The Waikato Argus. GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1899.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 460, 13 July 1899, Page 2

The Waikato Argus. GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1899.

A fire occurred at Port Charles early on Tueoday morning, by which Mr Kerr, the owner of the house burnt down, lost his life. The inmates were Mi and Mrs Kerr and son. All managed to escape from the building, but Mr Kerr returned in order to save some of his property.

The executive of the Otago Church Council has unanimously resolved to recommend the Council to approve of the opening of public schools with the Lord's Prayer and the reading, without note or comment of a portion of Scripture. It was further resolved to agitate for the admission of Ministers of religion to schools one hour per week, The annual examination of the nurses at the Wuik»to Hospital was conducted by Dra. Brewis, Murdoch and Roberts, the Misses Stewart. Miller and Bennett were successful. We offer our congratulations to those young ladies on their success, an i trust that they may be long spared to continue the good work which they have undertaken, and in which they have made themselves proficient.

Beeson's Island, at present better known as Parker's situated on the north entrance to the Cjromandel Harbour, was sold on Tuesday by Mr S. P. Parker, to Mr John Lawson for £ISOO The island comprises about 600 acres, and is considered a good sheep run. Mr Walker (of Parr and Walker) conducted the transaction. Mr Parker intends to remove with his wife and family to Tonga, where they will take up their residence permanently.

A telegram from New Plymouth last night states that last Wednesday a lady, named Anderson, left the Coffee Palace, where she had been staying, and had not been seen since. She is supposed to have committed suicide. The police have been diligently searching for some days, but no trace has been found. She left two children, one about 15 years of age, and the other about 5. Her husband is an electrical engiueer in England.

A meeting of some of those interested in the establishment of a butter factory at famaliere was held on Saturday last. About 30 persons were present, who seemed very anxious that a factory should be established, but up to the present sufficient milk has not bern guaranteed to keep one going. We understand that at least 300 cows are required before it would be prudent to make a start. After considerable discussion it was arrauged that Mr Day should make a thorough canvass of the district aud report to a future meeting.

An entertainment of a very attractive character will be given tomorrow (Friday) evening at the Hamilton Methodist School-room. A number of beautiful views of ]Se»v Zealand, from Port Chambers to Auckland, including the Hot Lakes district, will be exhibited and explained by Dr. Hosking, who will render various selections ou Edison's latest pnonograph, with Bettini's patent misro-reproducer. Admission will be one shilling for adults and sixpence for children, and a pleasant evening may be anticipated. Woodward and Klaer's combined show is announced to appear in their tent, which will be erected next to the Commercial Hotel, Hamilton, this even ing. The performance, which consists of arcobatic and gymnastic exercises by the clerer Fredo Family and other talented artists, also includes a troupe of performing clogs and monkeys. The entert&inment presented is said to be of a very enjoyable aud interesting nature, and as popular prices are announced, there will, no doubt, be a large attendance to witness this evening's peiformance. The company perform at Cambridge on Saturday evening.

In connection with a subject that is causing some discussion in this district the following may be of interest:—ln Syduey recently it was announced that the Rev. Mullineux, captain of the English football team, would preach in St. James' Church. In anticipation of hearing him a crowded congregation of men assembled. Owing to indisposition Mr Mullineux was unable to keep his engagement, and the officiating clergyman said that the sight in the church was certainly strange to him.. The church had never to complain of a poor congregation, tut that congregation generally consisted of two-thirds of the other sex. To see the church filled with men was a strange s'ght, but then he was not the captain of an English football team.

Mr Martin Butler, of Hautapu, has, we learn, sold his farm to a Mr Rixon, a gentleman who has just come across from New South Wales, the price being £l2 an acre. Mr Butler, *we understand, will take up his residence in Auckland at an early date, and his removal from the district will cause a blank in several of our local bodies which it will be hard to fill. He has been Secretary to the Waikato Farmers' Club, Waikato Agricultural and Pastoral Association, aud Waikato Milk Suppliers' Union sines their establishment, and his encgy has been largely instrumental in bringing all these bodies to their present successful aud useful positions. In all matters pertaining to the advancement of the district Mr Butler has always taken an active part, and his services have ever been at the disposal of his fellow-settlers in the advancement of their interests. We are sure wc arc echoing the feelings of all Waikato settlers in wishing Mr Butler success wherever his future lot may be cast. ______________