MAIL NOTICES.

Mail* close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations:—

THURSDAY, May 11. For Northern Porta, per Takapun, at 630 a.m. For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania), per Hauroto, at O 3O n.m. For Northern Ports, per Manipouri, at 6.30 a..m- FRIDAY, Mas' 13. For-South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, (specially addressed correspondence only) per 8.8. Aorangi, at &.%£€} ]>.m. ; late fee letters, guard's van, express, 6.55 p.m., parcel post parcels, P'm' WEDNESDAY, May 18. For United Kingdom, Continent of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Northern Ports New Zealand, per Taka puna, as follows :— Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, 6.30 p.m.; registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m.; late fee letters express van, 6.55 p.m. This mail » due m London on June 22. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMKWARD—DIRECT MAILF. Doric, left April 2, due London May 12. Tongariro, left April 16, due London May 27. Ruahine left April 21, due London June Arawa, left April 30, due London, June 10. Aorangi, leaving May 14, due London June 24. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left April 22, due London Monowai, leaving Auckland May 21, I cltie London June 22. ! OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS I Riir.utaka, due colony May 16. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, due colony May 20.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1892. SYSTEMATIC READING.

At the mefcting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, held at Hobart at the begin ning of this year, there was launched an organisation called the Australasian Home Reading Union. Jts objects are "to develop a taste for recreative and instructive reading among all classes of the community, and to direct home study to definite ends." The methods by which it is hoped to secure these very desirable results are as follow : —" (1) To draw up and publish courses of reading adapted to the tastes and requirements of different classes of readers. (2) To publish a cheap monthly journal giving help for each course of reading, such as intro ductions to the prescribed books and answers to questions, also giving infor mation with regard to the proceedings of all branches of the Union, (3) To promote the organisation of assemblies at the different centres, the delivery of lectures, social gatherings, and ex cursions." Branches have been formed m many places m Australia and New Zealand, and the movement has every prospect of developing into one of great social importance. It is a counterpart of the Chant&uqua Insti tution of Americai which has proved most successful m attaining the objects for -which ifc was established. It is not intended that systematic reading shall be practiced to the exclusion of desul tory reading. Indeed, at the Home Beading Association meeting at Wel lington, a few days ago, Mr Justice Denniston, who presided, remarked that he was a great admirer of desultory reading, and if he had to sacrifice that for systematic reading, he should feel it as the graatest possible loss. No such sacrifice, however, was needed, for it was possible to do a certain amount of systematic reading without interfer ing at all with that most useful and delightful exercise, desultory reading. The Association's intention is to direct attention to reading as a recreation rather than a task. The lvinge of subjects extends from scientific works to fiction. Experts will arrange courses of reading, and specialists will prescribe those books which will best introduce the student to knowledge m the particular department which he may choose. The Union will not take the place of a school or usurp the functions of a teaching university, but it will be the complement of one and no unimpor tant preparation and aid to the other. It has no examinations —an omission which may be cavilled at by some; but examinations mean cramming, and the introduction of that bane would pro bably have destroyed the whole popu larity of the scheme. We hope that j Ashburton will not be missing from the list of towns where branches are established. The advantages are great. What more charming companion than a well-read man or woman 1 Very few now-a-days even read the newspapers m such a way as to keep themselves posted m current events—which will by and by be history. They peruse the daily chronicle of deaths and marriages, also the floating paragraphs which refer to society and its doings. Of the progress of politics they know little, unless they have been taught how to read. Stories of crime, mysterious disappearance, sensations of one and another sort, occupy them to the exclusion of important topics of real interest. This it is the good intention of the Home Heading Union to remedy. j

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Welliington " Press " says :—" It k arranged that the mayor is to procure a bicycle for the inspector ot nuisances. It is to be hoped the officer has had some cycling experience, or the city will suffer from the temporary seclusion of an impor tant official." A couple of lady students m the Univer sity of Otago, who are desirous of proceed ing to their degree m medicine, last week (says the " Otago Daily Times ") made their first appearance m the dissecting room. Their presence there is viewed with anything but equanimity by the male students. It will cost the British Government close on a million to recast the fortifications of Malta, the plans of which were sold to the j French by the traitor Edward Holden. When arrested the latter was on the eve of his departure for Paris, to disclose infwma. tion relative to the fortifications of Gibral. tar.

Mr Davis, a New South Wales M.P., advocates the distribution among the people of the wealth contained m the Broken Hill Proprietary Mine. It is stated that Forest-inspector Camp bell lias reported the illegal cutting of 200 trees by one of the New Zealand Pine Com pany's mills m the Winton district. A discovery of large deposits of salt m a cave ia the vicinity of Whiteman Creek, twelve miles from Grafton, New South Wales, is reported. vSchool Inspector Hill, of Napier, has been commissioned by the Government to writ a book on the interior of the No it Island, designed for use m the publich schools. The Southland Elucation Board will only employ female teachers m future, except m special cases, finding ladies better qualified by nature, experience, and literary attainments to train the young. The science of palmistry has a new exponent m Ashburton, namely, Mr Devlin, who has taken a reception room m the Arcade, andannouncesby advertisement that he can be consulted there for one week. Daring two weeks m the rabbit infested district close to the boundaries of the Cobar and Balranald districts, New South Wales, fully six million rabbits were destroyed by the rabbiters. London Punch, having criticised the Em peror's oratorical indiscretions, has been stricken off the list of the journals supplied to the Prussian royal palaces at Berlin and Potsdam. The Mayor of Brisbane lately stated (says the Queenslander) that the distress m the community is far reaching and severe. He says that if any one wanted 1000 to 1200 sterling honest labouring men they could be got m Brisbane within an hour. A farmer of Waihenga has a threshing machine which is driven by foot, but which is capable of doing an enormous amount of work. It is said to be the only one of its kind m the colony, and is known as the "Peg Drum" machine. Its cost, landed m the colony, was only about £15. Italian papers tell of a Neapolitan noble man who fought 14 duels during his lifetime m defence of his assertion that Dante was a greater poet than Ariosto. As he lay on his deathbed a short time ago he took pleasure m acknowledging that he had never read the works of either writer. For some years past the New South Wales Rifle Association has allowed a certain sight at their annual shooting competitions, whi'ih was alleged to give local competitors an art vantage over visitors, but the Executive of the Association have this year decided to adopt at the forthcoming meeting the same sight as is allowed by other colonies. A practice football match, m view of the match against Southbridge on Queen's birth day, will be played at the Domrin at half past four to-morrow afternoon. All who wish to be included m the team, or who wish the team to have enough practice to be able to do the Club credit, should make a point of attending the practices. Selections will be strictly on form. After-dinner oratory is not the forte of Lord Glasgow, our new Governor. At the dinner given to him at the imperial Union Club, Glasgow, he attempted a somewhat grim joke, and, like John Peerybingle, he got somewhere near it. He was going hs said, to a new country—in fact he was going below —and if any of the company joined him there they would get a warm welcome. He stated also that the honor of serving the Queen as Governor of New Zealand had been most unexpected on his part, but it was one he could not refuse. The law-makers of the State of Mississippi have embarked upon a war of extermination against drink and tobacco. By a law which ra^ just pissed both Houses of fie Legis lature the license of public-houses "is raised to sums ranging from £200 to £300 per annum, while heavy penalties are in flicted for the sale of liquor to children or habitual drunkards The Upper House have also passed a Bill making it a misde meanour, punishable with fine and inprison nient, to sell or smoke any cigarette, or any substance rolled m paper, on the public streets, m any public building, railway station, tramcar, or ferry, or m the vicinity Ot any "olton wa-rohouoc. 1 Lord Carrington told a London interviewer | that he had not the siightest fear of the Eight ! Hour Day. " And to show that I have none I have introduced it on my estate, with the exception of gardeners. For instance, m summer, laborers can go to work at six m the morning, allowing intervals for meals, they have done at half-past three m the afternoon, and they can spend the rest of the day on their allotments, or m such manner as they please. In Australia of course the eight-hour day is a universal custom, and is perhaps a necessary condition of the climate. One of its most obvious effects is to increase the efficiency of the work. For instance, many naval officers have told me that they could get as much work done there m the shipyards m eight hours as is done here m Government yards m twelve." Before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., this morning 4 an old man named James Barker, a cripple, was charged with having no lawful visible means of support. He pleaded guilty. The Sergeant said Barker was over seventy years of age, was m a very diseased slate of body and perfectly helpless, He had been m the Old Men's Home, from which he had been turned out for insubordination. The master or the Home said the man had been com plained against for stealing flowers from gardens, which he made up m bouquets and sold m the hotels. He frequently got drunk and was beyond control, and when the Master complained to the Mayor of the man's behaviour his Worship ordered him to be dismissed from the Home. The Magis trate regretted having to send the man to gaol, but it was the only course left to him. He was sent to prison for a month. Certain smart writers from time to time coaccct paragraphs having for their object an attempt to imbue the public with the idea that the salaries drawn by Cabinet Ministers m New Zealand are m excess of the value of the services rendered, but anyone who knows the rate of remuneration paid to commercial men of high position is aware of the enormously large rate of pay the latter draw. A contemporary says that Mr E. M. Young, Managing Director of the Australian Mortgage Land and Finance Company, receives no less than £7500 per annum, and that Mr D. Elder, of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Melbourne, is m receipt of £5000 a year, whilst several other large mercantile concerns pay their head men from £2000 ta £4000 per annum, Ministerial salaries of £800 a year sink into insignificance alongside these figures, even the Premier's salary of £1000 a year falling far short of the least of them. Twelve thousand loaves of two pound each and 4,0J0 separate pounds of meat were dis tributed on iVjarch 5 among the starving poor m Vienna. The gathering m the streets of large masses of the poor, some of whom are believed to be suffering from infectious disorders, is beginning to create alarm among the authorities. The sub scription recently opened for the relief of the unemployed m Vienna Has produced over 100,000 florins, or about £8,000 t and this sum has been further increased by a I donation from Baron Hirsch- of 25,000 florins. "The Times" correspondent says • there can be no doubt that there are a large j number of deserving people whose distress ; has been greatly mitigated by the timely impulse of public benevolence; but it is also clear thit a large number of laborers not disposed to work ass long as they can main tain existence without doing so have taken advantage of it. The announcement that the city works were about to be commenced has brought a number of Italian masons and Slav navvies to Vienna, who have swellpd the ranks of the unemployed,

At a meeting of Volunteers and otherj shooting men m Christchurch on Tuesday evening, attended by about twenty- five, it was decided that the time lias arrived tor the formation of a South Island Rifle Asso ciation, and that, it should adopt the weapon on issue to Volunteers. A committee was , formed to communicate with other centres. In an article upon the recent Roumanian election a Paris paris paper says:— One of the candidates, M. Protopopesco, former Mayor of Bucharest, hit upon an ingenious way of increasing his chances at the poll. Some time before the election he purchased a large stock of top-boots, and distributed a right boot to each of his doubtful supporters the left being promised providing he was returned. At the South Melbourne I'olice Court the other clay Iwo boys, agpd eleven and thirteen 'years respectively, were l.ouud guilty of destroying seven boats belonging to a school. They broke open the shed and with the head of a broom deliberately made matchwood of £200 worth of property, one boat which had cost £75 being utterly , demolished. The parents of the boys said that they were beyond their control and they were sent to a reformatory. ! Many arguments have been urged to I show the necessity for farmers undertaking ! the risk of shipping their stock Home on their own account rather than accepting dealers' values here; but none (says the "Lyttelton Times") are more convincing than actual results. In the case of a farmer m the Ckristchurch district who was urged to try the experiment with some lambs on January last, his experience is very much m favour of undertaking the risk. He had 200 lambs to dispose of, for which he was offered at the farm 10s 6(1. He sold half at that price, and ran the risk with the other hundred, which he drove to the Islington Factory. His returns are now to hand, and show that after pay mc; all expenses he has a net price of 14s fid. A neighbour of his, who shipped m No vember, received 17s 6d for his lambs, which he sold at 7£d per lb m London. The January lob was sold at 6£d. Important to Cyclists. — A good Safety Bicycle for £15 15s. Repairs and Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates at Savhxe's "Calliope" Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street, Christ church

THE Deeming Murders.

[per jpkess association.! Melboubnk, May 10. Deeming is engaged m writing the history of his life, and states that he intends to make a full confession of the Rain hill and Windsor murders. He has assigned all his property to Mr Lyle, his counsel, for the purpocse of paying the expenses attending his defence.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,

THE MONEY MARKET.

London, May 9. The " Standard" prophesies that there will be a long period of stagnation unless an outburst of speculation causes an abundance of money. AUSTRALIAN BRANDY. It is expected that 60,000 gal of Australian brandy will be placed on the English market before Christinas, and it is hoped that a large trade with New York will also be developed. I THE FRUIT TRADE. New Zealand apples, ex Kaikoura, are selling at from 8s to 15s per case. A consignment of grapes ex same steamer, arrived m good condition, having been well packed, and are selling at 9d per lb. THE QUEENSLAND LABOR QUESTION. | London, May 10. Ln the House of Commons to-day, i Baron De Worms stated that Lord Knutsford had cabled to the Governor of Queensland asking if he has given his assent to the Polynesian Labour Bill which provides for the employ ment of Kanaka labour m .Queensland, and if the measure is m operation, hoping Sir Samuel Griffiths would delay issuing licenses until he had seen the Act. Lord Knutsford considered that safeguards and regulations with regard to the employment of such labour would probably suffice if steadily enforced by England and Queensland. SPEECH BY MR PERCEVAL. At the Colonial Institute, to-day, Mr W. B. Perceval, Agent-General for New Zealand, declared that the colony he represented offered a safe field for investment, and was rapidly developing 1 its wealth. He defended the financial legislation of the Government, and denied that the Labour party m the House of Representatives had advo cated confiscation or repudiation. H« thought statesmen had exhibited timidity m proposing Imperial federa tion. LABOR MATTERS. Mr John Burns, addressing a meet ing at Battersea, stated that Mr Gladr stone's attitude wa.s important with regard to social and economic labor questions, and would not asist to sweep the country if the labor party insisted on a quid pro quo, and by the same rule Mr Gladstone had better dis regard his suicidal advisers. The Staleybridga strikers have re fused to resume work unless the non- Unionists are dismissed, but the owners have refused. OBITUARY, The death is announced of Baron Bramwell, aged 84. [Baron Bramwell was one of the moat distinguished of the Exchequer Bench, from which ho retired m 1881. He was a son of ! Mr George Bramwell, banker, and his train ing m his father's counting-house gave him the insight into business which proved so valuable to him on the Bench, m several im portant Royal Commissions and m the House of Lords. He was also a member of the j Commission for inquiring into the law of partnership. Differing from the majority qt £he Commission, be reQomm,eiid,§<l, tfye

adoption of a law of limited liability as now existing. In answer to the objection that persons might deal with Limited Liability Companies believing them to bo unlimited, Mr Bramwell suggested a distinguishing addition to then name as "limited. Inis advice was adopted, and has given great satisfaction.]

THE ANARCHISTS.

Paris, May 9. In consequence of the growth of the Anarchist movement the French Government is proposing additions to the police force at an annual cost of £120,000. The majority of the anarchists arrested previous to May 1, are to be released. May 10. M. "Very, who was seriously injured m the Anarchist outrage on his restaurant, has succumbed.

WAR CRUISERS.

Washington, May 9. The Senate has endorsed the arrange ment with the Inman line of .steamers for securing the City of New York and the City of Paris as war cruisers, besides five other fast steamers, m the event of war, CHINESE EXCLUSION. The Chinese Minister to the United States declares that the Bill just passed will reduce the Chinese m America to the status of semi-convicts and compel an exodus. He states that the Chinese merchants m the United States and Hong Kong have jointly sent a petition to the Emperor against the disabilities to which they are subjected.

DROUGHT IN MEXICO.

Mexico, May 9. A drought is raging m Mexico. Many people are reduced to destitution and the Government i& issuing grain to keep them from starving

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, May 10 Mr Robinson, R.M., dismissed the charge of illegal betting against Yuille and Nathan, bookmakers. He considered himself bound by the decision of Judge Denniscon m the "Referee" case, other wise he would certainly have found differently. Mr Gully gave notice of appeal. Dcnedin, May 10. An appeal has been lodged by the defendants this morning m the case of Scott v. Ritchie and the National Mort gage and Agency Company. The case will be argued at the October sitting of che Appeal Court.

FARM NOTES.

In the last sixty years the area under crops has increased m England by 2,200,000 acres, and m Scotland by 1,140,000 acres ; but m Ireland it has diminished 1,300,000 acres.

At h meeting of the Established Church Presbytery of Langholm, Dumfriesshire, several parish ministers spoke of the effect of the plague of mice. Farmers, they said, were driving sheep out of the distrist owing to the mice having ruined the pastures, and were obliged to pay their rents wholly out of cvpital. On ihi« account it was urged tint it would be most unwise to ask for any subscriptions for church schemes, except what, are absolutely necessary.

A large number of the pi incipal English and Scotch breeders attended the sale of Her Majesty's pure-bred shorthorn, Here ford, and Devon cattle, which took place at the Prince Consort's Shaw Farm, Windsor. The list comprised seventy animals, many of them with famous pedi grees. In the shorthorn cattle the highest price realised was that made by New Year's Gift, a splendid four-year-old roan bul?, the winner of six first and four champon prizes, which was purchasd by the Earl of Peversham, President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Plngland, for 1000 guineas. The Prince of Wales bought Lucy, a white two-year-old heifer, for 105 guineas. Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild pave 76 guineas for Sylvia, a roan two-y ear-old heifer, and 71 guineas for Caroline, a similar animal; Straw berry Bud, a roan heifer calf, being sold to the Duke of Connaught for twenty-six guineas. The Earl of Derby, the Marquis of Abergavenny, and Lord Tredegar were also purchasers of shorthorns. The Herefordsand theDevoncattle were subse quently sold, and m most instances realised good prices.

The " Mark Lane Express " of a recent date contains a return of the number of sheep sold last year from purebred Eng lish flocks, together with average price obtained for the same, which a con temporary comments upon thus :—lt is a fact that the iShropshires are the favorite sheep at Home, and are also becoming well and favorably known m New Zealand Australia, and America, but the Hamp shiredovvns and the Southdowns run the IShropshires pretty closely according to the report of sales referred to above. The Shropshires take the lead both as regards average price and the highest price for any one sheep. The prices ranged from 7gs (the lowest) up to 200gs, the average price being about 17gs. Besides the 200gs ram several more rams were sold forlL4ogs, 13Ogs, and lOOgs. A large number of Hampshire Downs were sold during the past year, but the average price obtained was much lower than for the Shropshires, and the highest price obtained was 60gs for a ram lamb, other high prices being 30gs, 40gs, and 50gs. The Southdown breed appears to run about the same as the Hampshire® m money value, but fewer sales were efft cted. The Lincolns are second to the Shrop shires m price, the highest being 109gs and the average about 10gg. The Leisesters, the Ootswold, and the Rornuey Mai-sh breeds appear to brim> pretty muc'i the same prices, ranging from sgs to 35gs, with the exception of one Ootswold which went as high as 72gs. Notwithstanding the popularity of" the Shropshire sheep large numbers of sheep of other breeds were sold during the past year, the Hampshire Downs being especially well represented m numbers. There are, of course, many different varieties of soil m Great Britain, ranging from the fens of Lincolnshire to the Cotswold hHls, and the number of sheep of different breeds being m request is according to the nature of the land for which thej are required.

A Home paper of March 12 says :—The seasonable operations of spring have all been postponed by an untimely return of winter, and a late season, with sowing driven into a corner a>.wl growing crops behind time, is now impending. A farmer's best gifts and his worst misfor tunes all come from the hand of Nature. IJe expects her at this season to bring him March dust and warmth enGUgh to cause the sap to rise m his growing crops of corn and of spring forage fop the cattle. She has brought him instead many degrees of frost, north-east winds, and blizzards of bitter, cold and driving I snow. The time has been most trying for outdoor stock, and for sbeep and young lambs especially. The animals of the farm only possess one coat, and m such weather as they have been exposed to for a fortnight those that live outdoors have required two. Under such trials, unless the animals are ted well, they lose condi tion rapidly• It is 'astonishing tfye

amotuic of food they have consumed- the ! roots they have eaten, the corn and cake ! they have squandered, and the number of haystack-!, lately standing neat and trim, for future use or sale, which have now vanished, and have had to be written off by their owners as "given to the stock." The result of these diminishing supplies has been a fall m the prices of sheep and store cattle at all the markets throughout the country. For the present I at anyrate, less meac will be made, and consumers have reason to rejoice that the imports of frozen mutton are increasing by leaps and bounds—3,o'Jo, 000 and more carcases last year as compared with le.ss than 3,000,000 iti 1890, less than two , millions m 1888, and about. 788,000 m 1885. There is great anxiety as to the growing corn. The early sown wheat is much cut and withered by the frost. The later wheat and the barley sown before the frost will now have a chilled subsoil underneath, and can make but^Jittle growth for weeks to come. Most of this year's barley crop must now be sown late, | and maltsters do not anticipate a good , sample m consequence, Fortunately' stock where well attended to is doing well and beef and mutton command rather higher prices. But wheat, though a little dearer, is still low m price, and barley is a glut m the markets. The outlook is more cheerless than at the opening of the year.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Oaeot Th«Blx Hnndr«d. Dunbdin, May 11. Sergeant-Major Bevin, who was one of the famous six hundred, and has con ducted police cases m Dunedin for many years, died this morning after a short ill ness.

The Dobson-Kennedy Company.

THIS COLLEEN BAWN. The attendance last night at the Oddfellows' Hall was the largest of the Ashburton season of the Dob-on-Kennedy Company -the hall being quite full m all parts. The piece represented was Dion Boucicault's well-known drama "The Colleen Bawn," for which special stage preparations had been made. The scenery w*s new, and beautifully got up, especially the cave scene, and altogether the piece was admirably mounted. Al , though last nigho's was the first produc tion of "The Colleen Bawn" m Ash burton, the story of the piece is so well known as to render its recapitulation here unnecessary. The character of " Eily O'Connor," the colleen bawn, was essayed by Miss ldrene Thornton, whose exposi tion of the part was »s nearly perfection as the most fastidious could have wished, while Miss Lily Hill fairly revelled m the pare of the impulsive romp, yet kind hearted, "Ann Chute," the colleen ruadh. Mrs Jermyn, who played under gre&t disadvantages, made a dignified "Mrs Cregan," and Miss Mary Vernon was sufficiently Irish m her make up and pourtrayal of old " Sheelah," Danny Mann's mother. " Myles-na-Coppaleen "■ was of course the part of Mr J. J. Kpnnedy, and those who have seen him m the parts of "Conn, the Shaughraun," and "Shaun, the Post," m " Arrah-na- Pogue," neeJ not be told that Myles was a most amusing £c low, md th< se who were his audience las!, night were kept well amused. Mr Joe Kennedy made a good "Danny Mann." In this part Joe stepped out of the beaten track, and m the earlier parts of the play he gave us a Danny, deformed certainly m body, but with a face not made as repulsive as art could make it, and it was when heated with drink and with murder m his heart that the hunchback appeared the hideous thing he is shown lo Le. Air Collet Dobson's '* Squire Con-igm" was ad mirably rendered. His brogue was de lightful, and his make up perfect. The pacts of"Hardress Oregan " (Mr Frank Norton) and " Kyrle Daly" (Mr Paul Creyton) were filled m wth care and attention to detail, but one could have wished to see a jollier " Father Tom," and perhaps a " little more of him," —m bulk. The players were subjected to quite a shower of bouquets m the coarse of the evening, and the applause through out was both loud and long. The Cotr. pan> open a short season m Geraldine to night, and. return to Ashburton for a farewell performance on Saturday night, when the ever-popular "Shaughraun" will be presented.

School Committees.

ASHBURTON.

The monthly meeting of the above Committse was held on Monday night. Present, Messrs Silcopk (m the chair), Bean, BraddeU, Barrett, McPhevson, and Meddins. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs Graighead, Paul and Jones. The credit balance at the Bank was stated to be £27 4s Id. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education, notifying a vacancy on the Board through the resignation of Mr T. S. Weston, forwarding salaries for April, and stating that at present no money was available for a drainage vote. It was decided to defer action re the new membsr for the Board till the nomina tions were out. . Mr T. A. Gates wrote offering to dis close a plan for technical education, m country schools without the necessity for a workshop. The Committee decided that they were not at present prepared to take any steps m this direction. Mr H. M, Jones wrote suggesting a change m the night of meeting of the Committee, but as it was shown that the Borough Council meetings would not clash with the School Committee's for four months, considerafion of the matter was deferred till next meeting. The head master's report was read and adopted ; it showed that there were on the roll, boys, 297 ; girls, 266 ; total, 563. Highest attendance —boys, 209 ; girls, | 220 ; total, 489. Strict average for month, i 453. A list of scholars prominent for irregular i at ter dance was forwarded, and the com mittee decided that it was necessary for the parents of some of these to be pro ceeded against by the police under the compulsory clause of the Act. It was resolved that the Board be asked if arrangements were- being made for drill instruction m schools by the members of the Permanent Defence Force, and that a I set of drawing models be applied for as requested by the Master. Mr Bean and the Secretary were ap pointed to sign cheques. Messrs Silcock an cf Jones were appointed Visiting Committee for the month. Tenders for fuel were considered, and that of Mr Bean accepted. Two small accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned.

HAMPSTEAD.

The monthly meeting of the Hampstead School Committee was held last evening, Preseut -*-, Messrs Qrookg (chairman), Andrews, Bisset, Elliott, Pickford, and Bickman. Apologies were received from, Messrs Orr and Sage. The master's report stated that the! number on the roll was 378; highest attendance ; strict average . The report also stated that one of the pupil teachers had been irregular m attendance, which he had reported to the Board sug gasting that the young lady should be cau/ tionexl.

The correspondence inchuhd v, letter! from the Board, stating th-vb the pay of the teacher m question hud been with held, and if the Committee thought fit the master might be desired to send m a monthly report during the current quarter so that the matter might be more speedi ly rectified. It was resolved that the master be requested to send a monthly report, The Board of Education notified that a vacancy had occurred m the Board. It was decided not to make any nomination. The tender of Messrs Moss and Restell for coal and firewood was accepted. It was decided thafc all orders for l'equisites be given on an order form, the Secretary to procure a book of forms. Applications for the office of Caretaker were considered, and the matter of mak inf a final appointment waa left m the hands of the Chairman. Messrs Rxckman and Bisset were appointed a Visiting Committee for Ihe month. Accounts were passed for payment and the Committee adjourned.

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND WINTER MEETING.

PRESS ASSOCIATION.) "Napier. May 10. Tha following handicaps have been da clared for the Auckland Racing Club's Winter Meeting: — Grand National Hurdle Race, of 250 soys. Two miles. Couranto 12st, Pauraekaitai list 121 b, Somnambulist list 121 b, Whalebone list 71b, Wacerbury list 51b, Fishmonger list 41b, Theorem lOse Blb, Hune lOst 71b, Commotion lOsb 61b, Lonely lOst 61b, Shillelagh lOst 51b, Claud 9st 111 b, Hiamoe 9st LOlb, Fabulous 9st 91b, Re warewa9stßlb, Tupara9st 81b, Deceiver 9st 61b, Glenleg, Belmont, Rataplan 9st 51b, Flukem, Zaccho, Te Kooti, Ironbark 9st 41b, Warrior, Louie, Swindler, Tattler 9st 31b, Try Fluke 9st 21b, Papakura, Salute, Potentate, Ika Vuka, Assassin, Onslow, Never Miss, Nell 9st. Great Northern Steeplechase Handi cap, of 400 soys. Three miles and a half. Turaek-utai list 101 b, Whalebone list 51b, Ingorangi lOst 91b, Fishmonger lOst 81b, Hune, Couranto lOst 71b, Somnam bulist, Chance lOst 51b, Colonel, Hopeful Kate lOst 41b, Commotion lOst 31b, Shillelagh lOst, Waterbury 9st 111 b, Silvio, Recruit 9st 101 b, Glenelg, Duadine, Tupara 9st 81b, Salute, Potentate, Re warewa, Scaltheen, Onslow 9st 71b.

DUNEDIN WINTER MEETING.

Dtjnedin, May 10. The following acceptances and general' entries have been received m connection with the Winter Meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club : — Handicap Hurdle Race, of 100 soys ; two miles. st lb st lb Erin-go bra'h 10 12 Kilmarnock 912 Little Arthur 10 6 May Boy 11. 9 8 Capt. Abram 9 12 Waitangi ... 9 5 Birthday Handicap, of 300 soys.; one mile, st lb st lb P. Warden 8 12 Flinders ... 7 6 M. England 811 Mariner ... 7 4 Hippomenes 8 4 Tempest ... 7 0 Palliser ... 713 Heather Ball 7 0 Liberator ... 711 Bon Pedro 6 9 Kulnine ... 7 9 Tradesmen's Handicap, of 150 soys ; one mile. st lb st lb Hippomenes 9 0 Tempest ... 710 Lady Zetland 8 2 Miss Mack 7 10 Mariner ... 8 0 May King... 7 9 Francofcte ... 7 12 Conjurer ... 7 7 Galtee ... 7 12 Assyrian King 7 3 Y. Cheviot 712 Pique ... 612 Heathen Ball 7 10 Maiden PlatEj of 60 soys ; oho mile and a quarter. Dunmore Beau Nash Cfictus Adventurer Victim Affection Selling Race, of 6o soys ; one mile. Leinster Windsor Tassy Sweetbriar Count d'Orsay Bondovilla Lady Sock burn Enfield Coinage Collingwood Roseleaf Selling Hurdle Race, of 80 soys ; one mile and a half. Erin-go-Bragh Isidore Clyde Waitangi May Boy 11. Dunmore Captain Abram Iroquoia Kilmarncck Nineteen horses have accepted for the Three-mile Trot. /

GERALDINE AUTUMN MEETING.

The following are the acceptances and entries: — Oraui Handicap, of2osovs. Six furlongs, sfc 1b st lb Beau Nash... 11 2 Moderation 8 7 Cat D'Orsay 912 Sporting Life 8 4 Victim ... 9 7 Cumberland 8 4 The Jewel... 9 4 Beach ... 8 0 Launcelofc 11. 9 4 Butterfly ... 8 0 Marten ... 9 2 Fire Kirg... 8 0 Sebastopol... 8 10 Handicap Timb Trot, of 25 soys. Two miles.—Sunlight scratch, Tommy 15sec, Tom 18sec, Winchester 23sec, Barney O'Hea 23sec, Lugnaquilla 30sec, Cloud 37sec, Muckross 43sec, Venus 46sec, Lucy 4fisec, Our Maid (lafce Eva) 46aec, Polly 46sec, Pegasus 49sec, Devil's King 49sec, Ringarooma 49sec, Dandy 52sec, Factory Girl 52sec, Hilton 52sec. Autumn Handicap, of 35 soys. One mile, st lb st lb Lady Zetland 9 0 Victim ... 611 Fng Cheviot 8 3 Masonic ... 611 Coinage ... 7 2 The Jewel ...6 9 Disposal Stakes, of 20 soys. Six furlongs. The Wolf Almond The Jewel Loiterer Weltkr Handicap, of 25 soys. Seven furlongs. st lb " st lb Beau Nash 11 13 The Jewel... 9 9 Kilmarnock 10 11 Marten ... 9 6 Ct. d'Orsay 10 7 Sebastopol... 9 4 Springston 10 2 Fire King... 9 0 Melton ... 10 2 New Hope... 9 0 Masonic ... 911 Squatters' Handicap, of 25 soys. One mile. st lb st lb Y'ng Cheviot 9 5 Countess ... 7 5 Coinage ... 8 3 Launcelofcll. 7 5 Kilmarnook 8 3 Gloaming ... 612 Cut D'Orsay 8 0 Moderation 612 Victim .., 712 Sporting Life 6 9

[White Choker.]

The Autumn Meeting of the above Club takes place to-morrow. Train arrangements are suitable, as will be seen from our advertising columns. My selections are : Orari Handicap—Beau Nash 1, Marten 2, Victim 3. , Autumn Handicap -Young Cheviot 1, Lady Zetland 2, Victim 3. Disposal Stakes. —The Jewel, 1; Loiterer, 2, Welter Handicap —Kilunrnock 1, Mar ten 2, The Jewel 3. ' Squatters' Handicap—(Failing a win m iho. Autumn) Young Cheviot 1, Victim 2, Countess 3. " '

PER PBESS ASSOCIATION,

POLITICAL

THE PREMIER'S MOVEMENTS. Dtjnedin, May 10. The Premier reached Dunedin to-night, and leaves for the north to-morrow. In the course of an interview he said that an error had been made m the report of his speech from Invercargill, m stating that the number of the new Legislative Councillors to be asked for was ten. He menfionpd no number. The Governor would probably be asked to make the appointments shortly after his arrival. The Hon Mr Buckley would leave for Sydney about the 29th, to meet the Earl of Glasgow. One of the first measures to be introduced to the House would be the Arbitration and Conciliation Bill. PROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION. DutfßDiN, May 11. The Premier, m course of an interview, said the Cabinet weuid consider whether special opportunities should be given to Sir John Hall for facilitating the passage of the Female Suffrage Bill. The Elec toralßill will contain provisions enabling shearers and commercial travellers to exercise their voters by means of electoral rights. The general election day will be proclaimed a public holiday* bub it is nob intended to close public houses. School houses are to be granted without charge for public meetings. The purgation of the rolls will be provided for, but the main principle of the measure, one-man one-vote, will be insisted on, ithp Ministry having determined that the residential shall be the only future qualification. The Premier says he has been informed that the Council regret having passed the one-man-one-vote classes, and are deter mined there shall be no further progres sive reforms m that direction, while he is equally determined there shall be. The Libel Bill will probably be re-introduced early next session.

THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

Wellington. May 10. The Government Printing Office is to be placed under the control of Mr Cadman's Department, and it is under stood that several changes are to be made.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(ITCK MJBSs ASSOCIATION.). (Received May 11, 10.55

DIVORCE.

London, May 10. Lord Chief Justice Sir H. C. Lopes declares there is a vast amount of col lusion m undefended divorce cases, and he is determined to exact the fullest proof m futnre.

SUICIDE OF A CRICKETER.

Mr Burton, a well-known cricketer, formerly Captain of the Harrow and the Cambridge University Elevens, has committed suicide.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL.

Lord Rosebery has given notice of his intention to resign the chairmanship of the London County Council. The leading actors are opposed to the County Council having control of places of amusement.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

A general dock strike is threatened. THE VULKOVITCH MURDERS. Constantinople, May 10. The murderers of Dr Vulkbyitch have been sentenced to death.

OUTRAGE IN CHURCH.

Madrid, May JO. Alsina, the soldier who killed and wounded several persons m church last mouth, has been sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment. —

THE VENEZUELA REVOLT.

New York, May 10. It is reported that the rebel Venez uelain General Crespo, was severely de feated at Losteques. The Government loss was slight.

EMIN PASHA.

Zanzibar, May 10. Ehlers, the traveller, who has arrived here, reports that Emiu Pasha has; be come blind,

COURSING.

A meeting of those interested m cours ing was held at the Central Hotel last night. There was a fair attendance, and it was resolved to re-establish the Ash burton Coursing Club, and to hold cours ing meetings m the district during the current season, In order to popularise the Club the subscription was fixed at 5s yearly. Officers were appointed as fol lows :—President, Mr A. Harrison j Vice presidents, Messrs D. McLean, M. Dig by, and R. Alexander; Treasurer, Mr M. Digby; Hon Sec, Mr J. Purchase.. It was decided to open the season on May 24 (Queen's Birthday), with an all aged stake at £110s each, and a puppy stake at £1 each. It was also decided to affiliate with the National Coursing Club of New Zealand. A committee was ap pointed to make further arrangements.

TflE ASHBtTRTON GUAKDt AN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1893.



In the advertisement of a new series of "Sketches at the Antipodes," by Mr Edward Wakefield, that gentleman is described as formerly "Native Minister and Minister of Defence of New Zealand." Mr Wakefield held these distinguished offices for about thirty-six hours prior to the Ministry of which he was a member being turned out. Ths Fire Brigade Committee of *the Christchurch City Council has had a con ference with the Fire Insurance Association relative to the letter it Bent to the Council, that its contribution could not be guaranteed any longer, and reported that the Associa tion had further considered the matter, and the Council was never asked to accept the letter sent as a notice that, at the end of the year 1892, the usual subsidy to fire prevention could not be guaranteed. Ninian Hyslop and Co*8 f. Imperial' Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are the best m the arket —(h tJ\ Have Healthy Children by nourish,ng them with \ulsebrook and. Co's Arrow root Biscuits. Holloway's Ointmejt.—Sores, Wounds, Ulcerations, and other diseases affecting the skin are capable of speedy amendment by this cooling and healing ointment, which has called forth the loudest praise from persons who have suffered for years from bad legs, bad breasts, piles, abscesses, and chronic ulcers, after every hope of cure had long passed away. None but those who have experienced the Soothing effect of this Oint ment can form an idea of the comfort it bestows by restraining inflammation and allaying pain. Whenever Hdlloway's Oirit ment has been onoe used it has established its own worthy and has again been eagerly sought for as the easiest and, safest remedy for all such complaints. In neuralgia, rheumatism and gout, the same application, properly used, gives wonderful relief. 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 contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold 1 byallChemiste m tins is £d atud 3s9deach. The Onslow Biscuit The latest and most delicate biscuit manufactured, by Aulagbrook mi Co,



Colemanb and ■■Sons-'Eucai.yptjb .Ex tract is the only genuine m the market, and was awarded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors. For all affections of th,e Chest; and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colds, Grave}, and Kidney Com-] plaints, ib has no equal. Agents— Ash^ukxon PfIUG Company.



SANDER AND SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. —In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following :— Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous system, says m an editorial published m tne " Clinical Record " :—" We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called " Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects, That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we feel warranted m expo ing the above facts, and desires the public to exercise care and precaution when buying, SANDER aDd SONS.—(Advt.) 1



The Best Ekmedy fob Indigestion--, Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all bhe "diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pii.ls, with justice called the 'Natural Sltrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful (tonic and gentla perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is lsd, 2s 9d, J Is, by all nr.edicine vendors throughout the world- Ninian. Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial" pure Ceylon nndf Indian Teas are direcjb from the plantation Adyt,



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Wauled. ©ASH Advertisements unde* heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORD'S 1/-. Addresses may be Wt at this Office. _________ POTATOES, Derwents, at 2s per bag. Apply W. Pubbble, WhealHt«n^ mEERA Cotta Placques. New lines m 4- fancy China and Glassware. Ladies Handbags, Fans and Ornaments. H. M. JONKS. - F"~~AMILY and Pocket Bibles, Prayers and Hymns. Various styles and bindings, Birthday and Textbooks. H. M. Jones. „ "TUST to Hand.—A nice assortment of j O Fenders and Fire Irons; also, House Furnishing Ironmongery. Worth inspection, — Stei-hjiss Bros., Market House. 549 SELLING OUT-Furniture, Fancy Goods, and Building Timber at gre_t reductions.—Jambs Bakbr, opposite Harrison's auction rooms. 5|19 -iff "♦ ANTED Known.— The nicest stock W of New Winter Dress Goods, Mantles, Millinery, &c, v at S. W AIOOBN ANI> Co/s & W UST Arrived consignment of Kero sene. Further reductions. All Groceries at Christchurch prices for Chri-tehurch terms, cash. Stephens Bros., Market House. »_«> SOMEBHET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, the best, and the cheap est. Small Goods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. J. Sk^ook. *1182 W*~ ANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele-j brated Electric Corsets can only j be obtained m Ashburton at W. H. j Coxlibr's, "The Corner." W' ANTED, purchasers of Blankets, Flannels, and General Drapery to remember that Best Value m the trade is at F. W. Alcobn and Co.'s 5 51 \\ /"ANTED Known.—lf you want W plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Segrrs. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging keo f. m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East B treet L _______ 6J202 "IX7 ANTED Known. - Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford Houae.- H. C. Segers. ANTED KNOWN.-250 Ladies Maid*' and Children's Ulsters »nd Jackets (mostly good qualities) marked cheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. ■ WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at "The Cornek.' ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Ai/CORN, Ashburton Clothing Man, Saunders' Buildings. WHITTISGTON'B Tomato Sauce, together with testimonials, may he seen at Mrs James', Fruiterer, East Street, and Mrs Pbarson's, FfUtterer, W»kanui Road, where orders will he received and prices given. 3 165 /CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 3lb Boxes, 2s each.— H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. — NEW Supplies of Stationery, Account Books, Music, Fancy Goods, "few Games, Orders for Printing, Book binding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted. Schools and offices supplied with rvery requisite. Magazines vid News papers supplied.-L F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and ariety m English and Colonial Boots, and is highly reputed make by calling at «J. Moison's. During coming holidays din sounfc for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. >VO Meet the Times.—l am oupplying j Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited. — J. W. Hakplby, Eas street. 6|201 BALL Dresses, Evening Gloves, Mfounts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur Collarettes, Ladies' Evening Shoes. Invigorator Corsets, with straps, V and N. Zone and all other makes, just opened. —A.ni»rew Our. 4 57 W"~~ ANTED. —Earn Money at Home, either sex; new work; just itarfeod ; all earn good wages ; no walking or travelling required ; anyone can do the work ; boys and girls earn nearly as much as men. Write for particulars at once, before our list is full, and enclose addressed envelope and stamp for reply to Jam.f.3 G. Sargood, Manager, P.O. B>x 986, Sydney ; or, 65 Royal Arcade. George andPitt Streets, Sydney. 4 110