NEWS AND NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1040, 17 December 1912, Page 4

NEWS AND NOTES.

BfeTbe damage which a river can do on the adjoining laud by means of erosion is well exemplified in the case of the Raugilikei. In 1870, an area of 2546 acres was set aside for the Maoris. Since then the river has claimed 167 acres, and it was the remainder (less 63 acres lor roads) that was the subject of recent Land Court litigation. The area of 167 acres is useless, shingly land, flooded often, and the erosion is still going on.

On all sides there arc signs of the great changes which arc being brought about in Japan by closer contact with European nations. A recent visitor noticed a remarkable difference since he first visited the country, twenty-five years ago. Tokio is now an up-to-date, well-equipped modern city. Its tramway system is one of the best in the world. He believes that it is also one of the cheapest. A passenger can go for eight miles for a fraction over oufe penny.

Another fantastic club has been discovered in London. This is the Black Beau Club, limited to 40 members, each of whom pays an entrance fee of £lO, and a similar amount as annual subscription. They meet only once a year, and then a bag is passed round containing 39 white beaus and one black bean. The member who draws the black bean is compelled to get married within the ensuing twelve months, and the remainder solemnly vow to remain single until the next meeting. A house is furnished for the prospective bridegroom out of the funds of the club, which also bears the cost of the wedding festivities and a six weeks’ honeymoon.