MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :~- SATURDAY, April 23. For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at 6.30pm,; late fee letters, guards van ; 6.55 p.m. - For Kaikorua, per Jane Douglas, at 6SO p.m.; late fee letters, guards van, 6.55 p.m. MONDAY, April 25. For Northern Ports, and Westport, per Brunner, at 0.30 a.m. TUESDAY, April 26. For Chatham Islands, per Kahu, at G.SSO p.m. WEDNESDAY, April 27. For United Kingdom and Continent ot 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 as follows : — Ordinary letter at 155.30 p.m. ; l»*e fee letters, express van, at 12.53 p.m. For United Kingdom, Continent of Europe (via Brindißi), Point de Galle, India, China, Japan, etc., and also for Australian Colonies, per Poherua, at 6.30 a.m.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMKWAKD—DIRECT MAILS. Doric, left April 2, due London May 12 Tongariro, left April 16, due London May left April 21, due London June *Arawa, leaving April 30, due London, June 10. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS, Alameda,left March 26, due London April 2 "Mariposa, left April 22, due London May 21. _ OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS] Coptic, due colony May 2. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, dua Colony May 20.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1892. CURRENT TOPICS.

The new Agent-General has made an excellent move m opening jt his offices m London a " Bureau of Infor mation" on New Zealand matters. There are to be seen maps of the country, particulars of Crown Lands for sale, specimens of various kinds ot produce, reports upon different indus tries, mines, etc., and of public bodies, and, m fact, information on most points whereon intending emigrants require to be informed. This new departure will greatly increase the use fulness of the colony's London General Agency, and will tend to popularise the colony with those who are seeking a new country wherein to push their fortunes j for the country information respecbing which is most easily obtained has thereby a strong advan tage over its competitors, instead ot an intending emigrant being sent hither and thither for information, as has long been the case, all that his friends need now say to him is, Go to fche Agent-General's office and you will find out everything.

While writing of the Agent-General it may be noted that his account of the communications between himself and die Colonial Office with reference to the appointment of the Governor has now been made public. From it we learn that the Premier made no de mand upon the Colonial Secretary be yond what that official laid down m fche Queensland case as the constitu tional position of the question of the right of colonial Governments to be consulted previous to th« »PP™ nt"w°* Being definitely made. Mr Perceval jays that he was never instructed to demand that the name of the selected indiyidual should be submitted to Premier Ballance. To have made any such request would simply have been .0 invite the snub a few years ago ad ministered to Queensland. What he lid ask for—-not as a right, but as a courtesy—was an early hint as to whom the appointment was to be conferred upon, and this much he understood the Colonial Office authorities were pre pared to give. So far, so good; but how everybody else knew before the Premier who had been appointed, remains to be explained.

Early m the season we had a de servedly good w®rd to say for bread baked from flour of this year's wheat. Since then something seems to have come over the bread, and we hear complaints of its being "sticky, doughy stuff," though to appearance all that could be wished. We have been asked if the roller system of milling is the cause of the change. Well, it may have something to do with it, but we think the condition of the wheat is at the bottom of it, and that there will be an improvement later on. As to the merits of roller versus stone flour there is much more tobesaid. Thedemaud for asnowy,white bread is so strong that millers have been forced to adopt the roller system. It is declared that by this system the most essential part of the wheat is dressed out, and the flour is simply starch. The phosphates which con tribute the bone, rouble and brain forming constituents of bread are thus lost, and it is declared that "if we persist m our mad fad of white bread we shall, m the next generation, see our children ricketty and imbecile." Authorities recommend "brown bread " —that is bread made from the whole product of thoroughly cleaned wheat (not white flour roiled with sharps)— as the beet sort of broad, but there seems to be some difficulty m ob taining it regularly. Consumers have the matter m their own hands j if they demand brown bread the bakers and millers will conform to the demand as readily as they have done with that for white bread.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The San Francisco mail is expected to reach Ashburton by the first train on Mon day. | Lion, the Hans the Boatman dog of the Dobeon-Kcnuedy Company, had a strange experience while travelling through the m- I terror of Otago recent,y. The clog was surrounded by rabbits, and never having seen a rabbit before, he stood stock still, and would have been lost but that one of the company went back for him, and rescued him from his perilous position, Babbits are evidently pretty numerous and fierce m the interior

The annual Harvest Thankgiving Services at St. sStephen's Church will be held to morrow at 11 a.m. and 6. JO p.m. Sir Walter Buller and Mr W. B. Perceval, Agent-General, have been appointed Go vernors to represent the colony on she governing body of the Imperial Institute, A meeting was held last evening of a number of gentlemen interested m pure-bred poultry, and it was decided to call a meeting of fanciers and others interested for the purpose of forming a Poultry, Pißßoll* **"} Canary Society. The meeting will be held next Thursday evening, at the Arcade Ohain bersatSo'clock. There is ample scope for sunn a society m Ashburton, and we hope the promoters will be as sueceaaf ul as those ot the Horticultural Society have been. The annual meeting of the convention of the New Zealand Master Printers' Associa tion was concluded at Christchurch on Thursday. Mr G. VV. Ruseel (Christchurch) waa re-elected president; and Mr T W. o. Smith (Christchurch) secretary. It was resolved to urge on the Government to remote the anomalies m the Customs tantt affecting printing and cognate industries, and to protest against all printing for the Government being centralised m a Govern ment office at Wellington. The Timaru Harbor Board on Wednes day had a long and somewhat acrimonious discussion re obtaining a plant for removing the shingle. A minority opposed to it being supported by unanimous votes of meetings of ratepayers, there was some talk of the majority resigning and throwing the respon sibility and risk on the ratepayers, but this was nob done, and it was resolved to submit plans of the plant to an expert for judgment before calling for tenders, which will be called for m the colony. We regret to have to record the death of Mr William Campbell, blacksmith, Ash burton Forks, which occurred on Thursday. Mr Campbell has been an invalid tor a lengthened period, but although at one time m the course of his illness his death waa considered imminent, he had of late so far rallied as to be able to come into town, and felt himself improving m health and strength. The improvement, however, was deceptive, and his malady finally carried him off as above stated. He leaves a widow and family of young children.* For the Timaru races on April 28 and 29 the first train from Ashbnrton to Timaru on April 28 will run earlier. Its times for that day are as under :—Leaving Ashburton at 10.17 a.m., Tinwald 10.24, Winalow 10.34, Hinds 10.48, and Rangitata 11.16, it will, reach Washdyke at 12.12, m time to allow its passengers to join at Washdyke at 12.15 a train for the racecourse. The ordinary south train will reach Timaru at 12.25. On both days a train will leave the racecourse at 5.5 pan. to connect with the express at Washdyke, where the express will stop to take up passengers .for Christchurch and northern stations. Settling up m connection with the Chertaey sports took place on Thursday evening. The Treasurer, Mr Chills, submit ted his balance-sheet which showed receipts £125 Is 9d, expenses £122 17s sd, balance £2 4s 4d. The Chairman congratulated the Committee on the success which had attended their efforts, for they had provided the best day's sporfe yet given at Chertsey. The protest lodged against Coringa by the owner of Calm was left to the Protest Committee to deal with on Tuesday next. It was resolved to post the name of F. A. Rollinson, of Kaiapoi, to every Athletic and Sports Club m Canterbury, for insolence to an official while m the execution of his duty. The annual bazaar, m aid of the Church funds of the Longbeaeh parochial district, was held m the Templar Hall, Tinwald, on Easter Monday. Notwithstanding the many counter attractions on the day, there was no falling off m the success of the event. The stalls were as attractive as ever, nearly every variety of feminine fancy work and a large quantity of farm and dairy produce being displayed for sale, while the hall was tastefully decorated. Thare was a good attendance, especially m the evening. The stalls were attended by Mesdames Carter, Tippets, Willcocks, Lowe, Primmer, and Clark, and Misses Jeff, Lowe, and Oowper. A constant succession of musical per formances enlivened the proceedings. In the evening Mr T. Bullock sold the produce and a quantity of other wares by auction, having good competition. In deference to the wish of the Incumbent, Rev Mr Farley, there were no raffles, but the takings did not suffer, the proceeds amounting to the round sum of £60—a very satisfactory result, on which th«i ladies of the district are to be congratulated. Prior to Mr J. 8.. Bland starting the sale of Mr Mullins' effects at Alleuton House, on Wednesday, Mr J. W. Sawle asked the attention of those present (fully two hun dred), and stated that he wished to bear testimony to the loss the district was suffer ing m the removal from Ashburton of Mr and Mrs Mullins and family, and as they were going to start the following day for the North Island, that would be the only chance they had of expressing their regret at the change. Mr Mullins was making a change which he was sure all those present would hope was for the best, but at the same time they would admit that Mr Mullins' removal was a loss to the community, a3 he had for a number of years proved himself a good neighbor and settler, and one who had made many friends m business by his straight forward and honest way of dealing with all. There were occasions sometimes when people had to clear from a district, and the residents were rather glad than otherwise, but m this casa the opposite was the feeling, and he felt sure they would all join m wishing much success to Mr Mulling m his new undertaking at Palmerston North. Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr Mullins, with others for Mrs Mullins and the family. Mr Bland then spoke, saying that as Mr Mullins had given assistance very often at clearing sales m the district, he hoped now his turn had come they would return the compliment and give him a good send off also. The sale then proceeded and the biddings gave Mr Mullins no occasion to narfi with them otherwise than on the most friendly terms. On Wednesday next, the Ashburton public will have an opportunity of listening to a most wonderful artiste, m the Oddfellows' Hall, m the person of Mr Michael Lewis. This young man is a native of Auckland, and a musician of no mean talent, both as an instrumentalist and a vocalist. Bat his specialty is m whistling. Now most people fancy they oan whistle a tune, but when they begin their hearers would rather they hadn't. With Mr Lewis, the regret comes m when he leaves off. He favored a few gentlemen yesterday after noon with a little private concert m the centre room of Henry's Commercial Hotel. Accompanying himself on the piano, Mi- Lewis whistled several pieces m such a way that anyone outside the room would have thought q. flautist of mqst extraordinary power Wft3 at work, and that he was us jng, now a concert flut^ and again a pice 010 What, however, would at onqo have strnck a flute player was the great volume of tone as well as its brilliancy. He produced a tremolo that no flute player could achieve, and showed a compass that included all the range of both flute and piccolo, and far beyond the latter. In perfect time, and still keeping m #}6 ear of the listener the theme he was working on, hp performed some wonderful variations, introducing the songs of the lajtk, Me canary, the blackbird, and most of tfoe iother jsong birds known to the British Islands. From a yolume of rich sound that pealed out with grand effect, he would descend to the low, mellow, rolling notes of the flute, still with much volume, and then ascend breathing out melody m the softest piano, giving the gffect of an inter vening mountain between the b&e of the listener and the lark on high. Those present were entranced, and one and all expressed astonishment at the wonderful perfection to which the sounds tlw human throat is capable of giving utterance to c*n be brought, Mr Lewis also sings a good song, and gave the " Death of Nelson ?' with nne effect. At his eonoerfr on Wednesday next this wonderful performer will lwve the assistance of several logal singers, and tne entertainment will be of the most unique

Th ".Aew Zealand Times" announces with regret the death of Mr Bryen Weybourne, Inspcfcor of Works at Monut Cook prison, at the age of sixty-two years. Mr Weybourne was formerly well known m the Canterbury district m connection with the building trade, and during the last eighteen months had held the position of Inspector of Works at the prison. The malady to which he succumbed was cancer of the throat, from which he has been suffering for the past ten months, but m spite of the suffering he endured he remained at his post until a fortnight ago. There are now on view at the Tancred ■street establishment of Pickford and Undrill some very choice specimens of locally made urniture, entirely from New Zealand woods. Especial notice may be made ot the articles finished m ebony and gold, com prising, sideboards), occasional tables and whatnots; also tables, washstands and chests of drawers m choice figured rimu, a colonial wood that is fast taking ♦he place of imported rosewood and maho gany for furniture. The firm are to be com mended for their efforts m bringiug local industry to the front. The following shows a magnificent display of charity among the English Freemasons : —Times are said to be bad—they mostly are bad no w-a-days—trade is depressed, and the ordinary chanties of the, metro polis are lill; advertising the discourag ing fact, from hospital to soup kitchen, . that .their incomes arc gradually decreasing, I and m the face of all this, says the " World, the Freemasons seem but to ask to have. One of their three great charities, that for granting 1 annuities to decayed Masons and their widows, has been going just fifty years, and to celebrate the event had a dinner last M'sek of some 1400 "covers." Lord Mount-Edgecumbe, the Masonic ruler of Cornwall, presided, and enjoyed the un precedented satisfaction, before he left the chair, of announcing a collection of close upon £60,000. The Wellington Benevolent Society get queer cases to deal with. Two women, mother and daughter, were m receipt of rations. The daughter complained that her brother got up m the night and consumed the rations, and spent the next d&y m beating her and threatening his mother. He had done no work for twenty-two years, as he claimed to be "the eon of a lord,' and urged that scioris of the British aristocracy should not be asked to work He therfore lived on his mother and sister, who m turn lived on the public bounty. "But," added the sister, "I'm sure he is not the son of a lord. My mother was a respectable woman, and the mother of twelve children." The Trustees told the woman to apply "m another place." In another case a man and his wife and family came up from Dunedin last November " because the wife preferred this climate." They have been m receipt of rations ever since, but recently the man was sent up to the relief works by the Government Labour Bureau. There he became injured, and he is once more m Wellington, m receipt of rent and rations. Startling evidence was given at Quebec before the Koyal Commission inquiring into the charges against Mr Mercier, ex-Premier, of misappropriating public funds. Several witnesses testified that Mr Mercier's country seat at Tourouvre was paid for out of the proceeds of the Chaleur Bay subsidy, and cheques were produced showing that the ex- Premier's household expenses were defrayed by drafts drawn on the deposit of an instal ment of 28,003 dollars of that subsidy. Evidence was also brought forward that the contractor of the Temiscouata railway was compelled to pay a total sum of 32,000 dollars to Pacaud before he obtained the passsage of his estimates by the Government or the signature of the Order- in-Council. It was further shown that it cost 5000 dollars to obtain the Government guarantee for the second issue of TemiscouaU bonds which were sold m England before the guarantee was given, the English purchasers making the condition that the bonds must be guaranteed. Evidence was given that. Pacaud, knowing this fact, told the con tractor that the Governor would not sign the Order-in-Council, but that he himself could obtain the signature for 5000 dollars. This sum was paid by the contractor, and the guarantee was immediately forthcoming. These revelations have caused much sensa tion, and are regarded as the most direct testimony yet adduced touching Mr Mercier's transactions and his alleged understanding with Pacaud. . _ _

POLITICAL

THE SPEAKER AT WAIMATE.

Waimatb, April 214 The Hon. Major Steward, Speaker "of the House of Representatives, addressed a meeting of the electors here last night. He gave a resume of the work of last session, and dealt with the measures which would probably be submitted whtn Parliament again met. He waa m favour of one-man-one-vote, but would allow an elector with the necessary qualifications to select which he would register for. He favoured extending the franchise to women, loca\ option, Bible-reading m public schools with a time table and con? science clause, and thought payment by results should bo given to Catholic schools. Referring to the Bryce episode, he said that he as Speaker did not demand the withdrawal of the words used, but Mr Bryce forestalled such a demand by stating that he would decline to with draw the words and would take the con sequences. After the words complained of had been taken down and Mr Bryce had made an''explanation, {he House simply expressed re«ret that he had uf-ed. an unparliamentary expression,, and there the mattej? might have ended, He was sorry that Mr Bi-yce had thought it necessary to resign. Mr Bryce had made a slip, and would have lost nothing m dignity m the opinion of anyone by admitting the mistake. At the close a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was passed.

MR SEDDON AT HOKITIKA.

(•PKK PRESS ASSOCIATION.;

Hokitika, April 22. Mr Seddon addressed a crowded meet ing m the Town Hall tomight. He said that he intended to reintroduee che Land Bill; also to urge the nomination of members to the Council, so that Govern ment measures would be fairly supported. The lands for Settlement pill would be pushed on. Government claimed to have saved £94,000 by the reduction of ejfpeiir dituve. Bo denied the withdrawal of capital to any extent. He met with »n enthusiastic reception. A vote of thanks and confidence, also a vote of entire con fidence m the Ministry,- was carried amid cheers.

THE MARKETS.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Lonpon, April 21. ' Wool is firm and competition active. Bar silver is quoted at 3s 4d per oz. London, April 21. The weekly returns of the Bank of England published to-day show the total reserve to be £15,094,000, being an in crease of £578,000 as compared with the previous week. The proportion ot reserve to liabilities is 42,30. Consols, 99£. Three months' bills are discounted at lj per cent. New Zealand 4 per cent inscribed stock, 102; 3£ per cent, 93f. New Zealand long berried wheat is weaker at 395. Canterbury frozen mut ton, 4|d per 1b ; lamb, fid. Wellington mutton, 4|d. New Zeal? nd homp quota tions sire unaltered. South Australian wheat is flat, at 39s 9d ; Victorian restricted, at 39d 3d. For Australian carotoe3 of wheat on passage sellers ask 37a 6d, buyers offer 36s 6d. Potatoes, ex Tainui, from New Zea land, have arrived m poor condition. At the wool sales crossbreds arc im proving.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday, April 22:— Whkat—The price for first-class lines has changed little during the week ; but buyers are very wide apart m values of low grades. Of one thing we are certain—a large quantity of discolored and sprouted grain must find its way to the English market and lower our standard of price and quality. Barley-—A few spot lines of malting have been sold at 4s ; lower grades plentiful and difficult to place. Oats—Oats are selling up to Is 9d for good milling Canadians. Still a slight demand for Tartars at same price. Beans and Peas—A steady enquiry at prices given. Grass Skeds—A number of our Peninsula friends would not sell two months since, con sequently Taranaki swamped the market. Now we are offered plenty of discolored at 2d to 2|d, but the Peninsula is " too late for the fair." The following prices are paid to farmers f.o.b. Lyttelton. Packages extra-.-—Wheat —Prime milling, 3s 9cl; damaged, 2s 4d to 3s 6d. Oats—Milling, Is 9<l; good feed, Is 5d to Is 7d. Barley—Malting, 4s ; feed and others, 2s 3d to 3s 6d. Beans and Peas, 3s. Ryegrass as last. Cocksfoot, bright and heavy, 3£d to 3fd. Butter—Factory, lid ; farmers', 7d to Bd. Cheese, 3|d to 4d. Potatoes—Kidneys unsaleable ; Derwents, 21s, at country stations.

Ashburton Markets.

MESSRS MILES AND CO. Messrs Miles and Co. (per Mr George Jameson) report for the week ending Friday, April 22, as follows :— Live Stock — Ashburton. County Sale yards, Tuesday, 10th instant. There was a good attendance at this sale, with a small yarding of sheep as compared with previous sales. All good sorts sold remarkably well, iv fact prices ranged higher than they have yet done. We penned 1217 sheep and 8 head of cattle, which sold as follows:■— On account of Mr A. Ayrton, 221 crossbred two-tooth wethers, 14s sd, 126 merino wethers, 8a 4d ; on account Mr A. Ede, 154 j fat ewes, 10s 3d to 10s lid ; on account Mr D. Buckley,' 712 lambs, 9s lid ; on account Mr McGiandel, 4 lambs, Bs. On account Mr W. Green, 2 cows, £5, I at £4 Ks 6d, 1 at Jt"3 10s, 1 at, £2 10s, 1 at. £1 13a ; on account Mrs F. Knox, 1 cow, £4 5s and 1 at £1 163. During the week we have sold privately 1950 merino wethers and 610 merino wethers at market rates. Clearing Sales—On Wednesday, April 20, we held a clearing sale of contractors' korses and plant, on account of Mr W. J. Silcock at his paddock near the Racecourse. There was a large attendance of farmers and others, and every lot offered, with the excep tion of the horses, sold well as follows :— Draught horses, £5 to £14 15s; double furrow ploughs, £5 5s to £8 ; single iurrow ploughs, 10s, 12s 6d, 255, £2; worse hoe, 35s ; scoops, 12s 6d, £1 7s 6c!, £3 12s 6d, £2 7s 6d, £S lOs; wood roller, £7 15s ; tip carts, £8 15s, £5, £4 15s ; three-horse drays, £6 ss, £4 10s } portable hut, £14; cow, m full profit;, £8 10a; side saddle, £3; and a large quantity of sundries at full rates. On Wednesday, April 20, previous to Mr Silcock's sale, we held a clearing sale on account of Mr S. J. Mullins (who is leaving for the North Island) at his residence, Racecourse Road, of his horses, household furniture, and other effects. There was a very large attendance of old settlers and others, owing no doubt to Mr Mullins having been so long and favorably known m the district. The sale was a most successful one; all lots offered met with good compe tition, and were sold at very satisfactory prices as under:—-Horse, buggy, and harness L 43, ponies Lll, L 9, L 7 10a, L 6 103, hacks Ll2, L 9; L 5 15s, cow L 3 2s 6d, daisy cart LB, pigs 27s 6d each, manure drill LB, spring cart L 4 15s, chest drawers L 4 10s, bedsteads 30s to L 4, carpets L 2 to L 5. cheffonier L 2 12s, tables 10s to L 2 ss, and a large quantity of sundries at full market rates. [A reference to some interesting proceed ings prior to the sale will be found m our local columns.] MR JOHN Q. BESTELL Mr John G. Restell reports on Tuesday's market at Ashburton Yards, on April 19, as follows:—The entry was ye,ry small, no doubt owing to the holidays. About 500Q pheep of all classes were yarded, good tur nip sheep being most m demand at from 13s up to 15s Bd, acoording to size and quality. My sales were, m conjunction with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Com pany, 151 merino ewea 3s, 135 crossbred ewes 6s 3d, 53 merino ewes 4b 2d, 55 cross bred ewes 8s 9d, 565 crossbred two-tooths, 14a sd. Privately during the weok I placed 540 merino ewes ss, 457 merino ewes 4s 9d, 12 aged rams £1, 5 Lincoln rams 2£gs.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We 4f) flQt hold oujselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

CAPTAIN MELVILLE.

TO THE KDITOK. Sir,—Would you kindly allow me space to correct a wrong impression, which many of your readers have, about my connection with the taking of Captain Melville. I wish |b Po bo clearly understood that all I had tq do with ftfelville, and his con federate Roberts, look place on Mr Aitchison's station. Captain Melville was taken, by Ser^ geanfc Jones, of the Geelong mounted police. Mr Jones has retired from the mounted police many years ago, and is now m business m Melbourne. At my request he sent me a letter a short time ago, giving me the particulars of the capture and subsequent doings of Captain Melville. This letter h.as been correctly published m vow paßsr > beginning with the words,'" Captain Melville, was taken on Christmas Eve, 1§52." As a number of your papers are going to Victoria, I would like here to say that the lady's gold watch found by Melville m Mr Wilson's pocket, belonged to •' Mrs Elder, of Mmdi," and not to Mrs Eden, of Elden, as printed by mistake m your paper.—l am etc., D. Oliver. Chelmsford, April 20, 1892. [By the omission m the Ashbubtqn M.W, Qi' inverted oommas at tho beginuing of Mr Jones' narrative, the story read a3 though Mr Oliver had been the police officer who effected the capture, and this omission renders Mr Oliver's explanation necessary. The mistake was rectified m the Gtjabjs4.n,

SCHOOL COMMITTEES ELECTIONS.

A few weeks ago we gavo an outline of the School Committees Elections Act of last session, and pointed out how elections would have to be con ducted under it. We have been asked to give a few simple hints for the information of Chairmen and voters at the meetings which are to be held on Monday night to elect Com mittees for the ensuing year, and accordingly do so as follows :— The meetings shall be held m the main schoolhousea of the respective districts at 7 p.m. A Chairman shall be elected by the meeting, and shall have a deliberative vote and a casting vote. The report of the outgoing Com mittee to be read. The Chairman should read the list of candidates already nominated, and shall then give time for additional nominations to be mads. Candidates must be " householders," which term is now defined as " every adult male or female person who has for the period of three months next before the day of election resided m any dwelling house (which must be a permanent structure) within the school district as owner or tenant thereof." When the time for making nominations has ex pired the names of the candidates 'should be read by the Chairman, and also written on a black board. If the number of candidates is equal to the number of the Committee to be elected (five, seven, or nine, according to the number of scholars), the Chair man shall declare them duly elected. If they are fewer than the number to be elected the Chairmau shall declare them elected, and the Board of Education shall fill the additional places on the Committee. If more than the number required are nominated a ballot shall be taken. If a ballot has to be taken each voter shall apply to the Chairman for a voting paper. The Chairman is to decide any question of whether voters are qualified or not. Scrutineers (any number) may be appointed, but should they not be appointed the Chairman must count the votes. Those entitled to vote are house holders as defined above. The father or guardian of any child attending the district school, even if not a house holder, has also a right to vote m the election of the Committee, but not more than one person can vote m respect of the same dwelling house or child (as the case may be), nor can any person vote m respect of more than one qualification. Every voter may vote for any numr ber of candidates not exceeding the number to be elected, but he cannot give more than one vote to any one candidate. If two or more candidates poll an equal number of votes the Chairman shall give a casting v^ote or votes. The votes may be given either (1/ by allowing the householders to write out the names of those for whom they wish to vote, or (2) by using lists on which the whole of the names are written or printed, and striking out those to whom the voter is not favour able. The first method wil! h* generally followed. Voters must not leave the room .or place o£ election, but after making out their voting paper shall fold it so that the coutents cannot be seen and put. it into the ballot box m the presence of the Chairman. In school districts where there are less than one hundred children on the roll a ballot box need not be provided, and m such cases the voting papers must be handed to the Chairman. The number of members to be elected to form the Committee is as follows: —" Where the average attend ance of any school or schools under the Committee of a district has not for the last preceding school year exceeded twenty-five children, five members; where the average has exceeded twenty-five, and has not exceeded two hundred, seven members, and where the average attendance has exceeded two hundred, nine members." The newly-elected Committee meet 3 immediately after the election at the place where the election is held, Subsequent meetings may be held at the time and place most convenient. We recommend secretaries of School Committees to have at the meetings ready for reference a copy of the Act and the circulars respecting elections that have been sent to each Committee by the Minister of Education and Board of Education. The notice con stituting the School District and defin ing its boundaries should also be at hand m case of need. We have endeavoured to put the hints iv plain language and free from unnecessary details, as nearly as possible m the order m which the various steps m the elections will be taken, and think that if they are followed no hitch need occur.

The San Francisco Mail.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,

Auckland, April 22, A rrived—Monowai, from San Francisco, with the English mail. GENERAL SUMMARY. Shortly after tho arrest of Edward Moldeii, formerly quartermaster m the Royal Engineers, on the charge of attempting to sell secrets regarding the British defences at Gibraltar, it was discovered he had sold France full particulars and plans of all the defences of Malta. The Rev Henry Powell, of Bayswater, committed suicide <X\ March 20, at Badbury Vicarage, near Buckingham. No reason is known. On March 21, Arthur Goring Thomas, the well-known writer of operas, threw himself below a train on the Metropolitan railway, London, and was crushed to pieces, The experienced Scotch whalery Capt. Gray, of Peterhead, has obtained funds, chiefly subscribed m Scotland, to equip two vessels for antarctio exploration. Dr Nordenskjbld, son of the well-known explorer, is the scientist of tho expedition. Besides exploration, the enterprise has a financial side. It. will cost to equip the vessel £24,000, buc it is hoped £45,000 will be realised from oil and whalebone. | A fire at Anderlin's coll^er^, Charlerc 1, ton March 11, developed into a tremen dous as«r. Of the, miners 215 lost fche^r liv^s,' ot whom, 170 were buried alive. ' Many women and children, met deadi by tli£ e^pkpioP' The fir® was still burning next morning m the lower gallery, admittance to which could not be 9^»i«wl till $c d§bj;i| of «WC*SW of

forty horses was cleared away. Later m , the day the flames reached th c pit's mouth ( and destroyed all the nvne buildings on | the surface m the vicinity. As it was concluded that everybody m the pit was dead the Hooding of the mine was com menced. As the water reached the flames it was converted into steam which eseiped with a deafening roar. The heavy machines at the "pit's mouth were de stroyed and fell crashing down the shaft. The calamity has crushed the entire Charleroi district. Nothing is heard save lamentations for the dead. The Scotch market was closed against cattle, sheep, and pigs on March 9, m consequence of foot and mouth disease. A number of cattle and swine were slaughtered ab Paisley by order of the authorities. Some 1,250,000 members of various English industrial organisations and thou sands of other persons have petitioned Parliament to settle the Behring Sea and all othes disputes between Great Britain and the United States by arbitration. Sir W. V. Harcourt's eyesight is failing so rapidly that speedy blindness is feared. The Senate of the University of Sti Andrews, the oldest college m Scotland, has decided to open to women the University departments of theology, arts, and sciences. ■ - t A movement is on foot m London for an English memorial to, JameS;B,ussell Lowell, late American Minister' to the Court of St James. Leslie Stephen, one of Lowell's most intimate friends, is the. leading spirit. i ' ' . At Hedne&ford, on March 15, Delhi Meritano, a'negro attache* to a menagerie, entered a cage containing three bears and a wicked-looking hyena. The animals attacked him, and he was only rescued when torn and bruised from head co foot and completely covered with blood. He died an hour later, suffering acutely. Mrs James Brown Potter arrived m London on March 17, from South Africa. She is represented as looking careworn and much broken up m spirits and health. ' Kyrle Bellew accompanied her. On March 17, m the House of Commons, Mr Nolan moved the adjournment of the discussion of the vote for the Irish Teachers' fund, on the ground thatmost of the Irish members were absent because of St Patrick's Day. Mr Balfour said this was not the fault of the Government, and after further debate he invoked the cloture. Mr Nolan's motion was defeated by 121 to 4L The Irish members then withdrew m a body. Messrs Conybeare and Labouchere protested against the Go vernment course, when Mr 13alfour again moved the cloture, adopting the teachers fund grant by a vote of 110 to 17. After a sensational trial, lasting several days, the Hey. Samuel F. Cotton, of Caoush, Ireland, was found guilty on March 29, of the manslaughter of a boy named Brown, and of charges of cruelty. Cotion is almost 70 years of age. He has been a Protestant Minister for 45 years. He was m charge of an orphanage, and it was shown at the trial that he had ill treated and starved children. Tho Mexican International Company, composed of English Capitalists, have failed to get control of the harbor of San Quentin, Lower California. The purpose was to turn it over to the British Go vern tr>ent as a coal station. Sir B. A. Dinny, an English Baronet, was declared bankrupt on March 7. His liabilities amouuted to £60,000. A fire m a restaurant m Victoria Street, London, on March 28, caused the death of two persons and probably fatal injury to another. Mass meetings of the unemployed poor was held on March 19, at Leipsig, Cologne, and Dortmund. There appears to he a general trade paralysis all over Germany . Swindling on account of the forth coming exhibition m Chicago is already m vogue m Paris. One Stracing, a French man, is awaiting trial for fleecing Lewis Cohen out of 100,000 francs by a fraudu lent agency, protending . CO secure privileges for him over which he had no control. During the transfer of a lot of petro leum on March 27, at Barcelona, matches were accidentally dropped into a barrel of oil and the barge was instantly ablaze. The men barely had time to escape before the vessel alongside was also m flameP, and the waters of the harbor became a sea of flame. Seven vessels were encircled by fire and destroyed, including the man-of war Lepanto. The loss was enormous. The sight from the shore was one of terrible grandeur. Parties engaged m German textile in dustries refuse to send exhibits to the World's Fai* at Chicago, and the Eng lish Commission have also failed to arouse the textile indnstries of Great Britain to exhibit. The fact i 8 that the textile industries of both countries have suffered severely from the McKinley tariff, and will send to the United States anly ex hibits of linen. A horrible story was received from Berlin on March 4. At Slade, a small village m Hanover, a murderer was guillotined. The instrument failed to sever the head from the trunk, leaving the neck m a terribly mutilated condition. The horror of the scene was increased when the executioner raised the knife, and made an attempt to wrench the head from the body with his hands, while blood gushed m torrents from the gaping wounds. In spite of all his twisting and lugging it the head, he failed to tear it off, and again placed the body under the guillotine. Again the blade failed to perform its work,.only leaving the body more mutilated than before. The brutal executioner then took his knife and hacked and slashed at the back of the neck until he succeeded m tearing the head away. From an authentic source it wasleariied on Maroh 23 that the terms upon which the Wood-O'Shel will case was settled are as follows :—Mrs Parnellj formerly Mrs O'Shea; obtains the whole st her aunt's freehold property, which is situated m Gloucester and Suffolk counties, Eng land, and is valued at nearly £10,000, and also half the £140,000 cash and securities left by the test&trix. The other half goes to the other litigants. Mrs ParaeU is re quired to give Captain O'Shea, her fbrmer husband, a half life intwest inher £70,000. When Mrs Parnell and Captain O'Shoa are both dead, this money is to be dis tributed among the children of their mar riage. The legal expenses of the settle ment amounted to one-sixth of the entii* property involved. Mrs Parnell's costs were £10,000. The inhabitants of Clare Island, off County Mayo, Ireknd, mostly fishermen, and miserably po,ar, resisted the bailiffs sent to aeiae their property on Marqh 6, by order.of their, creditors. The magis trate at the nearest town on the main land, Lewisburgh, summoned them to ap pear for the offence. After hearing the testimony, he ordered an appearacoe next at Westport, thirteen miles away. ; The islanders being moneyless were forced to walk the entire distance that night, and, being poorly clad, suffered severely from the prevailing gala. Many would perished by the way had it not been for kind-hearted villagers. Some of; the islanders' women were physically unable to reach Westport, at which the bench became incensed at such djitfespeot of the law. The islanders who pleaded guilty, were liberated, btiil being required for theiv gaod behaviour, after a long lecture on the way justice had been m their cases tampered with mercy. As the arrested parties had na friends afe vv'epfcporfc, and had nothing of their own to P.W up^ bail could not be furnished. A. movement js on foot to have the Lswsburgh magis trate, as well as the Westpovt bench; removot).. ', |n the Bouse of Commons on March 24, the Sewptytry wf War, Mr Stanhope,

explained the matter of the punument of a soldier for wearing the shamtck on St Patrick's Day. It appeared hat a private named U'Grady had a pice of shamrock on. It did not occur o the officer that it was St Patrick's Da, and he ordered O'Grady to remove ti em blem. O'Grady m a most insubolinate manner replied " I wont." (Sheers from the Irish members.) He ws sen tenced to forty-eight hours hard ibour, " not for wearing the shamrock" aid Mr Stanhope, "but for his reply ;o his officer." The Home Secretary added that he would agree with Government that the punishment was JHtified. of " Mo " from the Irish merbers.) Messrs McCarthy and Soxton m th«even ins? brought up th<*' Shamrock inident again. Mr Balfour said the last thins; Government wanted to do was to round the sentiments of Irish soldiers. The officer forgot about St Patrick's Dhj Mr McNeill regretted that Mr Stanhoje had forced the discussion, instead of adnitting as Mr Balfour did, that the officer com mitted an indiscretion. He hopd Mr Stanhope would now say that no black 1 mark would be recorded against O'Crady. Mr Stanhope therefore promised tint the 1 sentence would not be recorded. Mr Patrick O'Brien, a Parnellite, will ntro duce a Bill entitling the English, scotch and Irish soldiers', to wear their national emblems respectively on St Patrick's, St 1 George's and St Andrew's Days.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

HSR PBEB3 ASSOCIATION;)

THE VICTORIAN ELECTIONS.

London, April 21. '• In the city the result of the Vic | torian elections is regarded with [ satisfaction, and it is believed that it will help the financial condition of the colony. The election of Sir Graham Berry, late Agent-General for' Victoria m London, was received with gratifica tion. The "Pall Mall Gazette," reviewing the result, considers that it proves the adoption of the payment of membere does not ensure the return of Labour members to Parliament. '"' The press generally appear delighted at the result of the Victorian elections. "The Times", considers that it shows the colony will not favor violent changes or venturous policies. The." Standard" says workmen did not vote with the Irish demagogw, platform journalists, and paid Unim organisers. The "Chronicle " considers the result a lesson to labor m England.

COLONIAL BORROWING.

London, April 21. Reports are current to this effect that the Tasmanian Government is likely to ignore the regular advisers m connection with the proposed lorn, and the credit of the colony 4g beicg injured by these reports. '■■'.',

THE SERIOUS WINTER.

Pams, April 21. Half of the vineyards m Bordeaux, including those of Medoc and Sauterne have been destroyed by frost. CHURCH AND STATE IN

FRANCE.

The Government have decided to prosecute the Archbishop of Avignon, and the Bishops of Montpellier, JVimAs. Valence, and Viviers, for referring to' politics from their pulpits.

FATAL FIRE.

St. Pexeesburg, April 21. Nine persons wer« burnt to death m a fire which destroyed a house m the city. It is feared this will not repre sent the total number of deaths, as fifteen more of the inmates are miss-

THE ANARCHISTS.

Madrid, April 22. A detective has admitted that Munoz was a spy on the action of the Anarchists, and that the plot for the destruction of public buildings was concocted.

THE ANTI-CHINESE BILL.

WASHiNdipSf,.April 22. , The anti-Chinese:' Bill will not pass Congress this session.

NORTH GERMAN LLOYD'S.

Berlin, April 21. The German Government, is discus sing the position of the Nord-Deutscher Lloyd Steampship Company trading to the colonies, and which is losing a large sum of money despite the substantial subsidy. It is suggested , that the Company abandon the Sydney and Samoan service, «nd it was explained that the Company is unable to •ompete. with the Peninsular and Oriental Com pany. In 1887 the Company proposed to transfer three of their vessels trading; to America to the Australian Kne, but the Government would not allow it. It is expected that the £service will be re-organised.

THE ITALIAN CRISIS.

Rome, April 22. The Marquis Rudini has resumed efforts to form a new Government, and has succeeded with the exception o£ securing a Minister of Finance.

BRITISH INDIA.

Caixjutta, April 22. It is reported thatths Maharajah of Sikkim, a feudatory State m the Himalayas, who haa'been opposing the British advances, has fled and taken refuge m the Thibetan territory.

ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION.

Hamburg. April 22. A Committee including Professor JSTeumaker' is forming an Antarctic expedition. Dr Michalson accom panies it as zoologist/ and probably leads the expedition, which will bei absent a year. It is expected to sail m July.

AUSTRALIAN.

Melbourne, April 22.

VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

The new Parliament meets on Mnv 10.

T*TE WINDSOR MtTRDER.

An application made by couqsel to day, on behalf of Deeming, - for a lengthy postponement of the trial, was refused, and the trial begins on Thurs-

DEPRESSION IN SILVER STOCKS. :.

. HoftART, April 22. There is great depression m ailver stocks, and it is believed that seyeral companies will shut dQwq for th« winter,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : SATURDAY, APRIL 33, 189^



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Wanted. CASH Advertisement* w**.*^ heading not exceeding blXlU&w 1 WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. ( /""IAMERON Street Wesleyan Church. Vj Sunday, April 24, 11 a.m.. Rev. J. , HTGray; 630 p.m., Rkt. -8. Lmv. Subject—A Divine Protest and Entreaty. * m. i m - , hi "' """"" PRIMITIVE Church services to morrow Morning, Mr Lill; Even ing BeToooker. Subject: The Having of a Prime Minister. _____ WANTED, by a Boy. employment. Able to milk and willing to be generally useful. Apply 8., Mail Office. 4 183 ■ .. - —. -i"fTANTED » Smart Boy. Will W apprentice if suitable. Apply F Black, East Street. * lbb WANTED KNOWS.-H»ving com menced Bacon Curing, I shal have on Saturday a S<>od W^J Epping Pork Sausages.- T. Howr, East Street. ___—_—-— fir ANTED KNOWN,™ Come and W try my large stock of Home-made Jams, Tomato Sauce »nd Mushroom Ket chup.-T. Houw, Fruiterer and Con ectioner E«rt Streel^_____^: ANTEDKNOWN.— General Meet ing Cycling and Athletic Club Pearson's ]koom, Monday, April 25, at 8.30 p.m. Business Important. Handi caupinK, &c. Every member requested ?o Pbe preS»t.-W:H. Webbek, Capt, 4 167 WANTED Known— Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets cm only be obtained m Ashburton at W. M. Colmbr's, "The Corner.' /"CHOICEST new season's Figs and U Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, lieach.—H. G. Flower, Confectioner, Mb street. ______ IirANTED Known.—lf you want W plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. O. Seoto^__ WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goodb to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spoutmg and Ridging kepyn etock.-J. W. HAKOLBY^East WANTED Known.-Come and sec the Bargains now on at Melford Houge.- H. C. Segers. InTED KNOWN.-250 Ladies Maids' and Children's Ulsters »nd Jackets (mostly good qualities) marked dwap to clear. Many one third and hall the Scualprice.-H. C. Swam Melford House. ;__ ■riTANTED KNOWN, Grand display W of new Millinery, Ulsters > and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits t< measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robeei Alcokn, Ashburton Clothing Man, Saunders' Buildings. ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality anc variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. MoisoV's. During coming holidays die count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and befit material and workmanship guaranteed. r" Meet the Times.—l am oupplying Galvanised Iron Tanks, from «Jo> upwards, warranted for twenty years. Force pumps, deep well cylinders oi all desariptfons. Inspection mvit«d-- J. W. Hardlby, Eas street. bJ-dUJ | TITHITTINGTON'S Tomato Sauce. VV tojreihor with testimonials, may be seen at Mbh Jambs', Fruiterer, East Straet, and Mrs Peajwon's, F^if-'**. Wakanui H»»a, where orders will ht received and prices given. o 100 NEW Supplies of Stationery, Account Baoks, Music, Fancy Goods Games, Orders for Pricting, Bo(k- Dinding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted. Schools and offices supplied witb pverv requisite. Magflzines and News mSs s2pplied.-L. F. ANDREWE& A CO., Stationers' Hall. BALL Dresses, Evening (H°™»- Mounts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur Collarettes, Ladies' Evening Shoes, Invigorator Corsets, with straps, V ant N. Zone and all other makes, just opened.—Andrew Obb. 4 57 1892 WINTEH. 1892 —NOW SHOWING— THE New Overcoat* and Water proofs New Tweeds and Suitings LARGEST New^ ylefjinßoyß . clotn . ing AND ew Hosiery and Gloves i New Collars and Shirts CHOICEST New Scarfs and Bows New Travelling and other Caps , StOCk New Soft Felt Hats : New Flexible Hats EViSR New Styles m Boys' Hats and Caps New Rugs and Umbrellas SHOWN NewOy< jie Capes and Kieling Aprons jjY New Goods m all Depart ments Inspection Bespectfully U^. Invited NEW iFALAND Clottoitt^Factory. W. H WEBBER, Manager. Agents for Wertheina Celebrated Sewing Machine. * Important to Cyclists. — A go^d Safety Bicycle for £15-15s. Repairs an fJ Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates |at Savillb's "Calliope" Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street, Christ hurch. The world is ever moving on towards perfection, butseldom attains it, Constant Improvement is being made m every branch of industry, bufc m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached m Watrburton's Can* t Be Beat. The Oitslow Biscuit. The latest and most delicate biscuit pjanufactured by AuiMbrwk and Co,