COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office,

Thursday afternoon.

At the Addington yards on Wednesday small entries only of all kinds of stock, with a limited attendance of buyers The maiket opened at eight o’clock punctually with the sale of fat cattle. The attendance of butchers was not large at the start, but greatly improved as the sale progressed, and the majority of the cattle offered found buyers under the hammer. Steers sold tit from L 5 ios to Ly, heifers at L 3 17s 6d to L 5 12s 6d, being at the rate of from 17s to 18s per loolb. The sale of fat sheep, which followed. Was a dull on“, a limited entry fad ing little demand. Crossbred wethers sold up to 15s 6d, for prime quality and heavy weights; ewes, ics to ns gd; merino wethers, 6s to 7s. Store sheep were in small supply. A line of crossbred ewes in lamb sold at 8s gd per head. Little else done. A large entry of pigs met with a ready demand at late rates. Store cattle were in small supply, and inquiry dull.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES, Saturday, May 30.

Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Tatter

Bill’s —Live and Dead Stock Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Salerooms— Sundries

Tuesday, June 2 Messrs Matson, Cox and C)., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Thursday, May 28 Town Hall—Sinking Club, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall —Debating Society, at 8 Friday, May 29 Town Hall—Mr B. T. Booth, Temperance lecturer, at 7-30 Friday, June 5 Ashburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11a.m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office.

Saturday, Join? 6. "Wakanui Road Board, At Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, June 8. Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 30

MAIL NOTICES.

Ufoiln 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. ifunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, end Geraldine, at 10 a.m. dally. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a. m., for Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 «.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaviow, Seafiold, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For tfount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield and Kuapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longboach, at 4.30_ p.m-daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days; and Fridays, at 4. SO p. in. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Mniln arrive at the Ashburton Post l<Sce—

From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 «.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a. m. and 4.35 p.m. doily. From Dunedin and intermediate placew At ■D.m. daily. From Temuka andTimaru at 10.40 a. in. D.dO p.m., and 6 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 a.m.

From Mayfield and Ruapnna, on Wed nesdays and -atur-ays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long. beach at 10 a. m. daily. Fiom Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays. at 4.45 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1885.

A list of persons indebted to the Coun cil for earth, culverts, rents, etc , was laid on the table at the last meeting of the Borough Council, and it was resolved to sue for all accounts outstanding more than three months. UgThe Ashburton Guards were drilled at Mr T. H. Zouoh’s grain store last evening by Color-bergeant Hayes and Mr W. B. Moss. No intimation has yet been re ceived from the Government of the ac ceptance or rejection of the services of Corps.

The Lonvion Sportsmen of February 11 contained the foliowing advertisement: “Wanted.—A cultured man capable ol milking goats. A university man pre ferred. Applications, with testimonials, as to proficiency, to bo addressed,” etc.

The Ashbi'ton Rinking Club will meet in the Town Hall this evening at 7.30. Much annoyance has recently been oc casioned to visitors to the Public Library by the loud conversation and antics of boys, who evidently regard the building as a debiting or play room. The Libra rian has been in-tructed to eject any per son creating a disturbance in the build-

mg. An Indian rhymer expresses his appre ciation of Lord Dufferin and his contempt for Lord Lytton in the following lines ; If here we make a din. We know what we’re about : We greet a Dufferin And see a duffer out. A requisition is in course of signature asking Mr John Grigg to resign his seat in the House of Representatives in favor of either Mr JS. G. Wright or Mr Alfred Saunders. We are in a position to state that the present member of Wakanui will take no hurried action in reference to this matter, for although anxious to be re lieved of hia Parliamentary duties he will allow no precipitate step on jhia part to imperil the interests in which he Icon tested the seat. If some assurance were given that he would bo succeeded by Mr E. G. Wright, we have no doubt Mr Grigg would readily relinquish a position which ho assumed reluctantly and holds at consider able personal inconvenience, but although weary of the machinations of politics, he has lost none of hia earnest solicitude for the welfare of the colony. Referring to this subject the Waimrapa Star, a a small paper published in the North Island, says— ‘‘ Mr John Grigg, M. H.R., for Wakanui, in an address to his con stituents has intimated hia desire to re sign if a suitable agricultural representa tive would come forward. If Mr Grigg will wait till next general election Mr ivess, who has proved himself a capital agricultural representative will assuredly save him the trouble of resigning.” Al though we are unable to concur with the confident roncluaion arrived at by our contemporary, we think it probable that he has mote information than wa have with regard to the political aspirations of Mr Grigg’s late opponent. Holi.oways Ointment and Pills.— Notable Facts.—lntense heat augments the [ annoyances of skin disease and encourages the development of febrile disorders; therefore they should, as they can, be remove by these detergent and purifying preparations. In Stomach complaints, liver affections, pains, and spasms of the bowels, Holloway’s ungent well rubbed over the affected part immediately gives the greatest ease, prevents congestion and in flammation, checks the threatening diarrhoea and averts incipient chohra. The poorer inhabitants in large cities will find these remedies to be their best friends when any pestilence rages, or when Irom unknown causes eruptions, boils, abscesses, or ulcerations point out the presence of taints or impurities within the system, and call for instant and effective curative medicines. — [Advt.J

The annual general meeting of the Methven Racing Club will ho held at Methven on Wednesday, June 3, at 8 p.m. The usual fortnightly practice of the

Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade was held last evening. There was a fair at tendance of members, and a satisfactory drill was executed under Lieutenant W. E. Dolman.

The election of five persons to serve as members of the Anama Raul Board will bo hold on Saturday, June 13. Nomina tions will bo received till 12 o’clock noon on Saturday, June 6, at the house of the Returning Officer, Mr J. Brake, at May field.

Wo regret to announce that Mr James Patterson, of Waierton, whilo riding Mr H. McLean’s Jasper in the Cavalry Race at the Grand National Mooting yesterday, suffered a severe fall. Jasper came down heavily at the double opposite Ford’s, and Mr Patterson was stunned by the accident. The sufferer was promptly attended to by Dr Prina, and is now progressing favorably. By advertisement in another column, the Property Tax Commissioner invites

applications from valuers for the aaaes ment of the Borough of Ashburton and the road districts in the Ashburton County. Late this afternoon a telegram was re-

ceived in town from Mr R. T. Booth

stating that he would, owing to ill-health, be unable to visit Ashburton to-morrow night as arranged. As the arrangements foe a temperance demonstration are com plete, Mr Booth’s Reception Committee have determined to hold a meeting in the Town Hall tomorrow evening, when a a well-known temperance advocate from Christchurch will probably deliver an address. The united choir will meet for rehearsal at the Templar Hall at half-past seven this evening. We have been shown to-day hy Mr Farley, stationer, of East street, a moat extraordinary curio, represented as having been imported from the Pyramids of Egypt. The curiosity is a piece of writing or printing or whatever else it may be I called, on what we are given to under- I stand is papyrus. The writing has a I wonderful resemblance to Old English I black letter, but the illustrations are I essentially Egyptian. Altogether the j “ thing ” has a most old world and musty I look about it, and the binding would pass j readily forsomethingthat had been fashion- I able about the time Moses’s rod was being I utilised to chastise the parties who ulti ] mately came to grief in the Red Sea. But I when the reader has closely examined the I disreputable looking scroll, and reads a I heading, “ He, she, it,” and then goes I further and finds the Grand Vizier of I Egypt bearing a wonderful facial reaemb- I lance to a certain “ Grand Old Man,” I who has a weakness for tree-felling and I post-card correspondence, he will be apt I to conclude that he has been sold, but I will enjoy the perusal of this amusing I sham.

On the c; tock Exchange on April 9 a panic raged with scarcely any intermission from the opening to the close, the serious news from Afghanistan having led to enormous sales of all the leading securi ties. The funds fell 2J per cent., Russian and Egyptian bonds from 7 to 9, Hun garian 3 to 4, and Italian, Spanish and other European stocks !■£ to 2J. English railways declined 2 to 3 each, but did not close quite at the worst. The only mar ket which showed strength was the American. Gold to the amount of L 37.000 was taken to the Bank of Eng land.

Even in China lynch law is resorted to. Just outside the west gate of Shanghai is a small hue where man and his son lived up to November 13 last year The son made it a practice of calling upon his father for cash whenever he was in want of it, until the thing got rather monoton ous for the father, who remonstrated with his son, and being saucily replied to, the father attempted to apply “ paternal cor rection ” on the son ; the sou, in rage, then caught hold of the door-bar and brought it down with such force upon the Father’s skull that he cracked it and killed the old man. The neighbors, hearing the row, assembled at the door of the house where the murder was committed, and captured the son as he was endeavoring to escape. The members of the father’s clan were then called together, and >vt a solemn conclave it was decided to administer on the spot the law set aside for parricides, instead of appealing to the magistrates, which invariably causes much delay, and perhaps the murderer might effect his escape in the meantime, bo the parricide was bound hand and foot, and just with out the hamlet a Imle was dug and the wretched murderer consigned to its depths.

The mud was thrown into the hole and thj m mbera of the clan stamped by turns on the grave until it was level with the ground, and so without leaving a mound or any mark to point out the parricide’s grave the assembled crowd dispersed silently to their daily vocations.

VEGETARIANISM.

Recently a public dinner was given to the villagers of Leigh, near Tunbridge, by Mr S. Morley It consisted wholly of vegetables, and was served under the auspices of the National Food Reform Society. More than 200 responded to the invitation. The meal consisted of three courses—a soup, a savory ; and a sweet, and cost with cooking 6d per head, the prime coat of the articles alone being only 3d. Mr Morley, who presided, making a speech at the close, said that he had invited them to attend in order to have a practical demonstration of the vegetarian diet. He had been accused of wanting to deprive the working man of his beer, and now he might be accused of wanting to deprive him of his meat. Everything that he had seen and tasted that night led him to believe the subject of vegetarianism was worthy of considera tion. The food was good, and it had this advantage, that it could be produced at about half the cost of meat. It was, therefore, of the greatest importance, and worth considering by fathers and mothers, if they cou'a have their children pro perly nourished at half their present cost. Looking at the question from the thrifty point of view, he taw that it was stated that a pennyworth of meal was equal in nutriment to a pound of meat, if that was so, it was well worthy of consideration to-day, when many had such a job to make both ends meet. Then it was said that those who were thoroughgoing vege tarians were invariably total abstainers, and to his mind that was a very great charm. They ate so much fruit and vege tables that they did not need the drink which some people felt they could not do without except in the shape of intoxicants. With respect to the housing of the poor, ha believed that if the system was gener ally adopted it would cause tho decrease of a great deal of misery in London, be cause so many peopla would be engaged in the growth of fruit and vegetables. He believed that a system of iruit and , vegetable farming would pay better than corn growing, owing to the foreign com petition in the latter article ; besides , which it would enhance tho wages of the laboring classes.

MGTHVEN SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the Methven School Committee was held on Tuesday evening Present—Messrs Geo Shann (chairman), D. Quinn, A,. Duff, J- Hibbs and J. 0. Me William.

An apolojy was rece’vod from Mr E. Butt for his absence owing to pressure of private business The head teacher's monthly rep >rt was read, showing that tha average attend ances during the last month were, boys, 31 5; girls, 31 3 ; highest attendance in one day, 69. The report of Mr Edge, the Inspector, on his recent examination of the school, was laid upon the table, and showed that the per centage of passes in all Standards was 89, and it was evident from the statements attached to the report that most of the failures were owing to the irregular attendance of some of the children.

The Committee adopted both reports, which they considered reflected greit credit upon Mr Seay, the head teacher, and his assistant, Mies Connell.

It was resolved—“ That the attention of parents be called to the necessity of sending thair children to school regularly to assist the teachers in their arduous duties, as well as to promote the f regress or the pupils. The Custodian of the school handed in a small amount received for the rent of the room for several entertainments, and after disposing of the usual ordinary rou tine business, the Committee adjourned.

ANNUAL MEETING OF TH GOVERNMENT INSURANCE BOARD

The first annual meeting of the Govern ment Insurance Association Board was held in the Drill Shed, Wellington, last evening. Sir Julias Vogel was in the chair, and the other members of the Board on the platform were Messrs J. 0. Gavin (of the Treasury). R. 0. Hamerton (Pub lic Trustee), N. Roedl J. W. Beetham, G. V. Shannon (Government nominees), and H. D. Bell, Geo. Fisher, and G. S Graham (elected members). About 200 policy-holders were present. Sir Julius Vogel proposed the adoption of the report, and after explaining the establishment of the Board, dealt at length with the figures in the report. After traversing the business for tha year, ho referred to the properties purchased by the Board, and thought no better in vestment could be made, as these invest ments would yield 6 per cent on the capital, while they would have office room free. The capital value of these properties would, he added, increase from year to year. He denied that tha purchases would reduce the amounts to be distri buted as bonuses at tha quinquennium, as such distributions were made on the value of liabilities and assets. Referring to the staff, he said there was no intention to place an officer over the head of Mr Luokie, but the Board did not feel itself justified in entering into an agreement w.th that gentleman, as they were of opinion that at some future time it Hughs be found expedient to obtain the services of a gentleman who had longer experience in an institution of this kind. One step the Board intended to take was that of endeavoring to enlist the assistance of policy holders in obtaining new business, and it was proposed to offer small com missions to those policy-holders who placed business in tha hands of agents Tue Board had come to the conclusion to invest the funds in mortgages of real pro perty, and great caution would be exor cised in such cases. At present the Board was limited to 50 per cent, of tha value of the property, but they intended to ask Parliament to extend the limit to two-thirds, They had four classes of securities —Ist, lo *na on policies ; 2nd, Government securities ; 3rd, loans _to local boards on Parliamentary securities, and 4th, loans on freehold properties. The Board also intended to asx Parlia ment to allow them to sell annuities out of the colony One of the members of the Board was going on a visit to England shortly, and he was empowered to select one or two young men who might be will ing to join the institution at a moderate salary. He next referred to local Boards, and said he was anxious to have this matter fully ventilated. Ha explained at length tha benefits to be derived from having in each large centre a Board com posed of gentlemen who would take an interest in the affairs of the Association. It had been decided by the Board that any motion re the appointment of local Boards or otherwise would be received

that nigh* without the usual notice being given, and the feeling of the meeting would be thus tested After that it was open to any two policy-holders to call for a poll on the question, which would be taken on a futuie day, when the holders could exercise their right of vote by proxy Mr EL D. Bell seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. Mr Fisher denied that the properties, at all events the Dunedin ones, were yielding 6 per cent. Ho also said that the Auckland property was unfit for in surance business, and a largo amount would have to be expended on it. He had suggested delay in the purchase of this property until after the annual meet ing of tho Association, but by the casting vote of the then Chairman (Mr Tole) the suggestion was not adopted. He read a statement of figures showing that the As sociation, by investing its money in Go vernment debentures instead of going outside, would in five years lose upwards of 1.500,000 in interest. He considered the C denial Treasurer should not occupy the Oh drmanahip of tho Board, and when the Amendment Bill was before Parlia ment he hoped a change would be made in this direction. Ho objected altogether to local Boards

Mr H. D. Bell asked the policy-holders not to believe that the Board was squan dering their money. There was no doubt large sums were invested in Government securities, but they were gradually being withdmwn and invested in other ways. Mr Graham thought, at present, local Boards were not required. After two or three policy-holders had addressed the meeting and Sir Julius Vogel had rep'ied, the report and balance sheet were adopted. Mr Geo Beeiham, M.H.R. for Waira rapa North, then moved a resolution to the effect that local Boards should not be ap pointed. On a show of hands being taken, the Chairman announced it in favor of the motion, winch was therefore declared carried. Sir Julius Vogel asked if any policy holders demanded a poll. Mr Beetham said ho did not wish the present meeting to decide the question, and with a view of allowing the policy holders in distant parts to express (heir opinion, ho demanded that a poll should bu taken. ll wan accordingly decided (hat a poll should he taken ai nn adjourned meeting to he held I hat day month, The elected memluon of (he Hoard voted in favor of the motion.

The meeting terminated at 11 o'clock.

THE AUSTRALIAN TROOPS.

No thoughtful man, says the Daily Telegraph, who looks behind the spectacle at Suarim can fail to see that which is far ‘more important, even in its bearing on practical politics, than the mere fact of 500 soldiers coming from New South Wales. \et this mere fact invites our attention, and appeals to our imagination as few recent events have done. No wonder that the wharves and quays of '.uakitn wore crowded, when the sight to be seen was the birth of a new Power in tho world—the debut of Australasia on the stage where nations play their part. Never in history had the like been wit nessed. It was the uprising of the Sou thern Hemisphere, and the stretching out of her mailed hand to the North. She had counted for little before ; she was ever to be reckoned with in future, and that more and more seriously as time goes on. Happy for Mother England

that the young communities of the Anti podes are her children—that they fly her fltg, do homage at the foot of her Throne, and are ready to espouse her quarrel ! With almost paternal interest the home staying Briton dwells upon the apparition of the new Australian force side by aide

with the historic regiments of the old land. Our Special Correspondent has told ua that the New South Wales troops are “composed of men belonging to all social classes—prosperous citizens, men strong, straight and well sat up, from the country and the bush, retired soldiers an i sailors, artisans,” and so forth. We hear further of their admirable physique, and of the fact that they are men, not boys

a scrimmage.” Who does not see in this description all the signs of a real national movement, heightened by the enthusiasm, and almost reckless ness, of national youth ? It was with a force thus composed that Cromwell des troyed for ever the theory of “Divine right.” With such a force Washington secured the liberties of his country, and Republican France hurled back from her frontiers the banded armies of European kings. Noble as free are the volunteer soldiers of New South Wales, while, though their numbers be few, they are an earnest of the potential help that lies behind. The great drama now in progress may have in reserve far more momentous acts than any yet played. Its stage may widen indefinitely, and its scenes be shifted from African deserts to Asiatic steppes ; but in proportion to the urgency of the case will be the assurance that the British Empire—north, south, east, and west—is ’one, indivisible and invincible. It is here that the significance of the Suakim incident enters, in the highest possible sense, into the region of practical politics. The arrival of the Iberia, fol lowed by the Australasian bringing tho Artillery, has, we may be sure, supplied a topic for reflection in many quarters, not all of them friendly to our country. It would be surprising if we had no jealous rivals, and if these did not wish to con vince themselves that “ Old England is going down the hill ” It is for them a case of “ Old England ” no longer. Let desire prompt ever so assured a c mvic tion that tho Motherland, her energies expended, is becoming effete, they cannot shut their eyes to the existence of these stalwart sons—“fine, bearded fellow3,keeu for a scrimmage.” An American poet has imagined the hoses that fell in the Seces sion War marching past Washington’s statue, and tells in rhythmic verse how the dead of a hundred battlefields defiled before the “ silenc grey reviewer.” We would anticipate the future. What a spectacle that will be when, after some such gigantic and decisive struggle as may yet be in store, the might of the British Empire parades in magnificent array— soldiers of the home lands standing side by side with soldiers from the Dominion that spans a Continent ; from the great Southern island which is a Continent in itself ; from Africa and India, and many an outlying dependency of which, in this connection, we have hardly yet learned to think I Hera is a theme for the poets and painters of the future, such as those of the present might envy from their hearts. The fact is, familiarity almost blinds us to an ever-present marvel, until an incident like that at Suakim opens our eyes. Then we see of what stuff the flaah-and-blood defences of our Empire are composed, and how much reason we have to consider “ England, hedged in with the main, That water walled bulwark, still secure, And confi dent from foreign purposes.” In the pride of this assurance—a justifiable pride, if ever there was one—we are now looking at the entrance of a British colony upon the active military duties that empire brings. The representatives of New South Wales in Africa will do their duty as becomes men of English blood ; but the great thing for ua to reflect upon is that every blow of the Colonial sword will ring throughout Europe a note of warning to Old England’s possible foes.

RUSSIA’S BREACH OF FAITH.

The English people do not contemplate war with a light heart, says the Times, but they will not shrink from the trial with a craven spirit, if the alternative be a disgraceful and ruinous submission. The question of delimiting the Russo- Afghaa frontier has given place to one more urgent and, at the same time, less open to confusion. Excuses, indeed, have been already devised for General Komaroff, with the assistance of some hints from M. Lesaar, which the captor of Penjdeh has not taken the trouble to put forward of his own account. But thegplain fact of “an unprovoked agres sion ” on the forces of our ally, the Ameer, with whom the Viceroy of India has just entered into new and closer en gagements, cannot be explained away. If [ we were content to pass over General Komaroff’s attack on and defeat of the Afghans as an “ unhappy incident,” which, however, need not ruffle the placid and deliberate current of diplomatic inter course, we should still have to reckon with the Afghans. What value can they set upon our alliance if amongst its first fruits are seen the victory of Russia and the destruct'on of a large body of Afghan troops in the field, at the very time when Lord Dufferiti and the Ameer are deliberating at Rawul Pindi, and Lord Granville is negotiating with M. de v>iers ? What is likely to be the effect among our Indian fallow subjects of tho news of this fresh achieve ment of ivUHsia, indisputably proved by

the slaughter of hundreds of Afghans and the possession of the most important halting-plaeo on the way to Herat ? We cannot, if wo would, oneountor the risks of a humiliating surrender to the sword of General Komaroll, drawn in defiance

of t ho usages of war and the engagements of hit superiors. It rests with Russia to purgo herself of tho offence by acts of adequate and conspicuous reparation. Tho immediate recall ol General Komarofifaud

the retirement of the Russian troops front all tho positions lately occupied by them in anticipation of tho judgment of tho Delimitation Commissioners, would, perhaps, avail (o lopair the mischief, so tar as it is reparable, that has been done bv the rashness or the perfidy of her officers. At ali events, we are bound by every obligation of honor and every dic tate of expediency to insist that justice shall be done to the Afghans, not in their interest only, but in those of tho people of India and of the British Empire. The duly imposed upon us is one not to be undertaken with levity, but it is one also which England is capable of fulfilling, and from whioii she wid not flinch until I it be fulfilled. (

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS

AUCKLAND In addition to winning the President’s Cap and stakes of LOO at the Auckland Coursing Club, Mr W. p. Buckland. H ER, won Ll5O privately. His win is very popular. The other prizss were apportioned as follow :—J. McCabe’s East Lynne, runner-up, second prize, L3O; R. McDonald’s Kory Bean, and Mr K. Derviu’s Olarenc-), LlB each; J, Mc- Cabe’s (junior) Meteor 2nd, J. McCabe’s Como, aad L. Abernetby’s Stair Lad, LlO each. Hogan’s Taiaroa, J. Abbott’s Black Tulip, D. Watson’s Ladybird, W, Peroival's Riot, T. Churnside’s Kaiser, and Saunders’ Bluegown, L 5 each. Wellington. -

Amongst the Bills to be brought in by the Government next session is one deal ing with the Fisheries question. A private meeting of shareholders in the Colonial Insurance Company was held last evening, but press representatives were not admitted. It it, however, understood that a long discussion took place relative to the management of the Company’s business by the Board of Directors, and that, in accordance with a resolution which was unanimously passed, steps will at once be taken to call an ex traordinary general meeting of the share holders for the purpose of discussing the question of management About twenty shareholders were present. Two of the Volunteers who fired their rifles in the train on Monday have been placed under arrest by order of the Adju tant, as they are non-commissioned offi cers.

While Mr Ballance was on the West

Coast recently, the natives complained of the high percentage charged by the Public Trustee for the collection of rents. The

Native Minister has brought the matter before the Colonial Treasurer, who has agreed to considerable reduction being made in the charges. Colonel Roberts will be appointed Re sident Magistrate over the district lying between Waingongoro and Stoney Rivers; thus he will have civil as well as military jurisdiction over all the disaffected por tions of the West Coast. This afternoon detectives made a raid on a tobacconist’s shop in Willis street, and seized a number of articles which, they allege, were being used on the prin ciple of a totalisator, and that the invest ments were on the Grand National. Steeplechase and Hurdle Race at Christ church. Among the articles seized ware two large sheets of cardboard, on which were the names of the race and horses engaged in it, while under- the name of the racehorse was the number of inves tors on that particular horse, the total , number of investors on each race being , at the top of the sheet. Indiarubber stamps, a number of tickets bearing horses’ names, and about LSO in cheques and i notes were also taken possession of. The names of all the persons in the shop were , token, and it is understood the police will lay an information under the Gaming and Lotteries Act against Mr Mandel, who occupies the premises. Nelson. Considerable interest is being taken iu the Waimea election, and at the nomina tion to-day six candidates were proposed, i The show of bauds gave—W. N. Frauklyn, i 24; W. Wastney, 14 ; J. Kerr, J2 ;0. i Deacker, 12 ; W. White, 10 ; W. Piper, 4. A poll was demanded, and will take i place next Wednesday. Gkeymouih. i The Hospital Committee having re ■ ceived no replies to the telegrams cent to the Government asking for funds tb carry , on the institution till the end of the financial year, June 30, have resigned in a body this evening. A meeting of sub scribers to accept the resignation is called for Wednesday night. The Grey district subscribes the large t amount of volun tary funds to the Hospital of any district in New Zealand. Hokitika. A meeting of the Gas Company took place this evening. There was a large attendance of shareholders. The Auditors’ and Directors’ reports, together with the statement of accounts for the year, were read and received. A dividend at the rate of 8s per share was declared, which, with 8s paid in November, makes 13.33 per cent, for the year. Timaku. C. S. Fraser and J. Granger were to-day elected Borough Auditors unop posed. A four-roomed cottage the property of G. F. Lovegrove, was burnt at MakikiLS yesterday. Insurance LIOO, National Dunedin. At the annual mooting of the Forbury Park Land Company a dividend of 4 per cent, and bonas of L2 10s was declared, and L 438 carried forward. Robert Goodison, who was connected soma time ago with a vary peculiar tran saction m horses, was charged with the larceny of three horses while acting as bailee. The case was remanded. A girl named Isabella Brown, fifteen years of age, died suddenly. She was, taken by epileptic fits and died in a few minutes. There are still one hundred and five men engaged on the defence works at Dunedin and Port Chalmers. The maga zines at Forbury and Lawyers Heads are completed, and the earthwork parapet well advanced. At Taiaroa Head it is proposed to allow the lighthouse to re main for some months, and proceed with the erection of the bairacks to accommo date thirty men. A dray road and a landing are being formed. The railway works now in proorsas in Otago are estimated to cost L 200.000. Inspector Petrie has drawn the atten tion of the Education Board to the account of the peripatetic system of teaching science as carried out by the Birmingham School Beard. He points out that though an elaborate programme of elementary science lessons are prescribed, they have proved anything but a success, and sug gests that the Board should allow the example of Birmingham, and establish the peripatetic system for Dunedin and suburbs, and it would gradually extend throughout the country. The first coat at Birmingham was LI,OOO, and the year’s expenses LSOO, and Mr Petrie thinks L6OO a year would keep an establishment iu working order here.

BRITAIN'S MILITARY RESOURSES.

The number of regular forces at Home and in the colonies is given in the Almanack de Gotha for 1885 at 201,905, and tae reserve as 50,750. They com* prise—Cavalry, 16,998 ; artillery, 34,041; engineers, 5,723; infantry, 134,401; colonial corps, 2,489 ; administrative ser vices (exclusive of India), 8,253. The militia number 130,930, and consist of— cavalry, 14,124; artillery, 20,090 men; engineers, 1,391; and infantry, 116,325.7,, The Volunteers number 247>661, made up of—cavalry, 480; artilleiy, 44,244; engineers, 10,069; infantry, 191,868. The Imperial Army in India number 120,882, which includes 17,800 oavairy and 97,050 infantry; and the grand total ia therefore 772,128, con sisting of— Regulars 201,905 Reserves ... ••• 50,750 Militia 150,930 Volunteers ... ... 247,661 Imperial troops in India 120,883

Total 772,128 _ In addition to these there are in India an immense number of trained troops maintained by tho native chiefs. Returns for the year 1879 reported ♦'ho combined armies of the native chiefs to number 305,235 men, with an artillery of 5,252 guns, and according to a recent series of crtiolea in the this it a v * r y Viofa'

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1886.



Wanted. WANTED Known Tom and Coffee, Hot Pies (meat and fruit), and other refreshments at W. 0. Davis's, Fruiterer, East street. Private room for ladfcs 5 845 WANTED —A good General Servant. Apply, office of this paper. 5 847 WANTED, immediately— A young Man to assist in bakehouse, etc Apply, Cookson’s Stables, Ashburton 5 830 t I I t ’ANTED—Situation as General Ser vant, by a respectable girl, has a good knowledge of cooking. Apply, office of this paper. 5 832 WANTED —A correspondent for the Guardian, at Mount Somers. Apply to the Manager. WANTED Known that R. Lancaster’s Pork Sausages at 6 per lb excels any other in the Canterbury province Cash buyer of bacon pigs. R. Lancaster Ready-money Meat Mart, Bullock’s Ar cade. 5 774 WANTED Known—-The undersigned is prepared to Drill Seed with Reid and Gray’s drill or sow with broadcast sower, on moat reasonable terms. Apply to Martin Griffin, Newlanda. 5 730 TTJ-ANTED \\ has commenced Bacon Curing and having purchased a first-class sausage machine, he will bo able to supply the wants of the inhabitants of Ashburton with a real good Pork Sausage. Fresh every day. Only good corn fed pigs bought. 5 711 "UTTANTED Known—Before buying | Vv Dress Materials, Dlsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. isEGERS, ealys’ Buildings, East ." treat. WANTED Known— Jones and Brad- SHAW are offering a superior blend 1 ■»f Nelson, Moate and Co’s Tea, at 2)s per box ; Flour, 18s par sack ; Chaff, * 35s per ton ; Wheat, seconds and crflshed, equally cheap, for Cash. \\ J~ ANTED Known—'a ertheim Sew i ing Machines can be had on Time i Payments at the New Zealand Clothing , Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 3 2 276 tPS 7"ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 j V t That Hates and Co. are Clearing , a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d j Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic 3 sides, 3s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED KNuTO— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent , etc.. Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical B companies and others visiting Ashburton - should communicate with the above. } Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 " Special Advertisements. MRS KENNEDY & MISS CAMERON, DRESSMAKERS, ■ Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, Ashburton. N.B. —Registry Office for Female Ser vants. 4 537 . mO SHEEP OWNERS in Seafield and i JL district.—Dipping done at moderate charges. . H. STROUTS, * 4 682 Seafield. 1 Trees. Trees. Treej. miHE undersigned has for sale all kinds 1 of Fruit and Forest TREES, Pinua Insignis, Macrocarpa, by tens of thou sands. Other kinds in proportion. Prices extremely moderate. N.B.—All orders by post or left at the Office of this paper will be attended to with despatch. JAMES PORTER, CLIFTON NURSERY, Alleaton, Ashburton. 5 701 RIVED, ARRIVED. NEW GOODS. Wholesale and Retail. Books by various authors Stationery in great variety Toys and Fancy Goods of every de scription Jewellery, Cutlery, Concertinas, Accor dians, etc. Photo and Scrap Albums, Is Tobacconist’s Sundries, etc. Specially low rates to Country Stores. “ The Old Flag” (music and words), by Vincent Pyke ; at published price. E, Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDING, (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel )5 692 GRICULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANUI 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. READ, MARK, LEaRN AND INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully artistic Easter cards i ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I believe it was Lord vVolsaley who said (he happens to be the most popular man of the day, and one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papers;’’ and I say the same ! Read ! Read ! Read 1 When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Wot having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish by saying—Como and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas E. Earley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton. i 1 b C 1 1 { l '1 \i c I



n6tice to advertisers. Advertisements for Thk Ashburton r.nTm.n must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can bo received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. , All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must bo accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of ood faith. All advertisements and business tetters o bo addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.



jQOMESTIO PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Sibest, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 Mrs Adams, AGENT FOR MADAME WEIGEL’S PATTERNS, HAS now on hand a nice assortment of crewel wools, silks, filoselle, floasette, lace, braids, transfer patterns, new designs, crash, oatmeal and satin cloths for art needlework, five o’clock tea cloths, embroidery frames, eto. THE LITLIE SHOP, East street, (Next Mr Ranger’s, baker). 5 760 j WAR WITH RUSSIA.—At the pro-1 sent juncture it would be difficult for 1 , any one except a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in smoke. The absence of full iuformation 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 be prepared lor the worst. If a general war breaks oht the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities,|wool and labor will go up. Now is the lime', therefore, to lay in a stock »f clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just put chased A Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a woll ■equipped tailoring establishment, which are piepared to offer at unusually low rices for cash. Regarding style and fit, is almost needless for us to repeat what j very body knows, viz , that by our soien> tifiemi.de of cu-rin.;, and the cure exer tited by us in b. .. g «he figure, a mis-fit k « ad impoaaibiliu kaiohbad aji|) vO. | raftered



Special Advertisements. ! jpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE E?ire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing hepublic of Ashburton that As srs WILDING, L'dWIS & CAITGILL rave been appointed AGENTS for the ibove Company in the Ashburton Die rict. All risks taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 5 328 General Agents for Canterbury. MAOPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (Late A. Hayes) TIMBER, COAL AND FIREWOOD MERC H ANTS, East street, Ashburton. STUDY your Interests, and get quota tions for every requisite for the Building Trade. Study your Comfort and try our PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, Just landed, ex Candida. Doors, Sashes, Mouldings, Roofing Iron, Gates, Hurdles, &c. On Sale, in any quantities. &ST WE ARE PRODUCERS And can soil to salt the times * W. H. COLLINS, Manager. gTUDY THE FOLLOWING Quotations AND BEFRIEND YOURSELF s. d. All Wool Welsh Fannel, very heavy, suitable for men’s shirts 0 9f Saxony Union Flannel, fine, suit able for babies’ wear ... ... 0 8f Scarlet Saxony Flannel ... ... 0 Grey Calico, per yard ... ... 0 2 Slate Silesia, per yard ... ... 02| Heavy Brown Holland, per yard 0 4-$ Forfar, for aprons, per yard ... 0 5$ One Yard Wide F»rfar, per yard 0 7£ Cotton Tick, per yard ... ... 04| Turkey Red, per yard ... ... 0 5| Heavy Twill Cretonne; this fa well worth Is ... ... 0 Reversible Cretonne, usually sold for Is, per yard... ... ... 0 9f All Wool Crimean Shirting ... I 3 Warm Wincey Shirting ... ... 0 4f Union Crimean Shirting ... ... 07| White Blankets, suitable for chil dren’s beds, per pair ... 7 11 No. 2 Quality White Blankets, per pair ... ... ... ... 9 6 No. 3 Quality White Blankets, per pair 12 9 Double-bed Size, per pair ... 13 9 Extra Large Blansets, per pair ... 19 6 See our 21s and 25s BLANKETS They will really astonish you. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. All Tweeds well shrunk. Fit Gnaianteed. Charges cannot be beaten.



MEM'S CLOTHING To meet these hard times. Men’s Tweed Trousers—3s 9d, 5s lid, 7a 6d, 10a fid Men’s 'J’weed rrouaeis and Vest—7s lid, 10s fid, 12s 6i Men’s Tweed Suita—l7s 6d, 255, 30s Men’s Oil Coats, leather bound—lsa 9d See our 21s O V*E R O O A T. A very special line. H. S. May & Co., THE HALL. 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 4f54 rjIHE NEW Z EAL N D Clothing Factory OONTrT 0 T O R S To '>'-o New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, "Volunteer Corps, &o. &c. 0/ c. Are now prepared to enter into contracts i for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the moat inexpensive and expeditious manner. ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shorten notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE —Measures for all uniforms may bo entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the .follow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Oainaru Greyniouth Napier Waimato Reofton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Master ton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland j t t t 1 s i t » I v a a v h I t' a 1 f< s si ti w 1 ai Sr tl C( cc h, w M



victoria Mouse* 1 PRESIDE EMPLOYMENT, AMUSEMENT, & INSTRUCTION J FOR WINTER EVENINGS. NOW SHOWING—A Splendid Assortment of Fine Art Goods and Traced Work in Slippers, Cosies, Antimacassars, Tidies, Ladi*s’ and Children’s Aprons, Brackets, Drapes, Splaikera, Nightdress Bags. A Nice election of Crewel and Washing Silks, Ingrain Cottons, Berlin Fingerings, Transfer Patterns, Designs for Jross Stiich worK, <fcn. Also—A Nice Variety of Homespuns, Ladies 1 and Children’s Ulsters, Jackets, Gloves, etc., and a few Parcels of Manufacturers’ amplos in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Cloth ing, bought at 20 p> r cent under the regular prices, and offered accordingly. Dirnant and Coe. GENERAL drapers, CLOTHIERS, &o. t and laacwd Stnoto* AaWrattoa, Victoria, House,



Special Advertisements. M Groceries M CHEAPER THAN EVER A JAMES McGREGOR’S, jj ancked Stkket (opposite the Arcade). g White Crystal Sugar, 3d per lb by the mat , lest English Cut Loaf Sugar, 4£d per lb Box Tea, from 12a 6d per grand assortment of new tin Fish — Herrings in Shrimp, Tomato or Tennel Sauce; Kippered, Spiced or Devil’d Herrings ; Digby Chicks or Findon Haddocks, at la per tin Ji Fresh Herrings, 7d. Best Oysters, 6d 1 Moir’s Oatmeal, 3a 9d per bag a Salmon, 8d Best Cutting Brand, 9d 8 Mackerel. lOd Sardines, 6d 1 'ull sizes new Figs, 9d per box s Cadbury’s Cocoa, Is per tin E Fry’s Cocoa, tin or packet, Is fid per lb f Biscuits, 3d Cheese, fid 1 Best Rice, Sago and Tapioca, 3d per lb JAMES MoGREGOR, i Tancred Street, 12 2342 JIHB ASHBURTON COUNTY STOCK AND SALEYARDS COMPANY (Limited), la prepared to Dip Sheep tN large or small lots at the following scale of charges : For the first 500 sheep, one penny each For the second 500 sheep, one half penny each For ; the second 1,000 sheep, one fanhmg each For flocks of over 2,000 special arrange ments will be made. The material used will be charged for in addition to the above. GEORGE JAMESON, Secretary. rjIRIANGLE BAKERY* B. MORRIS being the first to RE DUCE the Price of BREAD in Ashbur ton, takes this opportunity of thanking his customers for past favors, and has now the pleasure of informing them that prompt monthly customers are waited upon at CASH prices, viz., 41b .Loaf sd, Also, that Gristing of farmers’ lots is re ceived at the Triangle Bakery, for the Weaterfield Flour Mills. B. MORRIS, MILLER, WESTERFIELD. 5 712 iUBLIO ANNOUNCEMENT. OPENED MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 1885. MESSRS BAYLIS & CO. (late of irr and Alcorn), have Commenced Busi ess as Family Grr cars and Tea Dealers, 1 Saunders’ Buildings, next to Mr Far iy’s, Bookseller, on above date. Messrs B. and Co. beg to announce to le public of Ashburton and District, that 3 they Buy for Cash and in the cheapest larkets, they are in a position to Sell at io lowest possible prices, and ttust by unctuality and despatch to receive a fair lare of the public patronage. 584 BAYLIS & CO.



“.-tayino” Power. —lt will be intercut log to athletes, and to all who value iho pwer of physical endurance, to know that at “ home ” and in the sia'or culnniea an article has of late yeara 0«..ni0 into general use, which is very strongly ro connucnded as being an exceedingly plea sant beverage, and which yet imparts, in an unusually largo degree, what is expres sively known as “ staying power,”—in other words, nutriment and strength. Wa refer to Cadbury’s “ Qooe» biaaeuw.'*



The v'sj>'> of youth given to (It** aged and inlinn I'v "sing Hop lUtlors made Iw Ameri can Co. Tty U. Road. A oilier nnloitnnalc. ---Again wo must d\aw the aoemion of ouv readers (<i the (act (hat a /,2.43-j slock of Clothing- and tieneval Iha potv. in (he estate of 1 kamis O'Connell, tra ding in l.yUel'on and CrislOnmh, now Rank* ni|'(, was purchased liy 1!, hi. M.W I't Co,, of (ho Hall, High strroi, lot' /.rpcß or only a lilllo over ono-third of its value. U. K. M. and Co. arc now soiling il at hall the marked juice, which smcly ought to secure o speed oUmmefe I