MAIL NOTICES.

Daily mail services have been established to Elgin, Wakanui, Riverside, Flemington, Eiffeiton, and Willowby. Mails for Mayfield will m future be despatched on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Fridays. The Longbeach line of mails will hence forth close at 3.45 p.m.

DEATHS.

i Buchanan—On January Ist, at Market Lavenpton, England, by cable, John Edgar Buchanan. Aged fifty yeare. Cochrane—On Tuesday, the Ist insfc., at Birchfield Farni, Waknnui, Isabella, she beloved wife of the lafc« WilHum Ccchrane j aged 53 years. Deeply re gretted.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1895 LOCAL AND GENERAL.

We are m receipt; from the staff of our contemporary the Bruce Herald of a neat card conveying the compliments of the season. We heartily reciprocate. Mr Douglas, postmaster, has been granted a month's leave of absence, during which perif d Mr B- E. Lechner will have charge of the local Post Office. The folio-wing letters, received from places beyond the colony during themonfch of October are lying unclaimed at the Ashburton Post Office :— Mrs Holmes, James Tennant. The cause of the accident to the traction engine m the Weka Pass on Friday last 1 was the breaking of the chain oa the steering gear. If the chain on the opposite side had broken the engine would have crone over a cliff sixty feet high into the Weka Creek. On Saturday the machine was righted on to its own wheels, and a second engine will bring it on to town for repairs, An old subscriber forwards to the man ager tfee amount of a year's subscription m advance along with two quarters of I arrears, and adde> this note to the editor —I consider Oliver's letters on *■■ Foot rot and blood poisoning m sheep" which appeared m your paper, are well worth the year's sab. The writer is a farmer of long standing, and as we consider the sentence is as hearty, and wili be as wel come, $ JS(9W Year's greeting to our valued orrespon^ept WQ gladly find space for it, believing that th£s correspondent is only one of a very great ma#y prho have tbe same opinion about Mr Oliver's valuable contributions | An accident which i»igbi easjlyhave had I the most serious consequences happened yesterday to Mr ;S. I?. Kelson, He was driving a spring cart across the tragic bridge on his vray to the Tinwald races when his horee shied at something, and one of the wheels of the trap came m contact with a wheel of a three-horse vehicle driven by Mr Newman, with the result that the former was capsized, Mr Nelson being thrown out on his head. He was stunned and had his face cut m two or three places. Dr Leahy who passed a few minutes later ordered hia removal to the Hospital Jbjat on arriving m town Mr Nelsqn had reco.ve^e^ p^Sicient to be able to walk home witliotjt assistance. Sir Robert Stout, m an interview with a i representative of the Opago Daily l Times, f gave ibis opiniop as to the recent call" on: *he shareholders oi tlje Bank of Newj Zealand. &c «a?d'.the sfcarejfco^ers might j have said, wht>\ n Q#® .was introduced :< —We decline to flS«Wt_ the polony's j guarantee on the issue Of stJip* or shares ] if we have to submit to such a Cftfi- But | the shareholders did not take Up t'hjjg position and • it is now too late to raise points about the call.' Sir Robert speaks m hopeful terms of the Bank's prospects, ' ItH Directors, so far as I know them, are able men, and I am well acquainted with two of them, slightly with one, and regard ing tlie fourth, I hear him highly spoken of.

Amonsr the New Year honors no men- i tion is made of any JSew Zealanders. The Hon. John M'Ke'nzie is about to be installed as chief 01 the Otago Gaelic Society. MrD. Buddo, M.H.R., having called the. attention of th« Premier to the omission of black birch from the samples of timber which are to be exported to | London for paving purpoats, Mr fceddon has communicated with (ho Postmaster (x-nqrai, who haw charge of the matter, to have black birch included, as the Premier considers black birch as good, if not better, than red birch. A welcome change m the weather occurred on JSTew Year's nigh . After a long stretch of dry and sometimes hot weather—which has told wilh un pleasant effect upon the crops and some of the lighter lands- rain began to fall on Tuesday evening and continued more or less copiously during the nic?ht. The rain had the effect of cooling the atmosphere considerably, and this was all the moie welcome as on Sunday the mercury had risen to the sultry height of 93 Fah. m the shade, and Monday's weather was also ; fairly scorching. We are indebted to the Registrar, Mr Joseph Ward, for the following vital statistics for the district of ABhbur'on:— For the month of December 1894 the number of births waa 22, precisely the same figures as for December 1893, and j Deaember 1892. The deaths m December j 1894 were 2, for the same month of 1893, 10, and for December 1892, 5. The marriages for the month were 5 as against 2 m December 1893 and 4 m December 1892. The figures for the year were births, 278, deaths, 83, marriages 60 ; as against for 1893, births, 304. deaths, 99, marriages, 48 ; and for 1892, births 265, deaths 91, marriages 72. On Mew Year's Day another old settler passed away m the person of Mrs William Oochrane, who died at Birchfield farm, Wakanui, aged fifty-three years. Mrs Cochrane had been ailing for a long time. Some years ago, she suffered several injuries to her head from a fall m a trap accident. The Injuries were of such a nature as to result m long and painful suffering, and though for a time she appeared to have to some extent recovered and was able to go about her household duties, the wearing effect upon her system was such as to makb the result we chronicle to-day only a question of time. It was but a short time ago that her husband died from an even more painful any trying disease. Sb. Stephen's church was crowded on New Years ev9, when Rev T. A Hamilton and Rev H, Purchase conducted the ser vices customary m the Anglican Church at the close of the year. Ihe church was prettily decorated, and the change m bhe weather during the evening had the effect of preventing the heat from feeling so oppressive as It had been on Sunday even ing. The Rev T. A, Hamilton choae an appropriate text for his discourse, which took the direction proper to the occasion The usual custom with regard to adminis tering the sacrament was departed from and the rite was administered immediately after the sermon and before any of the congregation had left, most of those who had been recently confirmed presented themselves at the table, as well as a fair proportion of the church members. Mr H. A. Gates is to be congratulated upon the very impressive rendering of the music selected. TheOanmrn Mm7saysthe local Acclima tisation Society are making arrangements to send ffexne to thee itor of the Field & representative sample of our river trout m the shape of a large block of ice m which it; is intended to freeze trout of all shapes and With this object m view, the Society ask the co-operation of all fisher men during the holiday season, and will be glad to receive any surplus take?, any fish showing features at all out of the common, and. m fact, contributions of all sorts. It is intended to make the trophy a*i representative as possible, and as the .Field ha* at its disposal the services of the best naturalists m England, such a con signment as it is intended to send should produce an admirable addition to our information on the subject of local fisheries as well as be a splendid advertisement for the colony. Boxes for fret zing the fish m have been prepared, and the Society will, of course, defray all costs of carriage. The cooperation of fishermen m neigh bouring districts will also be welcomed. The special correspondent of the Waimea Plains Review witk Haraer's exploring party at the head of Chalky Inlet, states that Gillies, one of the party, climbed to the top of a peak 300 ft high »nd got a splendid view of the country. He saw that there was more than the three lakes mentioned by Hamer. A fine waterfall with a clear descent of 500 ft was seen. Perhaps the most important of his observ ations was the discovery of a large open tract of fine tussocky country, portions of whish, he says, were perfectly fit for the plough. The land m question formed a kind of undulating plain situated sQft above, but, nevertheless, approximating to an arm of the sea. His impression is that this is a most important discovery for the Lands Department. The surround insr hills are described as lightly bushed, and would make excellent grazing country, He describes the surrounding scenery as a panorama of unsurpassed beauty. The weather, unfortunately, set m bad, and ha was not able to complet. his observa tions.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND r AUSTRALIA.

Melbourne, January 1 The beautiful weather and the splendid s fand made by the Englishman attracted & mammoth attendance at the cricket ground to-j3aj7 10 witness the third day's play m tho test mtitob. The grand stand reserves and members' pavilk/i; crowded to excess. The following "*ro the scorns :— Englishman—Second Innings. McLaren, b Turner ... ... 15 Ward, b Turner . ... ... 41 BWTOj P ijarvis, b Bruce ... ... 37 Broekwell, b Tumor ... ... 21 Stoddart, b Gis'i>n , Pf ...173 Peel, sb Jar vis, b Giffen ... ... 53 Ford, c Trott, b Giffen .'.'. ... 24 Briggs, lbw, bGiffen ... ... 31 Lockwoodj not out ... ... vj;3 Phillipson, b Giffen .., ... &» Richardson, c (Gregory, b G iff en ... 12 ]So balls ... , ,„ 3 Leg byes ... .. ... 2 Bye 1 Total second innings ... ... 475 Total first innings ... ... 75 Grand total , 550 Giffen. took six wickets for 156, Turner three foe 99, Bruce one for 21, Lyons 0 for 3, r/>ott 0 for 60, Coningham 0 for 69, Tiumble 0 for #£, with three no balls. AusißiMAWs—Seeorid Innjnga. j Bruce,'not out ... '' ...' ... £3,' Trott, not out ... ..-, ... 43< Total for no wickots ... ... 86 j jTot^l of^rst pinjngß ... ... 123! Total ... ... ... '209; The AysU'ali&ns' have yet to make 3i2 j to win. i

The Standpipe Scene.

At the Magistrate's Court on Monday — before Major Steward and Mr Alfred Harrison, Justices of (ha Peace—Patrick 15e&ley w*s charged with having been guilty of riotous conduct m .East street on the previous Saturday night; and with having assaulted J W. Sawle and Rev James Cocker. Tl?i-< case, and two of hers heard at the same sitting, arose at an ! open air meeting, held and addressed by Mr Richird Orabb, temperance lecturer, ar. the staudpipe, East street, ondafcurdey night, The Sergeant of Police, m giving evi dence, said ho went, up East sweet on Saturday night about nine o'clock and s?w •a crowd opposite Davis's corner. Begley was there the worse for liquor, but not sufficiently so to V>e arrested for drunken ness. Shortly after, saw Mr Sawle and the Rev Mr Cocker and Constable Jack eon with accused, and Mr bnwle gave iccused m charge for kicking him. Accused was locked up. Accused ad mitted the offence, but pleaded that he was drunk, that there was a big crowd, and he had been pushed on to the men, somebody beat him with a stick and he kicked. In cross examination the Sergeant said that after he had first seer, accused m the crowd, accused went away, bat from what was afterwards stated to wit ness he sent out Constable Jackson to find him. James Wright Sawle, farmer, said he was at Mr Crabb's meeting at the stand pipe onSaturday night. Saw accused there, who came out of the crowd and called Mr Crabb a liar. There are some planks afc the standpipe which served as a platform, and Mr Orabb had been standing on these. Accused pushed Mr Crabb off, and the latter suggested that accused should be allowed five minutes to address the public himself. Accused did occupy the platform for a minute, shouting out and waving his hand. He then staggered down, and Mr Crabb occupied the plat form again. Accused went away through the crowd, but m a few minutes returned and went up to Mr Crabb and gave him a push and a blow, which sent him off the platform. Mr Crocker then stepped on the platform, and accused tried to pall him off. Witness put hia hand on accused's shoulder to keep him back. Some one behind assisted witness by catching accused by the other shoulder or neck. He then kicked witness on the shin of the right leg. Accused did not gay anything at that time, and witness did not hear anybody say anything to him. Subsequently several of the by standers baeged accused to keep out of the way. He did not keep quiet, and was only prevented from molesting the speakers by others present. Rev James Cocker was at the temper ance meeting on Saturday night, and saw accused. While Mr Crabb was spaaklng there were several interruptions. Ulti mately the accused, imitating the noise of a bull, came from the left side of the crowd. He became violent, and declared —referring to witness and Mr Crabb— "You are standing on public property, and I will pull you down." Mr Crabb kept on speaking. The accused made a rush, and knocked Mr Crabb fr^m the stand, and then knocked witness off. All the time a number of his companions were inciting him by words and by pushing Mm forward. As soon as he had got Mr Crabb and witness off the stand he got on it himself. He then kicked out freely, kicking several people m the crowd. After that he stood on the platform and bellowed out, waving his hat. His foot came towards witness, but he did not kick witness then. Witness never touched him. He got down and th« meeting went on again Mr >Sawle then stood on one side of Mr Orabb and wit ness &tood on the other. In five or ten minutes accused came again, and m strong language declared he would have them off the platform again. Saw him knock Mr Orabb off. He then got bold of witness by the throat and said " Come down." Witness put hia arm round the iron standpipe, which was close to (he platform, and held on to it. Accused pulled off witness's collar, ripped open his shirt, and pulled his coat out afc the seam. All this time he was being helped by a number of companions. He could scarcely reach witness, and one man held him up a little, and said to witness " You hit him if you data." Witness was al most breathless, and gasped for help. A man m the crowd got hold of the prisoner, and then several others interfered and took him away. The meeting went on again,; and as witness noticed several persons whispering together, he asked Mr Orabb to close. Accused came again, and again began bellowing. After being pushed m the crowd for a quarter of an hour, by the help of Mr Steele and a number o his own church members, witness got away. By Sergeant Mbller—There was nothing stated from the platform reflecting on the character of the jury empanelled for the coroner s inquest on Saturday. Re marks were made with general reference to the composition of such juries. There waR no provocation given to accused. By accused —Did npt take hold of you by the collar or tie. Deliberately re frained from touching you. Never had hold A you, and had only cne hand at liberty, Richard Crabb, lecturer for the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of "New Zealand, gave evidence corroborative of that given by Messrs Sawle and Cockerj but added that he hear 4 some pne m the crowd say " You won't be game to push him off for drinks." The Bench decided to hear the other cases before giving judgment. William James was then charged with using insulting language m a public place, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace—to wit, among other words " Are you the sneaking crawling Crabb that was •around Invercarglll beach 1 How do you live V 1 Mr Cuthbertson appeared for accused. jQeorge Edwin Nock was charged with a similar offence. Richard Crabb, the lecturer who gave evidence m the previous case, said he saw both accused m the crowd at the meeting above referred to. There was a dis turbance at the meeting, but before that occurred, and while everything was orderly the defendant James used the words complained of, addressing witness. Heard hint make other interjections, but he did not again use the words before mentioned. Oross-exaiwined—Never made any ! reference to any persons sitting on Mr James' balcony, but said landlords and landladies could generally drive their carriages, while drinkers could not do bo. Did not see an elderly lady sitting on the balcony at the time. Said that here they had the evidence of two-storeyed build ings used for hotels Said also that he had no fight against liquor-makers or liquor-seller?, but with the law. Had been a public lecturer for twenty years, and interjections did not disconcert him unless they were of a personal nature, but were rathar into hia hand. Would not undertakes to say that such an inter jection as that m question vvould provoke a breach of' the •■ peace. Did refer to coroners' inquests, ani as to the class of persons that ought to ba called as jurors Oould swear the words handed to the bencji Tjrere the' words used by accused. Thought they were founded on something that had appeared ip a paper jj,t Batplutha. There was another man m the crowd who called him a h— — cask. Accused Nock was not the cnan m njueation, As it was found there was no evidence against Nock he was discharged. Rev James Oocker gave evidence as to hearing the words complained of made use of by some one m the crowd, but did

j not know who the person was. I { George William Andrews heard Mr] j James use the words. Was quite positive about that Mr Crabb had made references to the drink trade generally, and to two-storey poblichouseß built out' of the money of drunkards. Major Steward said that the Bench found! all the caarge9 against Begley proved. He had evidently been under the influence of liquor afc the time, but that w*s no excuse for his conduct He would be convicted on the two minor c l ages and discharged, and on the charge nf assault would be sentenced to fourteen diyh' hard labor. The Bench had taken into account Mr Sawle's plea for leniency but for which a heavier sentence would have been imposed. Proceedings such as the prisoner's were calculated to lead to serious disturbance and people must undarstand that they had no right to interfere with any meeting lawlully held. In the case against James the charge laid was for using insulting words "with in tent to provoke a breach of the peace." The Bench did not consider that the intent charged was proved by the evidence. Had the charge been m the words of the last part of subsection twenty-nine of section three of the Police Offences A.cc, viz., had it been charged th»t accused had used insulting language " whereby a breach of the peace might have been oc casioned," it was possible that a different view might have been taken. As it was, the evidence showed that the lecturer, Mr Crabb, had afc the public meeting used expressions calculated to annoy some of the persons present m the crowd, and though the accused, James, was nob justified m using the language complained of, still those who conducted public meet ings should be as careful m their conduct and language as those who attended them. There was nothing m the evidence to show either that the accused desired to provoke a breach of the peace, or that he anticipated that his remarks would lead to one. The charge would therefore be dismissed.

Rakaia Sports.

The Rakaia Boxing Day sports and racea were held on che Domain as usual. The weather was somewhat dull and perhaps kept numbers away, Nevertheless the gate money was larger than ever. Everything went well, and there were neither protests nor accidents. The Burnham band, under Mr Craze, was present and enlivened matters. The refreshment booth was m the hands of Mr G. Murray, who catered well on the grounds and at the ball m the Town Hall m the evening, which was well patronised. The officials were attentive to their duties as usual. The following are the results :— Maiden Flat Race, 1 mile —Mr J. Nee's' b m Flyaway, list 71bs (Mr F. Olaridge), 1; Mr J. McCrory's br f Gipsy Queen, Hat (J. O'Reilly), 2 ; Mr R. Bryan's eh g Somerton, list 71ds (Owner), 3. Four others started, and the finish was very close. Maiden Saddle Trot, 2 miles.—Mr B. Ing's b m The Nun, list 71bs, 63ecs behind (J. Bourne), 1; Mr J. J. Stewart's blk g Economy, list, 16secs behind (Owner), 2; Mr C. O'Sullivan's g m Leda, list 71bs, scratch (Owner), 3. Fourteen others com pebed. Ladies' Purse, 1J mile.—Mrs Harrison's br m May Queen, list 71bs (E. Harrison), 1 ; Miss O'Connor's b m Dolly, Hat 7lbet (E. Hartlwick), 2; Miss Nee's br g Brounagel, list 71bs (F. Claridge), 3. Two others com peted. Handicap Saddle Trot, 3 miles.—Mr J. J. Stewart's br g Economy, list, 20secs hehind (Owner), 1; Mr B. Ings b m The Nun, scr, 12st 7Jbs (H. Primmer), 2. Six others competed. Farmers' Plate, H mile.—Mr H. J. Harri son's br m May Qaeen, 12sfc (E. Harrison), 1 j Mr B. Baxter's b g Roy, list 7lbs (A. Stewart), 2 ; Mr J. Nee's b m Flaway, 12afc (F. Claridge), 8. Five others competed. The winner was bought m by the owner for £13. Hurry Scurry, 15s each horse and 1 soy added ; ;* mile, catch weight —Mr J. Wil kinson's eh m Colina, aged (Johns), 1. Three others competed. Athletics.—looyds—W. H. Dunstan, 4yds, 1 ; E. Larraman, scr, 2 j J. McAnulty, 3yds, 3. Seven competed. Boys' 200 yds, under 16 years—S. Lemon 1, H. Thornton, 2, G. Bruce 3 440yds~W. Davison, scr, 1; A Santy, 15yds, 2; «J McAnnlty, 7yds. 3. Bight competed. Girla under Ifi years, 100 yds—L. Irwin 1, J. Hinds 2, M. Dunn 3. Boys under 12 years, OOyda—G. Bruce 1, J. Coffey 2, G, Makeig 3. Girls under 12 years, 60yds—M. Clark 1, O. Oakley 2, F. Babcock and K. Brown (tie) 3 Consolation, 100 yds —E. Larraman ]. 100 yds (amateurs only, open—N.Z A.A-A. rules)—J. J. O Neil, 10 yds, 1; G. S. Hardy, 10yds, 2; J. Shannon, s 10yds, 3. Seven competed. 200 yds (ama-1 teurs only, open- N.Z.A.A.A. rules)—L. Broad, scr, 1; J. Shannon, 15yds, 2; J. J. O'Neil, 15yds, 3. Seven competed.

HIGH SCHOOL.

Meeting: of Governors.

A meeting of the Board of Governors of the High School was held m the Secretary's office on Monday afternoon, Present- Messrs E. G. Wrighh (presiding), Hugo Friedlander, Donald Williamson, Andrew Qrr, and Hon Major Steward, An apology for the absence of Mr Denshire was received, THE SCHOOL GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS. Major Steward reported that he and Mr Qrr, as instructed by the Board, had visited the school and had given orders to have the well made secure and the windows put m good order. They had also exercised the authority given them, and had entered into a contract^ with George Gates to have the lower branched of the trees m the ground trimmed. It was pointed out that m view of the possible amalgamation of the schools, it would be desirable not to touch the windows until it had been decided what connection it would be necessary to make m the matter of doors. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. Major Steward moved the motion of which ! he had given notice as follows :—" That the school be opened for the ordinary curriculum of the school at 9.30, and that it be arranged that non-doctrinal instruction m the Scrip ture be given by one or more members of the teaching staff daily during the preceding half hour—viz., from 9 to 9,30—t0 those pupils whose parents elect to send them for such instruction; a notice to be given to all parents of pupils, and posted up m the schoolroom m accordance with this resolu tion." He had long been of opinion that Scriptural history should be taught m rhe school, and that m thp Scriptures" the best classic we possessed was neglected. He had no desire to see such portions of the book dealt with as had caused the divisions of the churches, but the historical portions could be dealt with to advantage. Several parents had spolsen to him about the motion he had given nolice of, and had expressed their entire faypr qf ij3. Mr On- seconded the motion pro forma,. Mr Friedlander thought it would be wise to deal with this motion after the new | appointments had been made, as there might i be considerable addition to the number of pupils, and ifc would be well to discuss this question after the new staff had been chosen. It was ultimately decided that Major Steward would supply Governors with a list of the portions of Scripture he preferred to see taught, and that the question be brought up again at next meeting, SCHOLARSHIPS. The winners of scholarships for pupils attending the High School were reported to be—Winifred Purnell, Vernon Steward, and John Kempthorne. The winners of the eight scholarships for pupils attending other public schools were i —

DISPUTATION. A deputation consisting of Messrs 1?,. 8. Bean and E. J. Paul waited on the Board, and the former gentleman at some length explained, that; tbir interview with ?&«

Board had been, i&rompirerf by a id,^ .o ceived by be Ashburlon Comrnifctee, which they represented, from a parent who had three children attending the Ashburton school who had all p»g ße d Standard VI. Children who had pa3ged the sixth stan( ] ar d had no hold on the State <k.bools, and m the present circumstances oi-the Aehburton school it was difficult to say what should be done. He thought if provision ,for those children who had passed the sixth-atftudard could be made m the High, School, i&would relieve the Ashburto.a school of a lartar^T centageto be taught. 'Ihis was deer as there had recently, a a they douotleea knew, been a very consumable reduction of the teaching staff of the Ashburton schoo!, as well as ot other spools The case he had referred to was not m isolated one. There were plenty of others, The question had been discussed by the Committee of which the deputation were, members, and it *had been suggested that the High School should be formed into a District High School. "Tha High hchool teaching stall' had but a few pupils under their care^ but they receive! for teaching those few pup ii s £520 a yeari while for teaching 600 pupils the staff of the Ashburton school die, not receive £1000. Mr Wright pointed outiMt Mr Bean had not placed any definite propose, before the - meeting. Ie other p ar fc g o f the educational district, and throughout the colony, children :i were allowed to remain at the State 1 schools' , after Passing the sixth standard. / The ob ject ot Mr Bean was evidently to provide an outlet for those children. Perhaps the Board would meet the Committee halfway it a proposal were made. ' " r'' 3 k '"* Mr Bean said the Committee's Suggestion was either lower fees or' more »chokvrships. High tochool teachers could take charge of f tj* , more scholars than now taught withouT any extra effort, and without? tWble? '.? >U spoke also for the Hampstead'school, thU l^ chairman of whose Committee, who was noc able to make one of the deputation,, was, v quite with the object of the deputation. j Mr Wright was sura that any scheme that? , extended the advantages of High School ; education would tend to make of th*t insti- : tutiona success, which it, had not .been.itt.---j: the post. If the Board could see their way, to admit sixth standard children at a reduced | fee, it might be wisdom to make the redue* -'*■'■-. ition. It must be recognised, that parents 0' who wish for this class of education for their? f children are usually parents who sire able to  pay something for it, and {he children'Cfofi* ■ not be admitted free.. The question wai what fee could be charged ? Mr Priedlander said the question was a large one, and affected all the schools m th« county. It was a matter of pounds, sbil- ' lings, and pence. If the children Were <- largely increased, they would have to itfc. o'A crease the teaching at»£ They could nj^tey* very well decrease the tees, as a man Wha.' f . ■ paid ten guineas for his' Jchild now had, T >' right to get the 's"ame reduction* that T V"' ~ made for sixth standard children. It worfftt 3' not do to introduce class distinctions m ,tha " shape of fees. There should be no reductions unless for all. < Mr Bean was quite snre there would be' 4' *" more than fifteen from the two schools; < ! Major Steward saw that the quts^,- • carried with it a serious matter of expei,.,, for country people—there was not. only the matter of fees to be considered-, $ut the matter of boarding the children w'ule'attend-' ing the High School. ■• f Mr Paul said the quastion was a general} one, and did not affect any particular chili* or school. ' • -.: o . After the deputation had acknowledged the courtesy of the Bourd, and withdrawn;]: consideration of the question was adjourned, , until next ordinary meeting. '"'.} ACCOUNTS. ' Several accounts were passed for payment. VISITIN& COMMITTEE. Messrs Friedlander and Williamson were j appointed a visiting committee, and em powered to deal withjthe water supply at the school and ventilation. . . ■■ THE STAFF. Applications were received for the vacan cies on the staff, and it was decided to meet again ou Wednesday to consider them. SCHOOL JVUIiKS. ' ' ' A coommittee was appointed to draw up \ •_ rues for the management of tlie combined school, and after some minor business had » been transacted the Board adjourned. ■'

European and Other Foreignm Items.

The revenue of the TJnit'ed Kingdom. \ for the laat.-<gi«**c. amounted to'j\ £24,642,000. , > The appeal of Captain _ ( as / against his sentence has been "dis- ! missed. ' tl \ i Byrnes, chief of the New l?oVk '• 1 police, has resigned owing to the ex- 1 ' posures of a Oomoaittee of Enquiry, J Mr McKerrow proposes to form , a Onmpany with a capital of £300.000 to establish a direct steam service be tween Manchester and Australian, ports. ' At a meeting of the, British Broken Hill Company it was resolved to re duce the capital to £264,000 by can celling £4 on the £5, and 32s on the' ,• £2 shares. Three men and on« women were found murdered vmtdef a 1 0 "rcase m Roubaix, their bodies haviog jbeeii terribly mutilated with a batched The body of another man. waj recovered,re covered hanging higher up the " stLi* 1-*! case, and the police believe he was the perpetrator of the crimes and that he 1 i afterwards committed suicide, r* i

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

Death of Mr «J *.JB2» Buchanan.

——"»™ j „• .■ v, London, January L,, John E. Buchanan, master of the ' Ashburton High School, died to-day. '■ tl£

THE RECENT GALES.

London, December 30] v '- During a gale four coasting vessel^ •>• were wrecked m the Irish sea, the.""'-* majority of their crews being drownefl. • '"* The barque Kirkmichael, which went ashore at Holyhead, has broken up, and her cargo, valued at £150,000, 4» is being washed ashore. ? The latest addition to the list of > shipping casualties m connection with the gale is the wreck of the barque Osseo, which went ashore at Holyhead. Twenty-six of those on board were, drowned. The gale is blowing with*, renewed vigftr and many wrecks are , . reported along the coasts'". London, January 1 The P. and 0. Company's steamer Chusan encountered a severe storm m m Bay of Biscay. Heavy seas swept her decks, killing one seaman and in juring several others..

Lord Randolph Churchill

London, January I Lord Randolph Churchill is slightly better, and hopes are entertained of his recovery.

The Imperial Revenue

London, January I The revenue collecte4 the Unite^ Kingdom for the year sho.ws a genera^ revival m trade,

"Too Much Engaged."

Sydney, January % Owibg to private business Mv Slattery, a former member of the Bibbs Ministry, has resigned his seat io the I^islative Assembly*

\"N\, ' > . . •



Winner, Olive Meddings Thomas Smith William Brock Percy Whito Arthur Kelly Dan. Moriarty Clara Rule 4.1111 Mcl£ay

School, Ashburton Ashburtbn Hampstead Aghburton Ashburfcon Ashb,urton Willowby

Marks. 280 265 255 252 250 229 218 212



One Box op Clarke's B tl Pm'M is wasrofx ted to cure all discharges from the Urinary Organs, m either sex (acquired or consti tutional), Gravel and Pains m the Back, Guaranteed free from Mercury. Sold m Boxes 4a 6d each, by all Chemists and Paten. Medicine Vendors thronghoufe the World Proprietors : Tins Lincoln AKD Midlanb ppHFjizss V%vg CPMPAny^ Liagoln, E»g1,»84



DOLLAR -eiGAjiSlijy^BlS.—3d. No] holders or photos—Res^y ,%ffpvs,, I Wholesale agent v .., j



FIRE ALARMS Allenton - one toll Borough, north of railway ..„ two tolls Borough, south of railway ... three tolls Hampatead four tolls



CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAE 1894-95 N. Z. C F. Opened up this week for the holidays, NEW TIES, NEW SILK HANDKERCHIEFS. ALiTE shipment of Men's Navy Blue and White STRAW HATS, to be Cleared at 3?, worth 4s 6d. BOYS 1 STRAW HATS Is. We have the Latest shapes m Hard and Soft FELT HATS. See our Windows for Grand Christmas Display, For comfoib try one of the New* Soft Felt Hats—weight l|oz « » clothing/ department. AJ"few^' Boys; Washing Blouses tojjbe Cleared at 33 3d. Gents' Fancy Vests m Great Variety. FOR TraVELLING Steel Trunks from 12s f Portmanteaux and Giadstonejjßags. » HANDSOME .PRESENT— A*Bismarck Sewing Machine with Cove for jSS lOs. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHIHS FACTORY ALEX. HENDRY, Manager



'HO LADlES.—Spring Cleaning.—We I -■- have just received Three Cases or Curtains arid Liberty Muslins, together j with new Patterns m Carpets, Oilcloths, ' and Linoleums. China Matting from B£d per yard.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goga;lea, X Folders, and everything m the optlca" line at S. Salek's, Optician. /^HKISTMAS Presents, Choice Orna■ \ J rnents, Zithers and Jew's Harpp, Balls and Dolis for everybody from id each ; Jointed Dolls for 6ii, Sleeping Beauties Is, Chinese Conquerors 6d, Russian Embassies Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, (Scotch Greys, and Ennis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap afc Mrs Alcorn s Ladia^' Underclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street.



<J QAt New Year Cards and New LkJksQ* Year Gifts of various kinds. Fancy Goods, including Fancy Glass and Chinawaue^ Tojs of various kinds, Chinese Lanterns, Ne,w (Games for indoors and outdoors, ircludins? 'JCennis and Cricket Material; Writing I3qs&s and Cases, [nkstanclf, Photo and Scras> Albunis, Ladies' Hand Bags, Picture frames Pictures, Tex's, A ccordeons, Concertinas, j Violins, Zither Harps, Banjos and a' great variety of other goods all at Reduced vices for Uah ab L, F, Andkewbs asd Go. 1*



JT AD IKS' and Gentlemen's left-off J u J €Lothes and all kinds of goods bought, mid, or exchanged. — Mes KnighT, opposite Templar Hall, near Post Office. 11 170 BWEF.PING Reductions. ~ls Books for od, Is 6d Books for Is, 2a Books for Is 6d, 2a 6d Books for 2s, and all others at equ&l rate of reduction at L. F. Andjiewbs and Go's., Cash Sale. 618 GUNS i Guns ! Guns ! My new stock _. ofGunaj tfst to hand direct from the manufacturers. Ppyble and Single Barrel Breech Loaders, Rl&m, ate. In btifictlon invited. No old stock select from nt J. W. Hardley's Sporting! Repositotj' i^iHEAP Christmas Present, Cheap V-/ New Year Gifts, Cheap Toys, Cheap Dolls, Cheap Fancy Go&fa. Mas Adams, Sannders' Buildings. WANTED Known —That if you are m want of a tirsi, class article m sum mer Bo«tsi and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moison's ; you will get t'ke icery bast at reduced prices. As for his owtfi make, they are well known to the delight .of tit* {fearers, throughout the Australasian colanje*.. Jlepairs well done and at once. Premier feqtyi Maker, Town Hall Boot Store, 'Fy flipeei, As^burton. WANTEID Kiaown—That owing fa the success of tive %le now being held up at feanders' IBuildiings, apposite Rail-, way Stglion, ib will be for another twenty-eighfc days- lam not advertising a few cheap" liil&S, fopt tlie whole of the atock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of (securing genuine bargains—A Laweie. 366



WANTED — Everyone to see our splendid display of Christmas j Fruib, etc. Don't miss seeing the Finest Show m Ashburton. Note address— j Fletcher Bros., Wholesale and Retail Grocers, Cash Supply Stores, Aahburton. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Uegatta Shirts, all sirea, | with or without collars, 2s 6d.—W. H. ! Collier,, WE Hold a Large Stock of the Latest Novelties m Materials for Blouses and Walking Dresses. Just opened, ex Pakeha and lonic, Dress Goods of choice selection, Sunshades and Umbrellas.—Mitchell and Turner. f>OBERT ALCORN has^n^Tin •A-1-1 Baker's Buildings, next the Court house, with a stock of Clothing, etc., bought at Edwards, Bennett's and the Kaiapoi Sules, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashbarton, Also an assortment of Boots. ; TTH ANTED Known—The Corner !e , V¥ showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. I Collier. WAFTED -Every Lady to try Madam Baicombe's Patent Ex- I pandinsf Belt Corset (registered), guaran- I teed whalebone throughout. Orders left lat Mr E. Hall's, Herbalist, Ashburton. will receive prompt attention. 10 86 ; "PRESENTS. We are now dying I I Presents to all purchasers of 2s 6d i and upwards.—H. C. Segers, Melford !• House. "O BOENT Arrivals -Ladiea' and Gentle -^ men's Summer Boots and Shoes, Crickriing and Tennis Shirts. Unlimited selection of Summer Ties and Hats.— Mitchell and Turner i I VTOTICEI Notice Sport for all ! _ Guns let oik, on hire cr sold on j tim<? payments. Having; a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description. Gun fittings m stock. Prices low.—J. W Haudley, Ironmonger, etc DOY'S and Girls Own Annual, British [ •-' Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine., The Prize, Child's Companion, Ihi'dren'** Friend, Little Dot, Family Friend* Band of Hope, Young England, and other New Books at Lowest Prices.— L. F. Akdrewes and Co. 11 98 BANG ! Bang i Bang ! My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Club Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardley's, Gun Emporium.



Wanted ' SACRED Concert by the Willowhy Choir, Oddfellows' Hall, Friday, •Tanaary 11. Particulars future advertise ment, 1 8 WANTED, by single gentleman, a j bedroom without board, near I Masonic Hall preferred. Apply X Y.Z.. Mail Office. l 5 . OST, at Lonjrbeach Bachelors' Ball, a ' - paie yellow feather Fan. Finder rowaided on leaving at Mail Office. 1 3 | OST—A Cushion for back seat of > Bon Cart. Finder please return 10 office of this paper. 12 194 WANTED Known—That H. A~. 1 lower, Confectiunflr. Eas^ street, has a splendid variety of Fry's and Cadbury's Chocalate Boxes, now ia stock. fVTANTED Known-Holders of Vf Present tickets can new get them ohanged —H. 0. Segers, Melford House, DLANKETS bought at Edwards %* Bennet's Sale, a" special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9d. Extra large and heavy 15a 6d and 16a 6d.— Robert Alcorn 9 Baker's Building*, TITA.NTED Known — Mbs Hooper T* (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Foreet Road, Ashburton. 11*134 WANTED Knowia.—Miss Murphy' Dressmaker, has removed to Burnett Street, next to Orange Hall. ; Wedding and Mourning orders especially attended to* T) EAUTIFUL and useful Presents to J-J all purchasers of 2s 6d and upwards. —H. C Segers, Melford House. fJWIS Make m Ladies' and Children's V-r Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, (Huslina, Flannelettes, Trimming*, etc. t at Mrs Alcorn's new shop, Baker's Buildings.



£}AH IHa PRICE re- I JLUS. qaired for T.B s 1184, 1185 each containing \ acre, Cameron Street> West, fenced and planted : with macracarpa. ! Persons desirous of building are Invited \ to inspect. Easy terms. T. BULLOCK. TO LET, at a low rental, small shop m the Arcade, next but one to Tancred street. T BULLOCK. W"*~~AFI; Sis, Everybody to use Titan Soup, gNwteet marvel ol the age. fi» Zk#DM&i Sole AgenU . x t



NOTE ADDRESS -; FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STOEES, ASHBDE.TON, AND LOWER HIGH STREET, OHRISTOHURCH. Don t miss seeing our splendid show of Christmas Fruits, &c,



WIN SLOW. foEOTIONS 140, 141, 150 and 151, an ,*^ acre m one block on the upper side of railway. Offers are Invited for these. LTtfrma if required. Apply to T. BULLOCK. H I/JNGBBAOH COACH. ON and after WEDNESDAY, Janu ary 2, the Longbe&ch Coach will start from Ash barton at 4 p.m. R. R. BROWNE, , rh&chmam r»ULLAR CIGARETTE-3d per packet



I FOB GHBISTMAS, 1894, AND NEW YEAB, 1895. PEESENTS. INSPECTION is inyited of the New, Choice, and High-olass Stock ab the Jewellery Establishment of \ S. SALEK, i WATCHMAKER AND JEWELL E|R EAST STREET Vhwe is to be seen the LARGEST and OHOIOEST Stock of Gold and Silver Jewellery, Diamond Goods and Plate, m the District. Bought for Cash and marked down at Prices which must prove \ S. S"ELBE'S To be the Cheapest Establishment m the District, and inspection will prove a Stock equal to any m Ohristchuroh is to bo found. i . S. SALEK, P WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER.



18 9 4. Christmas and New Year's Greeting FLETOHEE BROS-, HAVE JUST RECEIVED E;X GOTHIJC— 100 cases Finest New Vestisan Currants 50 boxes Finest New Sultanas »**" 30 boxes Finest New Valencias 50 boxes Finest New Elemes 25 boxes Australian Muscatels, to be cleared at 8d per 1b ALSO THE FOLLOWING JUST TO HAND FOR CHRISTMAS TRADE- Jordan Almonds Dessicated Cocoanut Keene'a Mixed Spice Preserved Fruits Preserved Ginger Pears, Peaches, Cordials, <£c. Apricots, dec. Valencia Almonds I rib bottles of Persian Sherbit, 8d per bottle. A splendid line of Christmas Cake m Fancy Baskets to be sold at^ls 6d each. PLEASE NOTE that all those Goods are of the very FINEST QUALITY PROCURABLE, whbh we intend to sell at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. A look at our windows will show. ■ r\» , i „„ ■PRESERVING SEASON, 1895. JUST LANDING Ex AURIGA,— 25 tons Finest Mauritius Cans Sugar (llGi bags.) This is the FINEST CANE SUGAR to begot and jam, &c, made witb'fit will keep almost any length of time.



Business Notice-. ; 1 Holidays. Holidays. HOLIDAYS ARE NOW IN FULL SWING. mHE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN CANTERBURY FOR I>rapei\y, Clothing, and Boots. G J. WEIL L. Flannelettes 2a lid dozen Double Bed Sheeting 9£d Good Washing Print 3sd A Man's Real Good Sum for a Pound A Holiday Dresa for 3s lid A Boy'a Suit for 3s lid Calico 2b lid dozen BOOTS. BOOTS. Ladles Shoes 4s lid 1 Man's Bluchers 4s lid Mea'B Nailed Shooters slid ( G. J. NEILL. EAST STREET, FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS.