DAILY MEMORANDA

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc Fbiday, November 12 Meemstie Society— Meeting in the Odd lellowV Hall at 8 o’eock SATURDAY, NoTIMBKR 13 AAbnrton Oonnty Council —At Connell Chambers, 11a.m. Monday, November 16 nnfrfi Council, at Borough Connell Chamber* at 7.30 Saictbdat, DecxsTbkr 4 Wakatinl Road B ard—Monthly meeting •t the Board’s office, Moore street, at 11 »-m. ■ _______

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Tairas Army* at Ashburton —From Ohrist "hnroh and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 485 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timara, 19.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.37 oeS&> (express). From Mount Somers* 10*6 Leave Ashburton —For Christ tomroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.56 a.m., •ad 6.87 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.26 a.m. (express). For Timara, 4*46 p.m. For Mount Somers, 6.6 p.m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

- Prom and after the 80th June, 1886, the lam of Subscription to this journal will be :£ follows, vis.:— IV tJUD a A&TAROI • Pot Quarter.. 6« 6d, by post, 9s 6d ' , Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 87s Od a booked: ' Pm Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10a 9d „ Half-year 16s Od, by post, 91s 6d „ Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43s 0d N. B. The above in so tab as beoabdb bub- OBirnoHS PAID IN advanob will not affect old •Sbeeribere, with whom pbivioublt ezistino '•bbabobubnts wru. be maintained. Birth Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid j* the time of insertion, 2s 6d each |ft«m may be sent as payment); if booked, PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAT RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT TOE OLD RATES. . Announcements of Births, Deaths ana Mtiages sent for|pnblication from the country require to be verified by the signa of ths person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

|wv»» close at the Ashburton Poet Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 430 a-m-, and 5 p.m., daily. ; Fox Ohertaey Rakais, &c* f ftt 10.30 *-na and 6 p.m. duly. For Dunedin, Tlnwald, Window, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, tnd Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. . ForTomuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m 4*117. , for Timaru and South, at 10 a. sa., and 180 p.m. , dally. For Groenatreet, on Wednesday* and tnrdaye, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seavlew, Seafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and tnrdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Mount Somers, dally at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Waterton and Longbcach, 430 p.m. daily. For Slemington, on Mondays, Wedne* 4m, and Fridays, at 430 p. m- For Newlande, on Tuesdays and Fri •t 10.30 a.m. wr«»* arrive at the. Ashburton Tost from Christchurch and Rakala at 10.15 t.m.. 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertaey, &a at 10.16 a and ( 86p.m. daily. From Dunedin »nd Intermediate places 6.3 Q n.m. daily, s From Temnka and Timara at 10.40 a.m p 5.30 p.m daily. , , , From Greenstreetj Wednesday* and Saturdays, at 10 Am. from Mount Somers, dally at 10.6 ' From Mayfield and Rnapnna, on Wed oasdsys and Saturdays, at 10.0 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Frl day*, at 8.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thnr* days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY NOVEMBER 11, 1886. THE BOROUGH SCHOOL.

The report of Inspectors Wood and Anderson upon the recent inspection of the Ashburton Borough School will be read with feelings the reverse of pleasurable, for it is seldom indeed that official documents of this kind contain reflections of so severe a character. And it is all the more disappointing in that better things had been confidently expected, in view of the favorable record which Mr Kneen was able to show at the pievious examination. A year ago we felt it our duty to criticise adversely the then condition of the school, and we were pleased to be able, six months later (on lath May) last, to record our satisfaction that Mr Kneen, who, on taking charge, had done so under adverse conditions, every department of the institution being more or less disorganised when he assumed the control, had by his in dustry and ability brought about so happy a change as to merit and receive the approval of the Inspector and the commendation of the Committee. It may be of interest here to refer to the report of Mr Wood, as presented to the Committee at its meeting on the nth May last, and to contrast it with that which appears in another column. On the date first referred to the report ran that the “ Organisation was satis factory, provision being made for teach ing all the subjects in the syllabus;” and of the instruction given by the certificated teachers in his presence Mr Wood recorded as follows: “By Mr Kneen very good; by Miss Harband very fair; by Miss Dick fair; bj Miss Clark very fair. The pupil teachers give very fair promise of be coming useful teachers. On the second day of my visit I observed an earnest effort on their part to carry out the suggestions I had given on the previous day regarding the methods to be adopted in teaching some of the more important subjects.” The Inspector also reported the Order and Discipline to be “ good,” and the Committee, greatly pleased at the result, un animously resolved “That the teaching staff be complimented on the very favorable report presented by the Inspector.” So much for the one picture. Now let us glance at the other. The report of Messrs Wood and Ander son, which we publish to-day, of just six months’ later date than that above referred to, after speaking in terms of high commendation of the infant depart ment, and favorably of Standardsjl and 11, refers in the most adverse terms poissble to the upper Standards. The Inspectors say—“ On the remainder of the school we regret to have to report in the most unfavorable terms.—ln Standards 111, IV, and V the intelli j gence of the children has scarcely been, awakened, and a very large proportion' failed to reach the ordinary pass limit, not merely in one or two, but in tour and even five subjects. In Standard VI, with somewhat better results, there is in many respects a marked weakness,” With the single exception ’ of Free hand drawing, which they speak of as well taught, they go on to say that “ In other respects the class subjects of Standards IV, V and VI are in a very unsatisfactory state. The geography of Standard IV has been shamefully neg lected ; in the science of Standard V and VI even the most elementary facts of the programme submitted were imperfectly understood, and the history in each of these three classes bears evidence of the most slovenly teaching.” It is scarcely possible to imagine terms more condemnatory, and the Board very* properly asked the Committee to call upon the headmaster for an ex planation. That explanation was forthcoming, and was deemed by the Committee to be thoroughly' satisfactory, and is to the effect following ;—Mr Kneen points out that when he assumed charge of the school “ he found that from the highest to the lowest, not a single teacher attempted to teach the meanings of the words in the lessons, or the reasons of rules in arithmetic,” and he very rightly says that “ want of intelligence could be the only result of this,” and his state ment that “ this is mainly the cause of the bad results now ” is obviously reasonable. He also shows that owing to circumstances which he ex plains, he has had to take personally, the Fourth as well as the Fifth and Sixth Standard pupils, and that having not only to instruct but to eradicate the faults of previously inefficient instruc tion, the work has been too much for him. He further goes on to state that these difficulties have been intensified , by the very irregular attendance of aj large proportion of the pupils. All| these, together, are amply sufficient causes to account for the failure, but while they may excuse Mr Kneeh as being the .victim of untoward circum stances, they amount to an admission that the remarks of the Inspectors as to the aptual cpnditioo of the School are

justified. While, then, the Committee have exempted the master from blam:, the duty manifestly lies upon them to remove without delay the causes which have produced the admitted unfavor able results, and in order to this two things are absolutely necessary, viz., Fitst that Mr Kneen should forthwith be provided with more effi cient assistance and so relieved from an undue pressure of work, and Second that steps must be taken to secure greater regularity of attendance on the part of the children. The first is a matter wholly and solely for the Com mittee, the second, one in which the Committee by enforcing the compulsory clauses of the Act may do something, but in which still more may be done by parents, who should see to it that the advantages afforded by the system of free education so liberally provided by the State are not lost through their own carelessness and indifference.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr T. Sealy has been nominated for the Mayoralty. At present there is no intimation of any other candidate coming forward. At the Canterbury A. and P. Show, Mr J. Gilmour, of this district, secured first and champion prize iu draught entires, and the Ashburton Woollen Factory Company were recommended a special silver medal for their exhibit of woollen goods. Prizes in sheep were taken by Messrs J. Bonifant, J. Grigg, Dudley and Northey, and L. White. A district order appears in another column under the hand of Major Newall, appointing a parade in review order of the Ashburton Rifles and Guards, and the Ashburton detachment of the O.Y.C. for Thnrsday, 18th ingt., for inspection by Colonel the Hon. Sir G. S. Whitmore. Thursday’s North Otago Times says:—A piece of horsemanship that would have done credit to a professional equestrian took place on the racecourse yesterday. In the Novel Race Fancy Fifteen’s saddle slipped round, and the jockey maintaining his seat came up the straight with the horse kicking in all directions. On coming near the post Tripp, the jockey, jumped off the horse’s back. Not withstanding the speed it was going at, be held on to the reins, and checked its mad career. The feat was cleverly performed, and was rewarded with a round of applause. We observe that it is advertised that a sitting of the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into and report upon the land claims of Volunteers enrolled between the years 1873 and 1876, as also those of discharged soldiers of Her Majesty’s military and naval forces, and other claims of a like nature from any of the local forces of the colony, will be held at the office of the Inspector of Police, Oamaru, at 10 a.m. on the 30th inst., when the Commissioners w ill hear evidence in support of all claims brought before them. We wonder it the Commissioners intend to visit Ashburton, and if not, why not? Hanlan’s crew won the champion four-oar race on the Thames. The Tiohborne “ claimant ’’ has been ar rested in New York for personating an army pensioner. A Russian spy has been arrested at Van couver Island whilst sketching the harbors there. As was predicted at the time of the Tara wera eruption, the mud deposit has proved a benefit to some of the agricultural and pastoral districts in Poverty Bay. Mr Thomas Sec combe, of Oreti, informs the Auckland Herald that his grass is most luxurious, and is much better than it has been at any previous period. It is anticipated that the whole pasture lands of the Poverty Bay district will benefit by the volcanic deposit. On Mr Secoombe’s land the silt was about an inch thick on the average, but the land is now covered by the most sue culent grasses. The Lyttelton Times mentions that Mr and Mrs George Cooper, farmer, of Southbridge, celebrated their golden wedding a few days ago. They are very old colonists, having (arrived here very shortly after the famous “ first four ships.” The roughing that early settlers had then to put up with has certainly not done them any harm, for, to quote the words of Mr Cooper, “ we are as healthy and as jolly as the day we were born,” which we heartily concur in, for be is as nimble as any of his 53 grand-children or great-grand children —all colonial-born. A British soldier tells a story of the Fiji settlements of the early days. A white man who was taken prisoner by an inland tribe bad a cork leg. Noticing that his captors were- fixing up an oven, he became nervous, land to conceal his fear he called for some thing to eat. Food being given him he used a large jaoknife to out it up. Every mouth ful or two he stuck the jaoknife into his leg with such force that it stood erect. The natives looked on in great astonishment and with evident alarm. After the meal was over he began to unscrew his leg. That was too much for the poor savages. They hadn’t the slightest curiosity to see what he would do next, but opened a passage for, him and let him pass unmolested. When he reached his horse the natives began to gather aronnd, but after mounting he made a motion as if to unscrew his head, and the spectators fled in dismay. -v At the Wesleyan District Meeting held at Christchurch, yesterday, the Ashburton trustees reported that conditions had been complied with which entitled them to receive £2OO from the loan fund, and the Waterton trustees that they had received £6O from same fund. There is a Parliamentary deadlock at Brisbane, caused by the Upper House insist, ing on their privilege of amending money Bills. The shipment of fruit from Australia is highly spoken of by the Prince of Wales. All the cargo has arrived in splendid condition except the passion fruit.

ASHBURTON WOOLLEN GOODS

j Writing of the display of their goods in the Metropolitan Show Yards the Lyttelton 'Times says :—The Ashburton Woollen Com pany, though they did not get the gold medal, nave reason to be proud of their collection, which the judges deemed worthy of a special ■silver medal. It was not so extensive as that of Kaiapoi, but in or two point*it was con sidered by some to be superior. The tweeds, jfor instance, were much fancied, and about excellency there can be no doubt. The patterns, in the first place, were tasteful and good, and the distinctness with which the various colors were brought out were highly creditable to the skill of the weaver. The quality was admirable—strong, yet soft, and with a fine finish, and gave promise of a wonderful amount of wear. The Ahsburton blankets, soft, downy, but substantial, were also most creditable. Some of the samples of flannel were of admirable texture and quality, but others were regarded, by some as not quite equal in quality. The yarns were not quite so well made as they might have been. The tartans were very good, the colors bright and clear, and the patterns correct, though the checks of the red tartans were rather large.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Toe ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashburton f-‘rh-'<'l won ho’t «t the Borough Schools last evening Pe eent—Messrs J. 0. * iuio*' (Ch*irtn*n) W. Craighead, K. Dimant, J W Saw o. FINANCIAL. The Chairman psid the credit babnci at the bank w»b £26 16a 3d. 0 KRKBP JNDBNCB. Letters wi re reaii f om the Board of Education on routine subjects. PROPOSED HALF VBABLT EX AMIN A 1 lONS A letter was rrad trom the Secretary of the Board of Educati n, (tiing ihvt ho would lay the letter of the Committee, with reference to the desirableness of hr Iding half-yearly examinations, before the Board but he was sure that the extra expense which would be incurred would prevent the carrying of the pro posal int < effect. He agreed with the Committee that it was neither juat nor wise that a child who had barely failed to pass a standard perhaps through nervousnees should be kept in the same standard for another year. But when this happened the master was to blame, for the Insprckoi’s report, though final as regards the passing of any standard, did not affect the school classification, which rested entirely with the teachers. ISTSPHOTOBS’ REPORT. A letter was read from the Board of Education, forwarding the Inspectors’ re port upon the recent examination of the school, and calling the attention of the Committed to its extremely unfavorable character as regarded all the classes above Standard 11. The Committee were asked to call upon the Headmaster for an ex planation to be forwarded to the Board of Education. The report showed the following to be the DISTRIBUTION OF TEAOHINO STAFF. S. VI. V.—Mr Kneen, headmaster, with pupil teacher, S. IY. lll.—Miss Stewart, mistress, with pupil teacher. S. Il—Miss Dick, assistant mistress. S. I.(<) —Mies Barrett S 1 -(b) —Miss Williamson. P. —Miss Clarke, with two pupil teachers.

RESULT OT EXAMINATION IN STANDARDS.

Percentage of passes ... 30 9 Percenvage of futures ... 38 9 inspectors' remarks.

The following are the remarks made by Messrs Wood and Anderson, upon the examination “ The infant depart ment is in a very fair condition indeed. The children are orderly and attentive, and their attainments generally are fully satisfactory. In the upoer division good progress has been made la the work required by Standard I.—Standard I. has been taught in two drafts. The upoer draft shows very good results in spelling, writing, and arithmetic, but has been poorly taught in reading The lower draft presents the same charac teristics on a lower level —Standard II occupies on the whole a very satisfactory position. All the subjects, with the exception of reading and drawing, are very creditable to the teacher, and care with which writing has been taught is especially commendable. —On the remainder of the school we regret to have to report in the most, unfavorable terms —ln fc-tandards 111, IV, and V the intelligence of the children has scarcely been awakened, and a very large pro portion failed to reach the ordinary pus limit, not merely in one or two, but in four and even five subjects. In Standard VI, with somewhat better results, there is In many respects a marked weakness Freehand drawing has be n well taught la Standards V and VI. ! n Standard IV while the amount done is very meagre, very fair care has been taken with the exercises. In other resppc‘s the olas»| subjects of Standards IV. V, and VI are la a very unsatisfactory state. The geography of Standard IV has been shamefully neglected; in the science of Siandarda V and VI even the most elementary facts of the programme sub mitted were Imperfectly understood, and the history in each of these three classes bears evidence of the most slovenly teach ing.—The attendance of the children as set out in the schedules for the pterions three quarters Is strikingly poor. Out of the 328 times the school has been open the number making 300 attendances is ex tremely small, and in the Fourth Standard class, taken at random, as an apparenly fair specimen, the average reaches only 200.—Generally, the condition the school, as disclosed by tbi* examination, is very disappointing, and energetic inea sures directed towards an improvement in respect of both work and attendance are imperatively demanded — L. B. Wood, M.A. W. Anderson, L L.D., Inspectors.” The Chairman said that in order that they might have both sides of the quea ti n ho had isked the Master to make an explanation in time for consideration at that meeting. The Master had done so, and he (tlio Chairman) would ask the Secretary to read the Master’s reply. The Mester’s explanation was read as fellows : “The Chairman Ashburton School Committee. Ashburton, November 10, 1886. Sir, I beg to acknowledge receipt of Board’s request for an explana tion of the failure of the upoer standards in the late examination. In reply, I h ve to state that the causes of Ihe un satisfactory report may be gathered from the following :—Year’s work : The last examination, very shortly beforo my taking office, proved that the pupils were in a very backward condition, and that' nothing but a hard year’s work by all would bring about good results for this year. To secure this, I put Miss Dick inj charge of First and Second Standards,j Miss Hatband over the Third and Fourth,j and took the Fifth and Sixth myself. At the outset I fonnd that to do any good at all with the F>lth and Sixth it would be compulsory to devote a few months to back wo*k in o der to pnt some kind of foundation in them. This was done, and If I could possibly have carried on with thorn in the same manner, 1 have uo doubt, although they have shown great improvement to themselves and to me, the examination would have had a very d'fferent result However, in the mean time the monthly examination of the Third and Fourth Standards had turned out so badly that I could only come to thei conclusion that the worfc apportioned to| Miss Hatband was too much for her, andj as there was no one else competent to teach the Fourth Standard, I was forced! in the Interests of the school to take it. with the Fifth and Sixth, and from April to the time Miss Stewart’s appointment to attempt the work of eradicating the faults, and carrying on the improvement, j of a large number of backward pupila crowded Into a large room. The result proves tbat it was too much for mo, and, in spite of all my trouble, the Third Standard did not do any better.*-(Knowledge of Heading Matter

enl Went of Inreiilgeoce : The <n t specters report, bad'y <n ,beie point*, and a > wonder, f>r when I came to the school I found th»t f-om th-< high et o the lowest, no'. a ein.-le teacher attempted to teach ih" meanings of the words in the lessons or the 'eaeons of roles in arith metic. Want of intelligence could be the only result of this, and is mainly the cause of bad resalts now. Attendance : The attendance has always been disap pointing The chi dron seem to stayl away when they like. With 410 on the! roll, our highest average was 314 and the! average for quarter before rxaninati -u was, through prevalence of measles, 275 ;lj and yet as soon aa the visit of the Inspectors was notified it rose to 365. History : As this was not a pass subject, I took no part in the teaching of it, and spent the time in superintendence and in teaching in other parts of the school.— In regard to the la - e headmistress, I have always bad ana still have, a high respect for her teaching powers, but unfortunately through a lack of sympathy with the children on her part, and past prejudices of parents waking on the children on the other hand, successful results in this school could not ptsaibly attend her conscientious and arduous effjrts.—ln conclusion, although the report is a serious reflection on myself, on looking back 1 cannot see that I could ha v e done any thing else than what 1 did, and, with the single exception of not paying sufficient attention to composition in all the classts, anything to blame myself for. At the same time I feel confident that with the present arrangement of classes the next examination will be far mare satisfactory. —I remain, etc., W. H. Knbkn.” Mr Sawle ’rid with respect to bad attendance affecting the result, 'hat he had some children attending the school Be lived at such, a distance therefrom that the children were often necessarily kept at home. Doubtle s there were num bers of parents In the same position, a»d such a state of things was very much against the teachers achieving success. There was also another circumaiauce which ha thought would partly account for the bad result. They would remem ber the sensation that had been caused in consequence of the report made to the Board of Education by a committee, of wnich Mr launders was Chairman. Since that report, was made the Inspectoral' were far more strict than they had beeaj in the past. At Oxfor both schools—/ scb'-ols which formerly pas edl j creditable examinations—had made but a sorry show at the recent one. He did not know what reply the Committee would make to the Board’s communica tion, but he thought they should give the' teachers every ohancs, and if they saw any way of giving them help let them do so. . The Chairman said ha had been per fectly astounded ou reading the ieport. In the comae of his duties he hod been ab mt the school very frequently, and it was his opinion that the Master was a m st competent man, and very attentive to his work. Numbers o? parents had spoken to him, and expressed their satis faction at the manner in which their children were getting on. No nns had ever questioned the Master’s aViities or his capacity to wok, and he (iho Chair man) was at a loss to explain the unfavor able report. He agreed with Mr Sawle as to the Inspectors now being very severe. He believed that Rmgiora- School had been most unfavorably re ported on at the recent examination, He had heard that the new inspector was very strict, and perhaps may have in duced nervousness in the children. However, he supposed they would have to regard the Inspectors aa infallible, j whether they were so or not Mr Dimant and himself had had a conversa tion with one of the Inspectors, who said the children were better than they had been for years, and that the general tone of the school was better than it had ever been before In answer to Mr Sawle, the Chairtfian aald that when the Inspector made his surprise visit a fewmonths ago he reported m >at favo-ably on the echo 1 Mr Dimant thought the Inspectors had n»t done the master justice. They had •pointed out all the faults in the school, but they made no reference to the Im provements which had been effected by the Headmaster: It was difficult to realise that they should have recdvad»u*h an unfavorable report when a short time ago they had a highly favorable report, upon which they passed a complimentary resolu tion to the Headmaster. Mr Wood, the senior Inspector, when asked by the Chairman and bimself where he expected to find a test of the Master’s abilities, said in the Ffth and Sixth standards, as being the ones immediately ander the Master's control. Now, la the Sixth Stan lard 6 out of 9 passed, equal to 69 per cent , which under the circumstances was very good The Master hid had many great difficulties to contend with, and the Committee should afford him every opportunity of redeeming the reputation which la some measure had been taken away by the report just received. When that report citne to hand he (Mr.Dimani) had gone to some trr ule in making enquiries among parents of children attending the school, and they ware unanimous that good progress had been made. In fact, many of them had taken their children from he High School and placed them under Mr Kneen’s charge Mr Craighead corroborated Mr Sawle’a remarks about the increased severity of the examinations Be knew of a school where .he average bad formerly been ahont 10) per cent., but where it had dropped to about 70 per cent, at a recent examination. The cause of this was nervousness on the part of the children, for wh*n the Inspectors had gone he test questions were answered with ease. Mr Dimant moved—“ That the Com mittee, while recognising the unsatisfactory natu e of the Inspectors’ report upon the annual examination, and having con sidered the Headmaster's explanation In reference to the same, are of opinion that such explanation is satisfactory, inasmuch as the Committee believe the reasons assigned for failure are valid. And >he Oommittea further desire to express their entire confidence in the teaching staff ” Mr Sawle seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The resolution will be sent together with the Headmaster’s explanation to the Board of Education. I

VISITING COMMITTEE The Chairman and Mr Sawle were app inted a Visiting Committee for the ensuing month. The Committee then adjourned.

CRICKET

ENGLISHMEN v VICTORIA, Melbourne, November 10. The cricket match, Victoria v Shaw- Llllywhite’s team was resumed to-day. 1 he Englishmen continued their innings the last wicket falling for 352 runs. Barnes contributed 117 (caught), Flowers 52 (ran ont). The Home team then went to the wickets and had scored 207 for nine wickets* when stomps were drawn McShane 42 (bowled), Morris (not out) 64. The match was drawn.

THE "MONSTER.”

HE iS TI!AJSSF H^MH.D INTO A T GER. Auckland. November 11, The saurian monsters in the Wsikrt'r dis trict has -eve'oped into a tiger, footprints of which it in allseed have been seen on Cactleton’s firm. Large numbers of people ou horseback nd foot have been oat hunting. The Herald giving a oircum rtrn ’al account of .ta being seen by several parties, hut the statements are generally d : so>edited.

METROPOLITAN SHOW.

Christchurch, Nov. 10, The Metropolitan Show was attended by over 15 000 people to-day. The sum of £7lO was taken at. the gates. The Governor and Sir J, V gel were on the ground. The weather war fine, though a strong “ not ’-wetter ” blew clouds of dust through the streets. The exhibits, though 200 less than last year, were up to the average in qnality. Merinos, with a few exceptions only, were creditable, and iongwools and Downs were excellent. Cattle comprised representatives of oar best strains of blood. Draughts were up to the average, but light horses were very poor. Of pigs there was a small entry, but of good quality. The show of Implements was exceedingly good, local manufactures, and the exhibits of produce were good, but not much in advance of last year. Mr J. Giltnour’s Kelvin took first prize, and the champion for beat draught entire. Mr John Boag, first and second for champion brood mares. Bundoora was first of the thoroughbred stallions Most of the prizes for pigs were f aken by Mr J. Rowe in Yorkshires, and by Mr J. Matthew Brown, and Messrs E. and T. Clarkson in Berkshlres. The Kalapoi Woollen Company took the e ld medal for woollen goods, the Ash burton Company being recommended for a special silver medal The Temdka Lin seed ; ompany obtained a silver medal for a collection of*ropes and twines. Mr M. Peach took ihost of the prizes for butter, and Messrs C B. and C. P. Candy for cheeee. No prizes were awarded for implements, but several exhibits were highly commended

THE GREAT BARRIER TRAGEDY

Auckl\nd, November 10. The fol owing is the conclusion of Mrs TayW’s evidence:— Witness saw Caffrey coming out of the bouse, and oiled on him for help. Caffrey tame forward to her, carrying a revolver in one hand and a piece of rope round his wrist, and said to Penn, “ Don’t harm the old woman. Witness said to Caffrey, who showed blood stains, “Oh, Johnny, what have done ?” He said, “ I’ve done it; I’ve done it.” He added that he was going to Seymour’s, and would do for the lot. Bath men then went away, and witness returned to the house, and found her husband sitting on the floor, quite dead. This was the room occupied by her daughter, Mrs Seymour, who had fled in her nightdress, leaving the baby in bed, and she found the infant unharmed Counsel for the prisoners reserved their cross examination. Mrs Taylor’s evidence was given in a dear voice, which only trembled when describing the minute details of the ter rible scene. During the proceedings Penn kept his eyes fixed on the witness’s face, while Caffrey, as usual, corroborated the evidence up to the commencement of the shooting. After the adjournment the evidence of Lincoln Taylor son of the deceased, Mr Blair, Decteriive Twohey, and Agnes Austin was taken. The only fresh evi dence was that of girl Anstin. She stated that she saw Caffrey on the night before the Sovereign of the Seas sailed. He proposed to her to go with him on the cutter. She refesed. Caffrey said sbe would not see him again, but would read or hear of h : m Prisoners were formally remanded to the 19th Inst

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, November 10. It is stated that Sir G. Grey intends to lease or dispose of Kiwaa, and make Auckland his home as soon as his library and art treasurers are removed to Auck land Free Library. Three thousand people visited the AgrcuUnral Show yesterday. The sale of stock at the show was not a success, only a few lots being sold. The roao boll Duke of Newcastle, for which £I6OO was off -red in vain in Sydney two years ago, found only one bidder at 16 guineas, aid was withdrawn. Unfavorable weather spoiled the holiday, Wellington November 10. The Wellington Woollen Company are sending to London bales of blankets ss samples of their goods. A rather serious robbery has been brought to light iu connection with the fete held last week to celebrate the open o( the Wellingtou-Manawatu railway. On the return journey a large crate, con taining silver plated ware to the value more than £59, belonging to the caterers, disappeared mysteriously from the train. Dunedin, November 10. The Mosgiel Woollen Factory Com nany has declared a 10 per cent, dividend. At a meeting of the University Council, a letter was read from the Secretary to the Education ment, pointing out that if instruction in military affairs were combined with a course of higher educa tion, i oung men of education in the colony world have opportunities of ob taining commissions in the Artillery wad Engineer corps of the British Army and in the line. The letter stated that in the course of two or three years a College would be started In Wellington, In which case differentiation of the Colleges wonld probably result la the institution of e Technical Military School in connection wi‘h the Colle/e at the seat of Govern ment. A report of the Committee of the Council on the letter recommended th '.t in view of the small number of oom miisiona open to colonists, and of candidates likely to coma forward, they should be left to prosecute their own studies. The Council would, however, willingly supervise the examination. Some members objected to fostering a military spirit, andthe report was adopted. Inveboasoill, November 10. William Weir, 24 years old, a billiard marker, was drowned at the Bluff on Monday night. The deceased, in com pany with several companions, was going down the wharf at a smart pace when hie hat was blown off Weir stopped, and saying he would recover it, launched a dingy in which there were no rowlocks, an* l only one oar. It appears that after getting Into the dingy, Weir was not teen again. A search party at once manned a whale boat, and proceeded round the harbor in hope of being able to discover some traces of the boat and its occupant, bat nothing was seen of either. J. Y. Hall, a settler who lately took land on tbs Glenbsm estate, in the Wyndham District, is missing. His friends in Dunedin have not heard any thing of him for some time, and tele graphed to the Rev. Wood, Presbyterian minister at yndham, and a search party went out on Monday night, and again yesterday, but without finding any trace of Hall. He was in the habit of going to Glsnbam home-lead f r letters and provisions, but has not been there for two days. His two - dogs came into Glen ham on Saturday night in a half-atarved condition. Hall’s horse was standing near his tent, bat the gun was missing, and It is fearedjho baa met with an accident. ’

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1886.



AVERAGE AG1SS OF PUPILS Yr». Mths. s. vr... ••• ... 14 6 s v. ... • •• ... 13 7 s. IV.... • 4 • ... 13 1 s. m.... ... 12 0 s. ’i, ... ... 10 10 s. i ... ..4 ... 9 6



Standards ns c © fl 4. T* O © £ w H m cs w A a. VI 9 ” .... 4 5 y 29 — 3 19 7 IV 32 4 4 19 5 in 52 4 9 27 12 n; 43 7 2 3 31 i 83 2 6 9 67 p 162 — — — — Total 410 17 23 81 127



MUSIC. MBS A. C. CLARIDGE is prepared to receive PUPILS for PIANOFORTE •ad ORGAN Terms on Application Co* street, Ashburton. 9668 WESTGATE & BATES, (From Q. Elliott, Christchurch), IISHMONGBRS AND POULTERERS OTTSTER SALOON, Tancred street, Ashburton. JJ3. We are now receiving daily Fresh Ei«h of the best quality. 964 F WAKANUI ROAD DISTRICT. ROAD PROPOSED TO BE CLOSED. JHER' BY give notice that in accord ance with section 94 of the Public erks Act, 1882, the Wakanui Road Board propose to close that Road in Wakanui Survey District which com mences at the ‘southernmost corcer of B.S 26460, and extends north westerly to the Wakanui Creek, and that the plan showing the said Road is open for public inspection at the Wakanui Road Board Office. MURDOCH BRUCF, J7OB Chairman. EOR COUGHS, Bronchitis Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, &c. XT" COMPOUND OF LINSEED, KX Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tola, &o with Ohlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, •no Chest Complaints. KAY'S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Morses and Cattle. KAY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, &c. Con tains Quin ne, Iron, &c. COAGULINE. —Cement for Broken Articles. . Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers :—KAY BROS., Stock port, Bnglsnd, WHITE, CAYGILL, & CO., BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITE, Notary Public. is hereby given_ iiiu „ M # o that the - undersigned, Messrs White and O (White Smithson, end Raymond), of fimara, and John A Catoill, of Ash barton, have this day entered Into Partnership as Barristers and Solicitors, St Ashburton, under the style ® f . White, CJayglll and Co." Mr J. W. White, mil attend the sittings of the Courts at Ash burton. WHITE & CO JOHN A. CAYGILL. Money to lend in any sums on pproved freehold security. Offices; Bullock’s Arcade 10*803



Wanted. I FURNITURE— To meet the times, W. DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper tban ever. Chest of Drawers, £1 6s ; Sprine Couches, £1 Ss Every other article equally cheap. All new furniture at second-hand price. 804 WANTED KNOWN. —Washing and Mangling done either by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen.—Mrs Nevill, North-west Belt, Allenton. 880 W" ANTED a smart Boy for the office. Fmedlandbr Bros. 11°69 WANTED the Public to Inspect a grand assortment of New Season’s Tea and Sugars of all grades, at price# to suit all classes of purchasers.— Jab. McGregor, Tanored street. WANTED 10,000 Tourists to visit the Mount Somers district, and purchase Baskets from J. PRICE. Basket* ware of all kinds in stock, or mad* to order on the shortest notice. 11 64 JUST OPENED — Choice assortment of New Spring Dress Stuffs, Prints, Millenty, etc. '« ho cheapest House in town for first class goods. Dressmaking on the premises. H. O. Shows, Mel ford House. - Special Advertisements. MRS MANHIRE, Tjl ANC Y GOODS WAREHOUSE, jj Saunders' Buildings, Bast 'street. Ladies’ and Children’s Clothing in groat variety/ Paper Patterns in stock and designed to order, Special Linos in Aprons and Pinafores. 9624 ANTED KNOWN THAT MRS STRIBLING HAS REMOVED from old premises in Burnett street (next to the Arcade), to the PANAMA BOARDING-HOUSE, TANGBED STREET (Lately occupied by Mr Lucas). 8 C 537 TOWLE’S PENNYROYAL AND STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so pre valent with the, sex. Boxes li Ijd and 1# 9d, of all Chemists aud Patent Medicine Vendors. Prepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. SOT FIEE OFFICE. Established A.D. 1710. Sum Insured ... ... £318,599,316. Messrs henry zander* co. have been appointed SUB AGENTS to represent the above Office In the ASHBURTON DISTRICT, and ARE NOW PREPARED TO AGO KPT RISKS AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. ACLAND, BARNS, & 00., Agents for Canterbury, Christchurch, October 30th, 1886. 11*43 TO STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBURTON, And Travel the Surrounding Districts, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher. For Pedigree see cards Terms—For one mare, £3 3a. A reduction will be made for three or more mares, the property of one owner. . First class paddocks for mares at Is per week. Groomage fee, 6s, payable at first service. E. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9+736 Livery Stables, Ashburton. MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN NOW BE HAD AT THE ABOVE PIT ♦ FOR JgIGHT SHILLINGS PER TON, Or in Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, By the Truck. FOR CASH OjnLY. E. F. WRIGHT. MESSRS TUCKER AND RESTELL, Agents in Ashburton. 10*913 NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY The new goods for the SUMMER SEASON ABE NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE T ; »WN, And the variety of Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men’s and Boys Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggings in great variety Hats, compris ng every new stylo worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Mon of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N.SS. CLO 7 BING FACTORY, Bast Street.



Victoria House. DIMANT & COE ARE still offering every inducement to purchasers willing to continue thoi favors. Onr SPRING CONSIGNMENTS of Press Stoffs, Fancy and Manchester Goode Ha*s, Men's, Youths', and Boys’ Clothing, are now to hand, and of remarkable value and variety. EIMANT AND COE, GFNERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, 40., Corner Fast and Tanered streets, Ashburton.



Special advertisements. - m '■ IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BANKRUPTCY THIS - DAY G. L. Beath & Co. offer the STOCK-IN-TRADE o * THOMAS JACOBS, DEAFER AND CLOTH I,l* E Late of High street, Christchurch, sod Akaroa, j ] at A DISCOUNT | or 10 8. INJTHB £ Also, the STOCK in the BANKRUPT ESTATE of SIMPSON AND HARPER, WOOLLENDRAPERS, AT A DISCOUNT oar <jD. IN THE £ TOTAL VALUE - £3310 0 B 0 D Unprecedented Bargains. Stock Sheet* in course of publication. The above are two of the Cleanest Stocks ever offered in Christchurch, Simpson and Harper having been in busi ness only four months, whilst the largest portion of Thomas Jacob’s Stock was purchased by him this winter. cce: AND FARM AND STATION REQUISITES ORR & ALCORN IMPORTERS. X 3 REMOVAL OF THE ASHBURTON BRANCH OF H. J. WOOD AND CO. (Late T. F. Farley) to FRIEDLANDER’S BUILDINGS. WE beg to advise our valued cus tomers, the commercial and general public of Ashburton and sur rounding districts, that, having taken the lease of the large and commodious pre mises, formerly the drapery establishment of-Messrs Friedlander Bros., next the corner, wo have opened there with a largo and well-assorted stock of BOOKS, COMMERCIAL & GENERAL STATIONERY, ACCOUNT BOOKS, &c., To which is be’ng added on the arrival of ev--ry direct steamer the very latest NEW B “OKS and NEW MUSIC out. Subscribers supplied with English, American, and Continental Newspapers and Magazines immediately on arrival of Mail. Special attention is given to all orders for Bookbinding, Printing, Engraving, and Lith-graphy Specimens on view. Special Discounts allowed to Library and School Committees. Catalogues and Lists on application WRITING, PRINTING, & WRAPPING PAPERS IN ANY QUANTITY. Any Book wanted which may be tem porarily out of stock will be immediately procured from our Christchurch Establish ment, the stock of which is one of the largest and best assorted in the colonies ; or from our London Agency by direct mail steamer. H. J. WOOD & 00. Booksellers, Stationers, Printers, and Bookbinders, STATIONERS’ HALL, ASHBURTON. Messrs SPENSLEV & CO. having ap pointed us their Agents for Ashburton and District, we have pleasure in calling atten tion to our large and well assorted stock of Sheet Music, comprising the latest and most popular Songs, Dances, and Piano forte Solos. Teachers and others wllPfind a useful assortment of the most approved Methods and Studies for Pianoforte Prac tice and Smging. Pianos by celebrated makers, which may be either purchased on the deferred payment system or hired for any length of time. Violin*, Comets, Flutes, Accordions, Corccrtinae, Har moniums, Organs, and Brass Instrument*. f J. WOOD AND 00.



MAOPHER f: ON, SAMPSON, & CO , eTOCK AND LAND SALESMEN. GRAIN MERCHANTS AND GENERAL. COMMISSION AGENTS, WILL hold their regular WEEKLY SALE of aU kinds of Stock, Produce, and Sundries, at the CENTRAL AUCTION MART every SATURDAY, at 12 o’clock sharp. Special or Clearing Sd ;s conducted when required. Properties let or sold, rents collected, books and accounts audited, transfers, mortgages, and leases prepared. Loans negotiated on very easy terms. To let for a term of about 14 years, at a remarkably low rental, a splendid Cattle or Sheep Run of 42.000 acres, with plenty of water and good timber cn the property. FOR SALE— Blacksmith’s Portable Forge 1 superior second-hand Dogcart, almost new Quantity of well-made Hurdles Several Properties and Houses on hand to let or for sale. 9593 COAL. COAL. COAL. WE are Now Landing SPLENDID NEWCASTLE COAL, second only to Westport Coal for heating pro perties, but far mors economical. Will be Sold at Lowest Rates, MoOALLUM & CO., TIMBER MERCHANTS A IMPORTERS, East street. 10841



Don’t use stimulants, but nature's Main and nerve food—Hop Bitters. Beware of all except made by American Co. See



Diamond earrings for favourite horses are the latest extravagance of wealthy ranch owners in the Far West. A small gold tube is inserted in the ear—like a ladies’ screw earring—with a disc at each end containing a good-sized diamond in the centre, while the horse’s name and age, and the owner’s name and address are engraved roond the.edge.