General News.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19180, 10 December 1927, Page 14

General News.

The auction advertisements of WalI lace, Wade, Co., Ltd., H. B. Sorensen, Tonks, Norton, and Co., Ltd., L. W. Ballan and Co., Commissioner of Crown 'Lands, McKenzie and Willis, H. C. i Smith, New Zealand Farmers' Co-op. ■ Association, Ltd., P. 6. Nicholls and Co., Ltd., H. Matson and Co., and W. E. Siines and Co., appear on page 23 of this issue.

To date the applications for Christmas toys received by the Town Clerk (Mr J. S. Neville) total 60. The youth Alexander Jacksou, who had been missing since Sunday last returned to his home early yesterday morning.

Early yesterday morning there was a total eclipse of the moon, which was only partly visible in New Zealand. A better view of the phenomenon would be had in Australia. The moon entered the penumbra at 3.23 a.m., and the umbra at 4.22 a.m., setting at 5.20 a.m., a short time before the total stage of the eclipse began.

It is thought that an attempt _to break into Strange's premises, High street, was made on Thursday night, as the steel chain, which guards the Lichfield street entrance, was found broken by a constable late in the evening. As there were no signs of further tampering on the doors, it is thought the thief was interrupted in his work, and a search yesterday morning failed to have any further results. Yesterday, the inspection of the various gardens of the schools in the Canterbury district was completed. The. gardens are visited yearly, when they are judged for the several competitions. Messrs J. Young, W. H. Winsor, and Moody visited the following schools yesterday, and will present a report to the next meeting of the Education Board: —Annat, South Malvern, Methven, Mt. Somers, Mayfield, Euapuna, Willoughby, Eiffelton, Tinwald, and Wakanui. The chairman of the Tongariro National Park Board states that the Board will acquire several fine scenic reserves alongside the Main Trunk railway under the Empowering Act nassed last session. These will increase the Board's area by 15,000 to 18,000 acres. The chairman also stated that the Board had received a donation of £SOO from the trustees of the Bruce Estate towards the erection of the proposed new hostel on the park —Press Association.

An oak lectern, of a design unique as far as New Zealand churches are concerned, is to be dedicated by Archbishop Averill in St. Barnabas' Church, Mount Eden, Auckland, on Christinas Day, the occasion being the eightieth anniversary of the church. The lectern, which has been designed by Mr J. C. Blechynden, architect, of Hamilton, is being given by the parishioners as a thanks-offering. It is of the same type as that of the early sixteenth century lectern in Lenham Church, Kent, the lower portion of which is very unusual in England.

During the voyage from Pacific Coast ports to Auckland of the American steamer Crosskeys, the officers saw several albatrosses north of the 23rd meridian. These birds, so well-known to the sailor, are seldom anywhere so far north, and their presence is accounted for by the fact that tho weather was unusually cool. One of the ship's officers, who has been many years in the trans-Pacific trade, says that he never remembers seeing the albatross in that latitude. In the winter they are seldom seen north of Lord Howe Island and in the summer often not at all.'

Even in mid-ocean recognised customs and services are observed. Evidence of this was given by the passengers by the Hororata, which arrived in Auckland from England this week. On Armistice Dav the usual service was held, and poppies in aid of Earl Haigs fund were sold. Later, these were collected and made into a wreath, and dropped "overboard as a tribute to the glorious dead. A ceremony of a different character was that staged on Guy Fawkes' Day, when the children aboard were treated to a fireworks display, and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. A small consignment of exhibits for the Auckland Zoo, comprising a Russian brown bear and three crested cranes, arrived by the Hororata from England this week. The birds landed in good condition, although a fourth, which was in the shipment, died during the voyage. They are not expected to display their plumage to the best advantage until after the next moulting, the long sea trip having to some extent affected the usual splendid appearance of this bird. The brown bear, which is a young female, will be on view this coming week-end. A wild cat, also consigned to the Zoo. was in poor condition when shipped and died when the Hororata was one day out from Southampton. Ad-vice has been received that in addition to representatives from the different power authorities in North and Mid-Canterbury delegates from South Canterbury and from the Waitaki Power Board will attend the conference convened by the Progress League and to be held next Wednesday to discuss the power situation and the necessity for speeding up the completion of the equipment at Lake Coleridge and the installation of the new power scheme on the Waitaki river. In the absence of Mr J. R. Templin, consulting engineer to several Canterbury power authorities, he i will be represented at the conference by Mr H. F. Toogood. The Canterbury I Members of Parliament in both | Houses have been invited to attend the conference.

Give something useful for the table —something that will please as well as beautify. What is more acceptable as a gift than a piece of crystal glassware or. Eoyal Doulton China. We have a very wide range to choose from in latest designs. Visit our Chinaware Department, and view our display. Ashby Bergh and Co., Ltd., High street. —6 Mowers, rakes, and threshers, and duplicate parts thereof held in stock at reasonable prices. T. and S. Mo'rrin and Fenwick, Ltd., 377 Moorhouse avenue, Christchurch and Auckland. —6 Johnston's N.C. Motor Co., Ltd., Cen tral Gikrage, Rangiora. Complete plant and staff for repairs in motor-cars and tractors. Tyres, Petrol, and all accessories in stock. Garage 'Phone 87. G. Ecroyd, Travelling Rep.; W. C. Wilson, Travelling Rep.; A. Prestncy, Manager. Private 'Phone 88. —1

Before buying a Hay Sweep be sure you see our improved rear hitch folding pattern, reducible in two minutes from thirteen and a half feet to nine feet. The only important improvement made in hay sweeps in the last twenty years. P. and D. Duncan, Ltd., Tuam street, Christchurch. —6

The Hotel Federal's new and up-to-date dining-room is now completed with accommodation for 200 guests, and specialising in casual luncheons from 12.30 to 2 p.m. Six courses (including grills), 2s 6d. 'Phone 1040 to reserve tables. """"

• Booth Household Electric Pumps succeed where others have failed. They are sturdy, reliable, noiseless, and durable, wear being taken up by the simple process of renewing leathers every few years. Prices have been again reduced, making them one of the cheapest, as well as being undoubtedly the best Electric Pump on the market. Illustrated pamphlet post free. Drop a p.c. for your copy. Booth, Macdonald and Co., Ltd. —8