LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1308, 11 December 1911, Page 4

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The s.s. Wimmera from Sydney, with nn.Knglish mail (via Suez) and an Australian mnil, arrived at Auckland at / o'clock last eveniiiß. Tho ' Wellington and southern portions of the niail will arrive in town by the Main Trunk oipress this afternoon.

The Victoria College Council will meet on Wednesday evening of this week, instead of on liecember 20.

A further meeting of the Mount Hector Tourists' Track Committees is to be held here on Tuesday, at which tho overseer will report as to the progress made. There was a good muster of members of the Maranni Surf Club at Lyall Bay on Saturday for the opening of the season. Councillors John Smith and John Fuller, juu., were present, and the former, after unfurlinß the club's flag, addressed a few words to members on the value of knowledge of the methods of life-saving. Cheers were then given for both councillors. During tho afternoon exhibitions of life-saving were given by members. A squad of young men, under tho direction of Vice-Captain Ncal, went through the laud drill, and then Miss 0. Arthur took the ladies' squad in hand for the same work. Subsequently half a dozen nf the men effected a practical rescue. Other events wore.—Physical culture by Mr. Garnet Sims and pupils; axe-swinging after the manner of clubs by Mr. Kupert Parker; and wrestling by liessi's. S. Chapman and SI. Morgan. Parliament has voted X4OOO for the purpose of subsidising public libraries. The distribution will take place on February 3 next, and no claim will be recognised that is not sent in in proper form to the Secretary for Education on or before January 27.

The members of Cabinet who arp ill Wellington mot at the Prime Minister's resilience yesterday morning, but no information 'as to Cabinet decisions was given to tho press.

During the month of October (states the latest Gnzctte) 31C9 persons arrived in New Zealand and 2366 left for other lands, making a not gain in population of 80:t. During (ho corresponding month last, year !H4l nrrived and 2144 left—« inin'of 1317. It is significant that of (ho i<l6l) arrivals 2287 came, here from Australia (181G from New South Wales), and of the 2308 departures, 2111 left for Australia (IG!G for Now South Wales).

A sitting of the Native Land Court is lo !#? lield at Greytown on December 15. Tho cases lo be heard are set out in the lati'st Gazette.

The annual three days' exhibition of students' work at tho Wellington Technical Srhool closed on Saturday evening (here being a large attendance of visitors to the display, which was generally admired.

In conjunction with the Wellington Photographic Society, the Port Nicholson Yacht Club held a very enjoyable picnie at Sonnies Island yesterday. There was a very large number of yachts present, and about one hundred people took port iu tho outing.

The stony nature of the grounds snrroimding Clyde Quay School has debarred tho School Committco from attempting anything in the nature of tree-planting on' Arbor Day. In order to compensate for this, and with a view to stiinulatiiiß the vouthful minds of the scholars to a closer knowledge of practical horticulture, the committee decided , to hold a summer flower show. The schedule includes elates for table decorations, bouquets, pot plants and vegetables, and the, idea lias been taken up -so enthusiastically bv the scholars that there will be 3:jO exhibits. The iirst show is to be held in tii« schoolroom on Tuesday, and is to be opened by Mr. J. G. W. Airkcn at 3 p.m. Several valuable prizes have been donated bv Iho Stewart. Hardware Company, J. D'ntliio and Company. Ltd., Driscoo and Company. Ltd., J. T. Tlnvairo?. and others, 'it is to be hoped that (he labours of iho sub-eonmiittce-Mossrs. Burly, DiithK', and McDonald-who have spoilt much time in organising the show, will receive the hearty support ol tho householders of the district.

Madatno Knrle, who was employed .it .Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains's .promises, died yesterday. On Thursday nipht she was seized with a fainting fit, while in the street, and was removed to a private hospital.

It. was mentioned at the Eastbourne Horonijii Council on Saturday evening dial: tlic .ouneU's offer of .MO for a 60ft. strip of land above high-water mar): Ind been accepted by the owner, Dr. )•'. I\. Mackenzie. The council is now nctfotiuliiiir for a strip of land between the shore and Mi-. W. G. Miintell's properly.