NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14844, 9 December 1913, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Owing to an outbreak of chicken-pox at Christ's College, the Headmaster, acting on medical advice, has decided u> ckwo the school to-morrow. The prizegiving will be held at a date to be announced later. It i s hoped that it may bo possible to avoid cancelling some of the athletic fixtures arranged for the last week of term. Due notice will be given of any alteration that may

Ono of the most important events in New Zealand during the past week was the opening of tho Auckland Exhibition by his Excellency the Governor. The opening day and tho principal attractions of the Exhibition aro shown in the illustrated pages of tho "Weekly Press," published this morning. There is also an illustrated record of many other events, among these tho Canterbury Horticultural Society's successful lloso Show, and tho celebration of the Birthday of Queen Alexandra, for which H.M.S. Py ramus was dressed in truo naval stylo. Accompanying the latter picture is a magniticent'portrait group of tho crew of the war vessel. Two subjects that will attract more than averago attention are the page of snapshots of tho New Zealand footballers in their matches against three of tho American Universities, and the striking picture of tho Wanganui Collegiate School's eight, the only schoolboys rowing eight in tho Dominion. Among tho other New Zealand pictures are a fine series showing Denniston and tho district after a record snow storm, somo from the Golden Bay district, city improvements in Wellington, and others from different parts of the Dominion. Two English subjects, which may almost bo called New Zealand on account of the interest they have for the people of the Dominion, are shown. Thoy are the Aisgill Railway Disaster, in which Sir Arthur Douglas, wellknown in New Zealand, was killed, and the celebration of Trafalgar Day in London, to which New Zealand sent tributes. In addition to those already mentioned there aro pictures from ail part* of the world. The literary contents of the issue are, as usual, bright and interesting. Tho stories aro wcllwritton and up-to-date, tho world's happenings recorded in an attractive manner, and all tho sections of tho paper well filled by expert writers. As a whole this issue is a first-class one, for which thero will bo a rapid sale.

Tho City Council received an invitation from* tho Linwood Bowling Club last night to play a friendly match with club members. The invitation was accepted.

Tho new buiiding for tho Y.W.C.A. was commpneed several weeks ago, and is now well tinder way. The foundation stone is to be laid by Mrs Denniston on Thursday afternoon. At the monthly meeting of tho 80-»rd of Management held yesterday, final arrangements for tho ceremony were made. Ampngst those taking part will be the Bishop of Christchurch. the Moderator of tho Presbyterian Assembly, and Mr E. C. Brownell, of the V.M.C.A.

An application was received by tho City Council last night from the secretary of the North Christchurch branch of the Social-Democratic Party, asking for permission to hold meetings in St. Allrans Park on six Sundays. Cr. Hunter moved that permission should bo granted. This was lost. Cγ. Acland said he would like to have tho matter referred to the Bylaws Committee to lay down a principle. On the motion of Cr. Hunter permission was granted for one Sunday night only.

A pamphlet has been forwarded us relating to a carnival to be held in the Philippines next year. Ono of the principal features of tho carnival h to bo a huge hippodrome, seating over 5000 people, in which will be performed a great spectacular exhibition,. "Border Warfare," reproducing scones of the Old West in a realistic manner. Another attraction will be a lire-fighting performance, "Fighting the Flames," under the supervision of Fire Chief Dingman. Balloon trips, athletic contests, dances, and other social functions, will go to make up the round of diversions to bo offered to visitors to Manila on tho occasion of the carnival.

The amendment made by the Legislative Council to Section 22 of tho Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill, limiting the powers of the Auckland City Council in tho matter of running motor-buses, meets with strong opposition from the City Council (says an Auckland message). A special meeting was held to consider the position, when the following resolution was carried: —"That this Council views with alarm the amendment made by the Legislative Council to Section 22 of tho Municipal Corporation Act Amendment Bill, whereby the Auckland City Ccvn T cil is prohibited from undertaking motor vehicle services, .and resolves to telegraph to the Auckland City and provincial members of the House of Representatives, strongly urging them to use their utmost endeavour to defeat the clause when it comes before the Lower House.

An amusing incident is reported to have occurred in the vicinit*- of the Kattray street wharf. Dunedin, on Saturday afternoon. A fireman from one of tho Homo liners at present m port arrived at the wharf from the direction of the city and challenged a member of the Strike to swim across the basin and back. The latter, however, did not appear to be anxious to display his aquatic abilities, and the fireman was forced to go for a swim on his own account. He proceeded to disrobe, and with only his underclothing left ho mounted on the taffrail and plunged gallantly into the sea. On rising to tho surface he struck out vigorously for tho other side of the basin and made excellent time for 15 or 20 yards, when the cold waters of the harbour appeared to exert a depressing influence on him, and he threw up his arms and commenced to call for help. A Harbour Board launch which was lying near by picked up the man and thus his enterprise ended much less gloriously than it had commenced. ■;

Tho attempt on the part of Mr E. C. May to salvage the treasure of tho General Grant at tho Auckland Islands has undoubtedly taken definite shape (telegraphs our Dunedin correspondent). Mr D. Anderson, of Dunedin, received a cable message from Mr May yesterday advising that ho would positively leave San Francisco on December 16th. In tho latest communication by mail Mr May stated that ho had been very busy at San Francisco getting together up-to-date machinery for the salvage operations. The moving pictures would be a special feature. Work was being done in connexion with these already, and part of the wreck of the General Grant would bo reproduced on the Pacific Coast. One of the divers had been down in San Francisco TSnv 110 foct, and could have gor.e down 150 feet and more. Mr May added that hp might bo a Uttle later in leaving than ho expectod. Apparently it is his intention to make Bluff tho headquarters of tho expedition.

Tho most interesting of Australian fishes is the ceratodus, also called the Australian lung-fish, or tho Bnrnet salmon, Tlie ceratodus is, unfortunately, heing wiped cut, and before long it will only be found mummified in museums, or modelled in plaster of paris. It was not until 1870 that this fish waft discovered in the Mary and Burnet rivers in Queensland, and in no other of the permanent waters of tho northern State. It is r.ot exclusively a fresh-water fish, but is found in tho salt and tidal parts of the two rivera as well as up in tho fresh shallow parts. It breathes either by lungs or gills, and appears to be fitted by nature for a long sojourn in the mud during the dry spells. At night, when tho ceratodus is searching for frogs on the mud flats, tho expulsion of air from the lnn"s is accompanied by grunts. The flesh is pink and of good edible quality. Tho nsh attains a length of 6ft and a weight of About 2001b. All attempts to keep them alive for a long time in captivity have failed, and it is to bo feared that unless portions of the Mary and Burner rivers are perpetually clo.sed to fishing the ceratodus will soon Womft a≤ extinct as the moa.

H.M.S. Pyramus loaves Wellington to-day for the New Hebrides.

The Maunganui, which is duo at Wellington to-morrow from Sydaev, is bringing 410 passengers and 213 tons of general cargo, including a quantity t>l dried fruit*.

Tho Puncditi "Star" has received a telegram from its Wellington representative stating that Biddle. who was convicted of the Maytiei'd tragedy and sentenced to death, will be respited.

The new buildings at the Boys' High School will bo oponod at 8 "p.m. on Thursday. The ceremony will bo followed by nn ''At Home,'" io which Old Boys and friends aro invited.

Tho Presbyterian General Assembly will open at St. Paul's Church, Chmtchurch, on Wednesday night. The Assembly should have met last week, but was postponed on account of tho transit, difficulties duo to the strike

With a viow to abating the nuisance causod by tho overflowing of tho sidochannol in Gloucester street during heavy rain, tho city surveyor has boon instructed to lay a culvert from Manchester street to tho west side of Messrs AY. 11. Scott and Co.'s garage. Tho various political meetings in the electorate claiming the attention of some of tho councillors, tho usual fortnightly meeting of tho Lyttelton Borough Council did not. take place last night, but will be held on Monday night next. At tho mooting of tho Nary I.eagno last evening it was decided that a meeting of lady members and their friends should bo held at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning to decide what is to bo diino with a quantity of goods left over from iho recent Navy Loaguo bazaar. The winter number of the Boys' High School Magazine contains a full record of lecent school events. Football matches of the season are fully reported, and the proceedings of tho debating society and of other school institutions comprise the rest of tho magajsino. Photographs of tho school first fifteen and the Old Boys' first fifteen, winners of the seuior championship, are included. Some phenomenal hanks of fish aro reported along tho Taranaki coast. Tho New Plymouth fishermen have had some splendid hauls round the Sugar-loaf. In several cases tho launches had to return to shore after a couple of hours' fishing, laden to tho gunwale. Tho .catches have been principally composed of schnapper, hut other kinds, such as rnoki, kingfish, hapuka, gurnet, and kahawni are very plentiful. The fish aro in prime condition. A largo number of Senior Cadets were before the Magistrate's Court at Timaru yesterday, charged with failure to attend drills. The majority offered objection to the uniform; they wear long trousers now, and dislike short pauts. Tho magistrate ridiculed this objection, told them that tho uniform took first prize in Canada against all others, and warned them that they must drill in the uniform whether they liked it or not.

Two somewhat qnaiftt specimens of the composition of children attending schools in the Lake District wero appended to tho monthly report of ono of the Southland Education Board's inspectors which camo before members at Saturday's meeting. The first, tho ■work of a boy, read: "1 think military training is a good thing, for a man that is trained has a bettor chance of escaping than a man that has not." Thus a girl: "After wo have taken off our clothes wo should take, them out into tho open air and brush them well."

A brief reference ;to ~ the city finances was made by the Mayor, Sir H. Holland, at the meeting of tho City Council last night. The Mayor pointed out that although .the general rate, levied was estimated to produce £55.440 13s 7d, onjy £6769 10a Id had so far been collected, although the financial year would end soon. The receipts since last were £5242 7s 6d, and the accounts authorised for payment totalled £12,407 12s Id. Tho dobit balance on the district fund account was £ 107,45 L Is, on whicli in-' torest had to be paid, and the position was anything but satisfactory.

Tho Mayor reported to tlio City Council last night that he and tho town clerk had attended tho official opening of tho Auckland exhibition last Monday. The town clork and himself were accorded a most hearty welcome by tho Exhibition authorities, tho City Council, and the Harbour Board, who i spared no effort or expense to mako the visit enjoyable. They wished ■ him to inform tho Council and the citizens of Christchurch how, very highly they appreciated the goodwill shown to them by the citizens of the city, in being officially represented at the opening of tboir great Exhibition, and he was requested also to say that whenever opportunity offered here they would be delighted to return that courtesy fonrfold. lie would move-y-"Th«it this Council plscns on record its appreciation of tho courtesy and hospitj-lity extended to its representatives by tho people of Auckland at the opening of their industrial Exhibition, and wiehed them every success in their great undertaking." The motion was seconded by Cr. W. H. Cooper, and carried. The mischievous small boy wae the subject of a brief discussion and round condemnation at the meeting of the Woolston Borough Council last evening. Cr. Hart eaid he had a complaint to mako regarding tho slot stamp-sell-ing machino recently installed in tho post offico lobby. He had boon unable to extract a stamp on inserting a penny, and on enquiry tho postmistress had complained that several small boys bad put the machino, and also the slot telephone, out of action by pushing pieces of cardboard into, receptacles for money. Cr. Hart said he thought the Council should take action in the matter, as the stamp machino -was only on trial for six months, and was a great boon to residents. The Mayor (Mr J. J. Graham) said he had put two pennies into tho niachino. but no stamps appeared. When tho postmistress had oponed the -works they were/ found to be clogged with pieces of cardboard. Ho suggested that a roward of £2 be offorod for information leading to the detection of the culprit. Jt was decided to obtain the name® of tho boys from tho postmistress, and to offer the pro-p-sod reward in the future.

Miss Millicent Jennings, of Christ-; church, ono of the younger concert soloists of tho city, is already making a high reputation for herself "throughout the Dominion. Miss Jennings was engaged by tho Oamaru Choral Society to tako tho leading eoprauo part in "Faust," arid scored an undoubted success. "The part of Margarita," says the musical critic of tho ''Oamaru llail," "was taken by Mis* Millicent Jennings, of Christchurch, who fully sustained the reputation which had preceded her. Possessed of a clear, musical voice of good range and thoroughly under control, tho singer for tho time beiug transported the imaginative listener from tho prosaic ■ mattcr-of-factness of tho concert platform to tho illusion of the operatic stage. In 'Tho King of Tliule , the distinction between tho ko!o proper and the characteristic asides was finely shown, and the underlying nathos or the air. markedly brought out. But it ■was in tho 'JeVel Song' that Miss Jennings most strongly appealed to th« majority of the audier.ee. The interpretation was true to the character represented, and as this was joined to a skilful use of technical ability, ono traft not surprised when a:i er.core waa» loudly demanded at the close. In the "Grand Duet and in tho Church. Scene Miss Jennings ably sustained the part allotted to her. ar.d her whole, performance evidenced cartful study of both music and words and a sympathetic temperament capable or arousing corresponding emotion in tie mind of tho listener."

-in the Canterbury trout streams icere reported clear yesterday morning. In reference to the Lyttelton byto day, the Labour DepartSS notifies that in accordance with f be provisions of the Shops and.Offices A« ail shops within the Lyttcltoa ' electorate will be closed from 1 p.m. «<l* is unsafe to go about the placo ' eotr/with these motor-cycles," was a Snment made by Mr Bishop, S.M - - irtstprday, during t-he hearing of 1 wse in Which a young woman sued a ' raaa for damages in connexion with a motor collision. Mr S Binney, of Kaikoura, has prewnted a pair of genuine old Maori mat needles to the Christchurch Museum. Tney havo been placed in a case to the Lit of the entrance to the ethnological rooE and are a welcome addition to the already good collection of Maori ■ articles in the Museum. The estimated attendance at the Auckland Exhibition to dato is 75,000 , tkkhjlo Of the outside attractions this / week the principal will be the DominJeShox of the Auckland A. and P. Association. It will extend from Wedne6dav until Saturday, and the authorities anticipate a big iniiux of country folk in connexion therewith. The nominations for the vacancy on the Board of Governors of Canterbury College caused by the death of Mr J. L Scott, closed at noon to-day, and tho Hon. G- J. Smith, M.L.C., and tho Bey' I. A. Bernstein were tho only ones nominated to the seat. Tho fact that there are two candidates will necessitate an election, which will take place on December loth. , The insurances on the portion of Messr3. Wbitcombe and Tombe's building affected by the fire on Saturday ia Madame Poppy's millinery establishment totalled £4000 in the Guardian office. An indication of the loss that might hare occurred if the outbreak had not been discovered and got under promptly is. given by the fact that the insurances on the whole block total clese upon £35,000. The Y.JI.C.A. are making special arrangements for the Christmas holidays, and" some novel gatherings are being energetically organised. On Christmas night an efrort will bo made to make those young. men and women who happen to* be away from home, feel less out of it, and a special "At Home" will be held at the rooms of the V.M.C.A. for their especial benefit. In the Christmas Camp which will be held at Stewart's Gully, starting on Boxing Day awl lasting until January sth, there will be ten days of healthy and profitable enjoyment, if tho weather proves kind. Up to date about fifty people havo eignined their intention of attending the camp, and there will be courses of instruction in Association methods, athletics, and gymnastics. The camp is not confined to young men, for wires and 'families are cordially invited, and soico family parties have already booked jplaces. ' A representative of "The Press" had a brief conversation with Mr James Young, the curator of the Domain Gardens yesterday, and asked him whut the dainago had been as the result of tho Rose Carnival,. "Practically none," was the answer, ''and. I ■ may confess that I was . astonished and pleased with the result. Considering tho huge crowd that assembled the damage was very slight " for tho reason that the people were extraordinarily well.behaved. The flowers were not pulled about, and the only real damage was caused by our own fault. "We should not have had the band where it was,'in close proximity to soma flower-beds, because the dense •-• crowd at night trampled on one bed ■ rather badly; but it will not take much ■ x .work to put it all right again. The post flft holes for tho electric light masts, etc., \*f are a mere nothing, and we can very soon fix ■ them up,- so as to be unnoticeable." An-exceptional assortment of beautiful hair has just been landed, conjigned to Mrs. Holleston, Cathedral square, of which switches, transformations', etc., are'made at English cost. 6 .Motor Accessories. —Lycett Belts, 5-inch, 13s, I-inch, 15s, 1-inch, 17$ 6d; . Hutchinson Heavy Tyres, 37s 6d; . sorted spares kept, also best quality • repairs, at J. H. Suckling and Co., i- Garage. 117 .Worcester street. - 6 Walter J. Wafcson, D;8.0.A., London, Expert Optician (near Kincaid.'s). J • Accurate Sight-testing and Spectaclefitting, Repairs.to Frames and broken Lenses matched. Charges moderate. 8 Work' good, charges reasonable, time / taken the shortest possible. That's the kind of service you get when you employ us. - We forward, parcels, move furnitures, pass entries, provide storage. . The N.Z. Express Co., Ltd. , 6 , No unripe, ovor-ripo or inferior fruit used in manufacturing Thorason'e Ship Liraejuico. Xo adulteration, no artificial colourings; just the finest , _ limes, giving it a quality that is un- \ equalled. Every bottle is" pasteurised. Ask for Thomson's Ship Limejuice; All grocers'/ Ford and Mir-ams, agents. 7 - Every day new discoveries are being • made: One of tho latest is Rheumalinetho surest cure for rheumotKtm yet discovered. The results achieved ■'» .are astonishing. In test cases more '-..-'tfinn 90 per cent, of sufferers were cured, amongst them persons bedridden ' * for years. llheumaline-Oxygena cured "• -- them completely. Full particulars from . ■"•, sole proprietors and distributors, Do- , -' minion Rheumatic Cure Syndicate, ■ ot. - ' -Kilda. Dunedin. * ' 1 Your Eyes—A new discovery for ; : -,-removing Cataracts, Fihns, White 'ii , Bpecks. etc.. without operations. Send , v -.'for particulars and testimonials, free. : ' E. W. Hall, Herbalist. 117 Armagh }':.- rtreet. City . '2 '• >It does not pay you to do your own "•V Customs work, and this fact is rocog- *•': aised by most importers, who find it eaves time, money, aud worry, to ern;i ' ploy J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd., to -, doit for them. Let them put through -'■' your next shipment. It will pay you \: to do so. ~ 6 ■i, ' On fore subjects are there co many »- - popular delusions as in regard to the eyesight, and the results are often . serious. The defect which is by far . most general comes with advancing* years. Although the sight may regain perfectly good for distance, yet . the eye cannot accommodate itself, to fiear objects, consequently!glasses aro deeded. Consult John R. Procter, - S? 1 !* 51 ' 5 Optician, 200 High street, - Christchnrch. ' <J U you want yonr electric light, lift. - motor, bells, or telephones properly ■«JW promptly attended to, nng up *\ *°p>oull an d Jones. Telephones 421 v and 3370. 1 ■\/ Watch Your Cows Now.—Keep • Ji 11 ?' 5 remedies always in the-house. Berry's Red Drench for ' ♦v'* 8 before an d after, calving allays tee fever,- and prevent inflammation. « 9d post freo, or from country • stores U 6d, Jno. Berry, Colombo street. 3