DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc Tuesday, August 31. St Stephen's'Schoolroom—Conoest at 8 o clock Thursday, September 2 I.O.L.—Meeting in the Orange Hall at 8 o’clock Dramatic Society—Meeting in the Town all at 8 o’clock Friday, September 3 Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a.m. Oran'ga Hall—Quadrille Assembly at 8 Oddfellows’ Hall—Mission Service at 8 Monday, Skpxpmber 6 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.30

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton— From Christ huroh and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 1.35 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10 45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 D.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 Leave Ashburton —For Christ church and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 6.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, •46 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 as follows, viz.

IP PAH) IN ADVANCE : Per*Quarter.. 6a 6d, by post f 9s 6a .. Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year *.. 24s Od by post, 37a Od if booked : Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od

N. B. The above in so far as bboards bub- OBJPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE Will DOt affect Old •. nbscribers, with whom pbbviodslt existing iBRANOEUBNTS WILL BB MAINTAINED. Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, it paid fo the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stain may be sent as payment); if booked, present subscribers mat RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent f orjpublication from the country require to be verified by the signa of the 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 Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m anl 5 p.m. dally. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Doldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, »nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m for Timaruand South, at 10 a.m., and 4,50 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and tnrdays, at 10.45 a-m. ~ For Wakanui, Elgin, Sea view, Seafield, ndKyle, on Tnosdays, Thursdays, and 'turdaya, at G.S’l a.m. For Blount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Buapnna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For BTemington, on Mondays, Wodnes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m. arrive at the. Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 ,m, 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertaey, &0. at 10.15 a and ,35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and Intermediate places 6.3° 'i, m. daily. sEroixi Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m t ... from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 A>m. _ , From Mayfield and Ruapnna, on Wed aesdaya and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl ys, at 2.30 p.m From Flemington on TueadSys, Thurs ays, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1886. The Essential Conditions of good farming.

The daysof happy-go-lucky, slipshod farming have gone by. Agriculture is being reduced to a science, and the farmer who fails to keep pace with the * advancement of the times must sooner or later go to the wall. The present is an age ot improvements, and in Arming, as in almost every o>her pursuit, the old is giving place to the new, and in order *• to command success, the farmer of to day must be a man of very different j attainments to the farmer of fifty years ago.j As disseminators of knowledge 58 of practical utility to cultivators of the soil, Farmers Associations and Clubs elsewhere have accomplished much “• good and we can only regret that in the past great apathy in the matter has been displayed in this district. Within th : last few months, however, Farme/s Leagues have been established in ln various centres in the Ashburton County, and, although, the p-imary object for which they wfrj called into •> existence is the obtaining of “ Cheap Money,” still all matters cf interest come within their scope, and we are glad to >n see that one in particular gives ample 50 evidence of its vitality. Perhaps the re most useful institution cf the kind in * the colony in the Oamaru Farmers’ y Club, whichjhas a large membership and holds monthly meetings, when all sub jects of interest to the farming com munity are discussed and often essays by members are read. A paper con tributed by Mr Church, the popular Secretary of the North Otago Agri cultural and Pastoral Association, “T entitled “ Essential conditions of good farming,” which was read at the last a meeting of the Club, bears throughout 0 such strong evidences of common d sense that we are sorry that we cannot reprint it in full. Mr Church divides the conditions that lie at the foot of ‘1 successful agriculture into two classes—. 1 economic and natural. Under the * head of economic conditions he ranges security of tenure, sufficiency of capital, and skill; under that of natural con ditions be refers wholly to the technical r characteristics of agriculture and this at present we will not notice. The three conditions he styles “economic” be 1 regards as imperatively necessary, and in the course of his remarks thereon - the essayist says :—“ It is impossible i to deny that since the fall in the price of grain the farmers of the colony have to carry on business under difficulties to which they have not been accus tomed ; and to many of them these hard times mean very serious hardships, if not absolute ruin. But in the case of ; the larger portion of these las% the cause of their hard and poor position may be ascribed to themselves, and to 1 the Government, in no small degree, j for permitting, if not directly tncourag- i ing, the gambl’ng with the public tenda 1 of the colony. ' Men having saved a few 1 pounds by labor and economy were 1 tempted to take up land for farming 1 and become their own masters, under \ the mistaken belief that with arduous t manual toil they could draw from the t generous coil a return of profit to make 1 up the inadequate capital with which ; they too soon started. When times i were good and the prices of grain were C remunerative to a considerable extent t beyond the actual outlay in iabor, &c., e there was hope, if not absolute cer- d tainty, that by persevering industry and I parsimonious thrift they would establish w a home and have a farm f.ce from tl debt, and therefore having a secure a' tenure. Put what a large pre* tl portion of our settlers were in r the midst of this hazardous enter- t prise when the evil times came! p< The kind of farming they of no B cessity bad to adopt And follow was pi exhaustive and destructive; and hence F« when the untoward change came the n< struggling farrreis were in a position of wi increased difficulty with their means or of overcoming it weakened. An exhausted th and dirty farm With a poor occupier in $ a time of low prices and little demand £ for its produce is a melancholy spec A tacle, and one’s hopes of the farme* to

escaping bankruptcy are of the weakest nature. Such is an accurate description ofaveiy large number of farmers in Canterbury and Otago, and it is no wonder there is a cry for cheap money, and an apper' to Vogel and other gods of finance fir help to keep them afloat. Such men not only, however, started to farm without capital—a thing if done in trade or business justly regarded as borderingupon—criminality —but many of them with that del'ision so common amongst our so-called politicians, thought that farming was an employ ment requiring no brains, no training, no experience, and that if once upon the land its management would come as a matter of course.” Mr Church is very severe upon the policy of in discriminate settlement on the lands and while, of course, readily ad mitting that the land should be properly utilized by placing upon it practical farmers, he emphatically contends that it would have been better for the land, for the colony and for the occupiers themselves had many of those now following farming pursuits still been laborers or working at their own specLl trades. It seems marvel lous to him • that men are taught to believe that the art of agriculture, re quiring peculiar skill, long training and experience is more easily entered upon than the common trades of a carpenter or shoemaker. He asks : Would it not be considered absurd to ask a man accustomed to the plough to become a tailor or a painter without knowledge or training ? And yet it is this very absurdity we daily perpetuate by telling ! men “ to go on the land ” when they know not the difference between a plough and a harrow, nor wheat from barley. Mr Church then proceeds to deal w«’th the other questions we have indicated, in a clear and lucid manner, and we propose to take an opportunity of further referring to his remarks in a future issue. Meanwhile, we may express the hope that his example in giving others the benefit of his views upon matters of so much interest will be followed by some of the agriculturists of our own district, who in this way could do not a little towards helping forward its progress by placing at the disposal of others the results of their own practical experience.

She IndVwn and Colonial Exhibition

A few days ago we devoted an article to the subject of the imputation cast by the Government upon the Commis sioners representing New Zealand at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition and the retort of the Commissioners thereto. We find that the views we then ex pressed r , -e endorsed by the British- Australasian. 1 his pape.-, commenting on the same subject, says '“ There is some natural warmth in this rejoinder, but we quite agreed with the commis sioners that the criticisms the court has been subjected to by a number ot *hese co’onists at Home have bem most unfair. Of course there are points at which New Zealand could, and therefore ought to, have made a better display. For a splendid agricul tural colony like this to be so deficient in 'cereals and grasses is lamentable. She ought to have had whole sheaves of grasses and wheat, and an agricul tural trophy as imposing as that of Canada. There too, there is no agricul tural machinery exhibited, whereas New Zealand- nade implements and ma chine!/ would stand comparison well with the other colonies. But these aye deficiencies for which the commis iooers here are in no wise answerable. They have set off what they received to the best advantage.”

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An inquest was held at Christohuroh yesterday afternoon on the bo? ' of the infant daughter of Mr Samuel Skilii .g, blacksmith, of Phillipstown. The evidence showed that death had resulted from water on the brain. It was pro .d that the mother had been drunk and had neglected the child, and she was severely admonished by the Coroner.

The Canterbury Co I, ege Board of G jvernors yesterday voted an additional grant of £156 to Sir Julius. Von ‘Haast for the purpose of enabling him to acquire art treasures daring his stay in Europe. Sir Julius expressed in a letter the belief that he could secure some very valuable contributions to the museum if he could vis’t tho continent, and his leave of absence was extended for six months for that pu poie.

Mr Roli a ton, of the firm of MoEeone, Robinson, and Avigdor, of London, con traotcrs]|for a portion of the Midland Rail way, arrived at Wellington on Sunday from Kelson. He was accompanied by Mr Borgen, C.E., and these,'gentlemen have just surveyed from Christchurch to the West Coast, and so [overland to Nelson, vlth the object of getting some practical Jdea of the line throughout. Mr Borgen'. remains in the colony and awaits i- re arrival of Mr M'Keone, who will perEjna ’y superintend the work, but Mr Robinson re f arna Home immediately to report to h>s fim the experience he has gained of th i hue. He lift by the Rotoma hana for Melbourne via the south yesterday. Mr Robins,a had an inteniew yesterday morning with both Sir Julius Vogel and the Minister for Public Works.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Boad Board was held at the Board’s office, Tiawaid, yesterday. Presen., all the members, with the exception of Mr J. F. Foster. Belters were read (1) From the Longbeaoh Boad Board asking to be reim bursed for money paid by it on account of beads and eggs of amah birds collected in the Upper Ashburton Boad Pistrlot- The Board declined to rjoogniae the liability. (?) From the Ashl -jrton Borough Council asking tbs Board to reconsider its former decision re garding Quinton's fire. The Board decided it could not alter :ts former decision. The Clerk reported at considerable length as to the requirements of 'he district, and was empowered to act with the members for the different wards where work was required. The Clerk was directed to inform persons who I ad asked for tussock picking to be done that the same would be carried out as soon as the weather permitted. It was resolved that legal proceedings should be taken against r [persona whose rates were unpaid. TJje Uerk undertook to give oat poisoned grain to persons making application for it. The Board decided that it could take no a i>n at present with regard to protecting the Alford Forest Boad from the encroachment of the north branch of the river, but expressed its willingness to contribute' a small proportion of the cost. It was decided to give notice of the. Board’s intention at its next meeting to an uniform rate of one farthing in the £on all property a a within the district. Accounts amounting to fi.i jte £d ysre passed las psymebt, and the Board adjouaiel*

The work of planting the space between the railway and traffic bridges with willow stakes is being proceeded with.

The last of the series of winter entertain ments will be held in St. Stephen’s School' room this evening. A bookmakers’ strike in Sydney which attained large dimensions, has been ended by the masters agreeing to grant the eight hours’ system.

The unemployed agitation in Melbourne is pretty well over. On Friday some 300 men marched to the Treasury, and on the ring leaders attempting to force their way in three of them were arrested, and were fined at the Police Court. This seems to have brought the demonstrations to an end in Melbourne. The team which represented Canterbury in

the Interprovincial Football match with Otago passed through Ashburton by the express last evening homeward bound. Previous to Mr B. J. Pooka alighting from the train here Mr G. H. Helmore, the Captain of the team, on ibehall of the representatives, presented him with a mark of their esteem in the shape of a handsome gold scarf pin. An inspection parade of the Ashburton Bifles and Guards was held latt evening by Major News?'.. There were about 60 Bifles and 35 Guards on parade. MessrsT. Sealy, D, Thomas, G. Cates, G. W. Andrews, J.i A. Caygill, am’ J. Tucker were to-day nominated as candidates for the three vacant seats on the Boroug' Council. An election will be held on Thursday, Septem ber 9th.

THE "ARMY” IN TROUBLE

Napier. August 30. fifteen Salvatlo. tats were charged to-day with a breach of the Autl-Proces eiona bylaw. They were fined 5. and costs, or foilyeloht hours. In the course of the o- 'e one of the defendants said “ The devil made the laws ani the magis trates fired the balls.” He was ordered down for contempt, bat before the rising of the Court apolog'sed and was let off. Several of the defends its elected to take it out in goal. On the Court rising the Sslvationis's who had paid the fines marched round and knelt down in the streets, showing their contempt of the Resident Magistrate’s decision.

ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETIES.

Christchukoh, ' u?ust 30.

The Canterbvuy Acclimatisation Society to-day decided t.y open the fishing season on October 16. A deputation from the Society interviewed the Premier to day, and protested agdnst any farther dis memberment of their district, such r s is suggested by tne establishment of a separate Society a. Ashburton, without their first being first consulted in the matter. Sir B. Stout considered the request reesonable, and promised to attend to the matter.

COURSING

The Canterbury Cap meeting was held at yesterday, In wether that war s'l that could be deßlred. Mr Chattels acted a* Jud .j. ; Messrs Calvert and Lembef took the slips. A goodly number of spectators was prcaant. Hares were very plentiful, but were wild. Following are results: Canterbury Cop, Ist round. Bohemian Girl beat Lady of the L .ke. Marora beat Symphony Salamauder was absent, and Ooomaisie ran a bye. Juvenile Plate Ist round. Wakannl beat Ballarat Seaihell beat Mollis Bawn Wakata beit Bendigo Seilor Boy beat Heather Ball Kknsi-gton Stakes. Ist round. Paradox beat Molly

No other events than the above were got off yesterday, but coursing will be resumed at 8 o’clock th's morning.

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

[REUTER'S XKLBOR A ATS COP STKIGHT. ]

Constantinople, August 30

Pr'nce Alexander has arrived at Rustc'mk, Bulgaria, where he has been received with great enthusiasm by the populace, whom he addressed, saying he had full confidence in the _ Bul garians, and was prepay d to die, if necessary, for their happl :e.s. It has transpired that -'ie captors of Prince Alexander mated 1m in a brutal manner while conveying im to Reni russi.

St Petersburg August 30.

The Russian Govern.nent are des patching Prince Dolgourouki, one of the Secretaries of State, to Sophia to inqul-e into the state of affairs in Bulgaria. __________

SIR ROBERT STOUT AND HIS COLLEAGUE IN DANGER.

“Mercutlo,” of the New Zealand Herald is responsible for the following details:— A comical incident oocared la Wellington some time ago, of which no mention has yet been made in tl e public prints. As the Premier and the Defence Minister were taking a constitutional along La>.,bton Quay in the early hours of the morning, after a late sitting of the House, they discovered that a jeweller’s shop was on tire. Hurrying along to give the alarm they met some tip»y sailors, and appealed to them to tun for : -{stance. Tne jolly Jacks, thinking the “swell coviea” were having a lark with them, began some] capers on their own account, and before the two Ministers knew what was what, they were involved ir a noisy street brawl. Presently an intelligent “member of the force” showed up. Of course, he took in the situation at a glance. The two swell oovies had been Indulging too freely, and had come out to smash street lamps, nrenph knockers off doors, and otherwise amuse tbemselvej after the u .ual fashion of respectability on the sp"ee. He assumed his sternest aspect. “Look here,’’ he said, addressing Sir Robert and Mr| Ballance, “ this won’t do. Can’t have any of yonr skylarking, you know; so clear off home, or I’il ran yon In I ” The Ministerial couple were dnmbfoondered. M- Ballance was the first to recover. “ Yon impertinent fellow,” said he, “ do you know whom you are addressing?” “ Of coarse I does, ” replied Policeman X, with the greatest nonchalance, “ the Dook o’Tboindon, or perhaps yur the blooming Governor himself, with yur pal, the Prime MlnLter. Oh, yes, I know yon j so off you go, and no humbug" ; and, giving the pair a constabulary posh, he sent them nearly sprawling on their faces in the mud. At this moment the sergeant came along. He recognised the two Ministers, and, to his confreres astonish- j merit, sainted them. “ Send that officer’s name to pie in the morning,” said Mr Ballance. “Oerjjiply, sir,” replied the sergeant, with another salute. Then the Ministers, without another word, and completely torgetfnl of the lire, marched away, “1 wonder what he wrnts wi n your name,” said the sergeant ; “ perhaps you are to be made an inspector or a forest conservator.” “ I say sergeant, who the devil are they?” asked Policeman X. “Don’t yon know?” “No.” “Why, that’s Stout and Ballance ! ” “ Whew 1 Then I’m off to Kimberley.” And he Trent.

THE ALLEGED POISONING CASE AT TIMARU

(Press Correspondent.) Tho bearing of this extraordinary c. so was resumed on Monday before Mr Beswick R.M. and Messrs Elworthy, LeOren and Fitzgerald, J.F's., The Oo rt was crowded.

Mr White, Crown Prosecutor at Timaru, in opening the ease, said the charge against the prisoners, Thomas Hail and Margaret Graham Houston, which thsy were now about to inquire into, was one of the gravest and moat Important In the annals of crime, and he would show during the progress of the case that the ev'dmce vas| onspetnua in dlsc'oalng the fact that thin charge was one of a most sensational character. He would take the Court first of all to the time when the accused married Catherine Hall, on the 26th of May last year, and tell them that I he (Mr White) intended to show that seventeen days before the wedding d>y I Hall borrowed from Hutton’s bookseller's shop a book called "Actions of Medicine,” by Dr Head lord. While he had this book away be cut pages 273 to 297 and 366 to 377, inclusive. He (Mr White) would particularly impress upon the Court that the portions of the book out korc par ticularly on deadly poisona. Alter keeping the book soma weeks Hall re uued it, cut in the places mentioned, and then he wf so much in the habit of looking over another book called "Taylor on Poisons.” that Mr Hutton said to him, ** You appear to be so much taken up with that book, Mr Hali, you’d bettor buy It.” At tbe|end of May or beginning of June, 1885, Hall did buy it. Mr Jcnt here'interrupted (counsel's address, and asked hla Worship to order all but expert witnesses out of Court. This

being done, Mr White continued—When Hail got the book he wrote on the front page of it, “Thomas Hall, 1882 ” and at the end of the book, “ Dnnedin, T. Hall, 1882,” and yet the bock only came into his posse lion in May, 1885. '* herefore the Court would, he submitted, consider that Hall in doing this had some certain object in view. This book prisoner had always kept, and It w; 1 found among his effects when he was arrested. However, to continue

with the story. On the 24th Joly, some two months after the parties were married, Hall gave Instractlons to a solicitor prac ticing in a eolioitor who was in uo way connected with the family of either Cain or Hall—to prepare Mrs Hall’s will ; to prepare it entirely in toe prisoner Hall’s favo*, leaving everything to him, real and personal. The will wpi dated 28th July, and executed in August. Previous to the 19,h August of last year Hall saw tba agent of the Mutual Provident la«u- - apc* Society and had conversation with h m about insuring his (Hall’s) wife’s life for £SOOO. Alter some preliminary business, Hall '-gain saw the agent and gave him two propos'U—one was for £3OOO, pay* able on tbfjleathof his wife, the annual premium of which was £B2, and the other proposal was also for £3OOO, payable in the event of fie wife’s death in seven j years. The policies were duly r-ade out and handed to Hall, and he t pt them up to his ar.est, wnen thev were found along with the wil’ and m .rriago certificate, iu a drawer in a safe a„ ‘he office of Hall and Me; on, of which firm the male accused wa. a partuer. fao>j|r White) now came to a very impo ■ nt part of the case. It- would be show 1 to the Court iu evide ice that about tb:- l?th of June this year Hall purchased tv, loz bottles of antimonW wine; ->n th i 18th Jo 2 of antimony; on the 26th another z of antimony ; between July sih and August 11th B.vz of oolohicum wine, and on Jane stb and 6 h 2; z of this wine. Also about th : s time (August 11th) the male prisoner’s wife was veiy ill—so ill. In fact, that her medical adviser, Dr Mclntyre, held a consultation with Dr Lovegrove ca the subject. After the consultation Dc Mclntyre procured some of Mrs Hall’s vomit, submitted it to an analyria, and found traces of antimony. The doctor also sent some of the vomit to Professor Black. He also analysed it, end found antimony. On -Sunday morn* «ng the prisoner Hall went into his wife’s bod-oom, and, lu the absence of the nnrse, administered some iced water to her. Sbe complained of the unpleasant tos o the water bad, and her husband replied that he could not account fo~* the bad taste. Directly after taking the water a feeling of nause- came over Mrs Hall, follered by severe sickness. Soon tbe nurse came back to the room, and having secured the cap, saved some of tbe iced water In a bottle, and kept it tor Dr Mclntyre. The cup was then taken to the kitchen and weshed with warm water. At this stage Mr Hay asked that Miss Homt >n should be accommodated with a chair, and Mr Joynt making a similar ap plication cn behalf of Hail, the Oonrf acceded to the request, and allowed prisoners to sit down. Mr White continued —When the nurse returned to the room Mrs Hail said to the male prisoner, "‘The water was nasty one of that cup, Tom,” He rep “ I do not know why it should be, I poured the water out of that jug," in dlca.lng the jug which contained the rater, bat Mr White said It would be sfc.awn that on Sunday night Mrs Hall had iced water out of the same jug and cup, and it had no ill effect whatever. It was only after taking the water from the hands of Hall that tbe slcknc-as came on. it was a portion of this vomit which had been secured by Dr Maclntyre, ana lysed by him and by Dr Black, and it was found to contain antimony- He (Mr White) could assure them that the evidence was conclusive on this point. I They had four witnesses to call to bear testimony to this fact. About the time | of thu aiokneus, Houston visted Mrs Hall, and expressed sorrow that she was very 111 and regretted that the ice water did not agree with her. D'reotly after this, Dr Mclntyre arrved at the house, and was astonished to find Mrs Hall in snob a low state. He got the vomit with th; result : a stated, and on Sunday evening, the 15th August, had both pra oners arrested for attempting to murder Mrs Hall by adminhte ing anti mony. When Prisoners were arrested by Inspector Broham and Detective Kirby tho female prisoner tried to explain matters by aayieg Hall used tbe antimony for photographic pnrpos ', and Hall ac counted for being iu peas- aion of the aptimony by saying tha he need it for asthma, J from which be suffered. Hall also told Houston to s»v nothing, a - , (turning to Mr Broham) adde<i, f‘ shall I say ? I anpp .se a man sho, !* be cautions with such a ohr-3 against him.” Mr Broham tepli “ '/• a can say anything you please or nothing at all." Ha l then added that he bad as„d antimony for a long time in making a pre paration for'cigarettes, and had often got it at Gunn’s and Eiohbanm’s (two chemists). He continued —Miss Hous on has had nothing to do with it Whet I did was entirely mine. All t)xa t’me Mr Broham and Detective Kirby were in the room Hall seemed anxious to get his bands Into hh trousers pocket. He was re* peatedly cautioned, but at last succeeded, while Kirby was out of the room a minute, in getting his hands into his pocket. Mr Broham at once rushed at him, and Mies Houston sprang between them. There was a fire behind Hall’s back, and after the struggle a quantity of a white powder was found on the hearth rug, and also a spsall cork, which it was fom fit-.ed an antiomopy phial. Kirby next came to’ the room, add prisoner Ba’l was searched. In hfe right-hand 1 . coot was found a phial which, on analysis, was fonnd to contain anitmo vy, and one of the trousers’ pockets woe found to be wet with something or other. What it was trould ww# o ** Ww# T*w poitoe

then searched Ha'l’s bedroom, and fomd hall an ounce of antiomony there, and amongst other things the book “Taylor on Poisons.” As Mr Broham picked np this book Hall aald,“ I suppose this also will score against me,” and in the p. • - sence of Constable Hicks, the watcbfaoose keeper, he said to Houston, •* Too have nothing to do with this ; I cannot pos sibly get off ” It would be eh wn that abont three montba ago Mr and Mrs Ham ersley were dining at Fall’s. Mr Joyn,—Do yon intend to call Mr Hatneti’ey as a witness 1 Mr White replied in the affirmative.

Mr Joynt—l object most strongly to his evidence being taken if he remains In Court. I ask your Worship to order him oat of Court. He faai no status in the Court.

Mr Hamersiey was about ti argue the question when Mr White said that ha would put au end to the trouble by not calling Mr Hamersiey, in that Court at any rate. Mr White, then continuing his opening addre's, said when Mr and tfn Hamersiey dined at Hall’s, the servant afterwards brought in a cup of t js, Mrs Hamersiey took one of the cops, and, despite the protestations of Hall and Miss Houst on, who said the cup wr.s for “ Mrs Hill,” she drank it. The conse quence was that she became very sick indeed: vln the 18th August Mrs Hsnr ersley was again visiting Mrs Hall, and her attention was srrerted by a strong smell of Kerosene The smell w; : traced to a loft just off Hall’s bedroom, and in this loft were found some rags, sticks, and rubbish saturated with kerosene. A, new tin of kerosene wrs Hso found, and the evidence would show that Hall got this tin from Hobbard’a shop, had it wrapped in brown p-per and sent to his office, from where it disappeared. It would also be shown that he effected on Jane 11th an inam-anca on his furniture

for £2OC ), and that .the executors of the la.a Captain Cain had injured the house. It would further be shown that for some time before the nrarisje and ever since the mrvriage the man accused had bad considerable monetary difficulties ; that his account waa largely overdrawn at the Bank, and had remc'ned so ever since the marriage, and that • i far back as December, 1885, he had com*

mitted forgery. At this time he forge 1 a bill for £205, and received vhe money, and had from time to lime renewed the bill, the whole being a forgery. How the bill repre?ented £226, ana «u not due t'll December of this year. Ur White th*n stated the things which bad bean sent to Professor Flack, and on which he ' intended to lead evidence at length, and to show that they all contained antimony. He would also show that sines the arrest of the accused M-s Hall became Imme diately tetter, and was very soon able to leave her sick room. He might here -lention that the symptoms after the illness went to show that she waa being slowly poisoned by antimony, and he would show by skilled evidence that the dos-> in the iced wa.er mentioned wci so great that instead of it remaining in the ay«t?m rnd doing its work it bad the effect of creating nausea and sickness. He would show that the o. e against them waa a atrorg one, but be'ore concluding, he would like to say a few words abort the female prisoner. He wonld point out that from her remark to Hall she knew about the antimony, and meant the remark ai a hint to him. He did not accept this bint; Her conduct also when Mr Broham was straggling with Hall was also strange; and yet another proof of guilt—she also waited on > Uis Hal, and with the exception of an early cup of tea saw to all Mrs Hall's ws~Us. It wonld be shewn that from the effects of the tea Mrs Hall did not suffer, but afte. a having b;r breakfast the always showed grave symptoms of illness. It wonld also be shown that both the acena. 1 remained np in the house together after eleven or twelve o’clock at night, after all tbo other people in the house had retired to test; that they were on the most friendly and familiar terms, he calling her “ Megrims ” she calling him “ Tom” (sensation) ; that on one or two occasions she bad been seen by the servants- com ing from Hall’s bedroom in her dressing gown and, on several coercions had been seen going to h’s room in her dressing gown at unseemly hours in the ] morning and evening. Os-ewe. nmilim I the servants saw Hall sitting writing in the dining-room with Misa Houston leaning on him with one hand on hla I shoulder and the other arm ronnd his I neck, and sen. al timer Hall had been seen “ p- ’ling Misa Houston about,” as the servants called It The two were, in I fact nearly always together, and driving aboat Since b„th bad been arrested aha I had written to Hall as follows ; —“ Dear I old Tommy Dodd, keep year sprits np, I love; all will be tight on Monday. From your loving Megrims.” [Laughter I and sensation.] Me White then said I he wonld not now t-.ke np more time, I bat would call evidence which wonld show that the c;~o waa a strong one, and tl at the Court would have no difficulty In coming to a con clusion npon it Mr White then palled Inspector Broham, who deposed to the arrest of the prisoner. Hall attempted to throw something into the fire and to get something out of his trousers* pockets. Witness ee'zed hla wrists, and prisoner Houston ran between witneas and. Hall and tried to separate them. Detective Kirby came to witn.vs’a assistance, who held Hall while Kirby searched him, finding a phial in one of hla tyonaera’ pockets containing a few drops of liquid and some crystals, also a small phial of tartarlj acid. Searched the room and fonnd r pr. ikage of tar la r emetic, a bottle contain' g colchlcnm wise and a package containing soipe kind of cheqslca|—a white powder. Witness ’ produced al| these articles, and a number of others, in? eluding some fine powder found In Hall’s bedroom, iced water prepared for the sick room, a bottle cont.ining varnish, and another containing wine received from. Dr Mclntyre. Witness a’so disposed to finding a quantity of raga, small pieces of wood, and other inflammable material saturated with kerosene in the attic of

Hall’s house. He also prides d policies of Insurance on Mrs Hall’s life, marriage certificate and will found in a safe at Halt and Meason'a office.

11 Detective Kirby gave corroborative evidence as to what took plcoe at the time prisoners were arrested. When Inspector 1 Broham told them the charge, they ap ’ I peared astonished. They repeated the word “ antimony ” several times. Hous ton said, “ Ob, yon nse antimony in photography,” Hall said, * f Yon have nothing to say.” Hp then remarked, I “ I don’t know what to.say, I'm sure j I a man should be eantious with each a I charge against him.' She has nothing I whatever to do with It. Whatever I did lis entirely mine. I use antimony In making a prepar. ion for cigarettes for asthma, from which I suffer. I have got antimony from Biohbaum and Gunn.” I On the Inspector, telling Hall they (the I police)" would Have to examine hia sleep- I ipK apartment. Hall mid, *’ Yon’li Hod some anti pony op thereTheTngpector) witness and accused then wept upstairs Ito the bedroom. On entering it saw on the table a book. Took it, and on read, ing the thle found it to be “ Taylor oo Poisous.” There was also e packet of tartar' emetic on the table which witness t ok possession of, e'so a small bottle labelled “ Oolohicum Wine, Watkins.” Toe exrmination of this witness was not concluded when thetConrt rose, the en quiry being adjormed nnt'l next morning.

TO DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

Timabu, August 31. The Hall case wm resumed morning et 10 JO.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, ISB6

4

A.



SERVANTS WANTED. EVEN GENERAL SERVANTS and auburbs. Also, one COOK and one GENERAL SERVANT for the country. Apply to Mra Bandall'a Registry ffiCß. A. W. RANDELL, FRUITERER, &0., Town Hall, ABhbnrton. ►LACK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 2G3, 205, High street, OHRISTOHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally in the Aehburton District that we have "ow received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS the Present Season. The advantages which we posaesa in being able to buy in .he Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of cur buyer, enables us to supply;aU Goods under OUR CASH SYSTKM of business AT LOWEST P'lo ES. We endeavour toglve our Customers best value procur b l e , whatever Prices hey may. wish to purchase. Goods at, and Stock >« so LARGS AND WELL-ASSORTED hat the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable \?ill be found DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DRkSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT mantle derartment dressmakingTdepartment , millinery"dspartment clothing department underclothing department tailoring" department fIOUSEHODLFJRNKHING , Manufacture from various Mills Including LANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBI.RTON MANUFACTURE. Cash anb Cash Prices. BLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WOS ' HOUSE TAILORS, B SMiKBR tXDMILLINbR I



Victoria House. EE-OEG ASISATION OP BUSINESS. REDUCING STOCK \ T>ETIRING from the FANCY DRESS, HATS, and MANTLE EPARTMENTS * PHENOMENAL VALUE now being given, and to be obtained unt : l AUGUST * 20th NEXT. DIMANT ATO COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &0., East and Tancred streets, Ashburton. Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. E. STEEL & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now In a position to meet the demands of the public with a fir t-olass article at prices to suit the times. Every e,'Option of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrbnmlng. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for tbelr past liberal support In this department, beg to Intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now In a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. . Special attention Is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, Including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, description of Agricultural Implements. and every ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. Wanted. ■ Special advertisements.



ho c SOWN aON WORKS ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable .Ranges Bum Wood and Goal—ln Four Sizes. PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Sis and Seven Feet Lengths. 40 pee cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988 Notice. ~j~ HAVE disposed ofrny Business In Ashburton to | MESSES H. J. WOOD & CO., OF CHRISTCHURCH. In thanking the Public of As’burton and District for their liberal r><u -onage accorded to me during the yea. < 1 have carried on business here, 1 him* much pleasure in soliciting a continuance of their favor on behalf of my > ortl.y | successors, who will make this abi inch of'their well-known [STATIONER’S HALL. TEOS. F. FARLEY. In reference to the above, we respect ■ fully request the Public of Ashburton and District, and all Wends and customers of Mr Farley, to favor us with a continuance of their commands, and we guarantee to give at all times the value in New Zealand in onr line of Business. I An additional stock of Commercial Stationary, ol superior quality, and latest now Books, to the value of £IOOO, will bo speedily forwarded from our Chrlstohncoh depot. ■ The latest new Books and Magazine will be to hand by every direct steamer I from London. [ Subscribers supplied at our Christchurch i prices Any Book out of stock will bo imme diately procured from our Christchurch establishment. H. J. WOOD AND CO., STATIONERS’ HALL. All book debts to be paid to H, J» [ Wood and 00. THOS. F. FARLF.Y. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR ' FjpHE NEW GOODS FOB WINTER SEASON ABB NOW OPENED OUT. THE The Stock is THE J LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety o2 Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boya’ 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 Leggings in great variety Hats, comprising every new stylo worn Children’s Jersey Suvts, Children's Men of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery,, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, *snd Travelling Bags The celebrated WBBTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Tinoe Payments. | N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY, PUBT &CJMT, _



WANTED Known—Hayes and Co. will commence their Great Gift Sale To-morrow (Saturday). The greatest sensation of the day. Look out for the lucky glass jar of peas in their window next the Arcade.



WANTED CASH.—White Sugar, 2M j White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Lingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d ; Plaid Vestas, 6d per doz. ; Tea, Is per lb; Sago, 2jd; Tapioca, 2£d; Cutting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nailrod, 6s 6d ; Groats, 9d. J, McGregor, Tapered Street



WANTED Known Gates and Son, Burnett Street, are prepared to execu'e orders for all kinds of Household Repairs, Household Requisites, Picture Frames, cheap Bookbinding. Venetian and other blinds at the lowest possible cost. 5 22



ANTED KNOWN—Long looked for come at last. T. Hoult, having commenced bacon cnring, be is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6d pec lb at the Factory, Moore at, Ashburton. Pigs cared in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. T. Boult. 7 917



WANTED KNOWN—Where can the most Drapery be bought for your money]—At H. G Skgers, Mel ford House. Two shillings worth of handsome presents given for every 10s spent. Fresh presents in. See window. Ladies’ own dress materials made up ; style and fit guaranteed. Special Advertisements. WANTED KNOWN • 1 HAT MRS STRIBLINGr HAS REMOVED from old'premises in Burnett street (next to the Arcade), to the PANAMA BOARDING-HOUSE. TANORBD STREET (Lately occupied by Mr Lucas). 8°537 OWLE’S PENNYROYAL AND STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so pre valent with the sex. Boxes la lid and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. Prepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drag Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations.



OENTBAIi HOTEL d d e r, 7 JW. MoRAE 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, Oks Shiluso. Horses and Baggies to let on hire at prices to meet the times. For the convenience of travellers hansom cab will meet all trains. FOB the Bleed Is the Life.—Clarke’s world-famed blood mis tore is warranted to cleanse the blood from ail ’ impurities from whatever causes arising For scrofula, scurvy, skin and blood dis eases, and son 3 of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thousands of testi monials. Sold in bottles 4j 6d and 11s each by chemists and patent medicine r vendors everywhere. Sole proprietors, y The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug 3 Co., Lincoln, England. 1 16 f Trees Trees Trees 1 __ 1 meS undersigned has FOR SALE all * J. kind] of ' FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinna Insignia, Anstriaca, Maritima, and Macrocarpa, by tens of thousands; other kinds in proportion. All kinds of cabbage plants, etc, on sale. All orders by post or otherwise shall receive my best attention. N.6.—Gentlemen’s Gardens tastefully laid out. All kinds of planting done by . contract, JAMES PORTER. CLIFTON NURSERY, 4 75 Allentou, Ashburton. CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL bb A BUYiR ob UPWARDS OF 300,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. , Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PROD COB. CORNSAOKS, Full Size and Weight, at 6s 6d per dozen. ■] O. wTTURNER, i I 349 H. BROWN HAY E FOR BALE— T PRIME SEED WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY 1 Some of the above lots have been groan in the Timarn district. PIG FEED FOR BALE In any quantity. Just Landed— All kinds of CLOVER SEEDS, choice quality. RYEGRASS and, COCKSFOOT for Bale. 0 E C G R T 1 FRIEDLAN DER BROS M 0



mNCAN & CBAWSHAW, (namely, J. 0. Duncan and John Crawshaw) REFERRING lo their fovmer adrer tiaement, beg ni» to intimate that they have secured the Royal Saleyards, in Moore Street, where they will hold their OPENING SALE on SATURDAY, 28th Auguat, 1886, aud aa, judging from the entries now rolling In freely, consisting of horses, cattle, plga, poult;/, produce, general merchandise, and a special line, part of a bankrupt’s stock, comprising MEN’S & BOYS CLOTHING CARPETS, DRESS STUFFS, BLANKETS, LADIES’ ULSTERS, TWEEDS, a gigantic day’s work Is before us. The Sale will commence at half-past 11 sharp, at which hour the public are Invited to a snack of luncheon by way of a refresher. Feeling that It Is foreign to our natures to be otherwise than straightforward in our transactions, and as we can assure prompt settlement, we have no hesitation In Inviting the public to place their busi ness In our hands. _ DUNCAN & CRAWSHAW, §6510 Auctioneers.



PORT OF TIMARU. < < 1 ARRIVALS - I BELLS, barque, from Newcastle, with J best quality COAL. 1 GLEANER, brigantine, from Auckland, with cargo of Kauri TIMBER. TUCKER AND RESTBLL. 4th August, 1886. J 8407 FOR COUGHS, COLDS, Bkoschitis Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, &o, RAT’S COMPOUND CF LINSEED, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Toln, &0., with Ohlorodyne. KAY'S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. RAY'S COMPOUND; for Coughs, and Colds, Is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. RAY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, 4c. Con tains Quinine, Iron, &o. CO AGULINB.-—Cement for Broken A r tides. Sold Everywhere. Solo Makers KAY BROS., Stock port, England,