THE CHIMNEY CORNER.

THE DISRUPTION: A TALK OK TRYING TIMES. CHAPTER XXIII. As o’er my palm the silver piece she drew, # And traced the line of life with charming view, How throbbed my fluttering pulse with hopes and fears. To learn the color of my future years ! CRABDI2 Thy spirit. Independence, let me share ! SMOLLETT. Among the multitndes who came to Edinburgh to see the Queen, or to profit by the concourse which the pre sence of her Majesty attracted was the gipsy fortune-teller, Mother Meredith, formerly spoken of. Jean Brown hap pened to see her from the window, and was sharp enough witted to imagine at at once how her professional talents might be turned to account. The sorceress was accordingly called up and after being well prompted by Jean, demanded an interview with Mrs. Ren shaw. This lady was still a-bed, wait ing the coming of her nephew, and hoping also for a visit from Stiffriggs, but not quite - resolved whether to be well or unwell, when the request of Mother Meredith to see her was an nounced. “ What can the auld roudas ■want wi’ me ? ” she inquired when Jean Brown informed her of the circum stance.

“Ye had better let her explain what she wants hersel’,” answered Jean; “for though she’s a droll body, she’ a neigh bor, ye ken, and may ha’c some busi ness to speak aboot.” “ Send her in, then, and we’ll see,” answered the love-sick mistress of Whinnyside, and immediately the for tune teller was in her presence. “And what is’t ye want wi’ me, Luckie ? ” said Mrs. Renshaw, with a tone of peevish asperity. “Nothing,” answered the old wo man, “but to tell you something that concerns you.” “Concerns me ! What is’t ye mean? What can ye ken aboot my affairs ? ” “Mair than ye ken yoursel’, I’m thinkin’, mistress.” “ Nonsense! This is some o’ your spacin’ ye want to play aff on me, but I’m nae sic a simpleton as to believe in the black art.”

“ Mine is nae black art, but a fair reading o’ what’s to be; and it’ll hap pen whether ye believe’t or no. Nane o’ my words ever fa’ to the grund.” “ Plague on your fortune spacin’! What business hae ye wi’ my affairs ? ” “ O nae business—nane ava.” “And what for do ye mak’ onything ado wi' me or my concerns then! ” “ Mrs. Renshaw, if ye dinna want to ken some things that I ken o’ that’s to befa’ ye, there’s nae ill dune. I can gang as I cam’, and carry my secrets wi’ me. But what I ken I ken, and I cam’ by ray knowledge honestly.” “ Tell me this, then —What set ye to spae ray fortune ava ? ” “Ye may weel ask that, for it’s no my custom to do ought o’ the kind without being employed. But this is a partic’lar case. It cam’ to me unsocht, and it’s mair likely to be true; and as ye happen to be a neighbor o’ mine, I thocht it no richt to keep ye in the dark. But since ye hae nae wish to hear what it is, I’ll just be steppin’.”

“ Stop a wee. Ye needna be in sic a fell hurry. Though I dinna believe it can be onything but havers, ye may tell me what it is when ye’re here at ony rate. Ye said it cam’ to ye unsocht. Hoo could it do that ? Dinna ye need to cut the cards before ye can tell onything ? ” “ There’s ae way o’ readin’ by the cards, but that’s no the only way. There’s much can be seen in tea leaves, especially if it be green tea; but as I get nane to drink but the common kind, I ha’ena seen the partic’larest bits o’ your fate, but 1 ha’e gotten insicht intil the feck o’ what is to beta’ ye.” “ Gae way, gae way, wi’ your lees and nonsense. Would anybody in their senses believe ye could read folk’s fortune in a pickle tea leaves ?” “ Believe’t or no believe’t, it’s true, and ye wadna misdoot it if ye kent tho hauf o’ what has come to pass in proof that my readin’ o’ tea leaves is true. But I’m iang eneuch here, for I see ye dinna wa.it to ken what I hae to tell.” “Ye may tell me nevertheless, since ye’ve been at the trouble o’ ca’in’ here for the purpose. I needna believe what ye say unless I like, and I’ll no believe’t if it’s the least unbe-like. Was the fortune gude or ill ye read o’ me?” “ Partly baith, but the gude was to prevail owre the ill, if certain things took place; and the ill owre the gude, suppose some ither things should hap pen,” “ I dinna understand that, but we maun lown in case onybody overhear us. I say I dinna understand the meaning o’ the certain things and cer tain ither things that would mak’ the gude or ill prevail.” “ Na, neither do I, but this I ken— there was on the ae haun happiness and marriage, and on the ither a single life and mony sair trials.” “ Hoot, blethers ! I ken it’s a’ an imagination; but which did ye say was the likeliest!” “ That’s what I never could see, for the tea I drink, as I said before, is coarse common stuff, ane disna show partic’lars.” “ Could ye no try’t owre again, even now, if ye had the richt kind ?” “ Nae, doot, nae doot I could, if ye thocht it worth while.” Indeed, I dinna then, for I think it’s nonsense, but ye may just try’t the best way, since ye are here at ony rate.” “Awed, I’ll do my best, if ye’ll order me a bowfu’ o’ strong green tea wi’ the leaves in’t.” The order was immediately given, and Jean Brown proceeded with alacrity to carry it into effect, smiling to herself meanwhile at the success of her stratagem, and the craft with which Mother Meredith had converted it into a means of obtaining a luxurious re freshment. Jean took care to second her views by providing suitable accom paniments for the tea, and soon set be fore her a repast worthy of the ingenuity with which it had been earned. The spaewife’s grace over it was a mystic incantation, which she finished by put ting a ring into the bowl. Mrs. Ren shaw lay still and eyed her at her meal with a mixture of curiosity and suspi cion, and could not help remarking with het usual bluataess—

“ This’ll just be ane o’ your gipsy tricks now, I jalouse.”

Mother Meredith drained the dish in silence; but after looking attentively into the residuum, she said in an angry tone —“ If ye suspect a trick, tell me, and let me be gone at ance. I see here what it would be gude for you to ken; but, if ye doot my word, the less I say the better.”

“ After drinking the tea, ye may say ony way. As I said afore, I can either believe’t or no, when I hear what it is.”

“ No; if I’m to be treated like a cheat, I’ll keep my knowledge to mysel’. The tea was gude and ye have my thanks for’t; but the mysteries I can read in the grunds, as plain as ye can read a printed book, shall never pass my - lips to them that scorn my skill or doot my word.” “ Whist! speak lower, Luckie, and dinna flee aff that way. ; I’ll pay ye for your trauble—at least, it I get ony satisfaction frae ye—so just sit down and again tell me what ye see in the dish.”

“ Weel, Mrs, Renshaw, this reading is something the same as the ane before, but plainer. I see you here ” “Where? Let me see.” “ There, just as clear as if it were your picture in a looking-glass.”

“ That me ? That’s but a braid shaped tea-leaf.” “ It’s that just to them that can see nae better; but to the skilfu’ e’e, it is just what I say. If ye could see it properly, ye would be as deep-read in the mysteries as mysel’; and ye ken that’s no to be expeckit.” “ Aweel, what mair do ye see ? ” “ I see a gentleman before you.” ■ “ What like is he ? ”

“He is tall and buirdly; no unlike Sanderson o’ Sanderson—only lie’s no splay-fitted like him.” ■ “ Look again, and see if ye canna find oot what he’s like.” “ I would say it was the Southland carrier, Rob Rutherford; but he’s no dressed like Rob. I daursay it’s just him brushed up a thocht, and mair genteel.” “ Look better, Luckie, is there nae body else it’s liker ?” “ Naebody, unless it be Stimperton o’ Stiffriggs. And trowth that’s the vera man, if I ha’e ony skill.” “ Tuts, blethers !” “'Aweel, aweel, if ye think it blethers ye needna hear ony mair. So just say stop, and I’m dune.” “ Na, na ; since ye ha’e begun, mak’ a finish. What mair do ye see ?” “ I see ither twa between you and the gentleman.” “ Ither twa ! What are they ? wha are they ?” “ The ane nearest you is like a young man, and the ane nearest Mr. Stimper ton is like a young woman.” “ Ay, and what mak’ ye oot 0’ that ? Are they like to draw thegither and mak’ a match o’t ?” “ I canna say, I’m shure, for I see nae band between them. They may or they may no draw thegither; but I see a band between you and the stout tall gentleman.” “ Div ye ! Let me see’t, then.” “ There it is, and there’s nae mis takin’ o’t.” “ I see naething but a bit shank 0’ a leaf crookit in the middle.” “ That’s just what I tell you, then. It’s a band between you and the gentle man, and ye see it is bow’d awa to the left side o’ the twa mots —the young man and the woman —that staun’ be tween you.” “ And what is the meaning o’ that ?” “ The meaning is that naething else but thae young folk prevents a match between you and the buirdly gentle man.”

“ And see ye ony signs o’ them gaun oot the gate ?” “ Ay, the mot that stands for the young man is pairtly on the road to something like a kirk or a great house of some kind ; and the mot that stands for the young woman is half floating in melted sugar.” “ And does that signify that she is to gangawa’?” “ Yes, without ony manner o’ doubt.” “ And are ye sure the young man is on the road to a kirk ?” “ Maybe no just a kirk, for I see nae steeple on’t; but something like a kirk, for it’s a large building. But he has like a water to cross, and I see nae stepping-stanes in’t.” “ Na. that beats a’ ! I see a strong o’ meaning in that bit o’ the reading. Your skill is no canny, Luckie, for there’s sae muchle truth in what you say, that I begin to think that it may a’ be true.” “True! ay, as true as ye’re lying there; but it ill sets you to ca’ my skill un canny, after gettin’ frae me sic perfect insicht intil your fortune.” “ That’s the verra thing that gars me doot if your skill can be canny. But tell me what made you say ye saw on one side o’ me single life and sair trials, and on the ither marriage and great happiness.” “ My meaning was that I saw signs o’ baith conditions in your life. I saw them when I read your fortune before, and I see them here again. “ What are they then ? ” “ The signs o’ singleness and sorrow I see here are, an old shoe, and hawf o’ a pair o’ sheers, a marrowless glove, and a lang teethed heckle.” “ Preserve’s ! that’s awfu’. But what are the gude signs ye see ? ” “ A plain ring, a true-lover’s knot, and a pair of cooing doves.” “A pair o’sookin’ turkeys! What likeness can cooing doves hae to Rin gan Stimperton and me ? '’ “ They signify peace and marriage, and are no to be ta’en for likenesses o man or woman.” - “ Weel, that may be a’ true ; but do ye no see onything like siller, as weel as marriage and ither gude things, in my fortune ? ” “ Deed I do, but the siller is like to spoil a’ the rest It is on ae side, and the large building like the kirk on the ither. The band is bended to the siller side, showing that it is there that ony lies. Ye may read your fate yoursel’ now, after what ye’ve heard, and be thankfu’ that it’s a gude ane, and left sae much in your ain haun.” “ But tell me just this one thing mair—wad I need to part wi’ my siller to become a married wife ? ” “ No ; I see naething signifying that, but ye maunna expect to get the braw man I see in the dish here, or ony

ither man, if ye baud owre steive a grip o’ the siller ; for a’ your chance I see is on the ither side.”

“ Weel, aweel, Mother Meredith, I suppose I maun gi’e you a shilling for your pains, but I’m sure I’m affronted to think I’ve harkened sae lang to sic havers.”

“ Mrs. Renshaw, remember what I’ve told you o’ the danger o’ griping money wi’ owre close a baud ! You must gi’e me five shillings. Beware o’ the odd shoe, the heckle, and the mar rowless glove.” This injunction produced the desired effect, and the gipsy departed enriched both in purse and stomach, but under strict charges never to reveal to any other the divination for which she had received such handsome payment. Mrs. Renshaw, when left to herself, in spite of her pretended dislike and contempt for the black art, pondered earnestly over all the spaewife’s words, and drew from them, as it was no doubt intended she should do, more sanguine hopes of getting Stiffriggs entangled in the ma trimonial net than ever she had enter tained before. She, moreover, _ saw now the propriety of again receiving her nephew into favour, and extending to him some assistance to complete his education, whether he should adhere to the Establishment or not; for, as she understood the prediction, he would no longer remain an obstacle to her hopes if enabled to pursue his professional views, whether in the Church or out of it. She now saw her way clearly, and not only got out of bed and forgot all her late half-imagined, half-assumed illness, but set about dressing herself in her showiest style. She was in fact animated with new spirit as by a charm, and the prediction, like every illusion of the kind which is believed, began to operate powerfully towards its own ful filment, by making the subject of it act in accordance with its spirit. As an old Scotch proverb says —“ The thing we dearly wish we fain would trow.” 'Mrs. Renshaw, instead of being a moping, peevish, would-be invalid, suspicious ot slights and full of petty and palpable manoeuvres, became all at once cheer ful, self-satisfied, and confiding. _ Jean Brown spoke truly when she said her mistress was more benefited by her con sultation with Mother Meredith than she could have been by the skill of all the doctors in Edinburgh ; and as truly did she add—“ Get Stiffriggs or no, she has a better chance for him now than ever she had before, just by believing she’s shure of him.” When matters were in this hopeful train Mr. Duncanson called in breath less haste and great anxiety. He was no less surprised than glad to find his aunt, so far from being dangerously un well (as he had been informed by Gri selda, who was sent for him), in high spirits and looking better and blyther than usual. On expressing to her how agreeably he was surprised to see her so well, and mentioning the alarming report he had received of her sudden illness, she said it was just a passing dwam she had taken, but that it was now completely away and she had no fears for its return. Before much more was said, honest Stiffriggs was announced. He was half afraid to enter, having vividly in recollection the unpleasant scene of the day before, and being apprehensive it might have left disagreeable if not dangerous effects. was therefore great, and his pleasure not the less, when he saw how matters stood. Mrs. Ren shaw welcomed him with a coun tenance radiant with smiles and very little discomposed by any feeling of shame for her recent extraordinary con duct; for she had too little sensibility to feel how ridiculous she had made herself. It was not so easy for Ringan to shake off his embarrassment; but at length his brow cleared, and he entered into conversation, as if nothing dis agreeable had happened, or all had been forgotten. The lady, with many smirks and smiles and looks mysteri ously indicating the importance of what she was about to do, went to a drawer and produced a bunch of bank notes from the sum which she had lost and recovered, for she had not yet got it deposited in the bank. Laying the money on the table, she said, “Ye see, Mr. Stimperton, I mean to follow your advice after a’.” And turning to her nephew, she continued, “ This_ is fifty pound that our friend here advises me to put to fifty pound o’ his, to enable you to get through the college decently, and I mak’ ye freely welcome till’t, I’m shure.”

Ringan looked surprise at this pro ceeding, and not quite so well pleased as she expected. In truth he at once suspected it to be the opening of a new system of tactics directed against his freedom ; and he was not far mistaken. As for Mr. Duncanson, he was struck with amazement, and utterly at a loss to comprehend the motives under which his aunt was acting so much out of her natural character. The sus picion even flashed across her mind, and rendered her for a time non compos mentis. On this supposition alone could he account for her conduct. He therefore, and for other reasons, posi tively declined to touch the money. Stiffrigs, however, who understood the matter better, strongly reprobated his refusal, and said, for his own part, he would take it very ill if his fifty pounds should not be accepted. T his led to a warm discussion among all three. (To be continued—commenced on Yuly 2 6.)

CHTSPA’S LETTER

“ I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.” —LoNGi’itf.ranv. (From Ashburton Herald, September iS, ) Strikes me those by-laws are coming to grief. They must now, anyhow, since they have come with a knock against the pro bono publico display of the Mail's columns on a board outside the establish ment which gives the paper birth. A law is always bad that interferes with the maker of it, or trenches on the liberty of the press. You may go hammer and tongs against the doings of a common carrier—fine him for crossing with his horse the heaps of clay or shingle wc respect so much because we call them foot paths, or fine him again for being away from his stand—but don’t dare to touch a breach made by a newspaper man. Now, Look here I I’ve seen your publisher stick outside the Herald office a board with a list thereon written of all the striking things that were to be read in that evening’s paper. Just try it on again, and the R.M. will have a say in the mat ter, mind that. About those footpaths. A friend of mine recently arrived from tho Old Country after nearly two years’ holi day, came up to see me. I had sent him copies of the current literature of Ashbur ton all the while he was away, and he

came back firm in the belief that the town was quite a little Taradi.se, with pleasant streets, smooth footpaths, and a reformed climate. His dream lias had a rude dispelling, and the old “down” he had on the petrified kidneys that ruin our shoe leather is just as bitter now as it was when lie left us at a date away back in Ashburton history. As the child is the father of the man, so are, perhaps, those lineal heaps of clay and shingle the embryo of decent footpaths ; therefore, let us be gentle and careful in our treat ment of them. They may not be of the highest class as pathway's, but, like Tam o’Shanter’s Nanny, with her “ cutty,” garment— “ It was her all, and she was Yaunde. ” So let us be proud of such footpaths as we have, for in truth they are “ all” that can be evolved for our good from the wisdom of the multitude of “ Council” we possess, and from the excess of jaw labor that is expended for our benefit.

Some time ago you had a paragraph in your paper about an opposing creditor who hung about the District Court for a whole day, waiting for the bankruptcy case to come on in which he was interested. Towards the end of the business he thought he had still a few moments at his command, and he went out to smoke, I suppose. When he came back the bank rupt whom he meant to bring to task had got his discharge, and the whole thing was over. That incident happened about a couple of months ago, and I wish you to bear it in mind when y'ou read the follow ing letter. And when you have read you can reflect what a splendid country this is we live in, and how free her institutions and laws—especially those that control and regulate the science of living upon other people—that is, getting into debt and then going through the Court to pay it. Read : Ashburton Sep n th 1880 Mr E Endz Co monday 13 at 11 oclock. I Here by Call a meeting Creesitors to be Held at my Residence Back A C Boarding House (on Tuesday at 19 oClock before noon to let you See How Eetor Stand monday 13 day 0 0 at noon Larry Doolan Lybualitycs £44 10 Assets Null o 00 Larry Eoolau Acting for Self Allow me to express my deep regret at the unhappy winding up of the Wakanui school affair. I had hoped to see as good a fight in that usually quiet district as had ever been witnessed in the annals of Ash burton. But the concern has tamed down to a very milk and water affair, the wolf lies down with the lamb, and the lion eats straw with the bullock. The Wakanui posterity, in whese interest the half-battle was fought are sadly disap pointed, and the children are beginning to think after all that life is not worth living for. Now that the new era of peace has again dawned, I am afraid the district will he jewed out of the new church. Jim Brown should have fought that battle to the death, and only caved in when the “riggin ” of the new build ing was on. I gave him credit for more “ stretch.” Of course I saw the water turned on The Mayor was there, and a few of the leading lights—legal, engineering, lite rary, and mercantile. The water ran all right till it came to Shearman’s Hotel. Then it stopped, as naturally as Dougal Thomson’s mare is said to have done —at every pub, on the way. Foreman Brown stood by, and looked after the young stream till the crowd of great guns went in and had tiio “wet” the stoppage of the water flow suggested. When the clay was sufficiently damp the stream went on again. Sensible water supply ! I admire the way our police force manage things. Two men did a half hours’ fight in a vacant section by An steo’s Hotel last Tuesday night. I don’t know about the science displayed, bu t there was a good deal of rolling on the grass, and rolling out of profanity. Some officious idiot or other acted as referee, and varied the monotony of the thing by calling out, “ Time.” But what interested me was that I, honest “ Chispa,” was at hand and saw the fun, while the men in blue were nun cut. 1 found out the reason afterwards. The bailiff was in the Court house, and there was no knowing when the fighters might he tried. It was only when the money came down from Wel lington to pay the rent that the police were at liberty to trot out the local Sayers and Heenan. Chispa.

A COOL INDIVIDUAL.

Murray Kevern, the levanting bank clerk of Marton, who was run down at Melbourne the other day, is a cool hand. On Constable Coyle, of Marton, meeting Kovern in the Melbourne Detective otlice, he came forward and shook hands inquir ing. “ How are you Coyle, and how is Mr. Coodall ? (the Inspector).” He said “I saw you pair of beggars standing at the corner the day I cleared out. Don’t you remember 1 I was going into the Bank of Australasia to get some money, and I thought you were both discussing running me in at the time.” On the way to the watchhouso Coyle said “ It’s a pity you left Marton,” and prisoner replied “ 1 was advised by Russel to clear out, or if I did not you would collar me.” On the 11th August, while they were on board the Arawata, Kevern asked if he would bo put to work on the roads if he was con victed in Wanganui. Coyle said “No ” that as he was a good clerk he might get a staff billet. Kevern thereupon observed that perhaps all the staff billets would be taken up, and added : “If they put me on the roads I would make a bolt of it, but if they give me a staff billet I would remain as long as they like to keep me. ” Accused was committed for trial, bail being ac cepted—himself iniLoOO, and two suereties in L 250.

“WON’T YOU TAKE ANOTHER PEEP, SIR.”

(F rum the Auckland Stur-) The other night two women were about retiring to rest, and one of them lingered awhile in her friend’s room, probablj' to finish off the remnant of some scrap of gossip. Mr. A , strolling past, saw a shadow on the blind, and being a peculiar fellow, he must go nearer; pre sently his nose was perched on the window sill, and his right eye stealing glances round the corner of the blind. Mr. A. may have not calculated on the eilact caused” by a Ponsonby gas lamp shining behind him. One of the women observed the intruder’s head shadowed forth, and she quietly slipped round the house with a pot of dirty water. Her slippered feet enabled her to come on the gentle man in a noiseless manner. Mr. A may have been out on an astro nomical tour, and in his zeal may have been comparing notes between the celes tial Venus, and the aspect of a human Venus. The up-turned bucket how ever, put a sudden stop to his sublime reflections, and as the stream poured down the astronomer’s neck and face he raised his head with a yell. But his troubles wore not (quite over, for as he raised his eyes, the slop-bucket descended, and was forced by a pair of strong female arms over bis head. There was a total eclipse of the man. His gaily-tasseled smoking cap, and the underlying expres sive physiognomy were obscured in the chaotic darkness of its tin surroundings, and as he dashed the unwelcome head gear to the ground and fled, he heard the mocking laugh of the virtuous amazon as she called out, “Won’t you take another peep, sir ?"

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1880.

Printed and published by Horace John Weeks and Charles Dixon, at their Printing Office, East Street, Ashburton, Tuesday, September Si, 1880.



Business Notice. FRIEDLANDER BROTHERS. TO REDUCE STOCK, AND MAKE ROOM FOK New Goods—Novelties —New Goods 1! FRIEDLANDER BROS, are just opening, in addition to their well selected stock —Best quality only in French Merinos ; Brown, Dressed and Striped Hollands ; Check, Piques, and Marcella Muslins ; Crochet Antimacassers, from 2s. Bd. Beautiful Lace Curtains—large variety. Muslin Long Curtains, a varied choice. Muslin and Lace Short Window Blinds.—of every description. Grey and White Sheeting—all widths ; extra stout bleached and twilled Sheeting. Saxony Welsh Flannels ; Strong Real Welsh Flannels. FELT CARPETS—Splendid Patterns. Cocoa Mattings in Iyd., 1 jryd., and liyd. widths. Table Cloths and Table Baizes ; Velvet Pile Table Covers ; Horrocks’ wellknown Long Cloths ; 'White and Colored Quilts ; All-wool Plaids—the very best. A Rare selection of New Dress Stuffs and Dress Buttons. Crochet Cotton, in reels and skeins ; Brook’s 500-yd. reels of cotton —best for machine use. Baldwin’s Fingering Yarns ; Paton and Son’s Alloa Yarns. JLsLclililVC Co f rom p2s. upwards. | choice patterns ; Cocoa Mats — various sizes. WOOL GOODS, HOSIERY, GLOVES AND RIBBONS—A well assorted stock. Corsets, Silk Scarfs, Braids, Wool Fringes—all shades ; also handsome Black Silk Flanges, Piece Velvets, Ribbon Velvets, &c. A splendid assortment of Scotch Needlework; Ladies’ Cambric Handkerchiefs—bargains. The above goods are imported direct from the manufacturers, and will be sold REMARKABLY CHEAP, in order to reduce the stock. -o- Outfltting Department. This department is now replete with the most fashionable and serviceable goods, and exhibits a splendid variety of Men’s and Youths’ OVERCOATS and ULSTERS. JUVENILE DEPARTMENT.—Boys’ Knickerbocker and Tunic Suits—in all shapes ; Tweed Galatea Suits ; Hats, in large variety ; Trousers and Vests ; Moleskin Trousers ; Crimean Shirts ; Collars,Braces, Ties, Ac. MEN’S DEPARTMENT.—Men’s Geelong Tweed Galatea Suits, Sac Suits, Paget Suits, Trousers and Vests—fashionable shapes, and fit guaranteed ,• Waterproof Coats in Great Variety ; Men’s Blouses and Overalls, American Duck (patented); Hard and Soft Felt Hats, all sizes ; Merino and Flannel Shirts and Pants ; Colored and white Moleskin Trousers ; Soft Twill Cotton Shirts—splendid value ; Crimean Shirts, remarkably cheap ; White Long Cloth Shirts, remarkably cheap (American open back); White Long Cloth Shirts, in pleats and military fronts, remarkably cheap ; Merino and Ribbed Lambs’ Wool Half Hose ; Super Hand-Knit Half Hose ; Novelties in Silk Scarfs and Ties ; Novelties in Braces and Mufflers ; Novelties in Linen and Paper Collars. SUPERIOR BOOTS AND SHOES, OF ENGLISH AND COLONIAL MANUFACTURE. o Implements, Etc. TO FARMERS WE CAN ESPECIALLY OFFER, AT REDUCED PRICES : Hornsby’s Ploughs, H., H.H., R. 8., and R.C., and extras for same; Reid and Grey’s Double and Treble Furrow Ploughs, and extras for same ; Drays, 2|, 2|, and 3 axles ; Zigzag and Flexible Chain Harrows ; Cambridge and Plain Field Rollers ; Broadcast and Hand Sowing Machines ; best Ironbark 2,3, and 4-liorse Swingle Trees ; Bentall s Chaff-Cutters and Corn-Crushers, all sizes ; Corrugated Iron, from G to 9 feet, best brands ; Ryland’s beat Fencing Wire, No. G to 11 ; Fencing Material, Consisting of Staples, Stakes, Posts, Rails, and Wire Strainers. Also a very large Stock Douglas’ and Goidd’s American Pumps, Force Pumps, and Piping (1 ; | . U and 2), and Farm and Station Stores of all kinds. We have always on hand a large assortment of Saddles, Shaft, Leading, and Plough HARNESS. Horse- Cloths in every variety. The Deering Twine Binder Was awarded tire Gold Medal at Ashburton, six machines competing. It also took tiro Special Prize at the Oamaru trial, etc, Having been appointed Sole Agents for the above machines, we are now' prepared to TAKE ORDERS for the coming season. The New Improved Althouse Vaneless Windmill Is now on Exhibition erected in front of our Store. Prices are lowered, and are within the reach of everybody, w r e therefore invito the public to examine the same.g



Ironmongery Department. We beg to call special attention to the above, and have determined (to meet the present depressed times) to reduce the prices to lowest remunerative rates To parties furnishing we can oiler advantages seldom mot with, having just received a large and well-selected stock of household requisites, comprising Single and Double English and French Iron Bedsteads, Fenders, Fireirons, Coal Vases, Scuttles, Fountains, Boilers, Kettles, Saucepans, Stew and Preserving Pans, all sizes ; Electroplated, Nickel Silver, Britannia Metal, and Tinware of all descriptions. To builders and contractors we offer special inducements, having a heavy stock of Leamington Patent Banges (2ft Gin to 4ft Gin); Cindrella, Queens, Victoria, Vesper, and Kaiser Stoves, Register Grates, Carpenters’ Rim, Mortice, and Plate Locks, and general builders Ironmongery. We have also on hand an extensive stock of painters’, glazier’s and paperhangers materials, consisting of Bod and White Lead, Paints, and Colors, of all kinds ; Raw and Boiled Linseed Gils, Turpentine, Varnishes, Brushes, Window Glass, of all kinds; Putty, Paperhangings, etc., etc. Carpenters and joiners would do well to call and inspect our stock of Tools. We are now landing a shipment of American Goods, containing a great variety of Tools and Yankee Notions. A large stock of Bod, Bar, and Sh eet Iron, also a large and good stock of Black smiths’ and Farriers’ tools on hand. A limited assortment of Patent American and Colonial Washing Machines. 0 Grocery Department. The above Department is now well stocked with Now Season’s TEAS, in half-chests and boxes ; Green and Pekoe Tea, for mixing purposes. Superior Mauritius SUGABS, white and brown Crystals and Counters. “ Venus Twist” and “ Nail Bed” TOBACCO ; “ Centennial” Cut-up Tobacco (Golden Leaf), in quarter-pound tins and half-pound packets. PIPES of every description. Currants, Elernes, Sultanas Muscatolls, and Figs (all New Fruit); Jordan and Shell Almonds, Barcelona Nuts. Neaves’ Infant Pood, and Robinson’s Patent Groats and Barley. French Prunes, Bottled Fruits, Essences, Spices, etc. A large stock of English and Colonial Con fectionery. A full assortment of Pink’s, Morton’s, and Crosse and Blackwell’s Pickles, Sauces, Potted and Preserved Meats, Fish, etc. New Jams, Marmalade, Bed and Black Currant and Apple Jellies. Van Houten’s and Fry’s Extract of Cocoa, in quarter-pound and half-pound tins. Cheese Rennet Extract and Extract of Annato. PERFUMERY AND PATENT MEDICINES OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. China and Glassware. We invito this Department in particular, as we have just unpacked Nineteen Crates of General CROCKERY", consisting of richly enamelled and gilt, white and gold, enamelled and plain Toilet Sets ; white and gold China Cups and Saucers—small size ; Dinner Services, complete ; and Soup Turreenes; Hot-water Jugs, in sets, etc., etc. And Eight Casks of GLASSWARE, consisting of Sets of Cut and Pressed Decanters, Water Caratfes, Tumblers, Wine, Custard, and Jelly Glasses. —o- INSPECT OUR STOCK BEFORE PURCHASING ELSEWHERE. FRIEDLANDER BROS Agents Colonial Fire Insurance Company, 8o



Business Notices.



Business Notices. car THIS ADVERTISEMENT SHOULD RE CAREFULLY READ AND RE MEMBERED BY EVERYONE IN TERESTED IN FENCING. THE PATENT OVAL SAMSON FENCE WIRE Has now been before the public for four years, and during that time 5,000 TONS HAVE BEEN SOLD Giving very great satisfaction, in proof of which we hold numerous testimonials from well-known colonists ; and the demand is daily increasing to such an extent, that numerous spurious imitations have lately been introduced in the various markets of Australia and New Zealand, for the sole purpose of damaging the reputation of the Patent Oval Samson Wire. The Samson Wire By using the Patent Oval Fence Wire you get a better and cheaper fence than any other, and the best proofs are the imitations already referred to. comprehensive circular as to its advantages, with numerous testimonials from well-known .colonists, will be posted to any address on application. The state Forests of Victoria are fenced with the Patent Oval Samson Fence Wire; the one at Dookie is, without doubt, the best Wire Fence in Australia, and people come from great distances to see it. PRICES GREATLY REDUCED The public, when purchasing, are there fore cautioned to see .that each coil bears a tin tally thus : PATENT OVAL SAMSON WIRE, in oval ; And the Patentee’s Tally or Trade Mark ; M B R IN PADLOCK. Manufactured by the Whitecross Wire Company, Warrington, England. Was patented and introduced four years ago in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand ; and the principal claim set fourth was its being made Oval to prevent fraud. Yet, in the face of these patents, firms —many of respecaltry standing—have, for the sake of a paltry commission, lent themselves to the intro duction of various spurious imitations, which render them liable to actions at law, and annoyance and disappointment to the users. We would point out to intending pur chasers that any person erecting Oval Wire Fences, other than the Patent Oval Sam son, renders himself liable for damages. The Patent Acts on this point are very explicit ; therefore, after this notice no excuse can be made. Wehave had instances brought under our notice where scmepersonshave been so un principled as to mix the Spurious Oval Wire amongst the Patent Oval Samsph in order to make a sale, and damage the the reputation of the genuine article. We have a great aversion to take legal proceedings in this matter, but shall be compelled to, in self-defence, unless these practices are at once stopped. ADDRESS M Lean Bros. & Rigg, IMPORTER , 69 ELIZABETH STREET, MELBOURNE TRADE MARK: M B R IN PADLOCK. We undertake through our agents, to deliver the Patent Oval Samson Wire at any port in Australia or New Zealand, ither direct from England or Melbourne. Inquiries by telegram promptly answered. REWARD.— Fencers throughout the Colonies who can give information as to the erection of Oval Wire Fences, other than the Patent Oval Samson Wire, will find it to their advantage to communicate with Messrs. M’Lean Brothers and Bigg,. 69j|Elizabeth Street Melbourne. Medical. GRATEF UL—COMFORTING. EPPS’S COCOA. BREAKFAST. BY a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctor’s bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may he gradually built up until strong enough to resist every ten pency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame. —• See article in the Civil Service Gazette Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in packets or tins, labelled JAMES EPPS AND CO., HOMOEOPATHIC CHEMIST, LONDON. 91°o



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