CHISPA’S LETTER.

(From the Ashburton Jlaahi, February 21.) “I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.” — Long pel low.

The value of land to lot, or for rating purposes, appears to puzzle not only the parties who have to stump up to the rate collector, but those who claim to he ex perts as well, and not only the value of land but tbe value of money seems to be a very open question. At the Assessment Court-held the other day to overhaul the Boro'J*h’s valuation list, his Worship the Mayor, and his Worship the Magistrate held'very opposite views on the matter of interest. It’s a thing I don’t understand, as I never had tick enough to know the bearings of consols, discount, or cent, per cent. ; but Mr. Guinness seemed to think he had made a hit when he told the Mayor that if the Banks charged 10 per cent, for money people sometimes went to other places, where they were charged a good deal more ; and Tasked myself way the deuce did they go there \

The land fever has set in again with renewed vigor, and with a view of satisiy ing the demand, a new wrinkle has been fliscovered by which the cravings of would be land owners is to bo satisfied. By an ingenious process, something akin, 1 pre sume, to the process of making india rubber sheets, a 20-acro section is made to contain 87 quarter-acres, with a few roads thrown in. I don’t know how- it is going to work out ; perhaps when the purchasers go to get their quarter-acres measured the survey will be made by a system patented on the West Coast, when there were good claims to be jumped, stolen, or otherwise got hold of. One I recollect, the best claim on the Darkie’s ten ace, had been carefully marked off by the four digger’s who first pegged it out, and a smart indi vidual with a bran new tape informed them some time after they had commenced operations that they occupied more ground than they were entitled to, and a measure ment took place with the smart man s tape, and sure enough they held 40it. too much frontage, which was at once occu pied by the “jumper,” who took out of his claim the respectable sum of L 2300 in ten weeks, and then asked the other boys to the pub. to assist at a bottle of champagne and calmly informed them that they had been “bad. as he had cut ten feet out of the tape prior to measuring their claim off. I don t think that that game is going work on quarter acres in Ashburton though. Citizen Treadwell, of Christchurch, is worthy of being a Nihilist or a Communist leader. His ideas are of the uitra-share and -share-alike description, and his cheeky application to the Auckland folks for lands to be given free of cost, and free means of transit for a host of the Treadwell breed and theii offspring to Auckland was met with a delicious reply from Mr. Tonks, to the effect that the applicant had omitted a very important feature in his application, viz., the necessity of having three jears rations provided. Wo may hear by-and by of Government being asked to pass a “ Three Pints a Day Beer Bill,” under the provisions of which every publican shall be compelled to supply three gratis deep sinkers to every man who chosos to thirst, to be paid for out of the “ Contingencies Fund.” Compulsory matrimony ! Local school committees are granted the least possible powers by tbe Central Board of Educa tion, but what power they have is occa sionally stretched to its utmost limit. An applicant fox- a mastership in a district not far off •s recently informed that his qualifier,rolls were all that could be de sired, and that he' was in every way a desirable dominie but for one objection, which could not be possibly overlooked, and that was his being a single man. Looking at the fact that he had not arrived at the “ sere and yellow ” stage of existence, and was, moreover, decently good looking, they gave him the option of either having his application refused, or of obtaining a wife within three weeks. I hear he has accepted the latter alter native, and is now busily engaged in doing the preliminary business of court ing. It is a difficult thing to be a benefactor of the human race. I thought to initiate a little plan for making myself acquainted with the smartest lads in the district, and sent you a sum for them to work out. I sent it to you in plain round ’script that a man might feel if ho couldn’t see, yet you go and let your printers make a mess of it. I wrote plainly enough the weight of the wire to be “ ‘321b,” not “ 321bs a mighty difference you’ll perceive. Wire weighing 321bs to the 100 ft may do fox making horse shoes, but it would scarcely do for tying corn sheaves. You _ must get your printers to look after the And since you have made the muddle I must ask you to insert the following TO THE L: JDS. LADS. —I offer you a prize, not a very princely one to be sure, still a prize, fox working out the undergiven sum. It was announced by the editor of the ‘ ‘Hex-aid that the answer should be sent by Monday, but in consequence of an error in the sum, I shall extend the time to Wednesday MORNING AT ELEVEN O’CLOCK to allow the Rakaia, Longbeach and Wakanui hoys to have a shot. In making the awards I shall get a re liable arithmetician to help me, and I shall take into consideration, neatness of writing, carefulness, and shortness of method of arriving at an accurate result. I have got auswex-s already to the sum as the editor gave it, and I tender my apologies to the senders for the sum being wrongly stated, and ask them to try again with the thin wire, and wire in : the suit. (As it should have been.) . “ Messrs. Friedlandcr Bros, have sold durin" the present harvest 52 tons of wire ° for the reaping and binding machines. The wire is No. 20 gauge, and weighs "321 b. per 100 ft. V)' hat number of miles is the 52 tons ; and if it takes 4jibs, of wire to tie an acre of crop, how many acres have been tied ?” My next sum will he in duo-deciraala, and my young friends had better read up, and keep an eye on algebra for future operations. I remain, lads, yours truly, Cnisi'A.

THE FARMER.

RUST IN WHEAT—NATURE OF THE PEST. By Angus Mackay, M.L.A., Queens land. The developments of the rust fungus, that is proving so destructive to wheat, in all the colonies, from South Australia to Queensland, are amongst the most im portant that concerns Australian farmers. But I make no apology for bringing the questions rust gives rise to before readers of Castner’s Monthly all over Australia.' It is by diffusing such knowledge .as we have of this pest, and then by attacking its weak and vulnerable points in a body, jjCfewe may hope to check an evil that ' tlmbtcfrs to ruin wheat farming in the colonies. Rust has been known in the coloijtcs for many years, and fiJl the colonies, at various times, have felt the effect of its oval influences. Victoria and South Australia have suffered severely this last year. Queensland is the greatest sufferer, and there are parts of New South Wales where great havoc has been done. I bub refer to those cases because experience has proved that the appear ances and effects of rust, wherever they beennoted m Australian wheat fields,

are identical, and because there is con vincing proof that, as the nature and inode of attack from rust became better known, the evil may be met and check mated.

Although scientific men are at variance as regards the number of parasites that, under the common name of rust, attack wheat, there is no difference of opinion regarding the mode or the nature of that attack. There are persons,! am aware, who have assorted that rust, in wheat is caused by insects ; but all who desire to become acquainted with the real nature of the pest cannot do better than either person alty, or by the aid of others, bring the microscope or powerful observing glass to their aid. The human eye, however good it may bo, and however well it may be lodged in a careful, shrewd head, is not able, unaided, to watch the progress or to make the necessarily minute observations that show, plain as noonday, the proceed ings of rnst. I do not intend treating the subject be fore us hi a scientific way. The desire is to interest farmers in it, ciid they, as a rule, have not the time necessary for scientific research, it will answer the pre sent purpose, therefore, to know that the rust of wheat is a parasite plant —that is, ic lives upon other plants. Those ac quainted with the enemy of lucerne will have seen how that parasite which (being much larger than the wheat rust plant is so much more easily seen) lives upon the lucei-ne, and during warm, damp, growing weather destroys it rapidly. The seed of wheat rust is the dust-liko sub stance seen in wheat fields, when the crop has become badly rusted. But it is to be noted from the outset that, when the rust is seen on the wheat, when it comes off in red powder upon the boots, clothes and hands, when passing amongst the wheat, the parasite has then done all the mischief it can do directly at that time ; the rust, of Avliich the red dust is the seed, has run its course, lias grown and matured its seed upon the wheat; and the grain and straw will he found more or less injured by the presence of the parasite upon it. For purposes of scientific identification, and with the hope that some who read will follow up the subject in a scientific way, tho rust of wheat will be found described as “puccinia,” and recognised as one of the parasitic plants that are destructive to grasses, wheat, and other grains. That the wheat rust attacks other plants ; that it lives upen them at certain times of the year, there is much reason to believe. Many of the native grasses, and notably those that have sweet stems and approach in their nature nearest to oats, wheat, and other grain, perish season after season from attacks of parasities like rust. The mode of attack in their case is similar to that upon wheat, but the time when the attack is made upon the grasses is different from that when the wheat is attacked. The grasses perish during February, March, April and May. Wheat is attacked during the months of Sep tember, October, and November. The time, and the method of attack is similar in all the colonies named, and the cases and conditions that induce attack are also similar, or very nearly so. Grain crops suffer most from rust during damp and vigorously growing seasons. Indeed, from the nature of the rust parasite, it is seen that it cannot grow unless there is moisture, and the more there is of it, short of such deluge as would drown or wash the plant, the more vigorously does the rust grow, and the more rapidly does it destroy the plant upon which it fastens. To understand the case more fully, there is a simple, but very satisfactory experiment that any one so disposed may try. That is to place a few grains of rust upon glass, or between two glasses, and lay the glass upon flannel over an ordinary water-bath. Keep the bath gently warm, say at a temperature of between 100" and 120'. In from one to four hours the rust seeds, or spores, will be found to have germinated, or commenced growing, and when the glass is put under the observing instru ment it will be seen that masses of white pair-like shoots have sprung from each seed. If this experiment is worked out during October, and soft, ripe, stalks of wheat can bo got, and if a portion are laid near to the rust seeds, the shoots'will turn towards the grain stalks upon which the pair-like shoots cling firmly. The further existence of the rust plant from the stage at which, it vegetates and fastens upon the wheat is dependant entirely upon the presence of heat and moisture. It can not live without the latter ; but when the conditions are favorable, it enters into tbe wheat at once, pierces the skin of the straw, and lives upon the juices of the straw and the grain. The process goes on with a rapidity almost amazing. When the favorable conditions for rust growth continue —that is, heat and moisture— the whole of the wheat crop is overrun in a space of time varying between five, and twenty days. When the growth of rust is complete, the plant, or its seeds, rather become visible to the human eye, in the form of the red dust with which we have become but too familiar. But, as stated, the injury has been inflicted ere the red dust like substance is seen, and the grain is found to be injured in proportion to the rapidity with which the parasite grow, and the quantity of it upon the straw. The stronger and more sappy and vigor ous the wheat was when the rust came upon it, the more injury will have been inflicted. Where the straw of wheat is rich and rank, growing densely or closely, and tlic ears of grain are just commencing to fill, the destruction of the latter is almost certain to bo complete. The grain will not be worth reaping. But when the attack comes upon a thinner crop, whore the straw is poorer, harder, and more woody, as it appears, the grain does not suffer so.much. There may be gathered, under such circumstances, a return of straw to shrivelled wheat. Before proceeding further, reference may be made to the dangerous practice of sowing shrivelled up wheat for seed, that has in any way suffered from rust. The constitution has been sapped out of such grain by the parasite, and, oven if some of the seeds of the latter should cling to the grain, it is still unsuitable for seed. But the chances are that the seeds of the rust cling to the wheat, and they may remain in a dormant state awaiting the favourable conditions already referred to, when they will spring into growth. That the spores of rust from wheat cling to grain that falls in the field, to straw, or any portion of wheat loft in such positions that rust spores can lodge on it, there is no doubt. Hence the necessity for burning all rubbish about the wheat fields, old grass and pasture land included ; and also the necessity of steeping seed before sowing. The steep starts the spores into growth, and when the seed, ere sowing it, is rolled in lime or ashes—as all steep seed ought to be— the spores of rust are destroyed in so fai ns the wheat seed is concerned. One of the worst visitations from rust experienced in the southern colonies has been traced to sowing shrivelled seed from the rusted fields of the previous year. The weather of the season which followed proved wet and warm, and rust developed with fearful rapidity. To the question, “Is there a cure for rust ? ’’ the readers may say sorrowfully, “ There is is no cure. ” But precautionary measures can. be employed, and w ith favorable prospects- Dry airs, dry soil, and dry weather are all opposed to the spread of rust. And stiff, hard, poor straw resists it better than what is rank and soft. Thin, light crops are, therefore, safer than rich, heavy crops; it is better to make certain of, say 15 bushels per acre, than run risks for 30 bushels. The rich soils of the northern colonies usually put under wheat are not cultivated so successfully as the thinner and

poorer soils of the south. The rust plant does not flourish so luxuriantly upon the crops of the latter. Let us then sow less seed, try poorer laud, and aim at less heavy crops. Let us burn off, ere the spring rains come, old pasture, grass, and bush lan*, around the wheat fields. Lime is a necessity for wheat, and should be used more plentifully. Salt has undoubted recommendations. Let us drain the lands, and soak our seed carefully, all of which tire seen to be precautions worthy of attention from the wheat farmers.

VALUE OF THE BERKSHIRE PIG FOR BACON.

American haras, lard, and bacon are con tinually increasing in favor among Euro pean consumers. Our markets avo year by year widening, and local pork-packing establishments are beginning to appear in many places. It is evident the best way to send pork to market is not to crowd it in a fresh state upon any one place, but to properly prepare it, and so put it upon the markets of the world.

The growing competition of Americans in these products has caused considerable alarm emoug English agricultnx-al writex-s, one of whom, in a recent letter to the London “ Field,” contends that the theory of a large-growing pig being more profit able than the small fashionable breeds, is perfectly correct. lie nan-ates the result of axx experiment made by himself last yeax-. He px-ocured, early in the spring, three pigs, one of a small white breed, and of a stock which lias regularly taken prizes at royal and other shows : another of a Tamwoi-th breed, and a third of the ap proved Berkshire. The Bei-kshire pig was the only one of the three that proved profitable to keep for bacon purposes, for which, as farmers well know, a proper proportion of fat and lean is required. At eight months the Berkshire weighed 230 lbs. The writer goes on to remark that pigs which are intended for bacon should bo allowed to run about for six weeks or two months after weaning, before they are put up to bo fattened. One hundred and eighty pounds is a good size for bacon. HOW TO MAKE A CHEAP GREEN HOUSE. (Cal i fora -an Paper.) A small green-house in which to grow a few choice plants for the house, and for cut flowers in winter, is capable of giving a great deal of pleasure if only it is well cared for. But the trouble with most people is that their ideas are too large. They want what can be dignified with the title of a cousei-'-atovy, and they build fox looks instead of for utility. It is good to have a small, low roofed, well filled, Cosy nook for plants, in which the rafters are wound with trailing vines, and the spaces between the larger plants are covered with bits of shining fem and moss-like licopodiums. It is, on the other hand, not desirable to be the owner of a vast dome-like, chilly space, glass walled and fit only for a few palms, dracenas and hardy begonias. Do not build fox- looks merely ; consider the comfort of the plants you expect to grow. ■ In country places, where laud is plenty, take an eastern exposure. The east side of a fence, shed or outbuilding, or of the dwelling-house, is a good location. If cheapness is an object, use xmigh timber, two by three scantling, and inch redwood for the walls and door, and ordinary hot bed sashes for the glass x-oof. Ax-x-ango the sashes, cither so that they can be slid from the top, or so as to be lifted, with a prop underneath. The height at which the plant-tables should bo placed vanes, as it depends on the person who is ex pected to take care of the plants. In a small green-house for a lady’s use three feet is enough, and the whole height of the green-house should not be over six or seven feet midway between ridge-pole and eaves. Plants undoubtedly do better in a low green-house. The floor may be covered with planking, but this is not necessary, as, if the soil is rounded up so as to allow the water to pass off readily, and is kept sanded and free from dried leaves, and rubbish, it makes an entirely satisfactory floor. In summer time it is a good plan to nail a three-inch slat to the front edge of the plant-bench, and fill it with tan-baric, or some similar substance, in which the pots of plants are plunged. This process keeps them at a more equable tempera ture than any other. In winter, however, this process is not only useless, but detri mental. Avoid giving too much water to plants during the colder mouths, and let them have all the light and heat possible. Stir the soil on the surface of pots oc casionally. Trim off' withering or de cayod leaves and flowers. Pinch back s cots which have grown too long and rambling, so as to keep well-shaped plants.

In city homes the cheap green-house is seldom possible owing to lack of space out of doors. It must ho made a part of the house, and of course requires a degree of finish. Avoid too great a height, as this only adds so much more cold air for tho sunlight to warm. We have seen a plant-box made on the x-oof of a wood shed, in th’s city, by the use of an old hot bed frame made of double thickness, and a space of three inches, filled with tan-bark, left between the outer and inner planks. . During the recent cold spell an old carpet was thrown over the glass and the plants came through in safety.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

ANTI-CHINIQUY LECTURE BY MOSLEY.

To the Editor.

Sir, —On Wednesday evening a lecture is to be given by a Mr. Mosley, who will endeavor to prove that Pastor Chiniquy is an imposter of the basest kind, and that his statements are prejudiced and un founded. Presuming that your readers arc not acquainted with the character' and career of this lecturer, who is going to “cut tho Pastor to pieces,” allow me, throrgh your columns to give them a few facts concerning tho gentleman. Before dealing with his character, however, I shall endeavor to say a few words on the subjects contained in the advertisement of ’ his lecture. In the first place he alludes to “ The Pastor scarified.” Now, sir, has not Chiniquy told ns, both in his lectures in Ashburton and through his writings, that he has several times been dreadiully frightened, both his life being endangered and his cause hindered by the machinery brought to bear against him. Has he not pointed out the hazardous task entrusted to him by a high and divine authority, and how, single-handed, for years has he upheld afui defended the cause of Christ. No person can dispute the fact that he has been “scarified,” and when he himself admits such a thing, how can Mr. Mosley tell us anything new in reference to tho Pastor's sufferings. Still, in another sensp, since Chiniquy has made his voice heard nearly all over the world, he does not, nor is he the least frightened when tho time comes for him to sheath the sword he is now fighting with. Surely if a man is willing to give up bis life at any moment eye?x by the hand of an assassin, whore is the fear J udging by the Pastor’s own words he has, daring the time of his conversion, been sadly perplexed and deeply grieved, not s j much for himself but for his own people, his sole object being to extend tire light given to him to his, at that time, own de nomination, and it speaks volumes for the old man when for the past thirty years he has been battling against innumerable foes to spread the light contained in the gospel.

What Mosely has to say about “ the little farm ” I cannot imagine, except lie feels jealous that lie cannot get a farm by such fan- means as the Pastor. What wrong is there in being the owner of a farm 1 This Chiniquy acknowledges, and even in his writings he alludes to this. What would a farmer in this district say if he were told that the piece of land he has paid for and wrought did not belong to him and he had no x-iglit to it. It seems monstrous to think that anyone, especially an aged gentleman like the Pastor, should be de prived of a homo which he will most likely require to use when his mission is con cluded ; and sadly indeed does he need rest after such a long journey to endeavor to preach the word of God and convert Catholics. On this point also will Mosley be prevented from telling us anything new. “All about the Wesleyans” is another item' which the lecturer intends to speak about, and which I consider it would be well were he to leave alone. The majority of Wesleyans in Ashburton have heard the utterances of the Pastor, and I hey can judge for themselves whether he has in any' way tried to damage the Wesleyan cause. In the various books written by Chiniquy, he does not pick out any particular denomination of Protes tants, and in his addresses to the many thousands of both Roman Catholics and Protestants, he does not attempt to say that one class of Protestants are better than another. When speaking about Wesleyans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Arc., ho alludes to them as “Protestants.” No doubt Mosley imagines he can raise a feeling of strife between Pastor Chiniquy and Wesleyans, but I am afraid his attempt will be in vain. On the one hand, Chiniquy has spoken the truth, and the Wesleyans along with other Protestants have accepted it on the other hand. Can Mosley tell ns anything new, even on this subject I

Looking at the advertisement again, I notice the words—“ Chiniquy aux enters : Chiniquy in hell.” 1 shall dismiss this statement in a few words by saying that if any man suffered torture on this earth, lot him study the Pastor’s writings and say ings, and then he will come to the conclu sion that no one man in a thousand could or would bear the terrible trials and troubles that he has borne. The Pastor not only tells us that ho has had to con tend with i-.mumeiahlc foes and attempts made to crush him, and the struggles he has had, but he proves them by uncon tradicted facts. This is the reason why the term “hell” is associated with the early days of his endeavors to convert souls to God. I hen Mosley' exclaims, “Chiniquy arrested in Montreal.” This is not all the Pastor tells us. Why, he has often been arrested, and false wit nesses brought against him ; but still the old man lias come out of it all without a stain on his character, and still Mosley is going to tell his hearers at the Town Hall on Wednesday night that “Chiniquy has been arrested, and it was feared he had left for ‘parts unknown. ’ ” How one can say that Great Britain, the Australian colonies, and other important countiiesaro unknown, I cannot for a moment imagine. Perhaps they are unknown to Mosley, but I can tell Mosley'that ho himself iswellknown in New Zealand, and which I shall prove a little further on. The last, but not least, item on Mr. Mosley’s px-ograme is “ 250 cf his converts expelled for prosti tution.” Expelled from where, I should like to know ; perhaps from the Church of Rome. Then if such is the case, it speaks volumes for the old man that he has converted so many. Does not Mosley mean 25,000 ? It is a wonder to mo that he has over acknowledged that 250 have seen the light. But then Mr. Editor, look how this man tries to injure the Pastor’s cause. Those converts are ex pelled for prostitution—-so he says. How does lie know ? "What a struggle Chiniquy must have had when he undertook to convert a body of 250 prostitutes. Will not God honor such a disciple who has succeeded in enrolling a company to the army of Chx-iat, who have been guilty of the basest immorality—l might say a pitiable crime. And how this man openly insults the Catholic people by saying that 250 of their number at one time were convicted of prostitution. Shame on such a man. In concluding this portion of my letter about the lecture to be given by Mr. Mosley, I shall now briefly allude to the lecturer himself. In reminding him of his pleasant stay in Wellington where he was, and is now, well-known, I should like to ask him whether he intends visiting that city for the purpose of delivering an anti-Chiniquy lecture. If so, I can safely pi’omise him a hearty reception. He will find many anxious and enquiring friends waiting (impatiently) to see him. He will, after he has satisfied the desires of several prominent pei’sons, be reminded of a little unpleasant transaction which oc ■ curi’ed there some time ago in re a place of worship. Does ho, Montague Mosley, recollect the time he endeavored to obtain the position of secretary to a Working Mens’ Library, which was about to be established in Wellington, and how ho placed his name on a subscrip tion list for the sum of about ten guines in aid of a certain place of worship, and when the idea of forming a library fell through, and be was asked to pay the sub scription promised, how he drew in his horns and refused to pay, confessing that he could not afford it, and had put his name down in error ? Mr. Montague Mosley at, I think, this time was editing a journal called the “ Wellington Prices Current,” and which it is needless to say he did not succeed with, and after trying several other schemes he has at last taken up the occupation of lecturer. There are many similar instances I could refer to which have transpired privately _ and in journalistic circles. I will refrain from alluding to them witlx in expectation that someone more fully acquainted with his career will put questions to him when ho lectures in the Town Hall. In his lecture in Christchurch Mosley pointed out to his listeners (about GO) that Chiniquy had left that city in order to avoid being brought into contact with him, fearing that he (Chiniquy) might get the worst of it. This must he x’cgardcd as false, as the Pastor was expected in Ashburton three or four days before he came, and had promised to come here before Mr, Mosley announced his intention of “cutting Chiniquy to pieces.” It is a pity that someone moi’e able did not come forward instead of the present lecturer, and it does seem strange that the Pastor should have been able to preach the gospel for a number of years without his statements being con traclictcd on a public platform, and I defy Mr. Mosley to address a number of people in the presence of Pastor Chiniquy. Now is his time to do it, as the Pastor will not be leaving New Zealand for some time to come. I, myself, along with several others, would gladly head a subscription list for tho purpose of defraying his ex penses to any place where Chiniquy may be lecturing, providing the money be placed in the hands of a committee of gentlemen for such a purpose. In conclusion, I trust that his hearers, whoever they may be, on Wednesday night, will not be satisfied until he tells them what ho intends doing witlx the money received for the tickets of admis sion as straightforward as Pastor Chiniquy told hishearers when in Ashburton, There certainly is an object for which a young man may get money for himself, but it is not reasonable that an old man who is temperate, unselfish, hardworking, and self-denying would seek to gratify his own personal desires when he has easier means of gaining a livelihood than fighting the battle ho is engaged in. The new lecturer, therefore cannot do any good for himself except from a monetary point of view, which is bis sole object, aixd I caxx safety add that his statements will be resented by all enlightened Catholics in the district^

and if they are not satisfied with Chiniquy, let them read his book entitled “Papal Idolatory,” dedicated to Bishop Vaughan, of Sydney. If they are not satisfied witlx Mosley, sift his history for the past few years. In fact the same course is open to them in the Pastor’s case, and if they do this, then let them come to a conclusion for themselves.'—Yours, &c., A Wesleyan. P. S.—l am given to understand that the directors of tho Town Hall require Mosley to pay for the hall in advance.

HYDROPATHY.

To the Editor. Sir, —l read with much interest Mr. Saunders’ exhaustive letter on hydro pathy iix your Saturday’s issue. As there are others, like myself, in this township who would adopt the hydropathic system in preference to any other if they were sufficiently infoxaned upon the subject, 1 would like to ask Mr. Saunders, through your columns, two questions :—l. Which is tho most reliable work published on the subject ; 2. Are there any doctors in the colony who practice hydropathy alone ? If Mr. Saunders would kindly answer these questions, or supply any other in formation relating to the subject, there ai’e those, I am sure, in this district, who would feel grateful to him for so doing,—l am, &c., W. H. Pdddicombe.

AMERICAN GRAIN RING.

To the Editor. Sir—Seeing a telegram recently in your paper that tho American grain ring had bought up all surplus grain in America, could you inform mo whit amount of grain, &c. As our harvest has been such an abundant one tins .year it would be a great benefit to this country to know the foundation of the said telegram, and as to the truth of it.—l am, &c., Subscriber. Ashburton, Feb. 23, 1880. [The ring referred to is simply a largo clique of American grain buyers, who buy up all tho grain they can lay hands on and hoard it. This causes a fictitious scarcity, and consequently a fictitious price. As to the truth of the telegram, wo have no reason to doubt it. It the ring hangs together, extreme prices may probably be reached. If the ring col lapses, and tho members of it are com pelled to realise on their stocks of grain, of course a fall in price will undoubtedly follow on the market being Hooded with grain. The estimated wheat crop of the 'United States for 1880, is 500,000,000 bushels. The average value in Chicago is 3s. 2d. per bushel.— Ed. A.H.J

NEW ZEALAND FINANCES.

{Home News.) The conspicuous success which attended the application of New Zealand for the last loan of five millions sterling lias been the theme of general comment. More than twice the amount asked for was eagerly proffered ; and severe disappoint ment was the feeling of many applying subscribers when they wore told they must be shut out. It may be that the fact of the Bank of England acting as agents for the loan, and receiving the applica tions, had something to do with the suc cess. But those who say this in the way of reflection upon both the Bank and tho colony, forget two important points. The first is that the Bank of England would not, out of respect for its own national position, have to do witlx any loan if it were not satisfied of its absolute security. The next is that the subscriber's to new loans, as a rule, keep a sharp look out after their own interests, and make them selves very certain on their own account, before subscribing, that everything iarigbt. The Bank of England is a national institu tion it is true, but it is a corporation witlx interests of its own, which are only served by doing business ; and it is entitled to enter upon any safe and profitable busi ness it pleases. No doubt it finds it both safe and profitable to act for New Zea land. Witlx reference to the general state of the finances of the colony, they arc not, it must bo admitted, so glowing as its friends would desire. The deficit for the year is likely to be much more than is quite comfortable. But tbe New Zealand is not the only Government in tins posi tion in these times. The deficit with which the Chancellor of tiro Exchequer of Great Britain will have to reckon next spring will he formidable ; and the Indian finances arc assuredly in a troublesome condition. New Zealand is a young country, with vast undeveloped resources, and there is no danger of her not paying her way, though it may he as well not to force the pace of her development during the next few years. And, as we under stand the matter, this is precisely what the colonial Government has made up its mind upon. There are to be no more loans for a long time.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1880.



For continuation of reading matter see fourth page.



Wanted. TT7ANTED, a RUNNER BOY, for YV the Tinwald run, for Herald and Guardian. Apply at the office. WANTED, by a Young Widow, a SITUATION as Housekeeper to a gentleman, or Housekeeper and Gover ness to a widower with, children. She teaches thorough English, French, Music, Singing, and Needlework, is a good Cook, and understands a dairy.—Apply to Mrs. 0., West Oxford. 4-Aici SHEEP. ■"ANTED —To PURCHASE 5000 Sound Mouthed Merinos or Cross breds, in lots. Apply to SAUNDERS BROS. 913 Ashburton. WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” offices, near the Rai " r ay Station WANTED KNOWN—That the cheap est and neatest CARDS may be had at the “GUARDIAN OFFICE.” To Let, TO LET, i Comfortable Four-Roomed COTTAGE in Moore street, APPI |IARRY FRIEDLANDER, 537 ct Tancrcd street. Lost and Found. £1 REWARD. LOST— A dark GELDING, G years old, 2 white spots on each side of saddle ; white star on forehead, mark like P.R. on rump. Any person returning same, or giving information leading to its recovery, will receive above reward. Slc-8010 A. THIELE. Gazette in Bankruptcy, Y. R. rHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN (Comity Agricultural and Sporting Recorder) is a GAZETTE for all Notices aider The Debtors and Creditors Acts.



Edmistoii Bros. & Gundry. THURSDAY, 4th MARCH. BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE. TO FARMERS, INVESTORS, AND OTHERS. A f ESSRS. EDMISTON BROS., & j3'JL GUNDRY, have received instruc tions from the Mortgagee, to sell by Public Auction, at their rooms, Bast street, on THURSDAY, 4th MARCH, A C R E S R.S., 27452, 27453, 27454 Situated on Gould & Cameron’s Run. These sections have been well selected, and we can confidently recommend them to the attention of Farmers looking out for a really good piece of land at a low figure. Tire greater part of tire purchase money can remain on Mortgage on the property. Terms at Sale. Sale at 1.30 p. m. EDMISTO vT BROS., & GUNDRY, 534 a Auctioneers. T. Bullock. THE undersigned has the following PROPERTIES to LET with a pur chasing clause, or FOR SALE on liberal terms of payment— ACRES good WHEAT LAND, all ploughed and ready for cross ploughing for wheat ; situated about three miles from the township. ACRES, near the above ; also good WHEAT LAND, ploughed once and ready for cross-ploughing. AO RES, partly improved, near Wins low. This will be sold very cheap, and on very liberal terms. 7 ACRES, fenced and planted ; situated near the East Town Belt, good site for private residence. TOWN PROPERTIES. T7ALUABLE BUSINESS SITE in Bur » nett Street, being T.S. 177, next the “ Mail” office. PART of T.S. 139, Peter Street. This will be sold cheap, and on liberal terms. TO Railway Employes, Mechanics, and Others.—FOß SALE, cheap, Lot 78, situated on East Town Belt. Terms, £5 cash ; balance by monthly or quarterly payments. T. BULLOCK. Lecture. rpOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEB. 24th, 1860. PROFESSOR HUGHES WILL DELIVER HIS POPULAR LECTURE .Entitled — “THOMAS MOORE,” Poet, Author, and Musician, Illustrated with MELODIES SUNG BY MISS. PAU LINE BEST, AND VIOLIN SOLOS BY PROFESSOR HUGHES. The net proceeds will he given to the suffering poor in Ireland, Professor Hughes having already forwarded the sum of L 59 14s. Gd. Doors open at 7.30, to commence at 8. Admission—3s., 25., and Is. Books containing words of the songs, 6d. Meetings. UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. IN consequence of the sitting of the Assessment Court on the 27th inst., the Sleeting of the Ratepayers for the election of a member in the place of the late Mr. Charles Reid has been POST PONED till the day following (28th instant). ROBT. D. PULLAR, 509 g Clerk. UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. MEETING OF RATEPAYERS. A MEETING of the Ratepayers of this Road District will take place on FRIDAY, the 27th inst., at 10 o’clock a.m., in the Road Board Office, for the purpose of electing a member in the room of the late Mr. Charles Reed. A Foil, if demanded, will be held the same day, and close at 4 o’clock p. in. DONALD McLEAN, Chairman. Road Board Office, 487 g Westorfield, 10th February, 1880. Tenders. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL., RENDERS are invited for the f L ing WORKS & 1. Approaches to North Ashburton River Bridge, near DJ^uy’s. 2. Main Delhi near Wheatstone. 3. Main Brain near jJawson’a and EcirsJßoads. j? Plans and fspecificatplis to be seen Council's qpices, an#tendcrs addressed the Chairman to b#seut not later than . o’clock, a|n. oniWEDNESDAY, 3rd ARCH n|xt. / By order, # I WILLIAM BAXTER, s County Engineer. Ashburlopf 23rd February, 1880. 536 g CARTING. TENDERS are invited for Carting 100,000 bushels grain. Particulars can be obtained from MR. E. SAUNDERS, Dundas ; MR. H. W. PARSON, Seafield; Or 464 a SAUNDERS BROS. Y. R. COURT HOUSE, ASHBURTON. Public Works Office, Christchurch, February 10th, 1880. nnENDERS arc invited for the Erection of a Court House at Ashburton. General conditions, specifications and drawings may be seen at the Public Works Office, Christchurch, and Post Office, Ashburton. Tenders addressed to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, and marked outside “ Tender for Court House, Ash burton,” will be received at this office up to noon on TUESDAY, March 2nd, 1880. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By command, A. D. AUSTIN, 53c-503g District Engineer, P.W. THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. ADVERTISEMENTS received for the GUARDIAN up to 9 p.m. at the scale charges, afterwards at double rates for insertion over the leader]



Public Notices. NOTICE. TO MERCHANTS, STOREKEEPERS, AND OTHERS. A EL CLAIMS against the estate of the A late CHARLES REED, Esq., of Wcstoifiold, must be scut in by Feb. 2D, 1880, to the undersigned, addressed to Westerfield. 68c-515g C. F. REED. NOTICE. I will not be responsible for any DEBTS contracted by my wife after date, she having loft my home of her own will. T. P. GLEE 50N, Hinds River, Feb. 12, 1880. 504g-54c THE EDUCATION BOARD OF THE DISTRICT OF NORTH CANTERBURY. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES. THE householders of the under-men tioned school districts, that is to say, the districts of Ashburton Forks, Kyle, Longbeach, Mount Somers, Seatield, Tinwald, Willowby, Having failed to elect Committees at the annual meeting held on 26th January, the Board, in pursuance of the powers in that behalf conferred by the Education Act, 1877, section 66, hereby directs that a PUBLIC MEETING of the householders in every such district be held on MON DAY, the twenty-second day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighty, at seven o’clock in the evening, for the election in each district of seven house holders (section 64) to form the Committee for such district for the year ending with the fourth Monday in January next. The place of meeting shall be the schoolhouse in each district, and this is understood to mean the main schoolhouse in any district which has more than one school. The Board further directs that the first meeting of each school committee be hold in the place appointed for the election, and immediately after the election upon the same evening. J. Y. COLBORNE YEEL, Secretary. Christchurch, 21st Feb., 1880. 538 g WHEAT. THE undersigned are Cash Purchasers of Wheat in any quantity. Farmers can arrange to ship Wheat through us to the English Market, on terms, and re ceive liberal cash advances thereon. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Ashburton. OATS. The undersigned are Purchasers of Oats for Cash in any quantity. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Ashburton. BARLEY. The undersigned arc Cash Purchasers of Prime Malting Samples, good color. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Per G. M. ROBINSON, 5390 Ashburton. GRAIN. M ESSRS. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO. are prepared to PURCHASE GRAIN or to make ADVANCES ON GRAIN consigned to them for sale or ship ment. C. PERCY COX, Agents for ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 493 g Ashburton. Y. R. DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTION, SUMNER, CANTERBURY. THE Government having secured suit able accommodation at Sumner, Canterbury, for the proposed Institution for the Education and Training of Deaf mutes, Mr. and Mrs. Van Asch will be prepared to receive pupil boarders at the Institution on tlmlst March, 1880. Full on applica tion or to the Secre- several Education Boards. By order, JOHN HLSLOP, Secretary. Education Department, Wellington, 2nd February, 1880. 485 g REAPERS AND BINDERS. Employment machines. for any number of Apply SAUNDERS BROS. NOTICE. W E have to request a prompt seitle icnt of a Largo number of over • due and nig standing accounts, otherwise legal proceedings will be taken to recover same. WEEKS '& DIXON. “ Herald and Guardian ” office, Feb. 10th, 1880. M R. FRANCIS PHILIP O’REILLY, BaBBISTEB, SoLICITOE, & CONVEYANCES, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON, Next Messrs. Orr and Co.’s. 3G2g THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. in the Country are particularly requested to communicate with the Publishers if their papers are not properly addressed. The number of Sub scribers has increased so rapidly that un less great care is taken in giving orders as to address and how to be sent, the papers may be left at the wrong place. All orders vill receive our prompt attention. WEEKS AND DIXON, Proprietors.



Business Notices. T. B. HODDER & COMPy’S GREAT CLEARING SALE, Previous to their STOCK TAKING, COMMENCES Friday Next, Feb, 27 And will continue for ONE MONTH!!! ESPECIAL BARGAINS. Throughout all the Soft Goods Departments. A large lot of REMNANTS—Shirting, Flannel, Sheeting, Carpetings, Tweeds, Doeskins, Dress Stuffs, &c., &c. Ladies’ Millinery, Costumes, Jackets, Capes, Underclothing &0., at Great deductions. Boys’, Youths’, and Men’s Clothing. English and Colonial Colored Shirts. Flannel unders, &c., &c. SPLENDID VALUE FOR THE MONEY Several lines in this Department LESS THAN ENGLISH COST PRICE, being bought during the depression from over stocked Markets. TAILORING DEPARTMENT In connection with the above, under the Superintendence of an experienced Lon don Military cutter. For price, style, workmanship, and perfect fit not to be surpassed in the colony. Ladies’ Habits and Mantles. Mourning and Wedding orders attended to with Dispatch. Military Uniforms. Contracts taken for any Volunteer Corps in New Zealand T. R. U. & Co. Knowing that the Public may get wrong impressions by QUANTITIES AND PRICES BEING QUOTED, HAVE ARRANGED TO GIVE UPON ACTUAL CASH PAYMENTS IN THE DRAPERY, MIL LINERY, Clothing, and Boot Depart ments, the liberal Discount of TWO SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE IN THE POUND upon all Parcels over ten shillings, in addition to the Reduced Prices. Cash, for One Month Only. T. R. HODDER & COMPANY’S ENGLISH and AMERICAN SEWING MACHINE DEPOT. A complete assortment of Hand and Treadle Lock-Stitch Sewing Machines. T. B. Hodder & Company are appointed agents for Wanzeb Machines, that have gained such preference in Dunedin and South Canterbury, also for ihe Improved Wbrtheim, allowed to be one of the best Machines used in the Largest Factories. SINGER’S and WILSON’S TREADLES, With their peculiar advantages. TAYLOR’S and HOME TREASURE HAND-SEWING MACHINES, Simple in working and' of great durability. Extras of every description with the above. CASH, OR ON DEFERRED PA YMENTS T. R. HODDER AND COMPANY.