COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Wednesday afternoon,

Messrs Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction with Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co.) report, on the Live Stock Market for the week ending loth May, as follows On Tuesday last at the Tinwald Yards there was a fair attendance and the demand for lambs and merino ewes WMnCOQtL There was an advance from is to laropetTnead,on these lines on the previous week. Fat crossbred ewes sold up to 13s, and fatjnerinp wethers from 6s Sd to 7s 4d, cross- in forward condition up to 45, and merino ewes from 3s id to 7s gd according to-age. Cattle and pigs about the same as last week. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. report upon th* Uvt stock market for the Ashburton district, for the week fending May 19th, as follows: On Tuesday at the Tinwald Yards we held our usual sale of sheep, cattle and pigs. The entty&htihfeep was larger than usual for this time of the year In fat sheep the market was well supplied in cross-bred and merino wethers, but we cannot quote any imp ovement in value, but in stores there was more_ competi tion, especially in lambs which realised from 6d to is a head above late rates. In cattle there was a large entiy, but a large portion were turned out unsold, and the competition was only noticeable in springers and cows in profit. We quote mutton at 2d per lb ; beef at l6s tolSs per icolbs. We sold fat cross bred ewes and wethers at 11s, fat merino wethers at 6s'6d to 7s 7d, store crossbred hog getts at los gd; small crossbred lambs at 6s 6d to gs. In cattle fat cows at L 5 to L 6 10s ; springers, L 6 ics to L 8; stores, L2; yearlings at 14s; pigs, good porkers, 35s 6d.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, May 23 Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barnett ■treat—-Land, etc. Tuesday, May 26 Messrs Matson, Cox and Cj,, at the Ashburton Saloyards—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Exo. Wednesday, May 20 Oddfellows’ Hall—Lecture, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., meeting at B*o’clock' Thursday, May 21 Town Hall—Mi- Gtigg'a Address to the Electors Oddfellows’ Hall—Quadrille Assemoly, at 8 o’clock Friday, May 22 St Stephen’s Schoolroom - Concert, at 8 Monday, May 25. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock . Friday, June 5 isnburton County Council—At Council CSambers, 11 a. m. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Offica follows For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m,, daily. For' Chertsey Bakaia, &0,, at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. , Fob Dunedin, Tmwald, Winslow, Hinds, Oolddtream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. '/or Temuka, at 6 a-m, and 10 a.m. y fnr Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 ».m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seateld, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a-m. For-ilount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4-30 p.m. For Ashton, Water ton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes 4*ys, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn daysat 10.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Pos Christchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 *.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c, at 10.15 a.m. and 4.36 p. mu daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at ”>,m. daily, Froiy Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. t>.do p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 i.m. _ _ _ from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 a.m. , From Mayfield and Ruipuna, on Wed nesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. . From Newlands, on Tuesdays and it n daya, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafiold, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays. at 4.45 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1885.

We are indebted to Messrs H. Matson and Jo. for the following report of to day’s Addington Live Stock Market : There was only a small supply of fat sheep at to-day’s sale, and prices were unaltered except for second quality, which suffered a further decline. The sale throughout was dull, the average quotation for mutton being 2d. There was a scarcity of stores, and prices were nominal, very few being sold. There was a large entry of pigs, the bulk being light curing sorts. Prices were easier. There was a moderate supply of beef, but the trade was exceptionally dull, quotations being 16s to 18s per 1001 bs. Very little was none in store cattle. Mails for the Australian colonies,

United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via Melbourne, will close at the Bluff at noon on Friday. This mail is duo in London on July 13. The Chairman of the Rangitata Road Board has informed the Chairman of the Ashburton County Council that he has had the northern approach to ths Rangi tata Bridge cleared. We learn that Mr D. L. Murdoch, General Manager of the Bank of Now Zealand, consequent on the sudden death of one brother and the dangerous illness of other two, necessitating some family arrangements, has obtained leave of ab sence to take a hurried trip to England, and should the general outlook be such as to warrant his absence, Mr Murdoch will likely be a passenger by next mail steamer.

Prince Bismarck, in the course of a

debate on the German Reichstag, reply ing to a taunt of the leader of the centre party, that “ everything was in full blaze between England and Germany,” said he could not do better than refer him to the very opposite view expressed in a speech delivered in the House of Commons by Mr Gladstone. The members t of parlia-

mentary groups, whose ideal could only be realised by war. ought not at any rate, carelessly and without proper ground, go and describe the relations of Germany with friendly Powers as jeopardised. The dispute with England had been settled, and he could assure them he would not have sent his son to England to pick a quarrel. The Railway Times says The great Eastern, the Great Northern, the London and North western, the Great Western, the London, Brighton, and South Coast, the Chatham, the South-eastern, the North-eastern, the Lancashire and York shire, and the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, which are the ten leading lines (after setting aside the Midland and South-western for reasons already stated), haVe earned from passengers during the year an aggregate sum of L 14,844,884 -f this amount L 10,798,178 has come from the third-class alone, while the first class has contributed L 2,033,216, and the second L 2,013,490.

We have received from the author, Mr J. Howard Wallace, J.P., the prospectus of the “ The Early History of New Zea land. ” The work, which it is proposed to publish during the current year, is an nounced to contain the history of New Zealand from its first discovery by the early navigators, and occupation by the whalers, sealers, and missionaries, up to the period of its systematic colonisa tion by Great Britain, the moat minute details and names of those who colonised the country, and how they colonised it; an alphabetical list of the pioneer settlers of every part of New Zealand who bravely carried out the “heroic work of colonisation,” with the year in which they arrived, and, as far as it has been possible to ascertain it, the ship in which they came ; thus completing a valuable historical record, interesting not only to every resident in the colony, but to numerous families in England, the Aus tralian colonies, and other parts, who assisted in the foundation of one of the “ brightest gems in the British Crown.”

It is, I believe, perfectly true (says “Allas” in the London World) that the wife of the General commanding on the Nile, first heard the news of the fall of Khartoum from a crossing-sweeper. Lady Wolseley, on Thursday morning, was out for her usual walk, and, crossing Grosva nor Square, was saluted by a sweeper to whom she was known, with “ Very sorry for this bad news, wy lady.” “What bad news!” ‘‘This about Khartoum being taken.” “ Absurd 1” said Lady Wolseley; “where did you hear such nonsense V‘ ■‘ It ain't nonsense ! I took a letter from a house here to Marlborough house just now, and the porter there was reading it eut of the Telegraph." Lady Wolseley returned home, and an hour later received a despatch from the War Office.

Skinny Men.—“ Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, un potence, debility. The N.Z. Drug -Cp. General Agents. * Another unfortunate.-—Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a ,£2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now hank, nipt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co,, of the Hall, High street, for £gs4t or only a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M, and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to seenre 9 speed

The usual weekly meeting of the Star of Bast Lodge, 1.0.G.T., wjll beheld at the Orange Hall this evening. A concert will be given at Lanriiton on Monday evening by the Methven Amateur Christy Minstrels.

The first rehearsal of “ Our Boys,” now in course of production by a company of Ashburton amateurs, took place last evening.

A summary of the report of the Go vernment Life Insurance Association, to be laid before the annual meeting on Wednesday next, appears in another part of this issue.

The Arawa, which arrived at Auckland, from Fiji this morning brings newsof the safety of the missing craw of the Nightin gale. Particulars appear in uur tele grapio columns. The rabbit plague Is well known to be vary prevalent in Marlborough, and some idea of its extent may ba gained from a letter recently sent by a Wairau man to a Blenheim paper. He says, “I have upon more than one occasion remarked on the magnitude of the rabbit pest in Marl borough. A few evenings ago one of the largest ‘ hauls ” of rabbits I have ever heard of was made on a run which rabbits have the name of possessing a great liking for. A new sort of trap was laid for them on an extensive scale, and consisted solely of a few acres enclosed with wire netting, with small openings on one side for the rabbits to enter by. One evening these openings were closed and then the fun began. Armed with short cudgel# the men jumped into the enclosure, and in a short time no less than 750 rabbits were lying dead. If slaughtering of this kind went on very often the rabbit peat would soon fall into insignificance.” We learn from Wellington, to-day, that the Governor has granted twelve months leave of absence to the Hon W. Robin son, M.L.O. A meeting of the Committee and

Stewards of the Methven Racing Club was held at the Methven Hotel last evening. All the officers wore present, and Dir J.

Jackson occupied the chair. The Chair man stated that the meeting had been

called to consider an application received from Mr K. W. sborne to have the dis qualification removedjfrom the horse Mar mion. The Secretary said that Mr Osborne supported his application by stating that he had already suffered large pecuniary loss by the disqualification of the horse, and had been prevented 0 im peting in several events. After discus sion, the meeting resolved nof to enter tain the application. The Premier of Victoria recently asked the Government statist to furnish a state ment showing the probable inciea-e in the population of Australasia during the next hundred years calculated at every ten years. Mr Hayter has made out the re turn asked for, and in making his calcu lation has allowed ths same increase as actually occurred between 1871 and 1881. According to this basis, in 30 years Aus tralia will be a nation of ten millions ; in fifty yeats the population will be twenty millions, and in 100 years over 108 mil lions will people the continent and the adjacent islands. The figures as they stand in Mr Haytec’s table are impressive enongh, but there is little doubt that the rate of increase will be over-growing. At the end of 1884, the population was esti mated at 3,247,365, and Mr Hayter calcu lates that it will increase to 4,611,258 by the end of 1894, to 6,547.986 in 1904, to 9,298,140 in 1914, to 13,203 359 in 1924, to 18,748,770 in 1934, to 26,623.253 in 1944, to 37,805,819 in 1955, to 53,683,127 in 1960, to 76,230,040 in 1974, and to 108,246,657 in 1984. Mr Service’s com ment upon these figures was that they could not fail to impress on the minds of European statesmen that Australasia must be considered in dealing with the islands of the Pacific.

There has never been a proper report made on the prisons in Morocco, but the few particulars that have coma to light are of a ghastly and revolting character. Some years ago a gentleman visited a mad house in Fez, where he saw a horrible sight. Ho saw before him, in rooms like dungeons, paved with stones, half starved forms, almost naked, fastened to the walls with chains, uncared for and unattended. These miserable wretches are imprisoned heraj cut off entirely and for ever from the world. In Morocco it is a rule for every man to give a tenth part of his goods to the poor. These tithes, however, are collected by the Sultan, very little of them reaching the needy. Slavery exists in Morocco with out restrictions. Human beings are sold like cattle in the public markets. It is said that there are 50,000 slaves in Moroc co, the supply being kept up by fresh im portations from the Soudan. They are in the first place kidnapped or taken in war; the merchants purchase them in the Soudan at from L2 to L 3 each. Young and pretty girls are more valuable, being resold in Morocco at from Ll 5 to L2O each. The Rev Joseph Berry will deliver a popular lecture on America at the Odd fellows’ Hall this evening. Mr Berry’s lecture is entitled ‘'What I saw in America in 1880,” and from the synopsis of the address the reverend gentleman appears to have seen a good deal. San Francisco, the Navadas, Chicago, Niagara and many other places of interest will be described, and particulate given of life among the Mormons, farming in the West, Chicago pig-killing and other American features. 'The lecture will commence at 7‘30 The price of admis sion is fixed at Is, and the proceeds will bo employed in aid of the Church Build ing Fund.

A remarkable exemplification of the state of feeling in Canada is given by the New York Sun, of the 3rd February, in an occurrence in a church in Toronto, Canada. It says:—“ The .Rev D. J. Mac donell, at the service in St Andrew’* church yesterday morning, created a sensation by referring to the battle of

Shebaltas Wells, and relating the inci dents of the charge of the Guardsmen to get water for the fighting wen of the square, who were dying of thirst. ‘ Thank God,’ said ho, ‘ that such men lived who would die for their Q leen and country and their fellow-man.' As the minister, with flashing eye, called on the God of battles to protect the British soldiers who were fighting the cause of the righteous, the organ peeled out ‘ God Save the Queen,’ and the oongrega

tion, who ware greatly moved, joined in singing the old hymn. Before singing the second verse Mr Macdonell asked .the congregation to nae the words ‘ tricks ’ instead of ‘ knavish tricks,* to express their contempt for the misguided men who were sacrificing Uvea and property by dynamite.” This, says the editor, may give some idea of the ardent devotion that fills the breasts of our colonists in the ho.vr.9f England’s trial, and forms a happy augury for a united confederated Empire in the future. ® All your own fault if you remain sick or out ! of health, when you canj get Hop Bitters made by American Co. Read. ' I.foj. 1,0 ways PiL'is. — Nervous Debility. — No part qf the human machine requires more watching than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and lije itself. These pills are the best regulators and strengtheners of the nerves, and the safest general purifier,;, Nau sea, headache, giddiness, numbness, and men tal apathy yield to them. They dispatch m'a summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious and confined bowels—the commomy accompanying sigps of defective or deranged nervous power; flollq way’s Pills are particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually sink into a nervous and debilitated state, unless some such restorative be occa signally takea.—

The Ashburton Guards were drilled at Mr T. H. Zouch’s grain store last even ing, by Color-Sergeant Hayes. There was a large at tea dance of members, ?nd the different exercises were executed in a manner that elicited commendation from several Volunteer officers present. We learn from a private source that there is every probability of the services of the Corps being accepted by the Defence Department.'

A practice of the Western Fire Brigade will be held at the usual hour this even ing. Three girls absconded from the Burn ham Industrial School last nights It is supposed that they have gone in the direction of Ashley One of them was leading a criminal life in Christchurch previous to her committal to Burnham.

Amongst those who visited the Austrian corvette Saida at Auckland last Tuesday, says the New Zealand Herald, were the chiefs Patara te Tuhi, Honana te Maioha, and Te Hira te Eawau (the latter a nephew of Paora Tuhaere), The native chiefs were vary cordially received by the Austrian officers, who took them over the ship, explained the working of the guns, machinery, etc , and invited them to din ner. As a mark of respect to the Em peror of Austria, the chiefs presented the captain and officers with a mere paraoa or whalebone mere, a paiaka or spear adorned with carving and feathers, and a slab of greenstone, and in return they were presented with a rifle, a double barrelled gun, a dagger, and a sword of old f attorn, also a baton. . The visitors were then brought ashore in the steam launch. Two of the chiefs who visited the Saida are Waikatos, and have some knowledge of Austria and the Imperial family. The warship Navara was here in the early times, and several _ Waikato chiefs, including Wirema Toitoi, went to Austria in her, and resided soma time at Vienna. The Archduke Maximiilian, who met so tragic a fate in Mexico, was very attentive to them daring their stay in the capital of Austria, and presented them with a printing press and plant, which was subsequently taken to Waikato, and used in printing the Eingite news paper, Te Hokioi, A meeting of the Mount Holt Road Board was held at Methven to-day. A report of the proceedings has reached us too late for insertion in this issue.

A story is told of a certain young sub altern of a certain Highland regiment, who had the honor of receiving an invi tation to dine with Her Majesty not long ago. He was a braw Scotch laddie, and unused to Court life. Dinner was pro gressing favorably, but the courteous remarks of her Majesty to the different guests did not lead to much general con versation, so that an occasional pause en sued. In the midst of one of these, when there was a temporary silence in the room, the voice of our Scotch friend arose, and gave forth this powerful re mark—“ I fancy, now, we shall have settled weather,” whereupon her Ma jesty, scarcely repressing a smile, gra ciously replied, “ We may hope so.” The young gentleman was afterwards informed that on such occasions he must, in future, only speak when spoken to, it not being considered etiquette to initiate a conver sation at Her Majesty’s table. Anecdotes of Gordon seem to be flood ing the English papers lately. This is the latest. Professor Ryder, who read French with Gordon when that hero was in command of the fort at Gravesend, relates that one day an ex-officer of the Chinese Legion presented himself at the Fort House and asked to see the General. On his card being given to Gordon he threw it from him in disgust, and his anger was so great that for a few seconds he was speechless. When he was some what calmer, he expressed his feelings in the following words :—“ Tell that man to enter if ho wishes me to blow out his brains.” This would seem violent, but when it was known that the officer in ques tion had deserted his colors and joined the rebels against whom Gordon was fight ing in China, the righteous indignation of the General can bo understood. The servant, who knew his master, repeated the message word for word, and the officer took his leave as quickly as possible. - v Parents do not use vile drugs or nostrums in your families, but use pure Hop Bitters, made only by American Co. See and read, “ 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 hhroat 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 3s. 6d. Three OSes wil relieve any case.—f Anv-r,]

THE PARIKAKA NATIVES.

Opunake, Yesterday.

Mr Ballance paid a visit to Parihaka yesterday, and saw all the principal people residing there, including Te Whiti and Tohu. Te Whiti, who was in his house, was reticent and mysterious at first, and complained that ihe Native Minister had not visited him when passing through on a previous occasion. He, however, soon became friendly. Tohu received the Ministerial party and welcomed them with great cordiality, and afterwards pre sided at a dinner to which the Native Minister was invited. The attitude of all the natives of the village was most friendly, and the Native Minister left convinced of the gross exaggeration of the reports regarding them. Inspector Pardy, accompanied by a mounted constable, arrived at Pungarohu this morning to enquire into some oases of petty theft. It is intended to give In spector Pardy charge of the Taranaki Provincial District, Inspector James re taining Wanganui. The natives complain of the excessive charges made ny the Public Trust office, and mauy of them decline to take their rents in consequence. Mr Ballance has premised to bring the matter under the notice of the Government on his return to Wellington.

[By Tblegrsph.] New Plymouth, To-day. Several settlers from Pungarohu, mostly Canterbury men who bought laud there, took occasion at Mr Samuel's meeting last night to deny the correctness of telegrams sent from Wellington re the deputation to the Bon Mr Ballance. They repudiate the assertion that the Europeans are com mitting the robberies, and say the settlers hare lost sixty head of cattle, the bulk of which have been traced to the Maoris. One settler says that the Hon Mr Bal lance acknowledged to the deputation he had received a letter from an influential chief warning the Government of the native feeling in the district, saying that the Maoris intended taking possession of the land, and they were now marching overland to secure their mana (rights) to it. The settlers contemptuously repudi ate the assertion that they want Armed Constabulary for their expenditure. They say the Armed Constabulary have all their stores, etc , from Opunake and spend nothing in the district. They want at least twelve men stationed in the district to check the lawlessness of the Maoris, and one speaker said if Mr Bal lance adhered to the “ one policeman policy ’’ if anything happened blbo.l Vgoipld. be on his head. The settlers are very incensed at the telegrams recent y 'sent from Wellington respecting them, and intend holding a meeting for forming an Vigilance OooupiUee*

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

A QUERY.

To the Editor. Sib, —Would you kindly inform me, through the medium of your widely circu lated and instructive paper, whether a man wheeling a wheelbarrow over the railway at otherwise than a walking pace can be prosecuted by the police under the existing Railway By-laws.—l am, etc., Pro Bono Publico, [We think not.— Ed. G ]

YESTERDAY’S LATE TELEGRAMS

Auckland. , The Harbor Board’s Engineer suggests ( to the Board the desirability of making ( the gearing dock 100 ft longer, as vessels , over 600 ft would probably be employed as ( cruisers. ] Professor K*rk, who is in the Waikato , investigating the causes of apple blight, is of opinion that the blight, which takes the form of lichen is generated by de cayed ferns. Selby Oallag dropped dead at the door of the Harbor Board offices. Papers on the body shewed that he had relatives in Taranaki and three children in St Mary’s Orphanage, Nelson. John Byers, jeweller, was arrested on a charge of breaking and entering the pre mises of Hart and Levy, pawnbrokers, in June, 1884, and stealing therefrom jewel lery, etc., to the value of L 125. The discovery was made in a singular manner. The Tarawera, for Sydney, took Lient. Stapleton, Gunner Elliott, and a detach ment of seamen of H.M.S. Nelson, engaged here lately laying submarine mines. Names. The Harbor Bmrd to-day declined to allow Mr Goodall to make fixed periodical visits to Timaru, but intimated that any applications for leave of absence to visit Timaru would be considered. At the Education Board to-day Mr Ormond, referring to the resolution passed in his absence, agreeing to anticipate next year’s building vote, intimated that unless the Minister of Education consented to that course, he would resign his position as Chairman of the Board. Wellington. A divorce suit, in which heavy damages are claimed, has been commenced by Mr William Fordham, a clerk in the employ of W. and J. Staples, brewers Petitioner prays for dissolution of his marriage with Elizabeth Fordham. on the ground of her adultery with Mr William Boyd, acting manager of the Wellington Trust and Loan Investment Company. Damages to the amount of L 2.000 are claimed against the co-respondent. The case will be heard some time in July. A portion of a boat has been found at Pukerau, along the west coast There are no marks or name on the wreckage. At the Appeal Court to-day the case Searls and another v New Zealand Insur ance Company was called on. The action was one in which plaintiffs sued the In surance Company on a policy of insurance of goods, shipped by a French vessel from Camara to Capetown. Judgment was en tered by the presiding Judge, and the i appeal now was against that decision. After argument their Honors reserved i judgment. At the inquest on the body of Timothy • Doile, victim of the boat accident, the i verdict was ** Found dead.” Deceased had a brother in Napier and a sister in i Christchurch. i Ddnbdik. i A trial was made of the electric searcSi light for Auckland Harbor defence. The i light is of 35,000 candle-power, and will make objects clearly visible at a distance i of 1,500 yards. The trial was a success, 1 considering that the engine was not a powerful one.

THE SURPRISE AT TAMNAI.

The Soudan correspondent of the Daily Chronicle has published a brilliant descrip tion of the surprise at Tamnai, from which wo take the following notices of personal bravery: —‘‘Oatside, away from the squares, a number of men on fatigue duty, such as cutting bush for the zareba makers, were cut off from the main body. Undaunted and resourceful, they quickly improvised a square hard by the fiohi kitchens. Their promptness saved their lives. Conspicuous amongst them were to be seen Major Alston and the Rev Mr Collins, one of the chaplains, fighting back to back ; the reverend combatant having seized the nearest available wea pon, which he wielded vigorously, as if to the manner born. As the bugles were ineffective in stopping the random firing of the P 'ohbear infantry the Rev Mr Collins volunteered to cross the bullet swept ground intervening, and convey the orders to cease firing. Stepping forth, calm and collected in demeanour, the chaplain walked, his life in his hands, across to the Indians, to whom he gave the necessary orders, and then returned as calmly to the little square which he had just left. His reception must have been some compensation to the risks he had run. The men, struck with his heroism, raised cheer after cheer, and, sticking their helmets on their bayonets, frantically waved them in their enthusiasm. . . .

Fortunately the general’s aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Gharteris, saw the peitl of his chief, and gallantly rushed to the rescue. And not a moment too soon, for the rebels were at close quarters. One Arab had his gun pointed straight at the gene ral ; but Gharteris turned the shot, and then quickly turning, cut down another assailant with his sabre. As Gharteris was thus engaged, he was attacked with the greatest fury by a lithe young Arab— a mere boy, in fact, not more than ten years old- The youngster fought like a tiger, and succeeded in spearing Gharteris through the arm before he himself was shot. He was a gallant little fellow ;he fought with all the courage of a man, and suffered a man’s fate. I fancy Lieut. Gharteris will hear more of that little incident, for he saved his general’s life. . . . About the middle of the fight there was some further trouble with the Loyal Poohbears outside the first square. They wore ordered to retire, but the order seems to have been misunderstood, for Major Drury, commanding the left battalion, halted his men, and they gallantly kept the enemy at bay. The order to retire wes repeated, and this tinge was only too literally oboyod, for the Poohbears not merely retired, but rushed headlong into the square. Ma;jor Drury, who vainly strovq to stay the mad rusfy, was left somewhat in the rear, and, see ing one of his men drop disabled, stopped and attempted to save him, although the enemy were close upon him. In another moment, indeed, they were hacking and thrusting at the heroic officer with their spears and swords. Grander heroism was never shown on field of battle. For several minutes Drury fought with at least 20 rebels, and with his single sword kept them from their prey, nor did he abandon his efforts to save his comrade until a great spear wound in the neck and the danger of being hopelessly sur rounded compelled him reluctantly to retire

GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION.

Wklli gxon, Last Night. The report of the Government Life In* snranoe Association, to be laid before the annual meeting on May 27. was adopted at a meeting of the Beard this afternoon. The following are particulars

Ordinary Branch.—The new proposal* received in this branch daring the year ended December 31, numbered 4,620, for a total sum of LI, 137,217. Of. .these , 3,309 became policies insuring L 800.016 ; 396 were declined; and the remainder were not taken up. These numbers are lower than those of the year 1883, but ah ; analysis of the business month by month ' discloses the fact that the new business effected in the latter half of the year under notice was fully double that,of the I former half. The amount paid for claims of all kinds including endowment policies matured, and also bonus additions sod allowances for prospective or incermediate bonuses, was L 51,380, representing 146 policies, insuring 123 ... lives. . Claiiafc - through death are considerably within I the expectation of the mortality upon I which the tables are baaed. Discontinued I policies daring the period repetted on I were as follows :—Assurance policies, I general section, 1,841, she sum ss- I aurad being L 512,211; annual premiums, I L 16,314 ; assurance policies, temperance-" I s*otioiu2l4 policies, cam assured, L 43,746; land annual premiums, L 1,294; endow. I ment policies, 169, sum assured, L 7,774, I and annual premiums, L 372. The poll* I oles in force in the ordinary! branch in. I both the general and temperance sections I numbered 20,097, insuring L 6,138,475. [ The average amount of policies in force is I L 292. The income of the ordinary I branch for the year was L 228.434, of I which L 48,472 was interest on invested I funds. The accumulated fund on De | cember 31 last amounted to L 972,77 6 I showing a net increase of L 126.616. For I the purpose of showing the growth of the I funds during the past ten years, the fol | lowing table is given:— June 30, 1873 £109,967 I 1876 153,717 1 1877 219,314 I 1878 ... ... 292,623 I 1879 ... 371.880 I 1880 459,330 1881 567,230 1832 653 890 Deo. 31,1882 704,888 I 1883 846,159 1884 972,775 I At the date of this report, the accumu- I latad fund at the credit of tile Association I exceeds one million sterling. The rapid ' I increase of funds, exhibited In this table, . I is believed to be without parallel in the 1 I history of any life office in the British J I dominions. In the Industrial branch, ■ I 2,679 policies were issued during the year. ‘ j Of these, 593, assuring L 21,426, with a I total weekly premium of Ll 9, were adult ‘ I risks, the remainder, for a weekly pre ’ I mium of 2d each, being on lives of chil- I dren. On December 31, the policies in * I force numbered 7,928, assuring L 93.844 ' lon adult policies. Forty-one death^ claims 1 I occurred during the year, of which '26 ' I were under infantile policies. The report 1 I concludes as follows:

Although the operations of -the Asso ciation under its new constitution do not come within the limits of last year’s pro ceedings, yet it will be of interest to policy-holders to learn something of the new organisation. The Board are of opinion that it will work well. It will tend to popularise the institution as well as to necessitate careful deliberation op all points affecting its welfare. Everything of importance outside routine duties comes before the Board, which sits from three to four hours a week, but besides the duties performed at Board .meetings, a great deal is done by Committees. There are Committees which examine and report to the Board on all expenditure, on all alterations in the staff, and on the office requirements, including building. Whilst precaution is taken not to bring the names of proposers and policy-holders before the Board, all cases of exceptional character have careful consideration, and supervision is exercised over the routine business without invasion of its confidential nature. Ou the whole, a great deal of work of a beneficial character is effected, which has not been practicable under purely Govern ment management.'On the other hand, connection with the Government gives great facility for the investment of funds, which are never idle. The Board are lend ing, and propose to lend, considerable amounts on mortgage of real property, but they are very careful to investigate all conditions attaching to each application they receive. It is proposed to establish local Boards at once at Auckland, Christ church and Dunedin. This was decided on after careful deliberation, but the three elected members of the Beard were op posed to it. The other members were in favor of it, excepting the Solicitor-Gene ral, whose opinion is not known, he having from ill-health not been able to attend the meetings of the Board So large a majority of the Board being in favor of the establishment of local Boards it was not thought necessary to invite the opinions of the policy-holders. It is, however, considered desirable that they should know of the difference of opinion among the members of the Board, and also that, should they desire to move In the matter, the Board will give respectful consideration to their representations, if made by resolution, concerning which a poll of all policy-holders can be taken. It must be understood that the Directors do not invite such expression of opinion, the majority of them being, as stated, con vinced of the expediency of establishing the proposed local Boards. They_ think it right, however, to state the circum stances, and to point out to tbe policy holders that action is open to them if they desire it.”

[ln the figures above shillings and pence have been omitted ]

SPORTING.

HAWKE’S BAT STEEPLECHASE.

Napier. Last Night. The following Dominations bare been received for the Hawke's Bat Steeplechase, of 400 SOTS. Orphan King Arthur A.G. Sloper Assegai Denbigh Olaude Romeo Director The Druid New Year Pathfinder Whalebone King Rayenawood Jim L'nwoodP BJacoorpni Orient Scrutineer St Dncstan Plamiogtoo Ngata Erebus Quilp Diomedee Gipsy Speculation' Totara Pastime.

LOWER HEATHOOTBIRAOES. The following weights were declared last night for the undermentioned eVaQ WELTBB Handicap. One mile.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1885.



at lb St 10 10 lb Master Agnei Pack it« 13 12 0 5 Ohandos... Baldio ... 7 4 Rally Oontmdram 11 11 7 0 Oeo ... Progress ... 9 12 9 ? Supplejack 11 0 Lambs' BrAC^e Louie ... 9 c. Six furlongs. 7 Rally ‘ ... Conundrum 11 4 Nor’-wester 10 i 11 0 Baldie ... 10 4 Papanui ... 10 12 Adventurer 9 ? Ohandoa ... 10 7 Sir Julius ... 0 4 Little Beauty 10 7 Prog-ess ... 9 * Blue Qu® M



"PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. OPENED MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 18t5. MESSRS BAYLIS * CO, (late of Orr and Alcorn), have Commenced Busi ness as Family Grrcers and Tea Dealers, in Saunders’ Buildings, next to Mr Far ley’s, Bookseller, on above date. Messrs B. and Co. beg to announce to the public of Ashburton and District, that as they Buy for Cash and in the cheapest markets, they are in a position to Sell at the lowest possible prices, and trust by punctuality and despatch to receive a fair share of the public patronage, 4 684 BAYLIS & CO. Cadbury’s Cocoa, PUREST AND BEST. Should be Used by Everyone, ON SALE AT ORR AND ALCORN’S, Ashburton Agents. i To Arrive, a Grand Assortment of Cadbury’s Fancy Goods, comprising— FANCY CHOCOLATES, CHOCOLATE CREAMS, Etc. ORR AND ALCORN 4 605 WAR WITH RUSSIA.—At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one exc.pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the presenTnegotiations between England and Russia wili lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in amoke. The abserice of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze ia blowing harmlessly past; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a atorm. In either ciae, we ought to be prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities wool and labor will go up. Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a Stock of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. • In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased • Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds •nd other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for ctttbl style and fit, ft is almost for us to repeat what everybody knows, VijS, that by our tioten. ♦ifiemode of!cutting, and the care exer na«d by os in filing the figure, a mis-ht „**n impossibility. —Craighead and Co., Moi't T«aon4 elreqt.



Wanted. WANTED by a young man, age *23, a Situation to drive a baker’s or storekeeper’s cart ; can assist in either business. Apply, N, Gookson’a stabl- s. WANTED TO LET or FOR SALE, Suffolk Butchery Premises, con sisting of shop and dwelling-house, sausage factory complete, etc. Apply to J. O. Duncan, Ashburton. 5 785 ANTED Known that R. Lancaster's Pork Sausages at 6 per lb excels any other in the Canterbury province. Cash buyer of bacon pigs. R. Lancaster Ready-money Meat Mart, Bullock’s Ar cade. 5 774 i . TTTANTED Known The undersigned vv is prepared to Drill Seed with Reid and Gray’s drill or sow with broadcast sower, on mo*t reasonable terms. Apply to Martin Griffin, Newlands. 5 730 ANTED Known—That T. Houi/r has commenced Bacon Curing, and having purchased a first-class sausage machine, he will be able to supply the wants of the inhabitants of Ashburton with a real good Pork Sausage. Fresh every day. Only good corn fed pigs bought. 5 779 5 711



GKICUL TUBAL Machine Shop, WAKANUI ROAD. OH ARLES 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 1 ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Horne). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I believe it was Lord 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 ! Read ! When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list the contents of my shelves, 1 can only finish by saying— Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance ! Thomas E. Earley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Sadndeks’ Buildings, East St., Ashbubton.



Special Advertisements. fyiHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance 00. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Messes WILDING, LEWIS & CASTGILL I hare been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risk* taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GO OLD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury.



VTT ANTED Known—Before buying V T Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect oar stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segers, ?ealys’ Buildings, East Street. ANTED Known— Jones and Brad- V V shaw are offering asi superior blend of Nelson, Moate apd Co’s Tea, at 20s per box ; Flour, 18s per sack ; Chaff, 35s per ton ; Wheat, seconds and crushed, equally cheap, for Cash. TT7"ANTED Known—VVertheim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 GLORIOUS NEWS. Andrew Obk will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11s 6d—every article at half-price. 2 237 VT7" ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots I y V That Hates and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic sides, 3s, 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 3i d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles le 4d. Andrew Obr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 ANTED KNuWN— Robert Elston, Vf Bill Poster, Theatpical 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. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER at JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tanobed Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf M per lb Best White Crysta., 3£d per lb Beat Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2a 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 6d Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is Cd Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6sd Herrings, 7d Keiller’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Obeese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tanored Street 12 2342 A : RRIYED. ARRIVED. NEW GuODS. Wholesale and Retail. Books by various authors Stationery in great variety Toys and Fancy Goods of every de scription Jewellery, Cutlery, Concertinas, Accor dians, etc. Photo and Scrap Albums, Is Tobacconist’s Sundries, etc. Specially low rates to Country Stores. 1 Young Ladies’Journal,” May number, Is 3d. R Bevan, SAUNDERS’ BUILDING, (Next Shop to Qdill’s Hotel.)s 692



MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (Late A. Hayes) TIMBER, COAL AND FIREWOOD MER C H A N T S, East street, Ashburton. STUDY your Interests, and get quota tions for every requisite for the Building Trade. I Study your Comfort and try our PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, Just landed, ex Candida. Doors, Sashes, Mouldings, Roofing Iron, Gates, Hurdles, &c. On Sale, in any quantities yus* WE ARB PRODUCERS And,can sail to suit the times W. H, COLLINS, Manager. gTUDY THE FOLLOWING Quotations AND BEFRIEND YOURSELF s. d. All Wool Welsh Fannel, very heavy, suitable for men’s shirts 0 Saxony Union Flannel, fine, suit able for babies’ we'->r 0 8| Scarlet Saxony Flannel 0 8| Grey Calico, per yard ... ... 0 2 Slate Silesia, per yard 0 Heavy Brown Holland, per yard 0 4$ Forfar, for aprons, per yard ... 0 5} One Yard Wide Forfar, per yard 0 7| Cotton Tick, per yard 0 4| Turkey Red, per yard ... ... 05§ Heavy Twill Cretonne; this is well worth 15... ... ... ... 0 Reversible Cretonne, usually sold for la, per yard 0 9| All Wool Crimean Shirting ... 1 3 Warm Wincey Shirting ... ... 0 41- Union Crimean Shirting... ... 0 71- White Blankets, suitable for chil dren’s beds, per pair 7 11 No. 2 Quality White Blankets, per pair ... ... ... ... 9 6 No. 3 Quality White Blankets, per pair ... ... ... ... 12 9 Double-bod Size, per pair ... 13 9 Extra Large Blankets, per pair ... 19 6 See our 2ls and 25s BLANKETS They will really astonish you. TAILORING DEPARTMENT. All Tweeds well shrunk. Fit Guaranteed. Charges cannot be beaten. MEN’S CLOTHING To meet these hard times. Men’s Tweed Trousers—3s 9d, 5a lid, 7$ fid, 10a fid Men’s Tweed Irouaeis and Vest—7s lid, 10s fid, 12s fid Men’s Tweed Suits—l7a fid, 255, 30s Men’s Oil Coats, leather bound—lss 9d See our 21s O V E RCOAT, A very special line. BL E. May & Co., THE HALL.



OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary wo 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 bo arranged. 3 454 fjl H E NEW ZE A L N D Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS To V‘3 New Zealand Government Rail ways, Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &c. &c. &c. 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 shorten notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may bo entrusted to the Manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory branches in the follow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Nelson Palmerston N. Invercargill Hokitika New Plymouth Uamaru Greyinouth Napier Waimate Keefton Waipawa Timaru Wellington Hastings Ashburton Maaterton Gisborne Christchurch Wanganui Thames Lyttelton Hawera Auckland



Victoria House. 17URESIDE EMPLOYMENT, AMUSEMENT, & INSTRUCTION } FOR winter eye sings. NOW SHOWING—A Splendid Assortment of Fine Art Goods and Traced Work in Slippers, Cosies, Antimacassars, Tidies, Ladies and Children's Aprons, Brackets, D'apea, Splaikets, Nightdress Bags. A Nice Selection of Crewel and Washing Silks, Ingrain Cottons, Berlin Fingerings, Transfer Patterns, Designs for Jross Stitch worK, &c. Also—A Nice Variety Of Homespuns, Ladies and Children’s Ulsters, Jackets, Gloves, etc,, and a fow Parcels of Manufacturers’ • amples in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Cloth ing, bought at 20 per cent under the regular prices, offered accordingly. i Dimant and Coe. GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c.. l&at Twjswd SttQQte, Ashburton* victoria House,



Special Advertisements. SELLING OEF * FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONBRY, &c. | jzgg' Must be sold— even if at a loss To Suit everybody'at prices that cannot . > be beaten. i Andrewes Bros., i Booksellers, Stationers, &0., Aahbarton. Mrs Adams, AGENT FOB MADAME WEIGEL’S PATTERNS, HAS now on hand a nice assortment of crewel wools, silks, filoselle, fiossette, lace, braids, transfer patterns, new designs, crash, oatmeal and satin cloths for art needlework, five o’clock tea cloths, embroidery frames, etc. THE LITTLE SHOP, East street, (Next Mr Ranger’s, baker). 5 760 ADDFELLOWS’ hall. To-Night. WHAT I saw in America in 1880. — Popular Lecture To-Night, Odd- | fellows’ Hall, at 7-30, by Rev. Jes. Berry, President of the Wesleyan Conference. I 5 735 LIFE among the Mormons. —Oddfel- lows’ Hall, To-Night, 20th May. Admission—One Shilling, Children Six pence. 5 736 WONDERFUL Fire Brigade Scene, as depicted by Rev. Jos. Berry, To-Night. To commence at 7 30. Pro ceeds in aid of Ashburton Wesleyan Church Building Funcs. 5 737 CHINESE Quarters, the City by Night, Farming in the West, Niagara, and other topics connected with America, will form part of Rev. Jos. Berry’s lecture at t the Oddfellows’ Hall To-Night. 5 738



Don’t Die in the House. “Rouugh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N.Z, Drug Co., General Agents. * ' Coughs. Colds, Bronchitis, etc., are quickly i ured by using Baxter’s “Lung Preserver.* This old-established medicine is pleasant tb the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession. Read„ad v<gtisews»t,