LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11282, 9 January 1915, Page 9

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The sanguinary nature of the fighting at Ypres will be illustrated in a splendid full-page picture which will appear in next week's " Canterbtiry Times." The sketch describes vividly tho terrible nature of the operations against the Germans, and the particular incident shows British troops driving the Huns out of a village in the vicinity of Ypres. Another full-page illustration will depict street fighting at the village of Louppy-le-C-hateau, in the Argomie country. This village was occupied by the Germans and French alternately, and' the picture shows one of the successful assaults by the French. Other special war photographs will show French prisoners in Germany, the hauling of a huge Genu an siege gun into position, tracking spies in the British lines, the King's visit to the troops in the field of operations, the Grown Prince of Germany in the field in the campaign against Russia, Servian troops (among whom is a boy of twelve, a sturdy lad who is a- fine rifle shot and was determined to fight for his country), our Indian troops in France, and many other interesting incidents of tho operations. All Souls Day procession in Paris, a quaint and pathetic annual function, will be illustrated, besides other topical matters, including the handling of New Zealand produce at the port of Hull, England. The great parade of the Ohristchurch Citizens' Defence Force on January 3, when the members attended the Intercession Day service at the Anglican Cathedral, will be finely illustrated in an enlarged photograph. The croquet championship tournament will also be dealt with pictorially, and also the Dunedin. gardten fete on behalf of the patriotic funds. The "Canterbury Times" will be on sale locally on Tuesday. The bakers' conference will be held in Ohristchurch on January 12. Delegates will be j)resent from Invercargill, Dunedin. West Coast, Blenheim, "Wellington and Auckland.

Through people not keeping an eye on the calendar, the Australian Commonwealth saved £1590. This sum would have been paid in maternity allowances in 318 cases, but the claims arrived too late.

Tlie following is the. report on the Canterbury trout streams this morning:—Waimakariri South (discoloured), Rangitata (dirty). Opihi (fishable), Waimakariri North, "NVaitaki and Rakaia (clear). Daniel Hurray was remanded by a Wellington Magistrate on a oliarge of helpess drunkenness, and was taken to the Terrace Gaol for med*ical treatment, but died yesterday morning. He was thirty-five years of age, and possessed a bank book showing deposits made at Ohristc'luirch, Upper Hutt, Paekakariki and Wellington. While gathering driftwood during the holidays on the northern beach at Port Molyneux, Mr E. J. Boyd, of Balclutha, picked up a few lumps of whitish substance with a faint aroma, which is generally considered to be ambergris. His find aggregated about 16oz. Ambergris has been previously i>icked up on the Catlins beaches, but never before at Port Molyneux. A serious complaint is made by a Wellington member of tho Samoan Force in a letter to his parents. He alleges that tho authorities in New Zealand are "neglecting the Samoan troops shamefully,'' more especially in regard to clothing. The troops are ■still wearing, in the height of summer, their heavy khaki uniforms. Thinner suits were sent, but they were so poor in quality that Colonel Fulton forbade the men to wear them. "Some of the men," continues tho trooper, "are right through their hoots, while dozens of others haven't decent pants to wear, ft we come back to Now Zealand dressed as we are, it would be good-bye to William and Co. !" Smart and secure for travelling.—We offer a special lino of suit cases, strong, light, well and conveniently fastened. A splendid line in four sizes, at los, 17s (xl ; 20s. 22s Od. Hastie, Bull and Pickering, Cashel Street. 1989 If you want absoluto purity in Ginger Wine, get Thomson's. There's a world of difference between Thomson's and inferior Ginger Wine. No adulteration, no artificial sweetenings. Pure fruit juices only. All grocers. Ford and Mirams, agents. &

It is notified in this week's "Gazette" that the kea (or mountain parrot), hawks of all species, and various species of shags aro not to bo deemed protected. Tho committee, of tho Canterbury Sweet Pea and Carnation Society lias decided to give. 20 per cent, of tickets sold at tho show to the Belgian Fund. Tho show will bo held in tho Olympia Rink on Friday and Saturday, January V) and 1.0. 'fantries are coming to hand, and tho show promises to be a success.

What appears to have been a, most dastardly action was perpetrated on the locally trained' trotter Utopia. (say« tho Westport " Times"). The horse was to have taken part in the recent races, and shortly after eight o'clock was inspected by the owner and trainer, F. Higgins, and' seemed to ho ns fit as training could make it. About cloven o'clock, when Mr Higgins wont to get the horse, he found that it had been badly injured at the knee, which was cut and. swollen, evidently the deed of some niißcrta-nL The- ougaoment at the. Trotting Club'ft meeting had to be cancelled. The matter has been placed in the hands of the police for investigation.

An officer with the Australian Imperial Force, who held a responsible post on the vessel that received tho prisoners from the lOrnden, relates a. portion of his experiences as follows: " I found myself in charge of four officers (Captain Yon Muller, tho doctor, Prince Franz of flohenzollcrn. and another very young fellow), three, warrant officers, and forty-five men. I put a strong guard over them. Then I took the officers to their cabinet, and placed another guard over them, and going back took the mo ndown to their quarters, where I had them searched and confined securely. Then I got what 1 call an unpleasant order, viz.. to go and search the officers. However, they quite understood, and I. was very polite. So were they. I cannot describe to you—and I don't believe there is a writer living who could—the awful hunted look all those officers and men had. Their eyes were starting out of their heads. If ever men had looked into hell those men had. However, they are rapidly recovering, and are now a real good, cheery lot. The officers have refused to give their parole, as they say we have a long way to go, and if they happen to get a chance to escape- thev mean to take it. lam afraid that they will not get the. chance. Anyhow, they are a. real brave lot of fellows."