DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Exo Thtjesdat, October 21 Alhburtcn Club— Meeting at 8 o’clock Friday, Cctobbk 22 Dramatic Society—Meeting in Oddfellows Hall at 8 o’clock Saturday, October 23 Town Hall—Wesleyan Bazaar Thursday, October 28 Oddfellows’ Hall—Trial by Jury at 8 o’clock

Friday, October 29 shbnrton Agricultural and Pastoral Association—Annual Show Monday, November 1 Dotoagh Council, at Borough Connell Chambers at 7.30 Friday’, November 6 Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a.m. Saturday, November 6 Wakannl Road B >ard—Monthly meeting •t the Board’s office, Moore street, at 11 a.m.

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Trains Abbiyk at Ashburton —From Ohrist irarch and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4, 35 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, J 0.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 lian. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 |JQ Teaks Leave Abhbubton —For Christ ghuroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 6.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Booth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4-45 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th June, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be %B follows, viz.:—

IF PAID IN ADVANCE : Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d , Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18a 6d „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37s Od xf booked : Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od N. B. The above in so fab as regards sub- OBIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE will not affect old mbsoribers, with whom previously existing ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MAINTAINED. ' Birth,Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid fa the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stam may be sent as payment); if boobed, each. ' PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAY RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES. ■ Announcements of Births, Deaths and arriagessent for publication from the country require to be verified by the signa of tha person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows! —

For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m ■nd 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin,Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, md Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m daily. for Timam and South, at 10 a. m. , and SSO p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on W .cmesdaya and tnrdays, a.t 10.45 a. ns. For Wakanul, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and •tnrdays, 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, Waterton and Longbcach, 4.30 p.m- daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m.

MuHh arrive at the Ashburton Post ?)ffioo * JVom Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 ‘.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 c and s SS p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places daily. sFrom Temnka and Tiniaru at 10.49 a. m p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 i. in. From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 , m. • From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oesdaye and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long Dsachat 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. . From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thuio days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1886. THE CAIN MYSTERY

When, following the exhumation of the body of the late Captain Cain, the result of the analysis of the remains was premiaturely published, we were among the first to protest against the impro priety of such a proceeding, as being calculated to operate to the prejudice of the two persons then about to take their trial, and of whom fyis since been proved innocent of the crime laid to their charge. This premature publi cations has since been stringently con demmed by Mr Justice Johnston, the fault being in so many words laid at the door of the Government, although at the same time, His Honor said that the exhumation itself was quite a proper proceeding and, we may add, quite a necessary one in view of the suspicions that were abroad as to the late Captain having come to his death by unfair means. While, however, it was manifestly im proper that the result of the autopsy should have been made known, either wholly or partially, before the conclusion of the recent trial it is now, on the other hand, most desirable and necessary that the whole truth should be told. If the alleged finding of large quantities of antimony is incorrect, let the authorities say so at once, and if, on the other hand, it is true that large quantities of this poisonous substance were dis covered, proving that murder has been committed, then in the interests of justice let the fact be known. But we demand more than this. If the authorities have any sufficient evidence to connect any known person with the administration of the poison surely proceedings should be at once taken against the offender, lest public sus picion should attach to any who may be wholly innocent. We confess that we cannot understand the silence which is now preserved with regard to the matter ; indeed it seems to us that whereas those who are in authority were 100 ready of speech when they should have held their peace, they are now dumb when it is incumbent upon them to speak out. Surely after the proceedings which have been taken, after the exhumation and autopsy of which such sensational reports have ap peared, and after the statements which have been made upon the authority of a Minister of the Crown as to the alleged ascertained results, things are not to be allowed to rest where they are. It is just as unfair and improper to hush up the matter now as it was to prematurely publish it abroad.

Since writing the above we are in receipt of the following telegrams on the subject. From Wellington the Press Association wires that “ The Crown solicitors are now engaged in working up the necessary evidence into all the circumstances attending the last illness and ultimate death of the late Captain Cain, of Timaru, whose body was recently exhumed. As soon as sufficient facts are established, the fur ther steps intended to be taken by the authorities will be made known.” On the other hand, a message of the same date from Dunedin says that “ No decision has been come to yet regard ing a prosecution on the charge of poisoning Captain Cam.’ 1

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There seems to be reason to fear that for some reason or other we are in danger of losing some of our best imported forest trees. The pinus insignis, in this district at any rate, is dying off in a great many instances from the effects of a species of blight, and now we read that in Wellington the cupreseus macrocarpa is dying off from some un explained cause.

A lino grizzly bear arrived lately in Sydney from London by the steamship Delcomyn. It is intended as an addition to the attractions of the Zoological Society’s Gardens in Moore Park. Three other animals were dispatched by the same steamer for the gardens, viz., a wolf, a jaguar, and a monkey, but they all died on the voyage.

A German newspaper gives some statistics as to the railway enterprise of the world. At the end of 1884 the aggregate mileage was 200,750, of which there were in Europe 117,604 miles, in Asia 12,757, in Africa 4075, in America 148,738, and in Australia 7480 miles. Of the total mileage, not less than GO per cent, is in English speaking countries.

An idea may be gained of the effect of the depreciation of silver in India when we say that a fall of a penny in the value of the rupee is equal to a loss of one million sterling to the Indian Government. Now, the rupee was quoted at a reduction, or falling off, of two pence during one week on the Stock- Exchange, thus causing a direct loss of two millions to the Indian Government.

The greatest appetizer, stomach, blood and liver regulator on earth—American Oo.’s Hop Bitters. Look for and read

1 Our readers are reminded that the Wesleyan bazaar will be opened in the Town Hall to morrow. Intending exhibitors are reminded that entries for the A. and P. Show close at B;p.m this evening with the .Secretary, Mr H. H. Secretan. It is notified in the Gazette that the Governor has accepted the resignation o* George Edward Northey as a trustee for the Ashburton drillshed and rifle range, and appointed in his place, under clause 33 of the “ Special Powers and Contracts Act, 1885,” John Gifford Eestell, Captain of the Ashbur ton Guards Rifle Volunteers. One person in every thirty-five in England and Wales is a pauper. The forthcoming wheat crop in America is estimated at 00 million bushels over last year’s. Nearly fifty tons of snails, which are called the “ poor man’s oyster,” are daily consumed in Paris.

An exchange says:—“ In an inland town in New South Wales, the Salvation Army issued the customary notice to the Devil to clear out within 24 hours, and next morning the Mayor took the first train for Sydney.” In some places in New Zealand (writes the Marlborough Press) there is no daily murder for the benefit of the troubled journalist. In one paper an editor is reduced to telling how the pup stole the sausages while Mrs Brown was spanking the baby.

A search at the Probate Office has shown that the thirty-nine bishops who have died since 1854 have left personal property to the amount of two millions, or an average of £54,000 each. The largest amount was £140,000, and the smallest £12,000. According to a report just forwarded to the French Government by a representative of it in London, the prospects of the coming harvest ” are gloomy in the extreme, there not being a single crop that is expected to be for the entire country an average.” Messrs J. F. Stratz and Co., jewellers, of Christchurch, have an advertisement in this issue. They announce that they have just received a consignment of English lever clocks, which are a novelty, being the first of the kind that have been brought into the colony.

The Kiakoura Star of the 12th reports that on the previousjday Mr Paget caught a fine fish, unknown to him, but which he assumed to be a salmon. It was taken to the Pier Hotel, and there examined by Mr H. Ingles and Mr Meclean who at once pro nounced it to bo a Californian salmon. It is a beautiful fish, about twelve pounds. It is not unlikely that this may be the issue of some Ca’itornian salmon liberated in the Clarence River some years since by Mr Walter Gibson.

Something-more than a “ripple of laughter,” says the Napier Trlrgraph, passed over those assembled on the Hastings show ground yesterday, when it was discovered that a third prize in class 07 —“ ewe thirty months and upwards with lamb at foot ” —had been awarded to a ram. By some accident this ram, which was not intended for the show, had been put in one of the pens set apart for class 97, and had boon judged along with the other exhibits, and with unblushing effrontery walked off with a prize without disclosing his

In unloading a vessel at Chicago a barrel of kerosene dropped and burst, and the oil spread (over the surface of the water clear across the river. After the vessel left the dock a stevedore threw a lighted match into the stream jto “ see if the stuff would burn.” There |was a flash, and a sheet of flame and smoke rolled across the stream and toward Clark and State street bridges. The excursion boat Albert J. Wright was in the midst of the fire, and everybody in the vicinity set up the cry that the river was on fire. The oil burned out without doing any damage beyond singeing the piling of the docks on each side of the river.

The public have often had brought under their notice the ignorance displayed by com mon juries in civil and criminal cases, but we (Wellington Post) doubt whether the following incident relating to the recent bank embezzling case can be excelled. It is stated as a fact that wben the jury, in the case referred to, had retired to consider their verdict, one of their number asked to have a look at the “bills,” meaning the promissory notes given in evidence. On their being shown to him exclaimed, “ That man’s not guilty. Why they don’t even show in the bills the amounts embezzled, this is pretty carelessness on the Bank’s part. I for one won’t find him guilty—whenever I have a bill from any tradesman, every item is set out showing what I buy ; there is nothing here to show he’s guilty,” and “ so they all said.” The danger of bathingjamong the rooks round the Peninsula?,iajwell known to most people who have resided there (says the Kdihoura S tar) for any length of time. Strangers are, however, not aware of the risk they run in disporting ([themselves in the placid and inviting reaches fringing our shores. 1 A few days ago Mr Hills, of Messrs Pearce and Tyrell’.s employes, had just gone into the water, in South Bay, when he saw an octopus moving slowly but stealthily towards him. Mr Hill at once vacated his bath, and called his companions’ attention to the '.matter, and they got a lot of long rods which they induced tire octopus to seize hold of. After some difficulty they succeeded in landing the fish and found it to be a very large one, the arms measuring over seven feet in length, Mr Hill will long remember his interview with the octopus. For close confinement, want of air, seden tary habits, and brain and nerve tire, trust in Hop Bitters (American Go’s.,'! Read

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange report for the week finding Friday, October 22nd :

Spring sowing is fast drawing to a conclusion, the weather for the pest week being all that c u d be desired, and genera 1 iy the seed has been got in In caoital order

We bear oi large acresge of peta'oes being planted ; no doubt the dlffi u ty in quitting surplus stocjkj having some influence with planters. The markets in both grain and rodu e are en irely with out animation, and la>t week’s prices caa bo repeated without iemark?. Wheat.—Pearl ani Tuscan (firm) at 4s 5d ; Hui prs’ 4i 4d ; second quality, 4s to 4a 3d ; and oticken wheat, 3s 8d to 3a lid.

Oats —Milling, 2s 5d ; short feed (weak) at 2s 3J to 2s 4d ; Danuh and Tartars, 2s to 2s 2d.

Barley.—Malting, 2i 7d to 2s lOd ; feed, 2s 4d to 2s Beans and Peas —No busijieas doing except for snia'l parcels for seed purpos a Ryo — achino dressed, 5s to fig 3d; farme s’ ja'co’s, 3s 9d to 4s 31. Cocksfoot, bright hoa>y seed, 4d to 4gd. Potat es have no euquiiy. Prices are nominally 22s Gi at country slat one. Daby Prcdu e. Butter Is weak at 7d, Ohsese ranges from 6d to 6Jd. The above quotations (potatoes ex cepted) ate for delivery £ b. Lyttelton.

CRICKET.

A Laucasfcar Park team, under the captaincy of Mr Wilding, wiil puy a visit to Ashburton on F'idny, 29th ‘tc-ohcr, to play the Ashburton Club Any member of the Cmb desiring to play in this match will please communicate with the Secre tary o any of the Committee or be present on the ground for the usual Saturday’s game.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, October 20,

The Royal Commission on military, naval and volunteer land claims have held sittings at D-irgavillo and Whan garei. Over 850 claims were investigated. The Uomralsaonera leavenextforGleborna.

At the Stark Purchase 'Enquiry to-day D. Chambers, Secretary to the Vigilance Committee, in his evidt-nca made some st-ong reflections on Sir J. Vogel Mr D.vid Goldie, Chairman of the Vigilance Committee detailed the circumuauces of Sir J. Vogel and the Hon Mr Richardson and Mr Stark all being present on certain dates at Waiwera The inference made by witness was that during the interviews the sale of property was negotiated. He believed the public had bean robbed of £9OOO, but declined to name who in his belief were the chief conspirators. Wellington, October 21.

The Government have decided to declare December, January, and February a close season for mullet in consequence of the Increasing scarceness of this class of fish.

The number of unemployed engaged on relief works In the c flony is about 500, The number on the books was of course considerably larger, but ths remainder have been drafted on to works for which a direct vote of the House was obtained.

Bluff, Oct. her 21,

Some excitement was occasioned here this afternoon by the capture of a black whale off the mouth of the harbor: This is the second monster that has made its appearance here within the last few weeks. Tne former one, however, got away before the boats were out The one captured to day is about 40ft long, and should yield well for its s ze.

THE WORLD’S MEAT SUPPLY.

Carious calculations are continually being made by some p'odd mg individuals Here is an economist of repute, Pedro S. Lamas, who has summed up the total quantity of meat consumed in the world. There are, he ficds, on the surface of the globe 47 500,000 head of cattle and 105 CO 3,0 JO of sheep. Europe and Algeria provide 25 million of cattle and 50 million sheep; Australia, New Zea land, and the Cape 2h million of cattle and 20 of sheep ; the United States and Canada 9,375,000 cattle and 9,750,000 sheep ; the Argentine repub'lo and Urn guay, 6,000 0 0 c.tt’.o, and 24,000,000 sheep, and Central Aimrioi, 4,250,000 sheep. Having allowed a percentage for the reproduction of the species, M Lanas fixes the yearly consumption of beef at 7,930.000,000 kilogrammes. Comparing these figures with the populations, in the five great groups into which he has divided the cattle and sheep world, he finds that every inhabitant of Plata has 160 kilos of beef and 56 kilos of mutton at his disposal each year ; in the United Statt.B and Canada it is 23 ki’os of beef and 2 of mutton ; in Europe It is 15 of beef and 2 of mutton ; and in Can r»l America 14 of beef and a quarter kilo of mutton. In the Argentine Republic they eat fO kilos a heal and export 156 ; in Australia a similar quantity is consumed, and 66 Kilos ex 'Tied I while every cit zjij of the United States warns 7 kilo? of foreign meat to augment the annual con sumption of 52 kilos. The average con sumption in Europe is 18 kilos per head, and 1 kilo imported. We get ISO million kilos from Australia, 230 from the United States and Canada, and 14 million from Plata. North America, It seems oversells itself ; but why a protectionist country eh aid buy what it has in over-abundance is not explained by the economist

LADIES IN COURT.

In connection with the notorious Hall- Houston ca e there has lately arisen a feature which deservis reference at the hands of every writer m a public j >arnal. We lean from the sensational, exag gerated, and penny-a-lining accounts of ihe Lyttelton Times and other journals that the court ia every day crowded with ladies (?) If this be the case, it d< ea not say much for the good taste of Christ church eociety. Christchurch always poses as an exceptionally “ hightoned ” town. As its admire s say it’s English you know, quite English.” It may be English in its normal state, but it is hardly the custom with English “ ladies ” to crowd a court when two human beings are being tried for their life, and when the must repulsive anatomicil and chemical details are being dwelt upon In France and America there exists a morbid love of the horrible amongst the weaker sex, which frequently exhibits itself In the moat grotesque incident, as witness the sending of bouquets to Max well, the St. Louis murderer, and the many expressions of sympathy which French mondaines evince in favor of a fr ihionable breaker of the Command mei t«. But surely here In New Zealand our wives, sisters and daughters have something better to d 0 than to gloat over the horrors of a case like the Hali- Houaton affair. Lady Stout was, we see, present the other day. She it is true, has an excuse for her presence in the fact that her husband was engaged on the case, but it would have been in better taste had even she remained away.— Wanganui Chronicle.

A SUARE AT RIVERTON.

Wa find the following in an exchange: —The people of Riverton (Southland) were thrown Into a state cf consternation a few days ago by a rumour that an Ice berg twice as tig as Stewart’s Island was bearing down upon the coast, and nothing short of a miracle could j.r-vontit from coming aanore and burying the town. The rumour was started by a g’ergyman, who claimed to have been inspired, or had been the subject of a revelation, or had dreamt it, or something in that way, and as he was a man of unimpeachable veracity he was believed. Coming from such an authority, the rumour received ready credence, and the people made prepara tions for flight. The weather had become terribly cold, with boisterous shoviera of heavy hail, and the outline of the phan tom iceberg was clearly discerned a few miles out to sea. J ust when the excite ment was at its highest, the sun shone out in noonday vigour, and the harbor master, who had been taking bearings through a table glass, dispelled the illu sion by that the supposed iceberg was only a clo.ud. The clergyman has since had reason to regret hie share in the business

AN IMMENSE RESERVOIR.

The cipacity of the new reservoir that is being built for New York will be thirty two times greater than the present one in the Central Park. The entire Croton River Is arrested and imp iaonei to supply it. The dam is 1350 feet across, 250 feet in thiokneap at the base, 270 feet iu height, forming a lake of 3600 super ficial acres, backing up the water, and filling up the valley foe sixteen miles, averaging eighty feet in depth for the entire length. There is and has been no eservoir in the world to compare with It.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—FRIDAY. [Before Mr H. O. S. Baddeley, B.M.] CIVIL OASES. Morris v Murphy, claim 19a 6d Judgment for plaintiff for the amount claimed and costs. Morris v Broker, claim £1 15a 91. Mr Crisp for defendant admitted the claim but asked for the Court to make a light order In the case - Amount ordered to be paid in instalments of 2s fid per week Ashburton Guardian Co v 'Farley, claim £G 12s 8d —Mr Parnell for plaintiff. Judgment for the amount claimed and c ate.

Tocker and Reatell v Q, Tatty, claim 11a fid,- Judgment for plaintiffs for the amount claimed and coats.

Briggs v Ashburton Permanent Build ing Society, claim £5 5a lOd —Mr Crisp for defendant!.— in error appeared in tho bill of par tic Jars but Mr Crisp ra ! sed no objection on that score—The Magistrate ultimately determined to hear the evidence before giving a decision on the point.--It appeared that the plaintiff had the money in question in the Society and had some time ago applied to have it paid over to him. As he refused, how ever, to produce the deposit slips the Society declined to hand over F a cheque for the amount which had been duly drawn up.—The Magistrate expressed himself in strong terms as to the conduct of the plaintiff The amount sued >or was, however, due, and he had no alter ra ive but to give judgment for the plaintiff. As it was a case which should not have been brought into Court the plaintiff would have to pay all the costs, and execution would not be issued until the plaintiff produced the necessary documents.

Shury v Wabanui Poad ola’m £6 Mr Crisp for plained, Mr White for defendant. This was a case in which the plaintiff claimed the am «unt aufd for as damages sustained to a bu?gy while crossing a water race in the Wakanni Road Disirict. The plaintiff alleged the! acci dent was due to tha neal'gence of the Road Board in not providing a proper crossing over the race.—M CrLp called the plaintiff, A. H. Shury, vho sail that on a Sunday in Joly he was driving in a buggy and pair belonging to him on a district road near Mr Denshire’s property. There were three or four others with witness in the vehicle, which was being driven on the crown of the road. There was a wa'er race cros iug the road, but it was overgrown wth tussocks to such an exte t that witness did not see it till ckse upon it. The borses jumped it, and the vehio’e dropped in. The horses pulled It out, but when they had gone about twenty yards witness pulled up, as the wheels were grating. found the wheels jammed together, and the under gear smashed. The vehicle was going very slowly. The race was four or five feat wide, and about eighteen inches deep There was very little slope to t e bulks. The crossing wai not a proper one ; had it been so the vehicle would notjiave been smashed Witness h-d the trap repaired at a cost of £5 18s.—By Mr White : Witness generally drove about seven or eight mi es aa hour, but in this instance the sides of the roid being sticky, the crovn of the road to ha taken, and there being a strong grow h of tus>ocks, progres! was necesarrily si >w. Witness h.d not tld Mr Fooks that he was dr ving at the rate of fifteen miles an hour. He might have sail th-y had fallen into the race at “ the rate of knots. ” —J. J Q iane had been in company with Mr !*hury 0 i tha Sunday in quedion. He was the driver. He was driving on the crown >f the roid at the rate of about ten miles an h nr. He generally cirro borated the evidence of the last witreis. Ernest Simpson, another of the occu py ts of the vehmle, gave sim lar evidence. —C. O. Fooka, e'erk to the Wakanni Road Boud, knew the water race in question. Tha Road Board had □ever done anything fto the ford. The pr perties in the vicinity paid rates to the Road Board and County Council.—By Mr White ; The race was a coun y one ; and thn Road Board had nothing whatever to do with any of the races in its district. The Boafd had never Interfered with the races; it had made reques's and sugges tions to the County Council in reference to thera but the Council had ignored the Board. On the roid In question there were no tussocks within a chain of the ford ; nor had there been for years The ford was very fair at the crown of the road but It was rather bad at the sides of the road. The ford at the sides had since been repaired but at the crown bad been left untouched. Witness had had conversation with Mr Shnry about the accident. Mr Shury said he was driving about fifteen miles an hour. Wit ness thought the race was about six feet wide and about fifteen inches deep. Witness had crossed it in a buggy ; there was nothing like a sheer drop.—J. Baker gave evidence as to thslojury sustained by the buggy—This w- ; the case for the plaintiff; and Mr White called M Bruce Chairman of the Wakanui Road Board, who said the board had nothing to do withe construction of water races. The races had been made by the County Council. —W. B. Denshire said he had pro perty In the vicinity of the race. He had cmstructsdthe race under thesuperv'skp of the County Council. The ford, about three months ago, was quite safe and fit for traffic. There were no tussocks to speak of within a chain on either side of the ford. With ordinary care it would be impossible to meet with an accident at the ford. Witness had taken reapers and binders across last harvest without difii culty. The ford was no worse in July than when witness took the reapers and binders across —The ford had been re paired recently at the sides but not at tht crown.—Me Bruce recalled, said that the Wakanui Road Board had not repair el tha race.— Mr White snbmitte 1 he action had been brought against the wrong body. The sole power of constructing and main taining water races was vested in County

Councils by the Counties Act of 1883. Apart from that it had teen shown there was no danger in crossing the ford at the crown of the road. Ho submitted the Board was entitled to a judgment on the law and the facts of the case.—Mr Crisp replied submitting that the ford was not a proper one. Had It been eo the bugey would not have been damaged to the extent of the in juries it had been shown to have received no matter at what pace It was being driven. He said the clause In the Coun ties Act referred to by Mr White did not effect, the case. To make that an efficient defence it would be necessary to show that the Statute went to the extmt of altering the existing common law of the land- The clause merely gave power to the Connty Connell to make water races but did not relieve Road Boards of their liabilities in respect to roads —1 h« Magistrate had no difficulty whatever in giving his decision; It was clear that th« County Council had the whole responsi bility in regard to wat°r races and the Road Board had no right to interfere There was nothing In the evidence to lead him tosuppoee that the condition of the road was Ijho cause of the accident, but he agreed tt at these fords should te made plainly discernible by the County Council. It was clear that the wrong body had been sued.—Mr Crisp elected to take «g nonsuit. Plaintiff was non suited. The Court then ro«e.

ITEMS FROM EXCHANGES.

TH3 SATCRDAY REVIEW ON NEW ZEALAND The Saturday Review thus speaks of New Z aland ;—lf a traveller bound for the Britain of the South took ship in the Kyles of Bate, went to sleep, and waked In Blueskin Bay, Dunedin, he would still think himself In Scotland on first flight of the new land. The larger and. older towns of Australia, each as Sydney and Melbourne, are essentially English in their wiv of life ; but the landscape is for the most part fist, like a picture fallen oat of its frame. There Is the spirit of the English home, bnt not its form. In New Zealand both form and spirit of the mother-country are preserved with the difference of a more abiding sunshine. The conditions of life are more favorable: There is less misery and suffering; absolutely no privation ; while the mor tlity is returned at only II *45 deaths in a thousand. That is, New Zealand Is one of the healthiest, and it is also.one of the meat beautiful parts of the world.

FIJIAN BEAUTIES. The Suva Times says:—“The rage of coolies for personal adornment is some thing astonishing, and some of their women are absolutely weighed down with solid gold and silver ornaments. Here is a description of the suite of jewellery to be seen any day on one of the dusky beautiei who frequently appears in Sava ; A gold star, imbedded in the flesh of her forehead ; a gold nose ring, bejewelled, folly three inches In diameter, which Is worn in one nostril and depends to her chin ; two solid silver necklets of great weight; a pendant necklace of perforated rupees ; a number of solid silver bracelets extending half way from the wrist to the elbow ; sliver bangles on each upper arm above the elbow ; heavy silver bangles weighing fully one pound each on the ankles, and gold and silver rings on several toes. The total value of those on this single individual cannot he less than £25 sterling. Some of the men are also nearly as profusely decorated, and one yonng Fijian dandy wears a necklace of *> ustralian sovereigns.”

MILKING SHEEP. Professor Long, in the Mark Lane Express, _ has a rather long article on a subject which ought to attract some atten tion in the colonies. He advocates keep ing sheep f w milking purposes and shows pretty conclusively that there is money in it. If squatters could only milk their flocks as well as shear them and dispose of the produce profitably, the depression would soon be .n a fair way to take its departure for ever. The idea is ant alto gether novel, for the celebrated Roquefort cheere is mtda from ewes’ milk and that cheese realises from 1* 6J to Is 8d per lb. A good ewe may be reckoned to yield If b of ch >OB6 in twodays—say Hlb; this would 1 e b a week. Taking the lowest qua ta ilor. (1 1 6d) there is 8a a week from the ewe end the mutton and fleece left in stock. Sheep’s mils is richer than cow's. The proportion ot butter in 100 parts cow’s milk is 4 ; but In ewes’ It is 6'13. Of cassein or cheese material cow’s milk con tains 4’lo and ewes 6*97 per oani.

OCR ONLY GENERAL; The Hawke's Bay Herald is rather hard on our only general. It says:—lf fine feathers make tine birds, Colonel Whit more la a splendid ornitJiogoldlaous Indeed. With his gold braided and plumed oocxed hat, his gilded and bemedalled breast, brazen accoutrements melc-dromatic saddle cloth, his commanding air and piercing eye, above all his orderly de ferentially on foot in the rear, he presents a spectacle at oncj cheerful and sublime. The only man on Clive-quare last even ing at all approaching the Colonel in mjest'c radiance was Drum—Major Neale, who shone resplendently and manoenvr with dignity, covering the baud he led with qui e a glare of reflected glory. But the Colonel was the great centre of attraction, and as he sat upright on his fiery charger, with his decorated facade exposed to the full view of the en raptured multitude of lowly civilians, the great truth that life is worth living was forced upon one with overwhelming completeness. No wonder that the boys want to form a cadet corps 1

WHEAT MAKKftT PROSPECTS. The principal authorities la the grain trade here and in the United States agree in predicting a higher range In wheat prices du*ing the coming cereal year than has prevailed daring the past one. This impression has given a firmness to the trade which has long been lacking, bnt it has not at present affected prices to a greater extent than la per quarter, nude up of two advances of fid each daring the past fortnight, without reckoning any possible change in Friday’s market which is not reported to ns as we write. In the United States there has been same un healthy activity in the grain trade, based on speculation, which was in its turn excited by possibly exaggerated reports as to the injury done to the spring wheat crop by drought and insects. Prices at New York have been going np and down, remaining at the end of July about tbe sms as they were at the beginning. On July Ist red winter for August delivery was quoted at 85 cents per bushel In New York, and the corresponding quotation for July 29th in 851 cents: A further Indi cation of want or faith in an early advance in prices is afforded by the fact that recant quo ations for September delivery have not been quite a cent par boshel above those for August delivery. This is not surprising, as all business men know the tendency of farmers to flood the markets with wheat during the autumn nxonths. A wet harvest in two or 'three'of the principal wheat growing countries of Europe would material! alter the situation, and send New York prices np with a tun ; but : with the possibility of fine weather in view, there is nothing in the general condition of the crops themselves to warrant speculation based on a belief In a considerable rise in values during the first half of tbe autumn, to say the least. Nevertheless, as we have said, there is a general belief in a material rise, wh’ch may be precipitated by untoward climatic conditions, but whicu otherwise is not likely to happen very soon. A compari son of prices, stocks, and expected crops at various recent periods may throw some light upon the question.

It Is estimated that the American ex port surplus will be only 8,022,000 quarters, as compared with 11,700.000 quarters exported iu the year ended Japp 30, 1886 This is assuming the. new qrqp to 400,000.000 bushels, and allowing lor redaction of 52,000,000 bushels in farmers* hands, and of 12,000,000 bushels in the vissible supply before the new crop began to increase it. Unless India exporta more freely than in the past year —and .the quantity was the largest yet sent out of the country—it is not easy to see whence European requirements will be supplied; Iso doubt the supply will be forthcoming somehow, but not, wo think, without some greater temptation in the way of price than is now ‘offered. The South American crop la believed to have been greater than that of last year; but Aus tralasia this year has no wheat worth mentioning to spare, and Egypt la said to be practically out of the export trade lor the time being. The United alone will require to import between 19 and 20 million quarters to supply the consumptive demands of the population for the coming cereal year, and some other Eur peau countries will require to import considerable quantities. On the whole, then, we are disposed to believe that the gene* al belief in a higher range of values for wheat during fh® QGipipg year than during the last, and paclfap than foe some tune previously, 1| well founded,

THE ASHBURTON GUAKOJ AJ* J FRIDAY. OCTOBER 22. 1886



SERVANTS WANTED. SEVEN GENERAL SERVANTS and one COOK for Ashburton and suburbs. Also, one COOK and one GENERAL SERVANT for the country. Apply to Mrs Randall’s Registry ffice. A. W. RANDELL, FRUITERER, &c., Town Hall, Ashburton. WAKANUI ROAD DISTRICT. ROAD PROPOSED TO BE CLOSED. IHERIBY give notice that in accord ance with section 94 of the Public Works Act, 1882, the Wakanui Road Board propose to close that Hoad in Wakanui Survey District which com mences at the "southernmost corcer of R.S 26460, and extends north westerly to the Wakanui Creek, and that the plan showing the said Road is open for public inspection at the Wakanui Road Board Office. MURDOCH BRUCE, 9708 Chairman, EOR COUGHS, COLDS, Bronchitis Asthma., Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, &c. T 7" AY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, |\ Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &o with Chlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Golds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in ■ Neuralgia, Face-ache, &c. Con tains Qain’ne, Iron, <&c. COAGULINE.— Cement for Broken Articles, Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers:—KAY BROS., Stock port, England, GEEAT SALE OF Groceries, Teas, Sugars, &c, FOR ONE MONTH (Expiry of Lease). Andrew Orr HAS resolved to DISCONTINUE his GROCERY BUSINESS, Tancred street, and will hold a great CLEARANCE SALE FOR ONE MONTH Every article must be cleared, no matter at wbat sacrifice, so as to effect a com plete clearance before 12th November, when premises must be vacated. ANDREW ORR. 833



Wanted. A CCORDIANS, Concertinas, Mouth /\ Organs, Flutes, Violins, Cornets, Brass Whistles, Yiolin Strings. Music, fl M. Jones, \%T ANTED Known—That Ladies re- VV quiring Nursing will find every accommodation at Mrs Woodward’s, Allendale Blouse, Coi Street, Allenton. +9689 WANTED Board and Residence in a private family. Apply T. S., this office. 10884 WANTED the Public to Inspect a grand assortment of New Season’s Tea and Sugars of all grades, at prices to suit all classes of purchasers.— Jas. McGregor, Tancred street. jTIUBNITURE —To meet the times, W. ’ DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers, £1 5s ; Spring Couches, £1 5s Every other article equally cheap. All new furniture at second-hand price. 804 JUST OPENED —Choice assortment of New Spring Dress Stuffs, Prints, Millenty, etc. '• he cheapest House in town for first class goods. Dressmaking on the premises. H. 0. Segbrs, Mel ford House.



Special Advertisements, SHEARING. SHEARING will commence at Anama Station on MONDAY, November Btb. 108S3 W. S, PETER. ALL ACCOUNTS owing to me, if not paid at once, will be banded to my solicitor for recovery of same 10877 THOMAS F. FARLEY. MUSIC. MRS A, C. CLARIDGS is prepared to receive PUPILS for PIANOFORTE and ORGAN Terras on Application Cox street, Ashburton. 9668 WE certify that we have counted the Peas contained in a Glass Jar hitherto in the window of Messrs Hayes and Co., and we have found the number of Peas therein to be 21,970 (twenty-one thousand nine hundred and feventy.) J. 0. DUNCAN W. B. MOSS. Ashburton, 11th October, 1886. 10J824 MRS MANHIRE, Fancy goods warehouse, Saunders’ Buildings, East street. Ladies’ and Children’s Clothing in great variety. Paper Patterns in stock and designed to order Special Lines in Aprons and Pinafores. 9624 WANTED KNOWN THAT MRS STRIBLING HAS REMOVED from old premises in Burnett street (next to the Arcade), to the PANAMA BOARDING-HOUSE, TANCRE!) STREET (Lately occupied by Mr Lucas). 8°537



OWLE’S AND STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so pre valent with the sex. Boxes Is iJtd and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. 5 repared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. CENTRAL HOTEL JW. McBAE having taken the above # Hotel, solicits a share of patronage from the people of Ashburton and sur rounding districts. Best Brands of Wine’s Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling— Feeds, One Shilling. Horses and Buggies to let on hire at prices to meet the times. For the convenience of travellers hansom cab will meet all trains. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY The new goods for the WINTER SEASON NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock in THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE T- ->WN, And the variety of Style and Patterns in Slen’s, Youths’, and Boys’Clothing leaves nothing to be desired.



Thousands of Men’s and Boys Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and l eggings in great variety Hats, compris'ng every new style worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suits GepCsmeu’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Ruga, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bogs The celebrated WEHTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N ,7a. CLO r HING FACTOR V, East Street MAOPHERSON, SAMPSON, & CO., STOCK AMD LAND SALESMEN, GRAIN MERCHANTS AND GENERAL, COMMISSION AGENTS, WILL hold their regular WEEKLY SALE of a'l kinds of Stock, Produce, and Sundries, at the CENTRAL AUCTION MART every SATURDAY, at 12 o’clock sharp Special or Clearing Sales conducted when required. Properties let or sold, rents collected, books and accounts audited, transfers, mortgages, and leases prepared. Loans negotiated on very easy terms. To let for a term of about 14 years, at a remarkably low rnntal, a splendid Cattle or Sheep Run of 42,000 acres, with plenty of water and good timber on the property. FOR SALE— Blacksmith’s Portable Forge 1 superior eocond-haiid Dogcart, almost , new Quantity of well-made Hurdles Several Properties and Houses on hand to let or for sale,



Victoria House. DIM ANT & COE A EE still offering every inducement to purchasers willing to continue their favors. Onr SPRING CONSIGNMENTS of Dress Stuffs, Fancy and Manchester Goods Ha's, Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing, are now to hand, and of remarkable value and variety. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c., Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton.



Special advertisements. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BANKRUPTCY this” day GKL. Beath&Co. IyILL oltei the STOCK-IN-TRADE OF THOMAS JACOBS, DRAPER AND CLOTHIER Late of High street, Christchurch, and Akaroa, AT A DISCOUNT 10 s IN THE £ Also, the STOCK in the BANKRUPT ESTATE of SIMPSON AND HARPER, WOOLLENDRAPERS, AT A DISCOUNT gD. IN THE TOTAL VALUE £3BIO 0 8 0 D Unprecedented Bargains. Stock Sheets in course of publication. The above are two of the Cleanest Stocks ever offered in Christchurch, Simpson and Harper having been in busi ness only four months, whilst the largest portion cf Thomas Jacob’s Stock was purchased by him this winter. MORE BARGAINS.



ORE, & ALCORN HAVE now opened up ANOTHER LARGE LOT of English Samples. This Lot consists mainly of MEN’S TWEED SUITS, of all kinds OVERCOATS, BOYS’TWEED SUITS Handsome TABLE COVERS, QUILTS CHILDREN’S DRESSES PELISSES and PINAFORES HOLLAND APRONS, &c. The first Lot sold so quickly, that wo would recommend all who require any of the above to COME EARLY, as such Bargains in Nesv and Stylish Goods are not to bo had every day. BOOTS, BOOTS. We also beg to announce the arrival of a Parcel of LADIES’ AND CHILDREN’S BOOTS AND SHOES From the first English and French makers, Which we are Selling Very Cheap. Orr & Alcorn. ASHBURTON. 9646 REMOVAL OF THE ASHBURTON BRANCH OF H. J. WOOD AND CO. (Late T. F. Farley) to FiIIEDLANDER’S BUILDINGS. WE beg to advise our valued cus tomers, the commercial and general public of Ashburton and sur rounding districts, that, having taken the lease of the large and commodious pre mises, formerly the drapery establishment of Messrs Friedlauder Bros., next the coni“r, we have opened there with a large and well-assorted stock of



BOOKS, COMMERCIAL & GENERAL STATIONERY, ACCOUNT BOOKS, &c., To which ia bo : ng added on the arrival of every direct steamer the very latest NEW B - OKS and NEW MUSIC out. Subscribers supplied with English, American, and Continental Newspapers and Magazines immediately on arrival of Mail. Special attention is given to all orders for Bookbinding, Printing, Engraving, and Lithography Specimens on view. Special Discounts allowed to Library and School Committees. Catalogues and Lists on application. WRITING, PRINTING. & WRAPPING PA PE US IN ANY QUANTITY. Any Book wanted which may be tem porarily out of stock will be immediately procured from our Christchurch Establish ment, the stock of which is one of the largest and best assorted in the colonies ; or from our London Agency by direct mail steamer. H. J. WOOD Sc CO. Booksellers, Stationers, Printers, and Bookbinders, STATIONERS’ HALL, ASHBURTON. Messrs SPENSLEY & GO. having ap pointed us their Agents for Ashburton and District, wo have pleasure in calling atten tion to our large and well assorted stock of Sheet Music, comprising the latest and most popular Songs, Dances, and Piano forte Solos. Teachers and others will find a useful assortment of the most approved Metho Is and Studies for Pianoforte Prac tice and S nging. Pianos by celebrated makers, which may be either purchased on the deferred payment system or hired for any length of time. Violins, Comets, Flutes, Accordions, Corcertinas, Har moniums, Organs, and Brass Instruments. H. J. WOOD AND 00.



ROYAL SALEYARDS, Mooee-stheet. DUNCAN & ORAWSUAW, Auctioneers, Licensed Lend Brokers, Stock, Estate, and General Commission Agents, Accountants, Valuators, &c. BEGULAR AUCTION RALES every SATURDAY at 12 o’clock, of Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Poultry, Produce, aad Merchandise. Straight up and down treatment, and prompt settlement guaranteed. Special sales conducted as required. Transfers, Mortgages, Leases, and such like documents prepared under the Land Transfer Act. Agents for the Victoria Insurance Oo„ Limited, 9*560 DUNCAN & CBAWSHAW,



COAL. COAL. COAL. WE are Now Landing SPLENDID NEWCASTLE COAL, second only to Westport Coal for heating pro perties, but far more economical, Will be Sold at Lowest Bates. McOALLUM & CO., TIMBER MERCHANTS & IMPORTERS, East street. 10841



You can be Happy if you will stop all you doctoring yourself and families with expensive doctors and cure-alls that can do only harm, and use Kature’s simple remejlips for all yojjp ailments, you will be well and hapyy and save great expense. The greatest remedy for this, the great, the wise, the good will tell you, is Am, Co.’s Hop Sitters,