SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Saxon, schooner, from Wellington.- Recamia, ketch, from Pelorus Sound. Notero, barque, from Auckland. - Pelican, brigantine, from Kaipara. Mafeinapua, s.a., from Dunedin. Grafton, 8.8., from Ofimatu. . OleSf^kO^hrfrofei Pelorus Sound.' Wakafigu, s from Sydney via Wel- Sftiled.' Yesterday; Wakatipn, s.a., for Port Chalmers, Grafton, for Wellington and West ■ Coast. Mahinapua, b.b. , for Wellington, West port and Greymouth. ■ . Wakatu* bb., for Kaikoura and Wei . lington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. 1 Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Columbia, for Napier; Oamaru, for Rarotonga. Welling t n, Yesterday. Arrived—Rotorua, from the South; i Wanaka, from Nelcoa and Picton; Ara gaUod,—Wanaka, for. the South ; Bom bay, for for West port ; AlbrottffdrLytte’ton. • - ' _Du, edin,, Yesterday. Arrived— barque Automne, from Adelaide; Tarawera, from New- .. ’ ’ , . Sailed Brigantine Enterprise, for Napier; Aurora, ! f«r-Auckland via Oatna ta; T® Anau, fcr Sydney via Auckland and the East Coast.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

’i AUCTION SALE?. - Fbida?, June 27. } , -,■ , Cost and 06. i at Mr Robt.' Anderson’s Farm, Flemington Live .I' - «nd-<Uwd«toir-^ t - : :: •■ "* : • ■ Saturday, J one 28. _ Mr Thou. Bullock,'at the Arcade, Burnett street—lncase of Land ~ v _ • vv '. Matson, Cox- and Co., at the Ashburton Oaleyards—Stock. > - . A : Exc. T. Somerset Lodge, Mopthly Meeting in the at 7.80 p.m. ‘ Friday* Jui.YA. . /Uihbttttoh ’County Connell—At Council - Lo.O. a* Ashburton Lodge, Tenth Anniversary Soiree Saturday', July 5 . . Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board , office,sMsbre slre&. ai 10.80 a. m. Monday, July, ,7. . £. Borough 7 Council, Council Ohambers/at 7.30. .

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 1884. The Duration of Parliaments.

Short as the session which is on the point of expiry has been, and abso lutely barren of actual legislation, as the necessities of the case compelled it to be, dufing the first day or two after the members assembled more than one question was mentioned that was worthy of discussion. Of these not the least important was that dealing with the duration of Parliaments. Mr Shaw, the member for Inangahua, stated his intention to bring in a' Bill for the pur pose ofiabolishing triennial Parliaments, and although nothing was said as to the extent of the proposed change, it was generally understood that five years was the period that would be advocated. Those who argue in favor of the estab lishment of quinquennial Parliaments do so not without some show of reason. They say that in three years a new member can do little more than learn the forms of procedure in the House, and that just as he is on the eve’-of entering into a sphere of usefulness he has to stand the ordeal of a general election, and if he is defeated the colony will lose services that might have proved valuable. Then, again, it is contended that by lengthening the duration of Parliaments the expenses incident to at a general election recur less frequently, and consequently it is to be commended on econo mical grounds. That there is some truth in these arguments we ad mit, but, at the same time, it is doubt ful whether thejfcqtiite make out a case. In England, as everybody knows, the maximum time that a Parliament can remain in existence is seven , years, but it should be remembered that there is a vast difference between the politics of older countries and those of the colo nies. The great majority of the ques tions dealt with by our House of Re presentatives are in Great Britain rele gated {to the local government bodies, and are never brought before the Impe rial Parliament at all. The New Zealand Legislature is, in fact, little more than a Board of Works writ large, and it has long been an axiom that such institu tions should not have too extended a lease of life, in order to prevent abuses creeping' in. . On the whole, we think three years is ample, as the people are able to discover who are and who are not worthy of their confidence in that time, while a general election affords an opportunity for weeding out the use less tnembers and placing better men in their stead. The plea that the coun try should not be put to the expense of an election more often than is necessary can scarcely be cofisidere4 of much moment when applied to triennial par liaments, although it would have some force were the advisableness of choos ing representatives annually under dis cussion. The Bill which was proposed by Mr Shaw would no doubt have elicited a good deal of talk, and it will probably be brought before the next Parliament. For many reasons a change from the present system appears to us to be undesirable, as in deciding upon three years as the period for the duration of one Parliament a happy mean has been hit upon. As this matter is one. that will almost certainly be heard of again in the House of Repre sentatives it would be as well if it were made the subject of a question to the various candidates at the forthcoming general election.

That a rentable storm in a tea-cup has been raised in connection with school affairs in Ashburton is amply testified by the appearance of the numerous letters in our correspondence columns during the past few days. On such occasions [these it is well righ inevitable that a good deal of personal feeling is shown by those who take part in the controversy, and tha ac cusations that have been so freely bandied about from either side must be taken with a very large grain of salt. A charge of having dealt unjustly with the head misr tress of the school in requesting that lady to resign her position has been brought against the Committee, and the Chairman has been accused in very plain terms of being actuated by personal feeling in the matter. Of this latter, Mr St, Bill has been, so far as we can make out, hanor ably acquitted by his fellow Committee men, so that we presume he is satisfied. This, however, is an aspect of the affair that does not concern the general public to any great extent. But what 1 does concern the parents of tha chil dren attending the school is that the ability of the teachers to instruct and control the pupils under their charge should be placed beyond question. Miss H are and, who puts her case clearly enough, states that the first intimation she received that her services were not giving satisfaction was the request from the Committee to resign within a fort night of the receipt of tha letter. If, as ah© avers, she has not been afforded an opportunity of ’defending herself against against any complaints that have been made, it seems on the face of it that she has suffered injustice. On tha other hand, tha Rev. B. A-ISooir hiats*pretiy dearly that the Committee asked the mistress to resign simply to spare her feelings and to prevent unpleasant consequences. Her® we have $ distinct conflict of evidence,

but the difficulty would, as it seeds to us, never have arisen if the Inspector’s report, or the correspondence between that officer and the Committee, which ever it may be, had been made pub lic. It would bs palpably • unfair to comment on this unhappy business while it is, in a sense, suh judice, but we hope that the whole details will be placed before the public at as early a date as possible, so that the blame may be made to rest on the right shoulders. The Com mittee should remember they have a specific duty to perform, and it should be carried out without fear or favor. No cause can be well served by preserving such secrecy as has been shown in this instance, although it may be that they were governed by the best intentions. Whether their action will be thought!justi fiable by the Board, which is, we presume, the final authority, remains to be seen.

The monthly meeting of the Wesleyan Temperance Society, held last pight at the Cameron street Church, was well at tended, and the proceedings, which were both varied and instructive, appeared to give every satisfaction. The Rev 0. H. Standage presided over the meeting, and gave a brief address, the main theme of which was the need of education in tem perance principles. Mr Kilworth gave some interesting facts and figures con nected with the liquor traffic, and found a remedy for the existing depression if the colony’s drink bill of three millions per annum could be utilised in providing work for the uncrrv ’ yed, and prosecut ing works on a mas. gigantic scale. An appropriate recitation by Mr Martin, a solo by Mr Jones, and a duet by Mrs Gamble and Miss Blick were given during the evening, and were much appreciated. MrOookson, who accompanied the Ash burton part of the shipment to Port Chalmers, has given us the following par ticulars of the Night Hawk, and her cargo of horses for Calcutta :—The em barkation commenced at nine o’clock on Saturday morning in the presence of a very large concourse of spectators, and the 125 horses comprising the shipment were all safely ensconced on board at four o’clock the same afternoon. The horses were not slung from the wharf to the ship’s hold in the usual barbarous manner, but an inclined gangway was erected, by which the horses were able to walk from the railway trucks to their stalls on board the vessel. Eighty horses *re accommo dated below, and forty-five on deck in stalls eight feet by two feet ten inches, the rows of stalls facing each other, with a passage between them for the con venience of the attendants. The vessel carries an ample supply of provender for the whole voyage, but she will have seve ral opportunities to revictual during the passage The Night Hawk is a barque of 700 tons burden, admirably adapted for the charter on which she is now employed. She sailed from Port Chalmers yesterday, will pass through Torres Straits, and skirt the coasts of Java and Sumatra, into the Bay of Bengal, availing herself of the usual opportunities to obtain fresh water and other supplies. Mr Cavanagh does not accompany the consignment him self, but the horses are under the care of Mr Anderson, M.R.0.Y.5., and Mr S. Margetts, Mr Hyland’s opponent in the recent riding raatah.

During the proceedings at tha R.M. Court this morning Mr Wilding submitted a document as evidence, whichMr Branson contended should bear the usual stamp as an agreement. In the argument - which followed it transpired that it did not devolve upon the Bench to 'tetermine the question, but upon the proper officer of the Court who, in this c ise, was Mr W. Martin, the clerk. Mr Martin was sum moned into Court to g[ve his ruling which was, with the approbation of the Bench, against Mr Branson’s contention.

Members of the Somerset Lodge are requested to attend an important meeting to be held at the Masonic Hall to-morrow evening.

A satisfactory trial of Messrs P. and D. Duncan’s disc harrow with a broad cast sower attached was held at Mr J. farm this afternoon Mr Lemon expressed himself as highly satisfied with the man ner in which the harrows and sowar did vhe work. Some further particulars wil appear in to-morrow’s issue.

At the R.M. Court this morning Mr Wilding, on behalf of Mr Spackman, applied that coats might be awarded to the defendant in the case Priedlander Bros v Ivory, which was heard in the Court some time ago, and judgment given for the plaintiffs, but the Supreme Court sub sequently ruling that the Resident Magis trate had not sufficient jurisdiction, granted an order of prohibition. Mr Purnell opposed the application, which was not granted, The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club will meet this evening and determine what steps shall be taken in raspeot to repairs and improvements to the Club’s property.

At the conclusion of the other business at the R.M. Court this afternoon Mr Branson called Mr Baddeley’a attention to the judgment in the case Donovan v. Graham, heard during the morning. It appears that Mr Graham had actually paid into Court the 35s for which juig ifeent was given, but by some misconcep tion this was not made clear to the Bench by tha Council engaged. The Magistrate promised to look into the matter. It is impossible to remain long sick or out of health where Hop Bitters are used. See another—[Advt.] Why do Hop Bitters cure so much ? Be cause they give good digestion, rich blood, and healthy action of all the organs. See—[Advt.] Money wanted—We notice by our adver tising columns that one of the large drapery and clothing firms of Christchurch are in urgent need of L 3,500. In order to secure the amount before the 30th of July they have decided to sacrifice - their entire stock, supplying all comers at wholesale price. We should advise all friends wishing to make the most of the little money at their disposal to lose no lime in visiting H, E. May and Co., of the Hall.— [Advt.] . Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Qfflnine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps. Holloway’s Pills are strongly recom mended to all persons who are much reduced n power and condition, whose stomachs are weak, and whose nerves are shattered. The beneficial effects of these Pills will be percep tible after a few days’ trial, though a more ex tended course may be required to re-establish perfect health. Holloway’s medicine acts on the organs of digestion, and induces complete regularity in the stomach, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. This treatment is both safe and cer ,ain in result, and is thoroughly consistent with observation, experience, and common sense. The purification of the blood, the removal of all noxious matter from the secretions, and the excitement of gentle action in the bowels, are the sources of the curative powers of Hollo way’s Pills.—Advt. » German Syrup.”—No other medieine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup, In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Group, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. T h,« re sult has been that Druggists in every town spd. village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your ’ Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles fid, Regular size 3s. fid. Three 1 doses will relieve any case. —[Advt. ] I

f At the annual meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce Mr L. D. Nathan, President, delivered the usual address. Ho regretted he was unable to congratu late members on a successful year, as the result of the Southern depression was that the demand for kauri had fallen off in that market, and in Australia there w,»s a glut of American and Baltic timber. He eulogised the San Francisco mail ser vice as the best we ever had, and referred to the supreme folly of superseding it by a worse. He condemned the improve ment of tho bankruptcy laws. Mr G. Reid was elected President for the ensu ing year.

A Working Men’s Political Association is proposed to be formed at Gisborne. Mr Downes, Deputy Returning Officer for the East Coast election, was drowned while' crossing the river on his way to Mahia polling place. At the inquest a verdict of death by drowning was re turned. He leaves a wife and three chil dren. His . life was insured for L2OO in the A. M.P. Society. A subscription was started, and L2O was collected.

The New Zealand Lean and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following telegram from their London branch, dated 25th inst, :—Wool: Mar ket unchanged.—Wheat : Market quiet. The weather is favorable for the crop here Adelaide is worth 41s 6d ; New Zealand, 40s, and tuscan 42s per 4951b5; Ade laide, fa.q., is worth c.i.f., to arrive, 40s par dSOlbs. —Tallow is dull of sale. Mar ket overstocked. Mutton is worth 365, and beef 35s 6d per cwt. —Leather : Mar ket unchanged.—Frozen meat : Market steady. Mutton, weighing ner carcase, 70 to 7olbs, is worth sjd per lb. Mr Donald Reid, at the Otago Harbor Board meeting, will propose —“ That all coal imported and not landed, used for coaling steamers or for working refrigera ting or other machinery in ships In harbor, will be exempt from payment of dues.

A deputation from the Otago Constitu tional Reform Association is to wait on the Trades and Labor Council, -to en deavor to get that body to adopt their programme.

A number of perpetual lease applica tions came before the Otago Land Boa-d yesterday. For one there were fire tenders, and a rental of 6s 7d per acre was obtained, the upset being 3?. In the majority of oases there were only two tenders.

The adjourned meeting of Austin, Lewis and Co.’s creditors was held at Dunedin yesterday afternoon, and some discussion took place as to the position of the Auckland creditors, who claim the right to rank as special creditors of Ed ward Lewis, of Auckland, and that the assets of the Auckland firm should not be included in the bankruptcy of the Dun edin firm. A resolution was pissed, in structing the Assignee in Dunedin to resist the position taken up by the AucK land creditors, it being maintained that the Auckland business was simply a branch of the Dunedin one. The Governor will hold a levee at the Government House on Saturday, in honor of her Majesty’s birthday. The following cable message from Foo Chow was received by Messrs Johnston and Co., of Wellington:—“Steamer Famsus loft Foo Chow for Wellington direct on the 24th iust., with a cargo of new season’s teas, for all New Zealand ports.”

A quantity of stone, the like of which for rich gold bearing propert’es has never been equalled at Reefton, was brought down to RosS from Cedar Creek reefs on on Saturday. Since then twenty-four shares have been constantly changing hands at LSO. A company was floated last night with a capital of L 24.000, and men in its employ hive left yesterday to yet out quartz so as to have it ready by the time the battery shall be finished. Some of the pieces of stone were studded with globules of gold, some as large as peas. On Tuesday a trial crushing of stone showing gold w«s made in the fpre sence of some Greymouth loading quartz reefers, and it yielded highly payable re sults. The stone was obtained from the William Tell Company. The Excelsior Company, Peg and Peg, with the above named have got the reef, and are busily getting out stone. piece of stone from the latter was crushed, and yielded' at the rate of 8 oz to the ton. Fresh ground is being rushed.

The sixth annual meeting of the Ash burton Porks Railway Company was held yesterday afternoon. The report showed that the line had been paying over 3| per cent after deducting all charges. Organ ised opposition to the district rate had prevented its being collected, but when the matter is settled in a Court of Justice the directors will be in a position to de clare a dividend. The traffic receipts are L 7,500, and revenue inr excess of working expenditure L 2.570. Mr R. M. Morten was elected a director. LSO was voted to the directors for their services.

No public reception was given to the Canterbury members of the New Zealand football team. -

In the Christchurch Resident Magis trate’s Court, yesterday, a man was fined L2 for conduct whereby a breach of the peace might have been occasioned, fle accosted a young woman at ten o’clock at night, conversed with her, accompanied her to her house, and laid held of her hand when she was opening her door. He also asked her to meet him again on Tuesday night. He used no other insult ing or rude language, but the Magistrate held th.»t the young woman would have been justified in slapping his face, so he had been guilty of the offence charged.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASHBURTON.—To day. (Before H. 0. S. Baddeley, Esq., R.M.) Drunkenness. —John Marsh, an old offender, was fined 20s and costs for this offence. Deferred Payment Leas is.—Oom missionerfof Crown Lands v. Lewis, and Same v. Cox.—Mr Martin for the plain tiff.—At the suggestion of the Bench, these two cases, where the defendants were charged with not having complied with the conditions of their leases, were adjourned until similar cases hoard at Geraldine yesterday were determined. civil cases. Welsh v Rowse, claim LI2 6s 6d.—Mr Branson for the plaintiff, and Mr Crisp for defendant.—Thomas Welsh, a car penter at Methven, deposed to having done work for Rowse to the amount of the claim, and was cross-examined at con siderable length by Mr Crisp.—William Rowse, the defendant, said that on the 18th October last ho agreed to a settle ment with the plaintiff, who gave him an 1.0. U. for a pound, the balance between them. Since that date the plaintiff had done no work for him. —Judgment for defendant with coats. Donovan v. Grahanj, claim L2O 3s.— Mr Wilding for plaintiff; Mr Branson fop defendant.—Ll6 3 s and costs had beer paid into Court, and the only dispute be tween the parties was the rate of wages.— John Donovan, the plaintiff, said that he had been engaged by defendant as shep herd at 30s a week. He worked under this arrangement for twenty-four weeks with two dog*. Peter McNiel, the over seer at Graham’s run, was ill during the plaintiff's service, and Douglas undertook th« duties of manager. Plaintiff had performed his work satisfactorily, and had never hoard any com plaints.—Cross-examined by Mr Bran son : Could not swear that Douglas was manager, but he looked to him for orders. Had scon Graham’s son at the station oo

caaionally, but could not say if he was Manager Sc not.—Re-examined by Mr Wilding : Graham’s son knew that Doug las was giving plaintiff orders. —To the Bench: Graham, jun,, gave plaintiff cheques in his father’s name.—Williara Douglas was head shepherd, at Graham’s station. Ho directed the other men by instructions from Graham. Had written to Donovan testifying to the efficiency of his services. Donovan had been engaged mustering about seven weeks, and was worth 30s a week. Some of the men upon similar work received from L2 to L 3 Cross-examined by Mr Branson; The mustering occupied about seven weeks; during the balance of the engagement the plaintiff was erecting sheep' yards and doing other odd jobs.—l. R. •0. 0. Graham, the defendant, said that he had engaged the plaintiff in Timaru at 25s a week. Douglas had assumed some of McNiel’s duties during the latter’s ill ness, but ha was not manager; the defendant’s son acted in that capacity,— Cross-examined by Mr Wilding: The average rata of wages to musterers was L2 a week. - Under-shepherds usually received L 65 a year, or 25s a week ; if engaged for a short service would receive rather more. The plaintiff was engaged mustering seven weeks, and was after wards at times engaged amongst the sheep.—Alexander Graham, son of the previous witness, was overseer at his father’s station. He took that position some time in January. The plaintiff was then working there, he was engaged mus tering, fencing and boundary keeping ; he was an average hand. The value of the work done, by plaintiff, other than mus tering, was about 20j a week.—Cross examined by Mr Wilding : Had not the faintest idea of the value of harvest hands. Could not say when harvest com menced.—Counsel having addressed the Bench, judgment was given for LI 15s and costs, in addition to the amount paid into Court.

O'Grady v Eden, claim LIOO. Mr Wilding for plaintiff, Mr Crisp far defen dant. —Evidence in this case was taken on the 13th inst, and the Resident Magis trate delivered the following, judgment to-day This- is a claim for negligent threshing by the defendant of plaintiff’s grain. Of course, in these cases there Is considerable difficulty in proving the loss sustained. However, after carefully going through the evidence I have arrived at & decision which I trust is a fair one between the parties. I am of opinion that the plaintiff is entitled to substantial damages in this matter. I am not awarding him the amount claimed, for I have seen fit to make certain deduc tions, but he has clearly established, I think, his right to compensation at the hands of the defendant, who has himself to thank for not being in a position to personally disprove the statement of the plaintiff, and he (the defendant) gives a most lame excuse for not. accompanying the plaintiff when invited to do so to look at the work complained of. We have the evidence of disin terested witnesses that the wheat poured out of the straw when forked, and also it is stated by witnesses that they never saw such waste before. The con tention of the defence that the straw heaps should have remained so that the defendant might have had an opportunity of inspecting them cannot be listened to for one moment, for he missed his oppor tunity, and the plaintiff required their removal in order to plough. Wherever the straw was there was evidence of great waste, and it is in evidence that there need be little if the straw is properly threshed. 1 gather from the evidence that there was no loss from weathor, and it is also in evidence that.it is possible to estimate pretty closelj the yield of grow ing crops, if weather does not enter into the question. The defence objects that the best men were not called but I must go by the evidence before me, wh'ch was given in a straightforward way, and with apparent knowledge of these matters, and It was of course com petent for the other side to call whom they liked. The defendant has shown care lessness in threshing and in not going with plaintiff, and in putting damp straw through the machine. The amount per bushel (3i 1J) is not disputed. The judgment will be in round numbers for LBO and costs ; but in the case Eden v. O’Grady, O’Grady must pay for the bag sewer L 3 7s sd.—Mr Crisp gave notice of appeal.

ELECTION ITEMS.

Mr A. P. O'Oallaghan intends to seek re-election idt Lincoln. Mr Oliver Wansoy announces that he will stand for Stanmore. ' Mr Joynt’s address to the Christchurch , South electors is published. He agrees in the main with Sir Julius Vogel. A requisition is being signed to Mr Ruddenklau, late Mayor of Christchurch, to stand for Stanmore. It is understood that he will accept the invitation. Mr J. P. Jameson is also likely to contest Stan more. Dr Erson is out for Franklyp North. Messrs Speight and Fraser are definitely announced as candidates for the Thames seat. The former intimates his intention of running absolutely free from all exist ing political parties. Messrs McGowan, McCullogh, and Bagnall are also men tioned as possible candidates. A cattle-drover, named Desmond, has announced his intention to contest the Hawke’s Bay seat. He runs on the Ultra- Radical ticket, favoring land nationalisa tion without compensation,fand other ex treme measures. Mr Thomas Mason announces that he will seek re-election for the Hutt, Sir Julius Vogel has definitely decided to stand for Christchurch North, and de clined all other requisitions. Mr Duncan Sutherland is out for the County of Waitaki, and Hr Thomas Proctor, the present Mayor of Oamaru, is out for the Borough. It is probable that Mr T, T. Duncan will stand again for the County, and Mr Shrimski for the Borough. (BY TELEGRAPH ) New Plymouth, To-day. Sir Julius Vogel telegraphs the follow ing reply to the requisitionists asking him to stand for Now Plymouth:—“l, am greatly pattered by your cordial requisi . tiou. lam unable, however, to accept itt as 1 have determined to stand for Christ, church. Permit me also to add that i would have been painful to me to stand against my old supporter, Major Kemp, who has represented you for so many years,—Juuds Vogel.” Auckland, To-day. An immense number of new names are being placed on the electoral rolls in view of the election. The total number of new electors who are registered in the city districts for three days is 1,000. Mr T. B. Mills has declined to contest ■Waipa. Mr Richard Noy is being brought out against Mr Tola for Eden. Mr Lennox is expected to run against Mr Dargaville for Auckland Oily West.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not'hold ourselves responsible forth opinions expressed by our correspondents, ‘

THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

To the Editor. Sir, — I think the correspondence which has passed between the Chairman, Mr - Dempsey and myself during the past fort- “ night could not have been laid before the Committee yesterday morning, or surely “ B. A. Scott ” would not have written as he has done. After laying the following faCta before* the public 1 shall take no farther action - in the matter until the whole case «haa been before the Board, whose impartial judgment 1 have no donbt of obtaining:— Ist. “E. A. Scott" states that ! was that “ the question of the position of the head mistress and of her ability to - fill that position has been before the Com mittee for many months.” 1 emphatically ' deny knowing or thinking snob a thing. T had not the least idea of any dissatisfac tion on the part of the Committee regard ing my work in the school until I saw by the Press that the Inspector was to visit and report on the Fourth Standard, and then the reasons of such a visit were quite unknown to me. : 2nd. The same gentleman states that I have “ been in communication with the Chairman on the subject more than once." With regard to this I may say that after the Inspector’s visit 1 called three times to see Mr St Hill, and being told the third time he was. out, I waited upon Mr Scott, and said, “ that having failed to see the Chairman 1 wished to know if ha could inform me why the In spector had been, asked to visit the sohcoL*’ This he did not do. A few. days afters ; wards I saw Mr St Bill for about five * minutes, and his information on the sub ject amounted to nil. „ 3rd. As far as the deputation is con cerned, it fa the first I nave heard about' # it. After receiving the Committee’s reso lution I wrote to the Chairman to .know. the reasons for such a deduion ; he re ferred me to the head master, to whoin I' was told my letter had been sent. . Subsequently, being informed that one reason was the master’s reports, I re quested to know from him their purport, out he declined to gire meany account o them.

I cannot close without noticing the re ' port of the School Committee. I Have not authorised the Committee to publish the correspondence and rhperts. I have stated that “ I do not fear a strict inves tigation of the xsse,” nor do I; but by - that ! do not mean , the publication of a • one-sided correspondence; . ; ' : ■’■ As to the documents necestary to com* > plete the series for the press, all 1 shall > now say is that excepting those of "A!” > and “6 ” I hare never before heard any- ■ ; thing about them.—l am, Otc. * - . i A. J.Hlbbasd, Head Mistress, - Ashburton Borough Schools. Jane 26, 1884. 1 ' To THE ESITOK. Sib, —In reply to Mr Scott let me in* form, him that the expression which he , i refers to, 'was not for one moment in. ’ tended for his use, and I hasten to. in* > form him thereof. , I would also like to ■ say for his information that the “ phrase 1 ’ - was only borrowed by me. For being Of ■ local manufacture I had no wish‘to in* i fringe the rights of the patentee. As I have no doubt but that if anyone, attempted the free use of the same, the i owner and maker, who is well-knowO here, would at once apply for an injunc tion against the same, and also-for heavy damages, so that Mr Scott need have no fear about its application to himself. With respect to paragraph Ho .1- of his letter, “ That Miss Harband had bean made acquainted' with the fact that the question of her ability to : fill her position had been before the; Committal,” 1 will allow her to speak for herself. And with reference to “a . ,deputation to wait on the Committee,” t ; know nothing about; neither was it ’ until a weak ago that I knew she had ■ been “ requested to resign,” i In paragraph Ho 2 Mr Scott admits a good deal that is true against himself, as a member of the Committee. 1 submit, ; however, that there is no exaggeration of i terms whatever. If Mr Sootf were re quested to resign his present position within It days, I presume he would pretty well know what was meant. The Committee had not the., power to dismiss Miss Harband—thanks to the wis dom of our legislators— I bat they did their : vary best to cause her to dismiss herself. And yet Mr Scott, out of 1 his virginjsimplicity, or very sarcastically, H remarks, that the Committee had gives - that lady a right of appeal. Well, Sir, if that is not trying to turn the tables, what is'it? It reminds me of the story of the student who tried to prove that a “ horse* chestnut,” was the same as a chestnut horse. . Then he says “ the Committee did not ex* i pect Miss Harband would resign,” that in passing the resolution they ‘ knew they were inviting criticism, and that the pub lic would sift the matter to the hoi tom." A very good admission. Sir, and if it ■ proves anything, it adds to the truthful* - ness of a very old saying, “ that a guilty conscience needs no accusing.” The grand old “ Book” says “ the wicked fleeth when no man pursueth.” And the Committee . evidently, according to Mr Scott’s state ment, expected the light to shine in upon their darkness; and so prepared for flight accordingly. How, Mr Scott, the Com mitted requested Miss Harband to resign her position, did it not ? That lady ‘ very naturally enquired of the Ohairm&ufor the reasons, and she was simply told to shut up. Here are the words “I am further . requested to inform you that this corres pondence trust now cease, and would re mind you of the advisability and impor tance of your sending in your resignation within the time appointed.” A polite piece of impudence, and an attempt to out off every means that lady had of obtain ing the information she required. Does ■: Mr Scott call that fair play 1 Let him “ read, mark, learn and inwardly digest ” it, and see if he.can find any thereto . Ac cused, condemned, and sentenced un heard is quite correct Sir.—l am, etc.,.. HoUSKBOIiDEB. . —. ——-r 1 To this Editor. Sir,—l fancy by this tirqa yoq sfa # getting tired of ooueespondenae. qa thq ‘ abpve subject. * You will, however, permit me to reply to statements made at the last mooting Of the School Committee, as reported in yotir issue of yesterday. Mr S. W. Alcorn in a latter to the Chairman of the Committee has stated that Mr Dempsey, the 'head master, made a statement to me which that geutlqman. in a letter to thet Com- r mittee denies, or rather says that the coqt versation he had with me could not, in his opinion, h* distorted aoA* to have the meaning attached to it in Mr Aloorn’a Jotter. How the facts are these. >: ■ Immediately after the head mistress got leave of absence, and her sitter took her plage in th§ school, in a conversation I had with Mr Dempsey, he told m e that the Chairman asked where she was stop ping, and on being told that it was at Alcorn’s, he said, “We will go for her.” Mow, I am prepared, if necessary, to verify this statement in any way. Bat it will be borne in miud that the words : were in reference to the head m* B^®3 ?!? - sister, ,qo that, strictly speaking 1 , Mr 1 Dempsey is right when he denies they - were used in reference Uo the present headmistress. How, £ never intended •- repeating these words, no* did Ido so until the Uth June, the morning after the School Committee meeting, when, meeting Mr J. Orr ho asked me what was done at the meeting the previous evening,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 1884.



-W,;. W O v:R Copies of Mr Bowros’s Book “ Cheese, Butter, ami.Baooto,!) can bo coined a* ihlsoffidb. Price, 2s. . . 0 ' T AN T. -Til® andersigned is now landing PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL for household purposes. r ——t —y* f * ' BEST NATIVE COAL Vts!*' > .-Asm- BLACK PINE FIREWOOD. Building Timber at Prices to suit the Times. sote-Il jnofi ri.i.l i < ' c ' ALPHEU3 HAYES, , oJCd*tr*KW TuffIRR'MKkCHANT. WILLIAM COLLINS, Msqagei. ■■lffctrT *■> TT lOTOBIA HOUSE. PERIODICAL SALE. SOftfffiIWN^EALITIES. dW»P<»Bi1lB' t WMBEK9 ffelt. 1 ' - ’■" * * WONDERS., ' Dimant and Coe, Ready-Money Drapers, Clothiers, &c. BaM!iiffc Srsk bts, ' Ahbbttrtok. . r ‘1&&: “ H BW BOOKS NOW IN. English Poeteswa,;Young’lreland (by Duffay), Greater Britain"(by Sir 0. Dilke), I —~Easays by George EUiot, Life and -Times ■' of the RigWHott. John Bright, Lfo of ; -the Right Bon. W. B. Gladstone, the Book of Health, the Family Physician, 1 Greater London, Jackies' History of Civilisation in Chambers’ Medieval History, Life and Works of 9t, Paul (beautifully illustrated), the Treasure Island, Saunders’ Domestic Birds, Cutting Countries of the World (6 vols), Scottish Life and Character, Scottish Characteris T ; isos, the Djrupuupatipnal Reason,, Why, -4 Trade Manuals, Loat lsnel Found, Works ■sol; A’ Short History of viy ' Our Own Times (by McCarthy), the Land jjtp; >and the Book, Brighter Britain, Drug lists ;V ' ’ Rook, Highland Clear |r anees, the Gun: Its Development, Life of >1 Garibaldi, Memoir .-.of W. and R. , Chambers, Gilbert on Banking. Saun Thomas F. Farley, £ ATIONEK, tSt ./Ashburton A NEW rt my new JTx. Fruit and Italian War ho se li e a ri er? it become> .now, 'and again : ; r with new Goods u> meet the steadily increas- I l . 'lagdemands, t y gocdj^Ljit.that’s not the ! -sasite'. Tty again. Becaus ; “ Shops may come andshrm Tawep, but .this goes on for-' , ever.” but’still that’s not the answer. Here it is then-»-Because it has , a bank trust iiJi'ir-tell g-.nt ■■ . and disCerat 'g pa' lie will mark, learn, aud , U)4&dtiwingpar f ofthisadrer "tisement. The enquiry-is still made—Where can we procure good tea ? I answer again-—Use ; .. Nelson Moete and Co.’s pare,blended teas, yon will demn and: satis-' Why ? ’Because that firm thoroughly the tea trade. Mr Nelson ts a ;<jd|ea.taster of life-long experience, and his SWends, of pure Indian and other teas give universal satisfaction. Try them! I am * 'esale and retail agent for Ashburton, and (ess of the different kinds and prices, /at all times, be procured at my shop in r?l«nv embraces nearly every article in the gro "‘•'iegf and Italian’ trades v and family orders teen now deliver anywhere in Ashburton and ‘"’-hborhood, 1 shall be supplied with the t fruUs in season, as usual, end while all my customers I respect- Solicit their continued patronage. I e them Und the general public that I shall slo desmTC the preference they may give -—i their interests—as well as my SON»



Wanted W 7"ANTED Plough Teams. -Apply to G 1 Pocook, Methven. G 1205 ‘ANTED to Purchase —40 or 60 Pigeons. Apply, Office of this Paper. 6 1194 ANTED Known—Flemington Fao , - . tory' Cheese, 6|d ; Best Nice, (3d ; Best White Sagoi 4d ; Tapioca, 5d ; 'Dis cuita, 4d ; ■ White Crystal Sugar, 4fcd.— J.McGbeooß’s, Tancred street, opposite the Arcade. 4 640 WANTED Known—The cheapest house ii> town to buy Millinery, Dolmans, Jackets, etc., is H. 0. Segera’s, Soaly’s buildings, East street. First-class goods marked with a small profit. New goods now open.! . 2 234 WANTED KNOWN— Robe kt-Elston, BiK Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc.. Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others, visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by pftat. or telegram promptly attended to. " 760 b ANTED at once, 500 customers. T Hayes and Co. having'bought 500 pairs of sample boots are determined to clear them at startling p:ices. Chil dren’sE.S., Is per'pair; ladies’ kid E.S;,3s lid per pair. B-. «fc Co. h .ve also a grand lot of boys 1 arid men’s boots at prices that will astonish Alt. 4 749 YTTirANTED W Bradshaw, next Mr Lancasters butchers, shop, East* street, are now offer ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horae Feed, etc., etc., etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the tjwn. All goods delivered free of charge in town. 8 4 752 'ANTED—The public who are in ¥ want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we ate determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half solo and heeling, 4s 6d ; women s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2a 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 VETERInJ&Y SHOEING FORGE. fTTANTED Known— W. T. KINGSTON YV (late with J. R. Steel, Blacksmith) begs to announce to the public of Ash burton and surrounding district that ho has commenced business in a naw shop arected on the Wakanui road, next O. Elay, Engineer; Millwright, etc. (nearly opposite Central Hotel), and trusts to re ceive ft fair share of public patronage. All shoeing done in his usual style, and guaranteed' the best workmanship. Re pairs neatly executed. Estimates given for builders’ ironwork. 3 552 Special Advertisements. pAT.T. PROGRAMME CARDS in |j very neat styles, with Pencils and libbons, printed at the Guardian Office, V vrt street. . .. . THE Ui deraigned is prepared to COT * CHAFF in any quantities at the lowest rate. Orders left with R. S. r Bean, Coal Merchant, or at the machine where working will bo punctually at tended to. 6 1042 A. FOSSE. COMMERCIAL Stationery,' Account Books, Presents, &c. I — _ ; jff. M. JONES, East Street. 11 123 O T E. R. S. Bean, Is now landing a splendid Cargo of he beat Newcastle COAL. Agent for he celebrated Hartley Goal. . Oats,j 3ran, Chick Wheat, Crushed Jats, Oaten Straw Chaff, Stjraw Chaff, Stakes, Post and Rails, Strainers, Fire vood, Wire, etc., eto., .to., for sale at the rery.lowest prices. - R. S. BEAN, kshburton Coal and Firewood . Depot, West street, 6 1147 Music. TTERR WEISS, PIANIST, late |~| of the Willmott Company, takes engagements for Theatrical Shows, Con-. ,certs,' Balls and Private Parties. Terms moderate. Address, Post Office, Lauris ton, South Rakaia. 6 1139 —■; n' -- ; . ” 1 . M .,r Roberts, paxton & 00. ARE i CASH PURCHASERS OF. WHEAT BEANS BARLEY PEAS OATS COCKSFOOT AND RYE GRASS SEED. They supply farmers with the beat quality Large Oornsaoks, at the lowest market rates, and will make liberal Cash Advances against Grain placed in their banffs for shipment to London or else where, ROBERTS, PAXTON &Co. LateP. Cunningham and Go’s offices, Corner of Manchester and Lichfield Sts.. Christchurch. 3 523 INTER SEAS ON . THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEW MANUFACTURES FOR THIS SEASON. ? A Splendid Variety of Garments manu factured from the OBIEBRATED MOSGIEL TWEEDS. Patrons are specially requested to inspect - , this season’s OVERCOATS, ’ SAC SUITS, TROUSERS, TROUSERS & VESTS, And our Grand Variety of | CHILDREN'S and BOY’S CLOTHING. Every Description of Hosiery, Hats, Shirts, etc., at WHOLESALE PRICES. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLE ; ; SALE PRICE. ' ; ‘ 23 BRANCHEs”NOW OPEN- j Ashburton Branch: - BAST STREET. NEW Z|B ALAND CLOTHING FACTORY.



Special Advertisements. (^TATIONBRY. Commercial, Plain, and Fancy. ACCOUNT BOOKS PRIZE BOOKS SCHOOL BOOKS & REQUISITES (School Committees supplied) TOYS & FANCY GOODS. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &0., ASHBURTON. ENU I N E U ROTHERHAM’S ENGLISH LEVERS from £5 10a. Genuine Waltham Levers, from £3 10a. ‘ All watches guaranteed two years. Special attention to repairs, which are guaranteed twelve months. G. ADAMS & CO, Practical English Watchmakers, 246 High street, Christchurch, Opposite City Hotel. 5 959 n PBOIAL NOTICE. THE READING PUBLIC. . My present stock of Books (published by Ward, Lock and Co., Lon don), and comprising some of the best literature of the day, I will offer for sale at the London published prices. REMEMBER—any book at the Lon don published price—for cash only. K. SEVAN, Stationer, Bookseller, etc., Saunders’s Buildings, 6 1206 Next shop to Quill’s Hotel. A GRICULTURAL MACHINE SHOP. Charles Ray, WAKANUI ROAD, ASHBURTON, Enoineek, Millwright, Reaper and Binder Expert. All kinds of Machinery repaired with despatch, and on reasonable terms. Ex tras of all kinds; orders taken for the latest improved reapers and binders, and the best- twine. Sewing machines re paired. «*. 10 800 J. BALLANTYNE & CO., HAVE now OPENED UP Extensive Shipmen's of NEW WINTER DRAPERY. A large Choice and. Magnificent assort ment in. all the Departments, bought under Special Advantages from the manufacturers. All GOODS Marked LOW PRICES, as their rule is to CLEAR OUT THE STOCK EVERY SEASON. J. B. and Co. are Manufacturers of MENS’ YOUTHS’, and BOYS’ CLOTH ING, an industry which they have lately commenced on the premises, and which has proved a great success, the cut and workmanship of all garments being under special inspection. Also, MANUFACTURERS OP HATS AND CAPS of every description. * Is off every £ Discount for Cash. DUNSTABLE ‘HOUSE, Christo aimoH. 5 1008 [ p YOU WANT GOOD AND JTRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DA / IS’S JHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. .TjIYERY article Sold at Ohria cturch Hi Pkiges and best of •naserial and workmanship. funerals ~ CJIifiAYLY & COMPLEXEIiY FUKNISHKD TTT ANTED IN TWENTY-FOUR DAYS— £B,SOO. Money is wonderfully scarce, but the above amount WE MUST HAVE, and in order to secure it by the time required we have reduced x THE WHOLE OP OUR LARGE AND VARIED STOCK, 1 ’So that now anyone can buy A SINGLE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE. JUST FANCY!—A yard of Flannel or Calico, a pair of Blankets or Stock ings, a suit for man or boy, a yard of tweed, a hat, bonnet, or any single article of underclothing at the usual WHOLESALE PRICE. So bo wise ; study your own interest, and shop during the next TWENTY FOUR DAYS at H. E. May & Co., THE HALL, OHRISTOHUROH. 5 10U



PIANO TUNING. HERR OTTO , SCHWEERS has arrived, Gusto- ] mers only waited upon. Orders sent to H. J. Weeks, Musio Seller, Tancred 1 street, 6 1173 Coal and Firewood. A. T A P P E R, T>EGS to say that he has added COAL AND FIREWOOD to his Timber and Iron Business, and is now Landing a consignment of Newcastle COAL, and is open to receive orders for the same. J. 0. DUNCAN, Manager. Office ; Old Bank of Now Zealand. 6 1193



Flies and Bugs,—Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jaok.rab, bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 Catarrh of‘the Bladder. —Stinging irritation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Buchu-paiba.” The N,Z. Drug Qo., General Agents, 3 Wells' 41 Rough on Corns.” —Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents, 3 i