NEW ZEALAND: GENERAL

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 36, 3 September 1903, Page 19

NEW ZEALAND: GENERAL

It is reported that motor cars are likely to be introduced into Rotorua during the coming tourist season, for the purpose of carrying passengers to the various sights.

Those intending to insure their lives would do well to read the annual report of the Government Insurance Commissioner presented to Parliament, and reprinted in the current issue of the ' Recorder,' the organ of the department, just to hand.

Over half a million of money has been expended on harbor works at Lyttelton (says the ' Lyttelton Times ') This includes the cost of the breakwaters, wharves, and jetties, a graving dock, me dredging work in the inner harbor, and a powerful steam tug, built specially for the Board.

Plans have recently been adopted by the Wellington City Council for the extension of the Central Public Library, at a cost of £7500. They provide for a new circulating library room, capable of holding 46,600 volumes, an art gallery, and a museum, to hold a valuable private collection presented to the city some time ago by Mi. X W. Pethenck, on condition that proper housing was given it,

The ' Alexandra Herald ' states that the losses of stock in various parts of Central Otago have been much beaviei than was at first anticipated On the Earnscleugh runs, occupied by Mr. S. Spain and Messrs ChaiJes Bros, it is estimated that the losses in sheep will be very little, if anything, under 50 per cent , the death rate bcine: particularly heavy on the higher portions of the runs The losses of Mr J. Butler, of Bald

i Flat, will probably not be under 30 per cent of his flock, and the losses of Mr. Jopp, of Moutere Station, are estimated at 25 to 30 per cent of his flock, whilst the losses on Galloway and Matakanui Stations will probably be even greater still. The farmers and small graying run holders throughout the district have all sufteied to a greater or less extent.

A shocking catastrophe is reported from Rotorua An unusually severe eruption oocuried at Waimangu geyser on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of Misses Nicholls (of North Canterbury) and Messrs. McNaughton (Ponsonby), and Joe Warbnck (brother of the wellknown guide) They were looking at an eruption near the shelter shed standing on a hill overlooking the geyser. They went too near in their desire to take snapshots. The eruption took the form of a tidal wave, becoming suddenly terrific, and the four people named weie swept oft the hill by the force of the water into the overflow of the geyser, where there is a depth of J 2l l They were carried down in the boiling water nearly a ru!<" towards Lake Rotomahana, the bodies being iecovered some time after. A considerable poition ol the clothing was torn off. Mrs. Nicholls accompanied hei daughters, but escaped Another man in close proximity succeeded in resisting the force of the vvat.

At the last, meeting of the Ashburlon Catholic Litciaiy Society the programme consisted of competitor speeches by the uinior members foi a valuable pn/e piesented by Mr M Monanty. The sublet (saj s the ' Mail ') ' Which kind of sport, cash or amateur, gi\es the best results 7 ' was keenly debated Twelve luniois entered for the competition, but only six faced the judges (the president and Mr F K. Cooper) The 'Speeches

made by the six contestants were all good, those deserving special mention being Messrs. T. Adams, and F. Healy, who tied for first prize, and Mr. T. Stephens, who was second. After the competition the debate was continued by the senior members, and some strange facts were elicited.

His Lordship Bishop Grimes, accompanied by the Very Rev. Dean Foley, arrived in Kumara on Thursday evening, August 20 (writes a correspondent of the Greymouth ' Star ') and at 8 p.m. addressed a large congregation assembled to welcome him. On Sunday at halfpast aight and eleven o'clock Mass his Lordship made an appeal on behalf of the building fund of the Christchurch Cathedral. This was responded to very generously and a considerable sum netted. At three in the afternoon his Lordship administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to some 25 young people, explaining its nature, and exhorting them to persevere in the paths of virtue and truth. At seven pm. he again preached an eloquent sermon to a crowded congregation.

The Catholic schools in the Thames district have recently been examined by the Government Inspector, and his report shows that the resuiis are very satisfactory. Eighty children were presented for examination, and oux of this total 76 passed, which is a very good percentage. The work in all the standards was well up to the average, and in some cases came in for special praise. Mention was made of the excellent discipline and behavior of the pupils. As will be seen, these schools are a credit to the district, and show that excellent secular education is being given notwithstanding the disadvantages under which they are being conducted.