v._ Players bricklaying competition, and we may one day
read of huge crowds being attracted to the East India Docks on Easter
Monday to watch stockbrokers, flushed with their victory of Boxing
Day, playing a return match with the dockers at unloading margarine.
The movement might expand until even on Labour Day work would be in
progress.

All this is, however, remote, but the solid fact remains that
during Whitsuntide of this very year work will actually be done in
a coal-mine. So far the miners themselves have expressed no official
views on the contest, but there is a general feeling of amazement
among them that anyone should work so hard on the chance of winning
a mere fifty pounds. For the public at large there is the gratifying
thought that Messrs. EDWARDS and WALTON are very nearly matched, and
they should therefore produce between them in their friendly struggle
the best part of four tons of coal, an unexpected windfall for the
nation.

* * * * *

"POST OFFICE TREASURY BONDS.

It should be noted that, as regards the Post Office issue,
dividends on registered bonds will not be deducted at the
source."--_Daily Paper._

Nor, we understand, has the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER any present
intention of confiscating the capital.

* * * * *

"AMERICA'S FIRST FLOATING BAR-ROOM. _THE CITY OF
MIAMI._--300,000 dols. has been spent in fitting up this
vessel for thirsty American citizens. She will ply between
Miami, Fla. and Havana, Cuba. A special bilge keel is being
fitted to steady ship and passengers."--_Shipping Journal._

A very necessary precaution.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Fond and resourceful Mother._ "IT'S BABY'S BIRTHDAY
TO-MORROW. HE'S TOO YOUNG TO INVITE CHILDREN, SO I'M HAVING FIFTEEN
PEOPLE IN TO PLAY BRIDGE."]

* * * * *

TO A COMING CHAMPION.

The exodus was ended; stilled the urging
To "wait and let the passengers off first;"
I and my fellow-sufferers were surging
Along the gangway in one short sharp burst,
Clutching the straps so thoughtfully provided
Stamping on any feet that lay about,
And, Lady, it was then that you decided
This was where you got out.

I noted with an awestruck admiration
The gallant way in which you faced the press,
What force, what vigour, what determination,
What almo