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Observer, Volume XL, Issue 7, 18 October 1919, Page 29

The following from an .Australian paper, is of interest, as it shows that an organised effort to give religious instruction on a broad basis is being made. The writer says: In the Melbourne diocese for some years the union has applied much, energy to ensure the largest possible use of the facilities granted by the Department of Education for reflgious instruction in the State schools, with most gratifying results. A -committee of the union, with a special committee of Synod, worked unremittingly, and whereas about 450 schools out of over 2000 were receiving religious instruction when they began, such schools now number about 1,000. The union hopes, by continuing the work, to reinforce' the special work of the clergy of all denominations by establishing the Bible as a reading book in the ordinary curriculum of the State schools, as'is done so happily in New South. Wales and other States. The union is a>;o endeavouring to do something for the wives of the Australian soldiers now coming to Australia to settle. Through the courtesy of the Y.W.C.A., representatives of the union are invited to the Y.W.CA. headquarters to meet and welcome such women, who have manifested much pleasure at meeting members. Through the kindness of the Victoria League, inames and addresses are passed on to the union, which putsits branches in communication with them. The union seeks in every way to keep the growing" boy and girl in relation to the church. The work done -hitherto through the parents; will probably be much extended, and made more direct. Hitherto the society has had no paid officer, but it now proposes to appoint a working delegate who would visit all existing branches, and stimulate and co-ordinate their activities, form new branches, and promote public interest in the work and ideals of the union. The Archbishop in Council has granted £30 towards £200 a year which, will, it is estimated, be required. A. central office has also been provided, in the Cathedral buildings. g> @> ®

NOTHING LIKE VARIETY.

Said once an old bear at the zoo,. Who was feeling exceedingly blue, "It bores me, you know, To walk to and fro; I'll reverse it, and walk fro and to." :

A correspondent to an English paper relates that, having been without a maid for cose on two years, he has lately secured a "general" at a wage of £40 a year. A day or two after her arrival, she handed the wife a list of things she declined to do, among them being the family washing. In consequence, his wife gets up every Monday morning at six o'clock and does it herself. While she is thus engaged "Kate ,, goes for a morning ride on her bicycle and returns in time to get the breakfast ready. @ ® ® Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Johns, well known residents of Waihi, recently celebrated their golden wedding. Members of the family from far and near arrived to join in the celebrations, and to express the wish that the celebrants may. reach the diamond wedding stage. Mr. Johns has for a great many years been closely associated with the mining industry at Thames and Waihi, his last active engagement being as manager of the Waihi Extended G.M. Co.'s property, which was recently sold to the Grand Junction Company. 0 ®. <& A story is being told in New Plymouth of the strange consequences which sometimes follow in the wake of love. It is stated that an engagement was broken off, not by the lady, and that she gave instructions to an elderly friend to take the part of the angered father. The erstwhile lover appears to have been on tenderhooks for some days with the fear that the elderly gentleman might seek to administer chastisement. He did not fear for the safety of his own person, but for that of the proxy father, who was liable to get the worst of any physical argument that might occur. It is rumoured that the worst befell, and some furniture was among the things damaged. © G§>- ® Miss Madge Surtees, the clever Australian actress, who was last here with J. and N. Tait's "Peg o . My Heart" Company, has gone to San Francisco, where she intends to try b>>r luck in pictures. Miss Surtees was one of the leading members of the Royal Dramatic Company which toured New Zealand some time ago.