Barry Herald

OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. The destruction of the Mahaist armv and the killing of the Khalifa himself have served this week to home to all of us the fact that we have trouble in the Soudan as well as In South Africa but the manner in which ths news was received in London was a striking proof of how difficult it is for the general publia to be keenly interested in more than one topia at a. time. Had the intelligence arrived a twelvemonth ago. when we were all still flushed with the victory of Omdurmsn, it would have created much excitement: but we are all just now so absorbed with the Boers that it made extremely little sensation. AK for the fortunes of war further south, we havo all been passing through an anxious time during the last fort night, and the waiting-room at the War Office has again been witnessing a succes- sion of sad scenes. The patience with which hour after hour on the day after a battle, relatives of the soldiers engaged in the fight, wait for news of the casualties? is one of the saddest sights to be seen in the London of to-day, while the outbursts of un- controllable grief when the dreaded list is posted up are sufficient to wring the heart of even those most accustomed to the scene. It can well be understood that the Queen is intensely gratified at the manner in which the whole nation has received the announce- ment of her intended gift to every man now 3erving at the front, and her Majesty is cur- rently reported to have expressed that gratifi- cation to her entourage. The thoughtful kindliness of the act has even strengthened her Majesty's hold upon the hearts of her people: and it has come at a moment when her subjects were keenly feeling the insults which had been levelled at their Fenerable Sovereign by some of the more coarse-minded journalists of France. These outrages, both by pen and pencil, have reached such an unutterable depth that general credence is accorded to the report thata plain hint has been given, a plain hint that unless they im- mediately cease the Prince of Wales will con- fine his assistance to the Paris Exhibition of next year to the most formal limits. It is a striking fact that it was not until after this had been very generally rumoured that the Paris police received directions to seize the more loathsome of these prints: the French Government will now be looked to as bound to continue to keep a restraining hand upon them, if this be not done, thousands of English folk who had determined to visit the Exhibition will decline to go. and that is a prospect which the Paris tradesman will scarcely contemplate with equanimity. In many a way. the feeling of the country that the reservists who have been called to the Colours should be treated handsomely, is being given practical expression. This has not only taken the shape of raising large funds for the benefit of the wives and children who are left at home. and of the action of a number of the best employers in paying towards the mainten- ance of these while the bread-winner is away. but the friendly societies are now moving in the matter with excellent result. It appears that the Executive Council of the London Unity of Oddfellows, which has branches all orer England and Wales, has recommended those lodges which have members on active service in South Africa to keep them" in compliance" by paying their contributions from the management or incidental funds. There is no surprise in hear- ing that the lodges have taken up the point in It patriotic manner, and are about to act on the suggestion: and it may be taken for granted that others of our great friendly societies, which do so excellent a work, will adopt the idea in their own way. Next summer, the Society for the Propaga- tion of the Gospel in Foreign Parts will enter opon its bi-centennial year, it having been founded in London towards the close Ö of the reign of William III., while among the earliest of its public appearances was to present an address of congratulation to Anne upon her accession to the throne. The occasion is to be 3pecially celebrated, as is only natural, and it may be taken for certain that the celebration will be a worthy one. It is striking to recall that the earliest effort of the long familiar S.P.G." was directed towards those American colonies of ours which have now become the United States: and it makes the proud claim that the Church in that country, which has now some eighty-four bishops and 4692 clergymen, grew from the work it established by sending in all over three hundred missionaries. At the present time, with an annual income of nearly £32°:000, it has in its service about 3000 European and native missionaries, and in South Africa its labours have been particularly fruitful, a fact' which is not at all likely to be forgotten during the bi-centenary celebration next year. Manifestations have come from all parts of the country of the widespread sympathy felt by those of all parties and creeds with the Prime Minister because of the death of Lady Salisbury; and this general joining in a common grief is a proof of the national unity in tlie best sense, which no one more than that statesman is in a position to fitly estimate. It is being remarked as noteworthy that this is the only instance during the present reign of a Prime Minister's wife dying while her husband was in office. Save in the cases of Lords Melbourne. Aberdeen, Beaconsfield, and Rosebery, and now Lord Salisbury, the Queen's Prime Ministers have been sur- rived by their wives: and the instance of that venerable lady, Mrs. Gladstone, who is still among us is the most striking at this moment. Owing to the natural wish of Lord Salisbury, that the departed one should rest at Hatfield, London had little opportunity for publicly displaying its grief: but the reality of its sorrow was shown not only by the unanimous resolutions of its County Council and School Board, but by the highly representative attendance at the memorial service at the Chapel Royal, St. Jameses. It seems early to the outsider to be talking in the first days of December about the inter- University Boat Race which, in the accus- tomed fashion, will take place next spring but at the Universities themselves this is very far from the view that would be taken. So far is it, indeed, that the Saturday of this week has been fixed for both the Oxford and Cam- bridge Trial Eights, the Oxonians doing their trial at Maulsford. and the Cantabs at Ely. The twc Oxford ights are declared by ex- gjrts to be shaping well, but those of ambridge are averred to be more finished." It is far too soon, however, to talk of their being finished, and the average man will prefer the more "beefy" crews, as being likelv to train far better- As far, though, as the general public is concerned, the main point is that demonstration is already clear that both the Universities will be able to put forward a very powerful representative crew; and the old battle will, therefore, be once more contested ir the best fashion. R.

SAILOR'S STORY. M"8 1m IS THE ONLY SURVIVOR FROM A BTTR5BD SHIP. A strange experience is related by a young sailor just admitted to the Plymouth Sailors' Home. The man 18 a Hollander, and speaks English only with ■difficulty. He gives his name as A. Hockstra, and he left Philadelphia for Rotterdam in a steamer called the Isabella Temgij, or some such name. On Friday of last week, when in what lie calls the Bay of Biscay — perhaps the month of the Channel the ship caught fire, was 4>urtied to the water's edge, and foundered with the whole of the crew, numbering 24, on board. The Dutchman says he only had tinre to put on two lifebelts when he found himseu in the water. He lost consciousness, but afterwards discovered he was on board a small vessel which he calls the Panther, and which, from his description, would appear to be the Brrt'Sh torpedo-boat of that name. This vessel put him ashore on Saturday at a coast- guard station near Fowey, to which place he walked.

IVRTHEB large orders for shell, cordite, and small- arm ammunition have been given by the War OiEce tQ various firms in the provinces. TUB Immigration Restriction Bill, on the lines of the Nutal Act, has passed the New Zealand House of Representatives without a division. TIIlI Belgian Government have decided to purchase K. de Gerlache's vessel the Belgica, and will pro- bably fit her as a training school

NEWS NOTES. THE German Emperor and Empress hava enjoyed a quiet, unostentatious, family visit to this country, and have gone away much better pleased with their outing than would have been the case had they been received with fuss and ceremony everywhere, as it has become the fashion to consider exalted station demands. Rank has its inconveniences as well as its privileges. The humble independent personage in a. civilised country enjoys a measure of real freedom which even the mightiest monarch can never know. POOR Lord Salisbury was unable to attend the obsequies of the gentle lady who has been (in the best sense of the word) his mate through the best years of a long and honoured career. Ill and deeply grief-stricken, the noble marquis had to remain in his own apartment at Hatfield during the burial of Lady Salis- bury. The Queen and other royalties were re- presented at the funeral, which was simple and impressive in the highest degree. AT the Birmingham Fat Stock Show the Queen may be said to have almost swept the board." Her Majesty certainly captured a more than leonine share of the prizes. The Royal farms, which the ever-to-be-lamented Prince Consort started on so solid and lasting a basis, are yet among the foremost in the land. WE are all proud of the progress made by Lord Methuen's force for the relief of Kimberley. He and his gallant men were very quickly in effective action after landing at Cape Town; and they showed the Boer burgher soldiery their mettle at once. When General Buller gets the whole of his men disposed in the proper positions the war w ill be all but over. Meanwhile the rebellious South Africans have made no insignificant show of stubborn bravery. A GOOD many fine fellows who wore only the other day, so to speak, here at home in England, have fallen in doing their country's work in Africa already and there will be mourning for those that never can return in many a home amongst us this coming Christmastide in consequence. Let us comfort as well and as practically as we can the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers of the Queen. SIr: FRANCIS WISGATE has well carried out the plans the Sirdar entrusted him with in the Soudan, and may be said to have quite wiped out the dervish disturbing power. The Khalifa, a detestable despot wherever he could lord it. was an entity of very considerable consequence in Xileland; and with the destruc- tion of his Army the Soudan is opened to all the world. The Mahdi was a great man, with a tremendous personality in the unscrupulous Khalifa he had a follower who has been a thorn in the side of those who wanted to set things in the Soudan right. Oft escaping, he has been caught and slain at last. His ubiquitous lieutenant. Osman Digna, got away once again, but his turn also should be near at hand now. THE decisive victory of Colonel Wingate gives—as Lord Rosebery felicitously phrased it at Edinburgh—peace for the first time in re- corded history to the valley of the Nile. Long may that peace continue. The prospects of a Cape to Cairo unmolested trade route never looked rosier than now. THE nabobs of the East would not have it thought that they have part in the glories and the responsibilities of the vast British Empire. Here we havo the Xizarn of Hyderabad giving fifteen thousand pounds to the fund for the relief of the sick and wounded in South Africa, and stirring up his nobles to appropriately supplement his generosity. We Britishers may well be proud, without boastfulness, of the figure we are at this moment cutting in the world's eye. "LI Hrxc CHANG," the oft-disgraced and oft-preferred statesmanly veteran of China, has been appointed by Imperial decree Minister of Commerce. And a very good head of the Trade Bureau of the Celestial Empire he should make. He took intelligent stock of many things in England and other western lands not so long ago; and if his advice were followed and his experiences utilised to the full, China might awaken further somnolence and assume the place in the world which her vastness and her traditions warrant. THE word has gone forth from certain alarmist quarters that Russia is getting belli- cose again: and taking threating steps about Herat. But no official significance is attached to the recrudescent rumourings. Indeed, we believe that our Foreign Office i3 on the best of terms with St. Petersburg. There are those on the Continent who would dearly like to provoke a quarrel between this country and the Czar: but so long as his Im- perial Majesty and our own Government are sincerely desirous of preserving amity it will not matter what a few newspaper firebrands may write, or how the financiers and the soldiery rage. THE revenue of Egypt for next year is esti- mated at just over ten millions, and the expen- diture at just about the same amount. This is a condition of things which alone is eloquent of the advantage of British intervention. To have lifted the Khedive from the sink of finan- cial corruption in which it lay is a great achievement indeed. SIR CHARLES WARREN has started out for service at the Cape. He has had very con- siderable acquaintance with South African i affairs, and has displayed a great capacity in dealing therewith. As a military pioneer and a man of resource his worth is very consider- L able. He will come in handy when the Boers have been humbled in effecting the settlement which is to be final. When Sir Charles left London on Saturday a wag altered the reserv- ing label on his carriage-window to make that read Waterloo to Pretoria." It won't be Sir Charles Warren's fault 'if he does not get .h"e

COLLIERY FIRE. The auove-ground structures and machinery of BroomhiM Colliery, near Morpeth. were destroyed by fire on Saturday morning. A thousand men and boys are thrown idle, and the estimated damage caused by the tire is £20,000. Fortunately the last shift of men for the week had left the pit at eleven o'clock on the preceding night.

MR. CHAPLIN ON VACCINATION. Mr. Chaplin, M.P., was the chief guest at the first annual dinner of the Association of Public Vaccina- tors held in London on Saturday evening, Respond- ing to the toast of The Local Government Board," of which he is president, Mr. Chaplin reviewed at some length the circumstances attending the passing of the Vaccination Act of 1898. The report of the late Lord Herschell's Commits was responsible for the creation of tin. con- scientous objector." but half the falling- off in vaccination had been recovered in the first year of the Act, and the reports from district in- spectors showed that vaccination was still on the in- crease. He attributed this in the first place to the efficiency.and tact with which the duties of the vaccination officers had been carried out throughout the country. In the second place he put it down to the new lymph. He congratulated the Guardians of Leicester on the course they had recently adopted, which seemed to be one dictated by common sense. The Local Government Board was charged, as part of its duties, with the care of the public health, and if-which God forbid—there should be a serious outbreak of smallpox atLeicester, like that at Gloucester, or even like that which was now going on at Hull, he had acquiesced in the refusal of the guardians to appoint a vaccination officer, the responsibility and blame would have fallen first and toost heavily on him. He claimed that the Vaccina- tion Act of 1898 had been proved by results to be a very distinct success.

BOILER EXPLOSION. A Board of Trade report on the working on the Boiler Explosions Acts, 1882 and 1890, during the year ended June 30 last has been issued. Fifty-two preliminary inquiries and 16 formed investigations were made during the 12 months. By the 68 ox- plosions dealt with in these inquiries and investiga- tions 36 persons were killed and 67 injured, The average number of persons killed per year since the Act of 1882 came into operation is 2«)'5, and the average number injured 61'3 per year. The numbers for the year 18)8-99 are stated by Mr. J. W. Howell, issistant-secretary of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade, to be somewhat high, but as the period includes one of the most disastrous of the explosions which have been investigated—viz., the explosion at Barking, which killed 10 and injured 23 persons, they cannot be regarded AS indicating anv general increase in neglect or mismanagement on the part of steam users. As in previous years, general deterioration, corrosion, aud defective safety valves, &c., are the prevailing causes of explosions, and that after these defective design, workmanship, material, or construction, or undue working pressure are the most frequent causes. In 26 cases the boilers were nnder the in-' spection of public associations or were in steamships inspected by the Board's surveyors, but in four of these cases the explosions were not due to defects in the condition of the boilers. Appendices give details of the inquiries and explosions, and a report by the Board's solicitor on the formil investigations held during the 12 months is also published.

A TELEGRAM from Cairo states that two companies of the 1st Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders will leave shortly for Khartoum AS the usual winter detachment. LORD METHUEN'S personal baggage, forwarded to De Aar by a London firm, was addressed to "Lord Methuen, Pretoria, via Cape Town. A LONDON riding mistress has hit upon a happy idea which offers a new employment for women. She points out that it must be very dull for a young lady to ride in the park attended only by a groom at a discreet distance, and suggests that it would be much more agreeable to the lady equestrian to ride in com- pany with a cheerful person of her own sex, whose social position would allow them to ride side by side. The riding mistress is prepared to supply lady grooms, I who would certainly play propriety as efficiently as I the most experienced groom.

THERE will be an examination on the Tuesday before Easter, 1900, for 10 or 11 scholarships at Harrow School. WHY.—Mr. Harold Spender, the Alpine climber, in his book on the High Pyrenees, recently published, tells of an unexpected climax to one of his feats.' With two companions he had scaled one of the most difficult peaks, and descending, found refuge from the storm and night in the chalet of a goatsherd. The three men, half-frozen, and exhausted with the long and terrible strain, but glowing with triumph, crouched before the fire. Thegoatsherd's wife a dull old woman, stood looking at them silently for a while, and then pronounced a single word:" Pour- quoi ?" (Why ?) Spender declares that he and his companions looked at each other with an expression of surprise on each face. They had risked health and strength and life itself. "Why?" What had they gained? There was no answer. The one word struck like a blank wall across their consciousness of useless struggle and suffering and danger. The snow fell outside, and the mist shut out the hills. They did not talk to each other. Each was asking himself Why There are other heights in the world beside those in the Alps, which men try to scale to as little purpose. The man who gives his life to the gathering of millions, which he never uses or. enjoys; the young wife who spends her husband's hard-earned wages in aping women of fashion the girl trying to force her way into the stylish set of her town, dressing and entertaining beyond her means; the college boy who is struggling to show his manliness by leading the fast men of his class—all are climbing barren heights, at the top of which is neither profit nor honour. Most of us have tried some of this Alpine-olimbing in our day. It would have been well for us if some honest soul like the goatsherd's wife had stood in our path with the word, "Why?"—Youth's Companion. ,I t.: J

MANY TONS OF PRODUCE LOST. One of the largest stack fires that has occurred in the neighbourhood of Chester for many years broke out at Cophouse Farm, on the Hawarden estate, tenanted by Mr. Geo. Lee, on Saturday night. Twenty-one stacks, comprising straw, oats, and hay, were destroyed. The spectacle was witnessed by hundreds of people from Chester walls, about three miles distant. The Chester and Sandycroft fire brigades saved a row of 13 other stacks in close proximity, and the farm buildings. One thousand I' tons of produce were destroyed, the damage, which is covered by insurance, being estimated at 3;2000.

RARE BIRDS SHOT. [I A few very rare birds have recently been seen in the eastern part OF England. Mr. William Howlett, an East Anglian writer on natural history topics, states that a pair of auks were shot recently on the Lark, about seven miles from Newmarket, while a pair of bitterns have, been seen disporting themselves on the same river. Two splendid specimens of the kingfisher, in beautiful plumage, and the northern diver, very rare birds on the Essex coast, have been shot by Mr. T. GREENWOOD, near Watton backwaters. A honey-buzzard has been shot by Mr. E. Moore, on his own grounds at Frampton Hall, near Boston, Lincolnshire. This bird was supposed to be extinct in England.

BIRMINGHAM FAT STOCK SHOW The Birmingham annual fat-stock show opened at Bingley licill on Saturday, and her Majesty won a prize or a commendatory notice for every one of her exhibits.' As Herefords are a breed indigenous to the district, it is a custom to give them the place of honour, and though the white-faced cattle had never been better represented, her Majesty' Hereford steer which won the coveted prize at Norwich again took the chief awards. FOR it her Majesty was awarded the presi- dent's prize, value £ 25; the Elkington Challenge Cup, 100 guineas: the Thorley Challenge Cup, 100 guineas the Welb Challenge Cup, 100 guineas and the ,Ð50 prize for the best Hereford in the show. This is a splendid beast, scaling 17cwt, The Queen showed altogether 14 animals from the Windsor Farms. The Prince of Wales was represented in the cattle, sheep, and pig classes.

THE MUCKROSS ESTATE. The Evening Herald (Dublin) states that the pur- chaser of the Muckross estate, Killarney, is Lord Iveagh. Messrs. Sutton, who completed the transac- tion, are the fimily solicitors of the Guinness family. The sum paid is not named, but rumour puts it at 50,000. If Lord Iveah is really the pur- chaser the question of tourists' privileges is likely to be arranged in a way satisfactory to the public. The tolls amount annually to upwards of EIOOO, are easily collected, and, of course, become payable to to the new owner. The frights accorded t<J visitors are merely permissive, but they do not interfere with the privacy of the demesne.

KIPLING AS A JOURNALIST. In the Windsor Magazine is a detailed account of the little-known life of Rudyard Kipling. Of his journalistic career the writer says In the autumn of 1882, having finished his course at school, a posi- tion was secured for him on the Civil and Military Gazette, Lahore. The Civil and Military Gazette is the chief journal of North- Western India, owned and conducted by the managers and owners of the Alla- habad Pioneer, the ablest and most influential of all Indian newspapers published in the interior of the country. For five years he worked hard and steadily on the Gazette. Much of the work was simple drudgery. He shirked nothing. The editor-in-chief was a somewhat grim man, who believed in snubbing his subordinates, and who, though he recognised the talents of the clever pup,' as he called him, and allowed him a pretty free hand in his contributions to the paper, yet was inclined to exact from him the full tale of the heavy routine work of a newspaper office.

OUR NATIONAL TRUST." Sir Henry Fowler, addressing a meeting in aid of the families of the local Reservists at Wolver- hampton, said the Reserves had responded to the nation's call to an extent which the most sanguine advocates of the new system never contemplated. War was so mechanical nowadays that it had been predicted that individual bravery would decline, but there had been no war in the history of the British Army in which more personal gallantry had been, displayed than in the present campaign. It was gratifying to recognise that troughout the length and breadth of the Empire our obligation to the army was being recognised. In his opinion the widows, and orphans were a national trust, and he held the doctrine that when a man lost his life in the service of his country, the country was bound to provide for his widow and children.

THE QUEEN AS A COMFORTER. A letter has been received by Miss Winter, of Fowler's Plot, Chedzoy, near Bridgwater; from the Dowager Lady Ampthill, Lady-in-Waiting at L Windsor, stating that her Majesty was much touched by an incident Miss Winter had informed her of in connection with the recent Royal procession at Bristol. A mother and her young son were found weeptng1, but the latter endeavoured to console her by exclaim- ing that after seeing the good Queen his father had gone away to fight for, she must now wipe away her tears. Lady Ampthill says the Queen was much affected by the relation of the anecdote, and directed her (Lady Ampthill) to say how glad her Majesty was when she could give pleasure or comfort. The Queen was feeling so, especially now, for the wives and families of the brave soldiers who had gone to fight for their sovereign and country in a distant land. 0

OPAL mining in Australia is perhaps the newest industry there. In many parts of that continent opals are being found in highly payable quantities. THE battleship Blake, the flagship of Rear-Admiral Lake, which took the leading part in the naval recep- tion of the German Emperor, is in charge of Cap- tain E. H. M. Davis, an officer who has seen a good round of service. He joined the navy close upon 40 years ago, and had his baptism of fire at the bom- bardment of Kagosima, in Japan, in 1863. The fol- lowing year he was in at the capture of the Simon- oseki forts. In 1877-78 he served with the Naval Brigade in the Kaffir war, and earned special promo- tion, and in 1879 he distinguished himself in the Zulu war. His last important service was when, in command of the Royalist in 1892, he annexed the Gilbert Islands, a rich little group in the Pacific, on the Equator, where the notorious kings, Tem-Baiteke and Tem-Bainooke, reigned supreme some years ago. Captain Davis came on the scene after the disap- pearance of these fire-eaters, and the monarch he took over with the ill-numbered thirteen islands was a lad who had only just reached the trouser- vrearing time of life. Captain Davia I^53 years of age, and one of the most able and popular U>ea in the Royal Envy. I :(

SAILORS' PERILS. AT an early hour on Sunday morning the Hull steam trawler Sparta, while returning to Hull, stranded about four miles south of Filey. Captain. Griffin, the mate, Walters, and the boatswain left in the ship's coble to put out an anchor with the object of refloating the vessel. A heavy sea was running, and when some distance from the stranded vessel the small boat foundered, and the mate, Walters, was drowned. The boatswain swam ashore, and the captain reached his vessel and was hauled on board. The Sparta was afterwards floated, and proceeded to her destination.

COCOA—The National Drink. NEVER in the history of the world has Cocoa been eo much held in favour as a national drink as it is at the present day. Yet there are Cocoas and Cocoas. MKSSRS. FRY have gained no fewer than 276 GOLD MEDAL8 and DIPLOMAS, and their Pure Concen- trated Cocoa is the result of an accumulated experience ofl7Dv- f.t't. which places this Well-known Firm I the ri valry exis ,ng amongst I) gnwth. here 1. no "ette, tluut PURE COHCENTBATED OOCOA Of which Dr. Amdrew, Wilson, Sahi idealofperfection." JUST THH2LE WORDS are necessary in order to get the right Cocoa, viz., FR Y'A PGFTG CONCENTRATED.

— f FATHER F. HOPKINS, S.J., formerly minister at Beaumont College, and afterwards at Manresa House, has been consecrated Bishop of British Honduras. DCRING excavations at a suburb of Bologna a number of tombs of the original inhabitants of tTmbria were discovered at a great depth below the surface.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S YOUTH. It may safely be said that Birmingham owes more to Mr. Chamberlain, the man of the moment, than to any ofber man. He found it a poor, miserable, over- grown village, with a spiritless Corporation; he left it with a legacy of fine streets, imposing buildings, and municipal advantages that have placed Birming- ham in the position of being the best-governed and best-equipped city in the kingdom. One of the finest streets in Birmingham — Corporation-street. — wag at one time a congeries of insanitary dwelling, prolific of disease and crime. Mr. Chamber- lain initiated an improvement scheme which cleared away acres of hovels, and transformed a deadly, dismal district into one of the most impos- ing thoroughfares in the world. Mr. Chamberlain entered Parliament in 1876, and in the following year quitted local politics for the broader Held of Imperial legislation. In the following year he made his tirst speech in the House of Commons. He was then, according to an eye-witness, "a slightly-made, youthful, almost boyish-looking man, with a black coat fearlessly unbuttoned to display his waistcoat.' He is said to have made his first speech in a low. clear, and admirably-pitched voice, in excellent Eng- lish, and with a manner perfectly self-possessed without being self-assertive."

THEATRE DESTROYED BY FIRE The Theatre Royal, Grey-street, Newcastle, was destroyed by fire at an early hour of the morning of November 2-1. At midnight the building was left secure as usual, but between one and two o'clock sparks were seen blowing from the top of the structure. The fire must have broken out upon or near the stage, for when the firemen got inside the whole of the stage was a seething furnace. It was at once seen that nothing could save the theatre from destruction. The brigade, however, successfully prevented the flames spreading to other portions of the valuable block of which the theatre forms a part. Some of the adjoin- ing premises suffered damage from water and sparks, but the fire was practically confined to the theatre itself. When the serious character of the fire was discovered measures were taken to rouse the inmates of the whole of the adjoining properties, and in a short time persons scantily clothed and trying to save what valuables they possessed were seen hurrying from the block, which at that time was thought to be doomed. Some of the fire reached the roof of the adjoining police station, the woodwork of which was burnt, but no further damage resulted. The flames were extinguished before daybreak. The theatre is leased by Mr. Robert Arthur from a limited liability company, and only a few years ago the interior was entirely reconstructed at a cost of £1-1,000, the substantial character of the work being considered fireproof. The damage is estimated to be about £O,OOO, Some 35 tons of scenery and other properties, including the dresses of Mr. F. R. Ben- son's Shakespearian Company, who have been per- forming dnring the week. were all consumed and are not insured. Several members of the company also lost their theatrical equipment. The theatre is in- sured. The loss to Mr. Arthur ia greater than it would have been at any other period of the year as the preparations for his Christmas pantomime were well advanced and a large part of the stage effects for the show were destroyed. The handsome front- age of the theatre an the outer walls of the theatre were uninjured but the interior was completely gutted.

HOW MONCRIEFFE WENT TO THE FRONT. Of Mr. Ronny Moncrieffe, who is the younger brother of the Duchess of Atholl, of Helen Lady Forbes, of Georgina Lady Dudley, and who is now in Ladysmith (says M.A.P.), there are stories galore. Everybody calls him Ronny. He is 6ft. high, and is rather willowy in form, with a slight tendency to poke his head forward. Extremely good looking, with a complexion that any girl might envy, there is nothing effeminate in his manly appearance. When he arrived in South Africa, Moncrieffe was very anxious to get to the front, but the train was packed full. He tried to get on the engine, but the driver and his mate were too much for him. Then he ensconced himself in the tiny van allotted to the guard, which already had three occupants. The guard could not find standing room. Whilst he was violently remonstrating, Moncrieffe snatched his 1 whistle, blew it violently, and the train steamed off, with the astonished guard left behind, gesticulating like a semiphore

CHINESE MISSIONARY'S DIFFICULTY. A C.M.S. missionary, the Rev. LOUIS. Byrde, has found his way to Kueilin, a city r&rely visited by Europeans, on the southern border of the province of Hunan, in China. Mr. Byrde lives in a boat, being as yet unable to find anyone willing to let him a house. However, he finds that the people come gladly to receive medical treatment, and to get books.

POST OFFICE TELEPHONES. A Telephone Department has been established in the new Post Office building at St. Martin's-le- Grand, and on inquiring the other day as to bow matters stood in regard to the service promised a Daily Chronicle representative was told on the highest authority that the work was being pushed forward with all possible speed, and that it was likely to be available for use within six months. An emphatic denial was given to the state- ment made by the National Telephone Company that the Government service wa3 to be based exclusively on a message rate, and that the company's service would be the cheapest to large users. The Govern- ment charges have not really been dpfinitelyagreed upon yet, it was stated, and the question is stih under I serious consideration but no doubt was entertained that the charges finally made would be found to be much cheaper than those made by the company. That the company is getting afraid is shown by their attempt to rush certain of the local authorities into granting them way-leaves. Within the last few days the company has sent a circular to some of the authorities making a renewed appeal, almost piteous in its tones, for permission to lay underground cables. An ingenious argument is used. It is stated that by the agreement under which the company's trunk lines were acquired the Postmaster-General is under an absolute covenant to delegate all his powers to the company at any time the company asks him to do so, and that the company only requires the consent of the vestries and district boards as the road authorities in order to strengthen its position in regard to obtaining the London County Council's consent. It gs without saying that London local authorities will not be misled by specious arguments of this kind. Nearly half of the local authorities in London have flatly refused to grant way-leaves to the company. Respecting the charges to be made, the company states that it intends to charge the same rate as the Post Office authorities.

FUNERAL OF LADY SALISBURY. Lady Salisbury was buried on Saturday at Hat- field, in the little plot in the churchyard set apart for the family in front of the Palace of the old Prince Bishops of Ely, whose connection with Bishops Hat- field is intimated both in the name of the place and the dedication of the church to Ely's patroness, St. Etheldreda. The funeral was (says the Times report) simple to the degree of 'homeliness—and it was the home life, not that of State and rank, but that of the mistress and head of a ^Christian family, the close of which was honoured with the last consol- ing rites of religion. The sorrow was the personal sorrow of those bound by close ties of kinship or of intimate -pet^onal friendship, andJ there was scarcely one in the church but mourned as one from whom a daily presence' and an' ever- active and beneficent inllueuce had been with- drawn. The necessary labours for the disjSOsol of the earthly remains were carried out by those who in life had known and loved the dead, who was borne •n the shoulders of men devoted to her service from the death chamber to the tomb. There were no funeral trappings, no stately carriages. The mourners walked in humble procession from the historic house to the church in which earlier Cecils have found their last resting place. Before the body reached the church the servants of the household took their places in the Cecil Chapel, on th» north side of the altar, wherein lies the body of the last Marquis of Salisbury, who died in 1868, his eldest son, Lord Cranborne, having predeceased him. The chapel was beautifully restored by the Prime Minister in 1872, and Lady Salisbury gave all the oaken seats made from timber grown on the estate. A beautiful iron screen, which came from Amiens Cathedral encloses the chapel, in which rises against the wall of a noble renaissance monument of Robert, first Eurl of Salisbury. The tenantry were assembled in the nave, behind whom subsequently were admitted the villagers of Hatfield and the neighbourhood. Domestic, however, and austerely simple as was the ceremonial, it was no undistinguishable throng which at a quarter post twelve entered the church preceding and following the wreath-covered coffin. Few families embrace in so high a degree as that of the Prime Minister persons who have attained eminence in politics, letters, philosophy, and science. The Bishop of Rochester with the other clergy, met the funeral party at the western door of the church. The rector, the Rev. Lord William Cecil, in surplice and hood, preceded the coffin, and with his brethren, the Rev Montague F. Alderson. the Rev. E. A. Smith, the Rev. R. du F. Bryans, the Rev. G. S. Clayton, the Rev. F. R. Pemberton, vicar of Markyate, and formerly curnte of Hatfield, and the Ven. Archdeacon Lawrance, St. Albans, led the way towards the sanctuary. Lord Salisbury had not sufficiently recovered from his illness to face the ordeal of the ceremony. The mourners were: Viscount and Viscountess Cranborne, the Earl and Countess of Selborne, Lady Gwendolen Cecil, the Rev. Lord William and Lady Florence Cecil, Lord and Lady Robert Cecil, Lord Hugh Cecil, M.P.. the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Steward, representing the Queen, Herr A. Grumelius, representing the German Emperor and Empress, Lord Colville of Culross, representing the Prince and Princess of Wales, Major-General Sir Henry and Lady Alderson and Mr. R. Alderson, Sir William and Lady Huinphery, Mr. Alderson, Mrs. F. Alderson, Mr. E. H. Alderson, Canon and Mrs. and Miss Alderson, the Earl and Countess of Galloway, Mr. E. and Lady Frances Balfour, Mr. A. J. Bal- four, M.P., and Miss Balfour, Mr. Gerald Balfour, M.P., and Lady Betty Balfour, Lord and Lady Ray- leigh, Professor and Mrs. Henry Sidgwick, Miss Agnes Hope, the Rev. W. J. and Mrs. Newton Mant, Mrs. Marwood Tucker, Mr. Charles Hope, the Hon. Alban Gibbs, M.P., Lord Stratheden and Campbell, Lord Eustace Cpci), Lord Arthur Cecil, Lord Lionel Cecil, Mrs, E. and the Misses Cocks, Mr. A. Cocks, Lord Edmond Fitzmaurice, M.P., the Mar- quis and Marchioness of Londonderry, Lady Sophia Palmer, Earl Waldegrave, Sir Stafford and Lady Northcote, the Hon. Errc Barrington, the Hon. Schomberg McDonnell, Mr. Scott Fox, Q.C., the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Brownlow, Lord Rowton, Admiral Maxse. Mr. J. C. McCowan (agent) and the estate staff, Mr. Watt and Mrs. Prince and the domestic staff, and Mr. R. T. Gunton (secretary). The Hertfordshire Congregational Union was repre- sented at the funeral by its president, the Rev. Bur- ford Hooke, of Barnet, and the Rev. George Garlick, of Hatfield. It was stated that the family greatly appreciated the kind feeling which prompted the Congregational Union being represented at the funeral." The Rev. C. Hardie, of St. Albans, ex-chairman of the Herts Baptist Union, also attended. The wreaths sent by the Queen, the German Em- peror and Empress, and the Prince and Princess of Wales were carried by the representatives of the august donors. There were also of the congregation the Earl of Radnor, Earl and Conntess Cowper, the Earl and Countess of Verulam, and Mr. E. S. Ford- ham, Police Magistrate, Mr. G. B. Hudson, M.P., and Mr. T. F. Halsey, M.P. The bearers sat in the Ponsbory Chapel on the south side of the chancel. Before the service began Mr. W. Williams, the organist and choirmaster, played Mendelssohn's 0 rest in the Lord and I waited for the Lord," from the Hymn of Praise. The surpliced choir sang, as the body was carried up the church, "The Church s, one foundation." This was followed by Psalm xc., "0 God, Thou hast been our refuge," by SIr J. Barnby. The Bishop of Rochester read St. Paul's high argument" for the soul's immortality, from the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Then followed H. F. Lyte's beautiful hymn "Abide with me," to the familiar tune by Dr. Monk. As the body was removed the organist played Chopin's Funeral March. TJt.6£ general congregation theh dispersed, aad only the mourners followed the coffin, which was borne by 12 estate workmen, wearing small black caps, to the simply-coiistructed grave lined with ivy, Parma violets, and white chrysanthemums. The commital prayers at the graveside were said by the !Rer. E F. Alderson, and violets were cast by Lord Selborne's children on their grandmother's coffin, which bore the inscription: GEOKGINA CAROMNE, MARCHIONESS OF SALISBURY. V.A. C.I. DIED NOVR. 20,199.. ACTED 72.. The little God's-acre reserved for the family contains but two other tenants besides the late marchioness —her infant daughter and her; sister, "Louisa Henrietta Alderson. second dswightsr of the Hon. Sir E. H. Alderson." lady: Salisbury had expressed the wish that her burial should be carried out precisely as was that of her sister. The Queen's wreath bore the initials V. R. L in gold on white satin ribbon. In add-on to the family wreaths on the coffin, surmounted by that of her Majesty and those already mentioned, thgre^were othersifrom the Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, the German and Russian Ambassadors, from the Princess Henry of Battenberg, from the Princess Frederica of Hanover, from the Countess Anne's Schools—a founda- tion of a former gener;&tio before the earldom had been merged into a marqUlsate-from the Jaousehold and servants, from the Childwall estate tenants, from the Hatfield Habitation of the Primrose League, and "a simple tribute of grateful regard and respect from the Queen's Home Service messengers at the Foreign Office." MEMORIAL SERVICB AT TIle CHAPEL ROTAL. A memorial service was held simultaneously in the Chapel Royal, St. James's, and was attended by the Duke of Cambridge, representatives of the Royal family, several of the Diplomatic Body, and some of Lord Salisbury's colleagues in the Ministry.

GOT HER FEET WET. A LADY'S PREDICAMENT AND HER RESCUE. A case of considerable interest, in which a young lady, Miss Elizabeth Watson, residing at 237, South Alice-street, South Shields, was concerned, has just been reported. The incident has excited much com- ment in the neighbourhood. Miss Watson, a refined and intelligent young lady, appears to have had an escape almost maraculous, and she good-naturedly allowed herself to be inter- viewed by a Shields Daily NEWS representa- tive. What she told him suf- ficed to place the story of her narrow escape beyond doubt. Some sixteen months ago," she said, "I had the common mis- fortune to got iiiv feet wet. I caught a chill and my health was seriously affected. Failing to shake off the effects of the cold, I became very weak and listlpss "ni1 R»NM. I pletely lost all enjoyment in life. I was placed under the treatment of doctors, who after a careful diagnosis pronounced me to be suffering from anemia. I was almost bloodless, and the disease having got a firm hold, the doctors informed me that, some months must elapse before recovery could be effected. I was carefully nursed, and took their medicine faithfully, but my condition seemed to be worse, and my mother and myself were at a loss to know what to do. Eventually it was suggested that I should try Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people, and I did ao, with the result that I am entirely fcured, and fell better now than ever I did in my life." This latter assertion was fully borne out by her appearance. Asked how many boxes she took to effect such a wonderful cure, she replied Seven," and added, with a feeling full of gratitude, that she was anxious that her case should be made public for the benefit of others similarly stricken. To use her own words I cannot express in words how thank- ful I am for the good the pills have done me, and I shall recommend them. My greatest desire is that anyone suffering as I was may take Dr. Williams' pink pills, and I can safely say from experience that they will be cured." In a subsequent interview with Miss Watson's mother, who keeps an excellent grocery and pro- vision store at the address given above, the reporter had this story confirmed in every particular. Mrs. Watson, a lady very well known and most highly respected in the town, expressed to-the representative her gratitude to Dr. Williams, whom she looks upon as the saviour of her child's life. My daughter," she explained, is 16 years of age, and during her illness she was entirely shut out from the pleasures of the world, and suffered paroxysnisof grief in consequence. Everything was done for her; but she lay like one half dead, and her recovery seem hopeless. On one occasion, in attempting to reach her place of employ- ment, she fell in the street through sheer exhaustion, and had to be brought back home." Asked how she came to try Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people, she said that she read of them in the newspapers, and when everything else failed, she got a box of these pills as a last chance. Every dose was followed by perceptible improvement. At certain times, and especially in the case of ladies, wet feet may cause a great deal more danger than might be supposed. Cold at the extremities- of the body entails a waste of vital heat, and where the, blood is poor, a slight wetting may be the culminating point of a threatened illness. Dr. Williams' pink pills make new blood with every dose; it will be noted above that Mrs. Watson could actually trace in her daughter's case the beneficial effect of each dose as taken. A plentiful supply of good and rich blood will ward off many an illness, and these pills are a safeguard against/December dangers for that reason. By their tni and invigorating action they have cured more than 25,000 cases of rheumatism, rheu- matic gout, sciatica, eczema. St. Vitus" dance, fits, anfenlia (or impoverished blood), and even Consump- tion, which often succeeds anannia. But substitutes do not cure the true pills are always labelled with the full name—Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people—and may be had, if desired, from Dr. Wil- liams' Medicine Company, Holborn Viaduct, London, post free, at two and ninepence a box—six boxes thirteen and nine. It is a good plan to order them by post if substitution is attempted by local shopkeepers.

A RECENT United States consular report from Japan shows that Japan draws nearly 33 per cent, of her cotton supplies from the United States, while India furnishes 50 per cent. THE police-inspector at Marlborough House M London, Mr. Winkler, has been promoted to a chief- inspectorship. IN Hollesley Bay, two fishermen brought up a crab, having fixed to its back a four-year-old oyster. The curiosity i3 to he sent to Ipswich. IF YOU CANNOT SLEEP" because you have a coug), or tickling in your throat, use the unrivalled remedy, KEATING'S COUGH LOZENGES, one alone affords reliet-well called sweet relief "—in cases of cough, asthma, bronchitis. Sold everywhere in tins, 13d. each; free for stamps. Thomas Keating, Chemist, Londoo. THERE has just been added to the Egyptian De- partment of the British Museum two very fine Egyp- tian coffins dating from about 800 B.C., and richly ornamented with figures of gods in bright colours. They appear to have belonged to persons of high priestly, rank at Panapolis, the modern Akhmira. This town was famous in ancient times as the main centre of the linen industry, and was the burying place of the priests of Amau, Besides the above coffins, a large slab from the tomb of a priest and prophet named Nesi-Amsu has been added to the collection. This slab shows the deceased standing, in an attitude of adoration before the goddess Isis, and was originally coloured in the polycrone ooleura common about the ninth century B.C. 1. ,r- L,\J( :i .t¡

MISSIONARIES FOR ] 5,000,000 PEOPLE. The Soudan is chiefly thought of by English people as a country south of Egypt; but ic must be remembered that it extends as far west as the Niger. Into this Central Soudan a missionary party, with Bishop Tugwell at its head, is about to make an entry. They propose to go overland from Lagos to Jebba, on the Niger, and then journey to Kano, a large city of Hausaland, with a view of commencing J missionary work. As a preparation for this effort, I three of the party have been staying for some time in Tripoli, where they have acquired a good know- j ledge of Hausa from a colony of Hausas who live there. Hausaland contains 15,000,000 inhabitants, and has never before been evangelised by resident missionaries.

THE WATER-TIGER. The so-called Water-tiger," said to have been recently discovered in Patagonia, turns out (says the Birminpham Post) to be our old friend the Mylodon, or Giant Stoth, supposed to have been long ago ex- tinct. The reported discovery aroused the greatest interest in zoological circles here and on the Continent, and a telegraphic inquiry elicited facts which really relate to the remains found by Dr. Honthal, of the La Plata Museum, during his explorations in the cave in Last Hope Inlet. Not only have full particulars of these remarkable remains now been received in London, but the skull and other specimens of the mysterious animal lately found in the cave in Southern Pata- gonia, where the original pieces of skin had been obtained, have, through the kind offices of Dr. Morens, been sent over to this country, and are in the safe keeping of the authorities of the Natural History Museum at South Kensington. If the latest description of the animal, as narrated by the Indians of Patagonia, are to be relied upon, this strange creature is still in the land of the living.

MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IN THE WORLD. Addressing a gathering at the premises of the Society of- Arts in London on "Old and New Colombo," Mr. James Ferguson suggested that the British Association should meet there next year. Ceylon had been described as an Eden of the Eastern wave, and its capital, Colombo, was among the most beautiful and healthful of tropical and. Oriental cities. The town and the island were full of interest; there were first-class roads and railways and the hotels were among the finest in the East. He felt sure that the novelty and interest of meeting in a tropical town in the most beautiful island in the world would attract a considerable gathering. Mr. Ferguson afterwards showed a number of limelight views of Colombo and Ceylon, Mr. Matthews a series of views of the harbour works at Colombo, and Mr. Lockhart views of sapphire mining methods.

UNION LINE forthe SOUTH AFRICAN GOLD FIELDS. Sailings from Southampton every Saturday. Cullg made at Lisbon, Madeira, and Teneriflfe. Apply to tnj UNIOK STF.AM SHIP Co., Ltd., Canute Bd., Southampton, and Bouth African House, 91-98, Bishopsgate St. Within, Lond T>IIiI.IARD AND BAGATELhB 1 » TABLES. A LARGE STOCK OP NEW AND SECOfrg- HAND TABLES always on hand. FOHPRICE LIST* _G. EDWAKDS, 1S4, KINGSLAIND ROAD, LONDON, H.B. TOOTH-ACHE CURED INSTANTLY BY BUNTER'S ^5^* NERVINE HALFPENNY ON EVERY CAKE THE SHOPS SELL. VI NOLI A r% WAR FUND. One B;%yer in every dozen persons in the U.K. means £ 7,000 for Soldiers' Families. A A A A A NOT A QUACK REMEDY W GUTA VERY OLD AND H H 1 WEf H ■» r WELL TRIED MEDICINE ■ VVTIlliWk IH B PENNYROYALSTEEL L M PILLS t PFOY TOR FEMALES^ F st ructions,and relieveall J} WmJ V Di'tressinp .Symptom*. -5\ | Boxes, l/liand 2|9, of all J T r^.ViKl>iriinrn Chemists. Senton receipt «.tnV RECO**1- of 15or 34 Stamp*,by JS.T. W, ovv [. It A- CO.,M.-uiufadt.urerB. Drydt-n Street, J„TTHOHu. & ——.— I—B———— ■■K ■ RAA A M RBI A are obtained EASILY, Bafoly, HJP EM H Miff 11 BA H SB BJ quickly, AND without pub> BFTT FIA SL SLBL 18 A BM -PFR heuy (if desiri'd), through HI HQUBJPJLTL Hthe median; ot The Bazaar, Excha?itie and Mart News* paper, which is freely USAD FT 11 1 I 1 by Private Persons for tho AT OIL L/M/LFL dispos.ll of various article# 111 nil K IlillS OF PERFOAAL property which vi UIT iVlilUU they no longer require, and for which therefore they ask a very moderate price. For this reason Buyers all over the country turn to tho pages of The Bazaar, Exchange imd Mart ^Newspaper when* ever they require anything, and therefore whenever anyono has anything whatever to dispoce of, or when he wants any- thing. the pa*ea of the same journal offer him a Sure and Speedy Market. In additioni The Bazaar, Exchange and Hart Newsparer is » Literary Journal of an exceptionally useful character, having numher of h;J;hlr practical and illustrated articles on various subjects of interest to amateurs in connection with Art, playing various Musical Instruments, Shooting, Touring, Wishing, Litex*- ture. Cage Birds, Photo- gr.-iphy. Natural History, M HAHipilA Home matters. Amateur Me- KL Bkl BkP llaa JjjL, Bl ■ KJ chanics. Drese, Gardening, MB Nw 2^ HM H™ |f% 3A Dogs, Horses, Poultry, Aiua- fill V wV teur Farming and innumer- able other topics. Another invalua'.le feature is thsrt ntllT AllAnTl ATI the Kditor, with the assist- Hill/ llilt'xl I III I •nee of a large staff of 11.11 V UliuOLlUli Specialists, givea advice cr J GBT A COPY AND JUDGE FOR YOURSELF. At any Book* stall or Newsagent. Price 2d. Specimen Copy 3d. ill stamps direct from Office170, STAAND, LONDON, W.C.

DEATH OF DR. CHALMERS. According to a telegram from Corea the Rev. John Chalmers, LL.D., of the London Missionary Society, died at Chemulpo on Wednesday of last week. Dr. Chalmers, who wa? born at New Deer, Aberdeen- shire, in 1825, joined the staff of the London Mis- sionary Society early in 1852, and was sent out to Hong Kong. He had been a student at Aberdeen University and at Cheshunt College. On his arrival in China he undertook the superin- tendence of the mission printing press, his colleagues in the mission being the Rev. J. Legge, M.P., and Mr. Hirschberg, a medical mis- sionary. In September, 1859, on Dr. Legge's return ,,g from a visit to England, Mr. Chalmers removed to Canton to recommence the mission in that city. He returned to Hong Kong in 1879 and has retained his connection with that mission ever since. At various times from 1885 he has published works in Chinese on religious and general subjects, and was in recent years actively engaged in the revision of the Chinese Scriptures. In 1878 the degree of LL.D., was con- erred on him by his Alma Mater.

Son time ago a successful experiment was made n the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with a view to zesting the hauling capabilities of a Consolidation locomotive having cylinders 22in. by 28in., and 4ft. 6in. driving wheels. The total weight of train, composed of 50 steel cars loaded with coal, and engine was 3020 tons. The net weight of coal was 2400 tons.

WHEN FEELING LIVERISH REMEMBER that CARTER'S LITTLE LIVEE PILLS "Touch" the Liver. They Absolutely cure Sick Headache, Bilious- ness, Torpid Liver, Indigestion, Constipation, Sallow Skin. Dizziness, Furred Tongue. Small pill, small price, small dose, purely vegetable, forty in a phial. Dose One at Night. Is. l^d. of all Chemists. Be sure they are CARTER'S. BEAUTIFTITTEETH FOR ALL WHO USE daily on the tooth brush a few drops of SOZODONT, the pleamtt dcntifrice in the world. Cleanses the teeth •qd spaces bctweeu them as nothing else will, Sound and pearly white teeth, rosy lips, and fragrant breath ensured. Ask for SOZODONT. 2s. 6d.

THE GERMAN EMPEROR'S VISIT. The German limperor and Empress took leave of the Queen at Windsor Castle on Saturday afternoon, and proceeded by special train to Sandringham, accompanied by the Prince of Wales. The Princess of Wales was at Wolferton Station to greet their Majesties, who, on alighting were at once driven to Sandringham House. The Duke of Cambridge, Lord Wolseley, and a few other specially- invited guests followed in another train. The visit being a private one, there were no public demonstra- tions. The illustrious party attended Sandringham Church on Sunday morning, the Bishop of London preaching the sermon. The Emperor and Empress remained the guests of the Prince and Princess of Wales until Tuesday.

LORD LAJIINGTOJJ, who, with Lady Lamington, re- aimed home from Queensland the other day, and has been staying with his mother in London, has now gone to Scotland for a change. The Governor and his wife will remain on this side for a few months, when they will return to Brisbane, a? rhey have only served there for four years, and it will be another couple of years before his lordship finishes his:term in the ordinary way.

THE passengers on board the St. Paul, bound to Southampton, were recently accorded a rare privilege, by the courtesy of Signor Marconi, They received wireless telegrams from England long before they arrived. The first signal was received sixty-six miles from the Needles. When fifty miles out they received a message:—" Hurrah Welcome home! Where are you ?" At forty miles they received news of the way: 11 1-dysinith, Kimberley. and Mafeking holding out well. No big battle. Fifteen thousand men recently landed." Ten minutes later a much longer wire was received, and twenty minutes after the passengers received news of the loss of the Charleston. ■The possible developments thisaort Qf thing ruak« ODe dizzv to think of.. I i ■» E