No end of fun was got out of a wash-tub competition between clergymen at the Church bazaar in London recently. The rector and two other clergymen competed. Each was provided with a bowl, a bit of soap, and a dirty duster, and each had to wash a duster in three minutes. The rector and one of his friends tied for the prize, and the fun was immense.
A curious case of the destructiveness of rats was evidenced in Napier some little time ago. A Christchurch firm of wholesale drapers sent a bale of cloth consigned to a firm in Napier, and when the bale was opened a large rat was discovered inside it, and on farther examination it was found that the animal had eaten its way completely through the material, thus rendering it use less.
News comes from Wellington that the success of the project for sending a brass band from New Zealand to England is now almost assured. About half of the deben tures which it is intended to issue have been taken up, and the canvassers have as yet practically not touched the South Island or Auckland. From present indications persons interested consider everything should be ready in a couple of months. It is expected that the band will consist of 27 performers- It will not enter for competition in England, but will confine itself to concerts.
The post-office at Minot, Dakota, collapsed and 16 persons were buried in the ruins. ■ The Salvation Army has decided on hold ing a bazaar in New Plymouth in aid of the missionary and rescue fund.
The Education Department has just granted the Wanganui Education Board £760 for the erection of a building for a technical school at Hawera.
