SECOND EDITION KPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for September

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close lor the following places as under, subject to the neoessaiv alterations:— THURSDAY, SEPrE*MBKRI3 For Northern Ports of New Zealand, and Westport,per Rotomahana,at 630 pm MONDAY, SEITh-MBrRl? For Australian Colonies (via Bluff) South Africa. Ceylon, India, China, also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, specially addressed via Suez, per express to connect with Monowai, at 12.30 am. Due Mcl i bourne Bept 24, London Oct 28

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—(Jopyrighb. (Received Sept 12, 7.24 p m) Londost Sept 11 There is a boom iv the currant maikeb. Th present quotations for provincials is 50s per owt: Wheab and flour afloat for the United Kingdom, 2,310,000 quarters; for the Continent, 965 000 qoarters. Shares—Bank of N^w South Wales, £44; New Zsaland Loan and Mercantile 4 per cent prior lien debentures, 92; others unchanged Sydney, September 12 Wheat, chick 2% 3d to 2s 6d, milling 2a 9d to 2s lOd ; fl nr, £6 5s to £6 15s, Monitoban £11; oats, prime New Zealand feeding 2a 2d to 2 < 3d, local Is 91 ',0 Is lld ; maizi, prime 2* 7d ; barley, best feeding 2s to 2s 2d ; bran and pollard, 7_d; peas, Prussian Blu« 3s 3d ; potatoes. Circular Heads £3 10s to £3 15s; onions, Victorian prime £8 15s to £9; butter, dairy B_l, cremery 9_l; oheese, New Zealand large 6_i, mediam 6si, prima loaf 6d (The above quotations are those ruling between merchant and rntailer, and do not represent the slightly iowet values obtained by recognised brokers!

Melbourne,' Bept 12

Wheat, 2ilC_l : oats. Algerian 2^ 21 to 2s 4_l ; maizi, 2s 4d; onions, £6 10j to £7 10s

Adelaide, Sept 12.

Wheat ia offering mora freely ab 2a lOd ; flour is dull at £6 153 ; bran, 9| 1 ; pollard, 10$ 1; potatoes, £3 as to £3 10', Cirouhr Heads £4 15s. Onions £11

GERALDINE SALE

There waa a good attendance at the Geraldine F.»rmet's ynrds yesterday, when there was a fair en iry of sheep and a good market. Hoggets brought from lis to 13s sd", ewes 16a ob There was also a fiir entry of cattle Springing heifers sold ab £3 15s 6d to £4 10i, dry cow 3£3 10a ; yearling steers £2, calves 275. On behalf of Mr Ben Cochrane and others Messrs Maling and Shallcrass held a good sale of horao3. A colt by Champion, rising two years, sold at £27, and a filly by ths same sire, rising one year, brought £20. There was a good entry of draught horses on behalf of other clients, which brought £32, £37, £38, and £39, An aged mars fetched £21 10a. There waa also a most satisfactory sale of implements and sundries

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

United Preaa Association—By Electric Telegraph

Ohristohobok, September 12

The entries of stock at Addington to day were fairly good. Buyers were well represented, and the business done was generally satisfactory

Cattlb -The fit cattle pens contained 190 head, the proportion of steers being rather larger than has been the case rscently. The entry all round was of a good average quality. Business, however, was not very brink, and prices showed a farther fall. Steew brought from £6 2s6d to £9 15s, heifers. £4 7s 6d to £7 JO* and up to £8 17s 6d ; for extra good cows £4 7s 6i to £6 17s 6d ; 2 exivn good ones bringing £7 15a and £8 17s 6J. Prices were equal to 22j to 24s per lOOlbs for prime beef, and 17s to 2Ls for cows. Medium quality dairy cattle sold ab £3 to £7 10s. The entry of store cattle coasisted largely of young animals, the quality nob being first class. Yearlings brought 16 s 15 months old cattle £1 7s to £1 16?, eighteen months old £2 2s, dry cows £1 15s to £3 9s, two and a half year old heifers to £3 ss.

Sheep—The entry of fab Bheep was rather smaller than last week'o, but the quality of tha lines yarded was gen9r»lly first class and prices showed an all round improvement, al>hough the top price was not quite up to the previous week's. Freezers fetched from 18s to 21s, heavy wethers from 18s to 235, light and unfinished sorts 16s lld to 17s 6d ; butchers ewes 17s to 2ls 3d. Merino wethers, suitable for freezing, 16s 2d to 17s 8d ; for butchers, 14s 9d to 15s Id ; merino ewes, 14s 4d. Store sheep numbered just over 1300, and competition wis good for all chases, though hoggets and ewes and lambs were most in demand. The ehl<;f sales were 112 wethers at 15s 53, 405 hoggets at 15s, 126 ewes, with 100 per cent of lambs, lis ; all counted The entry of fa lambs was the largest of the season, 83 being penned- The prices ranged from 10i to 17« 6d, the most of them being sold at 12s 6d to 13s 6d.

Pigs—Tnere was a fairly largo yarding of pigs, and prices for all classes showed Improvement. The purchase of the first consignment of stores to be sent this season to Southland, resulted in the hardening of the prices of stores. Baconers brought from S2s fed to 42s ; porkers, 22e to 31a 6d ; stores, 12a 6d to 229 6d ; and suckers and weaners 4s to lis 6d, the prices being equal to 3&d to 3|d per lb for baconers, and 3|d to 4d for porkers.

BURNSIDE.

DrjNßDitr, September 12 Buraiide Markst—Fat cattle-—202 head were yarded, the majority good to prime quality bullocks, with a few fairly heavy and some prime cows. Satan opened well, but prices did nob hold, and 10a per head leas had to be accepted before the close. Beat beef averaged 24i to 25 j per 1001b, best heavy bullocks £9 5* to £10 2s 6d, medium £8 2a 6d to £9 2* 6d, others £6 Si to £8, besb cows £7 5s to £8 10s, medium £6 to £7 2» 6d, others £4 to £5 17« 6d,

The N.Z* Farmers' Co-operative Associa tion report private sales during the week : — 400 ewes in lamb at 19s (crossbred), and 500 ewes in lamb at 17s 9d (crossbred).

BIRTH:

Todd —Ab tbe schoolhcme, Chertsey, on September 12, 1900, the wife of D. 'Jhos. Todd of a daughter;

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 13. 1900. EDUCATION REFORM AGAIN POSTPONED.

It is a curious fact that although " pro gressive " legislation has been made the motto of tho Seddon age, and almost every statute in the New Zealand code has been more or less amended or tin kered with, in some way or other, the Education Act of 1877-8, has remained practically unaltered for nearly a quarter of a century Not that its defects have never been poinded out or acknowledged. Nearly every educa tionist in the colony, except a few fossils who fear to touch the fabric least it should fall to pieces, has ad mitted that our system sorely needs amendment; and the press of New Zealand has from time to time sug gested various much-riesired reforms. Some of our legislators, too, have essayed to introduce a few of the more pressing of these. But ail has been in vain. For some occult reason the government of, the day has invariably prevented anything from being done, although the present cabinet has got as far as promising one of the reforms asked for—a more equitable system of paying our teachers. We rather sus pected when the promise was made, that the holy horror of touching the existing Act in any important point would be too strong for Ministers. And if we may judge by results, this is actually what has happened, for we are now informed on good authority that the measure for the promised reform will not be brought down this session. We doubt very much whether the teachers and educationists of New Zea land ever will get the reforms they require, until they are in a position lo bring pressure to bear upon the Government. The teachers should endeavour to provide for coming within the jurisdiction of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. They, as much as any other members of the community, are entitled to any measure of justice, which can be iecured under its pro visions. There, is one reform in the present education system that has long I been urgently demanded—not only in the interests of the teachers—but in the interests of the children for whose bene fit the state schools are provided. We refer to the very unsatisfactory way in which the executive functions are ap portioned. Why there should be three administrative bodies when ■ one would be quite sufficient, has always been a puzzle .to the lay r_ii;d. We have a Department of education, Edu cation Boards, and school committtep, all exercising authority over the teachers; and as if these were not enough, tha school inspectors have become gradually invested with powers that were never contemplated by the act; and in some districts they are practically the supreme authority—at least so far as the unfortunate teachers are concerned. They are looked upon as little autocrats, and woe be to the teacher rash enough to incur the anger of a Board Inspector, The system has also permitted the school committees to take up an attitude and to exercise functions that were clearly not originally intended by the legislature, which apparently desired to constitute the Education Board the only inter mediate authority over the teachers. But a single sentence in the act giving the school committees charge of educa ional matters within their districts was interpreted to mean that those bodies should appoint—and thereafter control the teaching staff; and in a general way they have done so. Now a moment's impredjudicad conside ration will shew that apart from the question whether the committees obtained this power by the accidental employment of a vagus phrase in the Act, or by ihe design of the framen thereof—the placing of the members of the teaching profession in New Zealand under the control of bodies constituted as the school committees are, brings about a position as incon gruous as it is injurious tothe interests of education. Let us imagine an association formed for carrying on some industry where skilled knowledge is necessary, as for instance, an iron worker's establishment or a woollen factory. Should we give a board of directors composed of teachers, clergy men or clerks, power to regulate the business or choose the members of the staff? There is, however, a more serious aspect of the case we are dealing with, which is that the present relations between teachers and school committees, especially in the North Canterbury district, where the teach ers' salaries are paid through the com mittees, render it quite impossible for the latter to maintain that position in the estimation of the public, and the rising generation, which their fellows hold in other parts of the world. In Canterbury the relations between teachers and committees are unnatural and improper. The mem bers of the committees have, in the country districts especially, come to regard themselves in the light of employers of the teachers, a delusion fostered by the senseless system adopted by the North Canterbury Board, of paying the teachers' salar ies through the committees. It is not an uncommon thing for these bodies to ai range this business in such a way that teachers shall be compelled to go hat in hand—bo to speak—to a chairman or a secretary for their pay, a week or two after it has been in tbe hinds of that official. Such a state of things is a disgrace to the Board of Education, and an insult to the members of the profession It is to be hoped that for the credit of the colony, the Minister of Education will take early steps to maintain the dignity and status of one of the most honour able professions connected with state affairs

ShbipMobtaliw.— Vary heayy mortali ty has occurred among a mob of 10,000 sheep near Clermont, in the Queensland Central division, 3,000 deaths being reported, The sheep were travelling from the Longreach district to Nebo. and the deaths are account ed for by the sheep eating a poisonous herb.

Local and General.

*„* Interesting reading mabter will be found a the first and fourth pages of thia sßue Football — The match Wellington v. Southland was played in Weilington yester day, and ended in a draw, both sides sooring three points. Heavy rain spoiled bhe ginne. Obituary—Mr Joseph Megson of Hamp stiHul, iate farmer at Se&field was found deid in bed this morning at HumpsteatJ. Mr Megson was a very old resident of this dis trict.

Mkat Inspectors' Salabies—lb transpires (raports theism Wellington oorresdondent) thab the meat o mpanies are paying the Government £300 a year for the ioßpeotion of their works, bub that the Government only p*y the inspectors £250 a year The Dunedin and Invercargill borouphs, on the ot her hand, pay their inspeobors £300 a year.

CHANGING HANDS—At an exbraoidinary meeting of the Greymouth Dispatch Foundry on Monday night (says the Grey River Argus) ib was decided to olspose of the works 60 a company with a capital of £30,000. The flotation is in Mr KiogweU'a hands. The Greymouth Star states that bhe offer is £12,000 and 3000 paid-up shares in the new concern.

The Ashbbtbton Motjnted Rifles r-Ab tho inception of the Ashburton Mounted Riffes, Messrs Friedlander Bros, promised a donation to the funds of the oorps, and they have handsomely fulfilled their promise by handing to Sergeant-Major Gibson, yester day, a cheque for twenty guineas.

The Ashburton County Cop—The whip to be presented to the rider <>f the winner of the County Cup ab the Ashburton County Racing Club's Bpri«g Meeting, by the Sb Patricks Sports Association, will be an acceptable present. Ib is of the finest whalebone, and ■> mounted with filigreed silver, and will have the j jokey'B name engraved on the head.

I' eturn op A Local Trooper—Trooper B Bennett, of the2od Ccningenb, and formerly a member of tha Ashburton Guards, reaohad Wellington on Monday. The Guards intend giving him a welcome on his return to Ashburton, and Captain Sparrow wired yesterday: " Aocept best wishes from Ashburton Guards. When may we expect you" A reply will probably be received to-day.

Boabd of Education —An ordinary meeting of the North Cante»bury Board of Education waa held at the Normal School, Christchurch, yesterday morning. The following business of local interest was dealb with :—The BuildiDgs Committee reported that it waa of opinion that, as there were so many sparsely-populated districts, ib would be unwise for bhe Board bo comply with the reqaeat for a conveyance for children attend ing MaynVd School who lived some distance away. The committee had decided thab, if the settlers at Lyndhurst would provide a suitable building at their own cost, and guarantee a minimum salary of £65 for a teaoher, the Board would make the usual grant in aid. A small grant for repairs, etc. was made by the committee to the Rakaia South School. The Hinds Committee had applied tor £10 towards C'Sfc of fenoing in five acres of land granted for a playground, bub, as the committee was of opinion the children had sufficient ground, ib could not recommend the expenditure.

An __tbactivr Display—The large drapery windows in the new eatabliihment in Burnebb Sbreeb, have attracted consider able attention during the' last few days, Messrs Mitchell and Turner having shown great t&Bbe in their selection of Hnoleuma, and also ia their assortment of new spring \ goods just opened up. Of the former the j fl tor clothe include a variety of novel j patterns and choice colourings in all widths, and ihe display is further enhatced with an effective collection of colonial and other wool and skin mats, and new roualins for window drapes, &o. An unique assortment of spring millinery, silk blouses and an excellent variety of summer hats, and other attractive drapery form a sample in a measure of She varied stocks for disposal in the Interior of this well, known establishment. The Waimath Times.—lt, will be remom bftred bhat that the office of the Watmate Times was burnt down a weak or two ag">— the second time within three months. On e*ch 00c sion the paper had to ceasa publi cation for a time. Tha indefatigable proprietor Mr M.-Smith, succeeded in bringing out his p«.par again on Tuesday, with the following significant remark. Hopefully, resolutely, bub with some linger ing fear, of whi.ih ib la impossible to divesb ourselves), so long as tho iicendiary by whom we have suffered remains at Urge. It is an uneasy and altogether an unsatisfactory feeling to realise that there is tome recklessly wicked person, in a law-abiding kindly oom manity such as ours i», prepared not^ only to destroy property bub to run the risk of murder(a result whioh very often is involved in fire raising) in order to gratify some fearful and fesrlesi mania. "Thbs St Patrick's Shorts Association Concert—ln the advertising oolumns of thia issue will be found bhe programme of the conceit bo be given by the St Patrick's Sports Association in the Oddfellows' Ball on the evening of the first day of the Ashburton races, Thursday, September 20. The programme is a varied and attractive one, and included in ib are iome of the mosb up-to-date of vocal itemas The Society are to be congratulated on securing tha assistance of Miss Rose Blaney, one the hading vocalists of Dunedin, while an Ashburton favorite Mra Reeves (nee Kath leen Orr) Is certain of a hearty welcome. Mra Johnstone, is also among the list of local talent. Messrs Oliver and Carter, will mak« their debub before an Ashburton audienoe. The evening's amusement will ooacludewith bhe evergreen farce, "OCal laghan on his lasb legs " Smoke New Venus

Tinwald Sports and Racing Club.

A meeting of those inte eated in the formation of the Tinwald Bports and Racing Clsb was held in tho Temperance Hall, Tinwald, on Tuesday evening last. Mr E. Gates occupied th© chair. He said that he was glad to tee such a good representation, and referred to tho property of the old Tinwald Racing Club, but for first-class racing the New Year time waa unsuitable, aa owing to counter attractions it waa not feasible to obtain the nomination of first class horses. It was therefore thoughb advisable to form a good Sports Oiub, and with the substantial assets handed over by bhe Racing Club, and the support promised, thia would be undoabted.

It was resolved that a Sports and Racing Oiub be formed, Thia waa carried unanimously^ MEMBERS The firßb business was to enroll members, the subscription being fixed ab 7s 6d each. It waa resolved thab all present at the meeting be members It was also decided to hold a race meeting on New Year's Day: OFFICHRS The following officers were elected :— President--G A M Backley, E»q; Vice- Presidents — Messrs E Gates and D McLean; Committee—Messrs Reseltine. Cl*rk, James Hampton, Quißley, Stephens, Fitzgerald, W Sutherland, C Doherby, Gates, J M Hampton and W H Bell; Treasurer—Mr M Lagan; judge—Mr E G Crisp; starter-Mr A A Fooksf handicapper —Mr Watson. The appointment of the clerk of the course wm left in the hands of the Committee; Stewards—Mesars Doherty, J M Hampton, W Sutherland, J Muller, C Bennett, Gates, G A M Buckley, Heseltine, J Purohase, J Small, B Hanks, T Scaly, and N Fitz gerald RTJLES It wag resolved that the rules of the old club lie adopted aa far as poasible, and the meeting adjourned.

San Francisco Service

Sydney, Sept IS In the Legislative Assembly, Mr Crick, Postmaster General, said in re ply to a question that no proposal had I been made to subsidise the new San Francisco mail service, and that no I such proposal if made would be enter taiosd,

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Uaited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, September 11 The Council met at 2 30 p m. The Public Health Bill was read a first time.

The Bank of New Zsaland Officers' Guarantee and Provident Association I Bill w»s, after some discuss'on, read a third time and passed. Mr W 0 Walker movbd the seoond reading of the New Zsaland Ensign and Code of Signals Bill. In reply to several members he admitted that an ensign with a wnite disc was a horrible flag to use. However, it w*s required by the Board of Trade, and was for use only at sea, and when New Z -aland vessels were entering ports in other countries. The New Zea land fl tg for uae in the colony would still be the blue ensign with the stars of the Southern Cross on its fly.

The second reading was agreed to

The Sale ®f Poisons Acb Amendment Bill was passed through Committee with out amendments.

MfWC Walker said that In the House of Representatives consideration would be given to the question of samp duty payable when making a statutory de claration on purchasing poisons. The Bill waa read a third time and The Criminal Code Act, 1893, Amend • ment Bill was further considered in Committee. Progress was reported, and leave given to sit again on the following day. The Council rose ab 4.55 p.m. Wellington, Sept 12

The Council met at 3 30 Hon. W O. Walker in reply to Mr Orraond. Bald the Colonial Secretary hoped to be able to arrange for the issue of fishing licenses through the Pest Offices. The Rating on Unimproved Value Act Amendment Bill (Mr Pinkerton) and the Testabors Family Maintenance Bill (Mr Pitt) were read a second time The Deceased Husbands Brother t Marriage Bill (Mr Feldwick) was read a second time by 17 votes to 13. The amendments made by the House of Representatives In the Education Boards Election Bill, with the exception of those made in clause 14, "ere agreed to.

The Council rose at 4 35 p. m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, September 11 The House met at 2 30 p m A petition was presented on behalf of Lady Vogel, claiming compensation for com mission alleged to have been earned by her late husband In connection with floating the colony's loans in London. The Premier gave notice to introduce the Limitation of Workers' Hours Bill, and the Representation Acb Amendment Bill. The House went into Committee of Supply on the General Estimates.

Mr Pirani desired tha Premier to give some indication of how far he intended to go with the Estimates. He protested against sitting till a protracted hour. Mr Ward said that ha could not give a definite answer, but hoped that the House would co-operate in getting through a reasonable amount of business during the sittiug. The Premier said thab there was no intention to force the business through, and he would be satisfied with a reasonable amounb of progress. Mr T McKeußie asked the intention of the Government regardicg the promise that salaries that had been reduced in 1887 would be restored to their original amounts, Tho Premier said that the silaries had been restored, and he was unaware of any salaries that had nob been restored to their original j r, mounts. The following were the items of chief ! interest :— j Electoral Department—£#Bso. Mr Bollard protested against the careless manner in which some of the electoral rolls had been compiled, asserting that hundreds of people had been wrongly struck off the rolls in Auckland. Mr Ward acknowledged that some of the officers had failed in their duty, but that steps were being taken to prevent a recur rence of failure to retain oa the rolls the names of persona who had voted; Mr Tanner approve! of-the Governmsnb appointing an agent to place the names of voters on the roll, but he could not con-1 gratu'ate the Government on the character of some of tbe men who had been selected for that purpose. Mr Q. W. Russell was inclined to think bbab a go< * many of thfc mistakes that were made by registrars were the result of ignorancV, of bhe law. He contended that the lew should be more explicit on the question of defining an informal voting paper, Mr Bollard complained thab the salaries of Returning Officera were too small. In reply to a question as to Returning Officers under the Alcoholic L'quors Sale Control Aob, Mr Ward said that iv was intended to introduce an amendment thia session, Audit Offioe—£6242. Mr Meredith urged that in view of the defalcations that had lately taken place in financial inatitutions, a more careful and thorough system of audit should be observed with respect to the accounts of public and local bodies. '„..-. Mr Ward sad that the Audib Department had nothing whatever to do with the audit of the Bank of New Z eland's books, and therefore could not be held responsible for the defalcations ab Rangiora. Nothing could be urged agaicsb the Department, and if there were any complaints against individual officers, ib was bhe duty of those Interested to apprise the Department to thab eSeob. Mr Pirani said that it was impossible to guarantee tho honesty of any person. Unless there was a daily audib ib would bs> impossible. He complained, however, thab the Department waa unlerataffed, and that complaints were rife amongat local bodies thab they could nob, without unreasonable delay, get their aeoonnts audited. The House adjourned ab 5 30 The House resumed at 7.30 Colonial Secretary's Department—ltem, £600 to provide for the peace celebration. Item, £5000, relief for the Ottawa fire. Mr Massey moved to reduce the vote by £1 as a protest against the vote Mr Herriea objected to the aystem the Premier had adopted in sending round to members by telegraph asking whether they were in favour of that or any other vote The Premier represented that the cvae was one of emergency, and that it showed a feeling of sympathy with the people of a friendly colony in a great disaster MrßMcKensie said that the vote waa given out of a feeling cf mawkiah sentiment, and he considered the sooner such a system of sending money to push an object was stopped by the Government the bebber. Mr Hogg waa pleaatd thab only aix membera had oppoaed the vote in reaponse to the Premier's appeal. He considered thab bhe aobion of bhe Premier ie the matter was one of the moat noble during hia whole life. Mr J Hutohiaon contended that the feeling thab actuated the Premier was one of shoddy and waa shorn of generosiby. The system bhab the Premier had adopted of sending round to membera aeking their opinion on the aubject was aimply carrying out the Premier's aphoriem. "If you wish bo compromise a man, oomulb him." _JMr Ell considered the vote an acb of humanity that was approved by the great majority in the colony. Mr Collins believed chat the action of the Premier waa nothing more than the result of a generous impulse. Mr Pirani approved of the vote and did n<»b think it waa right that the motive that prompted the action should enter Into a consideration of the subject Mr Atkinson, as one of the minority, wished to place on record hia objection bo bhe vobe. Mr Laurensen gave the Premier credit for a noble and generoua impulse, and deprecated imputing unworthy motives in connection i with the vote. The motion to reduce the vote by £1 waa lost on the yoigei*

Mr Hogg's motion to reduce the item £60t to celebrate peace at the close of the war in South Africa waa then dlseusted.

In reply to Mr Atkinson, Mr Ward said that no part of the vote would be expended in ihe purchase of intoxicating liquors, and the amount would bo distributed throughout the colony. 1 he motion was lost by 50 to 5.

On the vote £5300 bubonic plague preven tion, Mr Ward said fehat he intended to remove the quarantine restrictions on Monday next. Consideration of the General Estimates, Colonial Secretary's Department, was continued, The total vote for the class, £97,414, passed without alteration. Class 3 - Colonial Treasurer's Department, £42,987, passed without amendment. I Class 9—Department of labor, £8011. Mr Ell moved that the itpm—chief Clerk, £335—be reduced £1 as an indication to disapprove of thab officer interfering with elections. Lost by 34 to 13. The total vote wis passed without alteration. The Premier moved at 3 25 that the Houee adjourn till 11 am. in order to push on the Estimates. Messrs Massey, Meredith, and Berries o>jeoted. Ultimately the matter was compromised by tha House agreeing to meet ab 2 instead of 2 30. The House rose at 3.35 a.m. Wellington, September 12 The House met at 2 30 p m The House renamed in Committee on the General Estimates.

Class 4 — Justice Department, total vote £127,914 A long dieeussien took j place. j Mr Laurenson thought that more care should be exercised in making appoint ments to justices, and also complained that some of the occupants of Supreme Court Benches had reached an age at which In the interest of proper administra tlon of law they should retire. Crown Law Office, £2425. The Premier, In reply to a question, *aid that Mr Reid, Solicitor General, would retire at the end of the" session and that Dr. Fltchett would be appointed in his place. Magistrates % and Wardens Oourts— Mr R McKenzie moved that the vote £44 930 be reduced by £1 aa an indication that an idditional Warden and Magistrate be appointed on che Wts -, Coast. Lost by 31 to 22. The House adjourned at 5 3t The House resumed at 7 30 \ The House resumed in Committee of

Supply. Native Land Court, £12 660 Mr Houston thought the time had arrived when theae Courts should be abolished.

Mr Monk thought litagatlon amongst natives should be discouraged, and a discussion followed, the vote being passed.

Office of Industries and Commerce, £2125-In reply to Mr Lewis Mr Ward said the item £1000 for the promotion of bhe sale of New Zealand produce in the United Kingdom and other markets was intended to effect an extension of markets for the produce of the colony. At 10 p.m. the Houso adjourned.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph London, September 11 Sir William Preece, consulting engineer to the Post Office, has discovered a method of wireless telephony. General Sir William Butler, in command of the Western Division of the Britieh army, has been appointed to succeed General Moore in the command at Alderahot. Sydney, September 12 The Union Company's new steamer Kouku, bound for Sydney, passed Wilson's Promontory all well. The Attorney Genera!, owing to the opposition, abandoned the clauses creating a Commercial Court in the Supreme Court Procedure Bill, and practically the object of the measure is defeated. Banjo Patterson has returned from the Transvaal. He says no doubt the hospital arrangements failed signally, but this vv»s not attributable to the hospital authorities, but to the staff officers taking tbe medical transport and supplies. Jonathan Dixon, colliery manager at Westport, has been appointed Govern ment Inspector of Collieries,

Interprovincial.

Uuited Preis Aaaooiation—By Electric Telegraph

Napieb, September 12 The libel action of Pilcber v Daily Telegraph, in which the plaintiff claims £1000 in connection with whab is known as the Inner Harbor mystery, commenced at the Supreme Court to-day. A woman, as yet unidentified, enclente and with no clothing on, was found in the harbor early in June. The plaintiffs c*se, which was finished te-day, is, that certain articles in the paper alleged that Emily Pi'cher a daughter of tha plaintiff was the woman found, and thab her father murdered her to hide the affair. The defence is a denial that any such meaning can be attached to the article. That the comments were jastified by the facts brought under the notice of the Editor, and were in the public interest. Malice is not alleged, Counsel for the plaintiff expressly stating that no personal feeling was imputed to Mr Knowles, proprietor of the Telegraph A man nimed James Galloway, who arrived from Scotland laßt year, and worked for Messrs Niven and Co, foil down de*d to.n'ghb after leaving work. He has a wife and family In Scotland, having come out for the benefit of his health.

Wellington, Sepb 12

Miss Fmily Smvthe, aged aboub 21, who resided with her mother in Onslow Terrace, met her death this afternoon under very distressing circumstances. She went to the bathroom at 2 30 p.m., and an hour and a half afterwards her mother found ber dead In the bath which only contained water to the depth of aboub eight inches, The girl was subjecb bo epileptic fits, and it Is supposed she was overcome by one of these seizures while she was in the bath, Christchurch, September 12f

The Minister of Railways in answer bo representations made by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, states he cannot see his way at present to reduce reborn tickets to less than twice the single fares. The running speed of trains between stations is ahsady as high as can be permitted with the existing appliances, but as circumstances warrant the separa* tionof goods and passenger services the lat ter will be accelerated. Forobvlouareasons it would be inexpedient to remove from the department the control of loading and unloading trucks at vessels sides. Arrangements are being made to largely Increase the rolling stock for the next grain season. Stoppages of the express trains ab Timaru and Oamaru were necessary, and thab the question of the General Manager visiting England, and of the Districb Traffic Managers visiting other Colonies would be considered. A vounc man named William Hutton, who was to have been married today, died suddenly a short time before the ceremony was to have taken place. He was Bufferiog from consumptloa.

The Pacific Cable.

Sydney, Sept 12 Mr Crick has asked Queensland te allow Mr Copeland to act on the Pacific Cable Board for three months, in order that tbe ttaders may he dealt with, .

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not held ourselves responsible tot opinions expressed by our correspondents

THE PERMANENT BUILDING SO CIETY

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—Now thab Mr Albert Roberts hat been appointed to She managership of tho Ashburton Permanent Building Society, I think in justice to the shareholders a general meeting should be called to allow us to ask the directors why the nsw manager is to receive the enormous salary of £5 per week. Such gross extravagance as this should nob be tolerated. I, for one, am satisfied we oould have obtained the services of some genius at £1 per week, and if he made a few thousand during tbe next seven years, whom would we blame ? Would any of bhe direc torate be willing to do tbe work for less than £1 per week ! These are questions that are amusing di'gucted shareholders just now, and 1 think we should demand an oppor tunity of airing them in public. —I am, to., MISKB.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Press Association—By Sieotrto Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka, Sept. 12, 928 a.m Thia Office 7 27 p m). London, Sept II General French, while marching from Carolina to Baberton, thrice dislodged the enemy, the Sufloiks capturing one position gallantly. 47 guns were used with good effect,

PORTUGUESE FEED THE BOERS;

London, Sept 11

The Portuguese authorities at Delagoa Bay allowed the Boers at BarJbertoa to receive cargo and flour when they were almost provisionless, rendering them «gain defiant.

IN A TIGHT CORNER.

Received Wakapuaka Sepb 12,10.60 p.m, This Office 11 40 p m London, Sept. 12 Colonel Dalgefcy's brigade got into a tight corner at Quaggersfontein on Friday, and had 12 killed and 30 wounded. The Boers admit losing five killed and nine wounded during the engagement.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Sept 12, £ 28 a m This Office 7 24 p m) B>ng Kong, September 11 Prince Ching has arrived at Pekin; Pekin is merely a fereign camp pending settlement of the dispute by the Powers elsewhere.

De Giers and staff leave soen for Tientsin.

Japan is landing troops at Shanghai

MASSACRE OF MISSIONARIES.

CHINESE TALES OF VICTORIES

(Peoeived Wakapuaka Sept 12, 6-15 pm, Thia Office 8 32 pm)

Hongkong, Sept 11 Mr Goodnccu, the American Consul fit Shanghai, has ascertained that 93 British and American missionaries were massacred, including 60 women and children. One hundred and seventy, stationed in the Ohili and Shanci provinces, are missing. It is feared they have been massacred. This in cludes 109 weaaen and children.

Many Catholic priests and sisters have been killed.

The Literate have thanked the Dowager for exterminating foreigners. The massacring of Chinese and Christians everywhere sontinues in the interior.

The provinces are cenvinced that the Dowager won great victories.

Li Hung Chang has urgently memorialised the Court to return to Pekin Received Wakapuaka Sepb 12, 1C 60 p in, Thia Office 1140 pm Hon* Koxe, September 12

Four thousand troops at Tien Tsin have started for Paotingfu, comprising British, Americans^Russiana, Japanese, and a thousand Italians.

Sir Claude Mac Donald, in thanking Lord Ourzon for his congratulations, said all know that but for the splendid energy of General Gaselee and his Indian troops the relief would have come too late.

Captains Benson and Wilcox, with Akin levies, attacked the fetish town of Edeaie, bat many of the Akinese deserted, and Oaptaic B«nnoa was shot.

A MERRIBLE DISASTER

Thi Hurricwi ia Tmem

A Tidal Wavi

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Sept 12, • 28 a m, This office 7 24 p m Naw York, September 11 The people in Galveston are roofless. Mr Elihu Root, Secretary for War, has sent ten thousand army tents and fifty thousand rations to tbe aid ef the sufferers. The damage, including that to tbe cotton crops, which have been spoilt by the rain, is fifteen million dollars. (Received 10 SO p m) New York, Sept 12 The steam launches and schooners were carried ten miles inland at Galves ton by the tidal wave, while the dead in the cemeteries were washed out to sea. The tempest came from opposite directions, the waters of the bay and the gulf meeting and covering the high est parts of Galveston to a height of five feet. Many of the inhabitants died of ban ger and thirst. An epidemic of disease is now threat ened. All bodies are being conveyed i to sea for burial. ' Criminals are looting the valuables. The cotton crop is damaged to tbe extent of a quarter of a million bales, which intensifies the prospects of a crisis in the Lancashire cotton manu factures. (Galveston, tbe mosb populous town of Texas, has a population of about thirty thousand. Ib is situated on an Island in the, Gulf of Mr x co. The island, whioh is about , thirty miles in length, and three in breadth, has a niean elevation of only seven or ejght feet above the water. Galveators is one of the mosb flourishing ports on the Qulf of

TE A H ORTON &UAB JlAtf : THURSDAY, S&PTfiMBICB IS, 1900



First quarter Full moon Last quarter New moon

r> h 2 7 9 4 16 .8 24 7

M 26 pm 36 pm 27 am 27 am



Date

Ri°es

f?ets

leptember 11 13 14

6 12 6 10 6 8 6 6

5 42 5 43 5 44 5 45



SEEDS. SEEDS. SEEDS- J. SEALY & CO., THE OLDBST ESTABLISHED SEED FIRM IN ASHBURTON. JO Q /"l ARK still to the front, and are prepared to supply their many •o. & kjO* i*\?r^i x-L nXUY 9 SKEl)l' r f mm defioriplioB 'THAi WILL GROW, at lowest, market races. SEEDS FOR THB FARM, VKGBTABLK SEBDS, FLOWER SBFDS, & GARDEN REQUISITES of evnry description, Direct from the Gbowhhs and Manufactoembs- Oik Stooki of NEW SEASON'S HBKIM are from the Celebrated Firm*, JAMM OAKMR * CO, London, and Yam LawsON & fc'ow, Edinburgh, and they are cf the best quality obtainable. FRUIT. FRUIT.- FRUIT. LARGB STOCKS of all Seasonable FRUITS always on baud, at lowest rates, J, SEALY & CO. |h£ "vBRDIOT OP PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OF Absolutely Beat Built in New Zealand. GENT'S £2^ LADY'S £22. Pr wr* m^** *~s* BURNETT .STRTCF.T. I'HJfi NEW ZiiiALAftlJJ CLOTHING FACTORY TTAVE a few JobJ Lives throwa out at|JST©oKTAKiNa,l>bich they are Belling at GREAT R EDUCTIONS. Man's Hard and Soft Felts Is 6d, Is lld and 2s 6d Lidies Sailor Straws reduoed to Is Brown Moleskin Trousers reduced to 5s lld Men's Best Crap Cbrkhams 269 6d for 193 6 i Women's CUnvas Shoes reduoed to Ss 6i Children's Canvas Shoes reduced to 2b 6 1 Men's Silk Ties reduoed to 61 and Is N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H. BBCKINGrBALE, Manager. TF YOU WANT A GOOD MACHINE CHOOSE A IBHHIfWIIH TO! I'ieyond the sea in eyery land, RHDCE-WHIT WORTH Cycles premier stand; At home the same, or far or wide, All Nations choose the RUOG 1" to ride. LADY'S, £2Jj GENT'S, £21. large > took of ACCESSORIES just to hand. Everything NEW and CP-TO-DaTE; No Old s>took. BJI f AlllFClflWlF^ciTir CYCLE WORKS, 11 lllHlXllll BURNETT STREET, • lIS ?lUllllUllUf AsKburton. "^NTmIi British and Mercantile Insurance Company. LONDON & EDINBURGH. ESTABLISHED 1809 Incorporated by Royal Charter and Special J©ts of Parliament.£ TOTAL FUNDS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1899, £14,409,089 Authored Capital ... £3.000 000 0 0 Subscribed Capital 2,750,00) 0 0 Pald-lTp Capital £687.50« 0 0 Balance of Profit and Liss ... ... ... ... 602 575 5 0 F»re Reserves , ... 2,128,608 8 7 Life Fond— Accumulated Fund of the Life Branch £8.149,481 12 7 Accumulated Fund of the Annuity Branch... 2 840,924 3 11 —. 10 990,405 16 6 £14,409 089 10 1 REVENUE FOR THE YEAR 1899. From Fire Department— Wet Premiums, Interest, etc. ... ... ... £1,559,002 12 7 From Life Department— Net Premiums. Interest, etc. ... £1,081,878 16 5 Annuity Premiums (inclading £321,162 118 2d by single payment) and Interest ... 432,345 4 11 1514 224 1 4 £2 073,226 13 11 The Accumulated Funds of tbe Life Department are free from liability in raspeot of !be Fire Department, and In like manner the Accumulated Funds of the Fire Department are free from liability in respect of the Life Department. ESTABLISHMENT FOE 1900- PRESIDENT :— His Grace the Duke of Sutheblakd. VICE-PRESIDENT:— The Most Honourable thg Marquis of Zetland, K.T. FX I'RaOKDLN ART DiKKCTORS :- The Right Hon. the Earl of strathmore. The Bight Hon the Enrl of Aberdeen j Tho Rt Hon Lord Moncrleff of Tulliebole The Right Bon Lord Wolverfcon j The Right Hon Lord Forbes Baron Schroler. GENERAL COURT OF DIRECTORS :— Quinton Hong, Esq., Chairman. L NDON. EDINBURGH. Alexander H Campbell, Ecq, Chairman David B Wauchope, Esq The Hon Cturl a Kapler Lawrence, George Arjldjo Jameson, Esq Deputy Chflrrnan Ralph Dundas, Esq Charles MorrL-on, Et q John Wharton Tod, Esq John Sanderson, Esq Sir J-imes H Gibson Craig, Bart Tne Right Hon Lord Hillingdon Sir Thomas Clark, Barfc Alexander Drake Kh iuworr, Etq Sir Charles B Logan, D X S Charles J O Scott, Eg Charles C Maconochie, Esq Hubert F Barclay, K-q Captain Robert Dundas, Yr., of Ar- Vincenfc R Hoare. E-q nhrton H R Arbuthnot, Ksq John S Pitman, Efq John Pierpont Morgan, Jun , Esq George Fouuger, Esq Bruno Sch oier, Ehq The R;ght Hon the Earl of Elgin, X G Manager of Fire Department —G H Burnett ■«.-— Sab Managers of Fire Department—W T Price mi 3 M C Johnston Foreign Sub Manager—Phiiip Winsor Manager — Philip R D Maclagan, Manager of Life Department and Actuaiy F R S E -HenryOookburn FIA, FPA Seoretwy-H J SteYMunn, WS Sob Manager of Life Department— . . - w „ _, T . Thomes Pringle Actuary — Thomas Wallace. FIA, Secretary—F W Lance F A * Soil iters— B'rohara and Co „ Solicitors—Dundas and Wilson, OS Auditor—Jampß Haldane. Chartered Accoantamb OHISF OFFICES:— LONDON 61, T-.ireadneedle Street, E.C. West End Branch Office ... 8, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, S.W. KDINBUKGrI 64, Princes Street. CHRISTCHURCH AGENTS ... ... ... W. WOOD & CO. , F. FERRIMAF,



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, : Ashburton. j THURSDAY - Special Meeting of Rt i Stephen's Guild and Sunday School Teachers. 7 30 p m SATURDAY—2IS pm, Examination of St Stephen's Sunday School (Lower Standards) | 14th SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY j (Sept 16th) 11 am—Matins, Holy Communion and Sermon 230 p m—lnspeotion of So Stephen's i Sunday School 630 p m—Evening Prayer and Sermon i The Rev A C Hoggins, 8.A., Diocesan Inspector of Schools, will preach both morning and evening on the Kubjeeb of '• Religious Education." R. A. WOODTHQRPE, MA, Vioar