DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALT'S Saturday, Junk 5 Messrs Zoueh and Macpherson, at the

Central Salerooms —Oil-Paintings, etc Mr A. Harrison, at hia rooms— Horses,

traps, etc Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade—Horses

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc. Saturday, June 5 Wakanul Road Board—At Road Board office Od fellows’ Hall—Dance at 8 o’clock Tuesday, June 8 • Wesleyan Church—Tea Meeting, G pm. Friday, June 11 Masonic Hall—Concept, at 8 o’clock Monday, June 14 Borongh Council, at Borough Council Chambers ai 7.30 Friday, July 2. Asnburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m.

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton —From Christ church and the North, at 10.15 a.ra. (express), 4.35 p.m., nd 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 p.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 a.m. Trains Leave Ashburton— For __Chnst hurch and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.ra., end 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin arm aouth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 545 p.m. For Mount Somers. 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th June, 1880. the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz.:—

N. B. The above in so fab as regards sub scriptions PAID IN ADVANCE will HOt affect old subscribers, with whom previously existing ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MAINTAINED.

Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at tho time of insertion, 2s _ (id each (stamps may be sent as payment); if booked, Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country districts, require to be verified by the signa ture of the person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: —

For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ghertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m and B p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tintraid, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream. Eaagitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. -eaStfor Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m v.V,- Thnara and South, at 10 a. ia., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Groeustreet, on VV eanosdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaviow, Seafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and ■Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Euapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the, Ashburton Post Odfice — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 .m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 £ and 4,35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and Intermediate places daily, a From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m np 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 ft.m. From Mayfield and Euapuna, on Wed aesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a. m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

It has been decided that the next Metro politan Show of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association shall extend over three days, viz—Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, November ‘Jth, 10th, and 11th* The Spring Meeting of the C.J.C. will be held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, in the same week.

A meeting of the Committee of management of the Old Men’s Home was held at the County Council offices yesterday afternoon. Present Messrs C. J. Harper (in the chair) A. Harrison, D. McLean, and J. Jackson- Several applications for out door relief were referred to the Charitable Aid Board with recommendations that they be granted. It was resolved that the members for the district should be written to and informed that the members of the Ashburton County and Borough Councils desire to have the County of Ashburton proclaimed a separate Charitable Aid distinct, as they object strongly to continue to act in their present fettered condition. A large amount of routine busi ness was disposed of, and accounts having been passed for payment the Committee adjourned. Mr A. Makcig has been re-appointed Clerk and Engineer to tho South llakaia Hoad Board.

Tho ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge of Oddfellows’ was hold in tho Lodge room last evening. Not withstanding the inclement weather there was a fair attendance of members. After the routine business had been disposed of, the question o£ celebrating the anniversary of the Lodge was discussed and a Committee ap pointed to report at the next meeting.

It will be remembered that some time ago the Ashburton County Council offered a reward for the conviction of the person who tampered with the sluices at Pudding Hill. In due course the police made an arrest, and the charge was sheeted home. The Council passed the amount of the reward for payment yesterday, but we understand that before the police can claim it permission will have to be ob tained from the head of the Department. The quarterly meeting of the South Rakaia Licensing Committee was held on Thursday, Present—Messrs Lyttelton (Chairman), Allan, Holmes, Coster, and Chamberlain. The following licenses wore renewed: —A. J. Howell, Itailway Hotel; George Robinson, South Rakaia Hotel; H. Childs, Chertsey Hotel. The police reported favorably upon the licensed houses in the district, and Mr Childs undertook to make some additions to the stabling connected with the Chertsey Hotel. A letter was read from the Ashburton County Council directing the attention of the Committee to the fact that the Returning Officer's charges in connection with the election for the district wore higher than the charges made by the Returning Officers in other districts. It was resolved to inform the Council that the matter should receive j tenlion. Accounts were passed for payment, J 1 d the Committee i

At the meeting of the Crown Lands Board j at Christchurch on Thursday the sale at South liakaia was reported of 3-acre section to each of the following selectors, the Government having specially allowed them to increase their holdihga : —Denis Iteilly, M. Sheenan, Patrick O’Keefe, W. J. Welsh, M. Delany, Alice Stoll, Christopher Hammond, John Hammond, R, Balbridge, J. R. Cole, Mary Brown.

The Ashburton Hospital Committee met at the County Council office yesterday afternoon Present Messrs C. J. Harper (in the chair) A. Harrison, D McLean, and J. Jackson. The master reported that the roof of the building admitted the rain. Messrs Harrison Me Lean and Friedlander were requested to obtain a report with estimate for repairing roof, and it was resolved to request the members for the district to endeavor to secure increased grant for necessary works. Accounts were passed for payments and the Committee adjourned. The following statement of asests and liabilities has been filed in the Ashburton District Court; McKee, Edward, of Asbbur ton, laborer—Liabilities—Ashburton ; J. L. Brown, £1 ; Orr and Alcorn, £23 ; J. Harrell, £2l; H. C. Segers, £1 <Js (Id; W. C. Davis, £1 Os; A, Kamnilzer, £1 Is; Dr. Leahy, £3 10s ; Dr. Ross, £3 18s ; estate of J. R. Chapman, £1 ; L. Rattray, £3 10s : M. Miller, £2 ; estate of John Ranger, £1; Ashburton Brewery Co., £1 10s ; Christchurch : J. H. Gilchaat, £3. Hastings : J. H. Clayton, £5 7s. sundries, 19s ; total, £B9 5s Id; Assests —Furniture, £lO. Deficiency, £79 5s Id.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following business was d ap sod of after we went to press yesterday. : niiWAiii). It was resolved that the sum of T‘2o, the amount of the reward offered for a conviction in connection with the tamper ing with the sluice at Pudding Hill be passed for payment.

KATE It was resolved that a rate of thrce eigths of a penny in the £ for the year 1860 be struck at the meeting of the Council in August, the same to be payable on tept. 1,188 i) ; and also that the water rate book be made out KAMiITATA TMKFIC TUIIDGE. The tender of VV. Roberts, at £403 13s Bd, was accepted for this work. The Engineer was instructed to arrange for the closing of the bridge. ME'IILVEN DOMAIN. It was resolved on the suggestion of Mr Jackson to make application to the authorities of the Christchurch Domain for 4dUO trees for the Mount liutt Domain. counties act. Mr Wright moved, Mr McLean seconded, arid it was carried That it is desirable that power be given to County Councils to readjust ridings within tbeir boundaries, at their discretion, without petitions,” It was resolved to forward copies of the motion to thejmembers lor the district, and request them to have a clause to the desired elfect inserted in the Counties Act. DOG COLLARS. The Clerk was instructed to ascertain what the Selwyn County Council charged for dog-collars. IIiKIGATION. Mr Harper gave notice of motion for next meeting as follows :—“ That u special order bo made to divide the county into live subdivisions for future irrigation works.”

ADJOUKNMEXT. The Council adjourned until July 2

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

[pee pbess association.]

Auckland, June 4.

The City Council last night agreed to send a cable message congratulating Queen Victoria on attaining the jubilee ot her reign. Councillor Goldie protested against the coat, £2B. The Council considered Sir it. Stout's Municipal Coropoiation Bill, and carried a number of resolutions sug gesting amendments.

Mr VVm, Noble, temperance lecturer is, a paseangur by the Kotomahana to Wei lington. His mission in Auckland has been very successful, and he is considered the beat temperance lecturer heard here. Captain Webb, the American Consul, has investigated the charges made by the deserters from the American whale ship against the captain and mate for ill-iusage on iho high seas. Captain Webb has come 10 the conclusion that the statements were exaggerated. The captain and mate admit ted there was the usual aim unt of chaffing which goes on on board the vessel. Only one man exhibited a scar, which he said had been mllioted by a blow. The mate had been discharged from the ship, by consent, owing to a disagreement with the captain before the complaint was laid. HaWEhA, June 4

A shocking fatality occurred here this morning, by which Joseph McWilliams, aged 22 years, lost his life. Deceased, who was brother in-law to Mr A. A. Fant imm, had been sinking a well on the farm of the latter, and this morning was lowered without being tied. He let go his hold oefore reaching the bottom, having been overpowered by gas. Strenuous efforts had been made for several hours to reach the body, but they were of no avail. There is a seam of lignite at the bottom of the well, which ia 80ft deep. There iiad been no previous indications of any danger. Wellington, Juue 4 The City Council has accepted the tender of Mr J. Saunders for £14,200, for additional reclamation e : ihe To Aro Foreshore.

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange repon

(or the week ending Friday, June 4 :—The advance in wheat noted in our last week’s report has been fully maintained; at the same time discouraging accounts are too hand as regards prices at Home and in America; indeed shippers will be left with but small margins of profit in spite of the exceed ingly low freights that have been ruling ately. The balance of our wheat stocks must of necessity find outlets in the colonies, or suffer a relapse. The demand from these mar kets continues strong, and the quantities used tor seed will be more than usual, especially I’uscau, as the heavy rains of late are sure to retard winter sowing. Tuscan is in good request at ils fld to 3s lOd, and Pearl is rather scarce, plump samples being worth 3s fid to >s ltd ; Hunter’s is offering more plentifully, j and ranges from 3s fid to 3s 7d, buyers want- | mg a proportion of Tuscan when purchasing. Chicken wheat still remains at from 2s lOd to 3s Id. Oats are in good request both for local and shipping orders. This is chiefly caused j by the absence of deliveries from the country districts, farmers having other engagements on hand. Milling parcels have a bare market, and a good line would reach 2s 3d; short heavy feed fetch from 2s 2s to 2s 2.id, Danish and Tartars being quiet at 2s to 2s Id. Barley | lias had a quiet week at last week’s prices. Beans have had a trade enquiry at 2s lOd to 2s lid. Prussian blues, true to name, are scarce at 3s lOd. Bye grass and cocksfoot are without quotable change in values. Potatoes are firm as regards local requirements, buyers giving 50a at country stations, but buyers are unable to operate in the face of the prices iuling in Sydney. Growers have no doubt experienced heavy losses in the low-lying lands. Kidneys have a good demand. Dairy produce—-Prime butter is worth lid to Id ; ordinary keg, lid to lOd; cheese, loaf shape, (U; other sizes, 4Jd to 5.J. —Prices quoted are for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton.

BIRTH.

Lancastku -On June 4th, at Carthgato House, Short street, Ashburton, the wife of Mr H. Lancaster, of a daughter.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1886. The Education Scare.

The report of the Select Committee appointed to enquire into the condition of the Slateschools in the North Canter bury district, was presented to the Hoard ot Education at its meeting on Thursday, When we have said that Mr Allred Saunders is the Chairman and moving spirit of the Committee, it will be al most superfluous to add that the report is of a very comprehensive and sweep ing character. 11 there be any truth in the contentions of phrenologists, we are disposed to think that an exponent of the mysterious art would find the organs of combaliveness and destruct iveness abnormally developed upon the cranium of the author of the report now before us. Hut whatever may be the value of phrenology as an exact science—and we think it very little— the lact remains that Mr Saunders is much belter at demolition than at con struction. However, we do not sup pose that his colleagues on this occa sion, Messrs A. 11, Cunningham and T. S. Weston, have allowed him to take his own course irrespective of their opinions and tire evidence submitted to the Committee, and the report must be accepted as the deliberate conclusions of three genilemen well adapted, col lectively, lor lire task with which they were entrusted by the Hoard. The hist clause of the report is ominously characteristic ot the author. “ The Committee,” we are told, “ have found it only too easy to discover causes lor all the delects complained of. Erorn the Hoard itself down to the pupil teachers, the Education Act has not | been carried out with the completeness required to make it efficient, and evi dent defects in the conduct ot business by the Hoard have necessarily been re flected downwards, more or less, amongst the officers and pupils m then charge.” Commenging, very properly, with a candid declaration of the laches of the Hoard, the report points out that whilst that body has never systemati cally performed executive duties itself, it has never elected a responsible exec utive from its own members, nor dele gated executive duties to anyone else with sufficient distinctness to carry res ponsibility with the delegation. ft is hardly to much to say that matters have been so contrived that no one feels any direct responsibility for the con duct of the most important portion of the executive business of the Hoard. Such business is, for the most part, nominally performed by the Chairman, and still more nominally approved by the Hoard, but is really transacted by the Secretary, and that without the open, recognised responsibility which should attach to such important execu tive work. Everyone will admit the 101 ce of these remat ks, and they a.re, by the way, singularly applicable to many other puolic uodies. In this district, particularly, there isadisposition on the part ot Hoad Hoards and similar insti tutions to reduce the salaries of their executive olliceis to a pittance which must, sooner or later, leave them with very u.efficient representation. Hut lias is oi passant. Ihe inspectors, at least the past inspectors, are very roughly handled by the report. We will give the Committee’s own words. “It would perhaps not be too much to say that most of the mistakes and failures on the part of the Board, have bee

caused by bad inspection and worse reporting by its inspectors. Without able inspection, and faithful fearless reports from its inspectors, the Board is necessarily left in the dark as to the value and success of the teachers they employ. In these important officers, who should be the eyes and ears of the Board, and ought to be looked up to, both by teachers and scholars, as models of conduct and propriety, as well as of intelligence, the Board has overlooked, from year to year, defects and objectionable habits which would not have been tolerated for a week in a I pupil-teacher, and men who dared not

to provoke the retaliation of a single

(-flicor have been employed to keop the Board informed as to any defect in die character or work of 548 teachers. Nothing could be more disheartening to really efficient, hard working teachers than such inspection ; nothing could offer a more effectual screen to the indolent, the incapable, or the intern perate.” With this portion of the re volt we thoroughly concur. Again and again we have urged that the official in spection of our primary schools is next to worthless. The fault does not rest entirely with the inspectors ; they are over-worked and over-hurried, and the system adopted is thoroughly bad. The knowledge and progress of the children are not fairly tested ; nervous children of really sound attainments, are often placed at a disadvantage, and others, I who have more confidence and are fort- 1 unate enough, perhaps by some lucky accident, to he familiar with the half dozen questions propounded by an 1 inspector, secure a favorable report tor an incompetent teacher. We arc again entirely with the report in its condem nation of the employment of an excessive number of pupil teachers. No one familiar with the subject will dispute the statement that in order to obtain the number at present employed, some can didates are accepted who give little promise of being fitted foi|the woik. The account of the Normal School,our model institution, is very disheartening. “The size of the rooms is inconvenient. Class-rooms are wanting. The light is very badly arranged ; and even the rain is not effectually excluded from the interior. The infant department is doing useful work, but in the boys’ school the failure has been very marked. The present Head Master is evidently broken in health, and physically un equal to the arduous duties of his posi tion.” The school buildings through out the district are condemned. The large expenditure incurred by the Board, in procuring professional advice and supervision, appears not only to have been thrown away, but also to have led to great waste in a succession of costly experiments and mistakes, which might have been avoided under a less prelenlious system, by the simple adoption or adaptation of plans that were not experiments. The extension of the syllabus also receives some ad verse criticism, and, the Committee very, sensibly observe, this subject re quires to be considered in connection with the fact that a great majority of the children taught in the Board schools leave school at a very early age, and that early removal and inter mittent attendance are likely to increase with the less flourishing financial con ditions of the parents, which has now become so general. The space at our disposal this even ing will not permit us to deal at any length with the practical reforms sug gested by the Committee, but we may summarise them as follows :—(1) The assumption of greater responsibility by members of the Board (2) more direct control of teachers by the Board (o) closer inspection and more detailed reports (4) greater care in making ap pointments ; the School Committees to receive more assistance from the Board in the appointment of their teachers, but without depriving them of the fullest freedom of choice as between really competent teachers (5) the reduc tion of the number of pupil teachers, to be followed by an increase in the number of female teachers (6) more attention to the teaching of elementary subjects, and (7) occasional inspection by members of the Board. In conclusion, while regretting the unsatisfactory character of the report, we must compliment the members of the Committee upon the thorough and methodical manner in which they have performed their task. We trust the reliable information submitted to the Board will enable that body to effect a speedy and salutary reform in the education system of the district.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the s oulh Rakaia Road Board was held at the Board’s office on Thursday. Present : Messrs G sttr (chairman), Holmes, Allan, Mulligan and Tucker. c lebk’s report. The Clerk reported that rates amount ing to £462 10i lOd had been collected. Certain extra hands had been put on during the month. During ihe las storm the windmill was very muen damaged, but was now in order and working well Cronin, the contractor, had been delayed very much, owing to certain occupiers not clearing gotso. No teply had been received from the Railway department re the 48 chains of road near Ohertsey. railway road. It was resolved that the member for Wakanut should be requested to ace the Minister of Public Works with regard to the concluding clause of the Clerk’s report. CULVERTS. The Chairman staled he had not called for tenders for removing culverts and making open crossings on Kyle road.— Mr Tucker stated he had received an offer to do the work and cart the timber to Rakaia for £3 each. — Resolved that £2 5i i each cnlvert tie paid Cronin for carting the limber and making the crossings on road incluledin his contract, and that tenders be called for removing the balance of the culverts. SUBSIDY. The Chairman reported tha l ' it was necessary to apply to the Property Tax Commissioner for the subsidy on account of rates collected without delay. It was resolved to make the application. MAINTENANCE. Mr Tucker’s notice of motion with regard to calling for tenders for main taining the roads in the district for 12 months, was considered.—lt was resolved to call for tenders, to be in by July 1. WARDS. Consideration of the ward system was postponed till the next meeting. CORRESPONDENCE. A large amount of correspondence wa£ dealt with. SMALL BIRDS NUISANCE. It was resolved to purchase £lO worth of poisoned wheat for distribution in the district. OFFICE. Tenders for the office of Clerk and Overseer were opened, and that of Mr Makeig at £IOO per annum accepted. The lowest tender was £75 per annum. PAYMENTS. Accounts amounting to £B6 19a lOd were pasted for payment, and'jhe Board adjourned.

HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Hampstead School Committee was held at the Schoolroom last evening. Present; Messrs b'. T. Mayo (chairman), G. Lamb, aud G. W. xVndrews. INCIDENTAL FUND. The Chairman reported that he had accepted the sum of €lO from the Ash burton Committee as the Hampstead Committee’s share of the incidental fund. The Chairman’s action was approved. FENCE. The Chairman reported that the fence around the Master’s house was new com pleted, and he had made application to the Board of Education for toe cost. CHEMICAL APPARATUS. The Chairman slated that the Master had purchased the chemical apparatus as authorised by the Committee. SECRETARY. Mr C. Ward offered to undertake the duties of Secretary to the Committee at a remuneration of £8 a year.—Mr Wards offer was accepted. ACCOMMODATION. A discussion of a conversational character took place with regard to the question of increased accommodation at the school. The Chairman explained how nutters stood at present, and the nature of the communication he had with the Board on the subject. It was resolved to again urge on the Board the necessity for increasing the accommodation for the 242 children now on the roll. CORRESPONDENCE. Letters on routine business were read from the Board of 1 dneatioh. LEAVE OF ABSENCE Leave of absence for a week wasjgranted to Miss Fawcett on account of ill health. MASTER’S REPORT. The Master reported as follows Fumber on roll at beginning of month, 235; number on roll at present, 242 ; working average for the month, 174 5. Owing to the wet weather and the mumps the working average is lower this month. I would request, on behalf of the boys, that the gorae around their part of the playground be removed. The reason for the above request is that the thorns of the gorse are constantly making holes in the football. The gorse fence will be equally inconvenient in the case of cricket. I have to thank the Committee for the ?rant of £2 for procuring chemical apparatus. Meet of the children men tioned in my last report as not having attended according to regulations are at present attending regularly. I have also to report that the necessary repairs to the pumps have been carried out. XN a PECTOR’S REPORT.

The Inspector’s report was read, and considered satisfactory. He referred to the overcrowding of the school as a serious evil, the roll number being nearly 100 in excess of which accommodation was provided. v SCHOOL BOOKS. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Andrews, that a committee consisting of Mr Lamb and the mover be appointed to make arrangements for a supply of school bocks at cheap rates CHtMISXRY. Mr Andrews moved that it be a re commendation to the Master to give lessons on the evil effects of alcohol, from Dr Richardson’s text book, during the chemistry lesson. —Carried. I OOKSK. It was decided to allow the removal o f the gorse around the playground. ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee ad journed.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

At a meeting ot the Midland Railway Guarantors held in Christchurch yes terday, Mr C. 0. Bowen read a letter from Mr Allan Scott, reporting the conclusion of the London dele gate’s business, and giving the names of the directors of the new company. The directorate is considered the strongest that has been formed for a long time. The names are—Mr Thomas Salt, Chair man of the North Staffordshire Railway Company; Sir Charles Clifford, Chairman of the N.Z. Trust and Loan Company ; Mr Hart Davis, of Messrs Hoare, Wilson, and Co,, London ; Mr t*. B. Hilton, of Messrs Miles Bros, and Co., London;; and Mr C. B, Hoare, Chairman of the National Bank of New Zealand. The engineers of the company in London are Mr J. Carruthers, late resident Engineer in-Chief to the New Zealand Government, and Mr Robert Wilson. The Chief lleaident Engineer io New Zealand is Mr 0. Napier Ball. Mr Scott eulogises the valuable assistance given by the Agent- General in arranging the final matters ot the contract, and recognises the able ad vice and assistance given by Messrs A. Soianders and A. Fell, who ungrudginglj gave time and trouble to carry this tedious and difficult business to a successful issue.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Friday, June 4. BIBLE IN SCUO L’’

Dr Menz es gave notice to move that power be given to the masters in State schools to read the Bible in school hours. the new minister Mr Buckley announced that Mr Reynolds had been sworn in as a member of the Government. CtIARITABLE TRUSTS. Tne Charitable Trusts Extension Bill was debated on the second reading, aod some opposition shown by Mr Holmes and Dr Pollen. The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House mat at 230. pm. questions. Replying to questions, it was stated that plana for the Manawatu Gorge line would be ready i i a week or two, when tenders would be called ; that the question of the amendment of the Bankruptcy Ac- during the session was now under consideration. SUPPLY. On the motion f r going into Committee of Supply, Major Atkinson said that after the vote taken yesterday, the Opposition would not attempt any factious opposi tion, biit they threw the responsibility of making reduction* on the Government. The House went into Committee of Supply for the consideration of the Esti mates,

Vofe, £7710, General Post carried, Chief offices and sub offices £123,353, Mr Hatch suggested that the classifica tion system should be adopted in this department. Sir Julius Vogel said he proposed to go into the c assification question during the recess, to see if it could be adopted with advantage. He was favorable to the system. Mr Duncan moved that tha vote be re ducad by £llOO. He contended that the chief postmaster at Timaru should not re ceive a larger salary than that officer at Oamarn, Sir Julios Vogel said that the business at Timaru was a third larger than at Oamaru. Besides, the Timaru postmaster was an o*d officer 1q tfao service. A long discussion ensued. The amend ment was lost, and the vote was passed as printed. Maintenance, repairs, &c , £4O 246 —Carried. ’ Telegraph, cable subsides, £3500 Carried. Conveyance of mails by sea. £72,868. Sir Julius Vogel stated that tha total amount paid for the direct service last year - th ,° bonuaes being £7OOO or £BOOO. —Lamed. Conveyance of inland mails, £28.180. -Carried. Carriage of mails by railway, £IOOO. —Carried. Progresi was reported. BILLS. The House went into committee on the Native Equitable Owners Bill, which passed with verbal amendments. The Municipal Corporations Bill was further considered iu Committee. The House rose at 5.30, MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS BILL. The House resumed at 7.30 in com mittee on the Municipal Corporations Bill, iha whole aittting up to ten o’clock was occupied by a discussion of the Bill, and a large number of clauses were passed without material alteration.

Clausa 406—Councils may contribute tunas for school buildings. , l*atch moved to strike out the clause. Lost by 27 to 10. The remainder of the Bill was then passed, leaving only some proposed clauses to be dealt with. COAL MINES BILL. Mr Larnach moved the second reading of the Coal Mines Bill, the object of which was to place the mines nader separate enactments. Mr Connolly regretted to see clauses providing fur the employment of women and children in mines. The motion was agreed to. GOTO TIES BILL. Sir R fetouc moved the second readlngof the Counties Bill, explaining it was merely a consolidating measure. Sir George Grey moved the adjournment of the debate, on the ground there was not a full House, and Messrs Seddon and Fulton supported him. Messrs Hursthoose and Cowan favored the second reading. Mr Lake said Important alterations were sometimes found in these consolida ting measures. Sir R. Stout was willing the debate on the committal should take place on Friday. The bill was then read a second time, and the Bouse adjourned at 11.55,

CRICKET

The Australians in England.

[REUTER S TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.)

London, Jane 1. The cricket match Australians v. Gentlemen of England was commenced t Lord’s to-day Great interest is being taken in the match. The following are the full scores : Gentlemen or England— Ist Innings, W. Bock, bowled ... ... W. G. Grace, bowled W. W. Read, bowled ... 13 W. E. Roller, bowled ... 2 G. F. Yernon, caught ... 15 Lord Harris, caught 9 T. W. Scott, caught ... 16 G. B. Studd, bowled ... 15 M, 0. Kemp, not out ... 0 S. Christopherson, bowled ... 9 G. G. Walker, caught 3 Sundries ... ... 10 Total 99 Australian Eleven—lst-Innings. S. P. Jones, caught 8 J. M. BlacKham, bowled ... 20 H. J. H. Scott, Ibw... ... 27 G. Giffen, caught and bowled 5 M. J. Bonnor, caught ... 39 A. H. Jarvis, bowled ... 14 J. W. Trumble, o and b ... 2 W. Bruce, c and b 7 T. W. Garrett, bowled ... 9 G, E. Palmer, not out ... II Sundries 8 Total 150

THE INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Wellington, Jane 4 The “Post” to-night states—“ Great dissatisfaction has been caused amongst prize winners at the recent Industrial

xbibicion by the contemptible meanness shown by the authorities in regard to the prizes won by the principal exhibitors. It will be remembered that the exhibits were divided into five main divisions, in each of which a gold medal was offered for the best collection of exhibits. These gold medals were awarded to Messrs Kitchen and Sons, the Great Meat Com pany, Messrs North and Scoular, Messrs A. and T. Bart, and Messrs Hallenstein Bros. A large number of classes were included in each division, and a first prizs of a silver medal was offered for each class. The parties named were each awarded a first prize in one or more of the classes, as well as the first prize in the division but on applying for the medals they have found that paper certificates have been subsituted for the silver medals they are entitled to as the first prises in the various classes,”

THE ASHBURTON HUAKDIAJN, sATURDA JUNE ..6 18S6



IF PAID IN ADA •ANC :e : 6d Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, t>y post, 03 Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s Od »» Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED : Od Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s Od Year 30s Od, by post, 13s Od



CASH. - Win to Sugar, 2id ; Jj White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Lingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, Gd ; Plaid Vestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, Is per lb; Sago, 2id; Tapioca, 2Jd; CnttingSalmon, 8d ; Venus Nuilrod, 5s 6d ; Groats, 9d. McGregor, Tancred Street. JgLACK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion Mouse, 201, 2C3, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise onr Customers and the residents generally in the Ashburton District that we have now received vary large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to buy in *he Best British' Markets, and the experience of our buyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business AT" LOWEST PRICES. We endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, and our Stock is so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable Goods will be found.



dress department hosiery department MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DReSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING”"DEPARTMENT MILLINERY "DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT tailoring _ department HOUOEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. OlAnial Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. Cash System ano Cash Prices. black, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, DRESSMAKERS MILLINERS



Wanted. VS7ANTED Known—Trial of Firo Ex * * tinguisbing Fluid fixed for tins afternoon POSTPONED until TUESDAY, at 3 p in. —W. E. Marsh, Agent. G 82 ’OjTANTESD Teamsj for contract ** Ploughing. Chaff provided at current price. •town muon. " Longbeach, June 4, IBSG. G 7‘J WANTED —Tenders for PuasocMug about 000 i-c'ea of Grass Land. To be in by MONDAY 7th Jane. For further particulars apply Clark Bk-'s . Woodland", Drmnore, G 73



USIO. —Mk J r I. Buooks, ttachor of Pianoforte, Org mi, Vcio, :. mg illg, etc. Pianos *nn>-d. T-.-msia on application. Williams fcjtreot, Ashburton. 5 26



Messrs white, smithsox, and RAYMOND, of Tunaru, Solicitors, notifv that th-vr Mr,T. W. WHITE will attend THE ASHBURTON COURTS, and may bo consulted after the arrival of the South Express on Mondays an 1 Thursdays la case Mr White should ba prevented from being present, one of the firm will attend. MONEY 'TO LEND upon approved securities. Temporary oflicos at Quill's Hotel.



VTJ'ANTJSO —Two Sisters or Friends Vt may meet with Board and Resi dence in a comfortable homo, in Ashbur ton, at moderate charges ; or Two Yom g Girls attending the High School. Address in first instance, P.S., Randall's, Fruiterer, Ac., East street. C 52 T ANTED Oil'd lovers of the Fine Arls to see the new Premium Pictures, to be given away to subscribers to the American publications. The Pictures are now on view at the Picture Frame Manu factory of Gates and Son, Burnett Street, opposite the “ Ashburton Mail” Office. RANTED Known—Hayes and Co have bought the samples of an English Umbrella manufacturer, at a large discount. Also, a splendid lot of now Dress Materials, very cheap. Come and sec them, at Hayes and Co.'s, Arcade 5 22



NTED Known—The Gospel will be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at G.GO p.m. (o v.) Free for all. JS'o collection. \ XTANTED KNOWN—Long looked V V for come at last. T. lloulr, having commenced bacon curing, he is able to supply a real good Po.k .Sausage at 0 1 per lb at the Factory, Moore st, Ashburton, Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered homo at One Fenny per lb. l\ Uour/r. BESENTS ! Presents ! Wo are now giving Presents to the value of 4s In the £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards on Drapery and Millinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the premises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— U. 0. Segkks, Melfurd House. ONTHLY ADVERTISER, issued by Robert Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5s per month, centre spaces 10s ; for longer terms special arrangements can bo made ; advertisements should not bo later than the 2Gih ef each month. 760 XX 7'ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew f V ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 5 GO 7 2 276



Special Advertisements. CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL be a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 800,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEA* SON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSACKS, Full Size and Weight, at 5s 6d per dozen, C. W. TURNER, 340 PerD. H. BROWN.



O the Ashburton Guards and Volum teers.— THE YOJLUSTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole o the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squat //ill, Bayonet Drill, Infantry Drill, Etc, NOW US. The ,• al.ouiu ■ i perused by all Yolnnteera and will be found useful to those intending to compete for Govern ment appointments. This book being difficult to procure all int ending purchasers had better apply at once to School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be derived from purchasing their prize books from me, as I am now offering prize books at very reasonable prices, in fact, at Christ church prices, and no carriage to pay, whilst my stock consists of about 3,50 U volumes. School requisites of evory description Thomas E. Earley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop : Town Hall, Ashburton. T. F. FARLB Y. kept in stock.



Special aivci idsemouta. (gOW‘ _ SSfIM |||M| m iS“»|^a||pß pi Row IS IRO.N W O RjK te ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Ranges^ Burn Wood and Goal—ln Four Sizes PAINTED CORRUGATED I'ION IN w onr, FGo, SH and Seven Feet Lengths. 40 per cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 108 t



Changed Hands! BRANCH SBfOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. Til 111 LOGIC & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs 11. ,1. Wood and 00, of Christchurch, but been purchased by mo, and at a price con sidorably below original cost; this will give my muiy patrons an opportunity of ob tabling a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED BRICES. STATIONERY. —Special care is given to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients mat rely upon receiving PROM PT ATTEN TI ON, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will bo procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and ioroign included), Public Committees receiving liberal con cessions. .



PRINTING. This branch is King fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, nearness, and promptitude in the execution of all orders, ail work receiving personal superintend ence. DELIVERY Ob i\ EWSPAPERb. Customers may roly upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered p.t their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remarit applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purchasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Lines Always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and ITadosiueii’sgeuoral requisites. Bookbinding Orders Received. ‘ T. h\ Earley, BOOKS ELLE U. STATI ONE H, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Ashburton,



NEW ZEALAND CjLOTUING FACTORY. rilllK NEW GOODS FOR THE J WINTER SEASON A UE NOW OUT, The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED JN THE T')\VN, And tlio variety of Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Roys’Clothing leaves nothing to bo desired. Thousands of Men’s and Boys newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and leggings in groat variety Hats, eorapris ng every new stylo worn Children's Jersey Bails, .Children’s Men of-Wur Bints Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford, Regatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY, East Btbeet.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. 11. STEEL & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding district* that, having obtained STEAM TOWLE and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now in a position to meet tua demands oi the public with a fir Cclasa article at prices to suit the times. Every e.. ’Jiption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired, Spring Traps from £2O. Whitochapola from £25. Buggies from £3O. P,S. —Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimmlng. VICTORIAN GENERAL STEAM IRON WORKS AND SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support in this department, beg to intimate tha’, having procured first-claae Machinery, they are now In a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, Gs. 8 415 Victoria House, SPECIAL AN N 0 UNCEMENT. Tvrow SHOWING, a Splendid Assortment of the famous “ LION ” brand IV (Victorian) GOODS, hi Men’s Plain and Fancy Tweed Suits, Trousers, Trousers and Vests, Waterproof and Overcoats, Cord Riding Pants, Printed and White Moles, Boy’s Knicker and Bes,corif.field Sac Suits, etc., etc. These Goods, amounting in value to over £4OO, are Manufacturers’ Samples, cut and finished in the most perfect stylo. Purchased at a heavy Discount, and are offered at a slight advance u on MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PRICKS. Our Stock of General Drapery, Boots, etc,, Is unsurpassed for Value. DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOUT IMPORTERS, Eaa ed Streets, Ashburton.



LA>T MOISTII OK Tilß UNI* A RALLEL KD CIJ EAT SALE or ME* MIS Fn lEDLANDER 15 5.0 S.’ [ aTi. UK OF D r ipery, Clothing, n r > Boots PREMISES MUST BE GIVEN UP TO FRIhDL.VNDER BROS. JULY I . ALL GOODS have now bean RE MAP KivO at GIVING AWAY PRICES, v> that every Article may be cleared out iy JULY Ist - Any Goods remaining unsold by that date will bo OFFERED BY PUBLIC AUCTION. Come early and secure the Bargains. ANDREW ORR NOTH) E. iT la reqmisled that all ACCOUNTS owing ‘‘ The Ashburton Guardian Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, ho Paid at once to Mr B. Huouks, whoeo receipt alone will bo a aullioicnt discharge. CHAS. W. PURNELL, m 11 Chairman.



Tnoxa and Sobeknesb. —What is tlio beat family medicine in the World to regulate the bowels, purify the blood, remove cosliveness and biliousness, and digestion, and stimulate the whole system? Truth and soberness compel ua to answer, American Co’s Hop B i