Tt is somewhat curious to note that just at this particular time, when columns Of the papers are filled with obituary notices of the late Paul Kriiger, the Lord Mayor has deemed it advisable to ro-open-the Mansion House Relief Fund on b half of the Transvaal widows and orphan Kragor must have died a very rich man one wonders who will reap the benefit of all the money he must have saved. I should imagine it would be sufficient to start the majority of the Transvaal widows in business, and pay for the education of the orphans. His will, if it is made public, will be one of unusual interest. With all his faults one cannot help feeling sorry for the poor old man, and, as the "Times" quaintly remarks, had he been only a little more upright in_ his dealings and alittle less disingenuous in his speech, one's opinion of him would have stood very high indeed, Another paper remarked, speaking of his strong religious observances:—" He: was no hypocrite. Inood his faith in God was thorough! sincere, and nearly as profound as his belief in himself." I always had the feeling that when one read of his spending whole nights at his bedside with an open Bible secking for guidance, that possibly he knew all the time exactly hat he intended doing and he went.on hunting for texts until ho found one which agreed with his ideas. I am sure Tater reports from coastal stations some 30 miles south of Sydney told " different tale. Lifebel's "ud cabin fittings, rome pearing the steamer's name, we.e reported as being washed ashore, and these facts, Coupled with the non-signalling of the ship. at any station along the const, point Lnvistakubly to the vessel having gone down with all hands.
The ship, which was mostly employed in the coal trade, carried a crew of 32all tol: heatly all of whom were domicile-d in Melbourne. The captain was well and fayourally known, as was also the chief Cngmneer, both "f them occupying similar positions in the Bay steamers during the Pecursion season. The chief engineer had only relieved for the trip, taking the place cfg friend who was temporarily laid low ith influenza, A public sub cription in of the advisory body, Senator Dawson remarked that at any' rate it shows that Tapan h council of defence somewhat Similar to the one which we propose to create in the Commonwealth, Miscellaneous Notes.
'The Federal Executive Council has amenied the defence regulations, so that, for the future. no civilian' soldier who not i1 uniform need salute an officer if he meets him in the street.
"The discovery of crude petroleum has been reported from the Nuke of Orleans Bay district to the east of Esperance. The finders claim that a j areel of the petroleum assaye.l 80 gallons of cil to the ton.
The Prime Minister has received hint" that the Orient S. S. Compan: will submit an amended tender for the English that plan is sometimes adopted, may be unconsciously, by people whose convictions are as strong as his were.
The King's Busy Life.
The unusual heat we have experienced during the past fortnight seems but to have whetted the energy of His Majesty, and I think few of his subjects have worked harder during the past ten days then King Edward himself. Race meetings are known to have a special attraction for him and Newmarket and Sandown Park are ustially graced by his presence. The last Newmarket meeting had special interest attached to it from the fact that His Majesty journeyed there and back by motor. It is said that the last reignited without permission.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.