The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1885.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3257, 5 March 1885, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 1885.

It is perhaps not generally known, out of the circle of those who take an especial interest m agriculture, that one of the most eminent scientific observers of the present day is a lady, Miss Ormerod, F.M.S., -who holds the position of consulting entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society. All the year round this lady is constantly investigating the habits of interesting but horrid little insects, that assist m making the life of the farmer a burden to him by preying on -his- crops.. Miss Ormerod dissects them, examines them under the microscope, writes their biographies, describes their characteristics, amiable and otherwise — principally otherwisemakes drawings of them, and finally endeavors to devise means to check their ravages. She is constantly < receiving specimens, reports, and plaintive letters of entreaty, not only from England, Ireland and Scotland, but also from the colonies, and to all she appears to devote herself with the utmost patience. There is no doubt that even if confronted with the miscreant " leeches " which have been spreading consternation m our midst of late, this fearless lady, so far from being daunted, would absolutely ponncc upon them with delight with her microscopes, her dissecting knives, and her forceps, and would both literally and metaphorically turn them inside out before anybody could say " Jack Robinson !" Further than that she would at once let us know whether dynamite or kerosene were the most suitable agent to employ m their destruction. We learn from the English papers to hand by the last mail that Miss Ormerod has just presented her annual report to the Society, and a most elaborate and interesting document it is. The principal features m the work done during the year are thus summarised by The Tivies of Jan. 15th : — "Inquiries have been sent regarding ' green fly ' on cabbage and turnip and prevention of ravage of daddy-longlegs grubs, which have been very destructive among corn and other crops ; also regarding the red maggot of the wheatmidge m corn, and the same and nearly allied species m seed (grown for sale) of meadow foxtail grass ; likewise regarding thrips m wheat. Hop aphis has . been well observed and reported from the latter part, of March until September. Mangold maggot and the rare attack of the mangold and beet carrion beetle have been under notice, and onion maggot has been practically attended to. Turnips suffered badly m many places from surface caterpillars, the injury continuing up to the beginning of this month, and m a few places from attack to the leaves of the small but very destructive caterpillars of the diamond-back moth. Wire worm and turnip ' fly,' or ' flea beetle,' have been bad m various places, but little inquiry has been sent m regarding them ; therefore it is hoped that the information published by the Society has been found serviceable for reference. Communication has taken place regarding many other crop and fruit attacks, and some inquiry has been made relatively to the water snail,

(Limncea truncatula) m connexion with liver fluke. So\md and valuable information has been contributed regarding ox warble fly, and observations are being continued on a system which cannot fail to give most of the information still needed." After reading this record of one year's work among the insect pests that farmers have to contend with, one wonders how the unhappy agriculturist continues to struggle on against his fate. At the request of the Society Miss Ormerod devoted special attention to the ox warble fly, which has been the cause of much damage to hides, besides causing the cattle to get very much out of condition. It seems that the first appearance of the warble on the flesh side of the newly-flayed hide shows as a small swelling or lump of a blue or leaden color about as large as if a goodsized shot was beneath the subcutaneous tissues, this swelling being greatly inflamed round. Within this swelling the maggot is to be found, advanced so far that it has already gained a skin beset with patches of minute prickles, and likewise the spiracles or breathing pores, which show when the maggot is more developed, later on, as two black tips lying at the opening of the warble. The maggots m the hide examined were of blood color, from the material m which they were feeding, and excessively minute and delicate. Miss Ormerod was only able to disengage them m portions by dissecting under water and securing the fragments as they floated away. In one case a moulted skin came away, showing that growth was going on, and the fragments are m all cases perfectly certain to be known by the patches of prickles. Above the small swelling (which is distinguishable by the bluish centre and inflamed patch) a small channel running up to the outside of the hide is found. This is shown by the blood running along it from the warble on pressure. This may go m a moderately straight or slanting line through the hide, or it may take a semi-circular curve — that is, go with a sweep up from the warble and run a little way under the cuticle, where it ends m a distinct cell. From the various circumstances it is believed that we shall find that the maggot batches just at the outside of the hide, and is now making its way down by the channel, which is quite fresh and open. Touching the warble with a small piece of mercurial ointment, or with tar mixed as m sheep salve or many other applications all appear serviceable to kill the maggot as soon as the warble is found to be open, showing the black tip of the maggot within. If this is done early m the life of the maggot the stock-owner saves the drag on the system of the cattle from the sores till early summer, and likewise much of the injnry to the hide, for the small-forming sores will soon heal, - whereas the large-established warble holes depreciate the value of the hide m all the hands through which it passes. Amongst other practical advice given m the report is a hint m regard to the caterpillars of the "winter moths," which are exceedingly destructive to leafage of fruit trees. The recommendation is given to prevent egg-laying by putting bands of sticky material round the trees, which, it is stated, has answered thoroughly. The infested trees were painted round the stem m December with a band of Davidson's composition laid on for about the width of a foot. The female moths (which have only abortive wings) were thus caught by hundreds on their way up the trunks from the ground, and the trees which have been so infested for several years that leafage and blossom were destroyed, were last season preserved from attack. Thi3 simple remedy, it is added, applied early m winter, would save much loss m fruit-growing districts. One very pertinerit practical hint is given by Miss Ormerod m the following terms : — •" I beg also to suggest (m consequence of communication received) that when large masses of vegetable material, be they English or imported, are found so infested with unknown "grubs that they are (as reported) ' only fit fco throw to the manure heap,' that this is the precise place that they should not be thrown to. Tt is important .that all such material should be burnt; no other course secures us against importation of destructive pests." Not the least interesting part of Miss Ormevod's report, so far as this colony is concerned, relates to the sparrow question. It appears that these, birds have become almost as great a nuisance m England as they are m New Zealand. In many parts of Cheshire and Wiltshire the losses have been unusually large, and m the recent journal of the Boyal Agricultural Society, the judge appointed reported that on the prize farm at Witchurch, Salop, one-third of the ripening wheat crop was destroyed by these birds. It was not to be expected that these losses would be borne without an attempt being made to prevent them m the future, and m places organised endeavors are being made to prevent them, and to reduce the numbers of sparrows to their more natural proportions. "There is no doubt," says TJie Times, " as to the cause of excessive numbers of sparrows. During the past few years those animals which specially prey on small birds have been destroyed wholesale by gamekeepers, and, m addition to this, the hardiness of our wild birds has been seriously impaired by the kindly and good-natured system of constant feeding by crumbs thrown out, while their breeding has been encouraged by the Wild Birds Protection Act and by the placing of nests and nest .boxes m many shrubberies. Upon the good nature of this, or upon its kindly spirit, there cannot be the slightest doubt, but the great loss to our food crops may well make us doubt its wisdom altogether." Miss Ormerod was appealed to m this vexed question, as she has been m so many others. It was felt that one who had so carefully studied insect life would be able to state authoritatively whether the sparrow, by keeping down noxious insects confers any advantages at all commensurate with the m jury he infliots on standing crops.. Mlbs Ormerod unhesitatingly replied m tho negative, and told the farmers of Wirral, who wrote to her on the subject, that they were justified m organising a crusade against the sparrows to reduce their numbers. More than that, she actually sent a donation of £2 2s to help them m the work. It must be borne m mind, however, that

Miss Ormerod is only m favor of reducing their number, not of extirpating them altogether. In fact all her writings go to show that the natural balance of bird life must always be maintained, and that for the good of agriculture. Sparrows m limited numbers may be harmless and even beneficial, but at present it is quite clear that we have far too many of them. According to a telegram published m the Christcburch Press, from its Wellington correspondent, it appears that there is a doubt after all whether the various Mayors and Chairmen of County Councils are to have the pleasant little trip to the capital promised them by Sir Julius Yogel. The rest of the Cabinet, it is said, are adverse to the proposal. They seem to think it would be regarded as an indication of their wish to shirk the responsibility of dealing with the question, (as it certainly would), and are of opinion that " members of the Government, most of whom have had years of political experience, should be as well able to deal with the question as the ephemeral administrators of a county system." This may be perfectly true, but we must protest against the worthy representatives being not only defrauded of their expected trip, but treated to language of this abusive character. The correspondent believes that "the proposed Convention will end m smoke, and that the Government will get their scheme for local government into shape, draft a Bill, submit the proposals to the House at as early a date as possible, and, if necessary, appeal to the country on those proposals." There is no doubt this is the straightforward and proper course to pursue. If the Government dp this, whatever may be the outcome, they will at any rate deserve the credit of having dealt with the question m an open and statesmanlike way. » It is further reported from Wellington that some important changes are to take place m the Public Works Department. It is stated that Mr Blackett will probably shortly retire from the public service on his pension ; that Mr C. Y. O'Connor, at present Undersecretary, " is not unlikely " to succeed him as Engineer-in-Chief . Mr Blackett is an old and, on the whole, able public servant, but has occasionally made mistakes. He fell into the greatest mistake of all when he gravely l-ecommended the blowing-up of the Timaru breakwater by dynamite. It is reported that he is to take immediate leave of absence, and " will employ his time m an extended tour of inspection of the public works of the colony." We cordially recommend him not to omit Timaru m his tour, as it would be interesting to get his opinion on the breakwater question now. The South Canterbury people are mild and forgiving m disposition, and we can safely promise him, if he accepts the invitation, that he shall not be blown up, except perhaps m a very light and figurative sense. Mr O'Connor is understood to be an able engineer, and absolutely inexhaustible m his capacity for hard work. He is not, however, exactly cut out for ordinary departmental routine, and, if the suggested promotion takes place, will certainly find the new sphere more congenial — to say nothing about its being more lucrative. It is said that he is to be succeeded as Undersecretary by Mr Thomas Mackay, late Native Land Purchase Commissioner on the West Coast. Cantbbbuby Volunteers. — District orders for the Volunteers of Canterbury appear m our advertising columns this morning. Political Association. — A public meeting of the Timaru Political Reform Association will be held this evening at the Foresters' Hall, at eight o'clock. Board of Education.— Tho ordinary monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Board of Education is to be held at the Education Office this morning. Tenders. — The Secretary to tho South i Canterbury Refrigerating Company invites tenders for tho erection of freezing works for the Company. Tenders close on the 14th inst. Building Society. — The annual general meeting of tho Timaru Permanent Mutual Benefit Building and Investment Society is to be held this evening at eight o'clock m the Oddfellows' Hall, Sophia street. Sale op Peivilegeß. — Messrs Jonas and : Bourn will sell on Saturday at their rooms, tho privileges of the Pleasant, Point Race Meeting, viz. : — Gates, general license booth, refreshment booth, cards and games. The sale will take place at noon. The Weather. — The weather since Sunday afternoon last, when a cold southerly " buster " came up about three o'clock, and changed the season suddenly from midsummer to mid-winter, has been very variable indeed m Timaru, but from enquiries, we learn that the weather at the Point, Winchester, and other towns m the district has been beautiful. As a result, of course, the crops have not been damaged m any way, and from all parts of the district comes the good news that they have been harvested m splendid condition. Blue Ribbow Society. — A meeting of this Society and the Band of Hope was held m the Temperance Hall on Tuesday evening last. About two hundred persons were present. Mr Goldsmith presided. 'Earnest addresses were given by the Revs. J. McKee and J. Gray and Mr D. Hutton, pressing the importance of the total abstinence cause as an individual and national question. There was soiiio very good singing by several ladies and gentlemen, who had formed themselves into a choir for the occasion, uuder the lead of Mr W. T. Steeveris. Several appropriate recitations were well given by members of the Band of Hope, the first prize being awarded to James Shaw, and the Becond to Louisa Newton ; Robert Long being very close m the competition for the second prize. Dibxbict Coubt, Waimatb.— His Honor Judge Ward held a Court of Bankruptcy at Wounate yesterday, when George Sullivan appeared for his adjourned examination. Mr Hamersley appeared for the debtor, and Mr Clement on behalf of the Deputy .Official Assignee. The debtor was questioned by two creditors — Mr J. Manchester and Mr W. J. Block— relative to sale of horses, ploughs, etc., and said he was no aoholar, and could not read the documents produced. Theexamination was declared closed. Malachi Harney also appeared for public examination. Mr Hameraley for debtor, and Mr Clement for Deputy Official Assignee. As none of the creditors, appeared to question the debtor, the examination was declared closed. Waimate Borough Assessment Coubt. — J. S. Beswick, Esq., Judge of the Assessment Court, held a Court m the Borough Chambers yesterday. Mr Clement appeared for the Council. Mr Jas. Boyce's valuation of £163 was reduced to £124 10s ; Mr J. Cordner, from £35 to £20 • Mr J. G. Cumings, £20 to £15 ; Mr Thos. Dugdale, £60 to £50 sMr Thoa. Hardy, £30 to £20; Mr John Hunt, £26 to £20, Mr Henry Midd!oton, £267 to £232 ; Mr Jan. Nolan, £15 to £10 ; Mr W. Keid, £12 to £9. Ao Messrs J. Bruco, D. Rainey and F. M. Rickman did not appear when called, their objections were struck out. An alteration m the roll was mode by substituting tho word " owner " for "F. Gaitt " m connection with property, consisting of two shops and a dwelling-house m Queen street, and the valuation was lowered from £90 to £80. The name of owner and occupier " B. McOwen," was altered to " J. H. Bh*w, M (

AddbkssbS. — Miss Arnold wiU deliver an address this evening at the Baptist Church on " The Domeßtio Life of the Bengalese," and to-morrow afternoon on "The Hindoo Beligion." This lady's lectures are said to be very entertaining. A Tbbat to Exoubsionists. — A hot lunch will bo m readiness at the Railway Refreshment Rooms on the departure of the 1 p.m. Express for tne South, all for one shilling. Still continuing the original liberal menu. — [Advt.] Sudden Dbath.— Mrs Bishop, late wife of Mr Charles Bishop, died suddenly on Tuesday evening at Winchester. The deceased lady was a very old resident, and her death cast qnite a gloom over the district, universal regret being expressed by all its inhabitants. Her acts of kindness were many, as she was ever ready to help those m need, and to further any good cause among the community. KM. Cotjet, Waijiatb.— At this Court on Tuesday, before Dr Stacpoole, J.P., a man was fined 10s for being drunk at the Waimate railway station on the 2nd inst. James Allen was charged with being a vagrant, and having no visible lawful means of support. Robert Simpson and Sergeant Moriee proved to accused going from public house to public house begging for drinks. In answer to the Bench, the accused did not give any account of his means of support, and he was sentenced to one month s imprisonment. Allen was a stranger m Waimate. Licbnsino MEBTHTGB. — The quarterly meeting of the Committee of the Deep Creek district was held m the Courthouse yesterday. Present — Messrs J. Manchester (Chairman), F. Slee, J. Sinclair, and L. Price. The minutes of the last annual meeting were confirmed. The Police reports for the last and previous quarters were favorable. A certificate, authorising the transfer of the license of the Junction Hotel was granted to Mr John Hinckley. — There being no business notified m the PareOra and Makikihi districts for last quarter, no meetings were held on the appointed days. Riflb Meeting. — By the up Express yesterday a number of members of the Dimedin Artillery, Port Chalmers Naval Brigade and Dunedin City Guards, were passengers en route for Wellington, whore they take part m the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association. We were pleased to see that Timaru, or, perhaps 1 , more correctly speaking, South Canterbury, is to be represented at this year's meeting, Seaman Bower, of the Naval Brigade, having joined the Express here. As the| Brigade is armed with the carbine, he fully intends to take part m the -matches for the Carbine Belt, and possibly other matches. Resident Magistbateb' Coubt, TXuvka. — At this Court yesterday, before D. Inwood, Esq, J.P. and F. H. Barker, Esq, J.P., the following civil cases were heard : — Wm. Sweet v. A. Leonard (a native) — Claim, £3 5s 9d ; judgment for plaintiff for amount and costa by default. K. Cameron r. J. Greig — Claim, £7,1 for rent ; Mr Aspinall for the plaintiff. The plaintiff stated he leased a paddock at Orari to the defendant m 1883 for three years, at a rental of £14 per year. Defendant had paid him three half years' rent. Plaintiff promised to keep the fences m good repair, and he was to be allowed to run one cow with his cattle m the paddock. The defence was that the plaintiff had neglected to maintain the fences m good order, and that he kept a cow and horse m the paddock without permission. Judgment was given for the plaintiff for the amount and costs, with solicitor's fee. U.A.O.D. — The usual fortnightly meeting of thiß Lodge was held m the Foresters' Hall, George street, on Tuesday evening last, when a large amount of routine business and correspondence was disposed of. Two candi- 1 dates presented themselves for initiation, and were duly installed members of the Order. One gentleman was nominated, making three for initiation next Lodge night. This Society although comparatively young m Timaru, is making very rapid strides indeed, as evidenced by the large surplus fund it has now invested at interest, which, owing to an exceptionally small call upon the sick funds for the portion of the half year passed, promises to be considerably augmented at its termination. In order to make its meetings specially attractive during the long winter evenings, a very entertaining programme has been drawn up, consisting of readings, recitations, vocal and instrumental solos, etc., which it is proposed to go through as time will admit, after business has been disposed of, and this no doubt will go far towards crowding the Lodge-room during its continuance. Timabu Main School.— Mr Wm. Murray, who has been chosen by the Committee to fill the Head Mastership of the Public School, seems to be a gentleman well fitted for the post, and under his management we should anticipate good times m store for the school. From his testimonials, we learn that Ire came to the colony about 20 years ago, having had a liberal education at seminaries m Edinburgh. His first appointment under the Otago Board of Education was to the Maungata District School, which he speedily brought into a state of great efficiency. After six years service there, he was transferred to the North Dunedin School as second master. This is one of the largest schools m that city. On the occasion of Ms transfer, Mr Hislop, then Inspector of Schools, now General Secretary for Education, wrote : " There is no teacher m the service for whom I entertain greater respect. He has proved himself one of the most devoted, efficient, prudent and successful of all our teachors. After six years' service m Dunedin, he got tho appointment of second master in' the Napier District School, m 1878. Here he maintained the same high character as a teacher. Tho Inspector there, Mr Hill, writes of him : "He was recommended by Mr Hislop, the Secretary of the Education Department, Wellington, and Mr Petrie, Inspector of Schools m Otago, as an excellent teacher, and a good organiser and disciplinarian. At that time the Napier District School, with an average attendance of nearly six hundred, required to bo organised. Mr Murray assisted m the work, and carried out the duties entrusted to him to- my entire satisfaction. Mr Murray has qualifications rarely found combined m the same individual. He is an excellent teacher of military drill ; the singing m his department is the best m the Hawke's Bay Education District j and he is a competent teacher of drawing and painting. I can confidently recommend him as a teacher m every way qualified to organise and take the management of a large district school." The Inspector's report for 1881 saysj— " Tho pupils examined m this standard (IT) have been capitally, prepared by Mr . Murray ; everything attempted has been well done. No failures are recorded. . . . Physiology — This subject had been prepared by the pupils m Standard IV. The results were satisfactory. Great intelligence was displayed by most of tho children, with whom physiology appears to be a favorite subject." For the last eighteen months Mr Murray has been Inspector of Schools m the Taranaki Province. The Chairman of the Finance Committee writes regretting that they cannot offer Mr Murray a higher salary to remain with them, as his coming among them had virtually marked a new era m the working of tho educational system j and to himself personally m the discharge of his duties as a momber of the Board, Mr Murray's suggestions and aid had been invaluable. We think it well to give tho public this information regarding the choico of the Committee, that they may see that they have evidently fulfilled their difficult task of selection with good judgment, and with a regard to the best interests' of the school. Executions m New Caledonia.— At Noumea on February 9th two convicts were executed, namely, Ferrari (No. 10,474) and Rototari (No. 12,570). They wero condemned to death on June 10th, 1884. Ferrari had once before been sentenced to death, which sentence was commuted. Since 1881 this is the first time President Grovy has confirmed a death sentence m New Caledonia. The guillotine was erected m the middle of the convict camp of lie Nov. All the convicts of the fifth class and all others sentenced to death were obliged to kneel around this horrible instrument, guarded by 50 soldiers. Both convicts addressed some words to their comrades before their execution ; not words of repentance, aa might have been expected, but, on the contrary, exoiting thorn to further evil-doing and rebellion. The List words of Rototari were an insult to President GraVy. He said, " President Gre"vy est un laoW—" President Grdvy is a coward ; he has not commuted my sentence because I am an Italian."

Fieboing Eabs.— A Paris jeweller has been prosecuted for illegally practising surgery. He had pierced the ears of a child two years old for ear-rings, for which he charged half-a-franc. The ear became inflamed, the inflammation spread to the neck, and the child died ; the doctor attributing death to the ear having been pierced too high vp — not m the lobe, but m the cartilage, The defence was that all jewellers pierced ears, and that the mother must have used some injurious lotion instead of olive oil. The jeweller was fined £2 for homicide through imprudence, with £6 damages to the parents. The Ehv. C. Steong. — Like Eichard, the Rev. Charles Strong is " himself again." His appearance (writes the Melbourne correspondent of a contemporary) m the Temperance Hall was greeted by a full church. The rev. gentleman steered clear of all controversial subjects. Mr Strong could not, however, forbear m a quiet way having a dig at the Presbytery. People, he said, had their theories about the atonement, about Heaven and Hell, Calvin and Luther, while the plain and simple principle of doing good was neglected, adding that " men were groaning and travailing because others would not accept their doctrines and come into their camp, and call themselves by their name." Mr Strong, it is rumored, intends to fill his old pulpit ; and should any objection be raised by the General Presbyterian Assembly to test the question m the law: courts of the colony,: if the rev. gentleman carries out his present intention, there will be a plentiful harvest for the gentlemen of tho long robe. Musical -Gymnastics. — Auckland is rejoicing m a new sensation, described m the following paragraph, taken from the New Zealand JETerald of a recent date : — " An exhibition of musical gymnastics was given m St. James' Hall hist night by a number of young ladies, under the direction of Miss Newcombe, a lady recently arrived from England. The whole of the seating accommodation m the hall was occupied by an audience almost entirely composed of ladies. It may, perhaps, be necessary to explain that the object, of last night's meeting was to demonstrate to the Auckland ladies an easy and graceful mode of acquiring that muscular development necessary, without making athletes of girls, to perform ordinary domestic duties and the business of life with care and graceful movement. Miss Newcombe, under whose supervision twenty young ladies were introduced last night to demonstrate her mode of teaching, was eminently successful and elicited the greatest amount of enthusiasm from her audience. The young ladies, suitably attired m white, for an hour and a quarter went through, a variety of movements which were executed with astonishing eaae and gracefulness. The movements were all done to the beat of music." Cubious Cash. — A funny cose, says the Wellington Post, is i-eported from a country district. The owner of a email accommodation house m a remote part of the country, went away from home for a few days, leaving a lodger m charge of the premises. In the houao -was an unopened three-dozen case of small bottles of porter. When the owner returned he found that the case had been opened and 14 bottles extracted. He complained of this, and insisted on being paid for the liquor taken. The lodger very reluctantly squared the account, and then went off to the nearest Police Court, some 35 miles away, and solemnly laid 14 informations for sly grog-selling against his erstwhile host, treating each, bottle which he had taken and subsequently paid for, as a separate Bale. The police, as by law required, at once went off to the alleged sly grog shop, and found the remains of the case of porter and two halfbottlea of spirits, all of which they seized and removed. The owner, thus left without any liquor, sent off to the nearest public house, some miles away, and purchased a couple of ! dozen' of ale and half a dozen bo' ties of whisky, but it had scarcely been brought home when the police again appeared on the scene, and seized and removed the new supply. Then the thirsty proprietor thought it was high time to make tracks for a more hospitable neighborhood, so he shut up bis house and came into the city. The 14 informations for sly grog selling are to be heard m a country Court this week. H.M.S. Mieahda at Samoa. — The Apia correspondent of the New Zealand Herald writes, under date February 9th : — A few days ago H.M.S. Miranda put m an appearance after a passage of 22 days from Sydney. I hear the reason given for such a long trip was that they were ordered away m such haste that they had not time to take a sufficient supply of coal on board, and consequently had to sail half the way. One would naturally think that if their object was to get to Samoa as soon as possible it would have been better to have taken a few hours longer to come than to have been .delayed ten days on their passage through the want of coal. Now that the man-of-war ia here the captain seems to have strict orders to do nothing but collect information and' report, a thing that could have been done equally as well (and certainly much cheaper) .by the Consul here. We thought that he would do something towards restoring . the rights of the municipality, violated by the German, or at least that he would take some steps to put down the rebellion ; but no, he has decided to leave matters exactly as they are, his order being, it seems, not to interfere m any way. As he left Sydney two days after the telegrams that had passed between the English and New Zealand' Governments, it seems a farce to send a man here with such limited powers, unless he came to intercept the New Zealand Government m anything they might decide to do. It looks very much as if that was his object." The Population of St. Pbtebsbtteg.— According to the returns of the last census the population of St. Petersburg was, at the accession of the present Czar, • 862,000, showing an increase of 25 per cent m IS years, as m 1866 there were 666,000 inhabitants. Out of this total, only 253,000 of the inhabitants were natives of St. Petersburg, while the pro-' portion of males to females was 122 ho 100. The fact that m some years the mortality among infants under two years of age is as much as 76 per cent will account for there being so comparatively few young children among the population, of which 40 per cent is between the ages of 16 and 30. Classified according to religion 85 per cent of the population belongs to the Greek Church ; but there' are 17,000 Israelites, despite tho law which - prohibits their residing m St. Petersburg, and 8000 Tatars belonging to the Mahomedan faith. The population, classed by professions, comprises 3714 officers and 30,000 soldiers ; 3000 artists and actors, 400 men of letters, 6000 medical men, 9000 professors and teachers (of whom 5000 are women), 326 magistrates, 850 lawyers, and 4300 persons employed m the police force. There are 12,000 persons employed m the Government offices, of which the Ministry of War alone has 1700, while there are nearly 5000 compositors and printers. There are 11,000 drivers of public carriages, 6500 van drivers, and 5,900 innkeepers. There are 2000 priests and clergymen, 8000 hpspital patients, and 2800 men and women m prison, and 60,000 families get their living outof trade. There are only 11,000 heads of families with independent means, and upon the other hand there are 14,000 beggars (of whom 11,000 are women and girls), 234,000 working men of all hands, and 135,000 domestic servants. Sore Throat quiokly yields to " Baxter's Lung Preserver." In Consumption, " Baxter's Lung Preserver " has been signally successful. In Whooping Cough, "Baxter's Lung Preserver " is a specific. In Bronchitis and Asthma, " Baxter's Lung Preserver affords immediate relief. - SYNOPSIS OF NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. Maclean and Stewart — Sell sheep and cattle on the 10th inst. , • Jonas and Bourn— Will sell the Pleasant Point race privileges on Saturday. Miles, Archer and Co, — Sell sheep, etc., to-morrow. K. F. Gray— Has a milk walk, etc., tor sale. Tiraaru Political Association— Hold a public meeting m tho Foresters' Hall this evening. N.Z.L. and M.A. Company— lnvite tenders for purchase of skins and fat from refrigerating works, Oamaru. ' O. Bowker— Has several properties for sale. Commissioner, Crown Lands, Hawke's Bay District — Notico re Crown lands for sale. G. f; Clulee-InYitcs tenders for' erection of refrigerating works. Geraldine County Council— lnvito tehdersfor certain works. Miss Arnold— Will deliver addresses m the Baptist Church tonight and to-morrow, Canterbury Volunteers— Notico re Government parades ; tenders are invited for Bupply of cooked rations, forage, etc. • J. H. DiQkenson— Business notice. w. Gunu— Ha» engaged a shepherd. In bankruptcy— Re D. D. Gibb, Hy. Hodgson. Wanted— Oo« notico.