The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29,1891. EDUCATION.

Whatever difference of opinion may have existed, and may still p.xist, as to the propriety of the action of the Minister of Education m submitting for the serious consideration of Boards of Education, such a newspaper article as that winch appeared a couple of months ago m the "New Zealand Herald," there can be no doubt that when serious consideration has been given to the subject of the article, good grounds have been found for many of thft conclusions arrived at therein. The' Otago Board after mounting the very high horse with regard to the Minister's communica tion, condescended after all to treat it with courtesy, and enquire into the subject. They evidently saw m the Minister's enquiry a desire to obtain from the several education boards an expression of opinion as to any defects whicfi their respective experience in duces them to believe exist m the Act or m the administration of the system. The resolutions of the Otago Board and the extracts from reports which were incorporated m their reply to the Ministers form so accurate a summary of the def» cts m the working of the Education system that we have no hesitation m quoting somewhat freely from them, and recommending them to the consideration of those of our readers who ' take an. interest m Educational matters. The Board affirm that it is neither advisable nor neces sary to amend the Education Acts, but that any alteration or improvement required can ba effected by Order-in- Council. They do not feel warranted, they say, m making recommendations concerning purely technical details. They are distinctly of opinion that consideration may now be given with satisfactory results to a number of im portant questions connected with the educational system, more especially those relating to inspection, organisa tion, and instruction ; and they cordi ally support the proposal that a con ference of educational experts should be held, under the auspices of the Gorernment, for the full and free dis cussion of such questions. They sug gest, as a pressing subject for delibera tion, the desirableness of relaxing the j hax'd and fast rules regarding the programme of instruction at present m force for all classes of schools, however much they may differ as regards locality, number of teachers, attendance of pupils, and other circumstances. Free dom of classification, they think, might with advantage be given to the head teachers. The Board strongly urge the necessity for making forthwith sufficient public provision for the esta blishment and maintenance of well equipped institutions for the proper education and training of teachers. We are afraid that many teachers possess very little greater knowledge than their pupils have; and a college of preceptors, or some equivalent insti tution, must sooner or later be pro vided, with the view to give those who adopt the scholastic profession the opportunity of acquiring a wider and more liberal store of knowledge than is now at their command. The re ports of the inspectors indicate many imperfections which, m their view, mar the complete efiiciency of a system which, on the whole, is working out its purpose satisfactorily. The initial difficulty which has to be met m designing any scheme of public educa tion is the provision which has to be made under the same regulations for children who are taken from school when they ha\e reached the maximum age, or have passed the compulsory standard, and for those who proceed through the curriculum of all the standards. The inspectors are of opinion that to meet the case, especi ally of the large number of boys who are removed after parsing Standard IV., there should be a material alteration m the course of study, m order that they may begin the world better equipped for tl c duties of citizenship and of life. Describing the average attainments of the boys who h&uo passed this standard, they affirm that several grave defects are revealed. The mastery of reading is evidently much below what is indis pensable for every social unit. The failure to gain it m a much higher degree is due to several causes: the chief being the growing ease of the reading books that are now used m om; schools, the inadequate amount of matter which the regulations prescribe to fcm?:ad, ; B<J fche needs of pupils who leave school on passing Standard IV. being but little considered m. the framing the standard course of insfcrac tiox It is above all m geography that the course of instruction fails to meet the requirements of pupils of this class. The learning by rote of the capes, straits, islands, and peninsulas of the world, and much of the rest of the catalogue, might with manifest ad- Txntage give place to such a knowledge as can be gained of our own Empire m its central isles and distant scattered members, with perhaps a brief outline of Europe and the United States thrown m. So little real knowledge of history can be gained, t'.ey think, at this early age (twelve years on the average) that it would be well to discard it alto gether, and devote the time to further training m purely English studies \n reading, spelling, and composition. In Btamdard VI,, also, they make gut a very good case for some modification of the syllabus. The pupils have not the easy mastery of reading that is desir able ; and this is no doubt the main reason for current complaints about their having so little love of reading or thirst for knowledge. In writing and arithmetic they are on the whole satis factorily equipped, while their command oftheart of composition is at the best on a level with their command of reading. "The path toimpmvementliesjn a more extended course of reading." The j inspectors evidently question the value of technical grammar as an educative agency, aflirajing that the traditional position accorded to it m elementary education may be hard to justify. Here they hit one of the obvious blots m the scheme of instruction namely, the devotion of so much time, which plight be much more usefully occupied, to this subject. In respect to geo graphy and''history, Jjtyjej they state, need be said. The scope of geographi cal study is slight and mechanical, ami (

t& value for education inconsiderable History, again, as taught, confers but little advantage on the finished public school pupil, who, at the best, knows much less than is desirable, and is easily attainable, of the constitution of his country and the government organisation under which he lives, and of the nature and growth of the insti tutions he SBes around him. All this sounds curiously like, though m graver language, the " Herald's" article which Teachers' Institutes and Boards of Education so unanimously condemned as unworthy of. consideration.: Mr Reeves deseives well of t'e community for th° steps he took to obtain authori tative information on the subject, and it is now for all parties concerned to weigh well the facts, and think what measures can be taken to make our excellent system of more practical benefit.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Among the new settlers m Oklahoma are a man and his wife who are respectively seven feet seven inches and six feet m height. Owing to his medical advisers stating there is no possibility of Bishop Suter, of Nelson, retuiing to his duties, he will resign the bishopric almost immediately. The Hon Captain Russell, who is the probable leader of the Opposition next session, is of opinion that the repeal of the Property Tax will not be agreed to. In Blenheim a man pleaded guilty to personation, but was persuaded to withdraw the plea, and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. It is stated that a hotel has been built m Hamburg entirely of compressed wood as hard as iron, and rendered absolutely proof against fire and the attacks of insects by subjection to certain chemical processes. Edison's phonograph is drawing crowded houses m the country districts around Christchurch. Professor Archibald, Mr MacMahon, and the staff leave to-morrow morning for Asburton, where the ponograph will be exhibited on Thursday and Friday evenings. A bankrupt m the District Court tried (says the Palmerston North "Standard") to make his hearers believe that he had been working a concern on the co-operative principle, but his method was to take all the proceeds, while his employes did all the work. In the London School Board, after twelve and fifteen years' service, some of the yearly salaries paid to head-masters are £371, £351, £350, £330, and L3lO. Mistresses are paid L26S, L 237, L 233, L 229, L 228, and L 216. Infant-school mistresses receive L 263, L 230, L 322, and L2OO. The salaries generally are much higher than those paid m high schools. A good story appeared m one of our weeklies the other day. A lady Lecturer on woman's rights was growing warm over her subject, and exclaimed, " Where would man be if it had not been for woman ?" After a pause, and looking round the hall, she exclaimed, "I repeat, where would man be I if it had not been for woman ?" when a voice from the gallery was heard " Ee'd be m Paradise, ma'am." It is notified m the " Gazette", that all such analyses as will assist m developing the natural resources of the colony, or add to knowledge that is of general or useful appli cation, will be reported free of charge, such reports being published for general informa tion by the Colonial Laboratory at Welling ton. A sgale of the fee 3to be charged to private persons and public departments is published. There is reason to believe that a new line of steamers is about to be started for running direct between W Telli!«gton and Melbourne, and Wellington raid Sydney, seventeen knot boats, to do the voyage m three days, carry ing a large number of passengers. The new departure is m consequence of the violent prejudice which Australian travellers have taken to the Bluff and its vicinity, where they think sill the high winds and bad weather that afflict New Zealand are manu factured. At a low estimate, the manufacture and sals of dolls m Europe, of all sizes, exceeds 25,0C0,000 per annum. Jumeau, of Paris, alone makes 2000 dolis a day nearly all of " Standard ' size, and there ar j other European houses making large numbers. Last year France exported tqys to the value of L 3,000,000,,000,000, dolls representing the greater portion of the sum. Germany also manu factures and exports immense numbers of •lolls, ami Spain, Austria, and Russia are all extensive doll-buying countries. The Auckland correspondent cf the "Otago Duly Times" telegraphs:—" I understand that tiie Government have requested the in spectors of police to instruct the mounted constables to examine and report upon the aocoinodation provided for laborers and station hands employed upon the various sheep stations throughout their districts. This is m pursuance of the action taken by Mr Buick, M.H.R., last session, who moved that it be an instruction to the Government to take such steps. The reports will be m due course laid before Parliament. The postal and telegraph regulations have been amended so that any person who is or has been attending any reputable private school shall be entitled to enter the clerical division of the Post Office or Telegraph Department upon proving to the satisfaction of the secretary of the department, or some person appointed by him m that behalf, that the applicant has passed an examination equivalent m all material respects to that required for the Sixth Standard m a State School. The new United Empire Trade, League, which Mr Howard Virieent has just starfed, is receiving the support of some fifty mem bers of the Imperial Parliament, and amongst those who have consented to become Tice presirlents are Sir Alexander Gall (Canala), Sir Gordon Sprigg (South Africa), and Sir Julius Yogel (New i|ea}and), The Assccia tion aim at uniting on a broad and popular and patriotic foundation all persons m the United Kingdom and the Empire whoare interested m the extension of British trade, In two recent elections m New South Wales the anti-federation candidates lave been returned at the head of the poll. Sir Henry Parkes, m a letter to the Victorian Premier, assured him that; -these elections must not bo taken as indicative of tho feel ings of the country on the subject. This has brought out Sir John Robertson. He sent Mr Munro the following telegram on Mon day : —" We see published a statement that Sir Henry Parkes affirms that although the only two elections here have been antago nistic, federation is safe. Believe me it it as dead as Julius Ctesar.—John Robertson, Reform Club, Mr Justice A'Beckqtt (N.ew South Wales) had'frecently to define the term V habitual drunkard," as used m the new Divorce Act m the colony. He said that it imist be clearly undet?s,tqqd tfrafc thege words 4id lot relate to a case where a man ordinarily soier occasionally got drunk, lost his situation, and became less able to support his wife. They did not refer to a case where a woman uuftr tunately was married to a drunkard, that s, a ma,n who did h|s best to ifork, bu{. occi fsicjnally broke oui. Ho was nof; an habitip,l drunkard, That man, however, was m habitual drunkard who habitually left Us wife without means of xupport. A concert and dance m aid of the funds of the South Rakaia Library took place on Friday evening, and was fairly well attended. The audience with the exception of a fe«r larrikins at the back, who should cert:iiny Jiave tyeen turned out, was an apprecatite one, and the performers well deserved tbe aocorcje 1 applause. The concert opened wjih an overture by Mrs E}dgar, and Mesdamtg Ohambeps and Esgar and Miss Smith coi trj.bute,d ucmgs, Tho Bey J, Holland crave x reading, Mr vV. B. D.ixou a song, Mr Stay a recitation and Mr Burfoot a cornet soli The same performers took part m the secoiii half of the programme. The dance was well attended, Mrs Edgar presided at the piand, Mr W. Pearce acted as M.C, and refresh ments were provided by Mrs G. Murray Dancing was kept up with spirit till tin sina'U.hdura, ■ The financial results will 6 gome $% 10s 64 towards tfye bpok funi,

tfir Ciiuried Halle, during his professional tout m Australia, visited a certain northern capital. He was, with the proverbial hospi tality of that city, welcomed and entertained. A prominent personage iv presenting him with an address, omitted to notice the accent on the name, and kept calling him "Hal," till at last he was corrected m a whisper. Shortly afterwards, Toole visited the same town, and the same personage receiver] him; but thia time he was determined not to fall into the same error, and addressed hia dis tinguished guest as " Tooley." A Fret: Church minister m Glasgow one Sunday morning gave out as the morning lesson the fourth section of the 119 th Psalm, and while his congregation were looking out the portion m their Bibles the doctor took out his'mull and, seizing a lusty pinch with finger and thumb, regaled his nose with the snuff. He then began the lesson :" My soul cleaveth unto the dust." Trie titter that ran round the Church, and fche confusion of the poor minister,, showed that both the congre gation and he felt the Psalmist's '• pinch." A South African telegram says that there is an enormous iucrea.se m the output of gold at Johannesburg, and that the field there promises to be the richest m the world. The Maahonaland prospectors report that m that remote pare of Africa, until recently almost unknown to Europeans they have found evidence of former occupation by a large mining population, as shown by the remains of extensive alluvial workings and shafts and excavations for small rich leads, the quartz from which has been ground on large slabs of granite. The round stones ilsed as crush ing rollers lie about m hundreds, partially hidden by accumulated soil arid. tropical undergrowth. The Loan and Mercantile Agency Wel lington, have received a report From Messrs Blofeld and Lisendend, of the Central Meat Market, London, on prize sheep exhibited at the last Wellington show and subsequently frozen and sent home by the Matatua. They say "As prize sheep for agricultural shows we consider them as near perfection as possible, and certainly the best bred mutton we have seen from the colonies." For ordinary consumption purposes they were too fat, bufc such mutton, if from 60 to 68 lbs per carcase, would realise prices equal to the best Canterbury. The sheep were Sussex downs and a cross between Hamp shire downs and Leicesters, grown by Mr S. Garforth and Mr C. J. Lyaaght. It is generally allowed, says a critic of the schools, that the chief flaw m the primary school course is m the standards above the fourth. The fifth and sixth standards are very costly, and the results obtained are not commensurate with the expense. Now there is this pecularity m these standards, that from the day pubils enter the fifth all the quick and suitable boys and girls begin to be withdrawn m order to go to work, so that the fifth standard at the beginning ot the year is much reduced towards the end ; and this applies far more forcibly to the with drawals m the sixth standard. All the smart children are withdrawn and the dull ones and the children of parents well to do are left. It is no wonder then that the results are unsatisfactory Our ill-regulated system of education is at p: e spnt suffering from three complaints— cram m primary, the L*ttin mania m the secondary, and the senseless lecture system m the college course.

SPORTING.

GERALDINE RVOINO CLUB AUTUMN MEETING.

The following handicaps have been published : — OiiAHi District Handicap, of 20 soys ; six furlongs.—Ben, Use 121 b ; Quibble, list; Doubtful, lOsb 31b ; Wire In, 9st 10lb ; Lady Zetland, 9.st 71b : Inchkeith, 9si 51b ; Diver, 9si 41b ; Enuc, 9st 41b ; Jenny Lind, 9st ; Mail boy, Bst 121 b ; Morten, Bst 61b ; College Girl, Bst 31b. Autumn* Handicap, of 35 soys ; one mile.—lnez, Bst 121 b ; Liberator, Bst 71b ; Quibble, Sat 51b ; Erin-go-Bragh, Bst2"ib ; Martha, B*t; Loo, 7sfc 121 b ; Coinage, 7st 71b ; Kin<2 of Ulster, 7st 41b ; Lady Zet land, 7st; Jenny Lind, 6it 71b ; Adven turess, 6st; College Grirlj 6st. Handicap Time Trot, of 20 soys ; two miles. —'Semolina,, sor ; Marengo, 9seo ; Wakanui, 12suc ; Linda, losec; Home Rule, 15see; Prospector, 24sec ; Star, 245!-o ; Taipo, 28sec ; Maude, 28sec ; Old Did, 31s»c ; Ca^setete, 3Lsec ; Euchre, 84sec ; Maggie, 34sec ; Tommy 111, 34sec; Come Again, 35rfec ; Fair Ella ; 37sec ; Bori'lino, 37sec ; Sissy, 37sec ; Josephine, 37sec ; Kitty 111, 37»ec ; Skylark, 40sec ; Polly, 40^ec ; The Sandstone Girl, 40sec ; Lucy, 4O.sec; Winchester, 40sec ; Little Poll,-40sec. Walter Handicap, of 25 soys; six furlongs.—Ben, list 21b ; Erin-go-braah, lOat 121 b ; Doubcful, lOst 31b ; Inchkeith, 9st 51b ; Eouc, Oat 21b ; Mailboy, Bat 121 b; Ti^er Lily, Bst 21b ; Cactus, Bsb. Squatters' Handicap of 20 soys ; one mile.—Liberator, 9sb 21b ; Martha, Bst 9lb ; Doubtful, Bat 31b ; Coinage, Bst 21b ; King of Ulster, 7»t 131 b ; Jenny Lind, 7st 21b ; Mailboy, 6st 121 b ; Tiger Lily, 6st 71b; Cactus, 6st 71b ; Adventuress, 6*t 51b ; College Girl, 6st 51b ; Invader, 6st 51b, ' Acceptances for the above handicaps and ena'ieia for the Novel Race close on Friday. We remind thoae interested that the telegiagh office at Geraldine is not open after 5 p.m.

Ashburton Wesleyan Church.

A tea meeting to accord a public reception to the Hey S, Lawry, the new Wesley m pastor, was held m the Church on Tuesday evening, and was largely attended. Tea having been partaken of, die after meeting was held, a{> which Mr Robert presided." The Church was decorated for the occasion, and the proceedings were made specially attrac tive by the singing of the choir and Sunday School children, the latter showing, by the excellent time they kept, tha,t Mr Gamble, the choirmaster, had taken great pains m their training, A gfrrong orchestra aided the choir and the children m their work, and added much to the effect of the anthems and ether pieces sung. The arrangement of the boya and girls m the children's choir was not without its efFect, either. Two galleries had been built, one on either side of the pulpit, and these wereoccupied, tier on fcier, by the young people, the tcp l tow reaching half way up the northern gable, Addresses, breathing a spirit of kindly welcome, were delivered by Revs E. A. Scott, A. M. Beattie, and J. H. Gray, and Mr Stephen Chapman, and the Rev S. Lawry acknowledged the kindly expres-ion of goodwill. In the course of h,is remarks he said he belonged to a family which, for four' generations, had contributed to the work of the Lordeai nest. preachers of the Gospel. He himself had been a member of tbe "Wesley^n church singe ha wq.fi ten years qf a,ge, and. with God's help, he would, do what he could to maintain the reputation of the family he belonged to, and further with all his might the work God had given him to do. The usual vote of thanks closed the pro ceeding!?,

School Committees' Elections.

MOUNT SOMERS.

The attendance was rather meagre. Mr Edson took the chair. Mr Hood, Secre tary of the retiring Committee, read the annual report, which was as follows :— The Committee have the honor to report; that they have met for the despatch of business fourteen times during the year, not one meeting having been allowed to lapse for want'of a quorum. The number of attendances of eaoh member of the Committee are as follows :—Messrs Eilson 13, Hood 12, Taife 11, Harvey 9,, Arm strong 8, Price 7, Turton (the highest possible) 6. The school was examined by Inspector Anderson on February 15, when 25 pupils wore prssented m the standard?, of whom 6 failed, 17 passed, 1 was ex cepted, and 1 absent. The percentage of passe? was 415,..and the percentage of failures 26 ; and the Inspector spoke very highly of the manner m which the master performed his duties. The aver age attendance for the past quarter is 34.27, as against 37 for the corresponding quarter of last year. The incidental ex penditure has exceeded the amount re ceived from the Board by about £12, which is accounted for by the extra ex pense incurred for fencing, gates, and repairs to house, which MM mnted to £15. The Committee desire to express their pleasure at the great cordiality which exists among the Committee as a Com mittee, and m their relations with the master. There was a balance of £19 15s 2d to the credit of incndental fund, and of £13 10s 2d to credit of amusement fund. Th«s report and balance-sheet were unani mously adopted. ' The Chairman then explained that he had received five nominations for the Committee, namely, Messrs W. Edson, J. Hood, W. R. lurton, A.. Harvey, and James Tait, and he now de clared them duly elected, and the business of the meeting now was to nominate for fche remaining seats. Messrs Peter Gor don -ai:d Charles Armstrong being the only persons nominated the Chairman declared them duly elected, and the meet ing closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. At the meeting of the Committee Mr W. Edson was re-elected Chairman.

CHERTSEY.

The Chairman reported that after pay ing all outstanding debts there would be a credit balance of £7 6s Id ; thanks to Sir John Hall's donation of £3. The treat balance sheet showed £2 17s 4d to the good. On proceeding with the elec tion of a new Committee the following were elected :—Messrs Copland, Childs, Downie, McDowell, Hudsoi, Murphy, and Page. Mr McDowell was elected chairman, • and Mr Ohilds secretary.

SOUTH RAKAIA.

At the annual meeting of householders there was a good attendance. Mr Hardy occupied the chair, The Chairman re ported that the old Committee had no report, and continued that the Inspector's report was not satisfactory. The attend ance of the Committeemen at the seven teen meetings during the year were as follows :—-Messrs Liddy 17. Hardy and Dr Cordner 25, Clark and Oakley ]3, Shannon 11, and Dowling 7. During the year one teacher and two pupil teachers resigned, and their places had been satisfactorily filled. At the annual picnic some 250 children attended. The present credit balance m the bank stood at £29 18.s. Tne report of the Inspector was called fur and read, and was not considered al all satisfactory by the old committee. An explanation had been aske I lor and given by the master which to a certain extent was an answer to the Inspector's report, and he had been asked to use further diligence. Some questions were asked as to alleged excessive holi days and the sickness m the school, con* siderable feeling being evinced. The Chainnrii said the school had been closed andf umigated, and cho Board had promised to put m somo Tubman pipes. Mr Oxley thought the matter should have been agitated for^ as the schoolroom when there were a number of children iv it was simply a stink pot and unfit to be occupied. Mr O. Dixon said the attendance was so bad that the school was closed m the interest of the teachers, and not onaccount of the epidemic. It was also closed on the Leeston Show clay which took place just before tl c 'examination. Several house holders spoke on the water supply of the school ground, their remarks showing decided differences of opinion. Tlu majority considered the water unfit for drinking. Mr Shephard asked the Chair man how it was that the late pupil teachers had failed m their examination, and if he was aware that the master had not clone his duty towards them ? The Chairman reported that they had not passed, but it was no fault of the master's. The Board of Education had to do with the teachers. My Shephard asked how it was the Inspector's report had not been pub lished. The Chairman replied that it had always been open for the reporters, but they had not availed themselves of the chance Mr C. Dixon took Mr ShephardV part. Mr Qxley explained why he had not supplied reports to the papers he represented, and moved " that this meeting is of opinion the Inspector's report is not at all satisfactory " ; seconded by Mr Biiniicombe, and carried unani mously. The^ ballot \\%s then taken with the following result: — L Oxley 46 C. Hardy ... , ,„ Jg C. Dixon ... _ ... ... 38 M. J. Liddy... ... . 34 A. Clark ... ... ... 25 J. Turner ... ... , 23 W. Barcock ... 22 T. Dowlinar ... ... 19 A. Makeig.;. ...... 17 W. Shannon ... , . 14 W H. Shephard 10 The Chairman declared the first seven duly elected, and a somewhat disorderly meeting was then brought to a close. The new Committee met and Mr Hardy was unanimously elected Chairman. It was resolved to meet at 7.30 on the first Monday m each mouth, and to enquire as to what the Library Committee would charge for the use of a room.

LISMORE.

The following were elected ;—J. Bell, S Burr, C. J. Hf,rper, F. W. Hill, T. Paterson, J. Paterson, T. B. Richards. Mr C. J. Harper was subsequently elected chairman for the ensuing year.

OAMARU.

The school elections proceeded m a very orderly manner. The new system of election wan condemned as cum orous. The North school meeting of householders endorsed the action of the Committee m suggesting that the Govern ment should issue a set of books for the colony, and the .Secretary was,instructed to write to the Minister of Education on the subject No direct Trades and Labor Council candidates were nominated.

NELSON.

Considerable interest was taken m the town school committeee election. The clerical party were defeated.

AUCKLAND.

Ac the meeting of householders for the election of a school committee the pew 4ct was yery generally condemned.

'I he time consumed m making lists o; householder who had voted during the day, and m counting votes, delayed the start of the meeting greatly aid pre vented the usual discussions on matteri of interest arising out of the reports. In some instances the meetings wore pro longed till after midnight. At the city maeting Mr Oliver, who headed the poll, received 242 plungers or single votes out of a to!al of 358. Immediately the result was announced a ny tion was carried un animously that this meeting strongly con-: demos the alteration m the mode of c ec tion contained m the present Act, as it affords distinct facilities for fraudulent. voting without penalty. An amendment i by Mr Glover leaving out the latter clause was defeated.

ASHTON.

The meeting of householders was pro-. sided over by Mr Mitchell, who called on Mr Taylor the chairman of the outgoing Committee to read the annual report. The report stated that the Committee's financial.position was very satisfactory, as it had. a sum of £9 18s 4d to its credit when all accounts hat been settled. The report was unanimously adopted, and Mr J. Cray proposed and Mr <].; Crossan seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for his c Hduct m the chair during the past year—Mr T+ylor, m ac knowledging the compliment, referred to the cordial relations which subsisted be tween the teachers and the Com mittee. As i no nominations had been received, the meeting proceeded to nominate members for the new com mittee. The following were nominated, and as there were the exact number re quired, were declared duly elected :—Mr J. Ashton, Mr T. Taylor, Mr J. Shearer, Mr A Weston, Mr W. Croy, Mr J. Croy aad Mr J. Crossan k At the subsequent meeting of the Com mittee, Mr T. Taylor was unanimously re-elected chairman. The Committee then appointed the Chairman to act as secretary and treasurer, a-id M.r Shearer to countersign cheques. It was also re solved that the Committee continue to meet on the first Monday of each month. After some routine business had been disposed of the meeting adjourned.

ALFORD FOREST.

The Committee elected were :- Messrs A, McFarland, McKenzie, Mcleish, P. Tisch;.,!. H. Ross, B. Evans, T. Fagan. Mr A McFarlane was elected Chairman of the new Committee.

WINSLOW.

There were nine nominations from whom Messrs Arthur Wilson, WiUiam Sutherland, Edward Lovett, John Young, Peter Keller, Thomas Wakeham, and Oliver Drennan were elected. At the committee meetiug afterwards Mr A. Wilson was elected Chairman, and Mr John Young, Secretary.

ELGIN.

The meeting of householders was the largest since the school was opened. Mr John Cochrane was voted to the chair, and read the following report:-—The meetings of the Committee have beer* well attended, all the members being present on most occasions. The Committee are also glad to state that the children attend ing the school have increased from 51 on the roll at the end of 1889 to 59 on the roll at the end of last quarter. During the past year several changes m the Com mittee had taken place. On the 19th -June Miss 0. Qilmour was recommended to the Board of Education to iili the posi tion of pupil teacher, but not being of age she was appointed probationer for one 1 year. The Committee's r.cao.unts are now audited m April, and the books have not been returned, so- that a de tailed statement of accounts cannot be given : but the salaries were £'203 8s ; incidentals, £42 14s lOd ; special grant for well, £12 ; md there is now i balance to credit at Bank of about £14. The annual standard examination took place m November last, and was conducted by Dr Anderson. The report is not so satisfactory as could be wished, but the Committee hope the master will make every effort to raise the tone of the school :to its former standard. Your Committee 1 are very sorry to say that matters between the teacher and them have not been so pleasant for some time past as they would have liked. Complaints having been made by several of the parents of children attending the school of the system of punishment adopted by the master, the Committee have written to him on several occasions, and also spoken to him on the subject without much improvement m that respect. However, they hope that mattei's connected with this school will be carriedon m the future m a more pleasant way for the good of the children attend ing. The report was adopted. Several questions were put to the Chairman m connection with school affairs asd answered by him, one householder re marking that the late Committee had beenjvery lax m carrying out their duties. The election of the Committee was then proceeded with. The following were elected :—Messrs Benjamin Williamson, [Andrew Letham, Hugh Kennedy, G.» P. 'Hoatten, Samuel Scott, John Cochrane, and James Dwyer. Mr G. P. Hoatten was elected Chair man of the Committee.

MAYFIELD

Ten oandidates were nominated, and great interest was taken m the election The result w;vs chafe the following were elected, namely—Messrs Daniel Kellahan, James Dollow, John Trethewey, Peter Good, Charles Good, Samnal Miller, and John Burgess. A meeting of Committee was held after the election, when Mr Kellahan was ap pointed Chairman, and Mr Burgess, Secretary. The new Election of Committees Act gives much more satisfaction than the old one, because those who. get the most votes have the sympathy of most of the house holders. A disagreeable fellow who before could bring a friend m the room I on his arm to plump him seven and, seven •f his own, which m a small district, would puc him at tho head of the poll, would now instead of getting fourteen Votes get two. At the Committee meeting held imme diately after the election it was resolved that any persons engaging the school for, an entertainment would have to get two Committee 'men to be responsible for the good care of the school and furniture and if that could not be got the school would not be granted ; and those Committee men are responsible to the Committee for any damage done to the school or furni ture.

SPRINGBURN.

There was a largo attendance of house holders', at the meeting. About fifty householders voted, leaving very few- Other votes that . could have been exercised, T]\e, Rev Mr Fipiayson was yoted to the chair, and Mr C, Morrison, chairman of tho outgoing Committee, read the annual report and balance-sheet. Mr i A. J. Miiller acted as scrutineer, and the voting was as follows; —D, Stott, 40 ; T. E. Macßae, 35; J. Stevenson, 28; T, McCalman, 27 ; S. Mclntyro,. 27 ; P. Joli, 27; -W. Fergus, 24; C. Morrison, 18 ; W. Cqolv, X 8 ;. A. W. Aldridee, 36 ; G. H, Goldsmith, 14 ; N. Olusen^7 ; R. Burgess, 4; J. Carney, .4. Messrs Stott, ' Macßae, Stevenson, McCalman, Mc- Intyre, Joli, and Fergus were declared duly elected, and at the after meeting Mr T. 'U. Macßae was chosen chairman of tho new Committee, Fj,vt oismbers of

tilts out oiuj (J( mroittee were i.o;uiuared for re-election, but of these only two were successful. "

Island News.

[PEli PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, April 28. Arrived—Wainui, from Samoa and Tonga. She reports things quiet m the Inlands. Tfimasese, the noted Samoan chief who took a prominent part m the late war, is dead. The cause of death was Bright's disease. His decease is expected to have a beneficial effect on Samoan politico,

The Weather.

ALtfORD STATION,

The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending April 26th, 1891:— -

Supposed Suicide.

(per press association.)

Auckland, April 27. Mr Joseph 3reenwoo'i, ; who contested the Eden seat at the recent election, was found dead m his farm at Mount Roskill, this morning. He went out with a gun, saying hs was going to catch his horse. He was absent some time, and Mrs Greenwood sent her youngest son, a.boy of thirteen or fourteen years, to assist him. The boy found that the horee with the bridle on was held to the wall, but about the same moment he heard a shot fired, and saw his father fall. Greatly frightened he ran to a neighbor, who came and saw that Mr Greenwood had shot himself through the tfthiple, blowing his brains out. He was about 54 years of age. Four of his children are married. He was chairman of some local bodies. The theory for suicide is that Mr Green wood -was depressed m spirits through the recent election, not because of bis defeat for Eden, but on account of certain charges for election expenses, and because on the accounts he feared that the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Frevention Act had been infringed during tha contest. He was tin old colonist, arriving m Wellington at the age of four years. . . ' ; ■' '■ ■ • •. ■;<■■■ ' ■■

Licensing Elections.

(P£K PRE^S ASSOCIATION.)

Oamaru, April 28; The result of the licensing election if creating vigorous discussion. The publi cans threaten to drop their licenses m June when the year expires. Consider able doubt prevails as to whether the 1c cat c mimittee can close the bar at the railway ■tation. ' ■ :.-..-:.■■... -, ■;;

New Zealand Stocks.

(per press association.)

Wjbmjngton, April 28. The Government received a communi cation to-day from the Agent-General m London with reference to the fall m New- Zealand stocks. Tlie .Agent-General states that this decline cannot be attri buted to New Zealand alone, as all the colonial iitocks itre more or less disturbed from the following causes :—The state of finances m (113 Argentine Republic ; in crease of reserve held by tbe Bank of, England ; uncertainty of Baring Bros.' securities ; the failure of the Victorian loan; and collapse of the syndicate system. _

TELEGRAPHIC.

[per press issociATiwr.;/

London, April 27. Influenza is raging at Sfcockjport, Pontefract, and Lincoln, and a larg« number of deaths are reported.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, April 28. The race between McLean and* Stansbury, for the Championship of the World and £200 a side, took place on the Earramatta this afternoon. .At • starting Stansbury caught the water first, and immediately forged ahead. After a mile had been covered, he was - leading by three lengths, and, although McLean pulled all he knew, he could not get on terms with him. Towards the , finisih Stansbury spurted, and passed the judge an easy winner. He was quite fresh, and did" not appear to be m the least distressed by his exer tions. The time was 22min loAsecs. Melbourne,; 28. Major Churchward, a member of the Coaimissiion which enquired into the explosion of the gun at Queenscliffe, has forwarded an individual opinion to the Government wherein he con tends that if anyone was to blame it was the Victorian Government for. purchasing and using breech block mechanism of a certain type before-it" had been, properly tested and proved to be a success m England A Syndicate h»» cornered Bear Hill shares, fully 1700 of which have b-en oversold at prices ringing from Ids to 30s. Many leading brokers have been entrapped into heavy losses. The report of the Labor Federation Committee presented to the congress attributes the defeat of the Labor party m the recent strike to the in effective power of the Union to take concerned! ajtion, and the inadequacy of the common defence fund to meet the demand upon it. Adelaide, April 28. i Bread has risen Id per loaf. A : strike m the trade is also threatened over the question of freedom of con tract. Some time ago two Blacks were shot at Eenke river, as it wa» alleged by black trackers. It now transpires thai, the trackers shot the men under instructions from Constable Wiltshire who afterwards burned the bodies!! He is to be arrested, Sir G. Grey is visiting Broken HilL

INTERPROVINCIAL.

. Auckland, April 27 CipLam Hinckley, havim* given the necessary security thai ha will not leave Auckland for three months, was released from cur.ody to-day, . Wellington, April 27 The wife of Wi Parata, the weWiLr Waikanae chief, died on Friday night, and igmt tangi is being held W*thi. Coast Natives. * „ M W-HLLDTGTOK. April 28. An old Maori woman, named Piri Koutou, 88 .years old, .the mother of Mr Jaraei -Wallace, butcher at Otaki, was. accidentally burned to.death tkis uwmiiic She slept rear the fire, and it is supposed that the bedclothes caught. There wa* no one else i,i the whare, *; "■ ' ■ '^ Th * * . Bunbdin, April VfT. Afte Bt^ttMueut of Hawy L. Johjiatoii^

THT? ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, APBIL 29, 1891



,de. (

High m Sun.

St.ite of' Weather

Date.

Low. I

[High

Monday ... Cuesday ... iVednesday Thursday... Friday Saturday.... Sunday .

21 --- 2-- 8-- -2- 5-- -2-6--34-

■ .■:.!

66- 132: 61- 138 --- 130' 63- 128 --73' ■ 142-! 64- 64 --- 100

Fine, N.E.  Calm N.E.  Calm i  N.W. RainS.W.toE. Showers Calm.



Keatinu's Cough Lozkxges cures Oou<*h Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of these dangerous maladies One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing they are invaluable. They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold bjallCliqmists, m tfns, i s |M and 2q fld eaclj ■ Tub Bust Bemkdy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases -to whicn we are subject Norton's Pills, with justice called the • Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation 'and afe under any circumstances, SqUl "In bottles, at Is Ud, 2s Bjd, Us,' by all medicine en^QVB tnrou^bayt $c wq I4'j ,



; Wanted I <JA6H Advertisements under tii .s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. WE have now nice young Fowls. Bachelors can obtain them roasted ready for table. Order early. Mus WniTTiNGToy, Tancred {Street. 4 244 i I. ANTED, a good General Servant V'V ■ for Hotel. Apply Tinwald Hotel. 4 22" "DOCKET Books, "Purses, Ladies' JLT Handbags, Card Cases, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Dressing Cases.—H. M. Jones. 4 243 /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream \y as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectionor, East Street. WANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens 'jadies and Children.—W. H. Collibk. W' ANTED Known — Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known—That Andrew Ork is offering 80 Ladies Sealette Jackets, newest styles, at moderate prices. 4§53 WANTED Known—Old Spoons and Forks .Electro-plated and made equal to new at 15s per dozen all round. A. Black, Jeweller, East Street. 4 150 M~ ILLINERY; — iSpecially selected Paris styles m Hate and Bonnets. Mrs Gate-s has just returned from Sydney with all the latest ideas m Millinery.—■ Andrew Okr. 4 154 "Tl > ANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buoh- VV anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. WAjSTED Known.—lt you want good value for your money goto Melford House. Cheapest first-class Drapery m town. —H. C. Segkr.% MelfoM House WANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buch anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Cog, East Street. JUST opened a choice lot of Ladies Piush .rackets, newest shapes. Also a new lot of Ladies' Pelerines and Boas. —-H. C. Segbus, Melford House. WANTED Known—That Andrew Orr is appointed agent for the cele brated Standard Boots. Every pair guaranteed. 4*54 WANTED Known — That Andrew Orr is offering at a sreat reduction 250 pairs of best Kaiapoi and Roslyn Blankets, contracted for when wool was at its lowest price. 4§52 \\'ANTED Known.— l"c are now VV opening all our new Winter Goods m Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c. — H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. a LASS, Earthenware, and China, direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Aloorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. Y^OCAITINDUSTIiLY. -Gents' ~Suits _Li made to order from £3 10s. Ladies Dress Tweeds, double-width Kaiapoi nvide, beautiful goods at 4s 6d. Six yards to the chess.— 4ndrbw Orr. 4 155 P T ANDSOME Presents given away 1~l m .June. Now giving tickets to every purchaser of 5s and upwards of Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, etc. —H. 6. Segers, Melford Hous-e :. . ANTED, every man m the Ashbur '%' *■ ton Counry to come and see 400 beautiful Patterns of Tweeds No chart ordors. Encourage local industry by going to R. E. Dowle, "The Times Tailor," the Arcade. 4 235 ?MitiAP SALE of Surplus Stock will V J be continued for this month only, B oks, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Music, etc., at Whoie.sale Prices to effect a clear ance. Subscribers wanted for monthly parts of Leisure Hour, Quiver, Gar deuer'sJVfagazine, American Agriculturist, English Mechanic, and others. —L. F. Andrewes & Co. PubliciNotices. ASHBURTON CHORAL SOCIETY ' r*HE Members of the above Society are I requested tj m«»et nt Mr H. A. Gates' rooms, Saunders' Buildings, on WEDNESDAY, 20th April, at 8 p.m. Businesß»important. J. C. LANE, 10 239 Hon. Sec. IN CONSEQUENCE of the Continued Advances m Flour, the PRICE of BREAD on and after FRIDAY, the FrRST DAY of MAY, wdl be til per 41b Loaf. JNO. C. GRUBB. WM. POLLOCK. G. H. BRYANT. P. HANRAHAN. Ashburton, April 28th, 1891. 4 234 56775 70 MEASURE rpHE Largest Stock of X TWEEDS ever shown m Ashbuiton to choose from, QUALITY AND FIT GUARANTEED Cone and see the prices 1 ASHBURTOJSi CLOTHING MART. SAUNDERS BUILDINGS SOMERSH/FLIVKII* bTABLES JOHN NEWMAN, Proprietor. fTIHESF old established and favorite {, central Lively Stables are now my hands, and it will be my constan fiffo. t to again bring their business into he front rank, and make these stables what; their position and accommodation THEOREM IE R LIVERY STABLES of the Ashburton County. Budgie* Traps, Saddle Horse«, etc., al ilwa'tnhire, with skilful drivers ready I the B'torust notice. Open or Close Carriages for Wedding or other partksg. Cibs at any hour, d«.y or night. LOOSE BOXES for stallions and race horses. Country customers are guaran? teed every accommodation at fche lowest, current rates JOHN NEvVMAN, j Propiietoa, '



J'liblic Notices i Mi )N E V JXJ LEND. TIJONEY to Lend »fc LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of 10° T^_^sooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Oflice. Chriftl'chureh. for sale. 'OYE CORN, CAPE BARLEY, TARES, RAPE This is the time for sowing. WANTED TO PURCHASE— Last Season's Heavy Canadian OATS. JOHN G. RESTELL. WJTM-TIEtS M HOUT TEETH CHRIsrOHCROH DENTAL SURGERY, Corner of Cashel and High streets S. M™ AND CS SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin anJ Westport {TTE have gained the FIRST AWARD W Rfc tne Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Complete Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra fee or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE C4AS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe. Fee for Administration ss. Extraction, 2s fid. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small <vwt Stephens Bros., MARKET HOUSE. NOTICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE PUBLIC. OWING to the demand being greatly m excess of our supply last season for the Patent Double Refined KERO SENE, we have made special arrange ments this year with the shippers for regular consignments durinjr the winter months. The first we have just landed, AND IS NOW IN STOCK. It has many advantages over the ordinary Kerosene, and has no rival for Household Purposes, being perfectly pure, gives a mellow brilliant light, will not dazzle or affect the eye, is almost odourless, much more economical, absolutely safe, therefore dispenses with all risk m handling and danger m using where there are Children. We have also all kinds of ENGLISH CANDLES m stock including— STEARINE, SPERM, P4.RRAFIN, WAX, ETC. Special quotations for Boxes, Cases, and Lafge Parckls. N.B.—»All goods purchased from us can be returned if not satisfactory. Satisfac tion being our motto. aTEPIIEtfa BROS. MARKET HOUSE. AUTUMN, 1891. LATEST NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS 3STOW OIST "VIEW AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY -rnvERYTHING new. New Shirts, JQj New Underclothing, New Scarfd and Bows, New Hats, New Suits for Men, New Suits for Boys. Everything new and of the LATEST FASHIONS. New Tweeds and Coatings for Measure Suits to hand. Inspection Respectfully Solicited. NEW ZEALAND Z, CLOTHING FACTORY Jjj|jjaK»£sjr H. WEBBER,