MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6134, 22 March 1898, Page 3

MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.

The quarterly meeting of the Olive Branch Lodge of Druids, Hornby, was held on Friday night, A.D. Bro Isaac Harding in the chair. There was a large attendance. Three candidates were proposed for membership and one member was admitted by clearance. The number of names on the books is now fifty-seven. The lodge, which is just over twelve months' old, opened with nineteen members. The Secretary was instructed to prepare specifications for seats for the new hall. Harmony was indulged in, several of the members contributing songs and recitations. The lodge was closed by the A.D. -

Eight million pounds is the estimated value of the Sultan of Turkey's jewels. If his Majesty has any hobby at all it may be said to be the purchasing of jewels and the witnessing of private theatricals. No professional of note (be lie actor, singer, or conjurer), passes through Constantinople without an invitation from the Sultan. He always pays for these performances in Bank of England notes. In Russia, when coffins are covered with cloth, the colour of the covering is, to a certain extent, distinctive, pink being used when the deceased is a child or a young person, crimson for women, and brown for widows; but black is in no case employed. When the Queen ascended the throne there were thirteen crimes punishable with death in this country. Since the statute of 1861 there remain now only four, namely : setting fire to her Majesty's dockyards or arsenals, piracy with violence, treason, and murder.