NEWS JOTTINGS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXIII, 3 December 1898, Page 727

NEWS JOTTINGS.

His Excellency the Governor has certainly worked hard in his eflforts to- make himself personally acquainted with New Zealand, geographically and topographically. In January he will visit lieton. Blenheim. Nelson, etc., and in March the East Coast district on the North Island. When he has done this Lord Ranfurly will have officially visited every town of any importance in this colony—not a bad record in the few months he has been here. The Domain Committee decided to allow the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club to hold their postponed sports in the Domain on December 3. It is hoped they will have fine weather this time. A large dark butterfly has lately been added to the fine collection possessed by Mr Percy A. Buller, of Wellington, who has named it Anosia Bolina. It was captured for Mr Buller by a native near Ohau, and is larger than the tropic forms of the same species. Several specimens of the same butterfly have been captured in different parts of the colony, but none of the same species have ever been observed in the Ohau district before by the natives. The Thames people view with much satisfaction the rapid progress of the main station buildings and stationmaster's house. The various military contingents of Auckland have been enjoying a delightful week in camp. Their bell - tents. pitched under the tall manuka trees in the Domain. presented a very picturesque appearance, and. despite the early drill-hour, some time between five and six a.m.. the whole affair was by no means unmitigated hard work. Curiously enough, the S. John Ambulance Brigade, under Dr. Dawson, stationed on the ground, had plenty of work, for there was always some small cut or more or less serious injury to be attended to. necessitating some yards of bandaging. At al* events, the usefulness of the corps was amply demonstrated. Mrs Robison, of Nelson, is in Auckland at present with her little son. the latter having had the misfortune to break his arm. Mrs Robison has come to visit her father (Captain Anderson). Mr Robison, of the Bank of New South Wales, has been transferred from Nelson to Hawera. The last-mentioned plaee Mrs Robison and son will shortly visit to rejoin her husband.

The funds for the Auckland Church Mission to the Streets and Lanes were augmented on Thursday last by a Christmas Tree and Cake Fair, held in St. Sepulchre's old schoolroom. Symonds-street. Captain Torlesse. of H.M.s. Royalist, opened it in the afternoon. Several good musical items were rendered. The children of the Mission, under Miss Black, gave some good patter songs. There is every prospect of the new Vicarage for S. Paul's Church (Anglican) being commenced shortly, the two cottages standing on the proposed site having been sold at auction. A London paper states that Mr W. S. Gilbert, of Savoy Opera fame, is shortly to pay a visit to the Hot Lakes, in New Zealand, for the benefit of his health. At the Ranfurly tea rooms. Queenstreet. a few days ago an afternoon tea was tendered to the ladies who took part in the recent performance of ‘Minerva's Jubilee.' in St. Mark's Hall. Remuera. The function went off very well, everyone being unanimous in praising the excellence of the provender and tea room. The Picton Road Board have appointed Mr Chaytor. of 'Marshlands.' Spring Creek. Mr Bragg, of Koromiko, and Mr Fell. Picton. to represent their interests on the Picton Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Mrs Moss Davis gave a musical ‘At Home' on Monday afternoon at her residence. Princes-street, Albert Park. Auckland, from four o'clock to six o’clock. Sir James Hector delivered a most interesting and instructive address on ‘The November Shooting Stars' before the Wellington Philosophical Society, on Tuesday last. During the address he mentioned that in all probability the sight of the falling stars in November next would be made stupendous by the inclusion in it of the head of the comet, but did not think the coming discharge would affect this side of the globe very much.

An unusually severe thunder storm passed over Picton on Friday. Nov. ISth. Several people who had the nerve to watch the storm declare that they saw great balls of blue flame strike the earth in various places. In all probability some trees in the bush were struck, as terrific noises like the rending of timber were heard when the storm was at its height.

A cuckoo, eaught at Vogeltown. was exhibited at the meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society on Tuesday last, and Sir James Hector stated that it and another specimen were gorged with young birds when captured. In reference to the surprise this statement excited. Sir Walter Buller said it was net unusual to find that cuckoos had devoured the young occupants of the nests which they appropriated. and stated that he had himself known of several previous instances of it. Mr James France of the Picton Post and Telegraph Office has been transferred to Lyttelton on promotion. Mr France is an obliging and painstaking officer. The annual session of the Nelson Diocesan Synod was opened last Thursday by the Bishop. The evening before a full choral service was held at the Cathedral. Mr and Mrs Lawrence D. Nathan (Auckland) have issued invitations for Wednesday. December 7th. for the wedding of their daughter Miss Sybil to Mr Stephen D. Myers at Synagogue. Princes-street. at. halfpast two. The reception at St. Keren's. Karangahape Road. 3.30 to 6. With the invitations tickets have been forwarded to admit the invited to the Svnasrogue.