LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7296, 8 January 1902, Page 3

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

: — • — : ■ The Stock Department believes that the mortality amongst sheejp a.t Lovell's Mat, Otago, is due to blood po-soninig, after shearing and docking. A meeting of creditors in the estate of William Woods, of Ciiristchurch, cor«n merchant, will be held in the Official -Assignee's office on Jan. 14, at jeleven o'clock. The danger of swimming far out in the breakers off the Sumner beach was again demonstrated this morning. Two boys swam, out, and one oniy succeeded in getting in after a severe struggle, while the other was being carried out by the current when a life-buoy was thrown to him. Three country school picnics went to Lyttelton to-day, by a special train, which reached the Port ait 10.25 a.m. The total number of scholars, teachera and friends ■wis about 300. One paxty, tihat from the A^nat- school, went from Lyttelton tb Purau in the s.s. John Anderson. Another, the Charinjg Cross sohool, proceeded to Governor's ; Bay by the launch Qanterhury,, and the third, from Darfield, went to the Lyttelton Domain. The . passengers by the 8.15 tram from New Brighton met an obstacle on_ their journey to the city thia morning. ' While the car was moving towards town at a fast pace, and while running past a. part of the property of a lady who has at times come into conflict with the Tramway Company, a hay waggon, escorted by the lady an question and her son, drove out of the paddock just ahead of the tram-car, and dawdled along in front. The car, in spite of spirited entreaties to the haymakers from the graard, was compelled to go at a funereal ipace for some distance, when the leisurely iwaggon gave up possession of the line aiid turned off the track. The last few days' warm weaibher following closely upon the recent genial showers, haye rapidly matured growing cereals between Papanui and Rangiora, and the transition from green to gold is daily becoming more perceptible. The complicated reaper and binder is already laying d<own crops that have had a sharp struggle tfor existence, but that will yield profitable • results nevertheless. In more than one field, however, oats will be lighter than usual, tihe- length of straw havjng been adversely affected by the prolonged, drought of the earlier summer. But roots, especially potatoes, give promise of am abundant crop ; so that, taken on *he whole, . this year's plantings along the northern route leave little to be reasonably desired. Th 6 results of the Merino Cup Competition in connection with the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association has been announced. The winning ram is bne belonging to the New Zealand ahd Australian Land Company (Hakateramea Estate), No. 20, and the money value of the fleece is lis 7-45 d. The ram thati came eefiond (No. 8), with wool valued at lis 5.71 d, belongs to the executors of the late JW. Gerard. The committee of the Association, at its meeting to-day, thanked Mr P. Chapman, for undertaking the grazing of the rams, Mr' J. Deans, for the use of the shearing Shed, and! Mr G. Kettlewell, Mr T. Millar and Mr H. Nicholls, who valued the scoured wool. The full report on the competition will be brought up at next meeting of the committee. ._ - Messrs Gardner and Co. have just issued tlieir annual office blotting-pad and calendar. The pad is a most useful adjunct to the office desk. Several garden thefts have been reported recently. A garden in Madras Street North was robbed of some beautiful geraniums that were pulled up by the roots and taken away. It is hard to say what is the ultimate cost of a so-called "cheap" bicycle, butit is certain to amount to very much more tban a high-class. / Machine, therefore if you (Wish to cycle in comfort and security at a minimum of esv^D? 0 ? order either a Humber or Anglo-fspteial bicycle, made and guaranteed by experienced and responsible concerns. See the two-speed gear and free-wheel ; it is simple and practical ; also luggage-carriers, hoid-alls, trip-meters, etc., writable for cycle tourists. The AngloNew Zealand Cycle Company, Dj.C, and E26, High Street. X1196' ". REMARKABLE DISAPPEARANCE of »ll dirt from everything by using HUDBON'S SOAP. Reward! Purity, Health, perfect Satisfaction bj its regular daily use. 8946 Townend's Sulphur Hair Restorer will positively restore grey or faded hair to its natural colour ; is not a dye. Price 2s per bottle; by post, securely packed, 2s 9d. townend, Chemist, Christchurck 2521

Mr J. A. Blank, Truant Inspector to ihe North Canterbury Education Board, in his annual report, states that during the year ending Dec. 31, 1901, the names of 1243 children had been received from the various schools in connection with irregular attendances, and he had served notice-forms in 901 cases, while 342 visits had been made by him. From information privately re- • ceived, he had waited on thirty- two families, and in all cases except four, the children were complying with the Act. He had taken proceedings against parents representing 155 children, and the total amount of the fines was £18 4s. He noted, with pleasure, various amendments in the attendance clauses of the Education Act: A number of applications had been made from the country for his services'; He suggested that he should be allowed to visit outside districts. This suggestion has been referred by the Board to the Appointments Committee.