DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc Tuesday, August 31. St Stephen’s Schoolroom—Concent at 8 o clock Thursday, September 2 1.0. L in the Orange Hall at 8 o’clock Dramatic Society—Meeting in the Town . all at 8 o’clock Friday, September 3 Aahburtoa County Council —At Connell Chambers, 11a.m. Monday, Septpmber 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 Dunedm and South, 5.27 n.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 rains Leave Ashburton —For Christ church and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 5.37 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.:—

IE PAID IN ADVANCE Z Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od by post, 37s Od IE BOOKED : Pet 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 fab as regards sub grip tions paid in advance will not affect old '-nbscribers, with whom previously existing ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MAINTAINED. , Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid fo the time of insertion, 2a 6d each (atam may be sent as payment); if booked, PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAT RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES. _ Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent foripnblication from the country require to be verified by the signa of tbs person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — Por Christchurch and North at 6 a. m 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Bakaia, &0., at 10.30 a. m and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, uid Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m daily. for Timaru and South, at 10 a. m., and 4.30 p.m., dally. For Greanstreet, on Wednesdays and tnrdays, at 10.45 a. m. For Wakanul, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 'tnrdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount 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 Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednea days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl at 10.30 a.m.

TVTaIU arrive at Ashburton Post Qffioo ■ From Christchurch and Rakala at 10.15 .m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &o. at 10.15 s and : 35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places 6.3ft’Mn. daily. sFroid Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenatreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 f m. From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oesdays 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 Tuesdays, Thors ays, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 1886. Japan"s Reformed Policy.

A very interesting article appeared in a late issue oi the London Times re garding the recent change in the system of Government in Japan. This change is the second great one of its kind in Japan’s modern annals. The first occurred in 1868 when feudalism was abolished and the office of the Shogun, or military regent who carried on the actual work of Government the Mikado, though nominlally absolute sovereign taking no part in public affairs, —effaced. The Government was modelled on European lines and the Mikado, freed from a seclusion that had been maintained for ages, became once more a palpable reality; going abroad among his subjects, presiding over the Council of State and once mors holding the reins of executive authority. This was the first great change in Japan—a step from the old state of things iff feudal times towards the establishment of a monarchy on constitutional principles as understood in Europe. But the progress made by Japan made it evident that something more than the new regime would shoitly be requisite. Hence the second great change, which was decreed in Decem ber last. If this change is less abrupt

than the first it still shows the steady advance made by Japan in the matter of political progress. The Government as now reconstituted consists of the Emperor; the Minister President of State, the Cabinet and the Senate. Of its new features the most important and radical is a well defined partition of Legislative and Executive authority, hitherto combined, theoretically at least, in the person of the Mikado, but now, by bis own decree, separated in such a manner that while executive power remains in the hands of the Crown, the initiative in all legislation is handed over to the Cabinet, the Sovereign’s share under the latter head extending only to the power of sanction. “ The real significance of this change,” says the Times, “ is wider than it might at first appear. For although, as we have seen, during feudal times the Emperor,J immured in his palace at Kiato, ruled Japan in name only, virtually delegating to the Shogun the whole reigning power and only exercising his Sovereign authority on the rarest occasions, yet, by a senti mental myth jealously kept up through a long roll of ages, it was always held that he and he alone was the fountain of all power and authority, legislative as well as executive, in his realm. So also, after the _ restoration, the same fancy was preserved! Great as the powers of the Daijo Daijin really were, no large change was ever wrought except as emanating directly from the revered and divinely-decended Mikado. Now, however, we see for the first time a distinct and irrevocable abdication of the most important part of the Im perial birthright—namely, that which secured legislation. The time-honored principle of personal government by the Mikado has nevertheless been ad hered to in some important and prac tical respects. Henceforward the Head of the State will take an active part in public affairs. In the Cabinet,

whose members are appointed or dis missed by himself, he will ‘ personally give direction to all matters of State.’

He will ‘ hold each of his Ministers in

;he strictest responsibility to himself,’

so that they may ‘in very truth serve as His Majesty’s instrumentsand he will affix the sigft manual to all docu ments and decrees.” Next in import ance to the Emperor comes the Minister President of State, who is vested with a very wide range of power. Not only does he lead the Cabinet and fill the office of chief adviser to the Crown but he also exercises a large measure of authority over the whole executive. It has yet to be seen whether the powers concentrated on

this office are not too much for a single individual, however able and ex perienced, |but the step, whether it prove wise or unwise, is understood to have been dictated by the absolute necessity, taught by recent experience, of securing political uniformity in the various departments. In the Cabinet consisting, beside the President, of nine

Ministers of Executive Departments, the most significant deviation from the old system is that which makes each Minister directly responsible to the Emperor for all matters within the limits of his competence. No Parlia ment yet exists in Japan, and none can be established before the year 1890. But the system we have described is being enunciated with an emphasis which suggests the inference that it is not proposed lor some time to suffer the policy and life of a Cabinet to de pend upon the retention of a Parlia mentary majority. Among other im portant provisions in the new arrange ments are those which assign to individual Ministers increased power,

and a wider sphere of action in their own departments, along with a certain discretion in the choice of matters to be submitted to the Cabinet, and the right to communicate [personally with the Emperor in Council on questions in which they are individually respon sible. The fourth factor in the Govern ment, the Senate, possesses little or no real power, being a purely consultative body, consisting of 40 members nomi nated by the Crown, mostly chosen for special attainments or past ex perience in the public service. It is powerless either to originate measures or to veto them. It will be seen from the foregoing particulars that the changes lately effected in Japan’s scheme of Government mark a highly important and interesting epoch in her political history. There yet remains the question of popular representation to be dealt with, but the power and ability with which the Japanese have up to the present time treated the problems which have come before them leaves but little room for doubt that this question also will be satis factorily met.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

It would seem that {some individuals last Friday carried snowballing to excess, as we hear that one gentleman contemplates laying a batch of informations against certain persons (for the manner (in which (he was treated by them.

A very painful accident happened on Saturday to a five year old son of Mr Tbos. Woolley. Mr Wco’.ley, who is a farmer at the Hinds, was ohaffcutting, whoa his son, who was standing near him, got caught in the cogs of the machinery. Three of the fingers of bis left hand were taken {off, and. the fourth so severely mangled that its amputation was necessitated. Dr Boss was sent for, and attended to the sufferer's hurts.

A young man who was proud of his atheism was once ridiculing the story of David and Goliath, asserting that it was impossible for a small boy to throw a stone with force enough to break the skull of a giant. He appealed to a Quaker in confir mation of his theory. “ Well,” said the man of broad-brim prejudices, “it all depends. IE the giant’s head was as soft as thine appears to be, it could be dona easily.” The Premier received by the San Francisco mail the following letter from the Hon W. E.

Gladstone, in reply to his covering the reso-

lution of the 50 members of the General Assembly cabled to the right hon gentleman immediately after the defeat of bis Home Rule Bill:—“ 10 Downing street, Whitehall* London, June 18, 1886. Sir, —I am desired by Mr Gladstone to express his* best thanks for the gratifying message which he bad the honor to receive .by telegraph from 50 mem bers of the General Assembly of New Zealand. —I am, Ac., G. W. Spencer Lyttelton.

On Friday the captain of the steamer Akaron, when passing the headland between Port Levy and Pigeon Bay, discovered a big slip on the northern face of the mountaing i extending from summit to base, a height of 1000 feet. A strange rumbling noise, beard in Lyttelton on Friday morning, is supposed to have been caused by this slip. The Temnka correspondent of a Dunedin paper says—At the Linseed Company’s works the erection of the new twine-making machinery is being rapidly proceeded with, and work will be re-commenced in about a fortnight. The Company will then be in a position to manufacture a very good article in binding twines. There have recently been made at the works a number of clothes-lines, such as are in general household use. These can be manufactured of a better quality and at a lower price than the imported article.

Australian coal is being sold in Oregon (United States) at ICs 6d per ton. Is is con veyed as ballast, or at a merely nominal charge.

A meeting of the Chertsey Farmers’ League will be held on Wednesday next, in order to receive delegates from the Christchurch Co operative Association. The Hinemoa left Wellington yesterday for Tauranga and other East Coast ports, taking provisions, &0., to the Natives who are suffer ing from the late eruption in the Hot Lake district. After her return she will proceed with prospectors to Big Bay.

The Southland Hussars are fortunate in possessing a commanding officer who Is evi dently thoroughly in earnest, as we learn from the European Mail of 9th July last, that Major Burnett of that corps, who is in England, is carrying out his expressed inten tion of acquiring all the military knowledge he possibly can for the benefit of his corps. For the purpose of studying military taotiod he has applied to be attached to some regi ment at Aldershot.

Spring this year is very backward. The cold weather during the last few weeks has kept the grass very short, and weeping willows which, at this season, generally present a fresh green appearance are but showing the merest sign of bursting into leaf The snow storm of Thursday last has occasioned a few losses among stock. A few fine days, how ever, would have the effect of inducing a rapid growth on the part ol dormant vegetation,

Mr S. Saunders, who, for the last two years has occupied the position of editor of this journal, left Ashburton on Saturday evening tor Christchurch he having received the ap-

pointment of sporting editor of the Canter bury Timex. During his residence here Mr Sannders has made a very large circle of friends by whom he will be greatly missed. The Premier, Sir R. Stout, passed through

Ashburton by the express on Saturday evening en route to Wellington. An English paper, The Democrat, thus re-

fers to one of the members displaced at the

re coat general election, a gentleman who, if we

mistake not is a brother of Mr Alfred Sanders so well known in this district:—“ln the shock of battle many good men and true have fallen. Among others, Democrats have to deplorethe loss of Mr Saunders, the Treasurer of the English Land Restoration League, who, as Member for East Hull, did such yeoman service in the lata Parliament for the good cause. Mr Saunders, notwithstanding the novelty of the ideas—novel and alarming to a degree in St. Stephen’s—of which he was the exponent, was rapidly becoming a Parlia-

mentary authority by reason of the solidity of his business judgment, and the known inte grity of his character. Parliament, with all its faults, is ever ready to acknowledge genuine parsonal merit. Mr Saunders’ absence from the House will be sinoerley regretted by many who have no special 'sympathy with his en lightened views on the Land Question.’’ The last'of the series of winter entertain ments will be held in St Stephen’s School room {fr-morrow evening.

dominations for three Borough Councillors, in place of Councillors Thomas, Sealy and Caygill, who retire by rotation, but who are eligible for re-election, close to-morrow at noon. An election if necessary will be held on September 9. Another “ pig and dog story ” has reached ns—this time from Methven. A well-known farmer in that locality is the owner of some greyhound paps, the mother of which, a short time ago,]’oame untimely end. The pups associated themselves with a litter of pigs and the sow bestowed on them as much care as on her own offspring. We are told that the young greyhounds have thriven exceedingly well and are quite as strong and healthy as if brought up by their own maternal relative.

The Bruce Herald some time ago suggested that the local Farmers’ Club should apply to the Victorian Minister for Agriculture for a sample of a new Mexican wheat, which among other special features is noted for its early ripening qualities. The supply is now exhausted so that if application has not been made it will be too late this season. The Minister will, however, do his best to {attend to applications which may be forwarded early next year, when they will be supplied from the new harvest. A startling incident is reported from America. A young man’s funeral took place in Toledo, Ohio. He had belonged to Detroit and thither the coffin containing his body was taken. An uncle visited the vault in which the body was temporarily placed to arrange for its final burial, and was astounded to find the young man sitting up in bis coffin, the glass covering the faoe being broken. The “ corps ” was weak and pale ; his hands were lacerated and bleeding, but he was alive. He was taken to Toledo. His wife was terribly frightened, but was delighted to see him after mourning for him as dead. A gentleman in Napier has received a letter from a brother at the Barberton goldfields, Transvaal, in which he gives rosy views of the future, but, like a sensible man, he adds the

field is no good for a poor man. He says the company in which be is interested has got a reef of 80 feet broad, and the mining consists in putting in a shot, and down comes immense masses of mountain, the quartz running eight ounces to the ton. They recently crushed 316 tons for 2550 ounces of gold, and they hope soon to have 60 head of stampers at work, when they intend to put the Garden Gully and Long Tunnel—the gentleman is an old Victorian miner—in the shade. They have a tough job ahead, seeing the last-named mine has already divided one million sterling in dividends among shareholders. The enter prise has not been without its romance. Ha was willing to sell his shares at £1 apiece at one time, but could find no buyer. Since then he refused £9 apiece for all he had, and at the date of writing the shares were freely saleable at £3O each, but the writer says they will be at £IOOO before the end of next year.

GOOSEBERRY BLIGHT.

(Hawera Star ) A new form of scale blight has recently been observed by Mr James Livingston on bis gooseberry bushes at Walpapa. A close inspection is reeded to detect it, as it resembles a minute limpet in shape, and is identical in color with the bark of two-year-old gooseberry bushes, to which it adheres closely. Inside each of these shell-like scales are hundreds of pink, transparent, microscopic Insects, resembling the acari of sheep scab. There can be no donbt felt by those conver sant with the destructive powers of this class of insect, that this scale blight may in crease and mul'iply to such an extent as to seriously injure the gooseberry crop which has hitherto been the most certain fruit crop ef the district. We should strongly advise all who are making new plantations of gooseberries to examine closely '.he rough bark of the plants for three minutes limpet-like scales, and If they are present, either to dress the stems with castor «oil and soot, tr else destroy or reject the plant. One authority who has been con sulted pronounced the blight to be olive scale. However it so happened that at Mr Livingstone’s there are olives, that bear the usual olive ratio, which is an entirely different little fellow. The latter is an almost fltt oblong scale, which when taken off and examined under a magnify ing glass is found to contain a a ngle jelly like speck, from which radiate four or five bristly hairs. Possibly there are several sorts of olive scale. Samples of both of these animalcules are at this office, open to the inspection of the cnrions.

A FAMILY AFFAIR.

It is not often that Napier supplies a thoroughly genuine and sensational romance (says the Baity Telegraph), but the following true tale may prove of in terest to our readers. Many months ago a young tradesman of the place was keeping company with one of those charm ing girls for whom Napier is so famous— thanks to what the mayor would call our magnificent climate. He was young in years—only 19, —and the father getting a wrinkle of how the land lay, got an in troduction to the son’s sweetheart, and, to make a long story short, goon succeeded

in displacing the son from his position, and eventually married the fair one. Abont 10 days ago the husband bad in the course of business to spend some time in the country, and took bis departure, leaving his wife and son in charge of the household goods. His back had not been long turned when, as if by magic, the old attachment between the son and his now stepmother revived, and the husband had scarcely reached bis destination when the pair packed up their belongings and made tracks South, where they now are. The fond father and doting husband acquired this valuable information some three days t go, so what the upshot of the elopemei ft may be we know not, though a divorce suit with a son as co-respondent would be a decided novelty.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

TO THB EDITOR. I Sir, — I notice that your contributes I who has, for some time past, daily *baen furnishing you with a column of what be is pleased to consider arguments in favor of Bible Reading in Schools, to the ex— I elusion of other and more valuable matter, thinks that one result of the exclusion of religions teaching from schools would probably be the creation of a class of “ educated scoundrels.” Does be affirm that if a man cease to believe in the Bible he then ceases to be as good a citizen or less honest than his Christian neighbor? Is an infidel necessarily a scoundrel ? I am eta, SISNA.

CRICKET

AUSTRALIANS v. SUSSEX.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT. ] London, August 27.

The cricket match Australians v Sussex was resumed at Brighton to-day. The weather was fine and the attendance good. The Home team, who bad one wicket down for 24 runs on the previous day, continued their first innings, remaining at the wickets all day. When the stumps ffere drawn the score of the Englishmen stood at 322, with seven wickets down. The most successful batsmen were—J. H. Brain, 104; W. P. Lucas, 81; and W. Newham, 45. London, August 28. The cricket match, Australians v Sussex, was resumed at Brighton to-dsy. i The Englishmen continued their first innings which closed for 352 runs, F. M. ] Lucas, not out 93, being the principal scorer. The Australians, who were 152 behind their opponents on their first innings, went in for their second innings and at the conclusion of the days play bad seven wickets down for 300 runs* Scott, caught, 43 ; Palmer, caught, 84. and Trumble, not oat, 52, made the best scores for the visitors.

Time did not permit of the game being played out and the match was therefore declared drawn.

FOOTBALL.

AUCKLAND v. HEW SOUTH WALES.

Auckland, August 28.

The intercolonial football match, Auck land v. New South Wales, took place thin afternoon at Newmarket. 6000 people were present; the weather was showery, and the ground sloppy. Shaw captained the Sydney team, and J. A. Warbrick the Auckland team. Lecky was unable to play owing to the death of bis father. A. Stewart, of the Grafton Club, replaced him. Auckland won the toss, and having the wind in their favor, had the best of the play in the first spell, but it was con fined to work among the forwards, the backs not being able to run. The Sydney men passed splendidly. A few minutes after starting Whiteside got in from a short run, but Warbrick missed the goal. Towards the end of the first Lindsay got a try, the ball being passed out from the scrimmage Byan took the kick, but missed the goal. The Sydney men weto forced down four times in the first spell. In the second spell Sydney improved, but was not equal to the local team. Shaw, captain of the Sydney team, retired in the middle of the term, his shoulder being injured. Shortly afterwards J. A. War brick got a try, the ball being passed out of the scrimmage. Warbrick again missed the goal. The Sydney men rallied towards the end of the game, which resulted in a win for Auckland by six points to nil.

WELLINGTON v. NELSON.

Wellington, August 28.

About 1000 were present at the match Wsllingt >n v. Nelson. A sharp wind‘waa blowing ; the ground was slippery and the weather cold-

In the first spell Smith scored a try for Wellington, and Taia’oa kicked a goal from a mark; In the second Ellison by his backing up obtained two tries, but none of them were near the goal posts and nothing was scored from them. The Nelson players showed much inexperience in the game ; never atlemtped during the whole match to paas.and rarely to dribble. Some of their backs and one or two of the forwards stood out from >the rest, and there was some good collaring. The strong wind assisted the local men dar ing the first spell, but Nelson took little advantage of it. Owing to the state of the tur? the game was nearly all among the forwards and was by no means tereating. Nelson was ont-matched all through. Tha score was 10 points to nothing.

CANTERBURY T. OTAGO. Dunedin, August 28

It was deciJed to play the Canterbury v. Otago interprovincial match notwith standing that the ground was anything but satisfactory. The match was an enjoyable one, and resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. On the whole Can terbury had the best of the game, their style of play proving more suitable to the state of the ground. Time after time the Otago backs lost ground by attempting to pick up the baP, while the Canterbury backs always kicked. Fraser’s kicking and general smartness saved his side over and over again. Helm ore, Horner, and Allardyca played well for Canterbury. There was a large attendance, notwith standing the cold and sloppy condition of the ground.

SPORTING

ISLAND BAY J RACES. The following nominations have been received for the Island Bay meeting : SPRING HANDICAP. Rumour Charmer Normanhy Princess Royal Reputation Forward Leomista Fisherman Revoke Tarantalos The Shah Seddington For the Local Handicap there are 10 nominations ; for the Hurdles, 7 ; for the Welter Handicap, 12; for the Flying Handicap. 11 ; and for the Selling and Plate, 7.

THE EASTERN CRISIS.

[bKDTRB’S TELEGRAMS COPYBISHT.] Vienna Angnst 27.

Prince Alexander arrived yesterday at Lembergh, in Galicia, where he re ceived a great ovation. The city was illuminated in his honor, and the local authorities paid a complimentary visit to the Prince. It is understood he will shortly proceed to Creslau, in Germany.

Prince Bismarck is now returning to Berlin from Kazenbad, Northern Bo hemia, where he has been holding a meeting with M.de Giers, the Russian Prime Minister.

Vienna, August 28. It is understood Prince Alexander is returning to Bulgaria by way of Rou* mania.

NEW ZEALAND FRUIT IN ENG LAND.

The Colonial Treasurer has received

from Sir Julias von Haast a lengthy to-

port on the condition in which the New

Zealand fruit was received at Home* About thirty cases were received at Home.

The first to hand were those of John Bowman, Auckland, sent via Suez The

apples were packed in close cases of kauri pine, with no holes for ventilation. Each apple was wranped in tissue paper and packed in chaff, each layer being separated by a wooden shelf. Only 13 per cent, were unfit for use, the rest being in excellent condition, and most of them still re taining their bloom. The fruit attracted I great attention, and were generally taken for models, similar to those shown in the Australian Court, although picked in I the colony a fortnight before subsequent I arrivals. Some of the apples are still I good in the case after three week’s ex- I posure. Another case similarly packed I bad 20 per cent spoiled. Another I system of packing was that of Mr

Hobbs, each apple was wrappel in news paper and placed in a cardboard cell. The box had been perforated fir venti lation. The best case sent had 20 per cent spoiled. All the apples had com menced sweating Those packed with out being wrapped gave much the same result. The case of apples sent by Ben Dawson was psciced in layers, with card board and wool between. The apples | arrived damp and slightly heated, and retained moisture. The cudboard as i|

become damp, was useless to keep the apples from bruising one another. About 50 per cent, of the apples were unfit for use In the case sent by Mr Bslve the applet were w.apped In newspaper, and packed in hay • The apples had sweated, and some had rotted in the hay, which became mouldly and spoilt the flavor of the apples. They had not heated the same as the others The eases sent by the Rev McOallnm were wrapped in two folds of tissue, and packed with newspapers in interstices. Next to Bowman's ’hesa gave the best results. Some of tha five specimens of apples realised from fid to Is each. There is} a prospect of good paying business . resulting from the shipments made to arrive months bofore the European fruit

comes to maturity. Sir J. Yon Haasl then summarised the various shipments as follows :—Auckland Gardeners’ Horti cultural Society apples, 28 per cent bad ; Kuorcft and Sms, Auckland apples, 66 per cent bad; Spratt, Auckland, 60 per cent bad; Whangarei Fruit Growers, Auckland, pears, 80 per cent, lemons, 30 per cent, apples, 66 per cent, limes 25 per cent bad; a few medlars in same ossa were unfit for use ; Hobbs, Auckland, apples, 27 percent bad, pears not one good; B. Dawson. Auckland, apples, 60 per cant bad ; Hibhs, Auckland, 20 pec o >nt bad ; Sharp, Watkonaitt, Auckland, 42 per cent bad ; Hobbs, Auckland, apples 30 per cent, pears 10 par cent, lemons 10 per cent, bad; Belva, Aack. land, pumpkins good, condition, apples 40 per cent bad ; Donning Bros., Christ church, walnuts and filberts 'dry and n< t very good ; Grubb, Auckland, apples 62 to 6i pec cent bad ; Weed, Auckland, apples 80 per cent bad ; Kerr, Auckland, apples 20 pec cent bad.

HIVING SWARMS OF BEES.

Mr F. A. Hudson, apiarist, wrote to the Town and Country Journal : Noiicicg in your issue of July 31 a des cription of a hiving box, I should like to explain to the bee-keeping fraternity through your columns the kind of box used by me this season for a similar, pur pose, with great success I a made box of thin bearding the same length as the hive, but only half the width, and furnished with an entrance like that ot an ordinary hive. In the centre 1 eat a rabbit for a glass frame to rest In, and on the bottom 1 nailed two pieces of wood so that when a fram» from any of the hives was placed in the box it was fairly fixed. When a swarm Issued from a hive 1 went to a strong colony previously determined opon, and took from it a frame of brood, shook the bees off it, and placed it in the hiving box. Then, when the swarm had clustered, 1 held the box under the cluster and gently shook the limb cf the tree on which they rested. When the greater part of the swarm was in the box, I placed It on the ground, and covered the top with a cloth for a few momenta to enable the flying bees to enter which they readily did. I then carried the box to the hive in which I wished to place the swarm, lifted oat the frame of brood, which had become covered with bees, and placed ft in the hive. I then shook- the remaining bees out of the box in front of the hive. Since adopting thia system I hare not had a single swarm abscond after placing it in the hive, as the frame of brood gave them something to do at once, and so absorbed their attention. The whole proceedings do not, as a rule, occupy more than fifteen minutes.

DIVERSITY OF FOODS.

The old saying that what Is one man's meat is another man’s poison Is realised in the opposite tastes of people.—Tbs Turks shudder at the thonght of eating oysters. The Digger Indians of' the Pacific Slope rejoice din the great locnst swarms of 1875 as a dispensation of the Great Spirit, and laid in a afore of dry locust powder sufficient to last them for several yean.—The French aat frogs, anai's, and the diseased liven of geese, bat they draw the line at alligators.— The late Frank Buckland declared the tests of boa constrictor good, and mnch like veal.—Quaas, the fermented cabbage water of the Russians, is their popular tipple. It is described as resembling a mixture of stale fish and soapsuds in taste, yet, next to beer, It has more votaries than any other fermented beverage- A tallow candle washed down with quass formt a meal which It would be hard to be thank ful for.—ln Canton and other Chinese cities rats are sold at the rata of IQs a dtzsn, and the hind quarters of dogs are hang up in the butchers’ shops along side of motion and lamb, bat command a

higher prise. The birds' netto of the Chinese are worth twice their weight in sliver, the finest variety selling for as much as £6 a pound.—The negroa of the West Indies eat baked snakes and palm worms fried In their own fist, bat cannot be induced to eat stewed rabbits, —ln Mexico parrots are eaten, bat they are rather tongh.—The Onaohos of the Badda Oriental are in the habit of hunt ing skunks for the sake of their flesh.— The octopus, or devil-fish, when boiled and then roasted. Is eaten in Corsica and

esteemedadelicaqy.—ln the Pacific Islands and West Indies lizards’ e*gs are eaten with gusto. The natives of the Antilles eat alligator eggs, and the eggs of the turtle are popular everywhere, though up to the beginning of the last century turtle was only eaten by the poor of Jamaica.—Ants are eaten by various nations. In Brazil they are served with a reainoDs sanoa, and in A frioa they are stewed with grease or butter. The East Indiana catch them in pita and carefully wash them in hand fuls like raisins. Ir Siam a curry of ants' eggs is a costly luxury.—The Ceylonese eat the bees after robbing them of their honey.—Caterpillars and spidere ate dainties to the African bushman.—After they have wonnd the silk the eoobon the Chinese eat ?he chrysalis of the silk worm.—Spiders roasted form a sort of dessert with Kew Caledonians,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 18S6



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 ffico. A. W. RANDELL, FRUITERER, Ac., Town Hall, Ashbnrton. JgLAOK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH.



We have the pleasure to advise out Customers and the residents generally In the Ashburton District that wo have ow received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS the Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to buy in .he Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of cur bnyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR CA.SH SYSTEM of business AT LOWEST PRICES. We endeavour , tcglve our Customers bast value procur b l e , whatever Prices hey may wish to purch aae Goods at, and Stock so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED hat the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, In each of whicn an immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable will be found DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT



Wanted. 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, 2*d ; White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, sd; Lingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d; Plaid Yestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, Is per lb; Sago, 2id; Tapioca, 21d; Cutting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nailrod, 5s 6d ; Groats, 9d. J, McGkegob, Tancred Street. WANTED Known -That 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 WANTED KNOWN —Long looked for come at last. T- Hoult, haring commenced bacon curing, he Is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6d per lb at the Factory, Moore st, Ashburton. Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. T. Hoput. 7 WANTED KNOWN—Where can the most Drapery be bought for your money!—At H. C Segers, Ai el ford , House. Two shillings worth of handsome presents given for ev.ry 10s spent. Fresh presents in. See window. Ladies’ own dress materials made np ; style and fit guaranteed.



Special Advertisements. Potatoes. Best quality blue derwents for sale at lowest current prices. GEO. JAMESOK, Ashburton. 8422



TOWLE'3 Pi£NHYHOy*L AND STEED PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so pre valent with the sex. Boxes la l£d and la 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors, f repared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations.



CENTBAIi HOTEL, JW. McHAE having taken the above , Hotel, solicits a share of patronage from the people of Ashburton and sur rounding districts. Best Brands of Wine’a Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling—Feeds, Okb Shilling, Horses and Boggles to let on hire at prices to meet the times. For the convenience of travellers hansom cab will meet all trains.



FOR the Blood la the Life. —Clatke’a world-famed blood mixture ia warranted to cleanae the blood from ail impurities from whatever causes arising For tcrofuia, scurvy, skin and blood dis eases, and sores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thousands of testi monials. Sold in bottles 4s 6d and 11a each by chemists and patent medicine vendors everywhere. Sole proprietors, The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drag Co., Lincoln, England. 1 16



Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOB SALE all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinas Insignia, Austrians, Maritima, and Macrccarpa, 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.B. —Gentlemen’s Gardens tastefully laid out. All kinds of planting done by contract. .TAMES PORTERJ CLIFTON NURSERY, 4 75 Allentun, Ashburton.



MANTLE DEPARTMENT [DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DRbSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DERARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUSEHOD£~FCrRNISHING Manufacture from various Mills Including LANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OP ASHBLRTON MANUFACTURE, Cash Swiem and Cash Prices. CLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE TAILORS, B SMAKER ’ an oM ILL! NEE



CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL be a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 800,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSAOKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5a 6d pet dozen, 0. W. TURNER, 340 H. BROWN



E HAVE FOE, SALE— T PRIME SEED WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY Some of the above lots have been grown in the Timaru district. PKV FEED FOR SALE In any quantity. Just Landed— AH kinds of CLOVER SEEDS, choice quality. RYEGRASS and,[COCKSFOOT for Bale. FRIEDLAN DEB BROS m®.



Victoria House. EE-ORGANISATION OF BUSINESS. REDUCING STOCK "|3 ETIRING from the FANCY DRESS, HATS, and MANTLE EPARTMENTS PHENOMENAL VALUE now being given, and to be obtained until AUGUST 20th NEXT. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c., 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 othe^ Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now in a posltiofi to meet the demands ot tne public with a fir fc-class article at prices to suit the times. Every e. "'f.ption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapols from £25. \ Buggies from £3O. p,S. Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their 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 ot Machinery, Including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, ; and '.every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6a.



Special advertisements.



pROWN RON WORKS ARMAGH STREET, Ohrlfltohuroh. Portable .Ranges Burn Wood and Goal—ln Four Sices. PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Font, Five,- Six %nd Seven Feet Lengths. 40 pee cent Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988



Notice. I HAVE disposed of my Business in Ashburton to MESSES H. J. WOOD & CO., OF CHRISTCHURCH. In thanking the Public of Ashburton and District for their liber 1 patronage accorded to me during the yc «a 1 have carried on business here, 1 have much pleasure in soliciting a continuance of their favor on behalf of my worthy successors, who will make this a br.neh of;their well-known [STATIONER’S HALL. THOS. F. FARLEY. In reference to the above, we respect fully request the Public of Ashburton and District, and all friends 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 our line of Business.



An additional stock of Commercial Stationary, of superior quality, and latest new Books, to the value of £IOOO, will bo speedily forwarded from our Christchurch depot. The latest new Books and Magazine will be to hand by every direct steamer from London. Subscribers supplied at our Christchurch [prices Any Book out of stock will be 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 Co. THOS. F. FARLEY.



NEW ZEALAND <3 LOTH INC FACTOR The new goods for thi WINTER SEASON ARE NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTEE IN THE TOWN,, And the variety of Style and. Patterna In Men's, Youths’, and Boys* Clothing leaves nothing to be d esired. 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 style worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suita Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves j Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WEBTHEIM; SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. , N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, ,Eabx Street,



DUNCAN & CBAWSHAW, (namely, J. 0. Duncan and John Orawahaw) REFERRING to their former stiver tisement, beg now to intimate that they have secured the Royal Saleyards, in Moore Street, where they will hold their OPENING SALE on SATURDAY, 28th August, 1886, and as, judging from the entries now rolling In freely, consisting of horses, cattle, pigs, poultry, produce, general merchandise, aad a special line, oart of a bankrupt’s stock, comprising MEN’S & BOYS CLOTHING CARPETS, DRESS STUFFS, BLANKETS, LADIES’ ULSTERS,



TWEEDS, 1 gigantic day’s work is before ns* 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 bo 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 oar hands. DUNCAN & OIUWSHAW. I §6510 Auctioneers.



PORT OP fIMARU. AttRIYALS BBLLS, barque, from Newcastle, with best quality COAL. ! GLEANER, brigantine, from Auckland, with cargo of Kastl TUCKER AND RESTELL. 4th August, 1886. J 8407



J. Ballantyne & Co. A bolding an JMMBNSE QLEARINQ O ALE OF S J DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, On account of ALTERATION IN PABTNERSHIP. See Circular. DUNSTABLE HOUSE, Christchurch, J 7 227



OR COUGHS, GOLDS, Bronchitis Asthma., Coryza, Influenza, Con sumption, &c. T7-AY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &c., with Chlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’ 8 TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, &c Con tains Quinine, Iron, &o. COA.QULINE. —Cement for 8.-oken A rticles. Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers KAY BROS., Stock port, England,