The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1891. THE EDWAKDS APPOINTMENT.

The circumstances connected •■with, the appointment of Mr Edwards by tho late Government as a sixth Judge of the Supreme Court have now been dis closed, and show the conduct of the Atkinson Ministry in the affair in an, even more unfavorable light than that in which it has previously., been .re garded. The appointment was made in defiance of the opinions given by the Judges of the Supreme Court upon points submitted to them, namely (1) as to the necessity for appointing a sixth Judge, (2) as to';the constitutional right to make such an appointment, and (3) as to whether the statute jaw would authorise it. It is stated, upon, what appears to be good authority, that the opinions of the Judges upon all these points were strongly adverse to the course afterwards adopted by the Ministry. They did not consider that the work of the Supreme Court required a sixth Judge ; they did not think that the Govern ment were constitutionally entitled to make such an appointment under the circumstances, and although some of them admitted that the words of the statute appeared to permit of additional Judges being appointed, those words must be interpreted in accordance with the well-known constitutional law and practice regulating all appointments of the kind and which Parliament must be deemed to have had in its mind when dealing with the subject. Yet the appointment was persisted in, with the result that most serious complica tions have arisen, and it seems inevit able that the whole facts surrounding the appointment, as well as a state ment of the position into Avhich it has thrown the whole business and constitution of the Supreme Court bench,will have to be submitted to the law officers of the Crown in England, and probably to the Privy Council, in order that the embroglio may be dis entangled, and the administration of the law be conducted regularly. Mean time Mr Edwards appears to be master of the position, the Government having j no power to control his movements; either as Native Commissioner or as ; Judge, and there being no apparent means of superseding or terminating the appointment. The additional com-; plication, that Mr Edwards contends that not he but Mr Justice Williams \ is the-sixth Judge, makes the Govern ment more than ever anxious that Mr Edwards should not discharge Supreme Court functions until the whole matter is set in order, yet Mr Edwards is tak ing the criminal and civil sessions at Napier, and Government are powerless to prevent him. The whole business is characteristically Atkinsonian, and will long serve as an example of the disregard of law and public and pro fessional opinion shown by that Go vernment.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The programme of the ensuing Autumn Meeting of the Ashburton Racing Club, which takes place on April 22nd and 23rd, has been approved by the Canterbury Jockey Club. A further advance in the prices of frozen meat is cabled from London. The advance is evidently due to the lightness of stocks. The wheat market also has a healthy tone. A baker sought to recover in 'Napier the Bum of £6 from a defendant. The. claim, (?ays the "Telegraph") stated only the number of loaves supplied* and counsel for the other side contended that the statute provided that the bread should be claimed by weight and not by the number of loaves, except in cases of' French or fancy bread. The R.M. upheld conn.el's contention, and granted a nonsuit. The Collector of Customs at Dunedin lias received instructions from the Marine De partment to hold a magisterial inquiry into the loss of the Kakanui. This inquiry, we presume, cannot be held until the return of the Hiuemoa, and, as we find that Captain Fail-child is not due at Napier until the second week in March, the inquiry cannot very well take place before the end of that month. "Oh, I think it's lovely to be married,'' said young Mrs Tocker to the lady on whom she was calling, " especially when you have a husband who is not afraid to compliment you." "What does your husband say?" " He said yesterday I was getting to be a perfect Xantippe." "A Xantippe! Do you know who she was?" "Oh, yes; I asked Charley afterwards, and he told me she was the goddess of youth and beauty." At a ineeting of the Canterbury Trade 8 Council on Saturday evening, the following resolutions where passed :— " That this Council approves of the. action of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works in disallowing | sub-contracting for piece work in Govern ment contracts, and that the approval be made public." "That, in view of the present wide-spread dissatisfaction on the subject of lesson books used in the Govern ment elementary schools, the Council re affirms the desirability of uniform school books for the colony." Mr Justice Grantham, speaking at the Brighton Grammar School, dissented from the view of the Lord Chief Justice that the diminution of crime in the country was due to the passing of short sentences. He as cribed it to improved education, which had taken the gutter children from their sordid homes, brought them in contact with persons of higher minds, and led them to think of better things, The satisfactory point of this discussion is that there are fewer criminals. Mr JusticeGranthamsaid he had been almost all over England as a Judge, and everywhere he found crime decreasing. JNew South Wales has long enjoyed tin enviable notoriety for the objectionable tone taken by its public men. Mr Levien, M.P. for Tam.\vorth, seems to be a representative of a very undesirable class. Speaking iipon the morality of Parliament at a licensed vic tuallers' picnic at Cooget lately, he affirmed that a more mixed set of morality never assembled in the world than could be found in the present Legislature. "Talk about the morality of Parliament and the honesty of its members," he exclaimed, " why, there's not one-half of them diat I would trust to hold the stakes at a dog fight. The Premier has got a Government together this time composed of trustworthy men, but there is no reason why he should crack such a high note about thpm ? because there are others wjlh whom he has i^eon associated that I wouldn't be seen in a dog-kennel with," O'Donovan Rossa, interviewed by a Dalziel representative, said :—" lam disgusted with the child's play of O'Brien and Parnell. 1 am so disgusted that I am resolved to go to Ireland and take up the cudgels myself. I shall not preach a dynamite policy publicly, but I i?halj reassert the opinions which caused me to be locked up QOyeats ago. To day I wrote to M r Blaiite, the Secretary of State, asking hiri) for a passport and telling him of my intention. When I arrive in Ireland, if I receive a nomination for Parlia ment I will accept it,' thongh 1 take no stock in Parliamentary agitation; but if I am electc4 } will jj«f£63' fc.q 'take the oath of allcgiauco,''and whoa a finance qfteirp '}' will give my reasons in pure Gaelic tongue in the House of Commons it self. I am a good '■rael c .scholar, and I might say a great deal about dynamite, and they would i:ot under- Rtand ju'e,' j

Mr F. M, Rickman announces for next Thursday the first of a series of sales of produce and general goods to be held at the Arcade. . ' " The South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club have decided that they cannot give any financial support to the proposal to send an amateur athletic team Home this year. Mr J. B. Mayne, head master ot' the Ashburton Borough school, received intima tion on Saturday that ho was amongst those who have successfully passed the examination for the 11.A. degree. We congratulate Mr Maync on his success. A public moi'tin^ ia to be held this evening in connection with oucof the oldest, and one of thenoblest societies,of this century. The chief speaker Rev Mr Robjohns is a gentleman v.'.hosa headquarters are in Sydney, and whose ardoiiß labours cover a territory many times larger than that of Britain. The operations of the Bible Society extending as they do to the people of the various nations and languages of trie earth, present features of interest to men of all clases, and to Christians of the various denominations. ■ The meeting will be held in St Stephen's schoolroom; Rev E. A. Scott will preside. The entries for the forthcoming races of the Swimming Clul on March 11, close this evening with tht Siv,retary, Mr J. C. Lane, at the baths or ". ,0. box No 2. As there is a splendid programme with valuable trophies to be given away, n o doubt numerous entries will be received. A numerously signed requisition has been signed by over fifty merchants and trades people asking the Mayor to proclaim a half holiday, which no doubt will be acceded to. Every prepara tion for a large gathering of competitors and spectators is being made by the Com mittee. There is no man who is so great a stickler for legal appearances as the educated Maori, and no one more willing to pay for his whim if necessary. One of his fads is to keep up an appearance in the law courts of no*- being able to understand English. If he can talk as well as the best English linguist Ke must have an in'erpreter, and the look of stolid incomprehension he puts on when a question is being put to him in English is somewhat ludicrous. In a ease before the court at Marton, says the " Advosate," a native was engaged in a case, who, it was wellknown, could talk excellent English, but, as he elected to give iris evidence in Maori, and have the English language translated to him j the Court had no alternative but to concede him his request, although he smiled amusedly when it was stated that he understood English. The plan, however, is not without its advantages to the aboriginal litigant, as, while the English interrogation is being put and repeated the native has time to evolve a politic reply. The travelling correspondent of the Wan ganui "Herald" says :—Eltham has long been celebrated as the only township in the colony of the same size and importance that could not boast of a piano. After bearing the taunt patiently for years, an enterprising individual recently imported one of these instruments, and received- permission to locate it in the Town Hall. As soon as the news spread, the building was thronged f by an eager and excited crowd, who were anxious"to be the first to witness and wel come this long expected stranger. It was sometime, before anyone-. with sufficient courage and skill could be found to tackle the mysterious instrument, but when at length a rather S3edy-looking personage, with dirty fingers and long unkempt hair, was prevailed upon by the inducement of a, promised "whisky straight," to take; his seat and commence an assault on the ivories the wildest enthusiasm prevailed, and as the first notes of the preclude broke forth, a mighty cheer arose that shook the building to its foundation, and on the conclusion of the fantasia a general move was at once made for tlie nearest hotel, where in 'copious liba tions of the prevailing favourite and popular beverages, the health of the stranger was drunk with musical honors of the most varied description. In the evening the streets were brilliantly illuminated, home made candles being contributed for the occasion'with a prodigal hand, it Ixvish dis play of Chinese' crackers also taking place, and the,.event will long be remembered as one of the most marked and memorable incidents in the history of this rising and progressive little township. SANDER AND SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.—Li protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following : Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says in an editorial pnblished in the "Clinical Record":—"We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only one that proved to be reliable and 'corresponding to scientific tests.'' Another concoction called "Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost in causing injurious effects, That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another-case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard he high reputation of our manufacture we eel warranted in expo ing the above facts, and desires the public to exercise care and precaution when buying, SANDER, and SONS (Advt.) 7

France and Germany.

(PER KRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Paris, March 1. The French artists, under stress of public opinion, have withdrawn from Berlin. The visit of the Empress Frederic was a failure, and the Empress is greatly annoyed at the result. The German Minister has intimated to M. Eibot, Minister of Foreign Affairs, that he will not attempt to restore a peaceful footing between the two countries. Berlin, March 1. Yon Caprivi has ordered the Governor of Alsace and Lorraine not to relax the passport regulations. This is looked on as a reply to the in hospitable treatment of the Empress.

SPORTING.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP, 1891.

Ohhistchttroh, March 2. The following nominations were received for The New Cut*, of 1000 soys. Two miles,—Wolverine, Cmchfield, Flax bourne, Mariner, Huguenot, Occident, Diadem, Merrie England, Cajolery, Ci-dckshot, Thackeray, Dudu, Union Flag, Fairchild, Adventurer, Blizzard, Morpheus, Prime Warden,' Medallion, Palliser, Burlesque, Cknnuiald, Silver Knight, Lebel, Melenibo, The Workman, Coalscuttle, Fiesole, Roie, Leolantis, Tnlloch, Hilda, Cissy, Brigand, Sincerity] Burd Helen, FrafcenntcS, Hakiinaiie, eh coll by Ariel-Pearl, Fortune, Arouoel, Freedom, Tassy, .Flinders, Whisper, Cynisca, Cretonne, Pique, Dormeur, Dilemma, Conjuror, British Lion, Sfc! Andrew, Queen of Trumps, Triton, Free Lance, Sabre, Thane, Hipporaena, Tirailleur, Tiraillierie, Sternchaser, Jet d'Eau, Captain Webb, Leonardo, Recluse, Goodwood, Qresf:os, Dishonor, I^iokiej ■Sifcrephrtn, Rbsefelcjt, b c by Mute— Euira, She, eh c by Ramanuna- Rosalind.

V.R.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

[Received March 3, 12.30 p.m.] Melbourne.''March 3, The weather was delightfully CQU I and< qlqudy this, morning, 'JJHe Admiral and The Spot; galloped a mile and a half at top speed, and Chintz, looking fit, swung alons; nicely with Fernando. Megaphone has hardened to 3 to 1 for the Cub ; Jebusite has been supported to win £5030 at 100 to 4 ; 1000 to 30 was tatai about Chinfe. A^ter 7SQ to IQQ had been ostensibly taken about Grey (fowii, tto 1 was the best offer. Enuc is firm at 6 to 1, Gibraltar 8 to 1, Vengeance 9to 1; Highborn, Gm-eae and Crown Jewel are easy at 10 to 1, i

BOROUGH COUNCIL

The usual fortnightly mpeting of.the. Ashburton Borough ■ Council was held last evening. Present—His Worship the Mayor (Mr Hugo Friudlander) in the chair, and Crs. Williamson, Brooke, | Kdr, Paul, , Bird, Cuthbertson, and Tweed. FINANCE. The Mayor reported the debib balance at the bank as-' standing at ,€1637 14s 7d, and the 1, income from all sources [ received since last meeting as £107 7s 2d. Of the latter sum £140 12s Gd was 75 per cent subsidy. His Worship pointed out that the overdraft stood at sometl'ing Ike £300 more t.haii-it had done at the same period last' year. This had been brought about by the execution of several expensive works authorised before he came into office. He also stated that he had granted a license at to Mr Frank Walcot to sell sharpening stones on the public street on Saturday ■ last. H.Z.S.P.C.A. The Secretary Christchurch branch, of the New Zealand Society for the Preven tion of Cruelty to Animals wrote suggest ing Wednesday, 11th March, as a suitable date for holding a meeting of the Society in Ashburton. ; The letter was received.; MUNICIPAL REFORM. The Wellington City Council forwarded a circular inviting the Borough' Council to send a delegate to a conference to be held in Wellington (of municipal dele gates) with a view to procuring legislation under which certain necessary reforms in municipal matters would be secured. ' Cr Paul moved that the , Mayor be asked to represent the Council at the Conference. Cr Cuthberfcon seconded, and the motion was supported by Crs Bird, Brooke and Williamson ; Crs Keir and Tweed opposing the sending of any delegate. The motion having been carried after a somewhat lengthy discussion, the Mayor accepted the position. RUBBISH. The Sergeant of Police applied for and received permission to burn rubbish at the back of the police station. Mr Joseph Hale made a similar applica tion for section 252 which was granted. : subsidy. j The Paymaster-General wrote intimat ing the payment to the borough's account at the bank of £140 12s 6d, also' a refund of £J 15s expenses incurred by Fire Brigade in extinguishing fire at the Railway bridge. ■• I RATING ACT. i The Solicitor wrote suggesting, for the mote certain collection of borough rates,, that a special order, undur section 4 of the Rvoing Acts Amendment Act, 1888, should be passed, adopting the clauses of the Rating Act, 1882, and its amend ments, relating to the recovery; of rates. The Borough Solicitor's/suggestion was adopted. BYK-LAW PROSECUTIONS. Mr John Henry wrote complaining of vexatious prosecution on the part of the Inspector of Nuisancesj inasmuch as he had been summoned before the R.M. on a charge of allowing a heap of stable manure to lie in his stable yard, after the heap had been removed in, obedience to notice served. Mr Henry pointed out that his was the only instance in which owners of stables had been prosecuted, and that, in facfc, of the by-law (if such exi.stcd) under which he^was prosecuted, the breach \va:s more common than the observance. The Council decided that, as the Magistrate had already dealt with the case, it could nob be re-opened, at the Council. . , CHARITABLE AID. The Secretary, Charitable Aid Office, | Christchurch, wrote stating that the Mayor's action in granting temporary relief in pressing cases of destitution would always be endorsed, but the Com mittee considered that only the most pressing needs of applicants should be relieved until a formal report on the surrounding circumstances of each case had been obtained and submitted to the Committee. The letter was ordered to bo acknow ledged. engineers' report. The Engineers reported as follows : — The Labor Gang have been engaged in carting shingle for repairing streets, clean ing side channels and carting rubbish, watering streets, and general maintenace work. The Borough Water Race in Charles street and Winter's road, Allenton, is being cleared out and will be completed in a few days. We have been somewhat delayed in obtaining a Stand. Pipe for fillintj the wafer cart, but trust now to have one fixed in a few days. We have made arrangements with the Chairman of the Works Committee for the painting, glazing, and repairing of the Gas Lamps. The report was adopted. TRAFFIC BRIDGE. Cr Tweed drew attention to the fact that the worn-out planks on the traffic bridge were being replaced by new ones that stood fully an inch higher than the main deoking. This caused jolting on the part of vehicles using the bridge, and besides being dangerous to drive over was injurious to the bridge. He moved that the attention of the County Council be drawn to the unevennessof the deckings Cr Keir seconded, and the motion waa earned. RATE STRUCK. The Mayor moved to strike the usual rate of Is in the £1, payable in one sum on 31st March. —Carried. POUND. The Mayor, pursuant to notice, moved his motion " That the Council at its next meeting consider the Pound question, and further take such steps as it may deem advisable to put the matter upon a more satisfactory footing than at present." He was not in a position tha.t evening to propound a scheme for- the improvement of matters, but he would be pleased to have the principle of the motion affirmed, and then a Committee could be appointed to consider Avhat change was necessary, i motion having been carried, Crs ! Williamson, Paul, Keir, Bird, and th,e Mayor were appointed a Conunittye to consider and report, ACCOUNTS. The usual pay. sheet having been passed the Council adjourned and sat as a DOMAIN BOARD. ladies' bathing ho.uhs, Th.c hours fay ladies' bathing were ex tended half an hour, and would now be from two to half pant four. It-was de cided to take steps for the proper infor mation of the public in regard to ladies' bathing hours, so that privacy could be secured. The Swimming Club wrote Extirpating 'that no charge fo,; 1. admission to the Domain would be made.on the ljth March, thq cjatp qf the annual meeting of the Glub, stnd on which occasion the Council's patronage was asked for. The request was granted. The special resolution passed at last meeting re Bye-Law No. 2^was confirmed. This was all the business.

POLITICAL NOTES

(pJ?R PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, March 2. At a meeting of the Council this after noon the papers in the case oj the'women Flanagan, mother. §ru\ daughter, lying imder seiitehco of death for child murder, i at Chriatclmroh, were considered, and they have now been forwarded to his Excel lency the Governor at Auckland. The Government have arranged that a mooting of the Executive Council, presided over by the Governor, and attended by Hows'

Messrs Buckley and Caduian, shallbp ] held iit Auckland next week, .when the i fate of the unfortunate yeomen will be 1 decided. Mr Cudman leaves for Auck land on departmental business to-morrow morning, and Mr Buckley follows some time next week. The Minister of Public Works will visit the West Coast of the South Island at Easter. Before leaving lie will attend the opening of the Gorge line, which wiil probaUy be fixed for next Monday. The position of Mr Justice Ed ward"' appointment was further .considered by. the Cabinet this afternoon, but no decision in the matter was arrived at.

SIR GEORGE GREY.

There can be but few who do not view with sincere regret the announcement of. Sir George Grey's intention to re enter Parliamentary life. When he bade farewell to his" constituents after the dissolution of the last Parliament, it was folt that one of the greatest characters in the.history of the colony was quitting the scene, andlon all .sides were heard expressions of genuine sympathy and esteem, which were renewed, when the new Parliament met and placed on its records a graceful and well-merited" farewell resolution; Sir George pleaded old age and ill health as the reasons for his withdrawal from Parliament, and everybody felt with sorrow that the reasons were true and sufficient. A. sojourn at Rotorua has, enabled him to overcome to some extent the long and tedious 'illness from which he suffered, but we have not heard that his medical advisers have removed the prohibition which they placed upon his taking any active part in political affairs ; on the contrary Sir George's stipulation that if he should be accepted by the JNewtOii constituency he should be free from any obligation to attend late sittings of the House points to his being still in too precarious health to embark again upon the sea of party strife. It is quite out of the question to suppose for a moment that Sir George will be a silent member. In jhe first place it is not in his nature to be an idle spectator of any political proceedings; and, further, the questions which will most promi nently engage the attention of tLe House during the next session ■\v}U< be, those in which he has evinced a life-! long interest. The measures proposed to be introduced by Mr Bftllance do, not, however, onjmany poirits go nearly far enough to meet Sir George Grey's views, as he expressed thepi so lafcely as last year. A- graduated land tax for instance will not by any means satisfy his demand that the incidence of taxation should be so changed as to secure for the State the value of the '' unearned increment " of all land alienated from the Orown. The reform of the Legislative (Council which the Government have indicated will prove ©pally unsatisfactory as a settlement of Sir. George's desire for the entire abolition of the Upper' House'; and there is no probability of any steps being taken to make the Governorship of the Colony an elective office, as he wishes it to be. On the land question, too, the veteran is far from being in accord with the Ministry. But if Sir George Grey is not at all points agreed with the Government, still less can he be said to' have any sympathy with the Opposition. Since the general election but one note of policy has been sounded by an Opposition leader, namely Mr Bryce's remarkable utter ance at Egmor».t upon the claims of wealth to an increase of power in the selection of legislators. This was stated as one of the foremost political prob lems of the day, and nothing oould be more certain than the enunciation of such a principle to excite Sir George Grey's most strenuous opposition, The views of borrowing which Sir George expressed in Auckland last week will not meet the approval of either side of the House. Still he will not be a " party of one." Certain of the -Auckland members, such as Mr Rees and Mr Shera, are his devoted disciples, and among, the new members he is almost certain to secure more than one adherent. What use h,e will make of his power remains to be seen. It is of course possible that he may lend his influence to the promotion of the Government measures, indeed we aro inclined to look upon this as the CQurse which "he Avill take. The Ministry is truly Liberal, placed in power and supported by a strong Liberal majority, and the same cannot • be. said of *ny of the Governments some of them Liberal in name, to which Sir George has been either a candid friend or an uncompromising enemy. The Premier, has evidently no fear of his taking up either attitude towards his Ministry, and has very promptly called upon the Newton Liberal^ ijo, dismiss any such fear that they may entertain by expressing his desire for Sir George's unopposed return. Some of the opponents, of the Government have somewhat hastily concluded that Sir George Grey will be a disturbing influence in this as he has been in past Parliaments, and are calculating upon his presence as being embarrassing to, the Ministry, and abovs ail to the Premier. The is too evidently parent tQ the thought, and while Regretting that Sir George Grey should have consented to emerge from his honorable vesr&ment, we hold to the opinion that he will use his influence in. support of the Govern ment, and give them loyal assistance in promoting measures which will be a distinct advance towards the ends which he has had in view throughout his long political career.

The Education System

A few ifciyn hh'o tin 1 "Now Zetland Rerald " published .-in article dealing very forcibly with the defects of our system of education, and commending the subject to the serious consideration of Mr \V\ P. Reeves, the new Ministov oi Education (of whom it eaj^ t,l»a> i\ stronger advocate of thejfico, £icc<fclai\,tnd compulsory system ttoes, Tiiipt exist in tlio colony). The Minister has forwarded a reprint of the article to the Boards of Education yid) Teachers'lnstitutes throughout the. colony enquiring if the defects exis.t;. and what remedy can be suggest;^, 'tte following are the salient P|,iWs of. article ;— What c^o. t|ex*%d' to fee the kind of \', edj\icatmn " whioh lias been given in the public schools ? Has it developed thp. lftenta.l powers of a population, wh,io«» if we have any faith in heredity, ought to be exceptionally infceJHijre^t $ tlas it been of such a kind,i^kv^4*^o;ydujiff.people.» after tlx&y have left .vohool, a thirst j^iowledge, and an de.si.i:o tosupn^eWnt t|at small amount they hay©., acquired by further study' Da we lind our young people, as a class, availing theu^^y^a yf

tiio trb;»Bui-es of literifcure and sciencu U> be found in the Free Library ? Do they :luck to scientific or historical lectures 'I l>o Uiey show any interest in the habits and customs of other races '{.... Let Mr VV. P. Reeves try a very simple and easy experiment. Let him ask somo mercantile friend iv.Wellington to adver tise for an errand boy at 7s or 8s a-week, and then let Mr R«eves himself examine the crowds of appli cants. Tlioy will all h.ivc pa^ >d the fourth, and mo;-,t of tfie.n the filth and sixth standards Let him aJi them a few questions in New Ziuland geography, if they have passed the sixth.' He v/iIJ probably be told, as a gentleman jure knmv was very recently, that tha .JvppHcant had not had to learn any .New Zealand geo graphy during his last year. Lot him ask simple questions, as " What are the n-imcs of the provincial districts ? whereabouts are they situated ? what are their chief towns ? what ,-ire their ports." Ask these boys for the names of any three of the Governors who have preceded Lord Onslow, or of any three of the Premiers of the colony, or as to the constitution of the colony, or the composition of the Legislative Council i and the House of Representatives. We will guarantee that not one in twenty will give correct answers. And this is not from stupidity, but simply because the children have not been educated, except as a grey parrot is educated. A new en-and boy was sent to post a lector addressed to Wellington. He looked at the address, and then asked whether he should post it in the box for inside or outside New Zealand. On being pressed, he admitted that Wellington was the capital of the colony, but was not sure whether it was inside or outside New Zealand. Let Mr Reeves ask a .few questions about thepredominantittdusfcries in Canterbury and Otago, or how the rivers of the Canterbury Plains are fed, and why a hot north-wester will cause them to flood. Ha will find that; the boys write very well (much better than he does himself), and know arithmetic thoroughly, but let him. give them the heads ~of the simplest business letter, and ask them to put it into shape, and see how many could, for example,,compose a letter complaining of a shipment of butter, and telling the correspondent thai the consignee would hold his firm responsible for any loss thab may be sustained by its sale. Let him note the defects in spelling, grammar, and composition. Let him ask the boys to read a leader i.i that *' highly-respectable paper," the " Lyttelton Times," and then question the reader as to the ideas con veyed to the boy's mind by its lucid sen tences. Finally let him examim- the boys about the.■?' records "in cricket, football, running, and othur athletic sports; lefc him ask them what are the odds on'the principal hcivsos entered for the Mel bourne Gup, or the local races, and let him note the brightening of their faces, the intelligence and correctness of their answers, and if he allows a discussion to <?6 en amongst, them on those subjects, tho koen and logical way in which they will argue the disputed points. The fact is that they aro good material, spoilt , .in the making. When he has niad& Me'&B two experiments of this kind, let him ask himself whether there is not something faulty in a systemwh'icbtaliesachildatnve and turns him out, at thirteen no better instructed than these boys arc. They are not scholars; they are : not younsj gentlemen. They have no polish, their accent and their £#Ammatical blunders still stamp them as belonging to the class below the educated classes. And yet any English public school boy who has been at a public school for six to eight years, mv matter- what his parentage may have been/ carries with him the unmistakable stamp of an educated young gentleman, both in speech and manners. The reasons swhy our system so uttorly. fails are too numerous and imuorfcanb to! be discussed at the fag end of an article, but one thing we may point out. An immense amount of time is spent in compelling children to learn minute matters which they need never learn at all but for the dreadful examinations. There, are thousands, ■ .of questions which an inspector may ask, ayd Home of which they all ask, which no child ought'to bo expected to answer correctly. We ought. to have the mr spectora' questions published. We ought to know who ore responsible for this perpetual grind which wears out so many young lives. Not very many weeks ago one of the teachers under our Board, of Education resigned on account of illness brought on by overwork. Two months afterwards &he was \x\ her grave. This young lady was as, flissbincbly killed by the system, as if ths Board had compelled her to drj»k an ounce of prussic acid. Many teachers give up their work simply •hsoaiise tkeir health breaks down. Many children have to be withdrawn from the school on account of illhealth,- caused or aggravated by the intense strain on the mental powem. it is. not these children who give the teachers trouble ; these are the diligent,, industrial, earnest little souls who fag away at their books like heroes. But the lasy or ths negligent, or those who aro. kept at home by their parent these are the curse of the school teacher. The standards are a bed of Procrustes— all have to be dragged through them somehow or other, or the " percentage " is lowered, and the teachw's reputation destroyed.

The Markets.

■. Ihe 2few Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cable messace, dated Lon don, 27th February, 18911— - ■ Tallow market is steadier. Best; rauft m tallow is worth 26s 6d per ewe.. Quotations for good beef tallow are un changed since last telegram. Frozen Meat—Beef and mutton market: unchanged. Lamb market steady. Prime New Zealand iambs are worth per car case ?d perlb.

The Weather.

Tht following is the temperature and rainfall at Chertsey for February :-—

RARATONG.

[tb.k press association.]. AUCKT.AKB. March 3. xiv a despatch to Mr Moss, British Kesidenf at Row tonga, the Governor says that regarding the liquor traffic Lord Pnslowre^fcsthnt the prohibitory law has, h*»«a feondimpmotJoablei. The belief i t#»fc the law passed on 24th December Tfill secure temperance in the taue sense of the w«?d; ei^fcitl-es it to a trial, but Mr Moss is to watch its operation ami report op flis, Excellency. . , ,

Some vandals smashed; tfhe- shimlril m« sented to the city of Chrsitchurch by Mr'» =! Manning, ex-miyor, oa the ftt^t uight it Wi*jj eXQ.ct?d v ■ > -

flttE. ASttBtTBTON CTAKPIA^ TOISPAY, MARCtt Si, 1801



■§ g -9 « a s 1 68 50 2 68 4ft 3 831 48, 4, .fft 43 .5 70 48 ■6 60 47 7 *» 48 8 75 51 9 85 48 10 84 54 11 74 54 12 63 53 13 58 48, 14. <j& -■ 43.

a "S X 0-05 0-08 0*97 0-26

P. !5 § 15 60 47 16 71 49 0-30 17 60 52 0-02 18 69 54 19 85 52 20 80 44 0-68 21 50 42 1-16 22 58 49 0-32 23 6a 51 0-31 24 67 53 25 68 59 26 73 51 27 71 56 28 72 4.7.

Total rainfall 4'34iiu



'VT X W 55KALAND CLOTHING JljJ FACIOEY, the leading Hat, Cap, and Clothing Manufacturers, 3EAST S?R3?ET, AgHBUBTOIT A.«enfc?for the Wonde*-'^ Tei^Keii^ Sewing Machine vV. H. W.WI3.BKR, Maniij-jr.



LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD. SMALL BIRDS' NUISANCE. TVTO EGGS or HEADS of SMALL JLN BIRDS will be taken afcer MON DAY, March 9th. 3*17 By^ Order. ! NOTICE TO CREDITORS. rpHE Creditors of the late firms of _L Sando and Olsen and Sando and Co., storekeepers, of Ashburton, or Knud Sando, late of Christchurch, are requested to send all unsatisfied claims to Amelia Sando, jCox street, Ashburton, which, if correct, will be paid in full. ]So claims presented later than fourteen days from the date of this advertisement will be recognised. KTSUD SANDO. Ashburton, March 3rd, 1891. 3t14 a/; ,V WJTH TEET& a v.Z-JJ 'fciTH CHRIS L'OU C R'JH DENTA.L SURGERY, Ccrner of Oashel and High streets S. M™" AND C - SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunodin an.l Westport (TTE have gained llk FIRST AWARD W "' the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Tempoiarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or i monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE C4AS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, s»s. Extraction, 2s Gd. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost. /""I ENTLEMEN requiring the very VX latest fashion in FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice stock at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shirts, buttoned and lacec'i fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. SUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 2s Gd. Increasing demand for these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. BOYS' School Suits, well fitting, durable, and moderate in price at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. AGENTS for the Wonderful New High Arm " Wurthehn ' Sewing Machines. Latest improvements, new appliances, noiseless motion, increased atUwutagos.. ( ALL who have used the " Werfcheim' ; New High Arm sewing majchjpGj proclaim it to be the most perfect j sowing machine yet produced. Inspection invitxl.



Wanted I CASH Advertisements under this . heading not exceeding StXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office WANTED,— To Purchase, 1000 Empty Saolcs in good condition. 3 16 "■ ■ F. Fkrrimmv. WANTED —A Smart Boy as appren tice ; must be a good writer. Apply by letter—.Stephens' Bros., Market House. _ _ 3*lß fpnRY the Oreat Drapery Sale now on JL at H. C. SeCtKUs. T3RESRNTS.--All holders of Tickets I. will oblige by bringing them in as .soon as possible.- H. C. Seoers, Melford House. /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream \J as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. , \ . ANTED Known — Some special ' V ' lines in choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." W"~ ANTED Known—The " Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens •jnclios and Children.—W. 11. Collieu. WANTED every man in the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. oEGERS' Clearing Sale in all Depart O ments now on. One trial solicited, - Melford House. /~^\ LASS, Earthenware, and China, vX direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with dea patc , ANTED KNOWN—MRS J. 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 MOW ON —At Stationers' Hall JJ\ Great Sale of Surplus Stock f Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods 15 Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one mtnth only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. Andrewes & Co.'s, Stationers Hall.



ni win "TT7E ARE CASH PURCHASERS OF $ecoi ti>s Wheat IN ANY QUANTITY A.t liiffhomt Marketßates ROLLITT & CO. 2 121 O. JL). O E V M O U R SURGEON DENTIST, 15 Cojombo Street (new Buildings nea Corner of Gloucester Street.) Established .„ . ... 1860 Scale ok Chaikjks ; Estraetioii* 2s 6d per tooth ; iillings, os per to.>rli. A reduction trade wJjerea jj-milier reqwire attending. j AKTIFICIAL TEETH. 'j%G charges for artificial teeth are made •wjfch ,ii f'IGW to strict economy, regulated ])j .such ck'eiMHsfeuiccs 'is cases preeent, or msdi WjaterUils «.is pitk^ifcs prefer. Par tlwulftW •gi-ven on application. Consulta tion ivo®, JS&fcmus Oxide .(Laughjing Q;^) iidtiiiuistcmjl »"j^u ;ro.o I ,uir.eil. Atteu^tice, JO a.m. to 6 p.m, , 1 iO Colombo frmm'x, CVei^s'inpaifECJH. ij ■ Hi



Having purchased Dr N. A. Neely's Dental practice, MR THOMPSON may be consulted at the above address. 2 11 MONEY TO LEND. -jl/TONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of £100 to_£sooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. JAMES BAKER, TIMBER MERCHANT, AND GENERAL FURNITURE VND FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, HAVBLOCK STREET, Opposite Harrison s Axtction Mart, TTURNITURE and Picture Frames JO made to order in any design at shortest notice. Sole Agent in Ashburton for Clegg's Perambulators. Also, Wiesner Pianos



Public Notices. | ' v t^ OL E AGE NT FO R 17. WAJLUOX'S GOLD MEDAL Emery Sharpening Stones, HENRY 21 AN 1)1CP, 3 2 ASHBUKTON. SINGING. A LADY (now resident in Christ i7\. church), thoroughly competent to teach Singing, is desirous of obtaining pupils in Ashburton. Lessons at their own residences. Apply " Alpha," Mail Office. B 106 THE MIRROR. A HIGH-CLASS Weekly, Social Political, Literary, and Dramatic paper, to be published every FRIDAY price 3d, by the Centennial Printing and Publishing Company, Limited, Melbourne Teracp, Rus'ell Street Melbourne. THE ASHBURTON MAIL From and after the 3(Hh November, IBS 6, the terms of subscription to this Journal will be as follows, viz:— IP PAID IN ADVANCE. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 7s 6d „ Half-year... 12s Od, by post 14s Od „ Year... ... 20s Od, by post 26s Od IF BOOKED. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 8s Od  Half-year... 13s Od, by post 16s Od „ Year 26s Od, by post 32s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each ; if booked, 4s each. Stamps may be sent as payment, . -. i - — ■ *» ART NEEDLEWORK, AND FANfVY KEPOSITORY EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. ftSrs Adams IS now showing some nice designs in Plush, Canvas, Raised Woolwork, Crash, Arresene, New Shades in Macrame, Tinsel Silks, Filloselle, New Transfers, Corda, Tassels, and Fringes, Braces and Smoking Caps ready for working. China, Glass, and Japanese Ornaments in great variety. Wedding and Birthday Gifts. Agents for Mes dames Weigel and Butterick's cut paper patterns, and Eclipte Dye Works. Ke jjistry Office for Servants. Mr W. F. Thompson, SURGEON "Pv ENTIST, URGEON XJ ENTIST, 218 HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH Hours —10 a.m. to 6 p,m.



THE (OLOMAL l\Sl RW* L COMPANY OF M ZEALAND (FIRE AND MARINE) rpHE Business of this Company has J. been TRANSFERRED to the OOMMFRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and Agencies in New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled in future. F. ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington, New Zealand, December lltli, 1890. THE COMMERCIAL UNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861. Incorporated under Acfc of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 CornhilJ, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds .., 2,351,707 Total Annual Netfc Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE for NEW ZEALAND : Lambton Quay, Wellington. i With Local Boards of Advice in Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zeal md • FRANK ALLEN, 4 P, Every description of Fire nd Marino insurance effected at LOWESTCUttBEtfT BATES; CUFF & GRAHAM, i Managers for Canterbury, Cluistchutci). / XFUIEDLANDEK



W.W. Spencer A Co. "extension of W. W. gPCMIiEIt * C«'« Great Clearing Sale. Being heavily overstocked, and in order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home in about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than ever. All Wool, colonial flannel, 10|d, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2a 3d the doz; Dress Goods 4id ; Washing Prints, 2|d, 3Jd, and 4id ; Washing Muslin __ 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3|d j \i] each ; a very large Towel 9Jd, £3 Onow 6kl ; very good Ticking, rQ 6d ; double width Sheeting, H <j 71d; heavy white Linen Twill H 0 Sheeting, 11 id ; heavy cotton Shirting, 5Ad; Cretonnes, 4id ; l ftjj Men's woollen Sox, ll|d; Boys' H Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; h-j <J Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; *' Men's good Twcci Suits, 22s Q Gd ; Boys' Tweca Suits from l \£\ 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles r K7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. f~ 2« lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. J-J fH Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's \J] colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 9d; Girls' and Maids' Kid Elastic Sides,and Button Boots &xld.'3s'lld, and 4s 6d at W. W. SPENCER 4c Con 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. The" A rcade.



public Notices, i rHE DOMESTIC PAPER PATTERNS ; OF NEW YORK. MRS P «l P fi WISHES to inform her many Friends and Customers that she has the Agency of the abovu celebrated Patterns* that by each San Francisco Mail will RECEIVE NEW ONES. _ Also— •s X JF-113 STYLE," Price 3d Monthly. THK BTJOU ART NEEDLEWORK DKPOT, Morten's Buildings, Opposite Bank New Zealand, CHRISTCHURCH. [__ 2 30 W^ EL COLLIER W. H. Colliek is now The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier sho win o The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier NEW The Corner W. H. Collier Thk Corner W. H. Collier a,nd The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H- CollierC HO ICE The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier MILLINERY The Corner W. H. Collier ULSTERS, Thk Corner W. H. Collier JACKETS, The Corner W. H. Colierl RIBBONS, The Corner W. H. Collier FURS, The Corner W. H. Collier Gt-OVES, The Corner W. H. Collier DRAPERY, The Corner W. H. Collier etc., etc., The Corner i W. H- Collier for the The Corner W. H. Collier mTM , mT _ w The Corner W. H. Collier A«r*«ratw Xhe Corner W. H. Collikr ww S?,iL™ The Corner W. H. Collier WIsrTB» The Corner W. H. Collier SEASON. The Corner W. H. Collier — The Corner W. H. Collier The Balance The Corner W. H. Collier of The Corner W. H. Collikr SUMMER Thk Corner W. H. Collier STOCK The Corner W. H. Collier is still being The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier SQIQ OFF The Corner W. H, Collier The Corner \V. H. Collier CHEAP The Corner W. H. Collier to make room The Corner W. H. Collikr for The Corner W. H. Collier NEW GOODS The Corner W. H. Collier arrivino. The Corner "The Corner."