MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

The next mails for the United Kingdom, &a., via San Francisco, will close at Ash burton on 16th July, and will be due in London on 31st August. For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Water ton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a. m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office —

From Christchurch at 10.35 a.in., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. Fr»m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily.

From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1880.

The public advocates of woman’s rights in New Zealand are not many. In Par liament they seem to have been reduced to one solitary individual, and Dr. Wallis, the member for Auckland City West, is permitted to stand alone as the champion of the ladies in their claim for electoral rights. He has placed the following be fore the House in the Women’s Franchise Bill :

“Every woman of the age of twenty-one years or upwards, having of her own right, and to her separate use, a freehold estate in possession, situate within an electoral district, of the value of twenty-five pounds, whether subject to incumbrances or not, and of or to which she has been seized for at least six calendar months next before the registration of her vote, is entitled to be registered as an elector, and to vote at an election of members for such dis trict for the House of Representatives. But no woman shall be entitled to be registered as an elector, or to vote at any such election, in respect of any other qualification. ZSio woman, although registered as an elector under this Act, shall be qualified to be elected a member of the Blouse of Representatives for any electo ral district.”

A perusal of this measure will show that it grants to females no more electoral liberty in regard to Parliamentary repre sentation than they at present possess in connection with municipalities, and it seems to us only a common-sense argu ment that if they are fit to be entrusted with votes for a borough Councillor they ought also to be fit to vote for a member of Parliament. We fear that the opposi tion the claims of women for enfranchise ment encounter is more founded on pre judice than on anything else. It has been contended that they are not intellectually fit to be possessed of the franchise, and a great amount of balderdash is talked about their proper sphere being domestic duties. We have heard men even go the length of saying that the average woman of to-day could not afford time from the study of her personal adornment and the criticism of her neighbors’ to look into the public affairs of the colony, and that the only literature she cares to study is fiction, and the more romantic- and sensational the better. Sensible men know the sex better than this, and willalllow, if theyhave done anything in electioneering, that the averaae woman is just as well qualified to discriminate between two candidates for a Parliamentary seat, as two-thirds of the men who are noweutitledtovotes. Nothing can be simpler than the law regarding the registration of electors as it exists at the present moment ; yet not a tenth part of those men who are entitled to votes appear to understand it, or they so undervalue their privilege as to let it lie in abeyance, and neglect to enrol themselves. We feel certain that had women the same privilege the roll would bristle with feminine names —at any rate the ladies could not be more apathetic than are hundreds of the “ free and independent.” There is really no genuine objection to giving females votes, and it is a fully recognised axiom that representation should be co-ordinate with taxation. It is all nonsense to say they are unfitted to take part in electioneering strife, because they are not required to do it. The protection afforded by the ballot to male electors would be just as protective of females, and the latter need never join in the tom-foolery that too often characterises election meet ings. Full information about a candi date’s politics can always be had from the press, and to the press hundreds of male voters look for such information as they desire. We feel thoroughly satisfied that were Dr. Wallis’s Bill passed nothing would ever occur to cause regret for its passage, and it would be the first blow to a prejudice that alone prevents the fran chise from being as wide amongst women as it is now amongst men. So far as the municipal franchise is concerned, we have always found the ladies bestowing a sensible and well pondered over vote, and the men they supported were always such as deserved the honor done them. In matters of the heart women may be soft (so are men, for that matter) but they are sound enough in judgment when they set themselves to it.

Change op Name. —The station on the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway, hitherto known as Winchmore, will in future be called Lauriston. Public Meeting at Methven.—lt will be seen that the public meeting to be held at Methven is to take place at one p.m. to-day, and not at eleven o’clock, as previously slated.

The Rakaia Gorge Bridge.—ln the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Mr. Oliver, replying to Mr. E. G. Wright, stated that the Rakaia Gorge bridge would be put in hand at once. Rounders. —A party of gentlemen are to have a game of rounders in the Do main next Monday, on which day those who desire to take part will meet at Quill’s Hotel at two o’clock p.m., preparatory to play. St. Stephen’s Sunday School.—The St. Stephen’s Sunday school, not to be behind their friends of the other denomina tions are to celebrate the Sunday school anniversary this (Thursday) evening in the Town Hall, -when Sunday school hymns, Ac., will be sung by the children and others.

Rehearing.—At the last Court day, George Hydes was fined 20s. for having an unregistered dog in his possession. The case, on the application of Mr. Hydes, was reheard at the Court on Tuesday, and on the defendant swearing to the fact that he never had owned a dog, and that the one for which he w r as summoned had merely followed him for about one hundred 3 T ards, and had subsequently been destroyed, his Worship remitted the fine, and dismissed the case. The Cabandinis. —On Monday evening next Madame Carandini’s ballad and opera company will give a farewell concert in the Town Hall. The programme, copies of which have boen extensively circulated, is made up of very high class music, while some of those sweet ballads for which Madame is so greatly celebrated, have also a place. We trust that the company, to the chief figure in which the New Zealand public owe so many hours of unalloyed pleasure, will have a full house.

Breach of the Railway By-Laws.— At the R.M. Court on Tuesday, Harry Ste phenson, jun., was charged with hav ing ridden a horse across the railway line other than the appointed crossings. Harry pled ignorance in excuse of his delinquency, stating that th<e offence took place on a Sunday, and as there were no trains running on that day, he had been under the impression that the by-laws were not then in force. His Worship, while not entertaining the excuse, was inclined to be lenient, and let the eques trian off with a fine of ss.

A New Sewing Machine.—Amongst the many inventions of the day, none have received more attention than that valuable adjunct to every household —the sewing machine. We have had much pleasure in inspecting the new Davis Vertical Feed sewing machine, which it is asserted will accomplish a far greater variety of worlf than any machine placed before the pub lic, The machine is, apart from ordinary plain sewing, a braider, quilter, edger, scalloper, quilter, trimmer 5 ! corder,|ruffler, embroider, piper and friller, and in itself is a marvel of simplicity. The agents for New Zealand, Messrs. Fiske and Co., inform us that they intend visiting Ash burton shortly, and while here will ex hibit their machines at work in some con venient premises, where the public will be invited to inspect them.

Obstructing the Thoroughfare.— For tying a horse, with a spring cart attached, to a post in the public thoroughfare, his Worship inflicted the minimum penalty of 10s. on Mr. Thomas Greenaway, at the Court on Tuesday. A. and P. Association.—Members of the General Committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association are referred to an advertisement in another column, notify ing that a meeting will be held on Wed nesday next, at three o’clock, in Shear man’s Hotel.

Messrs. Wood and Co.’s Medals.— Our local brewing firm, Wood and Co., have just received the medals awarded to them at the last Show of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The medals are all for porter, one being a first-class (silver) and one a second-class (bronze). On one side the award is en graved, while on the other the seal of the Association appears. The medals are the production of Messrs. G. P. Coates and Co , of Christchurch, and the workman ship is very superior. A morocco case en closes each medal. We may remark that Messrs. Wood and Co. intend sending samples of their ale on Friday to the Mel bourne Exhibition. Messrs. Wood’s ale and porter that have been so successful at the various shows are brewed from barley grown and malted in Canterbury, and from Nelson hops—a colonial industry from top to bottom. The medals are on view at the office of this paper.

Presbyterian Sabbath School Asso ciation. —The above Association held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, the Rev. Mr. Beattie, President, in the chair. It was resolved—“ That all the books of the library be called in, in order that they may be [catalogued, and that some plan may be devised for their better distribu tion.” Mr. Beattie stated that he had been asked by the Association to deliver a lecture in the church, the proceeds of which were to be devoted to the use of the Sabbath School. In accordance with this wish, he had prepared a popular lec ture on “ The Five Senses,” which he was prepared to deliver on whatever date the Association! thought proper to appoint. It was resolved that the date should bo fixed at the next meeting. Miss Hender son, teacher of the fourth class of girls, accepted the position of teacher to the first class, while the fourth class will be instructed by Miss Eva Henderson. It was agreed to postpone till a future meet ing the settling of the question with re gard to a weekly meeting of the teachers to consider the lesson for the following .Sabbath. After some matters of minor interest had been disposed of, the meeting closed.

The Fire Brigade.—The usual fort nightly practice of the Fire Brigade was held last evening, and previous to the ordinary business being gone through, a discussion took place concerning the pro posed Fire Brigades Act now before Par liament. Lieut. Gundry, of the Fire Police, was present-to represent that body. Captain Wilkie explained that as matters at present stood, it was somewhat doubt ful who could take full charge in case of a fire. The proposed Act delegated to the Mayor the appointment of a fire Inspector, who was in vested with very large po wera, and personally he (Mr. Wilkie) was averse to assuming such an amount of responsibility. Still, it was needful that some individual should he looked to who would he capable of ordering the pulling down of buildings, etc., when necessary, and it was provided by the Act that the Mayor had power to appoint or remove fire inspectors from time to time. As a matter of eastern the Captain of the Brigade was usually fire inspector, hut it seemed there was a hitch in Christchurch as to the fire police acting under the inspector. After some discussion, in which it was shown that the Borough, under this new Act, could strike a rate of a penny in the pound for a fire rate, and also tax the insurance com panies to the extent of per cent, on the premiums collected, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Gundry for his attend ance, and in reply he promised to call the Salvage Corps together at an early date, and report progress to the Brigade. The Brigade then went through their drill in a very creditable manner, the new uniforms seeming to he an incentive to better at tendance.

I. O. G. T. —The Unity Degree Temple, in connection with the above order, held its usual monthly meeting in the Templar Hall on Tuesday evening, a large number of third Degree members being present. After two candidates had been initiated in the third degree, and two others had become members of the Temple, the elec tion of officers for the next six months took place with the following result. Degree Templar, Bro. Thomas Williams ; D.Y.T., Bro. John HardJey ; D.C., Bro. R. Galloway ; D. S., Bro. G. F. Henry ; D.F.S., Bro. J, Leitch; D.T., Bro. J. Jessop ; D. G., Bro. C. Hawkins ;D. M., Bro. Gudsell ; D.R.H. S., Bro. G.W. Andrews; D.L.H.S., Sister Sanderson. Bro. Poyntz, the present D.T. will take the chair of the P.D.T. Under “good of the order,” Bro. Poyntz read the copy of a telegram sent that morning, on behalf of 400 abstainers to E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.H., praying him to support Sir Wm. Fox in- his new Licensing Bill, especially so with regard to the suppres sion of the bottle license, pointing out the case of the late Mrs. Walsh as an example of the result of liquor being easily obtained, and also that he vote for clubs and family hotels to be under police supervision. A vote of thanks was passed to Bro. Poyntz for forwarding the same. It was decided to invite members to bring up suggestions for debate at each meeting, so as to enable the Temple to send suggestions for improving the government of the subordinate lodges, to the next session of the Grand Lodge, which will be held in Wellington in December next. After several other items under “good of the order” had been discussed, the Temple closed with the usual ceremonies. The installation of the newly elected officers will take place on Tuesday the 10th of August. Optic AL E nt ertainment. —S o m e fr i ends of the Primitive Methodist Church have procured a splendid sciopticon, with limelight apparatus, and purpose giving a series of entertainments with its aid The first will come off in the Town Hall on Tuesday next, when, in addition to a large number of views, the slides for which have been imported, there will bo exhibited transparencies of all the prin cipal buildings and objects of interest in Ashburton. These local views have been taken on glass negatives, by Mr. G. F. Henry, photographer, East street, and are very creditable productions. Photographs of the members of the public bodies are in preparation, and these will he exhibited to show the magnifying power of the in strument, which throws a picture 14 x Lift. Aniongst the series of view's will also he found a large number of im mensely condo ones.

No Work.—A Wellington njan named Palmer, unable to find work, attempted on Tuesday to commit suicide, by cutting an artery in his arm. The wound was not dangerous. A Samoan Trading Company.—At a public meeting in Wellington on Tuesday it was resolved to form the Wellington and Central Polynesian Shipping Com pany, to trade with Samoa, the capital to bo L 20,000, in 4.00 L5-shares, and the prospectus to issue immediately.

Pedestrianism —Last week a match was arranged in Dunedin between J. O’Connor, of Timaru, and 0. Swan, of Christchurch, for twelve hours, at L 25 aside. The match will take place in Christchurch on July 31, moat probably at the Oddfellows’ Hall.

“Bushranging.”—A case of bushrang ing on a small scale occurred near Waimate on Monday evening, when two men went to the Waihoa station, and demanded food. On being refused they presented a loaded revolver. The police went on their track and succeeded in running one of them in on Tuesday. Robbing History.—On Monday, the foundation stone of a handsome church for the Primitive Methodists of Waimate was laid, and the absurd custom of placing coins, etc., in the cavity of the foundation stone was as usual observed. These coins have been stolen by some thief, whose love for money, or his need for it, is greater than his respect for the conven tionalities of foundation laying.

Totara Timber. —An illustration of the superiority of totara timber over Austra lian jarrah for piles is given in Auckland, where a jarrah pile is exhibited that had been used at Mahurangi wharf for six years, and is almost entirely eaten away by worms. A block of totara which was on Queen street wharf for fifteen years, is quite as good as when first put under water. It has been cut open, and the heart of the lumber shows no signs of de cay. Juvenile Offenders.—At the Christ church Resident Magistrates Court on Tuesday Ambrose Hume, aged ten years, and George Firth, aged nine years, were charged with stealing a horse which the prosecutor had left securely tied outside his house. The next morning the horse was gone. Prisoners subsequently tried to sell the horse for 255. The case was dismissed, on the understanding that the parents whipped the boys in the presence of a constable

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The Ashburton School Committee held their usual monthly meeting last night, when there were present Dr. Stewart (Chairman), Messrs. Andrews, Bean, Boyle, St. Hill, and the Secretary (Mr. J. Ward). CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from Mrs. Gooden, making application, on behalf of her daughter, for an appointment to a school in Christchurch. The Secretary was instructed to forward the letter to the Board of Education.

Mr. J. Colborne Yeel, Secretary to the Board wrote, forwarding duplicate agree ment with Alexander- Thomas Ennis, pupil teacher. From the Secretary, Board of Education respecting the applications by the Com mittee regarding Bertie Stewart and Miss Gooden, and stating the applications would be laid before the Board. Also, asking for information as to the height of desks required, and whether forms were also necessary, adding that those for the infants’ room had better he deferred until the new room had been decided on. Mr. Ward stated he had received a private letter from Mr. Yeel to the effect that the matter of an infant school had been entertained by the Board at its meeting prior to the letter being written, Plana of the building had been laid before the Board but the whole question had been deferred to its next meeting to allow of some slight alterations in the plans. Since the letter was written the Board had hold another meeting, but nothing had yet been done. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Board asking that no delay might take place in getting the work undertaken. From the Board of Education stating its willingness to appoint Bertie Stewart as pupil teacher if he is willing to sign an agreement for a four years’ engagement; also stating that the small black-boards could be returned to Messrs Crerar and Whitcomhe, in exchange for larger ones, but adding that black-boards in frames were expensive, and could not be obtained without the special sanction of the Board of Education.

The Secretary was instructed, after having received permission from the Board of Education, to obtain the mounted black-boards required.

THE MASTER’S REPORT was then read as follows : Returns of Attendance for the Quarter ending 30T11 June, 1880. Male. Female. Tl.

clay in quarter ... 173 161 334 I have given the above extract from the corresponding quarter of last year in order to show more clearly the steady increase in the attendance. The necessity of in creased accommodation will no doubt receive your attention. I am glad to report that Miss Alice Henderson, Miss 0. Henderson, and Mr. Wake, pupil teachers, were successful in securing teachers’ certificates at the last examination. Coming from an elementary school, and without the training of a normal school, their success proves clearly their ability and diligence while under instruction as pupil teachers. Mr. Mayo has also obtained his certificate. The two blackboards forwarded have not been used, as they are not required. -

Three mounted blackboards are required, equal in size to two of the boards now in use.—l have, &c.,

Alexander Stott.

The Master’s complimentary reference to the Misses Henderson and Mr. Wake, was fully endorsed by members of the committee. Mr. Bean stated that he had visited the school during the month, and found that one of the locks required replacing. Four loads of gravel had been obtained at Is. Gd. per load, and a man employed to bring in and spread the gravel. Accounts having been passed for pay ment and Messrs Andrews and Boyle appointed visiting committee for the ensuing month, the meeting adjourned.

CENTENARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Last Sabbath afternoon a united meet ing of the Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist, and Presbyterian Sabbath schools was held in the Town Hall, at 2.30, in celebration of the centenary of the establishment of Sunday schools. There were present on the platform the Revs. Keall (Wesleyan), Smith (Primitive Methodist), and Beattie (Presbyterian). Mr. W. Gavin, superin tendent of the Presbyterian school pre sided. There were present about 300 scholars, 40 teachers, and 100 friends. After the opening hymn and prayer had been offered by the Rev. Mr. Smith, The Chairman, Mr. Gavin, said —It is a most cheering sight to see so many Sabbath scholars with their teachers assembled here this afternoon representing three different congregrations belonging to different sections of the Christian Church, with our esteemed and affection ate pastors on the platform ready to address us. This circumstance reminds us that the Church of Christ on earth is one, and that although we meet separately on other Sabbaths in our respective churches, and are engaged in our own special work, yet we seek to serve the same Master, we seek an interest in the same common salvation, and we desire to be united to the same kind and loving Saviour, who so freely invites us to Him self ; who died for us, and “ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. ” Some of you young people may have been enquiring at your parents or teachers “ what meaneth this service 1” What is all this ado about what they call a centen ary of Sunday schools 1 Why have they had these meetings in Christchurch, in other parts of New Zealand, and in London, too, where a whole week of meetings has been held, and no less than 300 churches have taken part in the pro ceedings, with delegates present from America, Australia, and New Zealand ? and the Bishop of London also uniting with the Nonconformist ministers in this grand celebration 1 The word centenary means the number of one hundred, and it is common nowadays after the lapse of an hundred years to mark the recollection of some great event in which we have cause to rejoice. Mr. Robert Raikes, of Gloucester, in England, though not exactly the first to commence, yet along with others, gave such an impetus to the estab lishment of Sunday schools, that under God’-s blessing they have become extended nearly over the world. It has been com puted there are at present in the world no fewer than 50,000 Sabbath schools, one million teachers, and from ten to twelve million Sabbath scholars. In Canterbury the honor of establishing the first Sunday school is due to Mr. Farr, of Christchurch, who commenced in Akaroa, Banks Penin sula, in March, 1850, now 30 years ago. The Rev. Mr. Keall next spoke—The blessed effects of the Sabbath school in stitution had, under God’s blessing, been secured by hard work. That work was voluntary, commanding intellect, wealth, and influence. It was well disciplined and concentrated, and was largely duo to the influence of woman. From the first the labor had been educational, stemming the tide of aggravated ignorance, and had kept abreast of the times. Now it would have to qualify the secular education of the young people. No doubt the future Sunday school would be equal to the work. Dogmatic teaching, rightly regarded, was unobjectionable. If it was taught that twice two make four, because such was a fact, so because such facts as the presence of sin, the Deity of Christ, and the uni versality of the atonement being dealt with in the Sunday schools, dogmatic teaching was in keeping even in a cate chetical form. The work further was reproductive, in that those taught became teachers in their turn. Then in aim, principles, and spirit the work was one, and in these we saw Christ’s cause far above isms —these isms preserved too carefully would moulder like a dry rot in a house. Many benefits were found in the associated labor, for individual schools were freed from narrowness. The 'best working methods were diffused ; the best Sunday school literature was .procured ; the close study of the Bible was stimulated ; district and national unions were framed ; the world was belted with the noblest enter prise ; the celebration of the centenary was brought about, and honor was done to a worthy name. The enterprise had the strongest claims upon the Christian public, for it was the sunshine and the glory of the Church of Christ. Mr. Beattie said the audience had been hearing about labor, specially in connec tion with Sabbath schools during one hundred years past. They had also been told something about Mr. Raikes, who had, in the providence of God, been the means of inauguarating what is now bo common wherever Christianity exists throughout the world. It only remained for him to say a few words in regard to what he believed to be the one great ob ject to be aimed at in all such work, viz., to impress us all, by the blessing of God, with the great truth that “ The Lord Jesus Christ istheperson we should alllove most.” This is the first and great com mandment. “ Thou shalt love,” is applic able to every one of the human race, from the youngest boy or girl, to the oldest man or woman. The person who makes such a claim upon our highest affections, is the only begotten Son of God, and the son of the Virgin Mary—lmmanuel—who lived and died on this earth nearly two thousand years ago. The same Jesus who rose again as the first fruits of them that sleep, now lives and says “I am He that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore,” and again, “Because I live ye shall live also.” Thus he had given nnmistakeable proof of his love to us first. Indeed this Divine person un ceasingly shows his love to us even up to the present hour. The air we breathe, and all things we possess are tokens of his love. He is never weary from year to year, and from generations to generations. What have we that we have not received from him 1 He expects nothing less than that we return his love. Old and New Testament saints all loved him better than anything else, and he alone is worthy of all such supreme love. No one can love him too much. You love one who is possessed of only a few good qualities, and even these imperfect, but oh ! Jesus is infinitely worthy—nothing but goodness, and all goodness in Him. Wisdom, cower, holiness, faithfulness— yea, every praiseworthy perfection resides in Him. The second proposition in this speech was, that “ To lo ve Jesus most, we must know him well.” The more you know Jesus, the more you will love him. It is knowledge that js required, and then faith grounded upon such knowledge, He that increases knowledge increases sor rows, but not so with regard to this knowledge. It is the reverse. Whatever other knowledge you may obtain or fail to secure, neglect not this, for it is your life —eternal life ! All are completely desti tute of this best of all knowledge by nature, for no one knows the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son will re

veal him. Yet none are too young for knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. He can reveal himself even unto babes, and he does it. “If ye seek me early,” Rays he, “ye shall find me.” You may be too late in becoming acquainted with him, but you cannot be too early. Samuel began to know God when a child, and Timothy knew the Scriptures from his youth, being taught by his own mother, though his father was regardless. None can ever comprehend all, but each can know some thing, and follow on. to know more in this world, and even throughout eternity in Heaven above. The third and last proposition was that “ Such knowledge is obtained from His word and Spirit only.” This is the reason why both teachers and scholars meet from Sabbath to Sabbath, and from year to year, to bend over the pages of God’s blessed word. The en trance of His word gives light, and con verts the soul. Read it, commit it to memory, specially in youth. For this purpose let the young people be always present in the various classes, and in good time ; and above all, let every meeting be preceded and followed by much prayer to God, both by teachers and scholars. Never forget to seek the Holy Spirit to come and be your daily teacher, as well as guide and support, for He alone teaches savingly and to profit. “ Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.” There can be no excuse for ignorance on the part of even the weakest, so long as the Holy Spirit is so willing and able to take of the things of Christ, and show them unto ua. We have God’s word in our hands, but His Spirit can put it into our hearts, for we know who has said that “all thy children shall be taught of the Lord.”

Rev. A. J. Smith commenced by saying that it was well known that the late venerable Robert Raikes was not really the first who gathered children together for instruction on the Sabbath day. Re peated efforts were made long prior to his time, but no permanent success was ac complished till the system inaugurated by Mr. Raikes. He then gave an epitome of the life of Raikes, and referred to the cir cumstances which prompted him to com mence a Sabbath school, after which he dwelt upon the rapid progress which Sab bath schools had made, especially during the past twenty years. He next dwelt upon the importance of the work, and showed how necessary it was for children to be instructed early in religious prin ciples. A wicked Jesuit once said, “ Give me a child until he is twelve years old, and I don’t care who takes him in hand after that.” It was necessary that the child’s entrance upon life should be well guarded. Children could scarcely receive religious instruction too young, for if we do not teach them the devil will. He was glad that this subject was pressing itself with increasing force upon the Christian Churches year by year. Mr. Smith closed by making an urgent appeal to the parents and teachers to be earnest in their great work e’er night should throw its darkling mantle around them, and remind them of duties left undone. This duty of watchfulness and care over the young was plainly indicated in Nature.- He had read of a traveller who once saw a bird in evident fear and distress, flying backwards and forwards from the nest, and plucking leaves from a certain tree, which she deposited very carefully in her next. Presently she perched herself upon a branch near at hand, and di rectly the traveller saw a large snake, which the bird’s watchful eye had seen coil itself around the tree and slowly ascend, till, with glistening eye and open mouth, it reared its head just above the edge of the nest, but when it came in contact with the leaves, most offensive to the serpent tribe, the reptile uncoiled itself from the tree and dropped to the ground, as if the ball of a rifle had passed through its head, and thus the parent bird had been able to save her young. And the lesson so plainly taught in Nature was quite as distinctly illustrated in Scripture—‘ c Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” During the meeting, hymns were sung by the children, led by Mr. Alexander Craighead, and accompanied on the piano by Mr. H. J. Weeks.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

“THOSE CHURCH-GOING BELLS."

To the Editor.

Sir, — I like to hear the sound of the “church-going bells” on the Sabbath morning and evening calling the citizens to public worship, but I like them to be punctual. I trust the bell-ringer will take the hint and ring out the first peal for the future at 10.30 a.m. punctually, and not at 10.88 as last Sabbath morning. This sort of thing has occurred more than once. It is somewhat provoking, after waiting for the bells to commence, thinking you have half-an-hour to get to church and yourself and family comfortably seated, to find on arrival there that the service has commenced. —I am, &c., Church-Goer.

SMOKING AND BAD LANGUAGE IN RAILWAY CARRIAGES.

To the Editor.

Sir, —Having occasion to visit Christ church the other day, I went by the express. The small compartment was nearly full of passengers, the majority of whom were ladies and children. There was one individual who would persist in maintaining a conversation with his neighbor, and took good care that every body else should hear what he had to say by pitching his voice about three notes higher than the din caused by the motion of the train. So far, so good. But, in order to heighten the effect of his utter ances, I suppose, he embellished (as he thought, no doubt), his sentences with a profusion of bad and profane language, that was most offensive and disgusting to all who had to listen. Returning from town, being a non-smoker, I took my seat in an American second - class carriage. We had not got far from Adding son, when I counted more than eight men tmoking at the same time, and spitting all over the floor of the carriage. When the guard came in, he said that smoking was not allowed. The pipes were put away for the moment, but soon as his back was turned, they were at it again, and smoked to their hearts content. Why, Mr. Editor, should a respectable public have to sub mit to such annoyance and inconveniences, and have to inhale the filthy fumes arising from the abominable stuff men of this class smoke. Gould not a large placard be put up in a conspicuous place to the effect that all persons guilty of improper language, or smoking (in carriages not set apart for that purpose), would be expelled from the train, at the next station she might stop at. Hoping someone else will take up this matter, and try to put down a very great nuisance and a positive evil—l am, &c.,

Traveller

THE FIRE BRIGADE.

To the Editor.

Sie, —I wish you would insert the fol lowing, to show the inconsistency of the Borough Council with reference to the Fire Brigade, as I think they must have very bad memories. A short time ago, after waiting over twelve months for the Borough to fulfil its promises with respect to uniforms, the Brigade ordered part of the uniforms, and waited on the Council for a grant towards the cost. The Coun cil granted L 25 outof aboutL7s towards the cost, and promised that at the first meet ing after the Istof June they would’ pay L 25

due for further expenses of management, which I see, at the meeting last night was refused till November. As a member of the Brigade, I must say that, we have always had a great amount of trouble as to the amount promised from the Coun cil, and I can state that we have only re ceived LI from honorary members. Con sidering that the majority of the members of the Brigade are not owners of property in the Borough, I do not see how mer chants and property owners can expect the members to not only give their time, but to pay the expenses necessary to keep the plant in order. Amongst the whole of the merchants and tradesmen in Ashbur ton we have only one honorary member that has paid his subscription.—l am, &c., A Member op the Ashburton Fire Brigade. Ashburton, July 13, 1880.

To THE EDITOR,

Sir, —It is incompatible with my posi tion as Hon. Secretary to the local Fire Brigade to allow the discussion which occurred in the Borough Council last evening to pass without comment. They say figures do not lie ; you will therefore be well able to judge of the justice of our (that is, the Fire Brigade’s) demand if you peruse the following : At a meeting of the members of both Brigade and Fire Police, held on Wednes day, 23rd October, 1878, it was moved by Mr. Thomas Dudson and seconded by Mr. Millar—“ That the Brigade tender their services to the Borough.” This was carried nem. con., and was accordingly done, and upon the 20th Nov., 1878, the Secretary to the Brigade received a letter, of which the following is a copy Town Clerk’s Office, 20th November, 1878. —Sir, —l have the honor, by direction of the Ashburton Borough Council, to inform you that at a meeting held on the 18th inst., your memorial was considered, and in reply, 1 beg to hand you the enclosed copy of resolution of the Council passed at the same meeting.—l have, etc., Charles Bhaddell, Town Clerk. —Copy of resolution : “That the Council ac cept the services of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade, subject to its members being pre pared to work under a code of rules to be ap proved of by the Council. That an annual subsidy of fifty pounds (LSO) be voted for the maintenance of the Brigade, and that a Sub- Committee, consisting of Councillors William son, Saunders, Friedlander, and Ivess, be ap pointed to procure the required uniform.” 2. The rules were drawn up, submitted to the Council, and approved. It there fore follows, as a sine qua non, that on the following dates half-yearly payments were due to the Fire Brigade :—l9th May, 1879, 20th Nov., 1879, and 19 th May, 1880 ; in addition to cost of uniforms. Against the above we have received—lßth March, 1879, L 25 ; 3rd May, 1880, L 25, and on 18th May last a grant of L 25 towards payment of uniforms.

I shall not not worry you with a mass of figures, as perhaps some of our city fathers might not understand them, but shall content myself with saying that we have spent L7O alone in the last twelve months on a bell and tower much wanted, and on the faith of promises of support have expended some L6O on uniforms and very necessary apparatus from England. In conclusion, 1 may state that except for the liberal manner in which the County Council met the Brigade, we should have collapsed some time since. Meanwhile, we can only hope that the Government will pass the Brigades Bill, now before the House, in such a form as • will compel public bodies to do their duty if only in the little matter of protecting the lives and property .of those who may tem porarily be placed under their care.- I am, &c.,

W. Adams, Hon.' Secretary,

MR. GRIGG IN REPLY.

To the Editor. Sir, —In your issue of July 3, a letter appearssigned “ A Country Subscriber,”in which the paper that I read at the last meeting of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association is criticised. Will you allow me to reply briefly to some of “ Subscriber’s ” remarks. The first objection taken is that I had not allowed enough for labor, pointing out that there would be 500 chains of fencing on the farm as fenced and subdivided by me. I make it 423 chains, as the adjoin ing farmer would have to keep half the boundary fence next his land in order. 423 chains at 6d. per chain would give LlO 11s. fid.', not, I submit, a large proportion of the labor of two men. . I am not sup posing that the gorse fences are to be the usual straggling fences, but such as are carefully and regularly out, and not allowed to grow more than two feet above the bank ; in that case 6d. per chain is quite sufficient. The next error “ Subscriber ” has made, is to make the quantity of land under crop 100 acres, instead 'of 75 acres.' As to the question whether the figures show ing ordinary interest on capital, value of labor,‘and net profit, should appear as 20 plus 20 plus 40 equal to sixty, or as sixty, representing as 1 have stated, over sixty per cent, on the farmers capital, exclusive oithe labor of himself and wife, is quite immmaterial, and does not affect the con clusion I have draivn. The next mistake is, I think, raising a question of “deterioration of horses, cow r s, etc.” This is an item quite unknown to me as a farmer, for I take care that my young stock shall take the place of the older, selling the older when at full maturity and when at the highest market value. This mode will more than cover any necessary estimate for insurance on death. The next mistake is the greatest in “ Subscriber’s” letter, when he raises the question as to the probable “fair average” price of oats to 2s. 6d. per bushel. “ Sub scriber” is clearly not a surveyor, or he wouldknowbetter how to tie his work to his starting point, or trig-pole. My starting point was—Will farming pay at present prices ? not with oats at 2s. 6d. per bushel. The next mistake is, I am made to esti mate the value of cattle at two years old at L 8 ; whereas, by my figures, I bring them into stock as two-year-olds at L 5, and sell them a year after at LS each. As to the price of the colt, to be sold at L 25, being high, it is at least L 5 below my own sales this year. As to the question whether it would not be more profitable to use all such farms for horse breeding, I will leave “ Subscri ber” to think that matter out at his leisure —viz., if all are breeders and sellers, where would the buyers be found ? I cannot be altogether surprised at “ Subscriber” being puzzled as to where the 50 sheepskinscan come from, as it would not occur to him that the first 25 sheep being eaten and no credit given for them in account, that the money would re main in the rations account for the pur chase of a second lot of sheep. I would point out here that this item of L 7 which should have been credited to the returns in capital account, will be quite sufficient to provide for any “in cidental expenditure, ” such as is referred to by “ Subscriber. ” The only item that I can admit that I may have under-esti mated in the annual expenditure is that (inasmuch as the crops are to be admittedly heavy), LlO more might have been allowed for the more expeditious harvest ing of the crops. But I am confident that in the prices of produce I have made a lower estimate than may be fairly set down as the prices for this season. I have taken wheat at 3s. per bushel— I sold my wheat at 3s. 7-id. Barley at 2s, fid. —I have sold at 2s. 9d. and at 3s. 7id. per bushel. Cattle at LB—my average for such stock would be L 9. Horses at L 25 —my average has been L3O. The pea crop is taken at 25 bushels per acre—the crop from which I have now got my seed for next year averaged 48 bushels per acre. Barley I took at 40 bushels per acre—

whereas hll that,l grew this year on land so'managed, as I have proposed, averaged 60 bushels per acre. In fact I did not wish to make out an extreme case, but one that could be'maintained against all oh jectors.—lam, Ac., John Geigg

DISTRICT COURT.

The cases set down for hearing at the District Court on Thursday, before Judge Ward, are as follows : Fergus v. Peter, claim L 195 19s. 2d., value of wheat and oaten sheaves.

Luscombe v. Grigg, claim L 35 Bs. 6d., for work and labor done. , E. G Wright v. James Fletcher, claim L2OO, instalment of purchase money of two hundred acres of land, payable under agreement on January 3rd, 1880. J. Stalker v. Megson, claim L 123 IGs. Bd., for threshing. In bankruptcy—Applications for ! dis charge of C. B. M. Branson, J. Moore, J. Bayliss, H. Redfern, W. and C. Basely. Re William Frisby, Mr. Branson will apply for an order for payment of costs out of the estate. ' I , :

Be Maclean and Winter. Mr. Purnell applies for an order declaring the com plete execution of the deed of ; arrange ment.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Tuesday, July 6,

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) CIVIL CASES.

John Orr, trustee in Edwards’ Estate v. Corsbie. —Claim L2 ,9s. Mr. Corsbie wished the trustee to prove the debt, as he had never obtained the goods for which he was sued. The man who had received the articles held a receipt for the amount claimed, which he would put in. Mr. Orr said he had no wish to obtain from Mr. Corsbie what was not legitimate,

and if the defendant had written to him to inform him that the; account had been settled, there would have been no occasion for the matter to have come into Court. Mr. Corsbie explained that no account had been/rendered to him until he had received the summons. Case dismissed, with costs.

Grigg v. Luscombe. —In giving judg ment in this case, his Worship disallowed the law points raised. He was of opinion the wheat had been threshed too soon, and sufficient care had not been exercised by the defendant. Judgment would be given for L 25 and costs L 7 2s.

John Orr, trustee in Edwards’ Estate, v. Aitken.—Claim 18s. Mr. Crisp, for. .the defence, stated that the case, could not go on, as the plaint stated that the plaintiff was “ John Orr, merchant,” whereas-there was no such person. It should have been “John Orr, of the firm of Orr and Co., merchants. Another objection was that x the description as trustee-in the estate of ... H. J. Edwards was not sufficient, but. it should have been stated that the plaintiff' was “ creditors’” trustee in the estate of H. J. Edwards.' His Worship stated, with regard to the first objection, that that could be amended, but there was some doubt as to the second .objection. Mr. Orr said that if Mr. Crisp were to persist in his objection, instead of hear ing the case on its merits, he would apply to have the summons amended. If such objections were allowed, it would only be putting Mr. Aitken to more ex pense, as in any subsequent action he (Mr. Orr) should bring his legal adviser, . and hence the expense would be increased. He would apply to have the summons amended. Mr. Crisp argued that the second amendment could not be enter tained, as the statute had given the exact words to be used in such an action. His Worship said that while :he thought the objection a technical and frivolous one, it nevertheless was according to the statute, and hence he would have to non suit the case. Mr! Crisp said that if; his Worship thought the objection he would elect to go. on with the -caae.' j The case was accordingly, gone on with.

John-Orr stated he was trustee in Edwards’ estate, and knew from the books that the goods had been supplied. ,

W. Aitken stated the work had been done for M‘lntyre, for whom he was working for 255. per week. When the work was done, he had told a man named Gordon, who was in the employ of; Edwards, that the work was done for M‘lntyre. I was a servant of MHntyre’s. By the Bench—l do not know how Edwards comes to. charge me. Ido not owe Edwards anything. By plaintiff— The plough is now at the Hinds. It belongs to Quigley ; he bought the plough from- M'lntyre. If M'lntyre was to swear the work was not for him, he would be swear ing falsely. Judgment for defendant, with costs Ll-ls.-

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting took-place in the office, at Methven, on Thursday, the Bth inst. Present —Messrs. Alington, McMillari, Jackson, Pannett, and the Chairman (Mr. Edward Chapman); The overseer’s report was read and con sidered. s 3. Ljir-.i

Be road applied for by Mr. Sydney, Rolls, the Overseer reported' that he had been up to inspect the road, but, owing to the snow lying upon the ground, the, pegs could not be found, and he,-there fore, could make no estimate of the cost.! The matter was allowed to stand over till next meeting, the estimate to be,made up in the meantime.

An application was received from Mr. George Johnstone, asking the Board to allow him to take shingle, from their pit. The Board decided not .to allow any shingle to be taken from the pit on the Board’s property, but referred Mr. John stone to Mr. Grigg, the owner of the pit nearer the township. An application was received- from the Presbyterians, applying for the use;of the office for the purpose of holding service in. It was resolved to allow the use of the office on a guarantee being given that it would be kept in order. Mr. Butt waited upon the Board and made a complaint against the Overseer for cutting the fence adjoining his section, and allowing the water to flow across* his land! The Board informed Mr. Butt that the Overseer had , instructions to cut the fence, to allow the water to follow its natural course. As the present fences turned the water on the road, and dii considerable damage,, Mr. Butt felt greatly aggrieved that any person other than a licensed surveyor should be empowered to cut the fence. Mr. L. Mangharn interviewed the Board, and explained that he had suffered considerable damage through the storm water washing away part of the formation of the Chertsey road ; also washing away a quantity of shingle which he had stacked on the road. He asked the Board to compensate him for his loss. Resolved that the matter be allowed to stand over until next meeting, when it would be taken into consideration. The overseer was instructed to call for tenders for several small works requiring immediate attention, said tenders to be laid before the Board at the next meeting. Tenders were opened for the drainage of main Rakaia road, about three miles, for the drainage of Winchmore road, and one in each-case was accepted. After passing several accounts, the Board adjourned until Thursday, the 12th of August., : * ■

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1880.



I. How manv returned as belonging to the school at tile end ot last quarter 2.33 245 784 II. How many left not having attended at all this quarter 38 24 42 III. No. really belonging to the school at the beginning the quarter 215 22t 436 IV. How many admitted during this quarter 48 7 * ns V. How many have belonged to school this quar- ter .. 263 291 554 VI, How many in V. left before end of quarter .. 12 34 3*5 VII. What then is the number now belonging to the school 2SI 267 518 VIII. Average weekly number on the Roll during quarter .. .. .. 235*7 242'" 478-2 IX. How many times school opened, 122 X. Number of half-day atten- dances .. .. .. 20 ,416 19,762 40,178 XI. Strict average .. 1 7b'3 161*9 329*2 XII. How often were there not less than half attendance * 13 XIII. Number of attendances on these half-days .. 19,398 19,036 38,434 XIV. Working average.. .. 1 71-6 168*4 340 XV. Largest attendance on any half-day during quarter 207 202 409 Male Female. TJ, Under 5 20 25 45 5 and under 7 7 s 81 159 7 10 78 70 14S TO ,, 13 61 79 140 14 IO 24 Over 15 2 2 251 267 518 Infants .. .. ... 87 9 1 178 Preparing for Standard I. .. 32 68 „ .. „ H. ■■ 38 45 S3 „ „ „ III. .. 50 68 118 „ ,, „ iv. .. 25 22 47 .. „ .. V. .. 1 8 19 „ „ „ VI. .. 4 I 5 Passed Standard VI. 0 O 0 Total . . 251 267 518 Male. Female. TI. Reading 2St 267 sis Writing 251 267 518 Arithmetic .. 251 267 518 Grammar and Composition qo 99 r8 9 Geography 128 I 44 272 History go 99 iSp Llementary Science 40 3i 7i Drawing 167 176 340 Object Lessons 231 242 -473 Vocal Music 251 267 518 Needle Work us 175 Mathematics (extra) 14 14 Extract From Returns of Attendance for the Quarter Ending June 30TH, 1879. Males. Females. Total. I. How many returned as belonging to the school at end of last quarter 218 206 424 V. How many have belonged to school this quarter 321 214 445 VII. No. now belong- ing to the school ... 213 19s 408 VIII. Average weekly number on roll ... 216'I igS'6 4147 X. No. of half-day at- tendances 18,203 16,526 34,729 XL Strict average ... 146-8 1 33 ’2 280 XIV. Working aver- age ... IS4 141 -i 295-1 XV. Largest atten- dance on any half-



AUCTION SALES. Friday, July IG. Robert Wilkin and Co., at Crawley House Farm, four miles from the Hinds Rail way Station —Horses, Sheep, Imple ments, &c. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. Saturday, July 17. Alfred Harrison, at his saleyards—Horses, Implements, Harness, &c. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. Monday, July 19. W. G. J. Bluett, at the Farm, Brookland, Ford’s Road, Waterton—Horses, Cattle, Harness, Implements, &c. Sale at ll o’clock sharp. NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. MATSON, COX, & CO. Messrs, h. matson & co. having taken Mr. C. PERCY COX, who has lately been acting as their agent at Ashburton, into partnership, their business at Ashburton will for the future be conducted under the management of Mr. Cox, under the style of MATSON, COX, & CO., And they hope by erecting large business premises, and thus giving increased facili ties to their clients, to merit and obtain a fair share of the business hitherto so liberally accorded to them by the public. MATSON, COX, & CO., Ashburton. June Ist, 1880. 936 g MATSON, COX, & CO. will hold Fortnightly Sales of Stock at Ashburton and Tinwald alternately. Next Sale at TINWALI), TUESDAY, JULY 20th, 910 a MATSON, COX, & CO. TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. GRAND OPTICAL Entertainment, CONSISTING of a large number of in teresting and DISSOLVING VIEWS, by LIMELIGHT, both LOCAL and FOREIGN, On the 20th JULY, 1880, in Aid of the Church Funds. Sec Hand Bills for Programme. Prices of Admission —Dress Circle, 25.; Body of Hail, Front Seats, Is. 6d.; Back Sears, Is. Children Half-price to all parts of the House. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.; commence at 8 prompt. 643c-27g CHRISTCHURCH AGENCY. MR. GEORGE MAULE, is authorised to receive orders and accounts for the AsMmrton Guardian and Evening Herald. All orders for Advertisements eft at his office, near Tattersall’s, will eceive prompt attention. 55g* WEEKS & DIXON. METHYEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorised agents for the Ashburton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. WEEKS AND DIXON, 30g* Proprietors. NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. SUBSCRIPTIONS for the Quarter ending June are now due, payable at the office, East street, near Railway Station. A Discount of Is. will be allowed on the Quarter’s Subscription, and 4s. on the year’s subscription, if paid in advance. New subscribers are requested to send in their names and addresses as early as possible, to the Publisher, this being the first month in the Quarter. The Farmers' Supplement will be pub lished every Month. WEEKS and DIXON, 26g* Publishers. NOTICE. EDWARD TAYLOR, BAKER, Saunders’ Buildings, BEGS to intimate to his customers and the public generally that he has this day disposed of his Business to W. White, and solicits a continuance of support for his successor. ACCOUNTS. MB. W. WHITE is AUTHORISED to COLLECT ALL DEBTS due to me in respect of my Bakery Business due at this date. „ EDWARD TAYLOR, Baker, Saunders’ Buildings. Ashburton, 9th June, 1880. 552c-937g



“ What makes you so gram, Tom “ Oh, 1 have had to endure a sad trial of my feelings.” “ What on earth was it?" “ Why 1 had to tie on a pretty girl’s bonnet while her ma was looking.” -