DAILY MEMORANDA.

' AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, February 24. Messrs Matson, Cox and 0>.,, at the Tinwald Saleyarda—Stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Wednesday, February 25 Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0. G. 1 , atYSO Thursday, February 2d. Grand Demonstration and Sports, in the Sports Ground, East belt. Costume Cricket Match in the Domain Friday, February 27. iahburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. - • Saturday, Match 23. Town Hall— l aust Family at 8 o’clock. Monday, March 2. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Tuesday, March 3. Tinwald School Committee — Monthly Meeting in the Schoolroom Friday, March 6. Lonhgeach Road Board at Road Board Office.

Saturday, March 7. /Fakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10. A shburton School Committee—Monthly Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton: Guardian must be sent in not later than S p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they wifi he inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they ore to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates.. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Dearths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett-rs «>be addressed The Manager; literary communications should be addressed to The-Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

fWailw close at the Ashburton Post Office follows; , Vdt Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Eangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. <lfor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., for and South, at 6 a,m., 10 a.mi, and 480 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For itount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a, m, and 430 p. m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at a. m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeaoh, at 430 p.m. daily. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes £ays, and Fridays, at 430 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at IP, 30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Poet ‘Office— f.. From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 am., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertaey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 435 p-ip. .daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places »t 6.3C‘,:?• m. daily, Froua i'emuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. u. 30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. •' FromGreenstreet and Ashburton ForkSj Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ft.ua. . For Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4 30 p.m., and on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. From.Mayfieldjvon Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2. SO 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 urdays, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1885. Farmers’ Clubs.

A few years ago a great deal was said and written in Ashburton about co operation. Its advocates, without en cumbering their scheme with any minute details, avowed that it would prove the panacea for all commercial abuses and many social evils. The agitation in reference to the matter as sumed considerable dimensions, but, as we predicted at the time, having been employed to sharpen several private axes —in one instance serving as a stepping stone to Parliament—it was allowed to sink into oblivion. To carry out such a principle of co-opera tion (as then proposed) with success, there must be a large intelligent popula tion with mutual trust, a considerable similarity of taste and some amount of capital. Even if all these elements were at hand in Ashburton, private enter prise and competition have already done much to remove the con ditions that have given rise to co-operative stores and trading com panies in older countries. But there is another species of co-operation sur rounded by no formidable obstacles that has been adopted by agriculturists in other communities with marked ad vantage —we refer to Farmers’ Clubs. The different Agricultural and Pastoral Associations of this colony have accom plished much useful work, but they have labored more among results than causes; they have cultivated public taste and provided authoritative stan dards of excellence, but few of them have done much to promote agricul tural knowledge or encourage an ex change of ideas between farmers and others immediately interested in the results of agricultural operations. In Oamaru, Kaiapoi, and some other dis tricts, clubs have long been established where farmers meet periodically and discuss matters pertaining to their busi ness ; papers are read and information and suggestions freely exchanged. By these means much unnecessary labor and many blunders are avoided. The experience and knowledge of one cultivator is made a benefit to others, and the same ground is not traversed over and over again in experimental research. The field open to such an association in a district like this is a very large one. The cost of a central meeting room, the establish ment of an agricultural library, and even the employment of a secretary to conduct the routine business, and gene rally watch the interests of the members would not be large. Such a body would have far more weight than a greater number of isolated farmers can ever enjoy. The Government would offer every facility for the attainment of its objects, and its voice would on all matters relating to agriculture, trade practices, railway, and shipping customs receive the attention it deserved.

We again remind our readers that the the Ashburton bridge will be closed this evening at 8 o’clock until 6 a.m. to-mor row, against all but foot traffic. It will be closed between the same hours on the 25th, 26th and 27th instants. Mr H. O. S. Baddeley, R. M., presided at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning.—William Casey, charged with lunacy, on the certificate of Dra Leahy and Rosa was committed to Sunnyaide Asylum.—A first offender was fined 10i and coats, with the alternative of 24 hours’s imprisonment for [drunkenness. — Robert Winter, for a similar offence, was fined 6i and coats, with the alternative of 24 hours’imprisonment.—A first offender charged with drunkenness, alleged that he was suffering from the effects of sun stroke, and he was remanded for medical examination.—Charles McDonald pleaded guilty to a charge of vagrancy. Sergeant Felton said that the accused had been convicted of drunkenness three times dur ing the current year. He was an expert engineer, and witness understood that a threshing machine proprietor in the neighborhood was prepared to give him employment at once. The accused was remanded to give him an opportunity to accept the employment, to coma before the Court again whan called upon,—R. Lancaster, for having allowed two horses to wander at large, was fined 10s and costs.

The weakest woman, smallest child, and sickest invalid, can use Hop Bitters with safety and great good. See.— [Auvt.] 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. Spld everywhere, or post free from J, Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps. 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 rupt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for 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 speedy clearance.

The Christchurch Resident Magistrate’s Court statistics for the year ending 1883 and 1884 compare as follows ; —Criminal oases, 1883—Males. 2,459, females. 432, total 2,891; 1884-2,771, 427, 3,198; increase in 1884. 307. Civil cases com menced 1883 —,4273; heard, 2,041 ; 1884 spectively. Amount sued for 1883— ! 41 945 0a 9d, judgment for L 19.834 0s 7d; 1884-L39 217 14s 3d, L 20.662 9s 21; decrease, Lc,727 6s 6d; increase, L 282 8s 7d.

The anniversary of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School is to be cele brated next Sunday, and the singing is likely to form a special feature, as the children have been practising for some time in view of the event, under the leadership of Mr Bevan. On the follow ing Monday the children will receive their annual treat, and advantage will be taken of the public meeting in the Orange Hall in the evening of bidding farewell to the Rev J. Nixon, who is about to leave the district for Dunedin. As Mr Nixon is opposed to farewell gatherings, it has been suggested that this will bo an easy and unobtrusive way of wishing him God’s speed. We understand that Mr Harris, of Ohristchur h, is to succeed r Nixon as minister of the Primitive Methodist Chapel in Ashburton. We have received the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase Club’s programme fo" the race meeting,- to be held in Christ church on Monday, 25th May next. The events are—Grand National Handicap, 4 miles, 200 sovs ; Maiden Plate, 2 miles, 100 sovs ; Handicap Hurdle Race, 2 miles, 80 sovs ; Tally-ho Handicap, 2£ miles, 100 sovs ; Consolation Handicap, 2 miles, 40 sovs. We notice that moat of the'local gentlemen who have figured as stewards of the Club for some years have retired, but Messrs O. H. Dowding, 3. Grigg, 0 . O. Wason and C. Hawdon still fill office. The handicappersare Messrs 0. H.Dowd ing, J. Brabazon, G. P. Williams and S. Garforth. The members of the Choral Society are reminded that the quarterly meeting for the election of members and other bust ness takes place in St Stephen’s school room, at eight o’clock this evening. The mission which has been conducted

during the last week in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by the Redemp tioniat Fathers, was brought to a close

yesterday evening. The services and con fessions have been very largely attended, and at yesterday’s evening service there was hardly standing room to be found in the church, owing to the number of country people who came in to attend the closing service. Should the weather pre vent the resumption of harvest work, there will be a special mission service held this evening at the usual hour. A meeting of the Excursion Committee will be held at Messrs Matson, Cor and Co’s office this evening at eight o’clock. Candidates for the Mount Hutt Licen sing Committee must be nominated to the Returning Officer, Mr F. Mainwaring, at the Road Board office, Methven, by noon on 6th March. An election, if required, will be held on Wednesday, llth March.

Nominations for the South Rakaia Licensing Committee must be made to the Returning Officer, Mr A. Makeig, at the South Rakaia Road Board office, be fore noon to-morrow. An election, if re quired, will take place on Saturday next.

The election of the Mount Somers Licensing Committee took place yesterday. The proceedings excited very little In tereat. The following is the result : •W. 0. Walker, 13 ; W. S. Peter, 12 ; A. E. Peache, 11; W. Edaon, 11; A, Me Par lane, 10; James Price, 5, The Returning Officer, Mr F. Mainwaring, declared the first five duly elected. The second'ordinary and annual gene ral meeting of the Royal Flouring and Oatmeal Mills Company (Bruce and Co., Limited), was held in the Company’s office, Timaru, on Saturday morning. There were about fifty shareholders pre sent, and Mr E. MeGlashan, Chairman and Managing Director, presided. The Directors’ report stated The gross profits to December 31st, after deducting interest, salaries, wages, and other cur rant charges, amount to L 3,029 2s Id. From this, your Directors propose—with the assent of shareholders —to place the sum of LI.O'JO to the credit of a reserve fund account ; also, the sum of L 750 to a dependency account to meet losses in curred, or which may hereafter occur from bad and doubtful debts in the course of trade. The balance of L 1,279 2s if to be carried forward to next year’s account, out of which it is proposed to pay a divi dend at the rate of 10 per cent per annum on the calls paid up on all allotted shares; also Directors’ and Auditors’ fees for the past year, and to meet any other claims which may arise as contingencies not yet determined. —On the motion of Mr W. Moody, seconded by Mr J. McLean, it was resolved —“ That the adoption of the report be postponed until the 14th March, and that a Committee of shareholders,

consisting of Messrs John Jackson, James Guild, John Crawford, and the mover, be appointed to confer with the Directors as to the reinstatement of Mr Bruce as Working Manager of the mill, and as to the office arrangements generally, and to report to the said meeting, which shall also be considered an extraordinary meet ing.”

The Ashburton Rifle Volunteers mus tered at the Post Office yesterday, at 10 a m., for church parade. There were about thirty men and lieutenants Dolman and Fooks present, under the command of Captain Douglas. The band, under the direction of Bandmaster Hoskins, eras in attendance, and, as a tribute to the memory of General Gordon, played the music usually connected with Pope’s ode, “Vital spark of heavenly flame.” The company attended service in the Wesleyan Church, Cameron street, and the Rev 0. H. Standage preached an appropriate eer-

mon. The rev. gentleman referred to the fact that troops had been offered by the sister Australian colonies for service in the Soudan, and expressed a hope that New Zealand would make a aimi'ar exhi bition of her loyalty and pi-triotisin.jAfter the church service Captain Douglas ad dressing the company said that he had received a letter from Captain Hamers Joy, of Timaru, enquiring if any of the Ash burton men would volunteer for service in the Soudan. Captain Douglas announced that a special parade would be held on Tuesday evening next, when volunteers for the service referred to .by Captain Haraersley, could be enrolled. “ My mother drove the paralysis and neura lgia all out of her system with Hop Bitters, Ed. Oswego Sun. See. —[Advt.J

THE BLOOD POISONING CASES.

Wellington, Saturday. There is no change in condition of patients suffering from blood poisoning nor any fresh cases. Wellington, To-day.

Dr Fell has written to the Times about sending Kate Kelly to the Hospital. He states that he attended the woman during her confinement, and left off visiting her as usual after the ninth day, at which time she was up and about. Four days later he was asked to see her again with the view of getting her in to the Hospital He went to see her, and she was then sitting up and half dressed. The people she was with declined tp keep her even for another night. Ho saw the Hospital doctor on the matter, and the latter de cided to take her in. ffe declares that when he saw the Hospital surgeon ha was not aware that the patient was suffering ' from puerperal fever. Laxbr.

Mrs Eade, one of the patients attacked at the M capital with puerperial fever died j-bt before ton this morning. The condi tion of the two other patients Ate (serious.

GENERAL GORDON’S RELIGIOUS IDEAS.

(New Zealand herald ) It is a wholesome sign of the times when we find the life and character of a murdered soldier selected by preachers for the theme of their pulpit discourses. At several churches on Sunday last re ference was made to the death of General Gordon, and the characteristics which distinguished that great and good man, the incidents in his career which exempli fied his ntter abnegation of self, his marked disinteredness, his devotion to duty, and his high ideal of the Christian life were dwelt upon as lessons which mankind would do well to lay to heart. But the religious convictions of Gordon,

the faith that was in him and which so completely dominated his life, tha theo logical ideas which he had formed from an earnest study of Sacred Writ, and deep communing with his own spirit were either untouched or very lightly glanced at. Yet no estimate of his character can be complete, no adequate conception of the motives which influenced his actions can be possible without a knowledge of the religious opinions which he hold, and by whose light be shaped his acts, and moulded his career He was not an or dinary Christian following mechanically the conventional paths which creeds have taught us lead to Heaven. Indeed with creeds and formularies he had no active sympathy. They did not approach to hii own high standard of Christian duty. He hated all sham and hpyocrisy, and he found much in creeds and in the lives of professing Christians which his soul siokeaed at, He himself strore to live up to the life of Him who was born in a manger, and who died on the cross. But he saw no resemblance to Him in the “ Christian Pharisees ” who flood the world. “ A hard cruel set ”he aaid, “ they are from high to low. Do you know any single one of Christ’s pretended successors, clergymen or Dissenters, who is like him 1 Pure religion and undefiled, to vidt the poor and afflicted, and to keep unspotted from the world. Tell me one you know, who professes to teaoh you, who does this. lam sick of your burnt offerings and your prayer meetings ; my soul hateth them ; they at r a trouble to me, lam weary of them.” Gordon was Bk believer in the pre-existence of the soul and the doctrine of predestination. “- T think,” he wrote in January, 1876, “ that this life is only one of a series of lives which our incarnated part has lived. I have little doubt of our having pre-existed, and that also in the time of our pra-exlst ence we were actively employed,” All things, according to Gordon, are pre ordained. He believed that everything that happens to a man, of good or evil, was settled by a Higher Power “one million million years ago.” And in this doctrine he obtained great comfort, “He who believes,” he ssid, “that all things are ordained to happen and must happen, has already died, and is free from the annoyance of this life.” That evil should be permitted by Infinity Wisdom once observed, “ a tough morsel to believe ; but it is true.” Therefore there was no use fretting over accomplished facts. They were ordained to happen, and no human power could have averted them. Hh belief in Divine guidance was implicit, a’>d he was firmly convinced that to those who truly believed, and who sincerely endeavored to act up to the Christian life, signs were vouchsafed now as of old. Sometimes he arrived at those signs in an extraordinary way. When in great diffi culty he settled the matter by the spin ning of a penny in the air More often, however, he experienced a deep impres sion as to the course he should pursue in any difficulty, and interpreting the sensa tion as a direct indication of the Divine will, he straightway followed it. Thus he regarded himself as a mere instrument in the work of the world. “I do nothing,” he writes, “ 1 am a chisel which outs the wood. The Carpenter directs it. If I lose my edge He must sharpen me. If He puts me aside and takes another, it is His own good will. None are indispen sable to Him. He will do his work with a straw equally well.” His views on religious questions were framed in a broad and catholic spirit. He made no denomi national distinctions. All men were his brothers. Replying to a correspondent who spoke of Mahommedanism as being imperrilled, he said:—“Not so. I find the Musselman quite as good a Christian as many a Christian, and I do not be lieve he is in any peril. All of us are more or less pagans I like the Musselman; he is not ashamed of his Gid ; his life is a fairly pure one; certainly he gives himself a good margin in the wife line ; but, at any rate, ha never poaches on others. Can om 1 Christian people say the same ?” In spite, however, of Gordon’s intensely religious character, in spite of the fact that he re garded life as a burden, and was absolutely free from all fear of death, he was neither a misanthrope nor a puritan. He was all cheerfulness. “ Why,” he once asked, “ate people like hearses, and look like pictures of misery. It muat be from dis content with the government of God ; for all things are directed by Him. If by being doleful in appearance it did good, I would say be very doleful ; but it does not do any good.” So strongly, indeed, did he follow this out, that on one ocoadon he maintained that a cheerful man of the world was more acceptable in God’s sight ; thon a gloomy Christian ” As may be supposed, he had a fierce acorn of all con ventional religion—the religion which is

on y put on on Sunday. “ Act up to your religion,” ho said, “and then you will enjoy it. The Christianity of the masses is a vapid tasteless thing, and is of no use to anyone. The people of England care more for their dinners than they do for anything else.” “ there would be no one,” he writes again, “ so unwelcome to come and reside in this world as Our Saviour, while the world is in the state it now is. He would be dead against all our pursuits,and be altogether outre." Nothing roused his indignation so much as the doctrine of eternal damnation. He him self never felt the least trouble about his own salvation, not because of his worthi ness, but of the infinite goodness of God. In 1878 he wrote to a friend:—“ Imagine to yourself what pleasure would it be to Sim to burn us or to torture us? Can we believe any human being capable of creating us for such a purpose ? Would it show His power ? Why, He is omni-

potent ! Would it show His justice ? He is righteous—no one will deny it. We credit God with attributes which are

utterly hateful to the meanest of men. 1 quite wonder at the long time it has taken us to see that the general doctrine of the Ohuroh is so erroneous. Think over what I say. Is not the preaching of everyplace of worship you have ever entered this ? “If you do well, you will be saved; if you do ill, you will be damned.” Where ia the gospel or good news of this ? When one thinks of the real agony one has gone through in consequence of false teaching it makes human nature angry with the teachers who have aided to the bitterness of life.” Of the future state he says “ The future world must bq. much more amusing, more enticing, and more to be desired than this world, putting aside its absence of sorrow and sin. The future world has somehow been painted to our minds as a place of continuous praise, and though we may not say it, yet one cannot help feeling that if thus it would be monotonous. It cannot be thus; it must be a life of activity, for happiness is de pendent upon activity. ” He knows now. For him the Great Mystery has been solved.

PEDESTRIANISM.

D nkdin, Yesterday. The twelve hours’ walking match be tween Scott, of Dunedin, and Hancock, of England, came off yesterday, beginning a* 11 a ra. For the first two hours Han cock walked at the rate of seven miles an hour, hoping to burst Scott up, but he never got more than three-quarters of a mile ahead. Before four hours were over Hancock was beginning to fag, and Scott soon wiped off the lead. At four o’clock they were level, but Scott for an hour or two seemed to be distressed, and Han cock got a few laps ahead again. At eight o’clock, however, Scott freshened up and Hancock began to fail ; the former having at that hour a lead of about 150 yards, which he increa-ed to half a mile before nine o’clock. Very shortly after this Hancock gave in altogether, and left the track with fifty-nine miles fourteen laps (or slightly'over the half mile) to his credit. Scott walked the time out amid a good deal of enthusiasm, and covered sixty-eight miles fourteen laps. A good deal of money changed hands, Hancock being the favorite for the first few hours. It is believed to have been a thoroughly genuine contest.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

(By Telegraph from the Bluff.) (“ Age” Specials ) London, February 11. Mr Bray, ex Premier of South Aus tralia, visited the Colonial Office to-day. He was introduced to Lord Derby by Mt Blythe, the Agent-General for South A ustraiia. Mr Bray has become the guest of Earl Boseberry, at Mentmore, Bucking hamshire.

February 12.

Since the fall of Khartoum and the news of General Gordon’s death, public indig nation against the Gladstone Ministry has been freely expressed. Earl Rosebery joins the Ministry as Lord Privy Seal, but Lord Carlingford, whom be succeeds will remain President of the Council. The Times, in announ cing Lord Rosebery’s acceptance of office characterises his adhesion to the Glad stone Government when its existence was drawing to a close as patriotic and-unsel fish. The same journal adds that the offer of asa'stacce to the Mother Country by Australia was opportunely made, -and is hopeful that coupled with the fact of Lord Rosebery’s acceptance of office a stronger foreign and colonial policy will be adopted by the Cabinet. Hon Mr Meade, the'assistant Under Secretary for the colonies, has just re turned from Berlin, and is now reporting to the Colonial office the result of his ne gotiations with (Prince Bismarck relative to German annexation in the Pacific.

The call upon the shareholders of the Oriental Bank is not being freely re sponded, to. The Standard referring to the liquidation proceedings states that it is doubtful whether the liability of the shareholders is not unlimited.

Germany disavows any intention of an nexing Samoa. The Agent-General for New Zealand has made strong representa tions to the Colonial office as to the de signs of Prince Bismarck upon Samoa. London, February 15.

Lord Wolseley has telegraphed to the Imperial Government stating that the re port of the messenger who left Khartoum on 2nd inst., and affirms that the place had not then fallen is unreliable. The fall of Khartoum, Lord Wolseley adds, is strongly confirmed ; information to that effect having reached him from various sources. General Gordon is reported to have been shot while going to the Aus trian Consulate in the rush made by the rebels. After' General Gordon fell the Austrian Consul was killed. The Consul representing Greece was made a prisoner and remains in keeping of the rebels. London, February 13.

The deadlock continues in reference to negotiations between Germany and Eng land relative to the annexation of Ne.w- Guinea. It is inevitable that Lord Derby will surrender to the demands of Prince Bismarck unless the Australian colonies agree to united action in protesting against Germany annexing any portion of the island.

London, February 16,

A letter published to-day in the Daily Telegraph suggests that the women of En gland should present members of the New South Wales contingent for Soudan with a silver bugle as a special momento of their patriotism. The same writer further suggests that Her Majesty should present a special ensign to the Australian troops. The Times in a leading article on the Gordon relief expedition refers to the despatch of Australian troops to Egypt as a step which has practically effected the military federation of the British Empire. -

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

London, February 22.

Sir Gerald Graham and staff and Grenadier Guards embarked to-day for the Soudan.

Cairo, February 22.

The latest telegrams to hand from Korti report that the enemy is harass ing the British troops at Abukela, to which place Sir Redvers Buller re cently retired from Gubat, and it is said he will fall back on Gakdul as soon as the necessary camels arrive at Abukela. Melbourne, Saturday.

The Government have received a reply to its offer of troops for the Sou dan. The Imperial Government ex presses its high appreciation of the ten ders of Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, but is unable to accept them, as the troops could not arrive until too late. If, however, operations in the Soudan are prolonged until autumn the offers will be considered. Dcaedin, Sunday.

Up to noon to-day Mr Fulton re ceived applications, from sixty persons willing to undertake service in the Soudan. One female offered to go as nurse.

Port Chalmers, Saturday.

The Naval Artillery have offered to proceed to the Soudan. The men are principally seamen, and if their offer is accepted would be found very useful.

SPORTING

DUNEDIN RACES,

The Betting Market.

(by telegraph). Dunedin, To-day, At Tattersall’s on Saturday the follow ing were the quotations :—IOO to 33 Van guard, 100 to 30 Wapiti, 100 to 25 Lady Emma and Trenton, 100 to 11 Sou’-wes* ter, 100 to 8 July and Captain Webster, 100 to 4 Adamant, Nelson, Leon and Minerva, 100 to 3 The Poet, 100 to 2 Matanaka and Mokoia, 100 to 1 Taiaroa, 200 to 1 Clogs. Lady Emma was backed to win LSOO at 100 to 20, and there were offers to go on, but there was no more money forthcoming at the price. About Trenton 400 to 64 and 100 to 18 were booked and takers wanted to continue at the latter price. Bate accepted 1,000 to 20 about his chance. It is raining heavily now (11,46 9. m.) .

Training Notes. Teavy rain fell yesterday, and showery ather has now set in, but the course is uoi bad. At Porbury this morning, Van guard had three rounds, the last fast with Spade Guinea. Wapiti and Nelson did

three rounds fast, the former going parti -> cularly well. Adamant did three rounds ■ at a god steady gallop. Lady Emma did s’< W work. July and Sou’wester had S good gallop together, the latter having the best of it. Tasman and Trenton had ft half-speed gallop, both horses going well

CRICKET.

ENGLAND v. AUSTRALIA.

J*.-. v. :-■ * *■• .■** —"-a.. [REUTERS TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.) Sydney, FebruaCTSEL The return match between, the English Eleven and a combined Australian team | was resumed to-day. -The local men In their first innings scored highest contributed being Evans and Garrett 51 (not out). The Englishmen ip.theif. first innings were all disposed! of for 132. ‘

INTERPROVINCIAL CRICKET MATCH.

Canterbury'%• TOfSiii?"

The following were'the. scores .at.ihft-- conclusion of Saturday’s play : Canterbury. „ is* Innings j I&f Otago—lst Innings. L. M. Harris, c H. Cotteri(l, b Wilding- > -3 , Beck, c Barnes, b Dunlop... , ... f..,{ 4s J. McGregor, b Dunlop ... * ... r : iS E. T. Collinson (captain), c Washer, ..b , * Dunlop ... ... ... 1 W. G. Dixon, b Wheatley ... ... 20 T. L. Austin, b Dunlop ... ... ... 10 Boddington, b Wilding ... 46 Parker, b Dunlop ... .. ... 7 B. Carson, run out ... o Drabble, b Wilding ... : ... • o Frith, not out 6 Byes 2. Leg-byes , . 2 No balls ’ ... 2 Total 171 BOWUNG ANALYSIS, - Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkt*. Dunlop 252 27 59 .5 Wilding ... ... 236 26 61 .3, McMurray ... 56 8 7 q Wheatley ... 36 2 16 i Washer 8 . o ' $ o 1 Page ... ... 8 . 0 . 7 0 Canterbury.—2nd-innings. Millton, c Carson, b Austin ... ... io W. Cotterill, c Carson, b Austin... ... 9 Wilding, c Carson, b Frith ... v ... 31 , Wheatley, b Frith ... .. ••• ■,! ••• .4" Denham, mn out ... ... ... ! $ Washer, not out ... 2 Barnes, not out ... ... ... ... o ■ Extras ... ToUl for five wicket ••*....57 The game was to be resumed tp-day. -

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE-

fBKUTRK’B TM.EORAMB—OOPVaiOHT.I Monetary and Commercial. London, February 90. „' Consols remain at land securities at last quotations, viz, —5 per cent. 10.40 loan,, 104^ ; 4% percent 1879-1904 loan, cent inscribed stock, Colonial breadstufts are unchanged. The total quantity of wheat afloat for the: United Kingdom is 2,540,000 quarters, being, increase of 190,000 during the week. Australian tallow Beef, average quality, has declined to 335. . Mutton J remains at 345; Mew Zealand frozen mutton,. prime quality, remains at d. to sd. .-Jr

. (Received January 23, 11a.m.) Russian Encroachment. . - London February 22. News is to hand from Ceatral Asfa that the Russian forces are advancing from Turkistan towards Panjidh, a town on the river Murghab, about fifty* miles to the south of the present , Afgharr-Turkish frontier. In quence of this step"" Sir Peter LumsdenCi and the British members of the Anglo- ~ Russian Commission have retired from Sarakbo to Herat, fearing that a colli sion will take place between the Afg- : bans and the Russians owing to the encroachment of the latter 00 Afghan territory. ‘ ' - ;

European Conference. - - . BaEiiiNj February 22: The European Conference- have agreed to the neutrality' of* the Congo river. The Conference will! closeon Thursday next. . .

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Mary Ann Ahnisoft. -

AuoELANh/Sathrdicy. The barque Mary AnnAnnisdn Is a > total wreck at Kaipara Heads: 1 The'ford mast'and mizzen mast are ' through- her bottom. Captain Olay ton, assessor, pro* ceeds to-morrow to survey her on behalf of thp insurance companies. The, oreif are ail safe. ' '-• >

Foundation Stone. ** The foundation- stone under the Wes* leyan Chapel, Grafton road, was laid by the Rev James Willis and Shepherd Allen, M.P. for NewcaaUe-on-Tyee, in { the pre sence of a large assemblage. ■- 1 The Poke.no Mqrder. t ,,.. Auckland, In-day. * „ An inquest on the remains of ifn Prendergast, murdered by her huAbaud, 1 took place at Pokeno on Saturday. Pron dergaat was present, manifeatedgrcat un concern, and frequently ejaculated I did it.” On occasions when impatient at the length of time taken by the clerk to write down the evidence ha ' remarked with a chuckle, “ You might hang half a dozen of ua for time yon take’.” * ; - .A-;. . A cabinetmaker’s shop and dwelling house in Hobson street, the property l pf Mr Foley, and occupied formerly; by ; Peters and Hiryod, and latterly by Hampton, was burnt at three o.’olock; this morning. The building was .totally dear troyed. It was insured .by the owner for L7OO in the Sou(h British and. L3OQ with the Fire Association. Peters and Hir yod’s stock was insured- with the Ootbniilf office fer L2OO. The dwelling:hotne wu r . insured for LIOO with the South British \ Hampton’s furniture for LIOO with the New Zealand. : ; . Temperance Committees. It la stated that the temperance Kotor sing Committees ; contemplate closing several houses with the object of repreia ing Sunday trading. Teetotallers watched - the hotels yesterday ■ with the object of supplying information to the Licensing' Bench.' .

M. A- Annison. The barque Mary Ann AjanUory which went ashore at : Kaipara heads-on ■Friday, is now * total Wrepk ; h ;?

An old Church. The: last service waa held 1 yeetardayin St Paul’s Anglican Chord;, the.4otii&a-1 tion stdne of which was laid byiQovernbt- Hobson in 184 L ■ It is tobe pulled damn to make room Tor city improv entente..

Narrow fiicape- ' n ' : ■ Nbw Plymouth, ■ On Saturday a mah - wirnf a bush fire. In starting muined too long, and' smoke,“did not know which way TO list j from the fire. Being nearly an&oeeted he cried for help, and was only resouad with

difficulty by another man going amongst the burning trees and dragging him out, the latter being insensibly

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1885.



Groceries CHEAPER ■ THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Takched Stkebt. Sagan—English Cut Loaf, 5d per lb Best' White Crystal, 3J<3 per lb j Best'Snowdrop, 4d jer lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, la 3d, la 6d, 2a, 2b 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 31 Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d ; Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d Nbw Figs, Is per bcx Best Sago, 3d Hew Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn's Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6Jd Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d ChSese, 6d per lb English Pick Its, 8d --Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McQREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342



SEIZING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, . STATIONARY, &c. Mast be sold—even it at a loss i XT A L EITt I N E O - V A LBNriNBp To Suit everybody at prices that cannot bo beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton.



VALENTINES. VALENTINE S—A Very Artistic Assortment. ■ Inspection Invited. * CHEAP STATIONERY. Superfine notepaper ... 5s per ream Cream-laid envelopes ... 6s per 1000 Foolscap, exceptional value Is per quire BOOK S. Books by various authors, and some of «be latest editions. Toys and Fancy Coeds Incredibly eheap, to dear pot surplus stock, R. Bevan, STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, &ci. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Shop to Quill’s Hotel)



Wanted. WANTED— A competent Laundress for Weaterfield, No objection (o widow with one child. Apply E. Cook son, Wills street. 2 274 XTTANTED A House and Parlor- VY maid. Apply to Mrs Hugo FltiEni/ASDEii, Burnett street, between 7 and 8 in the evening. 2 270 X¥TANTED Known - Wertheim Sew- VV fing Machines can l~e bad on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. WANTED, —A Girl, about seventeen, to assist in housework and take rhildren out, at Rakaia. Apply to Quill s Hotel, between twelve and half-past 3, on Wednesday, the 25th. 2 258 \Tt7ANTED Known - Mangling done. VV M rs Min hire, North east Belt. 2 263



GLOBIOUS NEWS. Andkew Orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men's boots at 6a 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2a 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lls 6d—every article at half-price. 2 237



WANTED Known—Umbrellas at la lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2i 3d, Shirting at 4|d, Towels 3sd, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Calicoes Is 41 Ashrew Obr’s Cheap Sale. 2 183



VTtT ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders Vt are daiiy 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. VV. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151



WANTED KNOWN — Robbkt Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Towd Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760



WANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 That Hayks and 00. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit. Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6<l; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10a ; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278



WANTED Known Removed. — Jones and Bbadsbaw, Corn and Chaff Dealers, have removed to the large premises in Havelock street nearly oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), where they will be better able to comply with the demands of their trade. Jones and t badshaw.



ANTED Known.—We are not to be beaten I Good straw hats, 4£d, 6d, 9a ; black Cashmere, double width, Is 3d; print costumes, 2s 9d ; white calico, 2s 6d per doz; a lot of infants’ white and colored satin and merino hats and hoods, la to 3a 6d— usual price, 4s 6d to 12s 6d. H. O. JL-eoeks, • ealys’ Buildings, East treat.



SOMETHING worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. 0. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made up ; repairs and alterations carefully attended to. 10 1952



ANTED Known — o. Hawkin’s, of Tinwaid, having decided to com pete with either Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and quality of Boots, will, Ist January, 1885, Sell for Cash Only, at the following reduced rates Men’s Harvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 5s 9d; Shooter Boots, 10a 3d; Women’s Strong Lace Boots, 8s 6d ; Leather Elastic, da 6d; Children’s all reduced from Is per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” 0. Hawkin’s, Boot and Shoemaker. 12 2393



Special Advertisements. NOTICE TO PATIENT?'. Dr. schwarzbach, m.d.. Specialist on Diseases of the Eye, Ear and Throat, Clarendon Hotel, Christ church Homs—from 10 to 1. The Doctor will rt main until about the middle of March, and will accept «no serious cases for treatment at the end of his stay. JDimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A OB.INES, and 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 Ea&T AND TANCRED STREETS, ASHBDRTON. 11 2181



Cornsacks. QKf) BALES of CORNSACKS to AleJv/ arrive ex ship Atlantigue (now due), B : ze 48 x 26|, 2f. Apply, at once, to HAYES & CO., 1 1 . Arcade, Ashburton.



TO my readers and the reading public. Just to hand.—New Books.—Black Poodle, by Anstey ; Our Old Nobility ; The Cuckoo Clock, by Mrs Moloaworth ; We Two, by Edna Doyal; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, by Wilkie Collins; John Bull’s Womankind, by author of John Bull and hia Island; The Jilt, by Charles Retde; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reade; Yesteged, by Geo F. Gumming; Pages in Waiting, by .Edmund Yates; Notes on Ingeraoll, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Roman Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatt; Life, Opinions, and Table Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; Inspiration; A Clerical Lympocium; Bos well’s Life of Johnson ; Magna Charts Stories; Taming Down without Banting ; Money and Mechanism of Exchange, by S, Jevona; John Holdsworth’s Chief Mate; My Watch Below, by W. C. Rus sel; The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot, by Keed; How to live upon la per Week; Stories of Waterloo; Secrets of Success ; How to Read Character; Christmas A umber of Good ward’s Ohrystal Stories ; Longman’s Magazine; The Book of the Beginnings, by R. H. Newton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated London Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap at Thomas F. Farley’s, PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, •Saundbbs’ Buildings, Ashbubton.



Special Advertisements- NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. THE undersigned are now landing, ex s.s Hauroto, the Best N ewcastle Coal Imported for the season 1 A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, y.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Sashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, &c., And every requisite for the trade. MAOPHERSON, FILMBR AND 00. (late A. Hayes), SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. 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 renowned 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. Shirts, 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 gURPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Mast be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Famish will SjLYB 50 Peh Cent. BY PUOHASING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, • Ashburton 9 1729



JgIBBRUARY LIST. Women’s Lisle Gloves, 4-buttons, 4Jd. Scarlet Merino, all wool, 3a 6d, reduced to Is lid. Black Velveteen, a great Bargain, * IQfd. Black Persian Cords, usually la 6d, now 9|d. Dresa Goods, A useful Line for House Dresses, 4|d. Black Lappet Lace, for Ties, etc , Id. American Lrathers, regular price Is 3d, now 10|d. 47 Men’s Tweed Sac Suits, 27a 6d, now 17s 6d. 37 Boys’ and Youths’ Trouser Suits, 20s, now 12s 6d. 34 Pairs Men’s Trousers and Vests, a Bargain, 10a lid. Small Boys’ Tunic Suita, cheap, 6a lid. 50 Dozen IMen’s Socks, 6Jd. 75 Dozen Men’s Merino Socks, B|d. Men’s Hard Felt Hats, New Goods, 6a 6d, now la lid. 200 Dozen Turkey Red Handkerchiefs, 3fd. H. E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January 16th, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES*! GLARING REDUCTIONS 1! Convincing proof and Special Fcicea See Windowt,-®^ Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, *o„ In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,, Corn East and Tailored streets, ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements. Notice ! ANTED KNOWN. To the inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding districts, that (x. J. F. Lublow, Has just opened up a first-class assortment of West of England Coatings and tweeds, and also a large assortment of colonial and Scotch Tweeds, Bis large and varied stock can not be surpassed in the town. ORDERS WILL RECEIVE EVERY DUE ATTENTION. Mr G. J. F. L'a abilities as a tradesman do not need any fur ther comment. Do not forget address TANCRED STREET, Ashburton. Teems Strictly Cash, 5784



Skinny Men. —“ Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potence, debility. The N.Z. Drug C 9. GeaeralJAgents. I