NEWS IN BRIEF.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1054, 28 June 1917, Page 8

NEWS IN BRIEF.

a There was only one enlistment to-<3ay, that of n 20-year-old reservist named K. C. Ward, a labourer, of Burnham. Henry Paris, who was reecntly released after 48 hours' imprisonment for drunkenness, appeared before Captain J. Marciel, J .P., at the Lyttelton Magistrate's Court, on a similar charge this morning, lie was still suffering from the effects of his debauch, and was remauded for medical treatment. His Excellency the Governor has received the following telegram from the Secretary 01 State for the Colonies: — "For Cue duration of tlio war, his Mar'jesty the King commands that a 1 all State ceremonials, Vice-Regal Households shall wear levee dress, and officers of the Army field service dress." The foxes of the Beckeuham Young Helpers' League t'oj Barnardo's Homes were opened last week. The helpers were entertained with games and afternoon lea, and the president (.Mrs Papprill) addressed the children and congratulated them on the amount counted from the boxes this year, X.7 1/-. Eight new members joined the League. The report which was presented yesterday to the annual congress, in Wellington, of the New Zealand Alliance, denounces in vigorous terms those members of Parliament who "utilised the forms of the House in an effort to kill the petition presented last session," and prays that "for their undemocratic and unpatriotic action they may receive just judgment from their constituents." The following pupils of .Miss Digby's Commercial School have been success' ful in obtaining Pitman's Shorthand Theory Certificates as the result of an examination held last May:—Misses Margaret Barrett, Ruth Bushby, Esther Burnet. Rita. 11. Collier, Ida Carter, Olive Dnder, Lurline Holmes, Alice Hawker, Mollv Jewell, Ivy Lindsay, May Macdonald, Gladys Roche, Doris M. Serimgeour, Dorothy Smith, Rata Tribe, Joyce Tavlor, Frances White, Madge Wilson, Dorothy Watson, Beatrice Willis, and Eva Wilson. The Minister of Internal Affairs has received a report from the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. stating that the first screening of the oflicial war film of the battle of the Aucre, in the Town Hall, Wellington, proved an unqualified success, says a P.A. message. In live days over 18,000 people witnessed the exhibition, including most of the children of the public schools. The net profits amounted to £SOO, the whole of which is to be expended in providing additional comforts for our soldiers at home and abroad through the agencv of the Y.M.C.A., Red Cross, and Lady Liverpool Funds, and by the Minister of Internal Affairs for comforts in New Zealand hospitals and convalescent homes for returned soldiers. Arrangements are now being completed for the exhibition of the film in other centres.

The challenge given to Mr J. Page, of the Spiritualists' Church by Mr T. Whittle, of the Seventh Day Adventists, to publicly debate the subject, "Is Spiritualism of the Devil?" aroused considerable interest. The debate was held on two evenings, Tuesday and Wednesday, and on each occasion there was a large attendance. The proceeds are to be given to the Baby Hospital Fund. On the first evening Mr Whittle spoke for half an hour, followed by Mr Page for a similar period, the last halfhour being given to Mr Whittle for reply. Last evening the order of speaking was reversed, Mr Page speaking first and last. The debate was followed with the keenest interest, marked by frequent outbursts of applause. No vote was taken at the conclusion of the evening, as was originally intended, but votes of thanks were accorded the speakers and the chairman, Mr P. Trolove. WANTED TO SELL—--1913 Harlcy-Davidson Motor Cycle. A real snip. Electric light equipment, new tyres, as good as new —£69 10/-. Jones Bros., Ltd.. agents Harley-Davidson and Douglas Motors, Manchester and Lichfield Streets. .1

The Canterbury Licensed Victuallers' Association yesterday elected the following officers for its ensuing year:— President, Mr J. Bryan; vice-president, Mr C. Lange; hon. treasurer, Mr T. Cotter; hon. auditor Mr C. D. Morris; committee, Messrs T. G. Fox, S. Brooking, P. Burke, J. I. Sutton. C. H. Piper, J. I. Souper, and W. 11. Overton. The price of milk in Wellington is at present receiving the attention of the Board of Trade. Some readjustment of the charges as between the suppliers and tlie vendors is considered to be necessary, in view of the cost of conveying milk to the city by motor on Sundays, but the board indicates that in any case there will be no increase in price to the consumers. The Council of Education has recommended as follows:—"That as soon as opportunity offers the two District High Schools at Petone and Lower Hutt, Wellington, should be illsestablished and a High School established for the Hutt Valley, provision being made iu the --.heme of control for suitaide courses of a vocational character." The proposal made in Australia that space in the freezing chambers of steamers should be economised by the closer packing of carcases is receiving the attention of the Department of Agriculture in New Zealand. The Hon. W. J>. S. Mat-Donald has comuiunii ated with the Imperial authorities with the object of ascertaining if they have any objections to offer. The plan suggested is to sever the hind legs and place them inside the carcase.