The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1907.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1978, 14 January 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1907.

The position of the Hospital is getting more chaotic and is now in a more unsatisfactory position than ever, notwithstanding tlio two enquiries that have taken place and tho resolutions of the Trustees, which :simply express' t tho belief that the patients into whoso cases tho enquiries, such ns they were, were made, had been properly treated. But in neither case have the Trustees come to a definite decision, and said in plain, unequivocal language, that proper treatment had been administered, and that tho management of tho Hospital had been cleared of every suspicion of laxity or neglect. In tho latest case, they are careful to go no furthor than to- say that “the weight of evidence goes to establish that lio received all proper and necessary medical and nursing attention,” but that is a very different thing from saying that tho evidence did establish that view. The Trustees can hardly bo blamed for not going further than they did, because if they had done so they would have gone beyond what the evidence warranted, but no one can yet say that the Hospital management has yet been successfully relieved of any suspicion of neglect or improper treatment, nor can that be done until there is a complete and exhaustive enquiry into all and every allegation that has been made in that direction, and that has not yet been attempted. It has not even been attempted in tho cases that have been enquired into, for, as we have on former occasions pointed out, the Board of Trustees is not a tribunal that can, unaided by expert advice, be expected to go into the details of medical diagnoses and treaement and give a pronouncement thereon that would be worth the paper it was written upon, and in both these cases there were phases of the matter that ought to have been closely examined into, but were not. Take the latter easp, and we have tho positive evidence of Dr, Colo that after a

minor operation the temperature was reduced to a little above normal, and foy three days (Jan. 23 to 2(3) the rase “was going on favorably.” The pus cuvith-s were opened, and everything washed put, and the case showed considerable improvement. There followed a time about which nothing definite is known, for the temperature charts are missing, an alleged operation is not recorded in tbo operation book as it should have been, and all that wo can be certain about is that tho patient’s sufferings became “terrible.” How, there must have been a definite and ascertainable cause for this great change, hut is it ascertained beyond mere general suggestion that the cause was a natural one and not due to neglect? Dr. Morrison denies neglect, and so do the nurses; but the onus of proving that rested upon them, and the circumstances demanded more than u mere denial, nor would an expert have been satisfied until that proof was forthcoming. He would, for instance, require to be satisfied by satisfactory details, well established, that amyloid disease, which is naturally induced by neglected suppuration, had not in this ease been induced by that cause, and ho would not give a certificate that proper treatment had been afforded until a more specific story had been told as to tho. treatment and cause of death. That will now probably never be heard, and wc arc asked to accept

the cortificnto of laymen that tho toolmical treatment into which tlioy have but cursorily enquired, is all right. Wo might fool disposed to tako that view of tho matter, too, had wo not boon previously supplied

with information of tho most positive character, for which ivo did not ask, and which placed tho mattor in a vory difforont light, and from which wo can now only conclude that ono of throo things has happened. Either (1) tho truth, tho wholo truth, and nothing but tho truth has been told at tho enquiry, that (2) the detailed statomont of tho facts of this and other cases supplied to us voluntarily, and for tho purpose of inducing us to publish data as a basis of charges, nro wilful misstatements, or (3) only half tho truth has been elicited at this enquiry, and a consequent miscarriage of justice has taken placo. And when to this is added tho further information that eortain porsons not directly connected with tho Hospital whispered advice suggostivo of intimidation, and certainly calculated to sway public opinion and stultify tho evidence of timid witnesses, wo are not satisfied that tho inquiry has done more than to leave tho matter in a more unsatisfactory position than over. Wo think, too, that in tho face of tho many allegations made, and tho general mistrust in tho minds of a vory largo number of people in regard to tho conduct of tho Hospital, tho proper course for tho Trustees to have pursued was to have fixed a time for an enquiry into all and sundry complaints, and to have publicly invited anyono who had a complaint to make to come forward and substantiate it or for ovormoro hold

thoir pence, instead of taking thorn piecemeal and disregarding serious allegations, such as variation of the doctor’s treatment by tho matron. AVo have spoken thus plainly with a full sense of tho responsibility attaching to our words, yet with no

other dosiro than to soo justice done to ovoryonc concerned, and to remove from tho heads of the accused parties any undue stigma that may liavo been cast upon them by idle rumor, while at tho same time meting out a just moasuro of punishment by loss of office or otherwise to any who may ho found to deserve it, and so maintain tho good name of an institution that should in most cases bring health and happiness into tho homes of tho people, and should novel- bo suspected of causing pain and sorrow to hang round the family fireside.

Tho City Band gave a sacred concert yesterday afternoon. The steamer Kaipara left AVollington for London yesterday. A sitting of tho Land Board takes place at Gisborne this morning. Colonel Gudgeon proceeded South by tho steamer last evening. Captain Colebourno was among the passengers from Napier on Saturday night. Alany bathers were making their way to the beach as late as 8 o’clock on Saturday night. Passengers by tho steamer Alokoia yesterday report that the coastline was almost obscured by misty weather. Air. E. A. Pavitt is now in charge of the Lands and Survey Department of British North Borneo. A parade of the East Coast Mounted Eilles took placo yesterday, Captain Russell making an inspection. Tho annual meeting of subscribers to tho Turanganui Public Eibrary will bo held in the Library at 8 this evening. Tho Hospital Trustees meet on Friday next, when the question cf tho position of medical officer is likely to bo gone into. A first-class canvasser and collector is advertised for ; applications, enclosing references, to bo addressed the Manager Times office. » The lialf-holiday quostion is to bo decided at tho Borough Council meeting to-morrow night. Thursday is certain to be again chosen as the day. Four passengers got down too late ft r the outward launch last night, though they probably got out to the steamer by other means before her departure, The Gisborne team of bowlers did not come up by (ho sfcamor,. on Saturday m’ght. They are proceeding to Christchurch to fake part in tho big fixture there.

To those who believe in' omens it was mentioned on Saturday night that Te Rau bowlers had left and returned by the “ Victoria,” and had a daylight trip both ways.

Our telegrams convey tho sad news of the death of Captain East of tho Tyser line. The captain was a frequent visitor to Gisborne, and had many friends. Air Snrgisson, of tho Bank of New South AVales staff, returned from Auckland yesterday, having been transferred back to the local branch. His many Gisboi-no friends will bo pleased to have him back again.

Only five votes separated the two candidates for the Tolago riding in tho Cook County Council election, the result being E. 13. Boland 69, AI. Fitzgerald 64. The latter was strongly supported at the Gisborne booth and the former at Tolago Bay and Takapau.

For their stock sale at ATatawhero on Thursday next, Alessrs AVilliams and Kettle have 1000 sheep and 100 head of mixed cattle to offer, and Alessrs Common, Shelton and Co. and Dalgcty and Co. have 3000 sheep and 215 head of cattle to submit.

In the opinion of Captain Russell tlie volunteers should become part and parcel of tho army, and he hopes that the storotyped form of the toast, “Navy, Army and Volunteers” will soon give place to the army as one body.

Captain Bussell, of Hawke’s Bay, who attended a parade of the East Coast Mounted Kiflcs at Gisborne yesterday as inspecting officer, says that the, local corps lias the reputation of being one of the best corps oil tho East Coast of this island.

At tho social gathering on Saturday night Mr AA r . I’oltic mentioned that the Gisborne team of bowlers had won seven games at Mastcrton. Mr Ainbridgo said the telegrams had given the number of wins as six. “ Then it must have been a mistake,” said Mr Pettie ; “ they won seven and were very nearly the runnersup.” Tho Press Association telegram appearing in tho Times on Friday morning credited Gisborne with seven wins and three losses, 1 .The now bathing shed for the public was available for use yesterday, and hundreds of bathers took advantage of it. Some people, of course, arc never satisfied, and although the proposed “ screen ” has developed into a good shed, they want flooring and so on. It has been pointed out that if there is more money available provision should he made for ladies at their end of the beach. Tho following crews have been selected by the Poverty Bay Bowing Club to go into training for Mr. B. S. Cox’s photos.:—Av. McGuffie. (stroke), C'. AVinter, A, E. Lyford, D. Murray (bow). G. Henderson. G. Horgan, J. McConnell. C. Butterworth, J. Stuart. I'. Seymour, H. Stevens, J. Murphy, F. Fox, J. Nicholas, T. Glover, .. . Little, T. Sheen, E. Tliaxter, T." McConnell, T. Barker, J. Young, P. AVillougiiby, W. Bobertson. A. M. Orpwood, J. AYebb, A. Burnett. S. Ledger, AA*. Dixon. H. AA’arren, W. McConnell, A. McConnell, J. Teesdale.

At tho welcome to the bowlers on Saturday night, in proposing the health of tho chairman, Mr AY. Pettie referred to the re-election of Mr Harding as a Hospital Trustee. They had noticed, ho said, there had been a very largo meeting duriug them absence, and an expected election had excited great interest. [Voice: “• But we put him in.”| Yes, he was very pleased to sec that Mr Harding had been re-elected. (Applause.) The speaker went on to refer in high terms of praise to th,e work done by Mr Harding on behalf of the Hospital for many years, end said he was suro it would have been a great mistake pot to have elected him. (Applause.) Mr Harding, in reply, said that it was verygratifying to him, although there had been no contest, to see how many had attended with, ho was led to understand, the intention of ensuring Ip’s election. (Applauso.) Ho would do his test to merit that continued confidence, and at tho conclusion of the term would at least be able to say ho '-had done his best,

A doctor called in to attend hornando Marqviei-oii, a constaltlo, who hud boon injurod by a fall at Sovillo, discovered that tho officer was a woman. On Saturday morning a young man was brought boforo Mr. Barton, S.M., charged with having been drunk in one of tho thoroughfares. Boing a first offender ho was let oil with a small fine, in default 2-1 hours imprisonment. All mon may bo won somohow. Thoro aro, of courso, exceptions—thousands of thorn. Their oxistenco makes no difference. Tho maxim remains good. Some aro won by reason their own reason, operating as wo have just indicated. Others by love, by sympathy, by _ influence, and by other forces. And it is not an impossible supposition that, when tho habitual off'ondor has given honest work an honest trial, and has for tho first time realised what it is to bo a man, what it is and what it will bo to enjoy the respect and approval of his fellowmen, lie will at last bo permitted to see how poor, how mean, how misorablo is a life of crime.—Auckland Star.

In a bullotin just issued on the milk and cream exhibit at the National Dairy Show hold in Chicago last February, tho Agricultural Department directs attention to improvements in tho carrying of milk. Milk and cream produced under proper conditions, it says, remains perfectly sweet after boing railed 1000 miles across tho country, put in storage at a temperature of about 30 deg. Falir. for two weeks and then rc-railed 900 miles to Washington, whore they wore stored in an ordinary ice box for several weeks longer. Cream placed in cold storage in Chicago at a temporaturo of 33 dog. remained sweet and palatalile for seven wooks, whilo samples of markot milk remained sweet for a week in tho exhibit case at a temporaturo of about 50 deg.

“Vegetarians are not as a rule as robust mentally as they aro physically,” said Professor AVilliam Osier in a lecture on “The Care of tlio Body,” at the AA'orking Men’s College, Crowndale road, lit. Pancras, recently. “Unfortunately,’-’ he said, “wo aro not all built to get the necessary elements from vegetable:, alone. The human body is like a steam engine—it requires sufficient fuel. The esontial food for a day must contain 13oz of sugar, 3oz of curd, 3oz of fat, and loz of salt. Milk contains all these elements, and a man can like on milk alone. Bread and potatoes are supposed by somo to be only starch, hut through tho action of the pancreatic juice they aro converted into sugar, which produces warmth and energy.”

Before tho French Academy of Sciences, ALAI. Teisserene do Bort and Rotch gave some interesting details of atmospheric observations mado by them at great altitudes during the voyage between tho equator and the island of Ascension. Captive balloons were used, and they wore sent to a height of nine miles. One result of the experiments was to establish tho existence of a return air current, not only in the tropics, but in the Atlantic. Another interesting fact more or less established is that at an elevation of from eight, to nine miles the temperature is almost uniform in all parts of the world. The degree of cold is about lOOdeg. F. below zero.

Airs. Ayrton, an Australian woman whoso researches have gained for her a gold medal from tho - Royal Society, says there is nothing so fascinating, so absorbing, as scientific work. She believes women are well adapted for it. They have, she says, “a groat habit of putting two and two together—men deny that, but it is true—and they have quite as good powers of observation as men, and great patience. For scientific research you must have intuition, a kind of trained imagination, that leads you to form a theory about what you soo, from which you can experiment, and I think women have, that intuitivo power; the power, as it wore, of spreading out facts in their minds and drawing the threads together, o.iul coming to a logical conclusion.”

Tho Farmers’ Union Advocate states: —“At this period of the year farmers of New Zealand ure invariably laced will a scarcity of labor. In nearly every provincial paper which we pick up just now we read of the inconvenience occasioned through the insufficient number of men procurable for farip work. "Why is this so ? Is it that the hundreds of idle men who throng our cities are unwilling to go to tho country? Or arc they unfitted lor rural occupations? Whatever the answer, it is surely a reproach upon our Labor Department, and those charged with the administration of the labor laws of the colony that while scores of idlers congregate in the larger towns, the resources of tho country must remain undeveloped through tlio scarcity of labor.”

A writer in the Cornhill Alagazine gives somo delightful examples of mixed metaphors. Hero is ono. Sir Robert Purvis, addressing his old constituents at Peterborough in defence of an Act of Parliament under whose operation some of them had gono to prison for a week, said : “ That, gentlemen, is the marrow of tho Education Act, and it will not be taken out by Dr Clifford or anyone else. It is founded on a granile foundation, and it speaks in a voice not to bo drowned by sectarian clamor.” Wo must go to Germany to meet that. Ilian address to the present Emperor’s father, a Rlioiulandor mayor said : “ No Austria, no Prussia, ono only Germany. Such wore the words tho mouth of your Imperial Alajesty has always had in its eye.”

Mr Balfour is doggedly carrying out the intention, communicated to a friend on the evo of tho autumn session, to devote himself sedulously to House of Commons work, writes Mr H. W. Lucy. When Mr Chamberlain comes back, lie will find a considerable difference in tho position of his right honorable friend in his relations not only with tho Opposition, but with tho House at large. With a regularity unfamiliar in the days of prosperity, Mr Balfour is in his place when questions are called on, remains through the process of catechism, and sits out long stretches of debate on the Orders of tho Day. 110 was present throughout the all-night sitting, an example loyally followed by some halfdozen of l.is colleagues. He was pardonably proud of the display of force on tbe front Opposition bench compared with the almost empty Treasury bench, for some time destitute of the countenance and counsel of a single Cabinet Minister.

When no-license was carried in Oamaru (states tbe North Otago Times) there was reason for believing that those who wanted liquor would make an effort to get it. There is no difficulty in doing so, as the law places no obstacles in the way of its purchase outside or for its importation. A few weeks ago a syndicate of two invested in a cask of ale, nnd placed the inspiring fluid in a shed, entry to which was made by means of a couple of duplicate keys. Each, as he felt the need of a liquid invigorator, adjeurned to the shed. In course of time a third partner was taken into the syn dicate, and a larger cask was procured, and another key was issued. The shed abutted on to a vacant section, the back of tho shed standing on the boundary line, and the cask was placed close iqi against the wall. A knowledge of this fact somehow came to a fourth person, He made a hole in the wall, and inserted a second tap in the other end of the barrel, from which ho drew copious liquid refreshment. The syndicate naturally suspected that each was taking more than his fair share, and there was a row and a dissolution of tiro partnership They are not now on drinking teams,

Telegraphing from New York a correspondent mentions that the White Star liner Oceanic was struck by a tidal wave during her last voyage to New 1 or!:. and tiiat her commander. Captain Cameron, was severely injured. It will be remembered by many people in New Zealand tiiat- the popular captain of the Oceanic married a New Zealand lady some years ago —namely a daughter of the late Hon. John Martin, of Wellington. The account of the peril of the liner and of her captain is thus related by the telegraphist:—“Captain Cameron, of the White Star liner Oceanic, had a narrow escape from serious injury last Sunday, while the great liner was struggling in a dangerous sea. The passengers had been ordered below. Captain Cameron, who was oil tile bridge, saw an unusually great sea resembling a tidal wave "a quarter of a mile distant. He supposed the Oceanic would rise through the wave, but the preceding wave made her dip her bow, and the heavy sea swept iter from stem to stern. The upper bridge was deluged with tons of water, and Captain. Cameron was thrown violently against the binnacle, where lie lay unconscious for several minutes. The wooden stanchions round the bridge were smashed, one of them falling on the captain and cutting Iris face. Tho windows in tho wheel-house were shattered, tile first officer being badly cut thereby. Miss Hollander, one of the passengers, was injured by being thrown down during a lurch .of the vessel.”-

OUR BOWLERS. RETURN OF te raus. the welcome home. 'J’ho return of To Ran team (winners of tho North Island championship) was cdobrated on SM urdav night with much enthusiasm. Tho turned out in strong force, and there was somhlago of bowlers and thcii Liomls Ao thn launch ncai ou tlio wjiaiJ shortly before 9 p.m.'tho band struck! up an ah'—of welcome, and as t o launch was being moored to the wharf, hearty cheers were given lor To Rauo, with more cheers !o t o skip (Mr. A. J. Massey), and the “Prince” (Mr. Frank Harris , Mi. W. ,j. Henuossy, and Mr. V . 1 etln.. After warm congratulations and hand-shaking by delighted iriends. To Raus were escorted to ono 01 Messrs. Redstone and Son’s brakes, to which four prancing greys wore attached, the driver being tho President of tho Club (Mr. j. A. Harding). The Band played, the pubic heartily cheered, and many were tho individual salutations as tho team drove off. They were given a run round the city, and greeted with cheers wherever a little crowd had congregated. Then they wore escorted to tho Farmers’ Club rooms in the Masonic Hotel building, being welcomed there by more cheering and baud' music. A largo crowd oi friends gathered in the Club rooms. On tho motion of tho President of Te Ran Club (Mr. J. Sheridan), Mr. J. A. Harding (President of the Gisborne Club, and an ex-Presidont of the North Island Bowling Association), was voted to the chair. Tho Chairman said the duty of pesidiug was to him a very pleasant one indeed, and it was with feelings of delight he extended to tho triumphant To Raus their hearty congratulations and a warm welcome homo. He had been connected all his life with sport, and for a groat many years with bowing, and he must say that ho never felt more elated at any result than with Te Raus’ splendid victory at Mastcrton, in carrying off the North Island championship. The members of the team could hardlv realise tho keenness with which the results, and especially tho final results, were awaited. Ho humorously described- how the telephones wero kept going by people eager to learn the news, people being assembled at all places whore they thought the information would ho obtainable. “Of course,” added the Chairman, “many of us never had a doubt about the result." (Hear, hear, and laughter.) We knew that when the occasion presented itself, tho members would do their utmost to bring hack to this district the championship of the North Island. (Applause.) When .wo heard of the defeat by Mastorton wo passed that by. They were the hosts. (Laughter.) Mr. Harris: “But they beat us all the same.”) —After ,tho hospitality they had lavished, the team would no doubt let them down a little. (Laughter.) But when the announcement came that you were victorious over the famous Grconmeadov/s' there was great glee, and it was decided amongst the bowlers that some little reception should be given you on your return. The hour being late, we decided on having it in this room. On behalf of the bowlers of Gisborne, I extend you a hearty welcome.” (Cheers.) Mr. J. Sheridan proposed the toast of “Tho Champion Bowlers of the North Island.” (Applause.) He went on to give" a humorous version of a mythical scrutiny by Mr. J. F. Pettie and the speaker, of the geanologieal chart, in which Mr. Hennessy was found to he a lineal descendant of Brian Bora, that Air. Pettie was related to that (Voice: “Duke.”) Duke? Was ho a duke? (Laughter.) Air. Harris’s forefathers played bowls with moas’ eggs on a bowling green away at the back of Waipiro. (Laughter.) Whilst, as for the skip, they had traced him right back to Drokp. ' (Laughter.) So they could not have had any doubt as to the result. They were pleased that, no accident—for it could only have been an accident —(laughter)— had prevented the team from carrying off the championship. (Applause.) Air. A. J. Massey (the skip), who was received with very hearty applause, returned thanks. He attributed their success to tho perfect harmony that had existed among them throughout. They had greatly assisted him by the confidence they had shown in him. (Applause.) The credit was really more due. to the other members of tho team than to him. The other members of the team were called on. Mr. Harris said they had only gone out for the fun of tho thing. Their hopes had risen as they had gone on winning, but when they

started out to beat- the redoubtable Carlton Club they, had an idea that they would get high up at the finish, if not' at the top. No one could understand the strain on them in that last match, knowing how proud Gisborne people would be if they could only bring homo tho championship. They had played their level best, and their combination had stood to them. He did not believe that any other team could claim the same combination with the friendly spirit actuating them. “If one sent up a bad ball,” said Mr. Harris, “wo were blind at once ; nobody saw it. (Laughter.) If the ‘jack’ got in the ditch wo were looking at. somebody else. (Laughter.) Something always camp to light at- the critical moment. Wo had a skip, than whom we could not wish better. (Applause.) I. knew I deserved to ho kicked at times. (Laughter.) Hut I did not worry; no one troubled. Wo knew the skip could do tho trick, and lie always did it.' (Applause.) It gives

mo great pleasure in being here, not as one of the champion team, but as a Gishornite, and tile great ideasure to us has been, not in tho actual winning of the championship, but that it has been won ior Gisborne. (Appla use.) Mr . Hoinicssy expressed their gratitude for the delightful reception, and after thanking them, referred thorn to ono who “lias always soon us through-—Mr. W. Bottle —who lias never failed to rise to the occasion.” (Applause.) Mr. W. Bottle cordially thanked them for tho hearty reception. When they were declared winners) it was the proudest moment in their lives, not so much as being the winners, but having secured the championship for this district. (Voice: “If you’d only been here and seen how interested we wore.”) In congratulating themselves on their greatvictory, they did not, wish to detract from the play of their opponents. A hen they met Grecmnondows, the latter was an unbeaten team. They had had the misfortune to be beaten by Masterton, which was a very popular win there. The speaker Mlion contrasted the game from a .spectator’s point of view to tiiat when Gisborne had won on the local grond. It was a half-holiday: the green was crowded with visitors, some knowing nothing of bowling, and others knowing more than To Bail did.— (Voices: No.) —It- was an anxious time for them, tho game being keenly contested throughout. Although the scores showed a decisive win, it was not until the 17t.1i head had been played that the strain was relaxed, and they felt victory was theirs. They must express their indebtedness to Mr. Massey, who had largely contributed to their success. As an old howler who had attended nine or ten tournaments, and watched the games from first to last. In' nan never seen a skip play in such a brilliant manner ns Mr. Massey had done throughout tile week, (Applause.) Tfc did not matter how thev played, they were ahvnvs able to depend on the skip. lie spoke verv lughly of the kindness they had received all along the line. From the tune they had left until thev returned, they had had tho heartiest receptions, largely, lie believed, because they were Gisborne men. At Hastings they were entertained at a concert, and had the pleasure of bearing addresses from Hon. ,T. Carroll, and Mr. A. L. D. Fraser. M.H.R.. and other prominent citizens of Napier. At Dannervirke they had games ready for them, and were entertained that evening. In Mhstorton the greatest preparations were made. Tho Wairarapa Farmers’ Club was thrown open to them, and the citizens did _ everything ' they could to make their visit enjoyable, and their thanks were due to the people of _ Masterton. They bad hopes or having another tournament in Gisborne before long, and he hoped in that ease, citizens and bowlers generally would do their best to show like hospitality. As to their victory, the result of the tournament-, even it To Bans bad not been there at all, would have been to their credit, for the Gisborne team had won seven games in their section. When they

found such teams as Wellington and Stratford only winning four or five games, it would be seen how well Gisborne bad done. They had come out almost runners-up in their section, although they had the misfortune at the outset to lose a couple of games through the indisposition of the skip. He hoped tiiat at the Christchurch tournament thev would lie able to do even bet for than To Hans had done. (Applause.) r

Mr. John Coleman also spoke heartily congratulating To Itaus on tlieir victory. A number of other toasts wore honored and speeches made, the pleasure being added to by a recitation by Mr. Sheridan. The toasts included one to the Gisborne bowlers, and hearty wishes woro expressed for their success at the Exhibition tournament. It was decided to send a telegram from the meeting to Mr. Ponsford wishing the Gisborne team ah. success. . , , The gathering broke up with cheers and singing of “Auld Lang Sync.” ... .

__ f EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES. ‘ Onlv a moderate muster of the I East Coast Mounted Rifles Corps turned ui) at the smoke concert held in His Majesty’s Theatre on Saturday night, when shooting prizes for the year were presented by Captain Colebourne, who presided. Tho chairman was supported by staff officers Gaptain Russell (Hawke-s Ray) and Captain Tombleson, and Gaptain-Chap-Thomas and Lieutenants Evans and Hamilton officers of tho corps, and Lieutenant Mitchell of tho Gisborne Rifles. Apologies wore received from Colonel Wilder and vaptain Beoro. Proceedings were, of-course, opened by toasting .Mis Majesty the King and “The Navy, Army and Volunteers,” proposed by. the chairman, and the latter was pithily responded to by Captain Russell. After complimenting tho corps on its excellent state of efficiency and enthusiasm in shooting, Captain Coiebourne presented tho prizes won at the butts during tho year 1900 as follows: — , , , „ T , Silver Cup, presented by R. Marker, Esq. 200, 600, 600, and 800 yards. Won by Lieutenant Evans. Second prize, trophy, value £l, Trooper Witters. Third prize ,kit presented by Captain Tombleson, Trooper McGregor. Fourth prize, trophy value 10s, Sergeant Oates. Mafeking Cup. 000, 600, 700 yards. Won by Srgt.Mnjor Morrison. Second prize 10s, Sergeant Zacliariah. Third prize ss, Trooper Ngakati. Medal to Lieutenant Evans, last year’s winner. Silver Cup, presented by ox-Lieu-tonant Hutchison. Two competitions. 2UO, 500, and 000 yards. Won by Sergeant Zacliariah. Second prize £l, Lieutenant Evans. Third prize 10s, Sergeant-major Morrison. ' Champion Belt. — Sergeant-major Morrison, 1; Sergeant Zacliariah, 2; Lieutenant Evans,. 3. Range Prizes. Barker’s Cup: 200 yards, Trooper McGregor; 500 yards, Lieutenant -Evans ;600, Lieutenant Evans; 800 yards, Sergeant Fairlie. Mafeking Gupooo yards, Sergct.-major Morrison ; 500yds., Corporal McCullough; 700 yards, Sergeant Zacliariah. Hutchinson’s Cup: 200 yards, Sergeant Zacliariah; 500 yards, Lieutenant Evans; 000 yards, Trooper Jennings. ChampionCUelt: Final: 800 yards, Sergeant-major Morrison.

Captain Tombleson proposed “The Prize Winners,” and urged steady practice in shooting as the only means of success. He coupled tho names of Sergeant-major Morrison (winner of the champion belt) and Sergeant Zacliariah, who responded. Lieutenant Hamilton proposed “Tho Regimental Staff,” coupled with the names of Captains Russell and Tombleson, each of whom responded. Lieutenant Evans said they all regretted, and none more than himself, that this was the last occasion on which Captain Colebonrne would preside over the corps at a function of this nature. Circumstances had called him away to another place to reside, and the members of the corps could not allow that to take place without expressing to him their heartfelt sorrow at his departure. They had always found in him an officer who was ever on the alert to further the interests of the corps, and had novel- ceased to do his best for it. Captain Colebourne was ail. officer who would never ask a man to do what lie would not do himself, and he was always considerate and helpiul without relaxing discipline, and every member owed him a debt of gratitude for the interest he took in them, and the assistance he had given them as a body. Therefore they could not allow him to depart without in some way expressing feelings, and the memento which he was about to present on their esteem, lie hoped that Captain Colebourne would accept as an evidence of their sincere regard and respect, which could not be measured by tlic value of any article, lie tlicii presented Captain Colchoupnt) with a very handsome travelling case, suitably inscribed, and invited the company to drink his health, and “For lie s a jolly good fellow” resounded from every tnroat:

Captain Colebourne was too deeply aifected to say all tiiat he desired to suy in acknowledgement of this iincxfleeted ovation, but lie said that "it needed nothing to remind him of tho friendship that always existed, and would always exist, between them, whether absent or not, and when or twenty-one years that friendship had been taxing root it was no easy matter now to tear it out of the soil that had nurtured it so long. It had caused him a real pang to sever Jiis connection with Gisborne, and his thoughts would always wander back wei'° 15 aCO am fn ends ho loved so

Other toasts proposed were “Visim/Aw CX ~ Mom I bors >” Proposed by the chairman, and replied to bv Lieutenaut M itchell and Mr. R. Miller • the Ladies,” proposed by Chaplain J homas, and responded to by Trooper Harding; and “The Press, ’’ proposed kwlifedTv H ZilcllariaI >’ **Hl aeCwkdpd by tiie representatives present bongs- were sung by Sergeant Zact •UMli, Corporal Barlow, Lieutenants te* “ d all ,G evl rrnuT the , King ” concluded capablycond,':'c t eci: k ' ;lS;1,lt