NEWS OF THE DAY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14887, 29 January 1914, Page 6

NEWS OF THE DAY.

At their next meeting the Timaru Borough Council will discuss a proposal to collect all their rates in one 6iim annually, instead of in two sumas at present. Owing to the strike there has been some delay in laying the floors of the King Goorge V. Coronation Hospital, sothat the building will not be ready for use as early as had been anticipated. The Auckland City "Schools' Committee has expressed disapproval of the Board of Education proposal for summer school hours from 8 a.m. to 11 and 12 noon to 3 p.m. It favoured 9 to 12 and 2 to 4. The Christchurch and Lyttelton hands will tender a benefit parade at tho Botanical Gardens on Sunday next, in aid of Mr P. Sullivan, for many years a resident of Lyttelton, who was injured as a result of a motor accident at Timaru some. three months ago. The great boom which has existed in shipping circles throughout the world is now easing off, according to Mr G. H. Scales. of Wellington, who ho«s just returned from Sydney. "There is," he said, "absolutely no surplus tonnage, though the demand is not so great as it was. The output from the various shipbuilding yards has constituted a record, and tho running of new ships is naturally affecting the market." In regard to freights, Mr Scales predicts that' in March they will be los to £1 lower than at that time last year. "A confounded nuisance" was the emphatic description applied by the Mayor of Wellington to the tramway poles in the middle of most of the city streets. Councillors Barber and Fuller had suggc-tcd that tho poles wero dangerous, and that it was very easy for people to meet with serious accident by looking over tho side of. a double-decker or looking through a window of a car and being struck on the head by a polo. The Mayor that the city engineer should prepare a report setting out the cost of removing the poles from the centre of tho road, and this suggestion was agreed to. Mr G. D. JBraik, director of Education, has recommended to tho Wanganui Board that, to give finality to tho work of the girls taking the domestic course at District High Schools, an effort should be made to give them somo insight into the entire range of household management. In connexion with th_-j suggestion _»lr Braik makes the following observations:—"Through tho kindness of fanners and other-, cur boys are in a position to learn at first band the management and jndg-' ing of stock, sheep-shearing and woolclnssing. butter and cheese-making and orcharding. Would it be too much to expect some of our householder!* to hand over, as a running concern, their houses and housekeeping for a short period to our domestic course girls, under the direction of the instructor, so that the girls may havo tho opportunity of learning the comnlete art of housekeeping? The suggestion, if realit-ed, would at least solve the» domestic problem for a time." Tho, Port Chalmers , fishermen have been getting very large hauls of barracouta during the past few days. So plentiful are these migratory fish at present that many of the fishermen load their boats to their utmost capacity in a very short 6pace of time, tons of them being put into the freezers, whilst large numbers are smoked. Other fish are also fairly plentiful, but' in point of numbers they cannot compete with the barracouta, whose annual visit is now being taken advantage of by the local fishermen, who locate the "schools" by the presence of large flocks of seabirds that prey on the small sprats that are driven to the surface of the sea by the pursuing barracouta. At times (says the "Otago Daily Times") the tumult of myriads of seafowl shrieking as they vie with each other for some hapless mullet, combined with the surge and swish of the water raised by the barracouta resembles tho rear of a gale amongst the trees in a forest, and affords a thriSlinc- example of "nature red in tooth and claw."

A Barns Society for Westland is being formed at Hokitika. Tho second Musical and Elocutionary F__tival promoted by the Westland Competitions Society will be held in Hokitika on March 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th. Mr A. H. Burton, of Dunedin, will judge the elocutionary section, and Mr A. E. Lawrence, of Hckitika, will adjudicate in the vocal and instrumental music section. Following is a synopsis of tho relief granted by the North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board since tho Board's last meeting:—New cases 11, cases continued or resumed 59, medical 1, institution relief 1, increased 0. reduced 4, reports ordered 2, declined 4, number relieved in Armagh street depot 1; total 83. Tho dato of tho visit fo Timnru of tho Royal Artillery Band clashes with tho big floral fete to be held in aid of tho fund tor Park improvements. Tho Mayor endeavoured to get the band to postpone tho visit, but without success. At a meeting of the Floral Fete Committee, hold last night, strong indignation was expressed at the position. Further endeavours are being made to induce tho band to alter the date. At a special meeting held on Tuesday night, tho Auckland City Council discussed loan proposals con-isting of :__-.'XX) to complete the drainage scheme, £13,000 for city workshops, stables, and depots in Battorsen street, £4000 for an addition to the Art Gallery, and £10.000 for the purchase of the Gullies Estate, Parnell, as a park. The proposals were approved, and it was decided to imt them before the ratepayers for their sanction to borrow tho £112,000 required. Tho "Taranaki News" reports that Mr H. Okey. M.P., ha* received a communication from Mr E. H. Hiley. General Manager of Railways, to the effect that the investigation into the present time-tablo includes all sections, and will occupy, possibly, three or four months, and that the New Plymouth section will in due courso have consideration. It is, says tho Manager, hard to say at present what improvements, if any, can be effected on tho different sections. The re-timing of tho trains on the Main Trunk will be* the first considorod, as any alterations in tho trains on this lino may affect tho times of trains on tho branches with which tho Main Trunk is connected. The secretary of the Christchurch Shorthand Writers' Association has received from Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Bath. England, tho results of a speed examination hold last October. Tlie following candidates have been successful m obtaining Pitman's first-class speed certificates:—Misses K. Ford and M. Felton, 120 words per minute; Miss Gertie Langriclgo, 110 words per minute; Misses Elsie McKeogh and Florence Whito, 100 words per minute; Misses Eisio Kay, Mny Petrio, Alicia To thill, and Hazel Walker, 90 words por minute; Misses Edith Goodall and Phyllis Cornwall, 80 words per minute. All tho successful candidates wero pupils attending Miss Digby's Commercial School. The committee of the Christchurch Presbyterian Social Service Association met in St. Paul's schoolroom on Tuesday, the Rev. J. Mackenzio in tho chair. Mr Mitchell (treasurer) submitted his statement of finance, showing that all the funds, save one, were in credit. Tho official opening of the new wing on December 13th by tho Moderator of Assembly was reported, and grateful mention made of all who at Christmas time remembered the Association's large family at Bligh's road. The resignation of Sister Agnes took effect on December 31st. and the Association daily expected Sister Margaret to take up her work. During the month, thanks to a young friend in tbe country, all the children enjoyed a day at Now Brighton. Tha Association's thanks are due to the Traffic Manager of the tramways, who kindly sent a special'car to take all the children from Bligh's road. Two young people, apparently a newly-married couple, caused a great deal of excitement at the Swift swimming carnival at the Century Baths on Wednesday night (says the Timaru "Herald"). They paid for their admission, and caused the judges some inconvenience at the finish at one of the heats in the 50yds race. One of the judges, wishing to get rid of the couple, politely pointed out a seat to them on the southern side of tbe baths, and suggested that they would get a better view from there. When they got to the other side of the bath a heated argument arose, and "hubby" pushed ; his better-half into the water, and then did the "brave man" ac. by jumping in after her. The shocked spectators wondered why he rescued her hat first, and why, when he reached her, he promptly "ducked", her. Astonishment gave place to'merriment when she re-> appeared, minus her wig. The "happy couple" wore two clever members of the Swifts Club. It is expected that considerably over four thousand delegates will attend the International Congress of the Salvation Army, which is to be held in London in June. The Congress is held every ten years, and at the last gathering in 1904 delegates were present from every country where the Army was engaged in work. A temporary hall capable of seating about six thousand people is being erected in London for the forthcoming Congress. Staff-Captain Newby, who has been selected as the staff delegate for Christchurch'and Canterbury, was last night tendered a complimentary musical festival by the brandies of the Army in and around the city. Tho Army Citadel was crowded for the occasion, and tho Mayor "(Mr H. Holland) presided. A lengthy programme included selections by the Sydenham Silver Band. St. Albans Band, Linwood Band. Sydenham Boys' Band, and the Christchurch City Band; vocal items by the Linwood Songsters. Linwood Bibleclass boys, and the St. Albans Male Quartet; an instrumental quartet by Bandmaster Taylor. Bandsmen Watkins and Watson, and Miss Wilson; a string band selection by Adjutant Haywood and family; an instrumental trio by Adiutant and the Misses.S. and E. Haywood; a pianoforte _010 by M*s s G. P.ames; a saxophone solo by Bandsman Wnteon*. recitotions by Miss Grenfell and Bandsman J. Armstron**-. and trnrWd drill by the Linwood Girls' Bible Class. Speaking at the re-opening of the Lvttelton Sailors' Home yesterday afternoon, Mr J. J- Dougall, president of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League, referred to the fact that tho bazaar held somo time ago for raising funds for the provision of a barge on the Avon or Heathcote rivers for the elementary training of boys for the sea, had netted the substantial sum of £1200. The idea was not to compel boys to go to sea, but to provide somo system of training to get boys to voluntarily go to sea. The League had been trying haTd to got a suitable vessel as a barge, and had considered tho conversion of ono of the ancient monuments in tho Port of Lyttelton. (Laughter, and a voice: "The old Mullogh.") Tho League was going'to get a vessel of somo sort, but he did not know if their funds would allow them to build a suitable barge. Ho thought that if -hey acquired a second-hand schooner or ecow, she would serve their purpose admirably. Tho training barge should be a vessel capable of going to sea, so as to give tho boys a trip along the coast or round the Peninsula bays. A scheme had been drawn up as a beginning to the idea, and would be brought before tho next meeting of the League. A start would probably be made on land to start with in order to give boys a grounding in boat work and smalf arm drill. He would like vorv much to enlist tho sympathy of tho* Harbour Board and of the people generally in the direction of enabling the League to acquire a suitable vessel.

"' . .. ' »—__—»■_» Ail th© Oanterbnry—tro-t- -treamft . wero reported clear yesterday rooming except the Ransitata, which, was reported dirty. Tho Institutions CommiEt-. was granted permission by the Hospital aad Charitable Aid Board yesterday to holdf in abeyance for the present the question of the provision of a receiving home. The Palmerston North Bor__sh Council, at a special meeting, decided to submit to a poll of ratepayers a proposal for an Edison storage battery tramway system, as being the ono best suited for the requirements of the town, and step»=. are to bo taken to get the ratepayers to sanction a loan of £_-0.000. At the Lyttelton Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., judgment by default was given for plaintiff in the caso William Cook (Mr Neave) v. J. Rhodes, claim £9,5 12s Od goods supplied, and costs £3, and by consent in the easts Mand Stiver v. E. Foreman, claim £1 los on an order, and costs ss. Owing to the reported outbreak of infantile paralysis in Otago. the Public Heaith Committee of the North Catstorbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board has invited the Canterbury branch of the Medical Association to express an opinion as to the best means to adopt to prevent the spread of tha disease should if make its appearance in this district. The Senate of the University of New Zealand agreed to grant Arthur Busliby Pearson tho Edinburgh and GJ.asgow diploma of public health in the Now Zealand University. As regards the medical students who wont North to assist the authorities in combating the Miinllpox epidemic, the Senate resolved that a special examination he hold in March, provided that th** Health Department bear the expense of the examination. The Department has agreed to do so. The construction of the new wwer across the rivor, near Cowlishaw's corner is likely to cause serious inter* fcrence with training operations on-tho nver, as well as boating generally.- Th<* - chairman of the Canterbury Rowing Association, at the meeting Inst niszht suggested that the work should be postponed until after Easter, by which time all the regattas would have been cot off. It was decided to ask" the Drainage Board to put off the work ' until April 13th, the date of tho Akaroa Regatta. It does not always pay to steal. A week or two ago a tent belonging to the Hospital Board, and in use by _ tuberculosis dispensary patient, was stolen. Tho tent was in readiness to be sent to the hospital for disinfection when it disappeared. ''The person vht> ' was guilty of this particularly theft may have reason later to regret having taken away an infected teat,'' remarked Dr. Blnckmore, officer in charge of tho dispensary, in his report - to the Board yesterday. Fifty-three patients were in residence at tho Cashmere Hills Consumptive Sanatorinm on December 31st. They comprised 23 men. 28 women, " and 2 children. On November 30th there ■, were in residence 54 patients. Five patients were admitted during December and six discharged. During December there were 186 attendances at tho tuberculosis dispensary and 19 persons called for information. The nurwpaid 93 visits to patients, in their o«*n homes. Seven new cases were notified through tho dispensary - during tho month. _._..___ Probate of the-wills of tho following,, deceased persons* has been granted r.bj ; _. Mr Justice Denniston: —Eliza Atftjai_W(Mr Wright). -James Gallagher ' (Mr Barrett), Richmond Koele (Mr Cowlishaw), Rosaltha Hilda Cameron (.leary (Mr -Johnston), Robert Goodfcllow For--gie (Mr Johnston), Jane Clark (Mr Neave), Margaret. Moor Burt (Mr Wes-. ton), Sarah Ann Mary Garrett (Mr, Hill), Josephine Harriet Anno Baker. (Mr Wright), William Alexander Triha (Mr Dougall), and Luke _lunnibell (Mr Hill). Lettere. of administration havo been granted in 'the estate of August f Wilhem Meyer (Mr Papprill)-, HugliWright (Mr W. E. D. Bishop), Patrica ; Wother-poon (Mr Izard), Thos. Tatnel! (Mr Hunt). The presence in the country districts' of a larger number of men looking for work than is usual • was commented upon by Mr R. Evans at the meeting: yesterday of the executive of tho Nortfi Canterbury Farmers' "Union. 'Mr Evans said that there were at present - moro men travelling round the.countey than he had seen for years. He want- : ed the public to understand thafc J a great number of these men wero not the kind of men wanted in the country, as they -were not farm • hands, " H« spoke to many of them, and .had not. found two' competent farm hands -6r men able to do reasonable work on afarm. Mr C. H. Ensor remarked that somo of them were men thrown out" of. work owing to the strike, and men whose unions ought to be looking after them. Mr Sheet's experiencofc! the ; men who were seeking work in.bis ais-}| trick w_jsc t-fat they were '*» decent lot. .- There will be an intwestinß ceremony at the Belfast works of the Canterbury . Frozen Meat Company at 3 p.m. on _, Tuesday next, when the chairman, wr. ■ Geo. Clifford, will open the l*tf-J& .- tepid swimming baths that have W_»r; provided by the company for tfes;tj»--oP tbeir employees. The batta *»$» , bo filled with artesian water, which, *» in the case of the Christchurch fflttm- . cipal tepid baths, will be wanned W ; . flowing over tho condensers at tne e»- : gine house, thus at once self and cooling the steam that 18 witnin the, pipes of the i«S baths co_t just under £300. The> *om-. pany is effecting a the works, which are b « n ? i ,*- e0 on "garden city lines'' with I*""*, • flowers, shrubs, etc., It » "«J;*?£ the first concern in New Zealand i© U£ augtirate the new policy, fnMJggm. " patine Sir William. Lever's contemplated Petone works. Animated pictures harp shown case* of cattle-lifting in America, but. .W» kind of offence is not common in «£ Dominion. A canes^d^J 0 l ports to tho "Haw-ra Star" that » most daring attempt to steal a mob or cattlo was made a few days ago. A settlor has some property wmo *£ tanco from the homestead,. 10 one pa* . dock of which he runs bis dry J voting stock. The animals were pr*n-. cipally yearling heifers, and on a «r----tain day lately wore seen 4 »docj in the afternoon, when everything *JJ all right. At 8 o'clock, however, just as darkness was coming on, a «nsu son of the owner chanced to *•<»?"* road, whPn ho saw a pc™ B -_ v tho animals down tbe road.. Tho Wry - recognised some of the animals, ana tho driver, upon being accosted, mM« off. Upon investigation, it *» foWMI tliat the gate, which was kept loc_:ea, had been removed from ite hingesA reception was held at tho Connaught Rooms, London, by the Hon. T. Mackenzie, High Commissioner i« New Zealand, on December lGth. m welcome Home, on behalf of the ■"•-J Zealand Government. Captam Lion*» Halscv. R.N.. and the officers of «•»•*>• New "Zealand, after their «wM« cruiso. An address of welcome «««: • livercd by tho Hon. T. CJtZ was replied to by Captain L. R.N., C.M.G. A large number of ><£ Zoalanders were present at tho reception, which was also attended ny Admiral H.S.H. Prince Louts of Batj tenborg (First Sea Lord), Lord »J Lady Plunket. and many other saciat, navAl and civic notables. The musical programme comprised sir numbers,■, "Land of Hope and Glory" and Call* Hcrrin." by Madame Elvira Bernstein, "Mv Ships" and "Love's Whisper, ot Mis* Ethel Ooode: and "Flower Sontf - from "Faust" and "Maori Song, by Miss Adelaide van St,.vore_u

'At the local bureau of the Labour Department is is reported that-work in tbe carpentering and building trades is somewhat slack at present. No difficulty is experienced, however, in finding work for suitable men ia the countryAn old Maori named Rangata, giving evidence in a civil actiou in tho Wanganui Magistrate's Court in which he was the defendant, said Jio stayed at an hotel for over two months. Only five weeks wero mentioned in the claim, and the statement was an obvious mistake. The Magistrate, Mr W. Kerr, commenting upon this point, said: "The Maoris are children of Nature. They live for the present only. They have no idea of time or dates." The industrial agreement entered into between the Christchurch Horso and Commercial Motor Drivers' Union and the Canterbury Employers' of Ih-jvers' Industrial Union of Employers and others who employ drivers, has been filed with the Clerk of Awards at Christchurch. The agreement, which follows generally tbe lines of the existing award, came into force on January 26th, 1914, and is to remain in force till January lst, 1917. Th© results of the State nursing examinations were very gratifying and satisfactory as far as the Christchurch nursing staff is concerned, the fourteen candidates passing. Six passed with credit, whilst one took first place for the Dominion. The Hospital Board yesterday congratulated tho medical _uperintendent and thc lady superintendent on the success of the Board's nurses. Of the fourteen candidates who passed, ten aro remaining for tho fourth year, and four leaving to take up other branches of the work. Large areas of native land on tho Hauraki Plains have been purchased by Auckland and southern syndicates, for closer settlement. Applications for Hauraki pastoral leases which have no connexion with Hauraki Plains lands, but refer to pastoral rights over auriferous areas, arc increasing. Some confusion exists regarding the two classes of land named (says a Press Association telegram from Thames), . and some intendinc settlers . have travelled long distances +o find that they had misunderstood tho position. A party of Nursing Sisters, of the Littlo Company of Mercy, or "Blue Sisters," from the Lewisham (Sydney) Hospital, which is quite famous among medical men and others, throughout Australia and the Pacific Islands', arrived at Wellington by the Moeraki yesterday. They will come on to Christ"church by tho Moeraki to-morrow, when a number of ladies are to meet them. They havo como to open a hospital of tbeir own Order in premises on Boa ley avenue, but as the re-construction work will not bo completed for another fortnight, Mrs J. D. Lanco has kindly placed her residence, at 195 Antigua street, at tbe disposal of the Sisters till iheir now home is ready. ' The Mayor of Wanganui and . the borough engineer recently visited Gisborne to mako observations in connexion with the tramway system in that town. They have reported to the local Council, and.were adverse to the storage battery system. The Mayor assured the Council that, judging" from what ho had heard from reliable sources, he would not be surprised if. tho peo_ile of Gisborne abandoned tbo storage battery system in that town', and went in for tho overhead trolloy system. They had but a mile stretch of straight line* with no: hHls. He was 6ure that the storage: battery system was not practical on a hilly track. Within tho past three months over one hundred ladies have, derived marvellous results from the special courses of hair treatments received at Mrs Rolleston's, Cathedral square. • Fee, one guinea, including necessary preparations. 6 Farmers requiring harvesting supplies should not fail to ask for quotation? from Ashby, Bergh and Co., of thi< city. They carry a splendid stock, and their goods are always reliable. Hay forks,, oils, files, band-cutters, oilcans, tents, mugs and plates, billies, knives and forks, needles and twine, -.wing palms, cooking outfite—in fact, everything necessary for. harvesting operations. > , 7 . . Look at the labels on Thomson's cardials, and yon will see that this firm 'guarantees that nothing artificial is ' -used in the manufacture. Nothing but the finest fruit juices are utilised. Take no risks. Make sure of purity. '„. Get Thomson's. All grocers. Ford and ' Minim, agents. 2 '■We know of nothing more potent -as the power of low prices. Circum- , stances demanding, and the powers submitting, the result will be' busi--ness. though tho financial results may jibfc be all one could desire.' We cite an instance: Messrs Armstrong and Coy.-.sale of goods, held uo by tho late strike. Yesterday, the public rushed each of the firm's stores, with results probably more to their than Messrs Armstrong's advantage.? Our ladies should take the hint and get w early. 6 • Motor Accessories—"Lvcott Belts, |-mch, ISs, i-inch, 15s, 1-inch. 17s 6-1; Hutchinson Heavy Tyres, 37a 6d; Assorted spares kept, also best quality repairs, at J. H. Suckling and Co., Garage. -317 Worcester street. '6 Holiday-makers • and others who intend journeying by rail or sea will find .their wants well catered for at Ashby, .. qergh's High street. Trunks and bags .of every description and quality are there, besides the smaller lines, such as - rug-straps, - luggage-labels, hokkalla, ok- . ■• . s 6 Welter J, Watson, D.8.0.A., London, Expert Optician (near Kincaid's). Accurato Sight-testing and Spectaclefitting, Repairs to Frames and broken Lenses matched. Charges moderate. 8 Ladies will need an extra blouse or . two before the Summer is over, and Slendid judgment will be shown by oso who take advantage of the opportunity Graham, Wilson and Smellie's *ale offers for procuring them. They have them at all prices, from 2s 6d. 1732 Avoidance of harassing delay, saving of time, and th© careful handling of g°°ds fox Customs clearing, should be sufficient inducement for placing your next-shipment in the hands of J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd. 6 ■Your Eyes—A new discovery for waimng Cataracts, Films, Whit. opeclra. *tc., without operations. Send - _? r particulars and testimonials, free. .'Rw. Hall, Herbalist. 117 Armagh s -rtreet. City. - _ ■ . 9jw are your poor feotP Hot and *{«vi? You want Berry's Antiseptic loilet Powder. It is unrivalled for *isß_ined surfaces, tender or perspir,l ' jag feet. Price, Is. John Berry. Colombo street. 2 Collectors of postcards and amateur Photographers will be interested to know that an article called a Mono-, scope, which consists of a large con■caya mirror in a stand, and giving an enlarged and stereoscopic effect, is '«ocked by John R. Proctor, Oculists' Optician, 200 High etreet, Christchurch. One will be sent post free on receipt of 3s 6d. 5 H you want your electrio light, lift, laotor, bells, or telephones properly 5_ P roin Pt_* attended to, ring up -Turnbull and Jones. Telephones 421 and 3370. 1 ; JUDGE AND THE HAT-PIN. _* ■ Judge Mackarness, at tho Worthing County Court, addressing a lady who - was wearing a cap fastened to her hair with a long pin, "If you walk about "; with a hat-piu sticking out like that fou will be up for murder some day. ake my advice, and take it out." The woman replied, "Well, 1 must keep my ■ p cap on somehow,"

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY BY AEROPLANE. Tho London "DaUy Mail" is making an interesting experiment in, connexion with the distribution of its Riviera edition, which began publication in Nico this month. It has engaged Aviator Salmet to leavo Nice every morning with parcels of newspapers, which he will deliver along the coast. Each parcel will b9 attached to a parachute, and he will throw out a parcel at each of the principal towns over which ho passes. THE E._RLIEST~GOLD COIN. A unique gold coin has just been purchased for the nation by the trustees of the British Museum, with the assistance of private subscribers. It is tho only known example of the gold coinage of tho Anglo-Saxon King Offa (A.D. 757-79o I>,1>, the most celebrated of all tho Mercian Princes, tho friend of Charlemagne, and tho recipient of many presents from that Emperor. It is tho earliest gold coin that can be definitely ascribed to any English King. Although struck by .. Christian King, it bears a Maliommcdan inscription in Arabic. A CLUB WITHOUT "BORES." Tho Moscow prefecture has just confirmed the statutes of a newly-formed club in that city the chief feature of which is the absolute silenco imposed on its members within the club precincts. Auy infraction of this cardinal rulo involves a monetary penalty. The club is we.l appointed and luxuriously equipped. It is furnished with billiards, chess, cards, and other games. Gesture is the only medium of intercourse among its members. The _ame rigid regulation obtains at the club buffet and in the dining-room, as well as in tho library and general rooms. Orders aro convoyed to the silent waiters by means of tablets they carry. FORTUNE IN POSTAGE STAMPS. What is 6tated to be tho greatest commercial transaction in postago stamps on record has just been effected by the purchase of the business of Mr W. H. Pcckitt, tho well-known stampdealer, of the Strand, by Messrs Stanley Gibbons. A director of the buying firm said that the prico paid is far in excess of any sum ever paid for a collection or stock of postago stamps. Mr Peckitt is retiring after a prosperous career (says the "Daily Mail"). Although not much over forty years of ago, ho has been dealing in stamps for about a quarter of a century. He started tho business on leaving school, Using a room in his father F s house as an office and selling penny packets of stamps. Two years later ho took an office in the Strand, from which developed the largo building which has been devoted entirely to his business. AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY. A curious caso of misfortuno following an absurd act is related by tho victim himself, who is not naturally superstitious (telegraphs a Wellington correspondent). Arriving in London from New Zealand, ho visited tho British Museum and saw there the mummy of ono of the Egyptian Queens, which is supposed to bring bad luck to those who interfere with it. In a spirit of irresponsibility he cursed it. Since then troubles have come to him. not in single spies, but m battalions. First his mother died. He hansel contracted in turn pneumonia, throat affection, and appendicitis. Then be fell downstairs and fractured a bone in his ankle, and the doctors told him that thero were only two instances of such a fracture on record Several other misfortunes followed, and finally he goC into debt, and was gout back as being no use for the career on which he had embarked. The story sounds like a fairy talc, but the victim sees nothing funny in it. BIGGEST AND~BFST BICYCLE REPAIR FACTORY IN AUSTRALASIA. An important branch of any bicycle business is its repairs department. The best of bicycles require occasional expert attention, even if it is only a matter of fitting new tyres or adjusting bearings, while in the case of serious breakages the result of collision or other accident, it is important to the owner of a really high-grade machine that repairs should be effected with the. most modern and efficient appliances, and .by the most skilled and experienced of workmen. Messrs Adams. Ltd., dealing as they do in only tho highest class of cycles, have been at especial pains in the organisation of their repairs factory. Their experience in this branch of their business extends over twenty-four years, and during that period the repairs business has grown to such an extent; that the factory to-day is quite the largest, best-equipped, and most up-to-date in the Australasian colonies. The factor.* is complete in itself, and is capable of anything from the manufacture and -finishing of a highclass bicycle to the repair of a pin-hole tyre puncture. The enamelling and plating departments are conducted on the most approved English lines. All plating is done on copper, and the finish on both enamel work and plating is guaranteed equal to the best turned out in tho great factories of the Old World. Repairs are under tho personal supervision of the manager of the bicycle department, Mr R. N. Adams, and. the greatest care is exercised to maintain the high reputation the firm has gained ■in this branch of its business. We make a specialty of overhauling, plating, and enamelling bicycle-! which are beginning to look shabby, and our charges—2ss j for enamelling and 20s for plating, inclusive of thorough overhauling—will be found extremely moderate for work of the highest class. The completeness of our eouipment means a saving of time and labour without loss of quality, and the savine* k iefl<vtpd in our charges. Adams, Ltd., High street, Christchurch. " RTNK IAXTS. LTD. " Our teloT-hones ar P 878. 1838 and 1337. Our address is 104 Armasrh street. Businp"**- r"*nrs. th** whole 24. W. Hayword, Manager. 6