DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES, Tuesday, April 7 Messrs Matson, Cox and Oj., at the Tinwald Saleyarda —Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Tuesday. April 7 I O.Gt.T.—Tea and Public Meeting, m ... the Oddfellows’Hall Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society—Subscriptions due Wednesday, Apbil 8 Orange Hall-Star of the East, 1.0.G.1., meeting at 8 o’clock Friday, Apbil 10. . Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. . Saturday, April 11 Vakanui Road Board, at Road Board office. Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, April 13. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.AO.D., at 8 o’clock . Tuesday, April 14. St Stephen’s Schoolroom—Tea and Concert Ashburton School Committee— Monthly Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wednesday, April 15 Tinwald Annual Races Friday, Ap il 17 Masonic Ball—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Olnb-Autumn Meet ing Friday, May 1 isbburton County Council—At Counou Chambers, 11 a. m. ________

MAIL NOTICES.

MVil* close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Bakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. snd 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. {Tor Tdmukft) at 6 a.m. ana 10 am., For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 *’For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. , For Ashtsa, Waterton and Longbeach, st 430 p.m- daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. . , For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 am. arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 am., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 436 p.m. daily. . From Dunedin and intermediate places »t *>.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. vi.3o p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 lor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays it 5 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. . . From Newlands, on Tuesdays ana Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, 1 nurs iays, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, ana Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat ur lays, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1885. The Pulpit and the Soudan.

In another column we publish an epitome of a sermon delivered by the Rev. A. Reid, a popular Wesleyan clergyman, on the subject, “ Ought young men of New Zealand to volun teer for military service in the Soudan?” Mr Reid has condemned in the very strongest language the proposal to ren der armed assistance in the Soudan to the Mother Country. He says, “I do not know a class of characters suffi ciently degraded that I would appoint them to occupy the position of avengers of General Gordon in the Soudan.” This is hardly so ridiculous, certainly not so offensive, as the tirade recently hurled by Mr Spurgeon against the members of the New South Wales con tingent. Mr Spurgeon concluded—a most gratuitous and insulting assump tion—that the volunteers for service in the Soudan were impelled solely by a desire to steep their hands in Mahome dan blood ; that they were the most desperate«nd abandoned of men. Mr Reid has allowed his strong sense of Egyptian misrule and Soudanese suffer ing to hide from his vision every other circumstance of the situation. It is a peculiarity—fortunately with some ex ceptions—of Mr Reid’s profession to prescribe a lofty plane of duty, which can be preached with calm serenity but cannot in its enterity be applied to the ordinary walks of life. While enter taining the most profound respect and admiration for the objects and attain ments of Mr Reid and his fellow workers, we cannot accept these gentle men as authorities in questions of foreign policy.oUnvarying submission and concession however meritorious in the individual would be most disastrous to the State. The millennium must be inaugurated simultaneously by the na tions 3 until that happy, epoch the peace and good will of the world will be best preserved by a wholesome respect for the power of the sword. But Mr Reid contends that the present war is an un just one and that Britain therefore is not entitled to the colonies’ support. Are we to assume that the preacher, in-, spired by a sentiment more sublime than patriotism, would welcome a British defeat; that he would allow the Home country to suffer humiliation even spoilation rather than raise a hand in a contest involv ing some intricate questions of territorial right ? We cannot make such an assumption, for Mr Reid him self says—“ Every man ought to make the best and the most of himself, so that the results of his efforts may be of the greatest advantage to the Church, the State, to his family, and to himself.” Can it be doubted that the spontaneous display of loyalty by India and the colonies did more than anything else to stay the Russian aggressor in Afghanistan, and so saved the State an amount of blood and treasure com pared with which the expenditure In the Soudan will be insignificant.

State Education.

A correspondent has taken us to task for not including in what he is pleased to designate our “ hostile criti cism ” of Sir Julius Vogel some re ference to the Colonial Treasurer’s recent remarks upon State education. Our views upon this important subject have so frequently been placed before our readers that we felt it almost super fluous to reiterate them, particularly as we have not been greatly , alarmed by the Treasurer’s “ evident unsoundness.” Although Sir Julius Vogel informed his Christchurch con stituents that the subject of education was one that had caused him “ a great deal of unhappiness ” it is only too evident that it is one of the few great public questions to which the Colonial i Treasurer has given very little atten tion, and of which he has not mastered the principles or even recognised the real difficulties to be dealt with. There is an arch simplicity in the Treasurer’s i remark “ if it is true that the creeds differ between themselves upon points in their nature of very slight import ance, etc.” If anything on this diffi cult subject has been settled beyond the possibility of a doubt it is that there is no ground upon which all the sects could ever agree to have religion taught in a State school. But whilst Sir Julius Vogel treats this long settled matter as if it were still open to enquiry and experiment he alludes to another feature in Stale education as if it w-ere quite a settled matter, although neither he nor any one else can pro duce one tittle of evidence in support of that contention. Without commit ting himself to anything very definite, he expresses a strong apprehension that the absence of religious teaching by the State in State schools, may lead to the establishment of “ a population i that does not believe in God or reli gion.” Has the voluntary system en- 1 tirely failed in the promulgation of religion? Can Sir Julius Vogel point ‘ to any country where religion has suf fered by the non-interference of the State? It was not the teaching of any t public school, but of the family altar of * which Burns so proudly and so grandly told us that r From scenes like these old Scotia’s grandeur t| springs, li That make her loved at home, revered abroad, a Princes and Lords are but the breath of Kings, p An honest man’s the noblest work of Goo. c

We have been requested to state that nominations for the office of Synodsman to represent ihe Parish of Ashburton must be made to the Returning Officer, Mr J. Ward, on April l^th.

It is gratifying to be able to record that there were no offenders at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning charged with drunkenness. Holidays are usually followed by a heavy charge sheet at the Court, but moral suasion and police vigi lance are evidently doing good work. Messrs Hugo Friedlander and Donald Williamson, J.P., presided at the R. M. Court this morning, when John Clark, George Yessey and Joseph Shepherd were charged under the Malicious Injury to Property Act, 1867. with having wilfully destroyed certain wire fences. From the evidence led it appeared that the accused, three men of respectable appearance and antecedents, while each driving a team of horses on March 25th to Peel Forest had left the road and deliberately cut their way through a number of wire fences in the neighborhood of Lfsmore and Rangi tata. The accused admitted the offence, and were each fined 10s and ordered to pay Court costs 7s, damage L2, coat of witness 18a. and buggy hire 15s.

We are informed that Messrs Webb, Montgomery and Ohrystall have been ap pointed by the North Canterbury Board of Education to give expression to the opinion of the Board in opposition to the circular distributed by the Hon. Mr Stout, having reference to building schools with a portion of the capitation grant and relying on volmrsry sub scriptions to supplement the education vote.

At the last meeting of the No th Can terbury Board of Education, LdoO wa* voted for the enlargement of the Trevor ton School.

Wa learn that the Inspector hip ren dered vacant by the death of Mr Cum mings has been offered by the North Canterbury Board of Education to Mr Foster, the headmaster of the Christ church East School.

In another column we publish an ex tract from the Hawcra and Normanhy Star, a paper that enjoys a considerable reputation in the North Island It will be noticed that our contemporary has not been very happy in its description of the popular member for Ashburton. It repre sents Mr W. C. Walker as brother to Mr Launcelot Walker, and the latter gentle man as whip in the Lower House. Mr W, C. Waiker is not a relative to the new “ Lord,” nor, whatever claim he may have upon the Government for services rendered in an unofficial capacity, has Mr Launcelot Walker ever boen entrusted with the delicate duties of a Parliamen tary whip. A meeting of householders will be held at the Winslow Schoolhouse at 7.30 to morrow evening for the purpose of elect ing a School Committee for the district. The conference arranged between the

members of the Borough Council Fire Brigade Committee and a deputation from the Volunteer Fire Brigade will take place at the Council Chambers Library Buildings this evening at 7.30. Mr Clayton’s b m Press Agent having been nominated for the Tinwald Cup with out the owner’s consent has since been scratched.

We learn by the courtesy of Mr 0. 0. Fooks, the surveyor to the Boards, that the Wakanui and Longbeach Road Boards have received during the season 72,000 eggs and heads of small birds, for which they have paid LSO. At the sale of Middle Park yearlings held at Christchurch this morning, six lots were offered, but the only sale effected was that of the chestnut colt by Apremont out of Aglaia, for 110 guineas, to Mr Walter Reeves. We would draw the attention of our readers to the tea meeting at the Odd fellows’ Hall, to be held this evening in connection with the 1.0.G.T. Grand Lodge session. The arrangements for the public meeting have been in the hands of a most energetic Committee, and it now remains with the public to support |them by their presence. We need scarcely re peat that the gentlemen who will give addresses are thoroughly earnest and practical workers in the cause of temper ance besides being effective speakers. TheJ musical arrangements, we under stand, are also of such a character as to command appreciation. Drowsiness, biliousness, pains and aches and ague, Hop Bitters always cures if made by American Co. Read.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, March 31

Government, during the last week, re ceived warnings of the movements of Russian cruisers. Mr Service has been furnished with a telegram from Singapore, stating that several Russian cruisers left that port northward. On Friday, Mr Service received a telegram from the same place, advising Government to look out for the Russian General Admiral, which was at the Cape. The information was sent in cypher to all the other Australian colonies. In accordance with the news it was thought advisable to take every precaution for the defence of Port Phillip Harbour. Enquiries are now being made by Mr Service with a view of ascertaining the source of the messages from Singapore. Sydney, March 31.

At Argyle nominations on Friday, Sir El. Parkes strongly denounced the Go vernment, and offered himself to the electors as an opponent of the present ad ministration. He believed they had done more injury than a succeeding Ministry could undo in four years. Captain Bridges, of H. M S Espikgle, received a telegram on Sunday containing secret orders. The ship was directed to prepare for sea immediately, destination unknown. The Bluj Peter was at once hoisted, and preparations immediately carried out for her speedy departure. It is rumored that Government propose organising a Militia force in ca te of the outbreak of hostilities.

The channels at alt ports accessible to an enemy will be protected by torpedoes. A complete torpedo defence for Sydney, Newcastle and Botany will be comp eted within ten days. The powder hulks now at Broken Bay and Middle Harbor are under orders to be towed to a place of safety at any moment. Adelaide, March 31,

The acting Secretary, Mr Playford, states that every necessary precaution is being taken by the Government for the de ence of the Colony in the event of war. Communications have been exchanged with the Governments of other Colonies, subject to the advice of Admiral Tryon, for the protection of the cable at Port Darwin. As every man-of-war carries appliances for raising cables, it is thought the Imperial Government will, in the contingency of war, order one or two vessels to cruise in the neighborhood A rrangements have been made with the Gustoms Department to watch and report the arrival of any foreign ships of war Other steps have been taken whi,ch show that Government appreciate the danger of the situation. Mr Playford says there is an ample supply of arms in the Colony. Efforts are being made to expedite the despatch of thejammunition recently or dered.

GENERAL SIR HERBERT STEWART.

Major-General Sir Herbert Stewart is one of the youngest generals in the ser vice. In an interesting sketch of the hero of Abu Klea, which appears in the World, we read ;—Stewart has been with the ill fated Colley on Majuba Hill as his Adju tant and Quartermaster-General, and he was to some extent involved in the mis fortunes of that disastrous day. On his return Lord Wolseley secured him another staff appointment. Wolseley’s acquain tance with Stewart dated from the earliest days ; he bad probably heard of the pro mising youth who, coming straight from Winchester with a splendid reputation as a forward football player and a prompt, unflinching wicket-keeper, had entered an infantry regiment to become its adjutant —and an excellent adjutant, too—within two or thres years. He knew of his ex change into the cavalry of his entering the Staff College and passing through its j curriculum with credit and advantage to himself. Stewart came under- Wolseley’s personal observation in the Zulu war, when ho was constantly employed—first as brigade-major of cavalry, and then as chief of the staff to Baker Russell in the storming of Sekukuni’s stronghold. So Stewart came to be Wolseley’s military secretary and chief of the staff when winding up the Zulu campaign, and gained that good opinion which has since been so steadily maintained. One of the earliest appointments made on the or ganisation of the army for the first Egyp tian war was that of Stewart as staff offi cer to Sir Drury Lowe, who was to com mand the cavalry division, and Stewart was one of Wolseley’s most active and j trusted counsellors in making the_ pre parations for the expedition. To this un | varying but not undeserved support no less than to his own admirable perfor mances Stewart owes his rapid advance ment. An ensign of 18G3, he was a lieu tenant-colonel in 1881 ; and now, after twenty years’ service all told, and when barely 42, he is a brigader-general with the certainty of promotion to the sub stantive rank if he returns from Egypt alive, It should be added to this that he dis tinguished himself at Tel-el-Kebir, and took part in General Drury Lowe’s bril liant ride through the desert to Cairo. When the Egyptians sent out a white flig to meet the advancing British force, it was Colonel Stewart who, at the head of one hundred Lancers and Dragoons, de manded and received the surrender of the citadel. When General Graham went to Suakim Stewart went with him, and dis played excellent soldierly qualities at Tamasi At the latter battle his horse men had a lion’s share in retrieving the fortunes of the day, when the first square broke beneath the Arab charge. He was very anxious to be allowed to take the Hussars aciosa the desert to Berber, but the Government forbade the expedition.

THE PULPIT AND THE SOUDAN.

In the Pitt street (Auckland) Wesleyan Ohurch, on Sunday morning, the Rev A, Held preached a sermon on the subject “ Ought young men of New Zealand to volunteer for military service in the Sou dan V The rev gentleman took as the text of his discourse —Revelations 16ch. 12v. : “ And the sixth angel poured out hia vial upon the great river Euphrates ; and the water thereof was dried up that the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared.” In the course or lengthy remarks, the rev lecturer said: “We venture this opinion—which in us is a very strong conviction—that for a New Zealand youth, or a youth of any country, to invest his British sympathies, hia fair expectations, his heiUh, hia intelligence, and it may be his life and influence— to invest hia all in the Soudan cam paign would prove the moat .worthless investment possible in this world of living men. I do not know a class of characters sufficiently degraded that I would appoint them to occupy the position of avengers of General Gordon in the Soudan. With all my admiration of the spirit which actuates the youth and older men who offer themselves, it. is our firm conviction that a worse investment of treasure and life, and intelligence, and character, and influence it would be im possible to find on this side of hell, than that which is now proposed. This is strong language We want it to be criti cised. We want our y.mng men to look into it. Every man ought to make the best arid the most of himself, so that the results of his efforts may be of the greatest advantage to the Church* the State, to his fsmily, and to himself. Every man is bound to do this. To go the Soudan is to make the least and the worst use that a man can possibly make of himself. This is our conviction, as it is his duty to make the most and beat of himself in the inte rest of truth, goodness, and honor, humanity and Christ.”

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Sydney, March 31.

The city was in a state of excitemeni over the boat race on Saturday last be tween Beach and Hanlan.

Hanlan for the past week has been the favorite, but Beach has been well supported, and on Saturday was backed at even money. The arrangements for the race were somewhat extraordinary, but allowable on account of the fact that probably it would be the last champion race rowed here for a long time, us Han lan intended to depart for America im mediately the race was over. Only one steamer was allowed to follow the race. As the competitors passed alongside the steamer, Hanlan appeared as fit as possi ble, but everyone noticed he wore an anxious look. Beach looked very self confident, and smiled pleasantly. The tide had been at flood two hours, so it was against the scullers. Beach won the toss, and elected to row on the south side, though that gave little or no advantage. Both snop got away by mutual consent, Hanlan having slightly the best of the jptart. Beach quickly responded, rowing about thirty - six to the minute. ' eforecne hundred yards were covered Beach took the lead, but Hanlan who was expected to make an attempt to get the lead failed to do so, as he rowed in a faint-hearted way. As this fact became evident there was a loud shout gone.” It was seen that Beach was adopting Hanlan’s old tactics of forcing the pace at the start, but he was to have it all his own way, for Hanlan did not row as was his wont, and splashed a good deal now and then. From thence on to the finish the race was merely a pro cession in which no incident of note oc curred. Hanlan occasionally looked round to see how far his antagonist was ahead, and sometimes tried to spurt a little, but was not in trim, and was evidently rowed out thoroughly. At Putney Beach led by four lengths, at Gladsville by six lengths, winning the race by nearly ten lengths. The time was 22min 2l£teo. As Beach pulled down the course the cheering was tremendous, and the noise quite deafening. The excitement in -ydney last night was intense. Beach appeared at the window of Punch’s Hotel, and addressed the crowd. He said he would never row for the championship ex cept on the Parramatta course. The most feasible theory about Haolan’s defeat is over training and the severe hot weather experienced. Beach weighed 12st 4 llb, Hanlan lOat 121 b.

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS.

Wellington. < It is probable that the Governor and t the Hon J. Ballance will leave to-morrow j b? the Hinemoa for Lyttelton The j Minister for Public Works will probably | leave overland for Napier this evening. \ Nelson. j Fully 5,000 people attended the camp j at Stoke to-day, and the review and sham | fight were an unqualified success, The ] whole of the movements were visible from , various points, and the scene was very ; effective. In the afternoon the review took place, M'jor Stapp being brigadier and reviewing officer. The march past was ; highly creditable. The whole brigade went through manual and bayonet exercise with great precision, and the Alexandra Cavalry were lustily cheered on marching past at the double, and retiring at the gallop. The infantry and artillery then went through firing exercise, the Nelson bat talion distinguished itself for precision, but the Wellington battalion had no am munition. The infantry then formed into squads, each battalion with big guns at the angles, and the Alexandra Cavalry made a splendid charge. On the return, Trooper F. Bryce mot with an accident. His girths breaking, he came an awful cropper, and was stunned, but not seri ously hurt. Dunedin. A serious accident occurred at Tahuna Park on Saturday afternoon. During the leaping contest, the horse which Lieut. M‘Kay, of Oamaru, one of the competi tors, was riding, struck a hurdle, and his rider sustained concussion of the spine. Ho was immediately attended to by Dr Coughtrey, who happened to be in the camp at the time, but this afternoon he was still in a serious condition. A three-roomed wooden house at Musselburgh, belonging to Mr T. Pren tice, was burned down early on Saturday evening. There was no one in the house ■ at the time, hut when Mrs Prentice left i a short time before, there was a fire in the i fireplace of one of the rooms, and it is ■ supposed that the lira originated through t the chimney being in a foul state. The house and contents were insured for - LIOO.

The Easter encampment closed to-day with a sham fight and review. The public flocked in hundreds this afternoon to see the review, and as one shilling admission fee was charged both to-day and on Satur day, a large sum should be the result. A band contest takes place to-night.

THE NEW "LORDS."

The Hawera and Normanby Star in an article upon the new Legislative Council lors says : The on’y theory we can advance is that the question of making councillors having been mooted in Cabinet, and difference of opinion having arisen, a “shake in the hat ’’ took placa to decide the matter. And what strikes us particularly is that the Premier and the radical members of the Cabinet had much the worst of the “ draw.” Every political interest except theirs is represented. Personally, there can be no objection to the new men The only thing is that they are political no bodies, and the colony is not likely to re ceive any advantage from this increase of expenditure something like L 2,000. Captain Morris, no doubt, had the best claim of the lot to appointment. He stuck to the present Ministry at a time when hardly another North Island member would give them a vote, and when the first Stout Ministry was formed he pluckily joined what he knew to be a sinking ship. Air Shepherd has Jong been seeking the otiim cum digniiate of a seat in the “ Lords,” and it is said that he would have been called years ago wore it not that sudden defeat prevented a Ministry carrying into effect a promise given to the hon gentleman. He has been a faint sup porter of the Government Mr Shrimski has represented Oamaru for seven or eight years. He has been distinguished for his bitter opposition to the Atkinson party, and bis possession of a “peppery” tempar; and although he has posed as a Liberal we prophesy that free from the check of a constituency he will develops into an unbending Tory. Mr Robert Pharazyn, of Wanganui, Is unquestionably a clever man, who will be a gain to the Oounci', especially as he will represent a part of the colony whose voice has not yet been in the Council; but how a Radical Premier could nominate him we cannot under stand. MV Louncelot Walker is a brother of the member for Wakanui, and whip for the Government in the Lower House. Mr Bathgate is an ex-M. H.R. for a Dunedin constituency, having been beaten at the last emotion, and may be described as a man of “ fads,” his main idea just now being a State Bank. Mr Swanson for many years represented Newton (Auck land), but owing to his mismanagement failed to find a seat at the last election. No man could be more out of his element than “ Billy Swanson ” in the Legislative Council. Mr Taiaroa was formerly in the Council, but forfeited his seat owing to a technical lapse in connection with his ap pointment. Captain Kenny for years represented Pioton in .the House of Re presentatives, and was distinguished for his silence.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

STATE EDUCATION.

To the Editor. Sib, —I have been surprised that in your somewhat hostile criticism of the policy of Sir Julius Vogel you have not referred to the unsound. views he evi dently holds upon the education question. Sixty years ago, when the Roman Catho lics in England were justly complaining of their exclusion from all civic right* on account of their religious belief, it would

have been difficult to imagine that we should so soon see them denouncing a national system of education, not because it does, but because it does not in any way interfere with the religious convic tions of any portion of the community They are now forgetting their sufferings as a persecuted minority, appear ready to adopt any system of education under which the religious scruples of

hose who differ from them shall be no

; longer respected. Thus the very deno mination that suffered most from Govern ment interference with matters of religion and conscience are now the loudest and first to complain of its absence. In Christ church, Sir Julius Vogel was asked the inevitable question commencing “ Seeing that the Roman Catholics cf New Zealand provide, at their own cost, an excellent education for their own children, etc.” Now, this is just what the Roman Catho lics have not done. I am quite willing to concede the excellence of the few schools ■ they have established in the main centres of population. But these are localities where no State and no denomination would find any difficulty in the work of teaching. What have they done, or what can they be expected to do for the scat tered country populations where all the difficulty lies 2 Eow would it bo possible for any system of denominational educa tion to work otherwise than unfairly and disastrously amongst such populations ? ! Without noticing this important mis statement the Colonial Treasurer goes on to make a still more Important mis-state ment of his own in the first sentence of his reply—a mis-statement that shows that he has not yet realised the most important principle and the most formid able difficulty that underlies the question. Be savs. “ I cannot go with the Roman Catholics in the belief that they have a right to resist the payment of taxes which are applied to purposes which the great

bulk of the population—say six-sevenths b the population—believe to be requisite.” I can quite understand how Sir Julios Vogel could at alt limes gracefully bow to a ma jority of six-sevenths on almost any sab* ject, but Quakers were not a seventieth part of the population of England when they resisted the payment uf a single penny to the Government for any relig ious teaching, and all history shows us that there are thousands of men made of material so stern that they would .how to no majority in any matter of religions conviction. The question With" subh meu wou'd be, not by what maiority Is the tax demanded, but to what purpose is it ap applied. |lf applied to teaching children reading, writing and arithmetic, .they could have no conscientious difficulties about it, but if applied to teaching relig ion of any kind, all their strongest con victions would be roused and payment re sisted, without a moment’s consideration of what majority differed from them. lam, etc., F. D.

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND AUTUMN MEETING.

For the second day’s racing of the Autumn Meeting at Elleralle there .was magnificent weather. About 4,000 to 5,000 persons were present.

Flying Stakes of 100 sovs. Three quarters of a mile.

Mr J. Marshall’s Thunderbolt, fist lib (A. Sutherland) 1 Mr Robertson’s Mitrailleuse, fist 121 b (J. Wattle) 2 Mr W. Walters’ Rosebud, fist 131 b (Thorpe) 3 Time, Imin Ififsec. 899 in the total!- sator—s2? on the winner, dividend 30s.

Shorts Handicap. One mile. Mr Byrnes’ Kalo, 7st 61b ... (Byor) 1 Me Cunningham’s Dauphin, Bst 41b (Clifford) 2 Mr Lnmsden’a Alpha, 6st 71b (Thorpe) 3 Minerva, Rewi, Necklace, and Sir Bedevere also ran.

Time, 1 min 44|seo. 839 in the total!- sator —three on the vinner, dividend, L25115a.

Autumn Steeplechase of 150 sots ; three and a quarter miles. Mr Proffitt’s Macaroni, list 21h (Bd wards) 1 Mr Chadwick’s New Year, lOst 51b

(Mann) 2 Mr Barron’s Director, 10st (Honnor) 3 Chandler, Whalebone, Sunray, King, Julia Ann, and Marquis also ran. Time, dmin 46£sec. 271 in the total!- sator—llß on the winner, dividend LI 13s.

Ellbrslib Plate, 100 sovs ; 6 furlongs. Mr Marshall’s Thunderbolt, 9st 61b, including 101 b penalties (Sutherland) 1 Mr Marshall’s Derringer ... Mr Walter’s Rosebud, Bst 71b (Clifford) Uno also ran.

Time— Imin 20|seos. 610 on the total!- sator ; 361 on the winner ; dividend 30s. Autumn Handicap, 200 sovs ; one and a

half miles. Mr Marshall’s Turquoise, Ost 101 b (Sutherland) 1 Mr George’e Buzzard, 7st (41bs over) (Williams) 2 Mr Somerville’s Wood Nymph, 7st 121 b (White) 3 Libeller, Mitrailleuse, Mystery, Emir Bey, Poet, Kalo and Nannie also ran. Time—2min 45£secs. 1,334 on the to talisator; 874 on the winner; dividend L 3. Free Handicap, 50 sovs; one mile. Mr Gallagher’s Revolver, 6at 71b (Kidd) 1 Mr Nelson’s Mystery, 7st 6ib(Absolom) 2 Mr Cunningham’s Dauphin, Bst 91b (Clifford) 3 Victoria, Minerva, Buzzard, Chevalier, Alpha, and Claud also ran. Time—lmin 46secs. Dividend, Ll 9.

CHRISTCHURCH AUTUMN MELTING.

Christchurch, Last Nigh-. The Champagne Stakes, a sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, with 260 sovs added ; the second horse to receive 50 sovs from the stake; third horse to save his stake. For two-year olds, colts Bst 101 b, fillies Bst 81b. Six furlongs. Stoneyhurst, Sat 101 b (Thompson) ... 1 Manchester, Bst 101 b (Derritt) ... 2 Hermitage, Bst 101 b (Roden) 3 Banian and Everton Lad also ran. Time, Imm 17seo. Hurdle Race Handicap, of 100 sovs, with a sweepstakes of 6 sovs. each to go to the second horse ; minimum weight, 9st; over six flights of hurdles. Once round and a distance. Master Agnes lOst 71b (Sheenan) ... 1 Ravenswood, 12tt (Lunn) ... ... 3 Marquis, lOst 21b (Bell) ... .., 3 Border man, A aim, Gaiters, Royalty and Hector also ran. , Totalisator, L 3 13s. The Epsom Welter Handicap, a sweep stakes of 6 sovs each, with 100 sovs added ; for three-year-olds and up wards ; minimum weight, 8"t. One mile and a half. Puck, Bst (Derrett) ... ... ... 8 Totalisator, LI 9s. • The Post Stakes was won by Whale bone Dick, beating Nellie, Tommy, Oliva branch and Fairplay. Totalisator, L 3 2s 6d.

Second Day.

(By Telegraph.) Christohdboh, To-day.

The race meeting was continued to-day under most favorable conditions. The weather is glorious and tie attendance large. The course is in capital order. Nursery Handicap, of 200 sovs; five furlongs.

Hanlan, 7st (Huxtable) 1 Guinea, 7st ••• (Sharp) 3 Hermitage, Bst ... ... (Derrlti) 3 Five others slatted. Hermitage was a strong favorite. A splendid race; Haoian won by a short head. Time—loin 3|sec. Hxibdle Handicap, 150 so vs; two miles. Mr Sheenan's Master Agnes, 10st Illb (Owner) 1 Mr Meroyn’s Garibaldi, 95t... (Ooxton) 2 Mr Hobbs’s Moody, lOst 71b JO. Hobbs) 8 Bavenswood, Agim and Gaiters §lsoran. Ravenswood was the favorite, and was heavily supported. Gaiters ran off at the first fence, and Master Agnes won by about two lengths. Time, 4min The rider of Garibaldi has lodged a pro teat against Master Agnes for crossing. Challenge Stakes, 300 sova ; six furlongs. Mr D. O’Brien’s Trenton, Bst 91b (Derritt) 1 Mr G. G. Stead’s Loohiel, 7st 31b (White) 3 Mr G. G. Stead’s Eusaley, Bst 61b (Endings) 3 Taiaroa, Nelson and Stoneyhnrst also ran. Won easily. Time, Imin Selling Race, of ICO sova; six furlongs. Mr G. G. Stead’s Marion ... ... 1 Mr P. Butler’s Talebearer. . ... ... 2 Mr Duncan’s Castille filly ... 3 Seven others ran. Time, Imin 17$seo. The protest against Master Agnes in the Hurdle Race has been disallowed. ,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 1886.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied Jay previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. Ail notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. , , , All advertisements and business iert rs *o be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. .



GKIOULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANUI ROAD. CHARLES RAY Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of machinery. Special attention given to Bicycles, Tricycles and Sewing Machines. Lawn Mowers repaired, sharpened and adjusted. Model work. General repairs. f| IHE ASHBURTON COUNTY I STOCK AND SA LEYA EDS COMPANY (Limited), Is prepared to Dip Sheep IN large or small lots at the following scale of charges:— For the first 500 sheep, one penny each For the second 600 sheep, one half penny each each For docks of over 2,000 special arrange ments will be made. The material used will be charged for in addition to the above. GEORGE JAMESON, 3 207 Secretary. WAR WITH RUSSIA.—At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one exe pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a storm. In either case, we ought to be "prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities wool and labor will go up. Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a ■took of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased • Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds ana other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which ire are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, it is almost needless for ns to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of catting, and the care exer cised by ns in fitting the figure, a mis-fit is an Impossibility.— Craighead and Co. , l&eiebaat Jailors, Tailored street.



Special Advertisements. rjpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes-rs WILDING, LEWIS &CASTGILL £ have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risks taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury, Timber Timber TO FARMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Bates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied throughout. Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD I MERCHANTS, East street, Ashburton. ; 25 ; Branches Now Open 25] ; THE NEW~ ZEALAND 1 Clothing Factory J Are now Showing , NEWEST STYLES j in i SPRING Jb SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured , from the renowned Wear Resisting 5 MOSGIEL TWEEDS , The fit and workmanship of every gar , ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while ■1 the large production and increased busi i ness enables the proprietors to offer ■ special advantages as to price. 1 Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing ■ in every variety at Wholesale Prices. " Sk’jts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at 0 WHOLESALE PRICES. d Note the address— -2 NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING 5 FAfITOEY C EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25 5 N OTICE TO FARMERS, WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their gr«in we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large.brick granary B we have erected a large Iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Co. and now leased to us, enables us to offer to farmers extra 3 facilities for the storage and classification of grain at nominal rates.



Wantea. WJ ANTED Known— Shop To Let, # VV in East street. Enquire T. Tay lor, Baker. 3 439 WANTED— A Situation as Barman ' or Billiard-marker; town or country. Apply, 0.. F. Oaestaies, office of this paper. 4 505 TT7"ANTED buying j VV Dress Materials, Dlaters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc., call and inspect ' our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. 0. Sbsees,- ealys’Buildings, East Street. BEAT Reductions for Cash at Jones V2T AND Bradshaw's. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton, Is 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. _ XT7"ANTED Known—Wertheira Sew- V\ ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. aLOBIOUS NEWS. Andrew *Ore will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls 6d—every article at half-price. XITANTED Known—Fresh Flounders » • are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. VV, O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 VT7'ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 VV That Hayes 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, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. .’LA— WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£d, Towels 3J d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles la 4d. Andrew Ore’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNOWN—Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Towd Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760



W. Fowke, BOOTMAKER, BEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has started business on his own account. He hopes by strict attention to business and making a good article, to secure a share of public patronage. Address—BUßNETT STREET, In premises occupied by Mr J. Meech. 4 486 Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold sa urily, at current rates of interest. Principals only dealt with. 3 428 CHAS. W. PURNELL. jQOMESTIC PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dressesand Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY, &c. Must be sold —even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton. R. Bovan R. Bsvan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bavan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan K. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bavan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan BOOKSELLER • AND STATIONER. Cut'ery, Jewellery, Concertinas, and Fancy Goods Dealer. BEVAN Young Ladies’ Journals (Mar. No.) for Is 3d. Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates. SAUNDERS’ BUILDING Next Quili’sHotel. R. Bevan R. Bevan H. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan v R. Bevan R. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan Read, make, learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully ARTISTIC E-ASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I be'ieve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to be the most popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papers; ’ and I say the same 1 Read ! Bead ! Read ! When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish by saying—Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton.



We are prepared to make liberal cash advances on grain sent in for storage, or will ship same under advance on grower’s account or otherwise, as may be arranged. UTUMN AND WINTER. H.B. May & Co., Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection. They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLINERY. DRAPERY, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash Price. If you will trouble to think for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the beat pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense coat of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and an expensive staff; therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or make a apecial load or draw of any particular article, wa will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the beat. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and be sent free of carriage (by rail) to ANY PART OF C ANTERBURY. EL. B. May & Co., 3 454 THE HALL.



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January 16th, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIEsI GLARING REDUCTIONS Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows'll Dimaut andjCoe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by On-and Co., Corn ; East and Tancred otre ASHBURTON. J



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, lancbed Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf- K d per lb Best White Crystal, S£d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 8d Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 6.1 Raisins, 7d New Figs, la per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6Jd Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES MoGREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342



Another unfortunate,—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a £2,424. stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for ,£954, or only a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M, and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secnre a speedy clearance.



Hop Bitters gives good digestion, active liver, good circulation and buoyant spirits. Get the only genuine American’s Co’s. Read. Skinny Men. —“ Wells’ Health Renewer icstores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potence, debility. The N.Z. Drug Co. General Agents, {



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. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter,' Chemist; Christchurch, for ig r»r 44 stamps. - Wells’ ‘‘Rough on Corns.”— Ask' for Wells’ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunons, The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 1 '



Don’t Die in the House. “ Rouugh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack* rabbits, gophers. The N.Z, Drug Co.. Qcaeial Agents, j