hree o'clock on Sunday morning. About 400 buildings, mostly
very valuable property, were destroyed. The value of the houses
which were burnt down is about L1,111,111, and the total damage
is estimated at L5,555,555."--_Edinburgh Evening News._

The exactitude of these figures would convince even an insurance
company.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _First Lady._ "THAT'S ONE OF THEM AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS."

_Second Lady._ "HOW DO YOU KNOW?"

_First Lady._ "WHY, CAN'T YOU SEE THE KANGAROO FEATHERS IN HIS HAT?"]

* * * * *

THE PLEA OF THE HOMELESS.

Most of the petitions from natives which find their way into print for
the removal of the white man's gravity hail from our Indian Empire. But
the Babu's monopoly can be assailed. The following recent and genuine
example is from West Africa:--

_"To Sir ---- ----, Commander of the New Work Shops._

"Sir, read to the end!

"DEAR BRITISH COMMANDER OF INFLUENCE,--I am with cordial
gratitude to put this pen before you, saying since I came down
from my native land I had been trie for a house, even by
rentable, but none for me in that village, where I lieve still.
But a certain friend of mine do advice me to stay with him,
during the last December up to now. And yet that young man's
wife has come from his native land, with these there is no room
before me at all. Therefore I wish with my lowly voice to beg
your honour to find me even a half house of your kitchen at any
place where you like, or either the same place where I am. By
your own desire. Please Sir if not! try and get me a boards such
as a glass packing cases and a few planks for poles. But Sir I
know myself very well, that it will be very difficulty before
you, simple because you have none of carpenters. Therefore do
try by your own authority to supply me those boards and planks,
and I shall find myself a joiner as a day contract to build it
for me! because my elder brother also shall help. Therefore dear
Lord I hope you shall give ear for my lowly speak and then have
mercy on your meekly servant with good reply. I have the most
honour to be Sir

"Your humble Clerk."

* * * * *

FOR "INELIGIBLES" ONLY.

"WANTED, Bricklayers for pointing 12 houses at Belvedere;
peacework."--_Provincial Paper._

*