylor should leave America by the Sonoma on Thursday of this week, arriving in Sydney on 29th December. He will race in January and February. Mr Henning, chief representative in New Zealand A the Locomobile Company of America, arrived in Dunedin on Saturday, having driven overland from Christchurch on one of the company's locomobile touring model A, with his brother. The two gentlemen travelled from Auckland to Wellington by means of a locomobile, their object being to prove that the machines are capable of accomplishing long journeys ovei roads that are not of the best without danger of breaking down. The motor car on which the journey from Christchurch to Dunedin was made is of from seven to eight horse-power, weighing about 15cwt, and is oapable of travelling at the rate of 25 miles on good roads. The heavy grades between Oamaru and Dunedin were overcome without any difficulty. The most serious obstacles, in fact, proved to be the numerous water races which cross the roads on the Canterbury Plains and some of the unbridged rivers, these necessitating a consequent slowing down.. The actual time occupied in travelling from Ohristchurch to Dunedin was 19 hours. This is the first time the journey has been made on a motor car, and as the Messrs Henning had business to transact they stayed for some time at the various townships. The first day's ride, occupying about an hour, was from Christchurch to Rolleston. The next night was spent at Geraldine, and the third at Studholme Junction. Some time was lost through being misdirected while crossing the Canterbury Plains.

The usual monthly meeting of the Dunedin C.C. was held in the club room on Monday, 17th inst. Mr A. A. Finch presided. The captain (Mr J. Fredric) sent in his resignation owing lo his removal to the North Island to start business. Mr J. M'Millan also forwarded his resignation for the same reason. It was resolved that the resignations be accepted with regret, and the secretary was instructed to write thanking them for past services and wishing them success in their business career. Mr S. D. Minn was unanimously elected to the position of captain, and Mr W. Munro to the deputy-captainship. The sub-committee brought forward final arrangements for the Road Race, and these were passed and adopted. It was decided that no entry be accepted after Saturday, November 29. The course was fixed from Saddle Hill to Henley and back to Riccarton, a distance ot 21 mil«s. Numerous entries have already been received from the affiliated clubs for the event, and probably a big field will start. After discussion, it was resolved that ladies be admitted as members at the usual annual fee. Several new members were elected.

A case of considerable interest to cyclists all over the colony was heard here during the w««k, when proceedings w»r» taken by the police against certain members of the Auckland Cycling Club for furious riding at Otahuhu on the occasion of the club's annual road race, held recently. Mi 1 . Hutchison, S.M , presided, and as it was shown that the cyclists had been riding at a speed exceeding that prescribed by law, he inflicted a fine, ynaking it a nominal one of Is. and in doing so took the opportunity of referring to the peculiar manner in which the police had gone about the whole matter, riiey certainly merited the reproval. as despite the fact that the race had been advertised for some time, and must have been known to the police, who had never previously interfered with these annual fixtures, they gave no warning or hint that the race would not be allowed to proceed. I suppose we may now take it that the magisterial decision in this case writes finis to bicycle road racing in Auckland, and it will certainly be interesting to note what effect the Auckland decision will have on road racing in other parts of the colony, where up to "tTie present these races ha\e been carried on without let or hindrance.

New Zealanders are evidently doing 'good -work in Australia. The following (a part of a criticism of a Sydney race meeting) is a sample of what one sees now and again regarding riders who hail from our chores:— Of the other heats in the Britannia Handicap the best riding was shown by Morgan, who got to bib field early, and maintaining a long rr-i finished plendidly. and by Chalmers. th> South Australian, who put out an excellent rider in Burton, of New Zealand. *

It is anticipated t'<afc Major Taylor will wait in Sydney for the big £1000 race, now known as the "Sydney Thousand."

A Syc'aiey cycling writer nuts Burton, -il New Zealand, as one of the possible winners of the nevt Austral.

Threp ;vclisti> have been lisquaTified till the 23th inst., for deliberately slowing the field at Sydney :>n the Bth inst., to allow four other riders to get away. Another rider was disqualified till January 1 next for alleged foul riding at the meeting.

The result of a competition for a suitable name for the £100 C cycling racf», which has be^m included in the programme down for decision at Fydivey In' Marc-h npxt year has now been mack known. "The Sydney Thousand" was the title icnt in by Mrs W. Westlake. of Forbes trcrt, Darlinzhur&t, m d by -Mr A. Rorthuick, Church street, Richmond. Victoria, arcl it has been adopted, <-o that thr per-on« .named will each receive a cheque for £5. About SOOC icphoe were received in answer to the luwt'a&>A tfi £figl£»fc a ii*me for the iace t

During the last race run at Sydney on the Bth inst. the rain came down heavily, and the tracks becamo so greasy th »t it & extraordinary that ro more than one rider fell. It was the Lintcn Plate, >f 10 miles, and there were four competitors left in td fight out the last lap. Mutton was lying; last. At the members' pavilion he made •:;) dash for the top of the bank, and then with! a handle twist tried to bring hie machine straight, and a side slij was the result. Though it was the wet track that brought him down, having fallen, it was the weft track that possibly saved him from serious injury, for he, strapped to his machine, skidded about a dozen yaxde. For tha momomt it appeared that he was seriously hurt, but after a while he was ible to gefc up and walk to the dressing room. Taere was another fall during the day. Hopper, the American, tried to get through on the inside, and, touching another machine he f&U on to the pfrass. It was His own fa.ult T a& there appeared to be no chance of getting; through the pack. Could he have got to the outside of the bunch he would probably have won easily. Two or three years ago, before the League of Victorian Wheelmen was reconstructed, there was a considerable amount' of money set aside, constituting a fund for injured racing men. The money was swallowed up when the funds were consolidated, and disappeared altogether. The league council has been considering the desirability of holding a race meeting, the proceeds of which will form a nucleus of a fuud for th« benefit of distressed and injured racing cyclists, and a meeting >f the ridera will be called during the last week of the Austral carnival, when a large number of the men from all parts will be in Melbourne.

The tit-bit in the menu card at the Pare dcs Princes, Paris last Sunday week (says the Cyclist of October 1) was the reappearance of the famous ex-champion, Zimmerman, who had ben engaged to "star" at the Boulogne-sur-M»r enclosure at the wind-ing-up meets. A good crowd put in an appearance, including many notables both in the cycling and outei world, and "skeeter," clad in his favourite sky-blue jersey, was the recipient of a hearty ovation on making his appearance. He was billed tol ride one mile and five Idioms, against tha watch behind pace. After a spin on his own, which gave the spectators a good view! of his perfect style of riding, graceful position, and pedalling action, he chipped in behind Denesle on an up-to-date motor bicycla pacer, amd soon piled on the speed to over 40 miles an hour, when suddenly the motor stopped dead, and the old-time crack experienced his first spill Lehind the new form of trailing. He, however, quickly picked himself up, and after a short rest and a change of mounts, he, though badly bruised, made his re-appearance. This time he preferred to follow the amateur pacer Griet, and, keeping well out of danger this time, covered the mile in lmin 44 3-ssec. Shortly afterwards he covered five kiloms. in sm in 30sec, and, considering that he was not very highly geared, and that by keeping away from th« rear wheel of the motoi he did not receive the full advantage of his pacemaker, the times for a has-been are very good. On Sum* day last Zimmerman and Bald, on a tandem, were to have competed against Jacquelin on! a single. What a star turn indeed ! The latest English files to hand bring particulars- of a fine motor cycl«j ride accomplished by F. W. Chaee, ' on the Crystal Palace track, London. Mounted on a 2J horse-powep motor bicycle, Chase covered 44 miles 210 yards in the- hour, and 50 miles in lhr 7min. The first mile was ridden in the slick thna of lmin 23 2-ssec, a fine performance, oonsideriing that the motor was of medium* power, and a roadster machine to boot. "You may not think it," 6aid tha brigadier, as h© westled with the mutfen, •which ii the staple food of the veldt breakfast table, "but I am anxious about those fellows — d d anxious. But it is" no use 'having cyclists if they are only to loaE a-bout in camp. I use them much in thd same spirit as an inexperienced pyramid! player breaks up the balls at the beginning of a game. I trust that out of the crowd just one may get home.. The captain is a hearty fellow, and will probably make hia way into Strydenburg; but he is about the only one tlwt it would be worth betting upon. I should be sorry to lose him, as I like enthusiasts ; but as for his gang, I ■would willingly present tne lot to ' brother * I had sonic cyclists down Calvinia way. I found that on o down gradient they wer« terrors, but when any climbing came iheir way they afforded ' brother ' any amount of fun. The cyclist, to be uny use in war, must have roads and luck ; otherwise, aa scout oi messenger, he is valueless. It is all very well for faddists to prophesy a future for him. I like to see them working out their own salvation : pictures of dismounted, cyclists behind stacks of bicycle 3 prepared to receive cavalry fill me with delight. I like to anticipate the glee of the cavalry which has forced them to dismount for action at some disadvantageoup spot, and then, while they are doubling up their machines as a cheveaux de frise, shoot them from the cover of a haystack at a thousand yards." Brigade Major: "But, surely, sir, there must be some use in cycles for military purposes. The French, for instance, use them almost exclusively for carrying me=pages in their manoeuvres !'* Brigadier: "True for you. But then in. France they have roads. But even with tho best of roads there is a limit to their utility. Behind an army they are excellent; in front of an army their value- is problematical. Even down in Calvinia, where burghers were scarce, and main roads fair, they rarely carried a message as safely and as quickly as a. mounted Kaffir. They are vulnerable all round from other causes than the hazards of war. Machine vulnerable, nan vulnerable, and in a country lika this, where the roads are not masked by hedgerows, they furnish a kind of ' runningdeer ' to every burgher observation post, and, as far is I ?an judge, an observation post is to be found on evorv kopje !"— From "On the. Heels of De Wet," in Blackwood's. :.lagazine foi September, 1902. One of the most pleasing features in connection with the Automobile Club' reliability trials, says a well-known English writer, is th« fact that a British-built motoi cai was the only cai that went through the fix days' test, ovei a distance oi 650 mile aiound London, without losing b aingla point; and a British motor bicycle inly lost five points; but when the whole of the trials cam* to «c reckoned up, including brake powei and conditions at tjie fini«h. the motor cyclo easily obtained the highest number of marks. The re«ult of the trial* all round is groat triumph for the Euclishhuilt car-, and easily piove? that the Eng-lish-made automobile uid motor cycles art no whit iuierior to the foreign gxgdufri^

What is rpOtired now is for the industry to fcfsp clear , from the promoter and financial parasite' 6nd ther* is no doubt then that En-gla// will seen assume the lead in the mot</ 6ar industry, as she has been ever for/iost in the manufacture of cycles. — — One of the attractions at the Crystal Falac*, London, a month, ago, was a novel toomp«tition in the shape of a balloon v. jDycl* race. The idea was tha,t the aeronaut (Rev. J. M. Bacon) was the bearer of important -military despatches, which the cyclists were to try to prevent his leliverSng. Th* cyclists were to be drawn from jfche various volunteer corps in London, and ffche rider first reaching tli» aeronaut after landing was to fee awarded the priz». * The- following will serve to show that |bne motor-bicycle is, at least, a practical machine. It was contributed to an American paper: — "The care of a good working is a very simple and easy thing- after one learns about it, and the toleasnre to be had in riding on is not (equalled in any other way. I have used an automobile enough to find out its pleamre and its care. It is not nearly 6O exhilaratSng a sport, and the care and expense is 20 /times more than the motor-cycle not to mention the depreciation in value of each imaciine, which, in the automobile, would ;be many times more jhan in the motorjcycle. I have run my machine nearly 4000 Kniles, mostly over the worst kinds of roads, and the only repair I have had to make was Ifco replace one spoke. It would astonish a rider of the niotorless bicycle to '•cc what pough places it will drive through "' I

Nothing tends to spoil the easy running of a machine more than a shaky bottom bracket bearing : it sets up a slight rocking motion of the crank eliaf t, w hic-h is conveyed to the chain wheel, resulting in the Jnhain being constantly pulled out of line, teausing unnecessary friction and wear. A Joose bracket also increases the pedal vibration, which is intensely accentuated when Ihe road is at all rough or in riding over *rater-worn surfaces. The tendency of these bearings is to wear at the points where the pressure is greatest upon the pedal?, with ihe Msult that when they are run loose for kny length of time they are apt to wear oval knd cannot afterwards be properly adjusted. I The impressions of a recently-returned Visitor to England regarding cycling in that JDountry are ac interesting as they are prolnounced. The pastime, he thought, was in W very healthy condition throughout. Everybody appeared to have a bicycle, and U3ed it. The percentage of wheel-women is very bigh. An abiding proof of fhe permanency 'of England's highest regard for the bicycle £b found, he thought, in the individual's inVariable contribution in the form of an im>naoulate machine. Be the model as old as IShe first pneumatic, you may cc& youi face |n the nickel, or hunt almost in vain for ft scratch on the enamel. Every spoke glisten», while the chain, polished as when it loffc the factory, is the recipient of special care; »11 of which, to his mind, at least, Indicates the Englishman's, and specially the Englishwoman's, belief that cycling is one tof the most important parts of their li\ es — • Australasian.