PHASES OF THE MOON.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1898. THE LICENSE OF COUNSEL.

The case Just concluded m the Wel lington Supreme Court, known as the (Silverstream murder case, bas furnished strong evidence of the necessity for an immediate reform m the methods of legal procedure m our law courts so far as this concerns the latitude allowed to counsel. The presiding judge m the case m question thought ;t necessary! on several occasions during the trial to check the counsel for the prisoner, Mr Jelliooe, who has made himself con spicuous m the New Zealand Courts by these objectionable tactics. Mr i 3 uatiojß Edwards expressed himself very ; strongly and is reported to have said m reference to Mr Jellicoete treatment of some of the witnesses that he looked { upon the inuendoes thrown out against ■ fchese people as most unjust, and added '• (Counsel fop £h.e defence appears jbo forget that as there are asßagsihs pf the knife and pistol that assail the body, ' there are also assassins of the tongue who assail the character." This is strong language, but few persons who have b. een present m a Court of Justice when lawyers giyen to abusing the latitude allowed them hays b,ee.n brow beating a witness, will think it too severe. It is by no means an unusual j thing for a person of this stamp to ask a witness of unblemished reputation with an air of insolent confidence, " Now, sir, have you not served a term of imprisonment?" Or, m the case of a respectable married woman, to enquire m a be storing sort of way, . "Are you legally married to Soaudrso?" If, m either of these cases the insulted witness declines to answer, or an appeal is made to the judge, or, as is vety often the case the judge himself inter* venes, the offender claims that he is ' ." entitled to shake, if possible, the j jCtyjdjfoUity of the witness." We observ.e that the prpgs of Great Britain and her colonies are unanimous m condemning th.c proceedings m .Oourt during the now famous Zola trial, bub as long as unscrupulous counsel are permitted to browbeat and intimidate witnesses m our own courts we do not , see that we have much to plume our s selves upon. The evil we have pointed out has been noticed and eondemried by the Bench, the bar, and the press for years; but no vigorous effort has been made to remedy it. The inter mittent protests of the judges and the criticisms of the press are all very weli^ \ but until some decided steps are taken to put a Stop to the gratuitous insult ing of witnesses, men like Mr Jellicoo will continue to pursue such tactics. Probably if th@ protection of court privilege were removed and lawyers had to be responsible for fals.e and unjustifiable statements by insinuation or otherwise even when made on the floor of the court there might be some 1 prospect of a reform. j i

The population of France is increasing. For some years it has been on tbe decline, so much so IHE POPULATION that of late the OF FRANCE. ' question had quite taken the propor tions of a national problem. All sorts of remedies had been proposed ; none seemed feasible, and just at a time when the problem appeared incapable pi solution comes to the French the welcome ne^rs that it has solved itself. The authority £or jthis announcement is the Minister of Justice, wh.o by the registers of births and deaths, is abfe j to say that for the year 1896 the births m the country exceeded the deaths by the respectable total pf 04,000, It was m 1898, when 'lbs

» biflus m Frar.oe only exceeded the deaths by 7146, that the country first I became alarmed. These figures gradu ally got worse uniil, m 1895, the deaths m ti-.e country exceeded the births by 17,813. Statisticians have since then been occupied m calculating ■ how long it would take to exterminate ! the French race. Now the tide has ! set m the other way, and, according to \ theMinisterof Justice, it U no temporary ' turn occasioned by a low death rate. ,

The visit of the Islington employees to Asbburton on Saturday cannot be passed over with the MODEL üßu a 1 paragraph EXCURSIONISTS, noting the fact, and recounting their doings, The visit deserves more than a si tuple passing notice, because of the specially- good behaviour which was the prominent and marked characteristic of the great crowd The excursion and picnic, though promoted by the Islington Meat Company's employees, was thrown open by them to all and sundry m Christchuroh who chose to avail themselves of the special trains, and the result was that a long way over 2000 people took advantage of the concession made by the railway. The great crowd arrived m ABhburton m the morning Orderly to the last degree they gave the railway offioials no trouble at all, but at onoe made for the Domain — those of them at least who had brought pionio baskets with them, and these were the majority — and sought out suitable spots on which to "camp" for their "little snack." Sweethearts exploited the town, and others visited Ashburton friends. But all, through the course of the day, visited the Domain. Here sports were held, under a properly organised and eridently experienced committee, and these sports were carried out without the slightest hitch, without wrangling, without an angry word. During the day, though the hotels were well enough patronised no body exceeded moderation, and when the trains left m the evening not a single psrton of the visitors showed the least sign of intoxication, and nobody was left behind. There was no crowd ing or rushing. The early bird caught the early worm m the matter of first class carriages, which were soon filled up by those who were smart enough to take advantage of them ; but m every instance the railway officers' orders were obeyed, and the trains left on time — the one ten minutes after the other. But it is the conduct of the crowd m the Domain which we desire to remark upon as being specially commendable. Not a flower wes touched, not a flowerbed trodden upon, npfc a tree bough brq'ien. The foot paths were rigidly adhered to by the pedestrians, who seemed to look upon the admirably kept condition of the flowerbeds aa entitling them to be re garded as sacred. The waterfowl were a source of much entertainment to tho young people, who enjoyed the pleasure of feeding them, and were greatly tickled with the tatneness of many of the young birds, set ing that; not everyday would thoy corns Rcross birds kept m the opan that will come at pall and feed frotn a stranger's < hand. So abunijanfc was the feeding • that none of the public pets have sines Saturday made their usual daily [ excursion to the cu«*atot's house for their <|ole ". Old Peter,? the, Mus,cqvy sire, has been lying about, with a prop j like a pouter pigeon, ever since the visit of the strangers. The conduct of j th-3 excursionists, it will thus be Been, j was m every way commendable, and it ] would have been uugracious indeed had • the visit been allowed to pass over with ! out notice taken of tjxe fact and a wotd |of compliment passed upon it. In £he ; coming excursion of our Ashburton schools to Timaru, we trust the local press will be able to speak as highly of the conduct of the excursionists.

' We have not often to qomplaiji of w^nt of courtesy to the Press on the part of the public bodies of SPECIAL MEET- the district, as we INGS. have always found them willing to supply such information as ought to jbe placed before the public. But m • one particular some of the bodies ■ referred to. are ngb careful to assist the | reporters. We refer to specif meet ; ings. So far as ordinary meetings are i concerned there is no difficulty, as tho • dates of these are fixed, and reporters ' know them as well as members. But ; I special meetings are sometimes called '. at short notice, and it is here that | occasion arises for ooinplaint. No : notice is given to the press, and unless j j the reporter has the luck to stumble | ; by accident against the fact that a : meeting has been called, he is left m ignorance altogether that it is to be held. A case m point is that of the i special meeting of the Ashburton ; School Qoinmittae, which was held last Friday' evening. The meeting was ' certainly not of great importanoe so far as educational matters go, "but what I was done was of considerable interest | to a large number of young people and ; their parent? and guardians^ wtoo may | intend availing themselves of the ex- j \ carajpn to fimaru, and these would no ; doubt be pleased tp J^e made aware of | all that was intended to be done jn the matter of arrangements for the excur | aiop. Jn all towns of any importance ; m the polony the pub^c bodies, when ! issuing the usual notices apprising | members of meetings to be held ? J whether prdjpary or special, inplude the Press m the list, work en tails but little extra trouble on $hp part of the olerks, and we are asking no more than js conceded to the Press elsewhere when wp $ugges£ tha£ a like courtesy should be shown to the Press of Aehburfcon.

Local and General.

' Two motor o«s have arrived m Welling ton. A squad of cyclists ia now attached to every corps of cavalry m the German Army. r Cancer" was responsible for 129 deaths m the four principal cities s bf New-£ealand last year. ' • : ' -Lasb year the Southland Frozen Meat Company exported nearly 1,500,000 rabbits and made a profit of £5,093. The usual monthly meeting of the Aahbur ton High School Board takes place at the secretary's office on Friday, at 3 p.m. The Land Board has decided to notify de faulters on the ' Higtsfrank Settlement to bj^ild and reside within a month; 6f their leaßM will be forfeited without further aptio a.

' Mr Theophi'us Cooper, an Auckland lawyer, who spurted life as a •• printer's devil," is to get the next vacant judgeship of the Now Zealand Supreme court. So sayß a Melbourne paper. The Coinmksioner of the- Government Life Imurance Department notifies money to lend at exceptionally low rates af interest i on freehold property. i The Methven tennia players have been ! , improving wonderfully of late, and intend [ holding a tournament, to commence on Tuesday afternoon. On Ait : That a Blenheim aport lately laid out till be could lay hia hand* on, and bought twenty-three whole books (483 ohances) m one of the big consultation sweeps. And he 1 didn't so muoh aa get anything to run for hia money. I The Southern Maori missionary, m hia report, states that he visited Waitaki kaik, and found the Maoris there very super- Btitious. They pray over a lighted match, and will not go out after dark for fear that the devils will catch them, etc. I'uriug his trip to Great Britain, Mr Ayßon, of the Maaterton Fish Ponds, will obtain supplies oi the ova of various fresh water fin, and also of such salt water fi'h as herring and haddock. The Cabinet will not consider the question of establishing a fish hatchery at Purakanui, Otago, until he returns. Several Marlborough girls, among others who have lately matriculated, gained Buob a high percentage of maikfl for latin, that they have actually passed the first axamina tion m the law profession. Men will have to look to their laurels. These same girls are now working tor the first pasi m the B.A. degree. One or 'wo little errors orept into our re port of the late flower show. For the best collection of apples, twelve varieties, four of eaoh, the first prize went to H. J. Porter, of Allenton Nursery, who also took second for twelve of one variety. The first award for any other fruit went to Mrs I. R. 0. C. Graham, with E. Stephens second. A general statement of the position of the Post Office Savings Banks of New Zealand tends to confirm the belief that the peop'e of the colony are fairly prosperous At the end of 1896 there were no less a number than 147,751 persons having credib balaoces, the total amount . lying to their oredit being £4,311,934, or an average of £29 3 3 7d per depositor. The Hon. J. Carroll, replying to a depu tion at Wairoa, said Waikaremoana might I well be the envy of the whole of the North Island — at present Rotorua got all the show. He felt that far less money than was spent at Rotorua would bring Waikaremoana into the frotit list. Its scenery was not to be compared to anything m the world, whilst there was enough power to light Wairoa by electricity, and run a railway to the lake as well. A Dunedin weekly newspaper announces that a well-known business man, a partner m one of the largest firms m Dunedin, has levanted. It is the talk of the town. He is supposed to have taken sums variously estimated at from £10,000 to £12,000, and the head of the firm has come over from Melbourne to audit the books. The missing man's wife is a leader of fashion, and she is still to be seen about town, apparently unconoerned at the fiying rumors. The Highbank School Committee meeting was held on Friday evening last. Present — Messrs Doherty (m the chaii), Davis, Smith, Oallaghan, and Driscoll. On account of the increase of scholars it waß deoided, as the school would require enlarging, to apply to the Board at once for additional accommoda tion, and also the building of a master's house. It was resolved to vote for Messrs Maunders and Hardy as members of the Board of Education. Messrs Doherty, Davis, Sui-ay, Uriscoll, and Callaghan were ! appointed trustees for the new piano. Resolved that the next concert be held on | M.nday, March?.. The members then fat as the Highbank Cemetery and Domain Boards, aud resolved to let the two reserves for cropping. The meeting then adjourned till Tuesday, March 8. ' An untoward accident happened last week at the Rangitata Bridge Hotel grounds. A three-year-old son of Mr Bryan, landlord of ih-i hotel, was playing m the sunshine with a companion about a year or bo older. JJy some mischance a tomahawk had come into their possession and' while amusing them selves m imitation of th« way they had seen it used the elder boy was busy choppiog the j ground with it. The younger boy's right I hand was aco dentally Btruok m the descent of th-a oxe, aud the forefinger of the hand had the bone completely severed, Lhough the tendons were left intact. The injured boy was attended to at once, and after temporary treatment was taken to a doctor, who put I the finger m splints, and $bsre, are some hopes that the benea will re-unite and the little sufferer's finger be saved. : A very pleasant gathering took place at Tinwald on Thursday evening, when Mrs R Anderson was presented with a handsome teaoher's Bible, on the occasion of her sever ing her connection with the Presbyterian Sabbath School. Miss S. Meharry, on j behalf of the'teachers and scholars, expressed their sincere appreciation of Mrs Anderson's good work m the Sunday Sohool, speaking with regret at having to lose her from amongst them, and hoped she would acoept the Bible as a small token of the esteem m which she was held by them. After others had spoken, the reoipient said she was very | sorry at' haying to discontinue to work with I them, and thanked them for their beautiful present, whioh would constantly remind her of gladsome memories. JSefore departing thpife present spent several houre with music and games. [ A chance, such is seldom to be met with, | offers just now to seed merchants, m the . poming into the market of the business of of Mir Joseph seedsman, etc, East street. Mr Scaly, who purchased a farm some time ago, has decided to give up his business as a seedsmen and devote his time and energies to the cultivation of his land. i The business has been a prosperous one sinoe its start m 1875 when Messrs Scaly ! Bros, oppned it m connection with their < nursery. A few years ago the connection had . so extended that the brothers deoided to , dissolve partnership, the one devoting hia ; energy wholly to the nursery, and the other !to the seed business m town. Both, j j however, have now gone m for farming, and j j while the nursery will go on as heretofore, ' the seed business is offered for sale us a ! going concern. Situate, as it is, m the ' centre of so large an agricultural district as ; b t own, fai'ure with it is impossible m the hands of any man acquainted with the trade, and, as has been said', such a chance as 'now ' offered is seldom met with. |n order to make room for the builders to pornplete the alterations we have resolved to i greatly reduce our stock. We have therefore culled a large quantity of pur Tweeds and Vyoreteds, etp.'to clear at the following reductions ;— Men 'B suits to measure, usual ' price 90s, now 70s ; Men's trousers, usual I price 255, now 15s 6d ; etc. We have also j pleasure m notifying that we have just been > appointed agenta for the famous " British I Moparch' ?' Wayerley" andEclipse-Humber Bicycles (both gents 1 and. ladies'), we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at the lowest cash prices, or op the most liberal terms to suib tjjp convenience of our j customers. {Every maohine guaranteed).— ' Craighkad and Bbbryman, the leading Tailors and Outfitters. HpjiLOWAY's^ PfLi,s. — Change of tempera fcijre and weather frequency upset perspnp V?ho are most careful of their health, and particularly m the jr diet. These corrective, purifying, and gentle aperient Pills, are the best remedy for all defective aptiqn ql the digestive organs. They augment the appetite, strengthen the stomach, correct biliousness, and carry of all that is noxious from the system. Holloway's Pills are i composed of rare balsams, unmixed with ! baser matter, and on that account are ! peculiarly well adapted for the young, deli s icate,' and aged. 4 a this geerle.B.s mediqiuc ihaa gamed 1 fame m tile feast,--" soV will i* preserve it m the future by its renovating ! and invigorating qualtues. «"* tne wnpoaaibi lity of its doing barm. I I Kbating's Powder destroys bugs, fleas, . : moths, beetles, and all other inseota, whilst } quite harmless to domestic animals. In ! exterminating beetles the success of this I powder is extraordinary. It) « perfeotly clean m application. See the artiole you ■ .' pWobftW is VKeatingV' as imitations are ■ ; noxioui wi inifflaotnaT. Sold m tins, 6t, Is I : ?;& 2.8 $ each, "by »« !s9sj*Mi - I

Mr McKerrow, the Commissioner for examination of nay d and military claims, has returned to Wellington. He took tlu evidence of 2000 witnesses. His report will probably be rtady m a fortnight* The now cable across Cook's Strait will b? a single core thirty-five miles long. It ia expected to be laid before the end of next month, and the Tutanekai then repairs one of the other cablea. Last week Mr Tutty, whi'« engaged chaff cutting at Ruapuna had the misfortune t>> have one of the fingers of the left hand badly cut. He was brought to Ashburton, where the wound was dressed by Dr Trevor. Mr 8. Cleaver, of Burnett etreeb, an noaaoes m our advertising columns that be has reduced the price /or shoeing haoka and draught horses, also that he has leoared the services of Mr W. Tait, late of Messrs F and H. Steel's establishment. At the Islington pionio on Saturday a unique performance was accomplished by the local sprinter, J. MoNaught. In the Visitors' Race, 110 yards, a field of twenty six faced the starter, and sttange to say, was run rff m one heat. This did nob pre vent McNaught from scoring, however, as he came through his men m fine style m the fast time of ll£secs. The talented Cadzows' Company will make their firet appearance here to-morrow evening. They have had a highly ■ucoeßsful season m Christohuroh having been favored with crowded houses every evening notwith standing counter attractions. A reference to their advertisement m to-night's issue will show that a few alterations have been made whioh are expeoted to be very acceptable to the public. Replying to the toast of his health ab a farewell gathering held m hiß honor at Wairmte on Saturday. Mr Alpheus Hayes said his trip to Canada was m some measure a business one, and if opportunity offered, he might go to the K'ondyke ; but of the business he waß going to Canada about, and for whioh he had been appointed a delegate, more would be heard later on, and would probably interest all those present and j possibly the colony ab large. . j The Greenwoods, who have been playing 'to splendid business on the West Coaßt lately, are shortly going pay a visit to Rakaia and Ashburton. The Misses Greenwood everywhere win great kudos for their charm ing singing a good acting. They each of them possess excellent voices, and as they mostly appear m musical comedy and burlesque should prove a draw here where good singing is always appreciated. The Misses Greenwood are supported by a power ful company, bring with them a large amount of beautiful scenery and handsome dresses. 'I he Herald pays that definite word has been received m Timaru that a camp of volunteers will be held ab Easter. The North Canterbury and South Canterbury Battalions will work together m defence of Lyttelton Harbor. The orders will be issued m a day or two, and ib is probable that the base of operations will be Sumner. The South Canterbury Battalion should muster strongly on this occasion, as ib is without doubt one of the strongest m the colony, and the camp should be excep tionally instructive to all volunteers. Since 1878 there have been nine epidemics of dysentery indifferent parts of the" couatry m whioh Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy was used with perfect success. Dysentery, when epidemic, is al-, most as severe and dangerous as Asiatic cholera, Heretofore the best efforts of the most skilled physiaianu have failed to check its ravages This remedy, however, has cured \ the most malignant cases, both of children and adults, and under the most trying con ditions, which proves it to be the best medicine m qhe wotld for bowel complaints. For sale by Ashburton Drug Company.

Fire Brigades' Competition.

Presa Association— By Electric Telegraph — Auckland, February 25 m The competitions, at Auckland, were continued on Saturday. Results : — Hoae and Reel for Firemen— Timaru, 57sec, no penalty, 1. Aaliburton disqualified. Ladder and Baby Rescue, for two men — Aahbur ion, 20| sees, 1 ; Waipawa, 21 sees, Hoee and Ladder Competition for Fire men—Auckland, 39| sees, (including 2 sees penalty) 1 ; Timaru, 39| sees, (2 aecß penalty) 2 ; Ashbarton, (no peualty) 44£ sees. Auckland, February 28 Ashburton was third m the Alarm and i Disabled event (No. 4) und v?;n the shield for the manual eveuts. Ximatu win the hose hydranfj shield and the champion shield.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsive tor the opinions expressed by one correspondents) T?E SO-CALLED CONVERTED MONK TO THE EBHJOE. Sir,— ln your iaaue of laab Saturday a correspondent, signing himsolf " Yeritas," impugna the veracity of Captain Bishop, of Ihe Salvation Army. Assuming that Captain Biehop did state tha,t h.e had been a monk, when he was only a lay brother, it is scarcely an untruth, because the general public can and do make no nice distinctions between the inmates of a monastery, but classes them all as monkg qr nuns beeauae they are shut up so much that the public has no opportunity, of observing the difference of their duties. Besideß, the religious body to wh^oh " Veritas " obviously belongs^ is itself not over particular m nomenclature j for instance, their Bishop, m Chriatohurch styles himself " Bishop of Christchurch," whereas he ia Bishop of only one-seventh of its population, as .statistics clearly shot?. Aa regardß the latter part of the letter, I can only state that on conversing over this matter with Captain Bishop about a year ago I oannot remember his stating anything about the brothers Murphy, but I do recol lect his stating that he was connected m some way with, or under the charge of, Prior Vaughan. Farther, that on meeting that clerio again after having joined the Army, he noticed the symbol of the cross, worked on Captain Bishop's guernsey, and remarked, that "lie was glad to observe that he had at all events not discarded the symbol of Christianity," or words to that effdot. — I am, etc., Faib Play.

" ALONG THE BUSH."

By Oar Own Csrreapondeat.] Things along thp bash way— otherwise Methyen, Alfor d Foresb, and Mount Sqaiers are looking fresh. From a casual view there appears to be a fair . quantity of gr a&a m moat partß, while the Btubble feed is good as eornpared with that on the low lands. The ' best crop of rape m the district is I think, ! that of Mr W. Bmith, at Stavley, Turnips j look fresh and healthy, and bid fair to stand m good stead m the coming winter, So far threshing has not commenced m theae parts, so averages per acre cannot be correotly reported, though from the appearance of the stacks and the look of the stubble the crops have been good, and will doubtless go a bit ahead of those of some of the more unfortunate folk towards the sea, whose average is about 1^ to 2£ bushels per acre, On the Rakaia side of this part Mr Cran fi Id can, I think, show folk how to grow 1 turnips by having some as "big as buckets," bqb it is hoped not as hollow. Harvesting h virtually over, though I noticed three i crops standing and being harvested. Fat sheep are indeed fat up this way—one man | told me he had quite a j >b to piok one thin ; enough to kill, and m the Methven yards there were some fine specimens of crossbred ewe» I understand Methven is to be subjected to a change of residents ia as much as Mr John Gunn who has for years topped the Addingtoo market with " fats "—has | §qld his farjj) to JVJr U, AfoLeod, rnqre ! generally known as a WLoLeod ot' U|oub!e Sill. "MrMoLßod takes -possession of bia row. acres Bometime ia Match. Mf Donald McLean is building a Urge house at the old Mount Hutfr Homestead, Messrs Smith and Son having the oontraofc well m hand The Mounb Somers hotel I understand is shortly to change hands— Mr Timpson having disposed of hU interests to Me Petrie, of Rakaia^ and if, Mr Petrie keeps up the reputation of the houee it> is all that can be ! desired— bat b# 9»o 4° h « Qwn Rdyw^ing,,

„ .. ...... .., i iii r nrf - FLEMING 10i\ SCHOOL ♦ ! m The following report of the examination of this school, held on December 7, his been received and handed to as for publication :— Pass Subjects. la 1 1 1 lil iI i r__* i_£i_^ I . ye mn 7 1 0 — — — 13 10 „ 6 4 4 - 0 4 12 5 „ 5 7 7—07 12 2 „ 4 7 7—o 7 10 8 „ 3 5 s—o 5 910 „ 2 4 4—o 4 8 9,, 13 3—o 3 Over 8 P 16 15 — — — - ye&ra ', ■ 1 Total 47 45 — I 0 30 I Marks Class Subjects (0 to 100) Grammar 90 History 5g Geography (Standard 2 only) 85 Science, object lessons, etc. 60 - Mental Arithmetic 30 ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS. Repetition and reoitation — commendable. Drill and exercises — Satisfactory. Sieging -Songi are pleasantly rendered. Needlework— Good. < Comprehension of reading lessons— Highly commendable. Organisation.— Standard 7—83. Mr H. Henderson, master j S2-P, Miv Rutledge, mistress* Remarks.—The work presented by the upper classes ia this examination bears all the marks of excellence that we have learned to associate with Mr Henderson's teaohtng. In mechanioal exercises the aoonracy of each pupil's performance is very remarkable, and m subjects requiring the most intelligent treatment the success aohieved ia no less noteworthy. The lower classes, too, are composed of groups of thoroughly well-taught) children, v horn it is quite a pleasure to examine.- L. B. Wood, Inspector. In forwarding the above to the Chairman of the Committee (Mr J. Dunn) the Secre tary writeß :— "lamto express the Board's entire satisfaction with the report and to congratulate the teachers on the excellent results obtained."

CHERTSEY SCHOOL

• The usual monthly meeting of the Cherteey School Committee waa held m the schoolroom on Saturday evening last. There were present— Mr George Scarlett (m the oh»ir) t and Messrs Lewis, Ironside, G. Campbell, and Page. The master'a report showed an average ot 45 ont of a roll of 57. The matter of the repairs needed was left m the hand* of the. Chairman and Mr Stewart. The oommittee agreed to vote for Messra Hardy, Ualziel, and Saunders. The tender of £7 12s of Mrs W. H. Dunatan for cleaning the sohool had been accepted by the bud committee appointed, and she had com menoed duties on February 21. The appoint* rnent was confirmed. A complaint with regard to the punishment of a child wa» referred to the master.

CABLE NEWS.

Borne and Foreign.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Trade Between Italy and - Queensland. London, February 25 Mr Finucane, the Queensland com*, mercial agent m Europe, reports th«fc there are prospects of opening a direct trade between Italy and Queensland. the Rebellion m Samoa. In the House of Commons Mr Curzon said that Great Britain had suggested to Germany that it would be better not to releas-j Mataafa until the rebellion m Samoa has been quelled. Army Reforms. In the House of Commons Mr Brodrick, Secretary to the War Office, explained the proposed army reforms, dwelling especially on the improved conditions for soldiers. The general opinion of the House was favourable. Route to Klondyke. "Washington, February 25 Congress is discussing a bill which will have the i ffoct of nullifying the value of the Stiekeen-Teslin route to the Klondike goldtields, unless Canada surrenders her railway monopoly.

THE EASTERN SITUATION

— -• — . Chines© Concessions. PreßS Association —By Eleetrio Telegraph. Copyright. Bons Kong, February 26 China has authorised an American syndicate to construct a railway from Tien Tsin to Ohio Kiang, through Shantung. Germany, however, claims a monopoly over Shantung. Kussia is insisting that her officers m the Chinese shall have unreserved power over the armies. London, February 26- In the House of Commons Mr Ourzon stated that the French Govern ment had denied any intention to occupy Hainan, or establish a base m those waters. Mr Ourzon also stated that the Chinese concessions to Britain were of an explicit character,' ant} would probably be embodied m a treaty.

Proposed 'Aitarqtio Expedition.

Presß Asaqoiation— By Eleobrio Telegmf b- Qopyright. London, February 35 At a meetiog of the Royal Society, Mr John Murray, F.R.S,, read a paper advocating a Daval exploring expedi tion to the Antarctic. Sir Joseph Hooker suggested that a captive balloon would faciliate land explora tion. Hr Nansen concurred m the suggestion, and also made light of the dangers of the ice, which he thinks is considerably less broken than m the Arotio seas. He is convinced that Norway will co-operate with the expe dition. The Duke of Argyll, Admiral Afarkman and other eminent public scientific men also advooated the expedition.

TBB ASHBUBIOIS GOAiSDIAIS * MOKPAY, FFKtJABY 28, 1898



Febuwary. D H M Full moon ... .... 7 554 am Last quarter 14 0 5 pm New moon .... ..* 21 711 am First quarter ... .... 28 10 43 pm



My little bey, when two yean of age, waa taken very ill with bloody flux. Iwm ad* vised to use Chamberlain's Colio, Cholera end Diarrhoea Remedy, and luckily proem- ed part of a bottle. I carefully read the direotions and gave it accordingly. He wm very low, bat slowly and .stgrel^ £c bfgan.^ gr^daftlly recfttepe^, un|| is no<s? «4 $to\i»> and strong as ever, I {eel anre 4t» say* ed his life. I never oan praise the Remed> half its worth. lam sorry every one m the world does not' know how good it is, aa I do. — Mrs Lina S. Hinton, Grahamsville, Marion Co., Florida. For sale by Ash* urton Drag Company. ... ....  =.. BIOSQSB TEA. i - r i ■■*



, $mo& fifty Wnuf,



Church Services T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aehburton.' WEDNESDAY-G.F.S., 7 30 p.m. FRIDAY-Shorb Service, 7.30 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES.— 6' h March. 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion. 3 p.m.— Greenstreeti 6.30 p.m.— Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



PUBLIC NO'uJfCBJS • o O ft -.*?i\:| sto 1 1 s §J I 8 OS "" > Hg § * 5



F. FERHIMAN. | FOR SALE- A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR A VERSON WITH A SMALL CAPITAL. T" HAVK been inßtruofced by Mb] V. Rouse to sell by Private Treaty his well known and Commodious BOARDING BOUSE, situated m close proximity to the Methven Railway Station, oontaining W Rooms and Soullery, together with £ aore of land. As Mb Rouse has determined to sell on aooount of hia wife's ill-health, the above should oommand the attention of anyone m eearoh of a profitable and increasing business m the centre of a large and rising distriott F. FERRIMAN. i FOR SALE- WAKANUI iROAD.^WITHItf A PEW MINUTES WALK OF POST OFFICE. A Comfortable Dwelling House, oontain- ing 8 rooms, Bathroom and Soullery, to- gether with one acre of land, fronting on Wakanui Road and Cambridge Street. The above is for absolute sale, and from t b olose proximity to town should call for special attention from those in*|aearch2|of good suburban residence. F. FEKKIMAN. F 0 R <S A L E. LEASE IN PERPETUITY of 100 Acres of Lund at Lismore, subdivided into four paddocks, with an abundant supply of water m each. 20 acres are m English grasses, 55 m fallow, and 45 are m the native etxte, upon which there is good feed. Upon the property there is a comfortable five-roomed house, a well pUnbed garden, three-stalled stable, piggeries and sheep yards. As this farm is within threo miles of a Public Sohool, anyone m search of a property at a small rental would do well to give thi* tyj inspection. * F. FERRIMAN. FOR SA|LE, I HAVE FOR SALE a good second hand FARM DRAY, 1 DOUBLE-FUKROW PLOUGH, and Eecond hand DRILL. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. I HAVE FOR SALE a unique site for a suburban residence. The quality of the land is unsurpassed, ample frontage on good road, and containing SEVEN ACRES, TWENTY PERCHES ; situated on the creek. The owner is determined to sell. Full particulars on application! F. FERRIMAN. TO LET, William Street, off Wakanui Road. A house of seven roomp. T 0 LE T, Wakanui Road, » comfortablejjhiiue 'of six rooms and scullery. F. FERRIMAN. Go nor tie persuaded /o Duyspyo///je//p//3fy'o/?s, I o /#s/& en fi&v/n& • 1 * Meyareaurea/HfwMksomA \ m ffle 6est money a/icf * experience (m Jbuy. Idrgetfsd/ef/j/rusffz/as/a.



SHEARMAN BUGS., \ FAMILY GBOCTRS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, AND GENERA.L IMPORTERS. MARKET.fEOUSE, BUBMTT STREET, ASHBURTON. GROCERIES. IN STOCK— High Class Pekoe, Cey'on, and Indian Teas, ; solo Agents for Ashburton for Tiger B euded Teaa. None but the best brauda of Groceries kept ; Tinned Fish of every description ; Currant*, Kaiuin*, hultanaa, »H ot t&e first quality ; Fiueßt Oatmeal, guaranteed absolutely pure ; Keroseae, loU test {Finest Roller Flour ; Butter a. d Chees.-, the tmeet procurable from the bent makers ; Mauritius Sugar always m Stook. Customer! may always rely on bein<? supplied from ft Urge and well selected siook of all groceries, at the moßt reasonable prices. GENERAL MERCHANDISE. Best design and quality of China Breakfast and Tea Services, Dinner Services, all prices : Toilet Setß, newest styles and decoration ; Glass and Earthen ware of every description. Table Cutlery by the very best maker* Electro Plated goods a Speciality, euitab o for Weddm« **»** did assortment 5f Brushwareof every kind. Raw and Boiled L"""*. Cattor and Neats Foot Oils always on hand. Ploughshares and Ropes, Lamps and Lanipware (English and American), Ironmongery and General Household Requisite!,, Etc., Etc., Etc. WINES AND~ SPIEITS. Celebrated Muscat and Constantia Australian Wines always m atooic. Being m direct oommunicatiott with the best British »ad Oontineutal Manufacturerj Oustomew waited upon for Ordera. Goods delivered daily. Lettere and Telegrams promptly attended to. SATISFACTION IS OUR MOTTO. Telephone No. 63. ** GIGANTIC SALE ** OF DRAPERY, CLOTHING & BOOTS AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. The Whole Stock Reduced. ODD LINES AND SUMMER GOODS AT AFTER SEASON PRICES. LADIES' WATCHES GENTLEMEN'S WATCHES GOLD BROOCHES LADIES' GOLD RINGS. mHESE FOUR LINES ARE HEAVILY STOCKED AND ARE OFFERED AT REDUCED PRICES. THK LABGBST AND FINEST^ STOCK IN the Dlstriob of these Jand all other Liaes is tn| be; sepnf.at S. SALEK'B THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT BARGAINS EXTRAORDINARY /^(REAT ANNUAL SALB of Sarplus.t Stookj ot DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS, COMMENCED ON SATURDAY, January 15. IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. — w — ANDREW ORR. I