Commercial.

INVERCARGILL GRAIN MARKET

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Invercakgill, Augassfc 24 The Grain Brokers' Association report that oats are worth :—A gr.<de, 2s OJ3; B 9 2s ; and C, la lid, f.o.b at Bluff, sacks in.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on August 24, 1900:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl ._ 2a 3d „ „ Tuscan... 2a 3d to 2s 4d f „ „ Hunter's 2s 2d Oats—Duns .„ Is 5d to Is 6d Danish Is 6d Canadians Is 7d to Is 81 Sparrowbills Is 6d to Is 7d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Ohaß—Good oatsheaf 47s 6d to 60s Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2s to 2» 3d New „ Is 6d to Is 9d The above are prices currenb paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

Ashburton Guardian SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 1900 UNIVERSITY EXTENSION.

One of the most striking facts in the history of modern education is the rapid and successful development; in the English spanking countries of the move ment, which is known as univeraity extension. The naovexicumt is Che outooroe of the desire to bridge the gap that exists between our system cf primary and secondary education, and the higher culture that ia associated with tba universities. It is an attempt to bring the opportunities cf university education to the large section in every community, which ia unable to devote some three or four years to special and continuous Study. It has thus helped to create a new type of students, men and women who carry on tbeir higher education in addition to their ordinary occupations. The movement began in 1867, when Professor James Stuart, M P, inaugurated courses of lectures in the manufacturing towns of Eng land. His success was so great that he iuduced the University of Cam bridge to undertake the work of university extension in 1873 Since -jhea the movement has been success fully developed by the London Exten sion " ociety, and the Universities of Oxford, Durham, Victoria, (Manches ter), Scotland and Ireland. From England the movement rapidly spread to America, Canada and Australia. So striking indeed was the success of university extension in Great Britain, America, and Ao3tralia,thatit attracted the attention of the professors in the univeraity of Berlin, and, through the advocacy of Professor Paulsen in par ticular, the movement has been taken up by many of .the continental uni versities. The universal success of the movement has shown conclusively that there are many persons in our towns who are anxious for guidance in their studies, and are ever eager for the opportunities of higher education. The method generally adopted is as follows: In a town such as Ashburton, a com mittee is formed as a centre for uni versity extension, and students are en roiled for various subjects. An appli cation is then made to the local univer. sity college for a competent lecturer. He delivers a popular lecture on hie particular subject, and then begins ft course of six or ten lectures as may be arranged. The lecturer bringa with him suitable apparatus if his subject is scientific, and also a small travelling library of selected books which is placed at the service ot his students. A lec turer would deliver a lecture of the same character as our townsman, the Rev li A Woodthorpe, has been giving in his course on English Literature, But at the close of an hour's lecture, there would be close work with the students for three quarters of an hour. At the conclusion of the lecture each student would receive a printed synopsis of the 1 lecture just delivered, with some notes and questions appended. This synopsis would be carefully used bythe students before the next lecture, and the answers to the questions would be sent to the lecturer. At the close of the course of lectures, there would be a voluntary examination by the Univ err sity authorities ami certificates and prizes would be awarded, Such is the method known a« university Extension,. The subjects which seem t© be most popular are English, Literature, Science Mining, History, Art, Political Economy, and Philosophy, JThe ex tension movemint has been moat successful among men and women of some experience in life. It hag seemed to give a new interest, and an interest of a useful kind, to many |who sadly need it ia the monotony of tbe average,

routine of life. The most remarkablt i extension centre? is England and' America are to be fonnd in theunauu facturiog towns, and the keenest Btudenta have been found among the artizina and the miners. So deeply valued is the univejsity extension movement in England that many of the trade's union and the Co-operative Societies offer special facilities to their members to avail themselves of its benefits, and the recent brilliant auccf-as of Mr Owen at Oxford is a' proof of the power and ability of the English working man to reach the highest academical distinction. No one who has the wplfare > f Canterbury at heart cxn fail to be interested in the motion that is to be discussed by the Board of Governors of Canterbury College next week, and we trust that they will follow the example which has been set by the newly-established college at Wellington. We have every reason to believe that if the motion is passed on Monday next, the recently formed Technical Classes Association will form an admirable centre for university extension in Ashburtoti.

Local and General.

%• Interesting reading matter will be found oa the firab and fourth page* of thin issue. Wsathkr " Fobkoast — Captain Edwin forecasts aa follows s— Strong e*iter!y winds; glass fall. Grain Shipmehm—Twenty-six trucks of grain left Ashburton on Fiiday for Lyttd ton. for shipment, per the Tatars, on acconat of Messrs Frie!lander Bros., Ltd. Personal.--The H«nu J. G Ward Poab matter General and Minister of Railways, went south by the express today. He will visit faii old colleague, at Shag Valley, and return north in the eariy part of next week. Football—The Timaru High School boys beat the Christohurch High School Second Football team by 8 points to 3, at Timaru to.day. 1 Presentation—On the retirement of Miiß Dodda ac organitb of the local Presbyterian Church, she was presented with a hanJsome fancy work basket, handed to her by the members of the choir. Prick of Butchers Meat—Owing to the unprecedented scarcity of fat stock, and rapid rise in prices, the butchers of Ashbur ton have unanimously agreed to rise the pnoe of beef one penny per pound. Horsk Flesh. —A strong demand con tinues to prevail.in the County for draught horaes, and Mr David Thomas re" ports the private sale during the week of draught hordes to the amount of £600, and ranging from £35 to j855 per head, the latter being realised for a gelding. A Musical Trkat. — The forthcoming organ recital at Aihburbou, to be given by Mr Henry Wells, late organist of the Christ* church Cathedral, is oreating considerable interest. The performance takes place on Thursday, September 13, in the Presbyterian Church, and a« a strong demand prevails for tickets, which are now available, early appli cation should be made, aa the number is limited. Full particulars appear ia an advertiaemenb in this issue. Pkrsosal—Mr Rennie, •! Doyleston, whose late serious illness—confining him for some months to his bed—has been mentioned in our columns, ia now convalescent. He visited Ashburton a day or two ago. By the way Mr Renoie was offered a seat on the Canterbury Land Board, which he accepted —but to the aurprisa of a good many people, another gentleman waa gazetted to the position, a matter that seems tio need expia* na ion. Nhw Season's Lambs.™A number of lambi have already made their appearance in the County, and the recent weather has been favorable for lambing. At Wirulow a line of ewes, procured from Ptlmerston North six weeks ago, are yielding so far. about 125 per cent of lambs, and we also learn that ab Mitcham, and also at Rangi tftta, a goodly number have come into exist ence. The early spring growth Bhoald give them a good chance of sa'lsbrtory progresr, "Thb Sportsman and N.Z. Cyclist.'— We have received a oopy of the last number of the "Sportsman and NZ Cyclist," dated August 25rd. Id contains a great quantity of useful information and news aboub various branch a of sport, together with tk large number of excellent) illustra tions. Amongst the Utter is a very good portrait of the late Mr J L Smith, of the Hail way Department, one of the faatesv. sprinters in the colony. " OUBSKLTKS A 8 OTHER SBE US."— Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; bub they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that) " appearance goes a long way." An ill-fitting suib ia uncomfortable, and an •• eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk ib ! If you are a stranger here, the firßb well dressed citizen you meeb will gladly direct you to " The Leading Tailors where you will always find a large assortment of 1 Up to date" suitings to seleob from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still inoreasiog business done by Messrs Cbaighead and Bbrryman speaks volumee. Thin firm has just imported piobably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range of the new rain proof Beavers and Meltois for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both shi enable and durable. A Relic From Mafbking—Mr Hefford has just received from his brother in South Africa one of the notes issued by the defender of Mafeking, The note is well worn, and ii about half the size of an ordinary bank note. The following is a copy of the words on the note.— JANUARY 1900. No. A. 1886. Issued by the authority of Colonel J?. S. S. Baden Powell. (Commanding the Rhodesian Force ) This Vocohbr is Good for ths sum of I f*. and will be exchanged for coin at the M&fe king Branch of the Standard Bank, on the resumption of Civil Law. H. Sresnbb, Chief Paymaster. T. & Son, Printers, Mafeking.

A gold coin, losb yesterday m Ashburion, is advertised for. The boards at th« Oddfellows 9 Hall will be occupied on (Thursday evening next by the Henry Dramatic Company. Th« piece they are staging ia the well-known farcical comedy, "Charley's Aunt." If a prophet be no without honour save in hia own country, fcho rule must be one which i« proved in the accepted manner—by the exception. The exception we refex to is Mr E G Lane, of Oamaru, who has placed upon the market a specific for Lung troubles called Lane's Creasoted Emulsion. The honour he has received in his own country is contained in daily recurring letters ac knowledging benefits received from the uae of the preparation. The following is a case in pomt :—"Arun Street, Oamaru, June 7, 1899. Mr Lane, —Dear Sir,—l notice you are publishing testimonials you have received about your Emulsion. I wish to add mine to the number. My niece, who was staying with me a little while ago, had a bad attack of measles, which lift her vary weak »nd with » bad < ough. I gave her your Emulsion, and it was wonderful how quickly she recovered. The cough stopped almost at onoe, and the way she put on flesh is marvellous. When she returned to her home her mother would hardly believe she had had anything the matter with her, and said the looked better and was stronger than ever she was. Last month my husband caught * severe cold <tnd had a bad cough, so more of your Emulsion. He says he never got rid of a cold so quickly, and that the emulsion was the niaeßt he had ever taken. My niece was also very fond of it>;-—Yours L truly, 8 Gibson,"

APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS

The following psper was read at the' lm meeting of the Ashburton Branch of the Educational Institute by Mr Win. j Stout : - The President, ladies and gentlemen,™ , I am not going to make »ny apology for writing a paper on the above subject. In ' rrivate conversation among teachers there is scarcely anything that furni«hes such a field for criticism, and in the whole range of educational topics there is not ono that ; provokes more animated discussion, and certainly nona that gives rise to more grumbling, dissatisfaction and heart burr.ing. Let a teacher have ever such a lethnrgio e^ul ; let him be as modest and unassuming aa he l.kes, scurceiy ever speaking his mind about anything ; direc ly thJ3 subject is mentioned, ha faels it has struck a chord —that he Ins an interest there, and an opinion too, which he c»n give without ranch asking. Were the wretched system in vogue at presecb only existing In tangible shape, and we coald train a ** Long Tom " on it, there would coon be nothing left but the spat where it used to be. There is no mis take about the feeling of teachers in thin matter. For ray own part, I feel that I can speak on It, &c Dickens Bays, " with inoredible vigour," and I think the time has come foe vigour and action on the part of our Education*! Institute. The Son hi and branch has set a good example. Readers of the Journal of Education will renoerabet their Indictment againsb the system, the resolutions they moved and the hearty way these were carried. We need every branch to take it up, and keep ab it until we get an alteration. lf. is no good being faint-hearted. Wo cm batter away, and in the end we shall get recog nition. Everything U opposed a*, first, but that li nothing. We want to get out of the old rats and shake off some of the Conservative habits we have got into. The system of appointment of teachers is rotten. It can't very well mend, and there is far too much patching nowadays anyhow. We need a new system, and if all the branches of the Institute unite and formulate a proper scheme, I believe the Boards of Education would change their views in. time. They don't; know how unanimous we are all over the colony, because we have sot acted in concert and protested with sufficient <ar neatness. Instead of vigorous, united action, we have contented ourselves with chronic ' growling 'on the streeb and explosions of volcanic wrath in conversation—none of which have helped us mush The teachers about Ashburton have reason to feel strongly on the matter. Then the Aahburton section of the Institute should back up Southland, and see that a crusade is carried on by all branches, till the Boards of Education will be so wearied with our importunity that they will think there must be a faint wrong somewhere, and will grant some of our requests juet bo that we 'may over after hold our pe^ce. 1 t don'c sco ar-y 'just and lawful Impediment' why we shouldn't turn all our artillery on the system and give it a gentle and refreshing tune. Now this paper would be lacking in point were I not to. give somo reasons for at' tacking the present system, and so I shall just point out a few of its objectionable qualities, and let anyone who knows its virtues give them at full length bye and bye. When a vacancy is advertised all applications go to the Board. They, in some way.of their own, with the Inspec tors probably giving them advice on the matter, select not more than six names to forward to the Committee, Some tiros s only-two or three, names are sent. The Board's printed regulation In North Oanterbmy says "not more than six," and so they are not bound to send more than they choose. So far, so good.— These names go co the Committee^ and npw cocoes ia the undisguised, unvarn ished vUHanyi'bf the system- Some one of the six, not necessarily the best and most deserving, has 1 cal influence, and without more add the other five are set aside, and this one gets the place What is the use of working hard to get promotion, when a little local influence can beat years of hard and conscientious work. Is it fair? If nob, )b should be altered, Next, juat let ma touch on * few of the wonderful ways that the Committees ofcen have in selecting their teacher. Ist—lt often happens that there is strong church influence of one denomina tion or anotb.Br, and this weighs down the ecile in favour of the candidate of similar views, apart from his merit as a teacher This is a great blot on the sys tem. However desirable it may be for a Committee to geb a teacher whose reli gious views chime in with their own, it ought to have nothing to do with the question. We are public servants, paid with public money, doing purely secular work ; and merit and merit alone should determine all appointments It a teacher deserves promotion, the Board should see that he gets it, and no matter what his private views may be *.boub other things, his work 88 % public servant should be recognised, and he ought to be able to count on promotion as a reward for faithful work.—This Is indictment No 1. 2nd—lt often happens that a district is nobed for its sporting proclivities Well, let It sport away; bub surely the promotion of public servants should'not depend upon, nor be at the mercy of such a flimsy thing aa local sport. It often happens that one of the candidates applying is a noted athlete, and so would be of great value to the promoters of sport in any district, Now, if a teacher > chores to go in for athletics, well and I good; but) should other teachers be I debarred from just promotion through I this ? These things continually crop op and giva some teachers an undue advan tage. If this Is called promotion. It Is a miserable tham. The faithful teacher often ban to take a back seat and look at others forging ahead of him, ju-tb through this wretchei eystem allowing local influences to supersede merit, After a few of these disappointments, he feels he can almost enter Into the feeling of Osrlyle, who in " Sartor Besartus,'* has drawn such a dismal, yet powerful, picture In the chapter entitled " The Everlasting No* '—Jndiobment No 2 3rd.—lb often happens that a district is musical and fond of winter concerts, and entertainments and theatricals, etc , and a committee hero wants a teacher who will " take an interest in the district," aa they call ib. This applies very often to mistresses 1 Suoh a one would be a greab help,' they say* Well, (shut) might) be true, and if ft beaeher choosw to hslp in these thiag*, that is his own private concern and no one can interfere. But should it itand In the way of other teachtn This is ths points. Should the mosb deserving applicant be sab aside because he can't sing, or organizo ft theatrical play 1 If »o, Merit it net the best, qualifi cation to have.—lndictment) No. 3. 4 v.h«—Now I come to a very important one, and one that many teachers have found to their cosb to ba a veritable Mount Cook in their path. I can speak on bhis point with tremendous feeling. One of th» greatest cries in a country district) is ' We mnsb have a married man.' 1 Now, why?' ' Oh,' say they, • He won't run about so much,' he will be more inter ested in the dutriot; he will have a stake in the place; be will b&v* more sympathy > with the childien beoame he understands them be ter; (this latter is * notable point) ; he will stay longer; he will look after the houao better and keep it in repair; he will have more standing in the district!; and so on. I could enumerate more of their reasons, but these will do. They are quite refreshing,—really excellent. They make good re&aing *nd fall m Jnd Browning, ■ays * like tews of silver into a. lake of glory.' The oily fault) they have is that (hey don't touch the point at all. A com mittes who teas it is hardly fair to give preference to a man ju«t because ha is married, will often i»y that til other things

being equal, they would sooner have ft i married man. If that were BO|, we could nob complain much. Bub in their eyes, all other things are never fqual. A single man ia altogether unequal. Dress him up in as meritorious a part as you like, he is a strange creavure, shorn of most of his worth and at best in only halt a man. It takes two to make one. This ib what they tell us and we ' receive it with magnificent composure and wonder if they have any more like it. The man who is married has the best testimonial he oan wihh. Reports even do not compare 1 with it. Teachers themselves who are married often'put the surjsot aside by jocularly saying : " Oh you oan soon remedy that." That may be true, but it haa noth ing to do with the question. lam contend ing tor ft principle in tho public service, pair! for by the pub:ic, to get the best education for thoir children, the best man should have first place. Sent menfc should be left ou'. altogether. A private employer, can pl«ase hirnme f when he engages servants. He can chooaea man with a family because that man needs the position most, but I contend that in ( the public gorvioe, where government money ■ has to pay the salary, nothing but sheer dawurighb merit ihould be considered.—lt is very nice ia * district to have a married man for many reason*, but the Bosrd of Educa tion should not let that enter into the question at all. Ibis good sentiment, but we want less sentiment and more logic. The regulations compel every master to keep his i house ia order, married or single. It is purely a private ooncsrn whether a master i gets married or remains a hilarious old ! bachelor all his days, but if he is a good j ! teacher and haa a good record, the Board ihould see that he is nob kept for ever standing on the lower rungs of the ladder, but should give htm systematic recognition and promotion for his length of service and merit. This indictment No 4is a very real one and only through fear of making the paper too long, I refrain from launching out at greater length. The present system is unfair, disappointing and exasperating It bestrides our Educational world in New Zealand like a colossus, but its defences aro not invulnerable and we must demolish them somehow. I mighb say something about political influence, about influence of friends i and relatives on a committee, about canvass ing, about Freemasonry, etc., but will leave them. I hava tried to give an idea why, as teachers, we think we do not get the consideration and justice our profession, warrants, and I will just add a suggestion or two about how appointments should be made and then leave the matter for full dissuasion. Fraotically we have at present no system of promotion. The great bu'k of teachers have nothing to look forward to, country teachers especially; and with the miserable salaries paid at present in torce places, a teacher's life is not to be coveted by _6ny boy or girl choosing a profession. No echems will give es absolute justice. There is no such thing to ba got in this world, but we oan get a little nearer to ib than we are at present. The fireb greut step would be for Boards to take ail ap pointments into their own hands and their intimate knowledge of each applicant's standing charaater and merit, coupled with with the expert advice of the Inspectors, there would be some hope for the diligent and conscientious teacher. This would knock in the head the present Bjitem of promotions in town schools, would abolish canvassing aid put country and town teachers on equal footing. Length of ser vice should be taken into aooount to that a teacher would not have to stay too long in any one school. The Board tries to do this now, but appointment* are virtually made by the Committees, and the Board under the present system, is helpless. Board and Inspectors are competent to choose the best man, and though something might be urged against this, ib is a good and sound improvo ment on the present mode of appointments. When a vacancy occurs the most deserving applicant should be appointed, "no matter what his private views nny be about rsligion or athletics, no matter whether he is "cambered" or •■unencumbered." These things belong to his private life and surely a te&cher shou'd not be expected to sink his individual characteristics while he renmins in the profession. In this way fchiols would soon be looked upon aa government institutions and local and petty influences would not worry and harass a teaeber'a life. He would live above them, no longer a Committee's servant, and as long as ho worked faithfully, ha would be independent of local influences. This is the firet great step, After thab would come grading, of schools, but we shall not get this until the first is an established custom. However, I give ib as a eecond (suggestion. Ib is fair and reasonable. Fchools should be graded er classified according to siz«, and we would then know exactly where wa were. The postal, telegraph, and railway services have all proper systems of classification, and I think our profession is equally, if not more, important than these. Our anhools should be classified in a thorough, systematic manner, and appointments to them should nob bo scrambled for as. present—nor should ifc be possible for inferior teachers, if any, to step over the heads of more deserving fellow j teachers, merely through influence or senti ment, ho fact-of the matter is, the whole educational system wants a complete over haul in these respects. It is only a caricature of common sense and justice. Ib is musty and moth-eaten, humdrum, preposterous and antiquated, and savours of customs hundreds of years old. Schools will be classified in time, and the present nondescript arrange ments will cause a broad smile whenever we look back. When we have gob our schools divided into grades, well understood, then j we shall tee the steps of the stair up which w,e musti work our way. The best teachers will forge ahead, while mediocre and inferior ones will remain behind. This is just what | ought to be the case in any public service, and ib ia coming. We must pave the way. Next to graded schools, the salaries should be fixed according to grade—no moving up and down like a barometer, just because measles breaks out in a district or a month's bad weather sobs in* Why, in all the world, should a teacher's salary go down a pound or two a month because an epidemic breaks ou! ? His works is no less. It has to be done all the same, and is ftr harder through loss of time. Why should bad weather affect his salary ? Can he rule the elements 1 He musD do his work, let attendance be good or bari, and for this very reason his salary should be fixed. This is about the mosb ridiculous aspect of the present system. A teacher fined because the weather ia bad—fined because whooping cough comes along—fined during potato picking and fleece-picking seasons—fined because other people go off holidaying—fined for everything—bub on no account) must; he leb his work get behind. Mo, p»y his fines like a man and work all the harder with a Mark Tapley spirit for the love and fun of the thing. To be just and equitable, the time for a salary to rise is when a teacher rises into the next grade—the time for it to fall is when a teacher sinks to a lower grade. Briefly summarizsd my suggestions are as follows. Firsb — AH appointments to ba made by Boards with advice of Inspectors. Second— Schools classified according to s'zs. Third—Salaries fixed according to grade. I am optimistic enough bo believe that all these are coming, and we oan, if we like, set the ball roiling. In conclusion, I may say that the paper m»y seem crude and in complete, but it has stated the case from one point of view and suggested a remedy. Other and better suggestions may be made in discussion, bub no matter how much we may disagree, let'us be unanimous in protest ing against the solemn and benighted farce of appointments, in some quarters called " promotion." We have hoped and hoped j in vain for a change, and "hope deferred maketh the heart sick." We cannot, by a tanking movement, surprise and outwib the enemy. Ib mus% be a frontal attack, i developed all alorg the line; and when, by a vigorous and determined onslaught;, we have captured the entrenchments of the enemy, leb us hope the total casualties will be •• One system, mortally woundedi" We can do all this in a dignified and respectful manner and no Board will wonder at our action either. War is in the very atmosphere almost everywhere jusfc now, and I think there is a way in whioh we, as teachers, oan carry on a little campaign on our own account. Ashburton should marshal up alongside Southland—carry reeolutfonß— pass them on to Ohristchurch. From thence to all district branches throughout bhe cotany, and in the end we shall have the matter dealt with la the Mouse of Parliament. It can be done, and someday ib will be done. Even when our point is carried, and oar elation has calmed a little, we shall skill wear our usual lugubrious smile and get ready for the next examination, j

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

United Press Aseocuitioc—By Electrio Telegraph Wellington, August 23 The House met at 2.30 I ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Replying to questions, Mimsaers said that ' if I he circumstances warranted it the Govern ment would have a curvey made of a railway i to the Taieri river vi* Brighton and Kuri Bush ; that) before work was commenced on the section of the North Islrnd Trunk Rail way from Kawakawa to Taatnaranul, the Government would take the opinion of the 1 House as to the route between the two places* i SHORTHAND REPORTERS BILL Mr Ward moved the second reading of the Shorthand Reporters Bill, the object being to appoint official shorthand writers with a view to expediting the conduct of court work. The proposal had mat with the approval of the judges, Captain Russell hoped that the officers who might be appointed would not be interfered with by Ministers, and would be entirely free from political control. A number of members spoke and the motion for the second reading wai carried. i Mr Ward moved the second reading of the Public Health Bill, The health laws, he said, at present were in a very unsatisfactory position. If tho Central Board of Health .found that a nuisance or menace to public health existed, they were powerless to effect an alteration, while municipalities had such pressure brought to bear upon them by the ratepayer that they wne unable to oarry cub reform. The Bill proposed to appoint Health Officers ace! to provide for their pay ment by the State.. They would havo the j powers now possessed by suoh bodies. , Recent experience in the colony had shown ( the necessity of tuch appointments. The Health Officers would not be allowed private praattc, but woulc have to devote the whole of their time to their duties, and an only thoroughly competent men would be ap pointed with large powers, provision would have to be made for liberal remuneration. The House adjourned at. 5.30 p m The House resumed at 7.30 Mr Ward continued his remarks on the Public Health Bill He said that a penalty of £5 was provided against householders failing; to report a case of infectious disease existing on their premises, and tVe work of cleaning and fumigating infected buildings would fall on the owner or occupier; failing their doing the work the Health Officer was empowered to car?y it outs at the expense of the owner or occupier. Power was also given for two or more local authorities to combine in the erection of hospitals, mortuaries, reserves for depots, etc. Provision was also made against the pollution of water courses, and overcrowding of buildings; while provision was also made for proper sanitary measures being adopted in native settle ments. Power was also taken foi the destruction of unseund food for human consumption, and for making quarantine regulations for vessels, while the Imperial Act had been adopted dealing with vaocina tion, which recognised the conscientious opposition of some people to that system, and unless an outbreak of smallpox occurred vaccination would not be compulsory. Mr J Allen said that the Bill was of a very technical nature, and he regretted that ib had not been referred to a committee to report upon. The Bill proposed great changes in regard to the administrative powers of local bodies. Instead of extending the powers of local bodies the Bill proposed to control them and centralise the power in Wellington. It was true that under the Bill #10,000 had been provided for assisting looal bodies in carrying out sanitary works, bub he conten ded that much greater concessions thonld have been granted looal bodies te aid them in carrying out drainage and waterworks ; and for that purpose they should have bees able to borrow money under the Loans to Local Bodies Act at a oheap rate. As to the central and district officers, unless an adequate salary were paid, the services of the best men for the purposes of the Bill would not be obtained; He hoped that a cheese paring policy would nob be adopted in retard to such appo'ntments Ha objected also t.o the powers given to district officers who could act without reference to the local bodies Various members dealt with the Bill and Mr Ward replied, saying that the debate hai been a useful ooe, and the criticism fair on tho whole; but he objsoted to the charge levelled against the Bill that it was auto cratic He defended the powers given to district inspectors as being necessary if the Act were to fulfil its olject* As to the question of vaccination, he was quite pre pared to discuss that matter. In dealing with such &n important matter all local feel ing fh mid be discarded, and the House should combine in an effort to m*ke tha Bill effective The motion for the second reading was carried on the voices. j The Home rose ab 1.10 am. Wellington, August 25 The House met at 2 30 p m BILLS ADVANCED The Pahiatua Gas Works Bill was read a third time and pasaad The Land and Live Stook Auction, and Rotoru* Town Council Bills were introduced and read * first time : THB IMPERIAL COMMISSIONS la reply to Captain Russell, who urged that the Government should lose no time in making nomination!) to commissions in the army, offered by the Imperialauthorities, Mr Seddonsaid there were 61 applications, and thab until the Government found out which of the men were able to take up the commissioßß, and which were the most deserving from th»ir services at the front, and from their condneb generally, the Government could not make any reoommen. dafaiona. In connection with this matter, Mr Beddon condemned the action of the aubheri ties In South Afria, in tempting the New Zealand Contingents to join tht police force there, and, after some of them had joined, refusing permission for the men to return to their contingents A petition was presented from 107 employees of the Wellington match factory praying that the duty recently taken off the matches may be reinstated Mr McGowan moved the second reading of the Police Offences Act Amendment Bill. Ib extended the meaning of a pnblio place within the Act, and.also remedied tkt defect in the law aa to what constituted an idle and disorderly person having no lawful visible means of support. At present an idle and disorderly person consorting with thieves and prostitutes, so long as he or she were possessed of a small sum of money cou'd not be charged under the Act, and one of the features of the Bill waa to remedy thatdefeot. Of course, ho would be told that the Bill, would interfere with the liberty of the individual, but precaution? would be taken to prevent such a thing happening Mr Guinness approved of the provisions of the Bill, which, he thought, however, should be referred to tha Statutes Revision Com mittee for the purpose of introducing new claused Mr Houston also expressed his approval of the Bill Mr Fisher said that at the proper time he would move an amendment, protecting the residences of private and reputable people from beinor invaded by the social parity people. He instanced a case which had recently happened in Wellington, where a barrister threw up his .brief, and refused to proceed further with the ease, having found that the allegations of the information could not be sustained. He contended, that but for the social standing of the person who gave the information, the police would not have taken action in the matter Mr Pirasi supported the Bill Mr Seddon eaid if the police were to be used to aasail the character of reputable people the sooner the Government) interfered the better, but he believed the police were actuated by a desire to do their duty Mr Atkinson supported the Bill Mr Napier thought the Bill was a dangerous one, placing too much power in the hands of the police, who, he asserted, were promoted acoordicg io the number of convictions they obtained. Mr Barolay supported the Bill. Mr Steward approved of the proposal to send the Bill to the Statutes Revision Com mittee, with a view to further considerations The motion for the second reading was carried on the voices I The House went into Committee on the Supreme Court) Judge Appointment Bill. Us Allen u.rg><i that provision ib<rold

be made mr an increase in th<= Jarigef, •aUriffl, in which Captain Ruiselt concurred. Mr Fisher hoped the Gk»v»rntnpnb would not give way to the proposal to increase the salaries Mr McNab said no puisne Judge la the other colonies was paid so em&li a salary at evm the Chief Justice of this colony The House adj turned a! 5 30. 1 he House rebunitd at 7.30 Io Committee ou the fcuprtme Court Jdoga Appointment Bill, several members wished the question of Judges' salaries to ba " dealt with, and a long debate ensued Eventually a motion to report progress woa negatived on the voice?, nod the BtU wan reported without Amendment* Tha Shorthand Reporters Bill was under connMierution in Committee at the 10.30 p m anj ornment The Bi'l was reported, raad a third time, and passed. . On the motion th»t the z tduitrial Concili ation and Arbitration Bill should b« com* mittedf Mr Seddon said the Act had worked very well, and thab with respect bo the amendments proposed, they were intended to meet certain anomalies that) existed* The debate was adjourned The Education Boards Eleotion BiilgwM further considered in committee, The Hottae reie at 12 35 a m

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Eteotcio Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakspuaka August 24, 9-20 am, This Office 7 15 pm) Hong Eong, August 23 The Americana claim they were the first to enter Pekin city. The heavy roads prevented the British Naval Brigade from participating in tht entry, though General Gaselee states they have reason to be proud of the way they broaght their heavy gum from Tientaien. London, August 23 Each of the Allies will have eight officers on the stall of General Waldtr see. Ihe latter has sailed from Naples, There **aro twenty-seven inter* national warships at Woosung. Bong Kong August 28 The Viceroy stopped a riot at flan kan, and discapitated two Chinese for attempting to burn the European quarter, Hongkong, August 24 The Russians claim that they stormed the eastern gate of Pekin and were first to place a "flag on the walls. They lost 21 killed and 109 wounded, the latter including General Wasileriaki and six officers London, Aug24 The Times correspondent at Pekin says the Russians and Japanese entered Tartar city several hours after General Gaeelee had rescued the Legations. They were heavily attacked for two dajs before relief came. When the British Arttliery was about to bombard the central gate of the Tartar City the Americans and Russians belonging to the legations Bortied along the wall,, the gate falling into the bands of the British about five in the evening. Ohsffee entered the legations by night fall, four hundred British reinforced the legations during the evening. Sharp fighting took place round the Temple of Haven. £ffcer inflicting heavy losses the British occupied the south gate of the Ohincsb city New York, August 24 The New York Herald says the Americans on the 15th shelled and captured four gates of the Imperial city, the infantry occupying the city Hong Kong, August 24 During the siege on the Russian legation at Pekin five were killed, and twenty wounded: General Rennenkampf, after twelve days" siege, captured Mergen, a con* siderable city on the Nonni river, in Northern Manchuria and twenty guns. The Russian losses were fourteen killed and thirty-three wounded. Washington, A ugust 24 Four thousand American reinforce ments for Ohina have been diverted to Manilla. Hong Eong, August 24 The Allies in conference (excepting the Russians) agreed not to violate the Imperial city, pending instructions from the Powers, siuce the objnct of the expedition had been accomplished.

The Fighting in Ashantee.

Capetown, Aug. 24 Red tnpeism has created difficulties in the provinces: Two columns, numbering 1800, are puuivhiog the Ashantis, who are showing stubborn resistance.

The Murders by Blacks.

THE BRBELONG BLACKS. United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, August 24 The Governors burned the house of a settler during his absence. They visited another of which a woman was the only inmate. They said they would not harm her. They took food, a rifle and ammunition, and the latest newspapers, and gave the woman some cartridges and asked her to give them I? the police with their compliments.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eioctrio Telegraph—Copyright Paris, August 23 France is importing American coai for vie in the navy. Bombay, August 23 Twenty Datives who were partici patants in the late plague riott at Cawnpore were sentenced to death one was transported and four acquitted Lord Curzon has dethroned tb* Mahar»jah of the native state of Bharatpur for intemperance and shoot* his body servant, Fia infant succeeds him. London, August 23 King Oscar, of Sweden, h*i been appointed arbitrator of international claims for compensation arising out of the late war in Samoa. Obituary — Tbomai Faed, artist, aetat 74. [Thomas Faed was bora in 1826. His first [ great work " The Mitherless Bairn " wan the picture of the season 1855, and hit other pictures have elicited the highest praise from the art critic*, Bbi^bane, August 24 Mary Flannery has been attacked by plague. The total oases in the colony have been 111, deaths 47, cured S2. Melbourne, August 24 In f-irsuan.ee of the policy of closer settlement, the Whitfield Fstate of ovsv 4300 acres has been bought at £& IQi per acre to cut up for small faring

THE ASHBURTON GtJARDIASf t BAIU&DAf, AUGUST 25, ■■1900



mHE VEBDIOT OF PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OF Absolutely Best Built in New Zealand. GENT'S £21 LADY'S £22. 'BURNETT STREET. 20 2t 22 23 24 25 REMEMBER AUGUST 25th LAST DAY ;of GREAT WINTER SALE x> a STAKTLING REDUCTION- is GENERAL* FANCY^ DKAPEKY, (NOTHING, & BOOTS. ! Kplondid Opportunity for] Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Bianknts from 16a 9d ' x English Blankets 8s 6<* to 12a 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, Colonial, 10? 6d to 12a 6d Men's AH Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 5i 6d, 6s 9d, and 7s 6d Men s Waterproof Coats, sewn seams, groatly reduced Ladies 1 Jackets, Oapee, and Mantles half price 60 Maids' Macintoshes at 4s 6d; Ladiet.' 7s 6d Black Cashmere* from Is 6d per yard Grand Stock of Ladies' Corsets much under visual pride Navy snd Black Serges, all wool, much reduced K^ery Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT,—Having secured the services^ of a FiEST-OLAsa CUTTER, Suits now made from $3 3s,?perfect fit. DRESSMAKING,—This Department is giving every satisfaction; fit and style, at moderate prices, ANDREW ORR . Garden Tools Garden. Tools OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Lawn Mowers Lawn Mowers Cheaper Thau Any Ctlier House : SPrtBE?- FORK?, TROWEL?, RAKfcS, HOE?, SCYTHES- Fowl Netting Fowl Netting 10,000 YARDS JUST LANDED. COMB EARLY AND SECURE "XOUR BEQUIREMENTS W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER AND CTAL MEBCHANTS AGENTS ROYAL INSURANCE 00,



THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY TTTAVE » few Job Lines thrown out at Stocktaking, which they are Billing at GEE AT REDUCTIONS. Man's Hard and Soft Felt* Is 6% Is lid and 2» 6d L%dtet Sailor Straws reduced to Is Brown Moleskin Trousers reduced to 5s 11HI | Men's Best Crop Corkhsms 263 6d for 19j 61 Women's Canvas Sbosa reduced to 3a 6d Childnn'a Qanvas Shoes reduoed to 2s 63 Men's Silk Ties reduced to 6d and la I N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager. IT IS PACKED TO PLEASE, AND SERVED ITS MISSION. HONDAI-LANKA CEYLON PACKED AND SEALED TEA Bankers of Tea BLENDED for Extra Profit try UNBLENDED flondai-Lanka. Sold by Messrs Shearman Bros., Messrs Oooch and Co., Messrs Cawon & Son, and J. Gndaeil, Tinwald. ANTED KNOWN -1 hat, our UdiZl^^^^^^J^n^TlT^DS^ Winter Jackets and Capes are an —— ercepSfoaally choice lot, being at once TpHE Proprietors are largely reducing stylish end moderate in Prices.—Mitchhm, jL utock, to make room for coining season TrjRWKU . young birds. Some first class Anda!nsians t — ■»— Houdane, OrplngtoDS (buflF and black), Got- WANTED KNOWN—That, J. Moison d«« Pencilled Harnburga, and Partridge has received •> large stock of Winter Cochios will be for sale for a shoit time a Boots aEd Shoes of the best material, also e£^ rl m.!]y_low_P!!£e.?! 7 169 about to anive now stock of French Goods, "\/¥ IBS W SIMPSON, Teacher of Piano •nd invite* the Public for inspection. Sale JXL forte, Havelock Street, East Belt, lor one month, commencing SATURDAY, wishes to natify tha6 she has a first-class to dear the way, J. M being the only Quadrille Baud available for Dances, Wed roliftbls and practical Bootmaker in the ding parties, Concerts, and Socials. For town, this gives him superiority and facility Terms & etc , apply to D. LEIT3H, Burnett I© kaow the besb v&lue and quality. Repairs Btreet. 7 17 mrrifd on just the same, in the cheapest, _ ~—; - ae*tetb. and mosb fashionable style. Best Xr°R Ranges, Register Grates, and | le»theH twed, and workmanship by the best X 1 Mantelpieces try HABDLEr BltC9, who of tradesmen, at The Hau-. East Street, special inducement to purobMers. | ABhburira i Urge itookc bow to bftnd,



ASHBURTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 11HE Services in the above Church, and at Wakanui, on SUNDAY, august 26, 1900, will be conduotad by Rev. A. Douil, of Rangiora. ST. STEPHEN S O 3 U RC H Ashburton. ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (August 26) 8 30 a m—Holy Communion 11 am M*tios, »nd Sermoa 5 p m—SEAFIBLp, the V car DROMORK, Mr T A Gites 6 30 pm—frveninf Prayer and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A. Vicar tmsmmmmmmmmmmmmmMM ■ *mmmm>m§ Mails dose for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: - SATURDAY, A: G 25 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6.30 p m MONDAY, AUGUST 27 For Australian Colnnies (via Bluff), aouth Africa, Ceylon, India, China, etc, itlio United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, (specially addreoeed via Suez), per express, to connect with Talnne, at) 12.30 p nt. Dae Melbourne September 3rd ; London October 9th. TUESDAY, AUG 28. For Northern Ports and Australian Colo nies (via Wellington), per Monowai, at 10.30 am, Dae Sydney September 5 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 For Northern Ports and Westporb, Samoa, Hawaii, PhiUipinea, Japan, alio Uui'ed Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, per Takapuna, as under:— Money orders, at 2 30 pm ; books and news papers at 630 pm ; registered letters at £ pm, ordinary letters at 630 pm; Due Lon don October 3