Wanganui Herald. [ PUBLISHED DAILY .] SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1891. HORNE BREEDING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 7415, 16 May 1891, Page 2

Wanganui Herald. [ PUBLISHED DAILY .] SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1891. HORNE BREEDING.

Them: is nothing strikes si stranger visiting tins coast more than the number of race meeting advertised, and the general hor&inoss, if we may be allowed the term, of ifs inhabitants, except it be the clifliculty of purchasing a first-class hackney nt anything like a moderate sum. Hacks can be purchased at any price, from a couple of pounds up to fifty, but to get one worth the latter sum is a | difficult matter, as those who have made the trial will readily agree. i The reasons for this avo not far to seek. It might be thought 1 hat with so much racing wo should have no lack of horseflesh. Neither have we, but what sort in the bulk of our riding horses ? ,\ saunter through the sale yards any day when horsei are being sold will toll a stranger that the quantity is in the inverse ratio io the quality, as the bulk of the hacks will be seen io be weedy and most likely " screwed," if they have done any work. The reason for this is not far to seek, as breeders think any mare is quite good enough to breed from, and blame the sires tor the faults of the dams when the progeny turn out more of the latter a stamp thaw of the former. We have bred some of the best horses in iSfew Zealand here where judgment has been exercised, but it is equally true that a large proportion of our riding horses are not what they ought to be, and might bo if more care were exercised in their breeding. For the past five and twenty years we have had thoroughbred sives located on the coast of exceptional excellence, such notable animals as Eiddlesworth, Pacific, Peter Plat, Traducer, Day Dawn, JJavensworth, The Painter, Somnus, Totara, Ascot, Puriri, Isaak Walton, Hi. Leger, and other high class sires having been, or are still at the command of breeders. These anhnalshave, when judiciously mated, begotten race horses of the first quality, both on the flat and across country, but it is equally true, that the bulk of their stock has been mediocre, not to say weedy, simply because the mares bred from have been, as a rule, unworthy of such high-class mates, and utterly unfit to bring forth hacks of good quality. Tn addition to this there have been and aro a lot of well-bred weeds used as sires, that should have been " added to the list," and never allowed to perpetuate their species. A low tee often causes them to be selected by short-sighted breeders, and the result is invariably a perpetuation of " weeds." That this evil is not confined to this part of the colony is beyond doubt, and to cope with it the Stock Department recently issued a circular to the different Agricultural and Pastoral Associations, inviting them to give their opinions as to the wisdom or otherwise of licensing stallions, and only allowing such of them a<s could pass a veterinary examination to be licensed. The Wanganui A. and P. Association discussed this circular exhaustively, and came to tho following conclusions, which have much to commend them to those whose desire to see an improved class of riding and light harness horses on this coast, viz :—: — " That all entires in the Wanganui district (that is, between the Waitotara and Eangitikei Eivers) be licensed at a fee of ten guineas each,

and that no owner can recover fees for unlicensed horses ; that it be necessary for all licensed horses to bear on their advertisement cards the result of a veterinary surgeon's examination, to be made by a duly qualified veterinary surgeon, and that the fees be coileeted by the Agricultural Society, aud (after paying veterinary expenses) used by the society for the purpose of applying them as prizes for horses in such classes as the society may think fit." The Canterbury A. and P. Association, however, after discussing the circular came to the opposite conclusion, aud were of opinion that the appointment of a department for licensing stallions is not at present required. "We cannot agree with this conclusion, as we have daily evidence that the innovation would be greatly to the benefit of horse-breed-ing in New Zealand, and, if carried into effect, would tend to the improvement of our horses, and add greatly to the wealth of tho colony. It costs no more to feed a good useful hackney or trap horse than a useless weed, and the difference between the values of the two classes would soon make itself felt, and show breeders tho folly of breeding from unsuitable mares aud sires. In Prance and Germany the Government take a keen interest in the subject, and will not allow an unsound stallion to be used, or a weedy mare to be bred from. Good prices are guaranteed for all horses fit for army purposes and rich prizes offered for competition. By these means the breed of these classes has been improved so much that no difficulty is experienced in obtaining cavalry and aitillery horses of a stamp far superior to any that could be purchased in New Zealand except to a very limited extent. Too much weight is given to more pedigree here, and not enough to constitution and conformation. It is no consolation for a belated traveler lo know that tho knocked up or broken down wood lie bestrides or drives possesses a pedigree as long a« its tail, and that it runs straight back to Eclipse and Godolphin Arabian, through a lot of wishy-washy dams and sires that never should have been allowed to porpetuate their species. Tn India there is a market for first-class riding and harness horses, and therefore a very strong inducement io A T ew Zealand breeders to cater for it. Even at our own doors there is a constant and unsatisfied demand at good prices [ for really good hacks and harness horses, and there is therefore every inducement for horse-breeders to mend their ways and adopt such precautions and exercise such judgment as shall result in a marked improvement in our breed of light horses, liacing is defended by its Votaries as calculated to improve the breed of horses. Has it ? Wo think not— at least not as much as it might reasonably have been expected to. The reason for this is not far to seek when we see horses handicapped to carry as light a burden as Gst 71b on the flat and Sst 71b over sticks. In tho old days when w.f'.a aud other races were run in heats we had better horses, not so fast perhaps, but animals that could carry a man all day and every day. Now wo have a lot of lathy weeds that are only fit to carry a Second Standard lad to school. If a horse cannot carry a man, what real use is it ? The best thing tho Government could do in the direction of improving the breed of horsos would bo to enact that no handicap should start lower that Sit for flat and Ost for jumping race*.. This, no doubt, would raise a howl from tho owners of speedy breeds, but it would lead to more Carbines being bred, and effect the legitimate purposes of horse-racing, viz , tho improvement of the noble animal, the best of which would not bo called upon io meet a lot of weeds with boj -monkeys on their backs, whilst they carried a man of KM. We are old fashioned enough to know that handicapping hai done untold evil to horse-breeding, and to wish that, it should be reformed to the extent above indicated or the prhilege of the iohlisator withdrawn. If a Carbine with 10»t on his back cannot be brought down io the level of a weed with Gst-51bs, we think no good purpose is served in inducing owners io start the latter class, and that in the interests of horse-breeding it would be wiser to ignore the weeds, and to cater for the weight-carriers.

Tho riso in tho Bunk rate of discount is duo to the expected withdrawal of gold, to the viiliio of Jt'3,000,000 by Russia in June. Tho outrages on the Jowa at Corfu continue to be committed by the (Jroelc mobi who killed too and injured muny otheic Towards tho end of April, a woman named Urofln was found murdered in tho streets of New York, under circumstances which suggested that tlio crimo had been committed by " Jack tho Ripper," who com. milted the murders in Whitechapol, London, .md a man known as "Fronoby," ongagod ns a drover in connection w ith tho shipping trade, was taken into custody on suspicion lof being connected with ihe enmo, The coroner's inquest on the victim has concluded vvlion the jury brought' in n ror&lci of murder agaiußt "Frenchy." The Gbineso rioters, at Wubu, have wounded Mr Colin Mac.kenie, the Britieh Consul, ,md destio> cd tho Consulate ; they have also burned the Custom House, as well as the Catholic Mission. Bank holiday on Monday. 'J'ondera close on lSth Juno for the output of the Wanganui Gas Company's coke for one year.

Tn connection tl>e Bangitikoi Hunt, it is announced that the liounds will meet at Fordell on Thursday nett, at noon

On our fourth page mil he found a continuation of "Sketches of Wangfiinti ;'' also, details of a sensational and romantic trago'Jj, entitted "A Terrible Heveuge."

Ihe second dance of Iho season in connection with, the Harding Assemblies took place place last evening at the Institute, when about 35 couples participated in the thorough enjoyment afforded by good com. pany.

Tho correspondent of the lush Catholic, writing from Home on March 7, says : — The Pope has also presented to Monsignor Grimes, Bishop of Christeliuieh, New Zealand, for 'he use of hh Cabhedial, v handsonio silver chalice, the cup of which is richly ornamented and inlaid with rubies. It is 'ooe ol the few left from Hie Vatican Exhibition of 1883-89.

The charge nude ajainst J. Campbell, a member of the Athletic Football Club, for having Btruck Dimui, of the Ponekes, was enquired into by the Management Committee o£ the 'Wellington Rugby Union, and, as a result, Campbell has been suspended for a fortuight trom last Saturday. Campbell admitted that he bad struck Dixon, but b.e pleaded provocation on the ground that tho latter had thrown him when lie had not got the b ill. Dixon stated that he was under the impression that Campbell bad got tho ball when he threw him.

Certain amendments in tho lifo-Baving appliance rules a* applied to veasels appear id the Gazette

Mr John Edwin March ha* receiver! the appointment of Superintendent of Village Settlements for the colony.

The appointment of John Douglas Bitchio to be Chief Inspector ot Stock, under tho the Sheep Act, 1890, is gazetted. Major Henry Feldwick, of the New Zealand Regiment Arlillory Volunteers, has beon promoted to be Lieutenant-Colonel, Tho reproduction on Wednesday of " lolantbo " ior six nights, by the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society, is announced. It is gazetted that Captain Boila-o (Wanganui .Rifles) and Captain C. D. Mackintosh. (Wellington Guards) have resigned tbtili' commissions.

We understand that Mr Beeves, \vlio h.is lately arrive 1 from England, has received an appointment on tho repertonal staff of tho New Zealand Times.

James Dnncan Thompson is promoted to the grade of assistant aurvo.i or in tho Lands and Survey Department as' fiom the Ist ot March, 1891.

Lieutenant Alexander TWon 18 gazetted ac having beon transferred, with promotion, to tho Unattached Activo list, with the rank of lieutenant commanding. The wife of Poter Kemp, ox-champion sculler, dicdatherresideneo on theHawkesbury Kiver on April 15tli aftor a shore illness. WritiDg to a friend, Charles Hugo intimates tbat ho hopes to arrho in New Zcain about two months' timo with a varioty troupe. Southern papers state that tbero seems to bo a doubt as to whether the Menvtvle Opera Company will n-if- NVw Zealand on dates that hiid beon piouously arranged.

011 Thursday morning tho body of Wm.

McTjennan, farmer, of ilnlkotfc (Chiistehurch), was found on the Italkett road. His neck wns broken, and his horse and cart standing by. H<> is supposed to Jim 0 mot with an accident on the road.

Tho proposed amalgamation at TJupior of tho Farmers' Co-oporativo Association am! Williams and KottJo has fallen through, tho latter firm refusing tlio conditions offered.

Thero is somo talk of an Australian cricket team visiting Now Zealand noxt season, If final arrangements aro mado the toam will travol under tho auspices of the Sydney Union. Tho traffic returns of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway for tho week ending Oth May, JSfll, amounted to £1472 5s fid, and for tho corresponding poriod of )nst yoar to £1207 13s lOd, Bhowing an increase of £204 11s Bd. Tho winner of tho Egmont Stccplerhaso, Takapu, who arrived from Havvera to-day, has turned out an excellent investment for Mr Harry Iluyr, who bought him for something like £75, and at the first timo of asking tho son of Izaak Walton returned him £120 in stukes. From advertisement in another column it will bo seen that a mooting of farmers and guv.iora desirous of booming promoters for tho purposo of o-inblHnng a West Coast Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, will bo held at tin lv.v Brigade Assembly Kooms nt 3 pm on Wednesday noxt. Tho Governor-in-Council has, on tho applicution of tho Auditor-General, ordered a special audit into tho affairs of the late Manawatu Road Board. TliU action has boon taken at tbe instance of Mr Jollicoe, , solicitor to tho Mannwatu Road Board. A IMttnawatit paper states that while burning off at Parua recently Mr jMillor found in tlie hollow of somo trees sovea skeletons, a greenstone oar-ring, throo greonitone axes, ono etono sinkor, and othor relics. Tho place bad ovidontly been an old Maori bunul ground. | Tho memljors of tho Ponsonby FC. woro j cripe on their arms last Saturday, as a i token of respect to their late comrade " Hooker " Conway. When driving out to Potter's Paddock, the drag went past his grave in Syinond-stroet Cemetery, and all barod their houds and hushed their conversation. ta»t week a woman gave bnth to a child in a Sydney omnibus, and before the 'bus [ arrived at the torminus the womnn got out ninl disappeared, leading tbe child behind her. When the driver found it tho httlo one w,i« alire, but it died next day at tho Benevolent Asylum. One of the finest looking youngsters bred at Wellington Park is tho Nordonfeldt— Frailty colt, and it is confidently expected that at tho January sate ho will bring uho highest price yet givon — to do this his purchaser will havo to bid over 2300 guineas, winch was paid for the Newminster—Primrose colt. A new Naval Aitillory Corp9 has boon formed in AucMnnd called the St. George's, and nhrady it Ims its full complement of GO stiong. Tbe Defence Minister has expressed himself as favourablo to the formation of tbo corps, us this is tho arm of tho service which the Government desired to strengthen, bo as to secure tho manning of the guns and harbour dofences. A well known Bottler of Tauranga, Mr J, Chad trick, died on Thursday uiglit of bronchitis. Ho came out to tho Colony over fifty years ago, and engaged in tho cattlo trade between Australia and New Zealand, afterwards taking military oontractfl. At the timo of his death lia was proprietor and landlord of the Tauvanim Hotel. For assaulting Boy J. Efoateon, of ChrhtcSuivch, last Sunday evening 119 he was going to church, a man named James Fergusson was lined 20s and costs. The leniency of tlio bench was owing to Mi' Uoatson, and it was pointed out to Forgusson that it was well he had been iutorceded for as ho might, have boon soot to gaol without the option of a fine, Sims Reeves was often styled by tno London public "Hie man with a cold," on account o" tbo number of times ho used to send notes at the last moment regretting his inability to appear. This caused some of his populmity to wane, but when his name was on tho prograrmno thu public were always willing to tako their clmnco of hearing him. The reason of at least half of m'Bnonappoararces was sheer nervousness He was the most nervous singer probably living, and was often prostralei with it. Tho Buncdin Rugby Union bavo resolved that as P. Koogh had stated in tho newspapers that bo could furnish the names of Kaikorai players who had bet on the match against the Alhambra Club, last Saturday, be bo oilled on to do so; that tho Kaikorai Club be asked to furnish the fasts and the decision arrived at ineonnection with Keogb, and that a deputation wait on the editors of tho Times and Star to get particulars of Ihe statements which appeared m their columns. In consequence of strictures passed on Keogh in regard to last Saturday's football play, ho tendered his resignation as a member of tbe Kaikorai Match Committee, and intends retinDg from the football arena. Advices from Ohristcluireb stato that a number of leading stud-masters and aportflmen in that and other parts of tho colony are talking of banding themselves together for the purposo of forming a Stud Company, to take the place of the Middle Park Stud lately dispersed. In referring to the matter, the Frees 6ays: — "Most of tho gentlemen whose mimes have been mentioned in con-

nection with the projected company are Canterbury sportsmen, who are well known, and who are not likely to go into the business in a half-hearted manner, when onro they havo mado up their minds to lend their support." From a- perusal of n draft copy of the Fire Brigades' Bill, which the United Firo Brigades Association have determined to forward during the ensuing session of the Assembly, it is gleaned that the first part provides' for the formation and maintenance of brigades, duties of fire inspectors, etc. Tbore is a provision for the services of a fire pohco foicc, to be sworn in for the purpose, Provsiou is made for the liability of insurance companies, for clause 17 provides that, " Insuiance companies insuring from fire any property in any city or boiough shall pay annually to ihe City or Borougli Council by way of contribution towards the expenses of canying the Act into effect, a sum not exceeding one-third of the amount paid by the City or Borough Council during the year for fire prevention. Piovidedthat tho payment to be so made by the Fire Insurance Companies shall not exceed a rateof I J per cent, of tbe premium received in respect of the year less the amount of all rmnsurancps paid by them in respect of pioperty on which such premiums have be«a soceived."

It is stated that there are a number of typhoid fever cft'os in Auckland just now.

The Kaikoura. arrived at Hobart civly on Friday morning, and should bo in Wellington on Tuesday morning. Sbe brings 46 passengers for New Zealand.

The adjourned inquost concerning tho late fatal accident at Whitmoro was concluded after wo wont to presi yesterday, when tlio jury brought in tho following verdict: — "That the deceased Mary Frances Amnor mat hor death accidentally, and we attach no Manic to anyone in tho mattor." It is notified in (he Gazotto that H» Kxeelloney the Governor, in order not to interfere with the enjoyment of the usual holiday on tlio day Bet apart for tbo observance I oF tlio Q,uoen'e Birthday (HoncLij, 2oth May), will hold an undross levoo at Government House, Wellington, on Tuesday, 2Cth May, nt 3.15 p.m.

Tho spoiling bee seems to bo coming into fashion again this winter, At ono up North about a week ago there wore 20 competitors, and 200 chosen words woro exhausted be-

fore many had to retiro, nftor which tho dictionary was taken, and Webstor bad slightly the best of a numbor of the most puzzlimg words selected.

Lioutouant-Colonpl Stapp, LieutenantColonol Butts, and Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd aro gazetted as Colonels on the Honorary Unattached List, N.Z Volunteers. The appointment of J R. Sommorvillo, late captain Alexandra Cavalry Volunteers, to bo Major is also gazetted ; the date of commission 13 3ist December, IH9O. The Emperor WiJimm feels angry at the treatment received by tho Empress Frederick during hor recent visit to the French

capital, and has expressed his indignatin at tho attitude tho Parisians assumed toward hor. In order to show tho F.mporor's feelings in the matter, General Von Oaprivi, Imperial Chancellor, has ordered the mobilisation of tlireo Gorman army corpa on the French frontier.

Yew peoplo estimate the easo witii which the exhaust pipe of a gas engine sots fire to anything with which its comes in. contact. A gunny bag which had stood aloncside the pipe of such an ongine in a large factory near Christchurch is now on view at tho rooms of tho Kvo Insurance Association. Tho bag liad been near the exhaust pipe for so.no timo and boeamo ignitod at last. The protection of these exhaust pipes is therefore very desirable for the satoty of properly and for tlio mutual benefit of owners and Insurance Companies.

Advices to hand from Sydney state thnt tho thoroughbred stallion ISpigivun died last week at Hobartville. Epigram was got by Blair Athol from Ellcrmero, by Cliantickor — BUeidale, by Lanorcost, and was imported to Australia in 1874 by the late Sir Joshua Bell. The best of bis progeny was undoubtedly Lo Grand, who in the season os 18S3-84 rod the A.J.O. Dorby, A.J.C St. Logor, V.B.C. Champion Stakes, and a good numbor of othor woight-for age races. Epigram was foaled in 1872, bo that ho bad completed his nineteenth yoar when bo died. Tho Sydney Eeening News of tlio 80th

ult says . — " Reuben Smith, n well known local proacher, and who bad beon brought from Now Zoaland in custodj', appeared at tbe Wallsoncl Police Court, on Tuesday, charged on remand with having, on the 4th J'eeember last, in an action for slander in which he was plaintiff, committed wilful and corrupt perjury. Considerable interest was ovinced in tho case, tho Court being crowdod. Various witnesses wera examined, and at the conclusion ot the hearing Smith was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, to be held in Newcastle in Juno noxt. Bail was applied for and refused." Tho following paragraph, which concludes the annual report of tho Council of tho Wellington Acclimatisation Society cannot fail to provo of interest :— " The coastal waters of Now Zetland arc rapidly becoming stocked « ith sea-going varieties of traut.lhe effect of which ou our New Zoaland fisheries will soon he felt. Your Council have in tho past endeavoured to avoir! drifting into a mere chooting or fishing club— n rock on which so many similar societies havo been wreked; and, boforo concluding, would m-go upon their successors to pursue the aamo lino oE conduct and 3tvhe for tbe public interest." Should Uiq weather provo fino to-morrow, no doubt a largo crowd will assemble on St John's Kill to hear the following programme of instrumental music to ba contributed by tho Town Band, under Bandmuster Richardson — Quick atop, " Gentlo Mother Calls us ITome," J. Frost ; selection, "The Rivals," Petteo; fantasia, " Adoration," Lintcr j anthem, " Glory to God," H. Round; fantasia, "Linda do Chamouni," Domzotti j grand march, "Mount Zion," Ti. Newton; grand selection, " The Belief of Ekowo," H. Round. It is intendf 1 that a collection shall bo taken up on bohalf of the widow and family of tho k(e aft- Jrayos, and as the case is a thoroughly desamng ouo it is hoped that the response to such nil appeal will be a liberal ono. A number of medical men assembled by im itation recently at the Midland Hotel, Liverpool, to witness an exhibition of muscular skill and strength on the part of a young Roumanian lady named Eugenic Potrescu, who has introduced an acrobatic novelty in tho shape ot dancing on the hands. Mdlle. Potre<ca, who is but 17 years of ago, is the daughter of a Bucharest professor of gymnastic, aud is certainly an accomplished contortioniot. She not only dances a polka, a nuuurka, a waltz, or a gallop upnido don n, but surpasses in the finish and effectiveness of her other tricks most of those acrobats whoso principal qualification is pliability of tho dorsal muscle. But her moat romarkable feat is performed by tbo agency of tho pectoral musclae. It consists in standing upon bor bauds on tho backs of two chairs, which are drawn apart to tho full extent of her arms. The Imnaa and international liner, City of New York, twin serow, of 5,739 tons net register, is at tho. head of the steamships flymg the British merchant flag in point of size, ard with h«r sister ship (the City of Pari9) (uw attuned an average speed across the Western Ocean that seoins marvellous. This hner loft Liverpool at 9 p.m. on. Saturday, 7th March, and arrived at Sandy Hook before 8 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, tbe 14th. Her log shows tho following extraordinary running : —To noon on tbe Bth she had made thirty-six knots from Quecnstown, and the following days' runs were 502, -185, 501, SUO, 503, find 359. Sho

wont the long southorly course, making 2.88G knots, fully 100 knots longer than is often mado in tho Atlantic autumn, and in spite of tho long distanoo her passage wa3 only 6d Shr lOmin. No steamer has over before made 600 knots or over oa four successive days of one voyage.

At the monthly meeting of tho Library Directors laat evening, tho secretary of the entertainment committee (Mr Stewart) reported that at a meeting held a number of ladies bad decided that a ba^ar should ba held in November; that a general committee contisting ot twenty ladies had been formed, that sub committees had teen appointed, and that altogether tho mattor had boou taken up >evy warmly. Tboieport was adopted and tho ladies wore heartily thanked for the interest they bad taken. Mr Dymock stated that accounts amounting to eomo £13 had beon paid since la3t meeting, ami that the overdraft now nas £135 Is lid. The Bon. Librarians were allowed discretionary power to purchase a new set of Dickenß' works. Messrs Burnett, Nixon, and Powell wore appointed a committee to mulio arrangements for the art union of Bullor's Book of Bird ', to tako place oil Saturday, May 23rd.

T) po has tho following :— Wa do not know whether fine or imprisonment would best meet the ease of those school inspectors who propound useless and catch-questions to the persecuted scholars. It 13 an absolute fact thjt in a paper set before all the members of an English public school lately, the following was one of the questions — 11 How many legs lias a fly, a butterfly, a spider, a stevedore, an apteryx ?" Fairly successful shots were made with the firat two. As to the third, grave doubts, apparently existed in tbe minds of many of tho boys as to whether spiders usually walked on four, six, or ten legs; but when the case of tho stevedore had to be considGied, speculation ran rampant. Some rashly concluded that it wa= merely anothor name for a centipede, and asserted that it possessed a hundred legs ; others thought it might be a species of serpent, and pronounced against any at all. The apteryx

and;tbe plat) pus also proved terrible pitfalls. The probability is tliat, the inspector himself would havo had no better snecejs ■with iv paper on similar lines, prepared by another hand,

Messrs T. W, Bomidy anil Company's now business announcement will appear on Monday. A Press wire status that 8.1t.3. Alamcil with the colonial maiU (April 25tU) arrivi ' at 'Frisco from Auckland on tho lith wot, contract, cUto. Ma'lamo Tiahcr ii meeting with eta" it support during her visit hero, for wo learn that die was visited by close on sixty clients yesterday, all eager to learn by the aid of palmistry the hidden mysteries of tho past, present, and future. For tho convenience of country visitors, Madame Tisher may be consulted at uny hour during Saturday. In connection with tho opening of tho Freezing Company's Works ot Castleoliff, we hear that Mr Davoy is promoting a a social concert and dance, to bo held in tho company's extensive sforago rooms, ■which undoubtedly are particularly ndapte J for tho purpose. The catering is in the capable hands of Mr W. S. Dustin, and in view of tho large number of town and country visitors likely to bo prosont, tho suggestion is made that a through ticket might be issued, covering cost of railway Euro and entertainment. Tho Chairman of tho Harbour Board and the Harbourmaster recently visited tho etonn quarries up the rivor about Kniwhaikc, and were gratified to learn that the rumour rr tho stones uncovered and available owing to the late flood was quite correct, and that from GOO to 800 cubic yards of large 3toue3, all over 1\ tons, can bo procured without difficulty. This is a moat fortunate occurrence, as it will enable the Harbour Board to protect tho breakwater at about one-tenth tho expense that would otherwiso have been incurred. During tho flro at Palmenton North latoly, which destroyed Hankins' Buildings, tho records of tho Dative Lands Court, which wore in the burning building, narrowly escaped destruction. Knowing tho great value of these documents and the serious inconvenience and loss of timo their destruction would entail, Mr John Bates, tho record clerk of the Native Land Court sitting at Palmerston North, made his way into the burning building at considerable risk and rescued tho documents, TPor this act of unofficial foresight and courage Mr Bates has received a cbequo and lotter of thanks from tho Q-overnment in reoogition of his plucky conduct. We have received from the composer, Mr Francis A King, formerly of Wanganui but now resident in Wellington, a copy of the "Huta" Schottische, The composition ib a lively and taking one, and should find favour with those who " chase pleasure with flying feet." The piece is named after tho infant son of Lord Onslow, and is tastefully got up, tho frontispiece giving a woll executed view of Queen Charlotto Sound. Onanikaupalm intho foreground is perched tho well drawn representative of a huia, in its bluo black plumage, giving the picture a truly Now Zealand character, and making (he piece a very suitable present to send to friends aeroae the sea. Madamo Patoy, who Bhortly commences her New Zealand tour, made her first public appear .race at a very early ago ai the Town liall, Birmingham. Among her instructors were Sims Beeves and Ciro Pinsuti. She made her mark as a vocalist almost at once, and in 1870, on tho retirement of Madamo Saiuton-Dolby, she succeeded to her position as leading contralto concert singer. Her voice is described as being of groat power aud'ißweetnoss, and o£ oxtensive compass, and she has the reputation of being equally excellent in oratorio or balladi, Tba Company comprises Miss Bertha Eosaow (soprano), Mr J. G, Pafcey (basso), Mr Jones (tenor), Mr J. Lemmone (flautist), and Mr Hermann Morris (pianist). Messrs Nicholas and Bomington's show 1 room just now prosents.. a really beautiful appearance, adorned as it is with somo of the most delightful and recherche costumes for evening wear, that have bren introduced into Wanganui. The harmonious blending of the delicftlo-looking materials, of ovary shade and colour, are further enhanced by their being exhibited by gas-light, so that customers may note the effect to be produced in a ball room. Mr Stewart must hare oxpended both time and tasto in displaying so many tempting confections, and the result is as creditable to his skill, as it is to the enterprising firm who selected such artistic importations. Tho judicious introduction of various coloured ribbons, lacos, flowers, fans, wraps, etc., in bewildering tints and shades, so displuyed as to lond additional effect, are also well worth inspection. To sootho tho anxiety and worry that so closely pursues the usual businej? maßj they say there is nothing better than the happy face of the house-wife and a wellcooked dinner, with three or four " bairoes " clinging around one's kneef. Be that true or not, it is nothing to do with the present subject— tobacco— tho balm, which, to diminish tho sonows and cares of this wicked life, hag no equal. To Mr James Chrichton (whose name as an importer is as wellknown as "household words") is due the credit ot introducing the now celebrated " Golden Eagla " brand of tobaccos — a brand that only had to be tried to be appreciated. And now we ar9 pleased to vote that this energetic caterer for " ainokes," who is ever on the look-out for novelties in that particular line, has just introduced somethiug entirely neir for the approval of his numerous patrons, as the following brands will testify, namely, Turkish Mntura, St. James' Mixture, Golden Square Cut, Mint Square Cut, Cafcao, and another shipment of tho famed Golden Eagle, and '■'I wo C'a" tobacco, in addition to which he has imported no leas than 50,000 Old Judge cigarettes. Such careful study of the wants of the toilers of human nature, we trust, will be appreciated to the extent desorved. The first meeting oi creditors in the estate of Daniel Morton, carpenter, of Turakina, was hold at the office of the D O.A. yeslorday, there being present— The D.O. A. in the chair, tho debtor, Messrs S. Smith, J. W. McDuff, W. Rodwell (Attorney for Dr Connolly), S. Smith, and Digan (Mv Scannell). The debtor, having desired to add the name of Mr J. W. McDuff as creditorjfor £2 ss,was then sworn, and stated that he had filed in consequence of a disstrain!; being put into hig house,, and not being in v position to satisfy tho judgment. The bankruptcy was attributable to lack of employment. The greater portion of his debts had been incurred while in business at tho Railway Hotel, Turakina, which had beoa taken 2£ years ago. Hia brother had found the whole capital, and ho (the debtor) had the nctivenmnagoraent up to the time of dissolution of partnership. Thero was then a slight deficiency in the partnership accounts. Since leaving the hotel ho had not had constant work, and had not increased his liabilities moro than £4 or £5 since then. He was willing to pay his creditors 10 3 in the £at 3, 0, and 9 months, but could givo no security. Had made a composition with h» creditors 17 years ago, and afterwards paid them 20s in the £. In answer to a question by Mr McDuff, the debtor etatod that he had sold a spring cart before he filed for £6 10s, and paid £4 of that amount to Mr Smith. The horse was sold by his son to raise money to file with. It was eventually decided that the D.O.A. should make further inquiries to test tho truth of statements made by the debtor, and the meeting closed. The debtor's offer of 10a in the £, not being guaranteed, was not acceptedt