NEWS IN BRIEF.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 73, 2 May 1914, Page 11

NEWS IN BRIEF.

Applications are invited for the position of assistant instructor of the School of Mines, Thames. At a meeting held in Cathedral Square last evening by the Christchurch Prohibition League, Mr A. Toombs said that in Queensland there are regulations prohibiting the existence of hotels within five miles of railway construction works or of sugar mills.

At a meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Horticultural Society last evening the secretary reported that excellent progress had been made with the arrangements for the society's annual chrysanthemum and fruit show, to be held in the Art Gallery next Wednesday and Thursday.

An interesting property sale affecting the -North Auckland district was effected on Tuesday, when the Okahukura Run, Kaipara, passed into the hands of the Hon. J. D. Ormond, of Hawke 's Bay. The former owners of the property were Messrs Hutchinson and Maddison, and the run comprises 10,000 acres with 4000 sheep and 1100 head of cattle. The results of the second night's play in the Christchurch Friendly Societies' Card Association's tournament were as follows:—Anchor won by default from Addington; Queen's own beat Ivy of Linwood, 22 —20; Perseverance beat Pioneer, 25 —19; Washington beat Star of St. Albans, 2:5—21; Mistletoe beat

City of Christchurch, 24 —17; Star of Canterbury, a bye. H.M.S.'s Pyramus and Psyche arrived in port- from Wellington this morning, and berthed alongside the wharf. They both leave again to-mor-row morning for Nelson, with General Sir lan Hamilton and staff, and MajorGeheraFGodley and staff. From Nelson the Psyche probably proceeds to Auckland, the Pyramus returning to Wellington. .

In reference to a statement to which publicity has been given, to the effect that there has been delay in the issue of the quarterly Customs returns, enquiries made (nays the Wellington "Post") show that there has been delay, and although no official explanation has been given, it is understood that in the initiation of a new system of classification, which involves" ah extended enumeration of goods, some delay is to be expected. It is, however, probable that in the near future the statistics will be issued much more promptly. "There are plenty of rats in the House," interjected a voice at the Prime Minister's meeting at Paeroa on Thursday evening. "There are not so many rats as some people imagine," rejoined Mr Massey, "but we have tw T o of them, and one of them I am sorry to say is an Auckland member. The cats, however, will take good care of him when the time comes."

Preparations for thd commencement by the Canterbury Petroleum Company at are well under way. A derrick, which will be 72 feet in height, is being built. An electric lighting plant, 20 h.p. boiler, and 15 h.p. engine are installed, and a number of buildings erected. A commencement is to be made with sinking at an early date. The Asliburtou County Racing Club has' been particularly fortunate in the support accorded its Autumn Meeting, which takes place on Thursday and Friday next. Not only do the fields give promise of being above the average in size, but it is pleasing to notice that they contain the names of many highclass horses, and many juveniles of more than average promise. A special train will ruii to the racecourse on both days of the meeting, which should be one of the most successful in the history of the club. 7

The Christchurch Tramway Board will this week have a trial run of the < ' Tilling Stevens Pertol Electric Motor Bus Chassis. "A number of this class of vehicles have been ordered by the Wellington City Council to be used as feeders' to their tramway system. This system of electric transmission is used extensively in motor lorries and delivery vans. The New Zealand representative for this machine is now in Christchurch, and trial runs ca*n be arranged with the local agents, Messrs Kinsey and Co., Ltd., Hereford Street 1399.