The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1882. HOME LESSORS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 4, Issue 1072, 12 May 1882, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1882. HOME LESSORS.

•In our last issue an esteemed corrcspondent writing under the nom tie plume of "Dominie Sampson," criticised with intelligence and ability the remarks we made the other day on home lessons.- . In making us assert that erueltjcjs. inflicted on children through the want of diligence in a certain section of local teachers, ho went somewhat beyond what wo saic or what was intended to be conveyed by our article, but we will let this pass. His' argument in favor of the home lesson system is based on the fact that under the Standard system every scholar is required to give evidence of some minimum degree of progress from, j.ertr to year. This we admit; but our contention is that if the Standard system is too exacting to enable the minimum to be reached without home lessons, it should be modified. Another argument used by our correspondent in favor of home lessons is the irregular attendance of children, and this is one which presents a considerable practical difficulty. We feel certain that Dominie Sampson would admit that the regular school hours would be adequate for securing even the existing minimum rate of progress provided that children were punctual in their attendance from day to day. The position our friend takes is that because children miss so many of their regular intellectual meals, when they do come to the table they must be made to consume the food which they ought to have taken during their absence. We cannot, however, admit that the evil of irregular attendance can be cured by doublebanking the children when they do pot in an appearance. We would put it to our correspondent whether parents would not be more likely to send their children to school regularly if the teacher only demanded tho forenoon and afternoon from them and let them off for the evening. It is the excessive demand made by the teacher which we feel sure is resisted by parents in many instances by the only way which is open to them, viz., keeping their children at home altogether. Our correspondent has put his case clearly from a teacher's point of view, and it is a decided advantage that the public should have an opportunity of hearing all that is to be said from this aspect. On tho other hand the parent's view has to be considered. We can hardly accept Dominie Sampson's solution of the difficulty as he practically advocates one evil to remedy another, and because his evil does prove a remedy for one, perhaps of an eqnal magnitude, he would argue that it is no evil at all. We hold that five hours' school-work per diem

is ample time for pupils in our publicschools, ami tliat .when they go beyond fcliis their health' is likely to suffer* We would support any proposal which would assist teachers in obtaining, a more regular attendance of their pupils, but wc cannot concede that it is good for children to be overworked with' mental exercises one day, and perhaps kept at home the next, and that when they are at school they muft raalco up for lost time, irrespective of their natural capacity for mental .work. We trust our correspondent will not mistake us on one point, wc hold that the present teaching stall'in the Wellington Educational District is better trained, more capable, and turns out better work than any previous one which has existed, snd that in the Wairavapa we may regard not only with complacency but with pride our really noble brigade of teachers. At the same time.the conditions under which it labours may be fairly reviewed, in order to bring them into harmony as far as possible with, not only the requirements of the civilisation of the age, but also with the. laws r I nature.'

The Iviiibiorlon High way-'Board meets to-iii' rnnv. ' i .-i-.s Lowes & lotus hold a general ai d'K. at 2 p.m. to-morrow. '!" o fastest steamer in the world runs Uwty-mio miles an hour. Notice is givon by the town clerk that two carriage and nine cart licenses have been issued in Mastertou for tho current year. Tenders are invited for tho Joaso of three acres at Kurupuni, Tho conditions may ho seen at tho office of Mr G. Fannin," architect. Telegraph slut ions are now opened at For:rose and Pino Bush both in the County of Southland. Hours 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. daily and closed oil Sundays and Holidays. In consequence of the rise in the price of wheat and consequently of Hour, the bakers of Mastertou have found it necessary to increase tho price of bread in this town. Notice is given that Messrs Parkes aiia Peterson, bootmakers of Mastertoii have dissolved partnership. I'lie business will bo carried on by Mi' Peterson. A new style nf hoy's trousers has been invented in America with a copper seat, sheet-iron knees, riveted down the seams, and waterproof pockets to hold broken eggs.

Toutiysons " Hands all round 1 ' is to bo photo-lithographed and distributed about the Colony, Had tho Government spent the money this will cost in offering a prize for the host national Odo produced by the pupils attending our public schools it might have got a better anthem, A soecial mooting'of tho Masterton Borough Council will be held on Tuesday. 30th of May to confirm the recently mado By-laws as advertised m the Daily on (he 2Cth of April,

A Virginia law prevents intermarriage between the races, and colored members of the Legislature are trying to get a bill through making it a felony for white men to cohabit with negro women without maniac.

Mr Edward Herring, the Yorkshire firmer who recently visited New Zealand,. is reported by tho Wakefield and West llidii.g Herald to have held a clearing sale at Ids iarm, preparatory to malting a start for this colony, where ho will settle. Notice is given that the iMasterton Borough Council proposo to pay off the existing debt on the Public Library, Another public meeting will subsequently linvo to 1)3 hold and the perfoi malice will conclude with a second poll which, we understand will take place oil tlm first Saturday in Jtilv.

The Auckland correspondent of a Southern paper wtiiea: —A large number of men who have extended a political support to Sir George Groy and been friendly to him, express their satisfaction at the issue of nlTairs. Thay said, with every belief in his ability and intentions, thoy had no doaiic lo see (ho stagnation—Hie want of commercial confidence—nud the muddle in the colonial finances which fortncily existed. Tito programme at St. Matthew's Schoolroom last evening was opened by a spirited operatic selection admirably played by Mrs Paige and Mr Bisli. Tht popular «lee "lltil Smiling Morn" followed, and went well, though the,absence of the leading buss voice rather marred its effect. A song from Mrs Beard was the next piece on the programme, and, as usual, her beautiful voice evoked the enthusiasm of her audience. Misses Keating and Ford then gave a spirited piano duet, and Mi'F, 6. Moore rendered one of his chivalrous ballads with his wonted power and skill, receiving and responding to the encore which always awaits his appearance on the platform. Mr Ford tli'en read an old pathetic ballad, and Mr Sellar scored another encore with that popular favorite, " Nil Despcrandum."' Mrs Paige ; thcn played a pianoforte recital, which admirably illustrated tho superior power and tone of llio new instrument which has been procured for these concerts. Miss Mason, followed by singing in a pleasing manner "Auld ltobin Gray " Mr D, McGregor next gave as a recitation "The trial of Warren Hastings"—a mnemonic effort, which was almost marvellous, Mr Bisli followed with " In thegloamin'" in a manner which secured the hearty plaudits of tho assembly, Misses Thompson and Feist came next with a.piano duet, which was very well received, and were, followed by Mrs Warren, who, with two charming ballads, carried away the principal honors of the evening, A humorous reading by Mr .Beard was the next piece, on the programme, and Mr Gant gavo the concluding solo ' Cousider tho Lilies,' with almost dramatic effect, receiving a well deserved encore, Another glee concluded an entertainment in which perhaps only one element was absent and that the humorous one. It is true that at the close of tho programuio this was supplied by Mr Beard, but the audience, which was a very large ono, had gone too far tlieu to rally, and tho evocing. passedwithout any] of ihcao hearty bursts of laughter which occasionally do so muoh towards onliveuing entertainments of this diameter.

" Tho proof of the pudding is in the eating," the proof of tea is in the drinking, and if you want a real good cup of tea, buy Uapp & Hare's favorite blendedt2s, mixture. Highest price given for Buter, eggs, and all dairy produce. . | AdvtJ.

Carterton v Mastcrton.—As a proof of who are the cheapest storekeepers in tho Waii'arapa we wish to draw our readers', special attention to B. A. Gardener k Son's advertisement on our frontpage. This firm is determined to keep up .their reputation, From the time of their commencing business ill Carterton they havo repeatedly proved that thoy can withstand competition, no : matter how strong. It is therefore ridiculous for another storekeeper from a neighboring township to post price lists to their customers and pretend to sell at wholesale pricen,. wlien for the smallest quantities B. A. Gardener & Sou supply goods in almost every .imtauco 10 to IB pet cent cheaper and in large-quantities stilt further conces sions are made.—l Advt

" Tho Mastertou Dokuiug (Society rnana this evening. Tho. Grsytown- fire-bell rang out another "peal in honor to another foul chijnney on Wednesday evening, Dr Smith (late Of Greytown) has been appointed public vaccinator at HaWera.

Mrs Whiter, and the family of tho Premier are about to lake possession of the Ministerial residei.ee in Wellington. A meeting is convened for next Wednesday evening at the Town Hall, Greytown, to consider the advisability of forming a Musical Society in that township. From the great interest taken in musical matters there, wo expect it will meet with success.

At the Forestovs' meeting last ovenmg in the absence of the Chief Ranger, Bro, Farquhar Gray P.C.H. presided. One now member was initiated, the other business being merely of a routine character. .

The inspiring strains of the Mastertou Brass Band early this afternoon created some astonishment in the town as it was not generally known that there was any event which required to be celebrated in this manner. It appears- tliat a- popular member of the band Mr Gattsclm leaves Maslerton this afternoon in order toj proceed to his homo in Germany and his musical colleague! turned out to give him ; a farewell tune. .

The Wellington correspondent of the Christchurch Press says Some surprise has been expressed that the Government ordered a nolle prosequi to be entered in the case of the West Coarst Native prisoners, Titokowaru and liangi, charged under the West Coast Settlement Act. I may say that the Government took the following view of the case:—Mr Justice Gillies had taken such a pointed opportunity of expressing a very strong view of the'ease, and of declaring hiaown opinion •as to tho law, that it would have been a positive scandal for tho jury to have returned a verdict of guilty in direct oppo* sition to his distinctly announced opinion, while an acquittal might have' had- a bad effect. Under the circumstances, it was, therefore, thought": better to adopt the course of entering a nolle prosequi. Although at the time-it was found necessary .to arrest liangi, it is now thought there not much harm in liiin. He may preach a little, but he caunot do any serious mischief. Titokowartvon the other hand, although free as regards this offence, is still under arrest for using threatening language. It will be remembered he threatened to burn down the settlers' huuses and to cut the throats'of all Europeans, and for this he was required to find sureties of the peace, anifailing this was committed to prison,whither ho now returns^

...The wine crop of France of 1881 amounted to 752,000,000 gallons. In 1880 it was only 053,000,000 gallons. This increase is due to the crops of the east and the centre, the south being still ravaged by the phylloxera. In the departments where this pest prevails the destruction of vines has increased from 15,000 acres in 1880 to 40,500 acres in 1881. The cider produce of last year was 259,000,000 gallons, against 2,300,000 in 1880.

There have lately sprung up in England (?ays the Homo News), exhibiting overy signs of popularity and vitality, debating societies which present novol and interest ing features. These institutions I hat are already scattered throughout the country take for their model—which they faithfully copy in almost all particulars—the constitution of the Lower House of Parliament. They have ministries, cabinets, speakers, oppositions, cross-benches, whips Ac,, and are, in short just so maiy replicas of tho House of Commons, These mimic parliaments aro becoming valuable instruments of political education, and a capital training for those who aim at cultivating the habit of public speaking, and malteing themselves conversant with the practice of Parliament. Tho debates aro conducted with liveliness and without acrimony, and are marked by vigour, original power of condensation, and some gilts of rhetoric.

An Industrial Commission of thirtythree has been sitting tor some time in Paris, and examined a few weeks ago the condition of the industries employing wood, The manufacturers who gave evidence to the Commissioners were imaiii mous iu remarking the alarming progress of foreign products. Tho cabinet-making industry, formerly so flourishing in France, now goes to England for models. Coach-building, too. has groatly declined. Formerly the export busiu'ess amounted to 1320,000 At present it has sunk to £40,000. The remedy is pronounced to bo in the establishment of professional schools, whoro workmen can be adequately educated in their trade.

The Greytown Hall was well filled last evening, when an entertainment was given by the members of the " Wuk and Win" Juvenile Temporance Society. The first part consisted of tho " Trial of John Barloyeorn," which was very well performed indeed, and reflects great credit on the performers, who in some characters were mere infants, and a deal of patience and perseverance must have been exorcised by those who undertook the task of teaching thorn," Tho second part of the programme consisted of songs, glees, readings, &c., notably among them being the Udy'family in some of their favorite selections, and also Mr W. C. Nation and his family who from the pretty manner in which they sang together, quite established a vocal reputation. We hope to hear of some more of these juvenile gatherings, and hope they will all be as successful as the one held last evening.

A misor died in in Febuary in London from suffocation by swallowing ■ his false teeth, The diseased, John Walter, aged 71. was a law writer. Being taken sick, a doctor had ordered him to to take more nourishing diet, and he had recently lived very well, although he recently complained of poverty. One evening he was taken with a severe lit of coughing and before any assistance could be rendered ho died, The post mortem examinatian showed' that death had resulted from suffocation, caused by a set of false teeth having lodged in the throat. A search for money was made amongst his effects, and £154 was found secreted in the clothing of deceased and in various boxes and bags in the room, -',

We have had the pleasure of inspecting a consignment of sewing machines that Eapp and Hare have just received. We can safely aay they are the best machines wa have ever seen, and Eapp and Hare inform us they can sell them at minimum prices. We-are. assured: that they will have a speedy sale.—Advt,

Matoes are now being made in the rich heavy_ materials fashion dictates shall be worn in' the present Autumn and coining Winter. Silk Matalasse, Stamped Velvets Hush, Moire Silk, Broolie Silk, will be used largely for Wraps and Jaokets of all kind?, The shapes most in vogue comprise the Granty Mother Hubbard, and, par excelIcncQf tLf Dolmaii in its many varieties, Stamped and Brocaded' Velvets are. largely used in coaibination with other materials for ladies dresses. Nothing can possibly exceed in richness of effect a Brocaded Velvet Dress with Cashmere drapery and overskirfc looped together with rich Cord and Tassels, Ladies can Select their own materials at Tf, Aro Hod.se, and have either mantle or dress made in the latest styles and with prompt deapatoh in the dress and mantle rooms of Tk Ano House.—[Advx.l

..'a lowing order is published in another column:—The Carterton Rifles will parade for inspection and exercise at 7.30 on the 15tli inst., the .Musterton school cadet? at; 3 p.in. on the 26th inal,, and the Masterton Rifles at 7.30 p,m on the same day.