Mount Egmont Pigeon Post. (To the Editor.)

Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 12195, 20 February 1903, Page 5

Mount Egmont Pigeon Post. (To the Editor.)

Sir, — We have been having very pleasant weather since I sent you the last pigeoo^ but not many visitors. Mr and Mrs A. B*>ck (Tiraaru, South Island), stayed all night, and they made an early start f.r the top of the mountain. A splendid view of the county all round was attained yesterday and this morning. — I am, etc., THE CARETAKER. Mountain Housse, February 20fch. Per pigeon, No. 129.

The ccurts of the New Plymouth Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club will be closed to morrow".

Mr F. P. Corkill would be glad if any of the New Plymouth acquaintances of Mr W. S. Rigby, who were here a few days ago, will communicate with him.

So far the Greymouth Harbour Board has not got authority from the Government to proceed with the construction of the breakwater, and in consequence the whole of the men in the Board's employ have been dismissed.

Work at the State coal miqe on the West Coast, where 70 men are employed, is proceeding apace. ,The Government intend to put on a number of extra men shortly, A deviation is being made from the present partially formed line, which will require heavy earthworks.

The last gazette contains a notice that a competition has been opened by the Swiss Federal Council for the erection in Berne of a monument in commemoration of the foundation of the Universal Postal Union, in which artists of the whole world, regardless of their place of residence and nationality, may take part. Artists are entirely free as to the kind of monument they choose, provided it clearly symbolizes the foundation of the Uuiversal Postal Union, and is well suited to the pace selected. It is also permissible to combine the monument with a fountain. The choice of the materials to be used is left to the artist, but they must be of such a nature as to guarantee a solid and monumental execution within the limits of 170,000 francs, the. equivalent to £6746. all fees and charges included. The carriage expenses, Customs duties, and the cost of the foundation up to the ground level are to be borne by the Postal Union fund. Competitors must send— l. A model (maquette) of the monument measuring onetenth of the definite size ; 2. A description of the materials proposed ; 3. A plan of the site at 1-200 of the original size, showing the exact spot on which the monument is to be placed ; 4. A perspective vraw df the monument when erected ; 5. An estimate with a binding engagement for the execution. The competition closes on the 15th December, 1903, and it is to be decided by a jury. *^ he sum of 15 000 francs, the equivalent of about £595, is to be disposed of to reward the more deserving competitors, the value and number of the prizes being left to the jury's discretion. Plans of the site an 1 a photograph of the locality where the monument is to be erected may be inspected at the General Post Office, Wellington, where further particulars may be obtained.