MAIL NOTICE

WEDNESDAY, January 27. For United Kingdon, Continents of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, &.•., &c, and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, i-er Takapuna, as follows :— Ordinary letters, 0.1£5 p.m. ; books and newspapers, O.J£> p.m.; registered letttra, 5 p.m.; money orders 3 p.m. Inis mail will be due m London on March 2, 892.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1592. SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

Tho revised regulations for the in spection and examination of the State schools, which were gazetted last October, come into force wifch the re assembling of the schools after the present midsummer or harvest holidays. The changes that have been made are of no small importance, and a digest of the piincipal of them will be of in terest. Every endeavour has been iridd by a long exposition of the spirit •md design of the new syllabus and by i series of clear instructions to inspec -1 tors to bring about a degree of uni formity of interpretation of the regula tions which has not hitherto been obtainable. In the syllabus itself the most noteworthy change is the re moval of grammar from the list of "pass subjects" to the place of "class subjects" m all standards except Standard IV. This m itself is a sub stantial reform. Tt frees teachers, scholars, and inspector* from the long wrestling with the useless intricacies of "analysis," which has hitherto been one of the greatest stumb ling blocks of the syllabus. This change docs not extend to composition, which is retained as a pass subject m all the standards m which it is re quired. The requirements m geography have been rendered more explicit and definite, and pupils are not expected to know anything of towns of less than 200,000 inhabitants outside Austral asia, unless they are metropolitan towns or ports of considerable consequence. Some of the unfairly difficult arith metical problems are expressly ex cluded. At given stages the amount of historical knowledge required is restricted to a definite number of events, persons, and dates, for each period, and the examination will follow the teacher's own selection of details for each period. The drawing syllabus is simplified by narrowing model drawing ta a few forms of solids, pre sented under thehead of solid geometry, and is also better graduated than it formerly was. The problems m prac tical geometry (limited to thirty) are set forth m detail, so that the " catch " questions which have often been an objectionable feature of examinations will be avoided. The syllabus of agri cultural knowledge proposed by the Educational Institute is authorised as alternative with the subject known as "elementary science." Although the requirements of the syllabus are made more definite than they were, more freedom is granted to teachers, who are expressly allowed m some subjects to frame an alternative programme. The regulations make it clear that a teacher is not bound to classify his pupils with strict regard to Standards they have passed, and they also show how a difference between pass subjects on the one hand, and class subjects and addi tional subjects on the other, can be applied so as to lighten; he work of the teachers of small schools. The inspectors are now required to judge more leniently the other school work of girls thatlearn needlework. Formerly they were »b liberty to make a con cession, but it was left to their dis cretion. A new feature m this edition of the code is a rule by which, if any child above the age of eight years is presented m the preparatory class, the teacher is required to give a written explanation of the reason for not presenting the child for examination for the First Standard— a rule that will protect at once the teacher and the scholar. A subse quent Order-in-Council provides for a lenient interpretation of the drawing re quirements during the current year, and of all the new requirements for the first six months of the year. The re vised regulations embody many of the reforms that have been advocated by teachers' institutes throughout the country, and the proceedings of the New Zealand Educational Institute at its recent sittings m Christchurch show that the representatives of the publio school teachers of the colony regard the alterations with much favor. They are all m favor of appreciating educa tion as distinguished from " cram," and that is a departure for which the Minister of Education deserves the best thanks of scholars, teachers, in spectors, and parents.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Sydney clockmaker has constructed a timepiece for exhibition at the World's Fair. The mechanism is complicated, and the clock s said to be one of the finest ever built. The Premier stated that at one of Mr M'Lean's meeting last week that up to that time 3177 persons secured employment through the Labour Bureau, of which number 1449 had gone into the service of private employers. A severe accident happened at Wiuslow this afternoon to Mr Low, shepherd at .Dr Trevor's farm. He had just got on his horse, a quiet one usually, when it reared up and fell back on him. His head was badly cut and bled profusely. The Rev Mr Farley attended to the injured man at once, and Dr Hunter was fetched from Ashburton, as the injuries appeared to be serious. Oa Saturday afternoon a reply was received to the message of sympathy sent to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales by Mr P. Cunningham, R.W.D.G.M.- for Canterbury of the Freemason* of the EflgifeJ* Constitu tion, acknowledging the message an 4 Mjaiift ing the Masons of Canterbury for tlieir sympathy. The message came direct from His Royal Highness.

On Saturday a little girl named Hose Irene Wilson, the fifteen months old daughter of a farmer at Southbridge, g t hold of some Cooper's sheep dip powders, swallowed them, and diefl from the effects. Afc a good representative meeting of Christchurch citizens yesterday afternoon, under the presidency of the Mayor, it was decided to entertain the Governor and Countess of Onslow at luueheon on a date convenient, to his Excellency. A wealthy syndicate hos been organised m Kansas city to lay mains throughout the ci'y for the purpose of supplying ]ious°s" with air—cold air m summer, and warm air m the winter, and warranted to be charged with a suitable supply of oxygen. The Auckland correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times " telegraphs that Pro fessor Thomas l.as shown conclusively tint medical science is not to be indebted to Mr Chew Cliong, of Tnranaki, for enlightening us as to the cause and cure of influent 1 The thread like parasites which the Chiuu.-i merchant has taken from patients who were cured by him have been placed under the microscope and found to cousist entirely of such fibres as the lower part of the skin is composed of. There were no parasites at all »mong them, and Mr Chew Chong has been industriously picking out bits from the cuti cle of his patients. As some of these were furnished with a very tough epidermis, it is no wonder he frequently broke a needle m extracting the bo called parasite. Recently an important experiment was made m Portsmouth harbor for the purpose of ascertaining if a torpedo boat, at a speed of nineteen knots could jump a boom which had been securly fixed, having its surface thickly covered with spikes, with a seven inch wire hawser held taunt overhead. Lieutenant Sturdee and four men, whose lives had been specially insured, were on board the craft, which went at full speed straight for the boom. The boat had a large superstructure from bow to stern m arch formation, m order to support tho hawser ; but the heavy pressure of the latter forced the craft down upon the spikes of the boom, were she remained for some time as m a vice. When she was liberated she made for the beach, but she sank before teaching it. The officers and crew, who went below and bat.tened down the hatchway prior to strik ing the boom, got out of the craft before she foundered. The Wellington "Pros 1*" says the com pilation of the census is m a very forward stare. The work is under the personal superintendence of Mr Yon Dadelzun, I)pputy-Registrar-General and about thirty five extra clerks have been employed. Several processes of tabulation have been carried out, and something like a maximum of speed and accuracy has been attained. The information contained m the house holders' schedules was transferred to specially prepared cards, uecessa?y pirticulars con cerning every individual m the colony being thus condensed on a separate card. This operation, which occupied some five months, was done by piece work. The transference of these particulars to aggregate tables is now being gone on with, the clerks being employed again on " day-pay." It is antici pated that the whole work'will be completed within three or four months from the present time. With reference to the statement thit owing to the high wages which men are able to make on the unemployed contract works on the Otago Central, farmers were unable to obtain 'hands, the Taieri paper has been informed by a man who has been employd on the Otago Central railway works for some considerable time that after paying his ex penses all lie could send to his wife was about 21s or 22s every week. To do this he had to live sparingly, for if any extravagance was indulged m it was found impossible to forward that sum. As farmers' workmen usually receive £1 per week and are pro vided with better accommodation and better food than the men employed on the Otago Central, and while their employment is per manent, the line men are but temporarily engaged, the farm hands have an advantage, instead of the railway workmen being m a far better position than the other workmen, as alleged. The statement that the men on the Otago Central were making exceptionally good wages was denied by the man, who said that some men—willing men—had to leave because they could not keep them selves, while the very best workmen only made wages that could be called fair. The Auckland correspondent of the "Otago Daily Times " writes as follows :—Some of our local fruitgrowers are sending triai ship ments of early apples by the Otarama to White and Co., of London, and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Com pany is doing the same for several clients. ■Several hundred cases will be sent. The varieties shipped are Gravenstein, Bismarck, Emperor Alexander, Summer Strawberry, Tory Pippin, and Mills' Royal. This ship ment is interesting as being the first tml shipment of apples. If successful, it will tend to enable our fruitgrowers to antici pate the Tasmanian exporters by at lea3t a month. Should a market be found for the early apples, it will lead to the cultivation of such varieties. Nova Scotian and Ameri can apples are left stored for the London market for the higher price to March or April, and it yet remains to be solved whether the bright, fresh, early New Zealand apples will find a market or suffer m the competition with these. General Booth, according to the London correspondent of the Auckland "Star, cabled Home at the conclusion of his New Zealand tour as follows:—"The New Zealand campaign is finished. I am about to embark for Tasmania. Nothwithstand ing the long coast and wearing inland journeys, lam happy to state my health is good, and, with a brief respite from public work, will be equal to the coming heavy engagements. Looking back upon jthe gigantic, glorious meetings at Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, I rejoice to report that the result of this New Zealand tour has exceeded our most sanguine expectations. God hr^s indeed been with us m mighty power. A work directly crowned with blessing and far reaching m its importance has been accomplished. The 250 officers are strong m love, unity, and loyalty. Their labours have raised up a spledidly organised band of fighting men and women. Taken all round, the New Zealand wing of the Salva tion Army presents a noble appearance. The reputation of the Army for practical Christliko work stands high m the estima tion of all classes, The press and other voices of public opinion have spoke out m the most generous manner of the movement as a whole, and our recent departures for the amelioration of the poor m particular. With renewed faith and holy enterprise let us go forward with God upon the principles and methods which He has so signally blessed and honoured." A Melbourne paper tells a weird story of the adventures of one of the depositors m the fallen Metropolitan Bank. He had heard rumors of the approaching collapse, and fled m terror into the city to withdraw his deposit of £300. The teller met him with an affable smile, and paid him m the bank's own notes—if he had asked for silver the establishment would have closed there and then—and fye v/eijfc on his way rejoicing. He had got about t\vQ wjijE.es on the road home when the horrible thought occurred to him that if the Metropolitan burst the Metropoli tan notes were just as valuable as brown wrapping paper. There was no time to get Hack bafore closing time, so he rushed into tho nearest branch bank and tried to open an account, wi£h the alleged assets. But the branch blandly dvciLisd them, and he was left standing dismally intlje su'£c£ with £300 of valueless notes m his palsied h'ancl.' T|ien he stared t$ gef rid of them systematically. He plodded roityid from one shop to another buying sixpennywoytiiß / v f anything and everything, and taking 19 6d change */n each transaction. He bought tobacco, pipes, pills, quinine, jnmpingjacks, apples, bananas, tarts, buttons, eggs, cheese, bootlaces, beer, dolls, toothbrushes, and all manner of thiiigs* When he got loaded down he either hired Ughib porter to take the rubbish home or else threw it m jfcltyJ gutter. And finally, about midnight lie trotted' liqime himself, worn to rags, dusty, almost speechless, &W with the sol^s walked off his boots, but triumph antly jumping £&t}2 jOs of small change m a hivud barrow. Npxjb da-y the f;ai»k elos,edup I The world is ever moving on jbQtfaryjs perfection, butseldom attains it, GunsUtifc improvement is being made m every branch of industry, " but m Biking Powders Perfection has been reached m

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ash burton Borough Council was held hist, night. Present—Councillors D. Thomas,' & Bird, E. J. Paul, H. G. -Flower, Joseph Scaly, and R. M. Cuthberlson. In the absence of the Mayor, Cr Thomas was elected chairman. FINANCE. The Chairm.-m reported the debit balance at the Bank as standing at £964 8s lid, and since last meeting there had been receive J of income from 'all sources, £47 2s. Of this amount £40 was a subsidy from the Canterbury Fire Insurance Association. SUBSIDY. The Property Tax Department wrote advising payment of advance .->f subsidy —£110 12.s 6d. The loiter was received, "il the money ordered to be acknow ledged when lodged m the Bank. FIRE BRIGADE. The Secretary of the fire Brigade wrote submitting the name of Mr Edwin Parkin for approval as a member of the Brigade, and also applying for the annual subsidy to the funds of the Brigade given by the Council. Mr Parkin's name was approved, and the subsidy ordered to be paid. SWIMMING CLUB. ■ The Secretary of the Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club wrote m reply to the Council's letter re dressing shed. The Council's letter asked if the report were true that the Club intended to exclude all but its own members from Uvsing the shed, and pointed out that no part of the Domain proper fy could be used m this way. The Club's letter withdrew all application for monetary assistance from the Council, and explained that the Club had erected the shed with their own money, under whit they understood to be the sanction of the Council, and that the exclusion of the public from its use would be no hardship, as the public would be no worse off than before its erection. Mr C. W. Purnell, Solicitor for the Borough, wrote giving his opinion that the shed built by the Swimming Club at the Domain bath, having been attached to the soil, became an integral part of the Domain, and was therefore vested m the Domain Board the same as any other part of the Domain property, and the Board had no right to set it apart for the ex clusive use of any particular body. Tho Board could, however, make the Club custodians of the shed under regulations for securing its proper use by the public. The Club's claim fco the sole right to use the shed was wholly inadmissible. The Club wrote asking that March 9 be set aside as a Domain close day, on the occasion of the Club's meeting. This was granted. Several Councillors having spoken, the Chairman said the Council had granted the Club thfi right t© erect this shed, and if the Council could not hand over its control to some responsible body he would move fortheshed sremoval. They had seen what had happened to the seats m the Domain, and the shed would be treated m the same way, if some responsible body had nofc the power to lock the doors and open them at proper rimes. The Domain Board had full power, notwith standing the Borough Solicitor's letter, t ■ give the Club control of the sheds. Cr. Cuthbertson and Cr. Bird suggested that the keys of the shed be left m the hands of the Domain caretaker, and that he open and close the shed at the opeuing and closing of the bathing hours. The Chairmin contended that the use of that shod was certainly the right of the Club, besau.se the Club had placed the shed there. After some further discussion ib was decided to appoint the Club custodians of the shed, with instructions fr> see to it being closed during every night. lIATvrrtlTBAl) WATER, SUPPLY. The Chairman of Uie Aslibui ton County Council wrote ri FTfimpstoad Water Supply, forwarding copies of correspond ence on this subjtct, engineer's report on the same, and resolution passed by the County Council for the Borough Council's approval. The writer expressed his readiness to meet the Mayor on the subject. The matter was left m abeyance until the Mayor returned, and the Cleric was instructed to apprise the County Chair man of this fact. POUND. Mr W. de B. Compton wrote, making application to rent the pound at a certain rent. The Clerk was instructed to reply to Mr Compton that the position would be pub up to tender. The present poundkeeper was asked to remain m office for a fortnight. TRACTION ENGINES, The By-Laws Committee reported as follows :—Your Committee have the honor to report that at: a meeting held on Puesday, January 12, it was resolved to recommend the Council to adopt a by-law regulating the traffic of traction engines within the Borough, excluding the traffic of these vehicles m East street, from Kermode street to Peter street, and m Cass street, from Mona Square to Peter sbreet, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. m the winter, and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. m summer. Your Committee would further recommend that the Borough Solicitor be instructed to frame the by laws as above. Some discussion took place on this report, m the midst of which Ur. Jones arrived and book his seat. On the motion of Cr. Cuthbertson the report was adopted, with the exclusion of the clause referring to Cass sbreet, and the summer months were defined as from November 1 to April 30, Cr. Bird seconding. THE NEW BY-LAW. Mr PurneH forwarded draft of the proposed new by-law re water closets, &c. The whole matter of the by-laws (advertising, printing, &c) was left over till next meeting. engineers' eepokt. The Engineers reported as under :— 1. Labor (rang. —The men have been engaged during the last two weeks m carting soil and clay to sections, watering streets, cleaning out water race m Winter's Road, laying pipes for brirging water to the cricket ground m Domain, fencing Reserve (Milsom's), carting rubbish from streets, attending to water supply and sundry maintenance work. The report was adopted. HINDS RESERVE. The matter of fixing a date for visiting the Hinds endowment reserve was left m bhe hands of the Mayor. ACCOUNTS. S(}y£ral accounts having beeu passed for payment', the Council adjourned.

THE GLOBE-TROTTER CRITIC.

To the time-honored proverbial caution which warns us that "it is not safe to believe more than half that we hear," it is necessary to add, m these days, when the making of books has literally no end, and printer's ink is spilled m thousands of gallons over hundreds of miles of newspaper, that '• it were folly to credit a tenth part of what we read." This is especially true of the travellers' tales which go to make up the chronicles of the globe-trotters who penetrate to all parts of the habitable earth ; and, after flying visits, m which they pick up an odd jumble of informa tion and misinformation, of facts and fiction, think themselves justified m manufacturing " copy " by the ream, and which, finding its way into the columns of the Press, is forthwith accepted as veritable gospel by only too many thousands of readers. In this way—as we know m New Zealand to our cost—an infinite amount of mischief is done by the dissemination of often grossly outrageous caricatures of the countries and people who are written about. Hence, Sir E. JBraddon, the Agent-General for Tasmania, has done good service by contributing to "Greater Britain" (m its issue of November 15) an article devoted to the exposure m trenchant .terms of " the Globe-trotter and his Works." He rightly remarks, writing of this part of the world, that " the acquisition of an intimate and accurate knowledge of the social, political, and economic conditions of a congeries of States such as Australasia must be the work of years closely devoted to this study, and every branch of it;" and that " the greatest and most gifted writer and observer can, as the fruit of a few months inquiry, only give first im pressions, which, on further experience, he would find to be incorrect or inadequate." But if this be true —and it undoubtedly is true—m regard to the visitor of months, it is necessary to employ even stronger language m deprecation of the absurd misconcep tions and gross travesties which are disseminated and perpetrated by the flying visitor who makes but a stay of a few days, or it may be hours, m the places and among the people about which and whom— to use an Americanism —he reck lessly slings ink. " Seeing only a fraction of one side of his subject knowing only and imperfectly one phase of the social life and circum stances of the communities he affects to describe—he is necessarily mislead ing, if, indeed, he be unbiassed, and he may work mischief because of the inability of many of his readers to detect his errors. He is very unlikely to do good. His descriptions convey no useful information; there is too much chaff to be winnowed away from an insignificant residuum of solid grain. If he praises, he falls into fulsome adulation; if he criticises unfavor ably, his criticisms are apt to err just as much m the opposite direction.' Froude himself, the greatest of modern historians, is instanced as to some extent a case m point, but it is to the castigation of Mr Christie Murray—a more recent visitor, whose proclivities for fiction have obviously rendered him an exceedingly poor ivv estimator into the region of fact—that the article under notice is principally devoted. Citing, as an example of Mr Christie Murray's unreliability m thia direction, his assertion m relation to Australia, that " sparsely as the country is popu lated there is as much blasphemy to the square mile *as serves for the people of Great Britain," Sir Edward asks " Has the man who writes such a charge as this that sense of proportion, to say nothing of responsibility for his statements, which should give us confi dence m him ?", and proceeds to show by figures how gross an exaggeration the statement contains ; so gross, in deed, as to be an unpardonable libel upon the people of the island continent. For, "as the population of Australia —as compared to its entire area equals •99, or, say, 1 to the square mile, while that of Great Britain is as 335 to the square mile, the charge laid by Mr Murray is equivalent to an assertion that every single Australian employs as much bad language as finds its way into the conversation of 335 of his British brothers," a proposition which is fitly characterised as " outrageous." To this particular charge, it appears, that a reply has also been made m the " Daily Chronicle " by a writer signing himself "Australasian," who justly avers that "it would be more correct to say that there is enough Billingsgate employed m London to supply the whole of Australasia with tenfold its present stock." "Australasian" also traverses Mr Murray's charges against Australia (which are equally unsup ported) of excessive drunkenness, crime, and commercial dishonesty, and takes Mr Murray to task for abusing the lavish hospitality extended to him by Australians by these attacks upon the characters of his hosts. # Sir Edward, referring to the foregoing, ad mits that m a reply to this criticism Mr Murray fortifies his position by a reference to colonial statistics, taking his data from Hayter's Victorian Year Book, but points out that m so doing "he (Mr Murray) does not attempt to digest the figures there given; he heeds not the qualifying paragraphs that are essential to the application of those figures for purposes of comparison.; and then he compares this undigested material with statistics of Great Britain that differ toto coilo m their method and results." Sir Edward acquits Mr Murray of any malicious intent, but sums up his criticism of " the globe-trottei^ymd bis works," m the following truthful sentences :— ( " The effect of such writing is neces sarily unsatisfactory and unwholesome. The British public are misled—if they give any heed to it. The Australian community is indignant at the slur gast upon the national morals and behaviour—where it is not contemptu ously indifferent. And the praise— and very liberal praise—accorded to Australians js §neerec£ at by the ■ persons it is intended to please as exaggerated and as little trustworthy as the dispraise which it seasons."

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

PBK PKJSBS ASSOCIATION

THE BANK BREAKER.

London, January 17. During his present visit to Monaco, Mr Wells, the " lucky '' gambler, has tast £4000 already, but notwithstand ing his run of ill-fortune he is perse vering m play.

THE NEW KHEDIVE.

Cairo, January 17. The Khedive, escorted by the British warships, has reached Alexandria, where he was received with enthusiasm. After assuming the crown he will pay a visit to the Sultan.

MADAME MELBA.

Rome, January 17. Madame Melba is singing at Palermo, where she met with an enthusiastic reception.

THE REVOLT IN MOROCCO.

Tangieks, January 17. The tribal revolt m Morocco is ex tending.

THE CRISIS IN PORTUGAL.

Lisbon, January 17- General sympathy is expressed with Senhor Carvalho, but his hiding the loan from his colleagues is considered an act of great imprudence. A Com mission is being appointed to enquire into the matter. The Marquis Dafay, who is implicated m the scandal, was arrested and released on bail.

THE INFLUENZA.

Stockholm, January 17. Fifty-six thousand people are suffer ing from influenza m Sweden and Nor way, the number having doubled dur ing the past week. The mortality m Scandinavia is the highest m Europe.

THE BULGARIAN CONSPIRACY.

Sofia, January 17. The report as to an attempt having been made to poison Prince Ferdinand is confirmed. His meals are now ex amined beforehand by chemists. The Bulgarian refugees m Russia and Servia are still engaged m hatching plots.

THE RISING IN MEXICO.

Mexico, January 17. The rebel General Garza has forti fied Ascension, where he awaits an attack by the Government troops.

AUSTRALIAN,

THE PRICE OF COAL.

Sydney, January 18. At a meeting of non-associated colliers it was decided to adopt the reduction m the selling price proposed by the associated mines.

OFFERS OF LAND.

Adelaide, Jauuary 18. The Northern Territory Land Com pany offered land to both Baron Hirsch and General Booth, but neither have replied.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Ai;»';ivt,A\D, January 18. At the annual meeting of the Harbor Bond to-day the Chairman, Mr Niccol, reviewing the proceedings of the past year, said the Board's revenue from ordinary sources was steadily and surely growing, not from increased taxation, bat bj the gradual expansion of the trade of the port, following naturally upon in creased settlement upon the land. There was an excess uf assets over liabilities of about a quarter of a million, and while the liabilities were daily lessening, the value of the assets was increasing. The fall of three per cent on the Board's debentures reported by cable had no significance. It was merely due to the normal condition of the market after the payment of the half year's interest, the stock gradually rising again as the time approached for the payment of interest next half year. The accounts were passed as correct. The Hamilton Borough Council have been considering the passing of a by-law regulating Salvation Army processions m the streets to prevent them from becom ing a public nuisance. It was decided not to take action at present owing to the expense. The party who proposß to trnvol over the Stratford route, left Auckland to-day, going by train to To Kuiti. They expect to reach Stratford by Sunday next. The Hon. A. J. Oadman and Messrs La wry and Palmer, M.H.R.'s, are amongst the 1 party. News has been received here of the death m South Africa of a well-known Aucklander, Mr C. F. James, of the firm of James and Co. He was only twenty eight years of age. An infant child of a settler at Hender son, named Newall, has been missing for a week, and though a search was main tained it has been unsuccessful, and has now been abandoned. The Maori King Tawhiao has expressed a wish to interview the Native Minister upon certain questions. During a dis cussion between Mr Cadman and Tawhiao, the latter asked whether Tawhiao would be allowed to retain the title of king. Mr Cadman replied that he might take what ever title he pleased if lie obeyed the law. The Council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce recommend that the exhibits to be sewfc from New Zealand to the World's Fair at Ghiosgo should consist princiaplly of the staple articles of the country, and that the exhibition be m the name of the colony and not separately for each provincial district, funds to be provided by the Government. Palmerston North, January 18. The grass seed harvested this season is selling freely at 3kl for good samples. Bulls, January 18. Mr Thomas Scott, the oldest settler m the Ilangitikei district, died on Saturday. Wellington, January 18. In their annual rsport the Directors of the Wellington Gas Company recommend the piyment cf a further dividend of six per cent, making twelve per cent for the year. Inspector Thomson and Detective Her bert have retruued to the Pahiatua dis trict, to resume inquiries into the Boxing Day poisoning case. The inquest will be re-opened on Thursday. There was a very heavy fall of rain last night. The streets were flooded, and the footpaths scoured out m many places m the more precipitous local ties. One and a half inches of rain fell between Saturday night and this morning. The weather is now clearing. Frederick Holmes, a notorious charapter known to the police as the Diamond King, passed through here to-day on his way to Chvistchurch, where he is wanted on a charge of obtaining £31 from one McPherson by the confidence trick. The latter, who has been residing m the Wai- j rarapa while the police were hunting Holmes up, identified his man |o-day. He was arrested ia Auckland on tys lyay, ft \s suspected, to SpFrancis?d, ' "'•'■ j

It is unlikely that the charge of man-J slaughter against Raine will be proceeded with unless further evidence implicating him than that adduced at the inquest turns up. Although the city valuations sh:iw a comparatively small increase, 173 new buildings were, erected during tho year. I The total amount deducted for schools, etc , was £2500- In December there were only 191 empty buildinirs, against 256 the previous year. Oamaru. January JB. Harvest has. beirun m portions of the district, bufctho w..'athoris broken and in terferes with the work. Dcxemn, January 18. Mr Sed ion, Minister of Public Works, reached Lawrence to-night, and was pre sent at them acting which was addressed by the Minister of Lands, and at the ban quet tendered afi.erw.vrds bo Mr Mc- Kenzie.

The Queen's Jubilee

THE PRESENTS.

The Mayor and Councillors of Christ church forwarded to her Majesty an ad dress on the occasion of her jubilee, and yet it does not appear on the official list of presents at Home. We find m that list—799 m all, containing over 500 ad dresses—four presents from New Zealand, namely, an address • from the District Lodge of Freemasons, Wellington ; an address m a wooden cover, with silver and gold mounts, from both Houses of the Legislature ; a casket m colonial woods, with photographs and an address with letter, the gift of the Mayor and Council of Dunedin ; and an illuminated address, bound m morocco, from the Corporation of Invercargill ; but nowhere is there any mention of Canterbury or ChristchurcA. Some of the articles on the little list are homely enough, to wit, a scarlet petticoat from a Galway lady, a pair of red worsted stockings apparently sent anonymously, and a gray woollen shawl, also without the donor's name attached. The "mug used at the jubilee of George the Third" might well arouse old memories ; and surely a smile is allowable when reading of the " two white embroidered babies' robes, the gifts of Miss M'Leod, Fullerton, considering the age and condition of the royal reci pient. Indian Princes seem to have vied with each other as to which should send the largest number of the most magni ficent and unique gifts, afad the "English must nave subscribed lavishly to have added such articles as they have to the gorgeous array. The Khedive of Egypt was not satisfied with one gift; he sent a beautiful collection of delicate gold and enanielwork. But of all the rare and lovely articles which were presented to the Queen, none suggest such thoughts as that little collection of commonplace things, the g;ft of the Westminister Ragged School. VN hat self-sacrificing efforts musb have been made to enable that urchin to give his penwiper, or the other the inkstand, or the third the " stearine bust, vii wood stand " Side by side m the Royal Museum stand these modest gifts of the poorest m the realm, and the model cf the Albert Memorial m gold presented by the Sultan of Johore, the two pairs of elephants' tusks mounted m gold, sent by the Maharajah of Travancore, and the gorgeous complete set of trappings for a horse, a mass of embroidery m gold and silver raid silk, the gift of the Thakur Sahib of Morvi; and yet the Ragged I School boy's present is not eclipsed nor the giver put to. shame. Another gift which may well recall old memories, and which doubtless is prized highly by Her Majesty, is an "address m red leather case and outer wooden case" from the survivors, non-commissioned officers and privates, who rode m the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava.—"Times."

Hinds District School.

The pupils who attend the Hinds District School,' with parents and friends, to the number of about 150, assembled on Tuesday, January 12, to enjoy the annual pic-nic provided by the School Committee and some friends. Over twenty vehicles were kindly lent by the residents of the district, and Mr Davidson provided flies. The party left Hinds about ni»e o'clock, and everyone enjoyed the pleasant drive to the lagoon situated between the Coldstream estate and the seabeach. Refreshments were provided by Mesdames Holmes and Porter, who had the satisfaction of seeing their good things disappear very quickly. Races were after wards run separately by the boys and girls, for prizes provided by the School Committee, Messrs Davidson and Holmes acting as starters, and Messrs McKay and Norrish as judges. Afterwards Mr McKeage's fishing-boat was used as a ferry-boat m which all crossed the lagoon to the seabeach. Having enjoyed the briny, the pic-nickers returned, and refreshments having been served, a start was made for Hinds, where all assembled m the schoolroom about eight o'clock when the school prizes were distributed by Mr Chisnall. Each pupil who had passed his standard examination was presented with a valuable book ; while the infantry received each a suitable and nicely illustrated book. Hearty cheers were given for Mr Chisnall; for all who had lent their buggies and traps; and for the ladies who had provided refresh ments. The School Committee, who had worked well during the year for the success of the school, spent a large sum, the pro ceeds of the ball and concert, m prizes and m entertaining the pupils and their friends.

The Future of Westport.

At the recent banquet given at Dennis ton fco the Governor by the directors of the Westport Coal Company, the Hon, Mr Miller spoke at some length as to the prospects of the company, etc., and said among other things :—" The export trade would enly be gained by keen and sharp competition with other places, and the company were entitled to all assistance. The speaker quoted figures to show that the Westport Coal Company had ex pended £850,000 m ten years—wages, £380,000 ; stores and material, £25,000 ; freight, £170,000 ; royalty, haulage, etc., £280,000-and they had only received £33,269 m dividends, The total output had been 1,000,000 tons. He anticipated that new companies would commence operations on this coast. He did not think for a moment that the Westport Coal Company would be the only one. The more companies that came m the better it would be. There need be no petty jealousy or feel ing of rivalry. Every extra ton of coal carried would decrease the cost of its production ; the expenses of haulage and other things would be reduced, tf foreign export was attained there would be ample room and verge enough for all. The first thing to be done was to obtain an official survey to the harbor, and have it sent to the Admiralty. They had a friend at Court m Admiral Fairfax, who had visited the port and mines, and he had promised to have the plans lithographed by the royal hydrographer. There could be no objection then to the vessels of the Royal Navy coming here and coaling themselves. The* 3 was nothing to prevent such vessels aa the Ringaroom** and Taurariga coming into the port alB this moment; but, of course, they could not do so ijntil the navy regulations permitted them. So soon as sanction was obtained, they would see the vessels of the Royal .Navy coming here direct; and that would mean the coaling of the China, 'fleet also, for tl>e coal Was good enough to gp,^any,where." Mi- Miller also said that for an expenditure of two two thirds of the amount of Sir John Coode'a estimate for a twenty-four feet depth of water they had secured twenty-two feet depth.

A SNAG.

An amusing passHge-of-nrms was wit nessed, by an audience thoroughly en rappo-t with the subject, between learned counsel and a witness, m the Wanganui Courthouse recently. The latter was vx the throes of cross-examination, but ho .•ippoji'.vd to take the ill-, thnt fk^h is heir •>•> with an easy nonchalance. His evi 'loneu was of an independent and iim por.Hnt nafcii'-e, and id wan therefore nil the more desirable that the man should bo squashed ■ u f.rer'y eliminated, m f.-ict, so far as the case was concerned. Among the learned counsels clients there was one young man, who, from me tlves which may or may not have been praiseworthy enough, had upon a certain occasion voluntarily come forward to take the place of an older man m what threatened to be a fight. Somehow the idea did not work out as it should have done—you know these things wiV. happen; the; young man soon suffer ing from a bleeding face, which seemed to come upon him all of a sudden, and, go.far. as.he.could remember, m a moat unaccountable manner. The case had reference to an assault, and thia young man's opponent was the informant, and the learned counsel was counsel for the defence. Soon after its commence ment the cross-examination took the following form :— Counsel: '* What was your opinion of the affair?" Witness: "I thought it was one of the most cowardly attacks I had seen." Counsel: " You have no reasons, have you, for say ing it was cowardly?" Witness: "I think I have." Counsel: "Indeed ; I don't understand them." Witness : " Per haps you'd be enlightened on the subject if three men were to knock you down with a stick." (Laughter). Counsel (wnrmly): "Keep your remarks to yourself, sir. Now, how could you, from the distance you were away, tell that the defendants had attacked the informant ?" Witness : " I could tell by their actions and general demeanour." Counsel: " You must be pretty well versed m rows, I should say, if you can tell from such slight evidence who is the aggressor." Witness: ,v I should think any man of average in telligence could do the same." Counsel : "But do you think a man looks much like the aggresive party when you come up to him"with his face all over blood?" [No answer from the witness, whose countenance wears an uncertain look.] Counsel (triumphantly): " Come, what did he look like V Witness (amid a perfect round of laughter, m which the Bench joined heartily): "Ho looked as if he had run up against a snag." Ths counsel gave him up.

The Area of Heaven.

" And he measured the city with the reed, tweVe thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height thereof are equal." —Rev xxi,. 16. 12,000 furlongs, 7,920,000 feet, which being cubed gives 466,793,088,000,000, ---000,000 cubic feet. H*lf of this we re serve for the Throne of God and the Court of Heaven, and half the balance for streets, leaving 124,198,272,000,000,000,000 cubic feet. Divide this by 4096 the cubital feet m a room 16 feet square, and there will bo 30,321,843,750,000,000 rooms. We will now suppose the world always did and always will couv.in 990,000,000 inhabi tants, and that a generation lasts for 33J years, making m all 2,270,000,000 every century, and that the world will stand 100,000 years, or 1000 centuries, making m all 2,970,000,000 inhabitants. Then, suppose there were 100 worlds equal to thip iv number of inhabitants and duration of years, making a total of 297,000,000,000,000 persons, and there would be more than 100 rooms sixteen feeb square for each person. There may be plenty of space m heaven yet, but our great aim is to remain m this sublunary sphere, and cheat the fell destroyer Death as long as we can.

THE LATE DUKE OF CLARENCE.

[per press association.]

London, January 17. The Princess Mary is recovering from prostration and the effects of grief caused by the Prince's death. It is now stated to be untrue that the Dublin Council refused to lower the flag at the Mansion House. The Courts of India have adjourned m consequence of the Duke's death. The members of the Royal family of I Denmark and the Duke of Hesse will attend the funeral, but the Ring of the Belgians is unable to be present on account of ill health. " The Times " state 3 that the expres sions, of grief from all parts of the empire are proof that the bonds of alle giance are m no way weakened. Sydne*. January 18. The Assembly to-day passed an address of condolence to the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales on the death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. (Received January 19, 10.50, a.m.) London, January 18. The doctors have forbidden Her Majesty the Queen and Prince George (who has just recovered from typhoid fever) to attend the funeral of the late Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The Queen holds a memorial service at Osborne. None of the Princesses will attend the funeral. Pathetic references to the young Prince's death were made m St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster AbbSy, and at other places of worship through out the country the Dead March was played. The families of the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Teck attended service m Sandringham Church, where the young Prince's body was removed. The j coffin, which was covered with a silken Union Jack, was decorated by the Princess Mary with a floral harp with broken strings. Wreatli3 to place on the coffin are arriving from all parts of Great Britain and the Continent. The London police have been placed m mourning. Prince Frederick (Crown Prince of Denmark), and the Duke of Oporto (brother of the King of Portugal), will attend the funeral. Immediately the new Khedive landed m Egypt, lie wired a message of condolence to the bereaved family. j The procession through the streets ■of London has been abandoned owing to a fear that the troops, w-ho would necessarily be required to, line the streets for hours, Hrould be subjected tq extreme cold, and probably influenza. Orders have been issued that sixty minute guns shall be tired at the naval stations abroad at the time of the funeral. The Duke q£ Auhaulb ant} Qount SickendorfF represent the Em.pei;or of Germany and Empress Frederick at the Duke's funeral. The theatres are closing on Wednes day.

Oamaru, January|lQ. There was a Ohurch parade of the Volunteers at Sjt. Luke's Church on Sun ctay t# show pesjjee't; to t^e memory, b{ tftf

fHE ASfiFtffi'WH mTAitPfAIS 4: HMSDAY,. JANTJAM 10, 189 C



Ask for Ninian Hyalop, and Co.'s ImjjeKal hew 'seasons Pqr©' Geylon and |ndian Spe<ji»l .|)HiMfi«rr(^T^)



" Keating's Powdek " destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all otWer insects whilst quite harmless to domestic aniirals. m exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is exfcrapidiiiary. Jt is perfectly glean m applicati)Dii'.; See tjie article '^ofe purchase is "Kkating's, as inntations aj& pjcious and inef ectual. Sold m Thjs," 6(J. la aod 2s v mh fcv »W ettinlßtft



Don't bu Deceivp:o ! —lf you want the best Medicine the world has ever pro duced, try Colemane and Sons Eucalypti i Extract. For all affections of the chest and lungs, consumption, asthma, coughs, colds, gravel, and kidney complaints. For influenza it lias no e^n^J. IJijider the distinguished patronage- of Earl Jersey, Governor of New South Wales, Lord Garrington, and tho Emperor of Germany. Awarded medals at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors, and is the only pure Extract m the world. See that the label bears our trade mark (tree of life and signature Colemane and ! Solid, Coptamundra, New South Wales), withbut thj>j ii/ is» a fraud. Price, Is 6d iftnd'fcs 6ci;:' Xyholc^ile DepAbfor New ( Zealand; Lichfield street, .Clii'iatchuroh ihjo Agents for Asjiburton'; The'Asii feu'rto»OrugG6'mpahy.-rApyT. " Ninian Hyslop and Cn.'s ■" Imperial" Ceylon and Indian Teas are airect £pom ( th* Tea Flotations.—fA4vt,) >w '



The best medicine is Sander and Sons Eucalpyti Extract. Test its eminent power ful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.— the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syndicates all over the world are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle- We have no occasion to offer rewards iv proof of the genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and univer pities, the official communications of the Consul General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded 1)Y the International Exhibition Amsterdam—till these are authentic docu ments, and, aa such. m>l>open to doubt. We add here epitome at one &f tUe various cases treated afc the clinic of Schultz, M.D, Pro fessor, etc.—" 0. 8,, 24 years aid; conges tional abscess on the thigh. Incisions made ia two places. Alt-hmigU Lister's dressing was applied, the secretion became, fc\y,o days later, very copious, ftnd Itad adopted a fcfctid decomposed character. The temperature rose enormously. In consequence the dressing was removed and m its place were nvuU <l«piwg the day-time repeated irrigations with EuoaiypU Extract. The offensive fceter dis appeared yery w^h the fever abated within a few days, and feUe fvMenb recovered after the lapse of several weeks. In this instance we must not lose sight of tL* fa&t ili&t $ie latter treatment saved the patient's l,ifc. — A4vt.) %



PUBLIC NOTICE. THE Office of the Ashburfcon Publishing Company, Limited, WILL BE CLOSED daily from 12.30 to 1.30 p.m. for dinner hour, m compliance with the Factories' Act. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING CO. Thk~Best~~Bbmedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of neatly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strcngthener of the Human Stomach," act as a, powerful tonic and gentle perieJt, are mild: m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is Hd, 2s 9d, Us.byaH medicine v«o4»w thjrQugoout th» world



STOCK TAKING. REDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ;W. H. WEBBER, Manager.



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under thia heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Wfcat this Office. WANTED— Harvesting by one or two young "men ; v: el to horses and binders. Apply Whittington, next Police Station. 1 120 MR Llewellyn Owen will resume music lessons on the 25th inst. Advanced pupils taken on. Saturdays. 1 112 ;fmei'RTY:,Pieces. Dress Goods at 6d; 60 -*- Pieces French Cashmere at Is 6d, worth 3s GJ ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. Al! Dress Goods greatly reduced.—Andrew Orr's Cheap Sfele. 1 106 TVTOTHING will Cool ysm so quickly and -*-* invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Ci*3hmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c. Come and see them. Handsome Xmas presents now giving away.—H. C % Seoers, Melford ' House. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs afc Is lid, 2s 6d and 2i lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. r TOWELS 6d, Gloves 6d, Umbrellas Is lid, Jackets 4s lid, Hats 4d, Stays Is lid, Norfolk Bodices Is 6d, Trimmed Hats Is lid. English samples of'LadiesJ and Childrens' Underclothing Half-price. Andrew Orr's Sale. 1 107 WANTEDKnown.— At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shof s. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known—A. Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is lo|d ; original value. 4s. -H. C. Sroers, Melford House. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to gelfict from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East . treet. 6|202 WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his hi«?hly reputed make by calling at J. Moison'b. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best, material and workmanship guaranteed. SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers are requested to call early.— Robert Alcorn, Saunders' Buildings. BOOTS, Bouts.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Andrew Orr's Sale. 1 10 ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings, WANTED Known.-For first-class Drapary and Millinery go to Mtslford House ; cheapest shop m town. (See windows.) Beautiful Xmas present s being given away.—H. C. Skgers. fPO Meet the Times.—l am supplying 1 Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspoobkin invited. — J. W. Hardley, Eas street. 6J201 WANTED Known.--H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on view. Having a good Btock of well seasoned figured Rimta and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l