The Railway Board has kindly granted to the-Christchurch Railway staff the use of the telegraph training school for meetings and social gatherings. Mr. R. S. Kent, Divisional Superintendent, and Mr. J. McNair, District Engineer, have to be sincerely thanked by the staff for the interest they have taken in having the room renovated and made suitable for these purposes. A circulating library has been inaugurated, and it is very pleasing to be able to state that the Christchurch staff have one of the finest libraries for its size to be found in the district. Thursday, 27th October saw the opening of our social evenings in the new room, the members of the R.O.I. Committee holding, that evening, a cuchre tournament. Although the weather was unfavourable the ladies and gentlemen present spent a very successful evening. It is the intention to hold weekly gatherings for the purpose of creating a more social atmosphere in all branches of the service.

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Items of General Interest:

Great enthusiasm was shown in Christchurch in connection with the recent Beauty Contest. Our selection, although a lady of tender years, took a lot of beating by our sister cities. “Miss Otago” and “Miss Canterbury” received a great reception in this city. Both of these beauties, accompanied by their maids of honour, appeared on the balcony of the United Service Hotel, Cathedral Square, and received a wonderful ovation. In the evening they were escorted to the Railway Station by the Woolston Band, and there received a great send off. Under instructions from Mr. H. C. Guiness, Chief Traffic Clerk, the railway station was suitably decorated for the occasion.

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