A Denial.—A theory which has been widely discussed is thus disposed of by Dr. Martin, Medical Health Officer for Welling ton, in a letter to the City Council: —" With reference to the introduction of epidemics through the medium of the returned troopers, I think that in the cases of influenza and measels the statement is incapable of scien tific proof; and in the case of malarial in fection, insomuch that a particular species of mosquito is necessary for its propagation (which, I am glad to say, we do not possess), I do not think that any of the present epi demics can be ascribed to such a cause as the landing of the returned troopers." Wesleyan Church.—On Sunday even ing last, at this Church, the Rev. H. Foston, taking as his subject, "Anarchism and its beliefs," delivered a discourse from Epistle of John in., part of Bth verse, " For this pur pose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.'' The rev. gentlepan gave an interesting in sight into the ramifications of the illicit organisation he was dealing with, and spoke in favour of a blow being struck at the heart of the disease which had recently caused such world-wide national sorrow. Mr Fos ton dealt with the matter with ungloved hands, and, whilst tempering retribution against the dupes of the "centres," pleaded for justice upon those who were the incen tive of such crimes as the American nation was now bewailing. The Rongotea Dairy Company's amount paid for butter fat for 1900 exceeds that of 1899 by £2,500. The profit on last year's business was the sum of £1,647. The total amount paid for butter fat was £17,871 10s, the bonus increasing it to £18,471 10s. The returns as to movement of popu lation sjiow that 2,185 persons (including 705 from South Africa) arrived in the Colony in July, as against 897 in July, 1900; and 1,271 persons went away, as against 988. A remarkable instance of fecundity of ewes has been brought under the notice of the Bruce Herald. At Mr T. Cannon's farm at Southbridge are to be seen four ewes with no less than 13 lambs at foot! They are quite healthy, and there is every prospect that all will be reared without loss.
