LOCAL & GENERAL.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 28

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Members of the Catlins Railway League and the settlers in the Catlins district have every reason to be satisfied with the efforts recently made on their behalf by Mr R. Chisholm (president of the league), who, it will bo remembered, was appointed to wait on the Minister of Public Works with the object of. urging that something should be done for the residents of the district, many of whom were in need of employment. Mr Chisholm drew the attention of the Hon. Mr Hall-Jones to the fact that a number of the settlers were out of employment, and the Minister stated that he would give instructions that several of the men should bo put on road works. Knowing, however, that a further prosecution of the railway •extension would be immeasurably better for the district, Mr Chisholm urged the importance of that work, and expressed the hope that the men would be employed in clearing bush and doing such preparatory work as would be necessary for the construction of another section of railway. The Hon. Mr Hall-Jones, while pointing out that this year's vote for the line was small, and that care would have " to be exercised in regard to the expenditure of the money, promised to bring the matter before the Cabinet at the first meeting. As a result of the representations made it is confidently hoped that work on another section of the railway will be put in hand without delay, in which case the surplus labour in the district will be absorbed.

The announcement which we made last week that the Minister of Education has agreed to approve of the Education Board's recommendation respecting a new school for Mussolburgh for a building in brick at a cost of about £1400, has exoited a feeling of concern on the part of the members of the committees and staffs of the schools on the Flat and at Anderson's Bay. It is represented that these schools offer ample accommodation for the children of St. Kilda, and ii is recognised that the effect of the erection of a school at Musselburgh will be to draw pupils from the institutions at Forbury, Kensington, St. Clair, and Anderson's Bay to an extent that will involve a lowering of the status of these schools, with a corresponding reduction in the staffs and in the salaries of the teachers. The Educational Institute has, we understand, despatched a representative to Wellington to lay this view of the matter before the Minister. The School Committees' Conference has also been approached on the subject, but the executive of that body has decided that in view of th& stage which has been reached in connection with the proceedings, it cannot accept the responsibility of taking any action. •

"Is this the most recent product of legislation on this subject?" was the suggestive query of Mr Justice Williams yesterday when a lawyer placed before him a Native Land Court Act.

A special address on the subject of laypreaching was delivered before- the Officebearers' Association at First Church on the 6th by the Rev. Dr Nisbet. There was a large gathering of members, and very great interest in the subject was manifested by those present. In the course of his remarks the Rev. Dr Nisbet pointed out the value of the use of illustrations in preaching, and gave many valuable hints for preachers. Amongst the points dwelt upon was the necessity for a direct speech and clear delivery. He saw very little excuse for a preacher appearing before the congregation with a manuscript sermon, and one of the worst ways was to write a sermon and then attempt to learn it by heart. There- were some men wiio could read from manuscript with all the effect of free delivery, but everyone could not do that. A good plan was to write the discourse, or compile it in the mind as fully as if writing it, th&n make notes of the principal heads, and take the notes to the piilpit. He thought- preachers would find that if they trusted themselves and their memories they would soon find they could speak with confidence and be able to think with facility in the presence of a congregation. He had been convinced of the use of lay-preaching in Australia, and, personally, he would be glad to assist in every way a lay-preachers' association in Dunedin, and he believed good would undoubtedly result to the Church through such an association. The speaker was frequently appiauded during his remarks, and at the conclusion the Rev. Mr Mackie detailed the steps that had been taken in the direction of forming a lay-preachers' association. He said that a committee of the Presbytery had beenappointed to go into the whole question with the Office-bearers' Association. A short discussion followed, in which the speakers endorsed the view that it was advisable to have a lay-preaching organisation, and particularly so for country districts.

The New Zealand Guardian understands that a movement is on foot to erect a tombstone in the Northern Cemetery and to place a brass tablet in St. Paul's Cathedral in memory of the late Archdeacon Edwards. Subscriptions are being received for these objects by Dr Hocken and Mr C. H. Statham.

On opening a case of bananas received from the Islands on Saturday (says the Ashburton Guardian), Mr James Tasker, of East street, found one of the largest and most dangerous species of centipede, measuring fully 6in in length. The reptile was very much alive, and Mr Tasker had it secured in a bottle. The centipede (Scolopendra) iB one of the genus of carnivorous annilosa, belonging to tha order Myriapods,, g3

Cuvier. They are distinguished by having antennae of 14 joints or upwards. These reptiles conceal themselves in the decayed bark of trees, and are very numerous in the West Indies and in other countries and islands with hot climates. They multiply rapidly, and are formidable pests to householders in tropical regions. When molested they will immediately stand on the defensive, and bite severely, the bite being not only exceedingly painful at the moment, but usually followed by a high degree of local inflammation, and a fever of great irritation. The species common in England is of a reddish brown colour, about an inch" long, with a flat, thin body and . yellowish legs. The body of the species secured by Mr Tasker resembles a depressed and membranous or cartilaginous plate.

Paragraphs having appeared , stating that the police had received instructions not to interfere with the bona fide traveller, the Department of Justice points out that the statement is totally incorrect. The police have received instructions to enforce the law as it exists.

The weekly meeting of the .Benevolent Trustees, held on Wednesday afternoon, was attended by Messrs R. M. Clark (chairman), R. Wilson, W. Burnett, W. T. Talboys, J. Green, J. Thomson, J. Hazlett, and the Hon. H. Gourley. The Chairman extended, on behalf of the trustees, a welcome to Mr Hazlett on taking his seat for the first time since his election, and mentioned that the services of Mr Treseder had been unfortunately lost to the trustees. He moved, and Mr Green seconded, and it was unanimously resolved, that an expression of appreciation of Mr Treseder's valuable services be recorded in the minutes. The outdoor relief return for the month showed 327 oases (comprising 135 men, 228 women, and 538 children), at a weekly cost of £105 2s 6d, the return for the corresponding month of last year showing 313 cases (128 men, 218 women, and 502 children), at a cost of £103 14s per week. The Bruce County Council wrote on behalf of some Adam's Flat residents, making representations as to the case of a Chinaman named Chan Cow, whose allowance had been reduced to 3s a week, and suggesting that 5s a week be allowed. It was resolved that the trustees could not see their way to raise the amount, but that the recipient of the relief could have the alternative of entering the Benevolent Institution. Some donations of magazines and books were received with thanks, consideration of tenders for painting the wards at the institution was deferred, and 36 cases for relief were dealt with.

The ordinary committee meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held at the Town Hall on Wednesday, there being present — Mr G. Fenwiok (vice-president, in the chair), Mrs Howard Jaokson, Miss Allan, Messrs Salmon, Livingston, J. B. Thomson, Fredk. Smith (treasurer), Jeans, and the hon. secretary (Mr T. S. Graham). Apologies for inability to attend were read from the Rev. W. Saunders and Rev. A. T. Chodowski. The inspector's report was read, and showed that a number of warnings had been given by him to persons guilty of cruelty to horses and other animals, and several prosecutions had been instituted. It was resolved that the secretary write to the secretary of the Dunedin Gun Club drawing his attention to the cruelty involved in the present system of using pigeons -in the club's shooting contests, many of the birds being only wounded, and flying away to die a lingering death. The society expressed a .hope that the system of using dummy birds would be adopted. A vote of thanks was passed to Dr Hocken for a large quantity of printed matter he had procured from the Royal Society during his recent visit to England, and presented to the society. The hope was expressed that Dr Hocken would be able to attend the next meeting of the committee, and give particulars of his interview with the secretary of the Home society. The vice-president and the secretary were authorised to communicate by circulars with residents in the country districts, with the object of establishing sub-committees in the leading centres, and adding to the membership of the society.

Another phase of the working of the Shops and Offices Act has presented itself. The various building societies in Christchurch have received a* notification that, as a result of the act coming intc operation, the offices of the societies will no longer be open on certain evenings in the week for the receipt of payments. Similar societies in Dunedin have so far received no notice of the kind.

The nature of the reception and treatment they received appears to be still fresh in the memory of some of the members of the Imperial troops who visited Dunedin. Hosts on that occasion still receive letters from their temporary guests. One such

I letter has been received by Mr A. C. Stewart, of Roslyn, from Sergeant MacNcil, of the 2nd Cameron Highlanders, at preI sent stationed in Pretoria, where he appears to he doing well. In this letter it ia ] mentioned that he has come across several New Zealanders. Most of them are doing { well, but others have felt the pinch of dull times. Dulness reigns throughout, according to the Sergeant, and many an unfortu* nate individual has to sleep otit at night.. At Johannesburg relief works have been started, where 5s a day can be earned — just barely sufficient to live upon, for the price of food is high. The feeling against the Government is bitter. Retrenchment has been carried out unsparingly, and on the railways barely enough hands are employed! to work the lines with safety. Meetings of , unemployed are frequent, and men are continually trying to enlist, as they cannot get work at their irades. The Sergeant asks his friends to tell anyone they know ] who may be thinking of proceeding to South Africa to pause and reflect. He declares that no one should think of going there unless there is a situation waiting for him. It has been found necessary to postpone the date of the Dunedin Horticultural Society's show to the 21st insfc., or one week later than was previously announced. This should give intending exhibitors a better chanoe of making a good display. The monthly meeting of the Council of the Christian Endeavour Union was held in First Church Classroom on Monday evening. The president (Rev. W. A. Sinclair) was in the chair, and a good number of delegates were present. The Sawyers' Bay Christian Band was affiliated with the union. The treasurer's statement showed a fair credit balance. Several votes of thanka were passed in connection with the field day. Messrs Bush and Jacobson reported having visited Middkmareh, Waikouaiti, Merton, and Purakanui Societies, and having found them in excellent working order. Notices of motion were given to amend the constitution. The executive was appointed to act as a Convention Committee to arrange for a monster convention, to take plaoe about the last week in March, 1905. It is intended to make, by a special effort, this convention the best ever held in the colony, and to have missionary, junior, and consecration meetings. After business had been concluded, Sister ChristobeL gave a very interesting and helpful account of the manner in which one of the junior societies was conducted. The meeting closed with prayer. A Maori boy won the writing competition held at Wanganui in connection with a Christmas carnival there. The Cromwell Golci Dredging Company, which has been in existence for rather more" than six years, has apparently come to the end of its career of usefulness, and -at a meeting of shareholders on Thursday it was decided to recommend that the company' be wound up as soon as possible. This company was, like many others that have come and gone, highly spoken of at the time it was floated; but, unlike the great majority of those that have already passed out of existence, it has had a highly euccessful career, and shareholders have no reason to complain of the amount they have received in the shape of dividends. The company started operations in June, 1900, and until quite recently the returns were most satisfactory, amounting to three figures on many occasions. So bright were the prospects at one time that the company acquired a second dredge, and shareholders naturally looked forward to handsome returns. From that time, however, the returns have become smaller, and in October last the prospects were so far from being hopeful that the dh-ectors decided to close down. Every effort has been made to procure additional ground in order to prolong the life of the company, but the directors were unable to secure a claim that; was considered worth purchasing. Up to date shareholders have received something like £2 15s per £1 share in dividends, and the company still possesses two dredges and about £1600 in cash. When the dredges are disposed of and all the cash divided, shareholders will probably have received at least £3 per share in dividends, k> it must be admitted that the Cromwell Companyhas served them exceptionally well. Among the curios on exhibition at the Templars' Bazaar, now being held in the Choral Hall, is a unique collection of the official declarations of the returning officers and scrutineers at the last election for Superintendent of the province, held in Otago in 1873. On that occasion Mr James Macandrew was returned against Messrs J. L. Gillies aud " Jock " Graham (who only recently died). The owner of this collection (Mr Sandilands), it is understood, intends presenting- it at the close of the bazaar to the Early Settlers' Association. Other interesting mementoes of the past that are or*

View include the parchment deposited by fc i William Francis Drummond Jervois in the foundation stone of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition building, an autograph poem" by Robert Burns (said to be the only one in New Zealand), and two charters and deeds of land in Edinburgh bearing dates of the time of Queen Mary.

Mr Mark -ataxton, a well-known Greytown borough councillor, has just had an .amusing experience with his swarm of bees. They escaped from the hive, and were pursued down the street by Mr Maxton. A number settled on his ibeard, which is rather long, and immediately the whole swarm _ was round him, buzzing angrily. Suspecting that he had the queen bee in his whiskers. Mr Maxton walked calmly up the street, some more bees settling on his beard, and others racing behind and in front of him. The sight created the greatest astonishment in Greytown, and -was received with much amusement "by the residents. Ultimately Mr Maxton reached the hives and brushed tho bees off his beard into a box,* when the xest of the swarm followed and were closed up.

Parliament last session -voted £1000 to assist the District Hospital Board to estab- ! lish a hospital for consumptives at Otaki. The Audit has taken up the attitude that >the Treasury cannot pay out'the grant -until its equivalent 'has been obtained from the local bodies drawn on for hospital purposes. This cannot be drawn before March next. Meanwhile the Wellington Hospital Board is endeavouring to ©bfain the grant from -the unauthorised expenditure account. If unable it will have to postpone calling for tenders for the proposed hospital . until -January,, and delay , payment «until £he March levies are avail- 1 able. The hospital will only be for cuxable cases. The Wellington Hospital. Trustees have agreed to find the money for the j accommodation of patients in an advanced \ stage.

The ratepayers of Lawrence have Tejeeted ■ the proposal to raise a -loan for lighting the 6treets- -with electricity and supplying electricity for -lighting and .motive power. The proposal was to Taise a -special electric lighting loan of .£SOOO. The -voting on Wednesday was _as follows : — For the pro- , posal, 42 ; against the proposal, 105 ; informal, 1. Our -correspondent writes that the ipoll reverses the .result of the previous poll, the majority being about the same in favour -of the proposal on the last occasion as "fche 'majority against on the present oceasipu. . ' A new problem — that of providing false teeth .^or the inmates of the Costley iHome — * has been added to the many more or Jess vexatious questions 'which the .Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board is .oonBtarftly being called -upon to xleal with. At the last meeting (says 'the Auckland Herald) ■. an inmate, an old-age . pensioner, wrote asking the board to spend about three guineas in procuring set of teeth 'for him. Mr A. Bruce -said- the application opened up -'a wide -question, and_ that it would -cost about 600 guineas to supply teeth to all the inmates of the Home who had lost, thor-e supplied by Nature. Mr J. R. Walters suggested inviting applications for the position of honorary dental surgeon to the. j Horne — a post -which, .according to the iemarks of Mr Bruce, would be jqo sinecure. The Chairman said -the subject was one of ' more seriousness than -members -were disposed to think, and on his motion it was. resolved , to refer the application tfco the, Costley Home Committee for a report.

The <3anadian Pacific railway system now . comprises 91D8 miles of -line,, besides 2213 . miles df supplementary lines. The" company • also owns steamers for both lake and -ocean navigation, us well as hotels, town sites, anil a 'commercial telegraph system. -Still further, "the" company owns 11,338,350 acres of land in Manitoba and the Canadian North-west; the -sales of land effected -in the -financial year -ending June 30, 1904, ' realised -an average of 4dol 10c per acre. The .company further owns '3,744,324- aores in British Columbia. The capital raised by the company in -various forms -stood at "the rlose^of June, 1904, at 359,000, 000d01. The gross earnings for the 12 months ending with June, 1904, were 46.469.132d01 ; the' •working expenses were 32,256,027d01, leaving j the net revenue of the financial year at 14,312,104d01. After provision had been , made for all obligations, a balance of 8,035.276d0l remained available for dividend, ' out of which the directors paid dividends j of £ jper cent, on the preference stock and 6 per cent, on the common stock, leaving i 1,666.000d0l to be carried forward. Tho . ratio of the working expenses to the traffic receipts last year stood at 69.42 per cent., j as compared with 63.97 per cent, in 1902-3.

Sing George of Greece, whose visit to France was throughout notably celebrated both in private and official circles, can claim an experience of which few people, either royal -or otherwise, can boast. On his recent journey irom Utenmark to Kiel he in reality encountered that which has been regarded in England as a sort of phantom. In the middle of a black nighl the horizon all of a sudden Earned furiously, and the -boat on which his Majesty was journeying became the object of a luminous onslaught. I* appears that the Russian Baltic squadron was cruising in the neighbourhood, and, having .discovered the little steamer, desired to know its destination. Th© 2£ing was below at the time, but on learning the state of affairs he Quickly rose, dressed, and mounted the bridge. ;Signals aiid compliments were exchanged, his Majesty returned to bed, and the battleships disappeared. At the last meeting of the Executive ot the Otago Central Railway League, -on the sth inst., a telegram was despatched to the Minister of Publio Wotffes (throuah some-

local members of Parliament) stating that the league was dissatisfied with the Public Works Department's reply to its inquiries regarding the bridge over the Manuherikia at Alexandra, over which matter the league had previously been in correspondence with the department. The following reply has been received: — "In reply to your wire, I have to state that it hjas not yet been decided when tenders will be invited for the construction -of the bridge over the Manuherikia River at Alexandra. Work upon this line is making good progress, and in due course tenders will be invited for this bridge.— Wat Hall- Jones." It is probable a special meeting of th-o league will be called to discuss the reply.

We are informed that the Primate haa received a letter from the Archbishop ol Canterbury, written since the latter's return from America to England. The Archbishop has conversed with some of the American bishops respecting the development of church work in the South Pacific, an official of the American Church having cteciared that all the churches of the Pacifio islands were "their wards." The Primate is in correspondence with the presiding bishop of the Church in America and with others on -this subject.

Assisting men-of-war's men to escape is a serious offence, and a, fine of £30 for each deserter found in a house is the maximum penalty provided. At Cairns, Queensland, •on the 11th nit. a man named Lewis R. Christ was convicted of having assisted • in the desertion of three men belonging to •H.M.'S. Pylades by harbouring them in his house. He was fined £10 6s 4d, and in default three months' imprisonment.

The Mon. Sir J. G. Ward, Minister of Railways, arrived in Dune-din on Saturday night, and proceeded south by Monday's afternoon train. The honourable gentleman intends to be present at the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral show, to be held at Inverc.argill early this week. He may return to Dunedin on Thursday night on his way to Wellington. -

The Dunedin branch of the Educational institute Las received intimation from the Minister of Education to the effect that, acting on the advice of the Otago Education Board, it .has been decided to go on with the building of the new school at Musselburgh. This is the final decision in .the matter after hearing -the objections •which were urged as to the effect the opening -of a new school would have on the other schools on the- Flat.

The Hospital returns for the week are 'as follows: — Remaining from previous week, 97 patients t admitted during -the week, 23 ; , discharged, 14 ; deaths, 2 (Caroline Fleming and Jano Grace) ; .and remaining in the institution yesterday, 104.

It is stated on .good^ authority that an old resident of South Dunedin, about 74 years of age, was assaulted and knocked about by a gang of larrikins on Friday -evening. While proceeding to visit the ■house of bis son-in-law he was followed from Cargill road corner by a number of young men. On reaching Wilkie road comer he' was accosted by some of the men j and asked if he had any money on him. "turning round ito see who was sp eaking •to him he was struck on the head, and almost at 'the same time* received a severe blow on the mouth. He seized one of his 'assailants, and after inflicting some chastisejnent he managed to escape without receiving any injury of a serious nature. Unfortunately tho matter was not reported to the police.

" The examination of candidates for the National scholarships was commenced on Tuesday morning, and was to conclude on Wednesday evening — the centres of examination in the Otago district being Dunedin, Lawrence, Tapanui, and Naseby, — and "the Junior Civil Service examinations will- com--menoe on Thursday morning next, and be continued until the 22nd inst. The examinations for the Otago Education Board's scholarships will be opened on the 20th inst., and bo concluded on the 22nd.

Owing to the Continuation and Civil Service examinations taking place on Thursday, the break-up at the Boys' High School has been postponed until Friday, the 16th inst., at 2.30 p.m.

A rather extraordinary licensing prosecution is reported from Melbourne, the defendant being the licensee of the Palace Hotel. It appears that one of the barmaids served a bottle of champagne to a customer, who voluntarily deposited his watch and chain as security for payment of the liquor, promising to xoturn with the cash presently. When ha returned he -brought a policeman with him, and the policeman charged the licensee with unlawfully receiving a pledge. The bench decided that this Avay of accepting a -watch and chain as security against a claim lor liquor supplied over the bar did not amount to taking the articles in pledge; but (c-ays a newspaper commenting on tho case), the prosecution was none the less instructive. The Licensing Act properly -regards -the person in front of the bar as a possible victim, and it should forbid the grog-dispenser to take advantage of 'his tjiirsfc by advancing him money on his clothes or his umbrella, in order that he may further prosecute his " bust."

The Otago Central railhvay having ncnr reached the Manuherikia "Valley, it is possible to make the trip from Cromwell to ©imedin in one -day by leaving Cromwell by coach at a very early 'hour. In winter time, when "the snow is on the ground and when the numerous mountain streams are bringing down quantities of shingle on to the road, the passage through the wild Cromwell Gorge .to Clyde is not the safest journey in the world for a coach, and with

a view to minimising this danger the matter was laid before Sir Joseph Ward on Monday, and it was pointed out that if the long delays of the train from Omakau to Dunedin at some of The stations were curtailed and the train timed to reach Dunedin about 6.30 p.m. it would b© possible to fix the time for starting the Cromwell coach at 5.30 a.m., thus materially minimising the danger. Sir Joseph Ward recognised that there was a great deal in what was laid before him, and he promised to consult with the general manager of railways with a view to making some arrangements such as suggested. It is the intention of the Botanic Gardens i authorities, some time in the near future, to ■ have the main entrance at the North-East Valley end of the grounds, instead of the centre as at present. With that end in view a portion of vacant land alongside -lie Opoho'road was taken in early in the year, and the woi-k that has been don© on it has effected an enjoyable transformation. A main drive, flanked by borders of we'tladvanced flowers and shrubs, has been made and will constitute a very attractive entrance to one of Dunedin's chief show places. It is understood that the Reserves Committee is expecting some public-spirited citizen or citizens or association to come forward and donate a set of ornamental iron gates, without which the entrance would not be complete. The local district agent of the Government T.ourist Department has received information" that the track from the head of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound is now in a condition to admit of ladies making the trip. There are several parties doing the trip at the present time, and quite a number of Otago residents have signified their intention of making the tour during the Christmas holidays. It would be as well for any person who intends to go overland to Milford Sound to call on the district agent before leaving. Some new boats for Milford ' Sound. Lake Ada,, and the Arthur River ferry, as well as extra beds and blankets, are being sent round by the Hinemoa in order to cope with the extra traffic expected during the season. The Lyttelton Times says the Cabinet has appointed .a Rojal Commission, consisting of Mr C. B. Davy (ex-Chief Judge of the Native Land Court), Major Scannell (formerly judge of the Native Land Court), and Mr A. T. Ngata (barrister and solicitor), to inquire into the petitions of the Natives setting forth their grievances and allegations concerning former adjudications laid judgments of the Validation and AppolUite Courts with respect to their lands. Mr Davy is io be president of the commission, which will start its labours after the New Year. The Invercargill solicitor for the Sutton family received a cable- from Chicago on Monday to the effect that a new trial was refused in ' the case of Sutton v. Dowie, and that judgment has been entered in favour of the Suttons. The amount involved exceeds £10,000, which was left by the late Frederick Sutton, farmer, of Thornbury, who executed a will on his deathbed in favour of Dowie, of Zion City. The will v/ae upset on the ground of testamentary incapacity. Under the directorship of Mr Tannock the Botanic Gardens and city reserves have made wonderful progress in the last 18 months. Perhaps nowhere is the difference that has been worked more noticeable to the frequent visitor as in the Botanic hardens, where a great advance has been oaada, particularly in the matter of flowering j plants and named varieties 'of trees and shrubs, native and exotic. The young trees put in last year have made splendid growth, .and have evidently taken very kindly tc their .new surroundings. A novel departure taken this year, and one calculated to he appreciated and instructive, is the setlinj apart of a couple of borders, below ihe Duke street entrance, for grasses. Gloss on 100 named varieties of grass have been sown, each variety in a -separate bed. The collection, which is making good growth, in- , eludes not only ornamental and useful kinds, but also grasses which the householder generally regards as weeds. " It might be ateo mentioned that the appearance of the plants (alpine and other) in the rockery amply justify the institution of such a depart- . ment at the Gardens. A remarkable tale of endurance on the part of a boy named Robert Shute, ag-eel 11 years, comes from Muttaburra, Queensland. On Saturday, November 26, James Kingsley, aged 74, and Shute started frov. Muttaburra for Tower Hill. On Sunday they arrived at Dotswood, 30 miles distant, where they camped. Next morning, being unable to find a horse, they started to leturn to Muttaburra. Kingsley became exhausted, and gave Shute 5s and tl-e remainder of the water, which was vt-ry little, and told lum to go to Muttaburra for assistance. Sbute took off his boots, and. though the heat was terrible, aecomplis'icdthe journey, arriving at Muttaburra Ht 7 o'clock. A party found Kingsley at midnight, in a very low condition, but he subseqtiently recovered. Though Shute walfeod over 40 miles, he did not show the slightest exhaustion. Mr H. J. Greenslade, one of the members of the Auckland Land Board who attended' the conference at Wellington, on being interviewed, said that the question of freehold v. leasehold was debated. "The r,ene | ral opinion," he said, " was that this Question be decided by the Government in power. Many members, I must admTt. favoured the freehold system with certain limitations as to area, etc., but these members were in a decided minority. It was considered that .the 'Crown tenants si pre- ,

sent were contented and prcsjierous, but it was generally agreed that there should b» some relaxation of the present stringont regulations. It was pointed otit that v hat was suitable to one portion of the colcny was unsuitable to another, and that ther<> fore the regulations should be made ny-re elastic, this being particularly the case in regard to many portions of the North Island, especially the Far North, Kawhia, and icrtions of Taranaki. Many members, though perhaps not the majority, were of opinion that the preeent residential conditions arc too exacting, and require relaxing if the settlement of the poorer lands is to proceed at a satisfactory rate. Then, again, »t was felt that -the lease in perpetuity form of tenure is less favourably looked upon than it deserved to be by leading bodies, biih Government and private, and a resolution was passed with th© object of securing an alteration in this respect. In respect l>j this, and the other matters, the Government will possibly inti"oduce an amen'lmg act, with a view to removing some of the restrictions now placed upon Crown tenants. A full report of the deliberations of the conference was taken, and it is understood that this will be laid before the Land Consmission, which will probably be appointed during the coming week." At Wednesday's meeting of the Dunedin City Mission, the Hon. Treasurer reported a satisfactory credit balance, and the following offerings : — A Lady Friend, 10s; A Father, 2s; A Widow's Offering, 21s; A -Lady Helper, 10s; Union Street School, 2s; Two Boys, ■ss; from A Girl, 6s; Mr J., 21s; Mr 8., 10s; Russell street, 30s 9d. To all helpers the committee tenders most hearty thanks. The usual accounts were passed -for payment. In his monthly memo. Mr D. Wright ■ reported that valued help had been given during the month on Sunday evenings by Mr J. Wilkinson, Major Gumming (Salvation Army), Sister Marie, and First ' Church Endeavourer-s. Arrangements have been made to carry on vigorously the service during the missionary's absence. Since closing the classes in Stale schools a fortnight ago there have been greater - opportunities of seeing -and reading with eld people, sick folk in the Hospital, in Russell street, Arthur street, High street, Alva street, Elm tow, "King street, St. David street, Clyde street, Tlnion street. Castle street, Albany street, Cumberland street, and also at Ravensbourne, Woodhaugh, and Caversham. 'The committee will not be surprised to be told again that no part of our Chirstian ■ activity ,is more 'hopeful or -more congenial than the work amongst the children. The detailed printed report concerning the Biblereading classes, which has already appeared in the Star, the Times, aiid the Witness, was referred .to by the Chairman. If was also reported that, in view of the work of next year, an order has already been sent to the London Children's Special MiEsion -for! a continuation of ! Our Own Magazine, -which has been so popular, with the young people. A curious "thing happened at the social -tendered to Mr H. P. Rasmussen on the eye of his departure from Winton. Eulogistic -speeches had been made in reference to Mr Rasmussen's exemplary conduct during his 14 years as constable at Winton, and in the positions he had occupied as clerk of the S.M. Court, clerk of the liicensing Court, inspector of factories, Customs officer, etc., he had been presented with a handsome drawing room suite of furniture and an oveiftnantel ; .his wife had been made the .recipient of a handsome silver tea service and a lady's dressing case, and a combined purse and card case, and a. gTeenstone 'bracelet had been handed to his daughte-r. On rising to respond Mr Rasmussen harl to announce that during the evening he had received a message that his transfer to had been cancelled in the meantime. Wihy this change h^d taken place he did not .know. He had broken up his home, and had everything on the railway ready to leave the following morning. Mr Rasmussen is therefore ' in the -peculiar position, after having received the iarewell gifts of his many friends, of not knowing where he will be moved, or whether he will be moved at all. — Southland Times. During -fche last three months wholesale robberies have been committed at the Ball Road Railway Station, north of Patea, such articles as cases of jam, a ton and a-half of potatoes, sacks of flour and sugar, boots and drapery, disappearing in a mysterious manner. Recently a traveller by train left ' a travelling bag containing goods to tho value of .£ls, including a .field glass, on the station. Returning the following day, the bag had goiv». A few days ago Constable O'Brien received information 'that a pair of field glasses were being offered for sale, and as a result of inquiries he proceeded to the residence of Mr A. Honey, a wellknown settler of Kakaramca, where, after a search, the miseing bag ami -some of the ■ lost goods were 'found. Mr Honey deniod having stolen them, and said he bought the-m from a hawker. On the Bth inst. Honey was charged with theft, and remanded for eight days, bail being allowed in two sureties of £50 and himself in £100. The following appears in an Australian paper: — "Premature Epitaph. — At Wanganui, in "New Zealand, stands a monumeut erected to the memory of local Volunteers who fell in the Maori war. Among the- names of the brave fellows there engraved is that of one Volunteer — Sparkes. It may interest Wanganui residents to know that this Volunteer, so far from being .a dead man, ' is very much alive and well. In fact, he is none other than Alderman Sparkes. the Mayor of Oamperdown. Only within the last day or two did it come to the Mayor's knowledge that fche epitaph had already been written — hence this intimation to r-il whom it may concern." t The Mataura Ensign understand* that the lignite pit 3 at Waikaia owned by 2lv M'lvor ha-ve been purchased by a syndicate of dredgeownevs, who intend to work them for the use of their dredges. The Otago Land Board will offer for sale by auction .at Dunedin on Friday, 30th mst., the lease of Beaumont -Run, Tuapeka County, containing 70,000 .acres. Tie ]STaiionel Mortgage and Agency Company notify that they have been authorised by the present lessee, .whose lease expires on March 1, 1905, to sell his interest in live and dead stock, freehold land, buildings, -and other improvements. The run has a carrying capacity of 20,000 sheep. We have to acknowledge receipt of Stone's Otago and Soxvthlsind ABC Guide and Diary fox December.