TOWN AND COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16749, 2 January 1915, Page 8

TOWN AND COUNTRY.

On January 6 Lord Liverpool will open the Canterbury Horticultural Society’s sweet pea, rose and carnation show in the Art Gallery. Entries for tile show will close at 8 p.m. on Monday at tho Society’s office. Judging by present indications, says tho Auckland “Star,” the partial re-, covery of tho sawmilfing industry in the Main Trunk district a month or two ago was not permanent. It is now stated that a large mill at Horopito lias been closed down for an indefinite period. Among poultry -raisers cats generally got the credit for all missing chicks of a tender age. A resident of Runanga. near Greymouth, however, was greatly surprised one day last week to find that an altogether unsuspected pet in the way of a seagull had begun depreciations among the chickens, and was caught in the act of tearing up one of a valued brood.

Between 10.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. yesterday a Sumner tramcar crowded with passengers met with an accident near Monck’s* Bay, owing to an axle breaking. Tho traffic was interfered with for a short time, and a large crowd of people were kept waiting in Cathedral Square, hut the Tramway Board’s officers attended to the disabled car promptly, and soon had the line clear. The impressions which he has gained during Ins stay in Auckland were' described by the Prime Minister of Australia (tho Hon Andrew Fisher), in acknowledging a welcome to tho city. Ho used appreciatively the popular title given to tho city, remarking that whether Auckland is tho best town in Now Zealand or not, it is worthy to be called a “queen city.” Mr Fislior said he was impressed, by the character of tho people. They seomed to him to be calm, capable and self-reliant, as. might be expected in a country which offered such great opportunities.

Suitable Cliristmas gifts for mon— Pipes, Pouches, Cigar and Cigarette Cases and Holders, Match Boxes, Shaving Mirrors and Mugs, Safety Razors, Walking Sticks, Hair Brushes, Sovereign Cases, Wallets, ©to., eto. Lewis &ud Anderson, 112, hLeal street. 1898

In reply to a cablegram of Christinas greetings sent by the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr Holland, to tho New Zealand contingent in Samoa, he has received the following reply: “ The members of tho Expeditionary Force at Samoa heartily reciprocate Christmas greetings from Christchurch.—Colonel Logan. ” Half-sovereigns taken in change should be closely scrutinised, as it is believed that quite a large number of dummies are in circulation. They aro said to bo very well made of some alloy, in which copper is a conspicuous element. The year on tho counterfeit is 1914, and on the reverse there is the George and dragon, instead of tho crown and shield. These falso halfsovereigns are much lighter in weight than the genuine coin. They aro so well made, however, as to deceive even a smart bank teller until closely scrutinised and weighed in the hand. To-day a quarter-hourly service will be Fun on the Sumner, Woolston, Casli,mcre Hills and Edgewaro Road tram lines’, and a half-hourly service on the Burwrtod-Xorth Beach line. Tho twenty minutes’ services to New Brighton between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. will be cancelled and cars'will leave the Square at 5.12, 5.42 and 6.12 p.m., and leave New Brighton at 5.44, 6.14 and 6.44 p.m. Cheap excursion tickets to and from the seaside will not be sold today. In connection with the trotting meeting at Sockbum, a special service of trams will be run from Cathedral Square, commencing at 10.10 a.m. Lake Taupo is known all over the world as being the greatest and best fishing ground for trout, says tho Auckland “Star," and sportsmen come from all over tho universe to enjoy the fishing thero, amongst them being the greatest experts in the piscatorial art. Such being the case, it is no mean tiling to establish a record, and yet that was done on Monday last by Mr C. C. Buckland, of Monavale, Cambridge, and his brother-in-law, Mr A. C. Wilshirc, of Powel River, British Columbia. Hitherto the record catch of trout at Taupo for ono day was 84, which fell to three rods; but Messrs Buckland and Wilshiro beat that by catching 85 to their two rods last Monday. The average weight of the 85 ( fish was 51b, the largest rainbow trout weighing 101 b and the largest brown 81b. Mr AVilshire, who is considered an exoert in British Columbia, speaks in tho "highest terms Of Taupo and its fishing, and says it exceeds anything ho has ever met with. The whole of the fish were caught from a launch. A letter received in Wellington states that in place of a university thero is an armed camp at Oxford. The builders are there, the professors. are there, the Dons, and' all the paraphernalia for culture are thero. But the undergraduates’ gowns have been replaced by khaki, and the sticks ’with which graduates supported their learning have been retired in favour of rifles. The university is not closed, blit its glory as a teaching Centre is temporarily eclipsed. There are 1800 fewer undergraduates than usual, and very little academic work is being done. Over 1400 undergraduates have received' commissions, mostly in Kitchener’s army, and many of the greatest “nuts" of the university are carrying despatches on motor-cycles, and have filled the French with admiration by their daredevil feats. Practically all athletic Oxford has responded to the call to arms. There is scarcely a True Blue left in any of the colleges. At Christ Church thero are only eighty in residence, where there should bo 300. All the ordinary sporting life of the university has been suspended. The colleges are suffering financially, but no murnjur of complaint comes from them. So long ns England lives they do not mind if their Alma Mater is moribund. Any passing stir or commotion in tho world may be seized upon as a pretext for oddly naming a child, states the Wellington “ Post." An enthusiastic Australian named bis flock after various gum trees —Eucalyptus Globula, Eucalyptus Cordata, and so oil. When the late Mr Seddon was in his zenith his name was borne, and is still borne, by hundreds of children of New Zealand birth. During the Boer war, Roberts, French, Kitchener, -culler, Dundonald and Metliuen were extremely popular as Christian names for New Zealand-horn babies, and some of them had three and even four names. To-day registrars have noticed that there is (thus early in the. war) a tendency to insert “ Louvain ” between Charles and Samuel, or “Marne.” between Emily and Alice, or Enid and Clam. “ Brussels ” is becoming popular, and “Liege" has not been neglected. “Kitchener, ’’ “French”, and “Roberts ’’ have been revived in popularity, and “ Jelliooe,” “Sturdee" and “Callaghan” . aro not uncommon Perhaps in Australia “Glossop” will be similarly perpetuated, in view of tho great achievement of the Australian cruiser Sydney. “Edna May" for girls is a more popular combination than ever. Speaking unofficially, the Wellington Registrar is of opinion that there will continue to be a run on “ Edna May,” and that triple names are showing no sign of waning popularity. An assurance that the Federal Parliament of Australia will cheerfully give effect to the arrangement in' refard to old' age pensions made between imself and the Hon F. M. B. Fisher was given by the Prime Minister of Australia in his speech at the Auckland Town Hall. He remarked that nothing could be moro desirable than an arrangement between the two countries that would ensure a contribution towards the needs in old age of persons who had spent many years or their lives in Australia and New Zealand. Effect would have been given to tho agreement before now had his Government not been defeated, but the matter would be submitted to Parliament when it assembled again. The agreement to which Mr Fisher referred was made on June 14, 1913, subject to approval by the two Parliaments. It provided that residence in either the Commonwealth or the Dominion should be regarded as qualification for old age pensions, provided that any applicant taking advantage of the reciprocity scheme had resided for twelve months preceding his application in tho country from which he claimed a pension. The aggregate cost of. pensions granted under this scheme is to be shared by the two countries in proportion to their population. Tho agreement was ratified in New Zealand by the Old Age Pensions Reciprocity Act, which was passed on August 28, 1913, but the scheme cannot become operative until it has been endorsed by the Commonwealth Parliament.

Electric Pocket Lamps We have landed, ex Mamnri, 5000 of these. They are British made. Prices from 3s each. Turnbull and Jones, Ltd., Cashel Street. 189 '

Important to those who havo obtained tlio proficiency certificate.—Freo instruction is provided by tho School of' Art. For syllabus, apply to the office of Canterbury College. 7794 When eyes start to go wrong, they often give no very marked indication at first that all is not well. That is why you should' have your eyes tested periodically at. John R. Procter’s, Consulting ‘ Optician, 200, High Streot, Christchurch, so that should any trouble be detected it- may be dealt with promptly. 1898

Just a little “ twist ” and that-vague “invention idea” of yours may win fortui'" aud fame. _ Now we’re Patent Agcni., and our little booklet, “Advice to Inventors,” is freo to you; where shall we send it? It may just “do tho trick.” Homy Hughes, Ltd., Dominion Christchurch. .

To-day will be a special bank holiday, and all tho banks will be closed. At the Lyttelton Regatta yesterday flowers were sold by a number of young ladies, and 1 a sum of £9O was obtained for Queen Mary’s Red Cross and Poor of Belgium Funds. A circular issued by the New Zealand Association of Nurserymen states that the year has been one of change and advancement in every department of tho Association’s activity. Tho circular will be dealt with at the eighth annual conference, which will be held in Wellington on January 20 and 21. A programme is being prepared, and included in it are papers by leading men in the industry.

The police arrested two men yesterday morning on charges of making bets in hotels. In ono case Stewart Russell was charged that on December 29, being a bookmaker, lie did bet on licensed premises, to wit, at the bax of an hotel. Tho other ease was that of William Hancock, who was charged that on December 29, being a bookmaker, he did bet on licensed premises, to wit, an hotel. eßussell was arrested by Detectives Hunt and Regan, and Hancock by Detectives Gibson and Torrance. The accused were brought before Mr W. Barrett, J.P., and admitted to bail, Russell in one surety of £6O and Hancock in one surety of £3O. An impudent forgery is alleged to have been committed at Feilding. A stranger entered the shop of a wellknown business man, and said ho had been sent by Mr ~ who wanted to know if ho could be obliged with a blank cheque, as ho had found he had left home without his cheque-book. Never anticipating any deception, the business man,readily acquiesced, and the man left the shop with the blank cheque. Later it, appears, he bought a pair of boots, and tendered a cheque for £BO odd in payment. Change was given, but when settling day carno at the bank it was discovered that the cheque was an imEudent forgery. The matter is in the ands of the police.

At Gisborne on Christmas Evo a number of Britishers, in their zeal for anti-Germanism, posted pickets outside a pork butcher’s shop kept by a German, with tho object of inducing people not to patronise the shop. SeniorSergeant Hutton appeared on the scene, and told the ring-leaders that under the Police Offenders Act of last, year the action they were taking rendered them liable to a heavy fine and even to imprisonment. The Sergeant’s counsels prevailed, and the men desisted, but not before a crowd had collected to see the fun. Sergeant Hutton stated that all Germans resident in tire Dominion were under the surveillance of the military authorities and the police, and there was no necessity for civilians to attempt to take tho law into their own hands. The steamor Aldenham, from Japan and the Far East, brought to Australia a party of Russians from Siberia and Manchuria. In the party wero five women. All remained' in Sydney except one woman, who went on to Melbourne to join her husband, who was already there. 'Jlie.so immigrants had much of interest to tell regarding Siberia and the side-lights on tho present war in that far corner of the Russian Empire. They state - that whole districts have been emptied of their young men, who have eagerly volunteered to join the colours. The district of Yakhoust has been almost depleted owing to tho fact that it is largely composed of men of military age. These men aro not conscripts, hut .volunteers in the true sense of the word. They enlist with enthusiasm as to a great hunting expedition. Commissioner and Mrs Rodder, who have arrived-ill New Zealand to take tho oversight of the Salvation Army’s operations in the Dominion, are visiting Christchurch for the week-end, accompanied by the Chief Secretary, Colonel Powley, "and Brigadier Bray. This evening they will be welcomed at Sydenham by a united musical service. Tomorrow meetings will be held all day at the Christchurch Citadel, the corps adjacent to the city uniting for these services. On Monday afternoon the Commissioner will be publicly -welcomed at the Citadel by the Mayor and leading citizens, and in the evening the last of the meetings will be hold in the Linwood Hall. The Commissioner has risen from tho ranks, and has recently been, in charge of the Salvation Army’s work in Japan, where excellent work has been accomplished under his administration.

Tho rat, says the Auckland “Star,” is regarded as a continual source of danger from a health point of view, and in, Auckland the Sanitary Department of the City Council not only* employs men continually to destroy the rodents, but also to supply a hundred per week to the District Health Office, where bacteriological examinations are made in order that- the authorities may ascertain if any epidemic disease is prevalent. For the past four years the report has invariably been that the rats are healthy. As a rather interesting but gruesome sidelight on the ways of the rodents, it may bo mentioned that the municipal ratcatchers not infrequently in their reuorts indicate so many rats caught and so many eaten in the traps. For instance, Wednesday’s report read, “Fifty-seven caught; nine eaten.” The cannibalistic creatures devour their kind, leaving only the skin enclosed within the grip of the trap. • Steffano Webb is an expert in Artistic Portraiture. His work is excellent and prices reasonable. Get your photo, taken while in town.—Steffano Webb, Photographer, Petersen’s Buildings, High Street. Telephone 1989- X 5

Ladies are invited ‘to walk round Drayton’s for Xmas Presents. Pocketbooks Is 6d, Peggy Bags 4s 6d, China Vases 9d, Antimony Boxes 9d. A splendid selection and all marked in plain figures at Drayton’s Emporium, 765, Colombo Street. , 1898

Get in touch with J. M. Heywood and Co., Ltd., directly you decide to move. They will handle your furniture carefully, pack it securely, break nothing, and. deliver it unscratched to your new residence. > XI

The Oliura River Falls are one of Now Zealand’s loveliest sights. To see them you should take a Wangainji River steamer to the famofls Houseboat, and spend a few days amongst its novel comforts. Magnificent scenery and splendid fishing. Not expensive either. Inquire at A. Hatrick and Co., Wanganui, Cook’s and Government Tourist Bureaux everywhere. 6

THE DISCERNING MOTORIST IN -- 1915 SHOULD RECOGNISE MERIT.

The Now Year brings new fashions and new method's, but merit stands through all the years as tho basis on which reputation is built. Tim new year will bring its army of new motorists, but—though it may bring an army of new'cars —the Studebaker bv merit will survive the test, of time. Wo stand by the Studebaker, and are proud of its unrivalled achievements in the Dominion, and we still have for sale this doyen of modern cars, the 25 h.p. model, at £345, with electric selfstarting npd lighting set, a bargain. With a roomy 5-seater body, upholstered in,- solid leather of rich design, a clear vision wind-screen, a waterproof Cape hood and “ jiffy ” curtains, the Studebaker “25 ” is a picture. It is beautifully sprung on a full floating back axle, and is a model of neatness. For £395 the prospective motor buyer can purchase the big seven-soater touring car. Tho Studebaker is the car for discerning motorists. Adams, Ltd., N.Z. Agents for Studebaker cars, Garage 219, Tuam Street. (W. Schwarts Garage Representative.) „ 1888