NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1016, 7 March 1912, Page 4

NEWS AND NOTES.

From the Bulletin (Sydney): Another branch of the Labour party was formed in Maorilani a few days ago. That makes three —the Trades Hall party, the Federation of Labour, and now, the Independent Labour party. Bretheru and sistern, our text for this morning will be from the First Book of Common Sense, chapter one, verse one: “ Consider the sillies, how they grow.”

The Pall Mall Gazette declares that Japan and China will soon take concerted action to show their resentment of the exclusion of Orientals from the American Continent and from Australia. The Gazette suggests that it is probable that China and Japan will retaliate by excluding the white race from the Orient,

Carl Hertz, the lamous illusionist who visited New Zealand some years ago, is appearing at the Loudon Alhambra with Captain Jack Kelly as stockwhip expert. Captain Jack is a younger brother of the famous Ned Kelly, bushranger, who struck terror into the hearts of Australians thirty years ago. Captain Jack is a man of more peaceful habits. He became a successful sheep farmer and cattle raiser, and it was in the practice of this vocation that he developed his wonderful power with the stockwhip.

The story ot the old lady who asked the bird dealer whether the parrot swore, and received > the reply, “ No, mum ; but, bless me, he’ll soon learn,” has a parallel in the case ot an incident that occurred in Mr Newton King s auction rooms at dtratlord the ulh-r day, says the btralioid Post. A local boaruiug-house keeper had a very hue parrot. It danced splendidly, and had a very pretty flow of language —mostly bad. Consequently it had to go. In the mart the bird was very subdued, till a lady in Caressing manner said to him, “ Pretty cocky.” Cocky replied, “you’re a

liar.” The lady’s confusion was nothing to the smile that went round the auction rooms.

Christianity was introduced into New Zealand by the Rev. Samuel Marsden in 1814. He landed at the Bay ol Islands on December 22nd, and on Christmas Day preached upon the appropriate text, “ Behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy,” the first sermon delivered in New Zealand. The centenary of this happening is to be celebrated in December, 1914, and in the beginning of the following year, and Bishop Crossley is engaged in making arrangements in connection with the celebrations. It is probable that a special service will be held at Christmas, 1914, on the spot where Marsden first set foot on New Zealand soil. A great Church Congress, to be held in Auckland during February, 1915, has been proposed. Distinguished representatives of all branches of the Anglican Communion will be invited, and besides representatives of the Church of England, other famous churchmen will also, it is hoped, be present.

At a time when the question of mixed bathing is engaging attention, the following by *• Atticus,” in the Melbourne Reader is interesting. At blast Beach, St. Kilda, there is a part that is practically given over to families. There bathing is very sedate, and a sort of vigilance party keeps a sharp look-out for rowdies. The other night a woman squealed aloud, and excitedly demanded of a man near how he dared. Before explanation could be offered several pairs of hands were on the supposed offender. The poor man was ducked until he had swallowed enough brine to float an ordinary boat, a good deal of kicking and punching being thrown in. Suddenly the offended woman intervened, “ Stop, stop ! ” she cried. “It hink it’s me ’usband.” It was. Poor hubby had gone in alter his wife, and played a trick on her, retribution following so quickly that he had not time to assert his rights before the avengers had him under. Then he hadn’t breath to assert anything.