The Christmas decorations at the business premises of Messrs Adair Bros., drapers, ifec, Gladstone road, have attracted a con siderable amount of attention during the day. Seen from outside the premises pre sent quite a seasonable appearance, the verandah posts being neatly entwined with ferns and foliage, while underneath the verandah are such seasonable mottoes as "Merry Christmas," " Happy New Year," "Prosperity to all," and others of a like nature, interspersed with gaily-colored Chinese lanterns. The window at the corner of Lowe street has had particular attention paid to it, the chief feature being a beautifully-dressed figure representing " The Ice King," surrouiidttd by a represen tation of that monarch's natural element, On a red ground in white letters is the inscription, "Merry Christinas to one and all, and on two shields are respectively the firm's well-known motto, " S.P.Q.R." ("Small profits, quick returns), ami " 1897," tho remainder of the window space being filled with light draperies, the various shades of which blend most artistically. Inside great attention has also been paid to making the establishment look as bright and attractive as possible. The various articles with which tho establishment is so profusely stocked are arranged in a most artistic manner, and the various laces, curtains, and other light goods, have been disposed with a graceful elegance that gives the interior a most attractive appearance. Just inside the entrance appears the name of the firm, "Adair 8r05,," i« white letters on a pale blue ground, and beyond that to the right is* a neatly-arranged stand of embroideries and fancy handkerchiefs, which, with the sun. shades, fancy goods, lace curtains, &c, hung in graceful folds make a very pretty show. There will bo a gaslight display of the premises to-night, when doubtless a large number of people will pay a visit to what is a most interesting exhibition,

While the Native Land Laws Bill was under consideration in the House Mr Firani stated that there was a Native woman of high position in Hawke's Bay who held a large quantity of land, but under the present la xa *h > could not deal with any financial institution, or obtain any advance on security of her land. He explained that the present Bill would enable Natives in this position to deal with their lands.
