THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

ana after the 80th November, 1836, the v o! Subscription to this journal will be .llowfl, viz. : — TV PUD IN IDVANOH : Quarter.. 6s 6a, by post, 9b 6d ■ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d Tear .. 24s Od by post, 87s Od ir booked: Quarter.. 7b 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 16g oa, by poßt, 21b 6d k „ Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43a Od f Birth, Marriage, and Death Notifies, if paid or at the tin»e| of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh tampa may be sent as payment) ; if booked, flttoh. PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAY RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT TBE OLD RATES, Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country istriots. require to be verified by the signa ture of the person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mali* clone at the Auhburton Post Office follows :—

Fox Ohrlstohurch and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ghertaey Rakala, &a, at 10.30 a.m and 6 p.m. daily! For Dunedln,Timrald, Winaloyr, Hinds, OoWstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, Mid Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. ForTemuka, at 10 i.m. and 4 30 p.m «nity. /Tor Timara and South, at 10 a.m., and I 30 p.m., daily. For Greenaereet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.30 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, id Kyle, on Tueadoys, Thursdays, and . turdays, at 6.30 a. m. For SEount Somere, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Euapuna, on Men d»vs and Thursiays, at 4.30 p.m. For Aahton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Fletnington, on Moudsyn, Wednea 4»ya, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlandn, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the; Ashburton Post flioe— ,rom Ohristohuroh and Rakaia at 10.16 id., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsoy &o. at 10.15 t and ,35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin *od Intermediate places P. 3? -MB. daily. ?} rota Tcmoka an Timaru at 10.40 a.m p 5. 50 p.m daily. From Greenstreetand Aohburton Forks, Wodnoadars nod xtturdaye, at 4 45 p.m. From Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Sea field and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdayß, end Saturdays, at sp. ra. JTrcm Mount Somors, dally at 10,5 , m. From Mayfield and Rnapuna, on Wed aesdaya and Saturdays, st 10.5 a.m. From Aahton, Waterton, and Long <lat 10 a.m. daily. From Newlandi, on Taesdaya and Fri at 2.30 p.m. From Flomlngton on Tuesdays, Thurw days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS

Kowherk. —Your letter will appear m our noxt i'rbuo.

MARRIAGE.

BoND-PATcnma —On the Bth Fobruary, 1887, nt f-t. SirmnL ani .St. Judo's, Surrey Elills, Sydney, N S.W., by the Rev. Mr Southby, Ernoat Stranger Bjnd, to Emma Lucy Patching, both of Ashlnrton, Canterbury, New Zealand.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1887. THE RABBIT NUISANCE.

Many have been the remedies pre scribed to rid those parts of the colonies, to which the rabbit has turned his welcome attentions, of his presence. Poison, traps, and " natural enemies" — stoats, weasels and ferrets for instance — have all been tried but each method of depleting the country of the destructive little rodent finds its objec tors. Against the stoats and weasels it is alleged that the curse is worse than the disease, m other words, that hav ing exterminated the rabbit — supposing they turn their undivided attention to " bunny," and of this there appears to be a doubt—the bloodthirsty little vermin introduced to effect that end, will be found a greater scourge than the pest which preceded them. Poison, traps and such like, others aver are I only palliative measures ; they certainly thin the ranks of the rabbits for the time being, but the fecundity of the creatures is so great that a brief cessa tion of the war waged against them would enable them lo recuperate their strength m numbers. In view of this, therefore, some ingenious person was struck with the idea that if a fatal con tagious disease could only be intro duced among the rabbits the nuisance would soon be a thing of the past. This scheme had many supporters but it appears that science cannot as yet suggest a disease which might be sewn broadcast among the rabbits, without there also being the danger lof its being communicated to man or the domestic animals. We observe from a contemporary that the Sydney Government have been making enquiries through their Agent- General, Sir Saul Samuel, as to whether it is likely that a disease could be in troduced that would destroy the rabbits. Dr Hector also makes en quiries on the same subject, and writes to Professor Brown, one of the scientific officers of the Agricultural Department of the Privy Council of Great Britain, asking if he could ascer tain the nature of the disease that almost eradicated rabbits from the Sas catchewan district of Canada m 1858 --59, The writer .said he had been told that the rabbits were attacked every 7 or 10 years by a murrain that destroyed them. He also said he believed that this dissase was communicated to the rabbits by the animals that preyed upon them. Dr Brown, m reply to these, says he entertained a strong con viction of the inexpediency of attempt ing to destroy the rabbits by means of the introduction of a fatal contagious disease. Swine fever and tuberculosis could, he thinks, be communicated to rabbits, but there was no evidence to show its communicability from rabbit to rabbit. If ringworm were introduced, it would be communicated to other animals, and probably to man, He would not suggest any measures beyond those # usually employed — namely, poisoning, trapping, shooting, etc., and the introduction of stoats and weasels. It will be seen by the foregoing that, according to Professor Brown, the idea of coping with the rabbits by intro ducing among them a deadly disease will have to be dispelled.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Sir R. Stout, Premier, Hon P. Buckleyt Colonial Secretary, and several members of the Legislature arrived m Ashburton on Saturday night, proceeding again yesterday morning to Danedin m order to attend the late Mr James Macandrew's funeral, which took place this afternoon.

' On Saturday night Mr W. Zander, tobacco nist, had an automatic smoker m his window which excited much interest and amusement. By a clever meohanical arrangement the little man takes steady pulls at bis pigmy oigar and " blows a cloud " with all the easy nonchalance of an experienced advocate of the weed.

On Saturday morning a little boy, seven or eight yoars of age, and son of Mr A. W. Bandell, fruiterer, was driving away some chickens from the door of his father's house at Allonton, when ho fell ovor a box, with the result that his shoulder was dislocated and one of the bones of the arm fraotured.

On Friday last a little boy, three or four years of age, son of Mr Maxwell, of Wakanui, fell off a gate on which he was swinging and fraotured his thigh bone.

The only safe and sure oure for gravel or urinary troubles is American Co. 'a Hop Bitters. Prove it. Read

The Olerk to the Hampstead Town Board announces that legal proceedings will be taken against those persons whoso rates are unpaid by March lOlh. A gentle reminder is also given to owners of dogs m the district who have negleoted to pay tho registration fees.

A special meeting of the Ashton School Committcowaß hold on Saturday ovening to consider the applications for the position of master of the sohool. Present — Messrs Gilmour, Taylor, Bell, J. Crcy, W. Croy, and Shearer. Tho Board had forwarded tho names of two applicants, and it was decided to appoint Mr Mitohell, of .Waikerakikeri Akaroa, to the position. A communication was received from the Board notifying that Mr O. E. Oraddook would bo temporarily appointed master until Mr Mitohell could enter upon his duties. After furthor business of a routine cbarao'or the mooting adjourned. The following is Mr Wood's report of the school, which was examined on Jan. 26th :— " The results of the examination are very good m all the classes. A most praiseworthy effort has been made to obtain a high level of excellence m the three most essential Eubjeotß of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The discipline very good." Presented 24, passed 23 ; percentage of passes 51*1, per centage of failures 4-3 ; percentage on olasa subjeot 64 ; additional marks 60. Staff— Master, Mr A. Bromley ; Mißtress, Miss B. L. Ball.

The world's blind are computed to numtrer about 1,000,000, or about one sightless persons m every 1400 inhabitants. The pro portion is greatest m Egypt and least m New Zealand. Germany has the greatest number of institutions for the blind.

An enterprising individual has been selling "washing fluid" m the Dunedin Buburbß. His patrons have been not a little surprised on opening the bottles containing the fluid to find that it was not inappropriately named, for it was only water.

The Dunedin Evening Star reports that during the last few weeks several large sharks have infested the Lower Harbor, two of whioh were captured on Wednesday afternoon— one by Mr Gash and his crew, whioh measured 17ft m length by 12(t Gin m girth, the normal fins being 3ft 4in each. The dorsal fin was 2ft long, and the tail 4ft from tip to tip, while the width of the jaw was 18in. The other fish, which was rather smaller, was captured by Mr Short and his crew. Both fish were taken to Dunedin.

4 prominent Roman Catholic priest m New York has, it is reported, been summoned to Borne to give explanation of his conduct during the recent contest for the Mayoralty. He was an ardent supporter of Henry George. Goneral Booth, of tho Salvation Army, said m the course of a recent interview m New York that he had travelled twenty-nine days of ten hours each m America, and had saved m all 25,000 souls, or at the rate of one every two minutes. The jubilee of railways will be celebrated m Paris thiß year. An international congress* composed of delegates of railway companies, ohambers of commerce, scientific societies, and othors, will be held, and an exhibition of railways and associated industries will be open from May till October. It is expeotod that the Trafalgar, the largest armour-olad ever built at Portsmouth, will be ready for launohing m September next. She was laid down m January, 1886. Should she be built within the time mentioned, it will bo an event wholly unparalleled m the servioe.

At tho date of last oensus thers were 36 Cream and butter factories m the colony. The approximate value of the land, buildings, machinery, and plant of the former was £8116 and of the latter £47,513. Several new factories have been opened since then.

There was a groat trial m Paris recently, where M. Popp wa3 charged with having swindled some English capitalists by persuad ing them that he could extract gold from mill, stones. " You must bear m mind," said Poppa advocate, addressing the Court m defence of his olient, that the complainants are foreigners, Englishmen, and that the defendant is a Frenchman." This appeal to the sentiment prevalent m French breasts was not thrown away, and the swindler, though his swindling was abundantly proved, was acquitted.

A disgraceful soone was witnessed at Neath, m England, at a football match between that club and a Newport team. A dispute arising as to a " try," the referee (Mr R. Adams) was appealed to, and he gave his deoision m favor of Newport, wheroupon the partisans of Neath attacked him with mud and stones. Mr Adams had to seek the aid of a medical man, being escorted off the field by the con stabulary.

Take Hop Bitters three times a day, and you will have no dootor's bills to pay. That is, if made by Amerioan Go. See

HOLLOWAV'fI PILLB AND OlNTMENT.—RheU matism and Gout. — Those purifying and soothing remedies deserve the earnest atten tion of all persons liable to gout, sciatica, or other painful affections of the musoles, nerves, or joints. The Ointment should be applied after the effected parts have been patiently fomented wi;h warm water, when the oint ment should be diligently rubbed upon the ad jacent skin, unless the friotion oauses pain. Hollo way's Fills should be Bimultaneousty taken to diminish pain, reduce inflammation, and purify the blood. This treatment abates tha violence, and lessons the frequenoy of gout, rheumatism, and all spasmodic diseases which spring from hereditary predisposition, or from any accidental weakness of constitu tion. The Ointment checks the local malady, while the Fills restore vital power.

MOUNT SOMERS GOSSIP

(FROM OUK OWN OOKBESP INDENT )

Harvest operations are over In this distriat. The -6 was but little wheat sown, nearly all tho oerials consisting of oats The yield is supposed to be above the average In grain, but considerably bolow it m straw. . The weather was throughout the harvest propitious.

The Rev D. MoNolll returned on Tucb day, 220 d, from Wellington, after a pro longed absenoe, necessitated, I am so/ry to say, by bad health.

About a fortnight ago a Band of Hope was organised here by Mr J, Farland, formerly of Tinwald. The following office-bearers were elected: — Mr J. Far land, President; Mr S. McOlfmoat, Vioe- Presldent ; Mr James Price, Secretary; Mr Jam? b Oarloton, Treasurer. The membera of tho Managing Committee are: — Messm S. Brough, Jos. Price, Jos. BrowD, 0. Aiimtrong, and J. McCilmont. Seventeen adult and thirty three funior members have already be>n enrolled. The next meeting will tike place on Tuesday. — It has been eaid that this movement was organised by and Is under the patronage of the Order of Good Templars of Sprlngburn. As a matter of faqt there Is nothing m common between that body and this one except tha ques tion of temperance.

Tho preliminary stoya m oonneotion with the Mount Somera Gorge Tramway are now m full progress.

Mr A. H. Peacha and family, of the Mount Somers station, started on Wed nesday last on a trip to the Old Country. I am told that Mr Peaohe wai authorised by the Mount Somers Pabllo Library Committee to make large' purchases of hooka Ia England to their order,

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

CmusTOHUKOH, February 23. Tha weathor ia fine bnt dull. Oolonol M*hon ha«» resigned from the Council and takes cotnm v.-id of iho camp The men In thb camp spoftk M^nly of tho catering.

SPORTING.

ABH BURTON TRADESMEN'S RACING CLUB.

V.R.O. AUTUMN MEETING

[RBUTKR'B TELKGRAM3— OOPYRIOHT.] Melbourne, February 26. The first day's racing of th« Viofcorton Racing Club's Autumn Meeting was held at >lemington to-day. The following are result : — {Sf send on Stakes ; one mile and a half M»jor F. N. George's oh- h Nelson, by King C >le — My I4ea, syra 1 Hog 3. White's b g Voloano, 3yrs ... 2 Mr R. Donovan's b or br o Dunlop, 3yrs _^^^ & Nelson won^a||^^^Vee lengths* Time, 2mln|^^^^H^^ NswMAßKßT^^^Hß^hree-quarters of Mr G. G. Stead's br h Loohiel. by ! Prlnoa Charlie— Quoen Mary, syrs, Bat (W. Clifford) 1 Eon W. A; Long'a b o Abner, 4yrs, 6st 71b ... 2 Mr S. Miller's oh h Lando, oyra, 7at 5.b 3

BETTING ON THIS AUSTRALIAN CUP.

Meldoxjbne, February 27.

At the rooms laßt night no transactions for the Australian Oup took place. For that event Nelson is quoted at 3 to 1, Trident at 5 to 1, and Arsenal at 8 to 1.

DUNEDIN AUTUMN MEETING.

The following events were decided after we went press on Saturday. The Hopeful Stakes, of 130 soys, six f ar furlongs. Mr Mason's b g Teddy Yuille, by An teros—Atlanta, 3 yre, 7at 51b (Haxtable) 1 Mr O'Brien's b o Gipsy King, 2 yrs, Bst ! (Derritt) 2 Mr Stepheneon'a b f La Rose, 3 yrs, 8s t 71b (Sharp) 3 Mireila Bst, Klmberley 7st 31b, Boae and Black 7st, and Wakatipu 6st 101 b also ran. Time, lraln 20aeo. Divldonda— lnside, £7 13s 6d ; outside, £5 18s 61 Thb Marshall Memorial Stakes of 150 soys. Mr Mason's oh m Spade Guinea, Bat lllb (Haxtable) 1 Mr O'Brlen'd bra Hub inn, Bit 131 b (Derritt) 2 Time, 2mln 19sec. Dividends — Inside, £1 11s (id ; outside, £1 12 61 Flying Handicap of 100 soys, one mile. Hon W, Robinson's eh o Silver Prince, 3 yrs, 7at 91b (tnoludiog 71b penally) (Ooohrane) 1 Messrs Hobha* b g Jaok, aged, 7st 101 b (Sharp) 2' Mr H. Goodman's eh f Apropos, 3 yrs, 7s<;s.b , (White) 3 Captain Cook 7at lib, Vinaigrette 6st 121 b, Teddy Tuille 6at 71b, and Mokoia 6st B'b also ran. Time, Imln 47 £ see. Dividends, inside £1 16) ; outside, £2 9*. Consolaiion Handicap of 80 soys. One mile. Mr Mason'B Vinafgretto, 7 at lllb ' (Huxtable 1 Mr But'er's Talebearer, Bst lib (Derritt) 2 Mr Sherwln's Quibble, Bst 91b (White) 3 Patrician 7st 131 b, St. Ives 6at 12 b, Melville 7at 121 b, Derwenter 7at 121 b, Mireila 7at 71b, and Jealousy Gjt 51b, also ran, Time, lmin 48faeo. Dividends, £6 17s 6d and £11 17s. During the day £8578 wsb put through the machines, making £27,820 for the three days.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA.

[reuter's telegrams— copyright.]

Sydney, February 26. The cricket match between the English Eleven and a team representing United Australia was resumed here to-day. The weather was fine, and the wicket In better order than yesterday. The Englishmen oontloned their first Innings, aud succeeded m putting together 151 rues. Barlow added 10 to the previous day's score-, when 1.0 was oaught. Loh mann was similarly disposed of before ho had made more rum. Wood (eubati tute) was lbw for 6 ; Sherwln not out. Following Is the foil score of the innings :—

GREAT FIRE IN WELLINGTON.

Wellington, February 27. The moßt eerioua fio which has occurred m Wellington broke out about 4 am. ta-rlfiy m Huxley's tailoring establishment; Lambton Qiay The ultimate result was the destruction of the great3r part of the best business block m the oity-namoly, that bounded by Lambton Quay on the west, Featheraton street , on the cant, Brandon street on the northj and Panama street on the bou h The whole front of thq lat»er was ocoupiecf by three or four rtory warehouses and marts, bub unfortunately all were built of wood with one exception. This was the largo brick bond and general store belonging to Johnston and O<\ Here the fire was eventually stiyed, bat not until the top story of the bond was thoroughly burned out, and all parishablo contents la tho remainder ruined, On the Larabton Quay frontage everything Was destroyed except Wilaon aid lliohardson'a main building. The fire made its way to Brandon street, bat did little damage on this side, and m Foatherston Btreet, where tha buildings aro of an Inferior oharaoter, all remained intact. The area burnt off Is comparatively small, and bears no oom parison m that reape.ot with the Te Aro House fire, but owing to tho valuable nature of the contents of tho warehouses, particularly Thomson, Shiunon and 00. and Johnston's, both the loss and Insur ances are muoh heavier that m that inatanoe. -■■ . When the fire was notlrod, shortly after 4 am, It had, obtained a good hold of Huxley's three-story shop at the baok, and was already spreading along the refcjr" of Laery, Oambell and Oo.'s, produce 'and commission motohants. which stood at the oorner of Panama street and Lambton Qaay. This was a tall wooden building of four stories, and very soon the flames had complete possession of it. From the very first it was evident the fire was going to be an extremely serious matter, for the water would not reach the top of any of the structures m Panama street. The ohlef water supply from Wainui o« mata had been out off to allow leakages m the race to be inspeoteJ, and all the bri gades had to depend on for the first hour was an inferioripresßure from the Polhill Gully reservoir, whioh did not amount to more than 70 b; After that, by cutting off water from the rest of the town, t h e pres sure was increased to 1201 b. Six branches m all were got to work, besides two more from manual engines stationed on the breastwork, but for more than half an hour two and sometimes three of these had to be employed playing on the opposite Bide of the street. The heat from the burning pile was intense, and was severely felt even aoroaa Lambton Quay, whioh io&ere quite 70ft wide. In Panama street the brigade |iad -all they could do to keep the fire off the other side, and Thomas' auction looms were once actually on fire. The facades wore charred and windows cracked, with consequent damage by water. On three or four buildings, from this source alone, considerable loss will aoorue. Next Laery, Campbell and Oo. 'a was T. X MoDonald's auction matt, another large wooden building of 3 stories, the cellarage being occupied by J. Magln ntty, wine and spirit merchant. Nothing whatever waß taken out. Amongst the con* tents was a large shipment of pianos just received. Ringing over the roof, the fire rapidly spread to the premises of Thomp son, Shannon and 00., wholesale ware housemen and ololhing manufacturers: The main buildings consisted of two lofty stories and basement; In tho yard at ihs baok was a small building and stables, and at the back of th©39 again a low brick building, used a* a clothing factory, fronting on Brandon street. Unluokily, Mr Shannon was not down ear'y, and the premises were not opened tiil the pro* gresa of the fire had greatly curtailed the time allowed for salvage operations. A large quantity wai taken out, bub the lighter and more valuable goods m the top story had to bo abandoned. By this time Kennedy Macdonald'a was well alight, The fire had got under Thompson and Shannon's roof, and the work rf securing the goods was carried on with masses of fire falling down the stalr-caeea from the ceiling. These set light t> the

contents of the basement, and materially

aided the spread of the flames, whioh id a wonderfully short time enveloped the whole edifice. Then it was the danger

was greatest. Fortnnately there was no wind, for had the breeze sprung up at this moment, when bo great a body of flame was raging unrestrainedly through the tall tenements of Panama Btreet, no

efforts of the fi omen could have prevented the opposite Bide from being envelcpsd as well. As it was the men had to be

protected by blankets saturated with water, and under these circumstances they stuck to their dutr, as firemen always do^with tho greatest tenacity and pluck. Next to Thompson and Shannon's was the brick building mentioned above, by whioh for the time being the fire was arrested. Going baok to Lambton Quay the flamea after overmastering Huxley's shop In whioh. they originally started, attacked the premises of frurraud and Sons, chemists. Naturally the con tents did not help to stay the devastation and tbe building was not long left stand ing. At the back was a brick Btore, whioh was also speedily burned out, and sweep ing along the fire attacked m succession tho offices occupied by Buckley, Barton and Stafford, solicitors, and the drapery establishment of Parker and Co. (late Wilson and Bichardson). Assisted by a

quantity of packing cases and similar in flammable material, the flames speedily made . good their ground, and entering Parker and Oo.'s by the showroom, threatened to complete the destruction of the quay frontage. At this point, how ever, tho firemen assisted by the increased water pressure and a elate roof, asserted themselves at last, and after a gallant bttuggle, succeeded m saving Parker and Co. 'a main building. The whole of the contents were removed, and with very little loss, and tho building itself was saved. Its slate roof stood ip m good stead, and beyond gutting the obowroqm at the back, Mttle or no damage was done. This is the only place loft standing on tho quay , frontage. In Brandon street, behind -Kennedy Macdonald's, stood a small two-storey boardinghouse, quite detached, occupied by Mr Clark, but the hoat was too great, and despite the vigorous play of hose, it was mostly burned Before this, the buildings on the opposite side of Brandon street bad begun to smoke, though farthest away of any from tho main oody of the fire Kir caldie and Stain's large drapery establish ment was covered with blankets, and the Firo Brigade station next door was similarly treated. A liberal application of water saved them from damage beyond the blistering of the paint Next to the boardioghouse was tho clothing factory already mentioned as forming tho rear of Thompson and Shannon's. This was emptied of the contents, but beiag well baok from the chief seat of the lire escaped damage.

The position now after the fire had been raging two hours was that the western half of the block, with one exception, had been destroyed, and only Johnston's brick bond stood between the remaining build ing and destruction. This structure, four stories m height, ran well back from Panama street impinging upon Edwards and Wreen, printers, whoee premises face Brandon Btreet. Next to the store was a large wooden building, chiefly occupied by Bell, Gully, and Izard, solicitors, and the Union Insurance Company. This stood at the corner of Panama and Feathera^oti streets, and next to it m Featherstou street were the offices of W. H. Quick, solicitor^ Upited Press Asso ciation, and others For some tune it wag hoped the bond would prove an impene trable barrier, and probably if the parapet

had keen higher no further damage Would havo ensued. As it was tho flames leapt ovor tho 3ft of wall and effected a lod?»aent under tho iron There the brigade could not get at it, and, after smouldering for some time, furiouH flames burst out from all the windows, when it was apparent there was qJfeMand dubious struggle m prospeot. iPPcon- , touts of the remaining buildings m tho bl6ok were rapidly oleared out, even ohtira and tables being let down from the win dows of Ball and Izard's. During the fight over the bond the Nelson's men, of whom 150 were landed from the ship, did good service. They olambered up the lofty wall, and from the top of the ad joining buildings played upon the fire, both with their own hose and that of the brigade. Amid the smoke and heat it mu»t have been stifling work, and for an hour and a half the fight went on. Tons of water was poured on the roof 'and through the window*, bat With no effect v till tho rocf broke m. Free scope was then given to water, and at last it pre vailed. The great fear was that the floor would give way and let the burning mail down on thousands of gallons of spirit* la the next storey, m which case the whole building waa doomed. The joists, how ever, stood firm, and^bya quarter to eight the danger was over, and the progress of ths fire definitely stayed. The upper flat . of the bond was completely burned oat, part of the walls cracked, and all mer chandise of a perishable nature destroyed. Tbe building was orammed with valuable, goods, and the lost must be very heavy. At present their Is no chance of getting the exact Insurances. Tt Is known they are not less than £62,000, to whioh mast be added £2000 or £30,30 more for damage by heat to buildings not burned. This may seem exoessivo, but it Is the estimate of an insurance agent. Some of the agents think the insaraioes will amount to £78,000. The total loss is variously estimated from £120,003 to £160,000. The Phoeaix office have the following risks :- -WiJson and Richardson, £1000; Thompson and Shannon, £1600 ; John* ■ton and 00, £1000 ; Leary, Chrabpe! and Oo;, £500 ; Maginnlty, £300 ; total £4300, of < whioh £1000; is reinsured. Ths North German Company's total risk Ib £4500, £1500 balng reinsured. These are the only offices whose complete risks it haa been possible to ascertain. Indi vidually the following insurances are known :— Maglnnity, £400; National, . £300; Ph «n!x, £300; Union, £250; Eqr ffi* able; total, £1250. He estimates his bss at £1700 beyond this. Johnston and Company's bond, £4000 m the National, £1500 m the London and Lan oashire, £1000 each In ths New Zealand Northern, Guardian, London, Liverpool and Gluba, North British and Mercantile, North Garraan and Phoeiix ; £500 m the Equitable, £1500 m the Union, £2500 m the Manchester, £250 m the Standard, £1500 m the South British. Besides these there is £2500 on the building m the National. Imperial and Standard, making the grots total £20,250. They also had stock m Kennedy Maodonald's building, insured for £SCO m the North German. Kennedy Maodonald's building was leased from Crawford and 00. It was insured for £1000. Huxley had 2590 In the Oolonla 1 . Leiry and Camp, bell are auppoaed to be Insured for £3000, and Barrand for £SOC<S. BaoHey, Staf ford an! Barton, hid £500 on the oon tents of the bailding. Thompson, Shannon and Oo;, were covered to the extent of £6000 on the building, and £28, C0D on the stock, but details oannot i be given. They have some insurances m [ London, which imy or may not be m: -: eluded m the above total,

5.20 pm. The firemen have been playing ail day on the burning rules, which have attracted large numbers of spect»tors. Nothing it known as to tbo origin of the fire, The blackened and blistered shop fronts m Panama street and Lambton qaay attest to the violence of the heat. During the height of the fire the Nelson's marines lined the street with fixed bayonets and kept the orowd back- The pluos with wh'oh they stuck to the top of Johnston's place white the fight was going on with the fire m the bond elided the admira tion of the spectators, who cheer- d them heartily when they took their departure. They brought with them 810 feet of hose and two small manuals from the ship, besides gun cotton, electric battery and cable for blowing up any bnilding if found necessary. When it was found Impossible to get water on to the roof of the bond from the street, the sailors brought ladders into requisition, hauled up thoae with a rope, and out holes through the roof A large quantity of goods were thrown from Thompson and Shannon's windows, but the flames spread bo quickly there was no time to remove them from the pavement where they lay, and they were burned.

Midnight. Following are the losses of the indi vidual Inauranoa Companies :— National, £1700 ; South British, £3600 ; Equitable, £3650 ; Colonial, £3000 ; Union, £3000 ; Imperial, £5500 ; Phoenix, £4300; London and Lancashire, £5200; North Qerman £4500; Guardian, £3000; Standard, £1500; North British and Mercantile, £3500 ; * New Zealand, £2600 ; Snn, £2000 ; Liver pool, London and Globe, £5000 ; Vie^ " toria, £2400. Total, £54,450. These are the amounts of riaks held by the offices, re-inßurances not being considered, The foregoing list will probably not Inolnde^ all the risks, and will be further swelled * by contingent damages on the opposite lids of the street.

LATER PARTICULARS,

Wemington, February 23. The rulna are still smoking and the fireman have to keep the hose playing. The exact time at which the fire was first discovered yesterday was 40mins past 4. Constable Liddle passed the establishment and heard a Bound as of a pane of glaat amaahing. Half suspecting the proxi mity of thieves the constable looked m. the window but oanld not see any sfgn of fire op anything else unusual. He then went up the right of way between and saw the reflection of firo m the baok of the shop. Bursting the front door open he found the place fall of smoke and pave the alarm. Bsfore ha got baok Huxley's was on fire|from top to bottom. At the rear of Auvley'a shop was a semi* detaoted building used byjOrr, of the Oity Buffet, as a toirdlnghonse. Heie ifc appears people slept and there were 4 there on Saturday night named Palmer, Harding and Jackson and another. The> were m the bed upstairs, and the con stable knowing tfyat people were In the habit of sleeping thero kipked figoroujy at the frqnt door aqd blew his whlstfe. He did not hear any response and wept off to give alarm under ' the Impression there was no one on the premises, Hie Palmer, however, heard him, and having awakened his oompanirns, they at onoe started to come downstairs, when they ffore met by smoke t)o dense In them to penetrate. They want baok at once and KMn&g«d to make their esoape by climb* ing over the rear of Barrand's premises into the rear of Clarke's boardlnghouse, whence they went into the street, Huxley states he left his shop at a quarter to ten on Saturday night, at whioh time ho says everything was safe, Ughti out and doors locked and barred. Juit at the rear of the shop was a small yard m which there was lying about a quantity of material. This had been used 'for stuffing mattrasses and was Inflammable of course. The oonstable Is clear, how ever, that the fire when he first saw It was confined to the baok part of the shop. Kennedy McDonald had tiro safes, one a specially strong jewellery burglar-proof. In both, however* the contents wereprao tioilly destroyed, ■ been' re'duoed to tinder Maglnnitv'o safe when, opened had prg

THE ASHBWKTOfI GUARDIAN, MONDAY, FBBRUAKY 28, 1887



The following are the acceptances for the above meeting on Thursday next : — COURT? HfefcDLE BACK. 8t lb ! Effigy 11 2 Nero 9 10 Wranglor 0 10 Handicap Time Trot. Bismarck, Bcratch Poll 40aoo Lady Gray ... saec Alma ... 4?soc Cnrly Kate ... lOsoo Flo 50sec Inker man ... 25sec Barney, ... 55500 Dublin Jack... 30sec Marengo ... Sssee Heather Jock 30soc Molly o'Rorkessseo Tata 40sec Ashburton Plats Handicap. Bt lb at lb Gem... ...06 Leeston ...8 0 Tasmania ... 8 13 Nelly ... 8 0 Jackal ... 8 2 Goldfinch ... 7 0 Erin-go-bragh 8, 0| Flying Handicap. at lb at lb The Gem ...9 8 Little Wonder 7 2 Tasmania ... 9 2 Nipper . ... .6 12 Jackal ... 8 10 Nero ... 6 9 Maid of Eriu 8 2 Goldfinch ... 6 7 Gold Dust ... 8 2 Lily ... ... 6 2 Erin-go bragh 8 0 Madam ... 6 0 Oliver Orom'll 8 0 Novel Bags. Bt lb Minnie 9 1 Lily 8 & Jewess 7 7



Bates, o ... ... ... 8 Shrewsbury, b 0 Reid, b 11 Garni, b ... ... ... 9 Lohmann, b ... ... ... 2 Sootton, b ... 0 Briggs, b ... 17 Barlow, o ... 34 Flowers, o 37 Wood, Ibw 6 Sberwiu, not oat ... ... 4 Exftaß , 14 Total ... 151 The Australians m their first Innings made bat a poor stand against the Eng- lish bowling, Moses and Lyrnv being the only ones to reaoh double figure* • The Innings closed for 84 Soor< ■ '.— Giffen, b „ 2 Lyons, b ... ... ... 11 MoDonnell, o 1 Midwinter, b ... ... 1 Oottam, b 1 Turner, o and b ... ... 9 Moses, b ... 20 Garrott, b 1 Barton, not out . ... 0 When slumps were drawn for the day the Englishmen bad lost five wickets for 73 runs, the individual score* being :— » Shrewsbury, b Q Bates, b 30 Reid, stumped 2 Gann... ... 10 Lohmann, b. 6 Barlow, not out ... , 10 :



RAILWAY TIME TABLE ! Tbmnb Abbivb at AsnßunTOß~-From Christ- ( huroh and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.85 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 o.m. (express). From Mount Somoru, 10.6 %,ta . ' Teaxnb Leavb Ashbtjbton— For Qhrist- huroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., «n 6.87 p.m. (express). For Dnnedin and *outh, 10.25 a.m. (expreßß). For Timaru, \5 p.m. For Mount Somers, 6.6 p.m.



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTBACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m ooughs, coldß, influenza, &c, — the relief is instantaneous Thousands give the most gratifying testi- mony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syndicates all ovor the globe are its patrons. Head the offioial reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of the genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul- General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam— all these are authentic doouments, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various oases treated by Siegen, j M.D., Professor, eto. : Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer aide of the band of the thirty-year-old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose, and half of the phalanx of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. T-ha wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under daily applications of Eucalypti Extraot dressing. The patient bag retained the full aese of ber band.— [Advt.j



GRAND PUBLIC BALL Race Hight. Race Might. A:BALL will b<3 he'd In t^e ODD- FrfLLOWS' BALL on RACE NIGHT, March 3rd. Danch.g to oom- mence nt B'olock. Music will ba provided by Mr RrooW Bsnd. RefreftJiniontH oart b-3 obla'ned m iho Hall. Admission 1 — D;»ublo tickete, 3» 6d ; tingle tioko^n, j Gentlemen, 3i ; L^diea, In. 2t152



Special advertisement:*. WILDING AND LEWIS, OARRIBTERS AND QOIIOITOES. o fa F. WILDING, Notary Public. Offices: Next "Mail" Office, BurnetNt., Aahburton. Mr Wilding will attend the sittings of the ABhburton Courts on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally n these days. The firm Is now represented m Ash- burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of considerable experience, who will be In dally attendance at the office to receive Instructions .»nd confer with dents. »100 8 WHITB, CAYGILL, & CO., BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITE, Notary Public, NOTICE is hereby given that the undersigned, Messrs Whitb and o. (White, Smlthson, and Raymond), of Timaru, and John A. Oaygill, of Ash- burton, have this day entered into Partnership ai Barristers and Solicitors, at Ashburton, under the style of "White, Oaygill and Co." Mr J. W. White, will attend the sittings of the Courts at Ash- urton. WHITE & CO., JOHN A, OAYGILL. Money to lend In any sums on approved freehold security. Offices : Bollock's Arcade 10*803 J AM A /^ASH pURO BASER OF WHEAT OATS BARLEY AND RYE GRASS GEOEGE JAMESON, ASHBUKTON. 2°lol npHE undersigned have Just Beceived X FRESH SUPPLIES OF NEWCASTLE COAL WESTPORT COAL x V.D.L. TIMBER V.D.L. PALINGS BOILED AND RAW OIL CASTOR OIL WHITE AND RED LEAD AMERICAN LOOKS HOUSE VARNISH SCRIM WIRE NETTING WIRE NAILS FENCING WIRE (Barb) FENCING WIBE (Plain) INSPECTION INVITED. McCallum and Co., TIMBER, IRON, AND COAL MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTE NEW BOOKS AND NEW SUPPLIES OF BOOKS. H. J. WOOD & CO., STATIONER' 3 HALL, 240, HIGH ST., CHRIBTOHUROH, And Fbiedlanders 1 Buildings, ASHBURTON. *CTTjB receive from London publishing W firms regular shipments of from 15 to 20 cases monthly by the direct eteamoru. The reading public are respectfully invited to inspect our large and varied Stock of Books m every branch of Literature. As w» buy for cash and buy largely, we are allowed extra discounts, and are ia a position to give exceptional advan- tages to our customers, and a liberal discount on parcels and to Library Committees. H. J. WOOD & CO., Wholesale and Retail Booksellers and Stationers, CHRISTOHURCH & ASHBURTON. ACCOUNT* BOOKS In every variety of sizo and style of ruling, from the largest Imperial Ledger extra, super handmade, full calf, double Russia bands, down to a penny Pass Book. A very Large Stock alwnys kept, and any style and size made to oider, Writing, Printing, and Wrapping Papers m nny quantity. Commercial and General Stationery and every description of Stationers' Sundries. Commercial Note and Letter Papers, by the case or packet — an assortment of over 3000 rrams m stock. i Commercial Envelopes — over 3,000,000 m stock m Chris 1 church. Cream Laid Rued Foolscap — over 350 reams m stock Brown Wrapping, Double Imperial, vatious weights, by tho bale or roam — best value ia New Zealand. School Exorcise Books — over 100 gross assorted m stock. School Slates, Copy Books, and School Requisites. Parchments ruled and headed '• This Baed." fcUBSORIBEBS WANTED For Illustrated London News, Sporting and Dramatic News, Scientific American, Young Ladies' Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, The Graphic, Engineer, Punch, Home N*ws, European Mail, Bow Hellß. — We deliver m town immediately on -arrival, and we post to subscribers m all parts of the country without dolay. h.j.wo~6d&oo. Etationers' Hall, 240, High atreef, OHIUBTOHUROH, And at Friedlanders' Buildings, ASHBUBTON.



■ Wanted. __ T>LUMS, PLUMS, PLUMS— PIums m J7 any quantity, for preserving, at A. W. Rawdbll's, Town Ball , : TTTANTED — A Gentleman of good >W address, well acquainted witb ABhburton and curroundtog districts, »f Oanvaßßer for the New York Life In- surance Company. Apply to Mr D-avis. Scmeraet Hotel. 2 *38 WANTED Known— For oheap drapery go to H. O. Shoers 1 Genuine Clear Ing Sale. Feeßh bargains just opened. Melf ord House, East atreet. _ WANTED known— l have just opened op a useful assortment of home- hold Crockery, Ironmongery and Bru»h- ware.— Jamks MoGbbgor, Grocer, Etc, Tanored Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED KNOWN.— That R. Lan- oastkb intends driving a Cash Business to do away with the Credit System. He intends selling Legs MuttOD Is each ; Steaks 5d ; Sausages 3lbs for Is. Beef and all other joints m propor- tion. Pork 4d ; Chopß 3d. Fo rally up and itick to Freetrade this time.— ». Lancaster, Beady Money Meat Mart. 2147 TIIURNITURE— To meet the timeß, W. JJ DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Aahburton, is now selling Furniture of al kinds cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers, £1 5s ; Spring Couches, £1 5a Every other article equally chenp. All new furniture at second-hand price. 804 Special Advertisement?. RYE FOR AUTUMN SOWING. TYHE Boat and Earliest Spring Feed J for EWES and LAMBS. For Salo by GEORGE JAMESON, t Ashburton. Drain Pipes. A LL SIZES— From 8 to 15 Inches— With BENDS, ELBOWS AND JUNCTIONS FOR SALE BY GEORGE JAMESON, ASB BURTON. W. F. HAOTAFORD, (Burnett Btreet, opposite " Mail" Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, WISHES to inform the public of Ashburton ani the surrounding districts that he keeps m stock or can MANUFACTURE TO ORDER all de- scriptions of TINWARE for FARM or DAIRY purposes ; also, all REPAIRS of any nature promptly executed m a skilfu manner. All goods sold at lowest remunerative prices. A Trial solicited. HORSE-HAlUand BEESWAX bough m any quantity for* CASH. 1 NSW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR* THE NEW GOODS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON ABB NOW OPENED OUT. The Stook is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns m Mon's, YoutliB 1 , and Boys' Clothing 'eaves nothing to bo desired. fhounands of Men's and Boys Suits, neweßt styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweed?. Every garment warranted shrunk Jvorcoats, Waterproof Coatß and Leggings m great variety Hats, compris'ng every new style worn Children's Jersey Suits, Children's Men- of-War Suits Geatbmen'B Hoßiery, Scarves ; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Buga, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bogs fhe celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N?< CLOTHING FACTOR ST, East Stbxet GREAT ANNUAL SALE or SUKPLUS STOOK OF DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS. Commencing Saturday, Jan. 22. GREATEST BABGAINS . Ever offered m Ashburton, *OR PRICES! BEE HANDBILLS. ANDREW ORR!



Victoria House, IN Consequence of Requis'to Alts* atiunß to Premises, which will afford greater facilities for conducts g oar rapidly increasing business, it has been found necessary to Greatly Reduce our Mock within ho next few weeks. Large nnd liberal Heduotions are now made m every Department. Holders of Glassware Gift Coupons are requested to present the same as early as convenient to'enable the Gift Distribution to be satisfactorily closed . DIMANIT& COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &a, East nnd Tnncred streets, ABhburton.



NOTICE TO THE LADIES OF ASHBURTON. MBS PAULING has REMOVED to WALTON COTTAGE, Grebn Lank, Hamjpstead. 145 MEB MANHIRB, FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, Sauwders' Buildings, East street. FANOY STATIONERY, Toys, and Christmas Presents m variety. Christmas Cards, &c, &c. Ladies' and Children's Pinafores and Aprons, <&c, &o, 9624 CAUTION TO POACHEBS. |"N consequence of so much Poaching of •*- Troat from the Lagmhor Creeks. I hereby give notice that anyone found r.c doing -will be prosecuted ; and further. Scat a reward of £20 will bo paid to any person who will give such information V .shall lead to the conviction of such A. enders. DONALD MoLEAN, H°36 Lagmhor; mOWLE'S PENNYROYAL AND J. 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 Drng Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. TRY KIKKPATEICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. T7^IRKPATRICK ; s"nEW SEASON'S- _IV JAM is made from NELSON GiioWN FRUIT, and boiled within a few hours after the fruit has been gathered. It thus retains moat of tho natural flavor of the fresh fruit. KIRKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM is the moat delicious preserve m the market. Do not be persuaded to buy cheap and inferior brands of Jam, the remains of old Btock; which must bo cold at any nrico I but ASK ibt KIKKPATRICK'S NEV? SEASON JAM, and sco that you get it, I THE BEST IS ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatrick^ Jam is tho best, CAUTION. None is genuine unless our name is stamped on each tin, and has our registered Trade Mark "Lord Nelson 1 on the label. St Kirkpatrick & Co. MAFUFACTUBEES, * NELSON, N.Z, X 2