Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1890. LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Duke ofSntherlaud owns 200,000 acres on Hampton Plains, Western Australia. It is uhderatiod that a convent of Do minican nuns will shortly be established in Lawrence, Otago. Thin people are the height of the fashion ' in Paris just now, tiny degree of plumpness j being considered vulgar. In the desert of Sahara appearently inex* haustible veins of water have been found in artesian wells lately bored there. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Onslow arrived at Christchurch yesterday m route for Dunedin. A lady in New York has a brass bedstead inlaid with pearls. Across the top runs a brass rail, on which the owner's niune is wrought in pearls. There was one case of double-voting at the Taieri election, according to the "Advocate" The party voted at two different-placee, and each time he voted for a different man. A few.days ago the 140 th cremation, was performed at Woking, the,remains operated upon being those of the late Edward Easton, who shot himself in St Paul's Cathedral. The wife of a baronet lias appeared in the Row, in the regular hour, riding astride. Her dress was a divided skirt, rather longer than the habit now fashionable. The Duke of Portland is thirty-three years old, and one of the fattest men in the Uui fed! Kingdom. His girth increases almost visibly and he is daily becoming more ponderous. Special train arrangements in connection with the Ashburton Caledonian Sports and. the Christchurch Bicycle Races are adver tised in another colum. His Worship the Mayor wishes It to he known that he intends to b»s at the Borough Council Chambers every morning at 10 ! for the convenience of ratepayers who may ! wish to see him-on municipal business. : On dit that Mr F. M. Ricktnan, late of I Wai mate is in treaty with Mr Bullock for the purchase or lease of the Arcade, with a view to carrying on business as an auc tioneer in Ashburton. Thta being now the season for ," monster gooseberries " we can open the record with an account of a really splendid sample of a «tw,n variety grown by Mr James Moore, Wakamii. They go 27 to the pound, and are from bushes obtained three years ago from Mr It. T. Smith's Smithfield nursery AshburtoTi. In fulfilment of a promise given by tho Minister last .session thu,t when the immigra tion vote was expended 110 fresh liabilities would be entered into, the Immigration Department have now decided to refuse any furt her applications for assisted passages from England. A search for the oldest clergyman in Eng"" land shows that the Rev John Elliot, vicar of Riuidwick, will, be one hundred in three months. He preached up to the age of ninety-eight regularly and occasionally last year. He goes to church now regularly every Sunday, and occasionally visits hib parishioners. The present Empress of Russia, formerly the Princess Da-gmar, celebrated for her beauty throughout Europe, has become so thin and haggard that her old frit 11 ds scarcely recognise her. The fear of assassi nation for herself, her husband and son is the c rase. We are requested to say that in connec tion with the representation of " Ashore and Afloat." to be given on Boxing night, there will be no reserved seats and therefore those who wish to secure good positions should attend early, as there ia expected to be a large attendance. Wife -"Cyrus, I am sure young Spoona more is becoming serious in his attentions to 'our Susie."—Husband—"Nonsense! What makes you think so?" "He wears a new necktie every time he comes." "Do you think Susie cares for him?" "Yes. She hasn't eaten an onion this summer." The Middle Island Dairying Association are inviting applications from persons having a knowledge of tho dairying business with a view of sending a competentperson to Eng land with a shipment of butter and cheese to watch its condition and treatment during the voyage, so as to obt tin a reliable report on the cause of deterioration. The distribution of prizes to the children of the Borough School took place last evening in St. Stephen's Schoolroom. His Worship the Mayor presided, and speeches were made by Major Steward, M.H.R., and the Rev E. A. Scott, and a number of songs, a violin solo, pianoforte duet, etc., were admirably given by the children, after which there was an exhibition of the magic lantern. A full report of the proceedings appears elsewhere. The valuable marble clock, silver napkin rings, and case of silver cutlery, presented to Miss Kidd yesterday, on her marriage,by the members of the congregation,ladies, and choir respectively of the Presbyterian Church, are now on view in Mr Andrew Black's window in East street, where they were purchased. The clock will have a silver plate affixed with an engraved inscription conveying the good wishes of the donors, and the fish slice will also be similarly engraved. The clock is a very handsome one of specially choice design, and was chosen from Mr Black's stock by the Committee of ladies who arranged tho matter, and we think their choice was a very appropriate and suitable one to the occasion. The "Catholic Times" has the following —Fis Grace the Archbishop has received by the San Franscisco mail, a letter from the Bishop of Christchurch, dated Munich (Bavaria), October 20th, iv which the follow ing message occurs:—" 1 was ordered to Vichy, which I left in September for the more bracing climate of Bavaria. 1 have been staying with some excellent friends in Munich. I leave next week seemingly quite myself again. After a stay of two or three weeks in France, I shall, D.V., go to Rome and prepare to return to New Zealand as soon as possible after Christmas."

ALFORD FOREST.

I V FBOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Jfhe political battle being over, so far as t-Jj; election is concerned, ws bury the h^ehet, but nofc the remembrance of our late kjiilly representative, who must have felt p^uci of the hearty support accorded him filing the hill?. As was known from the fijst, too many candidates spoiled the chancs o{the liberal side, In Mr E. G. Wright we hfe a supporter of the Atkinson Ministry ceftaiuly, but for shrewd common sense aijl combative power few excel him among t\f new members. "The King is dead, lojg live the King." According to newspaper reports the Plains aif suffering much from drought. One glince at this district will satisfy the most ca'eless observer that we have not felt the sane. Crops of all kinds of a vivid green aul luxuriant clover and grasses, make us tlftnkful for the frequent and genial showers wlicli have fallen so plentifully. Fruit tries have suffered from wind, especially aplle trees; and from the same cause, hninely wind, one or two paddocks show tribes of the storm, but so far as feed is coicerned we have abundance. The new sawmill at Spriugburn is doing exceedingly well. Messrs Sharplin and Co. art no novices, as any one may see by a glance at the squared timber they are rapidly turning out. The demand is continuous, anl we gladly welcome a new industry, employing many hands, among us. The prbe of the timber will cause many to make a little addition to their houses at very snull cost. When will the clay, kaolin, building stone, and lignite become important industries? When the population increases " liy leaps and bounds," and the railway freights become rwsonab c. Shearing is pretty well through along the bas3 of the hills. Mount Possession is in fnl! swing. Clent Hills commenced shear ing on 19th instant Double Hill will not begin before December 29th. The firm belief of many that the shearing machine would be generally used this season prevented iniforters getting in their usual heavy ship melt of shears, in consequence/of which there has been some slight difficulty in supplying the demand of the Bhearei'3. No feai this season of having dead stock left on hand to gaze at mournfully during the remainder of the year. Eev Isitt, of Christchurch, gave a lecture onihe life of "Dr Norman McLeod." His style " from cheerful to sublime " won loud t applause, and a general wish that he may pay us another visit. Another Government (section of forty acres, in close proximity to the others, will shortly be offered to the public. It may here bo mentioned that since their occupancy not one of them has been, thrown up or changed hands, a sure sign that working nun appreciate efforts to settle them on the soil. Improvements are continually being made, hence their value is ever increasing. Many very comfortable houses may now be seen on what was formerly waste land. A change of Postmaster has taken place at Springburn, Mr George Diack having been appointed in place of Mr R. Stewart, resigned, JNo sports will be held in the Mquut Seiners district this year, the public taking vivy small interest in the matter.

PACKING THE COUNCIL.

The anxiety of the present; Govern ment to have it believed that they are, after all, in a majority, instead of in a minority, is p'ainly exemplified by the ingenious calculations which are daily wired from headquarters by the Wellington correspondents of Minis terial papsrs. When it comes to counting such men as Mr Ward, the member for Awarua, and Parata, the member for the Southern Maori Electoral District, as " doubtfuls,"" notwithstanding the fact that both have always been consistent members of the Opposition, it is plain enough that both Ministers and " specials" are at their wits' end to make out a case. But why all this very remark able anxiety? Well, we cannot help thinking that it has a, great deal to do with the corner Ministers find them selves in with regard to certain intended appointments to the Legis lative Council. It is doubtless the case that pledges have been given in this direction to various members of the late Itotisej some of whom did not come forward as candidates at the recent election because relying on their promised translation to a higher sphere, and it would be an awkward thing for both parties—the would-be nominators and the would-be nominees —if those promises could not be per formed. .But the awkward point comes in that if Ministers are avowedly in a minority the Governor might not see his way to accept their advice as to c illing a number of gentlemen to the Council. Ilinc ilia lachrymal — hence, that is to say the desperate efforts which are being put forth to show that the new House contains a majority of members favorable to the present Administration. But the whole thing is thin to attenuation, and indeed to absolute transparency. But even were Ministers in a majority, Ye should still challenge the ex pediency of their proposal to add to the number of Legislative Councillors, as being in breach of the distinct understanding that there were to be no further calls to the Council until after the number of members had fallen below the half of that of the House of Representatives, the member ship of tie Council being now in ex cess of that number (37) by two ; stand ing as it now does at 39. Even the staunchestsupportersoftheGovernment among our contemporaries strongly denounce the proposed action of the Government. One of them " the New Zealand (Auckland) Herald " writes : "It is reported in Wellington that the Government are considering the propriety of recommending His Ex- j cellency to call Sir Maurice O'Rorke, Mr Downie Stewart, and Mr Fulton to the Legislative Council. We can scarcely think that this is really so. A Government in the position of Sir H. Atkinson's has no excuse for calling men to the Legislative Council except to reward party services, and this is not a good enough reason. Then, if a new Government came into office it would say, with perfect truth, that the Legislative Council was filled with its opponents, arid that it was absolutely necessary to call several partisans, in order that it might be ' able to carry its measures, which had been approved by the House of Representatives and the country. The claim of Sir Maurice O'Rorke stands by itself. It has always been the custom in England, when a Speaker of the House of Commons retired after a lengthened service, to call him to the Peerage. No doubt, any new Govern ment would be ready to recognise Sir G. M. O'Rorke's claims." Another— " the Otago Daily Times" says :—"We do not take our stand on constitu tional precedents, but on the common sense ground that the number of the Council is still above half that of the House of Representatives, and above all that no fresh appointments ought to be made until the Council has been reformed. The force of the last argu ment is irresistible, but the worst of it is that reason is powerless before the

will of a Government which is in. a. minority. If, however, Ministers think there is any chance of keeping themselves in office, we would strongly advise them not to commit an act which will so considerably discredit them." We could arid many similar expressions of opinion—all from the pens of friends of the Government, and it is to be hoped that even at the last moment—though we doubt it's happening—Ministers will think better of it before advising the Governor to make any calls to tlie Council, and i that if they do tender,such advice His Excellency will firmly decline to act upon it.

WATERTON.

(fkom our own coruespondent.)

Now that all political excitement arising from the responsibility placed on the shoulders of each elector in the district to return a suitable representative to Parlia ment has somewhat subsided, the farmer are all settling down again to work, and are already beginning to make prepara tions for the coming harvest. A few weeks ago such words as Property-tax, Land-tax, Local Option, etc., were words uppermost in the conversation of all and sundry ; but now these have given place to the old-time subject—the weather and the crops. This is perhaps after all very natural, as the farmer's success or failure very largely depends on these two matters being satisfactory or otherwise. Just now the success of the approaching harvest is trembling in the balance, and in many in stances is giving signs of the crops kicking the beam. A fortnight ago the majority of the wheaffc crops looked very sickly in deed, but a few timely showers, together with dark.cloudy days, have done some thing towards counteracting the effects' of the long drought, and it is quite possible that the outlook may not prove to bo so ominous as present appearances would indicate. The earlier and more thickly sown crops seem, to have stood the drought the worst, while the later crops, especially the more thinly sown ones, are looking fairly well, excepting the shortness.of the straw,and will probably bag well. The oat crop is very short and light, while the barley crop will be ready for harvesting in a few days, if the refreshing rain that lihs fallen to-day (Thursday) does not put it back. The feed on', the drier lands is nearly burnt up, and spine of the farmers are already beginning to feed their sheep. The few showers that have fallen recently have don« good service to the turnip crops, m'iny Of tlie sowingsof which have resulted in t\ good strike being effected, and given plenty of rain there 'should be abundance of feed for next winter. Just now all the youngsters'that can make any pretensions to tree-climbing are spending all their spare time collecting birds' eggs, and it is reported that some of tliem are very successful, their collec tion already amounting to nearly four figures. This systematic robbinir of the nests, together with poisoning in the winter, should have a very salutary effect in diminishing the sparrow pest. Educational matters are going on smoothly in the district. Tlie School Committee, under the able chairmanship of Mr W. Cobb, cm tin ue to hold their usual monthly meetings, at which a quan tity of routine business is gone through' with dispatjli. The monthly reports of the master show the school to be progress ing favorably in the matter of attendancs —the present, a vo 1 ago being higher than it has been for over five years. The children are at present looking forward to a week's holiday at Christmas previous to their making their final spurt to pass the Inspector's examination, which is expected to take place some time in January, the result of which it is hoped will be satisfac tory.

MAGISTERIAL.

SOUTH RAKAIA—FRIDAY. (Before Messrs Hardy, Allan, and Oxley, J.P.'s.) E. Thompson.—A dog case adjourned from last Court day Avas permitted to he I withdrawn. Four youths, A. Santy, A. Street, W. Ayling, and G. Harrey were reprimanded and fined 5s each and costs for jumping on and off the trniu while travelling about six miles an hour during the time the bridge was damaged. H. Primmer, vG. Gordon. Claim £9 10s 2d for goods supplied. Mr Spackman appeared for defendant, and asked for an adjournment; as his client lived on the Amuri and he only got in structions last evening. He had already applied to have defendant and some witnesses examined beforeMr Whitefoord at Culverden, Case adjourned till Jan., 23rd next on payment of costs. A number of other cases were settled out of Court or judgment was confessed.

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN.

[l'Klt PRESS ASSOCIATION J

London, December 18 and 19. The Union fined the stevedores en gaged on the Arawa for striking with out leave. The stevedores have re turned to work. The co-operative system is decreasing the agitation at the Docks, and an early collapse of the Dockers' Union is in some quarters thought possible. Berlin, December 18 and 19. The manufacture of lymph wholer sale has proved a failure. The Empress of Germany has beer, prematurely delivered of a son, but she is progressing favorably. Paris, December 19. The French Courts of Appeal affirmed the nullity of the contract with the Societe dcs Metaux and of the guarantee given by the Comptbir cl'Escompte.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, December 19. Sir Frederick Whitaker left for .Auck land this morning. The Wellington Woollen Factory Com pany declared a divided of 8 per cent. Mr Sawers, the dairy expert, has been lecturing and inspecting -during November in Taranakir He reports to the Minister of Lands that he can speak in the highest terms of the capabilities of that district, which .at no distant date will be the principal dairying centre.of the colony. A rumor was current to-day that Sir W. Fitzherbert had resigned the Speaker ship of the Upper House. Ministers state that so far fromresigningSir William is now sufficiently recovered to be able to re sume his duties, and at latest information fully intended to do so. The report was probably due to the Premier's recent visit, but that was due to a totally different motive.

SCHOOL PRIZE DAY.

THE BOROUGH SCHOOL,

The breaking-up of the Borough School. for the Christmas holidays was signalised by an entertainment given by the pupils and the distribution .of prizes in- St Stephen's schoolroom last evening. The room was crowded, the children muster ing in force, and there being a large attendance of parents ami friends. Before entering upon the programme Mr W. J. Silcock, Chairman of the Committee, dis tributed a large number of reward books to the Infant classes, and this having been suscomnlishoil, in a few words moved that His Worship the Mayor (Mr Hugo FriedLvuder) should take the Chair. In so-doing he took the opportunity of mentioning that the entertainment to be wiven that evening was not such a one as it was hoped to give in a month or two, the pieces to bo said and sung that night having only been in preparation -for a short time, and they proposed a. more ambitious effort later on, when they hoped to give a good entertainment at which they would charge a fair price for admission. Me might also say iiiat during the ensuing year the Committee intended to do something towards a beginning of technical education. (Hear hear). They would offer several prizes for any kind of handiwork executed by the children of the school. Already friends of the school had offered a number of prizes, and he hoped the public of Ash burfcon, with their usual liberality, would come forward with the offer of more, and some time next winter it was hoped by the Committee that they would -be,able to hold their first exhibition of the work of the pupils, the "exhibits to be shown forming the nucleus of a, museum of school work. (Cheers.) His Worship the Mayor said^hat as he had been asked to. taKe the chair since he entered the room—literally at a minute's node", they would not expect him to make an elaborate speech, but he .could not help expressing the pleasure he felt at; seehig so many children present,all nicely clad, clean, bright, Happy and intelligent looking. They were in every respect a credit to tlie Colony, and if they grew up as they appeared now, then, it would be a grand thing for New Zealand. Aa the main purpose of the present meeting was to give a treat to the children he would not?inflict a speech upon them but would enter upon the programme without delay. ' An apology for the unavoidable absence of the P*ev. Mr.Buttle having been made, Misses Phoebe and Minnie ■Banger,'two liUle mites, gave very nicely indeed a pianoforte duet, and Miss Lizzie Miles followed with an excellently sjiven recita tion " The Burial of Moses." Next ;the elder pupils sang in admirable unison, to the piano accompaniment of Mr Llewelyn Owen, and with very pretty effect " Who's that calling'So sweet?" Master Ernest Robottom following with an extract from ' " the Bad Boy's diary " in which he was letter-perfect. The infant classes then: gave, in good time, an action song en titled "Hold the right hand up," this item being succeeded by a clever solo on the violin "' the .Bluebells of Scotland" by Master Robert Cullen, who, al though only twelve years old is already an accomplished instrumentalist. Another active song " Wild wood Flowers" was nicely rendered, and then Miss Beryl Colyer gave the pretty recitation *' The Blind Child." This part of a very enjoy able programme was closed by the round by the school children " How sweet the birds are sing;ng," charmingly rendered, and having the one only fault of being all too brief, His Worship then distributed the prizes, as per the list given, below, calling for cheers for the prize-winners of each standard in turn, which "were heartily given. Major Steward, who was called upon by the Chair to address the meeting, sail, that he was afraid that after tlie excellent music to which they had been treated, any speech he could make would see-n 1, flat and uninteresting, but he could not help heartily congratulating both teachers and pupils upon the great pleasure which the performances of the latter had afford ad that evening, 'Without punning too much upon the names of the teaching staff, he might perhaps be permitted to say that it might be taken for Grdnt-eA that their success to-night was Owen to both teachers and taught having worked with might and Mayne (laughter), and the lesson the children might take from this was that even if the work of preparing their tasks was onerous, the result of doing them well was certain to be pleasurable. And looking round upon the crowd of bright happy faces before him, he could not help, as an old New Zealand colonist, looking back upon some thirty years ago,and congratulating them upon, the progress in matters educa tional, which those thirty years Had seen. At this Christinas b'reaking-up there were hundreds of such sights to be seen as that of this evening, hundreds of schools with their hundreds of children all; evidencing the benefits and advantages of the grand system of Education which the colony possessed. The children of New- Zealand enjoyed immense advantages as compared with many of their parents who thirty or forty, years ago had no such start as they were getting. To use a racing simile many of the last generation had to start a long way behind scratch while the present was starting at scratch, or even a good way in advance of it. Life had been compared to a ladder and it was far easier for those to climb who had the ladder ready made for them than for those who had to build their own ladder, them selves. Tlie children of to-day not .only had the ladder set up for them, but their feet were placed a good many rounds up from the bottom, and their aim should be to reach the top. Let them always look up, let them take care to plant their feet firmly on one round before trying to reach another, and let chein be content to climb a rung at a time, never attempting to over-reach themselves by essaying too much at atime, and so they would climb up in the world steadily and securely. At the same time let them be ready to reach down a helping hand tojothers who were feebler than they, thus assisting them to climb also. Lastly as they were about entering upon the Christmas holidays, he would say to them, make the most of your holidays,be in all things thorough, play while you play, and work while you work, coming back to your tasks when school reopens with a determination to help yourselves and help your teachers by determining to excel. If they did thus they wouldkeep up the creditof their school, and would help on the progress of Ashburton, and he, the speaker hoped that from the Borough School would come many of the men and women who, in future years, would be foremost in every-good work in the colony. The Rev E. A. Scott, who wag next called upon, congratulated Mr Mayne and his staff upon the admirable discipline shown by the children throughout the evening, which was an evidence of the excellent discipline maintained in the school. Throughout the evening there had not been a whistle, a hoot, or any thing that there ought not to have been, if he excepted the desire to give four cheers when three were called for. He concurred with the remarks of the chair man as to the promise for the future which all this contained, and that if they all grew up as orderly and as well-con ducted men and women it wot!d be a grand thing for New Zealand. And here lie could not help congratulating Ashbur ton on the happy cluiiii;:'. which had oc curred in relation to th« Borough School, in that all misgivings and misunderstand-1 ings had passed away, and that unde:: Mr I Mayue's administration a reign of j^aga I

had begur„ Referring then to the sayin 'of Canon Kings] ey iliac "'he history of country was the history of its morals," th speaker dilated upon the necessity for morality as well as educa:ion. When the people of a country were righteous that country was happy, prosperous, and progressiva, and lie urged upon the children thafc they should learn to love and to cherish purity, truth, *nd honesty. These things lie was sure their teachers inculcated so far as was possible, and he hoped tho boys especially would bear i'l '"iiirl' that the three great temptations they had to deal with and fight against, th i throe things which they should all , Keek to avoid were drunkenness, gamb ling, and Hastiness. If they kept clear of all these things then they would become good and useful citizens, and the Borough School would be known heivsafter —as he hoped it would be—not only as having produced educated men and women, but men and women who were true and pure and righteous.; The Chairman then wished them all a Merry Christmas aud a Happy New 'Year, and called for cheers for. the teachers which were heartily given ; followed on the invitation of Mr Bean by a similar compliment to the Chairman and the speakers. These compliments having been duly acknowledged, the lights were lowered, and an exhibition of scenes and pictures by the magic lantern followed, after which the meeting liroks up. Following I is the LIST OF AWARDS. Standard I. 1. Agnes Jackson. 2. Katie Jones. 3. Benjamin Barr. 4. Patrick Healey. 5. Esther Sparrow. 6: Nellie Neville. 7- William Breeze. 8. Ralph Anderson. Several other prizes were awarded for general progress. Standard 11. 1. George Hancox. "\ , George Legget. / ctl uaL 2. Leonard Craighead. 3. Willie Anderson. 4. George Smith. "I « Rowley Andrew;. J l' * 5. Kezia Hoskens. \ , Maud Johnston, j <H- jaL 6. Maggie Stills. Several other prizes were awarded for general progress. Standard 111. 1. Beryl Colyer. 2. Kathleen Alcorn 1 . Nellie Rowan j"««l ual 3. Harry Page. , 4. Emily Potter. 5. Lefcry Ennis. . 6. Nellie Blown. Progress prizes were awarded to John Quane. Charles Mitchell, and Annie Gee. Standard IV. 1. Eric Orr. 2. John Miles. 3. Reggie Minnis. 4. Laura Worne'r. 5. Robert Smith. 6. Annie McDonald 1 ■-,''■ Emily Sawle f°W» l- I 7. Herbert Porter. I Progress prizes -Patrick Hanrahan, Robert Cullen. | Standard V. 1. Frank Hanrahan. 1 , Georpe Scott j equal. 2. John Trezise. 3. Jeannie Reid. 4. Fred Silcock. 5. Ronald Douglas, 6. Florrie Hefiord. Progress prizes—John Birch, Eda Sar gent, Jane Steel. Standard VI. . 1. Lizzie Miles. 2. John Jackson. 3. Lizzie Koberts. 4. Fred Smith. 5. Florrie Court. Special Prize;-!. Geography—Fred Tucker. Sewing—l, Mabel Trezise ;2, Winnie Smith ; 3, Matilda Leggett. Mr D. Thomas's prizes for most pro gress during the year were awarded to :— Katie Silcock, Leslie McDonald. Mr Bean's Good Conduct prizes were awarded to Newton Jones, Ada Tucker. Prizes for Sewing ' 1. Mabel Trezise (given by Mr James Baker). 2. Winifred Smith. t 3. Matilda Leggett. 4. Bertha Sparrow. Special Arithmetic Prize (Given by Mr C.G. Moss), best boy in arithmetic 4th Standard, Ernest Parkin.

SACRED HEART SELECT SCHOOL AND S. PATRICK'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.

The annual prize distribution in con nection with the two schools above named took place at .the Convent yesterday. Tlie schoolroom was prepared in the way which has now become familiar to the visitors on prize day—the eastern division of the main room set aside for the visitors, and the western, divided from the other by * movable curtain, devoted to the pupils, who were grace fully arranged in lines . and groups according to their ages. The youns? maidens attending the schools were all clad in white dresses ; relieved by sashes colored according to the classes . they belonged to, and a space was left vacant in front from which the items of music and elocution were delivered after the curtain was drawn. The first thing the visitors were invited to do on arrival at the Convent was to inspect the needle and other work of the pupils. Fair ladies may persuade an ordinary man to believe and say anything about needlework, but ladies, be they ever so fair, cannot hoodwink such a bevy of fair critics as came to look at the children's work yesterday. Less pretty work, and less clever work, would have been very pretty and very clever in the eyes of any reporter'; but the opinions expressed by the ladies who examined the work were so pronounced in its favor that a canny reporter had some qualms of conscience in giving chose opinions words. His own opinion was that the work was superb, and he prayed a quiet "God bless their little hearts, and God speed the Good Sisters' mission," as he looked upon the results of the sisters' labours and the little lasses' toils. But tli9 lady visitors were far more demonstrative, and one good dame could scarcely believe the needlework, plain and ornate, the embroidery, the wool work, and the painting the work of scholars' hands. ;But the expressed opinion was as one 'wore 1, in favor of the excellence, of all. The work visited, the schoolroom soon, filled with parents and others, and the curtain was drawn. The visitors had ; been supplied with programmes, so that no chairman was required to introduce the performers in the musical programme prepared for their entertainment, the items of which were as follow, and every item was well rendered. It would be unfair to pass with only formal notice the piano and harmonium work of the elder pupils, the time in which was admirable, and the execution in some cases really brilliant. The introduction of the harmonium to aid piano duets gave a nice Hute and clarionet effect 'to the pieces played, an effect that was some what novel to Ashburton ears, but none the less, welcome. A word of acknowledg ment is duo to Miss Roberts for the delicately handled accompaniments she gave to the vocal. work, never obtrusive where the voice or voices should be hqard, ancl ahvays on hand with fair volume to fill in a weak note on the part of the singer. In this young lady, and in others with equally fine touch among thq

THE ABHBUBTON (HIABDIAN, JA.TUBDAY, PECEMBEK 26, 1800.



Holloway's Ointment.—Miners and Workers on the Goldfields.—This invaluable' and renowned ointment is extensively used and patronised by such people to their very groat advantage, being easy of application and portable in small compass When used in conjunction with Holloway s Pills in accordance with the clear and concise direc tions for use which accompany each pot and box, there are but few of the diseases which afflict mankind which will not yield to the sanative powers of the combined remedies, Holloway's Ointment and Pills do not deteriorate by keeping nor by change of climate, and as they contain no deleterious mineral drug, they can be used with the most perfect safety under the most adverse climatic and sanitary conditions '



Tub Bjsst Rkmkdy for Indigestion—-- Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently, recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly alt the diseases to which we are subject Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Streiigthe'ner of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and o-entle aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world,"



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official reports that accom pany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor University, Griefswaid, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently suc cessful in very severe contusions, bruises, spiains, wounds, scaldings, broken ribs, and limbs. ("Medical Journal," Nov., 1881. In diseases of the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (urcemai) or albumi, j nuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing will equal in its action Eucalypti Extract. Doses, five to six drops, Mosler, M.D., Professor, University, Griefswald, reports :—Diphthe ria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white exudats. Cured in four, teen days. Surgical Clinic of Prof. M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis —Scirrhus of Breast—Excision Euca ypti Extract employed. No swelling, heat, or discoloration. Cured in fourreen days. "~Advt 4 ■



CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. npHE Mail will be published, as usual, .1. on Christmas morning, but the TuAitPiAN will not be issued on Christmas Day, or Boxing Day.



£5 REWARD. rjIHE above reward will be paid to ?ny- JL one giving such information -is will lead to the conviction of the person or persons that broke two panes of a. lass in my window on the night of the late' Election. 12 133 " ANDREW OUR. WANTED «t once, Tenders for the Harvesting of 172 Acres of Oats and 59 (fifty-nine) Acres of Wheat on the Lagmhor Estate. For prrticulars >'tpi*ly to DONALD McLEAN, 12*128 Lagmhnr. Spring and Summer, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND, CLOTHING ' FACTORY FOR Men's Colonkl TWEED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonial TWEED SUITS. HATS.—We keep the Largest and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE, Best workmanship put in every garment, and a perfect lit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Tics, Shirts, Collar*, Braces. &c, in Latest Fashion mkl Style. Brst Vatvitb fok Cash -tn District N E V/" ZE A I AND C.OTO FACTORY A^enti for the Wonderful Wcrtheim Machine*:* W.. IF WEBBER7 Manager* THi</ ti\jusn; yon ch^ap chkirs'jT MAS CHEER D. McFarlane's East S'reet. The Hou.se for GOOD SUGARS for Preserving, D. McFARLANE'S East.. Street. The House for BLENDED TEAS of Al Quality, T). MuFARLANE'S East Street. The House for CHINA and GLASS WARE, D. McFARLAN'S East Street. The House for BUTTER, CHEEtffi, avid BACON. D. McFARLANE'S East Street, The House for GOOD FLOUR, MEAL, and RICK, D' McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for all lines of C*XIOCJEQI£II3B At Lowest Possible Rate. 1?. I> McFABLAIN E 9 S EA § T STUEE T' ASHBURTON. 10tl68 MOJNJUJM'O .LEND. "ITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of .£IOO TO_£sooo For further particulars apply to J. C. PRUDHOE, District As;cnt. Government Insurance Oftice, Christchurch. Waaited CASH Advertisements under this heading noc excoedm SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office' BAND CONCERT this evening at Fancy Fair and Forestry Bazaar, Old Town Hall. A MERICAN Ice Cream ! American /A. Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice kept in stock. "TIT ANTED Known -Ladies Stocking VV with Silk Toes and Heels in black and colors. Is Gd per pair.—W. H. COIXIEK. "TjIOUND - Between Dromore and Ash- Aj burton Saleyards, a trap rug. Ow ner can have same returned on giving description to Mr John Small. Tinwald. 12 134 CJCHOOL Committees purchasing JO Books for prizes, Toys and Fancy goods for School treats very liberally dealt with.— H. M. Jones. 12 130 6D AND -J S TABLES, Gootl values _L ready next weak, great variety of fancy goods for presents. —H. M. Joctm ' 12 131 IN consequence of Xmas goods coming to hand very late the whole stock opened at lowest possible prices till end o~! the month.—H. M. Jones. _ 12 132 ~Y" MAS Number, Tide7Graphic, _Z\_ London News, and Sporting Dramatic and great variety of annuals.— H. M. Jones. WANTED Known.- For Dress Stuffs Prints, &c, Trimmings, to match, go to Melford House. Best value in town. Christinas presents now giving away.—H. C. Seoeks TiTA"NTED~Kiiown.— For Sheetings VV Tabling, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels Table Napkins. Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c, goto Melford House. Presents to every purchaser.—H. C. Segkbs. "DOOTS, BQG rJ\^. "Keep you i fee J ) Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock in now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcobn, Ashbur ton Clothing 1 Mart, Saunders' Buildings. ANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Men, a<Jies and Children.—W. H. Collier. WANTED every man wi the County to have a suit of fche Ashburton Tweeds. —Robert Ai-corn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saimder's Buildings. "ORESENTS.— We are now giving J. presents to every purchaser of iDiagiery, Clothing, Boots, and cheapest house in town.—H. C. Sbgers, Melford House. W_ Known —Tiie Cheapest i Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanisecT Iron goods in Ashbarton, is at W. F. I-Lvunapobd's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept om hand. Tin and Iron J ware goods jnivde m& impaired with des-1 P



i NTS W CHRISTMAS OABDS. A Beautiful Assortment. NEW ANNUAL VOLUMES and BOOKS for Prizes and Presentations. FANCY GOODS, A-0...&P- L F. AtfDREWES & Co. IMPORT .1 NT PUBLIC NOTICE. KAIAPOI HOTTSE AGIIN TO THE FRONT. MITCHELL Q_ frUTRNUR ITCHELL (JO 1 URNKR DESIRE to inform their numerous Customers <md the public in genera?, that after careful and mature nensideration they have decided to have THE WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHING CUT, MADE AND FINISHED ON THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR MADE GOODS, Ah this involves the outlay of Hard Cash to a Jarge amount, they trust tie numerous and material advantages given to ALL THOSE in want of Really GOOD CLOTHING will be so palpable that MITCHELL AND TURNER will at once largely increase their already Extensive Clothing Business, by the adop tion of the above alteration in the style of their Manufactured Articles. A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST OPENED UP. MITCHELT" C., mURNET> ITCHELJLj 06 JLURNEJLi RAIAPOI HOUSE. ""lulls llAiim. ANDREW nRR NDREW URR HAS opened up a Splendid Show OF NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Beautiful Assortment OF Fancy Goods SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. ! lADIES, GEN rS', and CHILDREN'S BOOT 3 and SHOES GREATLY REDUCED, Andraw Orr. WOOL. WOOL rpHE UNDERSIGNED IS PRE- J_ PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL CAbH ADVANCES On the Coming Season a Clip of WOOL, FREE OF COMMISSION. INTEREST AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. GROWERS have the Choice ot Selling either at the ASHBURTON WOOL SALES, . or in CHRISTCHURCH, or SHIPPING. 1 Shall Holi> REGULAR SALES LURING THE SEASON, having arranged with the i New Zealand Loan anj> Mercantile Aoenav Company, Limited, to act an M.v Financial Agents AND AUCTIOJTEERS. Every care and attention will be used in displaying, properly lotting, classi-, "lying and valuing the W 01. Account Sales will be rendered by the Saw Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, with their sual promptitude. WOOLPACKS, TWINE, etc., At Lowest Current Rates. John G- Restell WOOL STORES WEST STREET, ASHBUKTON. Sharplin, Vincent & tio. SAWMILLERS AND TIMBER MERCHANTS. SPBINGBUEN. HAVE erected large Sawmills at Alford Forest, and can now supply any amount of Building Material, al.s o Bridge Timber and Planking to any si/,Oj in Birch Timber, Gates, Hurdles, &c, made to patterns as desired, Splitor Sawn Posts morticed by machinery, i Prices will be found reasonable, and orders will be executed promptly. Timber cm be delivered by train, or at the Mills, or by rail from Springburn to any part of the district. he Mills are within 11 miles of the ] Springburn Railway Station. ' FIREWOOD, SLABS, AND WASTE \ TIMBER ; Always on hand. I Orders by post promptly attended to. , 2t38



FOR BALK. } TV W 15LVK McCORMICK WIRE 1 BINDERS. Allin perfect work ing order. CHEAP 10*144 FRIEDLANDER BROS. SHAG POINT COAL. ~ riMIIS superior Coal, for household and ..L Hteam purposes, can now be obtained from Messiss J. G. Rextkll, W. H. Coluns & Co., and R. S. Bean in any quantity. Special quotations for truck oads. This Coal is perfectly safe in using, leaving iio live ashes or soot, and is very cleanly and economical for household purposes, having great heat and lasting power W. H. WILLIAMS, 10J518 Manager Shag Point Mine. JAMES BAKER, TIMBER MEHCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Hautmson s Auction Mart, XT AS IN STOCK Large Supplies of— Building Timber, Stakes and Posts, Galvanised Corrugated Iron, Builders Ironmongery, Turnery, Furniture, and Fancy Goods IN ENDLESS VARIETY. URNITURE MADE TO ORDER IN AISY DESIGN AT SHORTEST NOTICE Sole Agent in Ashburton for Clegg s Perambulators. Now Sli o^wi n jar— AFASHIONABLELOT OF Springs Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD FIT, and WORKMANSHIP, ought to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. Vsnv JGnrl.T and Mvoiii The KiisyliL at Xntasu Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders will be finished up to time. H. & E.~CRAIGHFJD, TANCRED STREET ASHBURTON, tiiwaib mm mi ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January 1, 1891. President —Dr Tweed. Vice-Presidents— Messrs D. McLean, antl C. M. Straehcy. JuDfiK—MrM. Stit*. Stewauds—Messrs J. Begg, G. James, M. Scott, D. Thomas, M. Stitt, C. M. Straehey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed Clerk of the Couksk—Mr B. Hank*. Clerk of the SoALK*-MrA. J. Kelly Starter—Mr I) Thomas. Trkasurkr —Mr M. Scott. Hajimcapfek—Mr J. Crcsswell. First Race to Start at 12,30 p.m. P BO &KAI Iff X '. (Approved by the Committee of the Canter bnry lockey Club.) 1.— Handicap Hurdle Race, of 20 soys ; nomination. 10s : acceptance, 10s. The . second horse to receive 3 soys out of the stake Over six nights of Jnmlles about 3ft Gin high. One mile and a half 2,.—Maiden Plate, of 15 soys; entrance, ]sb. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Weight for age. One mile. 3.—Tinwald Cup Handicap, of 45 soys; nomination, I so.v: acceptance, I sow The second horse to receive 5 soys and the third horse to receive 2 soys ont of the stake. One mile and a half. 4.—Tinwald Handicap Time Trot, of 25 soys ; nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. Weight not less than lOst. About three miles . £.—WisLTEit HaNDiCAiyof 25 soys ; nomina tion, 10s; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. One mile. 6.—Kovel 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 be 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 —Flying Handicap, of 25 aovs; nomina tion, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys 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. Sis furlongs 8 —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 j acceptance j free, to bo notified within hve minutes of the declaration of weights. Six fur longs. 9, Hurry Scurry (if time permit) of 10 soys; entrance, 10s. For horses thai have never won public money. Catch weights. Hulf a mile. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. The meeting will be held under the Rules of Racing. The Trotting race under the rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association. 2. No entry will be received except on the condition that all claims, disputes, and objections 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. Tiie races are open to any horse, com monly resident in the district from the Ist October, 1890, to the date of meeting, and owned by a person who has resided in the district for the same period. 4. The district above mentionrd is bounded on the north by the Selwyn River, and on the south by the Opihi River. 5. Five per cent, will be deducted from the'gross of all moneys payable in accord ance with this programme, for the expenses of the course. 6. AH nomination and accevtanco fee 3to BO to the funds of tli« Club h NOMINATIONS Nominations for Hurdle, Tinwald Cup, Trot, Welter, and Flying Handicaps, accom panied by fee, name, age, description, and performinces of horse, and colours of rider, must be iv writing and in Ihe hands of the Secretary at Scott's Hotel, Tinwald, not lifter than 9on SATURDAY, December the 13tl"18S° WEIGHTS. Weight Mill be declared on or about December 27th ACCEPTANCES. Acceptances for Handicaps, and Nomina , ions for Maiden Plate and Novel Race must be in the hands of the Secretary, at Scott's Hotel, Tinwald, not later than 9 p.m. on MONDAY Jw^w^tiysoo^ HOll $co "