The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 1890. WHITAKER V HUTCHISON.

As the inquiry into accounts prior to the hearing of this cav.se celebre is to be commenced m about a fortnight it may be inferestintr to note what is the effect of the orders made the other day by the Court m relation to pre-1 liminaries. It will be remembered that upon the application of the plaintiff tho defendant has been called upon to answer certain interrogatories and m respect to some of th«m has declined, m effect pleading privilege of parliament. A further order has been made by the Judge, m Chambers, but according to the " Wanganui Herald " such order " carries no consequences as it is only the Court m Banco that can attack or punish for disobedience." The defendant it appeal's " plainly in timated that he would not answer m seven nor m seventy clays, and plain tiffs counsel carefully abstained from saying that he would ask the Court to act. If such an application were made, the Court, fully constituted, would have to consider the point. The whole question ia thus still open, and is not likely to be carried further, as it would, if the Court upheld fche order, almost i\gpessarily involve a con flict between Parliament and the Supreme Court." But if the plaintiff has practically failed to compel the defendant to answer these interroga tories, Mr Hutchison on his part seems to have gained the point for which he was all along contending, viz., the right to enquire into the dealings of Ministers with the Bank. The " Herald " says : "The really important decision de livered last week was that which over ruled certain objections by the plaintiff to the defendant's pica of justification, involving the dealings of Sir Harry Atkinson and Mr Mitchelson (m addi tion to those of Sir Frederick Whitaker) with the Bank of New Zea land. The plaintiff had some weeks ago amended his CJise so as to confine it to an alleged libel against himself individually as Attorney-General. The defendant pleaded m justification'to this, but had also claimed to justify the charges m the wider sense of charging the Ministry as a Avhole, and particu larly the two Ministers before named. This wider defence the Chief Justice held to be allowable m the circum stances. Tims, all the defendant con tended for before the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry is now admitted as relevant, and evidence will open m Auckland as to the Bank accounts about the 6th of next month."

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Sir H. A. Atkinson will spend his Christmas holidays m Cliristchurch. A child of six years, named Julia. Moore, has died at Duneriin, from the effects oi eating green fruit. A Melbourne cablegram says that, the reduced cable rates cannot come into opera tion till March Ist. It ia said that the original of Longfellow's Village Blacksmith is still living at Melford Mass. Mr Tippler, grocer of Wellington is suing j the Corporation for £I*2o damages caused by insufficient provision for carrying off storm water. A Committee of the Wellington Education Board reports that there is urgent; need for increased school accommodation ia tho coun try districts. It is wired from Wellington that Captain Edwin forecasts stormy weather from the N.E. changing by N. and W., with a low glass. A man named Jainoa Montague fell from his horse near Ekatahuua, dislocating his shoulder, and died m the Masterton Hospital while undergoing an operation. The San Fiancisco Mail closes at Ashhui ton on Friday next at 6.30 a.m. Money orders must ne obtained not later than 4 p m. to-morrow (Wednesday). Colonel Wissman who is m command of the shore operations of the Germans at Zanzibar has recalled Em m Pasha for 1 habitual disregard of orders. It is estimated that to collect one pound of honey from clover 62,000 heads of clover must be deprived of nectar, and 3,750,000 visits from bee 3 must be made. ', Charles D. Young, a Denver boy of fifteen has just built the smallest coal-burning locomotive m existence. It is about five feet long and weighs 235 pounds, M. Westmark,the Swedish explorer of the Upper Congo, announces his intention t° cross Central Africa alone and without bag gage within the space of eight months. The Kurfurstlichprililigirteu Herzolich- Bergischen Provinzial-Zeitung is the name of a German newspaper. One poor newsboy yelled it twice and then went into a trance. There has been an enormous increase m the value of land at Berlin. For a piece of property m the suburbs, which 30 years ago was sold for £480, the sum of £150,000 is now demanded. Mi' Henry Zander has been appointed local broker for the Australian Mutual Pro vident Society for the introduction of new business, and all intending insurers cm obtain full information from him. News of another railway accident comes from America. While a passenger train whs crossing a bridge over the Ohio river the bridge collapsed. Four of the passengers were killed and ten injured. Preaching at All Saints Anglican Church, Auckland, The Rev W.-.Calder condemned' the evil of gambling, and suggested that the ]»w should be amended so as to prevent newspapers publishing betting odds ai^d racing tips. News from St. Petersburg states that the Czar has intimated that neither he nor his officials will receive the Earl of Meath or Sir J. W, Pease, who werq desirous of an interview with reference to thq illtreatrnent of Jews m Russia, Christmas Oay, Boxing Bay, and New Year's Day being postal holidays, tho Ash burton Post and Telegraph Office, will open only from 9 till 10 a.m., and from 7 till 8 p.m. Mails for Christchurch and North will close at 6.30 a.m.; for Dunedin and South at 10 a.m. No mails will be made up after 10 a.m. Why is it that the good are not always happy t was the question which a Sunday school teacher m a city church put to her class last Sunday. There was a dead silence for a moment, and then a little fellow piped out, "Because they're thinkin' of the fun j they ain't havin'." Following their annual custom, Mr Fish's constituents have presented him with a purse of 85 sovereigns, thus making up, as they have done every year since it came into effect, the reduction'in the amount; of members? hono rarium. Mr Seddon has also, we see, teen the recipient of a purse of 75 sovereigns from the Kumara portion of his old electorate. News of a very sad fatal accident cqines frpin Danevirke. Colonel Herrick, a]j old aud uuich;j;espectet{ gpttlep wej}t te';(, pipii^fi party at Waihi Falls last Saturday, Hornet how he fell over the falls, which go sheer down for eighty feet. He fell at the feet of his horrified (laughter. He was formerly m the Imperial service, but for forty years has been a sheep fanner m the Hawkes Bay district. In the Te Koofci wara he did good service

The Queen lias consented to be godmother to Lord Onflow's infant son. There are eignty candidates for the junior and thirty-four for the senior Otago Provin cial Scholarships. In New York, under the Civil Damages Law, a woman notified to a tavern keeper j that she would prosecute him for damages! for the losh of time of her husband whilst drunk, and also for the recovery of a fine i which had been imposed for drunkenness. The issue, however, was avoided by the -tavern keeper, who promptly p>iid the fine, and managed m this way to compromise the suit. The Christ church papers record the occur rence of two burglaries m Herefoi'd street on Sunday night. The premises broken into were those of the National Mortgage and Agency Company, and the Mutual Life Association of Australia. In both cases, however, thf would-be thieves drew a blank finding no money or valuables. The Mutual Life Company's premises were broken into only about twelve months ago.

Two young Frenchmen announce their intention to explore the North Pole m a balloon. They purpose to take a series of photographic views of it. The car is to be specially constructed ao as to protect the explorers from the intense cold of the Arctic regions. They estimate their expenses at 550,000f., and expect to be away six months. They will not be ready to start before 1892 and should they start upon their icy tour we miglit expect them back about 1992, perhaps a few years sooner. ! It is believed that a syndicate, which iri- I eludes Lord Hartington, has offered to make Brisbane the first port of call and tiie last port of departure for the steamers of'the proposed Australian-Vancouver line, and .Sydney is to be the terminal port, if the Government of Queensland and New South Wales subsidise the line to the extent of £15,000 per annum each. If this oiFer be accepted, it is believed that the Canadian Pacific Kailwav Company will arrange to construct a Pacific cable. The quarterly meeting of Court pAsh bnrfcon, No. (i 72!), A.0.F., was held m the Oourfc room, Burnett street, last evening. There wa3 a good attendance of members. Bro J. Baker, C.R., presiding. The elec tion of officers for the half year commencing January Ist, 1891, resulted as follows;— C.R., Bro T.'-Hancox (unopposed): S.C.R., Bro J. L. Higgs; S.W., Bro H. Lewis; J.W.j Bro J. Pritchard; 5.8., Bro Topping; J. 8., Bro G. Willers ; Auditors, Bro W. H. Paget, P.C.R., and Bro J. Baker. Bro "J. Baker was elected to represent the Court at the next District Meeting. The Court was i closed at 10 p.m. by the Chief Ranger m the usual manner. The Lodge then spent a convivial hour, some excellent songs having been suug, disclosing an amount of talent quite unexpected, and auguring well for the enjoyment of future meetings of a similar nature. Bro. John Ranger proved an admirable providore, and anticipated wants even before they were expressed. Altogether a happy evening was spent, and Bry. Baker called the Lodge to order for separation all too soon at 11.30, when " Auld Langsyne " was sung m brotherly style. Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabei,' Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely ! declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. How ever, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th Aiigust, 1577, the opinion was given by Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At this juncture I called en Messrs Sander and Souk, procuring some of their Extract of Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had too satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and 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. Fkaxz Raabe, Declared at Sandhurst, m the colony foa Victoria, Australia, thi3 seventeenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred ami seventy -seven, before mo, MoritzCohn, J.P., --Advt.) „_______ 6

Extensive Bush Fires in New South Wales.

[per ntfcss association.] Sydney, December 22. Henvy bush fires are raging out west, where the weather luis been very hot and dry. The fire is advanc ing on Nevertire township m a line twenty miles wide. On one run alone three thousand sheep have perished m the flames.

RIFLE SHOOTING.

Tiie Ashbm'top Rifles fired their annual match for prizes presented by the tradesmen of Ashburton on the 16(.h December. There was a large number of competitors, a good deal ot interest being taken m the match. The prafc list was a liberal one, and . the handicapping being equally liberal to the poorer shots gave them a chance to beat the scratch men. The day was very unfavorable for good shooting, the wind veering round from' one quarter to another m a manner that proved my baffling. The scoring con sequently was not very good- The handi capped were having the best of it, as the scratch men found it difficult to pull up. The first prize was taken by Private Hill, a young shot, who promises to turn out a , steady one, his handicap of ten points just enabled him to win by one point from the next man, Private S, \Salek (scratch), who takes second prize, Range prizes were won as follows ;-~200 yards, Private W. Hefford ; 300 yards, Private S. Salekj and 500 yards, Hon Member W. H- Rule. Appended are the scores and prize cash winners :—

Horse Market.

Mr T, Bullock reports for the week ending Saturday, December 20th, The entry for the day's sale was 51, including draughts, light harness horses and hacks, out of which only 17 were sold. Medium draughts of rather a superior stamp, 6 years, brought £22 ; aged, also of a good stamp, £13, £14 15s ; 6-year-old of a light description, £10 15s ; inferior £5, £5 15s; light harness horses, £6, £9 ; unbroken 3-year-old. £5 5s ; hacks, £6, £9 ; others £3 12s 6-3, £4 5s ; weeds and inferior sorts, £1 15s to £2 10s. Biddings throughout the sale were slow. Grass strippers, £3 15,5, £3 l§s Gd. Sundry, harness, etc., at market rates. Old McCorniick wire binder, £3 12s 6d

THE EIGHT HOURS' SYSTEM.

There died at Wellington, a few days ago at an advanced . age Mr S. D. Parnell, one ef the first settlers of the Province of Wellington, and -who has been accorded a public funeral m which the Labor Unions have taken part, m recognition of his services m establish ing the eight hours' system. .For a large proportion of the operatives of the colony the summum honiuu of life, as set forth m the old distich, Eighb hours work And eii;ht hours play, Eight hours sleep And eight shillings a da,y, has been realised m this c) lony, and the "horny-handed sons of toil" do well to show their gratitude to those who have assisted m securing to them these good things, But " palm-am gui meruii ferat " — -let honors be fairly divided. It is claimed for Mr Parnell that he was the founder of the Eight Hours' System m New Zealand, whereas it seems that m truth and m fact he was only one of them. He led the Avay m the Province of Wellington, no doubt, but it appeal's on what seems i to be indisputable evidence that prior to that the Eight Hours' Sysbem had been established at the southern end oi the colony—m the province, or settle ment as if; then, was, of Otago. 3?rom an article on the subject m the " Daily Times " we gather that when the Otago Association was formed m 1845 'the three leading principles laid down were provision for schools, and churches, and eight hours as the working day. Our contemporary says :—-" On the passage out m the Philip Laing, Mr -Burns (Rev. Thomas Burns) fully explained to the emigrants the labour clause, laying great stress on the fact that m leaving dear old Scotland to improve their condition, a main, feature was ths limiting of the hours of toil. This latter fact is suf tiiiintly attested'hy Mr William Mar tin and others of the settlers, who are still among us. On taking possession of the land and beginning operations, the eight hours' system was at once adopted and carried out by che settlers themselves. There soon appeared, however, an opponent m the camp. The officials of the company, who had the supreme power, refused to acknow ledge the rule, so the survey parties and labourers were required to work ten hours. The spirit of the settlers would not, however, submit, so a memorial was sent to the principal agent of the company, Mr Fox, resi dent m Wellington, asking that the hour.i should be restricted to eight. This was refused, and a proclamation or notice posted up m the resident agent's office that ' according to the good old Scotch rule ten. hours were to constitute the legal day's work.' Mr Fox, Captain Cargill, and Mr Kettle, all representatives of the. company, were determined to. enforce their edict, but the settlers said, ' JTo you shan't.' The notice was posted up on 24th January, 1849, and m the 21st February following, m public meeting assembled, a resolution was carried unanimously that eight hours and that only should be the recognised hours of labour. And m practice the rule was rigidly adhered to by all except the company, and fortunately the number of hands who from necessity had to accept work from the agents was small indeed, and then only for the shortest possible period

As arrivals of labourers continued to increase, temporary employment had to be accepted by several until some- 1 thing else turned up, so the company's hands grossed from 50 to 60 men on survey parties and road making, ten hours being clearly laid down by Captain Cargill as the hours for work. This was stubbornly kicked against, so, as a compromise, nine hours a day for five days a week and a whole free Saturday was proposed by the authori ties. This was not accepted. The insidious attempt to fix on the fetters and break the rule was too apparent, so at an assemblage of labourers and others at the head of the old jetty, Samuel Shaw, the painter, made a speech counselling no surrender, which was heartily received. Shaw, though not an eloquent man, had a will and energy of his own, and was an acknow ledged leader, At first m the settle merit there \yas only one employer of labour to any extent, the Rev Mr Burns himself, who acted as agent for several absent proprietors, and during the first year (1848) he absorbed al •most all the surplus labour. For tunately early m January 1849' a liberal-minded- English capitalist (M^y Valpy) arrived, and at onpe undertook some extensive worksj engaging all the men who could be had and adopting the eight hours' system, and paying like the minister a higher rate of wages. The company was thereby relieved of any demand for employ ment, the road-making catn.fi to, a stand still, ai^d their ten hours, ov modiiica-: t;on of nine houra a day, was knocked down and trampled under foot, It was a complete triumpn* for labour, and with free willingness the workmen gave their thanks to the few capitalists among them who had shown practically that they at least knew that capital i had its duties as well as its rights. Nor did the %york,ing men confine their expression of their gratitude to verbal thanks, for they entertained Mr Arthur J. Burns, who had taken his father's place m carrying on the works required at the beginning oi I$5Q, at a dinner, at the Brovincial Hotel, to celebrate their victory and acknow ledge Ids judicious course of action. The company's affairs m, London had by this time become thoroughly em barrassed i m fact it was bankrupt, and long hours troubled the work men very little afterwards. These, then, are the facts on which the claim of Otago to the honour and merit of occupying the first and front place m this colony of introducing and estab lishing the eight hours'system, $ ii,\b.o,ur are founded • arid i$ a,nf other settle rnen^.—far they were all called settle ments at thafc time— can advance any thing to the contrary, now or never is the time to do it."

Maori Superstition.

A Maori living "at Awahuri m a five-roomed house worth <£150 lost the ' sum of six shillings by some means m the tenement, and it was his opinion that there Avas something supernatural m the manner of its disappearance. ' A white man would have accused his neighbor, but' the Maori's suspicion posted on his Satanic Majesty, or one of his imps. A few weeks ago the Maori died, but before lie did so, he called his friends and charged them to search for the money, and if they could not find it, to burn the house down, and warned them if they did not carry out his instructions they would be made tapu by the fiend and would s.oon die. After his death they searched 1 for two days, but could not succeed m finding the money, so, at daybreak on the third clay, the house was set fire to and reduced to ashes, Harry Hughes, a half-caste, tried to persuade them to give the house to some "European, but was refused, the Maoris saying if they did so they would die oil' like flies m a short time.—" Wangariui Herald."

Tunnelling Under the Irish Channel.

Tf the engineers and the capitalists say Yes, the statemen need not say No to the proposal to connect the south-west- of Scotland and the north-east of Ireland with a submarine tunnel. As Sir- Roper Lethbridge has pointed out, trains could be run.without breaking bulk from the chief towns m Great Britain to the West of Ireland, and goods could be shipped through British North America to our own markets m the East and possessions m Australasia. This (says the "St. James' Gazette ") would be one great step towards the commercial federation of the British Empire. That is to take a Ion? view forward. For the present it may be enough to say that such a tunnel would probably alter the whole conditions of life m Western Ireland; 'it would plant centres of trade and commerce along an agricultural and pastoral area ; it tfould bring money into the country and provide j markets for the struggling farmers.

Ashburton High School.

SPEECH PAY,

Monday was the annual speech-day of the Ashburton High School and, as usual both the boys' and girls' schoolrooms were tastefully decorated for the occasion Avith evergreens and flowers, while gaily-colored Chinese lanterns were suspended from the roof with very pretty effect. On the walls of the girls' school were some very creditable specimens of the skill of the •young ladies m water-colors arid oils, especially noticeable being a remarkably well-executed landscape m sepia, the work of Miss Elsie Low. There was also a pretty panel m oils (convolvoliis and cornflowers) from the brush of Miss Margery Williamson, birds and sprf yof flowers, Miss Jane Doig, tipple-blossom, Miss J'-nny Shury, and plaque with design of pansies and laburnum, Miss Gertrude Steward. On the North wall of the boys' room were the letters and figures m laurel, "A.H.S. 1890" with the legend of welcome "Sal vote Intrantes," while bouquets of .flowers were disposed upon the mantelpiece, and on the corbels supporting the main timbers of the roof. This room, which was the scene of the eveningVproceedings, wasquito fillod wiLh the parents and friends of the pupils, and seats on ths platform were occupied by Mr W. C. Walker, chairman cf the Board of Governors, Rev. E. A. Scott, Dr. Travor, Major Steward, M..H.R., and G. Jameson, J. Orr, and D. Thomas, Esqs. Mr Walker, on behalf of the .Governors and teaching staff, thanked the ladies and gentlemen present for according so large an attendance on that occasion, and hoped that it might be token, as indicating an increased interest m. tho High School, an interest that would not be confined merely to prize-giving day, but would show itself m an increased number of pupils being sent during next term.. .Every institution had to make a "begin ning, and owing to the genorsifcy of the Legislature m providing an endowment, it might be that the Ashburton High School had been begun a little too early - a little m advance of the requirements of the population, but the Board of Governors were anxious, to afford to the people of the district the advantages of higher education for their children as early as possible, and though 'they had had difficulties to encounter and dis couragements to contend against, yet there was encouragement $p persevere m the good work which had been done m the school and the. honors attained by its pupils. The attendance at the Boys' Sohool last year had been smaller than m the previous year, but schools, like; ministers and politicians, had their ups and downs, and if they were down, one day they hoped to be. *Ip again another day. (Appjavtse), Last year, as he had stated, they had been somewhat discouraged at losing a considerable number of pupils and as a consequence they had to consider ways and means very closely and had to work with a reduced teaching staff placing upon the remaining teachers an increased burden of duty. They would, however, find that the staff had risen tQ the occasion and the result o# their labors would be shown by \hv excellent report whjch .woukl presently be submitted. The difficulty of working a small school of all ages with only one master was that whether there were 50, 40 or 30 pupils there were just as m any classes and divisions, and the work was almost as great m the smaller school as i» the larger, while when ib n]\ fell upon one | master that masfcav hfod really to do the I work of two op three. The Inspector's report allowed m what a splendid manner My- Buchanan, Miss Saunders, aris? her assistant Miss Grubb, had met the diffi culties of the position, and the requite, as shown by the achievements qf s.onae of the pupils, was m the l^es^ degree satis factory. (Appla^e;) Mtss Elsie Low m the receipt competition had taken the %sfc.scholarship, beating the pupils of the Ghristchurch schools, and of the schools of all thfi rest of the, Province, which, was no smajl feather m the cap of the Ash burton High School, (Renewed applause.) Then they had passed one girl far matricu- I lation at the University, and one of their pupils after passing one year at (Jhrisfc church, had gained a junior scholarship, coming out first on the list, while another Ashburton competitor had taken third place. He therefore thought that | considering the si/,Q o| tho school it had asserted itjse}? vfijry well m competition with fcfte. sphools of the Colony. Before j asking Mr Buchanan to read the In spector's report, he would say that m view of the difficulties which had to be con tended with during the past year il^ey would he thought consider i% kjghfy sat isfactory and he would, jjeuwnd them that those diffi^ulti^g would disappear if only th.es wo,uJk} sohtf to fche school a sufficient number of pupils to enable the teaching st»# to be raised at least to what it was during the previous year, and which they would see the Inspector strongly re commended should be dune jyi spon as possible. Mr Buchanan rhcu.rcad' the Examinees rebort which was as follows :— yhris'tchurch, Dooemhoit' 16 \899. Vhe Chairman, Ashburton, li&h School Board gf Governors, Ashburtow, ' | %V l V« N*» to present ray ■

report c;u the examination of the Boys •md Girls schools. I examined both hcliools (by papers) on 9th insfc., and following days ; the subjects I examined m wore as follow;— Arithmetic, Algebra, Kuclid ; English, Latin, Fremh. " His fcciry and Geography. I send herewith schedules *of marks together with de tailed report on die work of each form m each .subject. I have also made out a I' summary of results " for each school ; from which the success attained m each subject may be seen at a glance. I will here then confine myself to some general remarks, on the work done m the two schools. Vheu I examined the schools last year J had to report very favourably 0:1 the gv-h school, and les^ favourably on the hoys .school. This year the position is reversed : the work done iti the hoys department is extremely gontl throughout, m some l-espects excellent; the work of the girls on the other hand can only be described as fair. The success obtained m the boys department is the more remarkable m th?t the master m th y«ar, I understand, un assisted. The number of boys is it is true, nor quite ro large, but there are the same number of subjects to be dealt with and the same number of divisions m each. The results last year gave abundant evi dence of Mr Buchanan's energy and zeal; this year these qualities have T think 1 been applied with more judgment. The im provement is largely clue to the fact that a little less work has been attempted; each step of the ground has been thoroughly mastered before the pupils have been pushed on. The Latin and 1 French grammar for instance is very accurate ; and the mathematics are much more accurate also. The boys do ex tremely well m mathematics ; little or no fault is to be found m this department. English grammar has been well taught, parsing and analysis being extremely good; but there are a good many blunders m the composition, ai:d a question m which boys were asked to correct and criticise some very faulty sentences did not elicit satisfactory answers m many cases. The spelling throushouc the school must be described as " hardly satisfactory." This subject should be allowed a little more sp:;cc on the time-table than it evidently occupies at present. The Latin on the whole is well done ; m the conjugation of the verbs, however, some of the lower* school ar6 deficient; this too is a weak ness m the French, which m other respects is highly . satisfactory. History is well done, but most of the boy's while well vevsed m the anecrJotal portion of history, and m lives of historical heroes, battles, etc., are not by any means so well "rounded m the constitufional and literary department of history. A question on "the claims of James I to the throne" elicited no satisfactory answers, and oiife on some authors and their works (de scribed m the text books) was indifferently done m most : - casts. These two depart ments of history are, however, those that, perhaps attract boys least. Th» geography is very good, the map-drawing especially so. The great improvement m the work of L. Buchanan as compared with last year is very gratifying. J e ff. w hom I had occasion taconimeiid highly las* year, has hardly realized my expectation of lrm, but is nevertheless an excellent pupil and a credit to the school. Buchanan is first m mathematics and m history and geo graphy Jeft ,s first m two languages (Bhutan and French.) On the whole, to Buchanan must belong the honor of being dux The papers are again neatly done, and the handwriting is' good Mr Buchanan is to be congratulated on the good results be has obtained. I regret hat the numbers ab the school .ire not soi large as they might be. The school, «tafc present conducted, certainly 'deserves better support from the district. It would be very desirable, should the attendance next year warrant it, to make some ar rangements for the teaching of science. I very much regret r,hat I cannot, jrfve the same decree of praise to the Girls' depart mpn. The results last year were very satisfactory ; and tho sucipss of the on'u pupil I examined -Miss Elsie Low the. other two being away at the Matriculation and Junior Scholarship Examinations proved that, the Head Mistress is a. ver\r able teacher. But it appear* to tno that m the laudable anxiety to prepare the older girls for Matriculation and Junior Scholarships, a little tro, much attention has been paid to the upper school work to tho neglect of the lower pupils. Cer tainly the excellence of Miss Lowe's wort is m mar-lied Contrast to that of many of the younger pupi!». In T«fcin for example Miss Low sent m a paper that would do credit, to the Vlth form m any secondary school; yet the Latin of the two lower forms is so poor that I have only been able to award pass marks (40 per cent) to one pupil. In most of the subjects the girls have been pushed too rapidly ; there is an evident absence df revision of the work. The French is much better than the Latin and on. the whole may be des cribed as very satisfactory, but English is ahe worst taught subject m the school. In parsing and analysis most of the pupils, are very deficient ; the spelling is ex tremely bad, and none of the essays show muoh capacity. I would suggest that * much longer time be given each <Jay to spelling and dictation throughout the school. In Arithmetic and Algebra-. correct methods are adopted but the work. is often very inaccurate. History and' Geography are on the whole very satis.-, factory. Last year m my report I referred! to the excellent work done by Miss Elsiei Low and this year again I have to compli ment her. In all "her subjects except English, m which she is uneven, shd does work that reflects great credit upon her teacher. Considering the very great ability of tho head mistress, shown m the work of Miss Low, and in> last year's results, the girls' should show good results again next year^. 'fa little more attention is given to the lower school, and if the 'principle of "slow but sure" be more constantly kept m mind. In conclusion I desire to thank the staff for the promptitude with which they despatched the pipers, and the assistance they have given me by the very concise description of the work of the year, etc.. with which they hive supplied me. I have the honor to be sir, Your Obedient Servant., 1 rO. T. Alpress, B£.A. r mi . Examiner. The ftev. E. A. Scott, wno was asked by the Chairman to present the prizes, addressed a few remarks to the audience. Referring to the report which had been just read, he said it was to him satisfac tory that tho boys had done better than the girls. In view of what Miss Butler and other young ladies had been doing m England, he h«d begun to tremble for the future* of his own sex (laughter). 'No doubt they had read a book intitule' 1. "Tho Revolt of Man," which pourtrayed a state of society m which for & lon£ period the ladies had been recognised as possessing all the brain power, and the men as merely having thephysical strength and art men would be glad to know that the result simply ruined England. Tliev : had a picture of railways overgrown with grass, and a general state of disorganisa tion, which led, at last, to the successful revolt of man. Last year, seeing that the eirls had beaten the boys, be had begun to fear that the first stage of the ex uentonce pourtrayed m that book was coming about, and he really felt glnd when he heard the report of tWyear read, that his own sex was getting ahead again. (Laughter and applause). The prizes. were then presented as follows :— BOYS' SCHOOL. E*> Buchanan r(di!x of school-Class priie. 'W. Jeff—English prize. W, Brown—Class priaty V, Steward—Languages.

THE ASHBUETON GUABDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBEB 28, 1890.



PteHill „ 8. Salelj .  Lewis  Felton  Constable... „ Willers .. Bugler Burfoot Holi Mem. W. Rule Oorpl McDonald Pte Stills „ J. W. Baker  Leitch ' ... „ Undrill ...  Mahoocl ..  Jones  J. Han cox „ W. Hefford 3gt-Major Hayes dorpl Baker ... Pte E. Undrill  Wollman ... , ? Grant : - ;  Boiiningtoii  Piekford ...

II 3 I £ b. d. ... 10 51 ... 61 1 10 0 ... scr 60 .. 60 1 5 0 ... 10 48 ... 58 0 12 6 ... 8 48 ... 56 0 10 0 ... 5 50 ... 55 0 10 0 ... 5 50 ... 55 trophy ... 5 50 ... 55 ditto H. ... scr 54 ... 54 ditto ... 5 47 . 52 ditto , 10 40 ; 50 ditto , sci- 49 ... 49 ditto ... 7 41 ... 48 ditto ... 6 42 ... 48 ditto ... 6 41 .. 47 ditto ... 10 36 ... 46 ditto ... 12 33 ... 45 ditto ... scr 44 ... 44 ditto ... 8 35 ... 43 ditto ... 5 37 ... 42 ditto ... 10 30 ... 40 ditto ... 6 34 ... 40 ditto ... (j 33 ... 39 ditto ... 10 28 ... 38 ditto ... 9 25 .. 34 ditto



Ti« Bias-p. R^nitY. >'ok Indigestion— ' OainQtnile Pills are confidently, recon^nended as «, simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pitts, with justice called the /Natural Rtrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, alkt safe under any circumstances. $pkl iii bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, Us, by ail medicine mdors throughout $9 world/ '



HOPE FOR THE DEAF A Person cured of deafness and noise,? m the? Ifeq4 of loflg standing, by a simple Bemedy, will be glad to forward a description of it free to anyone who applies. The most as tonishing cures have lately been effected by the same remedy. Address: Nicholson, 175 William Street, Mcl bourne 1



Wanted CAiSH Advertisements under this heading not exceedin SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Jcftat this Office 1" ANTED a baby to adopt. Address 44 Mater," ofiice of this paper. 12 138 ANTED Known.- R. MURRAY, Xims Discounts, 10 per cent, on Jewellery, Clocks, and Plate, for 1 month 12 140 BOARD and Residence for two single gentlemen, central position. Apply by letter, 4i Weka," office of this paper. l 5 157 . % FAISiCY FAIRTwiII he. continued "at Old Town Hall, Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission free. Open at 2 o'clock. 12 143 A LARGE number of Plough Teams £\_ wanted immediately. Apply D. Thomas. l^^l A MERICAN Ice Cream ! American J_A_ Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice kept m stock. _____ \\f ANTED' Known -Ladies Stocking vv with Silk Toes and Heels ni black and colors. Is M per pair.—W. H. Colukr. SCHOOL Committees purchasing Books for prizes, Toys and Fancy woods for School treats very liberally dealt with.—H. M. Jones. 12 130 D AND -1 S TABLES, Good values .JL ready next week, great variety of fancy goods for presents. —H. M. Jones _' 12 131 IN consequence of Xmas goods coming to hand very late the whole stock offered at lowest, possible prices till end of the month.—H. M. Jones. 12 132 WANTED Known.- For Dress Stuffs Prints, &c., Trimmings, fco match, go to Melford House, Best value m town. Christinas presents now giving away.—ll. C. Seokks^ ANTED Known.—For Sheetings Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels | Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c, goto Melford' House. Presents to every purchaser.—H. C. Segerk. BOOTS, BOOTS. "Keep you: feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills. 1 have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Aloorn, Ashbur ton Clotlnner Mart, Saunders' Building's. ii/ANTED Known—The "Strong YV wear 7' B,oot is the best for Men, a dies and Children.—VV. H. Collier. WANTED every nvvnln""t|ie County to have a suit of the iUhburtoft?l Tweeds.— Roijekt Alcokn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. ■"OR^BENTS..—We are now giving _JL presents to every purchaser of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, #nd cheapest house m town,—Hi Gt Sfs^fißS, Melford House. ANTED Known — fl^Oheapest Shop fco buy Tinware and Gal viiniscd Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hannafoivi/s, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iror. «»«•$ goods made and repaired with des !*tch; t



WANTED at once, Tenders for the Harvesting of 172 Acres of Oats i and 59 (fifty-nine) Acres of Wheat on Ihe j Lagmhor Estate. ' For particulars apply to DONALD McLEAN, i 121128 Lagmhor. Spring and Summer, ■ 1890. | TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonivi TWEED SUITS. HATS.—We keep the Largest and Bust Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. Best workmanship put m every garment, and a perfect lit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c, m Latest Fashion und tetyle. Bust Value foh Cash m District NES Z E A I A N D CLOTHING FACTORY Agent for the Wonderful Wertheim Machines W. II WEBBER Manager, THE HOUSE FOR CHEAP CHRIST MAS CHEER D. McFarlane's East Street. The House for GOOD SUGARS for Preserving, D. MeFARLANE'S Easi, Street. The House for BLENDED TEAS of Al Quality, T). McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for CHINA and GLASS WARE, D. McFARLAN'S East Street. The House for BUTTER, CHEftafi, onrl BACON, D. MoFARLANE'S East, Street. The House for GOOD FLOUR, MEAL, and RICE, D McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for all lines of At Lowest Possible Rates. » MoFAXKLAI\E 9S E AST ST RE E T A S II B U R TON. 10H68 "money to lend. 1%/TONEY to Lend ab LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TO^£sooo For further particulars apply to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch.



IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE. KATAPOI HOTTSE AG\IN TO THE FRONT. ... MITCHELL Q_ m URNIfiR ITCHELL (SO I URNER DF.SIRE to inform their numerous Customers and the public m gener.il, that after careful and manure consideration they have decided to have THE WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHING CUT, MADE AND FINISHED ON THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR MAD X GOODS, A« this involves the outlay of Hard Cash to a large amount, they trust tie numerous and material advantages given to ALL THOSE m want of Really GOOD CLOTHING will be so palpable fhat MITCHELL AND TURNER will at once largely increase their already Extensive Clothing Business, by the adop i tion of the above alteration m the style of their Manufactured Articles. A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST t OPENED UP. MITCHELJ Q_ mURNE-p ITCHELJU QO XURNEXi KATAPOI HOUSE. "iifflioiiißr ANDREW rA R R NDR E W UrR HAS opened up a Splendid Show OF NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Beautiful Assortment OF Fancy Goods SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. L\DIES, GENTS', and CHILDREN'S' BOOTS and SHOSS GREATLY REDUCED. Andrew Orr. WOOL. WOOL rfHK UNDERSIGNED IS PRE 1 PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES On the Coming Season s Clip of W 0 O L, FREE OF COMMISSION. INTEREST AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. GROWERS have the Choice of Selling either at the ASHBURTON WOOL SALES, or m CHRISTCHURCH, or SHIPPING. I Shall Hold REGULAR SALES ■LURINfi THE SEASON, having arranged with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Aoenay Company, Limited, to act as mv Financial Agents and Auctioneers. Every care and attention will be used m displaying, properly lotting, classi fying and valuing the W oi. Account Sales will be rendered by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, with their sual promptitude. WOOLPACKS, TWINE, etc., At Lowest Current Rates, John G. Pestell WOOL STORES WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. Sharplin, Vincent k (to. SAWMILLERS * AND TIMBER MERCHANTS, BPBINGKBUBN. HAVE erected large Sawnills at Alford Forest, and can now supply any amount of Building Material, also Bridge Timber and Planking, to any sige m 3»irch Timber, Gates, Hurdles, &c, made fco patterns as desired, Splitor Sawn Posts morticed by machinery. Prices will be found reasonable, and orders will bo executed promptly. Timber can be delivered by train, or at the Mills, or by rail from Springburn to any part of the district. he Mills are within l£ miles of the Springburn Railway Station. FIRE WOO©, SLABS, AND WASTE TJMJJER Always ,on haruL j .Qrdw by post promptly attended to, | 2m ' \ ' ' i



NEW CHRISTMAS CARPS. A Beautiful Assortment. NEW ANNUAL VOLUMES and BOOKS for Prizes and Presentations. FANCY GOODS, -tc, &c. 1 L F. ANDREWES & Co.



FOR SALE. mWELVE McCORMICK WIRE', X BINDERS. All m perfect work ing order. OHE A y 10*144 FRIEDLANDER BROS. SHAG POINT COAL rjIHIS superior Coal, for household and JL steam purposes, can now be obtained from Messks J. C. Bekteix, W. H. Collins & Co., and R. S. Beak m any quantity. Special quotations for truck oads. ! This Coal is perfectly safe m using, ; leaving do live cashes or soot, and is very deanly and economical for household purposes, having great heat and lasting power W. H. WILLIAMS, lO^lS Manager Sha^ Point. Mine. NIES BAKER, TIMBER MEBCIIA.M 1, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Harrisons Auction Mart, TXAS IN STOCK Large Supplies of— Building Timber, Stakes and Posts, Galvanised Corrugatpd Iron, Builders Ironmongery, Turnery, Furniture, and Fancy Goods IN ENDLESS VARIETY. TJRNITURE MADE TO ORDER IN ANY DESIGN AT SHORTEST NOTICE Sole Agent m Ashburton for Cleg Perambulators. ' ~XfO W"^ H V) WING IN 0 W O H 0 W I N G A FASHIONABLE LOT OF Spring & Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD FIT and WORKMANSHIP, ught to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. ■ c*m*> JK*rly, And «v»i«» _ . __ Xtie. Ifcusli at Xmas. Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders will be finished up to time. H. A E. Craigrhead, TANCRED STREET, ASHBORTON. fllWAlll piUIVB, ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January 1, 1391. President—Dr Tweed. Vice-Pkiwpkxts— Messrs D. McLean, and C. M. Stnichcy. Judge—MrM.Stit>. Stewards—Messrs J. Begg, G. James, M. Scott, I). Thomas, M. Stitt, C. M. Strachey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed Clerk of thk Course —Mr B. Hanks. Clerk of thk Scales -Mr A. J. Kelly Starter—Mr D. Thomas. Treasurer —Mr M. Scott. Hakdicapfer—Mr J. Cresswell. First Race to Start at 12.30 p.m. programme: (Approved by the Committee of the Canter bury Jockey Club.) 1.— Handicap llordlk Race, of 20 soys; nomination, 10s : acceptance. 10s. The second horse to receive 3 soys out of the stake Over six flights of hurdles about 3ft 6in high. One mile and a half 2,-—Maiden Plate, of 15 mvs; entrance, 15s. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Weight for age. One mile. 3.-^Tix\vald Quv Handicap, of 45 soys; nomination, I soy: acceptance, 1 soy. The second horse to receive ;" soys and the third horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. One mile and a half. 4. —Tinwald Handicap Tiara Trot, of 25 soys; nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 10a. The second horse,to receive o soys out of the stake. Weight not less than lOst. About three miles s,—Welter HaNDiCAr, of 25 eovs; noiiiina tion, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. One mile 6. —Novel Race, of 20 soys. Winner to become the property of the Club, and to be sold by auction. The amount re alised above 10 soys to le divided between the Club and the second horse. Entrance 10s, on night of general entry. Weight Bst. Any overweight to be declared. Six furlongs. 7»j—Flyino Handicap, of 25 soys; nomina tion, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soya out of the stake. The -winner of Tinwald Cup or Welter Handicap to carry 71b penalty In the event of a horse winning both the fore going events such horse to carry lOlbs penalty. Six furlongs B'—Consolation Handicap, of 15 soys. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Nomination, 10s ; to be made to the Secretary immediately after the Flying Handicap is run ; acceptance free, to be notified within rive minutes of the declaration of weights. Six. fur longs. 9. —Hubby Scurry (if time permit) of 10 soys; entrance, 10s. For horses that have never won public money. Catch weights. Hulf a mile. BULKS AND REGULATIONS. 1. The meeting will be held under the Rules' of Racing. The Trotting race under the rifles of the New Zealand Trotting Association. 2. No entry will be received except on the condition that all claims, disputes, and •bjections arising out of the racing, shall be decided by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Their decision on all points con nected with the carrying out of this pro gramme to be final 3. The races are open to any horse, com monly resident m the district from the Ist October, 1890, to the date of meeting, and owned by a person who has resided m the district for the same period. 4. The district above mentionrd is bounded on the north by the Selwyn River, and on the s'mth by the Opihi River. 5. Five per cent, will be deducted from the gross of all moneys payable m accord ance with this programme, for the expenses ef the course. ' ft All nomination and acceptanc3 fees to »o fco the fund* of the Club h NOMINATIONS Jfoiiu'fl^ns for Hurdle, Tinwald Cup, Trot. ■\yelt«t. ftnd Flying Handicaps, accom panied by {<•**> «w-me) a os7 description, and pcrfomniicß* df hocae, and colours of rider, must be. m wri'.'ug&»d m the hands of the SctTctiirv" at Sc'iM's Hotel, Tinwald, not later tlnmi* ou .SATURDAY, December the 13th, mm WKWHTS. Weight m'H t« declared on or about ( December 27'h , A'CEPTA^CKB. Accept ' • for Handicaps., md Noniina ioiiH foi M iiileu Plate and Novel lime must }*> m tin- iwnds of the Secretary, artlSeotfc's JTotri Tinwald, not later than 9 p.<wi.. ,«* | 3IONTDAV J»own»»»r^Jil:h, 18f)0 i' >i. iLC)iFv