Tonaariro arrived by special train from I)uno;!in at a quarter to 11 o'clock lust night. Aft. r a quarter of &n hour's stoppage the train proceeded on to Christchurch. IH" mi advertisement m our columns this morning it will be seen that the business and stock of llr J. D. Slater has been purchased by the South Canterbury Drapery Importing Company, and will be conducted by them under tho management of Mr Slater. Yestordoy afternoon tho Timaru employees of Messrs J. BalUntyne ami Co. presented Mr D. B. Bowi. 1 , who has been managing partner of the Timaru branch siuco they commenced business hero, threo years ago, and who is m a few days leaving to agaiu join the Christ church house, with a testimonial as a token of the esteem m which they regarded him and the regret thoy felt at parting with him. Tho souvenir consisted of a valuablo set of seven piecos, carvers, iish slice, etc., handsomely mounted m sterling silver. Wo have no doubt many of our readers will miss Mr Bowio and family from the circle of their acquaintances. The presentation was made by Mr Tymons on behalf of the employees. The next examination of teachers for this district will begin on Tuesday, the 14th De cember, 18S0, special notices of which aro directed to bo given to each candidate whom name has been entered for examination. Tha time-table is as follows : — Music, Tuesday, 11th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; Drawing, Tuesday, 14th, 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. j school managc mont, Wednesday, 15th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; elementary scieneo, Wednesday, 15th, 2.30 p.m, to 5.20 p.m. j arithmetic, Thursday, lGth, 10 a.m. to 1 p m. j geography, Thurs day, 16th, 2.30 p.m. to 5.20 p.m. ; English history, Friday, 17th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ; English grammar, Friday, 17th, 2.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.; needlework, Saturday, 18th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tho optional subjects will be taken ou Monday and Tuesday, tho 20th and 21et December. Wo would remind our readers that tho coneort and ball m aid of the Waiiti School funds will be held m tho schoolroom this ovening. 