NEWS AND NOTES.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 327, 22 January 1907, Page 6

NEWS AND NOTES.

_ Sir Joseph Ward explained the other night that his frequently quoted remark that two niilion went out of New Zealand yearly in gambling investments, referred not to Tattersall only, but to all betting. He repeated that the figures were correct.

A dairy farmer in the Stratford district recently tested his cows for ten consecutive days, and found that the lowest yield per cow was 01b and the highest 171 b. It is about time more of our farmers found out what each of their cows are yielding. There would be some surprises.

A resident of Invercargill had an agreeable surprise lately. A relative in the North Islanc] communicated with some friend of his, and, ascertaining that there was a mortgage of close on i!200 on his relative's property, he promptly forwarded a cheque, clearing the place, and presented the deeds to his uncle as a Christmas box.

" I cannot help thinking," said Mr Devlin at Christchurch, " whether I hear the phrase 'God's own country,' that there is another little island, our own grand old country of Ireland, which can well lay equal claim to this title. God made New Zealand a splendid country, and men assisted. God has made Ireland a splendid country, but man has denied her the advantage of her natural conditions."

Looking at the milking machine at the Taranaki show, a farmer said : " Yes; I have believe they've got it right now, but general use in the district will only tend to increase and inflate land values still more." " Thai will be a good thing for we farmers, though," replied ■another. " Yes; but what about the future; where will he come in ? He will jolly well have to be a millionaire to 'take up land then !" During a thunderstorm which broke offer Greyton one day last week two cows belonging to Mr Harrison, and a horse of Mr Humphries, were struck by lightning and killed. Next day another thunder- ' storm broke over the town, during which Mr A. B. Balfour, surgeon dentist, was using the telephone in Messrs Coe and Ehodes' shop, when he was struck by lightning and rendered unconscious. He has since recovered. From information received by the N.Z. Dairy Union recently, it appears that a big drop in the price of butter has . taken place in the English market. Unsalted butter is now at 100 s per cwt., and salted at 102 s per cwt. A little time ago the prices were 110 s and 112 s respectively, while in January last salted butter was bringing 116 s per cwt. It seems that the demand for the unsalted article is now falling off at Home, but a year ago there was a much bigger call for it than for the salted butter. This stimulated the manufacture to a great extent, the consequence being a drop in price. An advertiser who signs himself "Anxious " thus applies to the Wanganui Chronicle for a wife':—" Wanted—A wife. A self-made man, of independent means, of Engish birth and good family, wants a life partner. Is of medium height, with fair ruddy complexion, healthy, active and strong, inidple aged; passionately fond of music; sings tenor. Is fond of refinement and all things good and beautiful. Is in the grazing and stock business, fond of horses. Wishes to meet with a kdy (spinster or widow), age from 20s to 35 years, of dark complexion and eyes, accomplished, domesticated and of fair

education, and a fair pianist—a singer

preferred. Must be of Protestant religion. Lady with similar tastes if possible. One with property preferred, for with our united wealth and property a world round trip is intended if convenient for both. Would not object to children. Advertiser lives about 40 miles irom Wanganui, and is in real earnest. Only genuine replies will be considered."