DEATH.

Fawcett.—On the 24th insfc., at his residence, Hamp&tead, Peter Fawcett, aged 61 years. Deeply regretted.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1891. SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS.

Many of the young farmers who fiie growing up m the South island, and are looking f">r suitable land on which to settle and follow out the calling to which they have been reared, have nowhere etee to cast their eyes but upon the large tracts of unoccupied, or at any rate uncultivated, lands still remain ing m the hands of the natives m the North Island. All around them m the South the good arable land has passed out of the hands of the State, and is either altogether withheld from sale or is offered at such prices as afford a purchaser no reasonable pro spect of making a livelihood from it. Anything therefore that may tend to open up the North Island native lands for settlement is of the greatest interest to a large part of the fanning com munity. The Premier m his speech at the banquet given m his honour at Wanganui touched upon the subject, and gave hopes that proposals would be made to Parliament which would lead to a solution of the difficulties with which the question is surrounded. The Pre mier said that the Government believed that, without opposing the sentiments and traditions and feelings of the natives, they could introduce a system which would enable native lands to be let on the perpetual lease system, giv ing to the European settlers a title as good as freehold, and bringing the natives into a state of mind m which they would lease large quantities of land. This indeed is a consummation devoutly to be wished. While provid ing land for a desirable class of settlers —young farmers .vho know their business and are ready and willing to " rough it" m the earlier steps of their path to prosperity and comfort—the Premier's proposal would secure to the present owners a permanent and in alienable interest m the land, put a stop to their present disastrous practice of selling the land when possible and squandering the proceeds. Tiie apportionment of the interest m the land zimong the numerous native owners would also be much simplified. In fact any measure by which the native lands can be settled, with good 1 title to the settlers, and without ex tinguishing the rights of the present owners would be a legislative achieve ment of the greatest benefit to the country, and a credit to the Govern ment which carried it into effect.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Ladies are now eligible for membership of tho Canterbury Caledonian Society. Upwards of twenty tons of frozen fish were shipped from New Zealand to Sydney by the Wairarapa last week. In South Canterbury a great deal of grain is still m the fields, and has suffered much damage from the rain. The great Russian steprea are to be irrigated by a company formed by authority of the Government. A large parcel (f j jwellery which arrived at Adelaide recently from Melbourne 1 y express without being declared, has bern forfeited by the Customs Department. The clearing sale of Mr Albert Roberts furniture and effects at Koromiko, Wakanui Road, takes place to-morrow at twelve o'clock. Mr F. M- Rickman is the auctioneer. The Governors of Canterbury College have appointed Mr G. F. Tendall, Mus. Bac, Oxon, lecturer m music, at a salary of £150 per annum, Mr J, H. Kuipe, a Melbourne authority on real estate matters, computes that there are at present 7000 houses m Melbourne and suburbs standing empty. The Upper Ashburton Road Board have unanimously adopted a resolution counter to Mr E. G. Wright's proposal to devote the " thirds " of the moneys; derived from Crown Lands to providing water for the small settlers. Mr G. A. McLean Buckley, of Laghmor, second son of Mr George Buckley, was married at Slough, England, on December 13, to Miss Mabel Gertrude Warren, second daughter of Mr Jb\ R. Warren, of Upton Park, Slough. The weather for the past three weeks m Southland has been exceptionally favorable for the harvest, only one day's rain having been experienced, and this had a beneficial effect on the root crops. Cutting operations have just commenced, and heavy yields are anticipated. Mr Hodgson, fche Nelson school inspector, says that the system of examining for indivi dual passes is vicious m the extreme, and productive of disastrous results. It sets up a paradise of dunces, on whom is now bestowed with little profit the inordinate attention paid formerly to cjgvei? children. By command of the Queen, the Duke o Edinburgh hag just unveiled a brass tablet and lectern which have been placed m the gariisou chapel, at Devonport, as memorials of the late Major General Sir Howard Elphin stone, V.C., Mho was washed overboard from the 1 ongarj.ro and drowned off Ushaut, m March last, while proceeding to Teneriffe. As a proof of the superiority of totara over all other timbers, whether imported or not, it may be stated (says .the " Napier News ") that jn a culvert taken up at Wood villc after being down fourteen years, the pencil marks even were distinguishable on the timber, which was as sound as when | put m. { Writing on January 6, the London corre spondent of the Auckland " Herald" says :— •'? Rumours have again been current that Sir Francis lielj. \yould sail for the colony either m April or September j>;ext. He certainly will not start m the first named mqjith, and it is quite uncertain whether the latter will see' Him depart from these shores. Still, the impilcs«j.<Vit.lcs«j.<Vit. is becoming a fixed one on this side of the work) th.^t this js likely to be his ■ last year of office. He wiil be deeply regret ted when he docs retire. Considerable dissatisfaction was expressed (says Ll\u Wellington " Post") at the last j meeting of the Federated Seamen's Union | with reference to the action r»f J-he Trades Council m corresponding with the Union Steam Ship Company relative to the em ployment of the men who had gone out on strike. Several speakers considered that the Trades Council had exceeded their functions, as the Union is not affiliated to that body, and it was resolved to communi cate with the council expressing dissatis faefctyn a,t jtfi interference. At the hearing of a o^s,? jn Mie R. M. Court, Lumsden, on the J.9th instant ((says the 1' Southland Times ") a point was raised that a per&oii appointed by a school committee as secretary had no lucus slandi to conduct pro ceedings, the Education &£,\ l) m clause 73, stating that such proceedings imiafe h& fc&ken by the "clerk, chairman, or solictor," and sfche iiiformttti,??,! was dismissed oh this; point. The charge v/a* flsc against a woman I of insulting the female teaebcf at the schco!; m the hearing of the pupils, and the residents felt so strongly over tho' matter'that the j costs were subscribed, a»;<J the school com mittee are to be asked to lay a fresh jiifor.- Witiou, " •

Mr H. W. Perryman has been elected chairman of the Lyttelton Harbor Board. The Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club' 3 Committee met on Tuesday evening ami considered the asssooiation's suggestion to send a team to England. The motion ap proving of the proposal was carried by three votes to two. Mr John Henry, of the Commercial Hotel, has been good enough to present to the Ash burton Swimming Club a handsome silver cup, to be competed for at the great swim ming meeting on the 11th March. The Committee of the Club have decided to award Mr Henry's cup to the winner of the fifty yards handicap, A very interesting meeting will take place on Thursday eveuing m the Presbyterian Church, when the Rev W. Watt, a mis sionary of over twenty years' residence m the "New Hebrides, wilt give an address illustrated with lime light views and scenes* Mrs Watt will also be present and sing m the native language. The Government has offered to obtain for the Selwyn County Council any information it may desire from India, America, or Austailia on the latest irrigation schemes. The Council has accepted the offer, and has asked for detailed reports of the systems m vogue, and the coat of surface irrigating of small or large areas of la7id, especially as applied to plains. The Ashburton County Council should take advantage of this oppor tunity of obtaining the required information on the subject. One of the recent acts of the Brazilian Government has been to cut off the church authorities m the State of San Pauso from the income of the Brazilian lottery, which has been applied under the Empire to the build ing of a great cathedral. This diversion of the lottery money does not indicate opposi tion to the lottery on the p-vrfr of the Govern ment, inasmuch as the revenue now will be applied to the erection of a state Normal School. The church people lose their money because under the new Constitution there is no longer any union of Church and State. Mr James Porter, Allenton Nursery, has brought to our office some very choice specimens of flowers and fruit. These include some fifteen varieties of Phlox Drwnmondi, pure white, scarlet, deep crimson, and cerise and very choice varegations, also some very handsome spikes of gladiolus, one new seed ling variety being especially fine. The fruit comprises a dish of cri-nson plums (Pond's Seedling), six of which turn the scale at lib soz (these will be on view this evening m the window of Mr Brooke, chemist), and a basket of yellow magnum bonwns of prime quality. On Monday evening a sad accident hap- i pene'd at Mr Doig's farm, Chertsey, all the more to be regretted that it was the result of a foolish lark. While one of Mr Doig's men —named Shepherd—was, with others, sitting m the kitchen after tea, a man named Smith came behind Shepherd and jumped, leap frog fashion, upon his back, inflicting injuries , to his spine so severe that fatal consequences ' are feared. The serious nature of the injury was so apparent that Dr Anderson was telegraphed for, and has been attending Shepherd since, but last night the patient was not expected to live till morning. Shepherd was a tall, strongly built man, m the flush ot robust health. The annual school treat at Penclarves was held m the school/paddock last Friday, During the afternoon the children indulged m their usual games "*nd foot races, at the conclusion of which they retired to the school to feast on the excellent tea provided by Mesdames Thomas, Hampton, Vucetich, Sprott, and Smith. After ample justice had been done to the good things, the master presented the prizes, some of which were costly. The room was then cleared, and under the supervision of the chairman, acting as musician, all enjoyed a real good dance, even the little ones of five years old were to be seen lightly stepping lo the excellent music. Every one seemed to thoroughly enjoy their afternoon and evening's amuse ment, and went home with the impression that it was the best day ever spent. The following message to the citizens of Auckland was spoken into the phonograph by Sir George Grey :—" Auckland, February 24th, 1891.—Citizens of Auckland—You are among the heralds who introduced and the rulers who must guide and direct a new age, and who must establish an as yet unknown nation. Back upon you will have to look a new race and millions of people. The duty devolving on you is a great one. With humility, yet with fortitude, pursue your task, falter not, inarch resolutely on with truth and justice upon either hand of you, with the love of mankind as your guiding star, your duty to your Maker as the staff on which you lean, then will God bless you and render you a blessing to the ages yet to come. —Geo. Grey." The phonogram re cording this message has been placed m the free library. The prospects of the annual meeting of the Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club are uncommonly encouraging. The tradesmen and others m the town and district have been liberal m their subscriptions and gifts of trophies to the prize list, and members of Club, fully appreciating the spirit m which their appeal has been received, are doing their very best to make the events on the card worth witnessing. About two dozen swimmers are every eveuing to be seen at hard practice m the bath, and the progress made m swift swimming by many who have only acquired the art since the Club started is wonderful indeed. More especially is this noticeable m those who have been practising the overhand stroke. What with the large entry of local swimmers, and the strong contingent expected from Christchurch, the Club ought to provide the Ashburton public with an excellent afternoon's sport. The Victorian Customs Department is continually becoming involved m peculiar difficulties with regard to the classification of articles which the Customs officials have not previously dealt with. An amusing case of this kind was referred to m a recent issue of the "Age," which states that the question whether an electric calculator should be classed as a " machine " or a scion title instrument is now engaging the attention f)f the Customs authorities. One of these instruments has been imported from America by a city firm for the Government Statist, who will use it m connection with the taking of tlje census m April next, and j;he experts of the Customs Departments are jn doubt whether to charge 35 per cent. du£y on it by deciding that it is a piece of machinery, op to allow it m free as a scientific instrument. The instrument was used m America when the last census was taken there, and it is estimated that £100,000 was saved the country by its use m that work alone. It is intended to use the instrument freely m this colony m the work of enumeration when the census returns are being made up. So far as is known it is the only one of its kind m Australia, hence there are no precedents m which reference can be made as tp the class undei* whicn the contrivance shpuld be placed m relation to the tariff. No'decision has yet been arrived at, biit it appears probable that the-' scientific instrument" theory will be adopted.

Flemington School.

The following is the report of the examination of Flemington Public School on January 16, 1891 : — Pass Subjects.

Percentage of passes—6l*l. Percentage of failures of those examined —S-3.

Marks Class . Subjects. (6 to 100) History 85 Geography ... ... ... ... 65 Elementary Science, Object Les sons, etc., ... ... ... ... 50 Total 150 Percentage on class subjects —50. Marks Additional Subjects. (0 to 20) ! Repetition and Recitation... ... 13 Drill and Exercises 13 Singing ... 13 Needlework ... ... 14 Subject Matter, Reading Lessons... 14 Additional marks ... .;. 67 Staff and distribution—Standards 3, 4, and 5, Mr Henderson, master. Standard 1 and P, Miss A. Stewart, mistress. Standard 2, Mr Henderson and Miss Stewart. Ages—Standard 5, 14 years ; Standard 4, 12 years 5 months ; Standard 3, 12 years 2 months ; Standard 2; 11 years ; Standard 1, 8 years 9 months. Remarks—A great improvement has taken place m the school under the pre sent teachers. The results of examina tion are good. The master's work is very efficiently done. The mistress has taught her classes with commendable care. Her Standard 1 is very good, and the infants are fair. In the school as a whole reading is probably the subject of importance that stands most m ueed of improvement. The discipline is satisfactory. (Signed) W. J. Anderson. Inspector. In forwarding this report to the Com mittee the Board's Secretary was directed to say that the Board was pleased to re ceive so very satisfactory a report.

OBITUARY.

MR PETER FAWCETT.

It is our sad duty to chronicle the death of Mr Peter Fawcett, contractor, Hamp stead. Mr Fawcett, who was a native cf County Wicklow, Ireland, came to this colony m 1851, and m-the course of his early New Zealand career did valuable work m the construction of the Sumner road and the bridle track to Lyttelton over the Port Hills. He was then work ing under Mr Dodson, the well known engineer to the Canterbury Provincial Council, and among other of the many works upon which he was engaged may be mentioned the main drain through the Hals well district. In 1860 he took a farm on the banks of the Ashley, which he occupied for over twenty years, filling several public positions the while. In 1882 he removed to Ashburton, and has been m this district ever since. He was a mem ber of the Hampstead Town Board and School Committee, and for the last two terms was chairman of the former body. About five'months a«o he suffered a bad attack of pleurisy which defied .medical skill, and? his long and tedious illness terminated last night m his death at the age of sixty-one. Mr Fawcott leaves a wife and ten of a family, all grown up. His funeral will leave his residence at Hampstead to-morrow at 'diree o'clock.

POLITICAL NOTES.

(rEly I'KIS.SS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, February 24. The Auckland Liberal Association at a meeting to-night resolved to present an address to Sir George Grey before his departure for -Sydney to attend the Federation Conference. Owing to the recent breakdown of the Tarawera, that vessel will not leave Auckland for Sydney till Thursday, and, therefore, Sir George Grey, who will be a passenger, will be unable to be present at the opening of the Convention. The Earl of Onslow has abandoned his intention of visiting the Thames and Coromandel, as the Hinemoa is not available, Wellington, February 24. The Minister of Lands was unable to leave for the south yesterday, but goes m the Takapuna this evening. Owing to the alterations m the move ments of the Hinemoa, the visit of the Native Minister to Auckland has been deferred for the present.

The American Indians.

Mr R. B. Cunninghame Graham, M.P., writes as follows to the " Daily Graphic " under date November 28 :—The special correspondent of the "Sun" at Pine Ridge, Dakota, keeps us informed of the movements of the Indians now massing their forces at Cherry Creek, Glancing over the evening papers we see that the Sioux are dancing the Ghost Dance, and learn that m the opinion of the per spicacious correspondent the settlers expect to be robbed and murdered. Some of us may say, " Confound these Indians, they ought to be shot down." Yes, smokeless powder is your true civiliser after all. There is no good Indian but a dead Indian, which we know is truo, for have not American humorists declared it, and has not a tender-hearted public m two continents affirmed thejr declaration wikh a laugh. Artists wish they could be present to see the ceremony. Those who, m pursuit of money, have been m the "Territory," the whisky sellers, the Bible j pedlars, the land speculators (having caught the phrase from some frontier man), tell us "Indians is pizin," and, like Peter," seal the lie with an oath. The general public glances over the tele grams from Ornqha hopes that there will be no bloodshed, then "'turns to dis cuss the recent political scandals and the prurient details connected with the pri vate life of party leaders, which of course, we all know f^re of vastly more importance than the extermination of fegjonsj of heathen Indians. Still, there are few who really realise what is going on m the I snovy fit Cherry Creek, wnat the Messiah really is the Indians aye looking for, and who' the Ghosts ,ire who dance. A Ghos.t Dance to the Sioux is what the Holy War is to the Mahommedan, what the Last Prayer (faith present or faith absent) is to'the Christian. The Sioux cart stand no more ; therefore, they are dancing to the Ghosts of their forefathers to arise and help them against their enemies. Only an Indian super stition. Looking fora Messiah. "Wait ing for a Las'_Casas' who 'will never come. I wonder if tha British public realise that it is the Sioux them selves ■« ho <u-c the ghosts dancing. Ghosts of a primeval race. Ghosts of ghosts who for' 300 years, ""through no crimes com mitted by themselves (except that of being bypi). it it be hqt a ptunq to love better

the rustle of the grass than the shrieking of the engine, have suffered their long purgatory. Ghosts who were men. The Messiah these poor people are waiting for, our poor people here m London also look for. But both will look m vain. Justice will not come either to Cherry Greek, no, nor yet to White chapel. The buffalo have gone first, their bones whitening m long lines upon the prairies ; the elk have retired into the ex treme deserls of Oregon ; the beaver is exterminated to make jackets for the sweater's wife'; the Indian must go next? and why not, pray 1 Is he not of less value than the other three ? Let him make place for better things—for the drinking shop, for the speculator, for the tin church. Let him realise that m the future, where he changed his peltries for beads and powder, two gills of whi&ky shall be sold for a quarter. Men say the change is good (but good is merely relative), per haps good enough for him, but death, in deed, for all ghost dancers. Civilisation, perhaps, one day will remember them when the civilised Indians commercialism is creating are dancing round the flames of European capitals. But Rocky Bear and the LUtle Wound, Short Bull, and Sleeping Water have had enough : they have taken horse, mounting light as drops of water (from the off-side) silently, m single file, never stopping but to squat and pass the pipe round ; each man holding his pony by the mecate, fchey are march ing on Cherry Creek. But the Kiowas, the Cheyennes, the Araphoes, the Co manches have braided their horses' manes. They (who before civilisation loved one another as the dwellers m Liddesdale and Bewcastledale did of old) are friends. They have mounted their best horses, they are coming through the day, they are coming through the night, across the frozen prairie (the dry grass hardly crackling beneath the broncho's feet), they are passing the whispering red woods, coming through the lonely canyons, marching silently as ghosts on Cherry Creek, across the lands that once were theirs to take counsel with the ghosts of thoso their foxmer owners. Better that they should come and smoke and dance, dance for ten days without food or water, better far that (hey should die fighting, than by disease and whisky. Outrages they will commit; of that there is a certainty; but all they can do can scarce atone for all that they and theirs have suffered. Tricked by all, outwitted, plundered by the Christian speculator, better far that they-should die fighting, t»nd join the ghosts who went before them. This I want the world to recog nise, that even Indians do not contem plate their own extermination without centuries of suffering, We might have taught them something, they might have taught us much; soon they will be all forgotten, and the lying telegrams will i speak of ' glorious victories by our troops.' One more sin will be committed m the name of law and progress. It is a hard case to decide on, no matter from what side you approach it ; these men have lived too long, better, therefore, they die fighting. No one will regret (but myself)—except, perhaps, their ponies, who may feel their new owners' hands heavy on the horsehair bridle. The majesty of civilisation will be vindi cated, one more step towards universal hideousness attained, and the Darwinian theory of the weakest to the wall have received another confirmation to strengthen those who want to use it against the weakest here m Europe.

Upper Ashburton Road Board.

The monthly meeting of this Board was held m the Board's office, Tinwald, on February 23rd. All the members were I present. Correspondence was read as follows.— i From a number of residents near Cherteey asking fur a railway crossing. (Held over from last meeting); also from the Resident Engineer New Zealand railways, stating the cost of crossing would be some £65 if granted; (also liplcl over from last meeting), It was resolved as the petition was signed by no ratepayers m this district, it be returned, referring the petitioners to their own Board. From the Australian Mutual Provident Society re ferring to the existing nuisance at Westerfield, and stating that the matter would receive prompt attention. • From the Town Clerk, Ashburton, statin? that the matter of share of cost of reserve of culvert on the Belt road had been placed m the hands of the Works Committee. — From Mr R. Hart, asking that a portion of the road between R.S. 25405 and 27575 be metalled. It was resolved to call for tenders for metalling same (12 yards metal to the chain) for next meeting. It was also resolved to metal the Board's portion of the boundary road from the bridge known as Thompson's bridge., and the Clerk was instructed to notify th« Mount Hutt Road Board of their inten tion. The Clerk's report was received and read, m which ib was stated that the nuisance at Westerfield had been removed; also that some nine bridges and culverts had been repaired during the past month, several of them having given way through the heavy traffic of traction engines. The following resolution was moved by Mr I Sargent, seconded by Mr McLean, and carried- "This Board respectfully requests the Hon. Minister of Lands not to entertain any request from the Ash burton County Council to depart from I the present arrangement: whereby this Road Board receives one third of all moneys derived from deferred payments and perpetual lease settlers for the purpose of making and maintaining roads leading to and from such lands, as pro vided for by the Land Act 1885, Amend ment Act 1887." The Clerk was instructed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Hon. Minister of Lands, the Chairman of the Ashburton County Council and Mr H. Friedlander, member of the County Council for the Ashburton district. Accounts amounting to £1114s 5d were passed for payment and the Board ad journed.

Borough School Concert

The annual Concert m aid of the Prize Fund of the Borough School came off last evening, m the Oddfellows' Hall, with pronounced success, the audience being an almost overflowing one, highly appre ciative, and, although containing a large proportion of youngsters, very orderly. The rising of the curtain was accompanied by amurmur of approbation, as it disclosed a very prettily-appointed stage converted for the nonce, with admirable taste, into a veritable drawing-room under the skilful direction of Mr P." Williams. The open ing duet (piano), Mesdames Mayne and Claridge, was the prelude ' to" Mr A Black's basso song ''The Mighty Deep." This was well .sung, the performer posses sing an excellent voice, but properly speaking, of baritqne register, the gong chosen being just a note below his easy reach. The old favorite " Beware " was arojilyacted, as well as sung, as a quartette, the performers being Miss Steel, Mrs P. Williams, Messrs Milson and Black. "Lovetide," a rather difficult but pretty song, was done the fullest justice by Miss Mcc, who was re-called, indeed to save space we may here just as well mention that every item, save one, m the first part, and most of those m the second part were vociferously encored. Mr W. M, Lewis gave the comic difcfcy "The Speaker^ Eye," and, as an encore, a melange descriptive of various nationali ties. The duet "The Moon has raised her Lamp," Messrs J. Stevenson and P. Williams was a pleasing number, as also was Mrs Crisp's'song "Darby and Joan."; Tb| school children under the conductor-

I ship of Mr Owen then gave m admirable time, and with well-balanced voices, " Wait for the Waggon," followed m response to a recall "by M Out m the Wildwoods," both pieces doing great credit to their training. The first part closed with a really delightful rendering of "Come where my Love lies Dreaming" by Mr Milson, with chorus by the com pany. After the usual interval, the second part opened with an exceedingly credit able violin performance (variations on-the oH air " Life lot us Cherish "), for which Master Cullen was deservedly encored, Mr Black following him with " Out on the Deep," well given. Mrs P. Williams and Mr ,5. Stevenson also scored a success m the duet "The Sailor Sighs " ; and Miss Mcc gave delightfully the charming song "When Sparrows Build." The part song " The Chafers," Messrs Milsoin, Stevenson, Lewis, and Black, was an amusing as well as, musi cally, a very pleasing item, and Miss Steel next contributed an excellent rendering of '• Over the Village Stile." Mr P". Williams' full, rich voice was heard to great advantage m "I'segwine back to Dixie," the chorus to which was very effectively given. The school children's " Sweet Chiming Bells " was admirable ; and the glee " Good Night Beloved," by the Company, followed by the National Anthem, closed a most enjoyable concert. Prior to the fall of the curtain, Mr Silcock, as Chairman of the School Com mittee, proposed a vote of thanks to all who had assisted, which was carried by acclamation, and was acknowledged on behalf of the performers by Mr P. Williams. It remains to be mentioned that Mrs Mayne and Mr J. H. Brook? kindly acted as accompanists throughout the evening.

The Markets.

[per press association.]

London, February 23. Mr P. O. Licht, the sugar expert, states the production of beet sugar for the last five months has increased 9000 tons. He estimates the new campaign will give a surplus of 40,000 tons. Silver, 3s B|d. The fog has caused the wool sales to be postponed.

The Shepherd's Boy.

' 'Yes, that's my boy there, my little Jim, Cute as a weka, and wise, I've nobody left to me now but him, Bless his bonnie blue eyes ! " Yes, it's a lonely life I own In a boundary hub out here, And Jim and I have been here alone For somef hing more'n two year. " Well, yes there's a story, stranger, While the billy boils for tea I'll tell you about Jim's mother As lef !> him alone with me. "I ain't much to look at now, it's true, My hair has whitened with care, And my brow has wrinkled with trouble That furrowed its impress there. " An' the life that you find me leading Don't lit m well with the past, But I wanted away from the world, sir, Till the sting of her shame had passed. " Dead 1 Aye, to me and to Jim there, As dead as-if laid m the carth— He never has called her ' Mother' From the hour that she gave him birth. ''For when he was only a baby She parted from me and Jim Her heart had been stol'n by another And she wandered away with him. " I ain't much at quotin' Scripfcur', But you might have heard at school GF a woman as fell through an apple An' a man as played the fool. " They talk of the justice of Heaven, I But is it a sin to doubt? When the tempter's so oft forgiven And the tempted weeps without. " Ah, yes, that's my little Jim there, Stranger, my story's plain May he ne'er know the shame of his mother, Nor share m his father's pain." Bill Roe.

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(per press association.)

London, February 23. Tlie Agents General urge MrGoschen to legislate for the investment of trust funds on the lines or, the Committee's report, which forbids trustees invest ing m any stock yielding on the pur chase money more than 1 per cent, above the yield that would be given were the money invested m Consols. Mr Chamberlain, m the course of a speech, denounced Mr Parnell as un truthful and untrustworthy It was impossible to rely on the assurances of the Irish leader. Mr Parnell received an enthusiastic welcome at Roscommon. He said Mr 0 Brien and himself had done every thing possible to prevent strife. A meeting at Carrick was violently dispersed by Parnellites. The " Law Times " urges that Mr Justice Stephen should be retired on the grounds of senility and eccentricity m the Courts, The lightermen have resumed taking cargo boats from free laborers and Unionists. The police force at the docks has been lai'gely increased. The Shipping Federation deny that they are making any conditions with the Unions. They are sending a train full of free laborers to Cardiff. The Orient Company have secured an abundant supply of labor, except stevedores and firemen. Some diffi culty is experienced m consequence of the dearth of the latter m manning the Austral. The crisis does not affect the P, and O. Company. The Unions m their manifesto accuse the Shipping Federation of an attempt to pi'omote a crisis. Members " are ordered not to strike unless instructed to do so, London, February 24. The Trade Union Council tot the port of London has declared a general strike of all shipping and river side trades on Wednesday, Washington, February 23. The elections for the Senate of the United States give a majority adverse to the McKinley tariff". The repeal of the wool duties is considered certain. Paris, February 24. Figaro asserts that Bismarck is to be summoned before a Court-Martial, and called on to declare upon his honor whether he is the. author of articles attacking the German Government.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, Febmary 24. The Vegetable Products Commission is inquiring of Sir J. Hector respecting the growth of New Zealand flax, which, it is'believed, would be suitable for cultivation on the waste hinds of the

MrD. Bews, Minister for Education for South Australia, who was on Ins way to the Postal Conference at Syd ney, died en route. During the voyage of tLe Hauroto from ]New Zealand, an unmarried woman, who was a passenger, gave birth to a child. The Customs Depart ment endeavored to compel the Cap tain to enter into a bond providing against the infant becoming a burden on the colony. He declined, and it has now been decided that the Customs and Immigration Department has no power to prevent the woman fcom landing. Bbisbane, February 24. Squally- weather is predicted over the ocean east and south-east from Gubo Island.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Dunedin, February 24. It is understood that the moderate party are not at all likely to agree, to the proposals oi the temperance party, namely, to nominate a Licensing Committe pledged to abolish bottle licenses an restrict public houses to ten o'clock licenses. The temperance party will therefore nominate candidates pledged to prohibition.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB. AUTUMN MEETING. [per press association,] Dcnedin, February 25. THIS DAY'S RESULTS. Hurdle Handicap, of 100 soys; one mile and a half. Little Arthur, list 21b ... 1 Ahua, 12st 101 b ... ... 2 Trimolite, lOst 3 Won by a head. Time, 3min, O^sec. Dividends, £6 Is and £5 11s. Dunedin Cup, of 600 soys. Two miles and a distance. Freedom, Bst 3!b 1 Occident, Bst 81b , 2 Cruchneld, 7st 81b 3 Cruchfielda good third. Time—3miu 57eecs. Dividends—£4 2s 6d and £4 7s 6d. .

THE CENSUS.

OFFICIAL ARRANGEMENTS.

WELMNaTON, February 24. The preparations for taking a census on the night of Sunday, April sthj are prac tically completed. The colony has been divided into 23 sections, composed each of one or more counties and the boroughs included m them. To each is allotted a chief enumerator and there are m all about 660 sub-enumerators. The, work is to be done partly by contract and partly by day work, the pay for the-• latter r raging from 10s per day on foot to iss to £1 where a horse has to be employed. Each enumerator will be provided with the usual schedule, map of district, and book m which he will enter the number ot schedules and number of persons on , each schedule according to locality. On this occasion an important alteration m the system of compilation is to be intro duced. However large the schedules and minute the subdivision, it has always been found impossible to obtain sufficient elasticity of combination m making up the records. Cards have therefore been devised with columns for age and occupa tion, etc., one of which will be de voted to each district m the colony. These cards will not be issued to the census takers, but will be compiled 1 m thehead of office from the schedules, and it ia believed that-by.their usi»4i wilt be possible to divide the people of, the country into any and every group or combination that may be wanted. The card system is the result of the statistical conference at Hobart last year, but the arrangement is not the sam« as that of other colonies. Mr Brown, Registrar- General, has drawn it up on a'plan speci-j ally devised for New Zealand, which he* thinks will afford the greatest elasticity of combination. Although there wilUhus be over 600,000 of these cards to handle the department estimate that work will be made more easy and expeditious than under the former system of huge schedules, which, however big they might be, yet could not be made to contain every grouping that was desired *| A separate Maori census will be taken through the agency of the Native Department, but as usual it will not be so exact as the European enumeration. For therequisite information the statements of natives themselves will have to be largely relied on. Mr Brown does not anticipate that the coming census will show any such large and unexpected in crease as Auckland for instance did m 1886, but he is of opinion that the West Goast of the, North -Island will reveal a considerable alteration m the numbers on the right side. The large boroughs will probably be stationary or show a light de-. crease. One reason of this confidence is that for some years arrangements have been made with the Union Company which permit an almost exact check to be kept on the outgoing population, and a return based on this information and pub lished regularly m the. "Gazette," per mits the department to keep pace with the ebb and flow of population asa whole.

Supreme Court.

[per press association.]

Gisbokne, Febraary 24. The Supreme Court was occupied all day with a case m which John Bryant Lowe is charged with arson. William Capper, who was yesterday charged with horse stealing and was acquitted after giving a statement on oath, was to-day arrested for perjury and remanded. CHRisTCHUiiCH, February 24. The Supreme Court was occupied ail day with the case of William Stonyer, who was found guilty of obtaining £35,0 by false pretences from Eliga Agnes Dixon, He was sentenced to twelve months' hard labor. Dunedin, February 24. The case of Smith v. the Phoenix Insur ance Company was concluded to-day. The case was the same as that against the Liverpool and London and Globe. The only new point raised was the evidence given by Mr Leary, an accountant, who said it was necessary that Smith should have made over 50 per cent, profit if his stock-taking'in September last correctly represented his position. The jury, after nearly three hours' deliberation, returned a three-fourths verdict, answering all the issues m favor of the plaintiff, assessing the stock at the time of the fire at £150 less than the previous jury, and giving a verdict for £750. Mr Justice Williams, as m the previous case, told the jury that if they found for the plaintiff they must find for the full amount. Mr Haggitt pointed out that a clause m the policy provided for the apportioning of loss, and His Honor said that; was conclusive, and redirected the jury accordingly.

THE CHILD MURDER CASE.

Chkistchukch, February 25., S,arah Jane (mother) antt Anna Flana gan (daughter), were charged with the wilful murder of the male child 1 of the latter. Sir E, Stout and Mr T. W. Stringer appeared for the accused, and Mr Martin for the Crown, Intense interest was manifested m the case, and the Court and approaches were crowded. In opening the case the prqs«QUtiQß

TFP ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUABY 25, 1891



-I +-»

ni -2 § CO

<1

48 u X

T3 ' 3

-6 o I

!

I i i i

Strt. 6 , 5 " *  2  1 P.

I —

2 I 5 12 17 12 24

_ I I

I

i i 2

2 4 11 15 12

~

-

-

Total

l i

I ! ! i

! I i i

I

72

-

—

I 4 I

44



We clip the following important tastimo) nial from the "IllawarraMercury " (N.S.W - ef c he 30th March. It needs no comment:— ' Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountaino writes to us tl]<-;,t after sufFering for foiir years with acute gravel, lie has experienced almost complete relief by using B&n<Jtei.' w f d Sfjns' Eucalyptic Extract. He says :—" Seeing the said Extract advertised m the ' Illawarra M-Gvcyiry/ his intense suffering induced him to obtain & bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, <>f tljjg town, and that the use of it gave liinj great relief at. once. He states that between 10th March in&t., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and jJip JJJth,. the use o,f that medicine continued to afford liiiij. relief, to, which lie had been a stranger for fQiir years. Mr I^Qveday writes iilso that he has found the Eucalypti Extracj: % cure fqr rheuniatisin as well as gravd, He requests its tq publish this information through the ' Mercury,' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering huniaMiv. !'-h{&<lyt.) ■ 2 TIIJJ '• IJ/SSt" IIKWKDY FOB iNfjIOKSTIOX— Norton's Oamonule Bills are coiiiicleistiy ! ecommended as a simple remecly 'for liidjgestion, which is the cause of nearly all the (iisQii^og to wliica we are subjects Nqrtok's i?iiiTiS, with justice called the 'Natural .Strcngthener- ot fcJie" Human Stomach," act as a powerful .tonic and gentle aperient, fire mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, sitfc'jls J-M, 2s 9d, lls, by all medicine ! pool's .fchrQugliout th^ wo Id? ' '



Wttiitect \ CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left .at this OftW. nnIlY the Great Drapery Sale now on X at H. C. SeGEB.!*. "PRESENTS.— All holders of Tickets X will oblige by bringing them m. as soon as possible. - H. C. Segers, Melford House. TT> ANTED" KKOWN —RfE. Dowle, VV "The Times Tailor," is making splendid Tweed Suits from £3 10s; trousers from £1 ss. The Arcade. 2 128 /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream \J as made by H. G. Flower* Con fectioner, East Street. \\ / ANTED Known — Some special * V lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." \\7 ANTED Known—The "Strong VV wear "Boot is the best for Mens 'jadies and Children.—W. H. Collier. A SHBURTON Cycling Club meets JL.L Thursday Night, 7.30., Arcade Chambers. Business important. —C. G. Moss, Secretary. 2 132 WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert At,corn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. SEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart ments now on. One trial solicited. •- Melford House. /*] LASS, Earthenware, and China, \JT direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders 1 Buildings. \\, ANTED Known—The Cheapest V V Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hanwaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patcn. WANTED KNOWN — MRS T. BUCHANAN wishes to inform her country friends and the public, that she will open business on Saturday, February 21, as Fruiterer and Confec tioner. Tea and Coffee at all hours. Hot Luncheon on Saturdays, from 12 to 2. East Street next John Orr and Co. 2 110 V7"ALENTINES ! VALENTINES ! at V L. F. Andrewes & Co. Jus opened up a Large and Varied Assort ment 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. ru Olio Notices. MONEY TO LEND. "IJTONEY 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 Oflice, Christchurch. WJTH. TEETtf -M tiQUT TEETH CHRIS roil CR OH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets S. M™ AND Co SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin and Westport iTTE have gained llu FIRST AWARD VV "" the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that "v.'c guarantee the highest class work and perfect tit 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 Temporarily 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 3AS several times daily for fche past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s fid. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost /H ENTLEMEN requiring tha very VJT latest fashion m FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice atocV at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shh\s, ; buttoned and laced fronts, all colora, at i the New Zealand Clothing Factory, j SUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the Kbv/ Zealand Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties Gd each, ,«ix for 2s 6d. Increasing demand for ; these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. TpOYS' School Suits, well fitting, JZ) durable, and moderate m juice at i the New Zkaiand Clothing Factory. 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 sewing machine yet produced. Inspection invitjd. 'VTEIV ZE ALAND OLOTHING i_N FACTORY, the leading Hat, C*p, and Clothing Manufacturers, | EAST STREET, Agentlfor the Wonderful Wertheim j Sewing Machine VV, H. WEBBER, . jManajjer,



John Orr & Co, INVITE THE ATTENTION OF FARMERS To their Large and Varied Stocks of all classes of Goods, suitable lor the Harvest Field, 1000 Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Machine FiXtras 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 to 7/8 Seaming Twine McCormick Binders. The agents of the McCormick reapers and binders have just received news of a yery exciting trial at Tamworth (N.S. W.) on Saturday, December 6. The prize competed fcr was the Society's medal, ■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 o? points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize at Stawell (Victoria) beating he WLassey, HornSby, and Deering. * John Orr & Co. THE WIOIIAI lOTAS tOIPAir OF lEW ZEALAND (FIRE AND MARINE ) HTHE Business of this Company has ! 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 Fan 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 BATES CUFF & GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. Aqknts for Ashburton FRIEDLANDER BROS 22 Massey-Toronto Light Binder LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO TIE. EASIEST TO MANAGE' SWIFTEST TO CUT. THE LONGEST LIVED. MOST SCIENTIFICALLY •MADE Stationary Axle and' Raise and Lower Style 5, 6, and 7 EEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few on hand, £2000 Worth of Extras m Stock, which wil be supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time DAY OR NIGHT FRIEDLANDER BROS.