Wakanui River Board.

' The monthly meeting of the Wakanui River Board was held on Saturday, Septem ber 9, in the Board's office, 'Ashburton. Present—Messrs T. Clephane (chairman), J. B Own, and E. Thomas. THE BALANCE SHEET. A letter was read from the Comptroller, stating th.it the balance sheet had been certified by him. The balance sheet was passed and signed by the Chairman, and public notice was ordered to be given that it was lying at the office for inspection. feTRAY STOCK. Notice was ordered to be sent to owners of stock straying on the river-bed that pro ceedings would be instituted unless pre cautions were taken to prevent stock straying ou plantations, forming the protectiveVorks. BIVEU WORKS!. Some river works were ordered to be attended to, and after passing accounts the meeting adjourned.

MAIL NOTICES,

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— TUESDAY, September 12. For Northern Ports, per Flora, at 6,20 j>,m. WEDNESDAY, September 13. For Australian Colonies, and also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via Brindiei, and South Africa, per express to connect with Waihora at Port Chalmers, at 13.30 pin. Due London October 31, For Northern Ports and Australian Colo nies and also for the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via Brindisi, and South Africa, pei Wakatipu, at 10,30 p.m. lJue London October 25. ,

BIRTH.

Hunter—On 9th inst., at lancred Street, the wife of Hugh Hunter, of a daughter.

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 12, 1893. SCHOOL INSPECTION

It is to be presumed that most of our readers have an idea of the object for which the elementary schools of the colony are periodically examined by an Inspector. At the same time it may be taken for granted that there is a considerable difference of opinion on the subject, and the real reason why the Education Act provides for the annual examination of the schools, is not the most obvious one that presents itself to the minds of the majority of those whose children attend the public schools. This is the natural re sult of the remarkable extension of the scope of elementary school inspection which has gradually taken place. The provision in the -Act for the periodical testing of the work done by the teach ing staff is a proper one ; and if no thing more had been attempted than to ensure that the State receive full value for the money expended in educating the people, the cost of inspection would have been a judicious outlay, for the first few yaars after the adoption of the present system, the duties of In spectors were much more Jiiaited than

they are now. Then they had merely to see that every school kept up to a standard of minimum efficiency—the syllabus being sufficiently elastic to enable them to draw a clear line be tween the necessary and the possible. There were then about half as many of the&e officials in New Zealand as there are now. The unitiated—the outside | public —will wonder why an increase has been made so much out of propor tion to the increase in the number of school children. But any person whose duties have brought him within the circle of official light can hardly be surprised. He must have seen the Education Board selecting men to ex amine the primary schools whose scholastic training had been confined to university or secondary school work. Practical teachers, and those who have been eminently successful in imparting instruction in the elementary, schools have almost always been passed over in order that graduates might be en trusted with theduty of testing the work of which they have no knowledge whatever. An Auckland contemporary referring to the practice—now becom ing so general with the Education Boards of this colony—of preferring graduates for the position of primary school inspectors remarks:—"He (a graduate) cannot appreciate the f »ct that he is dealing with poor children and not with a younger kind of undergraduate, with children whose powers are only just beginning to develop, whose opportunities of observation have been few, whose surroundings are unpro. pitious, whose vocabulary is small, and whose parents are often illiterate and sometimes hostile. He requires from them more than they can reasonably be expected to know ; he is so unskilful a questioner that he cannot make his meaning clear to them ; and he finally concludes that the children know nothing, though the truth is that he has not the technical ability necessary to elicit what they dp know." Any person with average intelligence, and some acquaintance with the domestic surroundings of the majority of children attending the primary schools, must— if he has ever been present at an in spectorial examination conducted by a newly appointed graduate, admit the correctness of the above comments. And although time and experience no doubt enable the official to get rid of some of the incongruities of his methods and aims, the results of this sort of thing are becoming, more and more noticeable, in the pretentious programme which the state teachers are called upon to make a show of carrying out. "We do not exaggerate in using this phrase, for everybody knows that the teaching in the ele mentary schools now-a-days is not and cannot be thorough. It is a system of cram from beginning to end; and it will not be anything else while so -iM-wju-na-grpvoaip-i^u — BU~lfflluil "tOCTjTTnSTT will never bo of any practical use. Until the educational authorities realise that the mere knowledge of bare facts, a few name?, isolated dates and some abstract theories constitutes neither education nor culture the work done by our teaching staff for which the country pays so high a price will never be altogether satisfactory.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Verne Flower's concsrt to-morrow iv the Oddfellows' Hall.

The Ashburton Lodge of Druids have made arrangements for holding their annual social on Wednesday, September 20. As usual a very liberal programme has been arranged.

The poll for the annual election of Borough Councillors will be held in the Reading Room of the Public Library which will be closed to the public from 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the 13fch instant, till 9 a.m. on Friday, the 15th instant.

A married lady recently received a sum mons for goods supplied, in which she was described as " Mary Smith, widow." Her reply was brief, but to the point, thus :— "I am sorry to hear of the death of my husband. I had a letter from him yesterday. He did not say he wae dead.—Yours, truly M. Smith."

The " Xumara Times " puts things thus pleasantly :—" Sir Robert Stout would pre fer to see Mr Reeves etand for Inangs.hui next election. The reason are obvious— Firstly, ifc ie not pleasant for a Direct Vetoist to stand for a constituency where pubs are aa thick as peas on a stick. You can't denounce the liquor traffic as hell begotten, if you are a West Coast ztepreaeefcatiye. Secondly :-~lt is not policy to stand for any constituency that is likely to want this that and the other. There ie. no place so easy to represent as a city electorate. There local wants and worries are attended to by the local fathers, and the M.H.R. is left to deal with higher matters, concerning the weal of the Slate. On the other hand there is no such beggar as a West Coast constituency. It has prospecting associations (for coal and gold), railways wanted here and there, etc , \ etc.—a hundred voices crying 'give' 'give/ If Sir Robert Stout is wise he will allow himself to fall iuto the arms of the Christ church electors."

At Pendarves on Friday night there was a fair attendance at the irrigation meeting, which waa presided over by Mr Eichards, the member of County Council for Rakaia riding. Mr James Brown, as representing Wakanui riding, a portion of which will be affected by the proposed scheme, was also present. A resolution was proposed by Mr McCrory, and seconded by Mr Gellatley,— "That in the opinion of this meeting the present scheme of irrigation will be rendered much more expensive than the Engineer's estimate, owi»g to the hostility of the land owners through whose property the channel will pass, and that the scheme therefore h$ abandpned for the present." This was lo3fc on a show of hands. Mr Lambie moved, and Mr Stringfellow seconded the followiog, which was^eamed: —"That this meeting, having ascertained that the Engineer's esti mate of the present scheme will be e^cesdpd owing to tke hostility of landowners through whose property the cbannol will pass, and also in view of ths fact that the scheme cannot be available this suoijjjer, requests the Couucil to negotiate with Mr Allan, apd at a future date to call a public meeting of residents in the proposed so as to get a fair expression of opinion/ I

j At the Police Court thia morning Patrick j McGinn was fined £1, or twenty-four hours' j imprisonment, for drunkenness and having been illegally on premises. Mr G. B. Shaw, the ex-New Zealand hardier, has added another wreath to his laurels by appropriating the 120 yards hurdle championship of England for 1893 ---1894 at the championship meeting recently j held in London. C. A. Bradley, who defeated our New Zealand crack sprinter, Hempton, again won the 100 yards champion ship easily. The annual soiree in connection with the Ariel Bicycle Club takes place this evening, and as the committee have spared no pains in making the arrangements, a most success ful gathering should be the result. The committee have been fortunate in getting the floor in excellent order, and also in securing some of the best musical talent for the vocal items, Samples of superior tarred roofing-felt made in Nelson were exhibited to the In dustries Committee of the House of Repre sentatives; also some wrapping papers, of various strength and shades of color. These are made from flax to*v. The paper has con siderable 'strength and a handsome appear ance, and in som* cases would do for strong bags. The " reform " costume has been adopted by several lady cyclists in Christchurch, and members of the fair sex riding through the main streets of the Cathedral city in knickers are not £t all an unusual eight. The Atalanta club, the ladies' club of Chrißtchurch, has however, resolutely set its face against this innovation, and at a meet ing the other evening it was decided not to admit any lady as a member of the club who publicly uses the " reform " costume. On this account, therefore, several young ladies with advanced ideas have found it neces sary to resign. A short meeting of the Hampstead School Committee was held last week.—Messrs Crooks (chairman), Blackler, Hendry, Strange, Sage and Meaclem being present. The master's report stated that the attend ance showed a satisfactory increase, and it was expected the inspector's examination report would show good results. The out* going Visiting Committee reported that the alterations to the urinal had been completed, and Messrs Sage and Hendry were appointed Visiting Committee for the ensuing month. Payments amounting to £9 15s lOd were authorised, and the Committee adjourned. There was but a poor attendance at Donald Dinnie's entertainment last night, which was to be regretted, as the members of the veteran's company are clever indeed. Miss Ida Macdonald and little Evie Dinnie are excellent dancers, and so is Mr Alf. Phillips. The latter is also good as a co mique. Miss Maggie Smith sings very well, and Mr Sylvester is fairly clever at legerdemain, whUe Donald Dinnie's feats with the dumb-bells—s6lb weight each the small pair, and 2001b weight the large pair —are wonderful. The performance con cluded with a farce in which all the mem bers of the company took part. Sir John Lawes, through Messrs Stanley and Company, has offered the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association a challenge shield for competition as the Association deems best, for the promotion of agriculture in Otago. Prizes are to be awarded for the two best mananged farms one 100 acres to 400 acres, and the other from 400 tores to 1000 acres. The shield is to be won thrice btf -re becoming absolute property. The Association has made ar rangements wi'h farmers between O^maru and Clutha for properly testing the growth of turnips by the aid of artificial

LABOR ITEMS.

London, September 10. The Trades Congress resolved, on the motion of Mr Kerr Hardie, to press the Government to provide work for more than 1,000,000 of un employed. The damage done at Pontefract by rioters is estimated at £4000. Ihe miners, crying out " Blood for blood,"besieged the managers residence, which was defended by draggons, who dispersed the assailants. (Baoeived September 12,11.30 a.m.) (Sydney, Spptember 12. Owing to the slackness of trade nearly four hundred m,en are thrown out of work at the Newcastle collieries.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, September 11. A fire occurred last night on the pre mises of the Sydenham Tailoring Com pany, Queen Street* TJje fire brigade found that the fire had evidently origi nated under the counter at the far end of the shop among a heap of rubbish. Some rolls of cloth were damaged by the fire and the stock was *lso damaged by water and smoke. The fire was put out in five minutes by Mr Kurts, the manager of the company. The stock was insured for about £400, divided between the Straits and North German Companies. The building was not damaged much. It is owned by Mr Cromwell, Gre&t North Road* A fire occurred in the same premises a few months ago. The police took charge of the premises to-day pend ing a full enquiry into the cause. Wellington, September 11. The Governor, on the recommendation of the Cabinet, has assented to the com mutation of Captain Kerr's sentence of a month's imprisonment, and he was to be released from gaol to-day.

Colonel Fox h*s been promoted to the rank of Major in the English service. A private letter received from a firm of Virginia merchants says the United States nation is passing through a serious finan cial panic such as has not been experi enced since 1873. The Banks through out the country are refusing to pay currency for any chequa greater than £1000, which has put employers of labor in a very awkward position, The repeal of the Sherman Silver Act will restore confidence, for the country is in a aound condition, and the finest crops ever groi&rij are about to be harvested. The Italian residents In Wellington are agitating for the' release of Chemis, and intend taking public action by means of deputationising the Premier, and getting up a meeting on the subject. Tha Counts pf Glasgow left for the south to-day on a short visit to Ohrist gh|rs«

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(from our own cobuespondent.)

Wellington, September 11. THE LICENSING BILL.

A compromise was indicated at the end I of last week with respect to tho licensing bench difficulty, and it Ins been agreed to by the Legislative Council. The Colonial Secretary moved ihat the licensing com mittees consist of eight elected members and a resident magistrate, having juris diction in the district, who shall h-ive a deliberative and casting vote. Mr Mc- Lean, who had moved to abolish the com mittees with a view to reverting to resi dent magistrates, said he was prepared to accept the compromise which was adopted by 24 to 18. On clause 8, substituting electors foi ratepayers, Mr Pharazyn moved to strike it out, bub was defeated by 24 to 8. Tne same fate befell Mr Bolt's amendment to strike out subsection 6 of clause 12, which gives publicaiis two years' tenure if the houses ate properly conducted, on the ground that it created vested interests. Sir Patrick Buckley defended the clause, which he considered one of the most valuable in tho Bill, and would secure a better class of people as hotelkeepers. The subsection was re tained by 24 to 8, and another subsection disfranchising single women, or married women not holding separation, was re tained by 12 to 12. On clause 17, Mr Bolt moved to strike out three-fifths majority, but this was lose by 18 to 14. He was also unsuccessful in moving to strike out the proviso that if one-half of the total number of electors do not vote the poll shall be declared void. Progress was then reported. The only material clause now is that relating to clubs, so that the Bill is safe to become law. Mr Shrimski intends moving in tha Council that the standing orders be so amended as to recognise pairs.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

[PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION]

The House met at 7-30 p.m. THE ELECTORAL BILL. The Premier moved that the amend ment? made by the Legislative Counsil in the Electoral Bill be agreed to. He de tailed the nature of the amendments and said thit the Government were willing that, they should be made, as several of them were desirable. Mr Fish was proceeding to a final pro test against the passing of the Bill, but was informed by the Speaker that; he could not discuss the Bill at that stage. The motion was agreed to. PUBLIC REVENUES BILL. Mr Ward moved the second reading of the Public Revenues Bill to amend the Public Revenues Act, and to regulate the issue of Treasury bills. It provided that if the consolidated fund was insufficient the Government may borrow up to £1,476,000 on Treasury bills. He said that the Bill was rendered necessary owing to the fact that the time for borrowing loans had gone by, and it gave power to ibsue Treasury bills for the purpose of providing funds for transmis sion to England in anticipation of revenue. Tbe loan moneys were almost at an end, and necessitated the transmission to Lon don of funds to meet necessary payments. Unless this power, was giv«n financial difficulties might arise. Under the Bill the Audit; Office was authorised to jsasa the amounts incurred by local bodies in a bona fide way, but at present this was on!side the Jaw. Di- Newman felt sure that the large amount asked for was not required, and he thought the Hou3e should put an end to this sly system of borrowing. Sir John Hall said that the Bill practi cally increased the fluatiug debt of the bills wera gsnti'ally used in anticipation of revenue, but this measure was meant as a permanent addition to our debt. Mr Richardson objected to the growth of Treasury bills which were much larger in amount than in previous years, Sir Robert Stout thought th»t the Bill was a very simple one, and was meant to anticipate revenue. Mr George Hutchison and Mr I Tanner hoped that the Bill would be referred to the Public Accounts Com mittee.

Mr Ward in reply said that there appealed to be some misconception with regard to the Bill, There wore only two alterations in the Bill. Tlnse were, firstly, increase of the amount of Treasury bills from £450,000 to £456,000, and secondly, an extensu nof time for the issue of the ■ Bills. He saw no necessity for sending the Bill to the committee and said it was an insult to the intelligence of the house to say it contained anything approaching % loan. The motion for the second reading was agreed to. on the voices. Seyeral members strongly urged chat the Bill be referred to the Public Accounts Committee, and Mr Wilson moved accord ingly. Mr Ward asked the House not to accept the amendment as there was no necessity for it. After considerablediscussion the amend. ment was lost by 31 to 25. A motion was carried that the Bill be committed presently. LAND AND INCOME BILL Mr Ward moved the second reading of the Land and Income Assessment Acts Amendment Bill. Ifc was proposed by the Bill to exempt all improvements, and thus to remit £370,000 of taxation To make up a proportion of that amount it was intended to increase the graduated tax in the highest scale to 21. It was also proposed to change the system of taxation of banks by fixing the minimum at £10,000 upon which income tax may be paid. The Bill enabled a return of depositors to be made by all the banking institutiofls in the colony, and the sums to the cr* dit of depositors in those bainke. The ruasoa for this provision was that there had been a gonsiderable escape from taxation. After considering the whole matter, however, he had decided not to press the clauses affecting deposi tors at present, as the Government had no desire tQ do anything to invade the privacy of people's affairs by the taxing department. Sir Robert Stout altogether disagreed with the proposal to exempt all improve meuts, and thought that our finance would not stand it. His opinion was that the whole system of our present taxation should be revised and that the Treasurer should go into the nutter during the re cesg, or that a commission should be appointed to consider the whole system. Mr Rhodes would support the Govern ment in the exemption of improvements, but thought that the Bill waa too severe in many respects. Mr Duthie protested against the oppres sive taxation which *vas levied on the WellingtqnfManawatu Railway Company. Mr MeKenzie (Glutha) objected to the exemption of improvements, and said that the Government were taking taxation from the shoulders of those able to bear it, and continuing to levy it on those not abe to bear it. Mr Moore, Mr Wilson, Sir John HalJ, Mr' Mo^owan, Mr W. Hutchison, Mr Bruce, Mv McJkesn, and Mr Hall-Jone3 a 1 so spoke. The debate was still going on when the Telegraph Office closed at 2 a.m.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible tor me opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

ASHBUIvrON LIBERAL

ASSOCIATION.

TO THE EDITOW.

Sir,—Would you kindly grant me space to acknowledge that Mr Carson h right. On looking up a back number of your paper 1 find that I have made the iristake he charges me with. It would appear that the " one idea or no idea " men were only eligible for the Ashburton Liberal Association and not for Parliament. lam obliged to Mr Cargo a for his explanation, as it gives those who care to know an idea of how little value the Libeial Association appears to put on the mental qua'ifications of their members However, the want of intellect in members of the Association cannot affect us in any way, to long as we are able (o prevent them putting members into Parliament from their own otder. And this is what every manly and intelli gent elector must assist in doing when the proper time arrives. We mwsfc not allow the credit of our adopted country to be damaged by encouraging illicit stills and sly grog shops to flourish throughout the land. This condition of things will cer tainly take place if the prohibitionists are allowed to have their own way. It is about time some check was put upon the misdirected zeal of the few of our fellow colonists who have the presumption to believe, or at least to try to make others believe, that thsy are competent to make better moral laws for our guidance than God in his infinite wisdom has already given as.—l am, etc., D. Oliver.

OUR BOROUGH COUNCIL.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir,—Asa ratepayer for over a dozen years, I do not remember a more retro grade step than that taken by the Council in the reduction by 24 farthings per day in the workmen's wages. 6s 6d per^day is little enough, wet or dry, but to my surprise (which surprise was shared by many others) the men are cnly paid the days they work. The men are expected Ito live in the borough, which means higher rent, to be ready to work withont extra pay In event of fire or flood. They are sometimes taunted with working at the regular Government stroke, which is supposed to carry high wages and little work ; in the case of the Council's men it is the reverse. Good work, long service, the best years of their lives and low pay, from the top of the staff to the bottom we get very good value for our money. Our engineer, clerk, returning officer, rate collector, registrar of dogs, superintendent of the domain, librarian—Sundays and weekdays—for wliich services he only receives a pittance of £200 a year. The Council looks to other places for lowering purposes. How would it do to look to ocher places for raising purposes ? We don't look south when fixing our rates, which strike home to our pockets.^ In other towns renis are lower, coal is 25 per cent cheaper, owing to the heavy rail charges imposed. They often get aged workmen, which accounts for the low pay and little woik. I have failed to see what brought the wages question forward. It could not be that the Council's banker asked for payment of the overdraft. It was not on grounds of economy, for if so, a saving of £24 per year — more than half what the Council will shave off from the men's wages—might be effected by a fixed loan of say £800 to pay back which money could be got at 5 per cent. I venture to afiitra that what we are paying 8 per cent for many persons would take up bands of £20 etch instead of placing tha money at the post office at 4 per cent. A sinking fund might be provided for. from the in creased rentals some of our reserve* will shortly bring in. Our handsome endow _ aE - r p roi , ra _^j nreOTg p rese ffs~ioTgy-UPOWJ a year, offer absolute security. Oa the other hand, our library does not meet with the support its expense enlm's. The Council are acting well in providing re? creation grounds in the domain. If the labor market is glutted it might spend a little money in providing extra ground for the increased denvuid.—l am etc., One who finds 7s pbk, day does not leave much for the old age pension fund.

WAKANUI PREEK QUESTION.

TO THE JSDJTOR. Sir, —Knowing that your columns are always open for discussion of matters of public interest, I venture to trouble you with a few line 9on the above subject; the importance of the question being my excuse for trespassing on your space. Readers of the *' Mail"—Wakanui resi dents more particularly—will have, no doubt, noticed the* advertisement re the passing and confirmation, of a special order by the Ashburton County Council,.

declaring and constituting a new water race district, with the Wakanui Creek as

its chief source of supply. This action of the Council has been rendered necessary by the illoonsidered action of acertaini individual who last year was the means of stopping the creek j and thus cutting off the supply from the water reces of the district, causing the settlers great an: n/.yance and loss at a most critical time.' The settlers agreed that this kind of thing could not be tolerated any longer, and therefore approached the County Council with a view to their securing the proper control and oversight of our chief source of water supply, thus preventing a

recurrence of the troubles of the past, and putting it beyond the power of any one to stop the creek at his own whim and fancy. After an amount of trouble and infinite pains, which must have tried the patience of the Councillors them selves | after an amount of persistent opposition aijdye&risome '• stonewalling " from the man, who, of all others, should have, helped forward the matter in the in terests of those whom he is supposed to represent —I refer to Mr Jas. Brown, the representative of the Wakanui riding— the matter has approached the final stages and js in a fair way to final and—to those most interested—satisfactory settlement. And now what do we find f That Mr Brown is trying to get the settlers to pro test against the Council's action, on the plea that they are going to be saddled with heavy expenses in connection with this affair, and that it is unfair to those not irtimediately on the line of the creek that they should be called upon to pay anything for expenses in connection with clearing, etc, This, to the settlers on the Riverside and Seatield portions of the riding, will no doubt ssem a very plausible, argument. But let me point out, sir, that there is something to be said on the otfter side, Let me state, first of all,* that the first clearing of the creek will mean the removal of the accumulation of twenty years of growth ,<uid consequently may ba expected to be a larger item than will ever occur again. At any rate, if one cleanng in twenty years—even if it should cost the full amount of the engineer's estimate—is sufficient to keep the course clear, then the annual charge for the pur* pose will be very small indeed. And wha*". is more, the nnllowners have agreed to jointly contribute a sum which is equal to more than one-third of the estimated cost of the first cleaning, and thereaftjji payyearly to theCouncilfortheprivilegeo , usirig the creak a sum of money which • J am convinced would more than povor the entire cost of keeping the channel in good order, and also provide sufficient foi maintaintnee of supply ; that is, of course, 1 bar accidents. And yet We find that though these things are well known by our representa tive he is, I an) informed, 1 going round

trying to persuade the ratepayers tha they are about to be involved in great ex pense if (his order be adopted ; that the legal and other expenses will amount to hundreds of pounds. Well, sir, lam in formed on the best authority that the legal and other preliminary expenses will nob be more than a five pound note. Bo much for Mr Brown's hundreds of pounds of expenses. • * Further, the annual charge upon the settlers will not be more than the present water rate, possibly not so much, as the contributions to the fund by the mill owners will help to pay the expenses. The expense of keeping up the supply will probably be less than at present, as we shall be relieved from the expense of the head works in the upper district, which are constantly being damaged by | floods, and in the repair of which we have 1 at present to share without receiving any 1 direct benefit. For these, and for other reasons, which might be given did space permit, I hope the settlen? will not be co unwise as to interfere with the Council in settling this question—that they will not sign any petition presented them by any one, but that they will let the matter pro* ceed to a final and fair settlement. I may say that I have no special in terest in the question, other than that I want to see ie settled once for all; and I want the creek placed^beyond the pos sibility of being stopped by any one, and I would remind the farmers that the summer months are approaching and if the experiences of the past are to be re peated we have no guarantee that at a most critical time we may not find the creek stopped and our races diy, Ba warned by the past, and be assured that by only giving a responsible body like the Council full and complete control over the creek are we safe from " our friends."—l am, etc., GUso. W. Leadley,

The Electoral Bill.

PER PRISb ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, September 11. The public petition to the Governor protesting against the Royal assent being given to the Electoral Bill puts forth the fallowing grounds.. (1) It is a Bill of an extraordinary and important nature, and the rights and property of Her Majesty's subjects not resident in the Colony are seriously affected, as tfce results may seriously embarrass the finances of the Colony, thereby injuriously affecting the public creditor," wno was unaware that such legislation was seriously contemp lated. (2) We firmly believe that a majority of settlers of both sexes are op posed to the measure. (3) There has been no opportunity yet afforded to the electors to express their opinion on the subject. A large number of signatures have been been obtained and Sir George Whiti&ore will probably be asked to in troduce the deputation to His Excellency,

ROAD BOARDS.

SOUTH RAKAIA. Al the usual monthly meeting of the above there were present—Messrs Lambie, String fellow, Coster, and Richards. In the absence of the chairman Mr Coster presided, clerk's report. The clerk's report on various roads and works in the district was read and con* sidered. WORKS. It was decided to grub tussocks off Dob bin's Ford road for the fall width, and to have the Board's plantations cleared and fences trimmed, the work to be let in four contracts. The Committee's action in accepting ten* ders during the month was approved. Attention was called to the quantity of gorse and broom growing on roads, and it was decided to give notice that unless the same be cleared off by the 23rd the Board would take other steps. It was decided to re-form another twenty* five chains of Copeland's road. The clerk was instructed to report on the road from Dolan's to the river, and on the ri^er road frqm DobinViord to fch? gea. It was resolved to iuvite tenders for skim ploughing about 120 chains of the Beach rjad, between sections 26926 and 26744. It was also decided to form a abort foot* path from Ferguson street to the South Belt* A number of ratepayers asked for a foot path to be formed in Cr id land street.—Re solved, that as there was already a good path on one side the street ths work was not re quired. 1 Mr Hardy received permission to remove certain gum trees from the old pound re? serve. . ' ' ■■■•,.■".,.- OVISRDOE RASBES. The olerk was instructed to send out final notices of overdue rates. RA'LWAY CROSSING. A3 no reply had been received it waa de« cided to write again on the matter. EXTRAS. D. Murphy asked for a refund of money (21s) kept back as wages for man spreading shingle.—Application refused. The sum of 21s was granted to Mr W, Harrison for tunning over new metal with his traction engine. S. Leaman applied for £3 Is for extra pay on his contract as he could cot read his specification.—Application not entertained, the river. It was reported that the river waa en croaching attheVest end of the setjfcmenj; and damaging the'cutting; Ths clerk waa instructed to take temporary steps, and iq report fully to the next meeting. §OBSIPV. Subsidy pn pate» received was £78 11s gd 1. RQLL ALTERATIONS!. A number of roll alterations were ordered ' to be made under the usual conditions, GOR«E IN TOWNSHIP. At the last meeting a tender had been let for removing an old fence from which gorse had spread outside reserves and private lands, but some portion had been overlooked, and it was now decidad to clear the lot at once, but in future occupiers would have to do the work. CHARITABLE AID. The charitable aid accounts were laid on the table. THE* VILLAGE SETTLEMENT THIRDS. A communication was read from, the Under-Secretary that the matter was still under consideration. ACCOUNTS. Accounts for £202 14s 3d were passed tor payment, and the members met aa a CEMETERY COMMITTEE. It was reported that there were no funds available for keeping the place in order, and the clerk was instructed to write the County Council on the subject. The meeting then olosed. :

COLDSTREAM.

A meeting of the Coldstream Road Board was held at Longlands, on Tuesday last. Eresent—Messrs Dobson (chairman), Stud holme andA^itheil; " r ... • LAND EUNI). The Department of Lands and Survey wrote signifying'theit appcpyal of the thirds from reserves 2(121 being applied to defray* ing the cost of a water race through the reserve to the extent of £5 ; also forwarding schedule of thirds accruing on various sections in the district, and requesting the Board to make proposals tor expenditure of these funds for the benefit of the settlers. The Oierk was instructed £o v^rite for further as to when thu thirds would becottie available, with'a view to con sulting the wishes of the settlers interested as far as possible. It was resolved to apply the balance of the thirds accrning on Res. 2021 on the main road to the reserve, aa desired by Mr Foun tain ; also to repay Mr Meays the sum of £6 for making a water race, as soon as the thirds $rece paid to tpe Bo«a:d, I " ' jqisrr KROPijferv. Messrs Dobsou and Withelfwere appointed to sign and affix the Board's teal to the transter of the Longbeach Road Board offices to the purchaser ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £29 odd were pawed, and the Board adjourneU.

tfHK ABHBUR'J?ON QtJARPIAfI: TUESDAY, gEPTKMBEfi 12, J893,



"Wanted •C V| TT-IRK, Hairdresser, The J . JD. J\. Arcade, will be glad ■togroMfriends. OpenMeveryday^^ ITOR SALE-A Good Violin, in good P order r just as good as «ew. Price 80s. Apply Guakmam Office. » »*■ iTJoTNDby^ohn^o"ttyT~a Pox Terrier Jj Pupp/, collar with brass rings. Q^ner may have it on expenses being paid. _____ A MEETING of the Church of England Temperance Society This ETBNina at 7.30, in Schoolroom TjX)R SALE or ToLet-AHouseof Jj Ten Looms, together with eight "T^COTfAGIfiPIANO for sale. Very A low price. In good order. Apply D. Booth, Taccred street^ JJj /\EDBRS"now taken for "Wedding vj Numbers Illustrated London Isews, Black and White, Sketch etc Prioo om ahillingandßixpence.—H. M. Jones. IF~roL wanTfiistclass fruifc go to Adam' *°r J"'i«. T»hiti» Auckland in* Sydney Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, etc . AILWAY Bo k Stall.—A very large and choice lot of books to selc« Iron*. __ . —:— • BOOKS in great variety to suit all classes of reader*, at the Railway Book S**"" m L_- U "bougii and Eucalyptus Props, and •top cou chin _ OST Forget to send your Li cycles along to ihe Old Kmdergatteh to te repaired, at moderate rates^ EDIOAL Oil- made and repaired on the ihortest notice »t easy 1 prices »t A. J. Waikbr'b, Old Kinder gttten. SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest the larceiht, the best, and the cheap Mt. Small 'Uoods a specialty. Ful weight* guaranteed. A trial solicited. •W. J. Sttnonr.. *tlßi 800K 1* in g< ol ordor and c< mplete bouaht or taken in exchange. ]New Btoo 1* arriving every week. Circulating Library.—l. Mavbdek, ftewsagent. "\I7ANTRD Known —Special ship .VV roent of Lintn Goods, dira it from Belfast. Splendid value. See window •t Atcduew Orb's. WANTED Known—That A. J. Walker repairs Bi yclep, Sewing Machine*, Lawn Howem, Medical Coils, •nd all detcripfions of lijiht machinery. Oto Babdlbt Bros, for Bargain* in Blankets, 49 pairs of large white suitable for double beda only, 16a 6d "worth 26a. Extra large Grey, only 10b 6d worth 18s 6d, Selling rapid'y. - % 1 AJM'KI> Known.—To mtke room . \V .for Spring Boqts I will give ten per cent for ca>h. Repairs done at one* cheaper ihan ever to fetay bad times over »tJ- Moi*on, Premier Boofmak.r. 8 18 "\ 1 7 AN'ITSD Known—Some wondei ful •VV job lines'n Drapery, etc., iow being sold; also presents to all purch; sera. H. C. Segbbs, Melford Hoiiße. "CVTANTED Known. —Gents, Summer yy Merino Sock B|d, Cotton Crawere 1 Id.—MITCIHSLt, AND I XTRXBR. WANTED Known.—Jubt opened Tennis and Surmer Hats, Print Shirts, etc — M itcheil ani> Tprkkb, TTttNGERING Wool 3d, 200 yds Cotton JD Reels lsd, 400 yds 3d. Enormous ■took of* Ladies' and Children's Hose /further reduced at S. W. Alcorjt & Co.'s ■tie. WANTED Known-For good value in first class Drapery, Millinery, 1 Boots, Clothing, etc., go to Meword Aousb. Beautiful present* now giving iftway to all purchasers. B— —' £J$Q | Bang 1 Bang 1 Guns I Guns 1 Gonsl by the best makers and Itted with all the latest improvements. Powder. Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, *nd Cajes at J. W. Hardlky's, East Btnet. Guns repaired. \TTBMHKdo you gee your ironmon ;VV gerf? AtHAKDiiTSof course, where we g"ti the beat value in Sheet Lead, Nails. Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knetiing, Gerse 1 Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender an* Fire Irons, and snything I on lyqntrf - .._ Y~OONG Ladies' Journals (September), ♦•Review of Reviews," Weldon's t'ournala, Ch sails'- Roy»l Academy Mc (-ureii, B( ys of England, Vol. me), New Games including Tiddl*dy Winkri Is, New Books and Fancy Goods, Boxes Notepaper and Envelopes, etc.— L, F. AwDMWEi ahp Co, Stationers' Hall. SJThb hest BBMbdT foh indigestion - Nortou's L Gunomile PHI* ft • confidently recomawndod as a temple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of Piwirly all the dieensen to which we are rabbet. PKoiWs pilia, which "Justice" called tlie "Natural r^jtrenpthenor o( tt'C Human Stomach," act as a power |Vnl toufc »"id gentle aperent, are mild in theJropera- Ikioii. anc Mta oadwr any circumstances. Sold in Ek?** liL*iJid* Jl Ui wwMMnßd*pr



TBIS WEEK G. J. HBILL and Co. 818 8II*I" I N °- Splendid Pla*l> 3d per y»td WMteCalico iUdpn*" DouCl. nße^nbl W l.edlmnSh«.ti»g.9ll Heavy lTlannelette 3ia . Ootion Shirting 4W Men's Tweed Suits 17s 6d Boys Tweed Suits 4s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. *|WE mWP UJNRP BILLED.! - Women's Morocco Shoes 43 Ud Women's Strong lather Shoes 6s 6d y£& Colonial made Bluchers (all M «.s) # 6 3 AT a , j. Nil it & go;s. jRIBDLANDBR'S CORNER, EAST STREET TERMSrOASH. NO DISCOUNT.



Wanted oSHifGood Samaritan, /or the imme ' JL diate relief of pain.— Light s Cash Store. WANTED, All to see Mitchell and Turner's Print Window. *VX7 ANTED Known—W. H- Collier's VV noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2s 6d, have just arrived in all awes. 8~ UlTSlo'measurer'during the sale, 495, 55a, 60a, 70a, and 75a. Fit and workmanship guaranteed.—R. A.LCORN, Saundera' Buildings. T ADIES' Jackets, Mantles, Superior JLi Dress Goods further reduced, as cash must be had. Compulsory Sale at S. W. Alcoen's. "ANTED Known—" The Corner " is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H. Collier^ . PRESENTS— Beautiful Presents now being given away to all purchasers of Drapery, Millinery, Boots, Clothing tc—M. C. SEdERS, Melford House. HO is your Plumber 1 Why, J. W Habdlet, who Is <t Manufacturer of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has n hand the largest stock of Pumps and Pipe in town. , _ ONDBRFUL Satisfaction.— The special nickel watch made I for S. Salek, sold at 22s 6d and 25s is the best.—Obtainable only from S. SaleK, Jeweller. ? C 3



T=S= !——*mJrf— l • MR H. C. ORBELL, SOLICITOR, ASHBURTON. OmoE: Montgomery's Buildfng3, Corner E*st and Burnett Si reefs. £t127 """""^ FOR S A LE, pVESIRABLE PRIVATE RESI JL/ DUNCE, well situated on the Wakanui ro4d. Exceptionally easy terms of payment, and only six per cent per annum charged on the unpaid portion of the purchase money. For full particulars apply to T. BOLLOCK. * DO YOU KNOW 'I HAT we are SELLING OFF all out J- NEW GOODS, and giving a dla count of FOUR SHILLINGS o¥i EVERY POUND FOR CASH, because we are OVERSTOCKED, ar.d MUST REALISE. Come and see our Fhopfull of New Mercery, Hate, Shirts, Ties, Boots, 4c. (all marked in plain figures). Men's Good Tweed Suits to measure during the sale from £2 15s to £3 lO* FOR CASH. CRAICHEAD&BER YMAN THE LEADING TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS, ] Ashburton. 9*62 -T HE NEW ZEALAND CfcOTiiiara Factory ABE OPENING THEIR New Spring Goods TO-DAY, HAT*. HATS. HATS. TIES. TIES. TIES. COME and inspect, whether you want to buy or not. HALLENSrEIN BROS., EAST SIREET, ASHBURTON



Hfew Jewellery. UTew Jewellery. UTew Jewellery. TUST OPENED UP—A consignment J from Home of the very latest style newest design in Gold and Silver Jewellery, Silver and E.P. Vrate, etc. Insp^tion invited of the jwif^j and BTigh-clas3 Stock, which will be found equal to any in Christchurch and at LOWER PRICES. A Splendid Selection of GOODS, SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. S. gALEK, Manufacturing Jeweller, -: and :- OCULIST—OPTICIAN. East .Street, Ashburton. The Establishment for first class Watch and Clock repair ing. Charges as low as is consistent with SOUND4'RELIABLE IP OAKMANSBIP



For a Few Bays Yf E AR E CLEABIKG OUT THE REMNANTS AND ODDMENTS i OF OUR ; WINTER STOCK i ■ ;at A GREAT SACRIFICE. Soecial Valufe in BOOTS and SHOES. Tnf mts' Boots from 9sl ' Boys' Boots 4* 6d Men's Baots 4s 9d Women's 3a lid Hardley Bros., ARCADE. 9*l



CQt-fiMANK and Son sßucaltptic Extract is tho only geuiiiue' iv the market, and was awarded medals f'nd diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, aud Adelaide beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest aad Lungs, Consumption,^ Asthma, Coutfns Gravel, and Kidney Complaints, it has., [no equal IItttI—ASBBCBTOH JJWBQ COMPaSV] !