The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1892. ANARCHISTS AND ESPIONAGE'

For some time past nearly every ex plosion every discovery of dynamite, however insignificant m quantity, and every outrage that could not be other wise accounted for, have m France and Spain been charged, to the Anarchists. Every day the cable has reported the discovery of plots, bombs or cartridges, and we have been led to expect little short of ne «vs of the blo\ving up of all Europe. We must admit that the dynamite policy which has been adopted by the discontents of most countries of Europe and America strikes peaceful citizens with a feeling of horror and suspense, and should be repressed by the most strenuous means. The wholesale destruction of life and property is not a policy that will lead to grievances being redressed, and those who are carrying out that policy will receive no sympathy, except from their infatuated followers and confederates. The whole world it may be said, has been on the side of the authorities m their endeavours to detect and punish the dynamiters. The news that now reaches us, however, will probably cause a revulsion of feeling, and instead of being appalled by each succeeding day's tale of plots and out rages there will arise a doubt as to how many of these Anarchist doings are real and how many have been concocted by the police. It is already announced that Munoz, the desperate dynamiter of Madrid, who had plotted to blow up all the public buildings m that ancient city, has been released from custody, he being a police spy and his " plot" a police device. The ways of the Spanish police are peculiar, and the plan of entrapping men by setting a myrmidon of the police to entice them into sham plots may be less repugnant to Spanish than to British ideas. Certain it is that this disclosure will [lead many to doubt the reality of many of the plots and dynamite dis coveries that have been reported. It may even be that the decoy system will defeat the ends of those who practiced it, by creating m a certain section of the populace such a degree of sympathy for suspects that actual plotters will be able to carry out their infamous schemes m security. There is an air of the sublime about things Spanish that has a peculiar facility for a descent to the ridiculous, and the manner of dealing with the Madrid Anarchists is a good example of it,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At the County Council Conference at Auckland it was stated that not a single individual m the Waikato district was m receipt of charitable aid. At. a bankruptcy meeting m Napier recently a creditor proved m the estate for £64 for liquor supplied. The debtor w; S a blacksmith, and averaged 13s per day for beer. At the Easter meeting of the Michael's parish, Christchurch the parishioners pre sented the incumbent, the Rev Walter Harper, with a special gift of £50 m recognition of his labours m the parish. Statistics show that Napier heads the list of New Zealand ports for the export of wool during the year 1891, hiving exported nearly a thousand more bales than Lyttel ton, which comes next m order. A good area of land iv the Masterton Hospital grounds is now planted with vines. A splendid harvest of grapes has been gathered this year, a large proportion of which has been converted into wine. A curious case of illness is reported from Hastings (says the Wellington "Post.") A child took fright at the skeleton at Davy's Marionettes' entertainment and has been ill m bed ever since. A report was spread that she was dead, but she has now taken a change for the better. At the sale of ostriches at Whitfcrd Park, Auckland last week the reserve was fixed at £21 the pair for six-months-old birds, and at £12 12a per pair for the from two and a half to three months old ones. At these prices there were several buyers, but eleven pairs of the birds were left unsold. Professor Jenks, of Victoria, on the subject of "Federation," says:—"lf the French fleet were once to strike a successful blow against the English on the great ocean highways, the Federal Union ot Australia would be accomplished m three months. If no such event happens, it may not be re alised for thirty years. "Maclean," says a writer m a Sydney paper, "is a thriving town on the Clarence, 3 r>o miles north of Sydney. It has post and telegraphic offices to enable it to keep m touch with the outside world, while churches, schools, newspapers, and libraries take m hand the moral culture of young and old. Yet, m the face of all these signs of a high civilisation, the landlord of the Taloumbie Hotel there was fined 50s last week for allowing a man to play a flute m the bar." At a meeting of Chessplayers held m the Ciubroom on Tuesday evening it was decided to begin a handicap tourney on Tuesday even ing, May 3, to be continued every Friday and Tuesday thereafter till finished. A good many players have signified their intention of entering, and it is hoped that all admirerers of the " noble game " within reasonable distance of the room will join m the present, effort to establish it upon a satisfactory basis m Aghburton. A notiiica tiou appears m our advertising columns. The Wellington papers report that Messrs ! Friedlander Bros., grain and produce 1 merchants, of Ashburton, have commenced an action against Captain Rowe, master of the ship Silberhoru, now under charter to the New Zealand Shipping Company, claim ing £47 Ss 4d as damages for short delivery of 65 sacks of grain m a voyage made by the vessel from Lyttelton to Cardiff. The evidence of Captain Rowe was taken m Wellington, and wan to the effect that when the alleged cause of action arose he was not m command of the vessel. The case is to be heard at Christchurch shortly. Mr Donald McLean this morning des patched to Mr Allan McLean, Duart, Hawke's Bay, two fillies, two and three years old respectively, by Blackwood Abdal lah (imp.) from Fanny Bell (imp.) The elder has been broken to saddle by Mr Alex McKay, the younger has only been handled. We understand that Mr Allan McLean intends to use them as a buggy pair, m which case it is pretty safe to say that he will be "boss of the road" m his district, bub he must not come down here with them, for though they are a credit to their parentage and rearing, there are better ones at Lagmhor yet. Referring to the imprisonment of the fiv Maori chiefs for non-payment of the dog tax, Make-;u correspondent of the " New Zealand Herald" writes:—"The martyrs returned on Friday evening, and received a great ovation. Pokiha Taranui, who rode m front, held a handkerchief m his hands, which he applied to his eyes as though overcome by the disgrace. In very truth, a more crest fallen lot could not be found, but they say all is not yet over. A big horevo is to come off, which I suppose will be big feasting ai»d result m smoke. A number of the Maoris here would willing of their own accord pay the tax, and it is strange that the chief who receives a pension from Government should not allow them to pay." Ask for Ninian Hyhlop, and Co.'s nperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and , Jixii&Teaa. Special prices—f4iv !

Patrons of the drama have a treat m store ( for them m the visit of the Dobaon-Kennedy Company, who will occupy the stage of the Oddfellows' Hall for four nights, including the race nights. The pieces underlined are " The Shanghraun," and " Little Lord I Fauntleroy," but the other two may be " Arrah-na-Pogue" and " The Colleen Bawn," or perhaps "Pygmalion and Gala tea.," and "Lancashire Lass." Ihe com pany has been making a tour of the Colony, ;ni;l obtained excellent Press notices everywhere, as well as good houses. The Government settlers at AHord Forest are pleased at the prospect of having better roads to their holdings, £15 having been allowed by the Road Board and £50 by the Government, Tenders must be m by Monday next. An official inspection of the various holdiugs was recently made, and great satis faction was expressed at the large amount of improvement effected under somewhat ad verse circumstances. The settlers are busy subdividing and stocking their sections, and not one leaseholder has thrown up his hold ing since they were first taken up ; indce - ; everyone seems delighted with a bit of laud to help to get a living. " Honor amongst thieves " is a proverbial expression, but the truth even of this maxim seems liable to contradiction m these go-ahead days. The other day a thieves' supper, organised by a section of the Salvation Army, was given to 600 reputed or professed thieves at Regent's Hall, Oxford street. Possibly some of those present assumed the character for that evening only, being will ing to bear the onus of an evil reputation for the comforts of a good supper, How ever, there does appear to have been one really black sheep present, who endeavored to give a touch of realism to the entertain ment by feeling the pockets of several of his fellow-guests as they were leaving the the hall, and who, worse still, was detected m the act, thereby disproving a moral and adorning a tale. The Press Association wired, a few days ago, a statement to the effect that the tonnage at the Wellington wharves was 27,389, and this was given as a proof of the commercial supremacy of the Empirs city. It does not, however, bear comparison with the tonnage at Lyttelton at about the same date. On Thursday last (according to the " Lyttelton Times") the tonnage m port was 47,689. In connection with this subject the following statistics may be given:—The number of waggons received at, and for warded from, theChristc'aurch railway station on April 20 was 1619, on the 21st, 135*2 ; on the 22nd, 1413; and on the 23rd 1173, making a total of 5557 waggons for four days. On Friday, one train from Lyttelton brought 121 waggons. A change of climate has sometimes a wonderful effect on English plants. This is strikingly illustrated m the case of a white double hollyhock growing at Mr Summer lin's nursery, Woollongabba, Australia. In the first year the plant, which was raised from English seed, grew three feet; the next year's growth produced a shrub six feet high ; while this year (the third) Mr Summerlin had a plant with three spikes of flowers each ten feet long, while the area of ground covered is about 100 square feet. One of the spikes contained no less than 700 buds ; and the whole stick was covered with a dense mass of lovely white blooms which looked more like camellias than the common hollyhock. When it is stated that iv addition to these three large branches there are eight smaller ones, all bearing their share of flowers, the productive nature of the acclimatised plant may be easily imagined. The " Arakan News " of January 2 has the following pathetic editorial:—" While wishing our readers (subscribers and non subscribers) a very Happy New Year, we must apologise to them for not issuing our paper last Wednesday. Our excuse is this. Our whole staff, including the editor, were so much knocked up with the excitement of the sports lash Saturday that on Sunday they were all laid up with what our readers will charitably call Arakan fever. Monday was fixed as settling day for certain bets made on Saturday, which unfortunately loi this were won by the wrong side. As the losers could not stump up at once, the winners bombarded and took possession of the office and the press and refused tc vacate until payment was made. Or Tuesday the staff of this paper m turn assailed those m possession, and after a hard fought battle routed them ; but it took all Wednesday and Thursday to collect and arrange the formes and the types which had been freely used as missiles m Tuesday's battle. The proprietor claims that he could not get the police to assist him, as most of them were suffering from a surfeit of Christmas dinner and other things toe numerous to mention. But all's well. Ouce more are we able to appear before oui leaders (sic) m our issual (sic) prepossessing manner, and wish them all many happy returns of yesterday.' Play-goers will be delighted to see thai there is to be another performance oi "Caste" m Ashburton. The comedy has had a great run m Sydney, and the "Bulletin" of that city comments thereor. as follows:—"Caste" is still on view ai Sydney Criterion, and Anson, m his capacitj as Eccles, is still engaged m reluctantly tearing himself away from the scene of his ancient glories. But we begin to have doubts about his going after all. He has played Eccles so long that the passions of a cronk desire for gin and the baleful influence of a base yearning to put his bu,by grand son's caul up the spout and drink tkc proceeds, seem likely to eat into his system and paralyse him. Therefore there appears to be a fair chance that he will stay on and settle down permanently on the Criterion stage as the unshaven Kccles, and that "Caste' will go on for ever like a hypnotised comedy or a fixed antomaton m three acts, and the advertisement stating that Anson is about to quit will take root m the daily papers and stay there till the I old age of the earth. If Brough and Boucicault desire to have a long rest from I the weariness of scene-shifting and re hearsals, they can't do better than engage the present company for life, and let " Caste "go straight ahead as long as the scenery will hold together. And when the last performance comes along, and Brough and Lyndal both have to play their parts on crutches, and the infant is 40 years of ago, and the fair young mother is white-headed, and wears spectacles, and Eccles, owing to extreme feebleness, has to make his entrance on all fours—even then " Caste " would be a paying speculation if the Methusaleh m the office wasn't too old and broken-up to keep the accounts straight. The "St James' Gazette "says:—" It is two years and a half since the last of the Whitechapel atrocities shocked London to its deepest depths. The * mystery' has J remained a mystery, and we have been con ! tent to regard it as Impenetrable. But there is a gentleman, holding a rather responsible position, who thinks he his un ravelled it; who says he knows who the I criminals are, and where they are to be found. This is his case, which he has put into print, and is circulating. He maintains that, a prior', the murder or murderers might be expected to be Portugese of Oporto, because (so he says) Portugese of Oporto are more likely than any other people to commit crimes of that wort; and he quotes a ghastly passage from Napier's Pen insular War to show the ways of the Oporto Portugese three yuarters of a century ago. This is not very conclusive. Bub he further asserts that the murders invariably occurred just after two vessels trading with cattle from Oporto to London had arrived m the docks, and at no other times, except m one instance. When these boats had been ' spotted' by him the police took to watch ing them closely, and thereupon the murders ceased. But he goes further. He says that on each occasion there was on board these ships one or other of four Portugese cattle-men, whom he names and can identify. On the only occasion when a murder was committed without either of the two vessels referred to being m the docks, another cattle-ship from Oporto had just arrived, and on© of his four suspects was on board her. AH these four men are now engaged as boatmen or bathings-men. a£ Oporto, and our informant thinks that ths police ought to have their eyes—if not their hands—upon them. Such ia the theory, which is both curious and^ interesting, and may have something m ip," A good safety manufactured by thp bri# or £15 15s is wonderful valuj. The fce'e, gr.iphie address is Saviiae, Christchurch The Ouslow Biscuit The latest and mt.'it I'elieate biscuit manufactured by AulsebiPokand^Co* '

Aditional Mail News.

THE COLLIERS' STRIKE.

The English coal-miners strike began on March 12, at two o'clock p.m. On that date the men employed m the mines of Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire stopped work, and at Durham and Not tingham the number who had quitted work up to noon, amounted to 20,000. Wooden barricades are being built round the mouths of fcl>e various pits m Durham, and none of the mm* rs will be allowed inside thereof. M-iny large establish ments m the vicinity ot the collieries banked their fires when the operatives left work. The coal stocks m the Bristol district are already nearly exhausted, and coal has gone up 4s per ton. Bekian shippers were sending coal to the lyne and the Thames, the discharge of which the coal porters will attempt to prevent. The manufacturers refuse to pay the extra ordinary prices demanded for coal. The Flintshire miners have not gone on strike but refuse to work more than five daysia the week. The delegates from all the collieries have decided to submit to no reduction m wages. The situation on March 14 showed that 350,000 miners were idle, with a great number of iron companies shut down. Fully 20C.000 operatives, beside miners,had been thrown out of work ; 15,000 coal miners were idle m North Staffordshire, and unless they resume work m a few days the potteries will be compelled to close down, throwing 50,000 men out cf work. In the Leeds district the strike is severely felt, the price of coal was expected to make another jump, so that even private families will begin to suffer severely. Flintshire, m Wales, appears to be the only place where the order of the Miners Federation to quit work had not been obeyed by the members of the Association, On March 31, the Durham miners were still on strike, and would probably hold out a fortnight longer. The coal shipping trade of Sunderland, Seaham' harbor and Hartlepool was entirely suspended, and the iron and'steel trade of Cleveland at a standstill. Thousands of workmen at Stockton were idle, and hundreds of I people m a starving condition.

THE NIHILISTS.

Although there has not of late been any striking sign of its activity, the Nihi list agitation m Russia is still being vi^oroinly carried on. The agents of the revolutionary pirty, however, have now taken a new departure. Instead ot en deavouring to stir up the lower classes against the Czar, they now impress upon the peasants the Emperor's goodness and his paternal love for his people. Ihey assure them that his Majesty has deter mined to feed them and assist them m every way as long as the famine continues, and that he has given orders for his wishes to be carried out. If the peas ants m spite of this, continue to suffer from hunger and other privations, it is, they are told, because they are robbed by dignitaries and officials of what is given by 1 the Czar and charitable persons for their relief. These Nihilist agents hope that they will thus succeed m stirring up the people against the officials, and m causing disturbances which will indirectly lead to the triumph <f that propaganda which they have hitherto carried on directly against the O overnment. The great national lottery, the first drawing of which has just been held, and it must be said, was conducted m a perfectly fair and proper manner, is also seized upon by these agitators as a means of arousing disaffec tion amongst those of the popular classes wnom chance has not favored. 1 his they do by making certain insinuations against the administration, which are readily believed by people who already feel irritated at having gained nothing with their money. Those, however, who have been more fortunate are eagerly awaiting the second issue of tickets m order to try their luck again.

School Committee Elections.

SOUTH RAKAIA.

Tnere was a large attendance of house holders at the annual meeting. Mr Hardy was voted to the chair. The outgoing committee's report was read as follows :—The past year has been one of more than usual importance m our school history. After a period of ten years' service, during which time the tone of the school was much iraprovod, the Head-master, Mr Wm. Dixon, resigned, and has been succeeded by Mr James Thompson, of Pleasant Point. Mr 1 Thompson has the reputation of being a teacher of exceptional ability, and the committee have reason to expect that the interests of the school will be materially advanced by the appointment. In the early part of the school year, a suggestion was made, and eventually adopted, to give prizes, the object being to foster more the school work and thus obtain better re sults at the Inspector's examination. The prizes were awarded on marks given by '♦he Head-maeter at his quarterly ex amination, combined with the results ob tained by an independent test, conducted by Mr Simpson, master of the Dunsandel school. The Inspector's report this year was more favorable than has been the case for a long period, and with the complete and efficient staff now at work, excellent results may fairly be anticipated for the current year. It should be noted that the funds for the purchasing of prizes were obtained from the proceeds of a capital entertainment held m the Town Hall; and to the teachers and others whose aid was cheerfully afforded, the thanks of the committee are due. In July last the Rev J. Holland asked for and obtained permission to give religious instruction once a week after school hours, and a large proportion of the scholars volun tarily remain to have religious knowledge imparted. Several improvements are being made on the school property. The master's house is being enlarged, and the ventilation of the school, although very far from perfection, is decidedly better than when your committee took office. A contract, not yet completed, has been let for clearing the broom and other undergrowth m" the plantations on either side of the playground, and when finished will present a marked improvement m the appearance of the premises generally. Mr J. Turner having left the district, Mr T. Dowling was elected to fill the vacancy on the committee. The following is a record of attendances :—C. Hacdy, 16 ; 0. Dixon, 15; A. Clark, 14 ; M. Liddy, 14 ; 1.. Oxley, 13 ;W. Barcook, 13 ; .3. Turner, 4; T. Dowliny, 4. Mr Oxley has kindly allowed the Committee to use his office for the monthly meetings, and the opportunity is taken to tender him hearty thanks for his kindness. The report was adopted. The accounts, duly audited by Mr Ollivier were read, showing the receipts for salaries to have been £467 3s 9d ; ' incidentals, £58 9s 8d; and donation from Sir John Hall £5, The expenditure was—salaries, £467 3s 9d; incidentals, £64 11s 9J; and there was a credit balance m hand of £38 Is Bil. The Inspector's report was rend show ing the percentage of passes to be 53 53, failures 161 Tl c Chairman 'reported receiving the following nominations— T. Dowling, J. O. Gaarder, C Hardy, M. Liddy ? I*, Oxley, Rev. *T. Riddle. The following : were nominated m the room—Messrs 0 Dixon, Rev. J. Holland, F. Windsor and A. Clark. The VQ'.ing then took place, Messrs Midgley and Cox' acting as scrutineers^ the following being the result :—Hardy 34, Oxley 84, kiddy ?2, Riddle 21,

Holland 20, Dixon 19, Dowhng 17, Windsor 16, Clark 8, Gaarder 7. In formal paper, 1. The first seven were declared elected. i Votes of thanks to the Chairman and scrutineers terminated the meeting. At the first Committee meeting Mr Hardy was elected Chairman, Mr Oxley treasurer, Mr Dixon secretary. Resolved to hold meetings m Mr Oxley's office on thefirst Mondayin each month at 7.30 p.m. Permission to use the school for services was granted to the Roman Catholics, on the motion of Mr Hardy, seconded by Mr Oxley. After passing accounts the meat ing adjourned.

ELGIN.

There were only a small numbor pre sent. Mr Hoabten, the outgoing chair man of committee, was voted to the chair, and read the annual report, which stated that the number of meetings held was 12, of which Mr Hoatten attended 12, Mr Sco*-,t 12, Mr Kennedy 12, Mr Letham 11, Mr Oochrane 11, Mr Dwyer 9, Mr Wil liamson 6. The attendance keeps well up to the number on the roll. Average attendance for last quarter, 425 ; corres ponding quarter last year 56. When this committee took office mahters m connec tion with the school wore m a very un satisfactory state, buc Mr Hunnibell wasap pointed master on September 24, and commenced his duties on October 5, and committee and teachers are as present working amicably togt.th.er for the welfare of the school. An entertainment was held on October 23 for the purpose of raising funds for a treat au-i prizes for the children, which was very successful. The expenditure for the year was— alaries,£l72 3s 4d ncidentals, £30 18s 2d ; building coalshed and erecting bell, £6 4s 6d. ■ Receipts, £217 4s 4d. Leaving a balance at Bank of New Zealand of £7 18s 4d. The committee expressed their deep regret at the loss the committee ex perieuced by the death of the late Mr B. Williamson, who was greatly respected, and who took a deep interest m edu cational matters, and they expressed deep sympathy with the family m their sad bereavement, and the great loss to the district of such a respected settler. A long conversation took place as to electing a committee for the ensuing year, and it was decided, owing to the small number present, to defer the election to a future time, when it is hoped more householders will roll up. A vote of thanks was tendered to the Chairman and the meeting separated. [We have received another account of the proceedings at this meeting, which des cribes them as having been of a very animated nature.—Ed.]

WAKANUI.

The attendance was small considering the size of the district, and that the Com mittee had three schools to look after. Mr James Brown was voted to the chair, read the notice convening the meeting, and, as Chairman of the retiring Com } mittee, read the following report :— [ Acting on the recommendation of the annual meeting, your Committee lo&t no time m endeavouring to obtain a site for a school at Riverside. But the site could not be obtained immediately, for, being part of an educational reserve, the con sent of several parties had to be obtained. It was well on m November before the matter was settled. The school was com pleted m the month of March, and opened on April 12. It has a roll number of I twenty-nine, and has taken from the roll of the main school nineteen names. But there are still on the roll of the main school the names of sixty-tw> pupils. Mr FI. Speight has been elected to the mastership. He is a young man, holds a D certificate, and has had a Normal school training. As was intimated m the last annual report, Mr Dumaresq left the Seaview school at the end of May. Mr 6. Baird took charge on June 1. He is anather young teacher who has passed through the Normal school. In these schools, with such teachers, with all the energy of youth, and a name to make m their pro fession, we may hope to see such progress as will give satisfaction to all concerned. The buildings are m fairly good order and no special grant has been needed for repairs, but a bell for the main school was granted by the Board ; it has been erected, and may be he; rJ at certain hours every school day. Several improvements will be required to the Riverside school ground, such as ploughing m the gully, shingling, tree planting for shelter, &c. These should be attended to as soon as possible, for the gully is dangerous, and the shingling an absolute necessity. The schools were examined on November 26 and 27, full particulars of which appeared m the Mail and Guardian. The examinations were about two months earlier than m the previous year. Not withstanding this, the reports were fairly satisfactory, except that part relating to the master's department of the main school. But m this we must take into consideration the very irregular attend- I ance and the many difficulties against which the master had to struggle. Having done so, we think one and all will be willing to make some allowance, just as we all fympathised with him m his misfortune. Under the more favorable circumstances, which now exist, we have no doubt he will be more successful at next examination. Now that another school has been opened m the district, that irregular attendance which has hitherto been so much again >t the progress of our schools should no longer exist, for the Boaid has shortened the distance, and parents, we hope, with the assistance of our absentee notices, will do their duty m this matter. The accounts have been audited, and found correct. Mr Dickie's salary has varied from £13 15s 5d to £12 17a lid per month ; Miss Fourke's from £6 19s 2d to £6 7s 6d ; Mr Baird'a from £7 10s to £7 Is Bd. The lower salares are the results of irregular attendance. This is much to be regretted, both on account of the money loss to the teaching staff, and on account of the loss to the children themselves. For incidental expenses we received £47 Is 6d during the year, but we have expended £5118s—our expendi ture has exceedad our income by £4 16s 6d. Our credit balance wis, on March 31 last, £19 6s 2d. A detailed statement of our receipts and expenditure is laid on the table for inspection. The report was adopted as read, bufc not before Mr Brown had answered several questions on school matters, and on others that had no connection with the report. On the motion of Mr D. Johnston a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the teaching staff, and also to the retiring committee for their services during the year. Also a cordial vote of sympathy with Mr Dickie for the loss of his beloved wife, and for himself under his afflictions during the year. Mr Dickie briefly thanked the meeting for the kindly feeling shown towards him m his bereavement. The following householders having been duly nominated, and having consented to serve on the committee were declared duly elected :—Jas. Brown, Chas. Hill, Geo. Tait, Geo. Cole, ltobt. Maxwell, Htnry Sinclair, Nicholas Fitzgerald. A vote of thinks to the chairman of the meeting terminated the proceedings.

At the meeting of the newly elected Committee Mr James Brown was elected Chairman, and Messrs Hill and Tait * Visaing Committee for t|ie main sehpp}. Messrs Sinclair and Fitzgerald for the side school at Seaview, and Messrs Colg and. Maxwell for the school at Riverside!

A holiday on Wednesday, April 27, was i granted to Mr Baird, Seaview uchool. | Letters were received from the Board confirming Mr Speight's appointment. — from the Committee of management of Mr E. Gr. Wright's excursion stating that they were considerably out of pocket, and requesting the Committee to con tribute such sum as they might consider fair towards defraying cost of some. It was resolved that the Committee be informed that the few children of the dis trict that accepted the invitation, did so m good faith that the excursion was a free one, and the Committee having had no voice m the management cannot con tribute anything towards the deficiency without knowing something more, and for what, purpose, the expenses were incurred." The use of the main school for a Har vest Home Ball on the evening of May 6 was granted to Mr S. Baird and others. It was agreed that the ordinary meet ing of the Committee be held m the main school on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

ALFORD FOREST.

A*-, the annual meeting of residents for election of School Committee for the en suing year, Mr H. Knfght, being voted to the chair, read the accounts for the past year, which were considered per fectly satisfactory, after which seven can didates only being nominated, and no other names being mentioned for ballot, the seven were duly elected, viz., Messrs A. McFarlane, John Moore, Donald McKenzie, James Ross, Benjamin Evans, Thomas Fagan and Lewis McLeish. A vote of thanks terminated the public meeting, ard Mr A. McFarlane was afterwards elected Chairman of the Com mittee. ■

EIFFELTON.

Mr R. B. Luscombe, the retiring Chair man, was voted to the chair, The report of the Committee was read as follows. The out going Committee have the honor to present to the Householders of the j Eiffelton educational district their report j for the year ending April 25, 1892. They have held thirteen meetings during the year, one being a special meeting. The school has been carried on during the year with a slight variation m the school roll, the present number being 32. The inspectors examined the school m Novem ber, it being only ten months from the time it was before examined, and as there was only one failed, it cannot be other wise than satisfactory to all concerned. The receipts during the year amounted to £162 9s 6d, balance from last year £8 15s 9d ; making a total of £171 5s 3d. The expenditure, including all liabilities up to date, is about £162, leaving the balance about the same as last year. At the com mencement of the year the Committee having no room suitable to raise fuads for its prizes by amusement, decided to raise what they could by canvassing, the. result being £11 13s collected, out of which prizes have been given during the year, costing £7 10s. The Committee resolved to place the £4 3s balance of money collected to a library fund, and to open the new school with a concert, etc, m aid of a library. The receipts amounted to £28 3s 6d and £1 Is given by Mr Wright, making a total of £29 4s 6d. The expenses were £10 19s 6d, leaving a balad.ee for library of £22 Bs. On the motion of Mr Croskill, seconded by Mr Heasby, the report and balance sheet were adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded to the chairman, the outgoing Committee, and the master for services during the year. The old Committee were re-elected, viz —Messrs Luscombe, Fechney, Cro^kill, Hillyer, Fofeheringham, Cullen and Dally. At the meeting of the new Committee Mr It. B. Luscombe w-is re-elected Chair man for the ensuing year.

MOUNT SOMERS.

The following gentlemen were duly elected as the Committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs James Tait, Alexander Harvey, J. H. Hawkes, Charles Arm strong, H. W. Felton, Samuel Hamilton, and William Turton.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PEESS ASSOCIATION,)

LABOR MATTERS.

London. April 26. Mr T. Burt, M.P., and secretary of the Northumberland Miners' Associa tion, is of opinion that the Durham miners are open to censure for refus ing to submit the matters m dispute to arbitration. London, April 25. The engineers have lost by the strike wages to the amount of £180,000. The total loss to the district is esti mated at £500,000. Mr McCarthy, president of the Dockers' Union, m a letter to the "Times," states that the riverside labourers are worse off than they have been for twenty years. Fifteen thou sand men are idle at the East End. It is alleged that some of the Lon don 'busmen are working 100 hours per week for 2£d per hour. '

THE ANARCHISTS.

Paris, April 26. The restaurant kept by M. Very, who was chief witness against Rayachal, the Anarchist leader, has been wrecked with, dynamite. The place was the scene of Ravachal's arrest, and hence the outrage, Very was found amid the ruins of the building with his legs smashed. He was taken to the hospital where his limbs were found to be so mangled that they had to be amputated, but the poor fellow did not survive the operation. Four other inmates of the restaurant, including M. Very's twelve year old daughter, were also severely injured, and were removed to the hospital. The bomb was placed m the cellar of the building. Many people, who happened to be passing the restaurant at the time the explosion occurred, were injured by the falling debris. Three arrests have already been made m connection with the outrage. The terrible affair had such an effect on M, Very's wife that she has completely lost her reason. Troops are guarding the streets m the city, as it is feared that the Anarchists may attempt similar outrages m other parts of the city. It is understood bhat the explosion was intended to overawe the jury m the trial of Ravachal's four accomplices, which begins to-day. The police authorities have taken extra precau-: tion to preserve order during the trial. Further arrests of Anarchists have j taken place m Paris, and other conti nental cities. P^Ris, April 25. A document has been discovered, ] showing that there are three hundred and forty anarchist committees m France, and that an extensive cam paign of violence is being planned. The Government have given orders ty)

arrest all the officials of these organi sations.

CHURCH AND STATE IN FRANCE.

Paris, April 25. Bishop Turinaz, of Nancy, has issued a violently worded pamphlet, declaring that the slavery to which the Church has been subjected since the Republic was established is beconi -1 ing intolerable.

SPANISH FINANCE.

Madrid, April 25. The Spanish Government propose to sell the mountain lands belonging to the State, to sc4l a monopoly over matches, and to increase the taxes.

AUSTRALIAN.

ACCIDENT TO SELL'S CIRCUS.

Sydney, April 26. A serious accident happened to Sell's circus, which was travelling by special train, divided into four sections. Be tween Tenterfield and Armidale the fourth section collided with the third sleeping car, being derailed and partially wrecked. One man named Banks was killed, and four others, Walter Silbon, Runnell, Leslie, and the fireman of the colliding train were seriously injured. The train crossed the bridge after the collision, but for tunately the bridge was decked, other wise the sleeping car would have been precipitated a distance of 48 feet.

THE BELLRINGER COLLISION.

Meleocknb, April 26. A charge of careless navigation is to be preferred against the captain of the Bellringer, which collided with the barque Presto last week, and sank.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, April 25. Mr Haselden, Patent Officer^ gave judgment this morning m the application by C. L. Wheeler, of Wanganui, for a patent improved seed and grain disinte grator, which was opposed by the Canter bury Seed Company and others on the ground of want of novelty, and that it was adapted from the machine already patented by Lees and tester of Christ church, Mr Haselden decided that, sub ject to some important modification, he would be prepared to consider the amended specification, with a view to granting a patent, if the applicant wished to per severe. In the meantime |as thfl ob jectors had considerable grounds for their action, the applicant was condemned m costs, £17 19s.

THE MARKETS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. (Received April 27, 11.50 a.m.) London. April 26. At the wool sales heavy greasy sorts are a shade easier. Gisborne harbor stock fell 5. A cargo of South Australian wheat has been sold at 36s 6d.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

LARRIKINISM.

TO THE EDJTOB. Sir,—l desire to call the attention of the police to a dangerous practice perpe trated by a number of youths who congre gate on Creek Road m the Allenton suburb. On this road these youths conceal themselves behind the gorse hedges, and havfi for their brainless amusement a piece of rope stretched across the road, having tied m the centre of it some white object. They then lie m wait for the unwary, their choice being a female ; on her close approach to this object the rope is drawn across with lightning speed, afc the same time be coming entwined about her feat. For some time this objectionable practice has been indulged m, and several ladies have been severely frightened. Last Sunday evening a lady was returning home by this road unprotected, and received a severe shock, almost becoming hysterical with the fright caused by these foolish pranks. 1 think, sir, you will agree with me that a visit to this locality by the police will tend to prevent any serious results caused by a foolish act. Thank ing you beforehand for an insertion of the above, —I am etc, Pro Bono Publico. Ashburton, April 25, 1892.

THE LAND TAX.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—lt is said there will never be a law passed that will please all men. Perhaps so, yet is there not a saying, | "Justice, though the heavens fall." Then let me through your columns ask your readers if I, and such as I, get justice under the Land and Income Tax 1 My neighbor's land and mine are equally valued, but my acres are more than his. My neighbor goes m for dairying, and has built a dairy ; I buy my butter. For the use of his trap he has a trap shed; my hack needs only the stable, and when I need one I must borrow or hire a con veyance. By his improvements, and the smaller number of his acres, their taxable value as compared with mine is reduced by two pqunds per acre, and I ask is it Just that I, and such as I, should bear more taxation than our neighbours because we do not possess improvements that to many a farmer would be useless ? Should my neighbor turn his farm into a vinery, why should I pay more than ho, because I grow wheat and sheep without glass, the land being ot equal value. What he has done he has done for his own profit, not for that of the State. [ Observe, the question is one of justice, nob of amount. Bub I hear one say, "Having the larger acreage, it is right you should pay the higher amount." Let us see. Suppose a street of houses, some large, some small. If the larger the house the higher the rent, who could complain ; bub if rent be regulated, not by size, bub by the quantity and cost of furniture m each, would not the less fortu nate have a chance to go houseless, always supposing the furniture belonged to the tenant. Now farms, like houses, are large and small, and holders will improveas they are able, or see fit. On land of the same quality, be it m tussock or under an orchard, levy the same rate. So will tax ation be equalised, and the cry of in justice, which exemption will Rurely raise, will be stopped. I fansy this sug gestion will act something like throwing a vSlone into a wasp's nest, but lam not afraid of a few stings. Thanking you m anticipation for space—l am, etc., "Fairplay." [The "actual value" at which land is assessed under the Acb includes the value of improvements. "Improve ments " include, houses and buildings, etn,, as well as cultivation Therefore., " Fairplay " and his neighbour both pay the Land Tax on the unimproved value of their land—bhat is premising their improvements da not exceed £3000 m value. The crop is nob taken into account at all, " Fairplay " hag found 9, mare's nes^— Ep, I ,

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessanr alterations :— THURSDAY, April 28. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via Brindisi, Point de Galle, India, China, Japan, &c, and also for Ausralian Colonies, per Poherua, at 6.30 a.m. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via Brindisi, Point de Galle, India, China, Japan, etc., and also for Australian Colonies, (except New South Wales and Queensland), per express (to connect with s.s. Talune at Port Chalmers), as follows :— Ordinary letter at, 1330 p.m. ; late fee letters, express van, at 12.53 p.m. For Greymouth (direct), per Dingadee, at 6.30 a.m. For Northern Ports, per Takapuna, at 6,30a.nt, FRIDAY, April 29. For South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, per R.M.S. Arawa, as follows :—Ordinary letters at O.SO p.m.; late fee letters, van express, 6.55 p.m., and newspapers, 7.30 p.m.; money orders, 3 p. m. j registered letters and parcels, 5 p.m. This mail will be due ia London oh June 9,1892.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD—DIRSCT MAILS. Doric, left April 2, due London May ! Tongariro, left April 16, due London May 27. Ruahine left April 21, due London June Arawa, leaving April 30, due London, June 10. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, left March 26, due London April 27. ' Mariposa, left April 22, due London May 21. OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS, Coptic, due colony May 2. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. ■ ■ ' . ■ Alameda, dua Colony May 20.

*fiE ASHBttItTON attAttDIAN: WEDNESDAY, APRIL g», 1891



John G. Restell, AUCTIONEER, GRAIN MER CHANT, WOOL BROKER, SHIPPING AND FINANCIAL AGENT, GEAIN & WOOL STORES, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. CASH PURCHASER OF WHEAT OATS, BARLEY, Etc. Commodious Storage at Current Rates Facilities offered for Shipping Grain, Wool, etc., to European Markets, on owner's account. ornsacks, Twine, Wcolpacks, Super phosphates. Pearl Guano, and general Farm and Station Stores always on hand at Lowest Prices. AGENT FOR THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY "CO., LIMITEDj : UNION FIRE AND MARINE IN SURANCE CO LIMITED



Owing to tiie olouuy sky, the s;>!:ir coUyse this morning was not vi&ibie m Aahburtoa. Owing to the thin attendance, caused by the wet weather, the St. Stephen's Parish Meeting, which should have been held last night, was postponed till Wednesday m xt. Notwithstanding the bad weather,—to their credit be it said—there was a fair atten dance of ladies at the meeting. Nin ian liyslop and Co's'.lntiperi il. purein Ceylon and Indian Teas^ are the est the arket —''A v.^ Ninian, Hyslop and Oo.'a " Imperial " pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the plantation Arlvt, Support Local Industry. — The o zenges, Jujubes, Comfits, and Lcniqn Mixtures manufactured by Aulserkook. and Co. are equal to best imported Have Healthy Children by nourishing them with Aulaebrook ai-d. Go's Arrow oot Biscuits. COLKMANE AND SONS EtJCAXYPTB Ex- TK.ACT is the only genuine m the market, and was a warded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colds, Gravel, and Kidney Com plaints, ib has no equal. Agenta— Ashburton Drug Coio-axy. Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — A winter advances add the weather becomes more and more inclement and trying the earliest evidences of ill health must be imme diately checked and removed, or a slight illness may result: m a serious malady. Relaxed and sore throat, quinsy, influenza, chronic cough, bronchitis, and most other pulmonary affections will be relieved by rubbing this cooling ointment into the skin as nearly as practicable to the scat of mis chief. This treatment, simple yet effective, is admirably . adapted for the removal of these diseases during infancy and youth. Old asthmatic invalids will derive marvellous relief from the use of Hollo way's remedies, which have wonderfully relieved many such sufferers, and re-established health after every other means had signally failed. Thjs Best Remedy fob Indigkstjon Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended, as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l£d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout, th« would. Keating's Cough Lozenges cure Coughs Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of those dangerous maladies One lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensures rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing they are invaluable. They ontain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists m tins Is and 3s 9d eac i Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance.. How ever, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given J>y Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At this juncture I called en Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had he satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and to-day he s recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied, and I make this olerim declaration, etc — Franz Raabe Declared at Sandhurst, m the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, before me, Morita Coiui^ J.P. -(Advt.) 2 Important to Cyclists. —- A good Safety Bicycle for £15 15s. Repairs and Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates at Savillb's "Calliope" Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street, Christ church.



%Vantetl. ** CASH Advertisements under th;s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS If-. Addresses may be left at this Office. B~~OMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest. the largest, the best, and the cheap est. Small Goods a spoc:-.\lty. Full weights guaranteed. A tiial solicitor 1. O"~ HOICEST new season's Figs and Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each. —H. G. Flowek, Confectioner, ask street. _______' WANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained m Ashburton at W. H. Coiiikk's, "The Corner." WANTED Known.—lf you want plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.— H. 0. Segkrs. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kepf < m stock.—J. W. Haudiey, East treet. 6|20_2 ANTED Known.—Com© and see YV the Bargains now on at Melford House.- H. C. Sbgers. WANTED KNOWN.-250 Ladies Maids' and Children's Ulsters and Jackets (mostlygoodqualities)marked cheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—M. C. Seders, Mulford House. , WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at ♦The Coßygh." ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robbri Amorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, |»unders' Buildings. W~ ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and Mis highly reputed make by calling at J. Sloisok's. During coming holidays dis oounfc for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. >PO Meet the Times.—l am nupplying JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hardlky, Eas street. 6J201 HITTINGTON'S Tomato Sauce, together with testimonials, may be seen at Mrs James', Fruiterer, East Street, and Mrß Pearson's, Fruiterer, Wakanui Road, where orders will be received and prices given. 3 165 "f\TEW Supplies of Stationery, Account i-^l Books, Music, Fancy Goods, Hew Games, Ordors for Printing, Book oinding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted. Schools and offices supplied with every requisite. Magazines »nd Nows papers supplied.—L. F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. BALL Dresses, Evening CJloves, Mounts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur Collarettes, Ladiea' Evening Shoes, Invigorator Corsets, with straps, V and If, Zone and all other makes, just opened.—Andrew Orr. 4 57 WANTED.— Earn Money at Hornet either sex; new work ; just started ; all earn good wages ; no walking or travelling rer|ubjed ; anyone can do the work ; boys and grrls e*rn nearly as much as men. Write for particulars at once, before our list is full, and enclose addressed envelope and stamp for reply to Jambs G. Sargoop, Manager, P.O. Box 986, Sydney ; or, 65 Royal Arcade, George and'Pitt Streets, Sydney. 4 110 i? 92 W INTEK. I** —NOW SHOWING— TH U New Overcoats and Water proofs New Tweeds and Suitings T ATIGVS F New Styles m Boys' Cloth ing AND -^ew hosiery and Gloves Vvw *'()!!:i- and xliirts CHOICEST New Scarfs and BoWS New Ti availing and other Caps StOCk New Soft Felt Hats New Flexible Hats EVER ew s*yleS m Boys' Hats and Caps New Rugs and Umbrellas SHOWN NewCvde Cnpes and Riding Aprons BY New Goods m all Depart ments Inspection Respectfully US. Invited NEW Clothing Factory. wTh WEBBER, Manager. Agents for WertheimCelebratsdSewing Machine. NOTICE. Communications on matters connected wiih any Department of the Paper, SHOULD NOT « addressed to any member of the «taff by name. Letters relating to Advertisements or | tther Business, to be addressed to THE MANAGER, Literary communications to THE EDITOR. . . — =9 j Cracknkll and Digestive Biscuits for invalids are unsurpassed, made by AULSBBROOK ANI> Co. The world is ever moving on towards p«rffction, bufcseldom attains it, Constant improviment is being made m every branch of industry, but. m Baking Powder., Perfection has boen reached m \Y,t b-ni n's Cartfc Be B^afc,J