COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports on the horse maiket for the week ending Saturday, Marvh 21 : There was a larger entry of horses than for some weeks past, also a better attendance of farmers and other settlers. A large proportion of the horses were rather light and of an m ' ferior description, consequently only low prices were obtained. There appears to be a scarcity of really good medium draughts suitable for all • - kinds of form work, as every week there are , several enquiries, but very few are offered for sale- 28 horses were entered for the day s sale, out of which I sold 14 at the following prices, viz.:—Medium draughts three-year-olds unbroken, rather light, L 9 t° Dio ios ; two year-olds, rather better, a pair at Lio 103 each ; light, harness horses of a pretty good : Stamp, L 8 to Lio 10s ; yearlings, L 4 15s to 'LS ss; hacks, inferior, a few changed hands at low prices. Second-hand dray, Lis. —Landed Properties: I offered a number of town, Suburban. Tinwald and other properties, but although there was a good attendance, never theless biddings were extremely languid. There • appears to be little or no inclination to pur £ chase properties just now, except at much • lower prices than sel ers are prepared to take, and 1 am afraid that those wishi g to di-pose ; of their property must make up thtir minds to accept io er prices. Out of the list offered I only succeeded in selling town section 837, . fronting Aitken street, for the sum of L3B. ’ There has been private offers made for some of the other properties, which are likely to change hands. ■

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction sales. Tub-dat, March 24 Messrs Matson, Cox and C , at the Tinwald Saleyarda— Stock Thursday, March 26 Messrs Miles and Co , at ‘ the Tinwald Yards— Sheep Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Sheep MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, March 28 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Wednesday, March 26 Ashburton Building and Investment So ciety—Annual Meeting, Arcade Cham bers, at 3 o’clock Oddfellows’ Hall—Miss Wa d and Com pany, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., meeting at 8 o’clock Thursday, March 26 Tinwald Saleyarda— Annual Kam and Ewe Fair Friday, March 27. isnburton County Council —At Oounci; Chambers, 11 a. m. Saturday, March 28. Ashburton Caledonian Society—Annual Meeting, at the “ Lyitleton Times” office, at 7.30 Monday, March 30. Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.O. D., at 8 o’clock Friday, April 3 Oddfellows’ Hall—Baptist Church Anni ‘ versary Tea Meeting Town Hall—“ Messiah,” at 8 o’clock Saturday, April 4 ffakanni Bead Board, at Bead Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Friday, Apjil 10. Lonbgeach Boad Board at Eoad Board Office. _

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows•• „ , . For Christchurch and Isortn at o a.ni. 10.80 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dnnedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, «nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. •Ster Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima-ra and South, at 6 a.m., 10 «um., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Groenstreet and Ashburton 'Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 • *’For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6. SO a. m. For Hount Somers, on Tuesdays and !-. -aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur -fays, at-6 a.m. For Aahtcn, Watorton and Longbeach, aft 4.30 p.m. daily. , For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. i : For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. Maiiw arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 fc'm,. 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertaey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. J , From Dunedin and intermediate places *t ~-.m. daily. Froxrf Temuka andTimaru at 10.40a.m o-dO p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. . From Green street and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 lor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays it 5 p.m. , , jprom Mayfield, on Tuesdays and batur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. . _ . From Newlands, on Tuesdays ana Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Ihurs -1 days, and Saturdays, at 10 a,m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat- I o ' ays, at 4 p. m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1885.

Messrs Robert Alcorn and Hugo Fried lander, J.P.’s, presided at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning.—James Miller, charged with larceny, was re manded uniil Friday next, bail being accepted, Robert Hunter, for drunken ness, was fined 90s and costs, with the alternative of 48 hours’ imprisonment, and another inebriate, a first offender, was severely cautioned and discharged. Tha agricultural statistics for the County of Wainiate have been published. The land under crop of wheat is this year given as 14,749 acres, a decrease as comp pared with the previous year of 8,981 acres. In oats the increase is 3,122 acres. A slight increase is shown in land under crop of barley; on the other hand, how ever, there is a slight decrease of land under potatoes. The estimated wheht produce this year is 401,203 bushels, a. decrease of no less than 242,977 bushels on the estimate for last year. As against this, oats show an increase for 1885 of 180,139 bushels on the estimate for lcß4, this year’s estimate being 669,043 bushels. Barley is estimated at 47,810 bushels, as against 48,068 for 1884, a decrease of 258 bushels. Plantations of forest trees show an increase from 77 acres in 1884 to 660 acres in 18i5.

Owners at a distance are reminded that entries for the Ashburton Racing O üb's Autumn Meeting must bo made to the Secretary, Mr S. Saunders, by 9 p.m on Thursday next. We are pleased to notice that another effort is being made to ameliorate the con dition of our suffering equine servants. Mr Thomas Edgar Paar, of Tenui, Wairarapa, a practical blacksmith, has applied for a patent for an invention for shoeing horses with indiarubber shoes. We know nothing of tha merits of Mr Paar’s in vention, but the demerits of the farrier’s art, as at present practised, are notorious.

The turret clock erected over Mr Mur ray’s place of business in East street, which was briefly referred to it? our last issue, was started on Saturday afternoon, having, we believe, been wholly con structed by Mr Murray and his assistants, 5 with the exception of Jthe metal castings to form the bed of the clock which were obtained from a Christchurch foundry, from patterns made by Mr Kilworth, of this town The working parts are made from gun metal, brass and tempered steel, and reflect the greatest credit on the manufacturer, alike fop their substantial appearance and the excellent workman ship displayed in the finish. Considerable ingenuity is required to construct a large clock suitable to this changeable climate ; * that such an end has been attained will speedily be ascertained, but Mr Murray has spent his leisure during some five m nths in working out the various parts of the clock so that its accuracy i.» almost assured. 9 The dial plate is constructed of enamel, - and is 30 inches in diameter, and is placed about 20 feet from the works of the clock, the latter being erected in the ■ centre of the building, where the least vibration from strong wind, etc., is felt. - The hands are attached to the works by a half-inch iron rod, which can be worked from almost any angle by means of an universal joint, and a peculiar arrange ment by which the contraction and ex pension of the rod is Compensated. Toe principle upon which the timepiece is re gulated is that known as “Graham’s dead beat escapement,” with a spring train remontoire, and is calculated to keep time to within two or three seconds per week. The hands are made to move by an intermittent —every half-minute instead ,of a continuous motion, the pen dulum and only one wheel having continuous movement. The pendu . lum is made on Baylis’s principle of com penaation, and weighs about 501ba, and is 72 inches in length. Mr Murray esti mates the cost of the clock at about LSO, at which price a similar timepiece could not be imported. Remenyi, on being interviewed by an Auckland Star reporter, said;—Of course, my impressions are personal, and I can tell you them perfectly, if briefly. Any one who is and has been received with exceeding kindness, as I have been, naturally forms most favorable ideas of the colonies. Anyone who is not so well received, it is needless to say, will be likely to entertain contrary opinions. I am philosopher enough, however, even if not well received, to find out that these colonies have a tremendous future, and, as for New Zealand, it is certainly one of ' the most wonderful countries I over saw. ■ As to its climate, it is a perfect paradise, fit for gods to live in. A special meeting of the Ashburton Borough Ooqp/jil will be held at the Council Chambers, Library Rmldings, at 7.3 ) this evening to confirm a resolution passed at the special meeting of the Council held on 9th instant in reference to the annual rate. The Bruce Herald says ,— Christchurch seems to be the rendezvous of a majority of the chronic dead beats of the cdlony. Noma ter how plentiful work may be in other localities/the cry of the unem ployed is invariably heard .there every season. A concert and dance will be given at the Hinds schoolroom on Friday next, the proceeds to be applied in aid of the sphool funds. Mr Sydney Wolf, R.A.M., will act as musical dxiector. Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”— Ask for Wells’ “Roughen Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. The N,Z. Drug Co,, General Agents. . Colds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly r Baxter’s “Lung Preserve'., cured by usu. —Heine is pleasant to this old-established m„ • - Members of (he palate, and highly extolled by . • -.1. the medical and clerical profession. Keau vertisement. | Another unfortunate.—Again \vc must draw ( the a tention of our readers to the fact that a | Aa,424 stock of Clotning ant] General itra- . pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank- 1 njpt, was purchased by 11. E. May a Co., of the Hall, High street, for A9S4> or only a a little over one-third of Us value. H. E. M. f and Co. a.e now selling it at half hi marked price, which surely ought to secure a speedy }i clearance, C

Our Chertsey correspondent writes: The residents cf Chertaey are to be con gratulated on the progress which their Library has made during the past year. A. few months ago, an order for books to the value of over LlB was sent to Eng land through a Christchurch firm of booksellers. Since then, from time to time instalments of the order have duly arrived, and last week, the final portion of the order about Ll2 worth c 'me to hand. The selection consists of choice copies of now editions of the fallowing popular authors, viz : —Wallace, Maxwall, Hughes, Jerrold, Lytton, Lever, Hesanl, and Rice, Thackery, Dickens, ‘teorga Eliott, Cobbett, Trollope, Black, and Hugh Miller, besides an a sr.rlraont of moral and religious works. Altogether, rhe selection is an excellent one, and ought to stimulate non-subscribers to join the institution at once. A subscription to such an institution cannot fail to prove a good investment. The N.Z, Times says :—There is no foundation at all for the rumor that Mr Blackett is about, to retire from the office of Bngineer-in-Chief of the colony. As to the other change in the Public Works Department, which was also rumored, namely, in the position of Under-Secre o e f a r y, we find (hat. the only foundation for the rumor is that the Under-Secretary is going on a short leave of absence and that, Mr Mackay, an officer who has filled several positions of trust in the depart ment during many years, has been de j puted to carry on the work till he returns. Lord Wolseley has telegraphed the fol lowing particulars of Lord Charles Berea ford’a rescue of Colonel Wilson :—“When the steamer had gone down the river about three miles, a battery of the enemy on the left bank opened fire upon it. The steamer returned the fire, which was kept up while it was anchored for repairs. Meanwhile, Colonel Wilson, with a small party, took four guns and landed on the right tank. The marched down the river directly opposite the battery, put their guns into position and opened fire. Much assistance was thu* rendered to Lord Charles in keeping the fire of the enemy down, and at sunset Colonel Wil son and party marched three miles farther down the river and halted for the night, and were there joined by Lord Charles the following arming. The steamer meanwhile had another engagement with the rebel battery, but succeeded in pass ing it without serious harm. Colonel Wilson and party were again taken on hoard, and the steamer proceeded to

Gubat withou 1 further difficulty. 1 uring the passage from the island to Gubat one man was killed and seven injured.” Lord Wo seley conc'udes his despatch with these words ; “ I jannot speak too highly of the pluck of Lord Charles Beresford and party. Colonel WiLon’s men like wise behaved admirably, and with the

usual determination of Englishmen ” Notice is given in the current number of the New Zealand Gazette of the inten tion of Christ’s College, Canterbury, to present a petition to the General Assem bly next session, praying for leave to introduce a Bill to enable the Corporation of the College to expend farther sums in buildings, and for better defining trusts

and purposes upon which certain lauds are held in connection with the said College. The meeting of persons interested in the formation of a Football Club convened for Saturday evening at Quill’s Hotel was well attended, about twenty-five persons being present. Mr W. Fox occupied the chair, and it was unanimously resolved to form the proposed Club. A prolonged discussion ensued as to the name of the Club, “ Montecilio ” being ultimately agreed to. The entrance fee was fixed at 2s Cd, and the subscription at 2s per month for each member. The following ' dicers were elected:—President, Mr D. Thomas ; Vice-President, Mr J. A. Cay gill ; Captain, Mr W. Fox; Vice-Captain, Mr James Pauling ; Hon,. (Secretary and Treasurer, Mr F. Sevan ; Committee : Messrs J. Wedge, J. Hepburn, T. odd and the officers of the Club. The Secre tary was requested to apply to the East Christchurch Football Club for a copy of its rules and a copy of the revised Rugby rules. It was decided to open the foot ball season with a scratch match in the Domain betweent sides chosen on the ground by the Captain and Vice-Captain, on Saturday next; play to commence at 4 p.m. The Committee of the v.lub will meet at Quill’s Hotel on Tuesday evening, at 7 30 p.m., for the purpose of drafting rules, arranging for a match and disposing of other business.

It is gratifying to find that amidst the present depression we have at least one’ burgess in our midst who is determined to show his fellows that his faith in the future of Ashburton is in no way shaken. To-day we had the plaasure of visiting Mr Alfred Harrison’s auction rooms and

yards, to which great additions have lately been made, and which are now almost completed The sale room, measuring 66£t by 30ft, gives a very pleasant im pression upon entering the spacious doors, (being splendidly lighted from the roof; the whole of the interior is painted a light buff, while the heavy beams are picked out with blue and red, which adds greatly to the effect. Special care and

consideration has been bestowed upon ventilation, which is provided in a multi tude of ways in the roof and skyligots, and no dobut Mr Harrison’s efforts to secure the comfort of his visitors in his sale room will be appreciated. Another ad dition worthy of mention is the arrange ment for hanging carcase pork, in which, Mr Harrison informs us, ha does a con siderable trade during the curing season. Additions also are in preparation to the pig, poultry, and cattle pens, and when finished we have no hesitation in saying the while will form one of the most care fully arranged saieyards in Canterbury. We need hardly add that these improve ments have been dictated by experience, and we have no doubt as to their future usefulness. Mr Richard Bird is the archi tect and Messrs Barnes and ’ smith the contractors.

Our cablegrams this evening announce the death of Sir Harry Smith Parkes, K. 0.8., British Minister at Pekin. The deceased was a son of Harry Parkes, Esq., of Birshill’s Hall, Staffordshire, where he was born in 1828. Be was educated at the City of London school. He entered the civil nervine of the Crown in 1852, being attached to the suite of Sir Henry Pottinger m China ; and he served in various consulates until 1854, when he was nominated Consul at Amoy. Ho accompanied dir John Bowring to Siam as Seoietary, and came to England with the Siamese Treaty in 1865, return ing with ratifications the following year. From 1856 to 1858 he acted as Consul at Canton, and he was commissioner at Can ton during the allied occupation, 1858 61, being created a Companion of the Bath (1869) in recognition of his services. He served as joint Chinese Secretary to the Earl of Elgin »n the expedition of 1860, and while engaged in negotiations under a flag of truce he was imprisoned and in humanly treated by the Chinese. In 18(J2 ha was appointed Consul at Sang, hae, and promoted to thp rapk of K O.fi. In 1865 he was nominated Envoy-Extra ordinary and Minjrter-Pleaipotentiauy and Consul-General in Japan In 1872 he came to Eng and, but at the com mencement of the following rear he re turned to Japan, being engaged to d > his -'•»V the difficulties which bese' be t o ... _ •- g mntiy, and missionary work la —Hadon of being also charged with the neg.. treaties between Japan and no fewer than thirteen European natives. Drowsiness, biliousness, pains and aches, and ague, Hop Hillers always cures il ran eby American Co. Head. Hop Hitlers gives good digestion, active liyer, good circulation and buoyant spirits. Get the only genuine American’s Co’s. Beach

Mr Donald McLean, by advertisement in this issue, invites tenders for thatching a number of stacks.

Ob Saturday evening an accident oc curred, by which Mr John Bennett, a well-known farmer in the Wakanui dis trict lost his life. It appears that about 9 p.tn , Mr Bennett left bis brother's re sidence in Trevorton, with a horse and dray, intending to proceed to his own home. At a point on the Hivar road, about six miles from Ashburton and five from the deceased’s f >rm, where the County Councd protective works are in progress, the road has been intersected by the river, leaving an abrupt embankment of nine or ten fee on each side. At about ten o’clock yesterday morning, the horse and dray driven from Trevorton by the deceased were discovered by a lad named Parker, upset and lying at the foot of this intersection. On a closer examina tion, Parker noticed the body of a man lying underneath the dray, and the lad immediately hurried to Ashburton and gave information to the police. Constable Smart at once proceeded to the scene of

the accident and found the deceased, as represented by the lad Parker, lying quite dead, with his face buried in the sand, and the wheel and side of the dray across his back Death evidently had been in stantaneous, and although a medical exa mination has not yet been made there are reasons to believe deceased’s spine was broken by the fall. The horse attached to the dray had fallen on its back, and remained in that position until released by Constable Smart and Messrs Leatham, Wakelin, and Tait, who also removed the body of deceased to his late residence, where an inquest will be held before Mr Hugo Friedlander, J.P., at 5 o’clock this evening. Mr Bennett had been resident in. the Wakanui district for nearly thirteen years, and leaves a wife and family and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Owing to the absence of Mr Baddeley, 8.M., at Vkaroa, the “railway-crossing cases ” will not be taken until next week, probably onday, 30th instant. At the special meeting of the Wakanui Road Board, beld on Saturday morning, Mr Vvalsh called at'ention to the danger ous condition of the river ro'ad at the point where, later in the day, the accident occurred by which Mr John Bennett lost his life. Mr A. H. Shury has again landed a very fine trout out of the river, which turns the scale at s£lbs. Holloways Pxlis.—Nervous Debility.— No part of the human machine requires more, watching' than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and life itself. These pills are the best regulators and strengtheners of the nerves, and the safest general purifiers. Nau sea, headache, giddiness, numbness, and men tal apathy yield to them. They dispatch in a summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious appetites and confined bowels—the commonly accompanying signs of defective or deranged nervous power. Hollo way’s Pills are particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually sink into a nervous and debilitated state, unless such restorative be occa sionally taken.—[Advt.]

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, March 10. The latest intelligence from Afghanistan is to the effect that the Russian troops are menacing the towns of the frontier. A collision between the Russian and Afghan troops is regarded as imminent. London, March 12. -The proposed International Conference on telegraphic matters will probably be postponed until 1886 London, March 13.

In the House of Commons last night Mr Gladstone, in answering a question, said that the Government would endeavor to secure a fair share of the northern portion of New Guinea. Mr Seth GorSt, member for Chatham, and Mr Torrens, member for Finsbury, criticised the cessions made in New Guinea by Mr Gladstone.

Replying to a question in the House of Commons last night, Mr Gladstone stated that the position of affairs between Great Britain and Russia remained unchanged. The Czar had repeated his pacific assur ances, but there was reason to believe that the advance of Russian troops still con tinued.

London, March 15,

The official liquidator in the Oriental Bank has announced that those accepting a compromise, which has been already announced, before July, will receive a second dividend in September, and pro bably the remainder will (ultimately be paid in full. The Czar has written to the Emperor of Germany denying that peace is endan gered by the present complications, and exoressing a confident hope that the diffi culty will be averted. In the commercial circles in England great disquietude still exists, and shippers to Australia are insuring against war risks.

London, March 17. Mr Blyth, Agent-General for South Australia, in speaking at the Royal Colo nial Institute last night advocated a sys tem of complete self-government for the Australian colonies

The members of the Dublin City Ooun cil have decided not to accord any official welcome to the Prince and Princess ol Wales during their intended visit to Ire. land,

Hong Kong, March IC.

The Bothwell Castle, barque, from Newcastle, which left that port for Petro paulovski on the 17th November, ran on a reef off Ngarik Islands, and became a total wreck. The captain and crew were saved. The Ngarik Islands lie to the eastern side of the group of Pacific Islands known as the Caroline Islands.

THE RELIGIOUS CRAZE.

[by telegraph], Auckland, To-day.

A strange religious orazs is rampant among the northern natives. A Maori prophetess at Kawakawa has fixed the beginning of the millennium on the 28th inst Crowds daily wait on her and fully credit her prophesy. At Hokianga a thonga has arisen who states that Christ, the Mediator, is only for the pakeha, and unless the Maoris adopt his plan of salvation they will perish. Burnt offerings of dogs, cats and owls have been made. These burnt offerings, however, are only preliminary and typical of a great sacri * fice, which is to take place within a few days on an altar now building, according to the design adopted in the time of Moses. Tha victim appointed is a well featured girl, the daughter of the high priest himself, who is a consenting party, she having expressed her willingness to die for the benefit ot her race and people. The police have visited the settlement, and their report confirms the statement made regarding the extent of the hallu cination Steps will be taken to prevent the proposed homicide.

NEW SOUTH WALES CONTINGENT

Sydney, March 18. Parliament was opened at noon to day, with the usual formalities. The Gover nor’s speech stated that Parliament was called together at the earliest opportunity, for the sole purpose of taking the neces sary steps to sanction the cou-se re cently adopted by Ministers in sending troops to the Soudan. The speech goes on to say, “In conveying to England for the first time in our history the offer of assistance in military undertak ngs it was necessary under the circumstances that the proposal should he of help imme diately available. To have postponed the offer till Parliament had been consulted as to propriety of its being made, and to have invited Parliament to make provision for carrying the matter into effect, would have necessarily had the result of render ing it useless, but at the earliest period after the despatch of assistauce had been deemed desirable, it was decided to sub mit the action of the Government to the consideration of Parliament. It is a sub-

ject of the highest gratification that the course which has been pursued has awakened the strongest feelings of loyalty and devotion to the Throne and to the Empire, and evoked a sentiment of. ad miration and gratitude in the Mother Country, which cannot fail in the produc tion of greater benefit.” Both Houses adjourned until the usual hour this after noon.

Contributions to the Patriotic Fund continue to be received.

When the Assembly met Mr Badgery moved the Address in Beply, which en dorsad the action of the Government. He did so, though a prominent member of the Opposition. His belief was that this was a question concerning which all party feeling should be set aside. He considered

the vast majority of the people would approve the action of the Government. Mr Furness seconded the Address. An amendment was moved by Mr Clark, dis senting from the Government action. The amendment was supported by Mr Buch anan, who. however, considered the speech of Mr Clark puerille, and was him self in favor as soon as possible of separ ating from England, Mr Melville, as a patriot and an Australian, voted with the Government, though a meeting of his con stituents asked him to vote against the Government. Mr Mitchell supported the Address, but Mr Burns declared his in tention to vote for the amendment. He characterised the action of the Govern ment as unconstitutional, illegal and un necessary. Mr Dibbs, Colonial Treasurer, made a lengthy speech, and contended that the Government acted constitution ally. Mr Wisdom followed, and dis avowing all loyalty, denied that the honor of England was at stake He thought the Government proceedings were gtossly illegal, and believed that Mr Dailey was actuated by impulsive recklessness.

CRUELLY ILL-TREATING CHILDREN.

Dunedin, Last Night

To-night’s Star gives the following par ticulars of a gross case of cruelty to children on the part of a father and step mother, which has caused amongst the neighbors at Kensington an excitement almost equal to that of the Wain case : ‘ The father is an expressman, named Alexander Fleming, and his first wife died in June' last. In November be married Caroline Condon, and entrusted to her care the children by his first marriage—John, aged eleven ; Mary, nine ; and Isabella, five. Recently the immediate neighbors of Mr and Mrs Fleming entertained sus picions that the children received more whippings than they deserved, but it was not until the last few days back that they were made cognisant of the nature of the beatings. Facts have now come out which leave it a matter beyond all doubt that the children have been subjected to brutal usage, and that with little or no provoca tion. A Mrs Greatrex seems to have put the police on the alert in regard to the case, and Sergeant Macdonnell, from information which he received from her last night, proceeded with Constable Walton to Fleming’s house. The former at once took it upon himself to make an examination of the children, and he found marks of such severe whippings that he ' took charge of them, and had them exa mined by Dr Ferguson. This medical gentleman afterwards gave the following certificate : —“ I hereby certify that at the request of SergeaatjMacdonnell, of South Dunedin, I have this evening examined John, Mary, and Isabella Fleming, the children of Alexander Fleming, residing in Kensington. Their bodies present in dications of their having been cruelly beaten, being covered with red angry streaks or lines from the head to the feet. There are marks of bruises of old stand ing on different parts of the bodies.” This morning we were afforded an oppor tunity of seeing the children, and were horrified by a sight of marks Jwhioh could only be the result of s hippings equal to the lash prescribed for hardened criminals. From head to foot the unfortunate chil dren were covered with excoriations, and in many of the cuts there were signs of blood. Not a portion of the bodies, with the exception of the faces, had escaped stripes, which must have caused intense agony. The children were bright, intelli gent, and good-looking, and from their demeanour, we should judge that they would take their place among the best behaved in any community. The boy in formed us . that bis injuries were caused by the beatings of his father and mother, the latter having beaten him last evening, and the former a few days ago. The girl, Mary, told a similar story, but the younger one would not state how she re ceived the fearful cuts and bruises all over her. Mrs Wall, who has lived next door to the Flemings for the last six weeks, has heard the children beaten almost daily, and Mrs Lamb, the previous tenant, saw the boy beaten several times by Mrs Fleming, who bad also threat ened more than once to murder them. The children have been attending the Kensington public school, and get an ex cellent character for obedience and re spectfulness from the head teacher, Mr Moore. Fleming and his wife were brought up at the Police Court to-day on one of several informations which have been laid against them. They were de fended by Mr Maogregor. Dr Fergusoa, in his evidence, said he had been told the lashings were given with a cartjwhip. The children had received a cruel beating. He had never seen children so tortured be fore, and hoped he never would again. The charge was remanded till Wed nesday, and the children, sat the request of the police, and with the consent of the parents, given into the custody of their aunt

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

BATTLE OF HASHEEN

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Suakim, March 21.

The accounts to hand of the battle which took place yesterday in the neigh borhood of Hasheen with the rebels under Osman Digna, in which the British were victorious on all points, give the latter’s loss twenty-two killed and forty-four wounded. London, March 21. Graham telegraphs to the War Office from Suakim that he yesterday cleared in- " rr >und Hasheen of rebels, alter sevMC fighting. The enemy numbered ) tom I lousand, fnd suffered a heavy loss. After the battle they retired to ]

Tamai. General Graham farther stated that a zareeba had been formed at Hasheen, with the Surrey regiment and a battery of Artillery with six guns, as. a garrison. The remainder of the troops returned to camp. (Received March 23,12.45 p.m.) Sxjakim, March 22. A considerable force, under the com mand of Major-General McNeill, started from this place this morning. The force formed into two squares; 'pro ceeded in the direction of Tamai. When arrived there it will construct zareebas, and the Berkshire regiment will remain to garrison the position, the rest of the force returning to the camp. News has since been received that a large body of rebels left Osman Digna’s head quarters with the inten tion of intercepting. McNeill’s force, but the movement, being observed from the British zareebas at Hasheen, a heavy canonade was made upon them, with the result ' that the advance was checked, and a large number of the enemy was killed and wounded.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(brCTER’s TSIiKQKAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, March, 20.

Consols remain at New -Zea land securities :—Five per cent 10-40 loan is quoted i®3>£, ex div; Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 loan 101 ex div, being a decline of 15s; Four per cent inscribed stock, at being an advance of 15s. Colonial breadstuffs- —Adelaide wheat, ex store, has declined to 365. Wheat afloat for the United Kingdom, 2,760,000 -quar ters, being an increase of, 40,000 during the week. Tallow—Australian, aver age quality, beef has declined by 6d to 31s 6d ; mutton remains at 335. London, March 21.

Consols remain at 98 }4i New Zea land securities, colonial breadstuff’s and tallow remain at yesterday’s quotations.

Wool Sales-

At to-day’s auction a firm tone pre vailed, and the catalogue, comprised 10,500 bales. Crossbreds are now ruling fully half-penny higher than at the close of last auctions. The .market continues firm. To-day’s catalogue comprised, 11,300 bales.

Frozen Mutton.

New Zealand frozen mutton, prime quality, is now realising 6j£d per lb, being an advance of a farthing during the week.

Eechuanalaud.

.In the House of Commons tOrday the Hon Evelyn Ashley, Under Secre tary for the colonies, announced that Government had received information from the Cape that Colonel Warren has succeeded in effecting a settlement of the native difficulty in Stellaland, and was hopeful that he would be able to arrive at a pacific arrangement of affairs in the land of Goschen, Bechuanaland.

Accepted. JBkc.-sels, March . 21. King Leopold 11. has formally an nounced his acceptance of the .title- of Sovereign ot the Congo, a State formed by the International African Associa tion.

(Received March 23, 12.60 pTm.) Obituary. ’ Hong Kosg, Mprch 22,

News has been received here an nouncing the death of Sir Harry Parkes, the British Minister at Pekin, aged S7._

AUSTRALIAN.

(eKCTER’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.) Shipping. Melbohen*, Saturday. Arrived, this morning—The steam ship Orient, from Plymouth, Cricket. The match between Shaw’s English Eleven and a team representing Com bined Australia commenced on the Mel bourne Club ground to-day in the pre sence of a large number of spectators. The weather was fine, and the ground was in first-class order, an excellent wicket being available. The - Austral ian captain won the toss and sent* his men to the wickets first. The princi pal scorers were—Bruce, bowled, 15; Giffeo, bowled, 13.; Jarvis, caught, 13; Spofforth, bowled, 50; Trumblei not out, 34. The Australians were all dis posed of for a total of 164, and the Englishmen went to the wickets. Scotton and Barns, the first representa tives, made a good stand, and when time was-called the score stood* at 44 without the loss of a wicket, Scotton being 21, Barnes 19 (not out). The match will be continued on Monday.

TELEGRAMS.

'> (PRa PBBBS .ASSOCIATION.] [’ Enthusiastic Reception. ’ Auckland, East Night. 6 The Auckland Volunteers have decided " to give (he returning Rifle and Carbine r champions an- enthusiastic reception. A r general parade has been ordered for Mon ! day. Q Sporting. 9 Forerunner was scratched for all en -9 gagementa at the Auckland Autumn Meeting at 1 p.m. to-day. . ' Horticultural Society. The Auckland Horticultural Society ’ held a show to-day. One thousand per | sons visited it. There are one hundred ’ and fifty more entries than last year. The 3 display of fruit was magnificent, and that 1 of apulea is said to be unequalled in the 3 colony. Native Meeting. > New Plymouth, Last night. 9 Fully 1,600 natives passed through 9 town at 10.30 am. They are headed by 9 T-tokowaru. The cavalcade was nearly a mile in length, consisting of 60 expresses and spring carts, 800 horsemen and 600 natives on foot. They proceeded to Man ’ gane Pah, two miles from town, and re -1 main theie for two or three days. A large crowd of Europeans assembled nt the Pah to-day to witness the proceedings* but nothing was done except feasting on mux sela, potatoes, etc, such being tho-prinoi pal fare. Inquests. . , Wanganui, Saturday. At the inquest to-day on John Higgle a verdict of “ Died from alcoholic poison ing ” was returned At the inquest on the young man killed yesterday a verdict of “ Accidental death " was returned. Accident- A boy tea years of age named John Tellwell fell down Shakespeare’s Cliff and broke his leg and received other injuries. Drowned. Wanganui, To-day; A fisherman named A. F. fccotleyaad a Maori known as “ Toby," while out fishing in the bar were drowned this morning. Divorce. A divorce case, Mcbellan v MoLellan, a wife’s petition, is before the Chief Jus tice to day.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1885,



ri ASHBURTON COUNTY I STOCK AND S A LEY ARDS COMPANY (Limited), la prepared to Dip Sheep IN largo or etna*.’ l° ta at *bo following scale of charges : For the first 500 sheep, one penny each For the second 500 shC e P» °ne half penny each second 1,000 sheep, one farthing each For flocks of over 2,000 special arrange ments will be made. The material used will be charged for in-addition to the Above. GEORGS JAMESON, 3 207 Secretary. Groceries , CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancrbd Street. Sugars —English Cut Loaf. per lb Best White Crystal, S|d per lb Best Snowdrop, 41 per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is fid, 2s, 2s fid, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s fid per box Canterbury Oakes, XOd each. Bice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 6i Raisins, 7d JJ#W Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d flew Muscatels, la fid Oysters, fid Calm's Marmalade, 8d Fiaeooh’s Jams, 6Jd Herrings, 7d Kell let’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, fid per lb English Pickles, 8d Other a. t'cle-t equally cheap. JAMES MoGREGOR, Tanored Street. 12 2842



Wanted. ANTED—A Situation in a Coal and Timber Yard or Grain Store, by a person who thoroughly understands book keeping ; willing to make himself gener ally useful. Address 0.P., office of this paper. 3 421 I. RANTED —A Steward for the Ash- VV burton Club. pply, stating re muneration required, to the Secretary on or before Wednesday, the 25ih instant J. J. Robertson, Secretary. 3 419 V\TANTED Known—Furnished apart- W ments for two ladies or two gentlemen, with or without Hoard. Apply Office of this Paper. 3 4i2 \TTANTED Known—Before buying Vy Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton — H. C. Seoeks, “■ ealys’ Buildings, East Street.



HEAT Reductions for Cash at Jones and t kadshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton. Is 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag ; new oatmeal da per baa ; good cheese 5d per lb ; (four, bran, sharps, and chickwbeat at very cheap rates. \TT-ANTED Known—Wertbeim Sew- V y ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 Glorious news. Andrew orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 61 ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls 6d—every article at half-price. 2 237 IS r ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders » • are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Paok, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 tS/- ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 \ V That Hates and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. ' 7 1278 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting 81 fid, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2a 3d, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 3i d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. Andrew Obr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNOWN — Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and-others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 Special Advertisements. PATT ERN DEPOT. Mrs Modg^ DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 SELLING OEF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION RY, Ac. pSf Must be sold —even if at a loss -4^ To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &0,, Ashburton.



Dimant and Goe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer's SEWING M A OHINES, arM are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply of Machine extras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181



R. Sevan R. Bavan R. Bevan R. Bev n R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan K, Bevan R. Bevan K, Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bavan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER. Cut ery, Jewellery, Cor.car Unas, and Fancy Goods Dealer, BEVAN Y oqng Ladies’ Journals (Feb. No ) for Is 3d. Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates. SAUNDERS’ BUILDING Next Quill’s Hotel. R. Bevan R. Bevan i'. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bavan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan It. Bevan B. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan Read, mahk, learn and INWARDLI DIGEST, and to accomplish the above Feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your jqward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I be iove it was Lord tVoleeley who said (he happens to be the most popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papers; ‘ and I say the same ! Read ! Read ! Read ) When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only fimah by say.'ng— Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance!



Special Advertisements. mHE LOUDON AND LANCASHIRE ' 1 Fire Insurance Co.



We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Messrs WILDING, LEWIS & OA FGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risk* taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. ITIMBER, TIMBER. TIMBER. TO FARMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, «-x as. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Hates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in StocE, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MAOPHEUSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MEROH ANTS, East street, Ashburton.



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW” ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the rendwned , Wear Resisting \ MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. SV.rt«, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Davis’s Surplus stock of furniture Now selling; off at HALF-PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Pbh Cent. BY PUOHASING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



jpEBUTJA-RY LIST. Women’s Lisle Gloves, 4-buttons, 4J4. 47 Men’s Tweed Sac Suits, 27s fid, now 17s fid. 37 Boys’ and Youths’ Trouser Suits, 20s, now 12s fid. 34 Pairs Men’s Trousers and Yeats, a Bargain, 10s lid. Small Boys’ Tunic Suits, cheap, 6a lid. 50 Dozen Men’s Socks, s£d. 75 Dozen Men’s Merino So.oks, 8-|d. Men’s Hard Felt Hats, New Goods, 6s fid, now Is lid. 200 Dozen Turkey Red Handkerchiefs, 3|d,



Thomas F, Faflsy’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Faundees’ Buildings, Sf., Ashbueton. H. E. May & Co., TflE Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January Ksth, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES ! GLARING REDUCTIONS ! 1 Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows-S^ Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIER 3, Ac., Iq premises lately occupied by Orr and 00., Coro b Eaat and fancied atro ASHBURTON, i



Special Advertisements. WAR WITH RUSSIA.—At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one exc pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations bet ween England and Russia wil lead to a general European war, or whether they wil! end in smoke. The absence of full in'orrnation as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past ; or, it may be the awfulsilonce which generally precedes a stoim. Jn either case, we ought to be prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other ] commodities wool and labor will go up Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a stock of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash Regarding style and fit, it is almost needless for us to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of catting, and the cate exer cised by us in fitting the figure, a mis-fii is an impossibility.—Craighead and Co., Merchant Tailors, Tancred street.



'* German Syrup,”—No other medicine n the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou- Band small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat ‘ * —giving the afflicted undeniable prool ano ...ill cure them. The re that German Syrup ... - - tnwll ai)l j suit has been that Druggists in eveij . - 1 village in civilised countries are recommend ; it to their customers. Go to your Drugg and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3 s * dd. Three doses will relieve any case,—JAdvt.]