EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon foe November

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHURCH—at 720 am, 11am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIM ARU—at 10.55 am,3 50 pin DUNHiDIN—at 12 54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive dsUy aft Ashbartoo from— OHRISTOHURGH—afc 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m {express), 8 pm" TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—»t 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-nfc 9.45 a m

SECOND EDITION

Mail Koticfs.

1 TUEBDAY, DECEMBER 4 I For Samoa, Hawaii, Philtipina*, Japan, } also United States, Canada, United King } dom and Continent of Europe, ria Bsn Fran* / cisco, (due London Jan 4), per Rotomahana j 630 pm ; Money Orders, 2 pm ; registered I articles, 6 pm

Commercial.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows : — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl and %'v ', 2s 4d to 2« sd, and Tuscan 2s 5d to 2s bu Oats — Canadian Is 9J, short feed Is 3d to Is B£d, Duns Is 7d to Is Bd, Danish Is 7d to Is 7£d Barley (nomioal)— Malting 2s delivered Floor (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, stone £6, sharps £3 10*, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2s 4d to 2s 5d Peas—Prussian Blues 2s to 2a 3d, part ridge 2s 4d to 2s 6d Potatoes — Derwents 27s 6d to 30a, at country stations Oatsheaf Chaff — 45s at near country stations.

Hay—£3 5s to £310s, delivered: prlmest baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 9d to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2s 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£d to 2f4 for bright teed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 161b tol7ibseed, 3Jd to 4d, oowgrass 5d to 6d, extra choice 6£d, White clover, 6d to 7sd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to sid, faototy 5d to 6d. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 8d to 9d, nalt, in boxes 6d to 7d for prime. Bacon and hams s|d to 6&, factory bacon pnd hams, id par 1b higher. The above prices, except where otherwite stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b. Lfttelton.

WOOL SALES.

United Press Association—By Eleotrle Telegraph Timarv, Nov 30

For the first wool aalo about 1700 bales were offered, but ms.ny Were passed !a. There was a good attendance of buyers. Top prices were—Halibred 7|df, merinos 7d, orosibred and f«bred 6Jd.

HORSE FAIR

Mr D Thowa« held a horse fair in the Arcade to-day, when a Urge entry, compris ing 240 hor»e», was .brought forward. The a< tendance wm large, but biddings In the earlier part of the sale were not quite np to the ratei expected. The following sales are reported up to the time of our going to presi: -Unbroken stock—FilllM £8 10s to £13; golts, £7 10s to £14 10«; two-year-old draught colt; £15; three years, £11; yearling, HWJOas draughb mares (broken) £80 and £21: gelding, f/tf-

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1900 Local and General.

Wiathsr Biport—Captain Edwin wires: —* Moderate to strong northwest to went, and eoubhwese winds, and rain ; glass rise.'

Personal—lt Id rumoured that Mr Jolliffe is to receive the appointment of Government Law Draftsman.

The Chikesk Cable Servios—Hong Kong notifies that, direct communication with Swittow has been restored

Mkthvun.—The MaoAdoo Company gave an enter! ainment in the Methven school last week when the room was crowded. . Owing however to the limited space, the pictures oould not be shown.

Coming—George Rignold will shortly make a tour of New Zealand tinder the management of Phil Smart. A strong company to support the eminent actor is now being formed in Sydney.

Public Trial—The men who were work* Ing W Painter's patent skeith adjuiting budkle for swindle skeith and spring pulling gear for ploughs at Mr Houston* farm, are taken off for shearing, bnt will probably be working the machine from Wednesday nexS

Government Holidays,—the following Christmas and New Year holidays are to be observed in the Government offices :—M on* day 24th, Tuesday 25h Wednesday 26th and Monday 31st December, and Tuesday January Ist.

- County Ratm—ln connection with the •mount of rates and water charges oat at and" ing and reported at Wednesday's meeting of Count; Counoil sb £330, tbe ohaitman of the Finance Committee remarked that he eon* aidered the rates were well in hand, and he doubted whether other local bodies were as successful. '>'

10 6 T.—Tho ordinary meeting of the Methven branch of the lOQT was held on Saturday. There was a good attendance. Songs were contributed by Sisters Duff, Mußchamp and Stone, and by Brothers Maloney, Sievwrisht and O'Connor. R«* freshments wore provided by Brothers Ma* loney and Lowe.

. The Ashbuhion RackOoubsb.— The Ash burton County Racing Ciub has decided as recently mentioned in these columns to make considerable improvements on the course to state what these are to be. The running ground is to be disc harrowed and chain harrowed, levelled and top dressed and the saddling paddock will receive a heavy tup dressing; When this is done there is little doubt that the course will be very muoh improved. Tennis Match—An exolting tennis matoh was held in tbe Domain yesterday afternoon between the second team of the Ashburton Club and tbe Baring Square Tennis Club. Several very close games resulted, and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was spent by those taking parb In the game and also by the numerous visitors who attended. The final score ab the end of the day was, Ashburton Club 178, Baring Square 118

Thobsday Half-Holiday—The Domain was well patronised on Thursday afternoon, large numbers of townspeople taking advan tage of the 6ne weather to indulge in bowls, oricket, tennis or croquet. The portions reserved for these games were in first olass order and presented an animated appearance, in the presence of the well attired assemblage

He Liked it.—There ia a good story told of one of Li Hung Chang's secretaries who accompanied the Chinese potentate to England a year or two ago. He happ ened to be In Leeds, and went into a restaurant. One of the dishes set before him he ci j >y<d greatly, and took it to be a "Bow-wow," served iv Ei glish fashion. He was not well acquainted with the native language, tat, pointing with his knife to the dish, he said to the waiter, '•Bowwow?' «\No,"eald the attendant gravely; *' quack-quack!"

The Cbas. A*twoi.r» Company—'Why Smith Left Home,' an cxc eiing amnsing farcical comedy, by the author of 'What Happened to Jcues,' will be produced to morrow night. It is a laughable satire on the troubled householders, especially newly married couples, have with their servants, and has several very mirth-provoking partf. Thereareseveralamaslngcharaetera and Mr Arnold will appear in one of those German parts that haveimde him famous in London and Australia. The season will conclude Saturday evening, when Mr Smith's reasons for It aving home will be explained.

Cbicket.-—A match. Mount Somers v May. field, was played on the.Mayfisld ground on Saturday, Nov 24th, and resulted in a victory lor Mayfiad by 71 rnns on the first innings. The scores were, May field, 114; Mount Somers, 43; and 28 runs for 7 wiokets For MaySeld, Griffin played a faultless inoingti of 56, the other double figure scorers being. Cooper 18, and Cree 14. For Mount Somern, Baird 11, was the only double figure scorer, the bowling of Cooper and Griffin in the first innings, and Oree and Frost in the second being too good for the others; For Mount Somers, Moses and Irwine took most wickets. Ab the finish, oheers were given for the Mayfield ladies, who provided after' noon tea.

A MtTBfcEKER'aKniFB—A clasp knife was recently found In a secluded spot near the'Murderers'Rock,' on the Maungatapu Mountain. Nelson the &ceue of the murders by the Kelly-Burgess gang in June, 1886, The knife (sayu the "Colomsf) is of old fashioned m%ke, and has evidently been little t»aed. Its handle fs of wood, and the name 'Kelly' is cut on the wood on one side. The knife has evidently been exposed, bnt it must have been in a sheltered position or it would not be in so good a etste of preservation after the lapse of over thirty-four years.

The Cemmonwealth Celebrations

THE BEPBSENTATION Off CANADA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telearraph—Copyright London, November 28 Beater's correspondent stateo that Canada will be represented at the Oommonwealth inaugoration,' either by the Right Hon Sir Wilfred Lanrier, Premier, or by the Hon Sir Richard John Oartwrigfet, Minister of Trade and Commerce.

THE BEER POISONING SENSA TION

United Press A»»ooiationv-By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, November 29 A Government enquiry into the beer* poisoning epidemic in England is proceeding

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not hold oorielves responsible for opinions oxprested'by our correspondents

A TWO DAYS' SHOW

TO fHS EDITOR

Sir,—l h»ve just glanced throngh your report and editorial re above, and would like to prevent) a wrong impression from getting ahead re the vote taken at last Tuesday's meeting. The Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1877 and 1885, under which we are incorporated, provides infer allct that, *At every general meeting of members twenty shall be a quorum, and all questions submitted shall be decided by a vote of those present.' Bo that it will be clearly apparent that had tbe mode of voting Bug' gested by Mr Mawson been adopted, it would have been illegal, and the whole thing would have had to be gone over again de novo. lam leaving by express and have not time to write more, but beg to thank you for your articled both in to-day's and in 3Kvious itsues, and also for the support you have always given the Association.-—I am, 6W Liasliy.

TIMELY HINTS.

10 THM SDITOB. . Sib,—Persons having occaeion to he abroad last evening were often ■traok in the faoe by flying insect*. These are the winged beetles of Ihe destructive grass grub(AdonU) Zialandia), and this is a suitable time to destroy them by burning straw fires or gone trimmings on o»Im evenings about twilight. Every person cultivating is personally interested in their deitruotion, both cottager and farmen, because in due time the beetles may settle in garden or farm, and in the grub state work its havoc I have had some experiences in their habits, and know whereof I speak Some fifteen years since I took specimen! of the inseeb in these stages of development to the Christchurch Museum and gave information to the curator, and received the thanks of the Association.— I am, etc, Observes*

'What Happened to Jones," and "Why Smith Left Home "

The play chosen by Mr Arnold as the opening attraction of his third Australian tour, was George H Broadhurst'a farce, "What happened to Jones." Occasional whispers had reached Australia of the emphatic tuooess of tho play in England and America, consequently Melbourne playgoers, ■having also a solid faith, born of previous experience, in Mr Charles Arnold, expected something good. They were certainly not disappointed, for the farce proved to be far and away the best thing of its kind yet seen in Australia, and immeasurably funnier than either 'Charley's Aunt,' or 'The Private Seoretary.' Sparkling dialogue and side splitting situations galloped along in double harness, as it were, without once dropping to a canter, aad so firm was the hold which the fun of it soon got upon the whole comsaunity, than Mr Arnold had to extend his season in Melbnarne by several weeks, while "Jones" continued t» attract such immente audiences thab the receipts exceeded all previous records at the leading playhouse of Australia. To see the rollicking Jones and the captivating 'Smith' has been as fashionable a crazi as to see the Rev< Mr Bpadllng was fifteen years ago. Anyone who fails to make the acquaintance of Jones while he is travelling wibh his hymn books and playing cards through New Ssaland, will assuredly miss one of the heartiest laughs of hit or her life. Mr Arnold's two nights' season in Ashburton will commence to-night at the Oddfellows' Hall. "<* hat Happened to Jones," and << Why Smith Left Home," (another farce of the screamingly funny order), is booked for Saturday night. Everything points to crowded and overflowing houses, ana those who have not yeb booked their seats Should hasten along to the box office (Mr H M Jones) and reserve them to avoid disappointment

Otago A & P Show.

United Press Association—By Sleotrio Telegraph Dpnedtjt, Nov 29 The Otago A. and P. Society's Metro politan Show was commenced today. The weather was fine except for one shower late in the afternoon. The show was on much the nsnal lines, cattle and sheep only being judged today. Pigs, which are a fine, class, were also to have been judged, but through tomV misunderstanding the judge did not tarn up. There is an Increase in the entries compared with last year. Cattle and sheep show a slight falling ofi, bub horses *!mw a large increase, Murray, Roberts acd Go's imported cattle were much admired. The championship* fell as follows :—Shorthorn cattle, ball, JGowj cow, J W Blair; Polled Angus, Murray Roberts and Co, for ball and cow; Ayrshire bull, R Ireland ; cow, Mrs X B Fergusson; Alderneys or Jerseys, bull, F Hellytr; cow, James Hoope. Sheep, fine combing merino ram,* Watson Bhennan; ewe, X M Turnbnll ; Jstrong combing, Watson Bhen nan for both ram and ewe; Border Leicester ram, Little Bros; ewe, J 8 Holmes English Leicester ram and ewe, A Murdoch; Lincoln ram, N.Z and A Land Co; ewe, J S Holmes ; Romney Marsh ram, Bealy Bros; ewe, J and J Millar; Shropshire ram, Ait ken and Bethßmtth; ewe, Little Bros ; inbred halfbred, J Stringfvllow ram and ewe. Championship for most points in sheep, Watson Bhennan. The horses will be judged tomorrow

Fiji and Federation

THE EXTRAORDINARY STATEMENTS BY THE GOVERNOR OF FIJI

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph —Copyright Sydney, November 29

The Fiji Times publishes a speech of the Governor (Sir George O'Brien), de liyered at the opening of the Hospital in which he is reported to have said ; — The New Zealand party is only seeking federation with Fiji, in order to get the natives'land. It hafc always been the same in every country under the kind of Government there is in New Zealand. White men are always taking land from the coloured owners^ Iv New Zealand the coloured people are cooped up on the fragment of laud that bai been left them; Many have no land at all. What has happened i* New Zealand will happen here if New Zea land gets the country. The Daily lelegrapk commenting on the speech, strongly condemns the use of such arguments, and adds that the plain interference is that tho natives are to resist any change from the pres ent form of Government. Coming from such a functionary, these views are inexplicable, No doubt when the affair is repotted to the Imperial Gov ernment—which Mr Seddon will doubtless see to—steps will be immed iately taken to inquire into it. That much at least the Government should do, if only in self defence against this extraordinary attack from the Very last quarter whence it wpnld be expected. '■

MANUAL AND TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION ACT

There was a fair gathering of teachers a* the Borough Council Chambers yesterday in response to the invitation to hear Mr 6. Hogben, the Ineepeotor-G'nsral of School, explain the provisions of the Act passed last session for providing for technical and manual instructions in schools. The Rev. R. A. Woodthorpe occupied the chair and briefly introduced Mr Hogbeo, remarking that although the attendance was small owing to short notice, it was, he thought, representative. Mr Hogben expressed his pleasure at being able to meet teachers. He had not come, as was reported at another town, to disclose the Government policy, but simply to explain as fully as he at present) could, what tli.s Aot would mean to primary and secondary schools to those Associations which had taken up technical work. He felt the more pleased to come to AshbuHon as they bad to some extent prepared the way for the work* ing of the Act. Dealing wit'n tbe definition of the subject, he said that drawing was a branoh of manual instruction, Some thought that writing was also, but its value in this connection was infinitesmal. Manual instruction introduced more generally into our schools would probably mean a consider able alteration in the method of teaching arithmetic, drawing, science, etc. It would be an introduction of new aims into our system of teaching. Its object is to make the school inside more like life outside. Ib was well known how effective the Kindergarten system had been found in the earlier stages of school life, and the teaching in the higher schools and continuation classes recognised ths value of manual and technical instruc tion. If it is good at the beginning and the end of school life, it would be very strange if we were to leave the hand and eye untrained in the intermediate stages. He recommended teachers taking up manual instruction to use judgment in selecting the subject. It should be chosen with an eye to the industry which is principally carried on in the locality. For instance it would not be advisable to take up a subject connected with mining In an agricultural district like Ashburton. Cookery was a good subject) for girls, as it was distinctly practical. Agricultural chemistry wsa practical since it inclined the minds of children to an agrioub tural life. There were other subjects of course such as dresomabing, cutting out, etc; and there was aggood deal to befaaid in favor of introducing them into our public schools. Manual instruction may be included in our primary schools' work, and is being-so in some of them. The question of what kind of classes may be established under the Aot was rather important* Such subjects as were considered suitable for the primary schools were mainly those connected with manual instruction. For these no capitation was named in the Act, but it is permitted to make grants, provided that in no case those grants exceed grants of other kinds. There were special classes that might be either separ ate or continuation classes. According to the Act tbe rate of capitation is twice what it was before, viz: 3d per head. Under certain condi tions the rate might be increased to 4|d, but he did nob think tbe rate to Ashburton would exceed 3d. At anyrate, under the Act ib was unlikely that any class would receive lesß than it did before the Act was passed. Associated classes were like special classes, the latter baing established in connection with secondary schools Associated classes would be in connection with the School of Mines, School of Arts, A. and P. Associa tions, etc. Technical classes established here ehould probably come under these Associations ; at an) rate it would be desir able to come into connection with one of them* The object of the legislature was to prevent these classes from having a private character. A private sohoolmaMer could not get any privileges under the Aob unless he belonged to some public institution. Govern ment mutt know what is the controlling authority in each case, Ib was nob meant that the controlling authorities should inter' fere in the management of the classes. They woald Bitnply have a voice in the election of managers. Grants may be obtained for various purposes, including 10a per £ for bequests, Governmenb may make spaoial prants for training instructions up to £1 for £1,-as for instance, to instruct teachers in Ashburton, without their having to go to Christchurch or elsewhere. He reconv mmded teachers to make themselves acquainted with the kind of mauual instruction thab is being given in the Old Country and in some schools in this colony. The kind most profitable would, as he had said,- be thab which was appropriate to the district in which they lived. He would nob recommend teachers to attempt subjects they did not know something about. If they felb themselves competent to take a subject up they should draw up a syllabus they consider best suited to the circumstances. If a syllabus were drawn up on suitable lines, he did not think there was any likelihood of its being interfered with. With regard to Technical Education, two points were most important. One was to choose subjects that were suitable. Greab stress was laid upon (bis in England, and especially in Germany. The other was that the general education mu"t not be neglected. For instance, ib was evidett thab the study of English was necessary for the intelligent comprehension of the pupil's work. Com' prehension and composition were actually essential to a successful teohnioal education; Then practical arithmetic was absolutely requisite, a thorough knowledge of decimals especially, and possibly the use of simple equations, if ib is inbended to carry on teohnioal studies very far. Drawing plays a very important part in technical education, nob copying flat printed figures, bub drawing wibh expression, drawing to scale, and drawing from natural objects. The shortness of the school life in this country was a great drawback to success. If the teaching is thoroughly sound, the longer the primary tchool life the better ground work there is for teohnical education. In Germany boys are compelled to attend continuation schools to tho age of 17, and from 17 to 19 they go to the technical classes, and after that to their military training; so thab ab 21 a German youth is a well trained and well Informed individual.

Mr Hogben then invited those present to ask any questions they might think desirable. Possibly one or two things would com* out in that way which might help them;

QUESTIONS

Replying to questions by the chairman, Mesirs Hardy, Tennant and Brook, Mr Hogben said the practice with regard to claims for grants, was to Acknowledge those about which there was no doubt of the public nature of the associated effort. There were clauses in the Act providing for ordinary school subjects being taught in continuation classes. (The definition of technical instruction is that it should be accompanied by individual experimental work.JjSupposiug that in a class the teaoher or the class as a whole conducted the experimental work', that would not come under the designation. Sir P. Magnet; in his valuable work on this subject, says that it is absolutely necessary in technical train, ing that every individual should take part in all the experimental work. Mr Hoghen did not think it likely that any application to aid well conducted classes would be declined. In reply to a further question, Mr Hogben said that the attempt to teaoh plumbers' work, or carpentering, on theoreti cal lines only, was to attempt an impossi bility. One might possibly pass an examina tion without a knowledge of experimental work, but that did not affect his proposition. With regard to the question whebher the Ashburton Association should become con nected with any public body, he said they might approach the Education Board or the tchool committee. Then the Minister would say that managers must be appointed, the number being in proportion to the sum contributed. In oases where the school committee or any public body gave the use of a poom, or other material help, the Government would take » broad view of the matter, and they oould pat down an estimated value for such concessions, sod in this way probably four managers might be allowed for the Ashburton Association, one for the school and three for the Association. He thought it possible that University lectures might be inoluded in the work of some of the technical classes, but he oould not speak officially on this point. The regulations provided for assistance where manual : or tephnjoal instruction 1s ££?•& *n the school flhne {see pub sco in sco 18.) The Act does not drive,it permits, but it provides that in do stage of school life shall the child be without practical instruction. Speaking as a teaoher, bt thought that our education

*had nob hitherto b=en practical enough in this country. Recognising that it would I be difficult for teachers to take op this work in addition to what they already have to «10, the department was Rending round two organising inspectors, to assist them in carrying out the necessary arrangements. A liberal construction would be put upon the requirements of the Act Fven if the work of assisting were thrown upon the public spirit.of the people, he did not think, judging from what had already been done in Aahhurton, there should b« any great difficulty The Act did not contemplate that teachers should go without enumeration for the work they do, nor did he think it would be permitted. Of course tbe position would be affected to some extent, if claims were spread over a great number of pupils with only a few in each olaes. Replying to a question jirom Mr Hardie, Mr Hogben said he was not in a position to say whether the present school syllabus would be modified, but he thought it won reasonable to suppose that the Conference of Inspectors to be held in January next, might advise a modification of the syllabus In con versation with the Chairman, Mr Hogben expressed the opinion that every teacher worth anything was always learning and keeping up to date, and with regard to manual instruction, the more one learned the more one wished to learn. Ib was what they used to say at home in t'.ioMidland Counties—"More-ish". Replying to a ques' tioa whether ft claim to oover expense of taking children to the hills and the sea would be recognised, Mr Hogben laid he feared that would hardly pass, but there was no knowing (laughter). A statement of the work done during the year ahould be at' tached to every claim. An examination on the work done during the year would be valuable to students, who might afterwardt leave the district. The certificates oi the City of London Goi'd were recognised all over the world as a guarantee of technical knowledge. After a time the Department! might make arrangements to issue similar certificate?. Mr Hardie moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Hogben for his kindness in coming there that afternoon. He said that had the notice not been so short many more teachers would have been present; The Chairmaa, in tendering the vote, pointed out the great strides that had been made in the way of promoting public education during the last few years. Mr Hogben thanked the meeting and apologised for having been unavoidably dry. He thought, however, that they who were members of the highest profession—and he I included the Chairman in it— would reoog nise the importance of the subject better than an ordinary public meeting would have done. He congratulated the local Teohnioal Classes Association upon having made a beginning in this Important work. He assured the teachers that any information they might require could always be obtained from the Department. (Applause).

The Wild West Show

At the Ashburfcoa Saleyards yesterday afternoon an audience of 150 collected to view the performances of Broncho George and his assistant. The chief performer stated he did nob come, before his audience to teach them how to handle hones, bat to show them the American system of roping, handling, and riding horses and cattle. He then proceeded to give an exhibition of lassooing and as each horse galloped pasl, his lacoo, composed of twisted hide, was thrown with unerring precision, twining round any part of the object) aimed at. Following this came a difficult performance by Broncho George, who picked up various articles off the ground whilst riding past ab Cull speed* Although tho public had been invited to bring along their wildest and most untttne* able horses for the loc»l buck jumping contest the three horses introduced were nob nearly wild enough to do much booking to ■how off the powers of tho riders. The best exhibition in this respect was, however, shown when a young heifer, which had been cleverly lassooed, was ridden bare back by one of the company, although bucking to the best of its powers. The performers were frequently applauded duringtheperformance.

The Forty Pounds Vote.

SEVERE CRITICISM FROM THE PULPIT.

An Auckland clergyman, the Rev Hugh ?£elly, preaohing at Knox Church, Parnel), recently dealt in vigorous terms with what ia commonly known as the " Forty Pounds Steal." Preaching on the text,' How much better ib is to get wisdom than gold ' (Pro' verbs xri 16), he is reported in the New Zealand Mtraldbo bave spoken at follows :— * Quite recently in our colony we were witnesses of a transaction which has called forth on every side the mosb emphatic and indignant protests. At the close of the Parliamentary session members voted them selves a bonns of £40, only 11 members out of some 70 having the manhood to vote against. Ibe pulpit is not the place for discus sing politics, but it is pre-eminently the place for the discussion of morals. No man, who, without) bias, contemplates the appropriation of that bonus, c»n tail to see in it a decisive lowering of the national ideal, On the face of it, the whole trans' aob on was most undignified* A visitor to the House of Representatives is pleased to observe some evidence of decorum. The Speaker, in his robes and bands, Is seated in bis chair, and members bow to him as they enter or leave. The House has estab. lished a credttabU reputation for the manner in which its business is generally conducted, »nd although there is muoh room for improvement in the personnel of many of the members, it may be taken as fairly representing the community. We hay& just such a House as we deserve. But, in the resolution to pay themselves £40 over and, above the usual honorarium, our legislators completely forgot the respect due to their position. Farther, one cannot shake off the feeling that the act was * entirely unwnr. ranted. These members of Parliament are our servants, not our masters. Whatw&tM you think of a servant, who, wit&mt permission, and without ever saying, 'by your leave, helped himself out of your purse to a bonus of £40 ? What weighs with a Judge and jury Is legal proof, and what weighs with the public mind Is moral cer* tainty. And it is a moral certainty that the £40 bonus is the Ministerial reward to their henohmen for the raising of their own salaries. Has it come te this In our boasted colonial advancement that nearly all our members can be bought at £40 a head ? Is not the suspicion raised that ia similar positions individuals, or syndicates, may have any legislation thsy wish, provided they are prepared to pay for it T The bonus has been Stiil more effectively damned by the defenoe its friends have tried so make; It is said our members had worked hard. Did they not go te Wellington to work hard ! The plea of hard work should be scanned in the light of previous sessions. 1 have examined Hmsard for the past ten years, and! find that in four different years the House safe more days and mere hours than it did last session/ The average daily sitting is more than an hour below the reoord and comes only fourth in order of duration. No one oan claim that the work was longer or more arduous than ever before. The official records frown upon the bonus. Another defenoe was that the total amount of the bonus oosts us only Borne s|d per head of the population* It is a lie ! It costs ns honour, It posts as a lowered Meal, a blot on the escutcheon. It oosts us the added probability that worse is hereby rendered possible. One might betray Christ, and plead that it cost the nation only the fraction of a farthing per head, lb is costing some of the men who took it very consider* able anxiety to know how to reoonoile it With the dictum of conscience. Some are ready to throw a sop to Cerberus by under taking to distribute the money atnongsji pha?ities and political sooietles. How easy to be gtnerous with other people's money 1 'Let them remember that robbery for burnt offering can never do ought else than stink in the nostrils of honest men. More money is likely to mean more politioal leverage, more party power. The only dignified oourse Is to pay It back into the Con* solidated Fund, and earn thereby the respect of the worthier seotion of the com' muntty. We cannot serve God and mammon. Ihe course is compulsory and clear. It is the choice betwixfc tviidom »ud gold, between the noble and the despicable, between a national history, t rnisbed by peculation or radiant with parity, between a future darkened by public self seeking, or strong and prosperous In the wiU of God. }.

The Rifle Association

United Press Association—By Eleotrfo Telegraph Wemingson, Nov 29 Lieutenant Colonel Bornervil!e, who re* turned from South Africa yesterday, this morning was requested to take in haud the arrangements for the holding of the meeting of the rifle Asaotia-ion next year. The Colonel expects to hold the meeting daring March. The authorities ifavoar the newly acquired range at Tretuham, and if this pUcfl should be ohoieu tliti Government will connect the ground with the railway from Silver Stream. The 303 rifle will be u»ed, and Golouni Somerville is now at work preparing the programme, which had to be sued shortly, Ie will be practically the programme which had to be dropped this year, but the pr.za money will be larger. A Dumber of marksmen who went with the Contingents to South Africa are expected to take part in the meeting* which moat pro" bablywlllbe at Wanganui. After this, it will always be held at Trentham.

A Letter From Rudyard Kipling.

While boys make heroes of character! ia their favourite books, it in rarely that their hero worship extends to the creation of the character. A High School boy—YoußgGuy Morris, of Waitati, a grandson of Colonel Morris,—who it an Intemie admirer of Rod yard Kipling, recently wrote to his favourite author, thanking him for the pleasure bis writings bad given hint. He has been rewarded with an autograph letter, written from the Elms, Ro&tingdein, near Brighton, in the following terms :—

' Dear Sir,—l am much indebted to you for yours of the 25th of May, »■ well at for the very kind one from year mother. As a rale I reply to my correspondence by meant of a secretary, but we will make this case an exception, so if you Canaot read my writ ing you will remember it is »ll your fault* and when you come to England it will be a delight to you fco go and look np the homes of your people. Oce ought always to keep in touch with the old country, a« the old country ought to keep in touch with the new ones.

" I am afraid I oannat give you a story of my school life—it wouldn't be exactly good for you. Bub I've writfceia a few more or less truthful yarns about my lohool, whioh will be out as a book in a few months. It is oalled 'Stalky and Co.' Perhaps yon may bava read them in magazines. ' Now, as I have 7,960,320,005 letters of sorts to answer, I will oonolnde. Plewe thank your mother very much for her kind note to me, and beg her to take this to you as an answer

•i Very sincerely yours,,

RtJDYARD KII'LING,' Guy Norman Morris, I^q.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Kleotrio Telegraph]

Hong Kong, Nov 28

Li Hung Chang in writing to a friend in Shanghai, said " Keep qoiet, sit tight, do nothing, the foreign devili will fight among themselves.

The French settlement at Tientsin has been largely extended.

In connection with the German- Italian force which was recently lent to Kalgan, it is now reported that the Germans have withdrawn from Kalgan,

Washington Nov 29

Mr Conger has been instructed not to sign the Ministers' demands upon China until President; McKinley has exan ined them.

Transvaal War.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-—Copyright • LoiiDOKi Nov 28

Colonel Berwicke Copley, of the King* Royal Rifles, defeated 150 Boers at Grey lingstad, with considerable loss, and oap* lured much stock 1

Cape papers declare Ihe political aod racial condition ot the colony were never worse Binco the war began. Loy&lißts are clamouring for the application of martial law over the whole colony. Da Wet and Steyn aru in the vicinity of Dewetsdorp, though a small garrison with two guns is stationed on the heights outside the town to prevent the Boeri anf erlug it. »

The British strongly hold all th« drifts along the Orange river f i-om Altwal North to Orange Elver, to prevent De Wed raiding Cape Colony for recruits and supplies. The Boers hold a strongly fortified Una between Ladybrand and Thaba N'chu.

More British mounted forceu are urgently needed in the Orange Rtver Colony.

H King, of the New Zealand Rough Riders, and £ H Palmer, of the New Zealand Mounted Infantry, died o fentarie at Sletksdorp and Pretoria respectively. Sir A. Milner, throagh the Colonial Office, emphasises the scarcity, of employ* went and the great cost of living in South Africa.

The Bake of Abeicom, who wm recently appointed president of a Com' mittee to artange for welcoming and. entertaining the colonial troops returning from South Africa, is appealing for sob' scriptlons for the purpose. Adelaide, Nov 29

The Wooloomooloo brought 62 retimed soldiers, Including the following N.ew Zaalanders from the First Contingent :~* Surgeon Major Barns, Corperal Hall, Privates Barton, Lowim, and Johnson, and Sergeant Hall and Private Turner, of Brobmt's Horse

Lo»don, November 29

A bomb wM found in the poawseHi of the Italians arrested at Johannesburg on the 16th on charges of plotting with others to blow np a church at Johannei burg, which Lord Roberts was expected to attend.

Johannesburg contains many aliene suspected of treachery, and hence the difficulty in sanctioning the return of refugees. The Paris correspondent ot Tfa Tm& states that Kroger visits Belgium, Hoi land, Germany, Hungary, and Russia, and will appeal to the Csair to invite the Powers to intervene and secure for the Boers honourable conditions of peace. Paris, November 28 Mr Krnger accepted from Henri de Rochefort a sword of honour for General Crouje (now in St Helena), subscribed by admirers of the captured general. He also received a deputation of 1000 students.

The Federal Parliament.

THE PROTEQTJONI&T PI/ATFORM.

United Press Association—By Eleobrio Telegraph—Copyright Svdkiy. Nov 30.

The following has been adopted as the Protectionist platform for the Federal elections:—No alteration In the Common wealth Bllitiil it ha ß had a fair trial; a discriminatoryproteotive tariff; preferent ial tariff in favour of Great Britain; while Australian volunteer system of defence to be uniform; old age pensions; and a National Bank issue. '

Milboubh^ November 30 The Government accepted a tender of £I^,ooo for the alteration of the western annexe of the Exhibition Building to accommodate the Federal Parliament, and £7000 is to be epeut on furnishing au4 fittings.

TflE ASEBUKtfOtt dtJAft lAS t tßiDat, KOtfiMMft 8% 190 C



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THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MENU Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3s 6d Men's White Canvas Tennis Shirts 4s 6d Men's F-rncy Tennis Shirte, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3s Boya' New Straw Ha's from Is Men's Frame Hats in New Shades 4a to 12s 6d The Largest. Stock in Aehburton. CYCLING SWEATERS in Fawn and White, from 6a Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT IHK N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. H. BBCKINGSALK, Manager. WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 WS SHALL BE REPRESENTED at tb< OhrUtchureh 'andaTimaru fixtarts, an* have made satisfactory arrangements for dUpoiiag 'jot, CLIPS privately Aahbnrtom . Consignments will be received *b onr Asnburton or Tinwftld [■torei,{|an'i; i«nfc on to either Ohristcburoh or Titnara, free of all charges, exotpfc railage. Clients who wish to send thoir Wool direct from their nearest railway >Utlon will tease ocmtign an follows:— " If intended for sale at Aitaburton—Friedtander Bros', Ltd Siding, Aifafeuiftoo If intended for sale at Christeliarch—Brown and Son's Siding, Aldington If intended for sale or shipment at Timaru-Mill & Go's Siding, Timaru If intended for shipnient^t Lyttelton—K.Zißhlpplng Co'CDomplng'.Shed.lLyttelton ■MHHr | g 4^MnK WOOLPAOKS, TWINE 1 BRANDING OIL, and ,ali other|She»ring Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Oaf,' First Sale will take plftcej At Timaro on FRIDAY, NOVEMBJEE T 3O, ijDOO tBIEDLANDKR BROS, LTD. WALLPAPERS! WALL PAPERS! „, Jfc r ,in n TITB HAVE just opened op TWENTY BALES of th« Choiowt! patterai and the best value ever Introduced Into this market, and invite Inspection. PAINTING! .i ' PAINTING! PAINTING If yon require your honse painted, we import genuine leads and oila only, aad employ firafclass men to execute our work, thereby ensuring satisfaction and durability. W. H. COLLINS & CO,. ■' PAINTERS, AND HOUSE DECORATORS, lEON MONGERS, Etc. AGENT ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY. J.WILSOIT Importer of Jtrtistic ZEALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Butted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Donlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for! 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BUKNBTT STREET, Lavge»fc Cycle Manufacturers ia the Colony



Massey-Harris Harresters. WE b&vo plefttmre in announcing to tfao»e of ©or eaineroaßi Olienta who poesess M*BBej-Harris; Reapers and Binders that aa Kcpert is now at Ashbuiton for the purpose of! Oveihaaliog Machines. Farmerß who wish to made use of bis services, will kindly bring in their Binders ai soon ac possible, FKIEDLASIDER BROS., Ltd, Ae-hburton Agents. }@J®S Smoke New Venus i



STILL ADVANCING. CBM6HEAD & BEEBYMAN HAVE ust opened out, ex *■«. Papwoa from London, the largest •hipmant of New Goods they have hithetto Import*d, oomprUing the most up to date Buitiags from the best Manntactnrera as now worn at Home. Their immense stock o* Fashionable Tailoring Ooods now affords c«Btome» tuoh a splendid range of 4»ew materials of guaranteed quality and ■tyllsh patterns to choose from as should pleate even the melt fa«tidSottt, *nd their prices, workmananip, and fife will oompwae fayorably with those of the leading firms in CShriftfflbarob or other cities. They are al«o showing a g**nd lot of ; new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., «>» Beascn. Customers would do well to place their orders early aa C. & B. have already a Urge Bnmber of suits on the books P'omieed before Xm»s, W MO i *



rpBNDERS will be received up to 7 pm JL on December Iby the Mount Somers Sports Committee, fcr Publican's Booth and Refreshment) Booth at thsir Boxing Day Sports* Particulars at Guardian Office, or from W J BEN&ETT, Hon Sec Mount Somers Special train, excursion fares, leaves Ashburton in time for races. 11 165 ASHBURTON DOMAIN BOARD. rpENDKRB are invited for cutting, making, JL and stacking hay in the Domain. Par' ticniari may be obtained at the Town Clerk's Office, where Tenders will be received till 10 a m ob MONDAY, the 3rd December, CHASE FOOKS, 32 194 Secretary to Board^ A WORD to the wife—Try the rapidly lightning Shirt Glo§s, it never fails— Shearman Bros and John Oa» & Co are the A^ats ASHBURTONOFFICE "LYTTELTON TIMES" « CANTERBURY TIMES' "STAR" " SPORTSMAN ' WHERE Advertisements and Subscript tions will be received, and files oan b« inspected. E. NORDON. Managing Agent for South Canterbury, BURNETT STREET, (Entrance to Thetnai' New Auction Mart) 11 10 ST. STEPHEN'S OH U BOH Ashburton. FRIDAY : Feast of Sb Andrew (Day of Intercession for Missions) ■: 730 am—Holy Communion 11 a m—Matins and Intercessions 715 pm—Evensong and Sermon The offertories throughout the day will be givento the SPG . i ADVENT SUNDAY (Dec 2nd) 8.30 a m—Holy Communion 11 am—MEMORIAL SERVICE for the late Robert R B Upton and thoss who have fallen in the war in Sooth Africa 3 p m—GREENSTREET 6.50 p m—-Evensong and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A, Vicar



£anddb & Sons' Eucalypti Kictbaui— Under the distinguished patronage of Hit Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinlos and Uni versities all over the globt. That the erode, resinous olli, whiob are now foisted upon that Ffiblio nnd#r the name of Euealypi Extracts, may pot be mistaken for Sander ft Sons' Pure STotatifc B^oaiypti Extract, we state :—lt ii proved by tef ts made by the Medical Clinics of the UniwiiUjsi at Bopn and Gxiefswald (Prussia), that only proijßpts that »re •atnrated with oxygen and wad of acids, resinous and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant. ! To avoid the appalling consequences retail' '• Ide from the application of substitutes, etc., iaf proup, bronchitis, diphtheria.dytentery, internal inanimation, etc., insist In gettiag Sanpib aho Ssws' Vpm Voul j Euoa vjrpyi Bxibaot, »od be i»ft ? i



Mr J. Wilson, house decorator, has been fortunate in securing the agency for Ash burton and district of the now famous. "Hall's Sanitary Washable DUtemper " or Water Paint, as used for renovating all the principal hospitals, hotels, etc., throughout Great Britain and the oolonies. Before renovating the Ohristchurch Hospital some time ago, a competition was held to decide upon what kind of distemper or paint would be used for cleansing and deoorating the buildings. After exhaustive tests and trials 11 Hall's Water Paiot" was considered by far the best, and has been usad in the institution ever since. It is very suitable for applying to walls and ceilings of kitchen!, whether wood or plaster. It has an advantage over oil paint, inasmuch as inseots cannot live near it. It is very easy of application—by simply adding hot or cold water, it is ready for immediate use, and in three weeks', lime is washable. Mr Wilson has a shipment just to hand.—(Advt\ 11 T> UILDERS will find it to their adva from JO to get estimate* for Ironmonger yat— Habdlbyßbos



New Zealand's athletes at the front la cricket, football or the hoot; He shines In any sport or game. His prowess has a world wide fame. But training hat it* usual ills, As over heat that causes ehtllaj Then don't delay, but health secure, By taking Woods 1 Great Peppermint Gure. Smoke New Venus



Wade's Worm Figs are most) effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking tbem Frto* Is