Untitled

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XIV, 2 April 1898, Page 405

'What's that book you're reading, papa?' ' "The Last Days of Pompeii." my pet.' 'What did he die of, papa?’ 'An eruption, dear.’

Says Henry Hess in the African Critic: —‘I hear that Mr Kipling has lately been deluged with invitations from assiduous lion hunters. Lady Jeune tried to get. him for one of her receptions, and failed. Mrs George Curzon held out. the chance of meeting Mr Balfour as an inducement, but Mr Kipling was coy. Even the Duchess of .Devonshire, received a polite refusal. The clubs, too, tried for him. Of course, a log-rolling fraternity like the Omar Khayyam clique knew better than to apply; but. even the presence of ‘Bobs' failed to secure tile attendance of Mr Kipling nt a recent Savage Club dinner.’ Finest Pearls in Europe. — The Duchess of Cumberland jMissesses the finest pearls in Europe. They were part of the crown jewels of Hanover, and in 1857 they were valued at ,£ 160,01X1. These (learls were claimed in 1837 Isith by Queen Victoria ami by her uncle. King Ernest of Hanover, and it was not. until 1857 that Lord VVensleydale. Lord Hatherley and Sir Lawrence Peel unanimously decided that they belonged to Hanover. They were then given up. along with a splendid casket. brought to England from Hanover by George 11.. and the rest belonged to Queen Charlotte, who left them by will to her son Ernest.