GENERAL NEWS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8806, 7 May 1907, Page 4

GENERAL NEWS.

A society has recently been formed at Preston, Lancashire, with the object of promoting social intercourse between the clergy of the Church of England and Non conformist ministers. The Brotherhood of Painters of America last year spent about £450 a month for organisers, and them organisers were instrumental in increasing the strength of the brotherhood by 5000 members As the entrance fee is £5, the finances increased by £25,000 from this source alone.

A sheep farmer in the Narrabi l district of New South Wales has a fine flock of 8000 merinos absolutely black. These have averaged 7-Jlb of , wool, rather more than white merinos in the same district, and the wool sold at 13d par pound. The last lambing was 8-1 per cent., and there was not a piebaU among them. The mutilated body df Morrison, second son of Captain Morrison, deputy harbourmaster, Fremantle, was found in a cellar at the rear of his fafher’s residence on April 8. Medical aid was summoned, but it was found that death must have occurred several hours previously. For some time past the lad had been experimenting with a view to constructing an acetylene gas motor. The appearance of the cellar indicated that a severe explosion had occurred, which resulted in the lad’s instant death, The body was found lying in a pool of blood, which had flowed from a fracture of the skull above the eyebrows. Apparently no one heard the explosion. It was on a corridor train going south. Among the passengers was a newly-married couple, who made themselves known to such an extent that the occupants comnunced whispering and sniggering. The bride and groom stood the remarks for some time, but finally the latter, who was a man of tremendous size, broke out in ihe following language to his tormentors: “Yes, we’re married -■ just married. We are going one hundred and sixty miles further, and I am going to 4 spoon ’ all the -way. If, you don't like it you can get out and walk. She’s ray violet and I’m her sheltering oak.’’ During the remainder of the journey they were loft in peace.'