DEATH.

Landells -- On September 28, 1898, at his pirent'n residence, Peter Street, Ash burton, Vitian D'Arcy Landells. Aged 4 years 9 monthe.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1898 MORALS-PARLIAMENTARY AND PUBLIC.

There are many of us, not yet even grey, who can remember with what pride New Zealandera used to refer to the gentlemanly conduct of our legislators when m parliament assembled, and with what Bupreme contempt the legislators of Victoria and New South Wales were regarded. In those days reports of the rampant blackguardism that characterised the proceedings m the Australian Houses of Legislature were common m the press of this colony, and our virtuous press would occasionally say of the scenes thus depicted that they were fitted rather for the back block states of the Far West than for senators claiming to be the immediate descendants of men who had been brought up m our Mother Country, whose House of Commons was a model of good behaviour for the whole world. But there has been a and decadence since then, and Ichabod has been written on the forehead of the New Zealand House of Representatives, The day was when a man who would have dared to make reference to the personal affairs or private character of an individual member would have been very promptly shown that conduct of that sort was not becoming a gentle man, and the apology that would have been forthcoming would have been the most ample that one man could give another. Had the amende honorable not been made, th« parliamentary career of the offender would have virtually ceased, for he would havo been made feel that though m the House he was not of it, and ha influence, if he had any, would have withered awny. It is different now, and we find even Ministers of the Grown assuming the rote of the fish f&g, and making reference to personal peccadilloes m a way that only vulgar and foul-mouthed fish cadgers adopt when dealing with men of their own stamp. The Melbourne Argus m a recent article made reference to the marked falling off m gentlemanly behaviour that has been of late notice able m the New Zealand parliament, i and attributed the same to the lower j ins> of the franchise. Specially was the one man-one vote or manhood suffrage referred to as a cause, as it j put the power into the handt of men \ who could not discriminate between what are the qualities that go to make a gentleman, and those that are the reverse of gentlemanly. It was pointed out that; the exteminn of the franchise allowed the more vulgar and unthink ing to hare a say m matters of which they are profoundly ignorant, and this ignorance was appealed to by glib talkers of no character who seek only the loaves and fishes of the honorarium, nnd caring littlefortheirown self respect and lesa for the reputation of the colony, come out m their true colors when the possibility of self-aggrandisement at the expense of the laxpayer is appa rent, and it requires only the heat of debate to show just how much, or rather how little, of the instincts of the gentleman is m them. The Argus writer writes at a disiance, but m this case, distance does not lend enchant ment to the view, otherwise m his search for a cau?e for the falling off m tone he would not have been so un gallant as to include amongst the fran chise f xtensions aa the more immediate reasons that which admitted the women of New Zealand io the polling booths. How far the Argus is right m its reasons for the falling off is not the purpose of the present article to en quire, but we cannot shut our eyes to the fact that there has been indeed the most lamentable decadence m tone which the Argus points out;. It is a proverb that the looker-on sees most of the game, and we cannot deny that the Argus has seen the defects of legislators' behaviour with unclouded vision. But while some of our "representative" men are thus dragging their own and the colony's good name through the mud, a glance at some of the measures sought to be passed affords a strange commentary on the manner m which those leaders of the people comport themselves. Never m the history of the colony has there been such a plethora of what may becalled social and moral legislation. This may perhap3 be attributed more particularly to the advent of the wom&n voter, to please whom many members seem exceedingly anxious. The House has for some years been wrestling with liquor legis lation, but last election set that,ques tion back for an indefinite time. Then we have the very drastic measure in troduced by Mr George Hutchison the Restraint of Wagering Bill ; and the Gaming and Lotteries Amendment Bill of the Government, which has been dealt with more fully io a previous article. Next comes to our hand Mr McNab's Testator's Family Provision out of Estate Bill, which enacts that should any person die leav ing a will, and should the provision made for the maintenance and support of his or her wife, husband, or children be considered inadequate or unfair, the Supreme Court may, on the application of the person not contented with the will, order the provisions of the will to be altered. This seems to us the first step towards Government adopting the very simple and easy plan of takiug away from any man who has anything to leave the power to make a will at all, and sending a Government ofticer to take charge of the estate with power to administer it just as he thinks fit-. Then MrLawry flourishes his Deceased Husband's Brother Marriage Bill. This is one intended to equalise matters m regard to sex privileges A man mny now marry the sister of his deceased wife, but a woman may not marry the brother of her deceased husband. This BJII will level down the little inequality Then Mr T." E. Taylor wants the House to take a flying leap at an obstruction and clear it m o.ne bound, That we will ultimately have womsh m Parliament we have no doubt, but members of the House *nd the men of the gptopjp cJq OQfc t*k« l^dly t 9 the

idea just yet, any more than the I Parliamentary reporters took kindly to having Miss Stella Henderson at the same table with them m the press gallery. But Mr Taylor wants this radical change to take place < at once. Mr Seddon goes one better j m "moral "legislation. His Young Per sons' Protection Bill gives almost illimi table power of arrest of young persons when it is "suspected " that they are where they are without proper control, or for immoral purposes. Any house may bo searched if it is thought that it is frpquented by young persons for gambling or improper purposes by boys. Proceedings under the Act are to be taken before a magistrate privately., the public and the news papers being excluded. Scores of our young people may be sent to gaol m a far more summary fashion than a French monarch had to resort to send anyone to the 6aßtile. If we go on passing 11 moral " Measures of this nature at the speed with which the " labor " legislation was added the statute book, we shall certainly require to increase the number of Ministers, and just as a Minister of Labor was found necessary, bo -will a Minister of Morals be indispensable. Then we have a Slander of Woman Bill, which is calculated to compel the holding more sacred of a woman's good name. And we fill up the list with the newest Divorce Bill. We say newest, because session after session for some years a Divorce Bill has sought to alter the marriage relations of New Zealand people. The new Bill would enable divorce to be obtainable for (1) jidultery - } (2) [desertion for five yearß ; (3) that the respondent during four years and upwards has been a drunkard, or being the petitioner's wife has for the like period been a habitual drunkard and has habitually neglected her domestic duties and rendered herself unfit to dischargo them ; (4) that the respon dent has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for seven years or upwards for attempting to take the life of the petitioner. Is there one direction Ifft to us m which to pursue experimental legislation ? Pre vious experiments have not been successful m the most marked degree, and m spite of the well-known fact that morality cannot be enforced by Act of Parliament, our law-givers are filled with the idea that they can make men and women moral by force. But as charity ought to begin at homo and the gospel was ordered to be preached " beginning at Jerusalem," would it not be just aa well for th 6 House of Representatives to make one supreme effort to raise its own moral tone, and while it is making it, to lefc that of the people alone 1

Local and General.

Reading matter on first and fourth pages, Amateur Professionals.— Of the referees who acted m the receLt Otago and South land contests againsfc the Canterbury repre sentatives, Mr Mcßobie sent m a, bill for expenses for £10 18i 9», which included six days' wages ab 10a a day, and hotel" en route 38*. The committee taxed the bill to the extent of £3 12', and decided to send a chrqno for £7 6a 93, ab the same time drawing Mr McKobie's attention to iheru'es relating to professionalism, which precluded ihe Union from p i.v'ng waeeß. Mr Torrance'd little bill reached £5 12a lid, m which there was an item of 30a for Jo3s of time. The committee toxed this bill to that extent, and will draw Mr Torrance'a attention, aUo, to the lawß as to professionalism. ]hk Slaughtering Inspection Bill.— By a Presa Association wire from Welling ton we are it. formed that a meeting of c'elegatea representing the butchers through out the colony will be held to-day to consider the provisions of the S ; aughtering Inspection Bill. The main proposals of the measure are generally approved, but doubts are ex- , pjeseetl of the desirability t-f pushing the Bill on this bo eion, and tome difference of opinion exists a3 to whether public abbat toira can be established all over the colony ond private slaughterhouses aboFahed. The Auckland representatives fivor the con tinuation of private slaughterhouses under proper control, supervision, and inspection. Meeara Hunson, Chriatchurch, and Moody, Auckland, will wait on the Stock Com mi'.tee on the subject to-morrow. Wakanui T.O.G.T. Anniversary.— The ninth anniversary tea aud concert of the 1.0.0 T. of the Pride of Wakauui Lodge was held on Friday. The intlemcncy of the weather somewhat marred the anticipation of the membars, bub nofcwibhatandingthe meeting waa a successful one* For this much credit ii due to the enthusiastic members, each working m cooperation one with the other. There wero three tables, p-esided over as follow : — Misses Corbett (2), Love, Brown (2), Ander«on (2), Living- Btone, Hill, Dalton (2), and Messrs Corbett and Butterick. After waiting some time for performers from town, and beiDg dis appointed, the oonoerb began with the > opening ode. Solos were sung by Misses ■ Nellie Coohrane and Lavinia Trevurza, and Mr A. Jamieson ; a duet by Miss Annie Dalton and Mr A. Protheroe ; and two amusing dialogues were given by the members, " A patient wife," and " Whom shall we marry," the latter by thirteen of the sisters. Rev R. Taylor spoke, pleading with the young people to pledge themselves by joining tho Good Templar Order, also pointing oufc very strongly the necessity for Christians to be leaders of the temperance bodies and especially the Lodge, as it was a Christian duty and privilege. The items of the programme were loudly applauded. The accompaniments were played by Misses S. Corbetb and Oochrane. Tho usual votes of thanks were passed, after which the National Anthem was sung and the meeting terminated.

Cyclists' Alliance.— At a meeting of the I delegates of the New Zealaud Cyclistb' 1 Alliance, it was decided, by six votes to 8 four, to remove the head quarters to Timaru. 5 Smothered Sueep,— During the gale on ) Friday last the duot storm was very severe ' round Lauristoo, and Mr Denis McKendry I had the misfortune to lose 270 hoggets, out ■ oi bOO, through being smothered m the drifting dust and sand. The 500 were the pick of a large mob. Tub Fbdkral Rifj.k Team.— lt is probable the Governments will abandon the intention to tend a New Zealand rifh team to take part m the Federal rifle meeting at Sydney, owing to SQ/eral of the best shots being unahle to accompany the team, which con sequently cannot be a representative one of the colony. Winchmore Post Office. —The Post Office at Winchmore is now closed, and henoeforth the chief office, Ashburton, will be the office of delivery. The con tractor for the delivery of the Mail and Guardian m the Winchmore district is, however, willing to arrange with settlers for the carriage of private mail bags, &c, for settlers m the Winchmore distriot. Valuation Coort.— Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M , sat all day on Wednesday at the Courthouse hearing evidence m the case Meaclem (Mr Wilding, mortgagee) against the Norwich Union Insurance Company. It will be remembered that a threshing plant belonging to Meaolem was burned m the Geraldine distriot, and a case arose against the insurance company for the amount insured, £175. After hearing, the higher Oourb remitted the case to Mr Bishop to take evidence aa to the value of the plant destroyed. The taking of this evidence was not completed yesterday, though numerous experts and witnesses with special knowledge of the particular plant m question were heard. The hearing will be" continued m Chriatchurch.

Bogged.— On Wednesday last, as Mr J. H Jewitfc was going to Methven, he suddenly found himself and horse m difficulties m a large water race near the township of Methven. It appears the late gale has to a large extent blocked the races, and m this particular instance the sand had drifted m to a considerable depth, as the horse was stack m it up to the girths, and was got out with difficulty, Mr Jewitt having been m the wet sand, mud, and water up to his waist lifting at the wheels. &c. The horse and carb were got through with difficulty. After a Bpell at Methven, a start) was again made on the homeward trip, and the horse again gob so stuck m the same race that a eecond horse and chains had to be ueed to pull both it and the oart out. As a gang of men were on clearing out the drift, it is to be hoped the road is clear by thia time.

CORRESPONDENCE.

do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

THE DOMAIN CYCLING TRACK.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Allow me through your paper to say a few words m the interest of cycling. I *>cc that lately the Council have been spend ing a lot of foolish money iv trying to improve the track m the Domain, and so fur have only made it most dangerous for cyclists competing at sports meetings. Take the bottom corner oi the Btraighb (opposite the baths) for instanco. It would bo im possible for se pen or eight men finishing m a race to get round that corner going at top ?p:ed. It only means that they will have to go over the bank, and their lives will be m danger. Again, take the other side. Certainly it is banked ; bub what use is that. The banking wants to start from the iuside and come straight out ; not as ib ia, banked two or three feeb from the outside only. Hoping that cyclists will tike the matter up, and have something to say m the matter, nud thanking you for your valuable Epaco, — I am, eto , Onk Who Know*.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph Wellington, September 28 The Council mtfc at 2.30 pm workmen's compensation for accidents DILL The debate on the second reading of the Woikmen'a Compensa:ion for /icoidents Bill was resumed, the Fons. Jones and Lee j S-'mith supporting the measure iv ita 1 entirety Mr Oliver considered the Bill required material amendment. Me Scotland expressed his intention of voting against the Bill Mr Stewart considered the Bill would further confuse the law on the subject The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at 4.50

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, September 28 | The House met at 2.30 p.n FIRST HEADINGS. The East Coast Nabive'Land Administra- j tion Bill and the Native Land Laws Amendment Bill were introduced and read a , first time. TENSIONS BILL The Old Age Pensions Bill was further considered m Committee Clause 9, amount of pension Mr George Hutchison, as a proteßt against the refuaul of the Minister to answer a question, moved that the Chairman leave the chair, which was discussed till 5 30 The House resumed at 7.30. After an hour's discussion the motion that the Chairman leave the chair on clause 9 of the Old Age Pensions Bill was negatived on the voices* Sub clause 2, clause 9, was amended on the motion of Mr Seddon, to provide that the pension be diminished by one pound for every complete £15 of net capital value of accumulated property possessed. The clause was agreed to. Clause 10, assessment) of value of accumu lated property and exemption of life insur ance policies, was atruok out. / Oa the motion of Mr MoNab the assess ment of real and personal property was con fined to the extent of a person's beneficial estate or interest therein Mr Tanner moved to amend sub-clause 2 m the direction of deducting all encum brances on property; alao a Bum of £lso instead of £50, as proposed by the Bill. Mr Masaey raised a'point of order on the ground that if She amendment was agreed to the total amount payable as pensions would be increased. The chairman ruled it out of order as it would increase the number of pensioners. Mr Gf. Hutchison moved a new sub olauße ? providing for the assessment of the property of natives who are claimants for pensions. The Premier said that he was prepared to accept fhe amendment;, A lengthy disouseion ensued respecting the difficulty of individual interest* m lands being ascertained. j Mr R. Thompson considered that pensions , ihould be granted to landless natives only. The Premier asked Mr Hutchison to withdraw the amendment) and he would mve a provision drafted, to be inserted later •n. " ! Mr Taylor considered that the question j •f pensions for Maoris should be dealb with , n a separate Bill. ' The amendment was withdrawn. ( Several new sub- clauses were rejected, and ! he olau.se was agreed to. . Cause H was agreed to. * Clause 12 was agreed to. r Progress was reported on clause 13. V The House adjourned at 1.5 am.

The Queen of Denmark.

United Presa Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. a Copenhagen, Sept, 37 y The Queen of Denmark is worse. w 'he Roya! family is assembled at S 'astle Bernstorff. J,

ROAD BOARD.

Upper Askburtou.

The usual monthly meeting of the Upper' Ashburton Road Board was held on Monday. Pre&ent — Messrs Donald McLean (chairman), Sargent, Tucker and Harper. Apologies wete received for the absence of Messrs Stitt and Campbell. WATER SUPPLY. BILL. The Right Hen. the Premier wrote, ac knowledging receipt of the Board's letter, for warding copy of resolution te Water Supply Bill, and Bt&tiug the matter would receive the careful attention of the Government. Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R., wrote, I acknowledging receipt of the Board's letter, with resolution re Water Supply Bill, and thanking the Board for its help and sympathy ; also stating that clause 20 of the Bill was, at his request, through the Hon. Mr Stevens, being restricted by the Legis lative Council to Grey town North, and the third subsection of clause 18 would also be altered to read " all the owners." The only clause now delaying the Bill was the nine teenth, which would also be altered to meet the objections against it, so tbat he had no longer any apprehension as to the final passage of the Bill. Mr J. 0. Wason, M.H.R , acknowledged receipt of the Board's letter, with resolution te Water Supply Bill, and stated that the Bill was now out of their hands, but he would bring tl»e Board's letter before the gentleman who had charge of it. He, how i ever, understood the difficulty had been arranged to the satisfaction of Mr Wright. The Hon. Major Steward acknowledged receipt of the Board's letter, with resolution te Water Supply Bill, and stated that the Bill had passed the House, and was now before the Council. He had, however, spoken to the Hon. W. C. Walker about the matter, and enclosed a letter he had received from that gentleman, stating he would bring the matter before thej|Beleet Com mittee of the Council, to which the Water Supply Bill had been referred. BOARD'S COTTAGE AT TIWWALD. The Railway Land Officer informed the Board, m reply to its letter of the 16th ult., that it could have a ten years' lease of a right-of-way, fourteen feet wide, over rail way land near TinwaJd, to give access from the Board's cottage on the left aide of the line to the remainder of reserve 2064, let with the cottage on the right side of the line. The Clerk stated he had, as direoted, written, asking that the lease be granted for twenty-one years instead of ten, but had not as yet had a reply. REPAIRS. The Mount Somers Road Board wrote, asking if the Board would contribute half the co3t of repairs, at the junction of Ceme tery and Boundary roads, the crossing having become blocked. The estimated cost would be about £1 sa. —The Clerk stated he had, as instructed by the member for the ward, written to the Mount Somers Road Board, agreeing to pay the half cost. BICYCLES* SPEED. The Mount Hutt Road Board wrote, ask ing if the Board considers it advisable that the different Road Boards m lha county should co-operate m making a by-law under section 130 (2) (c) of the Public Works Act, 1894, to regulate the pace, etc., at which bicycles may pass vehicles — Resolved that the Clerk write to the Mount Hutt Road Board, that this Board wiil co-operate with it m any movement it wishes to take to regulate the speed at which bicycles may paßs vehicles. HACKTHORNE ROAD. Resolved— That Mr Harper be authorised to have ths Hackthorne Road cleared of soil blown there by the gale of Friday last. OENKEAL BATZS. Resolved, that the general rates be made and levied as moved at last meeting, and that Messrs Harper and Tucker sign the roll. FLAX OM SWAMP ROADS. > The Cleik was instructed to write to Mr Chinnery, informing him that any flax cut by him must be cut. level with the ground. BOAD TO «E OPENED. The C!«rk was instructed to write to the Tiuwald '.'own Boaid, requesting it to take 6tep3toh»va the road thrown open on the west side of the railway line, fronting R.B, ROLI, ALTERATIONS. The Clerk was instructed to submit the following for alteration, subject to all rates being paid to date :— From Mathew Muir to Horbert Alpin Flower— Lots 18, 19, 20 part R.S. 8767 ; from S. G. Maddiaon to Mrs Robert Houston— lota 77, 78, part R.S. 10092 ; from Mrs Christina Muir to R. Thomson— lot 64 and 65, Alford Forest Road ; from W. Gill to Jame3 Connor— part R.S. 1769, 96 acres. Th 3 Clerk was instructed to make th« alterations on the roll as advised by the Valuer General on September 5, 12, and 14. ACCOUNTS. Acoounts amounting to £45 13s 7d were passed for payment and th» Board adjourned.

HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL.

The following is the Inspectors' report, which waa not available for publication with the last report of the Hampstead School Committee meeting. The Bchool was ex* am.in.cd on August 11 :—

PASS SUBJECTS,

ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS, Repetition and recitation — Very fair. Drill and exercises— Wet ; not inspected. Singing— Very fair. Needlework— Very good. Comprehension of reading lessons — Fair.

Staff and Distribution : — Standard 6, Mr W. Brock, headmaster ; Standard &— Miss Marjorie Williamson, A.F. 1 ; Standard 4, Mr R. Friswtlle, A.M.) Standard 3— Miss P, Sheard, A.F. 2; Standard 2— Kate Porter, F.P. 3; Standard I— Annie Mc- Donald, F.P. 2— (Standards 2 and 1 under supervision of infant mistress; P, Miss Fawcett, D.F, with Emilie Leggett, F.P. 3, and a probationer.

THE WATER SUPPLY BILL.

The following extracts from the Hansard report of the House's reception of the Legisla tive Council's amendments to localise the so* called objectionable clauses m one Water Supply Bill will be found interesting, and particularly so those members of the Borough Council who lately moved a vote of thanks to Mr Seddon for his services to the country m preventing the .clauses passing m their original form: —

A message was received from the Legis lative Council covering the amendments made m this Bill by the Council. Mr Wright (AshburtoD) moved, That the amendments be agreed to. The first amend ment was m clause 18— to make it clear beyond dispute that all owners must give their consent before the clause could be brought into operation m any locality. Then, as to clause 19: this clausa, when introduced, had application to the whole colony. As now amended by the Legislative Council it was restricted to the County of Eden ; and, m line 46, the addition of the words "of the water supply district " was only to make ths meaning of the clause more clear, because without that alteration it referred to the boundaries of members of the I Board, and not to the boundaries of the district. Clause 20 as passed by the House was also{a clause having a general application. It had been amended m the Council so as to restrict its operation to the Borough of Greytown North, the borough which par ticularly required the provision contained m this clause. Then, there were also two new clauses introduced. Clause 21 gave power under the by-laws df inflicting a penalty of £5 a day for certain offences, to recover payment as for a continuing penalty. The corresponding provision m the Act itself imposed a penalty of £20, with a continuing penalty of £10 a day for certain offences defined m the Act. But under the by-laws it had not been clear that a continuing offence could be followed up by a continuing penalty from day to day, and It was to make tbat clear that the 21at clause had been added. Then, as to clause 22, it spoke for itself . It was to extend the term " water race," as defined by seotion 4 of the Act, to new races that might be constructed by any County Council or Water Supply Board, where those races were constructed on property purchased or acquired by the Council or Board, and where they were con structed through private property with the oonßent of the owner. Those ware the amendments m the Bill, and, as they were reasonable and necessary amendments, he would ask the House to agree to them. Mr Duncan (Oamaru) thought it* was better to defer the consideration of the amendments till another day. There were two new clauses, and a number of amend ments, which members would like to look into. Mr Seddon (Premier) said, if the honour able member consented to an adjournment, ho would bring the matter up again not later than Tuesday next. It was only right that members should have an opportunity — seeing that c'auae 22, altered the definition of "water race" m the principal Act, and applied that definition to races going through private property— of knowing what the effect of this would be. He could not, at a glance, understand how far it might prejudice private .interests, as compared with the clause m the principal Act. It might be an alteration or an extension. He wanted, however, to look into these amend ments. As to the other amendments, and especially the fine making provision m a general Bill ftr certain localities, he said that that xvas objectionable. They had no tight to be asked t* look into a general Sill to find special pro. visUn made for localities, which w.is teally what had been done by the Council's amendment* He thought such provisions should be made the subject of local Bills. However, he did not wish to raise a debate at this stage, and if the honourable gentleman would agree to the adjournment the amendments might m, the meantime be printed, bo as to be oon« sidered on Tuesdry nets. Mr Wright would more, That the con sideration of the amendments be postponed until Tuesday next. Ha was salufied chat when members had time to look into the amendments they would offer no objection?. Debate adjourned. The italics m the Premier's speech are one own.

A SUMMER SENSATION.

The Frets says that a young woman had a very narrow escape from doabh, or, at least, ft most aerioua accident, at Sumner on Tuesday. She was walking with a little child on the hilla overlooking the church, when one of the child's shoes came off and rolled over the cliff. She endeavored to climb down for it, at the precipitous parb from whence cheep were rescued lately, nofc knowing the danger. A lady seeing her danger called to her to stop, and then she found she could not return. By this time a small orowd collected, expecting to see her slip and be dashed to pieces. A rope was procured, and Mr Bamford, sen., with young Mr Hines, secured it to the top of the cliff; Mr Fred Bamford was let down ifc. A loop was passed round the young woman's waist, and she was drawn up, greatly to the relief of all the spectators. It baa frequently teen suggested that this portion of the cliff should hs fenced off at the top, as .it ia dangerous for strangers, the ground sloping at the top just over a precipice, and the grass, ia warm weather, becoming very slippery.

A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

Special Frizes,

The following additional special prizes have been promised or given for the coming Bhow °f the A. and P> Association :— MrE. W. Hanmer gives a trophy, value j guineas, for best pen of five crossbred frees.grs— batchers not to oompete. The Christohuroh Meat Company, one ton Islington fertiliser for the best pen of tea freeasrs halfbred or Down cross, not to exceed 601 b; one Eon for best pen of ten three-quarterbred freeze, not exceeding 651 b m weight; one ton for best pen of tea freezing lambs, any crow. There are certain conditions to be complied with m competing for the Company's prizes. Ms T Bullock gives £1 lg for the beafe cottagei'a cow, where one only is kept. The New Zealand Farmers-' Co-Operafcire Association gives £1 Is f or the be** carrier's cart horas, the property of a farmer ; £1 la for sow with litter of six, not over two months— pure breds excluded ;£2 2s for col lection of farm teeds grown and exhibited be a farmer residing m Ashburton county • m Is to the winner of the Association pr j ze for home made bread. F Mr A. Dawson givas £1 i s t0 be added to the Association prize, for che best exhibit or salt batter. Mr J. Bonifant gives £i i 8 to the wianer ° iS? 08 a P ?i ntß 1D Bection of t fa e Show. nnnv r W^ ?W! i 0Q gi76B the BerVl ' oM of -■« pony Blond. m f or the beab three dfc year-old ponies by him.

UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL.

Ashburton, September 21, 1898. T. Messrs Milner and ThompsoD, Christchurcb —Dear Sirs,— Your favor of the 20ih insb. duly to hand, and contents noted. This is the sixth " Haake " piano the writer has been party to the purchase of through your local agent, Mr H. M. Jones— one for aelf, three for private friends, one for the Wealeyan school, and" one for the. Hampstead Bchool, and although you have never allowed me commission (neither do I aßk it) Ihavemuoh I pleasure m Btating that the •• Haake " piano you Bold me m January, 1892, has given entire satisfaction; itß tone, etc., is as qoocl now »s when new, I have every reason to believe that the other five pianos have givea equal satisfaction. In reference to the O. model lam now ordering for my friend, I might aay that another firm offered him a great concession m price, bat his musical friends and the writer having more con fidence m the " Haake " instruments, he has decided m favor of the more popular piano, beoause those referred to have proved to be thoroughly reliable.— Yours truly, 9 260 Hhnry G. Bbbbyman.

THE ASHBUKIUN GUARDIAN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1898.



_^_J I_£__£__^J_ yrmon 7 7 4 — — 13 6 „ 6 13 13 1 2 10 12 10 „ 5 39 39 — 16 23 11 11 „ 4 57 50 1 11 38 10 10 „ 3 56 53 1 19 33 9 7 „ 2 41 38 2 0 36 8 4 „ 1 28 26 — 0 26 Over 8 P. 122 109 — — — years, j 11 J Total 363 (332 5 48 166 Marks Class Subjects (Oto.lOQ) Grammar ... . ... 25 Ifistory 59 Geography (Standard 2 only) 70 Science, object lessons, etc. 60 Mental Arithmetic 20



KOZIE TfiJA IIP pitrfk



I'm not m th? waggon business. lam strictly m the tip business. I don't want you to lose sight of the fact that my tips will do you good if you take hold. • You're a family man "-^children nob over strong— dootora are expensive— 1 winter's coming on.' Keep a bottle of Woods' Great Pepper- mint Cure m the house 3 ♦ will Btop the inevitable family cough.' Coat, Is 6d. Saves dootor'a bills ; cheats the. undertaker. $uj led



General Remarks. — Under the exceptional circumstances of the school year, durigp which for a period of six weeks almost immediately preceding the examination", the f school was closed, ib is difficult to express I any definite judgments on the work of the respective cl&asea. We are glad to say, how- ever, that while the long break m the con- tinuity of the instruction has emphasised— m some instances to a marked degree— any inherent) weaknesses, the better half of the pupils m general acquit themselves very creditably, %nd on the whole the renulb is probably as good as mighb fairly have been anticipated. In the classes above Standard 2 (Standard 6 excepted) ib would appear that reading is a feature to the improvement of which (among the boys particularly) the special attention of the teachers may profit- ably ba given, W J Anderson "i T Thomas Ritchie j IQ8 Pectors.



d



The Austrahak Widows' Fond Life Amjrancb SooiKTvr.~The above named Sooiety, during the early parb of this year, extended its business to New Zsaland, *nd the general management of the Society iB now m the hands of Mr Charles J. Fowler, who has established the head office at Wel- lington, and i 8 to be congratulated upon the exceedingly satisfactory results achieved sinoe commencing aotive operations m thia colony. The Society during tho last twenty- seven years has enjoyed a most successful garesr m Australia and Tasmania, aud the following exbracb from the Insurance and Banking Rewd of January last is substantial evidence of the high esteem m which the Widows' Fund is held;—" The affairs of the Australian Widowa 1 Fund ara conducted with much ability and caution. The ad- ministration of its assets is sound and con- servative ; the thoroughness with which its securities have been reviewed is attested by the fact that recoveries are made on the valuations ; the expediency of extension is recognised m the arrangements now being completed for esta.blish.inK a brnn/jh m New I Zealand ; the very useful policy providing k for the suspension of the paymenb of pra- | mium during the incapaoitation by illness or accident of tha assuranb just promulgated is a sign of close appreciation of public needs, The ability, prudence, and energy displayed by the management are unquestionably great." An agency has been opened m Ash- bur bon, and Mr David Thomas has accepted the appointment of district agent under the Christchurch Branch, the Board of which consists of the following well Uaawn gentle- men— Messrs W. Ohrystall (ohairman), A. E. G. Rhodes and William Recce. Mr C J. Owen is the district secretary, and the Society's offices are situated at the corner oi High and, Hereford streets. The Australian Widows' Fund i'a * prototype of the famous Scottish Widows' Fund. The Society's' aq- cumulated funds e?oeed ope million an# * quarter at«clio£, «nd tlje Annual Jnaomi ||



Pnedlander Bros., Limited. ( FOH~ISALE^ ~\M OLASSES FOR FEEDING STOCK Also — AGRICULTUEAL SALT, CHEAP. FRIEDLANDER BROS., Lld. OA ACRK SECTION AT. METHVEN. VT^E HAVE FOR PRIVATE SALE, 20 Aores of Firet-oldas L%nd, with Dwelling House, Stable, and other conveniences, situated m Mdhven. This property is well fenced and sub-divided. Full particulars on application to FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. VfTTT HAVING DISPOSED or MR BENRY BUTTERICK'S FARM AT SHERWOOD, by Auction, we are prepared to treat privately with intending purchasers FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. FOR SALE- SEED " BARLEY, PERFECTLY |CLEAN : FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. BELFAST ~ MANURES. "TTTE offer to supply these celebrated Fertilisers at list prices less the usual discounts, for quantities of five tons and over, and extra reductions to Freezing clients We have .large Stocks on hand, and can deliver ex our Stores or direct from the Factory. FRIEDLANDER Bros. Ltd , I¥JTE HAVE FOR SALE— Danish Oats, Long Tartarian Oats, Black Tartar Oats, Canadian Oats, All machine dressed and grown m the Oamaru district, TUSCAN WHEAT. perfectly clean and grown at the Forks. A GRAND CHANGE ALSO— Double machine dresned Rygrass, C"l"nial Cowprasa and Red Csover, White Clover, Alslke, Timothy, and Cj-k.-ioot. Thoße Seeds are all machine cleaned, of finest quality, and highest germinating power. Wo are prepared to give our Clients^very I lowest quotation. FRIEDLANDER BROS., r LIMITED. Insist upon having our Pure Teas. Don't be put upon, Tljiey s^e the Best and Cheapest. Absolutely pure. Copied but never equalled, WONDERFUL Guaranteed Jficer and Better Value than any at 4d per lb. more money. Compare our 2/- Tea with any at 8/4, and our 2/4 with any at 3/- per lb. TEAS tTEAD QUARTERS FOR CYCLING Racing Suits Singlete Sweaters Shoes Hose, Cap?, Etc. TENNIS Trousers Shirta Hats, Caps, & Sashes Balls (Slazengers) Shoes (Henshaws,) CRICKETING Trousers Shirta Hats, Caps, Belts, Etc. RUNNING Trunks Singlets S\lQ(B f EbO. SWIMMING Trunks Costumes Singlets. A, O. BARTON, Manager.



JOHN OUR & Co. Ironmongers and General Merchants. WITNESS Taylor's Celebrated Cutlery. BEAUTIFUL SHOW NOW IN OUR WINDOWS. PRICES LOWER THAN EVER, « New Easy," "F. & N," " Columbia.' LAWN MOWERS AT STAR CLING PBICISS. SPADES, RAKES, 'HOEB, FORKS, and all Garden Tools by Besb Makers. The Largest Assortment and Lowest Prices of any firm m Ashburton. 0 000 YARDS FOWL NETTING to be Sold CHEAP. FISHING UUJ TACKLE. WE HAVE JustOp=ned our New Stasoo'B Sappy o' HSHING TACKL.W, and request an early inspection. LIOSNSES MAY BIS OBTAINED FROM US WE CLAIM FOR THE WAYERLEY BICYCLE FULL EQUALITY WITfl ANY BIOYCLK BUILT, AT ANY PRICE, AND BY ANY MAKER. Our Third Shipment this Season is Just Landing, andj'we", will be able to supply Customers without delay. MILNER & THOMPSON TTAVJE much pleasure in[announcing that they will,hold a i Great Sale of Pianos & Organs THE. INSTRUMENTS WILL BE ON VIEW AT Mr H. M. Jones'n, East Street, AND MR C. D. LIGHTBAND will be m attendance to show Intending Customer* and to Canvass the District, and can be consulted at the Somerset Hotel after 6 p.m. THE HAAKE PIANO, Specially Manuf-ctured for Milner and Thompson, is undoubtedly the besfc rvalue jonr, Quality, and Finish, obtainablo m the Colonies. A Shipment of JOHN BPINSMF.AD AND FONS Pianos just opeced up. LOWEST CASH PRICES, OR ON EASY TIME PAYMENTS[I Ifor one, two, of three years. ORGANS from xnonthly'payments of 10s each. PIANOS from^monthy paymentejof 20a each. LAKOJSJVARIETY OF 6HEST MUSIC 4d each or 3j dozen. Now is the time to buy. Inspection inrited. H M, JQiES~AGENT. "" CHURCH SERVICE. j PUBLIC NOTICES T. 8T JS r 7 H~¥N rr S~ CHUK CH, f ~~ ' ' Ashburtor. MONEY. MONEY. MONEY. Thursday, Ft. Miohael'o Day, 29fh, Holy T HAVE MONEY m any Bums to lend Communion, 7.30 a.m. JL on approved freehold security at lowest G.rl.s' Friendly Sociely — C»kc ami .Apron rates of interest. Also small auma for Fair, nnd Annual Gathering, 3 p in. and short periods. 7.i0 p.m. Admission 6i— Refreshments. CHAS. J. STYCHE, Arcade Friday 30" h— Short Sei vice 7 30 p.m., and Choir Practice 8 pm. FOR SATYR Saturda y- Cor fi. mat ion Class 2.30 p.m. X WXi <° AXjU ' • A BARGAIN. — Owner leaving the District SUNDAY SERVICES. Tl OUSE of five Rooms, Scullery, Wash- in ie tv ° ° if • ■ m JJL houee, etc., J acre land, well panted 10154.m.— Dioootan Bxamination C'ass. with fruib tree B i tuate m Tanored Street 11 J-, —Morning Pra/er and Holy eaßt , ' OormtiunioD. Aleo— Several Houses to be LET. 5 0 p.m. — Greeostf^r, HWas t HTvntric 030 p.m^,Evening Prayer IQ6 ° HAS * J> STY ° H £ Oftda .fc«7. T. A HAMILTON, m *™ i 9 -