RAILWAY TIME TABLE

T«uhb Abbivb at Ashburton— From Christ . hnroh ana the North, at 10.15 a.m. (exprees), 4.85 p.m., ana 7.10 p.m. From T«naru, 10.45 a.m. From Duneain and South, 0.27 ; *dn. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 Tbains lawn Abhbdbton— For Christ hnroh ana North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.65 a.m.. An 6.87 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and loath, 10.25 a.m. (expreßß). For Timara, A p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

Prom »na after the 80th November, 1886, the ft&rmi of Subscription to this journal will ba M follows, vis. :— a paid m ADVifloi : Pelr Quarter.. 6s 6a, by- post, 9b 6d , Half-year 12a 6d, by post, 18i 6a ,, t . „, Year .. 4s oa by port, 87b Od a boomd : fcer Quarter,.. 7» 6a, by poet, 10b 9a „ HaU'year 15b oa, by ptißt, 21b 6a „ Year .. 80a Oa, by post, 48a Od Sirt Marriage, ana Death Notices, if paid loc at the time of insertion, 2b 6d each fetampi may be gent as payment) ; if booked, m each. ' . • > PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAT RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT TBS OLD RATES. -- Announoementa of Births, Deaths and Carriages sent for publication from the eonntry tigtriots. require to be verified by the signa* tore of the person sending the notice

MAIL NOTICES.

Mall* close at the AahbortonPoßt Office - -foUowii:-- Fc* OhrUtchurch and North at 6 a.m di3oft.ni., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Bakaia, &0. , at 10. 30 a. m -fend s. P.m. daily. : .^ot lsunedin,Tlnwald, Wlnslow, Hinds, Ootibtreara. Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, Hid Geraldine, at 10 ».m. daily. Fo* Temuka, at 10 vm. and 4.30 p.m ._ . - fot Timara and South, at 10 a. ji. , and £80 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and turdays, at 10.46 a.ra. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, id Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and votnrdays, at 6.30 a.m. Fbr 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 ip.m. daily. •• For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes : fftw, and Fridays, at 4. 30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m.

v ' Malls arrive »t thej Aohburtori Post ffioe— From Ohristchurch and Bakaia at 10.15 .m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey &o. at 10.15 1 and ,86 p.m. daily. From Dunedin *ad Intermediate places 0,3? ">.m. daily. •Front Temuka an Timara at 10.40 a. tn p sSop.m daily. From Greenatreet, Wednesdays and H%turdays, at 10 «.m. $com Mount Somers, dally at 10.5 1 m* From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed nesdayß and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long eaoh at 10 a. m. dally. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri ' at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurw days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 1887. DEATHS FROM CANCER.

Cancer is, perhaps, the most painful and fatal of the many diseases man kind is heir to. It must, therefore, be with concern that the steady increase of victims to this malady is noted. The Registrar-General, m summarising the vital statistics for the colony for the year 1885, states that during that year the deaths from cancer amounted to 179, equal to 3 13 per 10,000 persons living. He adds that although this rate is slightly lower than that for 1884, when it was 3.46, still the fact does not disturb the remarks made m a previous report by him as to the general in crease m the morttlity from cancer, for the rate m 1885 is higher than that m the years preceding 1884, and annual fluctuations may at times be expected. The mortality from cancer m propor tion to the^Ttabet of each sex living, is m New Zealand about one third less among males than among females. In England, the corresponding mortality among males is a little more than half that among females, but both here and at Home the mortality among males is growing at a greater ratio than among females. In England, the deaths from cancer were, m the year 1884, at the rate of 5.60 per 10,000 persons living. Turn ing to the Australian colonies, it appears that the mortality from cancer is higher m Victoria than m New Zealand, but m New South Wales it is (apparently) lowe*. The figures are — Victoria, 4. 7 1; New South Wales, 2.60. The Registrar- General states, however, that the lower rate recorded m New South Wales may, probably, be largely due to imperfection m the registration of the real cause of death, m consequence of the reception of certificates from unqualified persons. The rapid growth during recent years of such a fell disease must be viewed with apprehension, especially as it is one of which science can tell us but little. Of its origin, nothing — or next to nothing— is known, though the belief prevails m some quarters that it takes its rise m a nervous shock. It is a disease tint is commonly regarded as hereditary, but recent research seems to controvert that opinion. We notice that one of the medical staff of the West London Hospital, who has given much atten tion to the study of cancer and to the investigation of the causes of its increase m civilized countries, combats the theory of its being an in herited disease. The fact is admitted that cancer appears not seldom con secutively m certain families, but this, of itself, is not considered sufficient to constituted an hereditary quality when all the other characteristics of disease of such origin are absent. It fails to fulfil Quatrefage's definition of the hereditary quality, of becoming an agent of variation, and transmitting and accumulating the modifying actions of the conditions of life. The victims of cancer are almost invariably past middle age— 'between 40 and 60. The disease may also be regarded as climatic or racial, prevailing most m the Knglish climate and among people of English birth. There should be an interesting fiield of investigation open to Science m the direction of ascertain ing the cause of and a remedy for this dreadful malady. If. there be any thing m the assertian we have before alluded to that the disease is due to nervous causes, it will probably be found that the conditions of life -in this age of bustle and hurry,in the rapidlyacclerated spread ot cancer, have yet 'another charge to answer of increasing man's bodily afflictions.

We dip the following important testimonial from the! llawarra, Mercury, N.S.W., on the 30th Maroh. It needs no comment :— " Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountain, writes to us after Buffering for four years with aoute gravel, he haa experienced almost oomplete relief by using Sander and Sons' Euoalypti Extract. He Bays seeing the said Extraot advertised m the Illa/ivarra Mercury, his in tense suffering induoed him to obtain a bottle of the medioine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at onqe. Ho states that between rhe 10th Maroh instant, when he obtained the first bottle of the extraot, and on the 19th the use of that medioine oontinued to afford him relief, to whioh he had been a stranger forlfour years. Mr Loveday writes also that he lias found the Euoalypti Extract a cure fo rheumatism as well as grovel. He requests j us to publish this information through the Mercury. We have muoh pleasure m com plying with Mr Lovea-j 'a request, whose word cannot be be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to-be* stfit coffering bomwity,"— (4cvi).}

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

» The Ashburton Rifles and Cruarda will parade at the Drillshed on Monday evening at 7 o'olook for the first Government inspeo tion this year. A full muster is expected. i The Ashburton Caledonian Society hava ! determined to produoe, at the Oddfellows' Hall, the well-known operatic drama " Rob Roy Macgregor," which is now m active rehearsal. Some excellent scenery has been specially painted for the occasion, nnd suit able dresses are being made by a professional coatumiere. The oast is a strong one, and the performers are already well up m their parts. The play is a r ally good ono, inter spersed with songs, duets, <feo, and no expense has been spared to plaoe it on the stage m first-class style. No doubt the Society will be rewarded with full houses at eaoh per tormanoe. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashburton Hoßpital Board was held at the County Gounoil Chambers yesterday after noon. Present— Messrs W. 0. Walker (ohair man), 0. J. Harper, A. Harrison, D. McLean, and T. Scaly. A letter was read from the Town Clerk, Mr C. BraddeU, stating that the incoming Mayor, Mr T. Scaly, would take Mr R. Friedlander's (ex-Mayor's) seat on the Board. Mr T. Scaly was eleoted treasurer, vice Mr R. Friedlander. A return of patients for the month of December was laid on the table. The Arohiteots, Mesßrs Fooks and Son, reported that the two contracts for repairs and additions to fever ward are being oarried oat satisfactory, and will be finished shortly. According to the request of the Committee they carefully went through the specification with Mr Harrison with a view to reduotion, but besides the} omission of the hot water supply, they found that to carry out the work efficiently nothing could well be reduced, except that one or two items m the painting work might be modified. The amount provided for contingencies would not, however, be trenohed upon. The Arohiteots asked the decision of the Committee as to the oharaoter of the drain from the sink. They had pro* vided for a pipe drain, but it has been sug gested that an open one would be preferable. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr McLean, seconded by the Mayor, that the drain from the fever ward be a closed one. A letter was reoeived from the Christohuroh Hospital Board enclosing accounts for maintenance of three patients. It was deoided not to ac* knowledge the claim as regarded two of the men, bb they did not belong to this district; Accounts were passed for payment, and after the transaction of routine business, the Board adjourned. About ten p.m. last evening as Mr J. Oliver was proceeding along the main road from Ashburton to Tinwald with his traotion engine, when opposite the residence of Mr Homersham, the near wheel of the engine slipped into a long narrow gully, running parallel |with the road, and all attempts to get it out were for the time futile. This morning, after a great deal of trouble, Mr Oliver sufioeeded m getting it on the road again. A correspondent writes to us with regard to the matter as follows : — lt is a wonder that some aooident has not happened at this spot before, as the plaoe is very dan gerous especially so since the heavy coat of boulders whioh has reoently been plaoed on the centre of the road, has diverted traffio to the sides. A man^jwing to dreadfnl mUifortuneg resolved to~cbmmit suicide But as" He~aicT not wish it to be known, lest it should leave a stain on his family, he left a note on the table to the following effect: — "I hope you will not think that I committed suicide. My death is the result of an aocident. The pistol went off as I oleaning it." George Hazlett and Miss Sadie Allen, of Buffalo, went through the Niagara rapids and ' whirlpool on Nov. 28 m the torpedo-shaped barrel, used by Hazlett and Fons last summer. They were m the rapids and whirlpool fiv« minutes, and wera taken out of the eddy on the Canadian side, juat below the whirlpool, three-quarters of an hour later m good con* dition. Miss Allen is a reßpeotable girl, 18 years of age. A man named MoGuinness was arrested yesterday at Lake Heron fiy Constable Bemer on a oharge of embezzling the sum of £9 the property of Mr J. Ivess, the proprietor of the Timaru Htaald. MoGuinness was brought into Ashburton to-day. Petroleum has, it appears, been found m a colliery m South Durham, England, and the result of soientifio experiment shows that the ahale is of very high order. There is said to be 1,000,000 tons of the raw material at command. Trout appear to be thriving m the rivers of the West Coast. A Westland exchange informs us that splendid fish, six to seven pounds weight, have been seen m the Reefton branch of the Inangab.ua, A private letter reoeived m Adelaide states that Mr Henry George, author of " Progress and Poverty," will probably visit Australia at the end of this year. John W. Young, elder son of the late Bingham Young, was at New York on Nov. 25 with a Boheme for selling all the Mormon possessions m Utah, and moving to Mexico. The statue of Burns, wbioh arrived by the Bimutaka and is now landed at Dunedin, is of bronze, and is the work of Sir John Steele, R.S.A.. The statue is a second replica of one now m New York, the first being m Dundee. Writing of the reoent torrid temperature the Wairarcupt Star says that " at least one lady m Masterton has been able to wash without plaoing a fire under her boiler, the heat of the sun on the metal bringing the water to a nearly boiling temperature." Tb.it is, no doubt, a figurative way of saying that it has been desperately hot. An exchange says that an unusually large area of rhubarb has been grown m Taranaki this year, and it is said that it is being oultivated with the idea of sending it to Sydney later on. It is also stated that a southern agriculturist lately visited the Taranaki distriot with the objeot of aeleoting a piece of land on whioh to Btart gardening on a large aoale for the aupplyjof the Sydney vegetable market. The projeot for the utilisation of tb« vast water power of the Niagara Fallßjis about to be oarried into execution. A tunnel will be driven from a point about a mile above tha falls to a point below the falls. The length will be about two and a half miles, and the head obtained will be 120 feet. Turbiuea will be put down to drive mills, eto. Lookporfc, New York, will benefit largely by this enter prise. Land has been scoured and surveyed on the line of the tunnel, and laid out into mill aites, with ample streets and railroad faoilities to accommodate 208 mills of 500 horse power eaoh, or an average of 110,000 horse-power, whioh is the engineer's estimate of the oapaoity of the power obtainable from the tunnel, whioh will be 16 feet m diameter at the inlet, 18 feet and 20 feet on inter mediate sections, and 24 at the outlet. . by do American Hop Bitters cure bo muoh? Because they give good digestion, with blood and healthy aotion of all the organs

POLICE OFFENCES

We are Indebted to Sergeant Felton for the following return showing tha number of offenoea reported, and persona appre hended, during thu year ending Deoember 31, 1886, and a comparison of the numbers with thoae of the previous year. It appearß that during last year the total number of oflfcncea reported was 470 aa ag vinst 672 for 1885. The number •of persona summoned wai 161, and of those apprehended 231, aa against 153 aud 390 for the previous year. Of these, five males were committed for trial, 340 males and 10 females were summarily convioted, and 85 males and 2 females dis charged. The figures for the previous year were :— Committed for trial, 5 males; summarily convioted, 432 males and 23 females; discharged, 77 males and 6 females. The return shows that for assaults of various descriptions, 22 persona, Including 1 female, weie dealt with j 1 waa oommltted for trial ; 11 summarily oonvioted, and 10 dieoharged. In 1885, there were 19 cases; 9 males and 1 female were summarily dealt with, and 8 males and 1 female discharged. Last year there was one application for sureties of the peaoe (grantee) and noue during the previous year. Two cases of Breaches of the Ooanty Oounoil By-laws were dealt with last year — m eaoh oase the offenders being oonvioted — as against none for 188 j. In one charge of being armed with intent to commit a felony, a summary conviction waa recorded, this offence occurring during 1886. Under the heading Breaohes of the Peace, we find no cases for last year, but daring the previous year four were recorded, the offenders all being punished by Magistrates or by Justices. For breaking into and stealing from dwell ings, 3 males were apprehended during 1385, one of them being committed for trial and the other two dealt with m the lower Court. There were no such cases during 1885, but two men were sent to the Supreme Court for breaking into shops as against none last year . The sole charge of breaking a window with intent to com mit a felony waa recorded during 1886. For an offence under the Bankruptcy Act, one rrar wa- !a3t year discharged. For breaches of the Borough By-lawa there were 9 oaaes m 1885 and 3 m 1886 ; five were discharged m the former year and two m the latter. Three children were, during 1885, convioted jof being criminal and negleoted ; one waa convicted last year and two discharged . In 1885, eleven per sona were punished for cruelty to animals and last year the number was ten. In oaaea of drunkenness and disorderly con duct there waa last year a decrease of 96 on the number of cases for the previous year, the figures being 1886, 250 ; 1886, 151. There were 14 aud 9 charges re spectively of drunkeuess on railway sta tions, and 16 and 15 of drunkenness while m charge of horses. In nearly all these oaaea oonviotlona were recorded the pro portion of dismissals being very small . In 1880, there were three cases of false pre tences and a similar number m 1886, one of the latter being dismissed. Last year there there were three oaaes of forgery and uttering. One was dismissed and the other tsvo sent up for trial. There were also seven charges under the Gambliug and Lottorlea Act' seven of whloh were dismissed. In 1885, there were* 14 oases under the Liceuaiag Act, and six convic tions were obtained ; m 1886, the number of cases .waa three and conviotions 1. The number of oases of larceny reported was 46 m both years. In 1885, 22 were heard, 2 parsons being committed for trial, 12 summarily disposed of aud 8 dismissed. Iv 18i6, 28 cases were dealt with, there being one committal for triai, 20 summary convictions, aud 7 dismissals. Tea- pro -faH>ition-orderß~wersrgra'REedin-ISBSv-irad' 8 during the succeeding year. There waa one oonviction fur supplying a prohibited persona m 1885, and one dismissal m 1886, these being all the oasea. Two convictions for sly grog selling appear m 1885, but none last year; Of oaurae, a great many cases not referred to m the foregoing were dealt with, but they wera mostly of a miner character:.

CORRESPONDENCE.

■ • . 1 We do not hold ourselves responsible for the , opinions expnwed by our correspondents.

A COSTLY SCHEME.

10 THE EDITOR. 1 Sib, — The* statements made m the ? laudatory article ou " Village Settlement i m Auckland " lately published m the , Miniaterial organ m Auckland, and which j. you reprinted a day or two ago, will awaken unpleasant reflections m the minds of the taxpayers of this colony. It appears that the Government are giving one hundred fortunate individuals, whose sole merit is that they are " hard up," fifty acres of land a-piece m one of the finest spots m New Zealand, whose climate is described by the Evening Btll as " the mildest, the most balmy, the most delicious, perhaps, to be found on the face of the wide earth," to be held by them on perpetual lease at a nominal rental of £2 10d a year. The Government is likewlu* about to lend eaoh of these lucky persons £70 of the public money to be expended m improving his property, for which he will only be asked to pay a very low rate of interest, while the principal is " never to be repaid if they desire it" (and we may depend upon it they never will desire it.) Further, each settler, with his family and belongings, is to be carried free from Auckland to the point of debarkation, where " they will be met by bullock teams and conveyed to their future homes, where they will find sheds and raupo whares prepared for their accommodation," for all of which the hardworking taxpayer will have to pay. Still more, roads are to be laid off for the express purpose of providing these Ministerial protege's with a few months' work. Now, where is the quid pro quo to the colony for all this expenditure — these special advantages for which ordinary colonists will'have to pay ? Where is the security that these settlarß will remain permanently upon their lottings ? When they have taken a crop or two off the land, what is to prevent them clearing out, leaving the £70 unpaid 1 ? If, too, the public funds are to be lavishly spent upon perpetual lease settlers, why should not equal assistance be given to persons who take up land on lease from private individuals, or who buy the freehold of the wdßto lands of tho Crown. In the 1 utter cases permanent settlement is far more likely to be effected than by planting a lot of penniless persons on perpetual lease lands, and leading them to look to the Government for money and work, An extravagant -eulogy upon Mr Ballance, oontained m the same article, suggests the idea that the whole affair is merely a puff for Mr Ballance, whb, from the commencement of his political career, has systematically utilised the Pregs *8 a means of advertising and glorifying his own mediocre performances,— l am, &c, Anti Humbug

A DUEL FOUGHT BY LADIES.

♦ • ! An extraordinary duel hss been fought ' on the field of Waterloo, between two ( female medical students. It appears that < they had a difference, not unconnected with a certain handsome professor of surgery of the opposite b&x, and that one i of them, a JVldlle. Valsavre, threw her i gauntlets m the face of the other, an American lady, by name Mies Shelby. . This resulted m a challenge and its * acceptance, the' weapons ohosn being * rapiers. Th« affaired honneur duly came t oft on the famous battlefield, and a M. c Jean Bosander thus describes its incidents ; j

I —He followed two carriages which came m on the road by Hougomont m the hope of selling some photographs, views, and bullets to their occupants. They drove rapidly, however, past the usual objectß of inrerest, and finally stopped near a clump of woods Oo the party dismount ing, he was surprieed to see no man except the driver. He hurried up by a short cut through the woods and suddenly came upon the party, two of the ladies fighting with swords, "It almost took away my sight," he say a ; " they fenced like demons for a few minutes without any gaining an advantage. Then they stopped to take breath, each lady resting, standing with the point of her sword on the ground. They wore neither bonnetß nor upper garments. The other ladies stood at angles with the two fighters, One of them called for her handkerchief and wiped her hands. She wsb stouter than the other. In a minute they were fencing again, and it is a mercy that neither of them were killed. At last the stout one m making a vicious lunge over reached. The other simply stepped aside, and, quick as a flash, stabbed the stout one m the upper right arm. An inch to the left and it would have pierced her bosom through and through. At the sight of the little trickle of blood, one of the ladies screamed, and the stout lady, Miss Shelby, fainted. A tall, gaunt woman m speotacles gave her something to drink from a flask, and two others bound up her wounds like real doctors. The other woman helped the girl who stabbed her opponent to dreßs. AH shook hands, and then drove off. I came out and shouted to them, but they only went faster." Mdlle. ValsaVre, who escaped without a scratch, has returned hastily to France, and Miss Shelby, the American lady who received the wound m the arm, is m concealment.

PREPARING BUTTER FOR MARKET.

Directions for the manufacture and preparation of batter for market have been sent ont to the farmers and dairy men of the Waterford district (Ireland) by the Batter Merchants' Association, and as they are likely to prove useful to dairy men we give them below : — The milking should be done regularly and carefully, the last drop being taken from the cow, and the hands of the milker should be perfectly clean. Let the milk be carefully strained, and, if the weather be hot, the milk Bhould be cooled before being set. Thin oan be done by placing the milk pails m oold water. The milk Bhould be set m earthenware or tinned veßsols, and kept m a olean, cool plaoe. Ore at care to bo takeu to Bkira the oream perfectly sweet, and when skimmed not allcw it to get too rips or sour, as a mistake of this kind will give a rancid flavor to the butter, thereby deteriorating its value 50 per cent, Keep your stock of cream m an earthen ware or tinned vessel, and when any fresh cream is added let the c^eam be stirred and k'ep it from all smellb. Let it be oarefally covered with mualin to keep it from hairs, dost, or dirt. In hot, close weather, skimming should be* done every twelve or eighteen hours, and m ordinary weather every forty-eight hours. Ohurn as often aa possible ; and the use of the thermometer m the dairy is strongly recommended, so that the temperature of the cream and that of the dairy can be ascertained. The proper temperature for cream before churning is 58deg to 60deg. Should the oream be too warm, put the veaseJa m oold water, or if too cold pat thorn m warm watar, and while doing so , let the oream be Btirred steadily to emura thorough cooling or warming as required. When rinsing the oream vessels, let it be - done with milk, not water. Let the churning~be done ateadi'y, and never allow the butter to gather m lumps, as this increases the difficulty of extricating | the buttarmilk. When churning is com* pleted let half the buttermilk be drawn off, and cold, olean water added ; then , give the ohurn a few slow turns, again ( draw 'off half, and add bald water ; con tinue this until the water pomes a*ay quite clear. By following theoe directions the particles of butter come away better than if all the buttermilk were dra^n off at once. Take the butter (torn the ohurn with a ( skimmer or sieve, never touching it with the hand. Thep plaoe the butter on a flag table with an lnoline to allow pf dr&ining. An ordinary Carlow flag placed on a barre} will answer the purpose. Let the molar ture be then pressed out of the batter, , and when it has solidified let it be worked ; so as to get rid of all of the buttermilk. , For this purpose we recommend the use of L the butter-worker, bb it does the work [ eaßlly and regularly, and gives the butter , that nice waxy texture so muoh approved i; of. When the/butter has been sufficiently , worked— pare must be taken not to over [ work it— let the salt (which should be * the finest and the best obtainable]) be > sprinkled over the batter, which should , be spread to the depth of half an inch, , then rolled up, and worked bo as to pro perly mix the salt. For mild cared batter, lib of salt to the 601 b, and ljlb to the 701 b, is recommended $ and for a b tauter despip tion of butter doubte the relative qnanfl. ties ; the salt to be carefully measured or weighed. Let there be no drawing of butter through pickle or water after it hai been salted. Such a system cannot be too Btiongly condemned. Let the butter be packed m the cleanest and neatest firkin obtainable ; suoh packing to be thoroughly well done, taking care that the firkin will be well rinsed and scalded, it is recom mended that the firkin be lined with mus lin, thus securing perfect cleanliness, and preventing the butter sticking to the side of the cask. The farmers are particu larly cautioned against the praotice of putting a quantity of salt at the bottom of firkins, also of soaking them, or of lining the firkins prith inferior butter, as has been done m some districts, Too great atten tion cannot be paid to the thorough yentl lation and cleanliness of the dairy, and ajl the utensila conneoted therewith. The dairy should be situated m a p.oeitijn rer moved from the dung heap or pther ob jectionable atnollo, and the temperature should be about 56 d6g. or 58deg. It Is recommended that the floor of the dairy be tiled or flagged so that it can be easily washed. Earth or lime-aßh floors are the most objectionable, as they absorb the water or milk that may fall on them producing a Bour smell which taints the oream thereby injuring the flavor of the butter- Farmers are desired to see that the firkins they nbtain. are of the very best description, ihat' the bea^a and bottoms be of the same timber as the sl^ei, and that the heads fit exactly m the riddle. When paoklug, care to bo taken that the butter is not packed as high as the riddle, so as to enable the merchant to get the head fitted In prpperly, and without waate. The Oommittoo consider that the general adoption of the 561 b firkin, at least for the present will be to the advantage of the farmer and merahant, it being most suit able to the trade. Small maker* are re commended to use a still smaller paokage, say 401 b, $s it will enable them to make a fresher and more uniform artlole, and com pete more favorably with large makers. The system of putting cabbage and 'other leaves on butter coming to market is not approved of, muslin is preferable. The carts used for conveying butter to market should be thoroughly clean.

Easily Proven.— lt w easily proven that malarial fevers, constipation, torpidity of tjip liver and kidneys, general debility^ jpervous uess, and neuralgic ailments yield readily to this great disease-conqueror, American Go.'s Hop Bitters. It repairs the ravages of dieease by converting the food into rich blood, and it gives new life]. and, vigour |to|lhe| aged and i nfirta always. See

THE ASH BUB fOX GPAKDIAA, SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 18&7



TRY KIRKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. TT-IBKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S j\_ JAM is made from NELSON GKOWN FRUIT, and boiled within a few hours after the fruit has been gathered It thus retains most of the 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 stock, whioh must be sold at any price, but ASK for KIRKPATBICK'S NEW SEASON JAM, and sse that you get it. THE BEST IS ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatrlok's New Season Jam is the best. mmmm j CAUTION. None ii genuine uilesi our name is stamped on each tin, and has our registered Trade Mark "Lord Nelson' on the label. S. Kirkpatrick & Co. MANUFACTUREES, NELSON, N.Z. 12 9



Special Adveitisements. W. F. HANNAFOED, (Burnett street, opposite " Mail" Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, WISHES to inform the publio of Ashburton anl 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 skilful manner, All goods Bold at lowest remunerative prices. A Tbiai. solicited. HORSE-HAIR and BEESWAX bought m any quautitj for CASH. 11 73 PUBLIO NOTICE. TN retiring from thu Tailoring Business L ao iong and successfully oarried on by me under the style of Oraighead and Co., I beg moat heartily to thank the many kind friends and patcona who have so liberally supported me during the time I have resided m Aehburton, alao to inform them and the publio generally that I have disposed of my business to Mr Hugh 0. Oralghead, who oomea to New Z^a'and well recommended with over thirteen yean practical experlenoe, and all the latest and newest ideal oonneoted with the trade. ALEXANDER ORAIGHBAD. Ashburton, January lat, 1887. "DEFERRING to the above, I have JLV muoh pleasure In Intimating to the residents of Ashburton and aurrounding 1 district that I have deoided to settle m Aahburton, and hope by atriot attention to business to merit the same favorable aupport whioh has been extended to my brother. The Aahburton Tweeds being qult6 equal, and In aome reapeota superior to Imported goods, I will oupport the local Industry as far aa the requirements of business will permit. Fit, Style, and Wobkmakship Guaranteed. HUGHO ORAIGHEAD. Aahbnrton, January Ist, 1887. 12 8 HUSBAND j^ND WIFE. Thh Husband. Dear wife, I am weary of seeing You toil every day for yonr bread, While I am a poor helpless being ; •Tis often I wißh I were dead. You ne'er were accustomed to toiling, Your handß were once white like the snow; While I watch you work night and morning Yonr movements seem wearied and Blow. The Wife. Dear husband, give over your worry, My work ee°ma like labor, I ween, But I am never compelled, dear, to hurry Now I use Ferriman'a Washing Machine. It lightens by two-thirda my labors. And makes all my garments bo clean, That our clothes are the envy of neighbors Who adore Ferriman's Washing Machine TO THE WIVES AND MOTHBBS OF ASHBURTON AND THE GENERAL PUBLIO OF NEW ZEALAND. - In presenting to the public of Asbbutton the marvellous STEAM WASHER, I believe I am conferring a boon of incalculable worth on every wife and mother m this beantifu'sland, an whom that most important function of every household devolves, known (and hitherto dreaded) as washing clothes of every de- scription. By the use of this Machine, this distastefal and Blavish work ia entirely relieved of ite drudgery, and made a source of pleasurable exercise The unequalled qualities which it possesses of thoroughly blr aching the clothes giving them an unparalleled whiteneßS, and its harmleta action npon delicate and colored fabrics, render it peculiarly useful and popular. The saving qualities of the Machine ar quite m keeping with its other mtritoriouß features. Any person who will give it a prac- tical test will be unquestionably convinced that from an ECONOMICAL standpoint it is unsurpassed and unequalled. The consump- tion of fuel is materially reduced. Tho saving effected m this item alone will m one year equal the price of the Machine. As ib only entails the consumption of two-thirds the amonnt of soap mcd m the ordinary way of washing, this item of economy is self-evident to every person. The greatest saving, how- ever, is effected m the wear and tear sof the clothes. Every intelligent individual knows that tin nse of the washboard wears th« 3 various fabrics more than anything else, and as the marvellous PteAm Washer renders its ns» absolutely unnecessary, and thereby ob- viates almost entirely the necessity for " clothes mending," its saving qualities m thi* particular will be at once apparent and appre- ciated. But all it<» eavin? qualities of a financial character are eclipsed, and dwindle into insig- nificance, when we take into consideration the frail, delicate, and weakly condition of thousands of wives and mothers who are forced to tax their energies and wapte their limited strength injthe old way of washing; but who may, by the use of its magical pro- perties, do the work without any fatigue to their feeble bodies, and with infinite satisfac- tion and pleasure to their minds. This, more than any desire or expectation on the part of the inventor to make money out o the article, was the prime object he had m view. From the marvellous reßnlts obtained from its ÜBe, however, and tho unbounded and enthnsi- astio commendations from eVeryone having used it since its introduction to the public, as the annexed list of names of persons wh ~> have purchased the machine and are willing to testify to its merits, will folly attest, the advertiser has deemed it wise, m ordor to place this incomparable article of household nse more prominently before the intelligent people of the district, to give the postal address of a few of the buyers, m order that an unprejudiced and entirely impartial opinion of its intrinsic value, may be readily obtained by anyone desirous of getting such information from actual users and purchasers, who will un- doubtedly be best calculated to give a just estimate ef its value. Mrs Herbert, Seafield Mr M. Bruce, Senfleld Mr Collieon, Seafield Mr D. Ross, Lauriston Mr O. T, Marriott, Ashburton Mr T. Olaridge, Aahburton Mr W. Oharlton, Ashburton Mr Bradbnry, a.Bhburton Mr H. Hudson, Elgin Mr J. Lloyd, Newlands Mr E. Thomas, Wakanui Mr A. Frisby, Aphburton Forks Mr 8. Chapman, Willowby Mr G> Grico, Willowby Mr J. Williams, Willowby Mr J. Hearn. Ealing Mr A. McLcod, Tinwald Mr W. Anderson. Fleraington. DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Fteep the clothes over night, then wring them out. Soap all the dirty parts well. "When the water is boiling violently, which will at onco b^ evident by heavy and foaming suds rising to the top of the machine, take* ont the clothes and put them at once into clean water (as the dirt is liable to set, and difficult to remove if this is neglected). After this, rinse and put them m blue water. Prints and Ginghams, soap same as white clothes. Put them all mat once ; when water is boiling turn for five minutes. If water is not boiling, but very hot, turn eight minuteß. Lace Curtains, wet nnd soap them , put them m a pillow Blip ; tie them up. Turn for ten or fifteen minutes. Cold water will do for wetting mil the above. Woollen Blankets. Wet m warm water Soap and put them m loose. When the water boils tnrn ten minutes. Rinse m warm water. Red Flannels. Wet them m warm water. When water is just ready to boil, turn for one minute. Rinse m warm water, for white flannels tarn for five minutes. Hose. Ladies' and Children's Hose, highly colored, mußt not be pnt into boilinv water, but hay« good and hot. Turn one minute, if not highly colored tarn five miantes. F. FEBRIMAN, : Hole Agent, * Asbburton. FOR BALE. A Good WireMcOormiok BINDER. A eeooad-hand Wood's STRING. F.FESBIMAN ,



Special adYertisements* NOTICE TO THE LADIES OP ASHBURTON. MBS PAULING has REMOVED to WALTON COTTAGE, Gxebn Lank, Hampstiad. 1 45 Christmas Cards. CHRISTMAS ANDREW YEAR OARDB AND PRESENTATION PRIZE BOOKS AND NEW GOODS Suitable for OHBISTMAS. & NEW TBAB PBESBNTS. H. J. WOOD AND CO. BOOKSELLERS & STATIONEBS, (Late T. F. Farley) I FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS. IN our New Season, 1886-7, Christmas and New Yenr Cards, are included the PRIZE DESIGNS from the following celebrated publishing firms of London Paris, Vienna, New York, and Boston : — Raphael Tuck and Sons Marcus Ward and Co. Thomas de la Rue and Co. Hildesheimer and Faulkner John Walker and Co. Eyre and Spottiswoode Marion and Co. L. Prang and Co., Boston, U.S. And several other Publishers, ■ Comprising SEVERAL THOUSAND PRIZE DESIGNB. We have received per s.e. Arawa and t.u Aorangi, ELEVEN CASKS OF NEW BOOKS Specially ordered for the Christmai Season, comprising the Latest Publica- tions of the renowned Publishers— Casßell Rnd Co ; Thos. Nelson and Sons ; Rout- ledge ; Warne ; Partridge ; Griffith, Farren, Okeden, and, Welch ; Marcus Ward and Co ; and eeveral English and American firms. And SEVENTEEN CASES OF NEW GOODS, Specially selected by our Home Agents for the Chrißtraas Season, Comprising Cabinets, Russian Leather Desks and Writing Caaen, Photo. Albums m great variety of the moat elegant designs, Writing and Scrap Albums, New Zealand Fern Albums, Photo. Frames m silk plush and morocco, Workboxes and Desks Purses, Card Capes, Pocket Books, and every description of Fancy Stationery. H. J. WOOD & CO. STATIONERS' HALL, Friedlanders' Buildings, Ashburton. TO 1 STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBUBTON, And Travel the Surrounding District*, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher. For Pedigree see cards Terms— For one mare, £3 3s. A reduction will be made for three or more mares, the property of one owner. First-class paddocks for mares at Is per week. Groomago fee, ss, payable at first service. E. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9J736 Livery Stables, Aahburtn. WILDING AND LEWIS, OARRISTER3 AND QOLIOITORS. F. WllTblNG, Notaby Public. Omoei: Next " Mail " Office, Burnett-it., Ashburton. Mr Wilding will attend the sittings of the Ashburton Courts pn Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally oh these days. The firm Is now represented m Ash- burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of considerable experience, who will be m daily attendance at the office to receive instructions «nd confer with dents. #100 8 WHITE, CAYGILL, & CO., BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITE, Notary Public. NOTICE ia hereby given that the undersigned, Messrs White and o. (White ; Smithaon, and Raymond), of fimaru, and John A. , Clyoill, of Ash- burton, have this day entered Into Partnership aa Barristers and Solicitors, at Aahburton, under the style of "White, Oaygill and Oo." Mr J. W. White, will attend the sittings of the Courts at Aah- nrton. WHITE & CO., JOHN A. OAYGILL. Money to lend In any sums on approved freehold security. Offices : Bullock's Arcade 10*803 A CERTAIN CUKE FOR BALDNEBS. HICKMAN'S Eclipse Hair Producer. (Registered). PRICE, 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, end causes new growth on the head after being bald for years. None genuine without the trade mark md eignature— JOHN HICKMAN. To be obtained at all Chemist*.



Wanted. WANTED KNOWN.— Wathing and Mangling done either by the day or 4oz«n. Mangling 2d per dozen. — Address en application at " Guardian" Offic*. 880 WANTED, by a Single Gentleman, 1 " a Bedroom situated near Railway Station.— W.D., " Mail " office. 1 87 FURNITURE— To meet the times, W. DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East Btreet. Ashborton, is now Belling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers, £1 5s ; Spring Couches, £1 ss. Every other article equally cheap. All new furniture at second-hand price, 804 WANTED KNOWN. —Come and see the Great Bargains we are giving during our Clearing Sale. — H. O. Shocks, Milford House. 121 WANTED known— Clearing Sale now on at Melford House.— H. E. Sbqebs, East street. 1§36 WANTED to let— Shop In Bnrnett Street, now m occupation by Miss Hitchcock. Fbibdlandbr Bros. WANTED Known. — That H. M. Jones' Christmas and New Year Goods are selling off fast. Come at onoe and secure bargains. WANTED CASH.— New Currants s}d ; Valencia?, 6d ; Sultanas, 7d ; Elemes, 7d ; Muscatels, Is 6d ; l£lb boxes New Figs, 8d ; White Sugar, 2|d. Jas. McGregor, opposite the Arcade. WANTED Known— Ladies' Silk Gloves, 6d ; Girls' Hose, 3d and 6d ; Girls 1 Silk Gloves, 3d and 6d ; best Alpaca, s£d per yard ; Ladies' Lust Cloaks, 7s 6d ; Dress Stuffs, 2£d, 6£d, 9d£, ll£d— At H. O. Seqeb's Great Clearing Sale. 1 98 Special Advertisements. Bee Hives. FOR BALE, a number of Bar- framed BEE HIVJSS, at a very low price. GEO. JAMESON, IJ4O Ashburton. MRS MANHIRE, FA NC V GOODS W A REHOUSE, SaUNDBRS' BUILDINGS," East street. FANCY STATIONERY, Toys, and Christmas Presents m variety. Christmas Cards, &c, &o. Ladies' and Children's Pinafores and Aprons, &o, &c, 9624 HORNgBY REAPER AND TWINE BINDER. FOR SALE, a new Machine, with shear carrier and transport wheels com- plete. Price low. GEO. JAMESON, 1$ Ashburton. MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN NOW BE HAD AT THE ABOVE PIT f FOR rjMGHT SHILLINGS PER TON, Or m Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, By the Truok. FOR CASH OwLY. E. F. WRIGHT. o*3l DON'T SHOP TILL SATURDAY. ABSOLUTE CLEARING SALE. PRIOR to the return of our Mr Beath from the London tmrkets. Premises closed Thursday Evening till Saturday Morning, 10 a.m. We find it absolutely necessary to materially reduce our present »very heavy stock of G neral Drnpery, Bilks, Dress Stuffs, Clothing, Ac, m order to make room for large shipments to arrive here for our Autumn trade. Saturday Next, | [January 15th. The public will have an opportunity of purchasing ueasonabla ana fashion- able goods at rnlaonsly low prices. FIFTEEN THOUSAND" POUNDS WORTH. Most change hands. Great Bargains may therefore be looked for. Premises closed aa above to allow of entire Stock being re-mnrked, and arrangements completed that shall ensure comfort to our customers m purchasing daring the Hale. G. L. BEATH & CO, Argyle House, CABHEL STREET, CHRI6TCHUROH.



Victoria House. IN Consequence of Requisite Alterations to Premises, which will afford greater facilities for conducting oar rapidly increasing busiaess, it has been found necessary to Greatly Reduce our Stock within the next few weeks, large and liberal Reductions are now made m every Department. Holders of Glassware Gift Coupons are requested to present the same an early as convenient to enftble the Gift Distribution to be satisfactorily closed. . DIMANT~& COE, GENERAL DRAPER?, CLOTHIERS, &0., East and Tancred streets, Ashburton. NEW YEAR_PRESENTS. FROM A PENNY THIMBLE TO AN EIGnTY GUINEA PIANO. BEST Possible Value m PIANOS, ORGANS, and HARMONIUMS, on easy Monthly Payments. Second-hand Pianos from £12, New Pianos, iron frame, full trichord, from £35 up. Come and Bee the UNPARALLELED SHOW OF DOLLS, all Borts and sizes. GLASS and BASEETWARE, beautiful Plush Brackets, and Mirrors JAPANESE GOODS and NIOK-NAOKB of all descriptions. PRIZE and REWARD BOOKS LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. Schools Liberally dealt with. H. MrJOtf ES



mOWLE'B PENNYROYAL AND X STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all Irregularities, and telieve the distressing symptoms so pre- valent- with the sex. Boxes U l&d and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. Prepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drag Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. CAUTION TO POACHEBS. F consequence of so much Poaching of Trout from the Lagmhor Creeks I hereby give notice that anyone found so doing will be prosecuted ; and further, that a reward of £20 will be paid to any person who will give such information as shall lead to the conviction of such offenders. DONALD McLEAN, 11 *38 Lagmbor; Twenty Years' Practical Experlenoe In London. rA. HARROW, Pianoforte Maker, • 186, Cashel street, Ohrlstchuroh, will VISIT ASH BURTON on or abont JANUARY 18th, to Tone and Repair Pianafortea American Organs Har- moniums, eto. Orders received by Messrs Wood and Co. Stationers and Music-sellers, Ashbnrton, and Messrs Gates and Son. 0. A. H, holds Grot-cUts Home and Colonial Testimonials. 1£t126 FOR COUGHS, GOLD 3, Bkonohitis, Asthma., Coryza, Inflaensa, Con- sumption, &o. XT AY'S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, J\_ Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tola, Ac with Chlorodyne. KAY'S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. RAY'S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is eqaally serviceable for Howes and Cattle. RAY'S TIC PILLS, a specific m Neuralgia, Face-ache, &c. Con- tains Qain'ne, Iron, &o. COA.GULINE.— Cement for Broken Articles, Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers:— KAY BROS., Stock- port, England, NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR? THE NEW GOODS FOR THE : SUMMER SEASON ABB NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns m Men's, Youths', and Boys' Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men's and Boys Suits, .- c newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment .warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Xeggtugs m great variety Hats, comprising every new style worn Children's Jersey Suits, Children's Men- bf- War, Suits Gentlemen's Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bogs the celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N.Z- CLOOHJNG FACTOR?, East Stbibt-