Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, FEB. 8, 1900.

Manawatu Herald, 8 February 1900, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, FEB. 8, 1900.

To continue the militaryism which is rampant everywhere to its proper end, the Government should notify their intention to approve of the formation of volunteer corps and rifle clubs. It appears that both are necessary as we have learnt from thf war now raging that everyone should bo able to fire a- modern rifle with accuracy. We should all feel under a debt of gratitude to the Boers for having timed their hostilities when they did, as well as for the object lesson they have afforded to colonists of the strength, latent in a people who are able to fire with great accuracy. We should either have a very large increase in volunteers or we should have the first-class militia called out. It is impossible to foresee what complications may arise as the Transvaal war iSi nearing conclusion, therefore' the earlier the start is made in learning how to protect ourselves the better. There can be no reason why a fine company of volunteers should not bo enrolled in iliis town, as well as a section of a mounted corps. Everyone is better for being drilled as well as getting accustomed to discipline. If there was a little more energy shown in the matter of forming a company the less likelihood there would bo of the militia being called out, but with the martial sentiments that have lately been expressed the want of effort to give effect to thorn is certainly out of keeping.

"Where there no servants in the registry office ? " asked the wife. "It was full oi) 'em," returned the lonely husband, " but they had all worked for us before.

Lady Salisbury was the most devoted, the most cheering, the most supporting of wives. Her physical vigour was positively infections. Her unconquerable spirits and almost boisterous merriment kept Lord Salisbury alive and happy and in working order when if left to himself he would have sunk into a melancholy recluse.

Thirty thousand sheep were destroyed in the late bush fires at Warrnambool, on the south-west coast of Victoria.

Several persons are summoned to appear before the S.M. at Dannevirke on a charge of killing trout in the Manawatu with dynamite.

Writing from Arundel under date 29th December, to Colonel Webb, of Dunedin, Major Robin says :— " They talk very much oi sending picked Rifle Association shots. Now, let me tell you something about them, they would have nothing to shoot at. You simply cannot see the enemy till you are well mixed up with, them, and then it is fast and furious, and true aiming is impossible. The kopjes or bills are different to anything the New Zealander has ever seen ; and until the enemy get turned and are on the retreat you never see anything to shoot at. The six or eight Boers shot by our boys were mounted and retiring or crossing from one kopje to another at a rapid pace."

A pretty story respecting the Queen's first visit to Bristol, 69 years ago, is told (says the Daily News) on apparently good authority. With her mother she entered a china shop in High-street, to buy a doll's dinner service. The one that captivated her fancy was too dear for her childish purse, but, in spite of early lessons of economy, she still wished to purchase it. Thereupon a consultation took place between her and her mother, ending in a triumph for the young Princess, the Duchess of Kent consenting to lend her the amount wanted until her next allowance should be due. Our future Queen carried oft the precious tea-set with great joy. The shop was kept by Miss Elizabeth Ring, a Quaker lady, a relative of whom is responsible tor the story.

A big fire occurred at Stratford at midnight on Saturday, destroying the Bank of New Zealand, the Town Hall, and the premises of Messrs Kivell (draper), Tenant (draper), De Launay (draper), Hawke (fancy goods dealer), Know (bootmaker), Patterson (tailor), Barleyman (commission agent), Kirkpatrick (draper), Nicholson (commission agent), the Public Library and reading room, the rooms of Mr Higham (music master), the County Hotel (Captain Holdcroft), and Mr Teel's chemist shop, and other buildings, including the Bank of Australasia. Mr Robinson's drapery establishment, and those on the other side of the street were more or less damaged. Stock was also damaged in cases by water and removal. The loss is estimated at £12,000, and the insurances as far as is known amount to only five to six thousand pounds. Particulars are not available yet. The origin of the fire is unknown, . but it is understood to have started near Patterson's workroom.

Five shillings reward is offered for return of a macintosh cape.

The Mayor has received the following telegram from the Mayor of Christchurch : — Third contingent leave Lyttelton on or about 17th, invite you cordially to be present at send off.