SHIPPING.

POET OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Tuesday. Bells, barque, from Dunedin. Y KBTERDAT. Armistice, barque, from Newcastle. Wareatea, s.s., from Westport. Tamsui, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Wakatipn, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Albion, 8.8., from Sydney via Welling- IHEr" Hawea, s.s,, from Dunedin, Oamaru and Akaroa. Sailed. Tkstkrbat. Hawea, b.s. , for Manukau and way ports. Wakatipu, s.s., for Sydney via Woiling ton. .Glenhervie, barque, for Sourabaya, Jif&r ■ -~~ ~ __ SHIPPINGjTELEHR AMB. Auckland, Yesterday, ti^crived —Torea, from the Savage la . —Equette, for Newcastle. ■ Wellington, Yesterday, Arrived —Wanaka, from Onehunga ; Roranui, from Lyttelton. i Sailed —Wanaka, for Nelson ; Rotorna, for the Sooth ; Koranui, for Grey mouth. Dubdin, Yesterday,

Arrived—Manapouri, for the North. Bailed —Mahinapaa, for the West Coast; Yfalhora, for Sydney via the North.

COMMERCIAL.

j. Ashburton Guardian Office, Thursday afternoon. Messrs hfatson, Cox and Co., report upon •the live stock market for the Ashburton dis trict for the.week ending July 28th, as follows: On Tuesday we ■ held our usual sale of sheep, cattle and pigs,, at the Ashburton yards. The attendance of farmers, butchers, and dealers was better than we have seen for some time, and the entry of sheep and cattle larger than for-the-last three months. The market was -fairly .supplied with fat sheep,. which were mostly sold at rates fully, up to. fast week’s quotations, .In stores there was a fair entry of good first crossbred, lambs, and f ir-mouihed niei.ittO-ewes in lamb, which were all quitted, and we have still further enquiries for good sound mpnthed merino and crossbred ewes in lamb. In fat cattle, there was quite sufficient for butchers’ requirements, but nothing that could be "called prime quality. .We sold 76 crossbred fat ewes at 13s gd, 30 ditto at 133 6d, > 12 m&rino wethers, 8s 6d, 12 ditto 8s gd ; 4g ■crossbred wethers, I as, 200 crossbred lambs, 12 3d, 113 merino ewes in lamb, 7s, 374 ditto, Js 2d, 222 ditto, 5s nd, 337 ditto, 6s, 553 ditto, 6s 6d, 300. ditto, 7s, 61 ditto, 6s 6d 919 ditto, 6s 6d. In cattle, 2 fat heifers L 5 12s 6d, 1 ditto, L 5 Ss, 2 ditto, L 3 15s, 2 L 4 tos, 2 fat steers, L 5 ss, 2 fat heifers. L. 4 15, 2 fat cows; L 5 17s 6d, I springer, L 5 10s, I heifer, L2 16s, 5 stores, 303. We quote mut ton at 2%d to 2 fed per lb; beef, 16s to 17s per xoolbs.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE--. * Thursday, Judy 31. ' The !New Zealand Loan and Mercantile . - Agency Company, at Rakaia—House hold Furniture and Effects Saturday, August 2. Mr Thus. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street—Damaged Stock * Tuesday, August 5. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Oaleyards—-Stock ’ MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. This Rvrnihq ToW Hall—Ashburton Kinking Club, at Sprin. k, . Friday, August 1. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. 1 Saturday, August 2. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Tbubsday, August 7 Ashburton County Hunt Club—Steeple chase Meeting, on the Racecourse Monday, August 11. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. ■M«r I I ■■!■ 11l II .m... '.I 'MB—SSH—E

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Verita t Prevalebit THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1884.

The Borough School Committee held a special meeting yesterday (morning, from which as already intimated the press and the public were excluded. We now learn that the whole of the members were present, Mr St Bill occupying the chair. The letter drafted by Messrs Scott and Craighead as a reply to the Commissioners report on Miss Harband’a case was considered, and after several amendments adopted, Messrs Dolman and A. Orr not voting on the question. It was decided to send the letter to the Education Board in time for its meeting to-day, and to have it printed in the local and Christchurch papers. The Committee expressed their unabated confidence in Mr Dempsey, the headmaster. [Wa are informed that no meeting of the Educa tion Board was held to-day]. The usual privileges in connection with the Hunt Club Steeplechases will be sold by Mr Bullock at the Arcade on Saturday next

The Committee recently appointed by a public meeting at Pendarvea to consider Mr IN'awlyu’s scheme for a redaction in the rates of mortgage interest, met at the residence of Mr Parson’s, Seafield, on Monday evening last. Mr Parsons occu pied the chair, and the resolutions adopted by the Pendarves meeting were read, and the subject was discussed at considerable length. A resolution was carried to the effect that, in the opinion of the Committee, the scheme should re ceive the warm support of the Govern ment and farmers. It was decided to hold the next Committee meeting at the Pen darves schoolroom on Monday, August 4th, at 7-20 p.m., aid to invite all those taking an interest in the subject to attend. The Chairman was requested to invite some well-known politician to pre side at a public meeting, which it is pro posed to be held in Ashburton at an early date to discuss the matter. Letters from “Coname il faut ” and “T. \i . Price ” are crowded out of this issue. A meeting of the Committee of the Masonic Debating Society was hMd at the Hall last evening. It was decided to ac cept the challenge of the Ashburton De bating Society, and debate the question of “ Woman suffrage ” on the 15th August. After other business had been transacted the Committee adjourned. Last evening Mr Walker’s election Committee m*t in the Upper Room of the Town Hall, and at the conclusion of the routine business a number of complimen tary votes were passed to gentlemen who had identified themselves with the successful party. Amongst others the Lyttelton Times, a paper which evidently did not anticipate Mr Walker’s victory but has since done its beat to atone for its hostility, was proposed by a facetious

member of the Committee, and the com pliment was humorously acknowledged by the local representative of the diplomatic daily.

As an outcome of the recent election

contests it is proposed to form a Political Association for A-hburton. A moating will be called at an early date to take the initiatory steps. A revised railway tariff is published in the Gazette of July 18th, but the altera tions are of an immaterial character. Class E (grain) remains the same, but there are slight reductions in class F (hay, etc), L (firewood), M (stock), N (minerals), and P (native minerals). The Wellington correspondent of the

Christchurch Press telegraphs ;—Follow ing the usual practice after a general election. Parliament will be opened by Commission on Thursday next. Rather alarming rumors have been circulated during the last day or two in reference to the health of Sir Julius Vogel, it being stated that he had suffered a dangerous relapse, and was not allowed to see any one, and so forth. On inquiry I find that these reports are quite without foun dation.. Sir Julius is still improving in health, although si wly, and Dr Grace, his medical attendant, is hopeful of having hia patient on his legs early m the session.

Dr Sinclair, the celel rated American den ist, will visit Ashburton from the loth to the

15th September only. Inaction of the kidneys and urinary organs causes the worst of diseases which Hop Bitters cures. Read.— [Advt.] 4 Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach, bold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for ig or 44 stamps. Clearing out at any cost prior to stock-taking remnants of everything which have accumu lated this SC son and during our last great sale. We are always glad to get rid of them, but more especially just now, o clear our stock of all soiled lengths and short ends. In addi ion there are a lot of soiled curtains, soiled quilts, anl table covers, which have been hanging round the shop for the last three months. These have been taken down and re-marked at prices w hich wi 1 clear them at once. Don't let the chance slip.—H. E. May and Co., the Hall, Chrstchuich.—fAnvT.j August Flower.— The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering; from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects ; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, wafisrbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste to the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuabe medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised' countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, 64.— [Advt,

The following letter appears in the Timaru Herald of this morning ;—To the Editor. —Sir, —In your notes of yesterday you call attention to the fact that myself and six other candidates only polled one vote at the past elections; and you further state “ that the extraordinary t dng to our mind is that any man should care to put his popularity to so conspicuous a test,” etc, etc. -In reply, I beg to say that my sole object from first to last was merely to agitate the public mind, to elicit and sound public opinion, and otherwise provoke public discussion oh the subject of bringing about some small degree of everyday religious teaching in the place of the godless and unjust system now in operation ; and thus far, I may state, 1 was perfectly successful, although, as yon observe, I pnly polled one solitary vote ify chance of election, I knew from the beginning, to be out of the question. In the first place the successful candidate had locally made himself useful and popular on the County and Road Boards ; and secondly, he stepped into the shoes of the great Vogel, having been the man who first telegraphed for him to come and stand for Ashburton, pledg ing him the support of the land and money rings of the district. Of course when Sir Julius preferred to represent Christchurch North, the same land rings were morally bound, and in fact pledged theme Ives, to support the man at whose instigation he had been originally brought forward; and it was quite evident anyone else, coming so late in the field as myself, would have no chance whatever The other unsuccessful {candidate well skilled in electioneering, had been can vassing the field for about two months previously. It was, besides, well under stood that votes during this last election were largely influenced, —in fact 1 myself witnessed circumstantial [evidence of such having actually been effected. Now, all such manoeuvres from first to last I re solved to have nothing to do with—hence my rejection. Your other charges of vanity and demagogueism I decline to answer, so far as myself is concerned, being somewhat too far fetched.—l am, etc., J. R. 0. Cunninghams Graham. 'the banquet given to Mr J. L. Coster and the Directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company by the Chamber of Commerce took place at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Christchurch, last night. There were about 200 persons present, including his Excellency the Governor and nearly all the Oonterbury members of the new Parliament. The President of the Cham ber of Commerce (Mr J. D. Macpheraon) occupied the chair. A Utter was read from Mr Coster, stating that his medical attendant would not allow him to be pre sent. Letters of apology were read from Sir Julius Vogel, Major Atkinson, Mr Macandrew, and many other prominent gentlemen. The Governor in replying to the toast of his health, gave the company to understand that he hoped during the next two years to be a frequent visitor to Christchurch. His Excellency spoke in very eulogistic terms of Mr Coster and his co-directors, and expressed in warm terms his appreciation of the benefits con ferred upon the colony by the New Zea land Shipping Company. The other speeches were of much the same tenor During the evening a solid gold beaker, which had been subscribed for as a testi monial to Mr Coster, was well filled with champagne and handed to his Excellency, who pledged Mr Coster’s health amid great enthusiasm. *fter the banquet h.'s xcellancy loft for Wellington. More health, sunshine, and joy in Hop Bit tars than in all other remedies. Observe.— [Advt.] 4 Catarrh of thf. Bladder, —Stinging irritation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Bdchu-paiba.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 FLIES and Bugs. —Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 Holloway’s Pills.— Weary of Life.— Derangement of the liver is one of the most dangerous of diseases, and the most prolific source of those melancholy forebodings which drc worse than death itself. A few doses of these noted Pills act magically in dispelling low spirits, and repelling the covert attacks made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excite ment, The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway’s Pills, which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for taking these Pills, and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding will soon feel confident of a perfect recovery.—[Advf The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This es pecially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of H, 8., and in every way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or ‘‘Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with the word “Hop” or “Hops” in their name or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Be ware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the wl ’te label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in th glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and clx .mists are warned against dealing in im ta ions or counterfeit

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

AS UL BURTON— To-day.

(Before H. C. S. Baddeley, Esq.,R,M.)

Breach of the Licensing Laws.—E. Tilling was charged with having obtained a bottle of whiskey for and on behalf of a person against whom a prohibition order was in existence. —Mr Crisp appeared for the defendant; Sergeant Felton prose cuted. Murray stated that ha had bought a bottle of whisky for Tilling. A man named Barrett was in bis father’s house. Ho believed that there was a pro hibition order against Barrett, The whisky was partly drunk in the house. Did not see Barrett take any of the whisky.—lsabella Murray stated that she

was the witness.

mother of the previous Tilling drank some of the

whisky which her son brought into the

house. Did not see Barrett drink any of the whisky, Barrett had been drinking, and was in a state of drunkenness when he came to her house. As soon as Barrett became excited and 'quarrelsome witness tried to get him home. Never told Cou rt ible Black that Barrett had drunk half a bottle of whisky.- (The Bench here re marked that Mrs Murray was apparently a hostile witness ) —Sergeant Feltonsaid the Ifitneas was deliberately stating an untruth and owing to a subpoena not having bean served on Barrett hg would ask for an adjournment. —Mr Crisp objected 00 the ground that the police had not given sufficient time to his client through their own negligence. His Worship said ho would renjiand tb© case until Friday week.

Drunkenness—Frank for being drunk, was fined 5a or 34 hours imprison ment.—Richard Johns, on remand for drunkenness and vagrancy, was suffering from an internal complaint, and ordered to the Old Home.

Unregistered Dogs —John McOauley. for having in his possession three un registered dogs, was fined 30s, and costs 6s ; John Rutherford, for three dogs, was fined 30a and coats; G. W. Leadley, F, Ueßreton and P. Madden, for two dogs

each, were fined 20a and costa 14s each ; Samuel Thomas, Wm. Coster, H.Jordon, N Fitzgerald, G. McKenzie, G. Price and Thomas Jones, weae fined 10s each and costs. R. Ruddick, for one dog, was fined 20s and costs. A case against John Tate w s dismissed as the dog in question was only in the possession of the defen dant one day. T. E. Mcßae was fined 30s and coats for having three un registered dogs.

Breach ok Borough By-Laws—H. Jardon was charged with haring driven a horse and cart at a furious rate down East street, and the offence being proved, a fine of L 3 was inflicted with costs, 47a, in all L 5 7s. Child Desertion. —Carolina Smith was charged with neglecting to provide for her child, fourteen days old. Mr Branson appeared for the defence.—William Hors fall said he was a farmer and carrier living at Westerfield, The accused had been acting as housekeeper for witness. She left his house without telling witness anything of her intention. A child eleven days old was left with him, which he took charge of for four days,—By Mr Branson: The accused had been living with him as his mistress Did not dispute the fact that he was the father of the child. Had written the letters produced [Mr Bran son read the letters which stated Horsfall’s intention to marry the defendant if she came back to live with him.] Had agreed to take the woman back as she had no faults. Did not lay the information be cause ho thought he could force] her to come back and live with him. Had signed the warrant and also the statement that he was willing to maintain Mrs Smith and her children as he had nothing against her. Mr Branson asked his Worship to make an order against the man Horsfall, as the child was his, and he should provide for it.—His Worship said he did not feel inclined to make any order against the accused. She deserved to be sym pathised with, owing to the heartless con duct on the part of the father. The case would be dismissed, and he would advise Horsfall to take immediate steps to pro vide for his child. Threatening Language. Martin McClure was charged with threatening to take the life of his wife.—Mary McClure stated that the accused had threatened to destroy everything in the house, and had told witness that he intended to make New Zealand ring again with a case similar to Butler’s of Dunedin, who killed two woman. The accused had just returned from six months’ imprisonment in gaol for ill-treating her. She was afraid of her life and that of her child ren.—G. F. Scott said that he had heard Mrs McClure pleading for mercy from her husband. There were constant rows in the house, and the place was a nuis ance to the neighborhood. The women was a hard-working person. By the accused: Had never seen any men about the house when accused was in prison. Never heard the accused threaten to take his wife’s life, but heard him make use of bad language.—Mrs Bartlett said that she had heard a great no so at the house on several occasions. The accused was very violent at times and abused hia wife.—Mary Jane Towne said that she saw the accused taking things out of the house and quarrelling with his wife.—By the accused : Did net hear him say that he would kill his wife. —Constable Smart deposed that he knew Mrs McCluie as a hard-working woman. The accused came back from gaol last Friday. He was the essence of a loafer, and although he did not drink he was ex tremely lazy, and did no work.— Mr E, G. Crisp stated that he had drawn up a deed of separation, but the accused had not signed it. —The accused, in de fence, denied ever having threatened the life of his wife. He removed tho things from the house as he warned to go away. If he said one word, hia wife said twenty words back to him.—His Worship said that the case was a most serious one. No sooner had the accused come out of gaol than he aga ; n appeared before the Court on the same charge. Ap parently six months was not a sufficient correction, as the accused was very aptly described as the essence ef a loafer. He would be sent to gaol for twelve months with hard labor.

THE ASHBURTON SCHOOL COM MITT E IN REPLY.

The following letter has been addressed to the North Canterbury Board of Edu cation by the Borough School Com-

mittee : To the Chairman and Members of the B >ard of Education, Christchurch. Gentlemen, — We be* to thank you for a copy of report which has been submitted to you by Messrs Peryman and Yeel, who acted as a Commission to enquire into the case of the head mistress of the Ashbur ton'Borough School. 2. Knowing the facts of the oase and the nature of the evidence submitted to your Commissioners a . the enquiry, we were somewhat surprised on receiving a resolution passed at your last meeting, which, while admitting that Miss Har band’s class is in a disorderly condition, insists that discipline must be maintained by the headmaster, but does not point out how this can be done, while the cause of laxity is allowed to remain in charge. On receiving a copy of said report, however, our surprise was somewhat modified— especially whan we considered that your resolution would necessarily be based in a great measure on the conclusions drawn by your Commissioners, without having an opportunity of becoming acquainted with all the circumstances which surround the case, and which have apparently so influenced those gentlemen that they have proved themselves to bp utterly incapable of weighing both sides, or of takingfau impartial and unbiased view of the evi dence placed before them Many of the statements contained bn the report are so one-sided, and in some instances so much at variance with the facte that they can only be accounted for by supposing those gentlemen have allowed their intellect* to | be blinded by the strong feelings of senti ment and partisanship which characterise | the few persons who have in this district taken upon themselves the responsibility of interfering with your Committee in the discharge of their duty. While, therefore, we exonerate the Board as a body from all blame in the matter, we cannot allow such an extraordinary document—as the internal evidence found in the report proves it to bo—to pass unchallenged. 3. Before entering into the merits of the report we unhesitatingly state as our opinion that your Commissioners came to Ashburton with their minds fully made up as to what would be the result of the enquiry. This was clearly shown hrough out tha whole proceedings by the eager manner in which you secretary jotted down any point of evidence favorable to Miss Harband, while anything favorable to Mr Dempsey was either quietly sup pressed or carefully construed to a differ ent meaning from that intended

4. In paragraph I, the rap irt states that the “ master and mistress were al lowed every opportunity of bringing for ward evidenou,” etc. Well, as a matter of fact, your Commissioners gave no inti mation whatever to Mr Dempsey that an enquiry would be held, and it was only two days beforehand, one being Sunday, that ha became aware of the fact that an enquiry vyould be held This, coupled with the fact that ssyeraj qf the a sistant teachers who might have given valuable testimony in his favor were absent from town spending their holidays, and conse quently ooutd put. be summoned in time to attend, placed that gentleman in a very unfair position. On the other hand, Mias ,Harband had invited her friends, witnesses, and supporters to be present^

thus indicating that she bed been duly notified from headquarters when the en quiry would take place. This may con stitute fair play frem your Commissioners’ point of view, but the meaning of this term as generally accepted by Englishmen is something totally different. 5 This injustice we might have over looked had not much of the evidence ad vanced in Mr Dempsey’s favor been com pletely ignored. Par. 3of report states that for eighteen months Mhs Harband performed her duties without so far as ap pears any expression of dissatisfaction. While in giving evidence Mr Dempsey stated most distinctly that during 1882 and 1883 ho had repeatedly drawn Miss Harband’a attention to the unsatisfactory Condition of her class. . 6- An attempt has been made to create an impression that in recommending Miss Harband’s removal from the school year Committee and the headmaster have been actuated by improper motives. So far as the headmaster is concerned this is completely disproved in the paragraph now under consideration. The Commit tee’s position will have due attention further on. The report continues :—ln November 1883 after the annual examina tion by the Inspectors, the headmaster reported to the Committee that the results had bean very unsatisfactory. He there fore recommended that she should be removed from the main to the infant school. The report ought to have con tinued “ without any reduction of salary." Now to anyone but a furious partisan ne motive can be discovered in this recom mendation but a desire to improve the general condition of the school by placing the headmistress in a position where her talents eould be employed to better ad vantage. It is not reasonable to expect that the delicate organisation of a lady can exercise sufficient control over a class of high-spirited boys from 11 to 13 years age. And yet you insist that this mast be done regardless of consequences. What course does Mr J. Orr (who was then Chairman) take in reference to this re commendation 1 In the first place he kept it back from the Committee for more than a month, and did not place it before (hem until it was too late in the year for that body to act. And when election day arrives instead of facing what he pro bably considered to be a difficulty requir ing very delicate handling, he quietly de clined to allow himself to be re-elected a member of the Committee. And now that the new Committee have taken the matter in hand he turns round upon them and, backed by a small party who represent very few children put of the 550 who attend the school, endeavored to harass them and the headmaster in a manner altogether un worthy of a Christian gentleman. And what reason does he urge for remaining inactive ? That “he did not consider the report borne out by tbs report of the In spector.” At the best this could only be a matter of opinion. And when we find in par. 5 your commissioners state that “ the master certainly had reason to complain of the large number of children, 32 out of 80, who were found not ready to be presented,” further expression of opinion on our part becomes quite un necessary. 7. The statement that “ the work dene seems to have satisfied the Inspectors,” as “ they passed 83 percent,” taken by itself is rather misleading. Of the number presented 83 per cent passed ; but of the total number in the class only 50 per cent passed. This may “seem” quite satis factory to Mr J. Orr and your commis sioners; but occurring as it does in a Third Standard, to your Committee it indicates that there is something wrong. 8. Although of .minor importance, we must direct your attention to the conclu sions drawn by your Commissioners on the subject of sewing. We only do so in erder to point out that from some cause unknown to us probably from the possession of a faculty which does not exist in logical minds—those gentlemen are able to draw deductions and arrive at conclusions quite contrary to the indi cations present iu the evidence before them. On the one hand the head mis tress states that no complaints had been made to her regarding the sewing. On the other hand both the Chairman 'and headmaster state that many complaints had been made to them—both written and verbal. They hai not preserved the written complaints, as they had never entertained the idea that they would ever be required in eviience. Are we to sup pose that two gentlemen would stand up before their fellows and deliberately utter falsehoods which could not possibly serve any purpose—good or bad ? Yet this is what your Commissioners u presume ” to be the case. 9. Another matter of secondary impor tance referred to in the report, is that Miss Harband “ shows no ambition to excel.” The charge rests on a surmise. The master in his report to the Committee represents her as wanting in ambition, as she is quite satisfied with the work of Iter class. But whan questioned, he ad mitted that she had not said so, but he inferred from her remarks that she thought so. Now this is either a mis take, or a gross misrepresentation. Why not report the statement exactly as made by Mr Dempsey ? Which was that the headmistress had not employed these exact words, but she had intimated to him that she considered the work of her class “ very fair,”‘which, to au ordinary mind, expresses precisely tne same meaning. 10. With regard to the evidence bear-

ing on the “ indifferent style of work,” etc., your Commissioners state that it “ is contradictory,” but they make no at tempt to analyze it, or to sift the truth

from the statements laid before them. If Miss Harband states she believes her method of working to be all that can be desired, this is only natural, but it proves nothing. If the gentleman in charge of the school states that her general method is d fective, his opinion is at least worthy of respect, although even that taken hy itself might prove little. But when we take into consideration the fact that his statement is verified by the results being unsatisfactory—which is conceded by all then the idea contained in Mr Demp sey’s statement must be true, and the truth would still exist although no state ment whatever had been made on either side. If any two gentlemen prove them selves to be incapable of perceiving a logical deduction so simple as this they certainly cannot be considered qualified to discharge the functions of lawyer, judge, and jury, at one and the same time. 11. The report further states that the headmistress “ declares that he (Mr Dempsey) has had no opportunity of judg ing of her stylo of teaching, as he had

never been in her room five minutes to gether,” that Mr Dempsey “ did not ap pear to deny the last assertion.” But why suppress what that gentleman really did say ? Viz., that ho went regularly into her room and remained long enough to see what was going on and to take a gene ral survey of what was being done, but could not give the exact number of

minutes, as he had never been in the habit of timing himself. But silly mis-

representations like this only confirm what we have already said regarding the bias and partiality which was so strongly manifested throughout the wfyole proceed ings. ' ■ r

12. The report continues “He also, acknowledged that, though : in the ordi nary course he occasionally takes charge of Miss Harband’s class he has never

donq so fop the purpose of showing her how a lesson should be giyen." We shall not be so ungenerous <*s to apply the ten* “untruth” to this - statement although it is absolutely untrue; but in commit-

ting it to paner your Commissioners must certainly have been laboring under a gross misapprehension, as Mr Dempsey stated

most distinctly that be occasionally took charge of Miss Harband’s class, “in order • to show her how the lessons should be taught.” But the fact appears to be th*% the headmaster, in dealing with Mii» Harband, has exercised too much con sideration for her feelings to be rightly understood by that lady. Tat (if the In spectors’ report may be considered a safe criterion) his influence over the scholars and his general success seem to be all that can be desired, for these officials state that the condition of the whole school has gradually and .steadily con tinued to improve since the present head master, took charge. 13. Many of the points already referred to are so trivial and unimportant that whether proved or disproved they do net 1 affect the position of your Committee. > The important points upon which the ’ whole question hinges are the low per -1 centage of passes at the last examination, ‘ and the want of discipline in Standard i IV. The first is registered in the Inspec tors’ report, is admitted by your Commis sioners in their report and by all con -1 corned. The second also is not disputed. It is “frankly admitted” by Min Her - band, by yoar Commissioners, and by ‘ yourselves, that the class is in a disorderly > state, the only question in dispute being - a difference of opinion between the Board > and the Committee as to what might be j considered the best remedy for the un satisfactory state of affairs known to ’ exist. Now, while we dp not lay claim to • any superiority of intellect over yourselves, we do claim that being constantly on the * spot opportunities frequently present 1 themselves for observing*the condition of. • the school which cannot in the natnre of ■ things present themselves to the Board, t We are, therefore, in a much better pbsi r tion to judge, and to offer suggestions as i to what steps should be taken to assist i the master in maintaining that high state ' of discipline for which be has boon .so I justly eulogised in your Inspectors’ ro i ports. * 14. But to return to the report now i under consideration. In dealing with tha > question of lax discipline, your Oommis > sioners again find themselves confronted f with “contradictory evidence.” When i the boys are sent to the master to he - punished his “ mode- of punishment ”is ■ s&id to be “so ineffectual that they care - nothing for it.” “ They go to him cheer -1 full} and come back smiling. ” “ Theae r statements are confirmed by a pupil > teacher.” Now the fact of a boy smiling i after being punished is nothing new, aa 7 most of us know from experience, and t certainly does not. provethat the boy has i. not been punished. Miss Harband and % > pupil teacher who have no means of teeing ■ what punishment is inflicted state as their 1 opinion that the punishment inflicted-la not sufficiently severe. Mr Dempsey de > dares that he is in the habit of severely - caning the boys sent to him from Miss. 5 Hatband’s class. Yet in the face of this 1 declaration and the evidence of Mr Gil t boy, yonr Commissioners “ feel bound to • say that Miss Harband’a complaint is well founded,” and “ whatever may be the ease 5 in other parts of the school it is plain that i in this part the master’s action is ineffi cient.” Now, gentlemen, we submit that this conclusion is unfair, illogical and. i contrary to all recognised rules for judg- ; » ing evidence, and as you cannot fail to see f is not warranted by the evidence placed before you in your Commissioner's report, s According to that evidence we find that t when Jboya are sent to the master from , - other parts of the school to be punished ■ “ the punishment, makes a very salutary i impression. . But, says the report, tha s question is not of the assistant’s class, but of the hvadmistress! The question, as } we take it, is of the whole school. If the - master’s mode of punishment is effective i in evey class but one it must be dear to i the simplest undemanding that the defect s must exist in the internal arrangement of 9 that class itself. ' t 15. But you Have said the master 1 is responsible for -.the discipline of the 9 whole school. -So say we. But in the ■ same sense so is your Committee and so 1 is the Board of Education. If the master finds that his instruments are not 1 adapted to the work of the school it is his. | duty to report accordingly. Aa a Com * mittee, it is our duty to recommend any 3 change that may be necessary to maintain 1 the efficiency of the school. As the 5 Board of Education, it is your duty to r carry our recommendations into effect, or r suggest some other means whereby the desired result m>ght be brought about. 3 This you have not done. Bat instead, r yon have sent two gentlemen to hold an 1 “ enquiry,” whe, as we hate already s shown, and as we shall further show, de * not seem to- know what an enquiry is, These gentlemen charge us with injustice and wickedness of various kinds. We are : charged with having Seated Miss Harband 1 harshly by recommending that she should be removed to another sphere of useful* 1 ness. But it is not pointed out wherein 1 the hardship lies. Ws fail to see how' that lady would suffer by being transferred . to another school at . the- same salary she now receives. Under the late Ur Chichester’s control the discipline of thia class was equal to that of any other class . in the school. ■ The master (cannot be ex pected to be constantly on the spot to see that order is maintained. Thia would mean the neglect of more important work. We do not underrate Miss Har band’a abilities as s teacher, but as al ready stated we maintain that a refined lady is altogether out of place among a * class of high spirited beys. Therefore, apart from every other consideration in the interests of that lady herself, the change wa have recommended would be beneficial. There is nothing unusual con tained in our proposal. In connection with mercantile firms the assistants qrq ■ frequently transferred from one bran els. tq another to suit the convenience and n qnirements of each* Tha injustice in this case exists only in. the imagination of Miss Harband’s ill-advised “ friends,” 16. Returning once more to the report we find that Aether points of minor im portance were debated, on which no con? elusion can be arrived at.” One po ; nt was brought up which we find was omitted from the report altogether. And as thia involves the question of who is master of the school, we must direct your’'attention to it. An order was issued by Mr Demp sey to the effect that during the winter months no children be kept in school alter four o’clock.' The order was disregarded by Miss Harband on the ground that it was not convenient for faer to attend to it

It is only fair to say that a few days later the lady announced her willingness to acquiesce. This little act of insubordina tion may be of “minor importance” in the eyes of your Commissioners, bnt In our opinion it involves an important ques tion of discipline, and would not have been omitted from a fair and impartial report.

17. The manner in which your Com missioners endeavor to show that Miss Hatband's evidence is trustworthy, while that of the headmaster is quite unreliable, is unique, and strikes at the keynote of all the partiality which was manifested throughout the enquiry, viz.—Miss flap band belongs to the opposite sex, while Mr Dempsey has the misfortune- to bs a

njaq. “ Throughout the whole enquiry,’’ they say, j* jjre were favorably uppiesied with Miss Harband’s manner (quite so) of giving evidence, dhe was clear, straight forward, and explicit, which epithets, wj regret to add, cannot be applied to the evidence given by the head matter.” NoW* in our law courts the usual custom is (a judge the yalue of evjdencf, "hot by the mariner qf the person who gtye| it, but®*, the nature or the evidence itself. a ßul your, Commissioners seam to have a mei hod for weighing evidence peculiar to themselves*- Had they taken the trouble to observe whet vis going on among tljq

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 31, 1884.



PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, EabT Street, near Lancaster's butchery. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1414 Special Inducements . TO O ASH PURCHASERS. jpRIOR to Annual Stocktaking, a very LIBERAL DISCOUNT Will be allowed to CASH PURCHASERS OF PIANOS. One of the finest and best selected stocks in the colony to choose from. PIANOS & ORGANS By all the Best Makers. jm* NOW IS THE TIME to secure a First-class Instrument at a Low Price. Inspection Invited.



H. M, Jones, Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON Ashburton. IMMEDIATE DIS-OLDTJON 01 PARTNERSHIP.—The whole c Hayes and Co’s stock to be cleared withi: OBS menth, regardless of cost. Now i the time to lay in a stock for thre months. Just cali and inspect the follow ing bargains. Shopkeepers and othen to sell again would do well to maki .an early call. The debris of stock to b< offered by auction at the close of the sale 1 pair blankets, 6a lid ; 1 pair sheets, 4 lid ; 1 quilt, 6s ; 2 toilet covers, 2a 6d 6 towels, 2s; 1 pair curtains, 3a lid damask table cover, 3s 9d —£110. Gland costume, 9s 6d ; black cloth jacket, 6s 6d trimmed bat, 3s 6d ; 3 pair ribbed marine hose, 2s ; E.S. kid boots, 3s lid ; tweed skirt/3s; wool shawl, Is 6d— £l 10s. Men f s tweed salts, 16s 6d ; elastic side boots, 9s ; tweed hat, Is 9d ; white linen shirts, 2s 9d— £llos. H. aqd 00. having bought last week a bankrupt stock ol boots, shoes, etc, they must be cleared at ridiculous prices :—Children's boots, Is; women’s E.S., 3s lid; men’s shooters (pegged), 10s; watertights, lls; and a lot which most be sold. Only see them. 60 bundles of remnants, comprising calicoes, flannels, winseys, shirtings and plaids; 6 cases of oddments, such as single pairs of boss, gloves, boots, hats, scarfs, cravats, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, lace ties, etc. Lot of kooks in bundles, 6 pairs for Is. Boys’ oyerebats all sixes at 5s lid. Ladies’ real farksapes, 8»lld. Tweed shirtings, various patterns, 6s per dozen. Sale to commence Saturday, 6th July, Hayes ffriQo,, Arcade,



Wanted WANTED A respectabl Youth. Apply, Hates.and Co. 7 1417 VI RANTED Known—Whe.t, Oats and VV Barley crushed. Crudied Wheat for sale at W. Roberts, Peter street ■ 7 1397 WA>TED - Immediately, everyone to call and see Hates and Co.’s Wonderful Bargains. 7 1271 WANTED Known—Flemington Fac tory Cheese, 6£d ; Best Bice, 3d ; Best White Sago, id ; Tapioca, 5d ; Bis cuits, 4d ; White Crystal Sugar, ijd.— J. McGregor’s, Tancred street, opposite the Arcade. 4 640 TTTANTED TO SELL v» four-roomed Cot A three and four-roomed Cottages en, East Town Balt, two frontages, and half-acre of land ; terms easy.' For particulars apply to J. Ward and Son, or W. 0. D.*vis, Wills street. 7 1315 WANTED Known—Oer and Co’s, Stock-Taking Sale is now on. Drapery Stock to be Beduced £3,000 in a month. 200 yard reels, lid ; 400 yard machine reels, 3d ; needles, per packet, 2d ; average tape, lid ;1 oz packet - pins, 2d; silk reels, 2d; mend ings, Id ; crochet reels, 2jd. 7 1353 WANTED iKnown—2 Button black kid gloves, la lid per pair; colored kid gloves ; 2s lid ; Horrock’s long cloth, 3s lid per dozen ; heavy blue serge,, Is 3d ; good strong heavy flannel, 9d, at Oer and Co’s. Cheap Sale. 7 1354 WANTED Economical housekeepers to take immediate advantage of the Bargains now offered in all departments, Boots we are selling cheaper than any other house. — Oer and Co’s. Cheap Sale. - ’ 7 1355 \V7 ANTED—Purchasers of Boys’ and Men’s Clothing to specially re member that our famed Colonial Made Clothing (equal to bespoke) has got to be | Cleared out at ehormous-Becluctions, we’ll j doit as we want the cash. — Oer Co’s. Cheap hale. 7 1356 WANTED Known—The Ladies and Gentlemen of Ashburton can have their clothing dyad any color, also damask curtains and feathers beautifully done. For further particulars, apply to An drewes Bros, Stationers. 7 1275 ANDREW ORB’S cheap sale of Drapery, Cloth and Boots is now going on. Come early and secure bar gains. 7 1245 VS 7 ANTED Known—Bargains in Boots and Shoes. Come and judge for yourselves. One lot of Women’s Boots, slightly soiled, 4s lid, reduced from 10s 6d. 7 1246 WANTED Known—Will clear several Trucks of Women’s Kid Boots at 7s 6d, former price 11s 6d to 12s 6d. A NDREW ORB is selling Girls’ Kid . Boots for 3s lOd, worth 7s 6d ; Maids’ 1 and 2 Kid Boots 6s, worth 9s 6d ; Men’s Shooters, 10s 9d, worth 16s 6d. 7 1248 WANTED Known—A splendid line of heavy Overcoats at 37s 6d ; Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers 12a 9d ; all wool Crimean Shirts, 3s lid ; Men’s Black Fell Hats 2s lid—at A. Ore’s Cheap Sale. WANTED Known Colored French Merinos, Is 6d worth 3s ; Costume Cloths, B£d and 13|d, worth Is and Is 9d. I If you want a Dress come and see them J before they are all sold. H. C. Seders, Sealy’s New Buildings, East street. 6 1222 WANTED Known —lf you want good value for your money, go to H. O. Seoess, and you will buy first-class Drapery and Millinery greatly reduced to meet the times, Sealy’a Buildings, East street. 6 1221 YT7"ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots ! .Y\ That Hates and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic sides, 9a, and a lot oE odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1272 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. . 760 c WANTED at once, 500 customers. Hayes and Co. having bought 600 pairs of sample boots are determined to clear them at startling prices. Chil dren’s E.S., Is per pair; ladies’ kid E. S., 3s lid per pair. H. & Co. have also a grand lot of boys’ and men’s boots at prices that will astonish all. 4 749 TXT ANTED Known—That Jones and YY Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s butchers shop, East street, are now offer ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, et-., etc , etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the tjwn. All goods delivered free of charge in town. 4 752 WANTED —The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are 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 sole I and heeling, 4s 6d ; women s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2s 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse. Burnett street. 12 1107



Special Advertisements. BEST Rubber Stamp Manufactory in New Zealand.—Stamps of any size and for any purpose made by Leoxxrd Pozzi, Gunsmith, and ten years practical Sewing Machinist. Mathematical, Musi cal Instruments, Electric Batteries, and Musical Boxes, etc., repaired. 138 Glou cester street, opposite Theatre Royal, .Christchurch. 9i-0 W BOOKS NOW IN English Poetesses, Young Ireland (by Duffoy), Greater Britain (by Sir 0. Dilka), Assays t>y George Elliot, Life and Times of the Right Ho a. John Bright, Life of tbr Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, the Book of Health, the Family Physician, Greater London, Buckles', History of Civilisation in England, Chambers’ Medieval History, Life and Works of St. Paul (beautifully illustrated), the Treasure Island, Saunders’ Domestic Birds, Cutting Tools, Linear Drawing, the Present Truth (by Spurgeon), Great Names in European History, British Scenery (in 6 vols), Countries of the World (6 vols), Scottish Life and Character, Scottish Characteris tics, the Denominational Reason Why, Trade Manuals, Lost Israel Found, Works by W. Clarke Russel, A Short History Our Own Times (by McCarthy), the Land and the Book, Brighter Britain, Druggjets General Receipt Book, Highland Clear ances, the Gun: Its Development, Life of Garibaldi, Memoir of W. and R, Chambers, Gilbert on Banking.



Thomas F. Farley, BOOKSELLER & STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. Violins. BOYS’ Half, Three-quarter, and Full Size. Old Violins bought and sold. H. J. WFEKS, Tancred street. 6 1173 AWAY. A PRESENT TO EVERY PURCHASER OF 2s 6d WORTH and UPWARDS. Wo are now Selling our Stock of . BOOKS, STATIONERY, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, &c., &c., AT A Great Sacrifice For Cash. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., East Street South, Ashburton. ENU I N K ROTHERHAM’S ENGLISH LEVERS from £5 10s. Genuine Waltham Levers, from £3 10s. 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. 5 955 CALL AT ONCE AND SEE FOB YOURSELVES. Superfine Note Paper, Is 6d per 5 quires. Repped Note Paper, 6d per packet. Cream Laid Envelopes, 3d per packet. Fine Court-Shaped, 4d per packet. Foolscap, unequalled value, Is per quire. PLEASE OBSERVE 1 !-Books offered at London published prices. Toys and Fancy Goods of every description. B. Bevan, Stationer, Bookseller, etc., Saunders’s Buildings, $ 1206 Next shop to Quill’s Hotel. J. BALLANTYNE & CO., HAVE now OPENED UP Extensive Shipment 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, Christchurch. 5 1008 SEASON. THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEW MANUFACTURES FOR THIS SEASON. A Splendid Variety of Garments manu factured from the OEIEBRATED 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. Ashburton Branch ; EAST STREET. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY QLEARING OUT AT ANY COST ! REMNANTS OF EVERYTHING Prior to Stock-taking, tVliinli Kava Mfwnirmilal-twl thia aoaarkfi anil



which bare accumulated tins season, ai daring last Sale. We are always glad get rid of them, but especially so ju now, to clear our stock of all soil* lengths and short ends before takit down. FOR 14 DAYS ONLY 1 Remnants of Dress Goods Remnants of Silks Remnants of Velvets Remnants of Cashmeres Remnants of Merinos Remnants of Winceys Remnants of Calicoes Remnants of Flannels Remnants of Shirt ngs Remnants of Sheetings Remnants of Tabling Remnants of Holland Remnants Embroidery Remnants Ribbons Remnants of Lace ' Remnants of Fringes Remnants of Gimps Remnants of Nets Remnants of Tweeds Soiled Curtains Soiled Curtains Soiled Curtains Lace Curtains Lace Curtains Bargains in Hats Bargains in Mi linery Bargains in Flowers Bargains in Feathers Bargains in Unuerclothing Bargains in Jackets GRAND VALUEIN CLOTHING. H. E. May & Co., THE HALL, HIGH STREET. »UO4



Special .advertisement. Coal and Firewood. A. TAPPER, jgEGS to say that he has added COAL AND FIREWOOD to hia Timber and Iron Business, and is now Landing a consignment of Newcastle COA.L, and is open to receive orders for the same. J. 0. DUNCAN, Manager. Office : Old Bank of New Zealand. 6 1193



Maopherson, filmer AND 00. (late A. Hayes),, TIMBER, COAL, & FIREWOOD MERCHANTS, Beg to notify to their easterners and the Ashburton public that they have IN STOCK AND CONSTANTLY ARRIVING from their mills a supply of first-class BUILDING TIMBER OP ALL KINDS, and are selling same at first cost. Also on hand a supply of SPLENDID HOUSEHOLD COAL from Newcastle, and SHORT BLACK PINE WOOD from the Wairaate Bush. W. H. C LLINS, Manager, Ashburton. N.B.—Special orders punctually attended to.