ATHLETIC.
HEARTY RECEPTION AT AUCK >' ■ ■ ; "LAND. , ■' (Per United PresaVlssociation.) - AUCKLAND,. February, 17. The Imperial troop 3 received a hearty reception yesterday. Enpnnous crowds lined tho streets, '*nd the- men were 1 heartily cheered. Speeches were given by the Mayor and the Premier? The latter read a cable from Lord Roberts, extending .the visit till Monday or Tuesday. A most successful' luncheon in the Domain was followed by. mili tary .£IOO being given in prize money. -. , ;'

SHORT TRIP TO ROTORUA.
THE k TOMMIES IN HOT WATER. . - AUCKLAND, February 17. * The Imperial troops, accompanied by the Hone. Seddon and Ward and oth ers, left , on* a short- "visit ,to Rotorua eaTly this morning. They, are expected bark in Auckland .to-morrow* morning. AUCKLAND, Febtnary 18. Tito Imnerial soldiers sleeping in the public halls at Rotorua liad.'u pretty," rough time. By 6 o'clock the baths wore filled by a • laughin*g_ crowd of •Toramiea intensely enjoying v their warm dip. They were absolutely de-. lighted with Rotorua, , and wandered about in squads admiring the. sights. The Maoris were mad with excitement. Tho Wairoa geyser was made >to play for tfie visitors. ,It is expected that the trains will make a fast trip down, arriving .here ab 6.30 p.m. ,

NOTES BY "CANNIE CHIEL."

SIOHWATZB. — rhis evening-J8.59. To-morrow morn- , , 3ir 9.1J). •Sun Set— This Evening, 0.40. ■fttuc ifiiws— To-morrow -motiAiig, 5.21.
PHASES OF THE MOON .— FEBRUARY.
