LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 178, 4 July 1900, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An article headed " Teaching War Tactics" appears on our fourth page. Nine tenders were received for erecting a new old people's home at New Plymouth. Mr. G. Cliff's tender was lowest for the complete plan, and Messrs. Boon Bros.' on the alternate reduced plan. The following wire has been received from Mr. E. M. niith:—"The new Minister of Agriculture, in answer to my question re k for £ subsidy for an Industrial and Agricultural Institution, said he would do for Taranaki the same as had been done for other places, namely, give a subsidy up to £500."

At the invitation of the Committee of the Guards, the Hospital nurses will appear at the ball on Thursday evening in their uniform, thus representing the ambulance corps usually attached to military divisions. On Monday evening, between 7 and 8 o'clock, a large stack of hay belonging to Mr. M. Jones was burned in a paddock on the Carrington Road. The owner estimates his loss at between £4O and £»u.

Control of the borough lamps has now been assumed by the Gas Company, and arrangements are being made to lit up the lamps with incandescent burners. Lieutenant-Colonel Stapp, who has been for some time seriously ill, has during the past few days shown signs of improvement. The gallant officer's many friends throughout the district will be heartily pleased at this news, aud with us will join in the hope that Colonel Stapp may soon be restored to his wonted health.

| A change has been made in the local rail.way clerical stall', Mr. Harvey having reI ceived notice of transfer to Inglewood. Mr. I Ryan, of Halcombe, will, it is understood, | replace Mr. Harvey. Mr. M J. Jones, a member of the late firm of Messrs. Fischer & Co., intends leaving in a few weeks for South Africa. Mr. Jones has been a firm patron of cycling iu tbo district, and took a keen interest in the Associated Sports Ground at Kitzroy. We trust that he will meet with a large measure of success in bis lew home.

■ Our ltahotu correspondent writes:—■' That I perennially interesting subject, 'Courtship and Marriage,' is to be the topic of a lecture on behalf of the Wesleyan Sunday school, to bo given in the Church by the Rev. John H. White on Monday, July 15th. The same ' lecture, when given some time ago, crowded out the schoolroom at Tataraimaka, and is calculated, if only weather is propitious, to make a lecord here." Mr. A. Hopper, late editoi: of the News, left by express train on Tuesday'morning for the South Island.

I The handsome diploma won by Mr. R. E. Dowle for the best draft and essay on " Tlie Cutting and Making of Covert Coats " is on view ia the window of Mr. J, JJellringer's

Mr. Sydney Wales Whhv, t.uT umuui. artist, brother to Mr. u»....„« derbert White, photographer, has been successful in having Us pictures accepted for the two chief London exhibitions of the present year. A large picture—fulllength portrait of Mrs. Beech, of Meggerme Castle, Scotland, is hung in a sp.endid position in the Royal Academy in the big room gallery No, 3, where moßt of the principal pictures are, notably, Orchardson's group of the Queen, the Prince of Waleß, the Duke of York and Prince Edward of York; Sargent's group of Lady Eloho and two sisters; and Dicksie's big subject picture "The Two Orowns." Mr. White's picture hangs next this last, and is on the line. In the Royal Society of British Artists, Mr. White's half-length portrait of Prince Dolgorouki, of Braemar Castle, is one selected for special notice by the Westminster Satette. Mr. S. W. White was also recently elected to membership in the Koyal Societies' Olub, being proposed by the President of the Hoyal Society of British Artists,

A letter was received in New Plymouth on Tuesday from Mr. A. LeO. Bartrop, dated Rouxvitle, a town in the south of the Orange River Colony, stating that he aud twentyfour others (all colonials; were stationed at the latter place, acting as Provisional Military Police. They were engaged in searching for and collecting arms in the hands of disaffected colonists. Mr. Bartrop says he is in very good quarters, and appreciates the change, the life being exciting and congenial. That the taste for wood-carving is growing has been evident for some time past. Possibly in a few years some of our uetter class buildings may -bo treated in an artistic fashion. Meanwhile the artistic treatment of smaller items is well deserving of every encouragement, especially when the work is executed by ladies. Nothing could be more appropriate than that such work should be taken in hand by the deft fingers of the gentler sex, whose artistic tastes and delicacy of touch pre-eminently fit them for becoming skilful executants. A notable instance of this has come under our notice, the artist being Miss Ethel Black. The work is not a large one, being only a diminutive afternoon tea tray, but it suffices all the more to show what excellent effects can be produced in a small space, As a sample of good execution, combined with great taste and pretentious design, it is highly creditable, We understand that it will be on view shortly, and anticipate that it will meet with great praise. People at the Cape were surprised that the Canadian troops who did not speak French spoke English with an American accent. A Montreal paper even goes so far as to say that the Canadians not only speak with an American accent, but in a slovenly fashion all their own. It is amusing to find a Boston paper defending the Canadians against the " slanders "of their own countrymen; but the writer appears to do this at the expense of the .English. " The Canadians (he says) as a rule speak English as the Americans do, many of them speak it as the Scotch speak it, and a few in some of the various ways that the English speak English in But the most slovenly users of English are the English themselves."

The Empress Dowager of China is described by an English lady, who has spent the greater part of her life in the Celestial Empire, as a much more remarkable woman than most Europeans suppose. She is an ardent painter, and her pictures are said to bo admirable specimens of Chinese art. Strange as it may seem, her Majesty is also said to be fond of wrestling, and frequently indulges in this rather virile form of exercise. She is well read, is fond of European music, and has some skill as a pianist. She is said both by her friends and enemies to be absolutely without fear, and needless to say, her life has been attempted an infinite number of times.

An amusing example of innate politeness comes from Ireland. A big, good-natured son of Erin, going home from his day's work, stood near the door of a crowded tramcar. A lady elbowed her way in, resplendent in her own beauty and a tailor-made suit. The men who had seats were industriously, pre- | tending to read the daily paper, and she | took up her stand beside the big workmaa. " It's sorry I am, ma'am," he said, " that I hev no sate as I can eit up and give yez, but tall the impty ones was took when I got aboored." The lady assurred him thsit she [was just as much obliged, and then smiled jat him, whereupon three men suddenly discovered her presence in the car, and insisted on her having a seat.

The shocking tragedy at Gatton, Queensland, has been recalled by an arrest made at Trentham, Victoria. About 3 o'clock on the morning of Sunday, 10th inst., there was a desperate enceunter with a stranger, who was caught in the residence of Mr. John Brookes by himself and his two sons. The man was held until the arrival of Constable Toole, when a fierce struggle followed. He proved most desperate, and it took the constable and four other men to handcuff and lock him up. He made use of the vilest expressions and threats, and said frequently, " I am the Gatton murderer." He also said that he had shot a policeman in Queensland, and would shoot more. In court next day the man admitted that he was Eichard Burgess, who bad been arrested and was kept in custody for some time on suspicion of having committed the Gatton murders. He was sent to to gaol for j one month for using obscene language, and is to be charged on the 25th wiih having assaulted a married woman in her own house prior to breaking in Mr. Brooks' house.

A writer in Macltmood gives expression to the feeling of uneasiness caused by the ceaseless extension of Kussia in the East, which he regards as a serious menace to Europe. The article is a review of recent books, dealing chiefly with the Kussian navy. Sir George Clarke, in " Russia's Sea Power, Past and Present," shows that the rise and development of that navy has been largely due to British officers, and he uses this fact as an argument in support oi his plea for a better understanding between | the two countries. The reviewer points out that though such an understanding is an excellent idea in the abstract, it seems useless to come to an agreement with a Power that, as past experience shows, will only] keep its word just as long as it suits. Such an agreement would be one-sided, as England would hold herself bound, and Russia would not. The recent increase in the Russian navy is regarded by British naval officers as, mainly, a threat to Britain's seaborne commerce. Russia's mercantile marine is quite insignificant, and it is therefore argued that her fleet of fast and powerful battleships and cruisers is intended to attack the ocean commerce of some rival Power, especially Great Britain.

Wouders WILL NEVER CEASE we are told; ■ but it cannot be denied that Holloway's Pills are the greatest wonder of moiern times. They correct bile, prevent flatulency, cleanse the Hyer, and purify the system, strengthen the stomach, increase tlie appetite, invigojate the nerves, promote health; and reinstate the weak to an ardour of feeling never before experienced, '1 he sale of these Pills through: | out the globe astonishes everybody, convincing the most sceptical that there is no I medicine equal to Holloway's Pills for removing the complaints incidental to tlie human race. They are indeed a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to those who suffor from disorders, internal or external. Thousands of persons have testified that by their use alone they have been restored to health, aEter other remedies had proved unsuccessful —Advt.

Sentenced to death i the doQmod man stands. To die in pripie of lite, No shade of hope, no outstretched hands, No friend except liis wife; She heeded not Hie doctor's voice, " His cpiigli would kill him sure,'' She saved his life, and did rejoice, With Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. 18 | THE MOTHER'S FAVOURITE. Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is the mother's favourite. It is pleasant and safe for children to take and always cures. It is intended especially for coughs, colds, croup and whooping cough, and is the best medicine made for these diseas s. There is not the least danger in giving it to child: fin, for it contains ho opium or other ihjuriouldrug, and may be given as confidently'to afiabe as to an adult. For sale by the New Plymouth Co-operative Society,—Adyi, •'

mal the Uumwuier ...j.,ut 3 o'clock tins morning. Some highly appreciative references' to the colony of New Zealand were made by the Right Hon. Mr. Chamberlain in his speech in the House of Commons in introducing the Commonwealth Bill. In the Morning Post of May 15th, Mr. Chamberlain is reported as saying:—"l do not hesitate to say that Her Majesty's Government and the people of this country are under special obligations to the Government and people of New Zealand. (Cheers.) Of all the colonies, all the possessions of Her Majesty, including (Janada and all the colonies of Australia—l am excluding the colonies in South Africa-New Zealand, in proportion to her population, supported the largest contingent to aid Her Majesty's forces, and made the greatest sacrifices. (Cheers.) I mentioned this matter in the House a few days ago. I find I then underestimated what they had done. I am told that according to population the New Zealand contingent in South Africa is equivalent to an army sent from this country of 107,000 men. I do think that is a most extraordinary proof of affection and regard for the Mother Country." Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, never fail for adults or shildren Price Is.—Advt Mr. W. J. Freeth, district representative of the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, is prepared to quote exceptionally low rates for Accident Insurance. Contractors for bush felling for the next few months should ask for quotations at the offlco New Zealand Express Co., Brougham-street.—Ad. Wade's Worm Figs are most effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking them. Prioe la —Advt When a notorious robber was run to earth some years ago, he told the two detoctives hat he would point out where he had hidden most of the money in boxes in a river. One detective went in the boat with him, while the other sat on the bank, When the fishers thought they had hooked a box the robber obligingly butted the detective in the wind, umped over, swam to the opposite bank, and made his escape. The detective, who was once a smart runner, had his organs in bad condition for sprinting, and he lost his man. Had he used Sykes' Cura Cough he would hare retained his wind and his reputation. All Chemists and Storekeepers.—Advt.