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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 19, 31 August 1888, Page 3

Fourteen of the large ocean steam-vessels belonging to the Meßsageries Maritimea and the Transatlantic Company are to receive the necessary additions to enable them to be at the shortest notice transformed into vessels of war capable of serving as auxiliary crniEcrs. A Commission, composed of naval officers and engineers, has been ecnt from Cherboug to Havre to determine the armament of the steamers of the Transatlantic Company. It has already decided that the armament of the Champagne is to consist of seven guns of fourteen centimetcra calibre and eight Hotchkiss revolver guns. A similiar Commission will be sent from Toulon to Marseilles to decide on the armament of the vessels of the Messageries Mari times. i A LOSTNG JOKE. A prominent physician of Pittsburg said jokingly to lady patient who was complaining of her continued ill-health, and of his inability to cure her, " Try Dr. Boule's American Hop Bitters ! " The lady took it in earnest, and used the Bitters, from which Bhe obtained permanent health. She now laughs at the doctor for his joke, but he is not so well pleased with it, as it cost him a good patient. " Harrisburg Patriot,"