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Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 17 June 1901, Page 3

The French census shows that the population of France has decreased by 12,883 in five years. The question “ Who was Bismarck ? ” which was set up by a German officer to his men, called forth some curious answers. Nine said that he founded the German Empire, several thought that he was an Emperor, a great number pictured him as a General, one said that he was a poet, and another that he translated the Bible. The neatest answer was that he was “ the Kaiser’s greatest enemy.” How soon forgotten even in Germany. A party recently returned from a prospecting tour in the South-west Coast Sounds writes to the Dunedin Star to say that he is astonished so little has been done towards utilising their waste timber belts. Besides ordinary pines libitum —magnificent timber sticks—there are considerable areas of yellow pine, which (adds our informant) is just now in good demand for railway sleepers. The Sounds are well provided for in natural wharfage—deep, well-sheltered water up to the breast-work; and in that way the shipping trade could be carried out on most economical terms. Huts and through tracks for the accommodation and convenience of visitors are being erected, so that the difficulty of getting about these lands is largely obviated, and will eventually disappear. The suggestion is one well worthy of attention by the timber trade. The Patea Harboor Board has adopted the report of Mr Reynolds, 0.8., recommending a west pier, to cost for 600 feet £15,000, or 700 feet £21,700. which, it is claimed, would effectually protect the bar and give considerably deeper water in the channel. The Board has decided to get the necessary Bill prepared authorising a loan to carry out the work. Albert Edward Commonwealth George Victoria May Alexandria Toby Regina is a very full-sized name for a young Australian born on Federal Parliament opening day. The Bruce Herald states that 20 men are now engaged ballasting the Fortifica tion Company’s line, and it is expected that the work will be completed inside a fortnight, when everything will be in full working order. In applying for probation for the young Maori, who was brought up for sentence at the Supreme Court Wanganui, counsel stated that accused had hitherto borne an excellent character. Latterly, however, there had been one or two deaths among people of importance in the locality in which he lived, and at the resultant tangis there had been a good deal of drink ing. It will be regretted that drunken tangis still existed, but counsel was pleased to be able to state that in this particular district it had been decided to put a stop to them. Alluding to the labour laws, in the course of his address at Waimate, the Hon. Major Stewart said he differed from the Government, as he thought the Government. and its employees should be put on the same footing as private employers and their employees.