The annual picnic of the employés of the Government Printing Office was held at Mrs White's paddock, Khandallah, on Saturday, 2nd inst. The weather was glorious, and fully 300 persons enjoyed themselves in the outing. The committee of management was composed of Messrs F. Chinchen (bindery), A. S. Dryden (piece composing-room), W. M'Girr (time composing-room), J. Phillips (machine room), B. B. Allen (clerical department), hon. sec. The usual picnic amusements were indulged in, while a goodly list of races were gone through. The chief events resulted as follows:—Office Boys' Handicap, Bob Gamble; Men's Handicap, Fred. Mountier; Apprentices' Handicap, Little and Page; Tug-of-war (Married v. Single), Single; Running Hop, Step, and Jump, T. L. Mills and Fred. Mountier. The Government Printing Office Handicap, the event of the day, brought in Mills and Mountier in the order named again out of a field of a dozen. Besides these events, there was plenty of races for the youngsters and youths—not forgetting the maidens. Tea, fruit, and confectionery galore was supplied, and everything was so well ordered and carried out that only praise was bestowed upon the hard-working committee for their exertions on behalf of the party.

I have taken the following from one of last week's copies of the Post:— « The Government have been offered a large sum of money for the right of advertising on the back of postage, stamps. The offer is, we believe, under consideration. » Here's enterprise for you! By gum, won't there be some rushing up for space! I think it would be a good idea for the Government to advertise themselves on our postage. Example: « To Let, any amount of Good Land. » « For Sale, some Good Cabinet-work. » « Wanted, some Money. » In short, the Government could well use up all the space to be found on the back of a postage stamp. I wonder who has made the application. D'ye think it is Pears, Beecham, Warner, Sapolio, or is it Typo's notice of enlargement? Now's the chance for Government to bestow upon us the boon of a free newspaper postage, such as is enjoyed by New South Wales and Queensland. If the advertiser's request is granted, we shall be one ahead of the U.S.A.