PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue V, 4 August 1900, Page I (Supplement)

PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON.

(From Our Special Correspondent.) LONDON, June 22. 1 am this week enabled to send you some particulars about Mr Arnesby Brown, whose picture, "After Heat of Dav," has been purchased for the Mackelvie Gallery. He was born in 1866, and is the son of Mr J. H. Brown, of Kirkby Old Hall, Alpeton. Derbyshire. and grand - nephew of Philip J. Bailey, the celebrated author of “Festus.” After leaving his school at Nottingham he worked under Mr A. MacCallum, the painter of forest and trees, and then after a year wen'; io study under Professor Herkomer at the well-known school at Bushey, where he spent a happy and hardworking three years and a-half, during which time he exhibited for the first time in the Royal Academy, Ib9l. Since then he has been a regular contributor. His first important work —“The Drinking Pool" —was bought by the City of Manchester, whose example was followed by the City of Preston, which purchased “Homeward" in 1896, and by the City of Worcester, which acquired in 1898 “Herald of Night," described as “the best landscape in the whole exhibition; tender, atmospheric, idyllic in feeling, and beautifully harmonious in tone." “After Heat of Day" is therefore the 4th example of Mr Brown's work to be hung in public galleries.

He has also contributed to the New Gallery for some years. Mr Brown does not confine his work to cattle subjects only. On the contrary, iie is an extraordinarily versatile painter, and has executed a large number of portraits, as well as painted a large number of different scenes, of the variety of which the following titles will give some idea: “A Northerly Breeze'’ (a Cornish seascape), “The Daffodil Harvest” (Cornish flower industry). “The Hayfield,” “A Water Frolic" (white ducks splashing in a pool), “The End of the Harvest” (New Gallery. 1900), “The Crest of the Hill" (sky effect with sheep and cliff, and this year in the Academy), “The Rainbow" (a fine effect of rainbow and cloud).

For some years most of his outdoor work has been done in East Anglia, the studies for “After Heat of Day.” “Labourers," “Herald of Night," “The Marsh Farm"’ and many others being done there. Previously Cornwall had claimed his attention, chiefly in the winter months. Now he makes his studies in Norfolk in the summer and goes down to Cornwall for several months in the winter to work them out. At present his head-quarters are at Fritton Cottage, Ludham, near Great Yarmouth, the centre for the Norfolk Broads.

Mr Arnesby Brown's landscapes have been described as “the outcome of a passionate and poetic conception of nature.” and as “calculated to lift the English school from the dead level ofg merely literal and prosaic transcription to which it had fallen a few years ago and to place it by degrees in the position of pre-eminence which it occupied in the earlier years of the century.”

New Zealand artists should look out for the forthcoming number of the “Studio." which is to contain an article on Mr Arnesby Brown and his work.

Mr Ben Tillett did me the honour of paying me a call the other day. He wanted me to appeal by cable or otherwise to the people of Australia and New Zealand for funds to assist the dockers now on strike to gain their ends, and strengthened (?) his appeal by remarking. "Your meat ships are affected.” I thought it was rather peculiar to ask New Zealand and Australian people to give the London dockers money in order that they could enforce a higher scale of prices for unloading vessels laden with Antipodean produce, but I promised Benjamin that if he would let me know exactly what the men were demanding < would put their case forward for your consideration. Up to the present Mr Tillett has not sent in a statement of the dockers claims. If the demands formulated by them a week •go—apparently without Mr Tillett’t

assistance—are a fair statement of their wants, I'm afraid their cause will fail in spite of the advocacy of the gentleman who does not care to drink the Queen’s health. The public shows little interest in the dispute, and the Shipping Federation people and the Free Labour Association reckon they can find the necessary labour in the course of a few days. Dr. Guiness Rodgers, the venerable Congregational miu'ster in the course of some personal reminiscences of .Mrs Gladstone writes: “My first impressions of Mrs Gladstone were not the most favourable, though 1 must frankly admit that this was due to my lack of perception rather than to any failing on her part. The circumstances of my first meeting her were interesting. Mr Gladstone was in the midst of one of his Midlothian campaigns, and I (by what happy chance I know not) had been invited to lunch with him at Dalmeny. The company, of course, included some distinguished guests .and Mr Gladstone was at his best. It was my lot to sit opposite to Him. We were at Lady Rosebery's end of the table, and by her side were two or three ladies with whom Mr Gladstone chatted as vivaciously as though the cares of leadership had never disturbed or furrowed bis blow. In his talk was that rare eharm by which he could entrance the House of Commons, or hold a vast audience of workmen spellbound. Lunch over, as the ladies were passing into the draw-ing-room. he quietly beckoned me to his side and we stood by the window talking on some point of current interest. He was still on the flood-tide of his eager conversation when Mrs Gladstone quietly summoned him to the drawing-room. Of course, he meekly complied: but we were no sooner in that room than he renewed his talk with the same animation as before. Again, he was interrupted, and this time it meant, greatly to my regret, the end of a very pleasant opportunity. I confess I was disappointed. and the immediate impression I received of the watchful wife was not the most favourable. Bitt the evening came to correct this view. It was one of those wonderful meetings in the Waverley Market which exercised such influence, not only on Edinburgh and Scotland, but on the Empire. Mr Gladstone was at his best, but when I saw his exhaustion after his marvellous speech. 1 understood better the reason of his wife's anxiety in the afternoon and honoured her for it.

The printing of Mr C. Haddon Chambers' charming comedy “The Tyranny of Tears” will probably reafresh the discussion as to the authorship of that clever work. It was announced when "Cyrano de Bergerac” failed that the successful Chambers comedy would at once be revived. Instead, Wyndham substituted “The Liars." why 1 can't imagine, unless the rumours anent a distinguished Literature resident in foreign parts having filled in the dialogue were correct.

Tn the second championship meeting promoted under the joint auspices of the three leading Scottish Universities, and held at Edinburgh last Saturday, the home 'Yarsity outclassed Aberdeen and Glasgow, scoring 17 points against zVberdeen’s seven points and Glasgow's two. the scores being calculated on the basis of two points for a first place and one for a second. Mr W. Welsh, of Edinburgh, got home first in the 100 yards, 220 yards, and 440 yards. A. N. Fell did the trick in the mile, and Anderson in the 120 yards hurdles, high jump and long jump. The Edinburgh thus carried off seven out of nine events. Mr A. N. Fell, who won the mile easily in 4min 50 3-‘>th see, is a New Zealander, who just missed his Scottish "cap" last season.

Stanley Rowley put in an appearance at the West of Scotland Harriers' annual sports, held at Hampden Bark, Glasgow on June. 12th, and in the 100-yards handicap gave a taste of his quality by winning his heat from scratch very easily in 10 l-ssees., and after a magnificent race won his heat in the semi-final round in even time. In tbe final round Wood, of the Kelburne Football Club, who had also done “evens” from the 7-yards mark, in the semi-final just managed to beat the Australian crack by six inches in

lOsecs. dead after a desperate race. The handicap was judged by Mr Baird’s machine, which worked very satisfactorily. Two excellent suggestions, with a view to paving the way for Imperial Federation, are made by W.M.. from the Devonshire Club, in the “Daily Chronicle” to-day: (1) More frequent visits to the colonies by the Royal Family—e.g., the Prince of Wales has not visited Canada since 1861. (2) A better study of our most interesting colonial history, instead of obsolete flreek and Roman erudition. To adapt a remark of the Kaiser’s: “We want, young Britons, not young Greeks and Romans.” Among the visitors to your London office this week was Mr Allan Tracy, erstwhile of Auckland. Mr Tracy, who left New Zealand some seven or eight years ago. is now managing director of a brickmaking concern out Retford way. and has just got over an attempt at a strike among his men. Some fifty of them taking advantage of the plenitude of work in rural districts—haytime is in full swing and harvest follows—sent a "Round Robin" demanding an immediate advance in wages ami sundry other “graceful concessions.” Mr Tracy took the bull by the horns. He sacked the four ringleaders, and sent the “Robin" back, with a polite intimation that he did not propose to take any notice of “demands” couched in that style .His action had the desired efl'ect. for the remaining men stuck to their work and made no trouble when new- hands came to replace the men sacked.

Mr Tracey thinks of going out to New Zealand again. He likes England for business' purposes, but our weather, he remarked, “is off."

Mr and Mrs J. B. Harrison (Christchurch) have arrived after a leisurely trip across Canada, stopping at Vancouver. Enderbv. Glacier House, Banff, Toronto, and Montreal. They were impressed with the magnificence and beauty of the Rocky Mountains ami the Niagara Falls, and strongly re-

commend this route to those who have time at their disposal, especially in the summer months, when the tedium of the long railway journey can be partially relieved by taking the fine, comfortable steamers of the C.I'.R. across Lakes Superior and Huron. This they found one of the pleasantest and most beautiful parts of their interesting journey. They reached London on Pretoria night, in time to take part in the demonstrations, ami after a short stay with relations at Kensington left on Tuesday to visit other relatives at Godaiming. They expect to return about December, via Suez. In the course of the Miowera’s voyage from Sydney to Vancouver Mr Harrison noticed a disgraceful amount of petty pilfering. Tbe company should look to this.

Mr and Mrs Thomas Mac Gibbon (o) Mataura) were delighted with tlie.il voyage in the “Kunjara.” ami are high in praise of her seaworthiness and excellent accommodation. This is Mr MacGibbons’ third visit to the Ohl Country, so he feels himself quite al home in the Metropolis, where be ba-f been spending the last three weeks. He makes next for the Midland towns, and then on to Glasgow, his native town, whose municipal ways he can study with a view to introducing the latest ideas into Mataura. He will probably meander as far North as tbe Granite City, and also through Ireland. have a peep at the Paris Exhibition, and return via America at the end of his four months stay.

Mr and Mrs Barraud, of Wellington, are among recent arrivals in the Old Country. They spent a pleasant month in Egypt en route, and also toured in Italy. France, and Switzerland before making for England. Here they propose to stay three or four months sampling the scenery and doing the cathedrals and other historic sights.

The Rev. W. Tinsley, who, with his wife nnd son, left Temnka early in April for a year’s holiday at Home, and cams via Sydney and the Canal by the prince Regent Luitpold, arrir*

ing at Southampton ou 25th May, ia tn London for a few days after a plea sant tour in the provinces. The party* have paid visits to Birmingham, Coven try. Blackpool. Fleetwood, York and Scarborough, North Wales, and Brighton. At the latter place Mr Tinsley conducted the sen ices at the Wesleyan Church List Sunday. Their next move will be to the South Coast, and then comes a trip to Paris. Mr Tinsley, junr., returns to Christchurch by one of the August steamers. but his parents propose to remain on this side, ol the world till the end of the year. LONDON. June 30. There was quite a record attendance of New Zealanders at the Royal Colonial Institute’s conversazione at the Natural History Museum. South Kensington. last Wednesday night. 1 saw a great many familiar faces, and there must have been an equal number of prominent New Zealanders who were lost in tbe crowd. Neither the A.G. nor Mrs Reeves were there, having started that evening for Switzerland, but I saw Sir Westby Perceval passing through the refreshment room, accompanied by his daughter, those who knew him only by name taking him for the brother rather thin the father of Miss Perceval. Then there was Mr Justice Denniston, animated as ever, meeting a large circle of friends ami acquaintances. He was in high feather, two of his decisions, one dissenting from that of the rest of the Court of Appeal, having been just upheld by the Privy Council. He and Mrs Denniston and their daughters returned on Monday from their visit to the Robinsons at Bristol, and on Monday the judge dined with the merchant tailors on the occasion of their annual dinner to the Skinners Company. The raison d'etre of the dinner appealed with special force to the judicial mind, for it was the outcome of a dispute in 1484 between the two companies as to which should take precedence in the Lord Mayor’s processions. The difference was referred by consent to the Lord Mayor for decision, and he pronounced an award giving the companies precedence year by year and prescribing that they should dine with each, other once a year. With the exception of the plague year these annual dinners have continued without interruption down to the present day, anti the best of feeling has always prevailed between the two companies. Mr Justice Denniston had the opportunity of seeing the loving dip passed round and hearing the toast master in stentorian tones propose "Health and prosperity to the Skinner Co. Skinners and Master tailors. Master Tailors and Skinners, root and branch, ami may they flourish for ever." The dinner also proved the means of bringing him Into touch with his fellow-Scotsman, Lord Robertson, n member of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, who has proved courteous anil hospitable to his learned brother of the colonial bench.

Late in the evening 1 noticed the Hon. William Rolleston and Mrs Rolleston, who had come on to the conversazione after dining out, saying good-bye to Mr and Mrs Oliver, with whom they have been staying for some time, and thanking the latter for having made their stay in London so enjoyable. Mr Rolleston has not quite got over the cold which pulled him down so much on his arrival, but he looks in much better form and his trip to Derbyshire and Scotland, on which he started with Mrs Rolleston to-day, should quite set him up. I onee more tried to induce him to allow me to interview him and to get his opinion on various matters politic, hut the veteran politician was averse to the process. He declared that he was extremely unlikely ever to return to public life ill the colony, and that he objected to thrusting his opinions on federation or any other topic upon the public of New Zealand. At all events he said it would be impossible to give me an appointment before his return to London in September, by which time, he said, he would be an older and, he hoped, a wiser tnnn. Two opinions he did give expression to in the course of our casual chat — that the press here and in Australia did a great deal towards governing the country, and that the great change he had noticed in polities in this country was the mixture and complication of parties, a fact which he evidently

viewed with some apprehension, for he expressed to me his firm conviction that there ought to be only two parties in the lobbies. I do not yet despair of persuading Mr Rolleston to submit to interrogatories for 1 am sure that his impressions of English politics and parties after nearly half a century’s absence from this country would be full of interest to New Zealanders.

Sir Walter Buller was chatting to Mr and Mrs Henry Mackenzie and close at hand I found that constant attendant at these functions. Mr S. W. Silver, and his wife in converse with Mr Walter Kennaway and his daughters.

Ascending the staircase 1 cannoned into Mr "Wally Edwards,” in buoyant spirits, just returned from the wedding that afternoon of his brother, Mr ‘".lack” Edwards to Miss Squier, of Sydney, at Cowfold, a pretty but quiet function, owing to recent deaths in the bride's family. Mr “Jack” Edwards' meeting with his bride was rather romantic. He had been to the isle of Elba in connection with the iron trade, and on the vessel on which he returned met his future wife. A five days' acquaintance led to a betrothal, which after a year's probation has terminated in a happy marriage. 1 was glad to hear that Mr N. W. Edwards and his partner, Mr Chynoweth, have more than trebled their business in the last year or two.

Mr Howard Tripp, radiantly happy, was making his fiancee. Miss Laidlaw, acquainted with his many friends, and 1 noticed Dr. (Jerald Harper close at hand.

There was a quiet group of Christchurch people renewing old memories in a convenient corner. Mr .1. H. Baker was puzzled to remember at first who Miss Stack was, and later on she and her companion. Miss Mellish. Mr and Mrs H. von Haast, Mrs and Miss Kimbell and Mr F. G. Andrews were having a confabulation. The Kimbells have just taken a house in St. Stephen's Road. Bayswater, for five years, so they will he settled in London for some time to come.

Almost the whole clan of Rhodes’ was gathered together. Mrs Willes and her daughters. Mr and Mrs Alister Clark. Mr and Mrs Arthur Rhodes and Mrs Hunter Blair were much in evidence.

Of the delegates to the Congress of Chambers of Commerce I noticed Mr Maurice Cohen and his wife, and Mr W. D. Wood, the latter '"bearded like the pard. unrecognised by many of his friends.” From him I learnt that with the exception of Mr McMillan, of Auckland, the New Zealand representatives have taken little part in the discussions at the Congress. Although they have not said much, like the parrot, they have thought a great deal, and have undoubtedly picked up some wrinkles from the kings of com merce of the other parts of the Empire. Mr Tolhurst, who was accompanied by Mrs and Miss Tolhurst, was foregathering with a number of NewZealand business men.

There was a very representative gathering of Dunedinites, of whom I noticed Mr and Mrs P. C. Neill, and their daughters, and Mr Bean Neill, Mrs Gibson, and Miss Nina Gibsan, Mrs W. 11. Reynolds and two of her daughters. Mrs Reynolds, who has not long arrived with two of her daughters, after a delightful journey through America, was, thanks to the kindness of a friend, able to step straight into a most artistic anil comfortable fiat in Ashley Gardens, close to Victoria Station and overlooking the huge new Roman Catholic Cathedral. In the flat Mrs Reynolds found Misses Manie and Vida Reynolds awaiting her. and there the whole family were At Horae to their friends last Tuesday and Wednesday. Miss Vida Reynolds was to submit herself to inspection by the doctor again this week, and It seemed possible that she might have to undergo another slight ojieratlon involving a fortnight in bed. In coming across the States Mrs Reynolds departed somewhat from the usual beaten track. From 'Frisco she went down to California, visiting several ranches there, and going so far south as Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Thence they struck out to New Mexico, and then made for the north, and saw something of Niagara and Toronto before embarking at New York.

Those were a few of the New Zealanders who came across my own limited horizon, but I believe that could they all have been rounded up from the mob the assemblage would have been as large as that of any representative social function in any town in the colony.

The Governor’s speech at the opening of the New Zealand Parliament, of which Reuter has cabled us a full summary, has been read here with a good deal of interest. The general prosperity of the country, her exuberant and generous loyalty, and her determination to take her full share of responsibility for the establishment of the Pacific cable are the theme of general congratulation and approval.

Mr Seddon’s scheme for the administration by New Zealand of the Cook, the Fiji and the Friendly Islands is hardly taken seriously. Auglo-Austra-lians see in his latest move an attempt to keep the New Zealanders, who they assert are federally inclined, from joining the Commonwealth bygiving them a little federation of their own. They make unkind references to “King Richard” wishing to add to his titles the “King of the Cannibal Islands,” and to the fable of the frog and the ox.

Even Anglo-New Zealanders anxious to see New Zealand preserve her own individuality and work out her own destiny are inclined to think that “King Richard” is opening his mouth a little too wide, and that "too manyCooks” might spoil the, at present excellent. New Zealand broth. All Australasians are, however, agreed that the British Empire should acquire possession of the Pacific Islands and allow them to be absorbed in the colonies in the Southern Hemisphere. which, and not Downingstreet. should be responsible for their administration. It would seem the consummation most devoutly to be wished that for the purposes of the relations of Australasia to the rest of the Empire, and for the government of the islands. New Zealand should be bound by loose ties t<» the Commonwealth. so that while completely free to go her own way in domestic and internal affairs, Australasia should speak with one voice in what may be called foreign affairs and matters of general Antipodean interest. We do not want Australia and New Zealand competing for spheres of influence in the Pacific. Perhaps Mr Seddon’s action will hasten rather than retard New Zealand's joining the Commonwealth on favourable terms. Speaking for Anglo-Australians here, they were as much annoyed as Mr Seddon with the cession of Samoa, but they thought the equivalent which we were getting for it. Germany's guarantee for the non-intervention of Europe in the South African struggle, would more than compensate us for its loss.

Some bolder spirits go so far as to assert that England should have been liold enough to adopt a Monroe doctrine with reference to Polynesia, and that United Australasia might do so even now.

These may be “wild and whirling words." but it is certain that Australia and New Zealand should be in complete accord as to our Pacific policy.

The Agent-General's letter on clause 74 to the Colonial Office, and its subsequent communication to the House of Commons by Mr. Haldane, must have rather surprised Mr Chamberlain's satellites, who are not accustomed to having any of their correspondence with the colonial representatives published until it appears months afterwards in a Blue-book, when the subject is as stale as Cromwell's Commonwealth. However, the office recovered in time to send Mr Reeves a politp note, assuring him that clause 74 in its latest guise makes it necessary to invoke the High Court for leave to appeal in constitutional questions only in purely domestic and internal matters, and that where the jurisdiction or the rights of any- colony outside the Commonwealth are involved it will be for the Privy Council and not for the High Court to decide whether or not leave shall be granted to appeal. While there may be still room for a shadowy doubt on the legal aspect of the clause, there does not seem much likelihood of there being any danger to other parts of the Queen's dominions in its practical working.

Mr Reeves has doubtless said his last word on the subject on behalf of New- Zealand before the Commonwealth Bill becomes law, and the ability and moderation with which he has conducted the case of his colony have been much appreciated in Anglo-Colo-nial as well as Imperial circles.

The Agent-General left last Wednesday- night to attend the Postal Conference at Berne. He intends travelling via Rotterdam and up the Rhine as far as Mayence, probably visiting Heidelberg on his way to

Switzerland. An article from his pen on the Commonwealth Bill will appear in the British Review next week.

That popular Aucklander, Mr A. L. Myers, arrived in London a few days ago from America with his mother. Mr Myers left the colony suffering from the effects of overwork, but today he looks fit as a fiddle, and seems to be enjoying his holiday most thoroughly. Leaving Auckland by the Alameda (isn't it time this boat was taken off?) Mr and Mrs Myers spent a eouple of weeks in 'Frisco, and then travelled by way of Salt Lake City, Chicago and Niagara to New York and Washington. At the latter town Mr Myers got in touch with many of the legislators and political bigwigs, and discovered that they took a good deal of interest in New Zealand's methods of dealing with social and industrial problems, and only regretted that they had not equal facilities for dealing with them. Mr Alyers spent a couple of weeks in New York, and whilst there he paid a good deal of attention to finding out what was the true mental attitude of educated Americans towards Great Britain. He was convinced that the vast majority of them are in warm sympathy with the Old Country in her South African troubles, and traces their attitude back to the strong moral support given by Great Britain to the States during the American-Spanish war. Of bis experiences in New York Mr Myers can yarn amusingly for hours. Get him to tell you the story of his first shave there, and his drive in the park. He and his mother came across the Atlantic by the Etruria, and reached London last Sunday. He is attending the fourth Chambers of Commerce of the Empire Congress as a delegate from the Auckland district, but so far has opened not his mouth. He is of opinion that at congresses of this kind delegates should not talk for the mere sake of talking, but only when they know the subject and think they can assist the meetings to come to definite conclusions. On Monday Mr Myers went with the delegates to the Woolwich Arsenal, and found much to interest him in the various departments. The War Office and Admiralty have provided him with everything necessary to a thorough inspection of the dockyards at Portsmouth and Chatham, and the chief military depots in the southern district, including Aidershot. These facilities have been obtained through the Colonial Office, which nowadays is the most obliging of Government Departments when dealing with colonists with Gubernatorial or other good introductions. Mr Myers thinks of spending a couple of months in England before going on to Paris. Thereafter his movements are uncertain.

Synchronizing with Mr Myers arrival in London was the publication of the announcement of his brother's ( Dr. Bernard Myers) engagement with Miss Violet Hayman, eldest daughter of Mr Latchmere Hayman, of 9, Pembridge Square. Bayswater, a prominent member of the well-known AngloColonial firm of P. Hayman and Co. The date of the union has not yet been decided by the principals.

Mr J. C. Stevens included in his sale on Tuesday at the well-known Covent Garden Auction Rooms a collection of Maori curiosities or carvings from Tologa Bay. These included 12 carved pieces of a Maori pataka, which realised 40 guineas; two “Potokomanawhas,” 22J guineas; two “tutakas,” bpth representing male figures, 20 guineas.

Mr R. W. Allen, of Auckland, has, since his arrival in England, paid scant attention to the pleasures of the cinder path, but last Thursday he donned the spiked shoes, gripped the corks, and in pouring rain turned out for the Guy’s Hospital annual sports. He won his heat in the H>o yards with ease in 10 3-ssec, but mulling his start in the final was only able to get third. He then turned his attention to the quarter mile, which, after a desperate finish with S. P. Wadson, a Cambridge and L.A.C. sprinter, Allen won by a foot in 54sec. On this performance he was selected as one of the 440 yards Guy's strongs in the Inter-Hospital .Sports at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. He drew outside position in a field of eight and was badly placed through. In the last fifty yards he put on steam, and passed all his men save Wadson, who, finishing strongly, beat the New Zealander by a long two yards in 53 l-ssec.

“Teddy” Reynolds, of Auckland, landed in London last Saturday afternoon, having come over by the Campania from New York, in which city he was obliged to wait a week before he could secure a passage across the “silver streak.” For the time being Mr Reynolds is a bit uncertain as to whether he will race in Paris. There is some petty quarrel over something trumpery going on at present between the National Cyclist Union bosses and the French cycling authorities, and there are rumours that the N.C.U. are going to boycott the Paris races. What the trouble is I cannot say for certain, but it appears that the N.C.U. people want to put more fingers in the Parisian pie than the Frenchmen are inclined to admit. The Dutch authorities, it appears, are backing up the N.C.U., so perhaps there's more in matters than meets the eye of the mere outsider. Until he knows just “where ’e are,” Reynolds will keep himself fit by spins at Herne Hill or the Crystal Palace, and while away his leisure in business transactions. It is to be hoped he will be able to show the quality of New Zealand wheelmen in the Gay City, but, of course, if the N.C.U. decide to boycott Johnny Crapaud's bicycling tourney, the Auckland wheeler cannot very well play a lone hand and risk the consequences. Apart from his trip to Paris, Reynolds proposes to do a little racing at Home, and intends to join one of our leading clubs. He expects to remain on this side of the water for some six months. Lady von Haast arrived yesterday morning from Poland and is staying with Mr and Mrs H. von Haast at Chelsea. The first news she heard after her arrival was that she was a grandmother, Mrs George von Haast having presented her huband with a son last Monday evening. Lady von Haast is in splendid health and looks younger and stronger than she did on her last visit to London. Life in Poland seems to have agreed with her thoroughly.

Among the new Fellows elected at last Tuesday's Council Meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute was Mr Herbert O. Fenton of New Zealand.

Messrs H. R. and S. G. Worsp (Auckland). after a month in England, go to Paris for a fortnight, and then visit in succession. Scotland. Ireland, and Norway. They will conclude their tour by a month on the Continent, catch an Orient steamer at Naples, put in a fortnight at Ceylon, and get l ack to Auckland early in December.

Mrs Motion, of Pokeno. Auckland, who arrived by the Australia the other day is up at Alton. West Kilbride, in Ayrshire, where she intends to stay for 4 months. She purposes touring in England. Scotland, and Ireland.

The Royal Humane Society has awarded a medal to Private Cassidy, N.Z.M.T., for his plucky rescue on Ist April of Lieutenant Findlay from the Hartiebeest River. Cape Colony. Bravo Cassidy! and Bravo Sharp! “Handy ashore, handy afloat.” Hands all round!

At West Kilbride are also staying Dr. and Mrs Ernest Roberton, with Lady Roberton at Auchenames. They varied their trip across the United States by visiting Yosemite Valley, and spending some time with relatives and friends in Minnesota, and Canada. They crossed from Boston to Queenstown in the New England and visited Killarney and Dublin before landing in England on June sth. Dr. Robertson's chief object in coming to Europe, was to recuperate his health by resting from professional duties and to visit his friends. He is, I am glad to say, feeling so much stronger that he is able to undertake some study, and hopes during the next few months to pass a great part of his time in Professor Woodhead’s laboratory at Cambridge and in the hospitals at London and Vienna before returning to New Zealand early next year. Since leaving home his interest in secondary education, as one of the Governors of the Auckland Grammar School, has led him to inquire into the working of the secondary schools in the United States. Conditions vary considerably in different States, but he was much struck by the pride shown by those in the Western States in their high schools, and by the high standards adopted in them. He was received most courteously and hospitablywherever he sought information, and at times found the eagerness for information about New Zealand somewhat

embarrassing. One needed to be a walking encyclopedia to answer all questions. On two occasions he addressed large schools on “New Zealand” and found most interested audiences.

The curriculum at the high schools differed from that of the New Zealand schools, chiefly in the attention given to what they term "Mechanical Art.” The equipment of laboratories and workshops in some schools was very elaborate. The “Mechanical Art High School” in Boston for instance combines the work of a high school with that of a technical school from the time the boys enter and pupils pass on to the Polytechnic Institution as from other schools they would pass to the University. The Lewis Institute of Chicago has similar aims, but its curriculum is more advanced, and special provision is made so that classical studies are not neglected. In Washing-ton he had a most interesting interview with Dr. M. H. Harris, the U.S. Commissioner of Education. He hopes to have the opportunity of seeing some of the town high schools in England, Scotland. and Germany before returning.

Among the New Zealand complement of “Gothic” passengers landed in England early in June, was Mr W. W. Murton, of Auckland. Private business brought Mr Murton to the Old Country, and whilst matters in connection therewith are maturing he is taking the opportunity afforded to visit the principal centres of the hardware trade in England in order to become thoroughly au fait with the latest improvements in the trade. He anticipates being in England for about three months.

Mr W. W. Brown, of Auckland, who came Home by way of America, and. after an enjoyable stay of a month's duration in the States, reached London about the middle of May, has been doing the sights of London. His next venture is a trip to Paris, which will probably be made in company with “Teddy” Reynolds, the cycling crack. Mr Brown expects to make a move towards New Zealand in September. His trip is entirely one of pleasure, and he seems to be enjoying it to the full.

Mr Percy McMillan, of Auckland, who served in the Imperial Light Horse and went through the siege of Ladysmith, is staying appropriately enough at the Waterloo Hotel just now.

Owing to ill-health Sir John Stainer is unable to act as one of the selection committee for the Auckland Chair of Music. His place will be filled by Dr. F. Iliffe, of Oxford, and Dr. Abdy Williams has accepted his mandate.

I hear that Professor Cook's two daughters are returning to New Zealand by the Gothic on sth of July, having completed their musical studies in Germany.

Mr E. Cohen has been appointed one of the four Assistant House Surgeons at Guy’s Hospital.

Mr Charles Onyon, erstwhile of Auckland, was one of the passengers by the German steamer Gera, which, after a protracted voyage, landed her passengers at Southampton last week. The voyage was not particularly exhilarating. The first thing to depress the voyagers was the fact that a fireman showed symptoms of such an alarming nature that he had to be landed at Adelaide, where the medicos at once declared the man to be suffering from bubonic plague. Landing at the South Australian capital was therefore tabooed, and, to the disgust of Mr Onyon, he discovered on arrival at Freemantle that a wire from Adelaide respecting the bubonic case had queered all chance of a trip ashore there. Mr Onyon will spend some weeks in England visiting friends, and will then trip to Paris for to see the great show. Thereafter he will probably spend a few weeks touring in France and Switzerland before commencing his homeward trip. His health seems to have improved greatly since he left New Zealand.

Mrs Edith Palmer, the well-known nurse and masseuse of Wellington, who arrived by the Barbarossa at the end of April, has been consulting Dr. Pickering Pick about her health. Although he reassures her, he orders her imperatively to give up nursing and massage entirely.

Mr J. B. Wiseman (Dunedin), who arrived in April with the mission of selling Messrs W. and G. Donaldson's Scheelite Mine, spent a very successful month in London, which resulted in his finding out the principal users of this valuable mineral, and of his placing an important enquiry for the purchase of the mine in the hauds of one of the members of the firm.

R.G.M. contributes some notes from New Zealand to the "Northern Rnsign” at Wick, which give an account of the rise of the firm of Ross and Glendinuing, and of some Gaelic ladies in New Zealand who have never learned to speak English.

Private E. T. Twogood—officially No. 99, Ist N.Z. Contingent—who was invalided Home and arrived by the Cymric on May Bth. is 1 am glad to hear quite himself again, and to-day sets his face once more in the direction of the land of Fever and Lies.

Mr and Mrs Abraham, who, with their eldest daughter, are on a health and pleasure pilgrimage to the Motherland. were among the Gothic passengers on her last homeward trip, the pleasure of which was somewhat marred by an outbreak of influenza on board, which went pretty well through the ship. Mr Abraham attended the Congress of Sheepbreeders' Association at York last week as a delegate from the North island 5.8. A., and did the York Show thoroughly. He describes that annual affair as a “magnificent exposition of English stock and agricultural industries. " but was surprised at the poor attendance and the absence of “side shows” such as Hunters' Competition, etc., which are gone in for to such an extent in New Zealand.

Mr Abrahams proposes" to spend the next month in London, and later, after visiting relatives and friends in different parts of the country, purposes touring in Scotland for a fewweeks. Thence he will go to Dublin for the Horse Show, and at the end of October will take his wife and daughter to the Continent for the Exhibition in Paris. They will take steamer home from either Naples or Marseilles. as most convenient.

Before leaving England Sir Abrahams will buy a number of stud sheep for Mr Geo. Wheeler. He is in treaty at present with Mr File, of Elham, near Canterbury, a well-known breeder of Romney Marsh stock, who has on hand some very nice quality sheep.

Mr Robert Smith, of the firm of Smith and Smith, of Dunedin and Wellington. who has brought his wife and two daughters Home- for a trip, broke the journey at Ceylon, where he spoilt 14 days visiting Kandy and Newdra Eleya. Plague prevented them from landing at nearly all the ports of call, but did not debar the steamer from taking on board passengers from any plague infected place in India. After six weeks in London, the Smiths intend to visit some of the picturesque parts of England and Scotland, and to do some sketching.

A letter from Mr T. Simpson, of Gore, about the enthusiasm in New Zealand over the war. is published by his brother in the “Scotsman.”

Mr J. A. Beach, of Hunterville. sends some notes on New Zealand, its harvest, its poets and its loyalty, to the Hereford “Times.”

Mr A. A. Seamer, of Wellington, who. with his wife. left New Zealand in the early part of the year, and, coming by way of Australia, landed herd early in May. has been travelling in Cornwall, Bedfordshire, and Herts, for* the past month. They are at present doing the lions of London from headquarters in Guildford street, Bloomsbury. and expeet to remain in Town about a month. Then they repair to the Mecca of the conscientious tourist, Paris to wit, and after doing the Exhibition thoroughly will make a brief tour in Scotland. According to present arrangements they will leave for New Zealand in October.

Another Wellingtonian at present in London is Mr 11. W. Blundell. His visit is not one of pleasure, his objeet in leaving New Zealnd being to study dentistry, and for the past few weeks he has been hard at work at the Great Portland Street Dental Hospital. The vacation of that institute Mr Blundell proposes to spend in Paris.- He will not in all probability see New Zealand again till 1902 is with us.

Mr and Mrs W. Adams and their two sons (Wellington), after a short stay in London, visited Swindon and then went on to Bideford. They go from there to the Gloucester district and then to Paris, returning to New Zealand in November.

Mrs Munro, of Dunedin, has settled at 20 Penywern Road. Earl's Court, for the present, and is now making arrangements for the musical education of her daughters at the Royal Academy of Music. After two of three years in London, they are going on to Germany to complete their studies, after which Mrs Munro hopes to return to New Zealand.

Mr and Mrs Woodcock, of Whitecliffs, who brought one of Mr G. T. Booth's sons with them, are enjoying theiT quiet visit to Mr Woodcock's parents. They have been cycling round the Isle of Wight, and are going north soon to Scotland.

The good among you. and. maybe, some of the unregenerate, will be gratified to hear, on the high authority of the Rev. C. F. Evans, the ActingChaplain at the Cavalry Barracks, Shorncliffe. where most of the invalided colonials are sent to recuperate, that the behaviour of the men from “down under” has been most exemplary and has won the admiration of the whole camp. Mr Evans. I may mention, has been unremitting in his attention to the Britishers from over the seas, and his efforts not being confin'd to merely attending to their spiritual needs have met with appreciation.

Mrs Broughton and her sister (Miss Young-), of Christchurch, after a short visit to Melbourne, came on in the Prince Regent Luitpold as far as Naples, which they made the starting point for sight-seeing in Italy: after visiting Pompeii, Baia. and other points of interest, they went to friends at Rome, and after a pleasant time there came on to Southampton by another North German liner. A matter of business requires Miss Young's presence in Great Britain, but their trip is mainly one of pleasure. After a brief sojourn in London they go to friends in Scotland and Ireland. Fitzwiliiam Palace. Dublin, will be their head-quarters.

Mr Leonard J. Lloyd, of Wanganui, has brought his wife home by the Gothic for a pleasure trip, and is staying in London at Torrington Square. They are both pretty tired of London and its bustle, and presently commence a provincial tour. T.ater they will go to Paris, where Mr Lloyd hopes to see his fellow countrymen. Sutherland and Reynolds, taking part in the forthcoming International bicycle races. Mr and Mrs Lloyd propose to remain on this side of the water till the approach of our winter.

New Zealand had no stall at Princess Christian’s Naval and MilitaryBazaar at Olympia last week, but I saw Mrs Hunter Blair in charge of a large bran dip at the stall of her husband's regiment, the Gordon Highlanders. She looked very picturesque in her white dress, dark tartan sash, and purple bonnet with silver badge, after that worn by the famous Duchess of Gordon when she went recruiting.

Mr and Mrs P. ('. Neill and their two daughters arrived in London from Dunedin by the Gothic a fortnight ago. Their visit, I understand, is entirely one of pleasure. Their itinerary, as at present mapped out, includes, of course, a visit ot Paris, %nd they have arranged to spend some time in Ireland, and to tour the Continent. Their homeward journey will be made via America. At present they are doing the sights of London from headquarters at 37, Queen's Gate Gardens, Kensington, and are enjoying themselves greatly.

Mr D. Murray Ross, who eame Home by the Ophir in order to pursue his medical studies, is now in residence at the Newcastle College of Medicine, where he intends to put in twelve months’ work. He will probably come to London after his term at Newcastle and enter one of the big hospitals for a further period of study.

Mr Justice Denniston and Mrs Denniston left on Wednesday for Bristol, where they are to stay until the beginning of next week, when Mr Justice Denniston returns to town to be present at the Merchant Tailors dinner to the Skinners’ Company.