The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY, 12, 1856. ASHBURTON BOROUGH SCHOOL.

It is with very much pleasure we tender our congratulations to the teach ing staff of the Ashburton Borough School upon the character of the In spector’s last report upon the results of their labors. Shortly after the last annual inspection we felt it our duty to critiicsesomewhat adversely thecondition of the school ; we pointed out that the educational attained by the children attending the institution was deplorably low, and we were not pre pared to accept, without considerable reservation, the excuses advanced by the Headmaster. However, the report published in another part of this issue is, comparatively, so eminently satis factory that we feel it due to Mr Kneen that we should join with the Board,of education and Committee in acknow ledging the industry and ability that have brought about this happy change. At the time Mr Kneen assumed charge of the school every department of the institution was more or less disorganised. The Committee; had long been at variance with the Headmaster; the Headmaster had not worked amicably with his subordinates, and the children —as children always will—had taken the cue from the teachers and were rapidly drifting into the channels of studied indolence and open insubordina tion. Mr Kneen at once applied him self to the formidable task of substitut ing order for chaos, and we have indi cations that he has already made a fair measure of progress with the under taking. The members of the Com mittee performed a graceful act when they conveyed an expression of their appreciation to the teaching staff; and we trust this well-merited recognition will assist in sustaining the zeal of tjiose teachers whose united labors are just now beginning to bear desirable fruit.

MR LABOUCHERE ON HERE DITARY PEERAGES.

Mr Ladouchere’s onslaught upon the system of hereditary peerages is one of tne most striking features of recent parliamentary proceedings in England, and his trenchant and just remarks will find an echo lar beyond the walls of the august Chamber within which they were uttered. He rightly argued that since the wide extension of the franchise England had become truly a democracy, and that in connection with a

democracy hereditary legislators were “an anachromism.’ 4 He pointed out that “ if the fust peer (of a family) was a clever man, clever men did not always have clever sons,” and that “ if they wished to have hereditary peers (of the right sort) they did not adopt the right plan; they ought to find the most intelligent persons in the country, take them when young (laughter), biing them up to be legislators, and when they had reached the years of maturity marry them to Girton girls, and then, perhaps, they might get some sort of result,” —a statement which was teceived with

shouts of laughter, but which, never-

theless, contained much sound sense and philosophy, Mr Labouchere went on to say that the present House of Lords sat there “ like sheep, and voted like sheep,” and 44 when a Ministry was turned out they fought for places with a salary. They were ready

to accept a place in the Government or at Court, and to perform duties which Gibbon said the noblest of Roman Emperors would not have caused the meanest patrician to do for him. One gentleman got a sum of money for look ing after the Queen’s dogs, another for looking after the Queen's horses ; and another for looking after the Queen’s footmen (laughter). He had been counting up what they received from the State, and found that they received altogether 1,338,776 from the Public Treasury. They were told that the

payment of members of the House of Commons would be degrading, and would destroy their independence, yet a very small sum in division showed that these hereditary peers, notwith standing their vast wealth, got an average of L7OO per annum for their services. But they were not satisfied with that. They had relations who, according to the “ Financial Reform Almanack,”

(“Oh, oh,”) had from 1855 up to the present date received Li 20,000,000. Honorable members oi the Opposition appeared to object to this statement. Very likely it was inaccurate, and there fore he would take off twenty millions. But surely a hundred millions was a considerable sum for 400 or 500 families to have received from the Exchequer in 30 years.” (Cheers.)JMr Labouchere also showed that there were 402 hereditary peers who sat in the Houseof Lords, and that “ these peers had fourteen million acres amongst them and Li 2,000,000 of rent, that was to say an average of 35,000 acres to each peer and an average income of L3o,ooo,” He then proceeded to deal with them thus.

severely. He said “ They had heard a great deal about the Land League in Ireland ; but could anybody imagine a more pernicious land league than that which existed in this country ? Of course being landlords they (the Leers) legislated for the landlords, and the consequence was that these landlords were the disgrace and the opprobrium of civilisation. They beat people off the land to make way for game ; there were vast tracts of lands uncultivated. Even at death they shirked paying the death duties ; the farmers had no fixture ol tenure; and the labourers were almost starving, and when they came

forward and asked for a miserable ‘ three acres and a cow ’ they were treated with contumely by these gentle men, What could be more absurd than to suppose that any single class, when they had the power, would legislate for any class except them selves ? They might as well, in an assembly of cats and mice, imagine the cals would legislate in the interest of the mice.” We have quoted at con siderable length because the speech is throughout of the raciest character, albeit the indictment, though severe, is one with which every liberal must neceessarily sympathise, and it is a significant fact that at the close of the debate on Mr Labouchere’s motion a very close division resulted, the motion which affirmed that the system of hereditary legislators is inconsistent with the principles of representative government, being only lost by 36 votes in a comparatively full House, 368 members going past the tellers. Verily the handwriting is on the wall, and hereditary peerages are clearly among the list of ancient institutions doomed to disappear before the advance of liberal though.

“ Clvis ” in the “Otago Witness” says ; —As all the world knows the Commander-in chief of the Colonial Forces is not a man of weight in a cor poreal sense. To Kooti of that ilk will bear me out when I say that he is a “ man of parts, ” but in Inches he is like the apostle of the Gentiles, wofuily deficient. Iu the tomahawking days, when the plucky little “ kurnol ” was on the war path with the aforesaid, Te Kooti In the foreground, Ida costume was a Crimean shirt and an ancient pair of moleskins, guileless of soap, “ a single garment at wholesale price. ” Now ho is clothed in resplendent apparel—not purple and fine linon, but scarlet and gold—a gorgeous uniform built to his own linos in Laris. The quantity of gold-leaf is out of all proportion to the quantity of humanity. Such at least was the conclusion come to by the digger who saw ths Commander* m chief at a review. After feasting his eyes on the golden prospect, ho turned to his mate and said, “By Jovo, Bill, ho will go ton ounces to the ton I" —

Wo have to acknowledge the receipt of a pamphlet (by Mr James 8011, Palmerston North), entitled “ A Farmer’s views on Land Nationalisation and the Working of the Now Zealand Laud Act.”

In view of a strong feeling that the holding of a demonstration in connection with the assignment of the Midland Railway contract should be postponded, the Mayor of Christ church has decided that ho will not, for the present, proceed with the arrangements.

A petition addressed to the North Canter bury Board of Education, praying for the formation of Allantoa into a separate school district is being extensively signed. xno autumn race mooting of the Ashburton ilaoing Club will commence to-morrow. The course is in excellent order, and the arrange ments of the Club precise to be as perfect as usual. His Worship the Mayor has proclaimed half holidays, aud lino weather should attract a very largo attend ance.

St Loon’s Circus gave a second perform ance in Ashburton last evening. There was again a good attendance, although the first seats were hardly so well filled as on Monday evening. The programme was quite equal to that of the previous evening, and several items were received with warm applause. The Circus will appear in Eakaia this even ing.

Mr P. Cotton, of Christchurch will hold an important sale of thoroughbred horses, hunters and young stock at the Commercial Hotel yards to-morrow. The catalogue com prises Archduke, Princess lloyal, Itoseneath, Shepherdess, and other racehorses well known in this district, and the hunters and youog stock arc of a very superior character. The sale will commence at 10.30 a.m. and will bo continued on Friday morning. At a meeting ot the Christchurch Presby tery, held yest srday a resolution was passed thanking the Premier for his courteous and exhaustive reply to the memorials of the Auckland and Christchurch Presbyteries re the New Hebrides, A committee was ap pointed to consider the subject.

It has often been asked, “ What's in a name?” That there is a very great deal in a name was, we think, satisfactorily demon strated at the public meeting held last even ing to settle the denomination ot the new Town District of Hakatere. That title was rejected, but so also were the others proposed aiid two or three suggestions as to a means of selecting a name. After some two hours spent in this manner, it was decided to re quest the Town Board, to be shortly elected, to choose a name.

Tho racehorse Nelson returned to Welling' ton by the Wakatipu on Sunday.

The Ashburton Hounds met at Methven yesterday at 11 a.m. The pack threw oil in the immediate neighborhood of the township, and at once settled down to a strong hare, which gave them a splendid run of thirty minutes, almost without a check. The run ended in a kill, and among the large field up at the finish the following were prominent • Mrs House, Messrs Upton (3), Alington, Bowycr, Mcrcwcthcr, Hart, Holmoro, House, Chapman (2), Coward, Jackson, Aynsloy, Bailey, Cunningham, Davis, Elmsley, Winter, Cameron, Pixloy, Hayward, MoWilliam, and Patton. Several shorter runs followed, and a most enjoyable afternoon was concluded by the visitors partaking of refreshments at the residence of Messrs Alington and Bowyor.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of tho Ash burton School Committee was hold at the Borough School last evening. Present —Mosers D.mcan (Chairman), Dimaut, Elston, Sawle, Orr, and Siloook. APOLOGY. Tho Chairman apologised for the non attendance of Mr Alox. Craighead. OOIUUiSI’ONDENOE. The following correspondence was road of Education, with regard to tho care taker’s cottage : The action taken by the Chairman was approved of—(2) From the North Canterbury Board of Education, enclosing Inspector’s Report. INSrEOTOII's RFPOUT. Tho Inspector's Report was road as follows : Teachers Mr William H Kneon, headmaster ; Miss Emma Bean, fourth year pupil teacher ; Mr Benjamin Low, second year pupil teacher ; Miss Amv Harband, mistress; Miss Isabella William son, third year pupil teacher ; Miss Helen Barrett, third year pupil teacher; Mias Janet Dick, assistant mistress ; Miss Margaret Clark, infant mistress ; Miss Annie Meyenbarg, second year pupil teacher ; Mias Lucy Chapman first year pupil teacher. Ouo animation. Satisfactory Provi sion is made for teaching all the subjects required by the syllabus. In two of the classes more time should bo given to arithmetic. At present writing- is taken oa the first lesson of the morning, It would

bo butter to begin with the more d’.flicult subjects, and leave tho writing for a period immediately before a recess Tho Instruction given in my presence by tho oort : iica(od teachers w»i as follows :—By Mr Knoen very good ; by Miss Hatband very fair ; by Mias Dick fair ; by Miss Clark very fair. The mi pi I teachers give very fair promise < f becoming luseful teachers. On the second day of my visit I observed an oarneat effort on their part to carry out tho suggestions 1 bad given on the previous day regarding tho methods to bo adopted in teaching some of tho more important subjects. Order and Discipline. —Hood. The inside of the school has recently been painted, tho roof has been repaired, and improvements have boon made in tlity grounds and approaches. Altogether tin school presented a very clean and tidy appearance, although the weather was most inclement.

L. B. Wood, M A , Inspector. lilt! TEACHING STAFF.

Mr Diinant said it Jwas exceedingly gratifying to receive even a fairly favor able report upon tho condition of the school. Ho thought tho Committee should convey some expression of their satisfaction to the teachers. Ho moved,

“ That tho teaching staff be complimented upon the very favorable report presented by tho Inspector.” Mr Git seconded tho motion. lie thought the tone of tho report was very satisfactory. Mr Stleock supported the motion, which, on being put was cat tied unanimously. master’s report, The Headmaster's report was read as follows 1 hive the honor to inform you the number of children on the roll for tho month of April is as fol ows Boys, 200 ; girls, 210; total. 410 ; the average attend ance for same period : Boys, 141 ; girls, 139 ; total, 280 ; but as some cf the attendances do not count owing to wet weather, the working average is boys, 157 ; girls, 157 ; total, 314. Average —Con- sidering the number on the roll tho average is not so large as it should be, and I must ask the Committee to send notices to the parents of children not making the requisite number of attend ances. I submit a Hat of children who have not attended half tho number of times during the month of April, and who have not brought good excuses for their absence. Wet day hours—The regula tions provide that tho school shall be open for instruction iar two hours in tho forenoon, and two hours in tho afternoon. On wot days, to prevent children from playing in the wet and mud during dinner hour, and to prevent a decreased attend ance ic the afternoon, it is customary In nearly all schools in Australia and New Zealand for tho children to bring their lunches, and for school to bo carried on till 2p m. Tho custom is a good one, and is recommended by Inspector Wood I therefore apply for the Committee’s sanction to introducing it in this school. Prizas—lt was thought advisable by last year’s (Committee and 1 myself to post pone the annual distribution of prizes until about Easter. As the children arc just beginning to work to my satisfaction, 1 recommend tho presentation of prizes just before the midwinter vacation, and propose to raise the funds for such pur pose by giving a school concert early in Juno, Library—l fail to see how a Library can be carried on with advantage, in tho school, but if tho Committee deem : it desirable I shall willingly attend to the institution of one after tho next In spector’s Examination. Tho Committee, , of course, kuow that libraries are at present established in connection with the dillbront Sunday schools I have to ask tho.Coramitteo for a supply of coal, etc , and” goal p taka for football In the| i oya’ playground. The Inspector made bli annual “ surprise)” visit on the day of 1 ro-oponing after Easter —W. 11. Kneen. 1 IRREGULAR ATIENDANCE

Some discussion took phicc with regard to the irregular atteadauco of certain children. Ultimately It was resolved that the Chairman «houM consult with the Headmaster and send the notices pro vided by the Act to the pa-onia and guardians of children reported for irregular attendance wkt-dav nouns. On the motion of Mr Orr, It was re solved that the Headmaster’s suggestion in reference to Wet-day hours should bo adopted. PRIZES. Tho Headmaster's proposals with regard to distribution of prizes and school concert were approved of. LIDKAKY. It was resolved to allow the suggestion to establish a school library to remain in abeyance until after tho next Inspector’s ezamination. FUEL. Tho Chairman wa.s authorised to call for tenders and to accept one for a supply of fuel. MATERIAL. The Chairman was authorised to obtain material asked for in the Headmaster’s report. INCIDENTAL FUND. The Chairman reported that the Hampstead School Committee had de clined to accept £lO in settlement of its claim upon the incidental fund. Ho had seen Mr Mayo, the Chairman of tho Hampstead Committee, and explained to him the actual position of the fund. Mr Mayo stated that he considered the offer a fair one, and would recommend his Committee to accept it. There had been no official communication between the two Committees since.

A prolonged discussion followed, and it was resolved, “ That the vote of LlO to the Hampstead Committee remain open until next meeting, and if not then accepted lapse, and no further offer be made.” VISITING COMMITTEE. The Chairman and Mr Orr were ap pointed as a Visiting Committee for tho ensuing month. PAYMENTS. Accounts, amounting to £5 18s lid, wore passed for payment, and tho Committee adjourned.

PUBLIC MEETING.

A I'uiiLic mooting ot the ratepayers in tlie newly constituted town district of Hakatcre, for the purpose of considering the advisable ness or otherwise of retaining that name, was hold in the Hampstead schoolroom last even ing. About forty ratepayers were present. Waiting some little time after the hour fixed for the meeting, several of those present expressed pretty strong opinions regarding the absence of the conveners, and it was sug gested that the meeting should adjourn shw dir, This proposal, however, was not adopted, and ultimately Mr C. Ward was voted to the chair.

The Chairman briefly stated the nature 0:

the business before the meeting. The name of llakatoro had been bestowed hpon the town district, and a number of the ratepayers viewed that name with disfavour. He would call upon some gentleman present to propose a resolution.

Mr F. T. Mayo moved to the effect that the name ot the new town district, Hakatere, was objectionable to a majority of the ratepayers. Mr Potter seconded the motion. He said the name of Hampstead was well known, and he saw no reason for its alteration.

Mr Mayo pointed out that he had suggested no other name. That would be a question which, if the present motion were carried, would come before tho meeting at a later stage. A gentleman present desired to move that the name bo Trevorton, as it was the oldest established part of the district. The Chairman said that before the ques tion of name could be discussed, it would be necessary for the meeting to dispose of the present one. , .... Mr Piektord spoke strongly against the name of Hakatcre being given to tho district. Mr Q. W. Andrews supported Mr Mayo’s motion, .

The Chairman said that although, by ■ reason of the position he occupied, he could not take so prominent a part in the meeting ns ho might otherwise have done, ho would still like to r tato his reasons for object ing to the nan a of I'n'iatcrc. That name had been sprung upon them, as it were, unawares. They had been told by Mr White that the signification of the word, Hakatcro, was “poverty-stricken.”—(Cries of: Wo won’t have it then, and laughter) That would be a nice name to give a district. Then, on the other side of the railway line wos a part known as Hakatere, and to have two places similarly named would naturally lead to confusion. All the certificates of title for land throughout the district had been made out for Hampstead or Trevorton, and here again confusion would arise. .Mr J. A. Caygill regretted that the proposer of the motion in condemning the name of Hakatere had notjsuggested another in substi tution. He would say that he thought

“Hakatere” preferable to “Hampstead.” It might moan “ poverty stricken ” in the Maori language, hut he thought provided they got a name which was a nice one, and at the same time stamped some individuality upon the district, they did not care what it meant.

It had been said the name was stolen from another part of the district, but he had never heard that anyone had a prior claim to it. All that he could say was that the original possessors must have hidden their light under a bushel (vociferous “no ”). He thought they could not improve on the Maori nomen clature. In America, Australia and elsewhere he knew there might bo a good objection to adopting the aboriginal names, for the language of the natives of those places was of the most uncouth and jawbreaking character imaginable, and any man who had any regard for his facial expression, or the rigidity of his teeth, would think twice before attempting

to pronounce any of the majority of their words. That objection did not apply to New Zealand, for the language of the natives was a very graceful one, and it, |as seemed prob able, the Maoris were to be “ improved off the face of the earth,” he did not see why their

language should go too. Besides, what rea son was there for duplicating Old World names. In America this sort of nomenclature was a serious evil. In that country there was about a dozen Londons, and a person might travel for months without finding the particular one he wanted. Mr W. W. White asked permission to make an explanation with regard to a remark pre viously made by Mr Andrews to the effect that the name ot Hakatere had not appeared in the petitions for the formation of the town district when they were being circulated. He stated at some length the circumstances, and said that in all three petitions the name had appeared. He had been led to choose that name because the proposed town district in cluded three places known as Hampstead, Trevorton and Netherby respectively, arid he considered it would be out of place for him to fix upon anyone of these as the name for the new town district. He had, therefore, to go out side for a name, and looking at an old map he saw that the native name for the Ashbur ton river was Hakatere, and this he thought a vciy suitable one, and therefore selected it. The contention of the Chairman with regard to the certificates of title having to be altered was ridiculous. The Chairman : What is ridiculous ? Mr White repeated his remark. The Chairman said he had not stated the certificates ot title would have to be altered. Mr White, whose remarks were somewhat inaudible owing to a subdued conversation in one part of the room, went on to say that as regarded himself ho did not care much what name was given the district. lie had ex plained his reasons for the action he had taken. Mr Piokford, who had canvassed lor sig-

natures to one of the petitions, stated in reply to a question that he had not seen the name of JlakaterG in the document he had, or ho would not have taken it round, for he strongly objected to the name in question. Mr Andrews said that he was certain no name appeared in the petition he had signed, for he remembered that at that time there was some indecision with reference to naming the district, and he had stated his opinion to Mr Wnitc that Hampstead was the most suitable, being the most widely known. Mr White again asserted that the name had appeared in tho petition Mr Andrews had signed. Mr Andrews might have forgotten the circumstance, but at the time he signed, he (Mr White) knowing he had an objection to Hakatere, asked him to bear with that name for the reason he had before stated. If the name did not appear on the petitions when they were signed, it would not be neces sary to go on with the meeting any further; they had only to prove it, and the whole thing became invalid. Ho would let anyone who wished to do so examine the petitions. He wished he had brought them with him that night. Any expert in handwriting would tell them that the name was written at the same time as the body of the petition, A considerable amount of discussion took place with regard to whether the meeting could be considered in the light of a repre sentative one. The Chairman said that in transmitting any resolutions that might be carried to the proper authorities he would explain tho circumstances in connection with the meeting, and the proportion the rate payers who attended bore to those in the district. Mr G. W. Andrews and Mr W. W, White were appointed scrutineers. The motion was put to the meeting, and carried by 17 to 8. The Chairman said the next question was to decide upon a name to replace that of Hakatere. Mr Pickford said that although he resided in Trevorton, he was not a selfish man, and ho would propose that the district be known as Hampstead. Mr Dailey seconded. Mr Caygill moved as an amendment—

“ That a committee be appointed to consider a suitable Maori name, to be submitted for approval to an adjourned meeting, to be held a week hence.” (A voice: “ I object to Maori names. We’re not Maoris; we’re white men.”—Laughter.) Mr Elliot seconded the amendment, which on being put to the meeting was lost, four voting for it and eighteen against. The motion that the district should be called Hampstead was then put to the meet ing and lost, the voting being—l 3 for and 14 against. The declaration of the result was received with applause. Mr Porter then moved—" That the district be called Trevorton.” Mr Taylor; I’ll second that. (A voice: Of course, you will.) The motion was put to the meeting, and while the hands were being counted some disorder arose, and the Chairman had several times to interfere before order was restored. When the noise was at its height, a voice, addressing the scrutineers, said: I think you two want spectacles. The voting was equal—l 4 for and 14 against. The declaration was received with a considerable amount of applause. The Chairman said they were in the same

position as when they started. The meeting would not have Hakatefe, nor Hampstead, nor a committee to select a Maori name; and now with regard to Trevorton, even if he gave his casting vote in favor of that pro posal, in a case of this sort it could not be taken as carried. Although as Chairman he was occupying a neutral position, he would, seeing the turn matters had taken, move— “ That it bo a recommendation to the incom ing Town Board to adopt a name in place of Hakatere for the district.” Mr Bickford seconded.

Some discussion arose, in the course of which the Chairman, in reply to an enquiry, said ho would make the question of name a platform one with the candidates for election to the Town Board.

Mr Caygill thought it would be a childish thing to make it a platform question, because they might reject a good man who did not agree with them as to name, and get in his place a man who, although he might support tho name they wished, would do a great deal of harm in really important matters. The Chairman said that of course he did not mean that a man should be supported or opposed solely on the question of name, but he would make it one of the planks in the candidates’ platforms. Further discussion ensued, daring which someone present advised the Trevorton people to keep their wits about them at the election, or Hampstead would steal a march upon them.

Mr Undrill moved as an amendment—

“ That this mooting stand adjourned for one week, and that a committee bo appointed to consider a suitable name in the meantime.” Mr Carter seconded the amendment which was carried by 13 to 7,

Mr Undrill then proceeded to name a com mittee, but it was impossible to obtain five gentlemen willing to act. The Chairman at this stage, with a view to expediting business, drew attention to the fact that t tie candles with which the room were lighted were burning oat, and that unless the meeting were speedily concluded, those present would be left in darkness. Mr Baker ultimately proposed that the matter of name be left to the Town Board to decide at its first meeting.

This was seconded by Mr T, Andrews, and carried by 12 to 3. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded the proceedings.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[REUTER COPYRIGHT.]

THE HOME RULE QUESTION

London, May 10.

In the House of Commons to day Mr Gladstone moved the second read ing of a Bill embodying the Government proposals in regard to the establish ment of local autonomy in Ireland. It the course ot an exhaustive speech he stated he was willing that the question of the retention oi the Irish members in the House of Commons should be fully considered in Committee. He suggested their appearance in debates dealing with questions of Imperial tax ation, and that a joint English and Irish Committee should consider questions involving the interests of the Empire. London, May 11.

The debate on the Horae rule ques tion has be«n adjourned until Thursday, May 13th. Mr Chamberlain is believed not to be contented'with the concessions made by Mr Gladstone, and he will vote for the rejection of the measure, which it is generally expected will take place. THE CROFTERS BILL. London, May 11. In the House of Commons yester day the Crofters Bill was read a third time. PROPOSED SECESSION OF NOVA SCOTIA. Halifax, May 10. The Nova Scotia House of Assembly has had under consideration a proposal brought forward by the Ministry for the secession of this province from the do minion of Canada. After an animated debate the proposal was vetoed. COMMERCIAL TREATY. London, May 10. A convention has been signed be tween Spain and Great Britain, by which Spain accords to England the treatment of “ most favored nation,” in return for which wine of 30 degrees alcoholic strength will be admitted at a shilling duty. AN AGENT-GENEBAL. The <Hon. Graham Berry, recently appointed Agent General for Victoria, has arrived here and shortly enters upon his official duties. PARLIAMENTARY

(Received May 12,1.45 p.m.) London, May 11

The Duke of Buckingham has been appointed Chairman of Committees in the House of Lords, in place of the late Lord Redsdale, by a majority of 122 to 103. The other candidate for the office was. Earl Morley, who was pro posed by Lord Granville,

THE IRISH QUESTION. The Marquis of riartington moved the rejection of the Home Kale Bill in the House of Commons last night. He characterised the proposals as injurious, and stated they would not satisfy the Home Rule party. The Marquis of Hartington proposed to meet the Irish difficulty by a gradual extension of the principles of self-government.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

IPBB IR3BB ASSOCIATION.!

Auckland, May 11.

An attempt to fire a large block of buildings at Devonport was made last night. The outbreak started at the premises of Gerrard, shoemaker, but was supposed by the neighbors. Gerrard was uninsured. A deposit of rags, kerosene, and sulphur was found. The Tainul left for Wellengton and southern porta with part original cargo and passengers to-day. A number of her fireman had been drinking ashore, and four reached the end of|the wharf just as she had left. Two leaped into the sea to swim to the steamer. A waterman named Bradley in his boat picked them up and placed them on board, somewhat sobered. The two other firemen borrowed a boat and palled a great race to catch the Tainul off the railway wharf, the steamer having to make a round turn before getting there, but they did not succeed, and returned disconsolate.

Blenheim, To-day.

In the divorce case Careen v. Careen and Cimante, a decre nisi with costs against co-respondent was granted.

Dunedin, May 11.' At a meeting of the Charitable Aid Board it was stated that a communication from the Premier’s Office notified that the paying for children committed to the In dustrial School prior to the Ist October, 1885. A reply had been sent that the Audied Department objected to the Government Board could not ‘bo held responsible for their maintenance, as the Act provided that tin? cost should bo defrayed by the District Board of the district where the order of committal was made, and as these Boards wore only created on October Ist they could not make any order for com mittals prior to that period. To this a reply was received that the Law Officers of the Crown read the Act differently. It was resolved to test the matter, and resist a payment which would amount to about £ISOO. It was resolved to defray the expenses incurred by members in

travelling to tho meetings. At tho statutory meeting of the City Council dissatisfaction was expressed with tho balance-sheetj especially with the Gas Department, which showed no profit. The overdraft is beyond the legal limit, but it was decided not to raise a loan to reduce it, but to economise in every department. At a meeting of the Committee to erect a scatuo in Dunedin to thb poet Burns, it was stated that various entertainments held had resulted in a loss of £206. Bomo' £3lO is required to complete the undertaking. From a statement made, it appeared certain persons had re ceived subscriptions which do not seem, to bo accounted or. So Far So Good. Christchurch, To-day. Tho Auditors appointed to examine the accounts of tho Town Clerk of Kalapoi, who disappeared last week, report that his cash is correct.

flomestead System. Dunjswn, To-day. The Land Board to-day resolved to recommend Government to set aside 1,000 acres under the homestead system at Waikaia, request the Surveyor-General to report aa to suitable blocks In others district#,

THB A 8 Hls U li'l'O N GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 1886,



SATURDAY, 15 m SPECIAL ENT 1 largo cnAFFOTJn mond and Caaudle steampower. 1 large CORN CRUS Hunt and Co.), all steampower. Sale at 1 o : cloc T. BI m 10 Trees Trees THE undersigned has E< kinds of FRUIT AND FORES'] Pinna Insignia, Auatriaca, I Macrocarpa, by tons of the kinds in proportion. All kinds of cabbage planl All orders by post or c receive my best attention. N.B.—A grand lot of ea plants on sale. JAMES PORT CLIFTON NU 4 75 AUenton, Aabbui CANTERBURY ASHBURTO [WILL be a BUYER . OF 300,000 Bu MILLING WU THIS SEA Also some Large I OATS AND OTHER CORNSAOK Full Size and Weight, at £ C. W. Tt 340 Per D. H. DR. TREVOR begs Patients that, pend: of his new House, he will ir i,_ ntwaal nnrr



Wanted. W A ™“ Known—Gn ever at the t nipt Stock. — Dayks anu ( WANTED Known—Tl be preached over) evening In the Arcade Chi p.m. (d.v.) Free for all. rANTED KNOWN haviug commenced bacon able to supply a real good at 6.1 per lb at the Facti Ashburton. Figs cured i dried, smoked and dolia One Penny per lb. P. lb PRESENTS ! Presents giving Presents to in the £ to every pun for come at last



N OTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLICAN'S LICENSE. I ALBERT JAMES HOWELL, of South Rakaia, do hereby give notice that 1 desire to obtain, and will at tha Licensing meeting to be holdeu at South Rakaia, on the third day of June next, apply for a certificate authorising the issue of a Publican’s License for a bouse situate at South Rakaia, and known as the Railway Hotel, containing twenty-five rooms, exclusive of those required for the nse of the family. Dated the sixth day of May, 1886. ALBERT JAMES HOWELL. NOTICE.. Mr f. brooke-smifh, a.s.a., will give Lessons in Drawing and Painting, both Oil and Water Colors. Pupils received at the Studio, or waited on at their own houses. Evening Classes will also be formed tor tuition in Sepia, Indigo, and Indian Ink Painting, Drawing, Bookkeeping, and Shorthand. . . . All particulars and prospectuses to be obtained from MrT. P. Farley, Stationer. Paintings on view at the shops of Messrs Farley and Jones. M 10 jgLACK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally in the Ashburton District that we have now received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present The advantages which we possess in being able to bay in the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of our buyer, enablSs ns 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 DR«6S DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DiRARTMBNT prbssmakin£department millinery department CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUOEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. Olonial Manufactuke from various mils, i Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. Casa System and Cash Prices. , BJLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE- V HOUSE, TAILORS, tipwptfMfKKßS. ANP MILLINERS



Monthly advertiser, issued by Robeet Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5a per mouth, centre spaces 10a ; for longer terms special arrangements can bo made ; advertisements should not be later than the 26th ef each month. 760 WANTED Known —Wertheim Sew ing Machines can bo had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. A GRAND White Sugar, 3d per lb; Dried Apples, 6d per lb ; Figs, 8d per box; New Currants, 6d per lb ; New Nelson Jams, 6d per tin; Condensed Milk, 6d per tin ; Sperm Canales, 6d per lb ; Price’s English Sperms, lOd —At Jas. McGeeooe’s, Tancred street. Special Advertisements. MR J. H. BROOKS is now receiving Pupils for the Pianoforte, Organ, Violin, Singing, ole. For particulars, apply to J. H. Brooks (Mr S. Wolf’s late residence), Wills street, Ashburton. 4 538



[A Card.] R, M. Cutbbertsou, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR. Offices — H AVELOOK STREET (lately occupied by Mr Branson). 287 A USTKALIAN MjERCANTILE A UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The only Company in Canterbury WHICH DID NOT RAISE RATES 33J I’ER cent on Country Risks. We are vow, as we have been for THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING RISKS PER CENT. OFF TARIFF. W. 15. MOSS, Agent lot Ashburton District. September 22, 1885. 9 815 FoYi’oi



IT is requested that all ACCOUNTS owing “ The Ashburton Guardian Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, bo Paid at once to Mr B. Huuues, whose receipt alone will be a sullicient discharge. CHAS. W. PURNELL, m 11 Chairman. rjIENDERS Wanted for Re-Erecting SLAUGHTER HOUSE, Plans and Specifications, apply R. LANCASTER, Ready Money Meat Mart, m 11 Burnett street . OR SALE—T,S. 197 and part 1% (adjoining Mr J. Ward’s) with eight zoomed house and etc. 1 am prepared to accept a very low price for this eligible property. T. BULLOCK TO the Ashburton Guards and Volun teers.—THE VOLUNTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole c ; the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squad J/AU, Bayonet Drill, Infantry DrHI, Etc, NOW IN. The above should be perused by all Volunteers and will be found useful to those intending to compete for Govern ment appointments. This book being difficult to procure all Intending purchasers had better apply at once to T. F. FARLEY.



School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to bo 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 3,500 volumes. School requisites of every description kept in stock. Thomas F. FarMy, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders' Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop : Town Hall, Ashburton.



Special advertisements. E-r-sM mm tjitF'Tissm, rown iron work s ARMAGH STREET, Ohrlstcharch. Portable Eanges Burn Wood and Coal—ln Four Sizes, PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths, 40 pee cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988 Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton.



THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by mo, and at a price con siderably below original coat; this will give my many patrons an. opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY.—SpeciaI care Is given to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFAOTURE’dEACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may roly upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. Any book not in slock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and Foreign included), Public Committees receiving liberal con- This branch is being fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of all orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence. DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may rely upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remark applies to Homo 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 Tradesmen’s general requisites. Bookbinding Okdeus Received. BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Asubukxon. LITERATURE. cessions.. PRINTING.



STOCK-TAKING, FEBRUARY 1,188 G, WE beg to draw our Ashbur ton and Country Custo mers’ attention to the fact that wo have reduced the prices of many linos in our woil known Stock, notably in MENS’, BOYS’ & YOUTHS’ Clothing, And feel confident that an early Inspection will well repay a isit to the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S BRANCH, East Street, Ashburton.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL, & SON WISH to Intlmato to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on tholt work efficiently, are now in a position to moot the demands of the public with a -class article at prices to suit the times. Every dc, filption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltochapola from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S. —Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrlraming. VICTORIAN tSTEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support In this department, bog to intlmato that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now in a position to nndertako 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 j description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Victoria House. RAND D I S T R IBUTION OF BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Parcels amounting to TEN SHILLINGS AND ONE POUND. rtlclos to be Exhibited in Windows In a few days. Presents equal to a reduo tlo of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE POUND, to be distributed upon arrival. Dimant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS. CLOTHIERS, Exo, Em* f- 4 T*aowd fcnsti, Aibb«utQH<



/N ON TIN UATI O N OF T 11E \ i UNrAR ALLELE!) CHEAP SALE Of Mesora Friedlandor Jlroa’ stock of Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £sooo ANDREW ORR having purchased tho .•bovo STOCK at a iargo reduction from Price, ia still '’giving it awa Dulieard-of prices Hla great object being to turn It into cash, uo matter at what sacrifice ANDREW ORR