ROUND ABOUT THE COLONY

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVII, Issue 14, 6 October 1906, Page 41

ROUND ABOUT THE COLONY

A ‘ Kist •' WMnstlea.” It is not generally known (says the Napier "Telegraph”) that in breaking down the old Presbyterian prejudice against the introduction of instrumental music in divine service SL Paul's Church in Napier holds a unique position, being the first church in the colony to make the innovation. Thereby hangs a tale. At a choir concert the other day the Rev. J. A. Asher stated that 40 years ago negotiations were first made for the union of the Church of Otago and Southland and the Northern Church, now happily consummated. In those days the fathers and brethren in the South had strong Calvanistic leanings, and their advances to the Northern Church were marked by the ruling passion of conservatism. Events, however, might have come to a head but for one sad fact. The fathers and brethren of the Church of Otago and Southland suddenly decided that they could not share the joys and sorrows -of the Church of the North because —St. Paul’s Church in Napier had an organ. JX A Surprise for George. George, a Chinese fisherman at Moturoa. New Plymouth, must have been surprised one day last week, says the “News.” when the heavy weight at the end of his line proved to be a fish over 15ft long. After some difficulty the monster was landed and brought to town. Piscatorial experts claim to recognise it as a fine sample of the ribbon fish, rather rare in these waters. The unusual catch was 'fie centre of attraction on the vacant plot near the Town Hall during the afternoon. JX J» Vagaries of Anthrax. A curious characteristic of the disease of anthrax was referred to by Dr. Mason iii a lecture in Wellington, and illustrated with an anecdote. Three men, walking together in the Waikato, saw a bullock running at a fence. When they got up to the animal it was dead. They skinned it. and took portions of the meat home with them. tlwas subsequently found that the bullock was suffering from anthrax. The people who ate this meat did not die, but of the men who skinned the bullock, one died and the other very nearly d led. The C.J. on the Maoris. Referring to the native race at the Napier Supreme Court, Sir Robert Stout, addressing the grand jury, said he noticed that of the six prisoners charged three were Maoris and one was a half-caste, which was an-undue proportion considering the number of 'Maoris and Europeans in this district. It was said that the Maoris had increased of late years, as shown by the late census. That might be so. but to those, of them who remembered this and other districts in the North Island 30 or 40 years ago it was perfectly plain that the Maoris were fai less in number than they were in those days, whatever the census results might show. It seemed to trim that if the Maori race was to be preserved it would have to become an industrial race. Of course it could not be expechyl that the Maoris could compete with Europeans in what might be termed mechanical arts: they were not so well qualified as Europeans for that, but they must look to industrial development in agriculture if they were to be of service as a race. From the calendar before him he saw that one or more of the natives who were charged and who had been.before the Gofirt previously had not taken to industrial pursuits, with the result that they were drifting away from good conduct to become crimimils. “It is „ sa d outlook,” said his Honor. “ if the race is to Is- reduced to such a state as this, and there is there fore the more need, in our days of education and in al! our efforts to civilise, to try and induce them to take up not merely pastoral but active agricultural pursuits if they desire ever to become good citizens.”

A Facetious Schoolteacher. Among the replies received by the Education Board in answer to their request for an expression of opinion by teachers on Dr. Mason’s scheme for the medical inspection of school children, was one from a lady teacher on the West Coast; approving of the suggestion. She added: “ No doubt it was the thin edge of the wedge for free dental attend’nee; free attendance for eye and ear trouble (the State providing eye glasses and ear drums). Free medical attendance would follow, ami finally the State would bury its people.” “ Then,” she facetiously wound up, “let’s hope its functions will cease.” jx a N.Z. Wine. The reason why Australia and New Zealand, with an equally favourable climate do not produce wine equal to that obtained from the vintage of older countries was explained by Dr. Mason, in the course of a lecture last week. He said the French wine-makers did not rely on rule of thumb methods as makers in the colonies did. They employed trained bacteriologists to ensure that fermentation should proceed under the most favourable conditions. The secrets of the cultures by which this was brought about were never passed to any but the principals of firms. He illustrated the. point by exhibiting a lantern slide picture of bacteria of a family which h-'d h-eu preserved by- a firm of French vignerons for centuries. Invitation to “Bobs.” It. has been suggested, says the “Lyttleton Times,” th t the Education and Defence authorities should approach the Government with the view to inviting Earl Roberts to visit New Zealand during the Exhibition period, and undertake an extensive review of the cadets and volunteers. It is believed that a visit from the veteran soldier would evoke a great deal of interest, and that Earl Roberts’ sympathy with and interest in the cadet movement would, if the colony sent an invi tation to induce him to visit New Zealand. JX JX Pretty Quick. As showing the scarcity of houses in the Empire City, the follow ng incident, which is for, may be given. A Wellington gentleman who required a residence saw a suitable place advertised in the evening paper, and despatched his clerk to take the house without delay. The clerk hurri d on’his errand, but, alas, found on reaching his destination that a man in a motor car had arrived before him. This incident depicts how dwelling places are snapped up in Wellington, where houses have Ibaen a source commodity for years past. JX JX In Buying Cows. Captain Young, Government veterinarian. leettiring at Midhirst, gave some sound advice to young farmers on buying stock; pointing out that, while in buying horses they would be careful to examine for themselves, in buying cows they were too ready to accept the word of some who “were, paid to tell lies." He advised them all to use their powers of observation, note the differences in the mouths of stock of different ages, as it was just as easy to tell the age ot a cow as of a horse, and in many other ways to learn by experience which was much more valuable than that gained by telling. „<* .<* Pelorus Jack. A kinematograplt picture of “I’clorus Jack” has l»een taken by' the Salvation Army biograph operator. The photographs were obtained by placing the machine on a platform suspended from the bow

of a steamer during a smooth passage through the French Pass, in which locality it is the habit of this strange fish to escort passing steamers tor miles. J« JX Mean. There are rumours that a pa rtieularly mean serf of a swindle has la-en worked on some of the Christchurch boarding houses during the past few days (says tin- “Press"). The mode of procedure alleged to la* adopted by tlie perpetrators of the trick is to represent to proprietors of boaixling hou-es or others who may be willing to accommodate visitors that he is the agent for a syndicate whose object is to act as a medium for bringing together those in search of board and lodgings and those willing to supply such accommodation during Exhibition time, lie ask.s a fee of ss. for registering the name and address of the person who is willing to receive the boarders, giving the address at which the principals of the syndicate are to lie found. But on going to the place indicated, the victims of the swindle discover that the address is a bogus one. It is said that, several landladies have been victimised in this way. JI JX A Stranger. A fully-grown wallaby has taken up its quarters on Mr. Knight's farm, the Rocks, just, above the Upper Port Chalmers Railway Station. The animal appears to be very active, and quite able to take earc of itself. Mr. Knight intends to protect it as far as possible, and as there is a patch of native bush on his farm, the wallaby mav take up its quarters there. Where it has come from is at present a mystery, tor. so far as is known, no wallabies have been liberated near Port Chalmers. JX JX White Owl. What, is undoubtedly a curiosity—an all-white Morepork, has been causht by Mr. W. C. Watson, on his farm. Stuartroad, Elthani. Mr. Watson is having the bird stuffed to keep as a rare spcciment, says the “ Argus.” JX Ji Sagacious Collie. The collie dog is noted for its faithfulness. but an animal at a recent Wai mate ploughing match showed more than ordinary devotion. Its ma-ter was a competitor in the hunters' competition, and mounted on his steed, rode over three flights of hurdles. In close pursuit followed the dog. and leaping in true hunting fashion, flew every obstacle in great style. An ordinary dog, says the North Otago Times, would have rested while its owner exerted the other animal for fameand glory, or if it had to follow its master would have trotted round the hurdles, or else crawled through between the battens. JX JX Day’s Bay. Day’s Bay promises to become still more, popular as a seaside resort. The directors of the Wellington Harbour Ferries. Limited, have just completed negotiations for the erection of an up-to-date water chute at tho bay. The plans and specifications are similar to the ones used for the Christchurch Exhibition, and are of the very latest design. As this is an exceedingly popular form of amusement in Canada, the United States of America, and Australia, the company anticipates that the chute will be well patronised. The contract, which is expected to be completed by the 9th of November, will entail n large expenditure and the employment of a. large number of workmen. Firewalkers at the Exhibition. Arrangements arc being made for the nppearanee at the Exhibition sports ground for one week of a tribe of fire walkers from the island of Jlega. Fiji. This tribe of firewalkers is being sent to the Exhibition by the Fijian Government, mid practically is an adjunct to the colony's representation. The party will consist of twenty men. It is suggested that they will leave Suva ou January 3rd.

Booming the Show. Charges of an advance agent for k* •oriental-. in the way of drinks aaS cigars were a factor in a civil actios heard at the Wellington Court, relates the "Post.” .Mr. Be* Fuller, of the well known v.iudevillg company. on being called as a witnea* for the defeme, said it was unusual te give an advance agent an open hand ia extending the generosity of a company. He had eleven years’ experience in Newt Zealand, and ten years in the Did Country, with entertainments, and said if an advance agent spent money on drinks and cigars, unless instructed l«e--forchaml. lie paid for them out of his own pocket. Counsel for plaintiff put the question to him: "Does an uchance agent meet men who can materially benefit a company if he gives them drinks?” “No," was the reply. “Ils gets plenty of promises usually.'* "What are the duties of an advance agent?" To go Iv’fore the cr.mpany. advertise it in the newspapers and by posters. and make arrangements fur boarding its memliers.” Counsel for the defence asked: “.Are proprietors of newspapers likely' to reduce an account levcause of sixpenny cigars?” “No.” wax the reply: newspapers are not to be bribed nowadays.” J» Flourishing Foitou. “The casual visitor to Fox too at the present time will soon notic.’ that the borough is experiencing another of the occasional (atoms that have tx-eit sc noticeable during the past twenty years," remarks the travelling reported* of the Rangitikei "Advocate." The chief industry of the district for a number of years has lieeu the manufacture of dressed flax, and the variations in the flax markets have had a corresponding effect on the business and progress of the town. At the present time upwards of twenty mills are working within a radius of six miles of Foxton. anC as the price of flax is expected to remain at a good paying figure permit** ently there is every reason to belief* that the present revival has eonie te stay.”