The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1880.

Pastor Chiniquy’s Visit to Ashbur ton. —Arrangements are being made for Pastor Cbiniquy to deliver a lecture in Ashburton on the night before he opens his campaign in Timaru. The Mount Somers Railway. —We are glad to learn that Messrs. Frazer and Co. have nearly arrived at the end of their labors on their contract on the Mount Somers railway. The middle of February will see the line completed, and we hope the Government will be alive to the neces sity of calling for tenders for No. 2 sec tion forthwith. The Reaper and Binder Trial. —A very important trial of string and wire binding reapers was held at Fendaltown yesterday, when, after a sifting trial, the Association’s prizes were awarded thus— 1, Johnston-Harvester, string binder ; ‘2, M'Cormick, wire ; 3, Doering, twine. We will have an opportunity of seeing the machines at work in trial to-moirow. The Bailiff v. the Solicitor.— Mr. Harris writes us a long letter, detailing the particular objections he took to the summons and information in the case for assault brought against him by Pearson, the assistant bailiff, and asks us to afford him space for the letter. He tells us that no representative of the “ Herald” was in court during the sitting, and he therefore assumes the report was collected piecemeal from someone outside. The report was compiled from the notes of a qualified reporter ; and we were also favored with a beautifully written report by Mr. Harris himself, and also a local paragraph from the same pen. We chose the compilation from the notes of our brother journalist in preference to the possibly more able production of the solicitor, as the one was not a party in the case, while the other was. Besides, we have not a very plea sant recollection of the figure Mr. Harris had the “ neck” to charge on a previous occasion for “gratuitous reporting.”

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Tuesday, Jan. 27. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) DRUNK.

Charles Evans, alias Piccolo Charley, was charged with having been found drunk. Sergeant jPra H proved tllG offoilCG, and defendant was fined 10s. Piccolo then made application for his property, consist ing of a two-bladed knife and some valuable colors. The police were in structed to return all property belonging to aim. USING OBSCENE LANGUAGE. Chas. Evans was chargedfwith obscenity, and Sergeant Pratt proved the offence. Constable Farmer corroborated the Sei’- geant’s evidenee. The defendant was sworn, and said that since his last discharge he had been work ing at Lagmohr. He was quite sober on the occasion referred to in the charge, and had not used any such language as that imputed to him. He had been brought up in too good a school to use any obscene language. The Magistrate considered the charge proved, and said that as drink was no excuse for the offence committed, prisoner would be fined 10s. and costs, or twenty-four hours. NO MEANS OF SUPPORT. George Douglas, an old man, was charged with having no visible means of support. Sergeant Pratt stated he had been in the Old Men’s Home, and had been turned out. S. Maddison, master of the Home, said the accused was not turned out, but he had left voluntarily, and the rules .of the Home were that lie could not admit those who had gone without leave. He had seen him intoxicated in the street on one occasion when he had given him leave. He was a bad character. The accused made an elaborate defence, which was unintelligible to the reporters. The magistrate considered the accused had misconducted himself, and sentenced him to 6 months’ imprisonment. CAPTAIN WEST. Parker West was charged with having been drunk and disorderly. The captain acknowledged the drunk, but pleaded not guilty to the disorderly He bore too good a “ kairakter.” Fined 40s, or a week. —“ Exactly so, your Worship.”

VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR ON RAILWAY STATION.

Henry Bowles was charged with using violent language on the railway platform. Constable Farmer gave evidence as to the accused having bullied the station master. Mr. Pilkiugton said that on the depar ture of the 3.50 train prisoner was making a great noise, and witness checked him. Accused then inquired if he “was Lord Mayor of Ashburton.” The station was very much inconvenienced by a number of men hanging about it who had no busi ness there, and he had instructions from head-quarters on the matter. Accused pleaded that he had had a few glasses of beer, and was going away by the train. Perhaps he had used words he ought not to have done, as he could not find his swag. The Magistrate fined him 40s. and costs, under the Gth Railway Bye-law.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE (Renta V.) St. Petersburg. Jan. 26. Failure of the Russian Harvest. There is a serious deficiency in the Rus sian wheat crops. The export of corn has largely decreased, and the expediency of importation of American grain is being discussed. London, Jan. 26. The Afghan Situation. With reference to the speech of the First Lord of the Admiralty at Sutton last week, it mow transpires that it is pro posed that the British troops in Afghanis tan shall retire from Cabul to Jellalabad, and the appointment of a British Envoy at Cabul will probabiybe waived. Public belief is strengthened in rumor recently circulated that a frontier province would be formed between the Kyber and the Kurum now that ,the above facts have transpired. {Age Special.) 5 London, Jan. 26. Mr. John Bright on Irish Affairs. In addressing a political meeting at Birmingham, the Hon. John Bright stated that the greatest boon which could be granted to the Irish peasantry would be a modification of the land laws, en abling a more easy acquirement and more secure holding of lands He deprecated the seditious tone of the Home Rulers.

(Reuter's.) Sydney, Jan. 27. Murder and Remorse.

A man named Coultham, aged 23, has surrendered himself to the police at Yass, stating that in January 1878, while he was a chemist at Everton, England, he poi soned his wife with prussic acid, weighted the body, and threw it into the Mersey. Shortly afterwards he emigrated to Aus tralia, and now asserts lie is wretched and sees a vision of his wife nightly. Arrived —Arawata, from Auckland.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, Jan. 27, A Death on the Wakatipu.

Arrived at 1.15 a.m., the Wakatipu, from Sydney. On the morning of the 26th, an infant on board, named Charles Walter Hugh Brown died through the effect of teething. Dunedin, J<tn. 27. The Telegraph Strikers. The “ Star ” states the Dunedin tele graph operators who went out on the strike have been fined LSO. Free Thought Triumphant. At the Dunedin School Committee election the Free Thought party mustered in force and turned the tables on the Bibles in Schools Association and the re ligious party. Their two candidates occu pied first and third places on the poll— Bolt receiving 434 votes, and Low 159. Ramsay, Dick, Nathan, and Livington,

ex members, were returned lowest. W. S. Stewart was among the rejected. Great diversity of opinion existed as to the value of cumulative voting. Mr. Stout strongly supported it, saying, though opposed to it at first, the more he saw of it the better lie liked it. Several Com mittees in the suburbs intend bringing the compulsory clauses into operation.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

' AUSTRALIAN (Association Special.') Melbourne, Jar* 2(5. The “ Spectator ” warns England against the violent diatribes levelled by the “Times’” Melbourne correspondent against the Victorian Government, and considers the nominee principle concedes .all the power that can legitimately be demanded. The “ Saturday Review” considers the present power of the Council requires and regrets the Council has not exhibited more moderation.

The House loudly condemns Berry’s Bill as needlessly revolutionary and re pugnant to the British idea of monarchical constitutional G overn ment.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wanganui, Jan. 26.

A man named Thomas Trice has dis appeared. His clothes were found near Virginia lake. It is fancied he has com mitted suicide. The lake has been dragged, but owing to the depth and irregularity of the bottom without success so far. Trice was landlord of the White Hart Hotel, Marton, but failed. He had been in de pressed spirits ever since. Wellington, Jan. 21. The “ Chronicle” apologised to Mr. Holcombe for an article published on Sept. Ist, and in consequence the libel action has been withdrawn.

Proceedings have been taken against laud tax defaulters. Several solicitors are said to be in the list. A series of accidents occurred at Otaki races. A young man named Mudgeway received a fatal injury through colliding his horse with another ridden by a young lady. The latter is in a critical condition. A young girl belonging to Tlios. Seymour fell out of a buggy, a'nd the wheel passing over her body killed her instan taneously. In the case of Nash v. Chiariui, for in juries' sustained through the tent pole smashing, the verdict was for plaintiff for LlO 30s. and costs. - Nelson, Jan. 26. In the District Court this morning appli cation for discharge re J. S. Jones was opposed by Mr. Bunny on behalf of Nathan and Co., Wellington. The dis charge was granted, but the same not to take effect for three months. Christchurch, Jan. 26. On Saturday a lad named Stephen Bar ton, aged 10, employed at the Home Bush coal mines, while engaged leading a horse attached to trucks through the drive was accidently knocked down and run over. The sufferer expired almost immediately. An inquest was held before H. J. Mathias, coroner, and a verdict of accidental death was returned, with a rider “That there was a certain amount of neglect on the part of the manager in -allowing persons to lead horses in front of wagons coming out of the coal mines, as the road is not wide enough to allow them to escape in case of accident.” Oamaru, Jan. 26. A trial of the Gammon and Deeving reaper and hinder took place to-day. The trial was very successful, but had not pro ceeded far when the heavy rain put an end to it. The election of a School Committee was a very quiet affair. Owing to the in clement weather there was a very small attendance.

Mr. W. T. Pirie, hotelkeeper at Papa karo, died very suddenly this morning. An inquest will be held to-morrow. The Burns anniversary ball was a most successful affair.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Per Wakatipu at Wellington.

(by telegraph.) Sydney. Triclcett received information by the San Francisco mail that Hanlon visits England during the coming season, to retain the trophy won from Elliott. Canon Smith, of Bathurst, is about to visit England, and has undertaken to deliver ten lectures on New South Wales. At the meeting of the Cricket Associa tion on the 19th, a letter was read from the manager of the team for England con tradicting rumors that the team is not likely to go. Lillywliite is arranging matters in England on behalf of the team. At the executions Scott died instantane ously. Rogan struggled ten minutes. Scott wrote incessantly the greater part of the preceding night. At the first interview with his mother and sister Rogan behaved brutally, using disgusting language. South Australia. Freights are lower. Iron ships, 60s ; wooden, Gel. less. Weather very hot, and several bush fires raging. One at Port Elliott threatened to destroy the township, and burnt the gardens, haystacks, and grass of the town ship. The steamer Seine left Banjoewangi on Saturday the 17th, paying out the dupli cate cable to Port Darwin. The missing brig John Wesley, from the Solomon Group, was spoken off New castle on the 19th under jury masts, but declined assistance. Queensland. On the reopening of the schools on the 20th, the Roman Catholic children were noticeably absent. At the half-yearly meeting of the Queensland Insurance, the recent move ment to wind up was generally deprecated, and the report was adopted. The heaviest floods known occurred on the Daintreo river. Cedar logs and bullocks were washed away, and appre hensions respecting the cedar-getters’ safety prevail. Victoria.

Subscriptions to the Irish Relief Fund continue to flow in, and the Committee hope soon to pronounce the receipt of LIO,OOO in contributions. The Australian Agency and Banking Corporation declared a dividend of 10 per cent per annum. Mr. Johnston, analytical chemist,

finished his analysis of beer in the Queenscliff poisoning case, and found enough strychnine in the bottle to poison fourteen men. The Brewers’ Club are taking action in the case, in the interest of the trade.

Bush fires are reported in many parts of the . country, but no serious damage is done.

The highest heat registered in the country to-day was 110 in the shade.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council 'was held last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor (pre siding) ; Messrs. G. M. Robinson, R. Friedlander, Thomas Bullock, Weymouth Roberts.

THE MAYOR’S STATEMENT.

The Mayor, in referring to the distress in Ireland, mentioned that the special meeting called for last Monday had fallen through for want of a quorum, and it would be necessary to deal with the matter at that meeting. The pipes for the water supply had been stored to some extent in the Borough yards, but owing to the num ber of pipes it had been found necessary to store the remainder on the railway re serve, permission for which had been given by the railway authorities. The Resident Magistrate would hold his As sessment Appeal Court on the 16th proximo. . CHARITABLE AID. Mr. G. S. Cooper, Under Secretary, forwarded a circular enclosing three copies of a Bill introduced into Parliament last session to provide for the management of Hospitals and charitable institutions, and for the distribution of charitable aid. The circular stated that owing to pressui-e of business the Bill failed to pass, but Go vernment proposed introducing the same or a similar Bill in the early part of next session, and meanwhile would be glad to receive suggestions on the subject from the various local bodies who will be con cernedintheadministration of the proposed law. The circular suggested that such remarks or suggestions of amendment as the Council felt disposed to make be written upon one of the Bills enclosed and returned t't the office of the Colonial Secretaiy.

Mr. Bullock said that in looking over the Bill he thought a committee should be appointed to consider what recommen dations if any were advisable, and he would move accordingly, nominating the Mayor and Messrs. Saunders, Williamson, and the mover. Mr. R. Friedlander seconded, and the motion was carried. THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. The Town Clerk of Waimate wrote to say that a delegate to the Municipal Con ference at Christchurch would be sent by the Waimate Municipality. The City Clerk, Christchurch, wrote to say that the City Council saw no reason to alter their resolution, and would only take part in the Conference provided it were general. Mr. Bullock pointed out that Ashburton was not opposed to the Municipal Associa tion being one that would include all the Municipalities in the colony, the only ob jection to it being the expense that such a general Association would entail in dele gates having to attend from great dis tances. Probably, however, ho, with his Worship the Mayor, would be able to lay the matter fairly before the Conference, and he hoped Christchurch would re-con sider its decision. THE WELL QUESTION. Mr. S. Hardie}' sent in his account for the well he sunk in Tailored street. He took occasion to say that the committee of the Fire Brigade made a great mistake in having the well driven 25ft. Gin. It should only have been driven 20ft, when there would have been Cft. of water, whereas there was now 12ft., and the.pipe was in sand drift. The Mayor said there had been a mis take made inasmuch as nothing had been committed to writing on the contract. .A Committee had been appointed to inquire into the matter of this well, but had not been able to meet. They would, how ever meet on the next practice evening of the Fire Brigade. Messrs. Bullock and Robinson were both of opinion that if the contractor had driven the pipe according to his con tract he should be paid. Mr. Weymouth Roberts was of opinion that there was not a sufficient number of holes in the pipe for the water to flow through, and the Fire Brigade should have seen to this. It was resolved—“ That the matter stand over till next meeting, and mean while the Committee appointed by the Council examine and report. ” THE BYE-LAWS. Messrs. Weeks and .Dixon, printers, put in a bill for LlO, being the cost of composition of the by -laws, the type for which had been kept standing for many months, and they had been deprived of its use. The Clerk was instructed to write in reply that Mr. Foolcs would be in town in a few days, and the matter would be recti fied. LICENSE FEES. The Collector of Customs advised the Council of the payment to their account at the Bank of Ll 5 10s., amount of license fees in the Borough accrued during the quarter. THE DISTRESS IN IRELAND. Mr. W. A. Brown, Cliertsey, wrote, suggesting that as oats would this year be plentiful and the price low, a cargo should be sent home to Ireland. Many farmers would willingly give 100 bushels, when they ■would not be able to give cash. The oats would be very acceptable and very serviceable to the Irish farmers, while it would greatly relieve our over stocked market.

Mr. G. M. Robinson thought the idea was a very good one, hut he remembered reading in the “ Dublin Review” that on the occasion of the last famine in Ire land it cost 30s. to distribute LI to the famishing ones. This idea was better, as the men who put the 30s. in their pockets could not well put the cargo of oats there. The idea was impracticable. Mr. R. Friedlander thought the Coun cil should form itself into a committee to canvass the town for subscriptions. He was exceedingly sorry to sou so few pre sent at the special mooting, as the object of the meeting was to relieve a famine, and the case was very urgent.

The Mayor was very glad to notice that the proprietor of the “ Mail ” had insti tuted a. subscription list, but he thought, that was not enough for thetowntodo. He thought a house to house canvass should be made.

Mi-. R. Friedlander formally moved and Mr. G. M. Robinson seconded — “ That this Council form itself into a com mittee to arrange for raising subscriptions in aid of the distressed in Ireland.” \ H The motion was carried, and the clerk was instructed to write to Mr. Brown stating that letter would be considered. THE RATE ROLL. L2O was passed for payment on account of the Rate Roll. „ FINANCE. The Mayor reported a debit balance at the bank of L 694 Os. lOd. During the fort-; night L 52105. of outstanding rates had been collected, and there had been a total callected of L 1039 12s.—leaving a sum of L6O still remaning to collect. SANITARY. The Inspector of Nuisances stated that the man put on to keep the streets clean was doing what he could. The Inspector advised the Council to do something with Burnett and Peter streets. RESERVES. Mr. Bullock called attention to the state of the Borough’s reserves and cottages, and suggested that the reserves should he leased, and the cottages let for a long term, with a con dition laid,down for the tenant that they be kept in repair. THE WATER SUPPLY PIPES. Messrs. Cuff and Graham advised the Council of the dispatch of 410 pipes per rail to Ashburton. Several accounts were passed for pay ment, and the Council adjourned.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual mooting of householders took place last night—Dr. Stewart in the chair. About twenty householders were present. The annual report of the Committee was read, it ran as follows : “The Committee of the Ashburton Borough Schools have much pleasure in again congratulating the householders on the continued flourishing state of the schools. The numbers have steadily in creased, but not quite in the same ratio as last year; the total number on the roll in December 1879 was 476, against 412 for December 1878, but the increase for 1878 was over. 100, and for 1879 64. Your Committee • have succeeded during the year in obtaining the services of a second master (Mr. S. Mayo), who has been re gularly trained for his work, and is giving satisfaction therein : two pupil teachers have also been added to the staff, which now consists of nine teachers, viz., a head master, a mistress, a second master, two ex-pupil teachers, who completed their term in March last, but have been permitted to retain their places in the school, and four pupil teachers, two male;* and two females. A new room for the infants was promised last year, but as yet it has not been erected, and your Com mittee arc anxiously awaiting the report of the School Inspector, Mr. Edge, who visited the • schools in October last, and was under instructions to report upon it at that date. As there : are over 200 infants on the roll, it is of very great im portance that a room for their accommo dation, separate from the existing schools, should be erected a't as early a date as possible. Your Committee have to report that a now and substantial house has been built for the master, and that improve ments and alterations in the girls’ play ground and school premises have been effected during the year. The Annual Examination for Prizes took place on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days of December and was conducted ; by the Revs. W. E. Paige, M.A., and A. M. Beattie, M.A., assisted by Mr. J. Ward. After a very careful and ex haustive examination, the examiners gave a vei-y encouraging report, both as regal ds the papers of the pupils, the dis cipline of the sell 001, and the evident care and pains taken by the teachers in train ing their pupils. The Committee have very great pleasure indeed in congratu lating both the teachers and pupils, and the inhabitants of the Borough on the successful results of this examination. The examiners awarded about 300 prizes, but on account of the limited means of the Committee only 120 were distributed, to the remainder were given certificates of merit. Mrs. Beattie and Mrs. Ward were the lady examiners for needle-work, &c., and paid a very high compliment to Miss Stewart (the mistress) for the very efficient state of this department of the school-work; indeed they stated that too much praise can hardly be given to the prize-takers in knitting, plain sewing, fancy, and other kinds of need:e-work for the neat and efficient execution'of their several portions of work. Your Committee desire to ex press to the householders their apprecia tion of the courtesy and liberality shown to them on all occasions, and in all their intercourse with the Board of Education, and to bear their testimony to the prompti tude with which they have responded to the wants and requirements of the Borough and district. The Inspector’s report has just been received, and although it does not contain .all that the Committee would desire in an Inspector’s report of this school, still there is some encouragement in it, as considerable improvement has taken place since the teaching staff has been increased. The Committee quite agree with the Inspector that there should be more general supervision by the head master, but with the present staff, although largely increased, they do not quite see how this can be done. The report shows that in the head master’s own which consists of 25 pupils, there were three who failed to pass the standard in which they were 7 presented, which represents a failure of 12 per cent, and of passes SS per cent. It is fair, how ever, to stale that 14 of the 22 that passed in this class had previously passed in the same standards under the old regulations in the year 1878. “ In Miss Stewart’s department 59 were presented, and 56 passed, only one of which had passed in. the same standard in 1878. The three failures represent 5 per cent.-of failures, and 95 per cent, of passes. The total per centage of passes for the whole school, as reported by the inspector, is 77. The above two deduc tions from the inspector’s report clearly indicate the weak part of the school, and also as clearly indicate the remedy pointed out by the inspector, viz., a more thorough supervision by the head master. During the year of office of this committee there have been fourteen meetings held at which business has been transacted, with the" following attendance of members, viz:, 7 Dr. Stewait, Chairman, 5 : . ; Mr.,, D. Williamson, 5 j Mr. George Parkin,-1

3 ; Mr. G. W. St. Hill, 14 ; Mr. Calvert, 7; Mr. T. Gollins, 9 ; and Mr. James Bradley, 9. “Inconclusion,the Committee announce that the school will re-open after the vaca tion on Monday, the 2nd February, and they venture to express the hope rhat parents will show their interest in the prosperity of the school, by sending their children punctually and regularly so that the teachers may have the opportunity of increasing the usefulness and reputation of the school ” Dr. Stewart said that the head master had done well, in fact, as well as possible. As to his supervising the school more thoroughly, that were really impossible, unless a larger staff were employed. The head master should not have anything to do but teach the highest standards, and walk through the school, seeing the other teachers did their work. Mr. Stott had cultivated the taste- of. the children =’ by teaching them music and drawing, - and had really done wonders. In the .“.Press to-day he had observed a paragraph from which it seemed that the Inspector of Nelson said that it was notorious, that some of the schools where the passes were only 66 per cent, were better taught than those where the passes had been over 90- per cent. They would see from this that*, the percentage passed was not a real criterion of the efficiency of a school. The new Committee would have little to do but to try and get a new infant school, which was urgently required., r The girls’ playground had been much improved, and the boys’ playground required attending to, a matter which would cost a good sum of money. • . Mr. Andrews moved the adoption of the repoi’t, seconded by Mr. Bean, and carried. Mr. St. Hill moved that both the in spector’s and the committee’s annual re port should be given to the local papers for publication. Agreed to. The annual accounts audited by . Mr. r Boyle were, then read, from which it ap-f peared there was a balance of L 5 19s 9d. to the credit of the committee. The whole amount of income had been L9BO :s . 9s. 4d. .. . -• Mr. St. Hill said he wished. to ask the Chairman how many Times meetings had lapsed for want of a quorum. . He. did this' in consequence of a certain report in the evening paper which had misrepresented ■ matters. The. Chairman said only two meetings had lapsed for want of a.quorum,;.* and one of those was ; a.special one. The following gentlemen were elected ; a committee for the ensuing year : —Dr. : Stewart 21 votes, Messrs. St. Hill 16, J. Orr i 5, Jacobson 15, Bean 13,. Boyle 11, , Andrews 10. Votes of thanks to : the retiring Com mittee, also to Mr. Ward, the Secretary, were carried unanimously, and the meet-, ! ing terminated. 'j § 'if y

At a meeting of the Committee, held immediately after the public meeting, Dr. Stewart was unanimously re-elected: Chair- , t! man.

The following is the Inspector’s report on the state of the school, which was ex amined on the 29th and 30bh of Octo ber :

Attendances.—Number on roll, 464; average last quarter, 279 ; average last week, 358 ; present at examination, 387. Staff and Distribution.—Mr. Stott, master, Ist class, Standards VI., V., IV., and Ist division ; Miss C. Henderson, assistant, 2nd class, Standard, 2nd divi sion, IV.; Mr. Wake, pupil teacher, fourth year, 3rd class, Standard 111., Ist divi sion ; Mr. Mayo, second master, and Mr. D. Gaukrodger, Ist year’s pupil teacher, 4th class, Standards 11. and 2nd of 111 ; Miss Stewart, mistress, Miss A. Hen derson, assistant, Miss McDonnell/, pupil teacher, 2nd year, and Miss E. son, pupil teacher, Ist year, Standards 1., and infants.

Results of Examination in Standards.— VI. .V. IY. ;111. I IE I. Tl. Presented 2 ' 7 30 00 72 59 230 Av’rge age 17.5 12.7 12.1 11 9.7 7.8 Passed 2 7 18 37 5S 56 178 { -j • Percentage , ; ; .-.. ■* .- ... y > 5 ’..v ,77- Future arrangement in standards of those present at examination Passed Standard YI., 2 ; passeo Stan dard V., 7 ; passed Standard IV., 18 ; passed Standard 111., 49 ; passed Standard 11., 81; passed Standard 1., 70 ; below Standard 1., 160. Total—3B7. General remarks. The attendance, at this school has : increased considerably during the past year, and additional ac commodation is now. urgently needed. Some alterations to the entrances are necessary—that to the new room, through the lavatory, being very inconvenient. The grounds round buildings are now in good order, so are the fences, outoffices, &c. ; the boy’s playground requires to be levelled, and here the outoffices are still in an unsatisfactory state. Two mounted black boards, two clocks, and set of Royal Premier lesson sheets are require ments.

Out of two hundred and thirty ex amined in standards only about forty were presented in the standards they had previously passed under the old regulations; this, of course, indicated a praiseworthy anxiety on the part of the teachers to advance their pupils, but a glance at the papers (enclosed with this report) of some of the unsuccessful candi dates will show that they, at least, were indifferentl3 T prepared for their respective standards. • .*(’ j. ;,- : ; )- -• '-j C( ) f The general results show good teaching* in several classes, but a want of thorough supervision and regular testing of the work throughout the school by the head teacher.;': ' : T- :r A A B

In the class lists attached to this report the subjects requiring special attention are noted. ;r: .*' y< *; ;;< y: \;

All the prescribed subjects are taught. The drawing of the sixth, fifth, and first division of Standard IY. ( is very credit able. Some of the senior boys 1 are learn ing Euclid, and this may account for their very scanty knowledge of . elementary •1 science—a fe.w very simple questions were either not attempted at all, or answered in'.? such a way as to be perfectly unin t el-... < ligible. - : .v. Another pupil teacher is required. - K',~ f The discipline and order have improved, -. : but all classes do not handle alike well, and some of the scholars are unsteady,, -- and wanting in self-reliance, . .‘ Infant Department.—The teaching is marked by zeal and industry, and the re sults of instruction are, generally speak ing, quite equal to,the average r ~^r - .™»»«-«,: ;The discipline exercised is good in most respects, and secures very fair ofdbr.--A |.| W. L. Edge, .( b-r;:-:; '< Inspector.' # '-December,-1879;'- phoni nptnSiod eak

Tuesday, lanuary 27, IBSO.I

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. \ LODGE of INSTRUCTION, in connection with Somerset Lodge, ISil E. 0., will bo hold a i the Lodge rooms to-morrow (WEDNESDAY), at 8 p.,n. punct»ally. HBNRy 984 a Hon Sec. V. m- NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. KAWAKAWA RAILWAY. TAUMARERE CONTRACT—FORMA TION ONLY. LENGTH ABOUT ONE MILE. Public 'Works Office, Wellington, 15th January, 1880. WRITTEN TENDERS will be received at this office, until NOON on WEDNESDAY the 25th February, 1880, for the above contract. They must be addressed to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington, and marked outside “ Tender forTaumarere Contract.” Plans and specifications may be seen at the Public Works Offices, Wellington, after the 21st instant, and at Auckland, Grahamstown, KawaKawa, Christchurch, and Dunedin on arrival of first mail after that date. Telegraphic tenders, similarly addressed and marked, will be received if presented at any telegraph office by NOON of the same date, pro vided that written tenders in due form are lodged at a District or Resident Engineer’s Office by the same hour, and accompanied by a cheque on some bank in the town where the tender is lodged ; such cheque to be specially marked by a banker as good for twenty-one days, and to be in favor of the Receiver-General s Deposit Account only, and not to bearer or order. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. By command, JOHN BLACKETT, 439 g Engineer in Charge, North Island.



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) NOTICE TO FARMERS AND GRAIN MERCHANTS. "VTOTICE is hereby given that where bags contain more than four bushels of grain, the excess weight will in all cases be charged for. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Jan. 23, 1880. 977 a TOTARA ! TOTARA ! ! TOTARA ! ! ! NOTICE. To'members of County Councils, Road Boards, Contractors, and others. THE undersigned desires to notify that he is prepared to supply SAWN TOTARA (or Black Pine’) for_Bridges,-Culverts, Slabbing wells, or other purposes, of any dimensions, and in large or small quanti ties to suit customers. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. N.B.—Building Timber, Firewood, Stakes, &c., now on sale at the yards, East street, near Railway station, at lowest current rates, or can be delivered at any station along- the line direct from the mills. Firewood by the truck-load at greatly reduced prices. 967 a* —413 g NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Capital £1,000,000. Paid up £50,000. Reserve Fund!£Bs,ooo. A LOCAL INSTITUTION. TjIIRE Department.—City, Suburban, Jj and Country properties, Flour Mills, Mills, Breweries, Barns, Stables, &c., insured on the most favorable terms. Grain in Stook or Stack. Steam Thresh ing Machines, in yard or at work, insured at the lowest rates. MARINE RISKS cf all kinds effected at current rates. ?A. CARR I 0 K , Manager, HEREFORD STREET, CHRIST CHURCH. This Company covers risk of explosion of gas. 075 a TINWALD BOOT AND SHOE SHOP- C. HAWKINS. CH. begs to inform the inhabitants of . Tinwald and surrounding districts that he has taken the Boot and Shoe Shop adjoining Mr. S. Stephens’, saddler, and hopes by strict attention to business to obtain a share of public patronage. 742 g 937 a BUTLER’S FAMILY HOTEL, ASHBUP.TON. J. F. BUTLER (Late of Arahura, West Coast) BEGS to inform his friends and the public generally that he has opened the above large and commodious hotel, which is situated at the CORNER OF CASS AND HAVELOCK STREETS, And is convenient to the Railway Station. Excellent accommodation for travellers, families, and boarders. All wines , and spirits of the best brands. One of Alcock’s best billiard tables. . . 965 a



New Advertisements. OST—PENDANT of a liair Albert j guard with gold locket, containing photos, attached. Finder will oblige by leaving same at Herald Office. 981 a LET—TWO OFFICES in East _ street, central, rent low. Apply to Branson & Purnell, solicitors. 971 a IT TAN! ED, a RESPECTABLE V V YOUNG MAN who has a know ledge of Bookkeeping. Salary, LBO for first year, advance according to merit. Apply ‘*’ Books,” Box 42, Ashburton. 944 a "ANTED, a good strong BOY, to Milk,' and make himself useful at Westerfield. Apply Herald office. S9Ba WOOD’S REAPERS AND BINDERS. niHE undersigned ..is prepared to RE- X CEIVE ORDERS for tie above. F. PAYITT, Ashburton. Agent for John Anderson, 983 a Canterbury Foundry. DISTRESSuIN IRELAND. mHE COMMITTEE of the Ashburton B Borough Council appointed to re ceive subscriptions in aid of the above, will MEET in the Council Chamber on THURSDAY next, the 29th inst. at 3 p.m. .. Gentlemen willing to take part are in vited to attend. . HUGO FRIEDLANDER, Mayor. Borough Council Office, 27th January, 1880. No. 26—987 a



NEW BUSINESS. CO-OPERATIVE BREAD AND BIS CUIT FACTORY. TRIANGLE, ASHBURTON, WILL OPEN ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2. All orders, town or country, punctually attended to. Wedding Cakes made to order. Dinner, Ball, and Pic-nic Parties sup plied on reasonable terms. All other Confectionery made to order. A. THIELE, 986 a Manager. ANSTEE’S DINING ROOMS, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. THE Proprietor begs to inform visitors to Ashburton, and the travelling public generally, that the best accommo dation for Boarders in Ashburton is to be had at the above establishment. A LIBERAL TABLE & MODERATE CHARGES. MEALS AT ALL HOURS ... Is. BEDS Is. BOARD & LODGING ... 18s. & 20s. PRIVATE REFRESHMENT ROOMS FOR LADIES. PROPRIETOR, J. G. ANSTEE. 985 a NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co ’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended liis efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Ci. ’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a