NEWS IN BRIEF.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2027, 13 August 1920, Page 4

NEWS IN BRIEF.

A small Australian mail, ex the Tarawera, is expected in Christchurch to morrow.

The 'Dunedin City Council is taking up the matter of providing a crematorium for the city. Plans and specifications have already been taken out.

From August 15 the commission on money orders for payment in Canada and the United States of America will be reduced to 6d for each £ or fraction of a £, and the rate of conversion is to be altered from $4.87 to the £ to $4.30 in the case of Canada, and $4 in the case of the United States.

At the annual reunion of the Canterbury Owners' and Breeders' Association last evening, Sir James Carroll promised to.give an historic greenstone pendant, which has been handed down amongst Natives for many generations, as a trophy to the driver of the next winner of the New Zealand Trotting Cup. The offer was received with a great deal of enthusiasm.

Speaking at a meeting of the Advisory Board of the New Zealand War Relief Societies yesterday, the chairman (Mr L. 0.. H. Tripp) stated that, the Wellington Society had never been so busy as during the past year. That had also been the experience of other War relief societies in New Zealand. During the last financial year no less than £368,480 was spent through the Dominion's War relief and patriotic societies, as contrasted with £351,839 for the whole of the previous year. The number of students attending classes at the University of Otago this winter constitutes a record, reports the "Evening Star." There are 531 who live within the environs of Dunedin, near enough to so home at night, 191 in Otago and.Son* land beyond Dunedin, 126 belonging'to the remainder of the South Island, and 219 from the North Island. In addition there are about 50 students of whom full particulars were not given when the first returns were made up. The total is over 1100, the details here given being, for the reason stated, merely approximate. The medicals number about 300.

A framed photograph of the oak tree which was planted in the Christchurch Domain to commemorate Queen Alexandra's marriage to the la*te King Edward was forwarded to the Queen Mother some time ago by Mr H. J. Beswick, of the Christchurch Domains Board, and Mr James Young, Curator of the Botanical Gardens. Mr Young has received from Mr Beswick, who is at present in England, a copy of the following letter sent to Mr T. E. Donne, secretary to the High Commissioner:- —■ "I am directed by Viscount Milner to request you to inform the High Commissioner that your letter of June 7 has been laid before Queen Alexandra, who desires %that her "best thanks may be conveyed to Mr H. J. Beswick and Mr Young for their kind thought hi presenting her with the framed photograph of the oak tree which was planted in the Christchurch Domain to commemorate her Majesty's marriage. The photograph is most interesting and her Majesty is much pleased to accept it."'

A public meeting of citizens, convened by the Mayor at Auckland yesterday, passed a resolution impressing on the Government 'the importance of the claims of. Auckland University College to the School of Forestry, and expressing the opinion that the facilities offered in the Auckland University district were unique for the purposes for which a forestry school is required. A very interesting billiards tourney between members of the Canterbury Press Club and a team from the Y.M.C.A. was held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms last night. The association players proved too strong for those from the representatives of the club, and won by a good margin, although some of the games were very evenly contested and caused great interest.' After the match the visitors were entertained' at supper. A GREAT PERFORMANCE. Loud cheers greeted R. L. Kennett at the annual meeting of the Pioneer Sports Club on Saturday night, July 31, when he was presented with the Bonnington Cup and gold medal for most points registered during the season's competitions. He "was easily the biggest prize-winner. Riding iu every case a llarlev-David-son motor-cycle, he won four New Brighton Beach events, securing also fastest time in each case, and he als(> secured first prize in the Akatoa Reliability Trials, held on December 16, the Big Tree Cup and special prize for best performance of private owner. Jt only proves again how a good rider, mounted on a wonderful machine, can become invincible. Call and inspect the Harley-Davidson. JONES BROS., The Clock Tower. .11