NEWS IN BRIEF.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 594, 5 January 1916, Page 5

NEWS IN BRIEF.

The N'ow Brighton Marine Bund will play a programme of music on Die local rotunda this evening, commencing at 8 i o'clock.

The Telegraph Office advises that the j VVaimakariri South, the Opihi, and the , Waitaki Rivers are clear, the Waimakajriri North discoloured, and the Jlangi;fata an.l Bakaia dirt v.

Work at the Handy Bay marble quarries is being pushed ahead with such expedition that it is confidently anticipated that, by the middle of January, there will be regular dispatch of marble for the new Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington, says an exchange. Mr ,). Kerrigan, M.R.C.V.S., the Agricultural Department's veterinary supervisor for the South Island, has been visiting Kuikoura for the. purpose, of further investigating the unusual mortality that has occurred among the cattle of Messrs ,1. Swart and G. Eaton — something like 30 head having died during the last three weeks.

The following resolution was carried by the Mothodist Church congregations lat Ohoka, Ilorrelville, and Swannanoa on Sunday last:—"This congregation [respectfully urges the local bodies of .North Canterbury to protest against [the proposed excursion for returned I soldiers on Sunday, January 10, and further urges the Automobile Association to use Saturday, the universal half-holiday, for the purpose." Letters embodying this resolution have been sent to all the local bodies of North Canterbury, and to the Canterbury Automobile Association.

"Surprisingly big guns can bo carried now by submarines," stated Mr A. H. Pollen, the naval critic, in the course of a lecture delivered in London. "The largest guns before the war used on a submarine were Impounders. The new submarines are armed with much more powerful weapons. They have higher periscopes, to allow them to sink to a greater depth under water. They can submerge nearly 100 ft, and remain submerged for 24 hours, when the air supply requires renewing, unless artificial means for clearing it are on board. The newest submarine can stay at sea six or seven weeks, and travel"4ooo to 5000 miles, including 100 miles under water. The speed of the torpedo has been increased by the use of hot air in the engine instead of cold air. As compared with seven or eight years ago, the torpedo can travel 50 per cent, faster and twice the distance; it can do 12,000yils at 35 knots. In clear weather the torpedo can be seen travelling under water. Early on Wednesday evening a young man, well dressed, went to the Grand Hotel, and in the customary way obtained accommodation (says the Dunedin "Star.'')' He stayed there over-night, and early on Thursday he visited several shops and selected articles of clothing, which he directed should be sent to his hotel, stating that he would pay for them on delivery. Later in the day these goods commenced to arrive, but in several instances those in charge of the articles could not find the purchaser. Some of the goods were delivered, and in these cases the young man tendered a sealed envelope—presumably containing a cheque—and obtained a stamped receipt. The envelope, however, contained merely a note, apologising for his inability to pay for the goods, but stating that he would call and pay later on. As soon as he gained possession of the goods he left the hotel. On Friday the man, whose name was Claud Oswald Barker, alias .'amicson, alias Allien, was arrested in a shop in Maelaggan Street by Detective Ball, and was charged with theft. On the application of the police a remand was granted.

A deputation of ironmongers waited on the Hon. ,1. A. Ilanan ami Mr J. C. Thomson, M.P.'s (says the "Southland Times"), regarding the irksome nature of the regulation dealing with the sale ]of sporting rifles and ammunition for which a permit had to be obtained for each individual sale, it was pointed out that the regulation threatened to hamper the use of rifles and ammunition for keeping down rabbits, and it was suggested that all riiles and cartridges under .303 bore be treated as shot guns for the sale of which no permit was required. The effect of the regulation was that no one could purchase a box of .22 cartridges unless he had a permit. The deputation did not wish to interfere with the police control of' dangerous arms. Air Ilanan explained the object of the regulation, and said that while he did not think it possible to have it repealed, he thought somo alteration could be made to meet the position that had arisen. After further consideration, the Minister said he would make a recommendation to the effect that ironmongers be permitted to sell the arms and ammunition referred to on condition that they kept a book in which each purchaser would .sign his name, that all orders from the country be in writing, the ironmongers to furnish weekly or fortnightly returns of jiurc.ha.sers to the police. The deputation said that this would answer the purpose.

The memory caunut recall the gradual changes of childhood. Have your child photographed now and then by Steffano Webb, 252 High Street. .9 Owing to the increasing demand for the sensational Ilariey-Davidson record breakers, we have a number of good secoud-haud motor cycles, taken in part payment, including Bradburys, B.S.A's, Douglases, Triumphs, Singers, King Dicks, and New iludsons. These machines have been put in thorough re pair; in fact, some have only been on the road a few months. This is a forced sale, as we require all space for our shipments of TWIN KINO DICKS and HARLUY-DAVIDSONS. Be early and secure your choice. JONES BROS, LTD, MOTOR EXPERTS. (Opposite Clock Tower.)