THE CHURCHES.

SUNDAY AND WEEK NIGHT SER VICES AND MEETINGS. EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH.— Tancrbd Street, West. Rev. A. W. Hands, Incumbent. Sunday.

Morning at 11 a.m., Mr. J. Ward. Afternoon at 2.30, Sunday School. Evening at 6.30, Rev. A. W. Hands.

Wednesday. Evening Service at 7 p.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Choir Practice at 8. Thursday. Confirmation Classes at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting at 7.30. Country Services —To-Morrow. Greenstreet at 3p. m., Mr. W. C. Walker. Tinwald at 6.30 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. Seafield, 11 a.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Windermere, 3 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. Elgin, 3 p.m., Rev. A. W. Hands.

RAKAIA PARISH. Rev. W. H. Elton, Incumbent. Sunday.

St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia.—Morning at 11, Lay Reader. Evening, at 7, Rev. W. H. Elton.

St. John’s, Barrhill, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. Chertsey, 3p. m., Rev. W. H, Elton. Kyle, 11 a.m.. Rev. W. H. Elton. All Saints, Sherwood, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. Communion. —First Sunday in the month at St. Mark’s. Second Sunday at St. John’s. Fourth Sunday at St. Barna bas. Fifth Sunday at All Saints. Baptism in St. Mark’s, and Children’s Service at 3 p.m., second Sunday in the month. Sunday School. St. Mark’s, St. John’s, and Kyle, at 2.30 every Sunday. Friday. Evensong and Choir Practice at 7.30. — St. Mark’s. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—Have lock Street, West. Rev. A. M Beattie, Minister. Sunday Services. Morning at 11, and Evening at 6.30, in the Church.—Rev. A. M. Beattie. In Ashton School, at 3 o’plock afternoon, Rev. A. M. Beattie. Sunday School in the Church at 2.30 afternoon.—Mr. W. Gavin, Superinten dent. Tuesday. Finance Committee—First Tuesday of every month, in the Church at 7.30. S. S. Teachers’ Association —Second Tues day of every month, in the Church at 7,30. Wednesday. Pastor’s Bible Class in the Church Yestiy—Weekly at 7. Week night Service at B—Rev.8 —Rev. A. M. Beattie.

Thursday.

Tinwald School—Weekly service at 7. 30.

Friday. Choir Practice at 7.30 —Mr. Savage, con ductor ; Mr. A. Stott, organist.

RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, —Town Hall, Rakaia. Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, Minister.

Sunday. Rakaia Town Hall at 11 a.m. Barrhill School, at 3 p.m.

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. —Cameron Street, East. Rev. W. Keall, Pastor. Sunday. Morning, at 11, Rev. E. Best. Evening, at 6,30, Rev. E. Best. Sunday School—Afternoon, at 2.30, Special Service for the "Young, con ducted by Rev. E. Best.

COUNTRY SERVICES.

Old Men's Home —Afternoon, at 3, Mr.

H. M. Carson. Willowby—Afternoon, at 3, Mr. J.

Buchanan. Tinwald —Evening, at 6.30, Mr, J. E.

Buchanan. Seafield Afternoon, at 2.30, Mr. J. Olsen ; Sunday School at 1.30. Wakanui —Afternoon, at 2.30, Mr. H. M. Jones.

Monday. Cameron Street Church —Prayer meeting at eight o’clock. Tuesday, Class Meeting at 8. Thursday. Class Meeting, at 7 ; Preaching Service at eight, Rev. W. Keall, Friday. Choir Practice at 7.30., Mr. Weeks, con ductor.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH —Wills Street, Bast. Rev. Arthur J. Smith, Pastor,

Sunday. Morning School at 10 a.m. Morning Service at 11 a.m., Mr. W. H.

Puddicombe. Afternoon School at 2.30 p.m. Evening Service at 6.30 p.m., Mr. W. H, Puddicombe.

Monday.

Ladies’ Class —In the Church at 7.30 p.m,

Tuesday. Divine Service at 7.30 p.m., Rev. A. J. Smith.

Wednesday. Children’s Singing Class, at 7 p.m., Miss Jowsey, teacher.

Thursday. Class Meeting at 7.30 p.m

Friday, Choir practice at 7.30 p.m,

NEWLANDS PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH,

Sunday, Morning School, 9.30. Divine Service at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m., Mr. H. Dally.

ASHBURTON FORKS. Sunday Afternoon Service at 2.30, Mr. H. Grayburn.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL.— Burnett Street West. Rev. Father Chervier. Mass at 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of every month. Benediction service in the evening of the same day at 6.30.

COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE

The fallowing is the Corn Exchange re port for the week ending, Friday evening, the 17th inst.:—

Nothing has occurred during the week which calls for any comment. Values are unchanged in all classes of produce. The weather continues favorable, and crops in most parts of the coun try are looking well. The light lands are feel ing the want of rain, although, as yet, not seri ously. Last week’s report with respect to the rainfall registered at the Meteorological Station, Christchurch, should have been 5.74 inches be low the general average rainfall from the Ist of January to the end of August, in place of “ The rainfall registered at the Meteorological Station from January Ist to the end of last month was 5.74 inches,” as reported. Wheat.—There is no change to report in the state of the market for this cereal. Millers are in the marl et for good, sound milling quali ties. Extreme rates, however, must not be looked for, as flour from Australia can be placed in the market to compete with local produce. Last week’s quotations are repeated —4s. to 4s. 3d. for good milling samples; second quality, 3s. to 3s. gd. j chick wheat, 2s. to 2s. 6d.

Oats.—Shippers are still in the market as purchasers, but the rates asked for by holders have to some extent checked business. Good short milling oats of bright color are saleable at from is. 6d. to is. Bd. in Christchurch. Feed parcels are not in so much request, and will not command more than from is, 3d. to is, per bushel. Barley.—A few unimportant sales have taken place during the week. Maltsters and brewers are by no means eager purchasers, as their stocks are large; Good average malting quality is passing into consumption at from 25. 3d. to 2s. gd. per bushel; feed samples, is. 6d. (o is. Bd. per bushel; extra prime quality is worth 3s. to 3s. 3d., but of this latter there is none in the market.

Potatoes.—A few sales have taken place during the week at prices between 17s. and 20s. per ton, and there are rumors of some large lines having been quitted at less money. The dry weatheriu Sydney will doubtless have an effect 011 prices, and enable holders to quit their stocks.

Grass Seed.—Good clean samples are selling at from 2s. gd. to 3s. Farmers’ parcels, in differently cleaned, is. gd. to 2s. 6d. per bushel; cocksfoot, to 3 J(d. per lb. Cheese and butter.—The former is in fait supply at from 4d. to The latter—there is no business doing. Prices nominal. Hay—sos. to 555. per ton, delivered in Christchurch.

Messrs. H. Matson and Co. icport on the live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, September 16th, as follows :—On Wednesday last an unusually large supply of beef and mutton was penned for the week’s requirements. The quality, both in sheep and cattle, was, with few exceptions, prime, and, taking the market all round, supeiior to any this season. There was an average attendance of the trade, and although prices held up fairly, considering the supply, the best lots were the most keenly contested for, light weights suffer ing a decline of is per head under last week’s rates, and several small lines were turned out unsold. In crossbreds Messrs. Gould and Cameron, E. Mitchell, W. Saunders, H. Mad dison, John Deans, and P. Grant deserve special mention, the former topping the mar ket with a magnificent line of wethers at 21s. It is not too much to say of these sheep, that for butchers’ purposes, and for giving a remu nerative return to the breeder and grazier, they are as near perfection as it is possible to get them. They are heavy weights, large wool growers, splendid quality, and with plenty of constitution, without retaining the characteris tics of high-class pedigree stock. Merino wethers, the property of the same owners, brought 12s to 13s, but these were scarcely up to their usual form. In beef, Messrs. John Grigg, Hay Bros., Barker Bros., and a northern constituent were the contributors, and these, with other minor entries, made the fat cattle sale the heaviest and best—as regards quality we have seen for twelve months past. The Longbeach shorthorns, after spirited competi tion, fell to the bid of Messrs. Hopkins and Co., of Colombo street, at an average of Li 3 15s per head. Messrs. Barker Bros, cattle— an exceedingly nice line —brought L 7 15s to Lio, or an average of L 9 a-piece for the 24 head. The Pigeon Bay cattle realised from L 8 to Lg 12s fid ; other lots, L 8 2s fid to Ln 12s fid. Takingthebeef sale throughout, we havesel dom seen a better supply, nor competition in a full market more evenly maintained. Storecattle made a large entry, but the comparative absence of rain through the winter is beginning to raise doubts in tke minds of graziers as to summer feed, and the enquiry for stores is far from being as active as it was a month since. A line of 44 head of four-year-old cattle failed to find a buyer yesterday, and many smaller lots shared the same fate, the sale dragging throughout. The totals yarded for the day comprised 4,861 sheep, 696 head of cattle, and 57 pigs, of which our entry included 2,080 sheep, 375 head of cattle, 34 fat lambs, and 12 pigs. In sheep, our principal sales were 2o crossbred wethers at 21s, 32 at 19s, 25 at 17s, 30 at 16s fid, 54 at 16s 3d, 31 at 15s, 200 mixed crossbreds at 15s, 20 at 14s fid, 5 1 merino wethers at 13s S > 44 at 123 3d, 86 at 12s, 44 at 12s, 50 at IDs fid, 72 crossbreds at 135 fid, 30 at 13s fid, 44 cross breds at 16s 3d, 42 at 12s 3d, 70 merinos at 10s fid, 55 Downs at 14s, 30 crossbreds at 14s 3d, 40 merinos at 12s fid, 30 at lis 3d, 105 at ns; stores, 125 crossbreds at 12s, 54 at ns, 35 at 93, 91 merino ewes in lamb at 8s fid ; fat lambs, 8 at 13s fid, 6 at 10s, 6 at 10s, 8 at ns. Fat cattle—2 at Li 3 10s, 3 at Ll 3 17s fid, $ at L 8 1 os, 3 at L 9 10s, S at Lg ss, 4 at L 8 15s, 4 at L 7 15s, 2 at Lio, 3 at Ln 12s fid, 2at Lg ss, 2at L 8 ss, 2 at L 8 10s, 2 at L 8 15=., 2 at Lg, 2 at L 8 12s fid, 3 at L 8 10s, 3 at L 8 15?, 2 at Lg 12s fid, 2 at L 8 2s fid, 4 at L 7 Ss, 3at L 8 12s fid, 4 at L 7 10s, 3 at Lio, 2 at LB, 2 at L 7 10s, 3 at L 8 ss, 3 at L 7 10s, 6 at L 6 ss, 2 at LB, 3 at L 8 ss, 4 at L 7 2s fid, stores, 6 at L 6 2s fid, 7 at L 6 ss. 9 at Li 15s, 3 at L2 15s, 10 at L 4 ss, 15 at L2 Bs, 16 at L 3 1 os, 7 at L 4, etc. Canterbury Horse Market.—ln the horse trade business is quiet and there is little doing. For good sound active farm horses there is a fair enquiry, also for heavy unbroken colts and sound upstanding hacks; others may be quoted at a discount. First-class heavy draught horses are worth from L3O to L 45, according to age and description. Medium costs L2O to L 26 ; good hacks and light harness horses, Ll 5 to L2O ; ordinary do., L 8 to Ln ; weeds, L2 los to LS- Country sales.—On Tuesday at the Tinwald Yards we held our usual fortnightly sale of live stock, etc. There was a very large attendance of buyers, and competition was keen and even throughout. Our entry for the day consisted of 229 head of cattle, 411 sheep, 6 pigs, 5 horses and a few lots of sundries. We suc ceeded in disposing of 217 head of cattle at the following quotations, viz., fat cattle, L 6 10s, L 7 2s fid, LB, L 8 12s fid, Lg 12s fid. Springers, from L 5 to Lio 12s fid. Yearlings, L2 8s fid to L2 ifis. Calves, Irom 395. to L.2 6s. Two year old cattle, L2 17s to L> 12s fid. Sheep, 93, ns, 13s, to 13s 3d. 1 igs, 21s, L 3, and L 3 io; each. Horses, almost unsaleable.

Messrs. Robert Wilkin and Co. report—At a country sale held at Tinwald on Tuesday there was a good attendance of buyers, and an unusually large supply of cattle was brought forward, which description met with fait com petition. We sold fat crossbred sheep, mixed sexes, at 14s 4d ; merinos from 11s 3d to 12s sd. Fat cattle from L 7 10s to L 8 17s 6d} three-year-old stores up to L 6 10s; calves from 455. to 70s each.

Dunedin, September 16. Messrs. Murray, Roberts and Co. have re ceived the following telegram dated London, September nth:—“Victorian wool unsteady. Market stronger for crossbreds, improving for superior scoured, but is weaker for medium and faulty scoured, and shows no material change. Foreign buyers operating moderately.” Dunedin, Sept. 17.

Good sample milling wheat, 4s. 4d, to 4s. yd. ; fowl’s wheat, 2s. 6d. to 35.; feed oats, is. 6d, ; milling is. yd. to is. Bd. ; malt barley, 33. gd. to 3s. 3d.; feed, is. gd. to 2s. 6d. ; potatoes, L2 ss. ; grass hay, L2 10s. ; oaten hay, L 3 } medium wheat, 3s. gd, to 4s. j

straw, L2 ; bran, L 3 xos. ; pollard, L 4 10s. ; flour. Lio 10s. to Lit ; oatmeal, Lg 10s.; pearl barley, L 1 8; onions, 7s. 9d, to Bs.; cheese, 6d, ; bacon, rolled, gd.; hams, gj£d. sides bacon, Bj£d. per lb. (grain fed) ; chaff’, La 15s. ; prime beef, 255. per loolbs, ; mutton, to 3d. per lb.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1880.

’ r he Wakanui School Committee, we are glad to observe, have allowed wiser counsels to prevail in their deliberations, and have rescinded their resolution to charge three shillings per service from the religious bodies who made use of the school building as a meeting place on Sundays. They have, more over, decided to take no further steps in the prosecution of those householders who took a leading part in the public meeting held in the school on the 9th instant. The rescinding of this resolu tion ought to restore the good under standing that should subsist between neighbors, whether in town or country, and we hope those whose feelings and temper have been ruffled over the affair will accept the advice which Mr. Leadley gives in his letter, and let by gones be by-gones. Now that the matter is ended, and the householders are to be asked to attend a public meeting for the purpose of pointing out some other means of wiping off the debt upon the school than levying a tax upon devotions, we hope the appeal of the Committee will be manfully met, and that they will be able to go on with the work intrusted to their hands un trammelled with financial difficulties. In this little village fight, whatever principle the householders may have contended for, the Committee un doubtedly had the law on their side, and the Education Act gives them as custodians of the school property, full power to deal with the building in the manner they did. While they hold the position of School Com mitteemen they hold the power to permit or deny the use of the building to any one, and no one has any right to resist their action. The question of right of worship does not come in at all. Granted that the Com mittee only hold office by the suffrages of the householders, when the former are elected the latter’s power over them ceases so long as no breach of the law is committed, and that power comes back again only at the next election. When, therefore, the householders aggrieved by the Committee’s action found that the Committee were unwill ing to bend to the popular wish, they should have waited patiently for the opportunity that the Act gives them and removed them at election time, filling their places with men whose ideas on the subject of religious freedom were more in consonance with their own. But leaving the legal aspect of the affair altogether, we are of opinion that a great deal of unnecessary feeling has been exhibited by both sides, and had a little more forbearance been shown, by the Committee on the one hand for the expressed feelings of their con stituents, and by the worshippers on the other who ought as law-abiding citizens to have respected constituted authority, there would have been no necessity for the display of acrimony that has been witnessed. Kad the meeting which is to be called now been the first step taken, we have no doubt the Committee would have been supplied with funds without trouble.

A Big Smoke. —Tho master of the Ash burton Home begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipts of 41bs. of tobacco (first instalment), for the inmates from Messrs Dunn and Aitken, Ashburton. Civil Cases. —The only civil case called on at the R.M. Court yesterday, was that of Journeaux v. Mcßae, but there being no appearance of either parties, the case was struck out and the Court adjourned.

Kaiapoi Woollen Factory. —So heartily has the project of the promoters of the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory been re ceived, that only 200 shares out of the 4,000 representing LIOO,OOO remain to be taken up. The list closes on the Ist Oc tober. Extensive enlargements and im provements at the Kaiapoi works are to be taken in hand immediately. Land Sales. —At the usual sitting of the Waste Lands Board, held at Christ church on Thursday, September 16 th, sales were made as follows :—Ordinary : Selwyn, 4a.; Ashburton, 22a. Or. 21p.; ditto (special value L 5 per acre), 15a.; Geraldine, 12a. Or. 35p.; Waimate, sa. Or. 35p. Under Public Reserves Sale Act— deferred payments ; Reserve 389, 2a.; villiage settlement, South Rakaia, sa. Total acreage sold, Ola. Ir. 31p. Total cash received, Ll6B os. 9d. Refund was made on account of a former purchaser of 4s. Fleminoton. —This township, which is situated about midway between Ashburton and Waterton, has, from a variety of causes, been destitute of school accommo dation, partly through doubt on the part of the Board of Education as to the exact site chosen by the school committee, and also to difficulties surrounding the title. It appears these obstacles have now been surmounted, and the architect has pre pared the necesary plans for the proposed buildings, tenders for which it is expected will be accepted by the Board at its sitting on October 7- The Rabbit Nuisance. —The South land Times says that “ there is now suffi cient evidence that the rabbit plague, after baffling for years the ingenuity of all who suffered under it, has at last been subdued. If it still prevails in any quar ter it must be the result of sheer stupidity and indifference, for a remedy, cheap, certain, and accessible, lies to everybody’s hand. The reports that reach us from different quarters of the success of phos phorised oats in nearly exterminating the rabbit, even where it had covered the country and monopolised the pasture, read like exaggeration. With the creature’s almost literal disappearance, begins, it is hoped, an era of new productiveness in the pasture lands and farms of South land.”

The Ashburton Water Supply Scheme. —Yesterday, at two o’clock, the Borough Engineer, Mr. Fooks, turned on the water from the Domain reservoir into the dis tributing pif>es, and in thirteen minutes the stream had reached the channels in East street. The floodgate was raised sufficiently high to open only two inches of the distributing pipe, but through the small outlet enough water was obtained to flush all the made channels in a few minutes. The flood yesterday has estab lished the accuracy of the levels, as well as the success of the water supply scheme, and it only remains for the Coun cil to complete as soon as possible the work of concreting all the channels in the Borough to have the streets clean and sweet. The Borough Council meets on Monday, and will doubtless fix an early day for the formal inaugration of the Works.

Postal. Mails for the Australian Colonies and Tasmania close at the Bluff to-day (Saturday), at 11.30 a.m. Farmers’ Supplement. Our usual monthly supplement, containing matters of interest to our farmer friends, Trill be published with next Tuesday’s issue.

Stopped. —The Upper Ashburton Road Board announce that the traffic on M'Lean’s Swamp road at the Hinds is stopped, in order that some necessary repairs may be undertaken.

Draughts. A match at draughts, played at Christchurch on Wednesday, between Reid, Champion of Otago, and R. Boswell, Christchurch, ended in a draw. The players won seven games each, and six were drawn.

Tenders. —The Chairman of the County Council (on behalf of that body) has accepted Messrs Muir and Reid’s tender for pig pens at the Cattle yards, L 47, and Hoare and Hircock’s tender for fencing at the hospital site, at 3s. 6d. per chain.

Cricket. —Members of the Ashburton Cricket Club are reminded that the first practice of the season will be held on ground in the vicinity of the pound this afternoon at 2.30 o’clock. The Club's new material, which has been pur chased in Dunedin, and is only equalled in its quality by quantity, has arrived in Ashburton, and with the enthusiasm at present existing amongst local players the great requisite now for the district to turn out a crack team, is what is a sine qua non to perfection in everything— practice. A meeting of the Club will probably be held for the purpose of electing a Vice-Captain, in the room of Mr. Grant, who has left the district; also, for re-consideration of the colors of the Club.

Football.— The Wellington team beat Nelson, on the letters’ ground on Thurs day, by eleven points to four. New District Judge.— Mr. George William Harvey has been gazetted District Judge for Dunedin. More Gold. —A Hamilton (Waikato) paper announces the finding of a rich quartz reef between Ngaruawahia and Whatawhata. His Excellency’s Stud. —One of his Excellency’s horses has died at the Hutt. It is supposed that death resulted from the injuries received during the passage from Melbourne.

Through the Court. —The Lyttelton Harbor Board have passed a resolution by which insolvency on the part of any of their employees at once terminates the employee’s engagement with the Board.

Te Whiti and His Followers. —The natives at Wairoa express surprise at not hearing of war being declared by the Go vernment against Te Whiti. They state that the prophet’s emissaries informed them that the 12th of this month was fixed for an outbreak of war. New Zealand Oil Springs. From Gisborne, in the North Island, we learn that work at the petroleum springs is pro gressing favorably. Mr. H. Clarke, the promoter of the oil spring enterprise in the district, has entered into negotiations for securing a lease of a block of land just outside the boundary of Gisborne muni cipality for the purpose of refining petro leum from the oil spring. A Sweeping Reduction. —The impossi bility of taking “ the breeks off a High lander ” is proverbial, from the self-evi dent fact that Highlandmen don’t wear trousers, but kilts. Government in the case of a Southland postmaster has essayed a similar impossibility. The man gets no thing for the post-office work ho does, but he has received notice that his salary of “ nil ” is to be reduced the usual ten per cent.

Interesting to Butchers. —A butcher was summoned on Thursday at Oamaru for not giving the required six hours’ notice, in conformity with the Slaughter ing Ordinance, when about to slaughter cattle. It was argued that butchers had been in the habit of sending in a weekly notice of their intentions to kill. The case was dismissed, the Magistrate remark ing that in future butchers would be re quired to give the necessary notice when about to kill. The Oxford Chalk. —For some time there has been considerable talk about the chalk deposits at Oxford and their suitableness for the manufacture of cement. The proprietors of the land on which the chalk exists have succeeded in manufacturing a very superior sample of Portland cement, weighing 1181bs. to the strike bushel. There is an almost un limited supply of the raw material in the district, and considering the large quantity of cement used in this colony, the success of Messrs. Ingrain aud Wright in produc ing a good sample points to a profitable industry that it would be well to establish and encourage.

Moee Victims. — A man named Edwd. Gaulston, supposed to have come from Christchurch, died suddenly near Motueka (Nelson province) on Wednesday after noon. The man, who is said to have a wife and four children in Christchurch, had been working in the neighborhood for some time, and is said to have been drink ing. He was riding towards Ngatirnoti when he was taken ill. On Thursday morning a man named G. Rawley, in the employ of Mr. King, a sawmiller at Goldsboro, cut his throat with a razor. He was found quite dead. Ho had been drinking for some time past. Local Option. —Local option is now on its trial at one of the seaport towns of England. The Earl of Zetland, who has a feudal right as proprietor of Grange mouth to close all the places for tho sale of intoxicants in that port, has (says the Alliance News) left the decision as to the liquor traffic to the inhabitants them selves. Six of the police commissioners, as representatives of the ratepayers, for warded a memorial requesting his Lord ship to allow matters to remain as they are. A few days before, however, a me morial was forwarded to Lord Zetland by the Chief Magistrate, signed by 1,374 individuals of all classes, from sixteen years of age and upwards, including all the clergymen of the town, and at least four-fifths of the householders and parents. These memorialists stated that, in their opinion, the proposed prohibition would “ tend greatly to advance the wel fare of the town, and add very much to the comfort and peace of the community.” Lord Zetland has now decided to bo guided by the expressed wish of the bulk of the inhabitants. Compulsory Education. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Rangiora, on Tuesday last, A Land was complained against by the Rangiora school committee for neglecting to send a boy and girl between school ages regularly to the district school. In the first instance the boy had been absent fifty-nine times and the girl seventy times out of a possible ninety attendances. Defendant said he found his son useful to him, and his daughter had not been well. It was not his wish to keep the children from school. The Resident Magistrate said that the chairman of the committee informed him that there were about one hundred child ren between school ages who did not attend. This was in spite of all the advan tages of a free system of education. The excuses were frivolous. The duty of the magistrate was to support the action of the committee, and an order would be made for the children in question to be sent regularly, costs to be paid by defen ant. W. Brock was also complained against for not sending two children to school. A similar order was made in this as in the previous case, the Bench stating that penalties would be levied inf future cases of the kind.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT.

Friday, September 17.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) A DISCONTENTED MEMBER. Henry Hamlin, who was before the Court at last sitting for vagrancy, and had been sent back to the Old Men’s Home, whence he came, was again charged with vagrancy. Hamlin had again absented himself from the Home without leave, and of course once more came into the hands of the police. Mr. Harris gave evidence similar to that he had given at last sitting. He had written to the Charitable Aid Board, and Mr. March had replied that the man had been discharged from the Christchurch Hospital as incurable. Hamlin suffers from injured eyes, and ho protested strongly against being sent b ick to the Home. He appeared to think he had been very badly treated because no one had taken up his case, and pro cured for him the services of an oculist ; he was quite sure that a good oculist could restore his sight. His Worship said be did not wish to deal harshly with the case, but there was only one of two courses Hamlin coul 1 follow, either to go back to the Home, or go to prison for six months. Accused re plied that he could not content himself in the Home, and the gaol was equally ob jectionable. Perhaps his Worship would send him back to the Hospital. He thought the public should take the matter up, and get him the attendance of an oculist. His Worship said the man would be sent back to the Home for a week, during which time he might endeavor to interest private individuals in his case ; but if he were brought up again he would have to go to prison. Hamlin said it was impossible for him to be content in the Old Men’s Home, and he evidently thought himself very hardly treated. His Worship said that, however much Ham lin’s condition was to be commiserated, his discontent with the only institution that was open to him left the Bench no alternative but to commit him to gaol for six months. TETHERED HORSES. William Smith was charged with having two horses tethered on a section within the Borough, the same not being enclosed by a fence. The defendant stated that the ground was in his occupation. Con stable Neill stated that he had found the cattle on the ground mentioned, and from instructions received from Sergt. Felton, he had impounded the horses. In answer to his Worship, the Mayor, who was pre sent, said that, in his official capacity, he had no statement to make, but as a private individual, if anyone came on a section of In's to take away animals, he should cer tainly order the intruders off. His Wor ship dismissed the case, as he could not interfere with the common law right of any individual, and he considered the section under which the information was laid was idtra vires. However, there were instances under which an action could be laid under the section, but there was nothing to prevent a man tethering a horse on his own property so long as the rope were short enough to prevent the animal’s getting on to the road.

WAKANUI SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Wakanui School Committee was held on Wednesday evening, 15th inst., in the school room. Present—All the members—viz., Messrs. Earle (Chairman), James Brown, John Kilgour, Charles Hill, Thomas Paynter, P. Lownie, Geo. W. Leadley.

The minutes of the last meeting were read by the Chairman. On the question being put as to whether the minutes as read be confirmed, Mr. Leadley tabled the following reso lution, which was seconded by Mr. Paynter;—

“ Resolved, that inasmuch as the last meeting of this Committee, held on the 31st August, was not legally convened in accordance with the provisions and re quirements of the 72nd section of the Education Act, 1877, this Committee is of opinion that the business done at that meeting was, and is invalid and unlawful ; and declines to endorse the actions or con firm the minutes of that meeting, and de sires that they be expunged from the re cords. ”

The Chairman refused to put the reso lution to the meeting, remarking that Mr. Leadley was “ taking a lot of trouble to appear foolish.’ Mr. Leadley replied that “if the reso lution did not please Mr. Earle, that was no reason why he should “ sit upon the mover,” and insisted on the resolution being put to the meeting.

Mr. Earle said that he took the motion as a reflection upon himself. Mr. Leadley denied any such inten tion.

A discussion then ensued as to whether the clause of the Act was strictly binding, and Mr. Kilgour read several clauses of the Act, including the 72nd, which speci fies that ...... “No ' busi-

ness respecting the • appointment sus pension, or dismissal of a teacher shall be considered unless written notice that such business is proposed to be transacted has been served to every member of the Committee at least three clear days pre vious to the meeting, at his usual or last known place of abode.” Several members argued that, as the members had agreed repeatedly at the meeting previous to the 31st to meet on that day to receive applications for the post of schoolmaster, no written notice was required. Others favored Mr. Lead ley’s resolution. Ultimately, the Chair man left the chair, and, at the same time, resigning his position as Chairman of the Committee. The meeting then for a time came to a standstill, several of the mem bers expressing surprise and regret at Mr. Earle’s action, and requesting him to re consider his determination and retake the chair.

Mr. Earle consented, and business pro ceeded, on which Mr. Brown moved that the minutes of last meeting be confirmed. The motion was put and carried on the voices, Mr. Leadley’s resolution not being put to the meeting, the. Chairman engaging to write to the Board of Education for advice thereupon.

The next business was the reading of correspondence, which was as follows : From the Board of Education, authorising the Committee to impose a charge on those using the schoolroom, and to take legal proceedings against those who had been guilty of trespass on the school pro perty on the 9th inst. Tho Chairman stated that he had placed the matter in the hands of Messrs. Branson and Pur nell, whom he had instructed to issue summonses to several of those who had taken a leading part in the meeting of the 9th.—Between the Chairman and the Revs. Keall and Beattie, re the imposition of three skillings tax on the Sabbath ser vices. The rev. gentlemen undertook to place the matter before their respective church boards. To the Board of Educa tion, asking that the schoolroom might be enlarged. The reply was to the effect that a sum of money had been placed upon the Estimates for the desired purpose, but that since tho reduction of the subsi dies the item had been struck out. —Prom Orerar and Whitcombe, enclosing account for books supplied, to the value of L 8 11s. Deferred. From Miss Leach, tendering her resignation of the position of school mistress of the Wakanui School. The Chairman stated, on behalf of Mljs Leach, that her solo reason for resigning was that she was now preparing for the forthcoming examination of teachers, and, through indisposition, was unable to at tend to both school duties and prepara tory studies, hence tho resignation. Mr,

Leadley proposed that, while accepting the resignation, the Committee desire to ex press their high approval of, and entire satisfaction with, the way in which Miss Leach has performed her duties, in con nection with the Wakanui School. Carried unanimously. A discussion took place concerning the occupancy of the schoolroom last Sun day afternoon by three members of the Committee, and the closing of the school on the following day (Monday). Mr. Leadley said that an impression had got abroad tha< Messrs. Brown, Earle, and Kilgour had taken possession of the school for the purpose of keeping the Presbyterians out, and also that they, on leaving the building, had locked the door and taken the key away with them, there by preventing the children from effecting an entrance on Monday morning. If this were the case he was prepared to bring down a resolution condemning the action and censuring those members for their un warrantable interference and interruption of school work.

In explanation those members whose names have been mentioned repudiated any intention of keeping the church people out, Mr. Kilgour stating that he was pre pared to pay the three shillings, so that they might pass in and use the school as heretofore. It was further stated that the door of the school was open during the whole of their stay ; that on leaving they pulled the door to, which, being pro vided with a catch, fastened without the aid of the key ; that Mr. Earle took the school key home with him intending to send it down on the following morning, but for got to do so ; that the children assembled as usual at the school on Monday morning, and, finding the door closed against them, some of them entered through an open window, drew back the catch of the door, and admitted the rest ; that Mr. Guinney, the schoolmaster, came to the school, found the children inside, and on learning how they gained admission called them out and sent them home. The Committee thought this explanation of the matter due to the householders of the dis trict, as they believe many of them have been wrongly informed thereupon. After this matter had been settled, Mr. Kilgour moved, and Mr. Leadley seconded: “ That this Committee is of opinion that it advisable to take no further action in regard of the trespass case of the 9th inst., and as the householders think it a hardship inflicted on them by the Com mittee pasing a resolution charging for the use of the school, we hereby rescind that resolution, and allow them the same privileges as formerly. Carried —Ayes, 4; viz., Messrs, Kilgour, Leadley, Panyter, and Lownie—the rest not voting. It was agreed that the Committee should not be charged wuth the legal expenses already incurred, those who had instituted proceedings to defray costs. Proposed by Mr. Kilgour and seconded by Mr. Leadley—

“That this Committee think it advisable to call a public meeting of the house holders of this district to take into consideration the best means for raising a sum of-money in order that the present incubus of debt may be removed.” Carried unanimously. The Chairman to convene the meeting. It was decided that the next Committee be held on the evening of Monday the 27th September. The ' meeting then terminated.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do n'bt hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE WAKANUI SCHOOL AFFAIR.

To the Editor. Sir, —Although the report of the in dignation meeting held at this place on the 9th inst., and published in your issue of last Saturday, was true, yet it was not “ the whole truth,” inasmuch as it con tained no allusion To the following : -After Mr. Brown had been cudgeled from right and left, he rose to speak, and asked me this question, “ Did 1 not offer you LI toward paying for the use of the school if you would give another. ” I re plied “ yes, you did ” —(I did not take Mr. Brown’s offer, because I was opposed to the charge from principle, and was dis posed to contest the point). Mr. Brown then continued—“ Well, I’ll give you an acre of ground to build a church on ; will you take it 1” I replied—“ Yes, i will. I call upon this meeting to bear witness that I accept of that acre of land in the name of the Wesleyan Church.” Mr. Brown then stepped forward and shook hands over the bargain. I think, sir, that I am in duty bound to make public this statement in fairness to Mr. Brown, to show that he is not alto gether such a son of Belial as he has been represented, although I still think his action was injudicious and uncharitable, when he knew the state and position of the district. I must confess that to me it looked like a remnant of that spirit of in tolerance, which lighted the martyr fires, and drove the Covenanters from their homes, and inspired in some of our fore fathers deeds of moral heroism which have made their names immortal—a spirit which is made up of about equal parts of ignorance, bigotry, and cruelty. But as Mr. Brown professes to * * share the spirit of independence,” the words of Bobby Burns may be applicable to him “ The man of independent mind, He looks, an' laughs at a’ that. ” While dealing with this subject, I can not forbear making mention of the name of Mr. John Kilgour, member of the Com mittee, through whose honorable and praiseworthy instrumentality, the amic able settlement of this “ignoble strife” has been brought about, and I think that the thanks of the householders and his co religionists of the district are due to him for the part he has taken. Now that the matter is settled, let us hope that all . bitter feelings will be banished, and bygones will be allowed to be bygones. And let us pray that come it may, As come it will, for a’ that, That sense and wprth o’er a’ the earth, May bear the gree, an’ a’ that. For a’ that, and a’ that, It’s coming yet, for a’ that, That man to man th’ world o’er. Shall brithers be for a’ that. —I am, &c., George W Leadlet

FASTIDIOUS DOMESTICS.

Women servants (writes the San Fran cisco correspondent of the Auckland Herald ) are a little worse than they are in New Zealand, if possible. They are dainty, exceedingly ; require to see their sleeping-room before engaging a place, and frequently wanting the use of the parlor once.a week for their friends. A friend of mine told me a cook came one evening to engage herself. Her husband happened to be sitting in the room, and was infinitely amused at the questions of the woman such as “ Is the dinner always overby seven?” “Can Igo out three times a week?” “Can I attend church on Sunday 1 ” Can I see my bedroom ? ” “I can only sleep in a room with a northern aspect, etc. “I will show you the bedroom,” said the gentleman, and rising, the “ help ” followed. Arrived at a large, handsome apartment, he flung open the door—“ This is the only room with the aspect you desire ; it is mine, but I shall be but too happy to vacate it in your interest.” That “help” turned and walked so quickly away that a lamp lighter would scarcely have overtaken her. T have had a similar experience, but then I have had also a Chinaman—so “high toned ” that he took the blankets off my bed to put on his own, because, he said they were “ heap whiter ” than his. But, so far from John going, it appears, at present, very like his being the conquer ing hero in a few years’ time.

THE ST. LEGER.

London, Sept. 15. St. Legeh Stakes, of 25 so vs. each, for three-year-olds ; colts, Bst. 101 b.; fillies, Bst. 51b.; the owner of the second horse to receive 200 sovs., and the third 100 sovs. out of the stakes ; new St. Leger coarse, about one mile six furlongs and 132 yards ; 265 subscribers. Mr. C. Brewer’s Robert the Devil 1 Lord Roseberry’s Clipolata ... 2 Mr. Naylor’s The Abbot... ... 3

THE CATTLE YARDS.

We are glad to observe that a sugges tion made in these columns some days ago has been acted upon by the Agriculturaland Pastoral Association. It was that a move ment to remove the railway cattle yards to a point near the show ground should be set on foot. As we then remarked, the Borough by-law regarding driving cattle through the streets renders it im possible for any cattle carriage to be done by the railway if the animals are to be trucked at the existing yards. The authori ties will, in these circumstances do a grace full thing by the Association as well as a wise thing for their own cattle carrying trade if they accede to the request the Committee of the Agricultural and Pasto ral Association have decided to make— namely, to shift the trucking yards to a site nearer to the new' saleyards north of the township. The cost would not be a formidable affair, but even if it were too heavy for an impecunious Government to undertake, we feel sure the County Coun cil would bear a certain proportion of the expense so that farmers and others may enjoy the benefit the change would confer.

THE PROPERTY TAX.

The following is a copy of the new re vised schedule under the Property Assess ment Act, which has been finally adopted : Statement of all the property of me, the abovenamed, required for the pur poses of The Property Assessment Act, 1875, an d the Property As sessment Act Amendment Act, 1880, and the value of my interest in such property, value of real pro perty and freehold ... £ Leasehold and personal property and all other property belonging to me, including debts owing to me (at their estimated value), mortgages, liens, bills of sale, annuities de bentures, or other securities for money, household furniture, jewel lery, plate, works of art, live stock of all kinds, produce, merchandise, stock-in-trade, plant, machinery, cash, and everything else I possess, except vessels, agricultural imple ments in actual use, life insurance policies, shares in public com panies, and any other property ex empt from taxation under the above Act ... £

Deduct existing mortgages on the real property stated above, all, other debts and liabilities owing by me, for which I claim exemption, and not included in the preceding statement as to mortgages ... ... £ Net value ... ... ... £ Deduct fixed exemption... ... ... £SOO Taxable value ... ... ... £ I hereby declare that the foregoing state ment is true and accurate in all the particulars stated by me according to the best of my judg ment and belief. Dated this day of , 1880 . . Signature. Printed on the forms are notes explana tory as to what is freehold, leasehold, and personal property, together with the time for returning the form, which has" been extended to October 25.

A GOOD SKIT.

The following list of “ new books,” to be published by the Government Printer, and issued by the “ proprietors of Hansard,” appears in Thursday’s Times : ENGINEERING. “ Moorhouse on Tunnelling, with Hints oil Bores in General.” “ The Screw,” showing how its power may be increased by a ten per cent, reduction.— Saunders. . - “ Perpetual Motion,” a description of the Continuous, Commission Evolving, Financial Rotary Wheel, by Sir Julius. MISCELLANEOUS. “ Hall on Divisions,” with Diagrams illus trative of the use of Lobbies. “ Improvements in Precincts of the House —explaining the abuse of glass.” Fox. .. NATURAL HISTORY. “ The Railway Octopus,” illustrating the absorbing powers of this extraordinary crea ture. After Conyers. BIOGRAPHY. “ Life of the Prophet, with Visions of the Great Swamp.” Brown, Parihaka. ' PHYSICAL. Blair on “ Scours” (written during a visit to Timaru), with various recipes. ■ s r LEGAL. “ The Law of Eviction,” by Pyke; and by the same author, “An Apology.” MEDICAL. “Narcotics; Is their use injurious to the system.” Seddon. “ How to Live on L2lO per Annum.” By a Member. “Self Help.” Sheehan. ■> “The Maori Question.” Highly colored illustiations. By a Pakeha-Maori. “Rats; Their Treatment.” By the Hon. J. Hall. “ Railway Management.” A treatise by Lawson, with copious notes by Saunders. “Conyers’ Venture; or, Call it L500.’ Founded on fact. Unknown.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) London, Sept. 13 Arrived Nerval, from Lytteltpn; S. R. Lyman, from Timarii. : , , f Sept. 14. Owing to the heavy rain, the match be tween the Australians and the Sussex county team has been interrupted. Hanlan, the Canadian oarsman, has ar rived at Queenstown. At the wool sales to-day 9,800 bales were offered making a total 0f211,800 since the opening. Prices are firmly main tained. Inferior and faulty wools of all kinds are rather lower than [at last sale. For crossbreds prices were Id, higher qs compared with the, previous sale. The. series will close on September 26th.. • Constantinople, Sept. 15. Five thousand Montenegrins are march-, ing to Dulcigno to occupy\that town and the surrounding district. London, Sept. 15. Further intelligence to hand from the Cape of Good Hope states that Lethrode, theßasuto chief, attacked the Cape Rifles on Monday, but was repulsed. V At the wool sales to-day, 8,300 bales were offered, making a total of 260,100 catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale continues firm. The match between the Australians and the Sussex county team, which was in terrupted owing to bad weather, was re sumed to-day. The Australians continued their first innings, and were all disposed of for 154 runs. The Homo team then went in for their second innings, and when the stumps were drawn had lost two wickets for 156 runs. The weather being very showery throughout the day the match was unfinished. Arrived—Araby Maid, from Port Chal mers; Dumfriesshire, Fleur de Lis, Men-, doza, and Cochrina, from Lyttelton; Orownthorpe, from Wellington ; Mercia, from Timaru ; Altara, from Oamaru,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1880.



Butter, inferior to best $ lb s. 10 d. 0 to s> 1 d. 0 Eggs, dozen 10 0 to 0 0 Cheese, prime quality, $ lb 0 6 to 0 8 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb 0 10 to I 0 Hams in cloth, lb z 2 to 0 0 Flour in bags, roolb 13 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, $ 251b 4 0 to 0 0 Lard, lb - 0 7 to 0 0



GOOD NEWS FOR THE OLD AND THE YOUNG. THE GIGANTIC “ CAMERA OB SCURA.” This wonder producing OPTHIO in living and Moving Pictures, and Surrounding Scenery, will be on Exhibition in Ashburton dur ing this week, for a PEW DAYS only This is the largest of the kind in the world. Its really power ful capabilities for the production of a Colored Picture in all its hue and grandeur, must be seen to be



Miscellaneous. W hand. ton. ANTED—A YOUTH for a Solici tor’s Office ; must write a good Apply, F. P. O’Reilly, Ashbur -900c-225a TO LET for CROPPING, about 900 Acres of Land close to Methven Station, either for One or Two Crops. Ap ply N. Welsh, Saddler, South Rakaia. 221 a WANTED— A situation as STUD GROOM, with Entire Horse, good hand, well understands the whole business. Apply Hbkalu Office. 222 a MONEY TO LEND. mRUST MONEYS—£2,OOO, £4OO, and 8 £250. These sums are now ready for investment on real security, at current rates of interest. P. P. O’REILLY, 899c-2260 Solicitor, Tancred street. POPULAR LECTURE. A LECTURE will be delivered in the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASHBURTON, on TUESDAY, 21sx., Sept. Subject : “THE FIVE SENSES.” By the Rev, A. M. Beattie, M. A. Chair to be taken at 7.30. Proceeds for Sabbath School. The CHOIR will render some MUSICAL SELECTIONS. 223q-896c TWENTY POUNDS REWARD. THE above reward will be paid to any person who shall give such informa tion as will lead to thi conviction of any one committing a breach of the Law Practitioners or other similar Acts or Odinances, by preparing Deeds or other Legal Documents, or in any way what ever, BRANSON and PURNELL, F. P. O’REILLY. EDWD. G. CRISP. C. W. IRELAND. 853c-198g KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED.) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. Forms of application for SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit. 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23, 1880.



The national mutual life ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). Established 1869. Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, F. I. A. The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, and Hobart Town. The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident Secretary—Thomas Swain, Temple Chambers, Featherston street, Wellington. Agent for the County of Ashburton— S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bros,), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 1690-821 c Y. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER of the Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, Amend ment Act, 1878, The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, Amendment Act, 1879, and of the bankruptcy of KNUD SANDO and GEORGE ARCHIBALD BOWLING, both of Ashburton, Storekeepers, trading together in co-partnership under the style or firm of “ Sando and Com pany,” debtors.



T HEREBY SUMMON a meeting of the JL Creditors of the above-named debtors to be held at the offices of Messrs. Branson and Purnell, solicitors, in East street, Ashburton, on MONDAY, the 27th day’ of September, instant, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, to con sider the intended application by the said debtors for an Order of Discharge. Dated this 17th day of .'-eptember, 1880. \V. H. ZOUCH, Trustee. Branson and Purnell, Solicitors for the Debtors. 901 c This Day. COOPER’S String Binder Attachment FOR aHE M'CORMICK AND OTHER WIRE BINDERS, Will he Exhibited AT MESSRS. M'KERROW AND MANN’S GRAIN STORE ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th. Farmers are invited to inspect this Attachment, which is simple, effective, and cheap, and will enable them to bind either with string or with wire. 192 g 0. R. COOPER.



WESLEYAN SUNDAY - SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY, ASHBURTON. ANNUAL SERMONS in the Cameron street Church, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1880, At Eleven and Half-past Six o'clock, By the Rev. Edwd. Best, of. Dunedin. Also, a CHILDREN’S SERVICE, at Half-past Two o’clock. Special Hjmns for the occasion. Collections at each Service, in Aid of the School Funds, On MONDAY, September 20, THE ANNUAL TEA, At 6.30 p.m. Admission, Is. Gd. each. PUBLIC MEETING in the Evening, addressed by the Rev. E. Best, and other Ministers. * 895 c



UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD NOTICE. THE ROAD through M'Lean’sSwamp at the Hinds is STOPPED for repairs. Notice will bo given when it is again opened. ROBT. D. PULLAR. 224 g Clerk to the Board.