Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1899. Local and General.

%* Ok the first page to-day will ba found our Commercial budget; the fourth page containing Sporting, Cable news, and a letter to the Editor. Personal —Mr W. S. Maslin visited AshfaurtoQ to-day. Social at Kyle.—Attention is drawn to tha fact that a social is to be given m the Kyle schoolroom to-morrow (Friday) even ing, the proceeds of which are to be added to the piano fund. A pleasant evening is m store for the young people of the district and the visitor*. ST«e S.M. Coubt.—Five minutes was the time occupied by the Court this morning m discharging the cause list. Two by-law eases were dealt with, and two civil cases were called b» t were struck out owing to i the non-appearance of the parties. The Dreyfus Cable.—The cable to Madame Dreyfus, expressing sympathy, was signed by every member of tha House of Representatives except the Premier, Messrs Cidman 5 Hall-Jones, and Koileston, and Captaia Russell, — Press Association tele gtvm. Thb Opening Day ~~ At the anneal general meeting of the Lawn Tennis Club, held last evening, the opening day of the ■ mson was fixed for Saturday next, on which occasion all members, intending members, arid their friends will be welcomed at the courts- Thb Footpath Rider Againi—William Rowan and Frederick Loughnan were to-day fined 5» each at the S.M. Court for cycling ok tha footpath. His Worship said that the law prphibited riding on the footpath, and no m&tttr whafe sympathy he may have for cyclists who took to the foot paths under press of ciicumitancfi, -hire was the law, und he must fine riders who broke it. ! The Bank of New .Zealand.wMt Tegetmeir, general manager of the Bank of New Z aland, has applied to the directors i fco be relieved from hia duties, partly on the I ground of ill health, and partly for private i laasons. He has aeUed to be allowed to take up a position m the bank m London, where he was formerly manager. The direc tors have acceded to the application, but the details are nob yet fully settled. —Press Association telegram. 8%, Andrew's Church, Tini^ald.— Bishop Julius preached to a large congrega tion on Sunday last m St Andrew's Church. He took hia texb from Pa i—l. Hia illus tration was moat vivid, showing how a willow tree will strike deeper and deeper to find water, and how we must strike our roots deeper and deeper, no matter how dry or barren our surroundings may be. The Bishop preached at Windermere m the afternoon and at Lagmhor m the evening to large congregations. Rifle Volunteers —The following days hare been arranged for the use of the rifli range by the two volunteer companies :-— Ashburton H 068 have the first and third Thursday afternoons ia «3a,ch month, and the range ia a!eo set apart for fcheir oa@ on Mon day, Wednesday, and Friday naormngs. The Ashburton Guards are to have the use of the range on the second and fouth Thursday afternoons m each month, and also on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. On public holiday?, and the fifth Thursday m the month, when it occurs, special arrangements will be made. Ektbl4l>in*ment, —An entertainment, un der the auspicea of the Ashburton Catholic Literary Socioty, vnll pc given m the Boys' Schoolroom, this evening. Mr F. Cooper, tha President of the Society, will give a descriptive lecture, illustrated with limelight views, on " The Southern Lakes." As this gentleman has visited these beautiful lakes, aa interesting lecture may ba expected. To make the evening's entertainment complete, the Dramatic Club pill stage a well prepared and comical farce, and as the Club has already made a favorable impression upon the public, it is needless to say tfceirs will form aa attractive part of the programme. For Children's Hacking Cough take Woodi' Grant Peppermint Cure—l* 6d and 2s 6d ' i

TINWALD LITERABY f?OCIETY.—The Tin wa'd Literary and Debating Society held its ueuol fortnightly meeting on Monday even ing, and as usual a large number attended. The Eev. Mr Orbell gave an interesting Itcturetteon ss Botany,"" and it was to be regretted that more time had not been set apart for thia instructive sul jet. The able lecturer had to close to allow a debate to proceed on "cycling v horse-back,' Master and Miss Robinson m ftvnr of the fo;mer, Master Gurieell and Miss Clark for the latter. The debate was well carried on by both siden, and the improvement m the young f members sire* this Club started is very j m.irked. At the previous meeting a mock i banquet was given to the members recently elected for Parliament, when there was some good speaking iv response to the various toasts, etc.

ALLEGED POISONING CASE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, "eptember 14 Mrs Giles was brought to Wellington Ust night. She warmly denies having adminis tered any poison. She cannot understand how Mrs West became ill.

LITERARY NOTICES

The History of New Zbaland: By Alfred Saunderes Vol. 11. Christ church—Smith, Anthony, Sallars and Co., Ltd. The second volume of Mr Alfred Saunders' History of JNow Zealand, just published, has been forwarded to us by the publishers for review. It was, of course, only to be ex pected that a writer, who had himself been so intimately assooiatrd wiih the statesmen who have made New Zealand history, should take pleasure m telling the story of the past, and should show m almost every page the deep interest he himself took m the events he so graphically describee. Those who may read Mr Saunders's history with a know ledge of events gained from the newspapers of the day, will, we doubt not, find the greatest pleasure m perusing an account by an actual eye witness of, and participator m, most of the sirring episodes of the I period dealt with mMr Saunders's history— ] ' that is from 1861 to 1893. In one respect this second volume possesses an interest of its own, since a large number of those who will read it have already *ome knowledge— : now more or lees hany—of the doings of those 1 who have occupied the political stage m this j country for the past qumer of a century. I This aoourate and impartial record by one of our oldest statesmen will freshen up the memory of those who were here while the events were passing, and will fully inform those who were not. One marked character istic of Mr Saunders's manner of writing history is that although he himself occupied by no means an insignificant place m the politics of the period he deals with, he contriTea to handle his own share m public natters m such a manner that no one reading his work would gather from any sentence m i it thai it was written by one of the oldest ! statesmen m 'he colony, and one whose ' political life was longer than that of almost i any other. This last work of Mr Saundere is a welcome contribution to the literature of the colony and to the reliable records of the past. We may appropriately conclude this notice by quoting Mr gaunders's sketches of one or two of the leading figure* now m the politio»l arena. This is how he describes MrSeddon :—" Richard John SeddoD, whom Mr BalUnce now chose to make Minister of Publh Works, was almost as large without being quite as tall as Mr McKenzie. . , . • Our Dick f had not had the advantage even of a Scobuh shepherd's education . . and win even now but partially oivilised by having bten fourteen successive sessions m the House of Representatives. . . But he always found himself a jolly jovial dictator among his comrades on the West Coast, Mid ontrived with admirable tact and wonderful power of quick perception, to maintain the aime position under all his woude fully improving opportunities of as sociation. ... If his moral had ouly been equal to his intellectual perception, his preeeub position would probably be un assailable - . but such, unfortunately, is not the case. Neither nature nor circum stances ha\e endowed him with a high moral sense. Disinterested patriotism, constitu tional justice, impartial equity, and m! --! variable accuracy are nob amotgst his virtues. I He a:ekß the advice and assistance not of 1 the wise and good but of the weak and subservient or the designing and un scrupulous. No really liberal measure will ever be supported by him that offers any proper constitutional check to his autocratic power. . » He is without doubb a jolly good tempered despot." The Hon. John McKeczie is thus de scribed, afcer a reference to his physical pro portion?. "He had received the education of a Scotch and New Zealand shepherd; His language was now sufficiently Anglicised to be generally understood. . . New Zealand is to day much the better for his work, and many will rejoice that his courage and ability were not left to the sheep." Of the Hon. J. G. Ward he writes-—"The most untrustworthy and dangerous of men." Of the Hon. J. Carroll—" He sings English songs m a very fine voice, and is quite a boy m his love of English sports and pastimes," Sir John Hall " Would never seek political succeed at the cose of moral degradation/ Captain Russell is described as " a man and a gentleman," while his ideas on all the main questions of the day were distinctly liberal and often contrasted strongly with the opinions or actions of those who de lighted to call him the leader of the Tories." Space will not permit ua to make any more extracts from Mr Sauoders'a book, but we may add that the letterpress is excellent aud the publishers (Messrs femith, Anthony, Sellars and Co., Limited, Christchurch), deserve great credit for the manner m which they have brought out their work.

MaOEIDOM IK IICTCRB AND PROSE, Christchurch Engraving Company.

We have received a nsat Jjttlo book from the publishers (The Oristchureh Engraving Company), entitled •• Maoridom m Picture and Prose," illustrating the manners, cus toms, and ceremonies of the Maori inhabi tants of these island*. The work consists of sixtyfojjr pages, thirty pages being letter press, historical asd deeorip'ive. There are also thirty full-page piwtcre illustrations of scenes m Maori life, and numerous portraits of Maori celebri ies. The technical portion of the work reflects the greatest credit on tha publishers, and as the price is moderate (4s 6d,) we have little doubt that it will command a ready sale throughout New Zealand.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not hold ourselves responsible lor th« opinions expressed by our correspondents)

QUEER TACTICS.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib,— Although I have been a subscriber fco tha 4sliburton 'Mail for years, and have never paid for any other piper since I began takiug it, X have now and then had others sent to me. On Tuesday I receiyed a copy of the Ashburton Standard, which I thought some friend had posted to me. When I opened it I found it was filled with an account of a great battle fought m the Arcade on Saturday last between Jock MoLachlah and John McK^ague, who, I hear, is the editor of the Standard. I was not surprised to find that it contained an immense quantity of McKeague and very little of MoLvchlan. i However, that did not concern me. I found later that nearly every elector I met had received similar copies of the paper named, but that many of them had thrown the papers away, fearing that jt was an attempt to charge them with a quarter. Is this a» electioneering dodge, and if so, who m it supposed to benefi ■? Mot MeUuchlan, the only man on the so-called liberal side who might have had a chance ; not McKeague, because bad as his prospect was before, the Saturday battle is admitted by all who were Brasent to have squelched him. What, then, Jain tjbe \#ind ? Surely Mr Seddon will be wjld when he vh^t is being dona, for pot content with doing ail hp pould to damagfi the best liberal candidate m thjj hearing of some hundred farmers, there is to be found p man so silly as fco post a garbled account of what book place to every taypay^r m the country, la this some deep laid scheme to kill the liberal cause m this electorate, or is somebody " running amok." —I am, etc, PPjWID, !

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Press Association—By Eleetrle Telegraph

Wellington, September 13 The C«""oi! met »t 2 30 i WAGES PROTtEOriON BILL A rtj v.'.. va* oidered to be furnished showing i»ll fhe expanses incurred m connec tioi wih tha Wttfjf-8 Protection Bill since first introdu'ed m 1895 j ASSIGNMENT OF SMALL DEBM Blhli The Assignment .Small D.jbta Bill waie referred back to the Join Statutes Revision Committee for reconsideration, the Com mittee having reported »g«inct the measure being allowed to proceed BILLS ADVANCED The Qhristchurch Cicy Borrowing Bill and the Aid to Public Works and L%nd for Settle ment Bill passed their final stages without debate. The Municipal Franchise Reform Extension Aot Amendment Bill was read a second time j The Council rose at 3.20

HOUSES OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, September 13 The House met at 2 30 p.m. LEAVE OF ABSENCE Leave of absence wav given to Mr E 6 Wright;, on account of illneas GORGH BRIDGK BILL Mr Pi rani gave notice to introduce the Gorge Bridge Bill PUBLIC ACCOUNTS The afternoon was taken up discussing the report of the Public Accounts Com mittee, The Committee had called for certain returns which the Colonial Secretary refused to furnish, on the ground that power to order the returns did nob come within the order of reference, and could only be famished by order of the House Ab an amendment to the motion that the report be agreed to, Mr Alien moved that the House affirm that the Public Accounts Committee has powar to call for persons, papers, and records The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adj urnment The House resumed at 7.30. BILLS ADVANCED The Slaughtering and Inspection Bill, the Orchard and Garden Pest* Bill, and the Noxious Weeda Bill were read a second time. Ths Government Loans to Local Bodies Act) Amendment and the Beet Boot and Sorghum Sugar Industry Bills were read a first time. 'The amendments made m the Land for Settlement Bill by the Legislative Council were agreed to LOCAL GOVERNMENT VOTING BB»OBM On the motion to commit the Loo»l Go vernment Voting IWorm Bill, a division was called for. Ayes 31, noes 31. The Speaker gave his casting vote m favor of the ayes, and the Bill was committed The Bill provides that a proposal •ht.H be carried if a majority of the votes taken at a poll are recorded m favour thereof A motiou was made to report progress on the Bill, with a view to commit tht Govern ment Accident Insurance Bill, and * dis ousiion ensued, Metsra J Hutoheson and Taylor defended the principle of the Bill Mi Gilfedder approved of a compromise, and suggested that the number of votes exer oisable by one person nhou'd be three Mr Bollard opposed a bare majority, and advocated that only ratepayers should be allowed to vote on proposals to raise a loan. Mr Duthie said that if extravagant borrow ing went 00, it was workmen who would have to pay for it m the, shape of higher rents. He h<*d no. objection*t» the absentee vote being abolished, bat he thought that a two thirds majority should be retained Mr Duncan thought that if working men had to pay the rents they should have a vote Mr Buchanan opposed the Bill, and Mr Fialmun supported it Mr Moore and Mr Lewis opposed the Bill. Mr Meredith said that he was not aware that any representations m favor of the measure had been received from country local #odies The Hon W. Rolleston said that the Bill was .so confused that he ciaie to the con clusion that it was intended to carry a re volutionary measure m an improper way. He was prepared to meet m a reasonable way the demands for a change m the system of voting, but he would not agree to such a, chaotic Bill The Premier said that the main features of this Bill did away with the absentee vote, and bo prevented that vote having weight m determining any proposals submitted. The real point at issue now was as to whether one man one vote should apply to rural local bodies, and he agreed that residential votes should not oount m loan proposals. The question of a bare majority he would leave to the House Mr Massey said that he was nob satisfied with the concession that the Premier sug gested, of three votes m country districts, and urged that a three-Gfihs majority should be necessary to c&rry a poll Mr J. Hutoheson *aid that he would agree to the amendments suggested by the Premier if the Bill did not apply to boroughs, Captaia Russell said that he saw no Dis tinction of principle between town and country. Ho urged that m the oaae of a loan there should be a distinct: majority, be* liovmg that it was an advantage that facili ties for borrowing should be restricted The motion to report progress was nega tived on the voices The Premier moved an amendment to Clause 2, to the effect that m borough! a three-fifths majority should be necessary to carry a proposal, and that residential votes should not count) The amendment was agreed to on thn ▼oioei A motion that the Chairman should leave the ohair was negatived A new olause was moved by the Premier, to enable a poll to be taken is an j district, under the polling conditions above, on the question of bringing into force rating on finimproved value. Such poll may be taken at any time after the passing of the Act, but when once taken the question cannot be again submitted for three years. On a division, the motion wai lost by 35 to 24 The Premier moved that the voting quali fication outside a borough should be one vote up to £1000 valmtioo, two votes £2000, and three votes £3000 and upwards. The House divided Mr Pirani moved an amendment, that one vote should be allowed up to £5000 valuation The motion by the Premier was carried by 46 to 9 The Bill was then reported withTamend mentß AOCIDBKT ipURANCE The House went into Committee on thy government Accident Insurance Bill Progress was reported, and the Home rose at 1.40 a.m.

THE WAIKATO.

Her Probable Position

Fears for her Safety

United Pre»» Asaooiation—By Klaobrio Telegraph Copyright Perth, September 13 Lloyd'asurveyorat Fremantle, as the result of a careful calculation, concludes that the Waikato ia within a few hundred miles of the West Australian coast. From his deductions heconcludes that already she has drifted 3600 miles almost dufl easterly from the position where she y/a# spojsen by the vessel whiph recently arrived at l^ewcagtle. Carried by the current, and assisted by canvag, she should be approaching Oape Leu win at the rate of fourteen miles a day, A sharp look-out has been ordered along the coast. Londok, September 13 I A Keuter's despatch states that the gruvesp fears are expressed m Cape town for the safety of ths Waikato.

THE DREYFUS CASE.

The Victim's Physical Condition,

Boycott of the Exhibition.

The Movement Spreading

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

Paris, September 13 ZoWs thrilling appeal to Franco con ! tains passages of p%Bsiori»te invective, j He denounces the trial as an execrable m >nument of hum <n infamy, and de ciares that foreign Powers possess proof of the baseness of four Generals. The honour of France must be satisfied I prior to the Exhibition. (Received Wakapuaka Sept 14, 9-45 a-m, Guardian Office 10 9 a.m) Paris, September 13 Dreyfus is a physical wreck, and can only take a milk diet. New York, September 13 The mayors of fifty American cities demand a boycott of the Paris Exhibi tion. London, September 13 The movement against the exhibition ia spreading m Europe. The Govern ments of the various countries intend to maintain a neutral attitude. Eng lish charter options to call at French ports are being cancelled, and the annual inlux of visitors to Riviora is threatened. English solicitors to the French Consulate have resigned.

(Keoeived Wakapuaka Sept. 14, 10 5 a*m | Guardian Office 10-03 a.m) Melbourne, September 14 A large meeting of citizens decided to ask the Mayor to convene a meeting to protest against the Dreyfus sentence. The Mayor, who was absent m Brig bane, had previously replied by wire that, while feeling as strongly as any one the injustice to Dreyfus, deprecated public action to criticise the action of a I foreign State. i Hobart, September 14 In the Legislative Assembly, Mr Qilmore, without notice, asked leave to move m favour of the Premier com municacing with other Premiers with a view to adopting an address to the Queen, expressing regret at the failure of justice m the Dreyfus cast. The Premier regretted that the motion had been sprung on the House, and leave to move was refused,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, September 13 Ao incident which occurred ao ft perform ance by tho Gaiety Company last night, tended to show the great; interest taken locally m the condemnation of Dreyfus, A tableau is presented entitled "Britannia's Bulwarks," wherein the company aro group* ed around the Britisk and American 4*g», and a British man-of-war is saeu approaching m the diatanoe, from which a valley it fired. At this point a irnmber of the company, at tired as Brother Jonathan, takes a command ing position m the tableau, and dramatically tears the triooloured French flag into tatters, i here was a storm of applause as the curtain dropped on the unique spectacle.

THE TRANSVAAL.

The Last Chance.

Mr Chamberlain's Despatch.

The British Demands

Promp Compliance Insisted Upon.

Probable Acceptance by Kruger

Fodder from Australia.

More Troops for the Cape.

Foited Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copyright Pretoria, Sept. 18 The British despatch was read m the Volksraad. It demands the im mediate acceptance of the five years' franchise, with a quarter representation m the Voiksraad for the goldfields, equality of the Dutch and English languages, equality of the old and new bnrghers m the presidential and other elections, and a conference to settle franchise detail* and arrange guaran tees. Unless there is definite acceptance of the demands Great Britain will take steps to aecure a (settlement. Unofficial opinion m Pretoria antici pates the acceptance of the demands. President Kroger advises the miners to remain, promising them protection, while if war breaks out he will allow them time to leave. The burghers refused the Bokaburg OutlanderV petition to be allowed to remain neutral, and warned them that they would be treated as enemies if they refuted to fight. London, September 13 Sir Q, White has been appointed to the command of the forces at Natal. Melbourne, September 13 The Government, at the requfit of the Imperial authorities, has arranged for the immediate despatch of 2000 tons of fodder to Natal. (Received Wakapuaka Sept. 14, 9.]1 a.m, Gwakdian Office 9 30 a.m) London, September 11 The steamer Danera, carrying eight hundred troops to Bombay, has been intercepted at Malta, and has been ordered to the Gape.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Ifampstead

The usual monthly meeting of the Hamp. stead School Committee was held on Wednesday evening., Presenb~-Me«srs J R Bland (chairman), J Maynard, J Hunt, 0 Sage, J W Hardley, J Cawsey, G Rumsey, and W Strange. An apology was received for the non-attendance of Mr A Hardy, JVIODEL BIVLIS The Board wrote advising the Committee that model rifles were m hand, and would be to the school if desired on same conditions as to other schools. The head master thought the drill would prove benefioial and instructive, end recom mended thab forty rifles be applied for.-—The Committee decided to act on the master's recommendation. IRUANT OFFICER It was resolved to pay the truant officer as from June 1, so far as the Committee was concerned. The Board wrote, stating that ib wouJd oo!y pay from date of his commenc ing his duties-rr-Junfi Ifj. JRREGVLAR ATfHffDANpE The truant officer reported several cases of irregular attendance, and advised the com mittee thab the parents bad received notioe. The Committee resolved that if the children demplained of did nob attend school before Monday next, 18bh inst., the truant officer bo instructed to take action. master's report The nißster reported the roll number as 3£9; working ayproge, 314$ highest atten dance on Tuesday last, 34#. The master also repommended that the attention of the Tow* Boaj?d be drawn to the drainage of Oxford Street. A naiiaaQi woui4 probably ftriee

there m the hot weather unless promptly attended to. He further recommended pro curing a fresh supply of kindergarten material, and asked that repairs to seats m the playground be effected. AOOOOKTB Af er passing accounts to the amount of 18a the Committee adjourned.

ORGANISATION. Ss f and 6 (»nd general supervision) Mr Brock. 85—Mr Robert Prfzsll, A M 84—Miai Marjorie Williamson, A F 1 S3—Miss Fanny Sheard, A F 2 82—Annie McDonald, P T 3 (under super vision of Infants' Mistress) Sl—Kate Porter, P T 4 (under super vision of Infants' Mistress) P Classes—Miss Lucy Fawcett, Infanta' Mistress, assisted by a Monitor OIKEBAI. BSMABUfI. Throughout the school the standard daises (with one exception) present evidence of sound and faithful preparation, conducted un der competent supervision. The preparatory division, under kindly and sympathetic, but effective control, presents m fall measure the qualities associated with infant schools of the best type. In addition to the ordin ary routine at this stage, wherein the pro ficiency shown is m every way commendable, a substantial amount of work has been done by way of manual training and varied occupations. 8a 1 and 2 have been m every respect * ell prepared, spelling and arithmetic being excellent. 83 shows iv the main com mendable attainment. Reading, spelling, writing, drawing, composition, grammar and object lessons are well treated j arithmetic is less pleasing, geography and history are satisfactory. S* is m every respect a good claes The exacting demands of a syllabus which here broaden* out m a marked degree have been fully met both hy teacher and pupils. b5, taught by the assistant master, fails to present those indications of attain ment and meutal development which may reasonably be expected m a comparatively small class under a teacher of considerable standing and experience. Its writing, draw ing and composition show pleasing qualities, but reading is of a p>or type m point of both accuracy and intelligence, while m dictation, slate arithmetic and marked weakness is frequently apparent. Among " «!aas" subjects grammar is indifferent, and mental arithmetic is of merely nominal value. The master's health has, unfortuaately, not been satisfactory dining part of the ye.tr ; yet, while extending sympathy on this account, we cannot but recognise the fact that hia services to the school am not com mensurate with the position he holds. £6 is substantially a good clase, m moßt respects satisfying the requirements without apparent effort. Both m numbers and m general intelligence the girla form the stronger Bection of the standard. Thos. Ritchib ■) t , C. 8. Howard j lDßP«ett>™.

GREAT WRECKS.

Wreck of the Thermqpyla!,

United Picas Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, September 13 The Tekoa reached the Falkland Islands on August 10th. She struck an unknown object m the Strait of Le Maire, between Staten Island and the mainland. The forehold and forepeak filled with water. Twenty thousand carcases were jettisoned. Adelaide, September 13 The lighthouse-keeper reports that an unknown ship has been wrecked on Buffalo Island No details are to hand. Sydney, September 13 The agents of the Thermopylw have received information that the vtssel was wrecked on Green Point, at the entrance to Table Bay, and that the is breaking up fast and must become a total wreck. The 150,000 sovereigns shipped by the Union and National Banks of Melbourne for South Africa have been salved. The racehorses Kiora and Ohesney were also shipped at Melbourne and over 2000 bales of wool were on board. The New Zealand Insurance Com pany has a risk of £1,870, and the jjjouth British Company one of J67,500 on the Thermopylae -' ' Capetown, September 18 The Thermopylae has broken m halves Melbourne, August 18 The Thermopylae was commanded by Captain Philip, When she left Mel bourne she had fifty-five passengers on board, including twenty-six steerage. Received W&kapuaka Sepfc. 14, SI if a. m , Gvarduk Office 930 a rii) * Lombon, Sept 13 The racehorses on board the ill-fated Thermopyl^ are safe.

News in Brief.

Messrs Niooll Bros, announce that a special auction s*ls of cups and saucers, plates, and general crockery ware will be held m their rooms next Saturday, at 12.30 o'clock; also that goods left) over from last Saturday's sale, consisting of a few knives, j forks, spoone, watches, clocks, cruets, etc., will be sold at the same £ime, the whole witboqt reserve. A consignment of new furniture, including Duohesse ohests, washatands, dressing tables, etc, will also be offered for sale, and an opportunity will here be afforded to any wishing to obtain articles of the kind of a good class at reason able figures.

Century Commemoration Fund

The following it * categorical interview with ihe Rev Mr Garland, »ow m A«h ---| burton promoting the Wesleyan Centenary , Commemoration Fond : — I believe you are holding a meeting to nights m connection with the Methodist Guntury Commemoration Fund. { V e», we are. White is this movement ? It is a movement of the xMethodist Church throughout the world, and it praotical y a thu.ksij.viug fund. In Great Britain the Method at Chuiob has resolved to rake one million guineas before the close of next: century. Is it at all likely that the scheme will succeed ! It is most likely; already 700 000 guineas h&ve been promised m Great Britain, although the tytitematic oauvaattiog h*s not yet begun. By recent advioee I see that m America, where the Methodist Chut oh hat launched a scheme for raining £4,000,000, " aaco •■ " il the order of the day. How much money do you expect to rain m New Zealand ? We ate aiming at £60,000. That is a tremendous sum, Yei, but we are a large community, According to the last census we number more than 60.000 adherent* $ and though we ate not & wealthy people, we are not» people steeped m poverty, and with a little effort we can average £1 per i ame. What ia your method of railing th« money?  We are working on the basis «f "one person—one pound." <>t coorae we shall not secure everyone, bub many of oar adherenta are giving more than a pound for each mem ber of their family. We have promisee of various amount*, varying from £1 to £300. Besides, many who are not Methodists are assisting m this great movement. In Eng land, Lord Rosebery has expressed a desire to have his name on the roll of contributors, and has promised 100 guineas, and a Church of England clergyman has foiwarded a promise of 1000 guineas for himself add 1000 guineas for his wife. In New Zealand also we have those whs are not now m our church assisting this great movement. Whafc is proposed to be don* with the money ? Two-thirds is to be devoted to the extinction of debt* upon our property, to that we shall be entirely delivered trom those encumbrances by the beginning of next century, and the remainder will be devoted to efforts suoh as building an orphanage, establishing oity missions, erecting a college for Maori boys, and similar work of a gener ally aggressive character. How are your people responding ? Well, I can't speak with confidence yet. All I can say ia there is a steadily growing sympathy with the movement. Many thousands of pounds have been already promised, but I want to see my way to the consummation of the Conference resolution that the whole £60,000 be promised, and the growing sympathy with the movement m filling me with buoyant hope. It ie a bit of a strain to many, but there is a good deal of self-denial manifested, and with a long, strong, all* together pull we shall succeed. Is the movement m New Zealand quite distinct from that m the Old Country t O yes. Each Conference acts independently both m railing and expending the fundfe We have a common bond of name and sympathy throughout the world, bat m all practical work one Conference is quite distinct from another, and oar movement ie exclusively for New Zealand.

SPORTING.

THE NORTH OTAGO RACES.

SECOND DAY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Oamaru, Sept 14 Weather splendid ; attendance good Following are results :— Hurdles—Gienore 1, Master Sockburn 2, Schnapps 3 Only starters. Won easily, Dlvidend—fil 16s. Welter—Wedlock 1, Stimulant 2, Mount Cifclr 3. AH started. Won by long head. Dividend~£2 3s. President's Handicap — Rochester 1, Jupiter 2, Maremma 3. Proposal was scratched. Won by half a length, Divi dend— £3 14b.

Latest Items.

■ m Ins Borough Loav Pol4,.—Jut how the polling wilt go for the loan cannot of course be told till, as the saying it, "the numbers, are up." Ib ia akq wise to indulge ig prophecy only " when you know," find the man who knows does not appear to have been much m evidence to-day, though many staunch supporter* of the loan were hard ab work from the opening and will ba to the closing, and are Tery sanguine of success At noon there had been 75 vobes polled, at 12.30 the century wm reached, and at half-p&sb , one the number rose to 140, with the ratepayers still going strong. A large contingent is expected between five and six. Horse Fair.—Mr D. Thomas wm favored with a large attendance at his horse fair m the Arcade to-day. There was a strong demand for good sound draughb mares ana geldings. Light harness horses, guaranteed, were also given attentions The catalogue comprised about 100 of ail sorts, and the fo lowing prices were noted up to 2 p.m. :— Draught horses, geldings—Aged £9 to £42; five-years-old, £25 to £45 ; eightyears-old, £35; four-years-old, £39. Mares—aged, £19 10s to £22; three-year oH filly, £40; . four-year-old filly, unbroken, €57 10«. Light horses—broken to harness, five and six year* olds, £7 to £1410« ; unbroken hacks, £410 i.

THIS ABBBUBIOH GfcAKDIAN, THDBSDaS, SEFTEMBEB 14, !<*•



The following is the inspector's report:—

Fcho L—Examined Aug. 1618.



•ASS STBJEOTS.



•a a

"a

a 4) 3)

13 o «

T3

i

Std. 7 >. 6  5 >. * „ 3 ,• 2 „ 1 P.

4 13 38 60.. 56 29 32 122

3 18 38 49 55 28 32 118

"~

-

y m 13 6 1210 11 9 10 2 99 8 8

2 4

2 12 6 12 0 0

16 26 41 39 28 32

Total

:

6

182

over Byrs 9

I 249

341

I 32



Grammar History Geography (Standard 11. only) ... Elementary Science, Object Les sons, etc , Mental Arithmetic

CLASS SUBJECTS.

Marks (0 to 100) 40 50 70

55 30

ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS.

Repetition and Recitation—Good Drill and Exercise —Very fair Singing—Fair Needlework—Very good Comprehension of reading lessons—Very



W A N T E D. BOY Wanted for the Foundry.-Kii,. worth 4 Son. 9 152 WANTED, Twt Gentlemen Boardsra o*  Mafrled Ooui4«. Apply XT Z- Mail Offioe. ' g tSQ T O3T yesterday, between Burnett Street -I_J and Wills Street, a Moonstone Brooch, set on gold bar. Finder will be rewarded by ltaving at this office, 9 181 WANTED a Good General SemntT- Apply to MKS 0 A TjUSUTIAtf, Bank of New Sooth Wale*. 9 146 'DEVfiH GARLAND will give hi* most) Jl\ intertilling Litfoture, m oouneotion wi»k the Me&hodiit (Twentieth Oentnary Com memoratioo Fund Movement, m the Baring Square Church this evening at 7-30. oolleg. tion to defray tfpensa*. 9.143 "ANTED Known ~ NoBTHOpfIB * Hkitobd's Show of Boater Straws for Ladies and Gentlemen it unique WANTED Known—Our fint Sprinkling of Spring Novelties now on view.— NOKTHCOTE k HBFFORD WANTED— One or two Gentleman Blarders.—Apply Mbi R Mbaclim, Wakanui f^oad, Ashburton. g 138 WANTED, Good General Sd^ant; Housemaid kept. Apply Mrs David Thomas. 9123 "ANTED Known-That J. Moisoii haa received a large supply of Winter Boots and Shoes. Tbey are all of the best brands and makers, and never equalled m Ashburton. J.M. being the only practical and experienced Baotraaker m the town, thug gives him superiority and facility to know best what to There fore the public have no need to wonder where to go for reliable Boots and Shoeo,; Discount for cash as usual. :Pep>ihi 'Mi at once. Best' Sole Leather used and work tnanßhip, at The Hall, Eait Street, Atl burton,



AEIBL BICYCLE CLUB. THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Ariel tt „ P loyolt> olab wiU be beld m the Orange Hall {b*ak room), on FRIDAY, 15th imt., at 8 p.m. ■ ft ' ' JfNO* MUtLEB. Smoke New Yenu 4



11 Stop Smoking," said a Boston doctor to an ailing patient the other day, " and ib wjll lengthen your days." The patient stopped. The doctor's prediction was verified. The first day, the patient declares, was as long as his whole previous life. Prosperity is the best protector of principle; $ew of as can stand prosperity. Another fellow's, I tbean. Nothing succeeds like success. That is why Kingston's shoeing is so successful. Kingston does not nay so, ask anyone, He is well known, having been hero nearly eighteen yean. TO THE DEAF.-A rich lady, cured of her Deafness and noises m the head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, has sent £1000 to his Institute, so thab deaf people unable to procure the Ear Drums may have them' free; Apply to Lepartmeufc, N.S, The Institute, "Longcott, Guunernbury, London, W, England,



For liron^ki^ Pougha take Woods? Great epperminb Cure - Is 6d and §3 6d Unequalled and Invincible Woods' Great peppermint Cure for Cougho nsd Colds, Is 6d



Fiank Curtis, THE LEADING Wsttolimalter, & Jeweller, EAST STREET, HAS just opened up FRESH LINES m nearly every department). New stock OF Roihernm'M Watches* to hand. Jewelled m six holes, compensa tion ballances, heavy oases, hunting and open ficed, latest movements, keyless, and key winding. Also a new line of WALTHAM WATCHES, which are well worth inspection. Best value m Nickel and other [cheap Watches m Ashburfcon, Largest and besb stock of Engagement and Gem Rings. I give especial value m this line, making ib a speciality, GOLD & SILVER BROOCHES. (Novelties) Neat charms and Greenstone Pendants m every variety. SPECTACLES & EYE GLASSES, Accurately fitted with latest sight testing apparatus. NOTE.—AII my Spectacles are of EDglish Manufacture. Beware of cheap French and foreign goods. Old Jewellery re-made into latest designs at moderate charges. Watches and Clocks repaired with accuracy and promptitude. FRANK CURTIS, THE LJCADING WATCHMAKER ft JEWELLER.



! Public Notice. \ __—. _ _ d i 3 . j/J 2 2 9 & M S * * g s CU O g M I g g I X 115 g



W4TERLEY CONSTRUCTION! la making the alterations necessary to keep m lino with the changing i eaaon's demands, we have aimed rather to elimiate every fault that has appeared m our 1898 construction, working toward the general refinement of the bicycle, than with a view to radical changes. FKAMLfiS Sc FOBEi^ BEARIN& PAUTS. la our frames and folk's, we continue —— the ase of Albany seamless tubing with Oar bearing parts are all of tool steel forged sbeel flash joints, which wo con- hardened through In oil and ground to sider so necessary to the highest class gauge. Farther improvement has of construction, bafc which are so little been made m our patonb sliding uaed at the present day. We also retain adjustment, which has been used so the National forged hollow arch f >rk successfully for the last two years, crown. Frame lines are changed some- New detachable crank 9 and sprokt't what, particularly m the rear, where f-iS'ening are interesting and dis- D forks are u«ed. Ritidi g tiiigui-hing features, and a new, self collar and bolt at handle-bar and seafc- oiling and silent-running .leaf chain his pjsfe are discontinued, being r< placed been adopted after severe tests. by our own new expanding device of neat design and great (ffieiency, — ACCESSORIES AJSI> FIIMBH — We retain the National automatic Hub Brake, improved for 1899, and also furnish a new front wheel Brake at a slight advance m price. Saddles of varying shapes and widths are furnished wi&h both straight and coil springs. The Wwerley acijustab c hsndle-bar is supplied m two widths and m rams-horn pattern. The pedals ara newly . designed for this season, simple and strong. f YOU CAN have yecr REPAIRS Thoroughly and Quickly attended to ■■ almost Reasonable Pi ices if you will entrust them to us. We make a SPECIALTY of STOVE ENAMELLING AND NICKEL PLATING Of Really First-Class Quality-. In connection with our Christchurch Branch we have bailfc a Complete Enamelling Oven and Nickel Plating Plant, which is under the charge of Sse T. Whitfield, late of the Austral Uompuiy, ss fchab our customers can rely on any work entrusted to tts being turnod cut m First-Class Order. - SUNDRIES- We have nsfc opened a large Assortment of SUNDRIES of the Latest Patterns, including— LAMPS, BELLS, TOECLIFS, MUDGUABDS, LUBRICANT i, Etc, — Eae. •* SOLAR" ACBTYLKNR G^S LAMPS, "20th CENTURY" ACETYLENE GAS LAMPS, SILVER KTBG OF THE ROAD, NEW HOLOPHOTE IAMP^, DIETZ LAMPS, EXCELSIOR LAMPS. ALSO,- PIRFEGTION, BANNER, JIM DANDY, TOM THUMB, MIOROFHOrB, And Others. OVER TWELVE PATTERNS OF TOili 01-IFS. We Have STRUCK OIL Which will burn m any Lamp without the least trouble or smoke. Fnb up m Bottles, la each; equal to four of the üßturi 6d bottles. Also— LUBRICATING OIL, i Which will n»t Cloj m the B trin^ — la per BotWe, JOHN ORR & CO., ASHBURTON. BOLE AGENTS IN NEW ZKAL&ND FOR THE WELL-KNOWN WAVERLEY CYCLES. AND AT Waverley Cycle Depot, 211, COLOMBO STREET, OHRIBTOHTROH,f



T ITTLE ARGUMENT is needed m favor of the aider's Selection of Xj thoWAv^RLEY BICYCLE to-day. It has firmly established its own place and reputation by years of unvarying success. No Bicycle ever attained a higher degree of popularity or gave more universal satisfaction than the WAVERLEY of 1898. In the construction of the 1899 W4VERLEY, we continue our policy of building the best possible machine, regardless of cost, ar d then fixing oar price as low as the advancement In the art of bicycle baiiding will permit. To the agent, to the rider, to the expert, we again, fearless of successful contradiction, submit; oar claim fjr the WAVERLKST of fall equality with any bicycle built m the world. In preparing for another year, we have retained the bests features of our 1898 Models, making s :ch changes as the lessons of the season past have suggested m the way of improvements, and always with due consideration for the taste of the riding public m matters of dofcall and design. Our equipment has bean selected with a careful regard for the requirements of the greatest number, and m the variety of accessories and options is sufficiently liberal to meet any reasonable demand. We offjr our Nos. ' 26 and 26 for 1899 as Worthy Successors of a long line of Successful WAVERLEYS, confident that they will be accorded a full share of publio favor.