Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1897.

A writer in the Edinburgh Review, dtalitig with the question of the

defence of Great DEFENCE OF Britain against in- BUITAINi vasion, shows with

great minuteness how comparatively easy it would be for an invading force to land, if once England lost command of the sea—• could not, that is, blockade all the enemy's harbours. He quotes a very striking opinion of the Duke of "Wel lington in regard to the possibilities of a descent on our coasts. " I have examined and reconnoitred," wrote Wellington in his famous letter to Sir John Burgoyne, " over and over again, the whole coast from the North Fore land by Dover, Folkestone, Beachy Head, Brighton, Arundel, to Selsey Bill, near Portsmouth, and I say that, excepting immediately under the tire of Dover Oastle, there is not a spot on the coast on which infantry might not be thrown on shore at any time of tide, with any wind, and in any weather. , . . that, in that space of coast (that is, between the North Foreland and Selsey Bill) there are not less than seven small harbours, or mouths of rivers, each without defence, of which an enemy, having landed his infantry on the coast, might take possession, and therein land his cavalry and artillery of all calibre, and establish himself and his communications with France." Another remark by the Duke of Wellington on the subject is worth quoting. " The French," said the Duke of Wellington, "would have an immense advantage over us, even if we were prepared to oppose a landing, . . , They start at midnight, and arrive off our coast just before sunrise. The dawn, which renders everything clear to them, will not enable us to observe what they are about. They will have a full half hour of light before we shall be able to distinguish between the line of beach and the line of sea, far less to observe boats in motion. And, let me tell you, that in calm weathar, and with pre parations well settled beforehand, a great deal may be done towards throw ing troops ashore on an open beach in half-an.-hour," Of course, these remarks are all based upon th^ notion that the fleet is sunk or absent, aud that, for the time afc any rate, the enemy com mands the sen. No doubt the first and the best way to meet such terrific assumptions U fco say—" But England shall never lose command of the sea as long aai she remains a nation, and as IoG2 as she commands it the DuWd case Uan idle dream " Possibly \ but in a matter of such vast importance it is worth while to provide against a very unlikely accident, and this, accoid ing to the ifapifAver, is what the authorities are doing.

Local and General.

On our f.urth page will be fouud a report of the Wakanui Road Board j also the concluding results of the Auckland Winter Meeting. Sir James Prendergast has forwarded £25 as his subscription to the extension of the Jubilee Home at Christchurch, in commemor ation of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Poisonous fish have been discovered in Lake Terang, in the Western district of Victoria. They are sgid to be so poisonous aa to kill cormorants or shags that eat them. The total amount of cish received in contributions to the Hawke's Bay relief fund amounted to £156, and a list of the cub- Bcribers and their amounts is on view at the County Council Chambers. The Hon. J. Ge Ward has served a writ for aileged libel on the proprietors of the Napier Daily Telegraph, claiming £5000 in connection with that journal's remarks on the Barron caae. At a special meeting of the cihertflfly School Committee, held yesterday afternoon, it was resolved to vote for Messrs H. W. Peryman, A. Saunders, and T. W. Adams, as members of the Board of Governors. Mt Downie's tender of £4 18a 9d for new fence w*a accepted. With regard to circular fronj Rev. G. B. Inglis, asking Committee to assist in Jubilee celebration on June 22, the matter was letfc in the hands of the master. The reputation which preceded Mt O'Donnell prior to his coming to ABhburton has been fully established, and the anticipa tions of a successful mission entertained by the promoters have been happily realised. With the exception of the lecture on "Things to Come," to be delivered to-morrow uight at the Biring Square Church, the meeting of to-night wil, 1 end the series oi services so earnestly and faithfully conducted by the rev. gentleman. In addition to th,q usual address, questions will be answered, and an opportunity will be given for personal testimony. yesterday afternoon the Mayor of Chriat ' was fairJy besieged with applications for the coal and blankets which are fco be pur chased with the money given by the trustees of the late Mr Hyman Marks. The maj jrity of the crowd consisted of women of all ages, but there were numbers of men included. The applicants were called into the office one at a time, but the press at fche door became so great that the assistance of i constable had to be called in. The list of applicants was by no means exhausted, and those who Goi+ld not get in yesterday will present themselves thia afternoon. The names of the applicants will be submitted to the Charitable Aid Board to ascertain those who are receiving relief from that body. A Spanish journal tells of an interesting ejjpeiimcnt to be tried with a cup of clear coffee aud a lump of sugar. The sugir should be dropped into the coffee without ,-tirring. Iv a moment the ail' contained in fie sugar will rise to the surface in the shape of bubbles, and these bubblos are excellent weath -x indications. If they collect in the middle of the cup, a fair day follows ; if, adversely, they adhere to the sides, forming a ring of bubbles wi.th a dear space in the center, take your umbrella, lot rain is at hand, while if they do neither one thing no;.* the other, but. scatter irregularly, variable weather is indicated, Just what ia the scientific explanation of the action of the amoppiierc on the bubbles ia not stated, but that tbejr indicajbioas euripusly agree with those of a barometer has been ts|ifc<?d. Many l^Ues complain that the Te» they have been wsiog has neither strength »or j fkvor. If they try Kozia l'«i they will bfl satisfied, Try fo»No4*t3/Vl4iiup«* '

Ah Sow and Ah Cow were oomplainanb j and defendant, respectively, in a court case' ■■it Bendigo, Victoria. And the principal witueaa was Ah Cat. Quite a menagerie. Falcons are superior to carrier pigeons for messenger service. The falcon is much the stronger, and some of them have carried a weight of four pounds without matetial hindrance to their speed. At a special meeting of the Borough School Committee, held yesterday, to vote for three members ot the Canterbury College Board of Governors, it was decided to lecord the vote of the Committee for Messrs , Adams, Feryman, and Barclay. In an eltctrio storm the other night the telephone instrument at the railway station at Harben (Waimangaroa) was completely | destroyed by lightning. The battery box was smashed to atoms. The telephone at Denniston was also damaged. It is said that no fewer than 7769 school gardens exist in Austria, not including the sinter kingdom of Hungary. They ate con nected with both private and public schools, and are used for puoposes of practical instruc tion in horticulture and tree-growing. With reference to the police taking the names of cash bettors at the Elorslie race course, in eaoh instance a detective or an assistant wagered with the cash bookmaker. It is understood that proceedings ara to be taken against the bookmakers by the police. Constable Dunthelt gallantly rescued a woman at the Quean street wharf, Auckland, on Saturday night He heard her cry aa she was drifting out with the tide, but could not see her for the darkness. He threw off his greatcoat and swam out to her, bringing her to the breastwork. Not a single ship bearing the United States flag passed through the Suez Canal last year, according to the report of the Consul to Cairo, although the traffic aggregated nearly 3,000,000 tons. Two thirds of the vessels using the waterway were English. The. Premier and party had a "high time, amid high temperature, at Samoa, whilst en route for San Francisco. A visit was paid to King Malietoa, at his " palace," whera oranges and bananas were dealt out galore. The inevitable snap-shot man was in attendance, and the Hon Dick was " snapped " in the midst of a large concourse of dusky admirers. A little girl in Aberdeen brought a basket of strawberries to the minister's very early on Monday morning. " Thank you my little girl, they are very nice," said the minister ; but I hope you did not pick them yesterday, for it was Sunday, you know." " No, sir," replied the child, "but" she added with some dismay, " they were grow ing all day yesterday." Learning on Sunday that not quite suffi cient funds had been collected for the I)r Stuart memorial, Mr G. F. Ballen, an 013 colonist, has sent in a cheque for ten guineas. A plaster cast of the statue is nearly ready, and it will shortly be sent Home and a bronze cast will be made. It is expected that the statue will be ready for unveiling on the 25rd of March next, the Duoedin Jubilee Anniversary Day. It is anticipated that £150 more will be required. The treasures at the Bank of France are better guarded than those of any other bank in the world. At the close of business hours every day, when the money is put into the vaults in the cellar, masons at once wall up the doors with •• hydraulic mortar. ' Water is then turned on and kept running until the cellar is flooded. A burglar would have to work in a diving suit and break down a cement wall before he couU even start to loot the vaults. When the officers arrive nexu morning the water is drawn off, the masonry torn down, and the vaults are opened. Apropos of Pasteur, the other day at the annual general meeting of the Institute named after the great professor, Dr Duclaux read the report of the work done last year, It appears that the number of persons bitten and treated at the Institute was 1308, which shows a large diminution as compared with previous years. Of this number only four patients died, when in the early years of the institution the mortality was three times as great. The total number of persons treated within the past ten years is upwards of 19,000, of whom 3000 are foreigners, includ ing 000 English, 430 Belgians, 350 Spaniards, I 340 Portuguese, 200 Russians, and about as many Greeks. The present year, remarkable for many things, is also notable for the potato ter centenary. Gerard, the botanist, planted the potato in hid gardeu in Bolborn in 1597, Holborn fe'iug at that time a suburb of London. The vegetable did npt, however, come suddenly into favour wi'b the general publio. The taste for it was one that needed to be cultivated, and for two centuries only the well-to-do Classen took kindly to it. Not until the end of the eighteenth century did the poorer millions begin to look upon it with great favor. Home papers state that $ movement is afoot to commemorate the tercentenary of! the introduction of this valuable arti.de of dfftfc. The startling assertion is made by the Afafattra Ensign that the notorious Butler, the alleged Glenbrook murderer, was at one time in the Gore (Qtago) district. Mr R. M'Leod, of Chatton, noticing pfpibos of the , desperado in several papers, recognised the features of the man as resembling in a strik ing manner those of a man calling himself Richard Harwood, who worked on M'Leod, mill for a couple of months about this time last year. Mr M'Leod's brother Alexander, who is at present at Hedgehope, noticed the same resemblance, and, without having previously compared notes, wrote to Mr $ober& M'Leod, stating his belief that Butler was £he man who worked on the mill. The Daily d/cri/V New correspond ent says that several newspapers have published ft sensational story to the effect ' that Mrsßurton, a wealthy lady from Texas, having lost the middle finger of her right hand through an accident, recently advertised offering 1000 do), to any woman who would sacrifice a finger for flesh grafting purposes. Miss Dinsmore, of B nghamptOGj offered her services, which were aocepted, and the finger will be amputated, unless the law interferes. As the result of this scores of poor people are writing toj the newspapers offering various portions of their anatomy for sale at reduced prices; The Ashburton Ooureing Club's Jubilee Meeting promises to be a great success. The ground chosen for the meet will be on Messrs McDowell's and Rogers' estate?, Mitcham, kindly lent for the occasion, Hares being very plentiful and the paddocks in fine order (though a good rain would be beneficial) a good day's sport is anticipated. A charge of one shilling per head will be made for admission to the ground, vehicles free, and a cird wiil be supplied to every body. Tuesday and Wednesday, June 22 and 23, the dates fixed for the meeting, being public heydays a record attendance is ex pected. The Stewards wish to notify that on no account will horsemen be allowed to ride after the judge ; a fUg steward will* be appointed to that the result of the cour.ea will be known immediately after they are I ruu. Entriea fot the Record Reign Stakes olose on Friday, June JB, q,t 30 p.m. at the Central Hotel, and the draw' takes place at 9 o'clock the same evening. An advertise ment giving full particulars appears in thja issue. Mr Ritghie, Secretary (to the Department of Agriculture, after conferring with the Gore Farmers' Club, intimated (writes the Gore correspondent of the Southland Times) that the stereotyped advertisement as to poisoning which usually appeared, would not inserted this year, and if the settlers proved by their method of operating that it was an effective way of destroying "the rabbits the department would not interfere wih them. On the other hand, if the settlers failed to satisfy the depariment that they were taking satisfactory steps to destroy the pest the law wou'd be enforced. The department had no desire to harass the settlers but they must peform their duties. With regard to the employment given to so many deserving people, he wished to say that he would have much preferred to have seen them employed in another industry, for both he and the Minister were firmly of opinion that canning or any! %thej:" expedient which yielded a profit would always ' tftUiUtu against the exDinotion of the pest. The departrnflht required eradication of the rabbits, and would ultimately insist upon it. This respite being practically what the Club wanjeed, yo,tes of thanks were accorded to il'r Ritchie for {joming, to the Miuiafcer for sending him,' ami to the." ftfayop for

The Department of Agriculture is much' pleased with the degree of success which has attended its efforts to cultivate the wattle in New Zealand. About six years ago a reserve of 1000 acres at Wairangi, in the Waikato, was placed under its control, and the whole of it was planted with wattles, which have thriven woniirfully. The process of stripping the bark for sale to the tanneries has been commenced, ard already several tons have been collected. The bark is said to be of good quality, and it is anticipated that no difficulty will be experienced in finiing a ready sale for it at £6 per ton. The department has given instructions for the c action of a fcmall crushing plant, and it is probable that at an early date arrangements will be made for extracting the tannin, so as to avoid the necessity of sending the bark away to the tanyarda. Hoixoway's Pills and Ointment are remedies which should invariably be taken by travellers in search of health, pleasure, or business. Many deleterious influences are constantly at work in foreign climes, tend ing to deteriorate the health ; these and the altered conditions of life will entail on those who travel the necessity of carefully attend ing to early symptoms of disease, and they will find the use of these remedies to be highly necessary, the action of the Pills being purifying and strengthening and of great service in cases of fever, ague, and all itjfhmtnatory disease*, whilst the Ointment is a sovereign cure in cases of piles, bad legs, bad breasts, wounds and ulcers. Hoiloway's remedies do not deteriorate by change of climate.

"MUSIC."

Paper read by Mrs Donald McLean before a meeting of the Ashburton Leiderkranz on Monday evening, May 51, 1897. (Continued.) the opera. We now come to the origin of the opera. About the year 1530 a number of men of musical culture were in the habit of meeting in Florence for the purpose of instituting a revival of the ancient Greek art of musical and dramatic declamation. The recitative was thus introduced, and was first repre sented in lather a crude form in the opera "Difne," the first ever produced. (1594.) The music of this was written by Peri, wedded to words by the poet Binuccini. It met with such success that Peri, in con junction with CUccini, wrote another on ' Eurydice," which w&e produced on the occasion of the marriage of Henry IV. of France with Mary de Medicia, at Florence, in 1600. These were soon surpassed by the works of Claudio de Monteverde, whose opera, "Arfeo," opened up a new world. His melody was more symmetrical, his h*rmony purer, his rhythm more marked, and his instrumentation fuller and more varied than had ever been heard before. He was, of course, strongly condemned by the musicians of his time for taking such liberties with harmony as he did, a most unpardonable em in their eyes being his use of the chord of the dominant seventh without preparation. As we understand music now, the habit of preparing every discord would quite do away with all the higher expressions of feeling, and would fetter and bind down the imagin ation to quite a prosaic level. Monteverde eyidently recognised the fact that he could express feeling much better, if, when required, he used the chord of the dominant seventh without preparation. If he was not the first to invent the perfect cadence, he was certainly the fitst to appreciate va importance, and to turn it to good account. Many progressions and combinations first proposed by him have now found universal acceptance. The history of the French school really begins with «J. B. Tully, born at Florence in 1633. He was certainly not a great composer, but was one of the most popular composers of any age. His industry was tremendous ; he wrote twenty grand operas, numerous ballets carried on entirely by music, occasional rousioindivertitseme iti, and other theatrical pieces (many of which were written by Moli^re) and though not so numerous, compositions far the church. Though his music never had great popularity beyond France, yeo his influence was ex tensive. Pelham Humphreys was sent by Charles 11. to receive instruction from him, and though Ihe pupil did not live long to profit by his instruction, there can be no doubt but that the master's ideas were carried out by his fellow a indents, Wise and Blow, by those of their immediate successors in the English Chapel Royal, the most distinguished of whom was Henry Puroell, who has been regarded by all musical authorities as the type of English composers. HKNRT PI7R|OELL. His compositions were for some years after h 8 upjkth the chief music heard in England- Dr Anne hai, indeed, auc r seeded in obtaining a heating; and the works of Croft and Green occupied tha choristers of our cathedrals; but anew era was opened by the advent of Handel, so large a portion of whose life was spent in Eng land, and so large a portion of music is due to English suggestion, that he has come to be universally regarded as more than half an Englishman. Before speaking of Handel it is ric cespary to go back a little and see what Germany had been doing whjle Italy and France had been makingsuch strides in music. Pefore £he appearance of Luther, musical (3term>ny haa jsepn swayed by the doctrines of the Netherlands, then it was stamped with the bold individuality of the great reformer, and this style was carried on by Luther's pupil, Johann Fooard, But with the death of Eocard, music in Germany underwent another change. Oa the death of Luther, and his disciples Lutheran doctrine in Germany had not tho same weight, and composers amongst the Catholics and Evangelists who had followed Luther in musical matters, began to be acted upon by other jieaghirigs. This schism in the Church exercised great influence upon the develop ment of tonal art at the beginning of the seventeenth century, and therefore two dis tirct groups were beingformed among German composers ; firstly, pupils of the Italians, and secondly, those who went before Bach and so prepared the way for him, that all that he had to do was to add the finhhing touches of his mighty genius to the style oi work that they wrote, and to make it perfect. Amongst these precursors of hit were many garnesji thinkers and musician* who did much to raige German art to the high position that it has since occupied Tha (firmans were indebted to the Italians for the fugue, and so developed it that when Bach came it was transmitted to hire in so perfect a form, that he had but to put the finishing touch to it But what 8 finishing touch ! In this art, the heaven-bore master stood alone. P.AgH. He was born in 1685, at Eisenach, anc received his first instruction on the harp, sichord from his elder brother, who though himself an excellent musician, was not giftec as was Sebactian. The younger brother a 1 a very tender age, mastered all the music in a book from which he was being laughl, and begged the elder one to allow him tc play from a collection of music belonging tc him, and from whi^h it was the height oi the little one's ambition to play. Meeting with a refusal, Sebastian stole it from its hiding place every moonlight night, and takipg it to a garreb at the top of the house, copied ie by the dim light of the moon. Just as the work of months was near ing completion, the elder brother discovered it. and instead of applauding the preseveranpe and determination of biU young brother, cruelly destroyed it. To the strain induced by doing this fine work by so dim a ligljt is put down the master's blindness in after life. After the death of his brother he studied music very zealously under good masters, and made himself familiar with the french style, while in phe chapel of the J)uke of Halle, in I^o3 he entered into fche the service of the Duke of Weimar ; went in 1704 to Armstadt, where he attained great proficiency; in 1708 was organist ot the Court in Weimar, and in 1714 concert master at the same place; afterwards in 1717 at Anhalt Hothen ; in 1?23 chanter and director of music at St Thomas' School at Leipsic ; and in 1736 composer at the Royal and Elec Loral Gcmrt of Saxony. In 1750 he died at Leipsic, and music lost one of the greatest lights that has ever shone upon its path. It has been said by theorists, that if all music were lost except Bach's 48 Fugues and Pi^Tides, everything known in oonufc tion with music'oouM'be reconstructed, and this is indeed easy to believe, for no writer before or after him has combined such depth of learning with such lofty flights of inspira tion. Hia life has been waibten by Jforkel. (To be gontuwed.)

The Lyceum Company.

" Dot and Her Dottie."

For some time back Ashbuttm has not beeu visited by the best theatrical com panies in the world, and several sa<i dis appointments have been experienced by playgoers. When thin happens, and ii has often happened in the history oi Aslii urton, playgoers hold oS for a time, and if it should occur that a really good company in the meantime makes its appearance, that com pany is apt to get the backlash of the unpopularity of those that have preceded it, and be treated to the cold shoulder of thin benches. This is the position in which the Lyceum Company found itself last nieht. The house was noc at all filled as Lhe merits of the company deserved, but there were enough present to carry away a high opinion of the pUyeiV talent, and doubtless the impression made by all tho.-e who took part in the performance of " Dot and her dottie " will be communicated to-day by those who were present to witness the representation to thoße who were not, And the result can hardly fail to be a markedly increased attendance. There is not an inferior or even commonplace actor in the company, and Colonel D'Orsay Ogden, the head of the organisation, is well played up to by every member of it. " Dot and her dottie" belongs to a kind of play that has only found its way upon the dramatic stage within the last two decades. The class includes in its list such pieces as "The Private Secretary," " Charlie s Aunt," and others, and most Ashburton play-goers know how much fun can be made out of those and similar pieces by players with genuine talent, and who know how to use it From the first appear ance on the stage of Colonel D'Orsay Ogden in the character of •■ Albert Maydue," the fun was faat and furious, and every subse quent entrance was the signal for a renewal of it. The whole story is one of the simplest. A married couple become estranged —why, is not exactly shown—but by the aid of the clumsy, awkward, shy, and oppressively modest but withal anything but foolish May due, their daughter "Dot" brings about a conciliation, and ultimately a wedding between herself and May :ue. The piece is full of amusing scenes, and every member of the Company contributed largely to the success of these. The first scene introduces Mrs Neverdie (Miss Morelh), the ill-tempered old grandma; Mrs Harcourt Evergreen (Mrs Helen Dunbar), the estranged wife; and "Dot," her daughter, (Miss Nell Oakdene) They are dis covered sitting together in homely fashion, with "Dot" on the hearth rug at her mother's knee. In this position, to a sweet alto contributed by Mrs Dunbar, Dot sings the gr*nd old song "Home, swtethome," and the whole makes a very effective picture, which waa highly appreciated by the audience. But from grave to gay is only a step when Miydue makes his appearance, and from the gay to the absurd and ridiculous is just as easy. Mr L Dunbir makes a gentlemanly Harcourt Evergreen, and Mr E. 8. Russell a perfect old Admiral Tarbox, Mr F. Norris is suited with a part that lies to his hand in Woolbred, and in fact all the parts are well apportioned, and to this fact may be attributed the smooth ness with which the piece went from first to last. After the comedy, the incidental music for which was supplied by Gates' band, Mr F- Norris gave an exhibition of roller skating, whioh was an eye-opener to not a few old rinkists present, and was well worth seeing. To-night, "My mother-in law," another of the same class of pieces, will be produced, and it is quite possible that on Wednesday the company may pre sent the al.vaye welcome " Uncle Tom's cabin." ______________

SCHOOL COMMITTEES.

Hampstead.

A meeting of the Hampstead School Com mittee was held last evening. Present— Messrs Crooks (Chairman), A. Andrews, Sage, McKeague, Lawrie, Hardy and Meßae. EXCURSION. A circular was received from the Railway Department intimating that, an extra ex cursion would be granted to School Com mittees in connection with the record reign. —Received. CONVALESCENT WARD. A circular and subscription list for provid ing a convalescent ward as a memorial of the Record Reign was received and ordered to lie at the Secretary's office. RECORD REIGN PROCESSION. The Rev. G. B. Inglis on behalf of the ministers of the distriot invited the Com mittee, teachers, and children to take part in a procession to and religious service m the Domain. It was resolved that " This Cqmmjtbee is in sympathy with the proposal, and will do their best to assist the project, but cannot answer for individuals. CANTERBURY COLIEGE ELECTION. The Committee voted for Messrs Barclay, Buddo, and Scott. BOARD OF EDUCATION. On a vote being taken for a member of the Board of Education, out of the local candi dates, Mr McKeague was chosen by four votes to two. The Committee then adjourned till Tues day week, wb^n business in connection will) the late hobby show will be transacted'

Longbeach.

A meeting of the Longbeach School Com mittee was held da Saturday evening. There were present— Messrs Gollins (chair man), Lidstone, Mercer, Soal, McLauchlan and March. The master reported the num ber on the roll to be 66, average attendance 54, and gave the names of several children wjp were irregular attenders. The secretary was instructed to request the parents of these children to send them to school more regularly otherwise the committee would be obliged to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act. It was decided to close the school on June 22, in connection with the record reign celebrations. The chairman was authorised to deal with the necessary repairs. The Board of Education wrote, forwarding names of persons nominated to ; fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of j Mr Siwle, A ballot was taken, whiph resulted in fayor of Mr Hardy. It was decided to vote for Messrs T. W- Adams, J. JL. Scott, and G. VV. Russell for seats on the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College. Correspondence from E. Q. Wright, Esq., and Rev. G. Js. Inglis, in refereppe to the record reiga celebrations, was read and dealt with. After transacting routine business the Committee adjourned.

Dromore.

A meeting of the Dromore School Com mittee was held on Saturday evening, June 5. Present — Messrs Candy (chairman), Langley, Quigley, Allen, T. Blackburn and J. Blackburn. The master's report waa read, and a highly creditable inspection report on the school was received from the Board. Considerable discussion took place as to whom the committee should accord its vote for the vacant seat on the the Board of Education, The committee eventually voted for Mr Mclieague, who secured the vote. The Committee vo:ed for Messrs Buddo, T. W. Adams and and J. L. Scott, candidates for seats on the Board of Gover nors of Canterbury College. It was decided I to have a ton of coal and half a pord of fire wood carted from Ashburton. Two weeks winter holidays were granted from June 18. New blinds were ordered for the school windows. The committee decided to write to the Board asking for an addition of two rooms to the master's house. Several letters were received with regard to the record reign demonstration. Mrs J. Blackburn was appointed caretaker for the ensuing year, and the Committee adjourned until the first Satuiday in July.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. N.Z. Trust and Loan Company London, June 8 The report of the New Zealand Trust aiid Loan Company shows a profit for the year of £86,828 ; a divi dend of 5 per cent is recommended ; ,£IB2B will be carried forward. The Fast Atlantic Service, Mr James Huddart, in a letter in The Times, says Peterson's contract for a fast Atlantic stpam service between England and Canada is fore doomed to prove a financial failure. Senor Canovas Madrid, June 6 The Queen Regent has refused to accept the resignation of Senor Oanovas, the Premier. The Transvaal. Capetown, June 7. The Volksraad of the Orange Free State have decided to confer the fran chise on all adult residents possessing the necessary qualifications after a residence of three years, without re quiring them to relinquish their nationality. This is regarded as a check to the Transvaal.

Australian.

Archbishop Redwood. Sydnky, June 7 Archbishop Redwood was a passenger by the Monowai yesterday. Consecration of A Bishop. Dr. O'Dwyer has been consecrated at Maitland as Bishop of Zoara and coadjutor to the Bishop of Maitland. The Cardinal officiated, and it waß an imposing ceremony. Cash Betting. In fines and costs, sixty-six book makers to-day contributed over £600 to the revenue, for indulging in cash betting. The majority were fined £10, a few first offenders £5, A Lucky New Zealander. Hobart, June 7. Mr Mitchell, of the Bank of New Zealand, Port Chalmers, win 3 third prize of £414 in TattersaU's sweep on the Eliesmere Stakes at Randwick. A Sew Position Finder. Melbourne, June 7. Mr Alcock, the well known electri cian, has perfected an artillery position finder, which not merely determines the position of every gun in one fort, hut can be made to signal at one time the range and bearing of every gun of the whole batteries at the Heads. It is claimed to be the most complete known method of artillery concentra tion, and will revolutionise big gun defence.

THE LOAN AND MERCANTILE COMPANY.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright London, June 5.

The Committee of A and B deben ture holders in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company have recommended a scheme for the read justment o£ the capital account. The Directors are of opinion «that the scheme removes all possibility of a call, and puts .the Company in a thoroughly sound position, both as regards interest aud assets, A meeting to consider the scheme will be held on June 15.

The .New Zealand Loan and Mer cantile Agency Company's readjust ment is on the following lines \ —Prior lien debentures to remain untouched "A" debentures to receive 70 pc cent, of the present stock in new 4 per cent, debentures, on 40 per cent, of which interest is a fixed charge; 10,000 preference pound shares to be issued to trustees, who will issue against these a million certificates, of which 30 per cent, each go to the A. and B deben ture holders, one certificate to every ordinary fully paid up share, and one far every two preference shares. The scheme reduces th^ fixed yearly interest on debentures from £145,000 to £104,000, cancels two and a half millions' worth of debentures and shares to provide for deficiencies, and readjusts the capital account. Here after the capital amounts to £3,311,820, the paid share capital being written down to £}38,375. The uncalled capital remains liable to call, but the Directors are of opinion that the scheme removes all posaibility of a call.

r Melbourne, June 7

Mr Elder, the Melbourne manager of the Nhw Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Cpmnany, states that the negotiations taking place in Great Britain do not affect the Company's business in the colonies.

Mr Elder explains that the Com pany's business in the colonies is carried on by means of trust accounts specially provided lor in the Memo randa of Association. With regard to the two and j* half million deben tures and shares cancelled, he says a million of this will ultimately accrue to the benefit of those interested by means of certificates for a million held by trustees against the new preference shares should a recovery in the present realisable value of pastoral securities take place, and interest will be paid thereon in the meantime if earned by the Company.

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

The "Youn&- Turkey" Party. Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph- Copyright. Constantinople, June 7 The Sultan has offered to pardon the members of the " Young Turkey " Party, and to grant at a later date the I reforms demanded by them if they | assist the Turkish Government in the present crisis. On the strength of these promises the " Young Turkey " Party have decided to suspend hostili ties against the Government. The Porte has put forward claims in support of the retrocession of Thessaly to Turkey on the ground that Greece has acted unfairly to the Moslems resident there, and has failed to sup press brigandage,

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE.

Press Aasooifttion—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

London, June 6

In connection with the jubilee it has been arranged that the bells in every church in the United Kingdom shall ring peals at mid Might on June 21 <

Detachments from the Niger native forces have arrived for the jubilee celebrations.

June 7.

The Jubilee thanksgiving service outside St. Paul's, on June 22, will last ten minutes. The Queen's carriage will be surrounded by her sons and grandsons, and other princes on horse* back. Almost every race bubfect to the Queen's rule will be present at the celebrations.

Sir John Forrest has arrived and been welcomed and honored in the same way as the other Colonial Premiers.

Sir George Turner and Mr Seddon visited the Military Tournament.

Lord Hopetoun waited upon and cordially welcomed Sir George Turner, The whole of the Colonial troops attended a church parade at Chelsea yesterday.

Calcutta, Jane 7 The Nizam of Hyderabad has given a denial to the report that a diamond, valued at £300,000, which he intended aa a Jubilee gift to the Qaeen, has been stolen.

Sydw&y, Jane 7 The Daily leUgraph has started a ■hilling fund in aid of a Jubilee Home for consumptives..

THE MOANA.

A Brilliant Send-off

Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Coj yrighb. Sydney, June 7. The Moana sailed to-day. A series of festivities to mark her departure on her maiden voyage across the Pacific wound up with a brilliant send-off by a large and influential gathering on the wharf. Admiral Bridge, as a guest of Mr Mills, waß amongst the visitors to the Moana, and compli mented the Union Steamship Com pany on the acquisition of such a fine steamer. Mr and Mrs Mills are passengers.

Francs and Russia.

Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph- Copyright

Paris, Jane 6

MM. Faure and Hanotaux, and several generals of the French army visit the Czar, at St. Petersburg, in July.

AUSTRALIAN AGENTGENERAL SHIPS.

Proas Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph- Copyright.

London, June 6

Sir George Turner, who is in ex cellent health, says that he intends to take an early opportunity of reorganis ing the office of Agent-General, and will probably divide the duties, leaving diplomatic matters to be dealt with at the present office, and selecting an offite in Ethe city where all business will be transacted connected with the importations of Victorian produce, the negotiation of loans and matters affect ing Victorian mining. Sir H. Norman, who visited the West Indies as President of the Sugar Commission, will resume the office of AgenU General for Queensland in August.

SPORTING.

Euroclydon figures in the list of nomina tions for the Melbourne Oup.

The weather prophet* predict that the lone fine dry spell which we have had will be followed by a very wet and severe winter. The one thing needful for protection against the elements of such a winter ii a really good reliable waterproof coat or cloak We are assured that Messrs Oraighead and Berryman have become farabni for their well known brand of winter clothing, which has hitherto given such satisfaction, and in anticipation of a ■till larger sale lor theee good*, this seaton they are now showing ' probably the largest itock of waterproof tweed, serge, and melton overooets ever exhibited in Ashburten. They are also •applying ladies' an 4 gentlemen's water. proof cloaks and ooati to meuore at ready. made i prices. Every garment guaranteed thoroughly waterproof. (Three months trial, if defective money returned}. All wool linings-keeping the wearers always warm and dry—sewn throughout with strong silk, ventilated and every improve, ment "up to date."—Advt.

THE ABHBOKTOJ* GUAKDIASi : TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 189?.



Business Notices, TJC7 E ARE NOW OFFERING THE FOLLOWINGj SPECIAL LINES, BOUGHT AT A BIG DISCOUNT, BEING A WAREHOUSEMAN'S CLEARING LINES. k Large Line of DRESS GOODS, including Tweeds, Meltons, and Serges to be cleared at 6s lid, Dress length or a Costume made complete for 20a, 5 pieces Striped Flannelette Skirting to be cleared at la 3d, skirt length. § boxes Volveteeca in Brown-grenat, Myrtle, and Navy, to be cleared at la 4£d per yard. A large line Ladies' Holland and Fancy Aprons, all at Is each. Children's Muslin Pinafores at Is each. A line Ladies' Black Straw Hats at Od each. ashburtonlhiapery coy. JOHN TAYLOR (LATE MANAGEB FOR MESSRS REID AND GRAY) BEGS TO ANNOUNCE TO THE FARMERS OF ASHBURTON COUNTY, that he haa opened Premisea in Weß^ Street, Ashburton, adjoining, Mewn F. and H Steel, Coaehbuilders, where he intends carrying on business as AGENI FOX THE SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, made by the undermentioned firms Having acquire i a large experience from his earliest days in the manufacture of Agricultural Implements ia some of the leading shops at Home as well as in the Colony, he is in a position to know the most approved implements of the d&y both tor the cultivation of the soil and for handling its produce. In order to nrovide this supply he has obtained the appointment of AGENT FOR MESSRS BOOTH MACDON&LD AND COMPANY, CARLYLE WORKS, CHRISTCHUROH, whose Ploughs, Disc Harrows, Cultivators, Windmills, Hollers, Wool Presses, Straw Baling Presses, etc., etc., are now well-known throughout the Australian Colonies for their superiority in every respect. He intends keeping a good supply of the above machinery and implements, as welt as extras, co a* to be able to supply with promptness the needs of his cistomrra. He has also been appointed AGENT FOR MESSRS ANDREWS AND BEAVEN, CANTERBURY MACHINE WORKS, OrIRISTCHURCH, whose Chaff-cutting Machinery and Duplex Bayers, Corn Crushers, Seed Cleaners, are now so well-known that no farmer would ever'think of buying iiq imported machine where one of theirs could be got. Samples of these machines he will also be well supplied with, as well as extras for ali wealing parts. Ho h»s alao been appointed AGENT FOR MR A. H. ANDERSON'S AVELING AND PORTER'S TRACTION ENGINES AND MACHINERY, and is authorised to give quotations, and to do business on hU behalf for the sale and repairing of Engines, etc., etc. The advertiser trusts that by constant attention to business, and to the wants of the public, and with reasonable charges, he will merit a share of public patronage. WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 6 25 EX S.S. MATATUA. WE HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF OUR MIDWINTER SHIPMENTS, Six Cases being just to hand from the above steamer. THE SHIPMENT COMPRISES— ONE CASE Ladies' Black Cashmere HOSF, very heavy makes, NE CASE Is 4d, Is 6d, U lOd ONE OASE Ladies' Black and Tan KID GLOVES, bought at a J?E OASE largo discount. Children's Tans—4 Button, Tans, 2s 6J; 4 Domes, Tans, 2a lid j 4 Domes, Black, 2^ lid TWO OASES TRISH LINEN GOODS, straight from the Lisburn WO OASES Mills. Some beautiful embroidered PfLLOW SHAMS. N.D. BAGS, HANDKERCHIEFS, &c Among these goods now on view in our windows ONE O\SW FLANELLETTESand MOLLETOMS. Special lines NE OASE in white and creme ONE CASE Ladies' and Children's BOOTS and SHOE 3, specially NE OASE made for us by our Leicester Manufacturer THREE OASES Passage LINOLEUMS to opea shortly. New designs; al! widths.



MITCHELL & TURNER.



TjIQR FIRST-CLASS BIOYOLIS At lowest prices; "008 THE BEST k CHEAPEST TYRES IN CANTERBURY; "1708 GUARANTEED REPAIRS At lowest charges, GO TO THE ECLIPSE CYCLE WORKS; BARING SQUARE, Ashburton. EIDE THE~ ECLIPSE HUMBER. The Bent Wearing and Lightest Running Machine in Australasia. Per Cenfc longer Guarantee than other makes. A. CARSON, G. H. CARSON, Business manager. Works manager. SOLE AGENTS in Asliburton for (he Royal Enfield—the English Championship achiue. ASHBURTON POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CANARY SOCIETY. mHE ANNUAL EXHIBITION JL WILL BE HELD IN THE ODDFifiLLOWS' HALL FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 2 & 3, 1897. By permission of the Colonial Secretary, A GRAND ART UNION Will be held in connection with the Show. Tickets la each, with admittance toShow. To be obtained of the Secretary. EDWARD STEPHENS, \ Hon. Sec. Art Union, « E. A. ROBOTTOM,



i THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. SPECIAL LINES. MfN'S WATERPROOF COATS, Newest Patterns, all Sewn Seams, 29a 6d, 323 61, 35*, 39s 6d. MEN'S ALL WOOL TWEED OVER COATS, 255, 32a 6d, to 45j. YOUIHB' ALL WOOL TWEED OVER COATS, , 19a 6J, 255, to 355. BOYS' Do. 8a 6d, 10a 6d, to 21s. BOYS' NAVY BERGH SAILOR SUITS. i Fit Boy two years, from 103 61 Fit Boy four years, from 11s Fit Boy six year 3, from 12a- Fit Boy eight years, from 133 Fit Boy tea years, from 14s With extra collar, flannel front, cord and whistle. BOYS' ALL WuOL, TWEED GUARD SUITS, Fit Boy four years, from 9a 6:i Fit Boy six years, from iQ* 61 Fit Boy eight years, from lls 6d Fit Boy ten years, from 12a 6d Parents wanting good strong wearing Suits for the Boys would do well to inspect our large stock. Boys' Blue Serge Tarn Caps from Is to 3s 9 1 Boys' Serge Caps from 6d to Is 9d See our All Wool Tweed, for Boya' school wear, at Is lid per yard. Wo carry a largo stock of British & Colonial BOOTS AND SHOES. Inspection Invited, HALLENSTEIN T BROS. & CO. A. G. BAHTON, Manager. WANTED Known, Inspect Fletcher Bnos' show of Crockery, etc., suit- ( able for presents before going elsewhere. £fc ' will pay you.— Flbicheb Bro«., C*sh Supply ( Stores. j A CCORDEONS, Accordeons, Accor- | X3l deons. Special low prices and large j ■election ftt H- X, Asßmotft, K«rt Btrwo. J,



Church Services. ' ST. SXJSPH EN 'S CHURCH Ashburton. TUESDAY - Ministering Children's League ia ihe Sci.oolroom, 7.15 p m. WEDNESDAY—GirIs' Friendly Society. 1 Scripture Lesson and Gleaners' Union | Meeting, at 730 p.m. Choristers' Practice 7.30. THURSDAY Brotherhood of St. Andrew, j in the Schoolroom, at 7.30. FKlUAY~i<hort service 730. Choir Prac tice 8 p.m. TRINITY SUNDAY SREVIOES. 11am —Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



When moat needed it is not unusual f.>r your family physician to be away from home. Such waa the experience of Mr J. Y. Schenck, editor of the Oaddo, Ind. Tr., Banner, when his little girl, two years oi ago, was threatened with a severe attack of croup. He says : 'My wife insisted that-1 go for the doctor, but as our family physioian was Out of town I purchased a bottle of Chamber'ain'B Cough Remedy^ which relieved her immediately. I will not ba without it in the future." Fur sale by A«h_burtcß Drug Company,



Erom the Tea £Unt to the Tea Oug I unadulterated and pare. This is KoziJS T«4 I JuhnOu&Co,,^g«cti, t



Ayer's Sarsaparilla. • • • Cleanse your blood with Ayefs Sarsaparilla—the most thoroughly reliable alterative evereompounded. For scrofula, boils, ulcers, sores, car buncles, pimples, blotches, and all disorders originating in vitiated blood, this medicine Is a specific, Ayer'4 SarMparOla is equally bens. ficial as a remedy (or catarrh, rheu i matism, and rheumatic gout. As a Tonic, it assists the process of digestion, stimulates the sluggish liver, strengthens the nerves, and builds up the body when debilitated by excessive fatigue or wasting illness. Physicians everywhere con sider Ayer's Sarsaparilla the best. It is a skilfully-prepared combination of the most powerful alteratives and tonics. No other blood-purifier gives equal satisfaction or is so universally j in demand. Ayer's ! Sarsaparilla FttPAMED BY OR. J. & AVER a CO., UmR,MiIL,IS.A. GOLD MEDALS i!tlwW«w7cW»f Gpflk* Ayer's Pills cwb bilwotnuss You have ruinod your oou^tt|tioa sufficiently by drio^ing inferior teM, nmii by drinking only Kozw T54, 1% U pars MM rvUi^-JotoOr:4Go,, Wl^fH^^