NEWS OF THE DAY.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12769, 10 February 1910, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Mr H. Saunders, proprietor of the Theatre Royal, was advised last mglit by a telegram from Mr Geo. D. Portus, advance representative, that Hackenschmidt has cancelled his West Coast tour, consequently no appearance -will be made in Nelson. The first performance was advertised for to-night. Attention is directed to Messrs W. Rout and Sous' new property list which appears on page three of this issue. The annual meeting of the Nelson District A.0.F., which comprises Nelson and the West Coast, will be held to-day. In another column we publish a circular issued by the representative of a London and Hamburg firm of fruit brokers to the Tasmanian clients of his firm. The writer visits various parts of Australia in the interest of his principals annually, in the. same manner as some dairy produce buyers do New Zealand. We publish the letter in full as it deals with practical maters affecting an industry the development of which means a great deal to this district. The salt spray carried inland by the storm at the end of the year has seriously affected the fruit crop of Taranaki., The farmers in the Marl borough Sounds are endeavouring To form a company to take over the freezing works at Whakatatiuri. The works were principally used for the freezing •of fish, but if the company is successfully ilpated more sheep than fish Will be frozen. * During last month there were twenty-nine cases of enteric fever in the Auckland, district, six in the city, fifteen, iv the suburbs, and., eigkt in the country. ■■•'■ ' ! All things must come to an end, and the Summer Clearance Sale at Mrs Anstice's is drawing near its close, but though this sale' lias been such a huge success, there are crowds more lines to clear, so we've marked them down still lower in price, and you've still another chance to make real worth-while savings by buying now. Get in to-day and see these latest bargains.* An amusing incident, and one showing the Prime Minister's readiness to adapt himself to whatever circumstances may arise, occurred in a passage of one of the Hastings hotels recently. Sir Joseph Ward was chatting with Mr A. L. D. Fraser, when an old Maori chief of noble Jineage appeared oh the scene, magnificently got up in overcoat and top hat. Mr. Jb'rascr asked him — : in Maori, of course —the reason of his gala adornment, and the old chief replied that he had come to see the Prime Minister. "Why, here is the Prime Minister," said Mr. Fraser, and duly presented ■him to Sir Joseph. The Maori uttered an exclamation, presumably one of delight, removed his hat, and thrust forward his face. The invitation was unmistakable, and to decline it would have been an insult, so Sir Joseph gravely rubbed noses with the veteran; At Timaru recently between the Moody Wharf and the north mole, the little son of a well known citizen was playing in the sea when suddenly there arose a .strange and hideous creature (says the 'Timaru Post"). -The octopus, for such it was, swept towards the happy little fellow, who probably would not have understood his danger had he seen it. Another moment, and one of the largest octopuses that has been seen in Thno-ru for some years would have had its tentacles about the boy. The father, of the boy, however, happened to see the source of danger, and threw a large atone at the octopus, which quickly disappear, omitting a cloud of inky fluid. Commissioner Hay, of the Salvation Army, says ho is proposing to considerably develop thd Training College in Melbourne. The idea of the advanced training was that every Army officer in Australasia would not only be able to preach a sermon, but to set a_ broken limb, or help a poor mother in the back-blocks with any of the problems that might arise in connection with' her family. The college would give advanced training in hygiene, first aid, and kindred matters, so that the capacity .and usefulness of the Army officer for good service would be increased. The Budget (says "M.A.P.") has given rise to a number of good stories about Mr. Lloyd-George, a particularly good one concerning a recent banquet at which the Chancellor of the Exchequer was a guest. Sitting next to him was a young lady, who listened reverently to every word that fell from her hero's lips. "Ah,", she ventured at last, "you have suffered a great deal in your life from being misunderstood, have you not?" "Yes," Mr. Lloyd-Georgo is reported to have replied, "I have suffered from being misunderstood; but I haven't suffered half as much as 1 would have if I had been understood. '•' On Saturday, 19th instant, Messrs Bisley Bros, aaid Co. will sell freeihold property corner of Oollingwood and Bridge streets. The Temperature. — At three o- clock this morning tbe thermometer outside this office registered 53 degrees. If you require the highest grade butter made on the latest and most approved principles, ask for "Victory," which is sweet and palatab'e, and take no other.* "A good name Is better than great riches," and Lock, the Universal Provider, has a good name for giving first class value and for fair and square dealing. We append a portion ■of a poem sent to him: — Such love as his, what tongue can fitly tell! Save he whose heart has owned its magic spell; With heaving breast, but hope as firm as rock, He breathed- that ;; name, th' inspiring name of "Lock." Straightway to Lock's with little cash, 'tis true, They wend their way, he looking rather blue. But wonders nover cease (though quality of the best), All was so wondrous cheap, their doubts were soothed to rest. They're married now, and prattlers round them throng, As happy in -their home as summer day is long ; Yet oft in loving circle they tell that little flock, How grateful still they feel to good old William Lock, The Complete Furnisher, j i