DAILY MEMORANDA

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc Monday, December 13 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.20 Wednesday, December 15. Oddfellows’ Hall—Borough School Con cert at 8 o'clock Thursday, December 16 Hunt's Gardens— Annual Garden Tarty in connection with St Stephen’s Church Monday December 27 L,O,L. — Anneal Concert and Ball Friday, December 31 Oddfellowa’ Hall—“ False Colors ”at 8 o’clock

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Truss Arrive at Ashburton— -From Christ burch and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4,85 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 Ojn. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 1,(0 Trains Leave Ashburton —For Christ thuroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., aad 6.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Bonth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4.45 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.6 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be U follows, viz.:— IE PAID IN ADVANCE t Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9a 6d Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18a 6d „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37s Od nr booked: Pet Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21a 6d „ Year 80s Od, by post, 43s Od • Birt Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s _6d each (stamps may be sent as payment); if booked, PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAY RENEW THFIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT TBE OLD RATES, Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country 'districts, require to be verified by the signa ture of ths person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

|WV»H close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a-m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &o-, at 10.30 a.m and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, vnd Geraldine, at 10 a,m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m tally. , for Timaru and South, at 10 a.si., and 430 p.m., daily. , For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and turdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, 'aid Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and turdays, at 6.30 a.in. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30.p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. dally. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p.m- For Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m.

arrive at the Ashburton Post * From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 .in., 436 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Oisrtsey, Ac. at 10.15 t and .35 p.m. laily. From 1 anedin and intermediate place* daily. eFroia Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. n. a 5.30 p. a da :I y. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. Irom Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 1 m* From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed nesdavs and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Lon, each at 10 a.m. dally. From Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Jr days, at 2.30 p.m- From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thar* days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1886. JUDICIAL DISCREPANCIES.

“Justices’ justice ” is a phrase fre quently employed by those who would cast discredit upon the manner in which the law is administered by the “ Great unpaid,” and it must be confessed that in the Old Country, where the expres sion arose (ihough there is little justi fication for it in the Colony), the con tempt which it expresses for the administration of the law is byno means undeserved. For example, the frequent letting off with a trumpery fine of ruffians who kick their wives with hob nailed boots, and the sending of young sters to gaol for weeks or months for taking a turnip from a field is a sort of thing whiqji brings Justices’ justice into deserved contempt. Of that sort of thing happily we know little or nothing in New Zealand, but Judges’ justice is occasionally of a very varying quality. As a case in point, we may refer to what took place only on'Wednesday last. At Napier and at Invercargill, before the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Williams respectively, were tried two men for almost identical offences, viz.—breaches of the Post- Office Act, the one, Frederick Hill, at Napier, pleading guilty to seven charges of stealing post letters, and the other Frederick Dale, at Inver cargill, pleading guilty to four charges of the precise same nature. Yet, while in the Invercargill case the man who pleaded guilty to four offences was sentenced to two years hard labor by Mr Justice Williams, in the Napier case the offender in seven cases was treated as a first offender under the First Offenders’ Probation Act and dis charged under surveillance, and that by the very judge (Judge Prendergast) who, only a few weeks ago, laid it down that only “ young persons found guilty of silly acts for the first time ” were proper subjects to be brought under the operation of the Act referred .to. The Southland Naas, commenting on the wide discrepancy of treatment of these very similar cases of Hill and Dale, suggests that Judge Williams might re commend the Government to “ equalise the punishment,” apparently meaning that Dale, like Hill.Jshould be treated as a first offender. If this is what the News meant by equalisation, we entirely dissent, for we hold that Mr Justice Williams was right in regarding a man who, by his own admission, guilty of four offences as clearly not a first offender at all. If so, then most certainly he who is guilty of seven can still less expect to be re garded as a first offender. Hence we think that the Chief Justice was quite in error in* his treatement of Hill, who ought, in our opinion, to have been excluded from the operation of the Probation Act. Indeed, if there be many more such examples as this, which we feel sure is an altogether mistaken interpretation of the intention of the Legislature, we predict that Mr Tole’s well meant measure of last session will speedily be expunged from the Statute-book.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A rehearsal ofjthe “ Recruiting Office,” the piece tj be performed at the Borough School entertainment, will be’heli in the Oddfellows’ Hall this evening at 8 o’clock, Mr D. McFarlane, grocer, of East and Burnett streets, wishes the public to read bis new price list in this paper, also look at the windows of his shops for Christmas goods.

The Hon J Ballanoe will leave Christchurch for the South on Monday, and will arrive in Ashburton by that morning’s express. While here be will be the guest of Major Steward, M.H.R.

The Ashburton Borough Council meets on Monday nest. At the E.M. Court this morning, before Mr T. Bullock, J.P., a first offender for drunken ness was fined 5s and costs, with the usual alternative.

The North Otago Times has the following : —“ A farmer has left at our office a plant of the Canadian thistle, which is one of the latest pests introduced to our country. It is a fibrous-rooted plant, each plant sending up many flower stems. Probably it is a hybrid between the field burr thistle and the .soft sow thistle, and if so, it resembles both the parent plants in many respects. It is a nuisance, and should be eradicated as soon as it makes its appearance.” It, as we imagine, the plant here referred to as the “ Canadian ” thistle is the same thing as that known in Tasmania as the '■ California j,” there can be no question as to the danger which threatens cur farmers, and every effort should be put forth to ensure its extripation before i spreads, as it otherwise soon will do, far and wide.

The usual monthly meeting of the Winslow District School Committee was held in the Schoolroom on Wednesday, Deo. Bth. Present —Messrs F. M.jFoster (chairman), J. Dayman, A. Wilson, and O. Drennan. ' The Master reported that the average attendance was 30 1; number on roll 36; also, that the care taker’s duties lor the past month had been satisfactorily discharged ; and in view of the school not been examined before Christmas it would be inadvisable to close the school, excepting for a day or two, until after the examination. The Master’s report was con sidered satifaoiory. In was resolved, on the motion of Mr Dayman, seconded by Mr Wilson, that the 27th inst. and the 3rd pro*, be holidays, this arrangement to be subject to any alteration the Chairman may deem fit to make, after conferring with Mr Culver* house. Moved by Mr Dayman, seconded by Mr Wilson, and carried, “ That the Secretary endeavour to collect all outstanding accounts owing for hire of room at once.” After pass ing accounts for payment to the amount of £l2 6s 4d, the meeting adjourned. The Daily News in the course of an article on the condition of the agricultural population of Scotland, says:—“ On many Lowland farms the ploughman only obtains possession of one of the cottar houses on condition that he provides a certain amount of female labor to be available in the harvest field, or at other times when outdorr work becomes urgent. The ploughman who has not grown-up daughters gets this requirement by lodging in his house one or two young women, and the testimony is universal that in many cases the moral results are most disastrous. A similar arrangement is in operation in dairy farming districts, where every ootman is bound to supply one or more good milkers. This evil, the existence of which many of the farmers sorrowfully admit, has been repeatedly condemned; but under existing conditions of the agricultural labor market, the system is excused as a necessity, and it seems to be extending.” Possibly this is the explanation of certain very remarkable result 9 shown in the late published vital statistics of Scotland. Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabe Ironbark, Sandhurst, in the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of ago, was accidentally hurt with an axe on the knee. I at once took all pains to secure medical assistance. Dowever, in spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Macgilli vray than an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, in order to save life. At this junction I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of the Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the applica tion of the same I had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied. And I make this solemn declaration, etc., —Franzßaabe. Doo’a. edat Sandhurst, in the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seven teenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven before me, Moritx Cohn, J.P.—Advt.

THE FATAL COLLISION.

[uKUXKB’S TI'I KORAMS -COPYKIGUT ] Sydney, December 10. The steamer Helen Nicoll arrived from Trial Bay this morning with the passengers saved. A great crowd met her at the wharf, and great excitement prevailed. The Keilawarra struck amidships, close to the engines. Retreat from the saloon was thus cut off. It now appears that the passenger Mrs Wilson drowned is not the daughter of Madame Carandini, as at first stated. Captain Calder referred to in the last telegram is captain of the steamship Victoria, not of the Keilawarra,

The greater number of the Keilawarra passengersjwere brought to Sydney this morning by the Helen Nicoll, and were in a most exhausted condition. Heart rending scenes took place on the wharf on the arrival of the vessel. From the statements of survivors, it appears that at the time the collision took place the weather was rather hazy, though up to that time the weather had been clear. The collision is described as something terrible, the wildest confusion prevailing on both vessels, ladies on board the Keilawarra running about In a state of perfect bewilderment. A boat was lowered from the Keilawarra, but was instantly rush°d, and went down with twenty people in it, several of whom failed to regain the ship. When the vessel sank most heart-rendingen'es were raised. As the Keilawarra was thought to be the safer vessel, when she parted many of those aboard the Helen Nicoll attempted to jump aboard the Keila warra, but failed to reach her. Those who lost their lives on board the Helen Nicoll were crushed to death while asleep in their bunks.

Later, No one on board either vessel ap pears to have seen the anproaching lignts, but when the situation was grasped the passengers aboard the Keilawarra behaved in a most frantic manner. A distressing secene took place, women and children shrieking with fear. A number of men rushed the boats, heedless of the captain, who cried shame on their cowardice. The total loss of life amounts to forty one. It now appears that Mr not Mrs Wilson has been drowned.

THE CAIN CASE.

limaicO, U camber 10. The following evidence was taken after ho luncheon adj nunment On re«iunuog, Jane Ellis Newton de-, ;>cßed Shortly after May, 1835, I went to live with the late Captain Oain, and v it’c occasional absences 1 remained there up to the time of his death. 1 think it was in November that Hall first began to visit the houie at Woodlands. I was not away from the hou e between Novem ber and January. Fro n the end of November till the end of January, H»b was a frequent visitor t» the house. It was at the end of November when he first began to see the Captain, He used to come eveiy morning. This continued up to the time of his death. H ill would be with the Captain ten miuatos or so. I think that no person was present at these interviews with the Captain. Hall used to call again after office hours frequently through the week, and he used to see the Captain on those calls. There was a ucras with Captain Cain, but I think he used to leave the room when visitors otmei Towards the last, he (Hall) used to come as late as 10 o’clock at night, and he sat with the Captain all night on two occasions. This was about Ohriatmai lime. I was in the Oaptaiu’a room several times when Hall entered. Hall used to gay, “ I have business, I want to speak t > your father. ’’ I have heard Hdl ask him if the Captain had had anythin,: lately, meaning liquor. The Oaptaiu always wanted Bomathlng to drink, as he *as suffering from thirst. X have seen Hall give him champagne and his cough mixture. 1 cannot say I have seen Ha l »Lve Cam anyi lag else. L do not think I did. There was some whisky an t port wine in the room. I think the Captain had left off whisky from Noveua oer to the end of January. The liquors I have mentioned were kept on a tabu behiud a screen, p aced between the bed and the door, I can’t sty when the O* >tain first began to vomit, It was an old thing, as far as I remember. C saw

the Captain sick soon -ft*?. - I returned to the house n November, but I do not remember that he made any remark. He was sick bfi re luuch. He was in the babß of taking wine or whiskey after he :ame in from town* After the OapUiu returned from his drives before dinner be used to take whisky, wine, or rum. Be gave up drinking whisky when 1 went to the house, and gave as a reason that it made him sick The words he. need were, “ it is strange that I should hav-< trank whisk' for so many years, and now it should make me sick.” He took brandy a few times after giving up whisky, but did not like it, and then took port. He drank port till the end and was not alok as when he took whisky T remember Mrs Ostler dining at the house on one oooaslon. The Captain a-tod lor something to drink. There was a decanter of whiskey on the table, and my father said “ Not whisky, it makes m« siok." s 'omeone said “ there’s some wine in the cupboard," Hall then took a gloss from the table, and went to the cupboard and poured out some wine, I believe, port, but I cannot say for certrn. I did not noHce the conten's of the glass when it w*s put on the table. Hall poured some water from the jug into >he glass, and the latter at Captain Cain’s side, I did not remain in the com long after this as I wss ill, and went out —To the Court : I made a mis lake in saying that I came back in November ; it was about two days uefore the Timaru Show. It was a few days after that I saw my father sick, 1 can only sty s Tely once he was siok at lunch time, and 1 think only myself was present. He war vry sick. This was the only time I saw him sick about this time. Mr While said that this was the last witness, and asked for a remand for seven days, which was granted. The Court then rose.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB SPRING MEETING. SECOND DAY. The following are the concluding events of yesterday’a meeting:— Totalisatob Stakes, of 15 sovs ; minimum weight, Sat; nomination 1 aov. The winner to be sold imme diately after the race for 10 sovs, any surplus to go to the funds of the Club £ mile. Mr J. Belt’s b m Jessie, by Knot lingtf-y- (Ttratforr) ... ... 1 HrG. Hun’s Tommy Dodd, (Price) 2 Mr J Spri - g’s Madam, (White) ... 3 Mr H Crocker’s Nellie (Rosewarne), and Mr 8 Alexaudit’a Lily (Mioke), also ran.

After a moat tedious delay at the post, oaused through the refo-al of Nellie’s r der to let his mount j in her horses, Jessie and Tommy Dodd went off m oompaoy, closely followed by Mad*m, Lily bek ; g left whh Nellie at ‘he post. Entering the straight Jessie still led, and ►he finally won rather easily by a U>‘ gth and a quarter from Tommy D ;dd, Madam a close third.

Totslifiator—investors, 200 ; on winner, 77 ; dividend, £2 6s. Tb winner was out up for sale by Mr D. Thomas immediately after the race, Mr MKendry being the purchaser at £l6

At a meeting of the Stewards it was resolved to d the Jockey Rose wai-ne for three months for holding NeTie at the peat, a decision which was certainly just, though lenient. Flying Handicap, of 40 sovs ; nomina tion, I sov ; acceptance, 1 sov. Second horse to receive 5 sovs from the stake. £ mile. Mr J. Pilbrow’s ch m Gaiety, by Rosebery—PVolic, 5 yra, 6»t (Dodd) 1 Mr P. ButHr’a b h Tit Bit, 4rra, 7*t 13! b (Whit-) 2 Mr L. Msrkey’e br m Tasmania, 4yrs, 6«t ... ... ... (Lees) 3 Mr M. Sherwin’a b g Quibble, 6yrs, Bsfc lolb, was scratched, A beau Iful start was effected, Gaiety slightly leading from Tit Bit. In the straight the whip was out to Tit Bit, but the mare always had the bent of it, and, untouched, she landed the money for Mr Pilbrow by a length, T»atnania. who came very fast at the finish, a short head be hind T t B t. Time, 4

Total isator—investors, 204 ; on winner, 98 ; dividend, £1 17«. Consolation » ! andicap, of 20 sovs; nomination, Isov. One mile. Mr P. Bu'ler’s b h Tit Bit, by Musket, 4yra, Bit 3lbs, (Dodd) 1 Messrs M and O Hobbs’ ch e Bed

Robin, 4y e, 7st 31bs, ... (White) 2 Mr J. Worner’s b m Zealot, 3yrs, 6*t (Webster) 3 The trio were sent away on very oven terms, Red Robin cutting out the running at a merry pace. Fairly iu the straight the favorite was allowed his head, and despite the efforts of White, won easily by a length and a quarter, Zealot six lengths away third. Totalisator—investors, 60; on winner, 38 j dividend, £1 8v Hubby Scobby, of £10; J mile. Catch weights. Mr S. Alexander’s ch m Lily, (Dodd) 1 Mr J. Worner’e b g Toi Toi 2 Mr J. Worner s Jessie 3 Lily won rather easily at the finish, paying the biggest dividend at the meet ing, viz, £l3 10s There were 30 in vestors, a InoVy pair on the winner.

CRICKET

Englishmen v. maw south walks, % [rbutbr’s telegrams —copyright .3 Sydney, December 10 The return match between Shaw and Lily white's team and Eleven of New Sonth Wales was commenced at Sydney to day. Though the weather was fine the attendance was only, moderate. L’he wicket was heavy, owing tc recent rain- The home team winning the toss elected to bat, but had only succeeded in com piling 117 runs when the last wicket fell. The visitors then went in, and w en the stumps wera d*awn had made 20 for the lose of two wickets.

[Per Press Association]. Wellington, December 10. The following eighteen have been selected to practice lor the Canterbury and Nelson matches to be played here during Christmas week:—A Blaoklook, R. Biaoklock, G. Barnes, Oux, 0. Dry den, A. Go-e, Heenan, Klrker, Lawson, Malco m, Mansell, McGlrr, Mosrhouse, Motley, Nicholls, Roberts, W. J. Salmon, Tindal.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, December 10. A meeting of the Chamber of Com merce which was to have been hsld to-day to consider the Premier’s proposal re the Canadian trade lapsed for want of a quorum. John Luhd, a a powerful man was sentenced at the Police Oonrt to six months' imprisonment for a bra al assault upon a woman with whom ha had bean cohabiting. A woman named Yssey fell off the Queen street wharf >o-day, but was rescued by a boat pat ff by a constable. New Plymouth, December 10. A young woman named E ally Newland, arrest d on a charge ■ f f >rging a cheque on the Bank of New Zealand for £l, pur porting to be signed oy Henry Dempsey, head teacher at the Genual School, will appear before the Court to-morrow. Wellington, December 10

A proclamation in the supplementary Gazette published to-night, further pro rogue' Parliament until 16ih February The damage to the steamer Kawitiri, which struck the Rangito o ree on Tues day night is estimated at £lO One plate will have to be renewed, and two others taken out and renewed. Captain Wood, of the barque G, M. Tucker, which arr ved last evening from Newcastle, reports having parsed a port on of a wrok at noon on uaday, about 200 miles off Cape Farewell, Ha could not, however, make a close inspection, the wind being unfavorable .The wreck <ge, which floated bottom upwards, appeared to belong to a vesaol of about 2JO tons, and was evidently that portion from stem to ab vt amidships, so that she must h-ive. had her bac k broken Hokitika, December 10.

Two mining acifd-nts. which almost miraoulonsl; escaped being attended with fetal result", occurr-d John Yiuca-.t was f-inkint! a sh ifc from which a huge boulder was being drum, and when i’ was a foot f-cm the surface the wind lass broke end fell with the boulder down the s’ aft. The boulder was jammed in the shaft du ing its descent The windlass fell on a man, but net seriously injuring him, he being able to walk home after being extricated In the other case a large piece of rock fell on Jas, Perry in a drive, do ng him a great injury. He was immedialely conveyed to the Hospital. Dunediw, December JO.

It turns out that it was not scheelite which was discovered on the Otago Peninsula, but sandstone. A specimen picked, however, gave a premising yield c£ g >ld

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON MARKETS. London, i eoember 9. The wool market continues dull, Up to the present date 83,000 bales have been offered at the colonial sales; 15,000 have been withdrawn. Consols have fallen and are quoted at 100^. The weekly returns of the Bank of England, published to-day, show the proportion of reserve to liabilities to be 46 per cent, or 2 per cent higher than last week. The total reserve in notes and bullion was being an increase of for the week. • New Zealand Government securities remain unchanged at previous quo ations. PORT HAMILTON, London, Deoembe- 10 It is announced that the British Government have agreed to cede Port Hamilton to China on the Chinese Government engaging not to allow any other Power to annex that place.

A U S T RAL I A N. [reuteb’s telegrams—copyright ] THE MARKETS. Sydney. December 9 New Zealand wheat is selling at 4s; New Zealand oats, 2sj maize, per 56lbs, 3s 3d. Sugar Company’s No 1 pieces, per ton. Melbourne. December 10. The New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency company held their usual weekly sale yesterday afternoon, offer ing a catalogue of 4328 bales, of which 3303 were sold, making the total for the week 3681 bales. The attendance of buyers was large and the biddings were spirited. The prices realised we e in sympathy with those realised at the London sales, greasy merino being a id lower, crossbreds lower, washed fleece 2d lower, scoured ij£d lower. The highest price for greasy was scoured ißd, washed fleece i4^d.

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

[reutbr's telegrams—copyright.] Vienna, December 9. The Bulgarian deputation, which is now on a tour to the Courts of Europe, for the purpose of explaining the posi tion of affairs in Bulgaria, had an audience with Count Kainoky to-day. The Premier stated that his recent de clarations with regard to Bulgarian questions were the unalterable basis of the Austrian policy. He counselled moderation on the part of the Bul garian people. (Received December 11,1.15 p.m ) London, December 10. The Russian Government has with drawn its objection to validating the election of the Bulgarian Sobrange, but insists that there shall be a change in the members of the Regency. Si Petersburg, December 10. A denial has been issued of the report recently current that Prince Lobanoff would replace M. de Giers as Minister for Foreign Affairs,

THE BELLS

The Alleyne-Wade Comedy Company pUyad to a good house at the Oddfellows* Hall last oveninz, and gave a really -xcellent performance, the pieces pre sented being “ The Bella ” and “ The fl'ugh Diamond.” The first-named afforded an opportunity to Mr Alleyne to display his unquestionable ability as an *o or, living’s great rdle of the Burgo master falling to bis share. The part is one »bich makes great demand upon the performer, the whole interest of the niece focussing in him as its central figure, and Mr Al’eyne sustained it ad miraby, giving a most realistic interpre tation of the dream-haunted murderer. The tableaux representing the burgo master’s vision of his victim, the Polish Jew, and his dream of his trial and execution, followed by bis death as the result of the terrors of his conscience, were excellent, and evoked well-deserved applause Miss Wade made a charming Annette, and Miss Marion Medley as the Burgomaster’s wife, Miss Lilly* Bryer as the seivaot-maid, Messrs Power and Melville as the convivial friends of the Burgomaster, and Mr Beaumont as Chris tian, all deserve a word praise. The afterpiece was an appropriate con trast, and evoked much genuine amuse ment, Harry Power as “ Cousin Joe” being simply irresistible. Altogether the company gave a capital entertainment.

CORRESPONDENCE.

-Ve do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

ASHTON SCHOOL ENQUIRY.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —A. short time ego there appeared in your paper a report of the enquiry held on November 16th In connection with the Ashton School—a report that was far from being impartial or complete. In justice to myaeif I deem it necessary to give as clearly as possible, from my n-i'ea, a fair report of the proceedings conducted by Mr Saunders ; and in order to do, this shall first of all st*te the charges pti-fern d against me, as Master, by the Oomnutee, and received through the Secret .ry of the Boa-d of Education. They were as follows :—“ That you have been severe in punishing, and too exact ing in work required of the children, and have taken no notice of the directions of jr the Commit ee on the subject; that yon have changed the hours of opening school without regard to a resolution pasted by 'he Committee, and punished ohlidcan (in one case keeping them without dinner) ror non-attendance at trie time fixed by yourself; tba you closed the soh >o! on Sep ember 27 b, stating .that a holiday had been given, srhicn was not the case. .It Is stated that in consequence of the dissatisfaction fe ! t by the parents, many children h»ve been removed from the school.”

T -a Chairman cf the Committee (Mr G G lmour) first of all stated the chargee, and also that it would be necessary to go back eighteen months for evidence. Mr James Croy then asked Mr Saun ders if the evidence of the householders —the maj rity of whom were satisfied with the teacher—would be taken : and Mr Saunder* replied that the dispute lay entirely between the Master ana the Com mittee and therefore the householders had no power to interfere. If they were foolish enough to elect a Committee In whom they had no confidence, they must out up with the consequences. Mr Taylor said that he considered hla children had receivtd excessive home work that they had been too severely punished; in one ease (about eighteen months ago) his daughter, ‘ a very modest little girl, had been placed upon a table. “ poor little thing,” that they had been kept withoot dinner once ; that they had not been ad mitted to the fi<e in cold weather : and therefore he questioned the teachers fit ness for his position, Mr Shearer s'atad that he considered the home work too exacting, especially in history, and that one of fis boys, in April last, had been very severely punished, hla body being very much marked. Mr J D. Bell also thought the home work excessive, history in particular, and considered under severity had been exer» ciseo.

Mr James Croy had complained of the home work in April last, but since had bee- perfectly satisfied. and had every confidence in the teacher. Mr Crosson stated his children were young, and he had no complaint to make respecting severity in punishment or ex cessive home work ; but he considered bit children had not had sufficient access to the fire.

Mrs Mills (vbos husband bad signed the petition ia opposition to the Committee’s stated she had removed her children from school because her daughter had a fcad hand through receiving a stroke of the cane, and that they ware not attending another school, for the teacher refused to admit them I

After hearing the explanations, Mr Sanndar then addressed the meeting, and afterwards myself. He would giTe his opinion, though, of course, he could n>t state what action the Board w> sM take With regard to the complaint about he clock being habitally kept half an hone slow, oat pat correct on the day of the enquiry,—a charge not sta ed in the peti tion, but brought by the Chairman, it made ilitla matter t > anyone so long as the chil dren received the full t.ape of instruction. Tie charges, however, we»B brought by men upon whose evidence he could rely J and as I was a young man, and, aa the Chairman emarkeo, perhaps wanted more experience, he thought it wonld be advisable for me to obtain the position of second master in a large school. Still >he charges were not serious enoogh to warrant my dismissal, nor ; o deprive me f getting another school, and he, M Chairman of the Appointment Committee, won'd pat no obstacle in my way of re ceiving another- The reports on the school have been satisfactory, and the evidence agreed throughout that I was “an industrious, capable teacher, and a young man of respectable character.” Therefore he would strongly advise me to radgn, of course giving a reasonable notice, and seek another school, aa my (( usefulness In the future wonld be con siderably marred In this district.” Per haps in tan years time T would see the matter in a different light from now, and though School Committees, like moat bodies, were ’not infallible, yet for my own benefit he would urge me to adept bis suggestion. This. 1 think, sir, la an impartial'report of the meeting, and thanking yon for ao much of your valuable space,—f am etc.. The Young Master, Ashton School December 11th.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —At the last meeting of the Ash ton School Committee I was accused by the Chairman, of calling the members a set of “ Paradise Docks ■’ hi a letter, which appeared in the (fvardym on October 8:h signed “ Resident.” The sentence read thus—“ With respect to she petition to the Board of Education, I may say that like Paradise Docks they often go in pairs.” Would yon kindly Inform me whether the expression applies to the petition or the Committee, and also whether I was the writer of the letter. Yoon, etc., A. Bramlwy [The letter referred to was not written by Mr Bramiey. The sentence oiled 1s faulty in construction, but would appear to mean that jMftftons are apt to bo gregarious. The word **ll6lllloll seems to bo the nominative, though the verb which follows does not agree with it.—E»] m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1886



C HAWKINS, Bootmaker, Tinwald has just received a good assortment of BOOTS and SHOPS for the Summer Season, all of which will be to d at prices not to be rubbed out in Ashburu n. t arly call solicited. 11 96 MRS MANHIRE, ■fJIANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, jp Saunders’ Buildings, East street. Ladies’ and Children’s Clothing in great Variety. Paper Patterns in stock and designed to order Special Lines in Aprons and Pinafores. 9624 WESTGATE & BATES, (Prom G. Elliott, Christchurch), ISHMONGERS AND POULTERERS oytster saloon, Takcrbd street, Ashburton. N.B.—We are now receiving daily Fresh Fish of the best quality. 964 F FOB COUGHS, COLDS, Bronchitis, Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con imnntion, &c. _ KAY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &o irith Chlorodyue. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints, KAY’S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’B TIC PILLS, a specific m Neuralgia, Face-ache, do. Con tains Quin’na, Iron, &c. CO AGULINE,—Cement for Broken .Articles. Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers KAY BROS., Stock wt, England.



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING! FACTORY The new goods fob the SUMMEB 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 eveiy new style worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children s Men of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Beg*- The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. B.Z, CLO r . BING FACTORY, East Stbxxt



Wanted. WANTED Known —A ro:m to let for meeting?. App'y Mrs Man hire, Saunders’Jßuildiqgs ___ YJEWVOF NEW Z3ALIND in large variety, suitable for sending Home. H. M Jose*, Fast alr-e 1 -. WANTED KNOWN—Washing and Wangling done either by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen.— Address on application at Guardian Office. WANTED KNOWN.—That from this date I have rrluced joints of Beef and Mutton a halfpenny per lb.—James Tasker. 1 2 t 14 FURNITURE— To meet the times, W. D-WIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers. £1 5s ; 'prio r Couches, £1 5s Every other article equally cheap. AH new furniture at second-hand price 804 JUST t'PESED — Choice assortment of New Spring Dress Muffs, Prints, Millenry, etc. he cheapest House in town for first class goods. Dressmaking on the premises. H. O. Seqers, Mel ford Honse. WANTED the Public to Inspect a grand assortment of New Season’s Tea and Sugars of all grades, at prices to suit all classes of purchasers.—Jas. McGregor, Tancred street. W r ANTED known that J Heseltinb Saddler, &c., Burnett street Ashburton, and at l inwald, is SELLING SADDLERY CHEAPER THAN EVER Large Stock to select from. Reaper and Binder Canvasses made and repaired at lowest prices. Cash paid for Horsehair in any quantity. Note the address Next Bullock’s Arcade, Burnett street, Ashburton. 12J1



Special Advertisements. B WILDING AND LEWIS, AREISTERS AND gOIICITORS. F. WILDING, Notary Public. Offices: Next “Mail” Office, Burnett st,, Ashburton. Mr Wjldisg will attend the sittings of the Ashburton Courts on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally on these days. The firm is now represented in Ash burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of considerable experience, who will be in daily attendance at the office to receive instructions and conter with ients. *IOBO



W. F. HANNAFORD, (Burnett street, opposite “ vrail” Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, iI'ISHES to infom the public of *V Ashburton, an the surrounding districts that he keeps in stock or can MANUFACTURE TO ORDER all de scriptions of TINWARE for FARM or DAIRY purposes; also, all REPAIRS of any nature promptly executed in a skilful manner. All gords sold at lowest remunerative prices A Trial solicited HORSE-HAIR and BEESWAX bought in any quanti ,5 forC *SH, 11 73



TO STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBURTON,, And Travel the --urromiding Districts, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher. For Pedigree see cards Terms-For one mare, £3 3s. A reduction will be made for three or more mares, the property of one owner. First class paddocks for mares at Is per week. Gioomnge fee, ss, payable at first service. E. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9J736 . Livery Stables, Ashburtn.



MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN NOW BE HAD AT THE ABOVE PIT . ♦ FOR JjUGHT SHILLINGS PER TON, Or in Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, By the Truck. FOR CASH ONLY. E. F. WRIGHT. MESSRS TUCKER AND RESTELL, Agents in Ashburton. o*3l



J, Ballantyne <& Co. HAVE OPENED THEIR NEW SEEING GOODS* And are making a very fine display ot MILLINERY, MANTLES, COSTUMES, and all the varied textures and style in NEW DRESS MATERIALS for the coming Season. THE GENT’S DEPARTMENT is replete with a magnificent STOCK OF CLOTHING AND MEN MERCERY. DUNSTABLE HOUSE, Christchurch, Large Discounts for Cash



Victoria House. HOLIDAY SEASON, 1886-87 SECOND ANNUAL GIFT DISTRIBUTION, comprising elegant Works of Art, in Bohemian and Bulgarian Painted Vases, Glass Water Jugs, and Crystal Flower Stands, Ac GIFT COUPONS now being issued to Purchasers DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &0., Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton.



Special advertisements. FOR .Reliable Goods AT MODERATE PRICES, OUR & ALCORN ARE Unapproachable. THE PREMIER STOCKS



ASHBURTON, DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES. CARPETS (NEW DESIGNS.) Christmas Cards. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CARDS AND PRESENTATION PRIZE BOOKS AND NEW GOODS Suitable for CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR PRESENTS.



H. J. WOOD AND CO. BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS, (Late T. F. Farley) FRIKDLANDER’S BUILDINGS. IN our New Season, 1886-7. Christmas and New Year Cards, are included the PRIZE DE'IQNS from the following celebrated publish in-; firms of London Paris, Vienna, New York, and Boston : Raphael Tuck and Sons Marcus Ward and Co. Thomas de la Roe and Co. Hildesheimer and Faulkner John Walker and Co. Eyre aid Spottiswoode Marion and Co, L Prang and Co , Boston, U. S, And several other Publishers, Comprising SEVERAL THOUSAND PRIZE DESIGNS.



We have received per s.s. Arawa and s.s Aorangi, ELEVEN CASE'S OF NEW BOOKS Specially ordered for the Christmas Season, comprising the Latest Publica tions of the renowned Publishers—Cassell and Co ; Thos. Nelson and Sons; Rout ledge ; Warne; Partridge; Griffith, Farren, Okeden, and, Welch ; Marcus Ward and Co ; and several English and American firms. And SEVENTEEN C V«ES OF NEW GOODS, Specially selected by our Home / gents tor the ( hriutmas Season, Comprising Cabinets, Russian Leather Desks and Writing Case*, Photo. Albums in great variety of the m st elegant designs, Writing and Scrap Albums, New Zealand Fern Albums, Photo. Frames in silk plush and morocco, Workboxes and Desks Purses, C«rd Cases, Pocket Books, and every description of Fancy Stationery. H. J. WOOD & CO. STATIONERS’ HALL, Friedlanders’ Buildings, Ashburton. G. L. Beath & Co. £IOOO 0 9 0°



flth ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION CHRISTMAS GIFTS To-Day. To-Day. To-Day N AND AFTER TO-DAY every Customer will re ceive a Ticket with each Pu. chase, entitling the hoider to select any Present of the value stated on the ticket, which will amount to about one-eighth of the purchase money. OF G. L. BEATH & CO., Argyle House, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH.



THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS PUR CHASING ACT, 1885, AND AMENDMENT ACT. THE RAKAIA AND ASHBURTO FORKS RAILWAY DISTRICT. NOTICE is hereby given under the provisions of the L istrict Railways Purchasing Act, 1885, and the District Railways Purchasing Act, 1885, Extension and Amendment Act 1886, that it is my intentio i to m ike, on the 4th December, a rule on all Property within the Kakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway District, as defined in Gazette, of 17th October, 1878, page 1415, for the year ending 31st March, 1886, as follows : 29,311 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all laud comprised in ti e first class, 26,054 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the second class. 19.541 . A rate of of a penny m the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the third class. 13 027 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on ail land comprised in the fourth class. That such Rate will be payable to the Postmaster at Rakaia on the 11th December next, and that fie Rrte B >ok will i e ope i for inspection at the Post Office. Rakaia, be'ween the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 ~m. daily from the 15th to the 30th November, both inclusive. J. SPERREY, Property Tax Commissioner. Wellington, 12th November, 1886. 11 86



TO STAND THIS SEASON, AT NETHFRBY FARM, ASHBURTON, And visit the surrounding neighborhood, The Thoroughbred Stallion Johnny Faulkner. Pedigree ; He ia by St. Albans, out of Impudence, by Peter Wilkins, out of Prudence by Jersey, out of Black Sail by Wanderer, out of Fairy (imp.) (For tabulated pedigree see cards.) Terras : £lO 10s for thoroughbred mares. £5 5a for half-bred mares. Also, the Thoroughbred Stallion Rouser, By Messenger, out of Kate O’Shane, Will stand at Netherby Farm, and travel he districts of Ashburton, Methven. Mount Somers, and Alford Forest.



Terms . £3 10 ; guarantees, £5 ss. Season, Ist January, 1887. Guarantees, Ist Ju y, 1887. 9635 L MARKET, Propriotr r



£SOO will be paid for any case that American Co.’s Hop Bitters will not cure or help. Poobtnot, gee.



No one can be sick if the atomaoh, blood, liver and kidneys are well. American Co.’a Hop Sitters keeps them well. Not