The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1891. PROHIBITION.

The result of the Sydenham Licens ing election is a great victory for the Prohibitionists. There was no mis taking the issue placed before the ratepayers—on the one hand the pledge to refuse any application for the renewal of license ; and the other, the " moderate " side> the strict enforce ment of the law and the cancellation of the license of any hotel not con ducted m conformity therewith. Each party nominated five candidates, and used every means to secure their return. Of the manner m which many names were placed and nearly two hundred others attempted to be placed on the burgess' roll we need not now write. The result has shown that if the whole of these names had been placed on the roll and had voted m the brewers' interest, the prohibition candi dates would still have been m a majority at the poll. Public meetings were held : the leading men of the prohibition party m New Zealand addressed public meetings of the j residents on the question, and a high state of enthusiasm m the cause was worked up. On the election day 1122 voted, out of 1550 on the roll, nearly three-fourths of those entitled to vote, which is, we think, the largest pro portion that has ever been polled at n licensing election, and the prohibition ticket was carried by an average majority of over 200 votes. There is no gainsaying the importance of the result. It was purely a contest for a principle. For the sober .and orderly conduct of its inhabitants Sydenham, %a a,s jn many other points, / what the residents love tg call it ff the ' jßodel borough/ Xbeve was iiUmim

n > tan^lblo reason for the repressive action which has been taken, and we ' doubt if the t^mpfcrance principles of the inhabitants will be one whit the better for the vote and ifcs impending consequences. There is also a point, that must not be lost sight of, which is, that the 639 votes polled by the highest candidate on the list do not amount to a majority of the ratepayers. A burgess' roll is very different to a parliamentary electoral roll m that the formsr represents actual ratepayers while the latter contains a very large proportion of nonentities. The polling m this instance therefore, though un precedently large, was by no means exhaustive as regards the full roll, though as regards the temperance party it is clear that the vote of every voter who could walk or be carried to the poll was recorded. The course of action of the newly-elected Committee will be watched with the keenest in terest from one end of New Zealand to the other, and beyond the colony, and if that action is tyrannical or unjust it is certain that a majority of the rate payers will not be found to endorse it at a future election.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The ground is so hard from the prolonged drought that the Ashburton Hounds will not meet until after a good rain has fallen. The sale of Mr Wilhelm Zander's furniture, on April 24th, by Messrs Friedlander Bros., will be worth the attention of those who wish to obtain superior articles at auction values. The Defence Minister has decided to issue long service medals to volunteers, and those eligible must have sixteen years continuous .service. A telegram has been received m Duuedin stating that Lord Onslow has declined nom ination as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons, New Zealand Constitution. Satnual Hyndmau, the miner who was injured whilst endeavering to rescue the men buried alive by the Huntley disaster, died on Tuesday at the Hamilton Hospi tal. He leaves a wife and four children. At a special meeting of the parishioners of St Stephen's, held last night Messrs J. M. Haywood and David Thomas were nomi nated as members of the Synod for Ashbur | ton. As only one synodsman is wanted for , the pariah, an election well be held m due course. | We learn from an exchange that all members of the Executive of the Railway Society ami three-fourths of the men dis missed at Christ-church and Westport during the strike have been re-engaged m the rail way service. A man named Bxgnall, well known to the police of Christchurch, was sentence;! at at Titnaru yesterday to six month's imprison ment on each of three charges of shop lifting and one of obtaining goods by false pretences by means of a valueless cheque, the sentences to run concurrently. Horse shoes have recently been introduced into Germany made of paper, instead of iron. Parchment p&per is built up m layers to the required thickness, and is then subjected to hydraulic pressure—the various layers hav ing first been cem anted together. This new form of shoe has been adopted m the German army. the R.M. Court the other day (says the " Westport News ")in thecaseofG. Hodgson deputy official assignee, against Dr Charles De Lacy M Car thy, the sum sued for was £1 Os 6d. Defendant who confessed judgment, offered to liquidate the amount by the pay ment of 6>l per week, commencing May 1. Next Thursday the forenoon train fo r Timai'U will leave Ashburton at 10.17 a.m. und arrive at Washdyke (for the Timaru liacecouse) at 12. ir> p.m. cit-mAx will not be token by that train. On Thursday — Friday evenings the express will stop at n&rTfToi urarj where it stops. Dovine and Watson, fireman and greaser on the s.s. Bayley, have been committed for trial at Timaru for "going through" the portmanteau of a young man who had shipped as a trimmer. The bottom of the portmanteau was sli 1, and a watch, £2 m money, a buik draft for £23, and some clothing were stolen m a barefaced way. It is strange that the use of points for the purposes of punctuation should be of com parativply modern date. Of the four generally used points only the period (.) dates earlier than the fifteeath century. The colon (:) is said to have been first introduced about 1485, the comma (,) some thirty-five years later, and the semicolon (;) about 1570, An interesting souvenir of the Federation convention has oeen issued by the Sydney " Telegraph " m the shape of a photo-zinco production of its issue of March 2. Though the pages are reduced from about the size of this paper to about 8 inches by 5£ inches the letterpress i 3 quite clear to the naked eye, and the portraits of the delegates to the Con vention are even better as likenesses and works of art than the larger original publi cation. A swagger lost the run of his mate at the Clutha on Tuesday night, and the missing man, who was only known as "Mick" was supposed to be drowned m the Clutha, from the face of his clothes being found on the river bank. It turns out that the men were on the spree and quarreled. " Mick " partially undressed with the view of fighting, and owing to the darkness and his condition he was unable to find his clothes. Eecently two miners, named George and John, were crossing a field near North Seaton (Durham) where an infuriated bull was kept. The animal ran after the men, and they took refuge up a tree. Geordie got on the branch of the tree and Jack clung to the trunk. The bull kept butting up against the tree, causing Jack to slip down each time, and nearly shaking Geordie off the branch, who exclaimed to his mate, "Can thoo pray ony, Jack?" " Noa, but aw can say grace." Geordie; "It's time thoo started then." Jack then closed his eyes and shouted, m a piteous manner, " May the Lord myek us trooly thankful for what we are gan to receive." A funny sto/y is told of a Berlin saloon keeper who, some time ago, advertised m the New York "Straais Zeitung" for a wife, an English speaking one, who could help him m opening an American bar m the (Inter dor Linden.. Among the applications received was one m handwriting which seemed strangely familiar U) the adrprfciser, and, no wonder, for it came from his own mother, who resides with a younger son at Newark, New Jersey, U.S. A , but who is pining to return to the land of her birth under accep table circumstances. The matrimonial candidate was so overcome by the unex pected result of his search that he decided to give up his quest and accept the proffered resources of a thrifty parent m lieu of the uncertain prospects of matrimonial bliss.

Rev, J. M. Buttle will preach his farewell' sermon co-morrow evening at the Wesleyan Church. A destructive fire occurred at Palmerston North .this forenoon. Regan's boarding house and Hankins buildings were des troyed and adjoining premises injured. No lives were lost so far as could be ascertained. At auction this afternoon Mr Bullock sold over 100 acres of suburban land, part of Mrs McLean's Netherby Lodge, Bidding was brisk, and prices ranging from £19 10s per acre'to £40 per acre were obtained. The Medical Oangresa, which recently met at Nelson, decided upon several ques tions which they intend to bring before the Municipal Conference which meets m Wellington during the next session of Parliament, with the view of amending the Muuicipial .Corporations Act. These . are the necessity of establishing public abat toirs with qualified inspectors, the creation of a department of public health, under the supervision of a Minister ot the Crowns, and the advisability of strict supervision of dairies. t A meeting of the Committee of the Ash burton. Acclimatisation Society .took place last evening at the residence of Mr Shury, that gentleman occupying the chair, and there being a full attendance. A letter was read from the North Canterbury Society asking for assistance m defending the case m the Supreme Court on the appeal of the Kaiapoi Maoris m respect to the recent fishing prosecution. It was decided to grant £10, or, if at the proper season the North Canterbury Society will supply fish to that j amount for liberation m the rivers of the county, then £20. A sum of £10 was also voted for the introduction of Californian 1 quail. The balance-sheet of the year (already published) was adopted, and the meeting closed with the usual compliment to the chair. On the subject of the Standards, Mr O'Sullivan, late Inspector m Auckland says:—"Some of the present teachers are men who have beeen trained m a better way ; but m a few years we shall only have teachers who have been trained to pass standards, and whose only idea of knowledge, and ability, and learning, is being able to pass Standards. The system is fraught with danger, and, if it eoes on for a few genera tions will ('as sure as eggs is eggs') — convert the people of New Zealand into Chinaman, having no originality of thought —every thing being done by the Standards." That the genuine Californian thistle is to be found m this district we have ocular demonstration m the shape of a plant brought to our office by Mr James Moore of Wakanui. It is the sixth growth from the same plant during one year, the thistle hav ing been cut down to the ground five times. Fnding that it still sprang up again Mr Moore dressed the plant with a solution of lib of Milestone m a pannikin of water effectually killing it roots and all. The pro porHon of bluest-one was, however, evidently much larger than at all neceiuary as the plane is thickly encumbered with (he crystals. A very much smaller solution would doubt less be effectual, but experiment must determine the right proportion. However, it is satisfactory to know that if we have the bane m the county we also know the anti dote. Keating's-Cough Lozkx«es cure Coughs 1} 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 f breathing they aie invaluable. They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, m tins, Is l|d and 2s 9d each. Hollo way's Ointmkxt and Pills.— These world-renowned remedies t*re confi dently recommended to miners, navvies, and all who have to work underground, or where noxious atmospheres exist. The minute particles of coal or metal which permeate the air m such places tend to block up the lungs and air-tubes, giving rise to bronchitis, asthma, and palpitation of the heart. In Hollo way's remedies will be found a safe and easily used medicament, for the penetrating properties of the ointment relieve the local congestions and the mildly laxative effects of tiie pills cause the liver to act freely, and the breath to become unembarrassed. By qarly resort to these remedies many a serious _v, made be averted, and sound nnss nf .-hfULltn. miluw- , Tuk Best Remedy fok ijnubjksttutt--' Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause qi nearly all the diseases to whica we are subject Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Mtrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and afe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l|d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo kP

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(l« PKESs ASSOCIATION.)

London, April 9. In the House of Commons today Baron De Worms stated that the ques tion of fortifying Port Darwin had been fully and carefully considered by Government, but the South Australian Government regarded the work as im possible Mr Baden Powell, speaking at a meeting of the Institute of Bankers, strongly urged that colonial securities should be included among stock m which trustees may invest. A meeting of members of the Im perial Federation League will be heM m. the House of Commons to consider a proposal emanating from Lord Rose bery that the title of the League be altered. Mr Henniker Heaton. will move an amendment to the effect that the League, having failed to advance the objects for which it was formed, it should dissolve. The Victorian loan is quoted from a \ to | per cent, premium. Si John's, N.F. April 9. Newfoundland fishermen refuse to export fresh fish to Canada, Madrid, April 9. Spain is adopting a protective tariff.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Atjcki*and, April 10. Duncan, secretary jf the central Liberal commit tie at the last elections, was sued to-day, at the ft.M. Court, by H. Brett, proprietor of the "Star" for £15 for advertising, etc. Duncan confessed the amount, hut made a .statement that the expense had beeen incurred on behalf of Messrs Rees, Shera, and Napier. Mr Rees had paid £60, Shera £22 15s, and Napier £21. Rees also offered to pay his share of the outstanding liability of £60, but the others would not come to any arrangements regarding the matter. The defendant confessed personal liability, and judgment was given for the plaintiff with costs. Watson v Minister of Public Works, claim £334Q for land taken for defence purposes, at Devonport ; the Compensa? tion C«urt awarded claimant £1500 ; each party to pay his own costs. Rbejfton, April 10, Moore Mawhinny, landlord of th.c Crushinjjton Hotel, was accidentally drowned m the Inangahua river last night. He was on his way home from Reefton with a companion, and at Black's point fell over the bank into the river, | falling about 20 feet into the water, The river was m fresh at the time, and though search was at once made the body was ' not discovered until this morning, when it was found on a shingle bank about half a mile from the scene of the disaster. A verdiofc of accidental death was returned at the inquest. The evidence of Murphy, deceased's companion, Avas that he stuiublcd and Ma whinny made a dash to save him from falling and fell clean 9V'er jnto the rjy^r,

CURRENT TOPICS.

Ix Herefordshire, Shropshire, Wor-1 ccstershire, Devonshire, and many other English counties every farmhouse has its apple-orchard, to the enhance ment m no small degree of the beauty of the scenery m Springtime, when the trees are clothed m a gai-inent of pink and white blossom, and presenting a no les3 attractive picture m Autumn when the branches bend low with their wealth of ruddy and golden fruit. But these fine old apple-orchards are not merely things of beauty, their produce often represents m money value a by no-means unwelcome addition to the farmer's income, while it affords him a wholesome beverage for himself and his men m the shape of cider, the making of which is m itself a consider able industry. Again, m Canada and the United States there are large districts m which apples are one of the principal crops, commanding m a green or dried state a profitable export trade. There ia a large market m England for apples m both forms, and it has just been conclusively demonstrated by the success of the shipments of the Styx Apple Company, to which we referred m a recent issue, that there is a splendid opportunity for New Zealand to secure the benefits of that market. In the matter of supplying green fruit New Zealand has a great advantage m that she can deliver apples m prime condition on the London market exactly at the season when they can not be procured m fresh condition (that is to say only five or six weeks after picking) from any other part of the world except Australasia, and therefore precisely at the time of the very highest range of prices. Such figures as from 20s to 24s per bushel of 401bs are tempting indeed, and m the face of these every farmer m the county should go m for an acre or two of apples. In so doing, however, care should be taken te select the sorts best suited for export to the Home market, to plant the trees well, and to take pains to keep them free from blight. This done there is no fear of the result, and we hope to see our export trade m this item rapidly growing into large dimensions.

There is no necessary connection between apples and banki-uptcy, unless it be permitted to say that the founder of the human race was made bankrupt m the tenancy of Paradise, was evicted, and .had perforce literally to file his shovel, all because of his predilection for that tempting fruit. Nevertheless from the consideration of the prospects of his remote descendants m relation to apples, let U3 pass on to say a word or two with regard to the fruitless results of the efforts of our lawmakers m respect to bankruptcy legislation. Not only m New Zealand, but m England and everywhere, it seems absolutely impossible to frame a statute on this subject which, while protecting the honest, will ensure the punishment of the dishonest debtor. But, so far as we can see, the weak point lies, not so much m that there is insufficient provision-of law, but that there is in sufficient provision for the enforcement of the law. There are, and always will be m these times of competition, business men who must succumb, on the principle that the weakest must go to the wall, or. to use a more modern lurm Ui. WUIUS, trj- xni>^ imrr 01 uuo survival of the fittest," but it is not of them that w^e write. There are also j those who use bankruptcy as a con venient means of defrauding, and others who recklessly indulge them selves m high living and extravagance at others' expense, and find refuge from all consequences under its segis. The question is: Why are such men not dealt with according to their , deserts 1 and the answer thereto : Because there is no one to bell the cat Few creditors care to atte.id creditors' meetings at all, and still fewer care to take a prominent part m putting the punitive side of the law m motion, «yen when there is obvious warrant for so doing, and so it is that rogues escape and thus tempt others to be rogucu. For a remedy for this state of things we would suggest that the tradesmen should form themselves into an Association, paying an annual membership fee of, say, a couple of guineas (or more if need be, though we think that would suffice), such Asso ciation to retain the services of a solicitor, whose business it would be to take action m respect of any bankrupt indebted to any member m regard to whose bankruptcy there was reason to oppose discharge, or to press for punishment. Were this the case, the onus of putting the law m motion would not rest on any individual creditor, but it would be put m motion with a certainty and effect which would go far towards putting a stop to fraudulent bankruptcy.

From bankrupts to book-keeping is an easy transition, on the lucus a non luoendo principle, that is to say because the cause, or if not the cause then the symptom of bankruptcy, is very gener ally the want of book-keeping at all, or the fact of very bad book-keeping. But it would seem that curiosities m the way of book-keeping are not brought to light m connection with bankrupts alone, for we have the word of a Minister of the Crown that some of the colony's book-keeping is done after a very strange fashion, Speaks ing at Hokitika the other day Mr feeddon (according to the " West Coast Times") made reference to the Hokitlka-Grey railway, and m so doing said that " he was m a position to further it, and meant to do so to ' the best of his ability. There was a difficulty—a financial difficulty; but it cqulct be got over, and to tell then* how, he would let them into a State secret. It might be a matter of surprise to them that, though the work was not gone on with, the balance was gradually diminishing, It surprised him also till the other day, when he was asked to sign a voucher for a large sum to the debit of the Hokitika- Grey Railway account. He knew no work had been done, and so asked what it was for, and then learned of a practice of charging for contingencies to any account that had a good credit balance. He need not tell them that he refused to sign that voucher." We should think go, for if the system of charging as t( contingencies" to any work for which the vote is unexhausted moneys paid m connection with other works, then it follows that the dis cussion of the appropriations is a farce,

and that Parliamentary control of the public expenditure is at an end.

We should.if like to bs the Czar. Not much. Another narrow escape from death by revolver and poison, added to the countless close shaves he has before experienced must be rather trying to the nerves. Within the, It st 150 years four of his predecessors on the throne of Russia have been the victims of assassination, that is to say admittedly and undeniably so, while there is strong ground for suspicion as to others. Alexander 111. himself leads a life of constant watchfulness and anxiety, and only the vigilance of theguardful espionage under which he is at every 'moment of his existence, whether waking or sleeping, has enabled him so far to run the. gauntlet of the plots and pitfalls by which he is surrounded. Truly, life at such a price can hardly be worth having. It would not be at all surprising, there fore, if the Czar should ere long manage to bring about a war for the purpose of turning public attention m another direction, arguing that he may perhaps be permitted to have peace m and about his palaces, if his people can be diverted with the glories of battle abroad. Just now there are some unpleasantly sinister facts which point m this direction. There is the dis quieting news referred to as received from several European capitals, and there is a " little trouble" m British India, which may possibly extend more widely than is at present looked for, while concurrently with these things there is the announcement that Russia is about to try to raise a loan of twenty millions. These things may have no connection with each other, but their contemporaneous occurrence has an ugly look.

Mount Hutt Road Board.

The monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held on Thursday. Present —Mesars Cameron, Johnston, and Browne. It was decided to hold the annual meeting on Monday, May 4th ;. and the annual ratepayers' meeting and election of members o.i the same date. In reply to the Upper Ashburton Road Board's letter of March 16, re Boundary Road, it was resolved that this Board objects to less than twenty cubic yards of shingle to the chain being placed on the roa'l, and that this Board will have the work put m hand at once if the Upper Ashburton Road Board will bear half the cost of twenty yards to the chain. The Clerk was instructed to acknow ledge a letter from Mr J. Irvvin re storm water. Mr J. Devery's tender for repairs on Cairnbrae and Lyndhurst Roads was accepted, aiicl Mr J. Black's for repairs on the Chertsey Road. Accounts amounting to £10 7s lid were passed for payment.

Sydenham Licensing Election.

(Special to the " Mail '') CiniiSTCHURCiJi, April 10. The election for the Licensing Com mittee for the Borough of Sydenham took place to-day. Keen interest whs evinced m the contest, as the prohibition party openly declared their intention, should their nominees be returned, of refusing all applications for (he renewal of licenses. Each party put up five candi dates, and have been working might and main. Yotfis, came m thick and fact all day, anu at times Me encrance xa-xiie polling place was completely blocked. Every available vote was polled. Owing to the unusally large number of voters the result was not known until a late hour. The Prohibitionists carried the day, the result of the polling being as follows: — Rev. L. M. Isitt 639 G. J, Smith 637 W. J. Rudd 635 J. Hopper 632 R. Beattie ;. 624 W. White, senr., ... 432 W. Langdown ... 420 — Hamilton 412 W. Hoban 405 James Caygill... ... 402 1122 electors voted out of 1550 on roll.

Judge Edwards.

Mr H. B. Yogel, solicitor, who has taken up Aldridge's case, has abandoned his inten tion of applying for a writ of habas corptis, for the reason that the return of the gaoler to the writ would be put on the face of it. As it would show that the prisoner, was detained under a warrant signed by a Judge of the Supreme Court it is necessary for him (Mr Yogel) to show that the person who signed the warrant was not properly a Judge, and he therefore will apply for the issue of a writ of quo warmnto against Mr Justice Edwards, calling upon him to show by what authority he comes to exercise the powers of a Judge of the Supreme Court. The motion will be argued m b ">ico on the return of the Chief Justice from Nelson and Blenheim next week. If this motion is successful an application for a writ of habeas corpus will follow as a matter of course.

School Committees Elections.

DEFINITION OF HOUSEHOLDER.

[pee. press association.]

Wellington, April 10. The Education Department having declined to give an official interpretation of the term "householder." as used m the Education Act, the Education Board submitted the question to their le?al advisers, who give the opinion that the qualification of householder under section 50 is not affected by the School Com mittees Election Act, 1890, consequently no person resident out of the school district is eligible as a committee-man. They say it is clear that no owner or tenant of a dwelling house out of the school district is eligible as an elector m, respect of that qualification, only m the case of a-person not being an 'owner or tenant of a dwelling houi>e, but being the parent or guardian or person hayins. the actual custody of a child attending any I State school situated within such district, the case is not quit* so qlear. If the person and child are both resident within the school district ho is Uiidoubcedly qualified both to vote and to be elected As a resident without the district the right to vote will depend on the question whether the child m respect of whom he claims a qualification, has a legal right to attend the school, If a child is resident m the sohoal district the parent having the oustody of such child is qualified whether residing m the school district or not, but if the child lives out of the district they are of opinion that the parent or guardian or other person as aforesaid is not qualified to vote. Tem porary absenco during the week does not deprive a person of his right to vote for the school district m which his permanent i dwelling is situated.

The Rising in India.

[PKE PEESS ASSOCIATION,J

Calocttta, April 9 The usurper, Job raj i, justifies the massacre ojf the British Qhaork^a at

Manipur on the grounds of their desecrating temples, and burning to death womeu and children. Lieut. Grant has repulsed the Mauipurs at Thonal, after several hours' fighting during wiiich Seriaparti, who pro voked the revolt, and two other chiefs were killed. The detachment under Lieut. Presgrave has joined with Lieut. Grant's force. The natives declare they will recognise the British authority when General Graham, who has supreme command of the punitive expedition, advances.

SPORTING.

NORTH OTAGO J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

(PEK PRESS ASSO "lATION.)

Oamartj, April 10. The results of the second day's racing were as follow :— Autumn Hurdle Handicap, of 30 soys ; lh mile.—Trimolite, lOst 31b, 1; Little Arthur, list 121bs, 2 ; Stanley, 9st 31bs, 3. Won by two lengths; Time—2min Dividend, £1 16h. President's Handicap, of 75 soys ; 1\ mile.—Wayland, 6st 71bs, 1 ; Irene, 6st 71bs, 2; Lady. Zetland, 6st lOlbs, 3. Miss George, Bst lib, also started. Won by a lens>th. Time, 2min 18isecs. Dividend, £4 3s. District Weltee Handicap, of 2» soys; six furlongs.—ilothamstead, Bst 121bs, 1; Miss Mac, 9st, 2; Lyra, 9sfc 21bs, 3. Nine started. Won cleverly by a short head. Time, lmih. 22|secs. Dividend, £3 19s. Handicap Trot, of 30 soys ; two miles. , —Bondville, ISsecs, 1; Dinah, 3secs, 2 ; Ada 11, 27secs, 3. Eleven started. A magnificent trot, the bhree placed horses being together throughout. Dividend, £5 14s. At the starting post for the Maiden Plate on the first day of the meeting, Mr J. Harris' mare, Tired, lay down and rolled twice over her jockey, bmt fortu nately did not injure him. Her owner was so disgusted that he gave her to Mr J. Ailan, of Dunedin, the only con sideration being the payment of a small sum due for fees. Waitaki Plate Handioap, six furlongs. -rEnfield, 6st 121 b, 1; Lady Bell, Bst 31b, 2 ; Dormeur, Bst 7lb, 3. A good race. Time, lmin 18sec. Dividend, £8 3s. Hack Selling Race—Vaultress, 1; Patch, 2 : Harry, 3. Dividend £2 11s. Consolation Handicap, one mile.— Miss Mac, 7st 121 b, 1 ; Patch, 7st 111 b, 2 ; Tired, Bst 121 b, (carried lOst 51b), 3. Time, lmin 54sec. Dividend, £t 18s.

S.C.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

Timaru, April 10. | Following are the acceptances for the first day S.C. J.C. Autumn Meeting : — Timaru Hurdles. One and a half mile.—Little Arthur list 71b, Trimolite JOst 71b, Conspirator 9st 71b. Washdykb Welter, One mile. — King of Ulster lOst 51b, Ben lOst 2lb, Conspirator 9st 121 b, Lady Zetland 9sc 51b, Mailboy 9st 31b, Emma 9st, Morten Sst 81b, Adventuress Bst 21b, Tiger Lily Bst. ■ Flying Handicap. Six furlongs.— Oruchfield Bst 91b, Red Cross Bst 51b, Miss George 7st 121 b, Lady Bell 7st 301 b, Loo 7st 31l». Timarc Cup. One and a half mile.— , Blizzird Bst 71b, Cruchfidd Sst lib, Martha 7sfc. District Plate. One mile and a quarter —Quibble 9st, Miss George Bst 51b, Martha Bsb 31b, Liberator Bst, Ben 7dfc 71b, Conspirator 7sfc 51b, Lady Zet land 7sfc, Irene 6st 121 b, Inchkcith 6sfc 71b, College Gitl 6sfc. Selling Race. Six furlongs.—Vaul tress, Windsor, Melita, Cactus, Tiger Lily, Mailboy, Ludy Darling, Doubtful, Jx.i.hjr,-JPiiteh. Jlmperor. The following are nominations for the second day :—Novel Race. Six fur longs.—Mailboy, Lady Darling, Warrior, Patch, Kelpie, Morty-Nines, Emperor.

St. Stephen's Church.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Stephen's Church was held m the schoolroom last evening. There was a fairly large attendance. The Rev E. A.. Scott, incumbent, presided. After prayers, and the reading and confirmation of the minutes of last annual meeting, the Chairman read his ANNUAL REPORT as follows :—ln making my annual report on the state of the parish of St. Stephen's' it is proper that I should allude first to those who have been removed from us by the hand of death. There have this year been thirty burials m our portion of the public cemetery as compared with eigh j teen last year. Of these, Seven were of persons not resident m the parish, seven l from cur charitable institutions, ten of children under two years of age, and one member of our Sunday schools, whose parents have since left Ashburton. Of the remaining five thero are two names which •hould be placed on record. Mrs Silenct Coldicotr, who died m July, and Mrs Margaret Felton, who died m August last, were both communicants, both known and beloved for their good works, and both honored for their high Christian character. The communicant roll of the church stands higher than it has ever done, notwithstanding the fact that 21 communicants have left the parish since Easter 1890, of whom 14 were men; of these I record the names of the follow ing who were earnest workers m ths church :- Mr A. C. Prichard, Vestryman and Sun.lay School teacher ; Mr Alfred Cook, Verger ; Mr Arthur Prichard and Mr Arthur Williams, Miss Amy and Miss Mabel Pas, Sunday School teachers; Messrs Ernest Ward, Thomas Permain and Herbert Moss and Miss Permaiu, members of the choir. Nor must I forget the names of Mr H. W. Felton, frequently a member of the Vestry and a very old resident m Ashburton, and Mr Hop wood, who, with his family, were such regular attendants at St. Stephen's. I can report favorably of our Sunday Schools. The staff of teachers is stronger than for a long time past, and the roll of children attending both the main sohool and Lhe Ilanipstead branch uever go full. The discipline of the schools is good. The following are the numbers after sti iking off from the roll those who are not actual attendants; —St Stephen's : boys, 97; girls 77 ; total 174 ; against 78, 85, and 163 ; last Raster. Hampstead : boys, 69 ; girls 86 ; total 155 ; against 67, 69, and 136 ; grand total, boys, 166; girls, 163; as against 144, and 151, and a full total of 329, against 299, last year, making an in crease of 30, The work of Sunday School* teaching is very distinctly one of much self-sacrifice and it is undertaken for the most part by those whose week-day labor I is heavy. I may safely call upon the oon gregation to give this work full and cordial appreciation. The Mothers Meet ins:, the Communicants Guild, and the Working Party are still active and use ful institutions m the parish. The Band of Hope ia thriving and the monthly meetings well attended. Our endeavour is not merely to discourage m the mem bers the use of intoxicating liquors but also to try and induce m them a hatred of such vices as gambling, dishonesty, lying, and impurity. In a too exclusive atten t;on to one particular vice there may be some danger of developing one-sided, rather than those ro,unded oharaotets of which our Lord and Master is the type and .symbol. The Seafield services have been bot^r attend this yew than m any

foimor yfcar. A email choir lias freen formed and the sing;ng very distinctly im i proved. Miss Mary Richardson still pre I widua at the Organ or rather at the Piano. An undenominational Sunday school is conducted every Sunday afternoon. A service h^s recently b^en founded m Dromore .schoolroom, too recently to judge oc its probabilities of success. However, surrounded as Tarn by a willing body of lay-readers there.is no rcasou why, with the 'blessing of God, our new attempt should fail. What shall I say of the cou .grejritions at St. Stephen's ? They h'vo certainly n»t fallen eff, nnd I am inclined to think that the morning one has im proved and steadied. Still there are three thin»s which I cannot hide from myself. (1; We Reidol:l see those crowded evening congre-'atiuus .which were common some rhreo or ft jut years ago. (2) The effect, not merely of rain but of the slightest appearance of rain, is astonishing. (3) The proportion of men to women is very . .seriously less than it should be. This last, which we must face as one of the ordinary characteristics of the times m which we live, especially m town*, deserves most serious thought. It was observable m our recent confirmation when only seven males out of a total of thirty candidates presented themselves* It may be noted at our Communions, more especially at the early celebrations. Our Sunday School teachers also number far more women than men, and it is well known how the female element pre dominates m such gatherings as Bible classes and Communicants' meetings. Left it not seem that I despise this female element. Far from it. lam inclined to think that among the young women of che day there is more intellectual power manifested, if not latent, than among young men, a greater knowledge of literature; a more earnest thoughtful ness, a firmer grasp of the stupendous importance to the race of those great questions of life and eternity, which are by some so easily and flippantly discussed. A well-known and able Christchurch clergyman said to me the other day, thafc were .he preaching a course of sermons upon the metaphysical of evidential aspects of the Christian faith, he should feel far more sure of his arguments being .understood and appreciated by the young female members of his congregation than by the young men. So far as can be seen, the practical abnegation of religion by so many of the yi ung men of the day is by no means resulting m depth of thought or earnestness of character. How can it? But there the fact is, and it is a very unpleasant one. Not that I feel at all m despair God liveth ever, Therefore, soul, despair thou never. Did I feel inclined to lose hope, I might; hesitate about exposing our weak ness I have no remedy to propose, except that I intend to prepare for a con firmation to be held m June or July for men and lads only. I believe that m due time, there shall come times of refreshing from the presence of the-Lord, and that God will pour cut his spirit upon all flesh, so that our sons as well as our daughter* shall, prophesy. Meanwhile, as I take the matter into my own considarataon, desir ing to discover where m regard thereto, my ministry is weak and where it may be stronger, so 1 commend it to yours, and especially to those of you who shall to-night be elected upon the Vestry of the Church, a body which I desire toy regard as my counselors m spiritual things as well as the managers of the business affairs of the Chuvoth. Ono other matter—As you kno^ there is a large district outside our own parish and including such places as Alford Forest, Mount Somera, Springburn, Greenstreet, and a part of the Hinds, which as far as our -■Church is concerned is No Man's land. Hardly a Church servico has been held m these regions for years past, our children are unbaptized, and our young people un confirmed, our responsib lities made over to other denominations- The Bishop is very anxious to give Asiiburton a curate, and bo place the Church population of this large district under our charge. Can we undertake this missionary work ? Ie would probably entail ah increased burden upon us at first of £50, which with diocesan grants and local contributions from the new district would make up a sufficient stipend for a young unmarried man. I know that the wark of the Church wardens is heavy and that the last £20 of our own income is n<»t always raised without rebuffs and expressed un willingness. I shrink very much from asking them to undertake a still heavier burden. And yet I must say this—if a few more of us, there are many, butif a few more really believed m th« work of the Church of Christ and m the efficacy of His Gospel, if they belived that the Church was even more important than some other institutions I could name, more important than expensive entertain ments, more important even than amassing money, if they believed that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was worth;: real and con* staiat self-sacrifice, and that our Church had a divine mission to preach that Gospel to Chose without our own borders, then I cannot but think this £6Q wight b& raided May God's Spirit oi wisdom and love preside over our meeting to-night and; govern our deliberations. The {Chairman also read the Sunday School balance sheets. churchwardens' report. Mr John Curtis read the Churchwarde m' reporb as follows :— "The Churchwardens and Vestry are again able to place before the Parishioners a statement of accounts which must be deemed fairly satisfactory.. The offer-" toriea for the year have been £887 4s 6d, or with £7 6s r«ceived early m April, 1890 but credited m last year's accounts, £294 iis 3d. This is nearly £30 more than m any previous year, the increase over last year being £7 19* Id m enve lopes, and £21 13s 9d m ordinary collections. The visits of the Bishop m May and November account for much of the latter increase. They call the atten tion of the Parishioners to the' fact that one month's, stipend, £19 3s 4d, is still due bo the Incumbent, against which there is a bank credit of £5 17s 7d, Owing to want of funds the Vestry have been unable to carry out the recommenda tion of the last Parish meeting that they should take up contributing shares m the Ashburton Building Society. During the I year great improvements have been made :in the Church and Churchyard. For 1 these, the hearty thanks are due to the ladies of the congregation, who, by means of the annual Garden Party, two concerts, and special subscriptions, raised the neces sary funds. The Ladies' Working Party, who hays continued their labors through the year, have effected various smaller improvements which are not referred to, m the Churchwardens' accounts. During the ensuing year a few works will have to, be undertaken, more particularly tha. paintingof the Parsonage and Schoolroom* and if funds will permit, the erection of a. new gate at the entrance, to the church yard. There is also another work which is much needed, viz—a schoolroom m Hampstead. The number of scholars i& large and increasing, and a.building of our own would be a gi-eat advantage. Ihe gratitude of the church is.due to the Hampstead Sohool Committee for the continued use of their Schoolroom. The Church wardens would suggest that the pro ceeds of thejannual fetes should be devoted to the above objects. We think it well to lay before the Parishioners an estimate of the probable receipts and expenditure for the forthcoming year. Receipts— offertories* £230; subscriptions, £66; total £296. Expenditure—arrears of Stipend, , £13; Stipend, £230 ; other salaries, 1-£4O ; s»rfs and general expenses, £52 Mi; tqtal £335 10s.. The above doQS, uot iu^cta' special receipts ajidex*

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, APUIL il, 1891



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LATEST FASHIONS. New Tweeds and Coatings for Measure Suits to hand. Inspection Respectfully Solicited. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. W H. WEBBER, Manager



f üblic Notices. AUTUMN, 1891. LATEST NOVELTIES i IN ALL DEPARTMENTS . t.£\t vjxv. \r i i-j \*\t AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ■TpVERYTHING new. New Shuts, _|_y New Underclotning, New Scaif.s and Bows, New Hats, New Suits for Men, New Suits for Boy.s. Everything new and of the



"Wanteu \ CASH Advertisements under this j heading nob exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may b& l<*ft at this Offi»ft hL Children are requested to bring mugs to the Demonstration on Monday. 4 81 fpINWALD Wesleyan Sunday School _L Anniversary Services ne b Sunday, 3 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher : 34k J. Knott. 4 80 "Tl/ ANTSD"Known.—Mks J. Buoh- VY anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., Bast Street. tlfANTElTknown—That Andrew Orr YV is offering 80 Ladies Sealette Jackets, newest styles, at moderate prices. 4§53 AjSTED Known.—it you want good value for your money go to Melford House. Cheapest first-class Drapery m town.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. /'POOLING and invig»eafcing I«e Cream V_y as made by H. 6. Flower, Con ectioner, East Street. - ' WANTED~Known.— -Mrs J. Buch anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hob luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Co'a, East Street. UST opened a choice lot of Ladies Plush Jackets, newest shapes. Also a new lot of Ladies' Pelerines and Boas. —H. P.. Supers, Melford House. ANTED Known—That Andrew Orr is appointed agent for the cele brated Standard Boots. Every pair guaranteed. 4*54 Ul ANTED Known—Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." ANTED Known —That Andrew Orr is offering at a treat reduction 250 pairs of best Kaiapoi and Roslyn Blankets, contracted for when wool was at its lowest price. 4§52 VI7 ANTED Known.—"'c are now W opening all our new Winter Goods m Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c—fl. C, Seoebs, Melford House. W"~"~~ANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder'a Buildings., ANTED Known—The ".Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens •liadies and Children.—W. H. Collier^ (~*\ LASS, Earthenware, and China, VJJT direct from the Manufacturers. Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders'. Buildings. AN DSOME~Presents given away m June. Now giving tickets to every purchaser of 5s and upwards of Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, etc. —H. O. Skgers, Melford House. iOHEAP SALE of Surplus Stock will |\J be continued for this month only. Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Music, etc., at Wholesale Prices to effect a clear ance. Subscribers wanted for monthly parts of Leisure Hour, Quiver, Gar dener's Magazine, American Agriculturist, English Mechanic, and others. —L. F. Andrewes & Co.



hi & i H °<t£^ « SUJ l CO (0 h g LU O 1



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W. W. Spencer&go EXTENSION OF Great Clearing Salk. lifting heavily overstocked, and m order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home m about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than ' ever. All Wool, colonial flannel, 10M, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2s 3d the doz; Dress Goods 4hd; Washing Prints, iihd, 3|d, and 4sd ; Washing Muslin n 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3|d j \i\ each ; a very large Towel 9£d, T Onow 6£d ; very good Ticking, ft Gd: double width Sheeting, JJ <J 7£d; heavy white Linen Twill H A Sheeting, llsd ; heavy cotton U Shirting, s|d; Cretonnes, 4|d ; (g Men's woollen Sox, lUd; boys' jJ> H Braces, 4d ; Men's Brakes, 8d; H <J Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; <" Men's good Tweed Suits. 223 Q 6d ; Boys' Tweed Suits from c (x{ 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles p H 7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. H W 2s lid. BGOTS. BOOTS. U Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's \Jj colonial mado Shooters, 9a lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastic*, 6s 9d; Girls' and Maida Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2s lld ; 3s lid, and 4s 6d at w. w. siMsarcußM, & €•'• THE ARCADE N.B.—We have this day purchased a Traveller's Set of Samples at a discount of 50 per cent. If you want a real bargain now is your chance. Tlie"Arca«le^



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