Wairarapa Daily Times. [ESTABLISHED 1878] SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1892. GRACEFUL UNBELIEF.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4244, 15 October 1892, Page 2

Wairarapa Daily Times. [ESTABLISHED 1878]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1892. GRACEFUL UNBELIEF.

Being the extended title of the Waibarapa Daily, with which it is identical.

I Almost coinoidently with the news • that Lord Tennyson had passed away came the announcement of another great loss to the world of literature and art. Tho death of M. Ronan is ' of cosmopolitan interest, The world of letters sustains tbe'loss of a master of expression; while theologians, whether Catholic or Protestant, will realise that orthodoxy has nothing Iresh to fear from one of the most daring leaders of revolt. Strange though it may seem, there is a certain parallelism between these two great men who have died almost at the same time. To say that both were poets would be a haltiug aud jtjunt statement of the truth, Although we are not sure that M. Kenan ever published whatisconventionally culled " poetry," hie temperament was essentially and primarily poetic; and the strong undercurrent of religious sentiment was as conspicuous in his literary work as in that of his mighty English contemporary, There is, however, this grave distinction to be drawn between the men : whilo Alfred Tennyson was the avowed champion of revealed religion, Ernest Benan devoted the whole strength of his later years to a sustained iconoolasm in the world of ecclesiastical beliefs, Thoughtful men have long been persuaded that eaoh writer was profoundly sincere; and if we aro to tell the truth we must add that those who can best read the signs of the times are of opinion that the work of each writer will endure, Since we are not a" religious" organ, it does not fall within onr province to offer comment upon the fact—which is, however, beyond dispute-that the influenced: M. Benan has been wjde and deep, and that his writings on religion have have been translated into all the languages of civilisation, . " He who would write the history of religion must have believed in it onee." It was thus he wrote, and the words furnish a pathetic explanation of his own power over men's minds, M, Benan had seen Christianity from within its fold, and he bad ceased to believe its fundamental tenets to be true, The celebrated " Vk d§ Jems," in which ha gave to the world an entirely nes explanation of the phenomena which the Christian religion claims as jts basis, attracted notice and won jts way not less by reason of its masterly lucidity of satewent (ban

because of the delicacy of thought which it oxhibited as every turn. Olean-cut phrases and. luminous ex> prcssion are charaoteristio of Frenoh writing, and if epigram is a weapon mighty to the pulliug-down of strongholds, a French unbeliever may bo supposed to be well armed. But there is singularly little phrase-mak-ing in the religious writings of M. Renan, and of epigrammatic flippanoy there is no euepioioD at all, He was far from being at one with those who hold that the indictment against orthodox thfology can be stated in a sentence and proved in a iinjje, That he attempted to sweep away the beliefs of generations of Christians, is true enough; but the procoss was purely his own. It may be deaoribfid as a process of gentle disintegrationhaving nothing in common with the fiercely destructive criticism of the Tiibingen school of German unbelief, mid different in kind from the rough materialism of average English infidelity. Nor bad the wistful Agnosticism of M, Renan any affinity with the carefully elaborated Positivist teaching of bis compatriot, M. Cointe. A highly imaginative theory which denied to the Founder of Christianity greater power or insight than may be predicted of the pure in heart, aud endowed his first followers with the faculty of seeing visions iu harmony with their hopes—such, in a word, was tho method by which this apostle of poetio unbelief conscientiously Bought to discredit " the Christian Myth," That he has done his work with consummate 9killwillbe nodoubi his greatest coiidoomation in the eyes of many good people, But, speaking of liihi still as a great writer only, we are concerned to say that he exhibits not less graciousnrss than power—that nothing of his writing save and except the actual theory which he sought to establish, can give pain to the orthodox student. Willi every felicity of thought and word, with manifest sincerity of conviction, and with the true poetio power to invest an idea with feeling, M. Renan has made an assault upon Christianity as we know it now, which gives him a splendid place in the world's literature, and under which the Christian religion is reeling still.

At Palmeraton North they have a Bowling Club, a debt on the bowling green, and a scheme for extinguishing tho debt.

Bomo person unknown, probably " tho last of the Mohicans," etideutly does not deiiro tho Masteitmi Cricht Club to be considered Btoue dead, for he has put up an unsigned notice in a shop window calling a meeting of members. The body of Alfrod Brooker, one of the victims of the yachting disaster at Whangarei, Auoklaud, has been recovered.

The Manawatu Standard, a labour organ, says the oondition of affairs in the United States it a menace to civilisation, And yet the Radicals are eudoavouring to bring New Zealand to a similar groove,

There is a rumour that Mr Rolleston is not unwilling to retire from the leadorship of the Opposition, and that Mr Bruce is favourably regarded as the coming man.

Mr Fish, M.H.R,is getting particular, very particular! Ho resents Sir Robert Stout calling him a liar. Papors aro beginning to print portraits of Lord Tennyson. The apprehension of this inevitable aud atrocious publicity keeps many a great man from dying. The sting of death nowadays lies in the obituary notice and the posthumous un-likeness.

The English press comments on the fact that the Prince of Wales sttended

tho races at Newmarkot instead of beinj present at Lord Tennyson's funoral,

A poll of ratepayers in the Wainuioru distriot for a loan of £3OOO under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, has been taken, with a favourable result, not one vote being recorded against the proposal,

A bear escaped from the Lisbon Zoo, and killed three keepers before it was shot.

Forty-nine Chinese arrived in New Zealand last month. None left the Colony during that period, Yesterday morning a heavily laden wagon gotituck ina soft spot where it had no business to be in this town. Thedriver knowing tno Humane Socioty had no agent about, borrowod a spade and endeavoured to stimulate the jaded steeds -one of which m lame and tho other had a cut shoulder—with this implement. After torturing the poor willing but exhausted brutes for a time, extra horses were added to the team and the trouble was surmounted, A Btrange report oomes from the Solomon Island of the sudden and mi-

expected appearance there of 100 Chinesc. They arrived by boat, and landed at the northern ond of Guadalcanal one of the prinoipal islands of the group. Deatituto of provisions, and strangely dressed, tho Solomon Islandors failed to comprehend their mission. Such of the nstivos as could speak a HtHo broken English wore summoned to interpret, but the Chinamen comprehended not, Tho aborigines, it fortunately happened, were at tho timo of the visit not out upon ono of their

head-hunting tours, or it wonld have vono badly, it id feared, with tho Mongolians. After a brief Btay on the island, during which the boat was genorouslly provisioned by the natives, the Chinamen sot Bail for unknown parts, and but a few days subsequent to their departure a trading schuoner called at Guadalcanar and explained the mysterious visit to the natives. Their guests woro escapees irom New Caledonia, criminals from Tonquin,— Exchange, A meeting of direoton of the United Farmers Alliance (Limited) held at Pal. merston on Tuesday last, declined to entertain tbo proposals of tlio Wairarapa Farmers' Co-operative Asociation for the transfer to that association of tho shareholders of the alliance, resident in that district, but ofl'ored to perform agents duties for that asauoiation. The meeting also declined to entertain the proposals of Messrs Joseph Nathan and Co, to pur« chase their Falmerston North business and amalgamate .with the alliance, The meeting acoepted the offer of Mr lorns, auctioneer, Fahiatua. to perform the sales of shareholders' stock in that district for the next twolve months, Mr George Whitconibe, one of tho directors, resident near Paliiatua, was instructed to afford

the shareholders all the information wanted, Arransjementsforholdiritf sales of shareholders' stock on eaiy tennis on tho West Coast district aro in course of Writ; settled, A number of shares were allotted. The shares subscribed for now number 3018, and the directors aro to consider the advisability of closing the list.

A puwemng VERPKJT.-rSjeaking of one of the moßt noted of colonial specialities, the press says:—"Sharland's baking Powder deserves nioro than a passing notice.for the "Moa" Brand Baking Powder epjoys a reputation, second to none, From ono end of New Zealand to the other, large orders aro received for this popular brand. Even in the most out of the way. districts. the careful housewife, possessed with the laudable ambition to make her bread and

her Econea better than her neighbours' buys Sharland's Baking Powder, and triumphs oyer the few of her less sensible sisters, who, from a mistaken senso .of ecouomy, buy apparently cheaper brands, The recipe of a good Baking Powder is anything bat a secret; bat hoy very few manufacturers use, as Messrs Sharland & Co. do, the best only of materials, carefully tested before mixture and exuctly proportioned," Readers, who require an economical, satisfactory and h'ealthfnl Baking Pow. dur, cannot do better use the Jloj" brend..-ApYi

A Maori bankrupt up Napier way is , paying his creditors twenty.shillings in the pound. An old man, aged 84, applied for hia discharge at the last sitting of the Bankruptcy Court, at Napier. Bis lienor the Ohief Judge, remarked that ho did nut think the applicant needed his discharge. _Mr Bucklacd says that after his Washers' and MangW Bill was printed he went to the printing office and paid the cost. A weok later Mr Didsbury refunded theamiuntto him by directum cf the Government, who' apparently were wilhug to father tho Bill.

Spielors are said to he on tho increano and professional politicians are rtultiplyin?. Hail New Zealand, happy land! Tho Manawatu Times says the earthquake shock at tho beginning of the week was severely felt in Maßtorton. Ninety'nine people out of a hundred never felt it at al'. .

_ Two women, the wives of farmers living at Koru, near New Plymouth, fought for two solid hours tho other day One of them has since been charged 'With inflioting gri&vuus bodily harm,

Mr A, Pickoriuß, late of Masterton, has been olected Captain of the newly formed Pnhiatua Fire Brigade. Tho Wellington College Sports will be hold on tho Basin Eeßerve, on Novom. *cr4th,

The fonic loft Hobart at four o'clock yesterday morning, and should arrive in Wellington on Tuosday morning. Evidence at the inquest at Dargavilb, Auckland, on MrsGoulsbro and hor four children, drowned in the Maiigapai Crook, showed that the mother and children bad been crossing tho creek on floating logs, holding by one anothors' clothes, and that they fell into the water together,

MrT. Cotter, who recently purchaser* the River Bank Hotel, at Makuri, will romovc from the present primitive hotel to a fine new building now being erected by Mr G. T, Benuet, contractor, Jobnsouville. Tho funeral of the lato Mr J. O'Brien took place yesterday afternoon, a large number of friends of the deceased following the remains to their last resting place. Service at the grayo was conducted by the the Her. FathorsMcKenna andO'Meara.

On the Supplementary Estimates appears tho following amounts for Pallia-tua:-Mangaono bridge, £250; Tiraumea bridge, £500; Courthouse aud Post Office, £4OO,

An aged man, bearing a swag and named O'Grady, arrived in Greytowu yesterday afternoon, Ho purchased an axe from one ef tho storekeepers there and immediately commenced reducing a tolegraph pole on the main street 0 . On being asked the reason he stated that he wantod to get into gaol, A few miuutos later his desire was gratified, for tho local guardian of the peace promptly arrested him for maliciously destroying public property, and introduced him to the" Wooden Jug," A startling discovery waß made a fow days ago by an employe" on tho Government railways. Whilo filling souio sacks with coal for use on ono of the engines on the Wairarapa line he came across a small mysterious looking package raised up with tho coal. On opening tho, paokage it was found to contain a dangerous explosive, sufficient, we are informed, to havo blown tho enpine to piooss had it found its way into the furnace, How the package came to be thora —whether by accident or design—is at present a complote mystery. Tho au<i thorities in charge of tho mines from which the coal came havo been communicated with, and they state, wo under, stand, that such an explosifo as that found amongst the coal is not used by them hi blasting purposes, It is stated that the paokage contained one of Moble's nitro-glycorino cartridges, The matter is now being investigated by the police,—Times,

The Ruamahuna River was reported to bo exceptionally high this morning, and it Was then still rising. At an early hour it was flowing across tho road atbotbendsofthe To Ore Ore bridge, and Beveral paddocks in the vicinity were considerably flooded necessitating tho removal from them of the Bheep they wore stockod with. A resident of Kopuaranga had also to leave his dwelling, although he has not previously had to desert it from any similar cause. The rainfall must have been in the hills inainly, otherwise the Waipoua which maintained its normal condition, would have bean flooded too,

Tho Wholesale Drapery Company submutod by inset, inour yestrcday'B issue, an interesting price list. No doubt our readers have already examiued it, and if not, by so doing they will see that the prices are very low, it being the firms expressed intention to sell cheaper than any house in tho trade.

The Minister of Lands tho other day declared that Mr Georgo Hutchison in the course of an attack upon the Government, had promised the settlors an eternal lease. He might, said the Minister, as woll promise them an eternal crown. It is quite understood that if in the matter of leases and their duration auyone dosires to "so one bolter" than tho present Government ho must tako into his confidence and mako a compact with n certain elderly person who has sometimes been irreverently referred to as" Old Nick"; but even then he may find that he has been forestalled.

f Wewwreßhownby Mr Burton Boys ' this inornin? a chastely designed and ' exceptionally handsome silver cup, which ' has been presented to the Masterton ' Agricultural and Pastoral AsßOoiation by f the New Zealand Insurance Company, 1 for awßrd to "The best Southdown 1 Ram, under eighteen months, special 1 class," at tbo coming Show. Tho cup, 1 although worth five guineas, is not a large one, but, what is moro important, it is tho real tiling, Mr Boys tells us, and l is sterling silver. It is to be seen in the window of Messrs Townsend and Cowper, Masterton, where it will be on exhibition for the next few days, The New Zealand Insurance Company also intend extending their liberality in a similar manner to the Carterton Show, we are informed. Dog poisoning is being carried on in a wholesale manner at Palmerstou North, The usual weekly meeting of the Masterton Mutual Improvement So* oiety, was held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom last evening, a fair nuuw berboingpresent. The "Journal," the last issue for the session-was read by the publisher (Mr Eastbope), and comprised an excellent editorial on "ADay's Fishing," with letters treating upon "Conversation," "Courtesy in Debate," "Strikes," "Exercise for our Girls," and " A Review of the Seaßion." The usual budget of questions were answered in the column set aside for that purpose, Criticisip followed by several of the ] members, and altogether a very pro- ' fitablq evening was spent, Interest* ! ing questions will be asked at the , Sooie'ty'e next meeting, through the msdium of the Question Box. '

_ We are satisfied with our buyers selections of Spring DressFabrlcs, They are all of the newest materials and in the most fashionable colorings, Our country friends should send at price for patterp, which, will be forwarded; pottage'free, from Te'Aro House, Wellington. -We are abundantly satisfied with .the immense variety of these Spring.Dress Fabrics, and we are daily displaying over 1000 pieces in every fashionable coloring and design, at le Aro House, Wellington, Bend for Fatterns.

We are abundantly satisfied with the superior yalue of these Spring Dress fabrics, The .prices are exceedingly moderate for such excellent quality, ranging from 10s Gd to 45s the full dress' 1 length, at Te Arq House, Send for Patterps, ' ' We ate abuudantly satisfied with our grand choice of New French De Lsiries, now.jp much'in demand. Thes,eare exqui--Bite in design, qplprings and qualities, and may be had at Ib', la Sd, la 6d,'h'9d and 2s per ywd, stTe Aro Bouse, Wellington end for Patternßi—Aovt .

Notice of the striking of a general rate and of special rates is given by the Alfredton Eoad Board in this issue,

The Rev. Arthur Hermon, of Feilding, will relieve the Rev. T. B, Maclean to-uiorrow (Sunday), preaching at Greytown in the morning, at Martinborongh in the afternoon, and j at Featherstou in the evening.

Mr K. Bryant hss been very fortunate with the lambing on his farm at Fitzlict-bert this year, says the Manawatu Times, having Becnred a percentage of 112, which will take beating, In the same district Messrs Bryant Bros, have obtained 1419 lambs from a flock of 1400 ewes, and the latter have not finished lambing yet,

Tho recently-published balance sheet for 1891 of the Royal Insurance Company contains some interesting figures which are well worth reproducing. It includes, we should mention, a statement as to the disposal of tho funds of tho Queen Insuranoo Company, the business of which office was amalgamated with that of the : Royal during the year. The net fire premium income, although amounting to £1,607,030, embraces only one half a year's business of the Queen Office. The fire losses amounted to £990,215, and the profit on the fire account equalled £111,315. The invested funds of the Royal now exceed £8,000,000, assliown in Hie advertised statements, affording absolute security to policy-holders. By its amalgamation with the Queen insurance 'Cowi pany, the Royal is now, we are assured, the largest and wealthiest fire insurance company in the world. Messrs W. M. Bannatyne and Co., are its District Agents for Wellington; while Mr W.W. Smith, of Maslerton, is representative for tho Wairarapa. A luoeftif} was held in Elliston's Hall.Eketahuna, on Wednesday night, about 15C persons being present, to consider tho advisability of establishing a dairy factory in the township. ] Parsons was appointed to the chair, The Chairman explained the objects of the meeting at some length. The Secretary (Mr A, H, Herbert) gave tho estimated cost of establishing a factory. Mr Aulin proposed that a Limited Liability Company ho formed with a capital ol £2OOO in 2000 £1 shares on the cooperative principle. Mr Broninuhl seconded this motion, which was carried unanimously, Mr M.T, Cameron, at tho request of tho Chairman, explained the advantages of a dairy factory, and explained tho benefit such an institution would bo tosettlersgenerally, He(MrCameron) was prepared to erect a factory himself upon a guarantee of 250 cows, Mr Berg proposed that a coTmuittee composed of the following gentlemen be formed to see what number of cows could be guaranteed,and what number of shares could be dispused of:Messrs Thos. Parsons, Morgan, J. Jones, H. Aulin, I). E. Toohill, Harding, Berg, Juggins, O. Nelson, Campbell, and A. H, Herbert to act as Secretary to the Committee, About 800 shares were applied for iu the room. In reply to a question the Chaiiman stated that it was the intention to. establish creameries at Hefty'B Clearing, Mangaone, and Hawera, in connection with the central factory, A vote of thanks to the Chairman, and to Mr Cameron for his advice, was carried unanimously. At Albany (W,A.) two families, the female heads of which are respectively a mother and her married daughter, live under .the one roof. Each ol these matrons gave birth to a boy on the same day, almost at the same hour. The infants were placed in one cradle, and became irretrievably mixed, so that one mother doesn't know whether she is nursing her son or her grandson, and tho other isn't sure whether she is holding her son or her brother.

Messrs Lowes and lorns announce, through our advertising columns, a special horse sale for Friday, 28th instant, at one o'clock. The entries include thirty head draught horses, suitable for 'bus or tram service, buggy horses, hacks, etc, Tho Secretary of tho Masterton' Pastoral and Agricultural Association asks us to say that the steer which is the subject of the guessing competition, will be sold by auction on tho day following the Show and be killed sometimo during the succeeding week, 60 that its dead weight may be ascertained, in order to award the prise,

The DeLaval Cream Separator will be exhibited at work, under steam power, at the Wasterton Show, by the local agents, the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, In class 65, Fat Sheep, of the Masterton Pastoral Society's programme for the coming Show, the entry Bhould readme fat wethers, not six fat wethers as printed in tho schedules issued, We are asked to make this correction.

Messrs Lowes and lorns add to their Maaterton stock sale for Wednesday next, October 19th, one purebred shorthorn bull, ten head cf young cattle, and one light spring trap and harness, We are asked to say that particulars as to the price, terms, etc, of Mr J. Blacbford's property, Upper Plain, advertised in another column, can be obtained from Mr W.W, Smith, land and estate agent, Masterton. _ We are asked by Mr W. W. Smith, insuranoo and estate agent of Masterton, to point out taut, as advertised, he makes a special feature of insurances on threshing machines, farming stock, and orops. The privileges at the Masterton Pastoral Show will be sold by Messrs Lowes and lorns on Saturday, 22nd October, nt two o'clock.

A very pleasing spectacle was witnessed last evening in the Greytown Palace Theatre, About sixty children under nine years of age, assembled there in fancy oostumes, at the invitation of Dr and Mrs Bey. The children arrived at the hall at about 5,30 o'clock, and played games, etc,, until after six, when they adjourned for tea. A splendid and bountiful supper was provided by Mr A. Jones, the well known caterer of Greytown. A few adultevere present to assist in amusing, which they did in an excellent manner, After tea the usual gamss and children's dances were indulged in, and heartily enjoyed by all, Looking from the gallery the Bcene was indeed beautiful j the costumes being very pretty and varied, The amusements' were kept up until about 10.30 and even the youngsters were not tired. Supper was on the table the whole of the evening, aud freely taken advantage of by tbeyoungfolks. At tho conclusion;" Master Harold Hake gaye a short address thanking the host and hostess on behalf of those present for the very enjoyable evening they had spent. Dr and Mrs Bey are to be congratulated on the able way in which the whole affair was conducted,

Yet another theatrical combination has arrived in the Colony, namely, Steen and Smith's Myatio Marvels' The company camo from s'an Francisco by tho last mail boat, aw will tour through tho Colony,

The Southland Times roports that two boys, aged respectively five and three years, sous of Mr. H. Jones, farmer, Pyramids, were playing in a paddock close to the house recently. There wore also a numbor of horses in tho paddock, and one of these was .Btruck with a fork by the yuiumer boy. The animal kioked him on "the I head, and the poor iittlo fellow died la few hours later.

Public tenders are invitod by the "airarapa North County Council in connection wi'h the extension of tho tVaipoua Uridge embankments. An adrertisment, with particulars, appears claowhero in thia issue,

The peace and quietness of Colo Street Masterton, was completely upset last night betweon ten and elevon o'clock by the behaviour of two riotous drunks, »ho made the nifjlit hideous by their foul and filthy Jauguago. Finally they made an effort to enter Mr J. William's house, and in going round the back, ono of them foil through a win. flow. After the dama«[o was done tho culprit went away loudly declarin E that "no man could look him up." Mr Williams oime home just after tho manhad cleared out, but Uo or three resident* who bad been nmsod from their beds, wero ablo to givo information which lod to tho identification of the offender and Mr Wilhams captured and handed him over to tho police,

As shewing how the export butter trade is increasing, the Hawera Star mentions Hat by tho Coptic, whioh .leaves lyfctelton this week, Mr Kowni, an English buyer recently amved in '''■' Twa naki district, is sending Home li'OO packages of butter. _ Tho change in the weather tlm mornignßcemedtohaveabad offocton the town clock, for somehow or other it manngod to got half an hour behind time at eight o'clock, and fooled a numbor of people into behoving they had started for work too early. As tho item was accidentally omittod from the published programme, wo are desired to inttmato that a speoial prizo of three guineas, presented by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, Limited, will be awarded at the Master- 1 ton Show, for the best ton fieeoes of greasy cross-bred wool, unskirted, and calculated to realise tho greatest gross valuo per fleece, the growth of wool not to oxceed twelvo months', and tho date of shearing to be atatod on tho entry form.

We understand that Mr Thomas Teaguo, the "exchampion" lightweight of ( New Zealand, is to be tendered a boxing benefit at an early date, by a number of friends and admirers. Mr Tongue, duriug bis residence in Masterton, has given very serviceable lessons in the" noblo art," and, but for bis quiet and assuming manner, we should probably bear more of bis exploitsin the" ring," as he is undoubtedly a mau of " science."

Apprentices, bodice and shirt bauds arc advertised for by the dressmaking department of the 'Wholesale Drapery Company, Masterton.

Residents have been mnoh annoyed lately with men calling and demanding food, and in caso their demand should not be complied with using very bad language. The consequeuces are in somo instances serious, women and youne, girls having been very much frightened. Mr Burton Boys spoke strongly on the matter this morning, and in dealing a salutary le3son, intimated that any future oases coming before him wonld be Bevorely punished.

It is notified by Mr John Watt, wholesale and retail bookseller and stationer of Queen street, Masterton, that he has n good stock of Longmans' Readers and other school requisites, A flock of starlings passed over Masterton yesterday afternoon. Some of them flew against the telegraph wires with such force that they were killed.

The first wool sale of the season, under the auspioes of the N. Z. Loan and Mercantile Agenoy (Jompany, Limited, will be held in Wellington on Friday, 2nd December, Two female cooks are required by MrKowKee. Mr W. H, Beetham linow engaged in planting an acre at Landidowne with vint cuttings, A private telegram received in Masterton to-day, from Mr JJ, Freeth, of New Plymouth, states that his daughter, Miss Maud Freeth, is still in a precarious condition, and it is doubtful whether her strength will hold,

The timber trade at Auckland foi the past week or so has been verj brisk. The Kauri Timber Oompanj have been running their mills overtime to meet local orders;

The N, Z, limit publishes some rubbishy verses on Tennyson entitled "New Zealand's Tribute to the Dead Laureate. Our contemporary ought not to make the Oolony ridioulous after this fashion. Forty pounds to fivo shillings is rather long odds, says the Timet, but nevertheless that wis the bit laid by a well-known Wairenpa racing man to a Wellington rosident lite on Thursday night. A friendly difference of amnion had occurred between the two gentlemen as to the engagements of a oertain racehorse in a certain year, Upon consultation of the sporting reference library of the New Zealand Times the Wairarapa gentleman was adjudged tho winner of the bet, and tho Wellington, with regrotful feelingsastothe £4O whioh he b«d thought was a' dead bird, 1 had to pay the ss, which, truth to toll, ho did cheerfully enough. He can console himself with the thought that once at least he had liberal odds laid him—--100 to 1 is not to be had every day in the racing world.

The fiercest-northerly gale experienced for Bomo jears, has beea raging all nightin Wellington. Fences, hoardings, windows, etc., have been much damaged and some of tlio boats in the harbour are badly knocked about, Neither the boating northecricket seasons can be opened. A telegram just received states that it is still raging and blowing hard. During the gale a lady who was crossing Lambton Quay last night was blown down and rolled Of er several times by the sheer force of the wind; Fortunately she was not seriously hurt,

Activity prevails all ovor tUe house tearing open cases, ripping up parcels, slitting boies, undoing packages, all day long, That J6 how the work of preparation is now going on at Hooper's BonMarche, Incomeqaenoe of the advance of spring the fashion's sections are specially busy, Huge ■Btaoks of dveßS materials are rising in'the spaoe apportioned to them, and in the Bhbw rooms pile of bonnet boxes, being the choicest millinery in the world, Boxes of feathera, flowers, parasols, and other fashionable, olc, etc,, are gradually being absorbed into their comprehensive and liberally assorting stoots, Man array of elegant millinary, pretty bonnets ami dainty hats, The shew rooms aro a blaze oi beauty, exhibiting choicest pro, ductions, On every side aro trophies b'f'the mantlemaker'a and coßtumier's arts, There should be no time lost, no moments waste! and the business should be that of buying as fast as possible. There aro jußt a ohoice sprinkling of many lines, so those that are first in the field will, have the first ploß,-Ann