The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1887. THE PUBLIC WORKS STATE MENT.

We must congratulate the Hon Mr Mr Mitchelson on his Public Works Statement, a telegraphic precis of which appeared m our issue of Tuesday. It is a straightforward business-like ut terance, without any attempt to import " flowers of rhetoric," or any other foreign elements. It deals particularly with the great question of the present time — what are we to do m regard to PuMic Works? There is no beating about the busb, nor any attempt to make the worse appear the better reason. It gives the unexpended balances for different works already - sanctioned by the House, and'thepro , posed amounts allocated for public works, extending over a period of thtce years, This shows most unmistakeably Major Atkinson's Government calcu late upon a tenure of office for that period. We do not for a moment wish to question the correctness of that calculation. The Major has played his cards remarkably well — a great deal better than the Stout- Vogel coalition ever did. By exacting from his quasi supporters a pledge that they would not oppose him until his policy was fully before the House, and then delaying the unfolding of that policy until the members were really wearied out, with sixteen and eighteen hours' work a day, he has managed so far to have his own way, and by the forcing of the Repre sentation Bill through the House, he ( has strengthened his position until it is absolutely unassailable. Under such circumstances we have very great pleasure m complimenting the Minister of Public Works on his statement de livered on Monday evening.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

» , To-morrow being Anniversary Day will be observed as a holiday by the Banks. The Coldstream Road Board will meet on Monday next, at two p.m., at Longlands. The Ashburton Rifles, Guards, and Cadets will attend Divine Service at the Weßleyanj (Dhuroh on Sunday morning. The three pompapjea are ordered to parade at the Post Office at ten o'clock m full dress, with side arms and white gloves. A large muster is anticipated, An entertainment m aid of the treat fund of the Aahbarton Borough J3chool wilj be j held at the Oddfellows' Hall this evening. A very attractive programme has been pre. pared, the first part consisting of musioal items, and the second of a comedy 'entitled '• The Suspicious Husband." The ladies and gentlemen taking part m the comedy have spared no time and trouble m order to gain profioiency m their parts, and there eeemc little doubt that the entertainment will be a great success. We remind our readers ol tbo Garden Party to be held at St. Stephen's Parsonage to-morrow evening. Very careful prepara tions have been made, and no doubt every thing will go off well. Among the games to be provided are lawn tennis, oroijuet-, swing?, quoita, bowls, etc To suit persona from this country tea will bo served until 7 p.m., but after 6 p.m. a shilling only will be charged tot admission to those who do not wish for taa. In the event of to-morrow being wet the tea and sale of work m connection with St. Utepbem's Garden Party will be held m (he Church S.chQQipo9n9, A telegram from Chriatcharoh says : — The $r?enwooda opened on Tuesday evening at the Theu tf fl Royal to an appreciative and enthusiastic audio^' 0^ oi si^en pieqoa given cloven were encored: They play at Ashburton next Monday and Tuesday. Mr Goschen'3 Jubilee sixpences are Belling freely m London at 2s 3d. In shop windows where the coins are exposed for salo a gilded sixpence and a half sovereign are exhibited on the same card with the question •• Which is which ? " superadded. The shop windows of Mr McFarlane's grocery premises, both m East street and Burnett street, are now profusely filled with ; the various and toothsome arJiolea co much i m demand at the approaching Christmas ■ season; The assortment of dried fruit, candied ', peels, jellies, spices, preserved and orystalised j fruits, nuts, almonds, confectionery, etc., being very artistically arranged, showing that ( the stocks m both establishments are now ' replete with all the delicacies now so much m ' demand. The collection of china, glass, and ' crockery ware m the Burnett Btr,eet premises io also well sorted up, so that buyers of all these goods can be supplied fit very jpw rates, < and have large, and good stooka to ealect <

It must be excellent news to impecunious

people (says " Truth ") to know that there is a part of the kingdom within easy reach of London where County Court summonses Oannot be served. This happy spot is a certain portion of Penge, which is called, naturally enough, " Tom Tiddler's Ground ; " and the reason why writs do not run there is because no man knows m what parish it is situated. The interesting fact came out at a meeting of the Croydon Board of Guardians recently, when it was stated that '• one part of Penge was m Kent, another m the parish of Batter- Bea, and part of the remainder m Surrey *> Gome of the police business went to Lambeth, ! some to Bromley, and some to Croydon ; while. the sanitary authority for the Hamlet of Peuge was the Lewisham Board of Works, and for poor-law purposes the Croydon Union. Pengs was most peculiarly situated." So we should think. The agriculturists of Victoria complain bitterly of the competition of Indian Wheat and New Zealand produoe. At a Wesleyan gift auction at Oambridge a few days ago, two black Bheep were sold which had been presented by Mr Millman. The joke m the locality is that it is seldom that " blaok sheep " bring oredit or profit to a church. The Eduoation Department m Wellington has a staok of opinions by specialists on eduoation which etandß three feot high. As honorable members have acoesa to this for midable heap of documents, none ought to be ignorant of the subject. The polioe force of the Colony subscribed the sum of £130 8s to aid the wife and family of Constable Henry Porter, who was drowned at Fort Chalmers. The best medioine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc. — the relief iB instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globs, are its patrons. Bead the official reports that accompany eaoh bottle. We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of tho genuineness of our references. The official reporta of medioal clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam— all these are authentic docu ments, and, jas such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated by Siegen, M.D., Professor, etc.: Burning of the right hand through the ex plosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the yolar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year-old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand; The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose, and half of the phalanx of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under daily applications of Ijjjucalyptio Extract dressing. The patient has retained the full use of her hand.— (Advt.) 1

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

1 TO THR EDITOR. ; Sib, — Much has been said In pralee of ( our National ovatem of; Education, but I , consider It a disgrace to the colony. It I la notorious that a public school Is a r thorough nulaanca In Ha neighborhood, and the youngsters, generally, little lees • than a plague. .Nothing Is Bafe they can : poaolbly touch, and if they are threatened ? with a complniot to the teacher they at r once ssy he h«ia no control over them out . of achool. Tola is certainly correct, for t it Is self-evident that no one controls them I am inducod to make these remarks from 1 my own experience. During my absence, t a mob of young savages — worse than > Zulus— invaded my garden, trampling on I plants and fruit, and deetroylng what , they eonld not carry away — and these • % are being " educated " at Hampatead , School at tho expence of the public. We pay large sums to get rid of the rabbit peat, and we pay larger sums for eduot- J tlon to create a greater, i do not find ! fault with the teacheratfor this sad result i — it is the system that Is rotten. ( Until the denominational system ba in [ troduoed, the schools will produce nothing but larrikins, male and female. Some [ well-meaning men talk about reading the ! Bible In Schools, but what good they can > expect from that is a puzzle. If they i would lay aside Ihalr stupid bigotry and t join their Catholic fellow Christiana m - their jast demands they would aeon have . schools where moral tcaohlng would supplement the larrlkln-crcaMng eduoatlon which we now have. Sharpening up the wits of yonngsters without moval training ii % curse rather than a blessing. I am, etc, i B. Hughm.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

Auckland, December 14 Sir F, H. Levdoaoo, the well-known jewßller, died tbls morning, Wahganui, December 14. About tweniy five designs bave been received for the new N.Z. Rifle Association Bolt, but no decision will be arrived at till a fu'l Council meeting at Oamaru. The meeting there commences on Monday, the 17ih February, not the 29th as stated m the programme, Wellington, December 14. A deputation of cltfz9ns waited on the Wellington Underwriters' Association urging a reduction on the fire lnaurancD premiums now current. The Association promised that the representations of the deputation should rooaive consideration at a full meeting, and a reply would be forwarded at an early date. The residence of Samuel Pye, Greytown, Tils burnod down this afternoon. Very little wbb oaved. The Insurance is un known. Grktmoutd, Deoomber 14, The body of William Miller, who fell between hla voesel and the wharf, wan picked up this afternoon lying on the stones under the wharf , close to whe;e he (ell In. There la a slight abrailon close to the templo. " On Monday Joseph Hcffeman, a navvy on Brgwn'a contraot, foil from » lodge about 10ft, some mullock falling on top of him. Hfs spine la ir-jared about the lolno, and bis lower extremities are now quite paralysed and it id doubtful whether he will racoyer. CußifxqnußQff, December 14. An influential mooting was hold this afternoon under tho auiplcoß of the Chamber of Commerce and tho Agrlcul- ', tural and Pastoral Aesoclatlon, to receive the report of a J Ant Committso of the two bodios on the rabbit peat. The report, which recommended tba^ a remedy should bo un<3oF»»ken by tho State, wbb adopted. I anu " '* »a« (ipeldjej to send copies to all members or" r;" Ua «*°n{;., repeating tjioir assistance. Thin afternoon the ARricultuT* 1 and Pastoral Aooociatlon passed a resolution In favor of separate Railway Boards for the two Islands with a common ohalrraan; Duwbdin, December 14. At a tpeclal meeting of the National Insurance Company the resolutions pasted at the annual meeting to open a share register In London and Australia were confirmed. The Chairman said that during the next bii months any shareholder could have 25 per cent, of his ahares transferred to the London register, but after that dato they would be det.lt with by priority of application .

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From our Correspondent.) I Wellington December 14. PASTORAL LICENSES. A question of interest to settlement m the South Island was to day referred to by Mnpr Steward, who gave notice to move for a return of all pastoral licenses m the South Island, whloh will expire between Ist January, 1883, and 31at December, 1890, showing the acreage of each run, and the name of present lessee. TH' SEAOLIFFfi ASYLUM. It hes been a matter of notoriety for some time past that the Seacliffa Asylum, □ear Dunedin, haa been m a very unsafe condition, and with a view to ascertain' the oorroot position of affairs, Mr Fish is urging on the Government to have acme thing done m the matter! Mr Livrgon, a local arohitect, has recently issued a pamphlet, showing that the foundations are really dangerous aDd unsafe. Mr F.ah will oa Friday bring thla before the House. THE COLONIAL OOKFKReNCE. Mr Jayca Is sotting a perfect " whale " at questions, to use a vulgarism, and his rising to give notice to enquire something of the Government is as regularly "looked for a3 the day. In pursuance of his uaual custom, he to-day gave notice to ask if the Government had received ar.y report from Sit Wm. Fitzherbert, of bis attendance as representative of this colony At the Colonial Conferenca, held m London recently, or any recommendations from him m connection with tbe Con ference. BAILWAY COMPANIES The.'Uaperlng-off" tone of the Public Works Statement, and the fact that little money will be available for railways during the next /ew yesra, Is causing a deolded movement gin the direction of having im portant lines constructed on the land grant system, as was agreed to m eonceo tion with the Otago Central line » day or two back. Several proposals of thin kind are on the board. la addition to the Kamo-Kawakawa line which was talked of the other night, amongst others It is sug gested that the North of Auckland trunk line shall be so extended, Mr R. Thomp son has taken the matter m hand, and is urging the Government to bring m a Bill next nesßlon authorising the construction of the Una on the laiid grant Byafcem, A reply Is expected by him m a d»y or two NATIVE liiND. Notice of an important return has been given by Mr Hutchison, which will Bhow the names of all persons who olalm to have purchased or leased the shares of several native ownera prior to January lat, 1837, under section 24 of the Native Lands administration Act, 1886, the extent of each transaction and their effjot, cases m which oertific»teo have been granted, and caaea In -yhioh notices have been given of extension to proceed with suoh transaction under seotlon 25 of the Act. BABBIT EXTEBMINATIOH A lengthy discussion on the interim report of the Joint Rabbit Committee, th* effeot of which han already been wired to you, took place to-day. There was, however, nothing remarkftble m the dis cussion beyond a display of selfish envy on tbe part of members whose districts are not likely to be benefited by tbe present proposals, and the report was eventually agreed to. INCOMPLFTE LEGISLATION. Major Steward to-day gave notice to ask the Premier whother, m view of the exceptional circumstances m connection with tho present session, he will propose thit an order be made enabling Bills, the progress of whloh will be interrupted by the prorogation, to be proceeded with next Beßalon from the stage they have now reached. REPORTERS AG.AIN", The Lords this afternoon made a strong protest against the practice adopted by the chief reporter of " Hansard " of con densing their speeches. The Lords hewevar, are not likely to meet with much sympathy outside their pirn Chamber, CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL CLAIMS. The Education Seleot Committee has declined to enter into consideration of a number of petitions presented by Roman Catholics, praying for State aid to de nominational schools, on the ground that the whole question is now under the oon sideration of Parliament. FINANCIAL DEBATE. It was understood early m the afternoon that the finanoial debate would be resumed at half. past seven this evening, As however, the Committee of Supply is the* fourteenth order, and there are a large number of Important Bills set down for consideration, it Is hardly likely that the debate will come on as early as was anticipated, unleia by arrangement con. sideration of these Bills is deferred to some other time. It is said there fa to be a good deal of talking over the financial debate, but at this period of the session I take leave to doubt the statement very muoh. RESERVED LANDS, «. T 2;£ a ? Mr Dnnoan We notloe to ank the Miniate* of Lands if the reservation of lands set aiide for railway purposes 'm South Canterbury has been withdrawn or will shortly bo withdrawn, and If bo, will tbe Government take steps to have rogula tlons put In force co that persons already having large holdings may not acquire this land to the detriment of settlement. The Minister, who was not distinctly heard, was understood to say matters were m staty qno t but that ample notice would be given of any proposed action. POOR BUNNY. The debate on the report of the Rabbit Committee was taken to-day, when the Premier stated it would bo impossible to briug In a Bill to deal with the question this session, but Government will take steps to carry oat the most urgent and Important recommendation during the reoeoa, for which they will ask authorisa tion next session. During the discussion it transpired that the late Government had, prior to gotog out of office, let contraots for very large works In con* nectlon with the tabblt question without the authorisation of the Bouse, and rather a lively diacuaalon followed, bat no steps were tak.en. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT. This Act, whioh was Introduced by the Government m the Counoil, but went through such emasculation that not oven its fathers would recognise it, has been introduced Into the Lower House, and will be brought on for the second reading to-morrow. Ib Is anticipated that an effort wi I be made m the House to have the important clauses relntroduced, m the hope that subsequently an arrangement may be come to with the Counoil over the matter. DEFERRED PAYMENr SETTLERS. Dr Newman has discovered a Bore point m tho administration of the Land Act m regard to deferred payment settlers, who he haa ascertained are treated differently m some districts to otheiß. Ho will eon pequently enquire of the Minister of Lands to-morrow whether deferred pay meriJ ■ottlera are sued for acrears of pay ment m one **!? d district and nod m another, if bo, on whose authority are these oanas brought, OVERWORKED LEGISLATORS. What with all-night sittings and (ho fact that a largo number of Committees are sitting dally with the Idea of getting through their work before the close of lh& sesaloD, it is very difficult for Committees to get a quorum on mornings now, and If this i* dono there is just the bare nomber. The Importation of Stock Committee, who are now considering their final report, were unsuccessful m getting a mooting this morning, and today had to ask for the privilege of meeting during the tlm? the Hoqao was sitting thja gfterooon. g^ j ,

Wellington, Deoomber 15, REDUCING PROPERTY TAX Mr Turnbull has given notice to move on going into Committee on the Property Tax, that an abatement of 20 per cent be made m the tax m case of persens resident i m the colffny, absentees beln^ compelled to pay m full. He takes this course m consequence of being uDable, according to forma of the House, to move for an lnoeasa on the tax m the casa of absentees. THE LOAN BILL. The Loan Bill, which was circulated last, night, contains a proposal for a loan of one million, proposed to be appropriated as follows: — immigration, £70,000: roads, £225,000; P urohas3 of Native Lande (North ißland), £15,000 : telegraph extension, £40,000 ; harbor defecca, j £130,000 ; costs and charges o£ loaa and contingencies, £20,000. Railways,' (ex- \ elusive of permanent way, sleepers, and rolling stock) :— HelensviUe northward, 125,000 j Putaruvi-Rotoruo, £90,000; Woodville - Palmorsfcon, £98,000; BJen heim-Awatere, £9000 ; Mount Somers, ' £J?°,?nL Livin S aton > £100 ° » ota ?° Central, «85,000 ; Eeaward Bush, £5000 ; addi tions to opened Hues, £57,000 ; surveys a new lineß of railway, £6000 ; permanent way, sleepers and rolling stock for above railways, £125,000 ; engineering and supervision, etc, £35,000. Costs and charges of loan and contiogoncies, £30,000. Total, £1,000,000:

THE FRENCH CRISIS

♦ Pbuter's Telegrams — Copyright] London, December 13. M. Ferry is improving from the effects of the recent attempt on his life. The Judges have dismissed the charges against M. Daniel Wilson on the ground that he holds no legal office. President Carnot's message to the Chamber of Deputies advocates slow and cautious reforms, and urges patriotic union. .

SYDNEY PARLIAMENT.

ROWDYISM RAMPANT.

[rkutbk's tblbqbams— copyright,] Sydney, December 14. The evening sitting of the Legislative Assembly yesterday was one of great confusion and disorder, culminating m a scene the like of which has never been equalled m Parliament. When the cloture was applied, on the question being put, member after member rose and protested against the action of the Speaker. Each was successively named, and removed below the gangway by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Fourteen members m all of the Opposition were thus dealt with, among them being Messrs Dibbs, Lyne, Garvan, Melville, O'Sullivan, Creer, Walker, Hannall, and W. Wall. It was not until Mr Dibbs' motion, censuring the financial proposals of Government had been rejected, that the members named returned to the Chamber. Great ill-feeling was mani fested throughout the proceedings which to-day have been the subject of much comment. The House did not rise until after io this morning.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[rEUTER's TBLEGRiMS—COPIBIQHX.]

RIOTS IN RUSSIA.

I^okdok, Doeomber 12, Moscow University has been closed owing to the continued rioting by the studsnts.

UNITED STATES CONSUL.

London, December 13. Harold Lewell has been appointed Consul at Apia for the United States.

AUSTRALIAN FLAGSHIP.

H.M.S. Orlando, the new flagship for the Australian Station, will be ready for commission m January.

A NEW COMPANY.

The prospectus of a New Zealand Gold Extraction Company, with a capital of has been issued. The object of the company is to work the Newberry-Vautin process m New Zealand.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTER'S TEIEQRAMS— -COPYRIGHT.] I

LICENSING BILL.

Melbourne, December 14: In the Legislative Assembly last night the Licensing Bill was returned from the Legislative Council with amendments which were agreed inglobo by the Assembly, amid cheers, under an arrangement with the Opposition party. A message is to be brought down from the Governor to-day recom mending an amendment to the effect {hat compensation to dispossessed publicans shall include consideration for the value of the license. It is probable Parliament will be prorogued at the end of this week.

THE CHINESE QUESTION.

A deputation from the Victorian Anti-Chinese League waited upon the Premier to-day and urged upon him the necessity of providing legislation for preventing a further influx into the colony. The deputation presented a resolution adopted at a recent meeting held at Carlton, which was m favor of the imposition of a residential tax upon all Chinese and. increasing the poll tax to ;£ioo. Mr Gillies- sympathised with the deputation, and expressed a hope that {he n,on-is.sue of further naturalisa tion papers, cou,pled with a thorough administration of the existing law and united action on the part of other colonies next year, would prevent the evils arising from Chinese competition.

FATAL SHIPPING ACCIDENT.

Biiisbane, December 14. Telegraphic advices from McKay report that a fatal shipping accident occurred at that port to-day. The A.S.N. Co.'s s.s. Gunga, with 150 ex cursionists on board, dragged her anchor, and drifted pn to the wharf, damaging her stern, The vessel then drifted into the stream, but the line becoming jammed carried away the , gtanchions and other gear, crushing a Woman named .Holland and a sailor pamed gampbe}} tp fjeath. Several ( other persons sustained injuries, |

ADDINGTON LIVE STOCK MARKET.

Cattlb. — At the Addington saleyards yesterday a large supply of fat oattle'oame m for competition. Prices were np to £10 15s foe heifers and £10 10j for steeie, being at the rate of 183 to 22a 6d per lOOlba. Ordinary consignments sold at from £4 to £8 per head, being at 16a to 17s 6d pev lOOlba for beef of fair quality. Btores were m moderate supply. An advance of ten per cent on last weeks' rates was obtained. There was a very large supply of dairy stock but poor comf etition. Pricjsare unohanged. Good youDg cows £3 to £4, oalves 7a 6d to 10i. Sheep — The demand waa dull ; prices fell Is to 1s 6d per head. Good crossbred wethers were weaker to the extent of 6d to Is per head, and prime mutton was barely 2d per lb, inferior and secondary Id to l£i. No merinos offered. Store Bheep (good lines) sold at about late rates. Very full supply of lambs of high quality ; prices were weaker than last week. Gond to superior 6i to 8a 9J, stores 2s 9d to si.

AUCTIONEERS' REPORT

I Mr Peter Williams (for Frledlander BroB.) report* for the week ending Tues day, 13th December, 1887 :— On Friday, the 9th inst , we held our first wool. sale of the season. There was a large attendance of foreign and local buyers, and the farmers turned up m good force to watch the proceedings. The competition waa very keen, the result being that almost every line was oleared out at very satisfactory prloes. In all about 950 bales were catalogued, our own being represented by 380 bales, exclusive of bags of looks and pieces. We placed all our lines, and the prices ranged as follows :— Beat half-bred wool, from 7£d to 9Jd ; for crossbred, from 6|d to 81 ; for merino, from 6|d to 7£d ; nnd quarter baoks, Bid. Our report v.\ detail has appeared m a previous isßflo On Saturday, the 10;h < st., we held our usual sale of horses. The entry was small, there being no d naand at the ! present time. We plac a privately, on acoount of Mr John Grigg, his thorough bred entire, " The Waif," at a satisfactory price to Mr W. T. Smith, of Mount Somers. We also held our sale of sheepskins. 691 came forward, and the following are the prices obtained : — Medium orossbreds, 3s 6d to 4j 2J ; inferior, 2s 6d to 3a 3i ; merinos, good, 3a 9A to 43 ; medium, 3s to 3j 6d; inferior, Is 6 i to 2$ 6d ; pelts, 2d ,* dry skins, 53 par lb. PoULxaY. — Fowls, 2* per pair ; duck lings, la 4d per pair ; geese, 8a par pair. Dogs.— Fox terrier pupß, £2 63, £1, and 14s. Produce. — Derwent potatoes, 43 per bag ; fowls' wheat, 7a 6d per bag ; bran, 4s 3d ; cheese, 2d to 3d per lb ; tea, 12* 6.1 per box ; prime mutton, 2d per lb. FuRNitURE at fair prices, At the Aahburton yards on Tuesday, the 13th inst., about 1343 sheep, 80 head of cattle, and 3 pigs were yarded. There was a good attendance of buyers. Fat Bheep were dull of Bale, bbt Btorea showed a gooi demand. The following prloes were obtained : — Fat orosßbred ewes fetched 63, 63 3d, 6j 6d, 7a, 7s lOd and 83 ; fat lamba, 7s • forward mixed 4-tooth orosßbreds (shorn), 8s ; 4-tooth cro»abred wethers (shorn), 81 6 i; 2-tooth orosabreda (shorn), 6a 6d ; do m wool, 8s 8i ; croßH bred ewes, with 100 pet* cent of lamb 3(m wool), 10s 3d and Ha 7d, Cattle . Fat heifers, £3 103, £3 17* 6d, £4 7« 6i and £4 10i ; steers, £4 2a 6d, £4 10a ; 2-year old steers, £2 to £2 53 ; yearlings, 25 1 to 30b. We also sold privately during the week, 500 hoggets (shorn), sa; 300 cross bred ewes (shorn), with 100 per cent of lambs, 5a 9d j 260 4-tooth crossbred wethers (shorn). 7» lOd •

ASHBURTON FORKS SCHOOL

Tho monthly meetiag of the Committee was held on Saturday, All members present,. . Letters received from Education Boam re salaries and also one .enclosing Inspector s TRemott of examination. The Master's report was revived stating that the school had been examined on the 25th Nov. by Mr Wood, that the Inspector bad expressed himself as well satisfied with the result ao far as he had been able to judge without going over the written papers, and apparently mnoh better than he could reaaonably expect, considering that the school had been robbed of six weeks of its moßt profitable time through the examination being held six weeks In advance of Its regular time. The Master also stated that he did not expect results equal to last examination, as m addition to the above the attendance since the floods m July had been very bad, as on many fine days the school bad been oloßed, the greater part of the children being Doable to get to the Bohool on acoount of the river breaking, across the roads, as well as on account of the prevalence of low fever and hooping cough. The Committee then considered the report, and it appeared that the sohool had paaned a very good examination, quite equal to, If .not better than, laßt year, all the children having, with three exceptions, advanced a standard higher, which was considered most B&tla factory. The Secretary was instructed to write to, the Master and Mistress con veying tho following resolution, which was unanimously passed :— ■" That the Committee wfeh to tender a vote of thanks to Mr Hale and Mias Deherty for the general efficiency of the school, as shown under the Inspector's report." The following. Is a oopy of the report :—

For oentago of passes, 62*75 j per oen tage of fail area, 8 57; Class Subjects : Marks — Drawing, 45 per cent ; hiatory, 55 per cent j geo graphy, 75 per cent, elementary science. 70 per oent. Additional Subjects — Repetition. 65 per cent ; drill, 40 per cent ; singing, 60 per cent ; needlework, 75 per oent subject matter of reading lesaoau. 70 per cent. Staff and Distribution— Standards VI.. V., IV., 111., and I[., Mr Halo, master; standard 1,, and lofants, Mlsa Doherty, mistress. General Remarks— The results of the examination are very good. The success with whioh all the three groups of sub jeota have been tacght is muoh above the average. Ja the Infants and Standard I. division the reading and drawing were good, and the arithmetic, spelling, and objeot lesson very fair. The slate writing of thla dlvlalon, and of the junior clasß, though taught with cams care, poDaeases only moderate quality; The work of the upper dlvioiou of the gohool presented some very pleasing feataces. The dicta tion of Standard 111., and the arithme tic of Standard V[ , were little short of excellent. The rest of the arithmetic, and the reading, writing, and geography weve good. The answering In history and science was accurate. Toe discipline Is good. L; B. Wood, Inspector. The Committee made arrangements for Living the children a treat on Friday, 23rd Do n-mber, and after passing several «s.c .unto for p*ym©pt»djoqrßed t ;

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wednesday, DEOEjtBBa 14. The Council met at 2.30 p m. MOKAU COAL COMPANY. Mr Richmond presented a petition from Ihe Mokaa Ooal Company complaining of tbe decision of tha Chief Jadge of the Native Land Court, Sa whici the Company was conoarnetJ. LEAVE OB ABSE3TOE. Leave o absence was granted to Dc Pollen foe tbe remainder of the session. PETITIONS The Public Petitions Committee le ported unfavorably against the following petitions :— Those signed by pereona praying that Bible rending la State schools be a'lowed ; petitions from seamen asking for relief under tbe Representation Act; petitions from t'ae Primate and Bishops and numerous Catholics of Wel lington, all praying foe sa amendment of the Education Act. FIRST BEADINTs. ' The Land Aot Amendment Bill, And Ohrlstohuroh Hospital BHJi were read a firßl time. MAIL CONTRACT. Bir Frederick Whitakor, replying to Dr Menzles. said that Government, In considering the new mall oontraot, would consider every proposed route before coming to a conclusion. ViUvn,Baß. Mr Taiaroa spoka to a question of privilege, and m doing so referred to the Parliamentary report of the proceedings of the House In the "New Zealand Times" that day m -which Mr Samuel drew the attention of the Government to the faot that certaim members of the Council had forfeited their seats owing to having been absent daring the whole of a session without leave The Speaker ruled! that It was nob oompetent for Councillors to refer, to reports of proceedings m another place. NATIVE LANDS REPEAL BILL. The Native Lands Repeal Bill was committed, The Oounoll adjourned at 7.30 p.m, " The Oounoll resumed at 7.30. BILLS. The Native Land Courts Bill and Maori Real Estate Management Bills were reported with nlight amendments. ' Mr Stevens moved the second reading of tbe Government TGoana to Local Bodies Amendment Bill, Mr Waterhonse moved as an amend' ment that the Bill ba read that day dix months. After discussion, Mr Waterhouse's amendment was lost, and the BUI ordered to be committed next day. The Local Bodies Loan BUI, on the motion of Mr Stevenß for the second reading, waa rejautod on an amendment by Mr Valentine that the Bill be read that day six months. The Representation Bill was committed, reported with amendments, and passed its final stages. The Wellington College and Girls' High School Bill was lost on m amendment that it be read that day six months. The Coanoil adjourned at 11,30 to next day.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday— December 14, The House met at 2 30 p.m. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ifc was stated 1 that a new valuation for property tax . putpoaeß would bo made next year^'but It would probably not be ready before freah taxation would have to be imposed ; that it waa shortly intended to open on lands reserved for railway purposes m South Canterbury, but three months' , notice would have to ba given before , taking thli step. THE BABBIT PEST. -'..; The Premier said Government fonod Ifc Impoaaible to conoldor the report of iha ; JolnTKiSDUie tfuisance Committee, owing to the press of business, but they thought that wire fencing having been authorised ahould be put up, tad they would arrange \ that the wire required for the additional length should be ordered by telegram. Mr Rcbsqll pointed out that the nn> ', authorised expenditure Incurred by the late Government m sanctioning the ereo tion of forty miles of fencing was a very [ serious qaeation. He was prepared to ', grant the principle that Government , should pay its share towards the coat of l this fence, but owners of property should , also be compelled to contribute a portion [ of the cost. Mr Lance said that the expenditure of' ', a small Bum by the late Government ■ prevented a serious loss. , TDBUC BODIES PGWEBS BILL. I Mr Hislop moved the Becond reading of [ the Public Bodies Poweta Bill. t The motion was agreed jto. [ AUCKLAND CWBia' HIGH SOHOOIu 1 On the motion that the Auckland Girls' . High Softool Bill be read a third time Mr ' Turnbull moved that it b* read a third [ tlmetha.t day three months: ■" After a, lengthy discussion the motion ; for the third reading was lost by 42 to 30. On the question being put that the { Bill be read that day three months It was , also loa* by 36 to 29, , Mr Flaher gave notlca to move to* , morrow thai the Bill be read a third / time, : PHARMACY BILK,. The Pharmacy Act Amendment BUI was oommitted, read a third time, and passed. . . . GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS BILB, On the motion for the third reading of the Government Railways Bill, Mr T. Thompson moved for the re-oommlttal of the Bill to insert a new clause for giving the Vaile system a trial for twelve months on the Auckland and Te Awamata Railway. Mr Tanner warned the House of the danger of re-committing tho Bill, aa the whole disQUß3ioa would probably be opened up again. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Mr Ward continued the debate on the third reading of the Government Railways Bill. He supported its recommittal. Mr Loveatara also hoped the Bill would be recommitted for the purpose of adding some new clauses. The motion for recommittal was lost by 52^24.^ The third reading was carried by 66 to 18. On the motion that the Bill dp pass, Mr ■• Seddon made a final protest against tbo. Bill, on the ground that it bad not received that consideration which a measure of such importance should have bad given to it. He thought the colony would bitterly' regret thiß Bill boing passed. Sir J . Yogel said the whole responsibility for this measure rested with the Govern ment, and he thought this measure should > not have been forced through m the haste that had characterised its passage. There ■ was also a distinct breach of faith over the Bill, as Government bad' expressly stated that all the amendments that might : bo proposed would receive full considera tion. He thought the Bill had little chance of being successful, although it had his best wishes for its success. Mr MoBB protested against a Bill of this kind being f oro^d through the House with such indecent haste. , ■ . Mr Fergus failed to see that members nho were opposing this Bill had advanced any argaments against it. The country was decidedly m favor of the principle of It* Mr Reeves (St Albans) protested against the . obatruotjou that now ojidb from the. -. Government benches, and he warned them, that If Government did not get on with the buainesi of the eoqntry the OprosfUnq

THE ASHBUETON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMRTCT? IK ?RR7



U -2n U -d «o 8 ® S m* »3 n gg « fe 04 S. VI. 2 O~*~~Q 0~~"i S. V. 2 0 1 0 1 S. IV. 3 Q 1 0 2 S. m. 7 0 115 8. 11. ■ 16 2 1 1 12 8. I 12 0 1 1 Jo P. 9 0 0 0 0 Total 6i 2 "~6 T~ 32



11 Boboh on Catapbh " correots offensive odors at once, jCJompleta oure of worst chronio oaeea • aleo unequaled tk Ratgle for diphtheria, ooro throat, foul breatrpp f '



JH_JJI1»_I : IIUIII_I. _. I .„} £ Kidney and Urinaty oomplainta of all kinds ' permanently oured with Hop Bitters. Genuine ' made by Amerioan Co. Bead " Bough on Piles,"— Why Buffer piles ? Immediate relieif and oomplete oure guaranteed. Ask for ''Bough on Piles." ' Sure oure for ttohiog, protruding, bleeding, or J »P7 Ivm pt pilw, i i



} Wanted. WANTED a gord General Servant for about a fortnight. Apply to Mrs Wilfred Ward, Burnett street, East Belt. 12 85 FOR SALE— A lot of Empty Cases, cheap.— H. C. Begeks, Melford House. "YTT ANTED Known,.— That HAVES Vy and CO. have a splendid lot of White Embroidery Robeß at 14s, worth 21a. __ ______ WANTED Everyone to seethe ONE SHILLING box of choice Christ, mas and Tew Year Cardß. Envelopes in- cluded. — H. C. SEQEBa, Melford House. PRINTS, Prints. — Just opened a splen- did assortment of Prints, Ginghams, Zephjrs, &c. Great variety to choose from.-~H. C. Seqebs, Melford House. WANTED Known. —That Milli. champ'B Genuine Herbal Beer iB sold m all the principal shops m town, and orders left at Mns E. Ldblow, Baker, Wills street, will be promptly attended to. 12 79 WANTED CASH — Moir'a Oatmeal 251b5,2s 6d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, Is per tin; Cocoa and Milk, 1% per tin ; Vestas, 5d per doz ; Cornflour, 41 pet lb ; tin Fruits, Is ; Crockery, Ironmongery, eta. — At James McGregor's, Tancred Stroet, opposite Arcade, WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gum, Red Gum, and Silver Wattle Tree Seeds, locally grown, and caved this Season ; also Turnip Seeds, just arrived, ex s.B. Rimutaka.— J. Scaly and Co., Seedsmen, Eaet Street. llfGl ANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholio Subjects Catholic Cards, good vxriety m Scraps _, Novelties m Penwiper, Orewel Wools and Silks, Knitting CottoD, Colored Crotchet . Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, 4c, &c, at Mus Manhibe's Fancy Repository, Saunders' Buildings,' ANTED Known— To the Ladies of Ashburton and surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse Is deslrone of engagement. Good references can be given. Address — Mrs Hill. Peter Street, Aahburton. 11 18



VICTORIA_ HOUSE. DIMANT AND COE HAVE extreme gratification m announcing their Third Annual Distribution of Beautiful. Ustful, Rare and ValuaWa Works of Art, which comprise,— i GLASS BUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER JUGS, BDTTER DIBHES, &c. t &c, to Cash Purchaaars of Parcels to the value of 20i,408, and upwards. COUPONS ABE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. „ DIMANT & COE. General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANCRED STREETS. 12 22 ALBERT ROBERTS HAS FOR SALE.— Clovers,— BED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRA6S, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE, Golden Tares, Cape Barley, PEED FEAB, SEED OATb (various kinds), CRASHED BEANS PLOUGH SHARES COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Acknowledged to be THE LEST IN THE MARKET XMAS. XMAS. XMAS. WE HAVE MADE EXTENSIVE PURCHASES FOR THIS XMAS TRADE!. 100 pairs Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers, from lOs 6d 47 Colonial and Ashburton Tweed Suits from 38s 6d One Case Stockman's Col. Moles 5s lid And are giving Grand Value m Hats, Shirts, flannels, Drawers, Boots, &c; MITCHELL~&" TURNER- PICKFORD AND OTDRILL TMJRNITURE WABEHOUSE, OABJNETMAKERB AND UNDERTAKERS T TANCRED STREET, Opposite Union Bank. NEW GOODS.— Chairs of all kinds, Toilet Ware, Pior and Toilet Glasses Mattresses and Palltases, Couches, Che&p Perambulators FUBNITDEE XO ANY DESIGN MADE TO OKDER. Having procured a very superior HEARSE and MOURNING COACH, Flumes and complete fittings, they are now prepared to undertake FUNERALB IN TOWN OR COUNTRY "With Despatch and Economy, combined with reasonable charges. STILL AHEAD OF ALL OTHERS, AND THIS IS . ENDOBSED BY THE BUYING PUBLIC. SALES FOR 1886, 45,557 MACHINES. rf 1818 record stands nnparalled. It isglald before the public as the best evidence J of the merit of the WALTER A. WOOD BINDERS and REAPERS. This exhibit of Fales showing at once their volume and their marvellous growth, ftss always bad, and must continue to have, *n irreiistable Influence upon the judgment of the farmer m determining what make of machine it Is practically and economically bis interest to own - The best possible test of the merit of machinery is romparlson, Tbfs is the test npon which we are satisfied to rest the claims of the WALTER A. WOOD HAR- VESTING MACHINES. Each year's addition to the record of sales contributes to the value of the test. It will be seen that more than 45,000 machines have been placed In the hands of Ihe farmers during last season, and it la everywhere known that these farmers unite m the verdict that the harvesters, binders, mowers and reapera that do the beet wcrk In the grain field and hay field, that are moat readily nnderetocd and operated t*v the driver, that me most easily drawn by the team, end that last the longest, are thaw that bear the name of WALTER, A.. WOOD, name which there mechfet s have lotg made familiar m all civilised parts gf the world. DURABILITY. OF&THE WOOD MACHINES] Sj»lsS of repairs leas than for any other Machines. It Is a fact attested by agents "ho sell them, and by farmers who use them, tha) Wood's Machines requires far less .repairs than any other machines In nee. N( other harvesting machines are as dnrable v. n 4 free from breakages, F. FEERlMAK^liburtoil, Agent. AGAIN VICTORIOUS I i Trance. MoCormlck Wood-ft.me 2nd, Hotn B by3rd al> ftt Molan ' In The " Cultivator and Connlry Gentleman " aaya :—" The trial M t Moi™ ftrand ancceeß, It was attended by the French Oabinat MSnliii a • , nww • * ci