PHASES OF THE MOON.

DECEMBER.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1897. Local and General.

A trial of the Planet Jr. tools is adver tised by Mr D. Thomas for Saturday next, at 2 p.m., .qu ijba section n«xt the Central Hotel.

Msssrs Shearman Bros, advertise a full and comprehensive price Hat of seasonable goods.

A special stoak of the latest lines in clothing, dress and fancy goods is announced by Mr A. f. Williamson.

Sheep feed is becoming srerjr sparca in some parts of Wak&nui, and the animals foy want of better and more seasonable ' food take to straw and appear to do well on it.

The Methven Swimming bath was to have i?e,en opened y«ste,rday, by J. Holmes, Esq , but the rain was so continuous that the ceremony had to ebe postponed until Satur day.

Biihop Neville was welcomed,fa his return from England at a meeting at a meeting held on Thursday night in Dunedin, attended by 2SOO persons. Dean Fitchetb 'presided, and Archdeacon Robinson presented an address on behalf of the standing committed of tftn diwiw mi C»thedr»lc*»»pfcßr.

. George SlaUr, better known throughout the colony as " Gipsy King," a sporting writer, died this morning at Palmerston North. Deceased had been in ill health for the past two years.

Our first page to-day contains a report of the Addington stock market and farther information regarding the Bed of Rtone case ; on the fourth page will be found the report of the Mayoral installation.

Influenza is very prevalent at Methven, The school was closed for Christmas holidays a week earlier than usual, on account of the small attendance, and almost every home in the township contains someone suffering from this strange complaint.

The new advertisement of Mr 8. Salek, jeweller, which appears in this is^ue shows that h« has made a speoial effort to secure a fair proportion of the Christmas trade in presents. He is advertising several special lines at reduced prices and from the published list should be able to satisfy the require ment! of all pockets.

Harvest operations have already com menced in the Wakanui district. Several paddocks of oats have been out, and machines are still at it. Many of the grain areas would be greatly improvod by a good soaking rain, though some of the paddocks look anything but promising, the grain going off prematurely.

Mr David Thomas wilt offer for sale to-morrow (Saturday), at \\ o'clock, the household furniture of Mr Thomas Birch, who hat leased the Waltham Arms Hotel, Sydenham, and enters upon his new sphere ot life at once. Mr Birch's friends will no doubt look him up occasionally, and all will with him success.

In connection with the presentation to Mr and Mrs John Dore at the Central Hotel on

Wednesday «veiaing, it is only juat to state that Mr John Miiller, who made all the arrangements, wa> the prime mover in the whole affair, and it was owiag to his efforts, and his genial way of canvassing, that the handsome sum was raised that enabled the small committee of friends to present Mr and Mrs Dore with the substantial souvenirs they received. A few days ago Mr James Cass's horse Jack met) with an accident. Having been , left near a gate, the gate was swung too by the wind, and the horse became frightened. He, however, tried to clear the gate, though harnessed to a sulky, with the result that the gate was smashed, and Jack got some big splinters in his near fore leg just above the hoof, but with careful treatment these have been removed and he is now doing well. It is said that this horse is highly trained, and would not disgrace an Al circus.

A very pleasant social evening was spent in the Wesleyan Church at Rakaia last week. The building has recently been removed from Newtown to Rakaia, and an entertainment was given on Friday to augment the funds for removal. Songs were contributed by the Misses Gardiner and May, Messrs Sharp and

Malcolm, and Captain Owens. A series of slides, illustrating life in Central Africa, were shown by Rev J. R. Clark by means of his limelight apparatus, Mr Thompson giving the readings. Refreshments were provided by the ladies of the congregation. The vote of thanks at the close to those who had

assisted in making the affair a success was a

very hearty one, which, if any criterion at all, indicated that all present had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, On Thursday of next week an opportunity will be given to farmers, by the dispersion of a contractor's stock and plant, of supply ing themselves with good draught horses and such implements as will be necessary both during and after harvest. Mr James Nee, whoeo health is such as to necessitate relinquishing contracting, has placed in Messrs Fried lander's hands for sale, the whole of his plant. It is of the best quality, both in horses and implements. The former will be sold with all their horse furniture, and are of the right stamp for the work that is required of good farm horses. The imple ments are all good, as they had to be to tackle the work Mr Nee engaged in, and as everything has to be sold a cheap harvester or plough should be picked up. The sale will take place at Methven, and immediately after it, twenty of Mr Max Friedlandei's Blackwood Abiallah youngs'era will be offered. These are unbroken, and offer a good opportunity for securing a grand horse wi h all its future before 'it, ''- Just in Time fob Christmas—ll order to kebp "up-to-date" with our steadily increasing business we have decided to effect considerable alterations to our

premises, and to make room for the builders we have resolved to greatly reduce our stock before Christmas. We have therefore called a large quantity of our Tweeds and Worsteds, etp,' to> ple.ar at the following

reductions':—Men's suits to measure, usual

price 90s. now ?Q* | Men's trousers, usual price 259, now 15a 6d; etc. We have also pleasure in notifying that we have just been appointed agents for the famous " British Lion' and "Waverley" Bicycles (both gents' and ladies'), which we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at the lowest cash prices, or on the most liberal terms t«? suit the convenience of our customers, twery maohinp guaranteed).— Craighkap and BBRBYf an, the leading Tailors and Outfitters.

CYCLING.

Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph-" Copyright. Sydney, December 16.

Platt Betts.'the cyclist, put up a half-mile in 47aec, the world's record. The first quarter occupied 22§aec, which beuts his own record, '

WESLEYAN PICNIC.

The annual treat of the Vyeslsyan Sunday School was held at the grounds of the Ash burton salayarda on Anniversary Day. £o the early morning the teachers, assisted by a number of willing helpers, assembled for cutting up, and making the necessary arrangements, which gave every satisfaction Several showers fell during the earlier part of the day, when the large shed was utilised for singing, reciting, and other contests* The weather cleared up in the afternoon, however, and games "o£ cricket, rounders, tug-of-war, swinging, lawn tennis, and raoes, etc, were heartily indulged in, the young ladies' race being epeg ally interesting. After tea an adiournrneni was made to the school room, where a number of parlour gameg gonfiluded a yery pjeasant holiday.

A Mining Case.

Important Decision

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph, CrgEYMOUTH, December 18

A case of great iniportanoe to the finest beach mining property on the West Goast was heard and decided in the District Court to-day, before Judge Ward and four assessors. The case waa au appeal from the decision of Warden Stratford, whicsh gave to J. C. Duncan several valuable water rights, which he had previously purchased from several mining patties. The appeal was against the' Wardens decision, and was instituted by Davidson, 6'n behalf #f the Waiwhero Company. The appeal wats dis? missed with costs, the Warden's decision being upheld. This practically places the j Waiwhero Company's rights thirteen chains up a branch of a creek, and gives J. C. Duncan ttoe aujDply from the other branch, three tributaries, and tho m«in creek, where of course the principal siip'ply of wataris obtainable. The water is ample for mining on a very extensive scale, and will enable Duncan to work the rich black sand claim to great advantage. This decision sets at rent alldoubts as to the future ownership of hiß valuable watsr supply. '

PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

The Convent Schools.

Yesterday there wsb a large attendance at the Convent School to enjoy the annual entertainment given by the pupils at the close of the school year, and just before the I Ohristmaß holidays. As usual the numbers of the programme were well selected, every item being the work of a master, and the performance of the pupils showed how care-! fu' and thorough had been the teaching. In the concerted work evidence was given of how inexorable lh-> teachera are in the matter of musical time, which was kept with the precision of a metronome, while the expressive (ringing and playing bore the marks throughout of honest endeavors to train the musical instincts of the pupils to realise the spirit and meaning of the com poser. The time in the pieces for three pianos with organ (seven players) was admirable, and there were three of such pieces, with fresh players every time. la the part songs, which were sweetly sung, the solos were taken by Mies Beatrice Denshire, whose work was speoially pleasing, and gave promise of rivalling in the near future that of her gifted mother. The violin playing of Muses Digby and J. Briok was aiao commendable, and as an elocutionary effort Mies V. Johnston's recitation left little to be desired; The following was the programme :—Duet—(3pianos) "Chilperic" (Sydney Smith)—Miasea O'Keefe, T. Devane, Brick, Patohing, Johnston, and Cottrell; long and chorus—" Where shall we Wander, Bister mine?" {■*. Glover)— Senior pupils; Solo—(violin) '• Willkommen Gavotte " (J. Kessler)—Miss Digby; daet—(3 pianos) " The Birdies' Ball'» (Smallwood)—Misses McKay, Morland, Dore, E. Dore, Lagan, and W. Brick ; Solo—(3 pianos and harmonium) "Home Sweet Home" (Kane)—Misses Bullook, O'Keefe, and L. Brick, (harmonium) M. Briok; recitation—" Three days in the life of Columbus "—Miss V. Johnston ; duet —(3 pianos and harmonium) "Golden Trumpets " (FowleB) — Misses Johnston, Digby, Brick, Bland, O'Keefe, Bullock, (harmonium j L. Briok ; song and ohorus— 4< Where shall we find our home? " (Glover) —Seniorpupils; solo~(violin) "Blumenlied" (G. Lange)—Miss J. Brick; solo—(3 pianos and harmonium) " The harp that once thro' Tara's halls" (A. Wright)—Misses Briok, O'Keefe, L. Brick, (harmonium) Miss Bullock; song and chorus—"The Tuscan girl crowning the sea" (Glover)— Senior pupils ; duet-(2 pianos) " Mwrch Imperial" (E. Dorn)—first piano, Misses o'K.eefe and Bullock, second piano Misses Brick and L. Brick ; finale—" God defend New Zealand " (Weeks)— Senior pupils. After the conceit Very Rev. Father O'Donnell thanked the pupils for the superior entertainment given by them, con gratulated them and the sisters on a most satisfactory year's school work, and expressed a wish that they would enjoy the holidays on which they were to enter. He then distributed the prizes as per the following PRIZE LIST.

SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL.

Good Conduct. — Boarders — Margaret Daly, Maggie O'Grady, and Lizzie Bland; day pupils-Alice Patching, Nellie Coster, Trephena Devace. Regular attendance- Alice Patching.

Seventh Class—Christian Doctrine- Maggie O'Grady ; Arithmetic — Maggie O'Grady ; Algebra—Annie O'Keefe j Gram mar aud Composition — Lizzie Blands geography and History—Maggie Q'Grady ; Reading—Annie O'Keefe ; Writing—Lizzie Bland ; Drawing—Adelaide Scott. Sixth Class—ChristianDoctrine-sMaggie Brick ; Arithmetic—Leila Cottrell; Algebra Denshire; Grammar and Com position—Leila Cottrell | Geography and History^Maggie Brick 3 Reading and Recj? Nation —Violet Johnston; Writing^Alioe Patching j Drawing—Leila Cottrell.

Fifth Ci,ass —Christian Doctrine—Mary Morland ; Arithmetic and History—Bella Wilson; Geography—Mary Digby } Grammar —Mary Diaby ; Composition—Nellie Coiter ; Reading—Baila Wilson ; Drawiug—Mona Harrison.

Fourth Class -Christian Doctrine—Mary McKay ; Arithmetic—Carrie Friedlander ; Geography and History—Lena Lagan; Grammar and Composition—Julia Brick ; Reading—Trephena Duvane j Drawing— Ethel Walsh,'' ' '

Third Class.—Christian Doctsine—Ellen Dore ; Arithmetic—Ellen Dore ; Reading- Esther Dore; Geogr»phy—Esther Dore. Second Class.—General Progress—Wini fride Brick first, Madeline Brick second.

Music (Piano). —First class —Annie 0 Keefe first, Maggie Brick second ; second class—Violet Johnston first, Mary McKay second. Violin — Mary Digby. Theory of Music—lntermediate division, Annie Bullock first, Lizzie Brick lecoud j Junior division— Johnstop. " '

Singing—Senior division—Beatritja Den shire 5 Junior division—Mary McKay.

Fbencii—First class—Beatrice Denshire ; second class—Leila Cottrell. Needlework.—Leila Cottrell.

KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL.

llresentatiQii to fiiss Cussens.

The Orange Hall presented a gay and brilliant scene Wednes ajr aftarnoon, lv it were assembled most of the parents—at least the maternal parents -?qt §11 the children who have been papift of the Kindergarten School, as well as most of the old pupils themselves, the object of the gathering being to take leave of Miss Cassens, who has for so long, and so ably, acted as chief of the Kindergarten. .\t the door, to receive the visitors, were Meo dames Hugo and Max Frledlander, Mrs E, W. Hanmer, Mrs E. Gk Crisp, Mrs R M Outhberteon, snd B|rs John Orr. The h»ll was well filled with gussta Fhpn Misa Oussens arrived, and was welcomed by the ladies above mentioned, and others. She also received at the hands of little Mi s Dolly Friedlander a charming bouquet of beautiful flowers—MisuHettle Friedlander playing joyous music on the pi mo while Miss Cussens tyag being welcomed. Tn tha matter of lowers, tbfere was a yealth of roses and other summer flola displayed o,n the tables and elsewhere, which cm tiderably added to the grace of the gathering. Tea was Ji»n.4ed round, and after hoiior hsi be§n done to tlji^i cup o^ eomrorfc,

The Rev T. A. Hamilton aaid they all regretted very much that Mi s Cussem was about to leave Ashburton. Her wel> wishers had met to express their appreci ation of her work, and to ask her |o accept a token of their esteem It was Miss Oqasena who hal origi nated the Kindergarten in Ashbur ton, and its conduct for years by h«r had been a credit, nob only to'her but to the town. The of the Kindergarten was very different to that; carried on in the primary schools, which were fco take charg,e only of children who had reached tfj@ age of fjve years. earfcen work began with; children of tl]iree; and the aim of the system was to l'astr&in as it were in a motherly way the liule faults of children and replace them wish good qualities, children at so early an Age being susceptible in a high degree to the influence of those who had won their love, j The rev. gentleman, i$ an a'jle address showed how Froebel, the originator of the Kindergarten Idea, had thought it out, and put it in prfo-iqe. J$F ft work and play were so nicely blended in the sihooj day, that the children's faculties were brained almost without their knowing, so £faat those who h*d received a KiaJer girteosoarae y§-y rapidly laarned to reid and wrfte wlien thfy went to more advanced eqhpQis. c course' grained their bodily powers by the drill and physical exercises they wera taughfc j their inteHectual faculties by drawing ©ut the faculty of imitation, and bringing the Imagination into play ; and their spiritua' th6ughk'in|jhalJ the children were taught to love ood and bended His will, and ihair little prayers and hymns 1 were all taught: bo them with this end in view. In all their teaching the practical and the useful were kept in view, and lesaons were fciughb from everything likely to attracb thr childi».h attention, and direct the t{umohti to:-fche True Gaufe pf *1I thinp. r>

T'iih it was a religious >yaUjn "The ! «id of such a i«c:;.j I m isfc be a teacher of afa:i>mentß. She most have au instinctive lovefo- chill ren, great tact. and unwearying patf-nc •, aud i.c thoughl all theso wtrn to be ionnd in the friend they ws re about to iose, and who hid bo sucsessfully carried out the work. This work was not to cease, but was tp bt paesed on to other hinds, h .ving boon taken up by the Misses Fooks. The ■'übordinat* c had to be equally able for the work w t"i tht-ir o' ief, and th y would lor>k for the same results from the school under its new mlstrtsse* as had been ob'ained while Mies Cusseno was their chief. B>ys taught to the Kindergarten learned >ood habits, and their mot her*-, soon notined the feet rubbad on the Mat before thu huHse was entered, the hat p'j* away tidily, and other little things that could not fail to be noticed. That gather ing was proof that the parents realised Miss Cussena' value, and in further proof of that-, realisation and the esteem in which they held Miss Ouesens, he asked her to accept, in the name ot the subscribers, a purse of money, which was the contribu tion of th« warm hearts she was to le we behind her, who wished her happiness and prosperity in the future. -(Applause). Mr R. M. Outhbertaon, In a racy apeeoh, replied for Miss Ouasena, making the happy remark thai when he was youn>? nia master used to quo c an authoriiy — now dead - who aaid there was *' no ruyal I toad to knowledge.'' Had tha-. authority been alive now and seen the Kindergarten at work, he might have been induced to temper his proverb and confess that the road had been at least very greatly im proved The lady, who for the time beinjr was his client, had secured the love and respect of her pupils, aiid that was the secret of her euoceßß, and why she had boen able to prove so excellent an exponent of Kindergarten work. He wan delighted to le*rn that the Kindergarten was to be kept alive, and Miss Cussens ot her own knowledge was able to say that her successors were excellent teachers. They would, h* felt sure, accept Hiss Ouseens' thanks at his hands for the kind ness (he hid always received, and for the special renewed evidence of it given thab day; bat he, in speaking for hr, wished her thanks to be con* veyed to Mrs Hanmer and the friends 1 who had worked with her for what | had been done in getting op this gather ing, and to express Miss Cuseens 1 regret at leaving Ashburton. (Applause). In the course of the proceedings, which closed shortly afterwards, Miss May Oorbett and Miss Kathleen Orr added to the enjoyment of the afternoon by their excellent singing.

PRESENTATION.

On Wednesday night a very pleasant gathering was held in the Central hotel. Mr John Dore, having sold hie interest in the hotel to Mr Connelly, of Geraldine, is about to leave Ashburton, The many friends he and Mre Dore have made in the town felt that they could nob let them go without some souvenir of the five years they had spent iv the Central, and hinting this to Mr Conue!ly that gentleman at once ottered his dining room and a oollation for the guests, so that the thing should be done in keeping with the ways of the house as they had been under Mr Dore's management. Invitation* were therefore issued to enough friends to till the Central dining room., and when the time oiipe there were no empty seats, and extra ones had to be put on to provide for close friends who deo'iaed, in their esteem for Mr and Mis Dore, to be overlooked by any strict rule of accommodation, and aoted on the good old Irish provetb that where there are enough for two three won't starve. It was a most hearty gathering, and Mr B. M. Cuthbertson, Mr Bore's solicitor, was asked to take the chair, which he did, and discharged the duties of his position admirably. When all had Jaeeo seated —Mr and Mrs Dore on the right of the chair mvj, Mr and Mrs P. Devaae on the further right, and Mr G. J. Neill, secretary of the Coursing Club (of which Mr Dore had been thes«j et origo) on the Utt —the chairman ga(e the toast : of the Queen, whioh was drunk with royal honours. The chairman then gave the toast of the evening, but before asking the company to drink it he made * presentation to Mr and Mrs Dore of a handsome pair of field glasses and a beautiful marble clonk. There were inscriptions on silver plates on these, intimating that they were " presented to Mr and Mrs Johnnie Dore, by AsLburton friends on pFeo ; "Is, 1891." Tlie date was a 4ay too previous for the actual event, but th.it was done no that the recipients should awake in the morning and find that the first things they saw on Anniversary Day were the gifts of their Ashburton friends.

The chairman, ia a speech highly eulogistic of the way in which Mr Dore and hie good lady had carried on the hotel, said he had niaed the status of the establishment so that it) stood second to no hotel in the county, and by the straight going of Mr Dore, who was a true sportsman, ana carried the strict rules of sporting honor into his daily life, the Central Hotel ht*d con}* to be looked upon as a home to which the traveller could com^ and f»nd a home indeed, so far as eyerything that could be done bjr a landlord to make a guest comfortable and happy was concerned. He trusted Mr and Mrs Dore would ecjoy Jong Ijfe, health, and prosperity in their future career, and if all befel them that their well wishers desired the hope he now gave expression to would be amply ful filled. (Applause.) He then asked tha representatives of the local Coursing Club to discharge their part of the function. Mr Willis, said he was the oldest coursing anthußiast in the district, and in consequence the Club had asked him ■to be their spokes man on this occasion; He had receive^ but a moment's notice of the honor that had been conferred upon him, and though he had not had so many opportunities of meeting Mr Dore in private life as many there, he had met him ocsasionally in business, and in that connection he could bear but all that bad b ( een said of hfm. He had met him in Connection with coursing, and po'uld speak for his enthusiasm, there, and of how much he had done to maintain the grand old sport in the district.' That the Club appre ciated Mr Dqre?s effort* the presence that night of so many coursing devotees wat snfijoieiit |esfcirnoDjr, and as a token of that apppecjation ho asked Mr Pore to aocgpfc at his hands, la the name of the Club, the souvenir he had been asked to tender to the guest. He then handed to Mr Dore a very handsome morooco-bouud writing com panion. (Applause.) Mr Dore, in a neat and modest speech, acknowledged the gifts and compliments paid to himself and wife, and said his fire years' residence in Ashburton had been one of the most pleasant periods of his life. He Vas leaving to be sure, bub he was not at all pertain tfjat be was leaving for good. In any case, he would yome offcon to' sen his old friends, and his friends of the Coursjng C|ub heed not fancy he was d^one with' them, for his name would remain on their members fol} as long as it existed and he lived, and bis dogs would run at tlje Ashfeurtpn meets aho. (Applause.) But whether he game qr j went, his Ashburton friends would ever hold j

a warm place in the hearts of his wife and

j himself and their family. (Loud applause.) Toasts followed ia which the new landlord o£ thp hpte}—Mr T. C°nnolly--was ijel corned, and tha evening was spend in «oqg and aeutiment, in hearty style.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Pi ess Association—B^ £I«ctric Telegraph „.. „ Wellington, December 15 lne Council met at 2.30 p. m. BILLS ADVAKCED. The Government Emergency Loans to bocul Bodies ! ill paused its fiaal stages; this second reading of the Victoria College Bill was agreed to. .. _ Wellington, December 16 The Council mcc at 2.50 p.m. SECOND RKADINCJS. The Land and Income Assessment Aos Amendment Bill and the Harbours Aot Amendment Bill were read a second tim« on the motion of the Minister of Education. At 5 p.m. the Council adjourned till 7.30 p rm. The Council resumed at 7.30 p.m, BILIS PASSAD- The Leases attd Sales of Settled Estates. Act Amendment Bill tad Lyttelton Harbour Board Loan BUI pawed their final stages. The Oounoil adjourned at 9.20 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

™ „ WwwNOTok, December 16. The Home met at 2 30 p. m. THB HOEOWHKKPA BttL. ™°i ?! Amoti^ n th*fc the Horowhenna Block Act Amendment Bill be oommitted, Mr Kolleston moved that Sir Walter Buller and Major Kemp be heard at the bar of th« House by counsel in conneotion with the BiU. He thought that the good mdm of the Howe would decide io favour of the motion. The Premier considered that no Mod reasons had been advanced for eitnt/iir Walter Buller or Major Kemp being heard •"the bar of the Howe. Sir WalUr Buller hadl addreued a communication to every member of the House on the subject, ■ and had already been heard ab the bar. Ifc had been proved mooatestably that the state ment* made by Sir Walter Bulier when at the bar of the House on a previous oooaiion were not supported by facts. Mr Scobie McKenzie contended that the Bill was a private one, and that its preamble was full of mis-statements. Mr Hall-Jones considered that 140 natives interested is the Horowhenua Blook had just as much right as Sir Walter Buller or Major Kemp to appear at the bar of the House. Mr Pirani, Mr Stevens, Mr Heks, Mr Richardson, Mr QuroD, and Captain Russell alao spoke. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7 30 p.nw The debate was resumed by Mr Wason, who contended that it was a scaodal that sush an important measure should be brought down in the dying-hoors of the session. * Mr Roileaton's motion was agreed to by 30 to «9*

Mr Rollestoß Intimated that Sir WalUr Bu*'«J and Major Kemp wished to be heard at <2.3Q to-morrow Agreed to. TECHNICAL EDUCATION WILL, The Technical Education Bill WM com mitted.

Clause 2, interpretation. Mr Meredith moved an amendment pro. viding that the Act be confined to public schools.

After a lengthy discussion this was nega tived by 30 to 85. 0° £ he motion of. Mr James Allea and by *¥ to 85, the clause was amended by striking out from the interpretation of the controlling authority the worda, persons establishing classes under this A«t. Mr Meredith moved m a proviso to the clause that nothing in this paragraph shall apply to denominational school*. After ditcus&ion this was lost by 31 to 2J. Mr Smith said that m the Premier would not give the House an assurance that bo acaiatanoe would be given to denominational school* he would move that the chairmaa leave the chair.

Mr Meredith thought that the Premier should withdraw the Bi 1.

Mr Polleston hoped that memben would not pursue a course which would eventually kill the Bill. ,

Mr Smith's motion that the Chairman leave the chair was withdrawn, and he moved an addition to the interpretation of '* con trolling authority " of the following, «<b«ji shall not apply to the controlling authority of any denominational school." After a lengthy diacuaaion, and at 5.28, Mr Seddon moved that progress be reported. At 5.20 the Chairman left the chair till 10 a m.

Education Board.

The gorth Canterbury Education Board met on Wednesday. Present—Messrs T. W. Adams (chairman), D. Buddo, J. Rennie, R Adams, Westenra, H. W. Perynan. A. Saunders, T. S. Weston and C. A. 0. Hardy. The following item* are of local interest; —Ihe bouthbridge, French Farm and Awaroa (aided) Committees wrote in refer* enoe to the proposed bank oharge of 10e 6d each half-year for keeping their accounts. The Chairman of the Board wa* requested K> have enquiries made as to whether aosoe arrangement could not bemade to n^eet the difgculty, and the several committ«ef wefe recommended in the meantime to take advantage of the Government Savings Qana> The resignation of Miss Losk, assistant mutress at Hampstead, was regeived and acpepted. A letter was received from the department stating that shorthand was a recognised subject under the Technical Instruction Aot, aud thtt the Bill now before the Hoose provided for the extinguishment of private classes in the event of an Education Board undertaking the work. It was decided to represent to the minister that, provided he was satisfied that classes established by private enterprise did not interfere with the interests of similar classes conducted by the Education Board, it appeared desirable that the former should be allowed to continue. The inspectors wrote, recommending a return to Goldsmith's •«Traveller" as the Englieh for second year pupil teachers; examination to be in alternate years. It' was also proposed to add Gray's " Elegy." The proposal was agreed to.

WAKANUI.

1 ■* —r—- tfBKSBYTERUN SUSPAX SOHOOI, WCKIO, The annual picnic in connection with the W^kanui Sunday School took place in the mam school and. grounds on Thursday, About 11.30 the weather which had looked threatening broke into fine rain, ud about mid ; day quite a sharp shower fell, showers falling at intervals all the afternoon. la spite of the rain, however, eighty person* assembled, and during the showers engaged in various indoor games in the schoolroom, kindly lent by the School Committee. Oat. side, when the weather permitted, cricket. rounders, etc., engaged young and old, everyone 1 thoroughly enjoyin^'themselves. After tea the ftev. G. B.! Inglis distribute! ptfzas. each child in the Sunday School «l^ ceivinga pri ? e-theupper 11p!%M beautifully bouud bibles, tyr W/Corfcett, the superin* tendent, in a short address spoke ofthe great pleasure it was to the teacher* to meet them all once a year, Mr Bonlfant oalled for three pheers for H°y G. B. Inglie. Mr Dipkie for three cheers for Mr Qorbett, and three more for the teachers. More came* followed till nearly eight o'clock. The parents and teachers provided for the tea. and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Ihe school had raised tunas as follow!:— (a) -Each child takes a penny every Sunday, and at the end of the year then had beta collected fig 17s, half of which is given to the New Hebrides Mission; (b)—Mrs Inglis gave a lecture a fortnight ago. on "The streets of London "—result, about £3 or £4; (c)—balance from last year, 16s. Over £5 had been on prizes, and there was a small balance after paying for prizes and working expenses of the Sunday School.

THE m*mmw QtJABDIAB \ ffftlDAY, DECEMBBIB 1?, 1897



First quarter ... Full moon JLast quarter ... New moon .

1 9 17 24

2 45 am 4 24 pm 3 52 am 7 25 pm



Christmas & JSew Year. SPECIAL SHOW OF : : DEAPERY & CLOTHING : : TU"EWEBT AND MOST FASHIONABLE DRESSES, Bloiwe Materials, Ccepons, Prints, Cambrics, Nainsooks, etc, eta. LATEST NOVELTIES ■ , IN SUNSHADES LAOES °°LL£sSwi GLOVES CORSETS CUF T fSt> nff T t as RIBBONS BELTS UMBRELLAS Etc. Etc. kto £FJL.I&ISmJD A.BSOKTMJKINT IN OILCLOTHS, CURTAINS, ART MUSLINS, k HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS SPECIAL VALUE In Men's and Boys' Clothing, Shirts, Pants, Collars, Tiei, Hats, Caps, Braces, etc, MEN'S AND BOYS' STRAW HATS.-CrRAWD VAJLiUK. A. P. WILLIAMSON, GASH DRAPEE &CLOTHIER, TANORED STREET __^——t TO EESIDENTS BUILDING & FURNISHING. ™" "'tO* ■"■' * \TTE BEG respectfully to announce that we have received, per.S.S. " lonic " and "fifctaura,', very, heavy shipments for our HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING Depart ment, via:— SHEETINGS CURTAINS CARPET SQUARES PILLOW COTTONS QUILTS HEARTH RUGS TOWELS TOILETS OILCLOTHS T ABLINGS MUSLINS LINOLEUMS IN the FANG? DEPARTMENT we are showing » f fi" I*o' ™* »nd an endless variety of Black and Colored Gimps. NEW SHIPMENTS OF Dresses, Straws, Mantles. 2 CftSfiS of Samples HOSIERY, at LANDED OOST. MITCHELL & TURNER. TO BLACKSMITHS AND WHEELWRIGHTS. TTAVING Purchased the whole of MR ZASJDBK'S well selected stock of BAR AND SHEET IRON, We are prepared to Supply the Trade on the Most Liberal Terms Possible. We aie also Doubling the present stock, so that the requirements of our clients ■will be met in the most complete manner. All orders for the present left at Me Zander's Store or Direct to Ourselves will have immediate attention. W. H. COLLINS & CO., REDUCED RATES FOR CHRI iTMAS AT S. SALEK'S, THI LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT jLars^t Stock Lowest Prices CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. £) Brooches {new and choice f^fi'aid Gentlemen'^ Gold Links at 8s 6d, 10a, and Brooches from Is 6d bowards. »nj£ k e, at 2a 61, 4s, and 4s 6d. Pencil Cases fa U pw«dß L a die ß 'aa.iGeotl e mens Sj^« Links at , , and finest large stock to select from)vt 2s*°'b^'J° •j n u Chrißtonurc h, f rom one guinea to ten stock ever seen in equal to any m . q ftfc ?g Eta zi?:A^oT:z^J %«** «**»« *«. * h *. HI^iSCIAJU ATTJKNTIOW IS CALLED TO THE STOCK OF j Gold Brooches and Ladies' Rings. •Ihese two lines are Heavily Stocked, and are of the Newest and Choicest Designu. INSPECTION INVITED FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS S. SALEK'S JiWBIiLERI ESTABLISHMENT, EAST STREET. STQQK AND FBIOES X7JSEQUALED. IN THE PISTBIOT,



John Orr k Co. ■"""""" ■ *" i Jolin Orr & Co. i mHB SUCCESS ATTENDING, OUR Cheap Cash Sale loducea us t) adopt (or the future this •yatem of doing buainaiß. And as we purchase for Cash from the best makers in England and America, the General Pohlio will therefore have the advantage of Selecting GOODS OF STERLING QUALITY at prices hitherto unheard of, CONSISTING OF IRONMONGEBY, GROCERIES, OROOKERY, GLASSWARE, etc., BEST SNOWDROP SUGAR ... 2|d lb TEA, BLENDED . 101b Boxes Is lb TEA, IN HALF CHESTS, lOd lb, (strong liquor) Colonial Candles ... 4d lb per box English Parafine Candles... 6£d lb per box Kerosene, 150 test ... 6d 6d per tin M „ 12s 9d per case Cornflour .3d per lb Eesence of Lemon 4d Worcester Sauce, Pints ... 9d bottle Essence of Coffee 10£ d Sago -ljdperlb Tod&cco, Nubian squares.., 4s 6d per lb Bran 3a 6d per bag Sharps 5s per bag Oatmeal, 251b Baga ... 2s 9d bag Rollitt's Flour, 200tba ... 24s „ „ IOOIbs ... 12s 6d "  501bi .. 6s4£d Currants ... ... ... 4£d &5d Eleme Raisins ,_. ... 7d Valencia Raisins ... ... 7d Sultana Raisins ... ... 7d Sicily Almonds ... ... Is 2d Figa : 8d Muscatels ... .- 8d Jordan Almonds 2s 3d Mixed Peel ... ... 8d 2ilb Tins Preserved Fruit lOd Lemon Squash, English . Is 3d Lemon Juice, English ... Is 3d Sardines 4£d per tin Fresh Herrings 6il per tin Herrings & Tomato Sauce 10d per tiu Pressed Hops, per lb .. Is 4d Fruit Salt* 2s per bottle Ground Ginger Is4dperlb Anchovy Paste ... ... 8d per tin Citrate of Magnesia ... Is per bottle Sheep Tongues, beat . 101 per tin CROCKERY & GLASSWARE Dinner Seta Toilet. Seba Tea and Breakfast Sets Vases and Ornaments Tumblers and Wine Glasses Decanters and Water Bottles Glass Dishes Jelly and Butter Dishes GRAND VARIETY AND LOW PKICBS IN ABOVE LINES. FOR THE FRUIT SEASON. | Mason's Screw-top Porcelain Lined Jars. I Pints 4s 9.1, Quarts 5s 9d, £ Gallon 7s doz. Kenrick'a Beet) Enamelled Maslin Kettles. 8 Quart 6s, 10 quart 7s 6d, 12 quart 8s 6d. Brass Maslin Kettles, Drop Handles. 2 Gallon 7s, 2£ gallon Us 63,3 gallon 133 6<i Steel Enamel Preserving Pans, 2s 6d, 3s, 3s 6d, 4a. FOR TUB HAUVBBT FIELD. WE HAVE A SPLENDID STOCK oi 1 Reaper Sections Reaper Chains Hay Forks Hay Rakes Oils, in 1, 2 It 4 gallons BINDER TWIHE. DONAGHY'S BEST, Fla*, Mixed, ft Manilla. John Orr & Co.



Special Discount. FOR CHRISTMAS SEASONS Of Is in the Found. From this day till the end of December. TITEj are now offering some very SPECIAL LINES IN DRESS GOODS. Exceptionally low prioeß quoted for completed ooatumes. HJBES WINDOWS. I Tweed Costumes complete from ..„ 20s A|Gr»nd Lino of Boys Colonial Tweed Knicker Suita, sizes 1 to 13, these we start from 4s lid per Suit, WORTH DOUBLE. SPECIAL VALUE IN MEN'S TWEED SUITS. A really good suit for ... 398 Gel We are offering Home wonderfully Cheap lines in all Department*. A'shburton Drapery Company. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY i |FOR T^"ICE COOL SUMMER CLOTHING. Light fancy Alpaca Coats ... .«. 11s 6d Black Alpaca Coats 12a 6d China SHk Coats ... ... ... 12s 6d Sateen Coats 63 6d Holland Coats ... — 6s Od Light fancy washing Vests from 7s 6d Light fancy washing Trousers ... 12s 6d Light fancy Tennis Suits 12s 6d Light fancy Tennis Shirts from 4s 6d A. G, BARTON, MANAOEB cmo/ifOMßiimipms meyarepi/remamoMmi & Tfie B§§f money am .i * experience em jqy £ar<?esf£d/e/ffA(/srmas/a. \ SOLD BY ALLJiBO££BS_ JB



Church. Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. FRIDAY—Short ' Service, 7.3 p.m.; Choir Pr»ctioe 9 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. (December 19.) 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 2.30 p.m.^-Distribution of Sunday School Prizes, in St Siphon's Schoolroom. Parents and friends invited to attend. 3 p.m.—Dromore— Mr Gates. 6.so—Evening Prayer. KEY T. A. HAMILTON.



Auction Sales To-morrow. T. Bullock, (Arcade)— Farm of 700 acres, Ooldatream district. D. Thomas, (Arcade) —Goodwill of lease afa 12 o'clock. Sa'e of furniture and effects a'o Mr Thomas Birch's residence, Moore street. H. Stephensou—Furniture, etc., aIBO on© ladies' bicycle (new).



SYNOPBIS Q? KiBW APVIBBTISPMBNTS. J3dker Bros—Faneral notice. For «al{3-.^t-d.n opal mining share. J. Millichamp—Sfcrawberriias and cherries for sale. S. Salek—Large stock of Christm&a and New Year presents. Lost-—A. book, For Sale—Half-plate Lancaster Camera and Lens, _



|» Superb



Hollovtay's Pills and Ointment.—The most effectual care for gout and rheumatiliu, —A frequent cause of these complaints ia the inflammatory state of the blood, attended with bad digestion, lassitude md great dejsilifcy, growing the want of proper cir culation of the fuidj aisd jmp»rfty. gf the blood greatly'aggravates these disorders, Holloway's Pills are of so purif/iog a nature that a few doses taken in time are an effectual preventive againat gout and rheuniatiam, bat anyone who has an attack of either should use Holloway's Ointment also, the : powerful properties of 'which, combined with the effects qf the Pilh, ensure a certain | cure. The' Ointment should be thoroughly rubbed into the parts affected at least t*ic« j a day after they have been sufficiently fomen ted with warm water to open the pores to facilitate the introduo ion of the Qintmsat ( to tb« gUudi, v "



Fob iKDraKsxioN, the beat twmedy la tut dojbtedly Norton's Oavokils Piua. Tha* t»D oonndently b« reoommendod m >^i«f mild m operation and absolutely (ret fan iaj<iriow drag*. Acting at onoe m * ipka did toniv and a gentle aperient For awrb 1)0 yean they hare proved tttMuaUtf^for Indigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headaoh* tad f * Liver and 8tom»oh oomplaiatai Sold ia h>ttlea .• 1|6V2l 9d,M.inii7jwaU Vedg rine Vondon thronchon* the v^orld, '' Smote Ntm Vtnus, '" *