COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr T. Bullock reports on the horse ma.ket for the week ending Saturday, April iStlr : There was only a moderate attendance, and biddings were rather languid. There were a large number oflight horses entered, for which there was not much demand, and a few good draughtsfaged), but owners reserves were con sidered too high, consequently more horses were turned but unsold than at previous sales. Out of the total entry of 27, 14 were sold at the foJowing prices, viz : —Medium draughts of a good stamp, Ll 6 ios to Ll 9, ditto, rather light, Ll 3 to Ll 4 10; 3-year-olds, unbroken, of a light description, a pair at L2O, ditto, broken in to plough, Ll 3, light harness horses, L 8 to L 6. Hac-s, 3-year-olds of a good Stamp, unbroken, L 7 to L 7 ios.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, April 21 Messrs Matson, Cox and Cl, at the Tinwald Saleyarda—Stock Th' rsdat, April 23 Messrs R. Wilkin and Co, on Mr Heron’s Tam, F.'emington—Live and Dead Stock • Friday, Ap il 24. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Raupuna, near Mayfield—Live and Dead Stock Satdrday, April 25 Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street —Land., e'.c. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Monday, April 20 gt Stephen’s Chui oh--Meeting of the Parishioners, at 720 „ , . Fowler’s Buildings—Opening of Working Men’s Cl üb", Wednesday, Aphil 22 Wesleyan Church—Reception Soiree Oddfellows’ Hall—Madame Pauline Rita and Mr John Radcliff, at 8 o’clock Town Hall—Faust Family, at 8 o’clock Monday, April 27. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet ing Friday, May 1 isaburton County Council —At Councii Chambers, 11a.m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, May 2. Vakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

IVTaila close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a, m. «id 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangftata, Orari, Winchester, urd Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. 'for Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima-'u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 %m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Jlouut Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a. m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, st 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. m. : For Ifewlands, oh Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. ' Mnila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 ».m, 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a,m. and 435 p,m. daily.. From 'Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.3-*-bm. daily. Fro»w Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.ru. v. 30 p.m,, andß p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 i.m. Bor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge,. cn-.Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays »t 5 p.m. Froip Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. Froip Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. Fron) 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, APRIL 20, 1885.

The European news this evening is of a pacific character. The Agent-General of Victoria has telegraphed to his Govern ment that affairs look more peaceful, but that the Imperial Government are not in any degree relaxing their military prepara tions.

A man named Lionel Corbett, charged with obtaining money by false pretences from several publicans in Tinaaru, was arrested in Ashburton by Constable Beddek on Saturday afternoon. Our Chertsey correspondent writes : A meeting of the promoters of the Chert sey Saleyarda Company was held in the store of Mr James Patter Son on Saturday evening. The main object of the meeting was to meet Mr Joseph Hatch, of Inver cargill, and confer with him anent the erection of a sheep dip and foot rot-race on the Company’s Saleyards reserve at Chert sey. The following gentlemen were pre sent, v : z :—Messrs Mangham (chairman) Stringfellow, Copeland, McDonald ami Patterson (secretary). The minutes of former meeting having been read and confirmed, and a resume of the past action of the management given, Mr Hatch gave a very intelligent and lucid sketch of the chief features of the construction and management of his stylo of sheep dip and footrot-raca, which seemed to give great satisfaction to those present. After Mr Hatch had been com plimented by several gentlemen for the lucidity of his exposition, it was proposed by Mr Rule, and seconded by Mr Cope land—“ That sufficient land be granted to Mr Joseph Hatch of Invercargill, to erect a public sheep dip and footrot-race, and the use of a sufficient portion of the yards to wort the same at an annual rental of 5s for a term of 14 years. Mr Hatch undertaking to erect ths said sheep dip and footrot-race at his owfl expense, after which period a fresh arrangement to be made.” The meeting then adjourned, after passing the usual vote of thanks to Chairman and Secretary. The annual parish meeting of the St Stephen's Church will be held this even ing at the Sunday Schoolroom at 7.30. The doctors (writes the Melbourne cor respondent of a southern paper) are still divided in opinion on the diagnosis of the disease which, in some symptoms, so much resembles smallpox, and in others is clearly differentiated. Of its contagious character thetr can unhappily no longer be any doubt. One of the resident surgeons at the Melbourne Hospital, two of the medical students, and a patient who was

in the same ward with the man Freeman, who was suffering from the mysterious visitation, have been attacked in a some what similar manner, but their cases do not appear to be of a dangerous charac ter. Some of the medical men who have watched the cases hold to the view .that the disease is modified smallpox; but against this theory it is urged that the period of incubation in these new cases has beep much shorter than in smallpox. In the meantime the health authorities are placidly awaiting further develop ments. In the interests of the public health it is hoped that the disease is not variola, for whilst the Central Board are twiddling their thumbs the dreaded scourge might gain a wide hold on the community.

We are informed by Mr W. 0. Walker, M. H. R., that in response to the petition referred to in our columns some time ago, His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to remit two months of the sen tence passed upon John Gilmour. The prisoner will be released on May 4

Readers of the first edition of our last issue will have been surprised when read ing our account of Mr Ballance’s visit to Ashburton, by the announcement; —“ JMLr Ballance intended to spend 10 or 12 days in the county inspecting the waste lands of the district.” In our second edition the paragraph was corrected and read “in Canterbury. ” The Ashburton Racing Club have ar ranged with Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin to work the totalisator at the forthcoming Autumn Race Meeting. A sub-committee appointed by the Club for the purpose, have arranged a system of tickets which will effectually stop the peccadilloes of those gentry who have at previous meet ings found other than cash means by which to enjoy access to the stand and saddling paddocks. 'i he annual harvest thanksgiving ser vice will be held at, St Stephen’s Church on Thursday evening next. The Rev B A. Lingard, of St Luke’s, Christchurch, will preach, and the choir, in addition to the usual thanksgiving hymns, will render a special anthem. We are very glad to learn that 0. Hobbs, who suffered a nasty fall while riding Moody in the Timaru Steeplechase on Friday last, recovered consciousness early on Saturday morning, and is now rapidly improving An enterprising picture dealer in Lon don has imported from Berlin 10,030 photographs of Prince Henry of Batten berg, who is about to marry Princess Beatrice of England. His Worship the Mayor and Mr T. Bul lock, J. P., presided at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning. A first

offender was fined 5s and costs for drunk enness.—John Tondrae was charged with having been drunk eti Saturday evening last, and, under sub-section 1 of section 7 of the Police Offences Act, with having left a team of horses without proper nour ishment. The accused admitted having been drank, but alleged he had left the horses with food and water—Constable Smart said on Saturday night he had found the accused helplessly drunk in tiuvelock street. On reaching the police station the accused made some incoherent remarks about a team, but the police on searching were unable to find any trace of the horses, \esterday morning J. W, Mcßae had reported to the police the discovery in Frisdlnnder Bros’ yard of a team of horses.—J. W. McKae said from informa tion received he proceeded to Friedland or Bros’ yard yesterday and there found a team of horses attached to a dray. The horses had evidently been out all night, and were suffering from cold and hunger. Witness removed the horses to his stables —James Quigley, a farmer, said the accused was in his employ, and had been sent to Roberts’ store on Saturday with a load of wheat. He should have re-

turned on Saturday evening, but did not do so, and as a result or enquirioi made witness found the horse in Mcßae's stables- Witness gave the accused a good character, stating he had previously been a sober and reliable man. —The Bench stated that in consequence of the charac ter given accused by his employer they would deal leniently with the offence Accused was fined 10s and costa, with the alternative of 48 hours’ imprisonment, for drunkenness, and fined 20s for neglecting the horses under hia charge.

Holloway’s Pills.— -The chiefest wonder of modern times.—This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout th® globe astonishes everybody, and a single tria convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all complaints incidental to the human race, They are a blessing to the afflicted, and aboon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of thejblood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action are the prolific sources or the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. Advt.J J

We have received from the Crown Lands epnrtment a copy of “ A Treatise and Handbook of Orange Culture in Auckland, New Zealand,” by Mr G. E. Alderton, and published by authority of the Government. Daring a recent visit made by Mr Alderton to New South Wales he was empowered by the Govern ment to make enquiries with reference to the cultivation of the orange. Mr Alder ton concludes that the East Coast of the North Island from Napier to the N rlh Cape is well suited to the cultivation of the orange, which ho thinks would be a remunerative occupation,.

Herrings must be very plentiful in the sounds about Picton. A gentleman one day lately caught over four tons of them. The Timaru Herald says it is evident that the present Ministry regard the Legislative Council “ merely as a conveni ent means of pensioning off political fol lowers.” A recent Gazette gives the estimated population of Melbourne and suburbs, within a radius of ten miles from the General Post Office, 322,690, being an in crease of over 18,000 since 1833. Milton, in Otago, must bo a very sober place. Tne Bruce Herald , published in Milton, says.—“ The goodly town of Bal clutha must be going, sadly astray. Last Wednesday there were no less than six drunks before the Court, Our average in Milton is scarcely one a year.” The Right Hon Lord Charles Beresford was born on February 18, ]846, and be came a cadet when only thirteen years of age. He became a sub-li£u‘enant in January, 1866 ; a lieutenant in Septem ber, 1868 ; and commanded the Condor during the bombardment of Alexandria, when he distinguished himself to such an extent that he was promoted to the rank. of captain. Lord Charles Beresford’s latest achievement was his gallant rercus of Sir Charles Wilson and his party, who were stranded in the Nile at the Shabluka Cataract. There is a pretty general be lief that Lord Charles is just a jolly, reck less, and dashing Irishman, who goes into danger for the fun of the thing, but those who know him beat think differently Ho is not gallant but a very simple -1 minded man *His private telegrams show this pretty clearly. On his arrival at Me i tammeh, and after the defence of the ■ zereeba, his first message home was : “ Quite well and cheery.” Another mes sage, after the return of his steamer with I th ' rescued party, ran like this : “ Quite i well Desperate action ; but Providence i took care of us.”

An officer at present in the Soudan, re ferring to the burial of General Stewart, writes We buried him in the little British graveyard near the Gakdul Wells. It was the most impressive scene any one ever went through. We formed a pro cession in the valley headed by the firing party and the band of the Royal Sussex. The pall-bearera we.ro Majors Hon 0. Byng and Gould, Lieutenants Lord, Browning, Douglas, and Dawson, and Captain Rhodes. Colonel Talbot read the service. I looked up once. It is no exaggeration to say that every one round the place had utterly broken down. I have lost the kindest, best friend man ever had, and England, I honestly think, one of her best officers. It was a most trying time for him, that march out from El Gubat ; but the doctors say nothing could possibly have saved him from the first. I fully believe them. The 19th Hussars made a forced march to try to be in time for the funeral, but arrived just too lata. This morning they came and asked to be allowed to do the stonework round the grave, and have been working all day.” In the midst of the black and troublous sky which encompasses us on every side there is one bright gleam of light, and that is afforded by the remarkable readiness with which the colonists are volunteering on every hand to send their sons to fight England’s battle in the Soudan, If they will do this in a wretched,. mis managed business like this, what would they do if England herself were really in danger 7 At the same lime it is well to remember that the colonists have not yet fully realised the extent to which the Home Government has discredited itself by its vacillation, indecision, and irresolu tion in Egyptian affairs Should they realise the extent to which the power of will and facu’tyof judgment has died out amongst us, they may look upon the connection in quite a different As an old Vic torian writes us :~Baing grown up men and women they will frankly grasp the friendly hand of a strong ma.i, but will refuse to be tagged to the apron strings of a screeching, gabbling, and irresolute old woman.” —St James's Badyet The comforts possessed by the Anjtra lians are the envy and admiration of their comrades in camp at Suakim. The following challenge was issued re cently :—“ William Ward (the Flying Guardsman and champion wood chopper of Northampton) is still open to chop wood against anyone (bar Gladstone) for three or five days, for L 5 i side, or he will give Alf Tew five hours’ start in five days' work for a similar amount. Although the probability of the militia being called out is remote, the following list of persons exempt by the Militia Act from service may he of interest :—Law

officers, members of the General Assem bly, Secretaries and Under-Secretaries of the Colonial Government, the clergy and ministers of all religious denominations, who are officiating ministers within the meaning of the Marriage Act, College and University Professors, sheriffs and constables, telegrah clerks, warders of the public ijgaols and lunatic asylums, at tendants at hospital, post-masters and mail carriers, officers acting in the man agement of or collection of the Customs revenue, schoolmasters actually engaged in teaching, seafaring men, otherwise than watchmen and boatmen, volunteers, and persons affiicted with lunacy cr physical infirmity. On *he advice of Lord Wolseley, the in telligence department of the War office has sent a circular to the various London newspapers, pointing out that almost everything published in the papers in this country having reference to the Sou dan is translated into Arabic, and even tually reaches the Mahdi. Perhaps the hint to exercise more caution was not alto gether unwarranted. •We are in an enemy’s country, and yet the names of natives who come into our camp and give valuable information to the General re garding the movements of the tribes and the position of the Mahdi’s forces are given in full. With aych a clue given, those men run in still greater peril of their lives, for the penalty of death is merci lessly dealt out to those who are disco vered aiding the infidel. That there are secret agents at work in our midst and in the various European cities aiding the cause of the Mahdi seems to have been placed lately beyond doubt. —Home News. 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 19 or 44 stamps. • August Flower.— The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects ; such as sour stomach, sick headache. habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis.- agreeable taste in the mouth, coming U P of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s fid a bottle. Sample bottles, 6(1.--[ADVT,

The Ashburton Club, Fowler’s Build ings, will be opened this evening.

The talented Faust family are an nounced to appear In the Town Hall on Wednesday and Thursday evenings next. Those who have not seen these clever per formers can have but little idea of their wondrous feats; they are without doubt the best musical-acrobatic company that has ever travelled this colony, and we trust willjsecnrethe patronage their brilliant per formance deserves. The company will give an afternoon performance on Thurs day for school children and families, which, we have no doubt, will be largely attended.

Mr Walker, M.H.R., Chairman of the County Council, owing to the late hour at which he received notice of the Minister’s visit to Ashburton, was unable to inter view Mr Ballancs on Saturday. However, Messrs Mainwaring and Baxter, of the County Council staff, met Mr Ballanoe during the afternoon and discussed several matters connected with Council business. The officers pointed out that the Council had planted 500 acres of reserves with forest trees, and Mr Ballanoe intimated his willingness to vest a similar area in the Council ; he directed the officers to request the Council to forward to the Lands Department particulars of the land available. —Mr Ballanoe said he would agree to reserve the land adjoining in takes of water races with a view to main taining access to the sources of the water supply.—Mr Ballanoe promised the Go vernment would consider a proposal made by the Council to vest all unsold Crown lands in river beds with County Councils or River Boards for protective purposes. This afternoon in Burnett street a horse

attached to a baker’s cart belonging to Mr W. Marsh, fell and upset the vehicle. The driver escaped without injury and the damage sustained by the cart was of a trivial character.

We lake the following from the current number of the N.Z Schoolmaster :—From a careful consideration of all the data, we are forced to the conclusion that an in justice has been done to Mr Dempsey, of tl>o _ shburton Borough School. If com pelled to go, we trust Mr Dempsey will speedily find a more successful sphere. Replying to the Ashburton County Council, the local Sergeant of Police has intimated his readiness to assist in prose cuting the owners of unregistered dogs. Residents in Rakaia will be pleased to learn it is the intention of the Faust Family to perform in that town on Friday evening next. The following evening the Company will appear at Southhridge. On Saturday afternoon the Hon Mr Ballance, acounpanied by Mr Hatch, M.H.R., inspected the Ashburton Hos pital. The Minister expressed himself highly pleased with the appearance and management of the institution. The Minister for Lands and Defence, left Ashburton by the express on Satur day evening, and reached Wellington yesterday. We are informed that his re turn to Wellington was rendered neces sary by the business in connection with the Defence Department having accumu lated during his absence The programme of the first meeting of the Ashburton Coursing Club to be held on April 27th and 23th is advertised in this issue. It includes a Puppy Stakes and an All-Aged Stakes, and nominations I must be made to the Secretary at the Somerset Hotel by 9 p.m., on Saturday next.

Use American Co.s Hop Bitters once and you will use no other medicine. Test it. Take no other. Be sure and read. Skinny Men. —“ Wells’ Health Renevver restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potence, debility The N.Z. Drug Co. General Agents. * A’ other 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 £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 speedy clearance.

AMERICAN WHEAT.

Wa take the following from a letter ad dressed to the Field by a DaKota farmer: ‘‘Thevalueof wheat atGroodwin station,6l9 miles west of Chicago, 400 a bushel ; car riage to Chicago, 22c ; ditto on to New York, 18c ; agent's commission and ele vator charges, reckoned at 5c ; freight to Liverpool at 4d per bushel, 8c ; cost of selling in Liverpool, short weight, com mission and charges, estimated at sc; rota! 980, equal to 4s Id per bushel, or 32s 8d per quarter. The words of this farmer to me were as follows:— * I claim that I have cultivated this land and raised my crop cheaper than any ordinary far mer; I have got my work done for as low a sum as any man can expect. The far mers around my land are poor, and only too anxious to hire out to get a little ready money to go on with.* I have a farm myself within five miles of where this wheat was grown. I cannot give figures minutely, because we have not sold ourj wheat yet (not being forced to do so.) ! The yield was about 3,000 bushels, off 200 acres. I have expended 10,000dols on dwelling-house, barn, granary, horses and implements, and my estimate is that I cannot raise wheat ( o cover interest on cost of land at Siols per acre, depre ciation at 5 per cent., and - interest at 7 per cent, on outlay) under 750 per bushel, which is almost double the price now ruling in Dakota, The bulk of the farmers in our section are bankrupt. Wheat is not a poor man’s crop ; they had to sell last year at 70c per bushel, which left no margin to pay interest on mort- j gages. They have been breaking their ] necks to get in as big an acreage of wheat as possible, running in debt for the im plements, horses, etc, also the bare neces saries of life They have no money to pay interest on mortgages, or the notes due, and altogether are in a deplorable state. The yield has not been over 12 bushels on an average, and a great deal of the wheat has been smutty, which has been selling from 30c to 35c per bushel. My views regarding this unpreoedentei wheat depression are not In accordanqe with the ideas of others. I feel satisfied that it will take two or three years to give the farmers in the N. W. Territory confi dence to plant wheat largely ; also that the yield in Am ric\ will run from sixty to one hundred million bushe's short of last year. Those farmers who had money left this season have gone more into stock ; those who have not will have to Wqrk within themselves, having no money to pxpend on hire, or in teams, or in machinery. Confidence is gone. The insurers, who feist on the poor farmers, will hot advance funds when they cannot get former interest paid. Them is an absurd idea rooted in the minds of nearly all .Eng lish farmers, millers and wheat importers, and which is fostered by those journalists who farm on papar, that, now an advance has come, the whole farming world will be rushing into planting spring wheat on a tremendous scale, enough to counter balance the short acreage of winter wheat. As far as America is concerned, it is not much use planting spring wheat unless the ground has been prepared in the fall. Viewing this great question broadly, the having to submit to such ruinous'prices is the grandest thing that ever happened to America. Presuming we had wheat for five years at 50s per quarter, what would be the result ? We should have extraordinary good times during that period ; but the soil would be so much impoverished that it would take ten times the present Jvalue of the laud to put it back in the state nature gave it. When X started faming three

years ago in Dakota, wheat was a dollar per bushel there. I took a sample of the land to Dr Voelcker, and he stated the soil was a good one, but after fire years’ successive wheat farming it would give out ; then it would require five tons of lime per acre, in con junction with other manures, to restore the land. I remarked that it would cost ten times as much as the land coat me to put it back as I found it. I did not buy the land to work it out, and therefore re solved to go into stuck afte. two yeara wheat growing. If wheat was 150 per cant, dearer in Dakota than it is to-day, I should still prefer mixed farming. My experience in Canada and the United States is as follows: —Wheat farmers have poor farms and no money ; mixed farms pay moderately; and those who go prin cipally into dairying and stock are com paratively rich, and own valuable farms ] I again assert that one of the greatest curses that ever happened to that grand country would be a succession of high priced wheat yeara. I look for wheat to sell on a very much higher level; cjnfi dence has been destroyed in wheat grow ing, and, notwithstanding the higher prices expected, the wheat craze has had a wholesome check, wh'ch will take years to recover, and by that time the Ameri can wheat raiser will have become a mixed farmer. The Yankee will now sit back, and give the two hundred million souls in India a chance to sand their aur plus wheat to Great Britain.

YESTERDAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland At the inquest on Olarke, the Queens land squatter, who died at the Star lotel, from narcotic poisoning, a verdict of “ death by taking an overdose of cbloro dyne ” was returned. Amonj the passengers by the Coptic is W, M'Candlish, who comes here |in con nection with the proposed railway be tween Tauranga and the Hot Lakes. The Hinemoa arrived with the torpedo boat in tow after a passage which- Cap tain Fairchild describes as one of the worst he ever experienced. In coming across the Bay of Plenty the torpedo boat towed well. The manner in which she rode the heavy seas was a matter of sur prise to all on board the Hinemoa. For the safety of the torpaio boat it was-neces sary on Thursday, in a fierce north-east gale, to take shelter under Capo Run away on the East Coast, on Friday at the lee of Mayor's Island, and on Saturday to run for Port Charles, which she left on Sunday morning, arriving as above. Charles Strong, waterman, fell over the wharf and was drowned. Befo-e the Coptic sailed from London, 1 GeorgeTownshend, fraudulent bankrupt, was arrested. His wife and family came off to the v?ssel under an assumed nams. From instructions received from Welling ton Police Department, on the strength of a cablegram from the Home office, the Auckland police boarded the Coptic, and discovered the woman on board ar a steerage passenger. They succeeded in getting her to disgorge LX,IOO, made up of eleven LIOO Bank of England notes. The body of M Kelvie was brought to town to day by Detective Hughes and I Trooper Kelly to await the inquest. Da ceased’s son told the police before going out in pursuit that his father would never be taken alive.

The Coptic has been chartered by the Imperial Government as a fast cruiser for the New Zealand coast. Arrangements are now being made to avoid sending her on the homeward voyage. She will tow the ship Northumberland to Napier, to take the cargo of frozen meat which is now ready at that port, and the cargo which was to have followed in the Nor thumberland will be put aboard the ship Lyttelton and the steamship Arawa. .The Coptic will go from here to Wellington with her original cargo, and will then be at once fitted up for her new service. She may for this purpose have to go to Aus tralia. Wellington. The Hon J. A. Tole, Minister of Jus tice, returned from Wanganui yesterday evening. A supplementary Gazette issued to-day, contains the new regulations under the Government Insurance Association Act, and a number of new tables. The result of the local option polling for Lambton Ward was in favor of addi tional licenses by 46 to 35. An action claiming damages for alleged slander is to be heard in the Supreme Court next week. The plaintiff is 0. W. Outten, solicitor; the defendant being Daniel Climie, civil engineer, and it is alleged that the latter slandered the former by stating to a friend in the street that p’aintiff had improved bis property to the extent of LIBO or Ll9O at the ex pense of the Island Bay Park Company. A heavy gale set iu last night, and about 4 o’clock this morning half the Ex hibition building in course of erection was blown down. ihe contractors estimate the damage at between L4OO and LSOO. Timaeu. The Defence Minister having agreed to accept the services of the Timaru Rifle Volunteer Company, the roll is being rapidly filled up. Over 50 men signed last night. Dunedin. The Otago Early History Society held a highly successful conversazione on Friday night. Amongst many interesting exhibits was Tasman’s chart of New Zealand, 230 years old, obtained by Dr Hocken on a recant visit to Europe. The express train from Christchurch was delayed in arrival last night for three hours by the breaking down of the engiue, just as she got out of the long tunnel be tween Blueakin and Port Chalmers.

FIRE AT WELLINGTON.

Wellington, Last night.

A most serious tire broka out last night which resulted in the total destruction of Janies Smith's Ta Aro House. This establishment was one of the largest drapers’ and clothiers' businesses in town. About 6 o’clock last night, one of the assistants, in lighting the gas in the win dow, accidentally set fire to some fabrics, which speedily spread, and resisted all efforts to extinguish them Immediately the fiimes were found to have a firm hold, all the shutters were dropped to prevent a draft, and the Fire Brigade were on the spot without delay, bat not in sufficient tima to stay the destruction of the building. It was raining heavily at the time, and what stock was removed, if not damaged by water inside the building, was destroyed by the rain. Owing tc the insurance offices being closed, no correct information respecting risks can be ob tained, but it is estimated that the buildr ing and stock are covered for LIO,OJO, distributed over several offices. (By Telegraph.) Wellington, To-day. The following are the correct insurances on Te Aro House and stock as far as at present can be ascertained : South British, LI, 125 ; Colonial, LIOOO, National, LSOO ; New Zealand, LI, 500; Liverpool, London and Globa, lil,ooo ; Northern, L 1,500 ; United, L 250.; Union, LSOO ; North British, L50O; Hanseatic, L 126 ; Victoria, LSOO ; hire Insurance Association, LSOO ; Norwich Union, L 500; Australian Mercantile, L7OO ; Sun, L 500; Hatnburg-Magdeburg, LSOO ; Guardian, LI,500; Equitable, L 75 0; a London office (name unknown), LI,OO0 —total, L 14,500.

THE MARRIAGE OF MISS MACKAY.

A Paris correspondent of the Pall Mall Budget says The marriage of Miss Majkay and Prince Fernando Oolonna do Galatro, according to French law, took place yesterday at a mayoralty. Nobody was invited who did not belong to the family, or was not required to officiate as a witness. To-day the religious ceremony came of in the little chapel of the Nunci ature. It was also strictly private; Mon-, signor Hende and a priest who catechised* , the bride when she was preparing some years ago for the first Communion, said the words and celebrated the mass. The* Nuncio, who waa charged with a Papal benediction, returned to Pans from Roma to solemnize the marriage. He is Bishop of Benevento—a name, let us hope, of auspicious augury. When it’s a bad wind that brings nobody good, what blessings should a good one waft on its wings 1 Ths bride came in leaning on her stepfather’s arm. She is small, slim, of a pliant I figure, sufficiently rounded for beanty, and has an artless, happy countenance. She has neat features, the softest eyes imaginable, the simplest manner, complete self -possession, does notseem to know what nervousness is, and yet has a modest air. Her dress was white satin, moulding the figure, and forming at the waist behind an immense pouf, that rose high as it pro jected out and fell in a voluminous square train. She did not wear a jewel. A sprig of orange blossom served as a brooch. Round the edge of the skirt where it touched the ground there was a tiny orange blossom trimming. That was all. she responded distinctly to the usual questions. - Ido not think it would be a compliment to speak of her as being “ ladylike,” because that word. Implies conventionality and the mannerism of A ciato. She waa Miranda‘like, and full of sweet confidence in her Ferdinand, as she left the Nunciature with him. The bride groom is seven-and-twenty, but does not look his age. He is dark, has fine eyes, an elegant figure, that appears taller than it really is, the soft suasive manners of Italy, a gentlemanly bearing, no aristo cratic morgue , but rather a desire to pio pitiata. He is distinctly of an Italian type, and would do exactly to play the part of Ferdinand in “ The Tempest." Ho' looked as if he thought to-day “ le plus beau jour de sa vie," and so his uncles and aunt seemed also to think it. A Doria and a Massine went with him as best men to the altar.

LORD ROSEBERY’S SERMON.

(St Jambs’s Budget.) The spirit of the country has been much strengthened and comforted by Lord Rosebery's speech on the fall of Khartoum: a speech which will surprise no one who happens to be acquainted with the deep vein of piety that runs through his lordship’s mind. ‘ “ Me Chairman and gentlemen," he said, “ it sounds presumptuous to attempt to fathom the motives of the Eternal Dis poser of good and evil fortune in this world;’’ and so it does, - as no doubt the ■ Chairman felt. But some more than others may be permitted to' venture a little upon the awful enterprise ; and we must all feel that there could be no better man, and no better scene, than Lord Rosebery speaking at Epsom, that well known haunt of prophecy. There the ascetic peer did fathom the motives of the Eternal Disposer*©! good and evil fortune in this world, with the following results Lord Rosebery cannot help feeling that “ this great catastrophe, this sorrow that has befallen Great Britain,” is really a mercy in disguise. That is how ho can not but regai d it. To think of the disaster as a more consequence of bad management, for which some one .here below should be kicked, would be a very great because an im pious error. This sorrow has been sent to us from above ; and except in its old capacity of instrument of Divine Pro vidence, the Government has had nothing whatever to do with it. “It has come to test the spirit and patriotism of the country.” H s lordship is sure that “we ran hardly help feeling that what we suffer now may have been given to this nation to take stock of itself; .and to realise its position ; and to see whether it be greater or less since the last groat misfortune which it has experienced ; and whether it be equal to the new burdens that may be laid upon it.” ( ‘ Hum—m—m—m ! ” from the body of the hall, and a gentle groan from Mr Robertson Rodger, the chairman.) A F e • callin' upon nsie think “ how much more we respected and sympathised with France after her great disaster at Sedan,” and holding forth a hope of similar comfort for ourselves, Lord Rosebery again warned his fellow countrymen against taking a too worldly view of the catastrophe we all deplore. He fears that the Old Adam in ns may dsny to Her Majesty’s Government “ sympathy in the trial they are under going.” He had to confess that ha had been “ shocked to see that one of the first thoughts in many minds seemed to be that the fall of Khartoum involved the fall of the Government.” This is not as it should be in a thoughtful and a Christian land. When a steward has brought an estate to ruin; when a general has fought hie fifth disastrous battle much too late ; when a trainer of horses proved to have enfeebled your stud, what happens if you are good and wise ? It la at the very moment when yon Know your bankruptcy; it is when y>u read the first bulletin of another defeat with slaughter; it is when yon see your horse foundering fifty yards from the winning-post, that your generous and well-regulated mind glows with the resolve not yet to change that steward, that general, that trainer. To do the other thing, to think of it even, would be “shocking.” And these were the main points of Lord Rosebery’s ser mon at Epsom.

THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY.

(REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.) St. Petersburg, April 18. In his late despatch to the Govern ment General Kornaroff announced , that when Panjdeh and the posts in the neighborhood were evacuated by the Afghans, and the latter fled to Herat, he deemed it expedient to place Panjdeh under temporary Rus sian administration. London, April Is. The Standard states that the Ameer of Afghanistan is indisposed to press his claim to Panjdeh, an 4 expresses the. belief that everything demanded by Russia has been conceded except Zulfikar, which remains Afghan terri tory- London, April 19. Rumors of a peaceful settlement of the existing difficulty between Eng land and Russia continue to be nfe, but so far nothing of a definite nature has transpired in regard to the situa- (Received April 20,1.30 p.m.) Melbourne, To-day. Government are in receipt of a tele graphic despatch from the Agent* General, informing them that .thiqp look more peaceful at Home, but ths[t' the Imperial Government was not in any degree relaxing the military pre? parations which have been going bn for some time past,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1885.



Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, < Takcred Street. Sogara-rEnglish Cut Loaf K d per lb -Bett White Cryata., per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d; Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 61 Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 6J Raisins, 7d New Figs, la per box Best Sago, 3d New Mjuacatols, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Caitn’a Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6Jd Herrings, 7d Keillor's Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES MoGHIEGOR, Tancred Street, 12 2342



WITH RUSSIA.—At the pre sent juncture it would bo difficult for any one exe pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will load to a general European war, or whether' they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a storm. In either case, we ought to bo prepared for the wos si. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce -wiil rise. Among other commodities wool; and labor will go up. Row is the time, therefore, to lay m a stock of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught;rmppjng we have just purchased a Splendid, Assortment of Winter i weeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped; tailoring establishment, which we are pr.epf to.offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, it is almost needles for us to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of cutting, and the care cxer* oised fcy us in tilling the figure, a mis fit i« an impossibility.— Craighead ahd Co., 9Ser«h«at lailoxs, Tattered street.



Wanted. WANTED —A correspondent for the j Guardian, at Mount Somers Apply to the Manager. j WAP- TED —An Assistant Mistress for (ha Side School, Hampstead; salary at present average about L7O per annum. Applications to be sent to the Chairman Ashburton School Committee i by the 27th instant. Charles Braddell, y Clerk. 4 574 £ WANTED— Purchaser for a Piano, by Cramer ; very cheap ; in first-class order. Apply, S.F. 8., Hinds. 4 572 XTT ANTED Known—Before buying W Dross Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. 0. Segers, ealya’ Buildings, East street. BEAT Reductions for Cash at Jokes and Bradshaw’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 5i per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. Known—Wertheira Sew- Vf ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 Glorious news. Andrew orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6i 9.1; 60 pairs can * vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6a 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers 1 at lls 6d —every article at half-price. 2 237 ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots I t V V That Hayes 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 ’ \TTANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is W lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£ 1, Towels 3£d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9J, Camisoles Is 4d. i Andrew Orr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 , OTANTED KNOWN —Robert Elston, 1 if 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. Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold secmity, at current rates of interest. Principals only dealt with. 3 428 CHAS. W. PURNELL. PATT ERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dressesand Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION-RY, Ac. Must be sold even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &0., Ashburton. Canterbury Mills. rpO FARMERS AND OTHERS. CORN SACKS, size and weights. A,t lowest current rates, 3 292 C. W. TURNER.



GRICULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANDI ROAD, CHARLES 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. EAD, 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 tho 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 most popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papers;'’ and I say tho same ! Read ! Read ! Read I When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list o- /he 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. 3 384



Special Advertisements. rpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public < f Ashburton that Mes-ks WILDING, LEWIS & CA STGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risk* taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GO OLD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury.



Timber Timber TO FARMERS and Others about to Build —Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Goal — We are now landing, ex s.s.- Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MAOPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MEROH ANTS, Fast 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. SL’.rt«, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PR ICES. Note the address — NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



OTICE TO FARMERS, WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye 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



UTUMN AND WINTER NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection. They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLINERY; DRAPERY, UNDER CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. . MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash Price, If you will trouble to think for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the best pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed personally by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense cost of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and an expensive staff j therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or make a special lead or draw of any particular article, we will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the best. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and bo sent free of carriage (by rail) to ANY PART OP CANTERBURY, H. E. May & Co., H. E. May & Co., Are now showing their THE HALL.



Victoria House. EW SEASON’S ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION EE FINE ART GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS, TRANFER PATTERNS, &c., To appear in our Next. DIMAN T & COB, Gepecal Drapers, Clothiers, <&c., Bant end Xaucted Streets, Ashburton#



Don’t Die in the House. “Rouugh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bod-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N.Z, Drug Co., General Agents, I