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Kumara Times, Issue 946, 11 October 1879, Page 4

The average school attendance in New Zealand is 41,773, with an enrolled strength of 71.951 pupils. The per centage of enrolled scholars to population is 17 23. In the per centage of average attendance to population New Zealand stands second amongst tte Colonies, Victoria taking the lead with a per centage of 13'48, that of New Zealand being 10 - 01. The per centage of average attendance to number of scholars is much higher in New Zealand than in any other Australasian Colony. Elections generally bring out some good stories. One is told of a certain candidate of the legal profession in Dunedin, who has a reputation for appealing on every possible opportunity. On one occasion this peculiarity was remarked on in the presence of a distinguished judicial authority, who promptly replied, “Appeal? Why, Blank would appeal against the ways of providence if he could only get some one to ensure his costs.” A meeting was held at Rriapoi on the 29th nit to consider the necessity of merging the Waimakairi Harbor Board into the Borough Council. Among other resolutions the following was carried unanimously: “ That the Mayor of Kaiapoi be requested to represent to the members of the Assembly for the Canterbury district the imperative necessity for urging on the making of the vVeat l east Bailway via the Hurunui, or nearest route from Bast Canterbury.” Fully 500 merchants, brokers, and clerks attended the second meeting of the Business Men’s Society for the Encouragement of Moderation, which was held in the dininghall of Earle’s Hotel, New York, on a recent date. The members “ pledge their sacred honor not to drink as a beverage any intoxicating liquors stronger than wine or beer, and those only in moderation.” The secretary stated that since the organisation of this society in April last the pledge has been signed in good faith by 11,000 business men. The common belief that a publican is compelled to serve all sober comers has been upset by a decision of the highest English Court, which has laid it down that the obligation applies only to inns, and then only in the case of travellers.