METHVEN SCHOOL.

ANNUAL TBBAT AND DISTRIBU TION OP PRIZES. The Committee of the above School gave the scholars their annual treat last Friday m the grounds adjoining Mount Harding, kindly granted to them by the proprietor Mr D. G. Holmes,. There was a fair attendance of parents and visitors, the children mustering m full force. After tea, cake, and other tempt ing viands had been discussed by young and old, a programme of sports, races for the children for toys, &c , provided by the Committee, waa pone through and carried out with great glee. After another eupply of tea, and a plentiful feast of good things had been handed round, and duly disposed of, three cheers were given for Mr Holmes for the use of the ground, three for Mrs Tierney for the supply of refreshments, and a like compliment wqb paid to Mr V. Rouse for catering. Then an adjournment was made to the school room where the prizes, which consisted of a nice collection of books, &c, were presented to the lucky recipients by Mr K. Patton, Chairman of the Committee, The following is the PRIZES LIST. GENERAL PROFICIENCY.

STANDARD T.— Bella Scott, Ist; Mary Ffttton, 2nd ; Henry Guarder, 3rd ; John Wiir, 4th. Standard II. — Lizzie Campbell, Ist ; George Ullyatt, 2nd ; Annie Andersoo, 3rd.

Standard llL— Madeline Shanks, Ist ; Catherine McMullen, 2nd ; Vincent Bouse, Brd ; John Manning, 4th. Standard IV. — Patrick Quinn, Ist ; Alfred Hook, 2nd.

Stahdard V. — Alexander Anderson, Ist ; Charles Shann, 2nd. BTAKDAED Vl.— Amy Hook, and eewing, let.

METHVEN.

ANNUAL CONCERT AND BALL IN AID OP THE SCHOOL PRI4E FOND. The above popular annual entertain ment was held m the Schoolroom last week. The attendance w»a fully up to the average of previous years. Several musiclal friends from Aihbrrton premised to attend and assist but at the eleventh hour found that they were compelled to attend their own avocations that evening, and lent apologies. All the Methven people can do fi to Insist on their fulfill ing their promise next entertainment. The first part of the programme was let apart entirely for ilia children attend ing the school and comprised solos, dialogues, soags, tie., all if which were rendered (n a very pleasing manner. Where all did so well it would be invi dious to make coco pail ons, but the $ouogest infants, under the leadership of [iss Andrews (mistress), certainly deserve more that a passing meed of praise for the very creditable style m which thsy •ang the •• Clock," " Tick, Tick," etc. The second part commenoed with a pianoforte solo by Mies A. Shann, which was very nicely rendered, followed bp songs, recitations, and readings, mostly comioa 1 , by the older rx embers of the township. Without giving the merits <f eaoh performer, suffice to say that the items kept the audieiice m roars of laughter. Mrs Fi z^erald payed the accompaniments m her ueual artistic style. The room wbb then cleared for the Ball, whioh was well patronised, and dancing was kept up with great vigor until long After the "wee short hours ayout tl c twal." Mrs Fitzgerald presided at the harmonium and Mrs O'Rouse, supplied light refresh ments daring the night. The Committee are satisfied with tie peouoary results, which will add a substantial sum to the fond.

IMPORTANT EUROPEAN NEWS

(Received March 22, 1 p.m.) Albant, March 22 The following is a summary of news by the Ballarat : London, February 18 The centre of political gravity con tinues to sway between Eastern and Western Europe, being one day Bul garia, next on the Rhine. Ihe absence of continued panics is merely because spe culation and commerce are alike paralysed, m fact there is a growing nightmare which is almost as bad as war. Business is at a standstill, and the brighter prospects which were apparent at the close of the year are clouded oeer by the growing zmpreesjpn that peace cannot long be preserved It is not surprising, therefore, that Austria, like other nations, is rapidly pushing forward warlike preparations bo eg to be m readiness, if necessary, to defend her vital interests. At the pajpe time, ihe tone adopted by M. Katkoff, editor '. of the Moscow " Gazette," warns Germany that there exists a national traditional quarrel between the Russian and German people, as distinct from Courts or Govern ments, which Is aggravated by commercial jealousies. The gravity of the general situation may be guaged by the war pre paration a of all States. A sei ions conspiracy has recently been discovered m St Petersburg, Implicating members of the uppar claese-, as well as State officials, it being stated that several cflicers of the Guards have been arrested

Fears are entertained of a rising m Afghanistan m the spring, Id consequence of which the Ameer is sending additional troops to Candabar and elsewhere

Russia Is reported to be sowing diseen ■lon between the Ameer and the Shah of Perils,

Sir DHIon Bell, Agent-General for New Zealand, is understood to be anxious that the New Hebrides question should b» properly brought before the Imperial Conference. The differences which hare hitherto exuted between Victoria ani New South Wales on this subject, and which have been so detrimental to the settlement of the question bp Franoe and England should, m his opinion, be recon ciled, when the matter can be considered fully by all the colonial delegates. These d)fferences constitute the greatest obs tacle to a final settlement because unless Jhe colonies, whloh are the parties ehlrfly interested, are agreed upon come plan for effecting a settle ment It will certainly be impossible fdr the Imperial Government to arrive at an understanding with France. The colonial delegates should, therefore, lose do opportunity afforded by the Confer ence to adopt concerted aotion among all the colonies- Sir Dillon Bell entertains a confident hope that If this be the result of their the way may be paved toward a>h amicable settlement of a quee tlpn, which has prevented tbat oordial bond between the Mother Country and the colonies whioh is so much desired by «U> The present moment is understood to present a specially favorable prospect of arrangement because a recent oommunica tion between Sir D. Bell and an eminent French politician shows that a more friendly feeling exists towards the Aus tralian Colonies than the latter seem to suppose, and a strong desire to return to wore cordial relations with them.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Pound. Cambridge, Maroh 22 The body of James Simpson, Iron monger,, who has-been missing aicea San week, was found m the Walkato tivec by a Bearch party. A Mistake. Auckland, March 22. Alfred Drain was arreated m Welling ton and brought here on a charge of stealing a dray. He appeared at the Polioe Coutt this morning, wben the charge was withdrawn, the prosecutor stating that ho had found that the {>risoner was not so guilty as he had maglned. ! A Crush. ! jSapier, March 22 On account of the opening of the railway to Woodville excursion fares were oharged. The crash at the station vas extraordinary, The train was to leave at 740 and by six o'clock the exaur slonisia presented themselves ; iy sever, the orowd was 10 deep, jammed hard and fast. Hundreds could not attempt to get tickets. The train got away at last, three engines propelling it. Sanitary Condition of We lington. Wellington, March 22. The members of the medical profession are at variance as to the prevalence cf typhoid fever m the city. Four express the opinion that fever is previlent m the town, while there are eight who say that it Is not so prevalent as it is generally made out to jbe. The existing sanitary arrangements are condemned by all as being as bad as they possibly could be. The Governor The Governor is expected to return here at the end of next week. The Weather. The weather has set m wet.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, March 21. A gum digger, named Olson, has been burned fearfully m his whare at Walpu He Ib to be forwarded to the Auokland Hospital. Gißborne, March 21. After a two days' it queßt into the origin of the reoent fires, a verdiot was given that the atables of the Albion Olob Hotel were feloniously, wilfully and maliciously set on fire by some persons or person unknown. Westport, March 21. A new issue of shares m the Mokihinui Coal Company has been 11 >ated m Dunedfn, and tenders will be called im mediately for the extension of the C ra pany's line to the outcrop of the coal. It Is expected that the Government lines will be extended to connect Westport Harbor with Mokihinui. Wellington, March 21 Enquiries are frequently made why the 10-40 five per cent New Zealand loan, of which the Press constantly publish' s quotations, is bo little over par. The explanation is simply that the ten years expired m 188G, after which it is optional for the Government to pay oft' the loan at par on six months' notice. The price therefore varies with the amount of interest accruing between each half year, together with some small amount repro-, eentiog the value of the fire [er cent, witb four per cent interest until the date when the loan is repayable at par. Cable quota tions for this loar, as transactions are Bmall, vary only as described above.

The Zealandia, xvi h the English mails of 24th February, left 'Frisco for Auck land on the 13th, one day late. The Alameda, with the colonial uini's of the 28th ult. arrived at 'Frisco from Auckland on the 19th met., one day m advance of her due data.

In the Lyttelton case the Judge thought it inexpedient to nonsuit the plaintiffs, and the defence is going on. Jn opening, counael said he intended to prodrfa evidence that; (ho ship was m a sinking condition when she left the wharf.

The charges agaiDßt oyster saloon keepers for having rock oyßlers m their possession during the close season were dismissed, it having beeu proved that the oysters were taken from the mutJ. Mr O. Y. O'Connor, Undersecretary for Publio Workß, and Mr Austin, Bail way Engineer of Canterbury, have been re-appointed a oommi6oion ti iepirt on the proposed extension of Timaru harbor works, cm aiding mainly m the ereotion of the north wall of the harbor, Mr G'Ooi nor It ft for the South to-d»y on this mission.

There is extraordinary conflict of testi mony aB to the Ministerial intentions re specting a Bill to render trade debts under £20 irrecoverable. The " Evening Post " stated on Saturday that it was m course of preparation and would be in troduced. The "New Zealand Times" to-day asserted on authority that this was . incorrect and that no Buoh measure was being prepared by the Government. Inveruargill, March 21. The crew of an ovater cutter report passing the nude brdy of a man m Fo veaux Straits Isb* Friday, but as it was blowing a gale, with a heavy sea, they could not pick it up. A Portuguese rabbitter, named Silva, came into town for medical treatment, at the hospital, and it wbb found that he was leprons. 'I ht> hospital authorities de clined to keep him, and the matter waß referred to the Charitable Aid Board. It appears, however, that the Borough Council, as the local Board of Health, muet deal with the man, and he will be kept m the hospital till after their next meeting. This makes the second case of this disease io this district.

SIR W. F. D. JERVOIS ON DEFENCES.

Dunedin, Maroh 31. The Governor opened the new Garrison Hall at Port Chalmers this af tern oi n, In his remarks he said they mmt remember that the defence of New Zealand was a naval defenoe, and it depended on lines of communication at sea. Bat m connection with that defence, aid supporting and forming portion of It, was the protection of the ports of Port Chalmers, Lyttelton, Wellington, and Auokland. If these were not protected the result would be that a naval squadron would have to operate for their protection instead of looking out for the enemy at sea on lines of communica tion where we should be met. The de fences of these ports was therefore part and parcel of the naval defence of the colony, and the volunteers at these ports existed to protect them, as they were the nuoleus of naval defence, and at the same time a great eoaroe of wealth to the colony.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

In the •♦ Grey Elver Arqns " of the 161 h lust the contractors for the Mid* land Railway invite tenders for the Bupply and delivery of 10,000 sleeper a for the line between Stillwater and Nelson oreek* The "Inangahua Times' of the 14th inst says : —The Midland Railway Com pany are pushing on their workß with all the expedition possible. Working seotiona of the line have been completed up to Nelson Creek, and Mr Avlgdor 1b now In Chriatohurch arranging with Messrs Scott and Wilson, the representatives of the company, for the construction of the Jioe up to that point. The survey of the Reef ton line ha? just been completed up to within a abort distance of the In a&gahua Saddle.

A BOGUS "ESCAPED NUN."

A paragraph has been going the rounds of the papers with reference to the rescue by two gentlemen cf a yonng woman who, il was asserted was detained m a Sydney Convent against her will. It turns out that the faots were very much confused. Che «• Sydney Bulletin "says:— "The :ast ' Escaped Nun ' racket proveß to bo an awful shim. The lady who bolted, aa was supposed, from the Good Sttmritan Convent. In Pitt-Street, Sydney, last week, and appealed to the publio outside for protection, was not a fair young re cluse making a burst for liberty with her golden hair hanging down about her ears, and streaming over her shirt collar ; nor had she been confined for 12 months m a 1 oell ; on the oontrary, sho was a fallou woman of a drunken description — » g-'m old half-centuty female from the Magda lene Refuge adjoining the Convent, and not even the mau who wrote ' The Toilers of the Sea ' could make a romance ont of her. She enterß the Bef age and partakes of the hospitality of the kindly nuns periodically, and periodically she bolts for another spree. "

AN UNLUCKY ELOPEMENT.

Sews from Melbonrne under date 16lh Instant says that m the fashionable Bubnrb of St. Kilda quite a toman tic elopement 0889 baa occurred. The parties to it are very young and foolish, and the talons of the law, which have fitetened on the youthful pair, will help to cure them of their romantio tendencies. Ernest Reid was a youth of eighteen, who fell m love with Anne Maude Hogan,- aged sixteen, daughter of a bookseller. The bookseller was a hard-hearted parent, however, and gave his daughter a beating because «h« parslsted m spaaklng to her lover. The result was that the couple arranged an elopement. The girl got out of a window at i..ree o'olock one moraiDg. Bineath tin window was the lover In a cab. Th-y hied to the city, got something to eat at a restaurant, and by the early train set off to Sandhurst. There Master Reid took his sweetheart to an empty house, to whioh he brought food and blankets fromj a neighboring oe-ffee palace; but on a oharge of vagrancy Miss Hogan was arrested and brought baok to her father, and Master Reid stands committed for trial f->r abduction.

A REVOLUTIONARY PROPOSAL

Among the pro jets de loi which it is announced that Ministers intend to submit at the approaching session of the General Assembly, there is one of a most radical and revolutionary character m the sense that it proposes to turn business arrangements upside down by tearing the credit system up by the roots. We refer of course to the measure which we are informed by our telegrams is to be introduced by the Colonial Secretary (Hon Mr Buckley), and which will provide " that tradesmen's accounts for goods sold and delivered to a less value than cannot be recovered m a Resident Magistrate's Court " We should have thought that the Government had their hands full enough m connection with the pressing affairs, financial and other, of the colony to have induced them to abstain frcm what we may term fancy legislation, and are of opinion that the large subjects of repre sentation, taxation, and land settle ment, which must necessarily be dis cussed, will take up so great a share of the attention of Parliament, that mem bers will have no time to spare to discuss such proposals as those of the Bill m question, and that the latter will be accorded a very short shrift. We are told that the reason the Bill is to be brought forward is because "the Government consider that Magistrates' Courts throughout the colony are being used simply as machinery for collecting debts." They have had a return pre pared, it seems, from which they find that " the number of summonses issued m the colony by Magistrates' Courts last year for sums under -£20 was 20,380 j for sums ranging from £zo to 2325 ; and for sums ranging from upwards, 674 ;" and they calculate that "should the Bill become law a great saving will be made m working these Courts." We certainly fail to see how the facts disclosed justify the con clusion arrived at ; indeed, they appear to us to prove the exact contrary. For the fees of Court m connection with the 20,000 odd small debt cases must have represented a very large proportion of last year's revenue, and must have gone a long way towards paying the whole cost of the machinery of the Resident Magistrates' Courts, Jnstead, there fore, of a saving there would, we fancy, be a very considerable loss if the jurisdiction were limited to causes m which a larger sum than was at stake. As to the objection that the Court is used simply as a machinery for collecting debts, surely one of the main reasons for its existence is to give people the opportunity of recovering moneys due to them, actions for torts, that is to say, " wrongs," being very few m comparison. Again, if the " big" man is still to be allowed to sue for the or more due to him, why should not the "little " man be able to sue for the 50s, which m his case wy be ot more moment to him thani* the larger sum to his wealthier neighbor ? If it be said m reply that the credit system is too universal, and that half the ills of business men arise from this cause, we entirely concur, but we say further that, admitting all that, it would never do to put a stop to it m the summary way proposed by Act of Parliament, It would simply mean ruin to thousands of small tradesmen, and would be, besides, productive of widespread inconvenience, and even hardship. The evils of the credit system must be left to work out their own cure, and the pro cess can be hastened by educa ting the people as to the benefit ol buying for cash. It is easily shown that credit has to be paid for, and that he only buys to the best advantage who buys for ready money. But, even if people be ever so fully convinced of this, circumstances will often render it impossible for them to act on ready money principles, for the simple reason that even where the money is ultimately absolutely certain it is not always presently available. Hence, credit will always be wanted, and unless Mr Buckley gets his way it will always be given. We. do not think that there is the smallest chance of its being interfered with by any such drastic measure as that proposed, and cannot even imagine that the Colonial Secretary himself for a moment dreams that it will be. Why then should the time of Parliament be taken up m dis cussing so Quixotic and Utopian a proposal, and what are the other mem bers of the Cabinet about m allowing their colleague to bring forward so impracticable and ill-judged a measure.

PADDY IN "THE FOORCE"

The following gom, m its way, is re lated of a Melbourne officer of police, who fs said to be a moat amusing character When he holds the " fluire of the Coort" 1 c n- ver fails to prove his superiority, aa the following instance will show *'Ay yer plaiza, yer Worchipß, as I was going along my hate last night, about two o'clock this marnin' I saw the prisoner here lying on the broad ay his back m the gut ther dead drunk and epachcleaa, and m a foithen attidude, and sthatiug the word " dhrunk " ia a loud tone of voice, ' Get up out of that,' sayß I. He did not nnewer, but merely shated the word 'dhrunk.' ' G.t up out of that.' says I again, 'or I will knock you r"own ' Then with great difficulty I surrounded him, and bore him off to th« watch-hduie. " The prisoner got seven days.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1887



IHAKBOR BOAED STORAGE AT ' " LYTTELTON. ■•"SOIE BOARD HAS NOW STORAGE ] SPACE for 12 000 SACKS 0F GRAIN - By order. 0. HOOD WILLIAMS, Secretary and TreffßUrer, Lyttslton Harbor Board. Lytteiton Harbor Board Office, 19th March, 1887. 3 139 BROOKE'S PERFECT SHEEP DIP. pUBLIO TBIAL will take plabe at <In OHERTSEY SALEYARDS COM- PANY'S DIP, on FBIDAY, 25m MARCH Instant. Sheep owners having any Bheep in- fected with Ticks or Lice can havß them dipped free of any charge by mating application to Mr Patterson, Seoretary to the Saleyards Company, Chertsey. Sheep owner 3 are specially invited to attend and judge for themselves. The Trial is under the auspices of a Committee of the Cherteey Saley&rds Company's Directors, A. MAKEIG, 3t160 Agent for Brooke'B Perfect Dip. fI^HE undersigned have Just Received X FRESH SUPPLIES OF NEWCASTLE COAL WESTPORT COAL V.D.L. TIMBER V.D.L. PALINGS B It ED AND RAW ~±L CASTOR OIL , WHITE AND RED LEAD AMERICAN LOOKS HOUSE VARNISH SCRIM WIRE NETTING WIRE NAILS FENCING WIRE (Barb) FENCING WIRE (Plain INSPECTION" INVITED. McCallum and Co., TIMBER, IRON, AND COAL MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS, ASHBUBTOtf RACING CLUB AUTUMN MEETING & "TIRIDAY APRIL 2 1st & 22nd, 1887 i President— E G. Wright. Vice-President— John Gritfg. 3 Judge— Matthew Stitt. Stewards : H. Friefllander W; 0. Walker W. B. Denshire R. McOwea J. 0. N. Grige | Dr Leahy ° R. Friedlander Treasurer — Divid Thomas . Clerk of the Scales— T. B. Upton. Clerk of the Course— A. Hewßon. Handicnppers — The Committee. Starter— Dr Leahy. Fiust Race on Faoh Day to Start at 12,30 P.M. FIRBT~DAY 1. DISTRICT HURDLE RACE of 20 flow over cix flights of hurdles, abont Bft Gin high. Nomination, 16s j acceptance, 10a; li mile. District horses only. 2. ASHBURTON AUTUMN HANDICAP of 60 eovs. Nomination, 1 Boy j acceptance I^eov. IJmile. 3. FOAL STAKES of 1 boy each, with 15 boys added. For two«year-olds bred, owned, and trained by residents m the district defined by Rule 3. Colta Bst 101 b fillies and geldings 83t 81b. Nomination, 10s. The sweep to be paid by 9 p.m. on April 18th. Five furlongs. 4. FANDIOAPTIMETROT(in saddle) of 20 soys.. Nomination, 10 3j aoceptance, 103. Weight not less than lOst. Break and torn. 3 m les. 5. FLYING HANDICAP of 25 soys. Nomi- nation, 1 soy ; acceptance, 10s. 3-mile. 6. POST STAKES of 10 boys. Entrance, 10s, to be made to the Secretary imme- diately after the Fiying Handicap is tun. Catch weights. £-mile. The winner to be sold immediately after the race for 16 boys, any surplus to go to the fund* of the Club. SECOND DAY. 1. DISTRICT WELTER HANDICAP oi 20 bovc Nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. Minimum weight, lOat, 1J mile. District horses only. 2. GRAND STAND HANDICAP of 40 soys ; Nomination, 1 eov; acceptance, 1 boy Seven fu-longs. 3 HANDICAP TIME TROT (m saddle of 15 soys. Nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 6s. Weight, not less than lOst- Break and turn. Twice round tho course. Distric horses only. 4. HARVEST HANDICAP of 20 soya. Nominat on, 16s ; acceptance, 10s: Dis- trict horses only. 1 mile. 6. SOVEL B ACE of 16 eovb. Entrance, 10s, to be made to the Secretary immediately after the Harvest Handicap is inn. Catch weights. Five furlongs. The winner to be sold immediately after the race, the whole of the proceeds to go to the funds o ( the Club. 6. CONSOLATION HANDICAP of 20 sovb. Nomination, 1 soy, to be made immediately after the Notol Race is ran } acceptance free, to be notified to tho Secretary within ten minutes of the declaration of weights* 1 mile. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. The Meeting will be held under the Rules of Racing and Aeoburton Racing Club Rnles. 2 No entry will be received except on the condition that all disputes, claims, odd ob- jections arising out of the racing shall be decided by the Stewards or whom tiny may appoirt ; their decision on nil points connec td with tho carrying out of th's programme to be final. 8. A distiict horee ph*ll mean any horse tbathaß br«n commonly rodent m the dis« i trict botwecn th° rivers Selwyn and Opihl from January 21, 1887, and up to tbe date of the forthoouiaiA meeting, and owned by a i eraon wb<- has resided m the said district, during the B^iuo period. 1 -I Wv* per cent, will be deduct d from tho gio-s of all moneys payable m accordance wi'h this progr mmc for the expenses of the coarse. 6. all nominations and acceptances to ga to the funds of the Club. G. Trotting Knees. Horpeß must trot fairly to the satisfaction of tho Reforec. NOMINATIONS. All nominations to be accompanied by fe*> r name, :i Re, and description o horse, and colors of rider m the haads of the Secretary (address — Asbburtorj) no later than 9 p.m- on Monday, March 21, 1887. WEIGHrS. Weights for th» first day's handicaps will be declared on Wednesday, April 18, 1887, Weights for tin second day's handicaps will be dec aied at 9 o'cl ck on the evening of the first day's racing. ACCEPTANCES. ; Acceptarcea for iho fi-e day's handicap! 1 mut be made to the Secretary not later thac 9 p.m. on Moaiay. April 18, 1887. Aouept a->ce3 for the ocond day's hnridicapa at 10 i o'ekek oa the everji, g of the firat dax a • racing. 0. 0. FoQss, Beor«t»«y,



i Public Notices TENDERS! WANTED TENDTWS for AddiMoDs to Shed by SATUBD vY, March 81" h Avyiy U-. JOSEPH OLU<K, & 148 Tinwa'd. MACANDREW MEMORIAL FUND. AeUBSCRTPTION List lies at the " Mail " and " Guardmn " • ffico for signature, and I shall be happy to receive and forward contributions, either for the Scholarship, or Statue, or unconditional. WM. J. STEWARD. PUBLIC NOTICE. DE H. J~SPEER MAY be consulted at CHRISTOHURCH from APRIL 14th to end of month, at Metropolitan Temperance Hotel, Caehel street. 3 138 Drain Pipes. \ LL SIZES— From 3 to 15 laches— With BENDS, ELBOWS AND JUNCTIONS FOR SALE BY GEOKGE JAMESON, ASHBURTON AvSHBURTON COUNTY STOCK AND SAL&YABDS CO., LIMITED. ±{am and Ewe Fair THE Annual Ram and Ewe Fair will be held at the Tinwald Yards on THURSDAY, 31st MARCH, 1886. Sale will commence at 11 o'clock. GEORGE JAMESON, 3^59 Secretary. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. OWNERS of Threshing Machines are hereby CAUTIONED that they are liable to FINE of £10 for their Workmen Stopping Flow . of Water m any of the County Kaces Any persona so offending will be prosecuted. By order. WILLIAM BAXTER, 3J137 County Engineer . CONTRACT PLOUGHING. TENDERS are invited for Ploughing 300 Acres of Grass Land between May field and Anaraa The Land to be Ploughed m Furrows Fix Inches Deep, and completed by the 30th Airil. Tenders to be for the whole, or for 100 Acre Lots, and to be sent; m by the 24th March. EDWARD G. WRIGHT, 3{121 Windennere. SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD DISTRICT. rnEN^ERS will be received up to X Noon on WEDNESDAY, the 23rd March, for Walling-np and Fencing a Gravel Reserve on Acton River Road. Specifications can be seen at the Road Board Office. Tenders to be endorsed and addressed to the Chairman of the Board . No tender necessarily accopted. A. MAKEIG, 3JI3G Clerk. EOUTH RAKAIA. ROAD BOARD DISTRICT. NOTICE is hereby given under the provisions of the Road Board Act, 1882, ond the Rating Act, 1882, and the amendments thereto, that it is tho intention of the Board at a MEETING to be held on WEDNESDAY, the 23rd day of March, at the Board's Office, South Bakaia, to STRIKE a RATE of One Farthing m the ponnd on the rateable value of the property m the above named dibtrict, for the year ending the 31st day of Mnrch. 1887, m one sum, payable on the 31at day of March, 1887. The Rate Book will be open for inspec tion on and after the 7th instant, at the Road Board Office, South Rnkaia. E. S. COSTER, 3§49 Chairman of Board. A CERTAIN CURE FOR BALDNESS. HICKMAN'S Eclipse Hair Producer. (Registered). PRICbT 4s. ANEW DISCOVERY for the growth of Hair on the Head and Face ; for removing and preventing Dandruff, and arresting the Fall of the Hair. It cures any Disease of the Scalp, and causes new growth on the head after being bald for years None genuine without the trademark and signature— JOHN HICKMAN To be obtained at all Chemists. SUCCESS THE BEST TEST OF WORTH ! ! I HOLLOWAY'S PILLS & JINTMENT. THIS UNIVERSAL MEDICINE IS A HOUSEHOLD REQUISITE EVERY- WHERE- THE PILLS Purify the Mood, impart tone to the Nervous system, and act most powerfully yet soothingly on the LIVER A>D BOWELS, Promoting Digestion and Assimilation, and endowing the whole bodily frame with Strength and vigor. Nervous Headaches, Tremblings, with Lassitude and General Debility quickly yield to the potent force of these well-known Pill?, and they are un- rivalled m then efiicacv m all FEMALE COMPLAINTS, Removing all obstructions, skin blemishes, pimples and boils, better than any other family medicine known. THE OIIsTMF/NT MAS A WORLD-WIDE REPUTATION. It heals every kind of Sore, Ulcer and Wound, more certainly than *my other known salve. Its trarvellous penetrating powers render it invaluable m all THROAT AND CHEST DISEASES, Cur'ng Bronchitis, Quinseys, and Asthmas reducing Glandular Lumps, closing and healing Abscesses and Fistulas, for alleviating the excruciating tortures of RHEUMATISM, GOUT, And Neuralgia it is unsuspassed. fails to remove Scurf and every species n disease. The Pills and OiiUnr.ent are manufactured at No. 8, New Oxford street (late $33. Oxford street, London), and are sold by all vendors of Patent Lines throughout the Civilized World. irecii^ns for use m almost every language. IS" Purchasers should look to the labels on Pots and Boxes, If the address and itreet axe not on they w syuiious



i Public Notices. WILDING AND LEWIS, r>ARBI3TERS AND QOIIOITORS, F. WITbING, IS otary- Public. Offices: Next " M*il " Offica, Burnett at., Aohburton. Mr .'Wilding will attend the sittingo of the Ashburton Courts on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally n these days. The firm fs now reprraented m Aah- burton by Mr Clayton, an EnglUh Solicitor of considerable experience, who will be m daily attendance at the office to receive instructions %nd confer with olenta. *100 THRESHING MAC BINE OWNERS. A TTENTIONia directed to the following A. facts :—We are making STALKER'S AUTOMATIC FEEDERS for £12 10s, including fixing to machine, and we are prepared to fix to machines m any part of the County for same price. Cartage extra. The time that it is necessary to stop the machine is from 2 to 3 hours. These Feeders are perfect m their action, no sparking out of grain. No uncut sheaves or other improper articles can get into the drum ; nothing but a continuoua ttrearu of golden sheaves well shaken out The regularity of the feed does not depend upon the Band cutter. They can be seen at work on machines belonging to the following gentlemen : — James Quigley Chapman Bros. Ihomas Perks Nelson Eden Edward Gates John Stalker JibnMoorhead. F. White, Timara P. & D. DUNCAN, Wills Street, Ashburton, 3§42 Sole Agents. STORAGE. STORAGE. STORAGE. WE HAVE ROOM FOR A LARGE QUANTITY OF GRATJN. NO VERMIN. H. MATSON & CO., ASHBURTON. TOE ARE CASH PURCHASERS OF Wheat | Oats Barley AND Ryegrass H. MATSON & CO., ABHBURTON. X AM A /^ASH pUROHABER OP WHEAT OATS AND BARLEY GEOKGE JAMESON, ASHBUUTON. ! 2°lol . . . i i .r TINCOURAGE f OCAL TNDUSTRY £i LI AND ASK FOR Blankets, Flannels, Tweeds, AND Knitting Yarns FBOM THE ASHBURTON WOOLLEN FACTORY. CAUTION. IT Having been established to my satis- faction that certain unscrupulous persons are substituting my Label for j their own on an inferior article of HERBAL BEER The public are cautioned against purchas- ing such inferior article. Orders direct to myself will receive prompt attention, and to meet the timeß and having increased my plant I am now able to supply customers with my Tonio Herbal Beer at the Koduced Price of 1» 3d PER DOZEN. After this notice any person using my name or label will be prosecuted. T. HOULT, Moore street, ABhburton 2 146 HOKSE COTEBS, HORBE COVERS. J. HESELTINE, SADDLER, BULLOCK'S ARCADE, ASHBURTON, AND AT T I N VV A L D. I HAVE determined to give better value In HORSE COVERS than any other m the trade In Canterbury, having IMPORTED DIRECT, CANVAS of a superior make for Covers I have also JUST LANDED, a large Shipment of all kinda of S \DDLERY, per s.B. Tainul, from the beat BngHßh manufacturers, which I am prepared to sell at pi icea not to be beaten. I have m Stook every description of Saddlery to select from. I Gash Customer? liberally dealt with. Hlgheßt Cash. Price for Horse Hair. The old motto — Tpi Bebt m jsn I«va?ji^. 3+105,



CENTBAXj HOTEL. JW. MoRAE having taken the above , Hotel, solicits a share of patronage from the people of Aahburton and ear- rounding districts, Beßt Branda of Wine's Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling— Feeds, One Shilling. Horses and Bnggles to let on hire a prices to meat the times. For the convenience of travellers bansom cab will meet all trains. 'NEW BOOKS AND NEW SUPPLIES OF BOOKS. H. J. WOOD & CO., STATIONER'S HALL, 240, HIGH ST , CHRISTCHURCH, And Friedlandebs' Buildings, ASHBURTON. WE receive from London publishing firms regular shipments of from 15 to 20 cases monthly by the direct steamers. The reading public are respectfully invited to inspect our large and varied Stock of Books m every branch of Literature. As we buy for cash and buy largely, we are allowed extra discounts, and are m 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. ACCOuSt" BOOKS In every variety of size and 6tyle 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 always kept, and any style and size made £p older Writing, Printing, and Wrapping Papers m any quantity Commercial and General Stationery and eve- y description of Stationers' Sundries. Commercial Note and Letter Papers, by the case or packet — an assortment of ovor 3000 n-anis m stock. Commercial Envelopes— over 3,000,000 m stock m Chris 1 church. Cream Laid Ru ed Foolscap— over 350 reams m etock. Brown Wrapping, Double Imperial, various weights, by the bale or ream— bent value m New Zealand. School Exercise Books— over 100 gross assorted m stock. School Slates, Copy Books, and Sch ol Requisites. I Parchments ruled and headed "This Deed." MJBSORIBEBJE WANTED For Illustrated London News, Sporting and Dramatic News, Scientific American, Young Ladies' Journul, Family Herald, Family Reader, The Graphic, Engineer, Punch, Home News, European Mail, Bow Bells.- We deliver m town immediately on arrival, and we post to subscribers m all parts of the country without delay. H.J.WOOD&OO. Stationers' Hall, 240, High street, CHRISTCHURCH, And at Fried lan dors' Buildings, AShIBUKTON A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, AUCTIONEER, STOCK AND ESTATE AGENT AND VALUATOR. SATURDAY SALE at 12 o'clock ah»r t — Horses, Cattle, Plga, Prodnce * and Merchandise, Agent Norwloh Union Fire Insurance Company. Agent for the MUTUAL LIFE ASSOC[ATION OF AUSTRALASIA. FOR SALE- Grubber, by Howard, nearly new'; cheap. Seed Sower, by Haxton and Beatdie cheap. Ploughs, Harrows, and other Imple- ments. Oheyleamore Club Tricycle, the beat kind made — cheap 3-Horße Dray and Frame, new, cheap . Double- seated Buggy. Spring Cart, with back seat. Double-furrow Plough by Reid and Gray, nearly new ; very cheap. Waggonette m good order. Price low. FOR SALE.— Oaten Sheaf Chaff m any quantity. ALFRED HARRISON. T. Bullock. FOR SALE. HORSE-POWER, Intermediate motion, and Chaff-Cutter. Apply to T. BULLOCK. TO FARMERS. GRASS SEED— Small quantity Rye- Gr»S3 for Sale. Apply to T. BULLOCK; TO LET—A 5-roomed House, centrally situated, m Tancred Bt Apply to T. BULLOCK miNWALD— Town Seotions 371, 372 1 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, m one block, fronting Thompson street, near the County Saleysrda, for sale at a low prloe, and on liberal terms, Apply to T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE— Two setß of three leavec harrows, by " Howard." T. BULLOCK FOR SALE, at a low price, PIANO, by Broadwood and Sons. Apply to T. BULLOCK. 110 LET— At a low rental, Central Bakery, together with &hop and dwelling-house. Apply to T. BULLOCK. TO LET— Two Cottspes m Grey street, known as Coutts' block ; rent at 5s per week. 1. BULLOCK. FOR SALE -Lot 25, fronting tho North Town Belt. Price, £19. Liberal terms if required . Apply to T. BULLOCK. , ,TO. PAINTERS, TO LET at a low rental, Shop and DwellinghoiißO m Moore Btreet, lately m occupation of Mr Lucas. T. BULLOCK. •• . -- METHVEJN, TOR SALE— Lot 11, Tqwnßhip of J; Methven, with four-roomed Dwelling- house thereon. Apply to - T. BOLLOCK,



In Bankruptcy. IN BANKRUPTCY. In the District Court of ishburton (being a looal Court of Bank- ruptcy) holden at Anhburton. In the matter of " The Bankruptcy Act, 1883," and ihe Aots amending the B»mi, and In the bankruptcy of Thomas Gollins, of Aahbuiton, carpenter, a debtor, TVJOTIOE is hereby given that a dlvl- ±S dend of one shilling and seven pence halfpenny (£0 Is 7£d) m the £ is now payable at my office, District Court- house, Ashburton, on all proved «nd aocepted claims m the above-named estate. J. C. BELL, Deputy Offioial Assignee. Ashburton, March 21, 1887. 3*155 SLAUGHTERING LICENSE. WE hereby give notice that we intend to apply at the County Council meeting m April next for a Slaughtering LicenßO for large and email cattle for R.S. 7261, CHAPMAN BROS., Willowby. March Ist, 1887.- 3 11 WANTED. FEED for 2000 or 3COO sheep for several months, grass or turnip. 3*1 53 Apply METHVEST HOTEL. ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. GENERAL BOROUGH RATE. IN pureuanoe of the "Rating Act 1876," Public Notice is hereby given that it is the Intention of the Ashburtou Borough Council, at its rext ordinary meeting, to be held m MONDAY, the 4th day of April, 1887, TO STRIKE A RA i E of One Shilling In the Pound on the total annual value of property within the Borough, for the period commencing on the Ist day of January and concluding on the 31st day of December, 1887, mob rate to be payable m one sum at the Town Clerk's Office, Baring pquare west, Ashburton, on ihe 15 h day of April, 1887. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. . ; Borough Couooil Office, "" Ashburfcon, 22nd March, 1887. 315 i FAYARD AND BLAYN PAPER SIXTY years of great success proclaim its Fuperiority. m the treatment of Violent Colds, Irritation of the Chest, Aching, Sprainß, Sprains, Sores, Scalds, Come, Bunions, Soft poms, etc. This medicine, the property of which has been established more than half a centnry by thonsandajof cures, is of an invalu- able use m many inflammatory diseases against which there are not many effi nclous remedies, and is therefore justly considered by a great number of oar most eminent physicians as the most active and least irritating agent m the bove affections . In order to avoid counterfeiting, Messrs Fayard and Blayn's signature has to be required on every roll of paper and on the box. "Wholesale 30, Bne Boint-Merri, Paris (France), and sold by ajl, Obenißta lio the Qolonjefi



Questions Answered ! ! ! ! Ash the moit eminent physician Of any school, what is the best thing m the world for allaying all irritation of the nerves, and curing all forms of -nervous complaints, giving natural, childlike refreshing sleep always? And they will tell you unhesitatingly " Some form of Hops ! ! I " CHAPTER I. ABk any or all of the mo3t eminent physicians : " What is the only remedy that can be relied on to cure all diseases of the. kidneys and urinary organs ; Bright'a disease, diabetes, retention, or inability to retain urine, and all the diseases and ailments peculiar to Women " — " And they will tell you explicitly and emphatically " Buchu ! ! I " Ask the same physicians j "What is the moat reliable and surest euro for all liver diseases or dyapepsia, constipation, indigestion, biUpusneeß, malaria, fever, ague, &c., !> and th*e> will tell you Mandrake ! or Dandelion ! !! ! Hence, when these remedies are combined- with others equally valuable, And compounded into Hop Bitters, suoh a wonderful and mysterious curative power is developed, which is bo varied m its operations that no disease or ill health can possibly exist or resist its power, and yet it is Harmless for the most frail woman, weakeßt invalid, or smallest child to use. CHAPTER 11, " Patients " Almost dead or nearly dying " For years, aud gi? en up by phjslclana, of B ight'a and other kidney diseases, liver compVut*, severe coughs, called consumption, hare been cured. Women gone nearly crazy ! ! ! ! ! From agony at muralgia, nervousness, wafcefolaess, and varioaa diseases peculiar to women. People drawn out of shape from exoruciat- pangs of rheumatism, inflammatory and obronic, or suffering from sorofula. Erysipelas " Bait rheum, blood poisoning, dyspepsia indigestion, and m fact, almost all diseases frail " Nature is heir to Have been cured by Hop Bitter?, proof of which can be found m every neighborhood m the known World. Prosecute the Swindlers t( If when you call for Amerioan Hop Bitters (see green twig of Ifojfs on the white label and Dr Soxde's name blawn m the bottle), the vendor hands out anything but American Hop Bitters refuse it and shun the vendor as you would a viper ; and if he has taken your money for anything else indict him for tha- fraud and sue him for damages for the swindle, and we will pay you liberally for the oonvic- tion.



Holloway's Pills.— Teaohingß of Expnri- enoe. — The united testimony of thousands, extending over more than forty years, most strongly recommends these Pills as the best purifiers, the mildest aperients, and the surest restoratives. They never prove delusive, or give merely temporary relief, but attack all ailments of the stomach, lungs, heart, head, and bowels m the only aafe and legitimate way, by depurating the blood, and bo eradicating thoßO impurities which are the source and constituent of almost every disease. Their medicinal efficaoj is wonder- ful m renovating enfeebled constitutions. Their aotion embraces all that is desirable m a household medicine. They expel every noxious and effete matter; and thus the strength is nurtured and the energies stimulated



When the brain is wearied, the nerves unstrung, the mußolea weak, use Hop Bitters ap.made by Amerio&a Co. Read



A Lovely Chaplht. — A late fashion report cays ;—•• Nothing oan be prettier than a cHaplei of hop vines m blossom." A reoent medioal review says :—" Nothing oan bo a better renovator of the heart than Amerioan Hop Bitters. They aid m all the operations of nature ; toning up the stomaob, assisting the .food to become properly assimilated, and promote healthy aotion m all the organs. The dictates of fashion, as well as the laws of health, alike favor a right application of