A rather amusing occurrence happened when the Timaru men were competing. In stead of running the hose up the ladder in

At tho annual meeting of the Auckland Gas Company the year's profits showed £15,667. 'I hey intend to extend the gas to Onehunga shortly. Applications for space at the Industrial Exhibition are already coming in fast, and up to the present 3,000 feet have been applied for. The Five Arts Society propose to hold an art exhibition in connection with this exhibition. P.P.G.M., C.P. Koarns, the oldest Oddfellow iv New Zealand, died at Stoke on Monday, aged 68. He had been an Oddfellow over 50 years, and assisted to start the order in Nelson 43 years ago. A deputation of sheep farmers waited on Chief Inspector Bay ley at Dunedin to request him to continue the importation of stoats and weasels as the only sure means of coping with the rabbit pest. Mr Bayley promised to make known the representations of the deputation. On Friday next Messrs Nolan, Tonks and Co. o£ Hawera, hold their annual sheep fair at their hawera yards. The entries include some of Mr Wilson's Shropshire Downs Rams, to which the auctioneers invite special attention. The catalogue published in another column is worthy of perusal. Thi Pollards had a good house again last night, when "Le fille de Madame Angot " and " " were put on. This evening Miss Marion .Norman takes a bene fit, the opera of " The Little luke" being announced. This is the last appearance ol the Company, and we trust to see a large house on this occasion, if only as a sign of the favor in which "'lhe Little Duke " her self ia held by the public. With regard to the new Harbor Bill, it was resolved yesterday that the draft bill be printed and circulated amongst members, and that a special meeting be held on the 16th. to consider it. On the same day, the Board are to meet for the annual election of a chairman. The appointment of a ranger for the im pounding of stray cattle, as suggested by us a few evenings back, is likely to be made shortly. 