Asburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Preævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 27, 1897.

THE RECENT GENERAL ELECTION.

I V paper just issued by the Segistrar -1 General, as a supplement to the official year-book for 1896, contains some very interesting facts and figures with reference to the recent General Elec (ion, from which we extract the follow ing for the h>formation of our readers *. —Dealing with the population of both sexes, it is found that the total number of persons on the rolls was 339,280, out of a total adult population estimated at 356,658. These results give a propor tion of 95"11 per cent of arl-lts who were registered as electors, as against 94 98 at the previous election in 1893 The number of persons who voted was 258,254, or 76-13 per cent of the number on the rolls, a slightly higher proportion than obtained in 1893, which was 7525 per cent. Dealing with men only, the number on the rolls was 196,925, or almost the full number of adult males in the colony as esti mated from the census. It would seem that the rolls must have been, at any rate, more accurate than in 1893, when the number of male names was actually fourteen thousand above the estimated adult male population. The males who voted in 1896 were 149,471, or 75-90 per cent of those on the rolls, against 69"6 i per cent in j 1893. The figures relating to women show that a larger proportion (8913 per cent) of adults were registered as electors in 1896 than in 1893 (78-48 per cent), which would indicate an increasing disposition to use the franchise. But the number of women who voted, 108,783, is only 7644 per cent of the females on the rolls, while in 1893 there were 90,290 who voted, giving the higher proportion of 85*18 per cent; so that as to actual voting (assuming the figures to be correct) there is no proof of a greater willing ness now on the paft of the females to go to the poll than at the time the franchise was conferred upon them. Of a Maori population amounting to 39,854 persons, 13,008 voted at the general election. In 1893 the voters numbered 11,269, or 1739 persons fewer than on the last occasion. As the Native population did noc increase between 1891 .and 1896, but rather diminished somewhat, it would appear that Maoris are taking more interest as to their representation in Parlia ment than formerly, or that there is now more convenience for attending to vote and better knowledge of political affairs. A tabulated statement giving the total number of electors on the various rolls, and the number who recorded their votes in the several electorates, shows that in Ashburton electorate, with a population of 10 331, there were on the rolls, males 2878, females 1973, and of these there voted, males 2002, females 1604, showing that the numbers of those who did not vote were males 676, females 369. The figures for neighboring electorates were: Seliri/n, on roll, males 2510. females 15-49; votes recorded, miles 20-1 & fern lies 1128; Gcraldine, on roll, males 2528, females 1826 ; votea re corded, mal. s 2045, fem-iles 1530; Timaru, on roll, ma'es 2198, females 2275, votes recorded, m vies 1947, females 1775 ; Waitaki, on roll, males 2787 ; femaleß 1586 ; votes recorded, males 2218, females 1261.

Local and General.

, I Stratford is the proud possessor of a pumpkin weighing 119 lb, which measures 6 feet 8 inches round the girth. White cranes and crested bitterns are protected under the Animiis Protection Act, and cannot, therefore, be shot, I Excellent specimens of copper have been procured by three prospectors in the Maha rahaiM. range, near Woodville. News has been received in Wellington of the death in France of the Key. Father Lam pilla, who was a missionary iv New gealand in the early days, Mr Carncross, the member for the Taieri, is spoken of as being a likely man to be appointed one of the Government whips next session. 11 Good-bye, Jock, and heaven help yer," is the latest form of leave-taking in the Empire City. All t}ie larrikins have got I hold of the gag. Russian and German diplomacy afc Wash ington, it is reported, had a great effect in t'efeiting the ratification of the Anglo- Americ&n Arbitration Treaty; 1 he Ashburton Brass Band will perform a 1 selection of sacred musio in the Domain in the afternoon of Sunday week, and will take up a collection in aid of the Hawke's B*y Relief Fund. The carpet in the Queen's private railway carriage coat £150. The curtains are hung on silver poles, which cost ten guineas each. The door handles cost £150. The whole saloon cost £6000. Ehe plumbago discovery at Qjllingawood, Nelson, is of importauce the iode has opened out to something like 10ft in thick ness, and the quality, says the Colonist, has improved. "Jackson, where is the North Pole?" "I dunno, sir." ''What! you don't know where the North Pole is? Are you not ashamed of such ignorance?" •• Well, sir, please sir, Franklin, Nansen, and all the rest of 'em couldn't find it." The following persons have been nomi nated as candidates for the office of member ot the South Rakaia Road Board ;—Messrs J. J. Duncan, J. Lambie, E Richards, and J." Stringfellow, the three latter being the retiring members. A poll for the election of three of the above will be held at the Road Board Office, Rakaia, on Monday next. The Jerusalem correspondent of the Jewish Chronicls mentions that a staamer has at last been put upon the Jordan, which makes the journey from Jericho along the Jordan to Tiberias, on the sea of Galilee, in five hours. Recently four Jewish families have settled iv Jericho, having rented for five years from the Sultan a large area of fruitful land for cultivation and to be inigated from the Jordan. A singular case of child suffocation occurred in Collingwood on Saturday after uoon last. A 14-months 5 old infant was put to sleep iv a cot. Some hours later it was found dead, its body hanging out of the cot, while the head was caught by the neck between some iron bars which formed the side of the cot. Apparently the ohild had tried to scramble out of the cot, aad got c light between the bars iv doing so. Don't Cough.—Relief cm be obtained immediately. Use'KEATING'S COUGH LOZKNGES'—weII known as the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly re commended by many eminent physicians They at once check the cough aud rajnove the cause without any after tffeot; the moat delicate can therefore can take them. One JLoaenge alone gives ease—one or two a bedtime ensures rest. $old everyvher?. iv

Owing to misreading a telegram from Mr G. Murray Aynaley, the name of Belli gerent waa omitted from the entries fnr the Avhburton Racing Club's Handicap to be run on the second day of the meeting. A rumor reaches ua (we do not vouch for its accuracy), that Mr F. E. Wright, lately of Aahburton, who went to London to ex ploit a consumption cure, has gone with Mr Cecil Rhodes to South Atnca to try his j ' hand at the rinderpest,. j The Caledonian socials which were so < enjoyable last year are to begin for thia year I to-morrow evening. A gre&i number of new members have been admuted by the Com mittee and it is probable that the Oddfellows' Hall will have to be engaged for this season. Since the disaster in flawke'a Hay, local prices for many neces-aries are reported to have advanced considerably. For instance, it is reported that in N ipier milk is selling at la per quart, butter 2s per lb, whilst meat is just double the price it wa?, and vege tables are scatce. Captain Edwin reports that there are evidencea that a cyclone centre, travelling to t-outh east or S.S.K, exists in the Tasman Sea It is probably decreasing in intensity, but may be expected bo arrive on the West Coast, probably between Cape Farewell and Manukau, between the 29th and 30th mats. Oue Victorian orchardist, by irrigation, has for the last two or three years been mak ing upwards of £80*) per annum, according to his own personal statement, from an area of 40 acres, 10 of which are taken ap by his house and grounds, 30 only being under cul tivation in vines and fruits. Two Maori Parliaments are how proceed ing, one at Wahi, King Mahuta's settle ment on the Waikato River, oppositeHuntly, and the other at Waipatu, in the Wairarapa district At Wahi there are several hun dreds of natives gathered, including Maoris from Waikato, Waipa, Tauranga, Thames and the King Country. The Datives are discussing land laws affecting Maori land and other legislation in regard to the natives. ;

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council took place last evening. Present— The Mayor, Crs Thomas, Bird, Collins, Baker, and Or r. Tne Mayor reported that the debit balance at the Bink was £1569 18s sd, while the income from ail sources since last 'meeting had amounted to £120 0s 6d. CORRESPONDENCE. From Ashburton County council re reserve 3181 outfall drain.—Received. From E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R., in reply to Council's letter re railway reserve and JVloore street crossing ; also from Hon. W J. Steward and J. C. Wasoa, M.H. R.'s. —Received. From Assistant General Manager New Zealand Railways re opening Moore street crossing, and re clearing railway reserve. The crossing would be opened if the Council paid the cost amounting to £45, but the Department did not see its way to clear the reserve. From C.ty Council office, Christchurch, re celebrating record reign of Her Majesty the Queen. From the secretary of the Ch&ritable Aid Board re annual contribution. —Proposed to pay monthly. From Mr C. W. Purnell, accepting appoint ment of Borough so icitor. From Mr H. M. Jones, re supplying the Encyclopaedia Brittannica. From W. Tyree, New Zealand Acetylene Gas Company, re new acetylene gas.— Referred to Lighting Committee. From Clerk Upper Ashburton Road Board re fluming Winter's road race.—Referred to Works Committee with power to act. drivers' licenses Drivers' licenses were granted to Messrs G. Scott and 8. Trevurza. I'IRE BRIGADE. The Brigade repotted that a fire had taken place within the borough at the residence of Mr J. McGregor, on April 23, but had been put out with buckets of water without serioua damage. RECORD REIGN. It was decided that the Mayor and Cra Collins and Thomas be a committee to confpr with the County Council re the celebration of the record reign of Her Majesty the Queen. RATES. A rate of Is in the £ was struck for the ensuing year. TENDER. The tender of Mr Nelson Eden for clearing willows and broom near the riverbed waß accepted. engineer's report. The following report was read :— Mr Bullock's application for asphalt footpath.—The Works Comnv'ttee recom mend that this work be proceeded with as soon as the owners of T.S. 725 agree to pay their proportion of cost. —Agreed to with amendment that the whole footpath be asphalted from Mr Bullock's shops to apex of triangle. Stables Building—We have advertised for tenders for this work, to be delivered on Monday, the 3rd of May. Will the Council authorise the Works Committee to deal with the matter.—Referred to Works Committee with power to act. Water Rices, etc.—We find the Borough water race in a very bad state choked with grass and weeds, etc, and needs clearing out. The open part of the outfall drain also requires clearing of weeds and silt; the water is being backed up in the sewer, —Decided to have the matter seen to, Labour Gang.—The men have been engaged in carting shingle for streets and footpaths, and soil to the Domain and sections, fencing part of Walker street, watering streets, clearing side channels and carting away the rubbish, repairing gates in Domain, erecting temporary fence at running track, attending to water supply, and other maintenance work. The Library Committee reported as follows !— Encyclopaedia Brittanniva. —Your Com mittee would sxrongly urge the Council to purchase this work for the reference library, and would recommend that the purchase be made out of the amount of £25, voted by the Council for a supply of new books, and that the balanoe of this amount be expended in the printing of a new catalogue and necessary binding.—Held over for next meeting. inspector's report. The inspector reported as follows": —I have seen Drs Maude, Leahy and Hunter and these gentlemen inform me that there are uo infectious diseases at present in Ashbur ton ; in fact the borough is very free from sickness. There are a great many dogs at present in the borough unregistered, and I ask if I am to take any action in the matter.—lnspec tor to be instructed to take immediate action i in regard to unregistered dogs. LEASE OF RESEBVBS. Tenders were accepted as follows: — T.S. 771, Mr P. Cox, £3 ; T.S 772, Mrs E. Crowe, £15s; R.S. 1613, Mr Kingston, £3 15s; T.Ss. 1098, 1099, 1100, 1105, 1106, 1107, Mr H. Willis, £5 10s. Tha Council then sat as a DOMAIN BOARD. The following report from the Curator was read ;—I have to inform you that since last meeting I have received a large package of plants and bulbs fjrom Mr J. Donald, Papanui. — Resolved that the doaor be thanked lam glad to be abe to state that the A.A.C. and A.C. sports on Easter Monday passed off without any injury to the Domain and in the best possible order. Ih.e track and oval were kept, clear without any trouble which is a great advantage to visitors. If there is no likelihood of new gates being erected at the lodge entrance to the Domain I would sug gest having a box gate —the same as those in the paddoaks~-placed at the lodge entrance. Mobs of sheep and cattle are passing daily and the small gate i 3 some times left open and they get in. We have I also been troubled lately with stray catflo wandering about at night near the pates.— i It was resolved that the erection of gates bo lield over for next mealing, also that the riinger be informed re stray cattle. TENDERS FOE tUIiVOGIS. ! The successful tenderers were—(l) Hos-< pital Board, 3 guineas ; (2) and (3), W. J. Siloock, £1 5s per acre ; (4) h. Higgins, 18s per acre ; (5), M. Moriarty, 21s per acre. HOCKEY CLCB. The secretary of the Hockey Club wrote iskins cost of oval or the old grounds for playing on. It was decided to let the Club have the use of the old grounds for £2 Bs,

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

Expulsion of Greeks from Turkey. \ ———__ i

Turkhh Victory at Mati

Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Athens, April 25. The capture of N(zeros and ths evacuation of Turnova and Larissa leaves the Turks masters of practically the whole of the Greek territory north of the Orthrys mountains, including wide stretches of the rich Thessilian Plains. From Larissa the railway runs to Volo, at the head of the Gulf of Volo. j Osman had reached Salonica and left i for the front. It is reported thit Izz-it Bey haß been restored to the Suitan'B favor. The commander of the European troops at Meraklion has asked for re inforcements. The Cretan insurgents assisted by the Greek soldiers are blockading the town, and great excite ment prevails amongst the Moslem residents. Received Wakapuaka, April 27, 9.46 a.m. , Guabdian office, 11 a.m. Athens, April 26 Further particulars of the recent fighting show that Koitika was cap tured by the Turks on Thursday after a fierce battle. Battles at Rivein and Mati were fought on Friday. Tne Greeks fought with splendiri dash and doggedness. The Duke of Sparta and Prince Nicholas, third son of the King, were under fire. Prince Nicholas acted with great gallantry. The Duke of Sparta telegraphed the King at noon on Friday that the situat ion at Mati was highly satisfactory, but later the defeat of the brigade at Rivein enabled the Turks to outflank Mati and the Greeks were compelled to retreat after 6i hours fighting. The Turkish cavalry charged splendidly and the complete rout of the Greeks was only prevented by nightfall. Received Wakapuaka, April 27, 9.50 a.m , Guardian office, 11 a.m. Athens, April 26. The Greek officers shot several fugitives on the retreat from Mati. Fourteen guns were captured by the Turks at Mati. luring the night the Duke of Sparta formed his army into •"hree columns and retreated on Phersalia tie hopes to mass forty thousand troops there. Before leaving Larissa the Turkish portion of the town was burned, and th« bridges and part of the railway were destroyed. The wounded Greeks were left behind and the he.ivy guvs abandoned. Larissa has been occupied by Turkish cavalry. Large quantities of arms and supplies were captured. Fourthousaud women and children have left Larissa. Edham Pasha has placed a cordon of cavalry round Turnova and fo* bidden the troops to enter the town, (Received Wakapuaka, April 27 S 9 58 a.m., Guakdian Office 11.15 a.m ) Athens, April 26, Reports from Epirus as to the result of the fighting are coiiflicting. Each side claims to have gained the ad vantage. Nicopolis is being bombarded. The people of Athens were stunned by the news of the defeat and retreat of the army, and sobbed in the streets. They demand that a new commander be appointed The intended expulsion of two hundred thousand Greeks from Turkey within a fortnight is causing* a feeling of dismay in Greece, and the Powers are pressing the Sultan to modify his .decision. Constantinople, April 26 There are great rejoicings in Con stantinople at the success of the Turkish army. The >Sultan has deco rated Edhem Pasha and six divisional commanders. Sydney, April 27 In reply to a cable sent to Athens the Greek Consul here is advised that (he Greeks are simply defending them selves in Thessaly and intend moving on Janina. The prospects of success are good. The Consul has received offers for a number of Englishmen to proceed to the frontier, but excepting the case of a young lady whose services as hospital nurse have been accepted, the offers were declined. The Consul explains that Greece is more in want of money than men. Thousands of volunteers are available within twenty four hours, but the difficulty is to obtain funds to equip them. The Greeks in Sydney subscribed over £200.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

J»res3 Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Indian Famine Fund. London, April 25 The Mansion House Indian Famine Relief Fund has reached half a million.

Australian.

flew Soutli Wales Parliament. Sydney, April 20 Parliament will be opened by the Governor at noon to morrow. The speech will deal with the visit of the Premier to England, and announce that the Federation Bill will be at once submitted. The programme includes Bills to amend the Law of Libel, Rabbit Destruction, Extension of Light Rail ways to Pastoral Districts, while the Referendum Bill will be introduced in the Council. Tt is found impossible to deal with Law Reform this session, but a special session will be held next ytiir to deal with the question. The Queen's Celebrations. A detachment of fifty-five permanent artillery and sub marine miners, under c mmand of Captain Dangar, sailed to-day to participate in the Queen's ceiebrßtioni,

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

Ashburton.

. . The annual meeting of householders was held last evening. There was a very poor attendance. Mr Macpheraon was called to the chair, and after the usual f,,rma,l business had been despatched, he usked the secretary to read the annual repcrt and balance-sheet. Mr liuncau, secretary, read the annual report, which, after noting the departure of the headmaster to Christchurch, congratu lated the district on the appointment of Mr Hardie in his place. The report also men tioned the efficient state of the school, the last examination having been particularly satisfactory. The whole of the pupil teacheis had passed their yearly examina tions. The buildings, etc., were in excellent order, and the accommodation was ample. After a reference to the new Allenton school the report stated that eighteen meetings had been held by the Committee during the year f the attendances at which had been as fol j lows : — Messrs Macpherson 18 ; Silcock, » Meddins, and Phaup, 17 each ; Keir and Jones 15 each ; Chapman 13 ; Craighead 12 ; Braddell, who renigned, 4 times out of a possible 7 ; and Dunn (who filled the vacancy) 9 times out of a possible 9. The report al o made reference to the schools excursion to Christchurch and Lyttelton and to the technical education movement pro moted by the Committee, with the assist ance of other Co.nmittees in the county. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance to the incidental fund of £37 5s Bd. The report aad balance - sheet were adopted. Nominations were then taken for the Com mittee election, and thirteen names were put up. Messrs McGregor Barrett, and Dixon were appointed scrutineers. The ballot having been taken, the scrutineers reported as follows ;— Votes. David Macpheraon «-. .« 25 James Keir 25 W. Craighead .. ... ... 25 W. H. Rule 22 W. J. Silcock ... 20 George Meddina ... .... 20 J. R. Chapman ... 20 E. W. Hanmer 19 John Phaup ..,■ ... ... 19 F. H. Sttel 13 Mac Lean Dunn ...„ ... 13 D. C. Stocks 9 H. M. Jones 8 The first nine were declared elected, and the meeting adjourned. At the Committee meeting Mr Macpherson was re-elected chairman.

Hampstead

winter hoi.days, it was deemed advisable to give only Good Friday and Easter Mon day, and let teachers and pupils have a week k*er on as desired by themselves ; and I trust that the new Committee will accept a recommendation to act on this suggestion. The accounts of the Commit! c have been audited and certified as correct. The re ceipts, including balance from previous year, were £977 tf a Id ; expenditure, £939 15a i lOd—leaving a balance of £38 Os 3d, out of j which the past quartet's Jiabili'ies have to be paid, and the heavy item of fuel for the coming winter has partiy to be provided for, in additiou to ordinary expenses. W. J. Obooks, Chairman. The adoption ot the report was carried unanimously. Mr Crooßs, in ppe.iking of the hobby show which the teachers proposed to hold for the purpose of clearing off the deficit balance on the piano, and having a balance left in hand for the prizes, asked Mr Brock to give an outline of what it was intended to do in con nection with it. Mr Brock stated it was intended to have a separate room in which a show of various articles made by the children will be exhi bited ; another room for various articles of clothing, etc., for sale; another room for refreshments ; and another room in which*»n entertainment will be held each evening. The exhibition to be open for about three evenings. He thanked the outgoing Com mittee for the alterations they bad made to his house, which had added greatly to his j oomfort, and he moved a hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing committee for the work they had done during the past year. The motion was seconded by Mr Moriarty and cirried unanimously. Mr Crooks stated that the alterations to the school had been recommended by the inspectors, and he stated that the new Com mittee would be able to start under very favorable ciroumstancea. The ballot for the new Committee then took place and resulted as follows s— J. McKeague t » „ „ 28 H. A. Pickford .-23 W. Sage ... ... 22 A. Lawrie ... ,„ ,„, 22 W. Strange ... „ 21 W. J, Crooka 21 A. Hardy 21 A. Hendry „. 20 A. Andrews .... ... »„ 19 G. J. F.Lublow .... ... 14 H. G. Berryman ... « 14 F.Johns  12 G. W. Andrews , m «,„ 11 A vote of thanks was passed to the scru tineers, A meeting of the new Committee was then held. Mr Crooks was elected chairman, and thanked the meeting for the confidence re posed in him in electing him to the chair. He said that in regard to the subscription list for the Hawke's Bay relief fund, at a meeting of the Borough Council held last week it was decided to make a canvass of the town, and in that case most of the people would probably be called upon. 16 was decided to see the secretary of the relief fund as to whether Hampstead was mc uded in the districts to be canvassed, and if bo to return the subscription list; but if not, the Town Board ought to take the matter in hand. Messrs Laurie, Hendry, McKeague, and Pickford were elected as a Committee to see after the hobby show. The sum of £1 was voted for kindergarten material, as a^Ued for by Mr Brock. The second Monday in each month was decided upon as the meeting night. It was decided to call tenders for coal and firewood for the use of the school, Mr Bell was re-elected secretary. Ihe caretaker was re-elected. A vota of thanks was passed to the chair man and the press, aud the meeting ad journed.

The annual meeting of the householders of the Hampstead district^was held in the Hampstead school on Monday evening, for the purpose of electing a School Committee for the ensuing year. There was s, good attendance of householders, about forty being present. Mr W. Crooks was voted to the chair. The Secretary read a letter from Mr tfealy, wnich stated that a Central Comm.ttee had been formed for the purpose of obtain ing subscriptions of money, clothes, and produce for the Hawke's Bay flood sufferers, and asking the co-operation of the Commit tee. The Secretary then read the report of the outgoing Committee, which was as follows : Ladies and Gentlemen, —I have the honor to submit to you the following report in reference to your district; school for the past twelve mouths, and have great pleasure in informing you that the past year's experience has been a repetition of the two previous ones, inasmuch as the school has maintained its standard of attainment and discipine, and more than held its own in point of attendance. The credit of this satisfactory condition of the school is mainly due to the enrueat and capable staff of teachers under the guidance of the headmaster (Mr William Brock) who, while relaxing nothing in discipline, have worked amicably together and avoided all friction, either amongst themselves or with the parents of the pupils. Such being the case, you can understand the work of the Committee has been light, and the management of the school little more than a matter of friendly consultation with the headmaster, and it has been a pleasure to the Commiitee to endeavor to meet the teachers wth respect to the dates and duration of holidays and other matters, and support them general:y in their unremitting and praiseworthy efforts to maintain the efficiency of the school. During the past year the assistant mistress, Miss Andrews, resigned her appointment, Miss Williamson, the second assistant, was promoted to be first assistant mistress, and Miss M. Bennett appointed as second assis tant, but the untimely death of Miss Bennett rendering the post again vacant, Miss A. Lusk was appointed to it. Great regret was felt by the Commit cc at the loss of such an excellent teacher as Miss Bennett, but Mis Lusk has already proved herself a worthy successor. All the pupil teachers but one passed their year's examination, and j Miss Rattray having completed and passed I the fourth year left the school, and Miss McDonald entered it as a probationer. One pupil, Thomas Stephens, also took a High School scholarship. After years of importuning, the Board of Education has a few months ago rnado cou siderable additions to the master's house, which now is more in accordance with what the master of a school like Hampstead had a right to expect. The want of accommodation in the school is much felt on account of the unfavorable conditions under which some of the classes have to be taught, but although the necessity for additions has been for a long time past urged on the Board and com mented on by the Inspectors, the Board of Education has been otherwise ill-advised, and postponed the matter from time to time, the last until after the Allenton school is finished. Now, ib is evident to me that, however the other suburbs of Ashburton may progress, it is inevitable that Hamp- stead must progress in a greater ratio, as the tendency of Aahburton town is to fill up in that direction, and the better quality of the land in Hampstead will always induce settlement, and it is only a question of a comparatively short time, when the adjacent agricultural lands, already too valuable for farming, will be subdivided and sold in small sections, and the population of Hamp stead Town District will double that of Ashburton Borough—it is at present about the same. If, as is now the case, when our own school is overcrowded, we were to send any of our children to Ashburton, it wou'd ouly be doing an injury to that school by renewing the inconvenience and pressure of which it is about to be relieved by the side school at Allenton. Moreover, the railway line is an effective bar to such a transfer, as, apart from the extra distance, parents will not be induced to allow their children to run the risk of crossing the line so close to a station where engines are shunting all day, to say nothing of the horse traffic in East and West streets. I have referred so fully to this nutter as parents have complained of j their children being taught in the porches, , that they may know that it has not been the j fault of the Committee, j A continued refusal to grant reasonable i teaching accommodation cannot but have a discouraging effect on an earnest and efficient staff and any Committee recognising the importance of education, and having the ; interest of the school at heart. The grounds and buildings are in first rate order. A concert was given about the end of November last, and a subscription list opened to procure funds for prizes and pay an instalment on the piano. Ovving to many counter attractions, only a comparatively small sum was netted from the concert, but with contributions of cash and books, the Committee were enabled to give a reasonable number of pria=s and pay A small instalment on the piano. Sewing prizes were also awarded, Mesdames Hamilton and Inglis > having kindly examined the work. There is still a considerable sum due on the piano, and the teachers are now endeavoring to promote a "hobby show," a kind of in dustrial exhibition, for a great part consist iug of articles manufactured or curios exhibited by the children themselves, which it is hoped will prove attractive and re munerative, ; The Committee did not close the school on the occasion of the last excursion to Lyttel ton, as it was considered inadvisable to make a break in the teaching so soon after the Christmas holidays; and for the same reason, and that there would otherwise be a long qo.br.Qk.eQ period of worfc. till tfct next <

Tinwald.

Following are the names of the newly elected Committee :—Messrs J. A. Clothier (chairman), P. Bonnington, James Oudsell, C. Doherty, J. Stephens, James Hampton, J. M. Hampton.

Eiffelton.

The attendance of householders was very small, Mr Hillyer in the chair. The out going Committee showed a balance of £3 6s 3d. There were only four elected for the Committee, viz., Messrs J. Hiilyer, J. McCormack, Hugh Cullen, and R. &. Lus combe. At a tubaequent meeting, Mr R. B. Luscombe w«b re-elected chairman.

Flemington.

At the householders' meeting last night the following were elected members of the committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs Thomas Addis, S. Anderson, William Ander son, William Dakers, J. Dunn, William Prebble, and J. W. Parker. A meeting of the newly elected committee was held immediately after the election and Mr John Dunn was unanimously re-elected chairman.

Methven.

Last year's Committee—Messrs Shaun, Sullivan, Stobo, Alington, Baker, Morgan, and McDonald were re-elected. Messrs Baker and Wrathall tied for the lowest number of votes, and Mr Wrathall with drew. Mr Sh inn was re-elected Chairman. It was decided to take Bteps at the next meeting to enforce themoreregular attendance of many of the children.

Newlands.

Springburn.

The annual meeting of householders to elect a School Committee for ensuing year was held in the Bchoolroom on 26th 'mat., and the following committee were elected :— Messrs F. Bennison, B. Hampton, R. Cook, R. Williams, J, T. Maugiu. Mr Mangin was appointed Chairman.

There was a good attendance of haute* ho! iers and parents to elect the new School Committee, between thirty and forty being present. The ladies were conspicuous by their absence. Dr D. Syme was elected chairman, and Messrs Morrison and Jago scrutineers. A. large number were nominated, of whom the ten following consented to stand, with the results attached in order : — I'avid Syme 29, James Johnstone 28, Wm. Young 26, W. Fergus 22, G. Keveren 18, J. Macfarlane 17, d. Diack 17, G. Mintrom 17, Rev. J. Westbrook 16, R. Burgess 16. There being three equal for the sixth and seventh places, a second ballot wag taken, when Gr. Mintrom received 2Q, G. Diack 17, and J McFarlane 13 votes. Only three of the old Committee have been re-elected, viz., Messrs Young, Fergus and Diack. Of the new members Messrs Syme (chairman), and Johnstone are old identities, the re maining two being fresh representatives from Staveley sawmills. The retiring chair man, Mr Hurdley, who did not seek re election, read the circular from the Hawke's Bay Relief Fund Committee, which was left to be dealt with by the new Committee. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the meeting.

Longbeach.

The annual meeting of the householders of the above district was held in the school room, on Monday night. Ihere was a very small attendance. Mr Watson was voted to the chair, and after reading the advertise ment calling the meeting, the minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and con firmed. The Retiring Committee's report showed that the school had passed a satis factory examination in November last, thah Miss Todd the mistress had resigned and her place had been filled by Miss Elspeth G. Keid, late of Papanui. The finances showed a gross income of £241 121 2d, and after deducting the expenditure left a credit balance of £6 11. The report also stated tiiat the roll number of the Bchool had very considerably increased during the year. The report was unanimously adopted. A resolu tion conveying the thanks of the house holders to the teaching staff for the very satisfactory state of the school was also carried, ■ ' I he following gentlemen were then duly elected a Committee for the ensuing jeap, vk,—-Messrs N. March, W. pidstqne, |J. Mercer, Frank voal, Isaac Read, Alexander McLauohlau, Thomas Gollins. Mr GoHinq was re-ejected Chairman of the new Ctti£»

THE ASHBUirrON GUARDIAN : TUESDAY, APRIL 189t.



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Aehburton. TUESDAY—Vestry Meeting, 7.30 p.m. W ED NESD A Y—Choristet b' Practice, 7.30 p.m. G.F.S- (Schoolroom), 7.30 p.m. THURSDAY— MeetiDg of the Mothers' Union in St Stephen's Schoolroom at 3 p.m. A paper by Mrs Mules (wife of the Bishop of Nelson) will be read. ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISH ION ft RS,7 30 p.m. Women are also invited to be present. FRIDAY—Short Service, 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. Jl a.m.—Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 3 p.m.-GREENSTREET. 6.30 p m.—Evening Prayer. REV. T. A: HAMILTON. , w _—r i



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j OF GREAT INTEREST TO LADIES ! ! FOR THE COMING WINTEP. CAN SECURE AT THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory ! A GENUINE WATERPROOF j CLOAK, TAILOR MADE, Guaran teed Sewn Seams. CALL and Inspect our Grand Range ol Patterns. HALLENSTEIN BROS. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager.



NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. AUTUMN AND WINTER. :o: _ ] PRICES CUT TO SUIT THE KEEN WEATHER AND KEENER TIMES. LOOK OUT. LOOK OUT. THE CEKTRAL CASH DRAPERY AND CLOTHfNG MART. NEXT TO J. ORR AND CO, EAST STREET. MITCHELL AND BRODRIBB GIVE THE BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. EVERYTHING NEW, EVERYTHING GOOD, EVERYTHING STYLISH, And of Course EVERYTHING CHEAP. *T>AY Cash and Save 25 per cent. Grand assortment bought at Special Rates to enable ua to sustain our reputation, yet giving the Heafv^l^Vres^Mhe Winter, 8 3 91, worth 12a 6d. Good strong plain Homespun 4s lid dress Beautiful Tweeds, grand tieavy xwm J™°* "£ . ,ggd fu d All fhe lateßt Trimmings in Furs, Gimps, Braids, Velvets, etc ,at prices never value, newest «had| B r '^ a F LFTTES rLANNELR, CALICOS, SHKETINGS-vou'll wonder at the prices. No bad debts do it before heard of. F£A«NELfc 11 .**, t^i^ Flannels, wide width, 10id per yard. All our goods sold at prices to bring S ral b*llS Calfco Z Mhe wiDter3s P9d p°r do. ; cheaper lines at from 2, 6d per do*! Double White Shewing 10R cheap at Is 3d. you Blankets. Blankets. White Blankets, Blue Blankets, Brown and Grey Kaiapoi BSketJgl D er cent cheaper tha^any other House in New Zealand. A grand heavy Blanket at 8, lid. Art Muslins Cretonnes Blankets 25 per j* nJ °!™rc i /'«? HK IowKST-tho reason*. are-Wo Buy Cheap; we Hell for Cash Look here ! Look here!! Curtains. °°*^ f G t^B £g^ lon's and Brown's at Is lid pair ONLY MITCHELL AM) BRODRIBB HAVE TH?M Sre's ano^her-The newest tylesT, LADIES' SHOWERPROOF CLOAKS at prices 50 per cent, below anything heard of •n w V^rflw/nflKhck 17a 9d and 19* 6d, worth 30i and 355. Golf Capes, bought, to undenell any other House, save you in Brown, Navy, Grey Bkok JJ 8 JJ f n« CBNTRAL CaS H DRAPERY MART. MILLINERY, Millinery, Millinery- W\lM™Z?&?£™£™i?™fi» ecU the trimming at a low price, and guarantee you a «avin« of iju.lv 50 per cent on aU known throughlout, the J"f"^ J^g  hfc Balmorala at 12s 6d , s'ippers from 2s lid, water tights 10s 6d, women's and children's heavy Bhooler boots 9a Id, grand line oturd.» "» MEN'S WATERPROOF COATS, very deep capes, in all pittorns-We are de- M:^^tsltlT: h XerZ^ THI:-M«'.Sait. to meiore from 49 8 6d. Grapd variety White Kid Gloves and Evening Bow», etc. DON'T JTORGBT THE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, WHO ARE, AND MEAN TO BRING DOWN PRICES, MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, > fIEXU (£0 J. OHB % CO., MASS STREET, ASHBUP-ONj



BEDSTEADS. BEDSTEADS. *■ BEDSTEADS. SINGLE, THRBE-QUABTER, AND DOUBLE | BEDSTEADS. T?VLL SIZE BEDSTEADS AT ALL PRICES FROM 25s Upwards. Cots, String Mattresses, and Bedding oi all descriptions, AT I JOHN. ORR & CO., Ironmongers & General Merchants.



ME LL 0 R'S 'ZEALANDIA' BOOT STORE FEW LEATHERS. NEW LEATHERS. NEW LEATHERS. ritHE ONLY SHOP in Ashburton that is selling the Wonderful Orack- J_ proof Oalf, beautiful in appearance, and in wear practically indestruct- Kangaroo Calf, soft as a glove, with all the wearing properties of Kangaroo. Kangaroo Kip Oow Hide, dressed on a new and improved principle, equal to the hardest wearing Kip, but as soft and comfortable as kid skin. All these new leathers I have made up in Ladies' and Gentlemen's Boots and Shoes. They are splendid goods, and well won h a trial. Keep up to date and ask for these new goods. Every pair is guaranteed. JAMES MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, ASHBUIITON.



LOOK OUT. G. J. NEILL ! —IS SELLING— Table Damask at Is per yard Twill Sheeting, i yards wide, white or grey, 9^d Turkish Towels, 6d each *& Cretonne. 3Jd | Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen ! q J. N BILL I s S BLLING ~ Meii's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value] Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES 4a lid Men's BLTJGHERS 4a lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid The Cheapest Boots in Ashburton are to be got at G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET.