COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Thursday afternoon. Miles and Co. report ano her dull, digging sale of livestock at the Ashburton County sale yards for the week ending Tuesday, February lyta. The number of sheep yarded were in excess of the supply during the past few weeks, and among them sevaral pens of prime fat sheep—more than sufficient for the require ments of the trade—and in stores, although there were some remarkably good si eep brought forward, the utmost apathy prevailed. But th is is to be accounted for by the small I attendance, the majori’y of the farmers bejpg busily engaged in harvest operations t-.kir-g every advantage of the fine weather which for tunately prevails. In another month we ex < pect to see the live stock trade assume a very different aspect, as the country is everywhere full of feed, and the turnip crop bids i ir to be far above the average. In anticipation of this , we predict that good sound breeding ewe?, ' both crossbreds and merinos, healthy lambs, and well-grown wethers, suitable for winter feeding, will be in active demand. Strenuous efforts are h-ing made in every quarter to put the meat export trade on a belter footing. Farmers . and graz'ers, having at length recognised the fact that it is necessary to Tend a helping hand to an indus try which must ere long become the ' mainstay of the colony, and with this in view they will do well to lay a proper foundation by buying the best stock for breed ing purposes. On Tuesday we sold prime fat merino at 8s 6d to ios each ; crossbred wethers at 13s each; very forward store merino wethers at 6s gd each ; crossbred two ' tooths of mixed sexes at 9s 6d each, and first and second cross lambs at 8s each. sales are fair quotations of the prices realised. Privately, during the week, v e have sold two lots of prime lambs at 9s 6d each, and have also quitted 1,000 merino wethers at fss 6d each. In closing this report it is due to Mr ‘ Upton, of Sherwood, to make mention of a ■rline of fat meriiio wethers b;ought forward by him, and whi h realised the top price of the . day, «js each; further that these sheep were ofiered by us in May last, both at Ashburton and Tinwald Saleyards, where we failed to find buyers for them at 6s each. Since then they have been grazed and shorn at Sherwood, the wool bringing an average of 5s per fleece, this being one of the many proofs that merino wethers will pay for grazing if they get a fair chance. In cattle there were but few yarded, and the business done scarce worthy of note.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, February 21

Mr Tbos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barnett street—Property and Sundries Tuesday, February 2d. Messrs Matson, Cox and Or., at tie Tinwald Saleyards—Stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Erd. Friday, February 20 Ashburton Licensing District—Election of Committee, at Tinwald Saleyards Wednesday, February 25 Orange liall—-'Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., at 7.30

Thursday, February 26. Grand Demonstration and Sports, in the Sports Ground, East belt. Costume Cricket Match in the Domain Friday, February 27. iaisburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Monday, Mahch 2. Borough Council, at Borough Councii Chambers, a< 7.30 : Tuesday, March; 3. Tinwald School Committee Monthly Meeting in the Schoolroom Friday, Match 6. Lonbgeaoh Hoad Board at Road Board Office.

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

MAIL NOTICES.

■ Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: For Christchurch and North at 6 a. in. 10.30 a.m., and 5 pim., daily.^ For Chertsoy Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m. and s_p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. sfor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima.’U and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.50 p.m. , daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m.

For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. m For Jlount Somers, on Tuesdays and , aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a-m. For Ash ten, Waterton and Longbeach, Bt 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.80 a.m.

Mail* arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — 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. daily. ' From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.3 n ■'vm. daily. From Temuka and Tiraaru at 10.40 a. m, t),30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10

For Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m, and 4 30 p.m., and on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri= days, at 2.30 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 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1885. Licensing Committees.

To-morrow the ratepayers of the Ashburton Borough will have an op portunity to exercise the votes they en joy under the Licensing Act, 1881 ; they w4'l be called upon to elect a Licensing Committee of five from the ten gentlemen who have offered them selves as candidates. The interest dis played in these elections has usually been in no way commensurate with their importance; the exceptions, too often, have been cases in which holders of extreme views in reference to the liquor question have introduced a large amount of ill-feeling and a number of foreign issues into the contests. Mode rate men are seldom enthusiasts and in social matters, at least, frequently allow themselves to be governed by zealots and busy-bodies. The trials of voting strength that have taken place between the publicans and the advocates of total abstinence, have almost always resulted in decisive vic tories for the former; vested interests have outweighed philanthropic theories. But these contests should not be allowed to degenerate into struggles between the two sections of the com munity least qualified to deal wisely and temperately with the important issues at stake; the large majority of the ratepayers, those unbiassed by trade influences or intemperate obliga tions, should be induced to bear an active part in the elections. The self denial and benevolence of the Good Templars have our highest respect, and we freely admit that they have effected great practical good. We are even satisfied from personal observation and the highest medical and other testi mony that if alcohol were universally eschewed the world would be better and happier. But this reform must be effected by example, moral suasion, and temperate measures, not by confiscation, compulsion, and'injustice. On the other hand publicans ate not always or generally vicious men. They may have embarked upon a trade that contributes very much to the crime and misery of the' world; but many of them so regulate their business, that its chief objec tions are removed, and if the provisions of the present Licensing Act were rigidly enforced, the less circumspect tradesmen would either have to amend their ways or seek some other field for the employment of their capital and labor. We do not maintain that a Committee composed entirely of Good Templars would not intelligently and conscientiously administer the Act. A Committee holding quite the opposite view might do so, but it is better we think in the interests of all concerned that a Committee without prejudice, but with a strong determination to do their utmost to actually restrain, and, if possible, remove the abuses and evils of the liquor traffic should be selected.

The talented Faust family are adver tised to give a popular entertainment in Ashburton on the 28th February and 2nd March,

As suggested by us soma time ago, the railway excursion from Timaru to Ash burton will take place on the same day as that from Christchurch to Ashburton, viz , Thursday, 26th instant* Wo are requested to announce that a meeting of the general Committee for the excursion sports, to be held on the Ath letic Sports Ground, will take place this evening at 8 p.m., at Messrs Matson, Cox and Co’s office, when a full attend ance is requested. The Presbyterian General Assembly continued rheir sitting in Christchurch yesterday. A deal of routine business was transacted. The following motion was carried unanimously :—“ That Assembly recognises and approves of D(8 action of the Jommittee, taken through Dr Inglis, in selecting and sending oat the Rev Ohas. Murray, and that the Assembly cordially welcomes him as a new mission ary of the Church.” Overtures from the Presbytery of Auckland, and Mr Bell, Timaru, were referred to a committee, and it was resolved that the Assembly appeal to the membership of the Church to adopt the constitutional method of making known their grievances to the Session and Presbytery, in order to their being considered and remedied, rather than adopting the unchristian method and withholding contributions and ceasing from attendance upon ordinances. The Rev, Mr Murray was ord lined at St. Paul’s Church last night. Wells’ “Rough ottj Corns.” | Askflfor Wells’ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. *

The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it iis 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., and in rvery way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit anu yoad name of H, B. Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or “Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. AH sjicb pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with tlie word “Hop” or “Hops” in their name or in any way connected with them or 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 m imita tions «■ c counterfeits.

The Committee of the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers will meet at Captain Douglas’s office to-morrow evening at 7 o’clock to appoint a Secretary and to consider a challenge from the Kaiapoi Rifle Oiub. Messrs Stitt, O. Fooks and Dr Leahy were last evening appointed by the Com mittee of the Ash urton Racing Club a Handicapping Commit ee.

A claim forwarded last week to the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company by the Ashburton agent, Me J. C Duncan, on behalf of a local gentleman, resulted in a cheque being immediately returned in satisfaction.

The excursion trains from Christchurch to Timaru to-day were largely patronised. One of the trains stopped at Ashburton, and 164 full tickets, passing about 200 passengers, were issued from this station. The third annual meeting of the North Canterbury Education Institute was opened in Christchurch yesterday. Professor Cook, of Canterbury College, was elected President. The Committee’s report was satisfactory on the whole, though showing a small financial deficit.

A telegram appearing in this evening’s

issue gives brief particulars of a skirmish, near Ouba f , between a British detachment and a body of rebels “ acting as escort to a quantity of guns and supplies being sent from Khartoum to Metemneh." The rebels were defeated.

The Wanganui Herald states that General Gordon has a full cousin in Wan ganui, Mr Charles Enderby standing in that relation to the Khartoum hero. Mr EnJerby and General Gordon were at College together, and were fast chums up till the date of the former’s leaving for New Zealand, and thev have corresponded since.—The Southland Times says : —lt may interest those of our readers, who were resident in Southland in the early days, to know that a brother of General Gordon was one of the pioneer settlers of this district. He resided principally in the Waiau district, and we are informed was a universal favori'e with all who knew him. We believe he died in this town about 20 years ago. There were about thirty members pre sent last night at the Bible Instruction Class connected with the Ashburton Wes leyan Church. Though the class has only been organised within the last two months the membership is rapidly on the increase and the various subjects brought under notice from time to time are exhaustively dealt with. An annonncement appears in this issue with reference to the night of meeting in the future, to which we have been asxed to draw the attention of those interested.

Mr Donald Williamson, J.P., presided at the R. M. Court this morning, —Two first offenders were each fined 5a and costa for drunkenness, with the alternative of twenty-four hours’ imprisonment.—Mar garet Griffen, alias Hartnell, alias Maggie Maloney was charged with vagrancy, and remanded until to-morrow.

The Oamaru Mail referring to a resolu tion, recently adopted by the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, urging the Minis ter for Public Works to make a reduction in the railway rates between Lyttelton ant Christchurch says:—The impudence of the proposal is the more noticeable seeing that Canterbury has already ob tained a substantial concession, and we hope that the Minister for Public Works will resist the pressure now to be brought to bear upon him. The whole tariff re quires careful revision, and to this Mr Richardson should give his attention and, not to the special demands of Canterbury. “ My mother drove the paralysis and neural gia all out of her system with Hop Bitters.- Ed, Oswego Sun, See.— [Advt.] Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach. Sold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, February 12. The being taken to destroy rab bits are on the whole satisfactory. The boot manufacturers have agreed to accept the decision of the Conference. Sir Wm. Des Yceix will not leave for England for a month. Sydney, February 12 The news of General Gordon’s death was received with great regret throughout the country. Sir Edward Strickland suggests the raising of a regiment 1,000 strong to assist the Imperial forces in the Soudan. The Sydney Cup closed with seventy five entries, including Welcome Jack, and moat of the bast horses in Sydney and Melbourne. Yesternight a man who had been drinking, jumped from a fifth storey window, a distance of 50ft, and broke his spine. The war steamer Diamond has gone to Hobart. A demand has been made that Chinese manned boats shall be withdrawn from the intercolonial trade, or else manned by white seamen. The Geographical Society has decided torestrict its explorations of New Guinea for the present to the river Aesd and the rivers on the south coast. The Duke of Manchester leaves for England on Saturcayj-via Torres Straits. Brisbane, February 12. It is rumored that Mr P. B. Sheridan intends to retire from the Postmaster- Generalship.

LORD WOLSELEY AND GENERAL GORDON.

When the first boats with troops on board had succeeded in passing the Third Cataract of the Nile, in November last, Lord Wolaeley issued the following pror clamacion, which will now be read with melancholy interest:—“ To the soldiers and sailors of the Nile expedition.—The relief of General Gordon and his garrison, a) long besieged in Khartoum, is the glorious mission which the Queen has en trusted to us. It is an enterprise that will stir the heart of every soldier and sailor fortunate enough to have been selected to share in it. The very magni-

tude of its difficulties only stimulates us to increased exertion. We are all proud of General Gordon’s gallant self-sacrifi cing defence of Khartoum, which has added, if possible, to his already high re putation. He cannot hold out many months longer, and he now calls upon us to save his garrison. His heroism and patriotism are household words wherever our language is spoken, and not only has his safety become a matter of national importance, but the knowledge that a brave comrade is in need of help urges us to push forward with redoubled energy. Neither he nor his garrison can bo allowed to meet the sad fate which befell his gal lant oompaniou in arms, Colonel Stewart, who, when endeavoring to carry out an enterprise of unusual danger, was cruelly and treacherously murdered by his cap tors. We can, and with God’s help will, save General Gordon from such a death. The labor of working up thin river is im mense, and to bear It uncomplainingly demands the highest soldierly qualities— that contempt for danger and that deter mination to overcame difficulties which in previous campaigns have so distinguished all ranks of her Majesty’s army and navy. The physical obstacles that impede our rapid progress are considerable; but who cares for them, when it is remembered that General Gordon and his garrison are in danger ! Under God their safety is now in your hands, and, come what may, we must save them. To British soldiers and sailors it is needless to say more."

A RECORD OF HOT SUMMERS.

In 627 the heat was so great in Franca and Germany that all springs dried up, and water became so scarce that many people died of thirst. In 878 work in the fields had to be t’iven up ; agricultural laborers persisting in their work were struck down in a few minutes, so powerful was the sun. In 996 the sun’s rays were so fierce that vegetation burned up as under the action oi fire. In 1000, rivers ran dry under the protracted heat; the fish were left dry in heaps, and putrified in a few hoars. The stench that ensued produced the plague. Men and animals venturing in the sun in the summer of 1022 fell down dying ; the throat parched to a tinder and the blood rushed to the brain. In 1132 not only did the rivers dry up but the ground cracked on every side, and became baked to the hardness of stone. The Rhine in Alsace nearly dried up. Italy was visited with terrific heat in 1139 ; vegetation and plants were burned up. During the battle of Bela, in 1260, there were more victims by the sun than by weapons ; men fell down sun struck in regular rows. In 1303 and 1304 the Rhine, Loire, and Seine ran dry. Scotland suffered particularly in 1625 ; men and beasts died in scores. The heat

in several French departments during the summer of 1705 was equal to that in a glass furnace. Meat could bo cooked by merely exposing it to the sun. Not a soul dared venture out between noon and 4p.m In 1718 the thermometer rose to 118 deg. In 1779 the heat at Bologna was so great numbers of people were stifled. There was not sufficient air for the breath, and people had to take re fuge underground. In July, 1793, the heat became intolerable. Vegetables were burnt up, and fruit dried upon the trees. The furniture and woodwork in dwelling houses cracked and split up ; meat went bad in an hour. The rivers ran dry in several provinces during 4.811 ; expedi ments had to be devised for grinding corn. In 1822 a protracted heat was accom panied by storms and earthquakes ; dur ing the drought legions of mice over ran Lorraine and Alsace, committing incalcu able damage. In 1832 the heat brought cholera in France; 20,000 persons fell victims to the visitation in Paris alone. In 1846 the thermometer marked 125 deg in the shade

BLOOD POISONING.

(By Telegraph.) Wellington, To-day. On Saturday morning there was an out break of septicoemia or blo>d poisoning in two surgical wards of the hospital. The disease was traced to a case of puerperal fever from which a patient had died 24 hoars previously. Every precaution was taken to prevent the spread of the disease, but it increased, and last night Dr Chilton, the medical officer, was compelled to'dis charge all such cases to their own homes, and to close the surgical ward. The in fectious cases have been strictly isolated, but it is feared they are in very grave danger. Later. The patient suffering from puerperal fever was admitted to the Hospital by mistake, but how It occurred has not transpired. The patient died eight hours after admission. The other two patients who have been attacked by blood poison ing a-e in a critical condition. The Colo nial Secretary has given instructians to the Medical Superintendent’to use every endeavor to stamp out the disease. Mean while the Government are having Hospi tol ten s erected in the grounds for the convenience of patients who cannot be removed to their homes for treatment, and for the reception of urgent cases.

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.]

(Received January 19, 10.50 a.m.)

London, February 18.

A telegram from Lord Wolseley an nounces that a body of rebels acting as escort to a quantity of guns and sup plies being sent from Khartoum to Metemneh came up with a British de tachment, which was conveying a party of wounded at a point about eight miles from Gubat The rebels opened fire on the convoy, which was re sponded to by the British, and after an hour’s skirmishing the enemy were driven off and retired.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible lor th opinions expressed by our correspondents.

LICENSING COMMITTEE ELECTION

To the Editor. Sir, —I hardly think that any man is justified in writing such a letter as that in last Friday’s Guaedian ; signed “ One who believes in the usi but not the abuse of alcohol,” without putting his name to

it. There is, for such a purpose, no very great distinction between coarse abuse of an individual and coarse abuse of the members of a Society, and in either case the abuser should have at least the manli ness to seek no shelter for his own name. In this case, however, it is not of such consequence, as, although your correspon dent conceals his name, he has very

clearly revealed his occupation. Uplike the rest of the world, he believes in the “ use of alcohol,” which no one ever sees, and not in its abuse, of which we all see so much. It is not easy to conceal either the morality or the phraseology of the tap room. We all known the craft that habi tually uses the word “ liquor ” as if it only meant the article trade in ; who

look upon Good Templars as “a little clacked ” and “ crazed on the subject of cold water," and as men who may pro perly be written'about “ these pestilent Good Templars.” fctill more dp jre all know the only calling that could pervert the understanding so far as to make any one believe the strange idea tha* forma the burden of your correspondent’s letter; that no man is fit to sit on the Bench to

administer our laws unless he occasionally muddles his brain with the use or abuse of alcohol. Our beat preachers, our best warriors, our best workipen, our best pedestrians, our beat rowers, our best swimmers all shun alcohol. But now we learn that a man has no right to sit on a Licensing Bench unless he drinks it. This Soloman, who must have taken a very considerable potation before he could

have written such a letter, tells us to begin with, that a “ Licensing Committee is simply the machinery provided by the Licensing Act to carry into force the licensing law,” and that “a member of any Licensing Committee is bound, the moment he takes his seat on the Bench,

to leave behind him, and for the time being to abandon, his private views of alcohol, whatever they are.” In this statement, Sir, your correspondent simply mistakes the engine-driver for the engine. The Licensing Committee instead of being a blind machine is j ust the little bit of in telligence which the law provides to guide and regulate that machinery. If it were

not so why does your correspondent write his letter? The reason that he looks upon the Good i jatppjar candidates as such “ pestilent ” fellow's is because ho knows that they will be required to exer cise their intelligence as to whether bis house shall be closed at ten or kept open

until twelve o’clock. He knows that no maoinhery settles that knotty question, or ! he would not be 00 anxious about the re- i suit of the coming election. These “ pes tilent Good Templars” will require to ask their judgment au4 their oonsoiesoe

whether the young men of Ashbarton, the' fathers, and even the mothers of our families would be the better or the worse for being turned out of his house at ten o’clook or for boozing there until twelve. And if they do decide that question on public grounds and in the public interest, no one can doubt what that decision will be

Then, if the Borough of Ashburton had been so fortunate as to possess some cor ner where the drunkards song was not habitually heard; where young women could walk without hearing disgusting lan guage and seeing disgnsting s : ghts; where young men could take a stroll with out tho danger of being drawn into a manufactory of drunkards, the Licensing Committee might at any time be called on to say whether that happy corner should be dragged down to the level of the rest of the town. That is not left to machinery. And who so fit to decide in the in terest of the public as' the men who have kept the arch enemy out of their own homes ?

So far from Good Templars not being fit to sit on a Licensing Bench, the only men who are fit to sit there are tbe men who have self command enough to keep clear of all alcoholic influence, who can strike off a little of the strange apathy with which daily familiarity with its effects has blended us all, and who are disinterested and clear headed and im partial enough to j udge of the dangers of alcohol as they would judge of any other

equally dangetoua demoralising and de structive poison. We never consider gamblers the only persons fii to adminis ter gambling laws ; or highwaymen the law against robbery or Mormons the laws against polygamy; and why should drinkers be the, only persons fit to deal with licensing laws 1 It was not the slave dealers and the slaveholders of England and America who put down slavery, but the men who stood with clean hands clear of it—the total abstainers—the men who could judge it with impartial eyes and touch it with impartial hands. The Licensing Act re cognises that no man is fit to sit on the Bench who deals in alcohol, and if the same principle were carried out in its in tegrity it would admit that no man was fit to sit there who had acquired that wretched unnatural craving for stimulants which the use of alcohol engenders. The child who has neverltasted alcohol is wiser about its dangers and utter uselessness than tbe aa»e who has sank under its seductive influence. The wise question from his infant child, “ Why do you touch it at all father ?” is a question which the most learned drunkard has never been able to answer. And we, sir, shall be safer to trust these “ pestilent Good Templars” to grapple with all the fearful dangers of alcohol than to take even men of tbe highest “ calibre,” who will force the potent danger ou its very weakest

victims in their very weakest hours, aud whom we know are to receive the votes of

those who hope to profit by tbe more ex tended desolation which those additional hours will produce. I say nothing against these men; the publicans have always "been' 'wiser as politicians than philanthropists have been; but we must look to the object foe which the men are elected.

Notwithstanding the evident and in tence selfishness of your correspondent’s letter, I am glad that he has written it. Such a letter should help to wake up every voter who has a spark of patriotism left in him ; to show him where his duty lies, and what will be the consequence if he leaves the election to the unquestion able activity of such men. Every man that they can it.fi :ence will be brought to the poll. Let those attend themselves who have the public welfare at heart—who have any love for Qod or manj who would lead us not into temptation ; who would keep as many as they can from cer tain ruin ; who have their own daughters, their own sons, and their own husbands to protect; who want to see Ashburton rise and not sink ; to secure the righteous ness that exalteth a nation; to re strain our greatest national vice, and most withering national curse, and our moat humiliating national degradation. Let every patriot, every philanthropist, and every Christian vote on Friday next; and let him vote for the men whose own self-denial and self-command offer the beat guarantee that they will advance by their public work what they now prose cute by their private example. I am, etc, Alfred Saunders. February 17. DECLINED WITH THANKS. To the Editor. Sir —Referring to a report in your issue of June? 18cb, re meeting held at Mr Branson’s office to arrange for sports to be held in the Domain, on the occasion of excursion from Christchurch, my name appears to have been added to the Com mittee. I was not present, but, with your permission, wish to thank the Com mittee for the proposed honor, but at same time must decline with thanks.

I am, etc, Albert Roberts.

THE EXCURSION, To the Editor.

Sir, —As I believe there will be a large number of excursionists here on Thursday next, would it be out of place in your columns to ask our large graziers and landowners in this district to assist the townspeople in making the excursion as successful as possible 7 To that end let me suggest that a bullock and a few sheep (which the local bakers will cook) would certainly materially assist the efforts of those who are interesting themselves in supplying entertainment for our visitors. Uuliae the Timaruvians, we have no breakwater, tug boat, or harbor to pro vide amusements, but we have plenty of beef and mutton of the best quality, which will go a long way to make up for them.—l am, eto..

Liberality,

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN RACES.

Dunedin, Yesterday. The following is the betting on the Dunedin Cup as called over co-night : 400 to 100 agst Wapati 400 100 100 100 100 100 8 - Oudeis 100 - Johnny Faulkner 100 1 100 Minerva and Salvage The feature of the betting is the ad vance of who has come into the market to-day. Oudeis is also in demand and has been backed for several hun dreds.

Trenton was backed yesterday for the Dunedin Cup to win some L 3,000. The first few wagers were booked at hundreds to seven, and his price gradually shor tened, the last ‘ money being booked at 103 to 17. Ha is now firm at 100 to 20, but there is plenty of money on offer at that price. The commission is said to have been executed on account of a gallop which Trenton had yesterday morning with Bubina. Mr O’Brien has publicly stated that ha is not interested in any of the money takhh about his colt.

(by telegraph). Dunedin, To-day. This morning at Forbury, July and Wapiti bad a strong two mile gallop in company, both going well. Nelson at half pace galloped oh the tat); aqd The

Poet and Minerva went two miles at three-quarter speed. Adamant did slow work atone, and Matanaka had a quiet spin with Lady Gertrude. Taiaroa did a strong mile and a half, and Oaptain Web* ster and Lady Emma had a rattling spin together of a mile and ‘three-quarters, both palling up sound and free from dis tress. Salvage and Kingask have been scratched for all engagements. ,

WAIEAEAPA RAOB&

[by telegraph]. Racecourse, To-day. The weather is fine, and the attendance good. % DISTRICT PRODUCE STAKES. Pasha ... 1 Rollo ... ... 2 Misdeal ... ... ... 3 Won hard held. TANHBENIKAU STAKES. Slave ..i 1 Administrator ... ... 2 Glaicka ... 3 Won by half a length. Grandraoe.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

fßEnraß’s tbi-«orams—coptbtoht.l Monetary and Commercial. London, February 16. ' Consols are quoted at 99 (sic). New Zealand securities remain at last quo tations, viz:—5 per cent, 10.40 loan, 104^; 4% percent 1879-1904 loan, 103 ; 4 per cent inscribed stock, The market rate of discount has advanced ta per cent, arid is now % below Bank rates. Colonial breadstuff's—Adelaide wheat, ex store, to-day, 365, being a decline of is; New Zealand wheat, ex store, remains at 28s to 34s ; and Adelaidjs flour, 255. Australian tallow is unchanged. Beef, average quality, 33s 6d; mutton, 345. Tho Mails. The Australian mails per ’Orient, R.M.S.S. Sorata (Melbourne, January 9th) were delivered to-day. Decision Reversed. London, February 17. The Court of Appeal reversed the decision of J ustice Chitty, given in De cember last, in the action brought by the official liquidator of the Oriental Bank against Messrs Clayton and Hen kiss. The decision of tbe Appeal Court is in favor of the official liquida tor, who, according to Justice Chitty had failed to establish his case. Reinforcements. London February 18. The first batch of reinforcements have sailed for the Soudan. Opposition Intention. The Times ‘to-day states lhat the Opposition leaders have decided,'on the meeting of Parliament, to propose a vote of want of confidence in the Government on their Egyptian policy: Troops Declined. It has transpired that the Govern ment have decided to decline the offers of Canadian and Victorian troops for Soudan, as it is (believed they could pot arrive on the scene of operations in time to be of any service. * The War. Oaibo, February 17. The latest telegrams from Korti an nounce that Major-General Sir Evelyn Wood has gone to Gubat, on the Nile, above Metemneh, and Colonel Bracken bury consequently succeeded in com mand 'of the late General Earle’s column.

(Received February 19, 10 50 a.m ) The Franco-Chinese War. Hong Kong, February 18. News has been received that two Chinese corvettes have been sunk by the French torpedoes. Three other Chinese war vessels were, however, uninjured by the mines and escaped.

AUSTRALIAN.

(rebtbk’s telegrams—copyright. )' Shipping. Sydney, Yesterday, Arrived, this morning—Wairarapa, from Auckland.

Patriotic.

Janies Tyson, a well-known squatter, has subscribed L 2,000 to the Patriotic Fund.

Troops for Soudan. The steamers Iberia and Australian have been chartered to convey the troops to the Soudan, and are getting in readiness.

TELEGRAMS.

fPRR PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 Harbor Improvements. Auckland, Tu-day. The Harbor Board has decided to blast a ledge of rocks off the railway wharf. In order to get 26ffc of water for berthage of direct steamers.

Threatening Letter. Macrae, of Mangare, has received a further threatening letter concerning the agrarian dispute. Ha is allowed a month to wind up his wordly affairs, after which he will be a dead man. The detectives have hitherto failed to discover the authors.

Verdict.

At the inqnest bn the body of the child Saunders, found floating in the Calliope dock, an open verdict was returned. Strange Phenomenon. Late flies of South Australian papers to hand, by the Bingarooma at Auckland, state that a peculiar atmospheric ’ pheno menon was witnessed in Adelaida. on Wednesday eyening. ' The whole of the north-eastern portion of the sky covered with a luminous stratum of olonds. When the diffused luminosity had sleared away a centre patch of bright light, having the appearance of a moon, re mained at an altitude of 40 degrees, and with a diameter of abont 3 degrees. It presented the appearance of a midnight sun in the Arctic regions.

Tlj? J)o|rfc. Wellington, Yesterday. The steamer Doric arrived at Hobart from London yesterday, and left this morning for Auckland. Fire. Palmerston North, Yesterday. A bush fire destroyed a five-roomed house at Kaeranga yesterday, owned by John Burmester. It was Insured for L 125 In the New Zealand office. It was unoc cupied.

Accident to the Grafton. Wellington, To-day The steamer Grafton was surveyed this morning. She apparently struck near the fore foot. The only damage is a small split in her shoe.

A Shake.

A slight shook of earthquake was felt at 8.37 a.m. to-day, direction S.W. to N.B.

Fatal Fall.

Christchurch, To-day. Edward a horse dealer, was ac cidentally killed m Oranmer Square this aTte'rnoon.'Tho deceased was out riding when his horse bolted and fikslated The horse jumped a fence with Oarthr clinging to his neck and fell Garter was picked up insensible, and died shortly

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1885,



A OAR'D—To all who are suffering from the errors and indiscretion of youth, nervous weakness, early decay, loss of manhood, eta, 1 will send a recipe that will cure you free of charge. This great remedy was discovered by a missionary in South America. Send a self-addressed envelope and sixpence to prepay postage to (he Rev Joseph T. Inman, station D, New York City, U. 8. A. 1 JffEW TWEEDS ! I NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUMMER SUITS. I SUITS, Perfect Fit Guaranteed in the latest or any style that may be required.' f Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, & WK have much pleasure la announcing to our friends and patrons, and all who may feel interested in the yeneral ogress of our tinges that we have just ceived » splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coatings, Serges, etc., etc., of the best quality and latest deigns—suitable for tiie season we are now entering. All Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICE CRAIG Hi AD & CO., Xancred tuett, Ashburton.



Wanted. AKTGD —A- young Man with good references, to assist in bakehouse and drive. Apply Triangle Bakery, Ash burton. 2 ‘2'S i V]#T ANTED Known — Found in the by' Doma a Silver B'OOGH. Apply to Messrs Thomas Bros , North-east Belt 2 238 VTtT-ASTJfID—A Caretaker for the Ash- W burton Saeyaids. Applications must bo in writing, and forwarded to my office on or before Monday, February 23 George Jamfson, Ashburton. 2 226



aLOHIOCS NEWS. Akdkew Okr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6t 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6a 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11a 6d—every article at half-price. * 2 237



WANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six dox Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4| 1, Towels 3£d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9J, Calicoes Is 4d. Ahdrbw Oeb’s Cheap Sale 2 185



GLORIOUS NEWS—Monster Clear ing Sale;—Ladies’ Kid Boots 6s 6d, Girls’, Infanta Is, Men’s Elastic side, 8s 6d, Men’s Watertights 9s 6J, Blucher Boots 6 > 6d, Canvas Slippers 2s 6J. A. obk’s Cheap Sale. 2 186



TOT ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders » » are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. Ail orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. VV.es, Pages, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151



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



ANTED Known Removed.— Jones and Bradshaw, Corn and Chaff Dealtrs, have removed to the large premises in Havelock street near y oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), where they will be better able to comply with the demands of their trade. Jones and i kadshaw.



WANTED Known.—We are not to be beaten 1 Good straw hats, 4£<J, 6d, 9J ; black Cashmere, double width, la 3d; print costamea, 2a 9d ; white calico, 2a 6cl per doz; a lot of infants’ white and colored satin and merino hats and hoods, la to-3a 6d— usual price, 4s 6d to 12a 6d. H. C. Regers, . ealya’ Buildings, East street.



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



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



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



Special Advertisements. TO THRESHING MACHINE PROPRIETORS. Threshing Books of all kinds and sizes neatly primed and bound to order at the Guabeian Office. For eye, ear and throat DISEASE-'. DR. SCHWARZBAOH, M.D., may be Consulted at the Clarendon Hotel (private rooms), Christchurch, from 15th February, for about One Month. ' During bis recent stay in Europe, Dr S. was again employed in revisiting the prin cipal Ophthalmic Hospitals, and making himself thoroughly acquainted with all the modern knowledge in regard to Dis ases of the Ey<>, Ear and Throat. 2 215 Cornsacks. OKA BILES of CORNSACKS to AOKJ arrive ex ship Atlantigue (now due), s r ze 48 x 26£, 2£. Apply; at once, to HAYES & CO., 1 1 Arcade, Ashburton.



mO my readers and the reading public. I Just to hand.—New Books.—Black Foodie, by Anstey ; Our Old Nobility ; The Cuckoo Clock, by Mrs Molesworth ; We Two, by Edna Doyal; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, by Wilkie Collins; John Bull’s Womankind, by author of John Bull and his Island; The Jilt, by Charles Ketde; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reade; Yesteged, by Geo F. Cumming; Pages in Waiting, by Edmund Yates; Notes on Ingersoll, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Roman Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatt; Life, Opinions, and Table Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; inspiration; A Clerical Lympucium; Bos well's Life of Johnson ; Magna Oharta Stories; Taming Down without Banting ; iVloney and Mechanism of Exchange, by S. Jevohs; John Holdsworth’s Chief Male; My Watch Below, by W. 0. Rus sel; The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot, by Reed; How to live upon la per Week; Stories of Waterloo; Secrets of Success ; How to Read Character; Christmas Number of Goodward’s Ohrystal Stories ; Longman’s Magazine ; The Book of the Beginnings, by R. H. Newton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated London Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap at Thomas F. Farley’s, PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, Spondees’ Buildings, Ashbueton.



Special Advertisements. NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL, j THE undersigned are now landing, ex R.s Hauroto, the Best Newcastle Coal Imported for the season A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, y.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Sashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, &c., And every requisite for the trade. MAOPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. East street, Ashburton.



26 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW” ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WH OLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW.ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Davis’s g URPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Mast be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Pjsk Ojbnt. BY PUGHASING AT W. DAVIS’S fup.nitubb warehouse, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



JIEBRUARY LIST. Women’s Lisle Gloves, 4-bultons, 4Jd. 47 Men’s Tweed Sac Suits, 27a Gd, now 17s Gd. 37 Boys’ and Youths’ Trouser Suits, 20a, now 12s 6d. 34 Pairs Men’s Trousers and Yeats, a Bargain, 10s lid. Small Boys’ Tunic Suits, cheap, 6s lid. 50 Dozen Men’s Socks, ssd. 75 Dozen Men’s Merino Socks, B|d. Men’s Hard Felt Hats, New Goods, 6s Gd, now Is lid. 200 Dozen Turkey Red Handkerchiefs, 3fd. H. E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January igxh, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES 1 GLARING REDUCTIONS 1! Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows'®^ Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co., Coco East and Tancred streets, ASIIBIRXON,



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT james McGregor’s, I'ancred Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf, 5d per lb Beat White Crystal, 3£d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2a 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d per box Canterbury Cakea, lOd each. Rice, 31 Mixed Biscuits, 61 Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, la per box Beat Sago, 3d New Muacatels, la 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jama, Herrings, 7d Keiller’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street, 12 2342