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Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1085, 25 March 1911, Page 13

A recent cable messago to a Sydney paper from Paris stated that Paderewski, the famous pianist, caused sorno surprise when he turned up unexpectedly in tho city. It appears that tho object of his visit was to be present at the national poultry show, whero his exhibits won two first prizes. Paderewski's wife is an expert in poultry, and tho pianist has been decoratcd by the Minister for Agriculture. I'aderewski recently sold a couplo of whito Orpingtons in America for £1500. Nicola, a wizard and illusionist from India and the East, commences a season in Australia at au early date. This artist, who will bo appearing under the direction of Messrs. J. and N. Tait, is considorcd to bo one of the most astonishing performers of the present day. His entertainmeut is unique, inasmuch as it comprises not only novel tricks in legerdemain, but some of tho most extraordinary feats in Indian fakir magic. For that reason alono Nicola is bound to excito much attention in Australia, but when it is known ho is an escapologist of the Houdini order, the interest in him will be greatly increased. Recently ho astounded audiences in Calcutta' and Lucknow by his ability _to escape from straight jackets, chains, and all forms of manacles. Tho statistics of tho Methodist Church of New South Wales for 1910, as presented to the recent conference, show tho incroaso in church membership for tho year to bo_988, only one district, Illawarra, showing a slight decrease. Resides this, thore aro 649 members on trial, so that tho figures arc extremely satisfactory. During tho year 195 members died. Communicants, other than members,'aro returned at lTSO; which is 251 more than last year,