COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon. j The following is the Christchurch Corn Ex- t( •Nang- report for the week ending Friday, 13th - nstantThe market for grain during the jast week has not evinced any tendency to wards a change for the better. Home advices n ire still of such a depressing nature as to pre :lude the possibility of buyers advancing prices. The stock of wheat that continues to . be poured in' • the London market from all s quarters must naturally cause low prices to rule, and while India and America can send such enormous quantities there can be but a - small chance for the New Zealand farmers to - compete profitably, if we consider the lower prices of labor and freight from these count- , nes. Samples of grain are not coming in very freely, owing no doubt to the recent rains having caused the suspension of threshing, al- 1 though a very marked improvement in the ■ weather is now being experienced, and we may 1 anticipate greater briskness to result. Quota tions as follows may now be said to be defi nitely fixed as the opening prices, numerous sales having been effected at these rates ; Wheat: New as 6d to 2sg d, chick feed is gd to 2s f.o.b.—-Oats ; Milling is nd, bright short feed is gd to is lod, other feed is yd to is 8d f.o.b. —Barley: Malting 3s 6d to 4s, feed is gd to 2s Christchurch.—Grass seed ; Rye, fanners’ cleaned 2s gd to 3s, machine dressed heavy 3s gd to 4s f.0.b., cocksfoot bright samples 3d to discolored and in ferior 2d to 2}id f,o.b.—Dairy produce : Butter 6d to yd, cheese 4d to per lb f.o.b.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, March 17 Meure Matson, Cox and o>., at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock Messrs Miles and Co,, at the Ashburton Yards—Sheep Saturday, March 21. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street —Town and Suburban Properties MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Ftc. Saturday, March 14. Ashburton Coursing Club—Meeting at the Somerset Hotel, at 7-30 Monday, March 16 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Tuesday, March 17 I Oddfellows’ Hall—lrish Concert, at 8 Wednesday, March 25 Ashburton Building and Investment So ciety-Annual Meeting, Arcade Cham bers, at 3 o’clock . Oddfellows' Hall—Miss Wa d and Com pany, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., meeting at 8 o’clock Thursday, March 26 Tinwald Saleyards—Annual Ram and Ewe Fair

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1885.

The General Manager of the Railway I Department, under the authority of the J Minister for Public Works, has requested the Ashburton police to take action J without awaiting instructions from I the Railway authorities against all I persons found infringing the by-law J published in the Gazette of the 2nd I January, viz—No person shall drive or I attempt to drive any vehicle or animal on J any part of a public road, when the same J crosses over or upon a railway on the I same level, otherwise than at a walking I pace; and every person shall, before I crossing the lines of rail, comply with the j direction upon the notice board, “Scop. I Look out for the engine.” 1 At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this I morning, Thomas Gaffney, a man well known to the police, was charged with having stolen a pair of ducks, the pro perty of the proprietor of the Central Hotel The accused pleaded “guilty,” and it transpired that ho had sold the | duck for 2s. There being only one jus tice on the Bench it was necessary t ■ remand the accused until Tuesday next, — John Brady, an old offender, was fined 20s and c-sts, with the alternative of 48 hours’ imprisonment, for drunkenness Mr Thomas Bullock was the presiding rustics. At the adjourned monthly meeting of the Longbeach Road Board held yester day, resolutions were passed strongly con demning the report ol tho Committee of the County Council with reference to the rating in connection with the proposed road bridge across the Ashburton rivr r. It was contended that the Wakanui, Long beach and Upper Ashburton road distric s would receive no more benefit from the bridge than other localities, which it was proposed to exempt from the operation of the special rate. We undarstan J«that the members of the Longbeach Board are not averse to the construction of the bridge, but demand a more equitable system of rating than that suggested by the Com mittee of the County Council. The London correspondent of the Sydney Mail writes that in consequence of the Australasian Colonies having been well advertised in Great Britain during the past two years, the number of emi grants to Australia has exceeded those to Canada f»r that period by 40,000 souls. New South Wales has been particularly active. The “nomination" system has been adopted and largely use i by that colony ; but the correspondent says : “ From my experience and from enquiries; I have made, I am not certain that the nomination system is the best that could be adopted if your colony requires a par ticular and suitable class of labor. In such event it is clearly desirable to leave the selection to the agents of the colony here." Above the familiar signature “ J. H N. ” the following letter appears in the Lyttel ton Times of this morning ;—“ In the event of a war with Russia, a great rise in the price of wheat, etc , will immedi ately take place. Therefore, it is as well our farmers should not overlook this veritable “little bit of blue sky,” and, by holding their grain until reliable information as to whether it is to be peace or war be obtained, do well for themselves." On reference to a comparative table of the Ashburton County agricultural statistics for 1884 and 1835, appearing in another column of this issue, it will be noticed that the return under the head-

ing of “jPJantations of forest trees" has in creased from 155 acres in 1884 to acres in 1885, In a recent issue we stated that Mr W. 0, Walker, M,H.R., had called the attention of the deputy collectors to the fact thatin past years they had omitted to return a number of public plantations. The increase now recorded is, no doubt, the result of Mr Walker’s viligance, although a large measure of credit is also due to Mr B. G. Wright, the Cha man of the Plantation Board, who has interested himself in seeing that the necessary information was placed at the d.sposal of the collectors. The combined efforts of these two gentlemen have placed Ashburton at the head of the Canterbury counties, north of the river Rangitata, in this respect. The figures are :—Ashbur ton, acres ; Belwyn, 3,047 acres ; part of Amuri, I,ool£ acres ; Ashley, 786jr acres ; Akaroa, 186,j acres. The re turns from other counties are not yet completed. Mr Liddy, the well-known and popular advance agent, arrived in Ashburton yes terday, and to day has been engaged com pleting arrangements for the appearance of Miss Genevieve Ward at the Oddfel lows’ Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, 26th and 26th instants. Of Miss Ward's marvellous talent it Is unnecessary to speak; her reputation is world-wide. Mr Vernon, who was engaged by Miss Ward as her specie! support for her Australian tour, it an actor of exceptional ability who has won most favorable opin ions from the London public. The two leading artistes are accompanied by a strong company, and comprise amongst their number Misses Roland, Watts-PhilHps, and Nellie Veitch, and Messrs Lawrence, Fenton, Bennett, Darrill, and Montgomery. We hope this talented company will be received by crowded houses.

Me srs Matson, Cox and Co advertise numerous lines of sheep for sale at the Ashburton Ram and Ewe Fair, Tinwald Yards, on Thursday, 20th March.

We know that there is nothing on earth equal to Hop Bitters as a family medicine. Look tor. —[Advt.J Dr Scwarghack, M.D., in response lo an urgent invitation, has consented to visit Timaru professionally, and may be consulted at that town from Tuesday, March 17th, until Monday, March 23rd, at the Grosvenor Hotel. —[Ami.] Skinny Men.—“ Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im poteo'ce, debility The N.Z. Drug Co. General Agents. f A other unfortunate. —Again \ve nmst draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a .£2,424 stock of Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of I 'ennts O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristehurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by 11. E. May N Co,, of the Hall, High street, for £9S4> or ° n 'y a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M. and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secure a speedy clearance.

We again remind coursing men of th. 3 I annual meeting of the Ashburton Cours ng Club, whioh will take placa at the somerset Hotel this evening. The annual general meeting of the Aeh surton Caledonian Society will be held in ;he Lyttelton Timet> office, Arcade on Saturday, 28th inst,, at 7.30 p.m. The following are to-day's quotations for grain delivered in Ashburton : Wheat, 2s 3d to 2a 6d ; oats, la 4d to Is 3d, feed and heavy milling respectively ; barley, 3s to 3s 6i Harvest operations and threshing have again been interrupted by rain, which commenced to fall about 11 a.m. to-day. Yesterday afternoon a deputation from the New Zealand Protection Association, consisting of Messrs Howland, Pavitt, Pozzi, and Bellhouse waited on Sir Julius Vogel at Coker's Hotel, with referenc9 to various matters. The interview was of a private nature. Sir Julius has received invitations to address public meetings at Nelson and Inveroareill, but is as yet unable to say whether it will be possible for him to comply with the requests. | Twenty-six entries have bein received for the Canterbury Coursing Club's Derby

and twenty-two for the Oaks. I At a meeting convened in Christchurch I last evening by Messrs Powell and Corley, two Commissioners on the unemployed I question, there was a large attendance. It was stated by one of the Commissioners I that if the Government did not publish | their report in full soma of them would I do so. The following resoluti n was I carried unanimously—“ That the Govern- I ment be asked to re open the public works, the harvest having proved a com plete failure, hundreds of men being out 1 of employment.’’ 1 The Tima.ru Herald publishes the fol lowing list of passengers booked by Thura- 1 day’s excursion train from the different j stations :—Waimate, 143 ; Studholrae, 4 ; Makikihi, 13 ; St Andrews, 16 ; Timaru, 1,490; Waitohi, 3; Washdyke, 25; Albury, 14 , Pleasant Point, 43 ; Fairlie 1 [ Creek, 44 ; Temuka, 187 ; Winchester, 59 ; Orari, 89 ; Rangitata, 19—total, 1 2 149. Jhese numbers do not include I babies in arms, the Artillery Band, and those railway folk who for once were allowed to enjoy a well-earned holiday. Mr Arthur, the Ashburton station master, has received a telegram from Mr Back, the Traffic Manager, enquiring I what patronage would probably be given j to an excursion tsain from Ashburton to I Christchurch and Lyttelton. Mr Arthur J has communicated with His Worship the I Mayor, and that gentleman has recom- ' I mended that the excursion should take I place at a time when one or more of the I direct line of steamers ware lying at Lyt- I telton; early in April was suggested as a j convenient time. The intentions of the Railway Departmeo 1 -. will probably be I made known on Monday. I The South Rakaia and Longbeach Road I Boards met yesterday. Reports of their J proceedings appear in another column, j The South Rakaia Road Board have re I solved to pay the man Greenaway, who J recently met with an accident while en- I gaged in their service, full wages during j the time he is disabled. I An influential meeting of householders, j held at the Arcade Chambers last even- I ing, resolved to memorialise the Norih Canterbury Board of Educa ion to have I another inspection of the Borough Schools J held before carrying into effect the reso- I lutiou passed by the Board and confirmed I by the present committee at its last meet- I ing, terminating the engagement of the J headmaster. A strong working com- I mittee was formed and active steps are now being taken to procure signatures to I a petition to the Board.

METEOROLOGICAL READINGS.

I The following are the meteorological I readings at Alford Station for the week I ending Friday, March 13, 1885:

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

j ■■ ■ ♦ I The adjourned monthly meeting of the South Rakaia Road Board was held at the Road Board office, Rakaia, yesterday. Present Messrs Coster (chairman), Holmes, Mulligan and Tucker. clerk’s RETORT. The Clerk’s report was read and con sidered. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read: —(1) From the Property Tax Commis sioner, forwarding amended roll.—Tube acknowledged.—(2) From Davi&on and Q)., offering a stone breaking machine. — Not required —(3) From H. Rutter, ask ing that notice be given to occupiers of sections to cut fences —lt was resolved that notices be sent stating that unless the fences were cut within seven days the work would be done by the Board, and the cost charged to occupiers.—(4) From the Railway Department, stating that the Board’s letter re Ohertsey road had been forwarded to the Minister for Public Works.—(s) From the Board’s solicitor re the accrued funds from deterred payment system. —lt was resolved to again apply to the Minister for Crown Lands for the amount of accrued monies.— (6) From Mr Allan, asking permission to plough uo gorse on sides of roads.—lt was resolved that permission be granted subject to the condition that the work be done to the satisfaction of the Board. — (7) From the Commissioner of Crown Lands, asking permission to lease tem porarily reserve No 1667.—1 t was re solved that the Board had no objection to temporarily leasing the reserve, but re served the right to terminate the lease by six month's notice. —(8) From Mr Upton, of Sherwood, asking that the necessary alteration be made on the rata roll with regard to his property —Alteration made. NATIVE RESERVE. It was resolved to request Mr Mulligan to let the gravelling of the crossing and the formation of 30 chains of new road through the native reserve. INJURED WORKMAN. It was determined that the man Green away, who injured his am whilst in the service cf the Board, should receive full pay during the time he was laid up. NEW ROLL. On the motion of Mr Coster, seconded ( by Mr Tucker, it was resolved—That ap- , pligatipn be made to the manager of the , Vcton ataticnjjto ascertain what the Com pany would take for a piece of land about , 18 chains by 1 for the purpose of a new ] road from the cemetery corner to Thomp- j t son’s track. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to L(i<> 2s 8d j. haying besn passed for payment, the t Board adjourned.

LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD.

. « The adjourned monthly meeting of the Longbeach Road Board was held yesterday. Present—Messrs J. Grigg (Chairman), E H. Dobson, I. K. 0. C. Graham, and G. Gilmour. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read: —(1) From the proprietors of the Chatmos Estate, calling the Board's attention to the dangerous stata of the bridges on the Boundary road. The Surveyor was di rected to inspect the bridges and report to the Chairman.—(2) From Mr J. Withell (Lowcliff) asking for shingle to be placed on about eight chains of Dobson's road where the present Bhingla is thin and liable to cut up when the carting com mences. The Surveyor was instructed to j have the work done.—(3) From Messrs Mi'ea and Co., in reference to unpaid

rates on Poole's reserve, for which judg- I ment had been given against the sub- I lessee, and to recover which the Board I had announced their intention to put the I matter into the handa of the Public Trustee in accordance with the Eating Act. Tne writers stated that Mr Minchener, the lessee, considered it un fair that he should be called upon to pay this amount, as neither he nor his agents were aware that rates were unpaid till they had notice of j adgment being given asainst the occupier, and asked the Board to review the case with a view of remitting portion of the claim.—The Board considered they had no power in such a case to remit rates ; rates being re- I coverable from the land, they failed to see why a reserve of this size should be exempt. No doubt it was unfor tunate for the lessee, but excep tions could not be made in such cases, and it was resolved to reply accordingly.—(4) From the Wakanui Road Board, making application for half share of amount due to Houth. Rakaia Ro».d Board from the old Ashburton Road Board, for metalling the Cbertsey boun dary road, it having been left out of the adjustment of accounts when the Board's were severed. —The Board were of opinion that when the old Ashburton Road Board was in existence, is was divided into wards, and as the ward in which this road was situated would have had to pay the

coat of the work they coma not see now the Longbeaoh portion of the district was liable.—The Clerk was instructed to reply accordingly.—(s) From Mr W. H. Rundle with reference to water diverted by the Board damaging portions of his crop, and stating that he was prepared to do ths necessary work (required to prevent the overflow at the Board’s expense.—lt was resolved that the Board should allow Mr Rundle LI to do the work.—(6) From the County Council in reply to the Board s letter asking for the better drainage of the Wheatstone district, stating-that the Council were willing to expend L 350, pro vided LlO3 was raised by the property holders interested,—The Surveyor was instructed to ascertain whether the per sons interested were agreeable to pay a special rate for the work. surveyor's report. The Surveyors’ report road as fol lows: i. Watevton New Road ; The metalling of this road has been duly completed. As autho rised we have had the earthenware pipes across the road opposite the hotel taken up and a ford substituted. The culvert across the road between Donaldson’s and Moses s having been broken we have had the same repaired. —(2) Terrace Road :In conjunction with the member for No. 2 Ward we have had a ford put in at the corner of Mr Taylor’s section, the gorse fence cut down, and the drain filled in, also at two or three bad places along the road a few loads of shingle have been put in.—3- Dawson’s and Bell’s roads ; We have had a ford put in at the jun tion of these roads in lieu of the bad culvert there.—4. Beach road : As instructed, a (bid has been made In lieu of bad culvert on this road ; the approach to the Hinds river has also been attended to and a small ford made across the creek on the Long beach side of the river.—S- P°pl ai j road : lu stead of repairing the culvert on this road com plained o' at last meeting we have, with the Chairman’s sanction had a ford put in place thereof, the cost of the two being .about the same, the advantage of a ford so as to get rid of flbodwater being more suitable at this place, we have also had a small culvert repaired and the approaches to several bridges shingled. The contractor for forming portion of this road on the Isleworth side is proceeding with his work.—(6) Dobson’s Roid : The cleaning out of a portion of the side drain on this road has been satisfactorily completed, the bridge also on this road has been taken up, the place filled in, and a few bad places on the road shingled—(7) Coldstream Road : As au thorised at last meeting, a ford has been made across the road above Bye’s corner, and about 8 chains of the road for ed on either side of the upper water-race; the contractor has to do about another 8 chains, which will be pro- , ceeded with directly he has finished the work he is at on the Poplar road. —(8) Beach Road (Waterton): We inspected the water-race on this road, complai ed of at last meeting, and find that no proper provision being made to take the water across the road, the consequence is a large quantify of water stands on the road, anti has had the effect of making it almost im passable. We have asked the County Engi neer to have the water turned off, till the per sons interested make the necessary require ments. -(9) Waterton Road; A large culvert has been smashed in near the Waterton store; we would ask for authority to have same re placed. Clause 8 —The Surveyor was authorised to interview the Chairman and the Engi neer of the County Council, and point out the inconvenience the bad fords will be when the grain carting commences, and to ask them to insist upon the per sons responsible for this to make a proper ford on the Waterton road to the Beach road.

Clause 9—The Surveyor was directed to report whether it was advisable to retain culvert for drainage or not. The remainder of tho report was adopted. graham’s road. Mr Graham drew the attention of the Board to the water crossing down Gra ham’s road from Grove Farm, and moved —“ That with reference to the water turned by Mr Wilkin from his Grove Farm on to Graham’s road, the Engineer having reported that it damages the said road, Mr Wilkin be requested to turn off the water, and that the Surveyor be authorised to stop up the outlet on to the road.” The motion was seconded by Mr Gil mour and carried. m'lennan’s road. The Surveyor was directed to inspect and report upon this road. ASHBURTON ROAD BRIDGE. The subject of the proposed road bridge across the Ashburton bridge and the County Council’s proposals in reference to rating connected therewith were discussed at length. (The resolutions ultimately adopted by the Board are at present with held from publication, but will probably appear in Monday’s issue.) ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly accounts having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned until Friday, April 10th.

INDIAN WHEAT.

A paper has been recently published, containing an "Extract from the Pro ceedings of the Indian Department of Agriculture, etc.," dealing with replies received from local governments and native States, to inquiries relative to the wheat productions of India. From this it appears that the varieties of wheat grown are very numerous, and the native names are of uncertain value. Primarily, however, all fall into the classes, hard or soft, red or white. The soft white wheat, which commands the highest price in the English markets, is grown to great per fection in, Northern India, Raj put ana, and Guzerat; it prefers a rich loam soil, I well manured and irrigated, and a mode rately severe winter. The aoffc red wheat, of which there are miny varieties, is also commonly grown in Northern India, but the most valuable comes from the central provinces, when it is called pissi. It is a curious fact, that at one time, It was

customary for a ploughman, on hiring, to stipulate that he should not have to eat pissi wheat more than twice a year. Now he would not-get it at all, as its price is at Least 5a a quarter higher th*»n the hard wheats. The hard wheats at one time commanded the highest prices, being most esteemed by the natives; but the European demand has brought the soft wheats, into greater favor with the culti vator. The hard white, too, is delicate, and requires careful cultivation and irri gation. As to the area over which wheat is grown, it may be roughly estimated at about twenty million acres for British India, with a yield approaching six mil lion cons ; and for the Native States at six million acres, with a yield in tons of a million and a quarter. Exclusive of the Nativa States, the average produce per acre is about 9£ bushels. The quantity available for export is only a mutter of conjecture; but in 1882 there was an ex port of 16,000,0u0 cwts, and 22,333,000 cwts in 1883, and it is expected that as the railway system becomes developed a fourth of the total yield will be available for Europe. The country has other food stuffs to fall back on if it pays to export its wheat, and higher prices are likely to make the poorer classes contract their consumption of the dearer article. But lower prices have lately prevailed in India, as in Europe, and as wheat sella now at Jubbulpore for about 18s 6d the quarter, there is not at present any great margin for profit The diversity of conditions under which wheat is raised, necessitates great variety in the modes of cultivation. Tn some places manure and frequent waterings are required; in others, irrigation is to a great extent rendered unnecessary by the winter rains. In the Multan country and Sind the wheat crop depends on inunda tion canals supplied by the tnow-fed rivers; Rajputana trusts to tanks and catchment basins, the finest crops being sometimes seen in the dried up beds of these reservoirs. Where the soil holds much moisture the cultivation is far let a careful and the yield inferior. The actual cost of production cannot be stated with any precsion. In Northern India, a dis trict traversed by railways, on manured and irrigated land it is said to be about 8s a quarter, exclusive of rent, or 12s, if rent be included. A market rate of 18s 6d a quarter would probably mean to the producer a village rate of 15s or 16s. If his out-turn were 2£ quarters to the acre, this would give him a margin of profit of 103 per acre. Such an out-turn would be that of well-tilled land in Northern India; but efficient cultivation and s nail holding seem to go together. In other districts the yield is not much more thin 1 quar ter ; but the holdings being here very much larger, and the cost of cultivation considerably less, the agriculturist is in easier circumstances. Attention was in vited by the Secretary of State to the alleged deterioration of the soil. It was the popular belief that the land was not so fertile as formerly; but there was little to wa'rrant the belief. The exten sion of canals had encouraged the poorer cultivators to overcrop, and the once exu berant yield of virgin aoils!coul<? naturally not be maintained. But otherwise the replies received were encouraging.— The Field.

KHARTOUM.

Kh&rtoum is the chief city, as well as the capital, of the Soudan country claimed by Egypt. It is located on the peninsula formed by the junction of the Blue and White Nile. The dockyards and princi pal landings are on the Blue Nile. The water in the river ia about 1,400 feet above the level of the sea. There is an extensive quay on the Vanki of the river, where the principal commerce of a coun try as large as all India naturally centres. , Tne provinces of the Soudan are not com mercial to any great extent, but these great rivets bring to this point a great number of ships, and you see along the margin of the beautiful river lonar lines of vessels and masts, which give life and the appearance of civilisation. The prin cipal products are ivory, hides, senna, gum arabic, and beeswax. It will be Been that all these productions are natural, and not the result of industry or cultivation. The inhabitants of that country are no toriously indolent, and someone has said that bees are the only industrious crea tures in that whole country. A great

portion of the city lies low, bo that at high water it is flooded, which renders it unhealthy, but it is believed that some day a remedy for that evil will be pro vided. The gardens around that city are extensive, and contain long rows of date palms, many of which are half a century old and have become very valuable. The view of the city from the opposite side of the river is very fine. The groves of palm trees shading the numerous buildings, and their dark green foliage contrasting with the bright colors of the buildings makes a view that is captivating to behold ; but a nearer view of the city destroys the , romance, for it is dirty and vile. This is , not one of the ancient cities of those great • valleys. It w<s founded by Mohammed \ Ali in 1823, and the slave trade gathered i here, and the city increased in population rapidly, and in 1859 had 40,000 inhabi tants. The people «re a strange mixture of all colors, co»=H ßtin g °f Egyptians, Ber bers, Arab* Turks, Jews, Europeans and i Blacks The principal parts of the town copjftts of mud built hut*, but quite re- i oenfcly a large number of modern build- i I ings have been erectod, which look sub- l atantial and imposing, especially the new < palice for the Governor, which is of fine ( faced stone. The city is the centre of ( the caravan trade from the interior of 1 Africa, which is a reliable trade and a ( great source of wealth to the city, but the ( slave trade has been a source of great g profit, and many thousands of poor slaves C have been brought to this market, and I from here sent to all the slave markets in C the world. The city is 1.500 miles from f n Cairo, and the voyage down the river is Isi long and tedious. J a

DEFENCE OF THE COLONY.

Auckland, Last Night. Government is inviting tenders for the work necessary for mounting one of the 64 pounders now lying at North Shore on North Head. Wellington, Last night. The Stella has gone to Opunake to bring down 35 A.O.’a It is understood they are be drilled in the use of the heavy battery suns, ' which are to be mounted to protect the harbor. It is also understood that instructions have been I wired to the Agent-General for the pur chase of ordnance and war material to the value of upwards of LIOO.OOO, according I to the recommendation of Major Cautley, I as required in connection with his defence I scheme.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

The following are the agricultural sta tistics for the County of Ashburton for 1884 and 1885 :

SAMOAN AFFAIRS.

Auckland, Last I 9 ight. The schooner Fleetwing arrived to-night from Somoa with Mr Oohn London. Several of the principal native chiefs were ready to leave for New Zealand to arrange about annexation, the Samoan Parliament having passed an Act declaring Samoa annexed to New Zealand, but the English Consul interfered, and prevented them coming as they were about embarking. The . iill empowered Sit George Grey and Mr Lundon to give effect to the Act Mr Lundon proposes to communicate with Ministers at once, and with Sir George Grey. King Malietoa has written to the Premier of New Zealand, andfalso to Sir George Grey.

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIA TION.

'Wellington’, Last. Night. The rifle competitors hare finished three matches for the Belt, and also the 300 yards’ range of the Canterbury match. So far the highest aggregates for this Balt are : —Lucas, Thames, 263 ; Parnell, Wanguni, 258; T, Flyger, Wanganui, 249 ; Jenson, Wanganui, 248 ; Ohurton, Wanganui, 246 ; Downie, Thames, 246 ; Kummer, Masterton, 244; Nedwick, Thames, 24); Lawfce, Thames, 239; Cooper, Auckland, 235; Taylor, Auck land , 235.

The 600 yards range of the Oanteibury match will be completed to-morrow morn ing. The carbine competitors have now finished four matches out of the six count ing for the Belt, and the following are the highest aggregates -Davey, Welling ton,' 291 ; Perry, Wanganui, 289 ; Sin clair, Christchurch, 289; Boss, Napier, 288 ; Weir, Thames, 285 ; Parslow, Auck land, 284; Woolley, Auckland, 284; Babe, Wellington, 281; Waters, Port Chalmers, 281; Harris, Wellington, 279 ; Lloyd, Wanganui, 277 ; McKenzie, Wellington, 277.

The Wellington match for all-comers, 200,300 and 600 yards, seven shots at each range, counting for both Belts, was commenced this afternoon, but very few of the men had fired when “ Cease firing” was sounded. There will be. a church parade of Volunteers on Sunday. The Championship will be decided oa Monday.

i- [By Telegraph.] •e Wellington, To-day. r- It was raining heavily for the -shooting d this morning, but firing is proceeding; n At a meeting of delegates last night it waa i- announced that the Executive Council had [- abolished themselves. A Committee of i- management was therefore appointed, v consisting of Bides : Lieut. Paynter i (Nelson), Lieut. Purnell (Wanganui), f Cspt. Loveday (Wellington), Lieut, f Loveday (Wellington), Lieut. Bogers i (Blenheim), Lieut Morris (Camara); 3 Carbines: Capt. Somerville (Wan* t ganui), Lieut. Hislop (Wellington) s Captain Wildman, Thames ; Lieutenant [ Buie, Oamaru. It was decided that the i Committee shall, three months before the i next meeting, visit the spot chosen for i shooting, and make necessary arrange* ments. New rules and regulation? *re to be drawn up and published threb months before the next meeting. ! ein the Wellington match the best scores so far are Flyger, Wanganui, 89; Mad* dock, Blenheim, 86 ; Clark,' Wanganui, 85; Watson, Port Chalmers, 84 ; Webb, Wellington, 83; Inglis, Blenheim, 83 ; Taylor, Auckland, 83; Ddugall, Christ* chmfoh, 81; LlOyd, Watjgsnul, 82; Bailie. Waikari, 81; Griffiths; Blenhenb, 82 j here is still a large number to fire, but it is almost certain Flyger will win the mayor and councillors’ trophy, valued at 30 guineas. The rifie aggregates of those who have finished four out of the six matches fob the belt, also the first range 6f the Cbn* terbury match, are : —Lucas, Thames, 340 ; Flyger, Wanganui, 33§ j

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1885.



Shade Date. Min. Max. Max. Observations Mch 7 57- 73- no. Fine „ 8 6o. 72. 123. Nbr'-west wind ,. 9 5'- 6 i 104. Rain, .8in. ,, 10 46. 64. „ 11 4§. 73- loo. Overcast 126. Fine ,, 12 54. 73. 142. Fine „ 13 5<5. 74- 104. jFine, nor'-west'



1884. 1885. Number of holdings— Freehold... 497 462 Rented ... 124 157 Part rented, part freehold 55 JOI Total number of holdings... 676 . 690 Extent of land broken but not under crop, acres I5.307 20,315 In Wheat- Acres, sown for grain only 80,776 6l,476^ Estimated gross produce, bushels 2,008,725 |i, 379. 6 7o In Oats— For green food or hay, acres 5.831 3.57o For grain, acres... 25.4 2 7 32,696 Estimated gross produce of gr .in, bushels 759.096 1,008,19s In Barley— Acres, sown for grain only 4.573 5.l6o Estimated gross produce of grain, bushels 8o ; 560 127,818 In Hay— Acres 2,20Jttp ', 2,483J^ Estimated gross produce, tons... 3»289 Jf 4.6*6 In Grasses— After having been broken up (in- cluding such as in hay), acres... 221,217^ 253,34*# Grass-sown lands not previously ploughed (in- cluding such as in hay), acres... 32,845 19.713 Grass seed, produce of Cocksfoot, bushels no return 1,040 Rye grass, bushels no return 78,060 In Potatoes— Acres i3*X 183 Estimated gross produce, tons ... 495 813 In Rye or Bere— Acres 45 5o In Peas or Beans— Acres 731^ 967 In Turnips or Rape— Acres 38,055 34,009 % In Mangold, Beet, Carrots, Parsnips, oj Onions, acres 92 I02# In other crops, acres 80 5 In Garden or orchard, acres 291 % 484X Total number of acres under crop (includ- ing sown grasses)... 402,967% 411,258^ In planta*ions of v Forest Trees, acres 155 3,2io# Quantity of last year's crop remaining on hand when form was filled up— Wheat, bushels 1,900 18,920 Oats, bushels ... 17,860 6,735 Barley, bushels 730 2,300



Wanted. ITT AN iED Known—That J. F. Earn ahaw is no longer in my employ. vmes Hkseltine, Saddler, etc., Ashbur n and Tiowald. 3,394 TtTANTED Known—That all debts due ' » in the estate of John Beecher uat be paid to him on or before the 21st istant, or legal proceedings will be taken i recover same John Beecher 3 383 HS7ANTED Known Mangling done. ’ ’ Mrs Minhirb, North east Belt. 2 263 n[TANTED Known—Before buying V\ Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, )olmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect ur stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery ,nd Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. Segers, - ealys’ Buildings, East Rreet. • - BEAT Reductions for Cash at Tones L* - and Fradshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf shaff from 50a per ton, la 6d per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per jag ; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good jheese 5d per lb ; (four, bran, sharps, and shickwheat at very cheap rates* LORIOUS NEWS. Andrew Obr will give away on Saturday ICO pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can m slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6s 6 J ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers it lla 6d —every article at half-price. 2 237 WANTED 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. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. G. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots I V\ That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4a 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 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at 1s lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£ i,.Towels 3£d, 3 3 inch Oilcloth 9d, Calicoes la 4d. Andrew Orb’s Cheap Sale 2 185 WANTED KNOWN — Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Halt, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or idegram promptly attended to. 760 WANTED Known—C. Hawkin’s, of Tinwald, having decided to com pete with either Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and qu vlity of Boots, will, Ist January, 1885, Sell for Cash Only, at the following reduced rates :—Men’s Harvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 5s 9d; Shooter Boots, 10a 3d; Women’s strong Lace Boots, 8.1 6d ; Leather Elastic, 9s fid; Children’s ail reduced from Is per pair. vlotto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” 0. Haw in’s, .loot and Shoemaker. 12 2393 :■ « f«— S—STMM—— Special Advertisements. NOTICE TO PATIENTS. Dr. sohwarzbach, m.d., Specialist on Diseases of the Eye, Ear and Throat, Clarendon Hotel, Christ church. Homs—from 19 to 1. The Doctor will remain until about the middle of March, and will accept no serious cases for treatment at the end of his stay. pOMESTIC PATTISRN DEPOT. Mrs Modg^ DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, Bast Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dressesand Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 Dimant and Coe, ABE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A CHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply of Machine extras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 T> XT' T 7" A "VT Bookseller, Stationer, ■MJJdA V xXix , Fancy Goods Dealer. Jewellery, Cutlery, Concertinas, Accor dians, and Tobacconist’s Sundries. Country Scores supplied at special rates. Young Ladies’ Journals (Feb. No.) for Is 3d, Subscribers wanted. R. BEVAN, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, (Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel.)



WHAT IS THIS DISEASE THAT IS COMING UPON US ? Like a thief at night it steals in upon us un awares. Many persons have pains about the chest and sides, and sometimes in the back. They feel dull and sleepy; ihe mouth ha- a bad taste, especia.ly in the morning. A sort of sticky slime collects about the teeth. The appetite is poor. There is a feeling like a heavs loa ■ on ihe stomach: sometimes a faint all-gone sensation at the pit ©f the stomach which food does not satisfy. The eyes are sunken, the hands and feet b come cold and feel clammy. After a while a cough sets in— at first dry, but after a few months is attended with a greenish colored expectoration. The afflicted one feels tired a 1 the while, and sleep does not seem to afford any rest. After a time I < becomes nervous, irritable, and gloomy, and nas evil foie' odi gs. There is a giddiness a sort of whirling sensation in the head when risin® up suddenly. The bowe s beco ■ e cos tive i the skin is dry and hot at times; the .blood becomes thick and stagnant; the whites of the eyes become tinged with yellow, the urine is scanty and high-colored, depositing a sediment after standing. There is frequently a spitting up of the food, sometimes with a sour taste, and sometimes with a- sweetish taste; this is fequen ly at*.ended with palpita tion of the heart; the v'sion becomes impaired with spots before the eyes; there is a feeling of great prostration and weakness. All of these symptoms are in tun present. It is thought that nearly one-third of our population has this disease in some of its varied forms. It has been found that medical men have mistaken the nature of this disease. Some have treated it for a liver complaint, others for kidney d sease, etc., eta, bu' none of the various kinds of treatment have, been attended with success, because the reined; should be such as to act harmoniously upon each one of these organs, and upon the stomach as well; for in Dyspepsia (for this is really what the disease is) all of these organs paitake of this disease and require a remedy that will act upon all at the same time. Seigel’s Curative Syrup acts like a charm in this class of complaints, giving almost immediate relief. The following letters from chemists of standing m the community where they live show in what estimation the article is held. Wholesale agents, Kemplhorne, Prosser and Co.’s New Zealand Drug Co. (limited), Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. T John Archer, Harthill, near Sheffield ; I can confidently recommend it to all who nr y be suffering fom liver or stomach complaints, having the testimony of my customers, who have derived great benefit from the Syrup and Pills The sale is increasing wonderfully. Geo, A. Webb, 141, York Street, Belfast:— I have sold a large quantity, and the parties have testified to its being what you represent *J. S. Metcalfe. Highga e, Kendal :-I have always great pleasure in recommending the Curative Syrup, for I have never known a case in which it has not relieved or cured, and I have sold many grosses. Robt. G. Gould, 27, High Stieet, Andover: —I have always taken a great interest in your medicines, and I have recommended them, as I have found numerous cases of cure from their Laine, Melksham T can well re commend the Curative Syrup from having proved its efficacy for indigestion myself. Friockbeim, Arbroath, Forfarshire, Sep‘. 23, IS&2. Dear Sir,—Last year I sent you a letter re commending Mother Seigel’s Syrup. I have very much pleasure in still bearing testimony to the very satisfactory results of the famed Syrup and P.lls. Most patent medicines die cut with me, but Mother Seigel has had a steady sale ever since T commenced, and is still in as great demand as when I first began to sell the medicine The cures which hve com onder my notice are chiefly those of liver com plaint and general debility. A certain minister in my neighborhood says it is the only thing which has bt‘ ented him and restored him to his normal condition ol health after being unable to preach for a con siderable length of time. I could njention .also a great many other enses, but space wou.l net alfow. A near friend of mine, who is very much addicted to costiveness cr custipation, finds that Mother Seigel’s Pills are the only pills which suit h s complaint. All other pills cause a reaction which is very annoying. Moth H ’s Seigel’* Pills do not leave a bad aftei effect I have much pleasure in commending ■gain to suffering humanity , '® e . s medicines, which are no sham. If this letter is of any service you can publish it. Yours very truly, (Signed) William S. Glass, Chemist. A. T. While, Esq. Thomas Chapman. West Auckland;—l find that the trade steadily increases. I sell more of \ our medicines than Any other kind. N. Darroll, Clun, Salop:—All who buy it are pleased, and recommend it. Jos. Balkwill, A.P.S., Kmgsbndge;-The public seem to apprecia'e their great value. A. Armste d. Market Street, Dalton-m- Furness: —It is needless lor me to say that valuable medicines have great sale in this dis jict greater than flay other I know of, giving ureat satisfaction. * 15th August, 1883. Dear Sir,—l write to tell you that Mr Hy. Hillicr, of Yatesbury, Wilts, info ms me that re suffered from a severe form of indigestion or upwards of four years, and took no end ot lorU'r’s mcdxiuc without ihe slightest bench I, mddecPrc.T H n'bi Seigel’s Syrup winch 1c jot from me I: -.•.'.ed his life. Yours truly, ( i.,i ed) N. Webb, Chemist, Cain. Ut White. I 9 *9



Read, mark, learn and INWARDLA 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 moat delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. 1 be ieve it was Lord Wolseley who said (he happens to bo the most popular man of the d»y, 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 ! Real 1 Read !. When both you and my self will be considerably benefited. Not having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only fiu'sh by saying- Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance! Thomas f 7 Farley’s, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buildings, Eas'l' ts'r., Ashburton I



Special Advertisements. 1 SELLING OFF GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION > RY, Ac. as- Must be sold —even if at a loss YALENTINHQ ALENTINEO Po Suit everybody at prices that cannot be b -aten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &0., Ashburton. NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. THE undersigned are now landing, ex s.a Hauroto, the Best N ewcastle Coal Imported for the season i A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, V.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Sashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, Ac., And every requisite for the trade. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. East street, Ashburton. 25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING k SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, white the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offei special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys' and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankoto, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address— NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 2£ Davis’s gURPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURI Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAVE 50 Per, Cent. BY PDCHASING at VV. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1721 m m P ci » - JpEBRUARY LIST. Union Shirting, Wincey Checks, 4j d. Window Muslin for Short Blinds, Hd. Unbleached Table Damask, Reduced to 10fd. White Twilled Calico, a Bargain, 6jd, Women’s White Hose, 2s lid dozen. Black Dress Fringes, quarter price, 6£d. Women’s Lisle Gloves, 4-buttons, 4Jd. 47 Men’s Tweed Sac Suits, 27s 6d, now 17a 6d. 37 Boys’ and Youths’ Trouser Suits, 20s, now 12s 6d. 34 Pairs Men’s Trousers and Vests, a Bargain, 10s lid. Small Boys’ Tunic Huits, cheap, 6s lid. 50 Dozen Men’s Socks, sjd. 75 Dozen Men’s Merino Socks, Bfd. Men’s Hard Felt Hats, New Goods, 6s 6d, now Is lid. 200 Dozen Turkey Bed Handkerchiefs, 3|d. H. E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. gEABON SALE COMMENCING ON JANUARY 16th, & CONTINUING FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY, REMARKABLE REALITIES ! GLARING REDUCTIONS ! ! jES-For Convincing proof atid Special Prices See Windows"? Dimant and |Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERV , In ptemiaes lately occupied by Orr Co, 4 Corn East an-, i’ancicd a.re ASHBURTON,



Special Advertisements. J Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT I JAMES McGREGOR’S, Taxcked Ftreet. I Sugars—English Cut Loaf ■-■1 per lb j Rest White Orystx., per lb I Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2a, 2s 6d, and 2s 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box I Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, Herrings, 7d Keillor's Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street 12 2342



August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects ; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, water!? ras h, gnawing ai)d burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated topgns and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to youir druggist and get a bottle of august flower. ‘Phis valuable medicine has cured thousands, and thousands of sufferers, aijd is known civilised countries. Two doses will ‘‘ l bottles, 6d.—[Advt, you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle.



Wells' “Rough on Corijs.” 1 Ask for Wells’ Rough on .Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, wartsj bun ons, The N.SJ, Drug Co., Q^ 1 Agents. sf' Indigestion and Liver 1 , . . T > . > c»/ifipound Ouuune f;° mpl a ,nt s, powerfully Pills have prove** an^ n the stomach . bold on the liver from j. Baxter, f< * 19 or 44 stamps. pw-CUiE in the House, “kouugb ■ ( clears out rats, mice, beetles,’ rbacV , oed-bugs, ' flies, ants, insects, moles, ja_k rabbits, gophers. The N.Z, Drug Co., General Agents, J



Holloway’s Pills. Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rjpxfement being perceptible on the counten- Jauce. These pills prevent both unpleasant Consequences ; they improve tjie appetite and with the increase of desire (of food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills ileal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex trading nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as f he iiver, stomaah, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifiying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored to health and strength, and his sallowness gradually vanishes,—[Ad vt.] ' "