COMMERCIAL.

|£;hburton Guardian Office, Thursday afternoon. Yesterday the Addington Yards were well supplied with most sorts of stock, and there ■was a (airly good attendance. Sheep—As might have been expected as a consequence of the slightly higher prices at last week’s sale, the {entry ye terday showed a large increase over the two previous weeks, and nearly every available pen was occupied. Although the quality was somewhat varied, yet there were a number of first-class lots on offer, and, on the wl oje, lbs quality was belts*than has been the case for several weeks. At the opening, of the sale prices were almost qqual to those of last week, but as the auction progresse % and buyers’ wants were supplied, {values receded, aftd,' at the close, prices were almost, if not quite,|down to. their former level. There can be no doubt that the supply of sheep in the country is far in excess of the demand, and, under the present circumslances, any improve ment in prices ctn only be temporary. At present we think there is a slightly better en quiry than was the case a fortnight or three weeks ago, but there is little or no difference in value. Prime crossbred wethers sold at from 13s 61 to ijs gd; crossbreds of medium weight and quality, sold at from 10s fid to 12s fid ; merinos of average quality brought from 7s to gs. We quote mutton at barely 2d per lb on an average. • Although there was not a large supply'of store sheep, yet business was extremely dull, and the majority were passed in unsold. The few'lots sold were at prices about equal to late rates. Cable —About an average entry of fat cattle was yarded. The sale was merely a repetition of the exceedingly dull and apathetic auctions which have been the rule for some time. We have no alteration to note in prices, and quote from 16s to 18s per xoolb as the price of beef. Feed not tein; plentiful at this time of the year, there are a number of sellers of store cattle, but very few buyers, except for good dairy cows. Although a good number of store ‘cattle were on offer, there was scarcely any demand, and not much business was done. Pigs—There was again a very heavy, entry of pigs, a large proportion consisting of good curing sorts. The demand was not so brisk as of late, and a reduction in values took place. Porkers sold at from 25s to 4.55, and bacon pigs at from 50s to 60s.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, May 16. Mr T. Bullock, if the Arcade, Burnett street—Live and Dead Stock Tuesday, May 19 Messrs Matson, Cox and Oj., at the Tinwald Saleyards—Stock Messrs Miles and Co, at the Tinwald Yards—Sheep The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, at the Tinwald Yards —Sheep MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. This Evening St John’s Lodge—Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, at 7 30 Wednesday, May 20 Oddfellows’ Hall—Lecture, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0. G.T., meeting at 8 o'clock Thursday, May 21 Town Hall—Mr Grigg's Address to the Electors Friday, May 22 St Stephen’s Schoolroom—Concert, at 8 Monday, May 25. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.Q.D., at 8 o’clock Friday, June 5 isaburton County Council —At Council

.Chambers, 11a.m. Lonbgeaob Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, June 6. A'akanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advisements for The Ashburton Guardian most be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they ue to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. All advertisements and business lett ra o be addressed The Manager; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.n,. 10130 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hindis, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. for Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m,, 10 vm., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafiek. and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6,30 a. m. For llount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon* days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ash ten, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10,15 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at daily, Froiu Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. S.dO p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greer street, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 4. m. from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 a.m.

From Mayfield and Evnpuna, on Wed nesdays and Saturdays, at 10.6 a.nl. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Norlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat or iava. at 4.45 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1885. The Balance of Trade.

We are informed by the Department of Trade and Customs that the imports to New Zealand during the quarter ending March 31, 1885, were valued at L 2,172,373, an increase of L. 68,397 as compared with the inward trade of the corresponding quarter of the pre ceding year. The exports, on the other hand, for last quarter were valued at 1,2,536,684, a decrease of 1.123,861 as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. Whether it is more blessed to give than to receive is a question which of late has greatly agitated the public mind. Some per sons insist upon it that the test of our advancement is to be found in the amount of our exports; and others declare that our imports afford the real test by which we must measure our prosperity. Some difficulty arises in this case from the air of certainty assumed on both sides, which has made assertion more common than argument; but the fact is that neither exports or im ports can be regarded as evidence of prosperity, without taking into account the causes from which they originate. The Irish cotter may export his pig because he has been so successful and prosperous that he has more bacon than he requires, or he may sell the animal because he cannot afford to keep it; in one case the export would be a sign of prosperity, in the other of adversity. .So with imports; a man may receive a, large quantity of goods, because he is prosperous and can well afford to pay for them, or for the rea son that he is reckless and is going into debt. With nations precisely the same considerations operate as with indivi dualsf;J the cause of increased exports may be successful industry or extending poverty, and the cause of increased imports may be either prosperity or extravagance. But as a rule exports represent successful industry, and im ports indicate the possession of wealth. A decline in exports would indicate either that we had lost our market or that we had become less capable of supplying it, and a decline in imports would indicate that we had become poorer and less capable of purchasing ; but these general deductions are sub ject to various modifications, according to circumstances, and it is to be re gretted that so many writers on this subject attempt to square all facts to theories, instead of recognising the numerous contingencies by ’which trade is influenced. International trade is exceedingly sensitive, and capable of great extension or repression. The return before us covers a period too brief to support any absolute con clusions, but we are confronted by a m .rked decrease in our exports, and a very considerable increase in our im ports. We are not prepared to say that these results indicate either impaired industry or the possession of wealth on the part of our colonists. The trade may be better balanced at the end of the year, but in the meanwhile the figures we have quoted must pro voke reflections, which we propose to discuss on another occasion

To-day being Ascension Day there will be service in St Stephen’s Uhurch at 7.30 p m. At the Christchurch Resident Magis trate’s Court yesterday, Mr F. Innes, brewer and bottler, was convicted on two informations for endeavoring to evade the payment of the beer duty on beer brewed by him and removed by his orders in un stamped casks to his bottling establish ment, A fine of L6O was inflicted.

At a meeting of the Geraldine County Council held yesterday a letter was road from Mr J. J. Dailey, of llangitata, drawing the attention of the Council to the very dangerous state of the Kangitata bridge through rotten planking, and stating that one day, to save life and limb, he had mended two holes in the decking just over the strongest current of the river. It was decided to refer the matter to the Ashburton County Council. Sir James Ferguson, formerly Governor of South Australia, and for a short period Governor of New Zealand, has announced himself as a candidate for the represents lion of Manchester in the next House of Commons.

Parents do not use vile drags or nostrums in your families, but use pure Hop Hitters, made only by American Co. See and read, Holloway's Pills, Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot he long so seriously disordered without the de rangement being perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent botli unpleasant consequences ; they improve the appetite and with the increase of desire for food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills deal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as the liver, stomach, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored to health and strength, and his sallowness gradually vanishes, —(Advt.

Among telegrams received this after noon, and published in another part of this issue, will be found an account of the reconnaissance upon Thalkub, in the ocadan, during which Mr Lambia, of the Sydney Morning Herdd, was wounded. Thecolonial “speciar’hasratheran original manner of describing an expeditious re treat. He says, the fugitives “ rammed home the persuaders and did the fastest match against time and Arab camels that they thought possible.” A meeting of the Ashburton Rlnking Club will be held in the upper room of the Town Hall at 7-30'this evening. ; The night classes in connection with the Ashburton Caledonian Society will bo resumed to-morrow evening at the Borough School. The Westport Times has the following account of a pedestrian contest between O’Loughlin and J. McFarlane (of Ash burton) :—The 440 yards foot race be tween O’Loughliu and McFarlane came off on the racecourse yesterday, in the presence of a large number of spectators It had been raining for ten or fifteen hours previously, and the ground was very slippery, and as the man stripped a drenching rain was still falling. A good start was effected, McFarlane start ing off with the lead, which he maintained for about two-thirds of the distance, when O’Loughlin put on a spurt, passed his opponent, and won by six or eight yards. The race was a hollow affair, and was apparently a gift to O’Loughlin, who had been a strong favorite in the betting: A very successful entertainment was given by the Good Templars of Ashburton a* the Orange Hall last evening. Some time ago the members of the Star of the East Lodge suggested that a ser es of en tertainments should be given during the

winter months to attract the attention of the public to the many other advantages to be derived from joining the order. The suggestion met with the hearty approval of the other lodges, and last evening’s entertainment was the result of the Joint efforts of the different local branches of the Order. There was a very good attendance, and Mr Chas. Ward occupied the chair. The programme, although a lengthy one, was sufficiently attractive to sustain the interest of those present, and the different items were received with evident appreciation. Of the vocalists Meadames Currie, Manhire,

and'M’ss Evans deserve special mention. A reading by Mr Farley was wall received, and Messrs Sim, Kingston and Potter recited with great success. The piano forte solos by Misses Barratt and Mul laney were very pleasing features of the evening’s entertainment, and Mr Sawle delivered a very interesting and impres sive address upon the advantages of Good Templarism. Messis Elston and Russell contributed an amusing dialogue in character, and a very pleasant evening was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem. Mr John Grigg, M. H R. for Wakanui, will address his constituents at the Town Hall on Thursday, May 21, at 7.30 p m. Tenders for the Victorian Four Mi lion Loan were opened in London yesterday. The amount applied for was L 11,000,000. Tenderers at LIOO 13 1 received 8 per cant, of the amount applied for, and ten derers above that figure the full amount of their applications. A correspondent has written to us, di-

lating upon the mu-iical taste and talent of the residents around Mount Somers. He says “ Last Sunday evening six violinists, ona flautist, and two pianists and a parson accidentally met at Mr Hood's Hotel, and discoursed apprc priate masic till midnight.” Our correspondent gives no particulars of the clergyman’s

contribution towards the harmony, but;

surrounded by such a galaxy of talent we can believe the reverend gentleman with becoming resignation was still and suf fered

It is said that the telegrams which led to the arrest of Maxwell or D’Angiuer on board the mail steamer at Auckland, cost between L3OO and L4OO. We have received a circular from the Rochester Astronomical Society, calling

attention to the prizes offered by Mr H. H. Warner, of the United States, for astronomical discovery. A prize of L4O is offered for each and ever} discovery of a new comet, and a prize of L4O for the beat paper on the cause of the atmos-

pherio efficts (“ red light, etc.”) accom pany sunset and sunrise during the past sixteen months. Persons taking any in teiest in the competition may examine the regulations at this office. Says the Marlborough Express :—Mr John Harris, of the Awatere, succeeded one day last week in securing 800 rabbits upon the Vernon station. Of the 800 no less than 714 were taken in one haul of the netting. The rabbits were consigned afterwards to Messrs Foster and Gosling’s preserving works. The fifteenth annual meeting of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club commenced at Tiruaru yesterday. The number of entries is largely in excess of last year. H. A. LeOren won Ladies’

Steeplechase, Mellish the half-mile race

and Pigeon the two mile walking. F. N. Hobinson, who has taken the Challenge Cup for several years in succession, was beaten in the 440 yards and 25J yards races by C. H. Hamilton. The Law Examiners for the Colony, Messrs J. S. Weston and Seth. Smith have just concluded the examina tion for March last. There were 31 can didates, consisting of three solicitors pre viously admitted, three candidates for

admission as barristers, and 25 for admis sion as solicitors. In addition to the 15 names already published, Messrs F, W. Mkeet of Gisborne, A. G. Gooer of Auck land (previously admitted as a solicitor), and Farnie ot Dunedin, have passed. The Christchurch Law Society’s gold medal for solicitors’ papers has been awarded to Mr P W. Skeet, and the Society’s two certificates of merit for solicitors to Messrs Louisson and Nicholson. The papers prepared by the holders of prizes were of a very superior character. The Wellington correspondent of the Press telegraphed yesterday:—lt is under stood that, although it has been officially stated that the Native Minister is only visiting Wanganui on private business, his «’isit will really extend to Parihaka and its neighborhood. For some years past there has been great dissatisfaction among the natives on the Plains over a ponion of the confiscated Parihaka block, especially that portion situated about fifteen miles north of t ipunake. As a protest against its confiscation, they have many times made attempts at culti vation on this land, but have always been driven off. It is believed that the matter has again cropped up, though I do not go so far as saying that the natives have made any attempt at occupation. The Native Minister being desirous of treating the natives with all kindness, though with firm justice, and being averse to any harsh measures in connection with the dispute, has now probably determined to see into the matter for nimself, and hence hjs reason for visiting p arihaka. Whilst on the spot the Minister will no doubt make every effort to ascertain the true feeling of the natives, and whether there is any truth in the rumors daily finding cur rency as to alarms being prevalent among the settlers in the neighborhood, and the alleged sullen demeanor of the natives. Skinny Men. —“ Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potencc, debility, j'ti£ N.Z. Drug ,Co. General Agents. I

Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist) Christchurch, for 1 9 or 44 stamps.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

(“Age” Sp cial.)

(By Telegraph prom Wellington), London, May 6

Sir James Ferguson, formerly Governor of South Australia, is seeking election to the House of Commons, and has an nounced his candidature for Manchester. The Conservative and Irish members are opposed to the arrangement entered into with Liussia, but the Liberal mem bers approve of it. In consequence of the improved pros pect of peace, wheat has fallen 2s per quarter.

[SPECIAL TO THE SYDNEY “EVENING NEWS. ”] The Sydney Evening Jfevos correspon dent, telegraphing from Suakim on May 6th, states :—A reconnaissance was made last night extending to Thalkub, a native village some miles beyond Hasheen. The force making the reconnaissance were the camelry, including the lately formed New South Wales corps, the Mounted Infantry, and the Bengal Lancers. After a march through the night, taking the utmost care to guard against surprise, and having scouts in front and on flanks, the troops arrived at/Ihalkub just as day was dawn ing. The natives at once showed a hostile front, and being attacked by our men a pretty sharp encounter ensued, during which fifty of thd enemy were killed, a great number wounded, and twelve were taken prisoners. Two hundred goats and a number of donkeys were taken posses sion of. The fight was not a very long one, but was rather warm while it lasted. The Arabs retired b-aten, and escaped into the mountains, where of course they were not followed up, the British force being only a small one, and the object of the reconnaissance so far being fully ob tained. The village was burnt and the return march begun, none too soon, as was shown by what happened to the Sydney press correspondents. Directly the fighting at Thalkub had terminated they jumped on their horses and rode back to Hasheen to be the first to bring the news. Before they had gone far they became unpleasantly aware that they were being watched and followed by Arab scouts, and when about half way a num ber of Arabs came upon them yelling and brandishing spears, and throwing those shorter spears like assegais, and firing rifles. The Arabs were on camels, and it became a case of sauvequi pent with the newspaper men. They sat down in their saddles, • rammed home their per suaders, and did the fastest ma'.ch against time and Arab camels that they thought possible. As it was, they had a pretty narrow squeak for it, as the children of the desert succeeded in getting tolerably close to them more than once, and bullets, spears, and camels flew around them as thickly as the rice and flowers that were strewn upon the contingent when it marched down the Sydney streets. But the newspaper men escaped not wholly scathleas. for Mr Lambio (of the Sydney Morning Herald) was wounded in the leg, and the affair was quite lively enough for the correspondents. However, the casu alties among the troops during the reoon naissince and fight were not serious, only three men having been wounded ; one of these belonged to the N.S. W, corps. A second reconnaissance will probably be made.

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS

Auckland. Counterfeit florins are in circulation here

Thomas William Boulton, a prisoner in Mount Eden Gaol, sentenced in 1882 to ten years’ imprisonment on charges of for gery, uttering, and embezzlement, is suf fering from suicidal mania. Yesterday he in some manner opened the veins of one of his arms, but further particulars, owing to the reticence of the gaol authori ties, are unknown,

Captain Fayeuz, of the Saida, has gone to the Lake Country. A party of the Saida’s officers went to day up the 1 Waikato railway to Mercer, to see the Waikato river.

Wellington,

The Government have found it neces sary to inform the officers of the com manding districts that they are not at present prepared to accept the services of any more Volunteer Corps of any descrip tion

The Armed Constabulary is recruiting, and a number of young men have been en listed during the last few days.

The Hon Mr Ballanoe left town this morning on a visit to Wanganui. While on the West Coast, Mr Ballance intends to visit Parihaka, to see for himself what is going on amongst the natives there. The steamer Aorangi, which left Ply mouth on Saturday last for Auckland, brings about one hundred nominated im migrants.

s Regulations for the new school of mili > tary instruction at Mount Cook will ap- I pear in the next Gazette. Lieutenant- Colonel Pearce, officer of the commanding district, will be the commandant of the 1 school, and Major Butts will be adjutant. ■ Musket instruction will, bo under the ’ special direction of Major Ecclea, ADC. 1 who, as an officer of the Rifle Brigade, is 1 known as one of the beat instructors in the British Army. Instruction in artil lery duties will be given under the super vision of Captain Badham, while Captain H ume and Inspector Coleman will have the special charge of the ordinary com pany and battalion drill. A the Appeal Court to-day the case of Regina v Yowles was called on The Attorney-General appeared for the Crown, The prisoner Vowle--, who had been con victed of embezzling money belonging to the Government Insurance Association, was unrepresented by counsel. This was a case reserved by his Honor the Chief Justice at Wanganui. The points re served were—(l) That the prisoner was not employed in the service of Her Majesty, and the moneys were not under control of the Government; and (2) that if ho might properly be said to have been in the service of the Government, he had not been properly appointed. Counsel having'conoluded, the Court affirmed the conviction. GkEYMOUCH. At the monthly mee f ing of the Hospital Committee this morning it was resolved that the Treasurer telegraph to the Colo nial Secretary’s Department, that unless the Government place the Committee in funds to meet expenditure at the end of the financial year, or before next meeting on the 27th May, the Committee will tender their resignation. Dunedin. While the Arawa was coming into the i wharf she look the ground. The hawser i was made fait to the wharf and broke, and the Vissel came into collision with t the barque Lutterworth, carrying away > the latter’s davits, and doing other 1 damage. c A boy fourteen years of age, the son of * Mr Leary, was handling some gunpowder, J when it exploded blowing off his right thumb. It is thought amputation of the ami will have to taka place. His father was just on the eve of departure for Sydney, j At a meeting of the University Council c to-day an application was made to allow a I lady student to attend the medical classes, s

It was decided to let it be known that if lady students came forward they would be admitted, and arrangements made for separate teaching in one or two of the classes, Mr Fulton moved —“That thfo Council protest against the appointment of Terence as one of the class books for students for honors at the New Zealand University, and instructs its classical piofessors not to read these books in olasaee where there are lady students, ,J ,

He mentioned that one lady student had been advised to risk her prospect of suc cess rather than read the books. Finally the resolution was amended so as to read “recommend ” instead of “instruct.” Mr Bathgate said he felt inclined to propoa > that they disassociate themselves from the New Zealand University.

The Executive of the Trades and Labor Congress are soliciting contributions for the Canterbury strikersfrom all the Trades Societies.

The ‘trawa’s passengers will be admitted to pratique to-morrow. The Otago Chess Club have accepted the challenge of the Canterbury Club to play a match by telagraph of 10 a-side. At the Land Board sitting, the Chief Commissioner stated that he tied made a rough analysis of the deferred payment selectors who were in arrears with rent, and he had calculated that there were about thirty-five men wh> would not be able to pull through. Considering the large number of settlers under the de ferred payment system, this was not a large percentage. Of course the complete list of the defaulters was a very long one, but the major! y of them were only one or two instalments in arrears. The thirty five he had referred to owed four instal ments and over.

WEAPONS OF WAR.

The war in the Soudan is crucially testing the weapons of precision with which the troops are armed, and it seems they are not all first class. The Colonial authorities may take a valuable hint. The war correspondent of a Liverpool paper says :—“ The men complain bitterly of the jamming of the rifles. Four days ago a party of the Guards Camel Corps, under Captain Oiabbe, on board the Sofia, had five rifles >ut of the twenty useless at the same time, through the cartridge-cases re fusing to come out after firing. In moat instances the men had to resort to the clearing-rod as a last resource. It is ob vious that we have here a considerable element of danger. The men keep their weapons as clean as the nature of the country permits, but take any detach ment, and it is certain that from five to twenty-five per cant, of the rifles will jam after firing one or two rounds. Now, although there are better extractors than that in the breach of the Martini rifle,, it is clear to me that the f iult lies less in the horseshoe lever than in the boxer cart ridge. The adoption of that unscientific built up ‘ arrangement in brass and iron ’ was a job to begin with, as is now no longer even feebly denied, and it is scandalous that the lives of our sol diers, and the success of our operations in the field should be any longer left at the mercy of cartridges which will not leave the rifle when they ought to make room for full ones. Every other country —even the realms of the despised Otto man—use drawn cartridges, which do not expand and jam the breeches of the rifles. They are not more costly than our dan gerous boxer cartridges ; they are water proof, which the boxers are not, many boxers having been completely spoiled by the Nile water, as Lieutenant Kincaid Smith —who is in charge of the ammuni tion reserve—can testify ; and they never jam, for they do not expand unduly from inherent weakness. 1 believe there is no longer any reason, from the existence of patents or otherwiie, why wo should not have drawn cartridge oases of brass, or, as the United States Army has, of pure copper. But eveu if there were, it could not stand for a moment against the fact— which can be ascertained officially by means of a question in Parliament—that the boxer cartridge, by frequent jamming In the Martini-Henry rifle, endangers the lives of our troops at close quarters, and even imperils the success of our opera tions. If the fact should be officially denied, it can be established by over whelming testimony.”

PROFESSOR BLACK ON MINING.

Dunedin, Yesterday. Professor Black submitted to the Uni versity a report on hia visit to the gold fields. In the eight weeks at his disposal he delivered forty-four lectures at fifteen different places, and established testing classes at nine centres. Mention is made of the Clubs established by miners, and the good they would do if they receive support. He says—“ Daring my visit to the Coast, as well as to the Otago gold fields, I was strongly impressed with the large field open for teaching to crowds of intelligent men such subjects as geology, mineralogy, the use of the blow pipe, the chemistry of minerals, the extraction of metals from ores. The men are there thirsting for this kind of knowledge. They at present present the saddening spectacle of standing together in Clubs with funds subscribed for procuring chemicals, books and apparatus, but with no one left to teach them the use of these appliances. There was. never a better opportunity offered to any Government or University authorities of providing suitable means of instruction to so large a number of earnest students eager to receive it, and no body of students will make a better or more direct and immediate use of the instruction pro vided for them. Such instructions, if liberally provided, will convert very many of these miners into most intelligent prospectors. Since they will then be able to identify a valuable ore when they find it (which is not the case at present), the country will reap a thousand fold in the development of its wonderful mineral re sources, any expenditure judiciously made ia this direction. Professor Black inti mated that he had forwarded a scheme to the Government tor special instruction in several branches of knowledge on the goldfields, naaiely, geology, ora dressing, mineralogy, metallurgy analysis, assaying and mine surveying. After a few years of this work, which would be carried on in Otago by Professor Black and assistants, he anticipates there would be a demand for a thoroughly equipped school of mines. The report was referred tor a report to the Mines Committee. Mr Bathgate re marked that they kept a school of mines with only two students, but when Ma hornet went to the mountain they go’ 1,100

SPORTING.

GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLE CHASES. The following are the acceptances for the undermentioned races : Grand National Steeplechase. st. lb. at. Ib. Ravenswood 12 -7 Lmwopd 11 4 King Arthur 12 4 Mo >d'y ii q Scrutineer... 12 2 Barrington 10 11’ Maiden Steeplechase. Orescent I Donald Pickles I Secretary Presto I Sefton Handicap Hurdles. Master Agnes 12 7 I Scrutineer... 12 3 Ravenswood 12 7 | Secretary ... 10 0 The highest weights accepting in the Grand National and the Maiden being less than 12a t 71b, they have been raised to that weight and the others in proportion. WANGANUI RACES. The following acceptances sod entries have been received : Wanganui Handicap Steeplechase. Speculation (lata Pathfinder Ngatahoi) Aurora New Year Billy go-bj-’em Druid Macaroni ■ Caoutchouc Director Nukarau Diomedes Tara Glencoe Maiden Steeplechase. Gipsy Diomedes Caoutchouc Glencoe > 1 Abolition Nukoran ‘ ' Pathfinder Canary Director

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[rKDTBR'B TBLISBAUB'—COPYRIGHT.] London Chamber of Commerce. ': London, May 13/ At a meeting at the London Cham ber of Commerce last night, Sir Win. McArthur in the chair, a resolution was passed establishing an Australian trade section in the Chamber, and it was de cided to take steps to carryout the re solution. Monetary and Commercial. London, May 12. Consols have advanced New Zealand securities—Five per cent 10-40 loan, 102 tour and a half per cent 1879-1904 loan, xoi%; four per cent inscribed stock, 99. The market rate has been further reduced y& per cent, and is now is£, being i|4 below the Bank rate. Adelaide wheat, ex store, has declined is 6d to 365; ditto off coast, unchanged at 365; Adelaide flour, ex store, 275; New Zealand wheat, 32s to 365. Tallow—Austra lian, good average quality, beef, 31s; mutton, 32s 6d. A Qualification. London, May 13. In the House of Commons last night Mr Gladstone referred to Earl Gran ville's statement on Monday last relative to the agreement that had been come to on the Afghan frontier question. Mr Gladstone pointed out that Earl Granville has qualified his statement by announcing that the agreement was' re ferred to the Czar for approval* - Recidivists Bill. Pabis, May 13. The Recidiviste Bill in an amended form, providing for the deportation of criminals to Cayenne, has been passed by the Chamber of Deputies.

Esoudan War. Suakim, May Gunner Edward Lewis Midhead, of the New South Wales contingent, died this morning at the Hospital The early deprrture of the troops for I Home is expected, i The enemy are quiet. ' Fortification of Herat | Calcutta, May 12. 1 Major-General Sir Donald Stewart * has been ordered to proceed at once to Herat. It is believed in connection 3 with the projected fortification of that : city. (Eeceived|May 14, 12.45 p.m.) | A Dissolve in View! London, May 13. 1 In the House of Commons last ; night Mr Gladstone announced ’ that a ; Bill will be introduced shortly enabling Parliament to dissolve in November , next. ; i Successful Loan. Tenders were opened to-day for the , Victorian loan of 14,000,000 at 4 per : cent,, the minimum for which had been’ fixed at 99. The total amount ten-' ■ dered for was Li 1,000,000. Ten ; ders at LIOO 13s will receive 8 per cent of the amount of application, tenders above that sum will receive the full amount applied for. .

AUSTRALIA

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] Earthquake. Melbourne, Yesterday. A slight shock of earthquake was experienced here to-day. The distur bance was felt over the whole of Vic toria and in Tasmania. The Markets. The Manager of the .National Mort gage and Agency Company, Limited, of New Zealand, reports on the grain market as follows:—Shipping wheat, slightly improved tendency, 3s gd to 3s icd, though prices quoted 2d below the last report; malting barley very de pressed, 3s 6d to 4s 3d; New Zealand oats, feeding, difficult to sell even at reduced prices; quotations id penny lower, 2s 8d to 3s; ditto, milling, 3s to 3s id, being a fall of id since last re port; the market is fiat and prices are. drooping; ditto, under bond, 2s to 23 3d ; ryegrass seed is quieter but steady at 3s gd to 4s gd, being an advance of 3d upon last quotation; cocksfoot is dull of sale at 4d to 4^d.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1885.



T 0 PUEODASns AT



Wanted. CTfTANTED—Board and Lodging for a ] VV single gentleman in a quiet family. Apply, by letter, ,to Q., office of this paper. 5 753 WHAT I saw in America in 1880 Popular Lecture on Wednesday next, Oddfellows’ Hall, at 7 30, by Rev. Jes. Berry* President of the Wesleyan Conference. 5 735 WANTED Known The undersigned is prepared to Drill Seed with Reid and Gray’s drill or sow with broadcast sower, on most reasonable terms. Apply to Martin Griffin-, Howlands. 5 730 LIFE among the Mormons. Oddfel lows’ Hall, Wednesday, 20th May. Admission—one shilling. Tickets every where. 5 736 WANTED Known—That T. Hoclt has commenced Bacon Curing, and having purchased a first-class sausage machine, he will be able to supply the wants of the inhabitants of Ashburton with a real good Pork Sausage. Fresh every day. Only good corn fed pigs bought. 5 711 WONDERFUL Fire Brigade Scene, as depicted by Rev. Jos. Berry on Wednesday next. To commence at 7 30. Proceeds in aid of Ashburton Wesleyan Church Building Funds. 5 737 XTTANTED Known —Before buying W Dress Materials, Dialers, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc., call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton — H. C. Segeks, ealys’ Buildings, East treat. GREAT Reductions for Gash at Jones and I‘radshaw’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 4s per bag ; good cheese 6d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. TXT"ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew- V \ mg Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 CBINESE Quarters, the City by Night, Farming in the West, Niagara, and other topics connected with America, will form part of Rev. Jos. Berry’s lecture at the Oddfellows’ Hall on Wednesday, 20ch May 5 738 Glorious news. Andrew Ork will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6a 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11s 6d—every article at half-price. TITT"ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V T 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 la lid, six doz Buttons for la, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at Towels d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles 1c 4d. Andrew Ore’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNuWN— 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. SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONERY, &c. Must be sold even if at a loss To Sait everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andiewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton.



R RIVED. ARRIVED. new goods. Wholesale and Retail. Books by various authors Stationery in great variety Toys and Fancy Goods of every de scription Jewellery, Cutlery, Concertinas, Accor dians, etc. Photo and Scrap Albums, Is Tobacconist’s Sundries, etc. Specially low rates to Country Stores. “ Young Ladies’ Journal,” April number, Is 3d. K. Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDING, (Next Shop to Quill’s 80tei..)5 692



Special Advertisements. fjpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that MeS'Ks WILDING, LKWIS & CAfGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All riski taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 3*28 General Agents for Canterbury. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (Late A. Hayes) TIMBER, COAL AND FIREWOOD MERCH ANT S, East street, Ashburton. STUDY your Interests, and get quota tions for every requisite for the Building Trade. Study your Comfort and try onr PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, Just landed, ex Candida. Doors, Sashes, Mouldings, Roofing Iron, Gates, Hurdles, &c. On Sale, in any quantities WE ARB PRODUCERS And can se 1 to suit the times W. H. COLLINS, Manage.



N OTIOE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & 00., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Bye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Co. and now leased to us, enables us to offer to farmers extra facilities for the storage and classification of grain at nominal rates. We are prepared to make liberal cash advances on grain sent in for storage, or will ship same under advance on grower’s account or otherwise, as may be arranged 3 454 T HE NEW ZEAL ND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &o- &c. Arc. Are now prepared to enter into contracts for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious manner. ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shortest notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE—Measures for all uniforms may bo entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z Clothing Factory branches in the follow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Oamatu Greymouth Napier Reefton Wellington Masterton Waimate Timaru Ashburton Christchurch Wanganui Lyttelton Hawera Waipawa Hastings Gisborne Thames Auckland



gTUDY THE FOLLOWING Quotations AND BEFRIEND YOURSELF a. d. All Wool Welsh. Fannel, very heavy, suitable for men’s shirts 0 9f Saxony Union Flannel, fine, suit able for babies’ we«r ... ... 08^ Scarlet Saxony Flannel ... ... 0 8^ Grey Calico, per yard ... ... 0 2 Slate i'ilesia, per yard ... ... 0 2f Heavy Brown Holland, per yard 0 4£ Forfar, for aprons, per yard ... 0 One Yard Wide Forfar, per yard 0 7£ Cotton Tick, per yard ... ... 0 4§ Turkey Red, per yard ... ... 0 5£ Heavy Twill Cretonne; this is well worth la ... 0 8£ Reversible Cretonne, usually sold for Is, per yard.. 0 9f All Wool Crimean Shirting ... I 3 Warm Wincey Shirting ... ... 04^ Union Crimean Shirting... ... 0 7i£ White Blankets, suitable for chil dren’s beds, per pair ... ... 7 11 No. 2 Quality White Blankets, per pair ... ... ... ... 9 6 No 3 Quality White Blankets, per . pair ... ... ... ... 12 9 Double-bed Size, per pair ... 13 9 Extra Large Blankets, per pair ... 19 6



See our 21s and 25s BLANKETS They will really astonish you. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. All Tweeds well shrunk. Fit Guaranteed. \ Charges cannot be beaten. MEN'S CLOTHING To meet these hard times. Men’s Tweed Trousera—3s 9J, 5s lid, 7s 6d, 10s 6d Men’s Tweed Trouaeis and Vest—7s lid, 10s 6d, 12s Gd Men’s Tweed Suits—l7s 6d, 255, 30a Men’s Oil Coats, leather bound —15s 9d See our 21s OVERCOAT. A very special line. H. E. May & Co., THE HALL.



SKICOLIURAL Machine Shop, WAKARUI ROAD. 0 H ARLES RAY Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of macninery. Special attention given to Bicycles, Tricycles and Sewing Machines. Lawn Mowers repaired, sharpened and adjusted. Model work. General repairs. 3 384



Read, mark, learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward 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'ieve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to be the moat 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 1 Read ! Read 1 Read 1 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 finish by saying—Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance! Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton.



ORrm LANDS. FOR SALE—The NEW ZEALAND iBOWN LANDS GUIDE for 1884. irk*, Jne Shilling. Apply. “GUARDIAN ' 'FFIOE. HAVE FOR SALE CHEAP. VvOOLPACKS, full weights FENCING WIFE, Nob. 8 and 9, at less thanoae'. LINSEED, colonial pARTrtm WIRE, from L 27 10s to IM a ton TURNIP & RAPE SEEDS, all descrip tions, guaranteed to grow OATS & CHAFF, large stock, low prices ENGLISH & OTHER CLOVERS MATSON, COX AND GO. DOUJVOQiiLi!in> auu oxaiivnarv, Founders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton. I Aanourcon jyiaaterton j Christchurch Wanganui Lyttelton Hawera tiianorne Thames Auckland £> CO S 3 O w c 8 •a o O FIRESIDE EMPLOYMENT, AMUSEMENT, & INSTRUCTION EOF, WINTEK EYEINIISGS. NOW SHOWING—A Splendid Assortment of Fine Art Goods and Traced Work in Slippers, Ccaies, Antimacassars, Tidies, Ladies’ and Children’s Aprons, Brackets, Drapes, Splaikers, Nightdress Bags. A Nice Selection of Crewel and Washing Silks, Ingrain Cottons, Berlin Fingerings, Transfer Patterns, Designs for 3rosa Stitch worn, &c. Also —A Nice Variety of Homespuns, Ladies’ and Children’s Ulsters, Jackets, Gloves, etc,, and a few Parcels of Manufacturers’ samples in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Cloth ing, bought at 20 per cent under the regular prices, and offered accordingly. Dimant and Coe. GENERAL DRAPERS. CLOTHIER*, &0.. East and Tanctcd Streets, Ashburton. Victoria House.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancsed Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf K d per lb Best White Crysta., SJd per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12a fid per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, fid Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 6i Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is fid Oysters, fid Cairn's Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jama, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade. 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, fid per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES MoGREGOR, Tancred Street 12 2342



Cadbury’s Cocoa. fpHE PUREST AND BEST. Should be Used by Everyone, ON SALE AT ORR AND ALCORN’S, Ashburton Agents. To Arrive, a Grand Assortment of Cadbury’s Fancy Goods, comprising— FANCY CHOCOLATES, CHOCOLATE CREAM.S, Etc. ORR AND ALOORV 4 (105



All your own fault if you remain sick or out of health, when you can get Hop Bitters made by American Co. Read. Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bun ons, The N.Z. Drug Co General Agents. I Don’t Die in the House. “ Romxgh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. I Another unfortunate.—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a .£2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now. bank nipt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for £"954, or only a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M. and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secure a speed Clearance. “ 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 sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed Jree 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 fthroat 1 and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof I that German Syrup will cure them. The re- I suit has been that Druggists in every town and r village in civilised countries are recommending t it to their customers. Go to your Druggist v and ask what they know about it. Sample g Bottles fid. Regular size 3s. fid. Three c oses willteUevc any case,-—IAovt.J ti



The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it, is positive proof that the remedy imitated is .of the highest value. As soon as it has ;beea tested and prove by the whole world that'Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of H. 8,, ami in , ■ very way trying to induce suSering i to use thjir stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and name of H, B. Many others started nostrums put up in simi- • lar style to H. 8., with variously devised - names in which the word “ Hop ” or ‘‘Hops ’* were used in a way to induce people to believe hey were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter yrhat their style or name is, and especially those with the word “Hop” or “Hops” in their lame or in any way connected with them or heir name, are imitations 6t counterfeits, Seware of than. Touch none of them. Use mthing but genuine American Hop Bitters vith a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the vhite label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in the lass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and hemists are warned agaant dealing in inuUt oaa *• counterfeits,