The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1891. THE SCHOOL BOOK BOYCOTT

It will be remembered that during the recent strike the efforts of the Unionists were m a great measure directed against a certain printing firm whose business was not conducted m & manner that met the approval of the employees: The firm m question are publishers of certain school-books, which under the sanction of the Educational authori ties are m use m a majority of the primary schools m Canterbury and Otago. One phase of the action which was directed against the firm by the labor party was a proposal to "boycott" these school bcoks by refusing to allow the children to use them, and several School Committees resolved against their use. "With the end of the strike the agitation against the firm appeared to have died out, but an event of the last few days has shown that not to be the case. The School Committee of one of the largest schools m Dunedin, Macandrew Road, have resolved against the use of the objectionable firm's books ; and have been supported m their course of action by a crowded meeting of the householders. The master of the school strenuously opposed the change, pointing out that it would completely disorganise the school, and as the scholars would be examined on the lessons m these books they would have no chance to pass the In spector's examination if other books were used m the course of study. No question is raised of the fitness of the books—the sole objection is to the firm that publishes them, and so strong is this feeling that the parents will not allow the books to remain m their children's hands. A question of great importance was raised at the householders' meeting by Mr Earn shaw, M.H.R. for the district, namely, that it was the duty of the State to provide not only free education, but free books as well. The idea, we pre sume, is that an approved series of school-books shall be published by the Education department and supplied to school masters or school committees free of cost. About 120,000 children attend school m the colony, and it is com puted that the cost of providing them with books and othei? school requisites is about five shillings each yearly, which would increase the annual Edu cation vote by £30,000 a year. The advantage of the proposal is that uni formity of school books would be attained—m itself no unimportant matter. A disadvantage would be that a free supply of school requisites would without doubt lead to a greater quantity being used, and the cost would consequently exceed the esti mate quoted. It would also be a con siderable time before the books could be prepared and published. Meantime at the Dunedin school there is a dead lock, and it is plain that, something must be done by the authorities to meet the case.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

It is not generally known that it was seriously proposed at a public meeting m Palmerston some years ago to alter tlie name of the town to Ujiji. The sawmillera of JFeilding are urging the Government to use totara timber only for renewing bridges and culverts on railway linos, instead of importing Australian timber for that purpose. The Swimiring Club's second competition for the season comes off m the Domain this; evening, and from the entries both of Club members and school boys, there is promise * of an excellent meeting. .. Owners of dogs who have not yet seen fit, to interview the registration authorities, would do well to do so at once, as the con stables will go out very soon on the war path. Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R., was m town to-day, and interviewed a number of his con stitutents. He addresses a. meeting of settlers at Hinds on Thursday on the subject of irrigation. Professor Koch has been made an hon orary citizen of Berlin. He is. the fourth man to enjoy that distinction. His col leagues are Princeßismarck and Count Moltke., Dr Henry Schliemann, recently deceased, was so honored. It seems that beer still forms a plank m the British Constitution. A late Parlia mentary return gives as shareholders m breweries fifty-four noble ladies (including the Duchess of Albany), twenty-five earls, and six other members of the House of Lords, with forty-nine members of the House of Commons. Trc«i>er Crockett, who is now inspector o weipl I; > and measures for the Borough, has got Ihr >ugh during the last month the ex aminati m of a large number of weights and measures. It would be well for fhe merch ants and others who have not had their weights and measures examined and recti fied, to do so at once, as the inspector meditates a i-aid at no distant date. The following is from the " Hawke's Bay Herald":—"The world is blessed with a large number of people whose mission is to be 'cocksure,' as the 'Saturday Review' would put it; of the ' intentions of nature.' The latest exponent of this controls a Wel lington paper, and he has discovered that ' Nature (with a capital N) intended Wel lington to be the great distributing centre of the colony.' We venture to suggest that ' Nature' lias bad formidable opposition from Dunedin and Auckland, and that it is by no means certain that ' Nature' will ever be able to successfully cope with the efforts of those big towns to frustrate its ' intentions.'" Some idea of the dangers to be encountered during a heavy fog m the Thames is afforded from the report of Captain S. M. Orr, of the steamer Port Denison, which arrived at Sydney the other day. Captain Orr says that his vessel was loaded and ready for sea with all her passengers oil board, to sail at 11 a.m., December 11, but could not be moved from her berth m Tilbury Dock on account of a.dense fog which had' set m on the 10th, The fog was so dense that objects could not be seen 20 yards off. On the 12th it cleared slightly, and the vessel was hauled down to the dock gates, but had to make fast again, the fog being as thick as ever. The fog cleared up slightly again, and the steamer was taken out of the dock into the river, but had again to stop, making fast to a buoy at.Gravesend Reach, where she fist#'ui(tii until noon on the 15th, when this fog; lifted p,utf?ciently to get down the river at easy speed; ifnfhjg the time that the fog lasted it was esfciirta.t«4 j};«t there were 350 vessels m Gravesond IV&Mi, m& during this time three steamers had to dg (leached, one sunk m the river, and there must :ha l y.fi j>een at least 20 collisions. The trafncW the Thames was completly stopped, being blocked I j'om one %o five days,

This is the last day for paying the second instalment of the Property tax without the ' imposition of 10 per cent. The Dunedin bands give a concert on Friday evening for the Kakanui relief fund" at the Caledonian Grounds, the use of which is granted free for the occasion. They say that hot springs of considerable ourafcixc power have been discovered on the Mamia Plains, forty-five miles from Rcefton. Wonderful West Coast i liy a telegraphist's error the word "If" was omitted from the message giving a le sume of the Minister of Lands speech at Manilla on Saturday. He said "If a, small loan was necessary for opening up the lauds, Ihe money would be taken from the trust funds,,etc." ...  ........ ..,.., -.:>» A caniera-obscura has been during'the summer season one of the attractions of the, Sb. l3la'ir "(Duuedhi) beach. .Some time (hiring Saturday night;it was broken into, the roof removed, and the clockwork broken. It is supposed four or five persons were con cerned iv the affair, and a rewards offered for the conviction of the offenders. The change from rain to line weather has allowed farmers to resume carting their grain to the stqres, and although it cannot be said that there is anything like the same ■ stir m West street that we have been' accustomed to see m good years, still there is evidence that a good deal r of. grain has been grown, and that there will be no mean quota for export. The samples coming m ai'e fairly good. - ; ■ ' At last the " Quetta " rock, or rather the reef upon which the ill-fated steamer struck, has been discovered by the gun-boat Paluma, after searching for it for nearly eight months. It was found to be a coral reef not more than 50 yards across, with a riimimuin depth of water of 9ft, which was hitherto unknown and unmarked on the charts. Our ex-townsman Dr Ross was m Ashbur ton on Tuesday on a visit. He looked as well as ever, and expressed himself pleased with life m the States and Canada. He left by last evening's express on ; his way to the North Island where he will spend a few days before joining the next San Francisco mail steamer. An excellent concert is to be "given to morrow night m connection with Si; Stephen's Church. The alterations have cost'soine £65, of which i'2s still remain to be obtained, and the proceeds of the concert will be devoted to this object. A glance at our advertising columns will show that several of our best local amateurs are kindly giving their aid, m addition to -whom songs are to be sung by Miss Mcc, of Wellington, and Dr Scott, of England, who- are just now staying m Ashburton. The concert is to be held m St. Stephen's Schoolposni and will commence at 8 p.m. At the annual meeting of the Timaru Gas Company on Tuesday the report stated, that notwithstanding the general dulness of trade experienced during a part of the year, t-hjfe consumption of gas for the past twelve months ehoWed an increase of 115,060 cubic feet over 1889. An interim dividend of ,4 percent was paid in ' July last, and after including £80 of 1889 discounts, a balance of £970 17s 7d is left for division. The Directors propose to pay a dividend of 4 per cent on Feb. 17, which will absorb £520, and a balance of £45017s 7d will be carried forward. The income for the year from gas was £3600, and from tar and coke £420.

As a good deal of misconception exists m connection with the honorarium to be paid i for the two sessions, the following from the Wellington " Post" will be of interest:— Legislative Councillors m Wellington, nil; .Legislative Councillors residing out of Wel lington, £200; members of the House of Representatives residing m Wellington £200 made up as follows: Honorarium, firsb session, £100 ; expenses, £25 ; honorarium, second session, £50; expenses,: £25. Members not residing m Wellington, £250 ; made up of honorarium, first session, £100. expenses, £50 ; honorarium, second session, £50; expenses, £50. The honorarium is re duced one-half for the second session, but the allowance for expenses remains the same for each. A northern contemporary says that a rumor is current that Sir Robert Stout will succeed Sir F. Dillon Bell as Agent-GeiieraP It is difficult to resist the conviction that the next generation will witness m the United States one of the most momentous struggles m the history of mankind. Accord ing to the calculations quoted by a corres pondent of "The Times," who is going into the question very carefully, there will be m the Southern States, m the year 1910. 7,665,000 negroes to 6,635,000 whites.' Hitherto, by sheer force of moral and m I tellectnal superiority, the white race has held its own—excluding the negro from politcal power and everywhere placing limits on his social advance. But numbers will tell m the end ; and, though delayed both by the energy of the white and the apathy of the black man, the ultimate supremacy of the black seems inevitable. The chances are, indeed, that the explosion will be precipitated by political ambitions and rivalries of parties among the whites. Who can be expected to master the niceties of the Latin tongue, when the very professors of the language wrangle over them? The other day says the "Daily Chronicle' a lynx-eyed member of a Scotch school boartl thought he detected m the cor rections appended by the rector of the school to a pupil's Latin exercises a decided taint'of barbarism. He communicated the discovery to his brother members, and then to the rector, who defended his Latin with tooth and nail. The board forwarded the exercises to the head master of a famous academy m Edinburgh, whose decision was adverse to the rector, and the , latter straightway received three months' notice. Meanwhile another raobi had been called to sit m judg ment on the exercises—no other than the Professor of Latin m a Scotch University— who denied that the Latinity of the rector Was of the canine order, and practically con demned the action of the school board.

Arfangements for carrying out the law of conpulsory State insurance for working people m Germany are now completed. The statute came into operation on January Ist. It is estimated that about 11,000,000 of people will be affected by the scheme. There are three contributors to the insur ance fund —the State, the workers, and the employers. The workmen contribute, rough ly speaking, from a penny to twopence a week, according to the varying amount of tneir wages, and the benefit they derive from the scheme varies with the .contributions. Their liability to contribute begins at the age sixteen ; anil at the age of sixty they may claim the pension for old age, which ranges from £6 to £10 a-year. There is also a pension for those who are invalided, ranging from £6 to something over £7 to those who have contributed to the funds for five years, but increasing with the number of years' contributions, until after 45 years it reaches £21. 'The pensions cannot be said, to err on the score of extravagance, but the practical working of this great scheme of State in surance will be watched with interest. Its success would inspire imitation by other nations. There was a streak of very broad humour m the proceedings of the South Melbourne Police Court lately (says the " Melbourne Daily Telegraph ") when a baker's dozen of Ah C'hees and Ah Chows were told that the Victorian law has no punishment to inflict on Chinese smugglers. Fifteen men were said to be caught, iiagrante ddicto, with the spoils actually on their persons. Thirteen of them duly sported pig- tails, and were fresh from the flowery Land. The other two -had the misfortune to be Englishmen. Tiieir experience goes to point out the ines timable privilege which attaches to Celestial citizenship. When Detective Christie caught the thirteen Mongolian new chums m the cab which was driving them, from their vessel he found every Chinaman fragrant with tobacco leaf, some of them, having as many as 800 smuggled cigars disposed about their dainty persons. They were accompanied by two Englishmen, said Detective Christie; but as the Chinese had paid no poll tax, and as their detention would cause them to become domiciled amongst us without pay ment of the impost, he asked that the Court should let the Mongolians go, and deal with the Englishmen only as smugglers. This jA.e Bench accordingly did, and all the little 'regiment vi filed off to their vessel again,', and' quickly found " that seclusion which a cabin grants," while' the English <meu were remanded under custody ! i

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

, [PER, PREfiS ASSOCIATION.] London, February 16 and 17. Oflcrs have been made to take up the South Australian loan, but the terms are calculated to create a diffi culty on the Exchange. An impression is g-iining ground that if. the minimum of the proposed Victorian loan is fixed at 97, it will be I'successfully-'floated^ ' ■ ,■ i Mr Qoscheq,,Chancellor of the Ex chequer, is parleying with the joint stock banks, and he is hopeful that an agreement will be effected with regard to currency questions, without the in terference of Parliament. Sir Charles Dilke delivered a lecture ;it Brussels on the conditions of labor m Australia. He said that one result of the recent strike was that workmen Avere taking an active interest m politics. Hostility to Chinese would compel Great Britain to renounce treaty obligations. In laiis, opinion, it ■would b« better to entirely exclude the Chinese, and so save them from, violence. The Thames lightermen have struck work m sympathy with other Water side Unions. . The Unionist loaders assert that the Australian Unions are. prepared to block Federation-owned ships qn their arrival in-Australia.' , Judge Scptt, of the' Bombay High Court of Judicature, whose seryices were lent to Egypt to re-organise the Criminal Courts^ has completed a scheme of judicial reform 5 which the Government has adopted. , I^ln the House of Commons to-day, Mr Morley's motion censuring the Executive for its action at Tipperary was defeated by 320 to 245. Mr Justin M'Carthy, who holds Mr Egau's shares m the " United Ireland" "newspaper, is seeking to secure the control of that paper. While a clerk of the Bank of Scotland was collecting a cheque at the National Provincial Bank of England, a thief stole his satchel, containing £.12,000 m; notes,and escaped.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 17. Information has been received from the Islands of a remarkable voyage made by four children;, who travelled over two I hundred miles, from Ninafoord, one of the Friendly Group, to Futuna Island, m a twelve-foob flat-bottomed dingey. The Island of Futuna was reached on the fourth day. A child named Skillon, twelve months eld, wps scalded to death at Huntly by upsetting a basin of boiling water over its body. His Excellency the Governor has ar rived at Waitotapu Valley, andhas camped there. He expected to arrive m Itotorua on Saturday. The Hospital inquiry was continued to day, when Dr Collins was cross-examined. One of the Commissioners, Dr Yon Mir bach, having expressed the opinion that it was most extraordinary that Dr Philson, who was m active practice and was a con sultant at the Hospital, should hold the position of Coroner, Pr Philson, who gave evidence to-day, asked Dr Mirbach by what authority hs had stated that he held inquests on his own cases. He (Dr Philson) was not m active practice ; his was a consulting practice, and he held the office of Coroner' toy permission of the Government, who knew the position he occupied. He had never conducted in quests m cases m which he was concerned. Mr llees objected to the witness asking the Commissioner questions, and an altprcation took place between the witness and Mr Rees, loading Sir G. M. O'Rorke to threaten to dispense: with Dr Philson's services as a witness, After hearing evidence all day, the inquiry was ad journed till to-morrow. Wellington, February 17- A .conference took place at the Trades Hall, between the master bakers and the Bakers' Union, with reference to a dis pute which had arisen, owiug to Mr Tonka demanding that his men should commence work at three o'clock instead of four o'clock m the morning. Mr Tonks was not present ;.but the masters who attended expressed themselves well satisfied with 4 a.m., and the Conference carried a reso i lution—" That 4 a.m. is a jusb and reason | able hour to commence work, and pledges itself to assist both masters and men m adhering to it." , ; Mr Henry Bunny'g|life was injured m the Government Insurance Office for £2000, bub the premiums were considerably m arrears, and the surrender value was ex hausted some few weeks ago, so the policy lapsed. By Mr Bunny's death, vacancies are caused on the Education Board, Waste Lands Board, College Governors and Stock Board, besides m several local bodies m the Wairarapa. At the inquest, Dr Bey said the de ceased suffered from sciatica and melan cholia, and that anyoneone m that state would be liable to commit suicide. De ceased was sixty-eight years of age. The acting Engineer-in-Chief makes another inspection of the Gorge railway line before taking it over from the con tractors. Greymouth, February 17. At Ahaura to-day Alfred Francis, fifty five, a native of Wiltshire, cut his throat and otherwise..mutilated hirnsolf. He was sent to Greymouth for medical treatment. Dtjnedin, February 17. Mr Justice Williams to-day decided that | the i>y-law of the Cromwell Borough Council, under which a traveller was fin^d for hawking goods, is n'tra vires. The conviction was quashed.

MASOINIC

[per press association.]

Weixikoton, February 17. At a meeting of members of the Wel lington Lodge to consider the letter of the Earl of Onslow, Past Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of England, on the present position of Freemasonry m New Zealand m connection with the New Zea land Grand Lodge, the following resolu- t tion ivas carried:—"That the letter of Bro. the Earl of Onslow be received, and that he be respectfully informed that while the Wellington Lodge has no present intention of severing from the Grand Lodge of England, the brethren never theless fully share the regret expressed by His Excellency at the dissensions now unfortunately existing among Freemasons m the Colony, and would be glad to hear of any plan for their removal." The latter portion of the motion is m reference to that part of His Excellency s letter which, stated that he had a plan for ending the trouble if the Lodges were agreeable to his formulating it.

Interprovincial Regatta

(PER VRKSft ASSOCIATION.), x February 17. Following' are results of events decided since the first despatch was sent off: — Maiden Double Sculls.—Lyttelton, 1 ; Akaroii, 2 ; Canterbury, 3 ; Cure, 4 ; Avon, 0. Won by three lengths. Time —Bmin 21 2-sth sec. Four-Oahed Outriggers fpr youths. ••^Canterbury, Xj Union, 2 j Cure, 3j

Avon, 4; Lyfctelton, 0. Won by three lengths. Time—7niin ssec. Seniok, Paibs.—Wellington.. 1 j Can terbury, 2; Star, 3. Won easily by about 50 yards. Time—ilmin 44sec. „ Maimjn Fours, m practice clinkers. One mile. Prize £10.- Lyttelton-R-C— B. Huston, bow; E. H. M. Roxby, 2 ; A.. Stewart, 3; J. Huston, stroke, 1. Union BC- J. Bonnington, bow ; D. Lee, 2 ; T. Goe, 3 ; W. B" Searle, stroke, 2. Canterbury B.C.—C. W. Kicoll, bow ; O. M. Turrell, 2; 11. S. Fen wick, 3 ; J, E. Stokes, stroke, 3. Avon B.Ci— F. Bobbins, bow; H. Evans, 2; F. Hobbs, 3; A. Godfrey, stroke, 4. Won by a length and a half. Time, 7min 26secs. ..,,-.... .- Patb3, for youths.—Lyklelton, 1; Union, 2; Cure, 3; Canterbury, 0; Avon, 0. Won. very easily, Time, Bmin 23 3-sth sec. Sex ior Double Sculls.—Star, 1 ; Wellington, 0 ; Canterbury,'o. Welling ton won easily by four lengths, Canter bury half a dozen lengths behind Star. Canterbury and Wellington were dis qualified for going off the course. Time, llmiu 7 l-sth sec. The Ladies' Plate, m four-oared out riggers.—Canterbury, i ; Cure, 2 ; Lyttel ton, 3. Won easily. Time—lominss-ec. Double Sculls (for youths).—Canter bury, 1 ; Cure, 2 ; Lyttelton, 3 ; Union, 4. A very easy win. Time—Bniin 17 3-sth sec. Single Sculls. One mile and a-half. Prize, £s.—Wellington B.C.—W. Brid son, 1 ; Star B.C.—A. W\ Newton, 2 ; Union B.C.—F. Foster, 3. A gift to Bridson.

Ashburton Rifles.

The usual fortnightly inspection of the Ashburton Rifles took place at the drill shed last night, Colonel Bailey being the aspecting officer. Thpre were about forty-five rank and file present. The company were marched out to "the green" and there put through some manoeuvres, to the evident satisfaction of, the colonel. Before dismissing, Colonel Bailey tock the opportunity of stating that the encampm ent this year would be held.at Oamaru, and he hoped to see the Ashburton Rifles well represented, as a great deal more knowledge could,be obtained at an en campment than at ordinary drill. "" ' '■' ANNUAL MEETING. After the inspection, the annual meet ing of the company took place m the orderly room, Captain Dolman occupying the cnair. • Captain D6lman said, he was sorry to have to state that the capitation for the past year was far below expectation, the sum being £56 against, £96 14s for the preceding year. He commented very severely on members absenting themselves from inspection parades, as their failing 1 to make themselves efficient was the only way he could account for the deficiency, It was, he said, his intention to rigorously enforce the regulations regarding fines. He referred m eulogistic terms to Color- Sei'geant M'Donald who lately left the corps and joined the Permanent Artillery, as he was very painstaking regarding the j interests of the company, and a member hard to replace. The Captain hoped it was not yet too late to suitably recognise his services. Referring to shooting dur | ing the ensuing year he was afraid that, owing to the financial difficulty, the corps' grant to the committee would bo very small. The Treasurer, Lieutenant Miiller, then read the statement of accounts for the year, which showed a cash balance of £4 15s 5d ; the property account, uniform, etc., a credit balance of £160. Ths Shooting Committee reported a balance of £1 7s 6d ; also that the usual matches had been fired during the year, viz, for the tradesmen's prizes (to whom their thanks were due), matches against; the Rifle Club and a team of civilaus; all of which they won. The Orderly Room Committee sub mitted their report. Captain Dolman , stated that during the year several useful ( books had been taken from the room, and he asked that those who borrowed with out asking would be kh)d , enough to return them. A grant of £5 to the Shooting Com mittee for the year was then voted, on the motion of Sergeant-Major Hayes. The election of committees for the year resulted .ns follows:—Shooting Com j mittee—-Corporal G. Hefford. Privates B, Baker, J. W. Baker, G. Willers, and lion, member W. H. Rule. Finance Com mittee—The Officers, Sergeant-Major Hcayes, and Sergeant Nelson. Orderly Room Committee—Sergeant-Major Hayes, Corporals Heffordand McDonald, Privates Pickford and Baker. Sergeant Dee was re-elected Secretary, and Lieutenant Miiller Treasurer. On the motion of Lieutenant E. J. Fooks, a donation of £2 2s to the Secre tary was passed.

A Doll's House.

"Mercutio," m the Auckland "Herald," tells the following story :—Now that the Janet Achurch Company is far across the sea, I shall not be violating the confidence of genial "Punch " Fleinming if I repeat a story which the clever young actor and advance agent was never tired of telling with infinite gusto. When the "Doll's House " was first produced m this colony it did not quite catch on. The southerli Wood was too coolly practical for the tur bid sensationalism of Ibsen. But after the second night a virulent letter signed "presbyter" appeared m the local evening paper stating that the piece was one no decent woman ought to go to see. Naturally, next performance the theatre was pacjeed to the very doors—mainly with ladies, too. After the play a party of merry souls carted the all-popular Flemming off to the club. Here he was introduced to a Presbyterian, who, after a glass of wine, cook the actor to one side and said how very sorry he felt after seeing the piece a second tiaie for having written the virulent, trenchant letter m the paper. ''You wrote the letter?" i queried Flemming, startled. "Yes, my dear sir, but Ido assure you lam most heartily sorry." " You may imagine how I stared at this vainglorious old idiot," said Flemming, " when I tell you I wrote the letter myself." There is another story signed " Church of England " m an Auckland paper almost as good, but we would spare the blushes of our townsmen.

The Mysterious Dis appearance.

[PER PKJBwS ASSOCIATION.]

Gisbounb, February 18. Careful starch was made yesterday for the missing man Edward Davis, without any good result. When he disappeared m January last he left behind his clothing and money. When he returned yester day he said he was afraid of some men who were trying to take his property. He said he offered evidence against a person who committed a crime at Ash burton, the consequence being that his life has been threatened, and threats made that his property would be taken away. Except oft this point he was quite rational. He stayed half a day and then mysteriously decamped again. Beiilg without food he is likely to be captured shortly.

The Best Remedy fok Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills, are confidently ecommended as a simple remedy . for Indigestion, which is the cause!of nearly all the diseases to whica we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural^ Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at ls-l£d, 2s 9d,'lls, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id'

Burdette's Advice to a "Young Man.

My son ; don't be m too great a hurry to accept " advanced opinions." It is " the ' thing " to bo advanced m this progressive ' day and generation, but there « a heap of shallownoss m it. Did you never notice, my .son, tlmt tho man who tells you he I cjiiniot believe the Bibfois usually able to Jioliovo almost nuything else? You will iiii'l mou, my son, who turn with hmror and uttor disbelief of the Bible, ami joyfully embrace the teachings of- Buddha, [i i^ quite the thing, just now, my son, for a civil used, enlightened man, brought up m a Christian country and an age of wisdom, to be aßftrtdhist. And'if you ask six men who profess Buddhism who Budd-ha was, one of them will tell you ho was an Egyptian soothsayer, who lived 200 years before Moses. Another will tell you thai ho brought letters from Phoenicia and introduced them m Greece. A third will te!l you that she was a btviutiful woman of farther India, bound by her vows to perpetual chastity, A fout-tli will, wiLh little hesitation, say he was a Brahma of the ninth degree, and a holy disciple of Confucius ; and of the other two, one will frankly admit that he doesn't know, and the other will say, with some indecision, that he was either a dervish of the Nile (whatever that is) or ' &feio de se, he can't be positive which. Before you propose to know more than anybody and everybody else, my son, be voiy certain that you are at least abreast of two-thirds of your fellow-men. I don't want to suppress any inclination you may have toward genuine free thoughts and careful, honest investigation, my son. I only want you to avoid the great fault of atheism m this day. and generation ; I don't want to see you try to build a aix-story house on a one-story foundation. Before you criticise, and finally revise the woik of creation, my' son, be pretty confident that you know something about it as it is, and don't —as ' a man who is older m years and experi ence than yoursblf,—don't, let me implore you, don't turn' this world upside down, and sit down on it, and flatten it entirely out, until 1 you have made or '.secured another one for the rest, of us to live m while you; demolish the old onefi, If you ever should develop into an V Advanced " atheist, my son, just do that much for the rest of us*—-''Burlington Hawkeye."

Thoughts of a Queen.

Under this title Mr Sutherland Edwards furnfehes a "racy but accurate translation of ".Carmen'Sylva's" jjaxioms.and reflect tions upon men atkl«#ctmfen and things in general. They are modelled upon the ' Maxims' of La' Rochefoucauld, and a friend of the, translator " ponsiders Carmen SylvaV little : volutoe to be superior to the work of the French cynic." Her anonymous Majesty is most enter taiiling when she tries to be waspish ; she enjoys giving little dogs at people and things, but she does not mean to; hurt them : < ; "It is nearly always the body which makes ub seek support for the souli ( 'There are persons who nurse their grief fco such a point that they grow fat on it. :;: --:--- -. ■- ." ■;■ ;., ::. ■"':>:■; ''If the unhappy martyrs had, only known how trifling a thing it is tp change one's <bp'inipns there ; would have .been no burning alive.  : ; • ' " To strengthen an affirmation men call God to witness, knowing that God will not contradict them." The writer is a woman who does not like to see her own sex put upon, and a lnrfte proportion of her little jokes and gibes are directed against those great big stupid men:— ' ' 'j ' . "Men study a woman as they study the barometer ; but they do not under stand till the day afterwards. "It is from selfishness that men| have t made the severest laws for woman, with out suspecting that they have thereby raised her above themselves. ; "A woman's virtue Ought, indeed, to be great, since it has offcan to suffice for 'two." . ; ■ . ■ ■ '■' ||But " Carmen Sylva'' does not th ink that women are faultless, and she castigates their little foibles witli a gentle but scientific lash :— "A woman will often utter a daring opinion, but she recoils in terror if she is taken atelier.word. •..■•■ "In correcting the faults of their children women keep above all in view those of their husband .and his family. " Women who meddle with politics are hens wh^o make themselves vultures»"< The most interesting of "Carmen Syiva's" axioms are those written by the Queen of Houmania :~ "To every mortal is granted a tongue and even a pen ,to defend himself. Sovereigns alone are'expected to be like God, who allows himself tp be slandered without replying. " C)ne often hears the phrase ' Put not your trust in princes' quoted from the Bible; but the rest of the verse, 'for fehey also are men,'! is overlooked." , It is evidently' a personal complaint when the writer remarks that a little contradiction gives a zest to conversation. Perhaps she would welcome a slashing; criticism as showing her that her work was treated simply on its merits ; but our misfortune is that we cannot; joblige her, since the thoughts' ate always amusing. Here are two bits of homely wisdom which, if they were adopted, would add morq to the happiness of mankind than all the nostrums of the reformers of society :■—- : » >

"The faults of your husband or your wife are insupportable only so long as you insist on correcting them. Put up with them as you do with the smell of your dog, because you like him. " Ifc is better to confess to a physician than to a priest. You tell the priest that you detest mankind ; he replies that you are not a Christian. The physician gives you a dose of rhubarb, and thereupon you love your neighbor. You tell the priest that you are tired of life ; he replies that suicide is a crime. The physician gives you a stimulant, and thereupon you find life supportable." They are not profound, but they are true; and, though they are gems that lie upon the surface, we do net remember that anybody has picked them up before. Certainly nobody has put them m a neater setting. Others less striking may be quoted, as they chow, better perhaps than the more pointed maxims, the frame of mind m which " Carmen Sylva " looks afc 'be world about her. "The song of the nightingale and the wauling of the cat are two : modes of: ex pressing the same feeling ; but these creatures do not understand one another. "The respect people show you m your misfortune diminishes long before you have begun to outlive it; and you feel irritated at being treated as before.. " Suffering is out most faithful friend. It always returns. Often it changes its garb and even its countenance ; but we soon recognise it by its cordial and inti mate embrace. "Gfreat people love animals because they feel sure that their affection is disinterested ; and they deceive them selves. t "At a tragic momkif; or m ,la. difficult situation one says stupid things. The dog barks when he is afraid."

An Sex-Volunteer writing to the " Press " with reference to the published statement that Wanganui) has"", produced 'the (rifle champion for four years, says that this is wrong, and should bs five times, viz. :— Lieutenant Owen, 1803; Private Churton, 1884; Sergeant Remin/ton, 1886; Major Purnell, 188S; and Private Kruse, 1891; or four times m seven yea,r?3. In addition to this Mr T. I). Cummins (then a trooper m the Alexandra Cavalry) had the honor of faking the Qacbiue Belt to Wanganui m 1872,

The Markets.

[per pkess association.] (Received Fobruavy 18, 10.45 a.m.) London. February 17. Silver I,as dropped to !)s 9id. SvDNKy, February 18 Wheat, chick, 3s ; milling port-*" 3* 9J. Oats, milling, ] a lid to 25." Maize, now crop, 2,-j lOd to 3s ; old crop, 3s 9A. liarJjy, Cope, 2s 2d; English feeding w>rts, ?n. Bran, 7,d. Pollard, Bd. Peas, •. Prussian blue, 3k ]<M. Potatoes, &'» to £3 355. Onions, £3 10.*.' Butter, duv-y made, 7d ; cream separator, 8d j factory uiado,.,yd. , .Chaece, .loaf,- sd. .-Bacon-, machine made, 4d to Ctl; hand made, fiJd to 8d ; New Zealand, 9d ; hams, jNTow Zealand,- lid to Is. Melboubne, Febiuary 18. Wheat, 3s 4£d. Flour, etone made, £7 5s to £7 15s ; roller made, £8 5s to £8 15s. Oacs, Calcutta, Is 4d ; Danish, 2s 4d ; good stout, 2? lOd, Barley, good milling, 3a 3d. Bran, 9d. Peas, 2s 2d to 2s 3d. Adelaide, February 18. Wheat, 3s 7d to 3s Bd, market inactive. Flour, stone made, £7 10ri to £'8 ; roller made, £8 5s to £9. Oats, New Zea land prime feeding sorts m bond, 2s Id to 2s 2d. Barley, Cape, 2s 3d to 2s 6d; 1-nglish malting. 3s 6d to 4s.

Three Years' Patronage

The amount" of patronage devolved upon the late Ministry was something enormous. No Ministry ever before had one-third of the good things to give away which the Atkinson Administration dis-' perised ; and never m throe times the period, not even when the Public Works policy was m its palmy days, were there so many rich gifts at the disposal of the Ministers m power, as the. late Govern ment enjoyed during" the three years of existence. Let us recall a few of the plums it had to give away. The list is a long one, the Agent-Generalship, three Railway Commissioners, and two Supreme Court Judgeships, two Native Land Title Commissionerships (to one of which a con tingent .Supreme,.Co,urf. ; J[udgejship was improperly attached), the t)eputy Auditor- Generalship, the Surveyor-Generalship, (the Property Tat Commisaibnership, the Government Insurance Commissioner&hip and Deputy Commissionership, the Go vernment Statist, Chief Judgeship of the Native Lands Court, the Secretaryship of Customs and Stamps, Inspector of Cus toms Expert, the Clerkship of the House of Representatives, the Speakership of the Legislative Council, the Engineership in-Chief, the Marine Engineership, the Consulting Engineership m L>:idon, the Inspectorship of Prisons and Hospitals, the Under-Secretaryship of Defence, the Commissionership of Police, Under- Secretaf yship ot Marine, the Inspectorship of Volunteers, the Secretaryship, of the Treasury, and the Chief Inspectorship of Stock.. When to thk .little list is added the ordinary Civil Service appointments and promotions, several Resident Magis tracies and Crown Land Oonunissioner . ships, Inspectorships of various kinds, Defence appointments, Crown fcolicitor ' ships, the legal business of the Govern ment Insurance Department, six seats m the Legislative Council (five haying life pensions attached), a dozen or so of Native Land Court Judgeships, and about 200 Commissions of the Peace. It will be seen that there is quite' a large and highly influen tial army of people who We a debt of gratitude to the late Ministry, and who should affectionately remember it. Opinions will of course differ as to the manner m which the Atkinson Govern ment dispensed this patronage. Some of the appointments were distinctly indefen sible and most improper, others mote thaii smacked of nepotism of a most objec tionable character, while many others . were right, proper, and beyond cavil. Eliminating half a dozen or so. of glaring improprieties from the list, we are in clined to think that on the whole the lato Administration dispensed ics enormous patronage as fairly and honestly as could reasonably ba expected from any Miristry to which ib might have fallen,—" Even ing Post."_

RIFLE SHOOTING.

The shooting for the presentation ink stand, offered by an old volunteer for competition by members of the Rifle Company and the Rifle 01 üb.:c*mb off this;' 1 morning with the following result. The conditions were ten shots at 200 yards, standing :—A. McKay, 38; B. Baker, 38 ; S. Salek, 37 ; W. Pearson, 33 ; J. Baker, 32 :D. Leifcch, 30 ;G. Morrison, 28 ; J. W. Baker, 28 ; J. C. Duncan, 27 ; W. Hefford, 27 ; W. McDonald, 26 ; J. Dorm, 25 ;J. Corbitt, 24 ;J. Leitch, 24 ; X Ede, 24 ;R. Dorm, 23; J. Pauling, 22; C. Hill, 21 ; C. Chapman, 20 ; J. Rooke, 20; W. Salek, 20; J. Burns, 18; G. Hefford, 17; J. Jones, 15 ; C. Burten, 12 ;R. Kerr, 10. Mr A. McKay, of the Rifle Club, won the trophy after firing off the tie with Private B. Baker, of the Rifles.

Latest Cable Mews HOME AND FOREIGN.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received February 18, 10.25. a.m.) CHILI. Valpariso, February 17. The Chilian rebels have captured Chanaral and Taltae. New York. February 17. Intelligence has been received that the rebels are marching on Santiagol the capital of Chili. It is said that only a few towns remain faithful to President Balmaceda. LABOUR QUESTIONS. London. February 17. The coal heavers at Cardiff, despite the entreaties of the other men, have determined to return to work. HER MAJESTY'S MOVEMENTS. The Queen pays a visit to Graase, m the South of France, near Cannes, at the end of March, and will make a short stay there. It is reported that the sympathies of the new Queen of Hawaii are entirely English. THE* GERMAN EMPEROR. The "World" alleges that the Emperor William of Germany is sufter ing from cancer m the ear and throat, which accounts for the irritableness j displayed by him of late. (Received • February 18, noon,) THE BUSH FIRES. Melbourne, February 18. Thirty-six thousand sheep perished m the busli fires at Lismore, about 100 miles inland. The damage by the bush fire m the StaAvell districtis estimated at £30,000. Many of the settlers are completely -• ruined.

Holloway's Pills. —-Nervousness and want of Energy.—When first the nerves feel unstrong, and lisfctessness supplants energy, the time has come to take some such alternate as Hollow's Pills to restrain a disorder from • developing itself into a disease. These ex cellcnt Pills correct all irregularities and weak ness. They act so kindly, yet so energetically on thef unctions of digestion and assimilation,. "■ that tho whole body is revived, the blood rendered richer and purer, while the muscles become firmer and stronger, and the nervous and absorbent systems are invigorated. These Pills are suitable for all classes and all ages. They have a most marvellous effect on persons who arc out of condition ; they soon rectify whatever is m fault, restore strength to the bo-ly and confidence to ths mind,

THE ASHBtTRTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18,. 1891



WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25th. For the United Kingdom and Continents of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Saulwich Islands, etf.., and also Northern-"Ports of New Zealand at 6.20 p.m. ; registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. Note—lt should be noted that the post ao;e is reduced on letters to the United Kingdom only.



f^\ ENTLEMEN requiring th« very VJT latest fashion m FLEXIBLE ' HATS (all colors) will find a choice stock at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shires, buttoned and laced fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. OUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino O Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 2s 6d. Increasing demand for these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. TDOYS 1 School Suits, well fitting, J_) durable, and moderate m ptice at the Nbw Zealand Clothing Factouy. AGENTS for the Wonderful New High Arm " Wortheim " Sewing Machines. Latest improvements, new appliances, noiseless motion, increased advantages. — ALL who have used the " Wertheim' New High Arm sewing machine, proclaim it to' be the most perfect sewimr machine yet produced. Inspection invitad. \T £ W ZEALAND CLOTHING J_N FACTOE V, the leading Hat, Cap, and Clothi?^ Manufacturers, EAST mW'^T, ASHBUET©"^ Aaent -or kke Wonderful Wertheim Sewiisg Machine W. H. WEBBER, , Manager.



ruplio Notices. MONEY _TO J2ENJI~ TI/TONEY to Lend, at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TO^£sooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. ' WiTH.T£ET« •A'/iHOiIT'TCtTB CHRISfUTIGRCH DENTAL SURGERY, Ccrner of Oashel and High streets 'S. M™ AND C& SURGEON DENTIST : And at Dunedin and Westport {TTE have gained tin FIRST AWARD Vy " the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that vre guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable . Artificial Teeth Replaced Tempoiarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE orAS 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 Gd. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost



Waited CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be } left at this Offi«« TRY the Great Drapery Sale now on at H.. C. Sisgbrs. "7V SHMJBTON Quadrille Assembly XJL Dance Postponed to Wednesday, 25th February. 2 103 TT7 ANTED, Hook for Threshing V V Machine. Apply "Mail" Office. I*lol TpRESENTS.—AII holders of Tickets , JL will oblige by bringing them mas soon as possible. - H. C. Segers, Melford House. COOLING and invigorating lea Cream as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. ■' WANTED Known —Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens 'jadies and Children.—W. H. Collier. QEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart O ments now on. One trial solicited. - Melford House. TT7" ANTED every man m the County VV to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder'a Buildings. a LASS, Earthenware, and China, direct from the Manufacturers. — Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. TT/ANTED at once, strong smart girl VV to do housework and assist m dining room and shop. A good needle woman indispensible. — Apply Mbs Ranges, Ashburton Restaurant. 2 105 \ ,\ / ANTED Known — The Cheapest V** Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron wave goods made and repaired with des paten. TTALENTINES ! VALENTINES ! at V L. F. Andrewes & Co. Just opened up a Large and Varied Assort meht to suit everybody. Sale of Surplus Stock shortly when Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, &c, &c, will be offered at GREAT REDUCTIONS. L F. ANDREWES & Co.



Massey-Toronto Light Binder LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO TIE. EASIEST TO MANAGE" SWIFTEST TO CUT, THE LONGEST LIVEDJ MOST SCIENTIFICALLY JMADE Stationary Axle xst>] Raise and Lower Style 5,. 6, and 7 FEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few.on hand. £2000 Vorth of Extras m Stock, which wil J)e supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time DAY 011 NIGHT FRIEDLANDER BROS.



John Orr & Go, THE tOIOIIAI WWA COMPAIf OFIBW MAID (FIRE AND MARINE ) rjTHE Business of this Company has • 1 been TRANSFERRED to the COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by ■whom, through the various Branches and Agencies m New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled m future. F. ALLEN, General Manager, Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THE COMMERCIAL UNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) ; Established 1861. Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds ... 2,351,707 Total Annual Nett Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE for NEW ZEALAND : Lambton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zealand : FRANK ALLEN, J P. Every description of Fire nd Marine Insurance effected at LOWEST CURRENT EATES CUFF & GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. Agtwts for Ashburton FBIBDLANDER BEOSJ 22



John Orr & Co. INVITE TUB ATTENTION OP FARMERS To their Large and Varied Stocks of all classes of Goods, suitable ior the Harvest Field. 1000 Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Machine Extras and Fittings 100 Cases Binding WIRE, White Cros 100 Cases Castor Oil . [Leather Belting, l|in to 6in Valvoline and Lubroline Oil Lard and Olive Oil Cylinder Oil Perforated Zinc, 3/32^7/8 Seaming Twine McGormick Binders, The agents of the-^McCormick reapers and binae'rs have just received news of a Tery exciting trial at Tamworth (N.S. W.) on Saturday, December 6. The prize competed for was the Society's ttiedal, ■which was offered to the machines exhibited at their Show ; but m order to have a successful trial they m addition offered a prize of ten guineas, open to all comers. Both prizes were gained by the McCormick, which was awarded the full maximum number of points. This was the first time this season where the winner at any trial m Australia obtained the full number of points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize 1 at Stawell (Victoria) beating i he Maasey, Hornsby, and Deering.