GENERAL NEWS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue II, 9 July 1904, Page 23

GENERAL NEWS.

Mr. G. P. Donnelly. Ute well-known Hawke’s Bay sheep-breeder, who is at present on a visit to the Old Country, cables that he has bought from His Majesty the King the first prize and champion, and second prize anti reserve champion Southdown shearling ram;, at the Royal Agricultural Show, England. Mr. Donnelly visited Sandringham last week, and purchased twelve selected shearling Southdown ewes from Hie Royal flock.

At the cupping ceremony in connection with Victoria College, Wellington, last week. Sir Robert Stout (Chancellor of the New Zealand University) spoke of the need of an increased vote for University education in this colony. He showed what strides are being made' in America, Europe, and even Finland. ‘•lf University education is not further developed here,” said Sir Robert, “we must inevitably fall behind in the race for a fuller life. It is education that enables a State io attain a high position. If we reduced for one year our expenditure on alcohol and tobacco by one-half, we would have a fund the interest on which would adequately endow all our colleges.

The first of a series of addresses under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. was delivered on Sunday afternoon by the Bishop of Auckland in the presence of a crowded audience. The aim of these lectures is to set before the minds of thinking people some of the arguments which justify belief in the Christian religion, as tile highest reason, the ultimate philosophy, the most advanced science. The aim kept in view is to make the addresses an embodiment of the best knowledge of our time, and at once scholarly and popular. It is hoped that they may be the means of removing difficulties and of promoting an intelligent adherence to the fundamental verities of the Christian faith. Prepared by clergymen of different branches of the Church, in defence of the common faith, they should also further the interests of Christian unity. The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, the Auckland Ministers’ Association, and the committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association have co-operated in their preparation. The Auckland Band Committee has appointed a strong sub-committee to deal with the matters in connection with the contest. Mr A. W. Tat ton is the secretary, and with him ate two well-known business men who have undertaken to canvass the city. The contest takes place in February, 11105, and it is estimated that between 20 and :>0 bands will be competing, numbering over 500 bandsmen. The committee are desirous of having the hearty co-opera-tion of the citizens as a whole, and the business men in particular. When it is understood that somewhere near £ 1000 is needed to finance this contest, some idea can lie gathered of its magnitude. Tlie committee are arranging for excursion trains and beats for contest week, thereby bringing into town country people, which means that a large sum of money will be expended, 'the Domain and .His Majesty’s Theatre have been secured, amt nothing will be left undone to make this contest worthy of Auckland City.