DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Thursday, May 7 Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Mr W. B. Moss’s Store, Tancred street— Furniture MrThos Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett Street—Suburban Property aSWW*' Saturday, May 9. "Mr T. BuUock, at the Arcade, Burnett street— Furniture Messrs’lSTatson, Oox and Co., at Tatter sail’s—Live and Dead Stock Tuesday, May 12 Messrs' ’Matson* Oox and C)., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock ' MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Eto. Thursday, May 7 Library Buildings—Public Meeting, at 7 o’clock Orange Lodge—Regular Monthly meeting in the New Orange Hall; 7.30 p.m. Eangltata Road Board—Annual Meeting of Ratepayers, at noon Friday, May 8 Waterton Library Hall —Concert and Dance Monday, May 11. Borough Council* at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Wednesday, May 13 Orange Hall—Star of the East, I. O. G.T,, meeting at 8 o’clock Wednesday, May 20 Oddfellows’ Hall—Lecture, at 8 o’clock Friday, June 5 isnburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, June 6. JYakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

-Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 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 tu be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 pan., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of oqd faith. AH advertisements and business letters i,o be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails dose at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. lo.Soa.ni., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Qrari, Winchester, sod’Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. ifor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima/u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 *.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreot and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.46 For Wa.Vs.Tvni, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, 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. in. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Maila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertaey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.3° *>.nu daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. i»,30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. lor Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays At 5 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.6 a.jn. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, 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 nrdays. at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1885.

The usual monthly meeting of the Loyal Orange Lodge will be held this evening in the Orange Hall, Burnett street.

This morning Detective O’Connor ar rested a man named Joseph Capstick on a charge of breaking a window iu the shop of Mr Strata, jeweller, of Christchurch, and stealing therefrom a number of silver rings. A young man named William Demuth was arrested in Christchurch yesterday on the same charge, but it was subsequently ascertained that Demuth had received the part of the stolen pro perty found on him from Capstick. The latter was in possession of several of the rings when arrested this morning. The ordinary monthly sitting of the Ashburton District Court will be held on Monday next, at 5 p.m. Frees ire of other business has compelled Judge Ward to fix this unusual hour.

Early yesterday morning Mr Huah Cullen, of Longbeach, lost about 400 bushels of wheat and 140 bushels of oats by fire The grain was threshed and was intended for use as seed. It was not in sured, a fact which appears to afford Mr Cullen very genuine satisfaction. The usual weekly maeting of the Star of the East Lodge, 1.0 G.T., was held in the Orange Hall, Burnett street, last evening. The various reports having been read and confirmed, the installation of officers for the present term was pro ceeded with, the ceremony being con ducted in an impressive manner by Bro. Mullaney, L.D-, assisted by Bro Cook, D.D. The officers installed were : PW.C.T., Bro Charlton; W.C.T., Bro McDonald; W.V T , Sister W. A. Man hire, W.C , Sister Kingston; W.S., Bro Russell; W.F.5,,8r0 Ward; W T., Bro St Hillj'W. M., Bro Parkin; W.1.G., Bro Kingston; W.0.G., Bro Mullaney; W.A.S., Bro Johns; D.M., Sister M Manhire; W.R.S., Sister E. Manhire ; W.L.S., Sister Galloway. The question of the formation of a Juvenile Temple was postponed to a future meeting. It was announced that an entertainment would take place on the next meeting night, to which all friends of temperance are invited. A public meeting was held in the Borough Oounoif Chambers last evening, for the purpose of discussing a proposal to form a Reserve Ccrps r or Ashburton. Hifi Worship the Mayor, who had convened the meeting at the request of the Borough Council, occupied the chair, and there were abou r a dozen other gentlemen pre sent. The Chairman having briefly staged the obiect of the meeting called upon Mr T. Sealy, from whom the proposal had originated, to explain his views. Mr Sealy regretted the small attendance, and said he° had been actuated by a desire to con tribute something towards their military preparations.—Captain Douglas, cf the Ashburton Rifles, at the request of the Chairman, supplied information with re gard to the status of the different Volun teer Corps. He pointed out that the membsrs of a Reserve Corps would have to provide their own arms and accoutre ments, and would receive no capitation, while an Honorary Corps, although not receiving uniforms or canitaden fee, re ceived their arms from Government. A Reserve Corps was supposed to consist of old and tried veterans, who, in the event of an attack, might hold a city or fort, while their younger comrades advanced to meet the enemy. The members of the Honorary Corps would be subjected to the same sort of drill as the regular Volun teers,and would be required to do the a tree service. In regard to the suggestion that those desirous of serving in arms should join the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers he said the maximum number of members had been fixed at fifty men, and at pre sent the strength of the corps was at that figure. He would suggest, however, that those wishing to do duty as Volunteers should make application to Government to be admitted as honorary members of the Rifles. After a desultory discussion the gentlemen present formed themselves into a Committee to make further en quiries in respect to the matter, and to obtain tho names of persons willing to join an Honorary Corps. In consequence of the Volunteer de monstration to bo held on May 25, the Stewards of the Grand National Steeple chase Club have resolved to postpone their annual meeting to May 27- The Local Option vote will be taken in the Mount Hutt licensing district on June Ist The votes in the other local licens ing districts will be taken on days to be fixed between May 25 and 31. A meeting was held in the Templar Hall, Tinwald, last evening to consider the advisahleness of forming a Rifle Corps. Mr Shearer, Chairmapof theTinwaldTown Board, presided, and explained the pur pose for which the meeting was called. Mr Cross, of Christchurch, gave valuable and useful information in reference to the subject, and it was resolved —“ That a Committee to consist of the Chairman, Messrs Williams, Farland, Schneider, and Smith be supplied with lists for signature, and when the required number of names were obtained they be presented to Government at once for acceptance. ” After a vote of thanks had been passe ! to the Chairman the meeting adjourned

The Ashburton County Council notify that the water will be shot off from races E and F for four days from Tuesday, May 12, for the purpose of overhaul by occu piers. If the work is not commenced immediately by occupiers it will be done by the Council at their expense.

That husband of mine is three times the man he was before he began using “Wells Health Ren ewer.” Druggists. The N.Z Drug Co., General Agents. 2

“ German Syrup. ” —No other medicine n the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed jree of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs. Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size gs. 6d. Three oses will relieve any case,—£Advt,J {

Messrs Gundry and Sealy have been I engaged to day obtaining the'names of gentlemen prepared to join the proposed Honorary Kifla Corps for Ashbucto i j They have met with a fair measure o r I success, the names of about twenty volun- 1 teera having been obtained. 1 The election of five gentlemen to form 1 the Mount Hutt Road Board took place I yesterday. The polling booths were at 1 Methven and Barrhill, and considerable 1 interest was displayed in the proceedings. 1 The polling resulted as follows ; —D. Cameron, 88 ; W. McMillan, 65 ; J. Jack son, 58 ; R. Alexander, 46 ; G. H. Aling ton, 42 ;G. Coward, 22. The Returning Officer (Mr F Mainwaring) declared the ! first five gentlemen duly elected, A concert and dance in aid of the funds of the Waterton Library will bo hold at the Library Hall, Waterton, to-morrow evening. Mr Sidney Wolf will act as musical conductor, and a really excellent programme has been prepared. A series of six popular concerts is an nounced in connection with the choir and Sunday school of St. Stephen’s Church. These concerts will be held in the school room on Friday evenings, at intervals of about three weeks. The first of the aeries

is arranged for Friday, the 22nd instant, and will commence at 8 p.m. One shilling admission will be charged to the front seats and sixpence to the back seats, tickets for the course being issued at four shillings. The members of the.choir are requested to meet for glee practice to morrow evening at 8 p.m. In response to an invitation to become an honorary member of the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, Mr John Grigg,

M. H.R, has forwarded the following

letter accompanied by a cheque for three guineas, which constitutes life member ship : “ Longbeach, May 6th, 1885 Captain Douglas, Dear Sir, — I have much pleasure in sending you a subscription to the Volunteer fund. I have great hope that there will be no immediate need of such a force. But anyone is a benefactor to his fellow men who is. the moans of bringing under discipline, and teaching self-reliance to the young men of the nation.— l remain, yours sincerely, John Grigo.”

Lord Palmerston’s prediction concern ing Mr Gladstone has often been quoted of late, but almost invariably without cor rectness. It was made in a private letter,

inid became public property during the lifetime of the former, very much to his

annoyance. His wards were these : “ He will first destroy the Irish Church, next the English ; and, if he lives, estab lish a Republic ; but he will probably be confined in a madhouse before ha accom plishes the last. As an admin strator, Mr Gladstone has never found an equal, and in his budget oratio.is hs has managed to touch with poetic beauty even finance. But he is unskilled as a party leader and manager of man, being simple and con fiding as a boy." The following Homeopathic treatment of drunkenness is warranted by an exchange to effect a cure :—“ Confine the patient to his room, furnish him with his favorite liquor of indiscretion, diluted with two thirds of water, as much wine, beer, coffee and tea as he desires, but containing one eighth of spirit ; all the food—the bread, meat and vegetables steeped in spirit and water. On the fifth day of this treatment he has an extreme disgust for spirit, being continually drunk. Keep up this treat ment till ho no longer desires to eat or drink, and the cure is certain.”

It appears that the bootmakers strike in Christchurch arose through a proposal by Messrs O’Brien and Co. to reduce the tariff of wages to the same as that in vogue at Messrs Toomer Bros’, factory. The Bootmakers’ Society drew up a '‘universal tariff" which was submitted for adoption to the firms. This was re jected by Messrs Lightband, Allan and Co. and Messrs O’Briea and Co., and the operatives of these firms struck. The Secretary of the Society states that the tariff proposed was an equalisation of the rates paid by the different factories, and that taking the whole of the trade the rates have been lowered instead of raised.

Altogether about 230 hands will be thrown out of work, including machinists and clickers.

The Timaru Herald of this morning, re ferring to the arbitration arranged be tween England and Russia, says .'—Eng land after loudly asserting that she would not permit her Commission, which was appointed at the instigation of Russia, to be coolly thrust aside at the whim of tint Power, has now consented to ignore the Commission altogether, and to conduct the negotiations in London. What will be the result, supposing the negotiations do not so smoothly, as assuredly they will not, unless Russia gets entirely her own way 1 Is England prepared to cede every thing to Russian aggression, or is there a point at which the sword is to leap from its scabbard ? After what has passed, shall we dare to make an appeal to arms ? Will not the Afghans, deserted by Eng land as they believe themselves to be, now mike the best terms they can with Russia ? Is the recent display of British bluster, followed by an ignominious “civein” that is entirely un-British, , likely to increase the loyalty of our popu lation in India ] Mr Gladstone has led

his country to the brink of a great preci pice; we only hope that she may no topple over.

At the sale of Grove Farm property, held at the Aroade this afternoon, there was a large attendance, and at the com mencement pjf the sale biddings were fairly spirited, bqt only two lota were Sold, viz :—No. 2, containing fi apres, at L4O per acre ; No, 3, containing 5 acres I rood, at L4O per acre. As the sale proceeded it was evident intending pur chasers considered the vendor’s reserves

t-o high ; but we are informed that after the sale there were a number of enquiries which may lead to a large of the laud being disposed of.

The San ranciaco mail arrived in Ash burton by the 4.35 p.m, train to-day,

THE MAHDI’S ARMY.

“ The Arab journal Nusret contains an interesting description of the organisation of the Mahdi’s forces,” aays the Pall Mall Gazette , “ and calls attention to the fast that Mahommed Ahmed haa adopted in all' essentials the military system of the early Calip s The tactical unit of the army is the ‘brotherhood ’ consisting of ten men, who are originally under the orders of their senior in age. Any soldier, however, who specially distinguishes him self, may be promoted to the leadership. Tea of these “ brotherhoods ” form a company at the head of which is a ferik, and ten companies form a regiment, which is commanded by an emir and his lieutenant. Every company haa its linen fltg, wjiich invariably bears ihe two crossed swords that form the military device of the Mahdi; but the color of the flags varies, each regiment having it# own, and in fact, being Known by its colors. Deads gt bravery are re warded with a present of gold j antji any private may, by continued gallantry, raise himself to the rank of ferik, op even of emir. When the Mahdi commands in person, he is accompanied by ten emits, who opnstitute his stofF, by ten officers, act as aidea-de-oamp, and by four mounted bairak'iars, or standard bearers. These 2i immediate companions of the general ise def are alone eligible to sit on court martials and councils of war ; but the Mahdi is said to have several unofficial counsellors, and among these doubtless are the two Frenchmen, who, according to the Paris papers, have thrown m their lot with him."

ADDITIONAL MAIL NEWS.

THE AFGHAN DIFFICULTY. London, April 12. The War Office ii overwhelmed with offers of service sent by army, militia and volunteer officers. The recruiting depots in London and the provinces ara daily besieged by men anxious to enter the ser vice, in view of the prospect of war with Russia Suitable applicants are being ac cepted. The War Office is as ready for war now as if war were declared. Sir T. Brassoy said:—“We can place a great British fleet in the Baltic in four days. We can stud the sea with cruisers in 24 hours. We are ready here as they are.” Sir Thomas smacked his lips as if the prospect rather pleased them. Two men-of-war belonging to the Chan nel squadron, now at Kingston, Ireland, have been ordered to get ready as rapidly as they can at Portsmouth to take tor pedoes on board. It is reported they will then proceed to the Baltic. AU Admirals of the British Navy have been notified to hold themselves in readi ness for active service. A special injunc tion has been sent by the Admiralty to vice Admiral Lord Hay, commander of the British squadron in the Mediter ranean, to hold himself and fleet ready for service

The London newspapers daily publish columns of opinions of the Continental press on the embroglio. A collection of scores of these opinions shows the follow ing general facts:—The French papers unanimously ridicule England, and de clare she has been out-generalled in the field, and outwitted in diplomacy. If she really goes to war, Frenchmen predict she will meet a crushing disaster. The Ger man and Austrian papers generally discuss the situation in fair and dispassionate tones. Most of the Berlin papers believe that Bismarck will not be induced to at tempt mediation. The beat informed of them expresses the opinion that the Chancellor will devote his energies to localising the war, and compelling Powers outside of England and Russia to keep their hands off.

The Tories are sounding a note of alarm as to the motives of the Indians in clamoring for war, and they warn Govern ment against placing undue reliance upon either the native princes or troops. The St James’s Gazette expresses the opinion of many thoughtful observers in an editorial article, in which it s»ys; — “No Viceroy of India would, without dread, trust the fate of the Empire to the fidelity of native chiefs —would cease watching them, or would - employ their troops, when and where disaffection might turn the tide of battle ” The article con cludes by saying ; “ The optimism which denies this is mere’y cowardice disguised. Preparations for war are continued with unabated vigor, and are no longer viewed as a display of force to avert war, but as preliminaries of an inevitable and des perate struggle. Various plans for strik ing Russia at vulnerable points outside the present field of hostilities are under

consideration. The theory is that if England and Russia are to fight, Russia must not be allowed to chose the battle field. She has thus far forced hostilities on the Afghan frontier, which indicates that she is better prepared to fight there than elsewhere. A prompt attack by (England in almost anv other part of

Russia would, it is thought, prevent Russia from sending re-inforcements to Afghanistan even if it Aid not compel the withdrawal of troops from there to de fend the new point of attack. One plan which is said to be seriously contemplated is to attack the Russian Provinces of Transcaucasia, on the east coast of the Black Sea. The base of operations for such a campaign would be Batoum, which is the principal port on the eastern coast, and the objective point would be Till is, the capital of Transcaucasia. The Russians are now drawing many of their reinforcements for Afghanistan from the Caucasian provinces, and it is argued that

a serious attack on the other aide of the

mountains would compel them to keep their Caucasian troops nearer home. In the event of such an enterprise being undertaken by England, the friendship of Turkey would he important. Transcau casia adj >ins Turkish Armenia, and if Turkey were hostile England would find her troops wedged in between two ene mies. The friendship of Turkey is also of vast importance to either of the com batants on account of her control of the Dardanelles. Control was guaranteed her by the Treaty of Berlin, and solemnly agreed to by both England and Russia. By this means Turkey could prevent Eng land from getting into or Russia from getting out of the Black Sea. Bawal Pindx, April 10. The news of the battle between the Russians and the Afghans was received by the Ameer quietly. He has I >ng been confident that Hussia means to advance to Herat.

A hundred tons of supplies are going through th§ Bolan Pass daily, and orders have been given to increase the supplies to two hundred tons daily. Oandahar, April 10.

The Turcomans have distributed pro clamations through the frontier towns of Afghanistan, urging the inhabitants to form an alliance with Russia.

RUSSIA’S DEFENSIVE PREPARA no NS.

Russia continues her naval and military preparations with great speed. Admiral Sheshakoff has ordered all torpedo boats to be sent to the Baltic and Black Sea.

Croustadt, St Petersburg, and the Palace at Kaaanvelso are now connected by telephone, so that the Czar will be in formed of every movement in case of at tack by the English fleet. The Russian fleet has been in a thorough state of readiness since April 2. Komaroff’s brother, editor of the Rus sian journal Svet, announces that Russia

intends to send 100,000 men to Herat as soon as the English advance to Pisheen. Advices from Odessa state that there is great military activity in that city. This is manifested not qnly by the garri son, but also by other troops stationed theie

News has been received from Odessa bv way of Vienna that transports on the Black Sea era busily engaged in the work of carrying troopa and munitions of war for Sebastopol, Nicolaiev, Bat um, and Batolo. Extensive works are being con structed for the defence of Batoum and Nicolaiev. The new wor*s of defence at Sebastopol have been for the present sus pended.

Numerous battalions of Cossacks are reviewed every daj at Odessa. The gar rison at Kertch is engaged night and day hastening the completion of works at that port, and flour mills are worked at their fullest capacity in preparation of pro visions.

Russia is fully alive to the importance of the control of the Dardanelles, and threatens to propose at the next session of the Suez Canal Commission that the regulations proposed for the neutrality 0* the Suez Canal shall ajso be made to apply to the Dardanelles,

Philadelphia, April 12, Ap order for six fast iron cruisers of the Esmeralda pattern was recoiled in this city on Thursday. Thesp ye sels are nomina ly ordered by private gentlemen, just as they might order steam yachts, but they will be for sale when completed, aud offers of only one European Govern ment will be entertained. It is thought that the features insisted on will be 19 knots speed ; coal carrying capacity for 25 days’ steaming; and buoyancy for three stea -rifled cannon of large calibre. The Fsmeralda is regarded by the prospective owners of these vessels as the highest type of war vessel afloat. She was built

for Chili in England by W. Arm strong, and launched in 1824 Her engines, boilers and magazines are pro tected by a steel deck one inch thick. She carries |two 25-ton breech-loading guns, one as a bow-chaser and the other as a stern-chaser, and has six 4 ton guns on the broadsides, besides machine guns. Her engine-power is very great in propor tion to her displacement, which is 3,000 tons. She carries a very large coal sup ply, and will steam from to 18 knots an hour. TREATY WITH THE AMEER. Earl Dufferin obtained from the Ameer a formal treaty recognising the right of England to lay out and fortify the north western frontier of Afghanistan. AMERICAN SHIPPING. From New York—Norway, sailed (March 9 for Wellington and Auckland. For Wel lington, 3,701 cases kerosene ; for Auck land, 3,650. Benguela, sailed March 12 for Dunedin and Lyttelton. Fop Dunedin, 1,300 cases; f'-r Lyttelton, 1,250 cases. Vessels loading at New York—-For Wellington and Auckland, Katahdin, probably clear April 15 ; for Dunedin and Lyttelton, Lady Dufferin, probably clear May 2. Freight, current rates, New Zealand, 37s CJ per ton.

IS IT TO BE WAR?

Un-lur the above heading the St James’s Budget, of March 14, has the following remarks in reference to the Anglo. Ru ssian difficulty. The present aspect of affairs gives some additional interest to the article:—While we write England and Russia are still at peace, and a strong opinion still prevails on the Continent that there will be no war. For this be lief there are three main reasons: 1. That we are too much hampered in Africa, and must so remain for months to come: 2. That our Government are learning that the Russian preparations in Central Asia are very formidable, and far ahead of their own. 3 That the Three-Emperor Alliance (to which France is more or less attached now) forbids war between Eng land and Russia, except at the coat of a general confligaration, in which the Eng lish Government must see that the Three

Emperors would Buffer least. It is also remembered that Midland is in the habit of giving way to every Russian advance The conclusion is, therefore, that there will be no war. One thing is certain : all the bases of this calculation unquestion ably exist. There they are ; and as they are perfectly well known to every states man and to every soldier student in Europe, it is the merest stupidity to deny them or to sh:rk them. The condition of military forces, the strength, equipment and present position of every regiment in the Queen’s service, are matters of public knowledge. Anybody who choses may learn dl about them,[to the last detail, from official reports and personal inquiry. To talk of informing M. de Giers on the sub ject is simply ridiculous. While cur own Ministers employ their days and nights over Redistribution Bills, Corporation of London Bills, and other electioneering dodges, it is to things like these that he and other Continental statesmen give their minds. So that when he reads in all manner of English newspapers that England is better prepared to defend Af ghaniatan than Russia to move a step fur ther, M. de Giers turns with a smile from what he knows about our preparations to what he knows about his own. These are always shrouded ; they are always carried on in the dark ; and the English news papers referred to evidently know noth ing whatever about them. But they have not gone quite unobserved ; and anybody who chooses to read the St Jamis’s Budget of October 18 may learn how plain the Russian game has been ; what the Russian preparations are ; what pains have been taken to move up masses of men to the Indian frontier—as they are still moving ; and how utterly inade quate to cope with them are all the men we could muster, thanks to the absolute neglect of a Governmeat''which no warn ings even from their own highest autho rities ever touched. More yet may bo learned from those pages to which we make no present reference. But it is all matter of common knowledge to those who make it their business to inquire ; and the outcome is, that while the drat of the three reasons on which the foreign finan ciers base their calculations is glaringly true, the second cannot be contested as matter of fact. And the third is of very great weight. No doubt there are Englishmen who persuade themselves and try to persuade their fellow countrymen that Lord Granville’s apology has broken up the. Triple Alliance. The Skiernievioe understanding to which the three Em perors pledged their word has disappeared (together with the good understanding which Prince Bismarck told us the other day he had arranged with France), be cause our Foreign Minister has been obliged to apologise for what the German Chancellor fancied a particular insult. This is not politics, but mere gushing thoughtlessness, to say the beat of it. The Triple Alliance is what it was : a League c£ Peace : a peace (to quote the acoouut of it in a great German newspaper at the time) “ that goes forth not in angels’ garb, but armed—armed to the teeth. A Wbrd, and such a stream of fire would be let loose as the world has never seen ; and this being so nations and diplomatists outside the League will know better than to say the word.” There is a deal of

spread-eagleism ia this description, no doabt; bat, in extravagant language, it gives us the whole raison d'etre of the League of Peace, and thei Ber in financiers are not far wrong in calculating on it to avert war. It has often been said, and there iejno reason to douot it, that part of that understanding was that Riasia might do as she pleased in Central Asia without hindrance from Germany and Austria, which means that Russia has no need to keep a vast army on the frontier of those Powers, and therefore could spare so many more thousands of men for opera tions in the direction of India. But the understanding exists sure ,f too ; and it is to be expected that the moral pressure will be exerted. In what sense will it be exerted? The expectation is that the English Government will be persuaded to accept Kusaia’s terms, not only because of her preparations to enforce them, but be cause refusal, war, would instantly let loose the other Powers upon their own proposed advantages from the Alliance, What the end will be we do not prophesy. But we stand by the opinion we expressed last week, that the Russians will not re

tire from the positions they have lately advanced to, however much our Govern ment may threaten Of comae they might possibly consent to seem to retire for a little while (to save appearances for our Government) but not without a secret understanding that they may creep back again when the storm has blown over. And wc still believe that no such arrange ment as even *!?’? will be come to unless our Government undertake to stop warlike preparations, and agree to do nothing that would embarrass a further and final advance whenever Russia may choose to venture on it, Suicidal as con sent to those terms' would bo, we are 1 yet inclined to believe that if the makes them an ultimatum they will not be re jected. But, finally, wa must again repeat that His Majesty may have no mind for negotiations at all; preferring to make the utmost, without further delay, of an op portunity that may never return.

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS

Auckland. The Provincial Hotel at Dairy Flat has been burnt down ; insured for L 360 in the Victoria Co. The Gienelg steamer, with two sailing vessels, have left for Kawau to • ndeavor to raise the steamer Maogregor and bring* her to Auckland. The members of a number of the city churches are up inarms against the move in on t to establish a Volunteer corps in connection with these churches. Two meetings of clergy have been held for the. purpose of discussing the matter. _ A re-: solution was passed discountenancing the formation of Yolunteef corps at proposed. Mias De Grey closed a most successful dramatic season at the Opera House, and left by the Walrarapa for Sydney. Sir George Grey arrived to-night from Kawau. He will probably deliver an ad dress here, but intends first to consult bis friends. He will return to Kawau before going to Wellington. - . r • The Hon Mr Stuart, Premier of New South Wales, and Mrs Stuart were pas sengers by the Wairarapa, for Sydney. Mr Button, of the firm of Whitaker, Russell and Button, proceeded to-day to Wanganui, where he will appear on be half of Mr Bryce before the commission appointed to take evidence in connection with the celebrated Bryce v Bnsden case. Wkdunoxon.

The Governor has commoted the sen tence of death passed on Pcendergast, (he Pokeno murderer, to imprisonment for life

Nothing farther has been heard of the missing men, and all hopes of finding them alive are abandoned. 1c la now known that there was a fifth man on board, a swagger, name unknown, who accompanied the man on the return journey. The Nautical Court gave judgment in the case of the wreck of the barque Oceania. They found the accident attri butable to an error of judgment by Cap tain Firth, in hugging the land ; but under the circumstances did not consider it necessary to recommend that hfa certi ficate be suspended. Captaih Firth was, however, ordered to pay the costs of the enquiry. Timaett. A man named John Reid, brother of. Mr Alexander Reid, a f .rmer, was found hanging to a tree in Raukapuka Bosh to-day. He left his brother’s house on February Ist, and has not since been heard of. His body -was found by some boys. Dunedin. The Presbyterian Synod a’-e taking steps to petition Parliament to amend the Education Act to allow the daily reading of the Bible in schools. The Premier, Mr Stout, arrived this evening. His visit is understood to be owing to professional engagements. As a result of Mr Booth’s mission so far, 1,233 blue ribbons have bsen taken, and 819 new pledges signed. The Rugby Union have decided to amend their rules, to allow of «ooring- 4 by points.

SPORTING.

GERALDINE RACES. Second Day. < The following results' were telegraphed after we went to press yesterday : Tally ho Steeplechase, of 75 sovs ; the winner of the Gang forward Handicap to carry 101 b penalty ; two miles and s half. Hon R. Rodney’s b g Bonington, Hat Sib ... (T. Lyford) 1 M J. Kerr’s bg Lynwood, Hat ’ (Cotton) 2 Mr H. Piper’s hr g Ravens wood. 12st 31b, also started. Dividend, L 3 17a. Hack Flat Selling Race, of 16 sovs ; for horses that have never won over 15 sovs of public money in oqe event on the flat; weight not .less than 9at, once round the course. Mr McKay’s Miss Lyle ... ... 1 Mr Evans’s Chadwick 2 Mr Moorehead’s Fraud ... ... 3

Mr Thompson's Te Kooti also rgo. Totalisator dividend, L2. Consolation Handicap, ol SO sovs; once

round the coarse. Mr W. Weston’s Conundrum, fist 121 b (Clark) 1

Mr P. Butler’s Talebearer, 9'st (McLaughlin) 2 Messrs Hobbs Bros’ Bordeman, 7st 101 b (Evans) 3 Totalisator dividend L 4 ss. . NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL. The following weights were declared last night for the Grand National Steepler chase and Hurdle Race Grand National Steeplechase. at lb gt lb Ravenswood 12 3 Linwood ... 11 0 King Arthur 12 0 Moody ... 10 10 Scrutineer,,, 11 12 Berriugton 10 7 Maccarpni... 11 7 Sefton ... 10 Q Director ... 11 7 Hurdle Race. Ravenswood 12 0 Maocaroni... II 2 Master Agnesl2 O' Berringtou 10 0 Borderman 11 7 Azim ... 912 Scrutineer... 11 7 Secretary ... 9 5 Director ... 11 7 BIRTHDAY MEETING. (By Telegraph.) Dunedin, To-day. Magic is scratched for the Hurdle race at the Birthday Meeting. THE TWO THOUSAND. [beutbr’s. telegrams—copyright.] (Received May 7, 2.30 p.m.) London, May 6. The Two Thousand Guinea Stakes, a subscription of 100 sovs each, half for feit, for 3 year-olds ; colts, 9at; fillies, Bst 91b ; the owner of the second bona to receive 200 aova out of the. stakes ; and the third to save his stake. Bow ley mile (1 mile 17 yards). Closed with 87 subscribers. Paradox ... 1 Ghapette colt ... 2 Child of the Mist 3

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1885.



YfS HAVE FOR SALE CHEAP. WOOLPAOKS, full weights • FENCING WIFF Nos. 8 and 9, at less than oi!' LINSEED, colonial BARBED WIRE, from L 27 10a to L 5? a ton TURNIP & RAPE SEEDS, all descrip tions, guaranteed to grow OATS & CHAFF, large stock, low prices ENGLISH & OTHER CLOYERS MATSON, COX AND CO. Cadbury’s Cocoa. fJIHE PUREST AND BEST. Should ho Used by Everyone, ON SALE AT " ORR AND ALCORN’S, Ashburton Agents. To Arrive, a Grand Assortment of Cadbury’s Fancy Goods, comprising— FANGS’ CHOCOLATES, CHOCOLATE CREAMS, Etc. ORR AND ALCORNS. 4 605 Ml AfCHMAKIftS JEWELLERS, V fjsz /CM CH—GHm



Wanted. w AN TED—A general servant. Apply Office of tins Paper, 5 703 TXT - ANTED—A correspondent for the VV Guardian, at Mount Somers. Apply to the Manager. V\, r ANTED—A Man to make Borso Vv Covers Apply, at once, to James Hbskltine, Saddler, etc., Ashburton or Tinwald. 5 698 WANTED A General Servant. Apply. Mrs F. Mayo, Hampstead, between the hours of 2 and 6 30 p.m. on Friday next. 5 697 TTTT’ANTED Known—Before buying Dress Materials, Dialers, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segebs, t- ealys’ Buildings, East Street. REAT Reductions for Cash at Tones and Feadshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50a per ton, la 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. WANTED Known—Wertheim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. Glorious news. Andrew orb will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d; 60 pairs can- I vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at lis 6d—every article at half-price. WANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 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 aides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£d, Towels 3£d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles le 4d. Andrew Ore’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNuWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 Special Advertisements.



SEIZING OEE B'ANOY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONARY, &c. Must be sold—even if at a loss To Sait everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton.



ARRIVED. NEW GOODS. Wholesale tend Retail. Books by various authors Stationery in great variety Toys and Fancy Goods of every de scription Jewellery, Cutlery, Concertinas, Acooc dians, etc. Photo and Scrap Albums, la Tobacconist’s Sundries, etc. Specially low rates to Country Stores. “ Young Ladies’ Journal,” April number, la 3d. K. Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDING, (Next Shop to Quill's Hotel.)s 692



Canterbury Mills. rjlO FARMERS AND OTHERS CORN SACKS, size and weights. At lowest current rates, y 292 0. W. TURNER.



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. 3 384



Read, mark, learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home), You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I be’ieve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to be the 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 1 Read ! When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only 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.



Special Advertisements. LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes,rs WILDING, LLWIS & 0 A STGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risks taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 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 Coal— 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. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND 00. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD M E R 0 H ANTS, East street, Ashburton.



JIHE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To Uvs New Zealand Government Rail ways, Poet Offices, Volunteer Corps, &c. &c. Ac. Are now prepared to enter into contracts for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious manner. ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shortert 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 rollow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Oamaru Greymouth Napier Waimate Reefton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Masterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland TVr 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 TDMN AND WINTER H. E. May & Co., Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth yo ection. 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 Beat 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; 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, wa will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the beat. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and be sent free of carriage (by rail) to ANY PART OF CANTERBURY. H. E. May Co., THE HALL. I



Victoria House. N EW SEASON’S ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION RE FINE ART GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS, TRANFER PATTERNS, &0., To appear in our Next. DIMANT & COE, Uepetal Drapers, Clothiers, &0., East end Tanored Streets, Ashburton,



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancred Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf K 4 per lb Best White Crystv., per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2a, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Pigs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342



Balmy sleep, good digestion, rich blood elastic step and cheerfulness in American Co. Hop Bitters. Read and believe.



Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly cured by using Baxter’s “Lung Preserver.. This old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession. Read ad vertisement. The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family mWicine, and it is - positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has . been tested and proved'by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of H. 8., andin very way trying to induce sobering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money C" t he credit and good name of^H.^B. Many 7 others started nostrums put up simi lar style to H. 8., with vanously devised names in which the word Hop OX Hops were used in a way to induce people to believe hey wfere the same as {fop Bitters, All such pretended remedies or dures, no matter- what their style dr name is, and especially most *‘Hod ” or “Hods’* m with the word “Hop” or “Hops ** in them name or in any way connected with, them Dir their name, are imitations or counterfeits, Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in the glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against dealing in unite tioas «■ counterfeits.