The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1907.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2073, 27 December 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1907.

A reward of £1 is offered for information regarding the persons who damaged Salvation Army property on Boxing Day. Tho Salvation Army will celebrate New Year’s Eve by a special openair meoting at 7.30 p.m., and a watch-night service at 11.30 p.m.

Boxing Day passed off very quietly. Contrary to expectations, the weather was fine though cool, and many picnickers spent a pleasant day. Tho Gisborne school sixth standard examination results havo come to hand, and Mr. F. J. Rowley, tho head-master, will be at his residence this afternoon to meet the scholars.

At tho Police Court yesterday morning Charles Dooley was convicted of drunkenness and fined £l, in default 3 days’ imprisonment with hard labor. For a similar offence Lars Marcus Berrgen was convicted and discharged. About 250 persons attended the Salvation Army picnic held on Mr. Cameron’s paddock at Bushmere yesterday. The children indulged in a number of races, and an enjoyable time was spent by all present. The band rendered selections during the day. An exceptionally good piece of loading was done yesterday at the lonic. Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. no less than 1500 bales of wocll were put aboard, notwithstanding tho fact that operations were somewhat hindered by the heavy sea which was running. Adjutant Dickens, of the Salvation Army, dasires to express his thanks for the liberal response to the appeal of the band when rendering carols on Christmas Eve, the collection being a record one. Those places not visited on Christmas Eve will be visited on New Year’s Evo.

From inquiries nude, it appears that tho business done on Christmas Evo was not all that was expected. Somo tradesmen fared very well indeed, hut on the other hand others say that their takings did not come up to last year’s. Prior to tho last few days the weather tempted a lot to do their shopping, and this, may havo had something to do with it. The yacht Ariki, owned by Mr, Horton, of Auckland, arrived here yesterday morning. The vessel, which is one of the crack yachts of the North Island, experienced a rather rough passage down the coast, and from Mercury Bay tho crew report having encountered heavy southerly winds and high seas. The ' Ariki, which carries a crow of nine, remains in the port for a day or two, when she sails for southern ports. A number of Gisborne residents havo been spending the Christinas holidays at tho Morere Springs. On Christmas Day heavy ram fell, and somewhat marred the enjoyment of the pleasure-seekers, but the proprietor of the Springs Hotel, Mr. Cooper, left nothing undone that would assist to make the stav of his guests a pleasant one. Amongst the visitors were Mr. and Mrs. J. AV. Bright, Miss Bright, Miss Calder, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Seymour, Mr. B. Bright, Mr. Sennons, Mr. and Airs. AV. Gibson, Afr. J. H. ltussell, and Air. Ruby,

Telegraph traffic was exceptionally heavy during the past few days, ’and constituted a record. Approximately, the number of forwarded telegrams was 1500, received nearly 2000, and transmitted 800. Tho work on the East Coast line was also very heavy, and to cope with it three telephones, besides the Morse system, were called into requisition. The bulk of the Christmas traffic comes on Christmas,Eve, and the operators are always kept until various hours on the following morning. The arrangements were •perfect, and everything went off’ without a hitch of any kind. Special relays' of messengers were engaged, and they did excellent work. At 11 o’clock on Tuesday night all the hoys, with the exception of two, were released. Tile remaining two were kept on for half an hour for short delivery and’ urgent wires. Evidencing the expeditious delivery, it is stated that at 11.30 p.m. there wore under a .dozen telegrams awaiting delivery, and this was because the recipients were out of town. Although there is still only one outlet from Gisborne to the outside world, the fullest use was made of that one wire, and it was quadruplexed from 9 a.m. till 2.20 a.m. on Christmas morning. That is, two men receiving telegrams and two despatching simultaneously at the Gisborne end, and likewise at Napier. At the latter hour all tlic GiSlwrne outward work had been cleared and the sending 6ides were relinquished. At 3.15 the wire was in charge of one operator, and shortly before 5 o’clock everything was done. There was an accumulation of 400 or 500 messages during the small hours, and these were delivered on Christmas Day. The only interruption occurring was that the AVairoa line got in contact,' and for ail hour and a half AVairoa used the Gisborne line, during which time the Gisborne work was at a standstill. In spite of this, however, the work was very ably bandied; and nil the officers, from the highest to the lowest, are to be congratulated. The postal side was no less busy, and long hours were worked. Walnut Toffee, the delectable dainty, just opened fresh for Christmas.—Dustin’s.

A picnic is to be bold at AVaintii, on Now Year’s Day, under tho auspices of the Salvation Army.

On Sunday tho meetings at the Salvation Army Barracks will be conducted b.v the members of tho band.

On Christmas Eve tho inmates of tho Old Men’s Home received a number of visitors. A very enjoyable evening was spent, songs and recitations boilig given. Tho gathering dispersed after the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” and tho usual! good wishes of tho season.

Tho secretary of tho East Coast Railway League (Mr, AV. J. P. Gaudin) has received tho following telegram in response to those sent from tho meeting held on Tuesday afternoon “Telegram received. Thanks for seasons’ greetings which I heartily roeipocute. Pleased to hear of success of your meeting and resolution is gratifying. The railway b one in winch wo are all interested and united. If our hopes are realised with regard to Main Trunk lino, viz., its completion by the end of liext year, tho money now expended on it will be available for elsowbaro and tho Alotu line will, with others benefit. Kia Ora.—J. Carroll.” From the Premier:—“Heartily thank tho members of the East Coast Railway League for their resolution and for good wishes for tho future of my administration. I also appreciate tho congratulations of the officers.—J. G. AVard.” Tho following is the message sent to tho Premier: —“At enthusiastic meeting of East Const Railway League a rescfiution was passed congratulating yourself and Government on efforts towards pushing on lino to Alotu. AA’ishing your administration every success for the new year. • Tho officers of the League also extend their Tieatry congratulations.—Gaudin.”

To be offered at the Lowo Street Horse Bazaar, on Saturday, tho thoroughbred mare Spunyarn, by Alonaco—Tamnliine, bred by John Clark. To bo sold with her To Karaka engagements.—Advt.