RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Tb&inb Abbivk at Ashbdrtoh — From Christ, chnroh and the Noith, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.86 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timara, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 p.m. (express). From Mount Bomers, lOifi a.m Turns Leav* Abhbdbton— For Ohrißt* ehureb and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.65 a.m., and 5.87 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Sonth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timara, 4.45 p.m. For Mount Somera, 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the SOth November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be •■ follows, viz. :— IV PAR) IH ADVAKOB '. Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-jear 12a 6d, by pout, 18a 6d „ Tear .. 2is Od by post, S7s Od xr booked : Per Quarter. . 7b 6a, by post, 10a 9a „ Half-year 15a Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 80a Od, by post, 43s oa

KrUi, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid ■r at th» time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh ■ttMpi may be sent ai payment) ; if booked, 4s Mdfc* Anaounoementi of Births, Death! and tCarriaget " n t for publication from the country flktrioti. reqnir* to be verified by the signa* frm of ths perion stnd'ng the notioe.

MAIL NOTICES.

MaUs oloie at the Aohburton Post Office follow* : — For ChrUtohnrch and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Oherte«y Rakaia, &0., at 10. SO a.m | and 5 p.m. d&ily. For Dunedln,Tlnwald, Wlnslow, Hinds, ooUUtream { Rangitat*, Orarl, Winchester, Vid Geraldihe, at Id ».m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 \.m. and 4.30 pm for Tima/u and South, at 10 a. n., and f 30 p.m., daily. For Greonstreet and Athburton Forks, OB Weanesdays and Saturdays, at 10.30 a. a. For WakanuK Elgin, Seavlew, Seafield, id Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and turdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somcrs, dally at 4.30 p.m For May field and Ruapuna, on Mon d»ys and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Albion, Waterton and Lont;boach, 4.30 p.m. daily. I For Flemlngton, on Mondays, Wednci 4ays, and Fridays, at 4. 30 p. m. j For Newlands, on Tuosdays and F.i at 10.30 a.m.

Malls arrive »t thoj Ashburton Post fiee— . j/rom Ohrlstchuroh and Rakaln at 10.15 ..0., 4.36 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertse j &o. at 10.15 t and ,36 p.m. daily. Prom Dunedin »od intermediate places 6.3? *>.m. daily. »VrOta« Temuka an Timara at 10.40 a.m p 6. 50 p.m daily. From Greenstreet and Aehburton Forke, Wednesdays »Dd S%turdays, at 4 45 pm, From Wakanui, Elgin, BeavJew, Sea ield and Kyle, on Tuesday*, Thursdays, •nd Saturdays, at 5 p m. From Mount Bomers, dally at 10.5 , m. ♦ From Mayfield and Raapana, on Wed o«sday« and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Aahton, Waterton, and Long . at 10 a. m, dally. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fil at 2.30 p.m. From Flemlngton on Tuesdays, Thar* days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburaton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1887. THE SPEAKERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL.

A curious hitch has' arisen m con nection with the Speakership of the Legislative Council. Sir William Fitz herbert, who for some years has held, and still holds, that dignified office, is on his way to England as one of the representatives ol the colony at the approaching Imperial Conference, hav ing been granted twelve months leave of absence upon full pay, and conse quently will not be able to preside over the deliberations of the Council during the approaching session. The Govern ment, it appears, desire to appoint the Hon Mr Waterhouse as Acting Speaker, and indeed had arranged to do so, when it was discovered that the Con stitution Act, and other enactments bearing upon the question, contain no' provision to meet the case. The ap pointment of Speaker of the Council rests with the Governor, m effect with the Ministry of the day, and m the event of the Speaker's chair being vacant through death, resignation, or statutory incapacity, there would be no difficulty at all about the appointment of a new Speaker; but such an un usual occurrence as the absence of the Speaker during an. entire session has never been contemplated, and conse quently has not been provided for, so that there would appear to be no power to appoint an Acting Speaker without special legislation m that behalf. Not that the Council is unable to sit and transact business m the absence of its Speaker. The Standing Orders provide that if the Speaker be unable to attend, the Clerk is to inform the Council of the fact, and thereupon the Chairman of Committees takes the chair for that sitting. This process could, it is obvious, be repeated from d?y to day, and m that case Captain Biillie, as he has often done before, would preside over the business. But obviously the necessity for the daily reiteration of the formality of announc ing the absence of Mr Speaker should be avoided if possible, and it is there fore desirable that whatever steps may be necessary should be taken m order to the appointment of an Acting Speaker for the session. No doubt one of the first Bills submitted to Parliament on its meeting will be one to enable such an appointment to be made, but we shall not be surprised to find such a Bill made the subject of very considerable discussion. For it will give an oppor tunity, which is sure to be taken advan tage of m the Council, of raising the question as to whether the present system of appointment should not be altered, and the right conferred upon the Council of electing its own Speaker m the same way that the members of the House elect theiis, while also we fully expect to see the position taken up by many members that the Acting Speaker ship should be conferred for th i session upon the present Chairman of Com mittee, Captain Baillie. Indeed, we are surprised that the Government did not propose this, as Captain Baillie has often proved his fitness to discharge the duties of the high office of President of the Council, while his absence from the chair of Committee during tbe ses- j son would not m the least impede the progress of public business as the \ duties of the Chairmanship are thoroughly understood by several hon. members, of whom the Hon. Mr Miller is ore, the Councillor named having last session on several occasions pr. - sided m Committee wiih manifest abi lity. Why Captain Baillie should be passed over m favor of Mr Waterhouse we really cannot imagine, unless it be that it is supposed that the Acting Speaker of the year of jubilee will be the recipient of knightly honors and that it is desired that these shall fall to the lot of an ex- Premier rather than to that of a Councillor who has never occupied the position of a Minister of the Crown.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

We are m reosipt of No. VIII. o! the Crown Lands Guide, revised and correotod to date.

Mr Dunoan Wright's mission service was continued last evening m the Presby terian Church, the attendance being very fair. Mr Wright gave two short addresses, the subjeot of the latter one being Blind Bartimeua. Ho aIBO sang a solo " Any where with Jesus " with great effect, and altogether tba service was very interesting and no doubt improving to many present. It was announced that Mr Wright would hold a special service for women m the church on Wednesday at '6 p.m., and also hold sorvice on Saturday evening at Wakanui, preaching there oa Sunday afternoon,

The usual monthly sitting of the Asbburton District Conrt wa3 held this morning before His Honor Judge Broad. A civil cose, Boyle v Lean, was struck out, neither party appear ing. The sole bankruptcy business wes lht consideration of an application fur an order of discharge by J. A. Macpherson. This was granted. On the motion of Mr Crisp, probate m the estate of John Wood, deceased, of Tinwald, wbb granted.

At tho fi.M. Court this morning, before Major Steward, J.P., two first offenders for drunkenness wore each fined 5s and oosts, with the usual alternative.

The " Weekly Press " publishes a lißt ol shippers of frozen meat at the Fort of Lyttel ton for the twelve months ended 28th Feb. This shows a total of 181,257 carcases, to war da which fivo shippers contributed nearly 70,000. These were— John Grigg, 26,962 (besides 121 head of cattle) ; N.Z. and A. Land Co., 17,284 ; W. Hartnell, 11,622 ; Miles and Co., 10,531 ; M. Friedlander, 9543. Then oome J. It. Campbell, 6634 ; N.Z.L and M.A. Co M 6553 ; Gould and Cameron, 5573 ; J. Gough, 4433 ; and J. Cooke, 3900. Among Ashburton shippers not included m the forgoing Yd find the names of E. G. Wright, 2231; O. G. Hawdon, 1814; L. and E. Coster, 1195 ; H. Friedlander, 628 ; Dudley and Northey, 320 ; E. Herring, 263 ; D. Thomas, 196 ; and I. B. O. C. Graham, 174. Welrecently reprinted from the " Kaikoura Star " a paragraph Btating that Hall was m (ailing health and not likely long to survive. We now learn, on what appears to bo excel lent authority, that this is altogether in correot, that on the oontrary the prisoner is well and hearty, and is about tho best pick and shovel man m the Lyttelton hard labor gang, Mrs Langtry oleared £1,000 per week I during her recent tour m America. Bishop Hadiield is recovering from the eflecta of the accident which occurred to him lately. By the Bazaar at Knox Church, Dunedin, i tbe cburoh funds will benefit to the extent cf £1800. A Japanese circus, m whioh sports are held and Japanese village lifefjjis depioted, will shortly be opened m Wellington. Nearly 40,000 dootora have been graduated from the various medical colleges during the last ten yearß. During the journey of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught between Rawul Pindi aud Poona the Duchess appears to have had diamonds of the value of about £1000, stolen from her case,

A farmer wroto as follows to a distinguished gcientiflc agriculturist, to whom he felt under obligations for introducing a variety of swine : — " Beßpected Bir, I went yesterday to the cattle show ; I found several pigs of your epeoies. There was a great variety of hoga, and I waß astonished at npt seeing you there."

Seventeen of the Natal Zulus, who went to London m connection with the Indian and Oolonial Exhibition, returned to Durban tbe other day. All wore " belltoppers," and long-tailed coats, and walked about the landing with canes m their hands, and with all the airs ol oocknoya.

The Minister for Native Lands claims to have settled 500 families on land during tho pant financial year. It is the intention during the coming year to place 2000 families m special settlements throughout the colony, and of this number 500 will be located m the province of Auckland. |A new plant has been introduced into France from Kiev, m Russia. Its botanical name is xtrctocrajtta dunnii, belonging to the Order cyrandraccas. It produces but one leaf, which attains tho length of three feet* from the baso of which spring seven or eight Btems, bearing large flowers of a pale rose colour, much more voluminous than those of any other known varieties of the same species.

The London ' Times ' Philadelphia corres pondent Btotes that two misers, one reported to be a millionaire, have been found frozen to death m their home at Philadelphia. Lvgo quantities of money and valuable seouiitieß were found m tho house. There were also coals m the cellar. They had been dead for three days.

We learn from the "Pre3B " that a meteor was Been to fall and explode near Kowai Bush about nine o'clook on Saturday evening last. The surrounding country was for a eeoond or two brightly light up.

The"Wakatipu Mail "of the ith instant says — Numbers of the Amerioan white fish have been turned out m a few places on the shores of the Wakatipn Lake, and Mr L. Hotop, Vice-President of the Aoolimatisation Society, leaves by coach to-morrow with two tins of the fish with a view of turning same out m the Hawea and Wanaka Lakes.

In noticing tbe faot that New Zealand pays away £15,000 a year for the importation of Swiss milk, the ' Auckland Bell ' cays that it is not exaggeration to cay that New Zealand could Bupply all the preserved milk that ia required m the British Islands; and at the price which milk brings now, it is, m so far as original cost is concerned, m a position to do it as well as, if not better, than any other country m the world.

" Rough on Corns." — Ask for WelPa " Rough on Corns." Quick relief, complete permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. At chemists and druggists. 3

"Hoogii on Itch." — "Kough on Itch" cures skin humors, eruptions, ringworm, tetter, Bait rheum, frosted feet, chilblains, itob, ivy poison, barber's itcb. y

HopiiOWAY'S l'll/tS AND OINTMONT, — Th« combined ill effects of over-crowding, seden tary oooupatione, and monotony of life are only too well-known to those who have to pass the best part of their lives labouring m faotoriea and crowded workrooms. Tbe compulsory confinement weakens the general health and induces chronio constipation, indigestion, and variouß forma of Bkin diseases. Holloway's remedies are of priceless value to persons of this class, for they can be used without entailing lots of woik, being purely vegetablo m their composition, and conse quently act without harshness on the most delicate system. The expcriencCof more than forty years proves that no means surpass Holloway's remedies for curing bad legs, bad breasts, piles, and wounds of all kinds.

SPORTING.

LANCASTER PARK TROTTING MEETING.

Christchurch, Maroh 14. At the Lancaster Park Trotting Meet- Ing to-day, 700 persons were present. . Champion Tutor, about 3 miles. MrW. H^rn-jr's Shakespeare, 75srcs 1 Mr W. Walker's Energy, 40iecs ... 2 Mr I Farrar's Billy, 50aeoa 3 Time-Bnain f2seos. The sum of £IGI7 w«s put through tl c totalizator during fn day.

NAPIICR RACES.

Natter, March lo KAitWAy Stakeb, lOOaora; one milv Mib» D*rgon 1 The Shah y Talebearer 3 Dividend!", £11 4a and £JJ 6s. Hurdle Race, 20 sovt; nvo miles. Ofrbaoko 1 Erebos 2 Hurricane 3 Pividendf, £2 Jo 3 iud £2 l?s.

EARTHQUAKE.

Nar.yoN, Mai oh 15. T>o sharp shocks of earthquake wore felt here about 4 30 this morning.

Wbstfort, Maroh 16. Three distinct shocks of earthquake were experienced hero at 330 th 8 mo'ning.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

1 Auckland, March 14. A roan named H. Waundars waa to-day Bontenoed to fourtcea days, with hard labor, for playing dice m a lallway Carriage. Henry Ward e?o*ped from tho Auokland look-up by c'lmbing the spoutiug, bnt was reoaptured at the North bh ro. He is the third m»n who has escaped by tbe nme metho 1. Hokitika, Maroh 14. Father Martin has retnrned after a lengthened absence, owing to ill-health. He is no if restored, aid had an en* thnsiftßtic rooe'ption ami a presentation of an address and a puree of sovereign a. Dctnkdin, Miroh 14. A rather important case to farmers wAi heard befor the Resident Magistrate to day. M'Otore, a ploughman olaimed £15 23 6d fr.>ra a farmer f( r wage* dad. The plaintiff stated that, he had been engaged for one year, but left m consequence of the bad food. A labor agent stated that it was the custom for a yearly engag* meot bstiruen the farmer and a servant to be terminated by a month's notice. Mr Carew R.M. , said ha was satiefied the plaiut;£f bud broken his engagement on entering the bnsieat portion of tho year, because he conld e*tn ni re elsewhere, i and the plaintiff was only entitled to : £3 2* Cd and cats. Io a orosfc-aciion , brought by Sawers, the farmer, ti recover £20 damages for breach of agreement, judgment was given for £3 10a,

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

[hpboialto fkbss association.]

London, March IS. Fourteen rebel sergeants have been shot at Rustchuk. The Austrian Press declare that Russia is quite unprepared for war. The "Nord Deutsche Zeitung" states that Russia is determined not to Compromise her liberty cf action by entering into any further engagements a? to her course of action with regard to Bulgaria.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Reotkb's Tblegiums — Copyright)

THE PORTUGUESE IN AFRICA.

Aden, March 13. The Portuguese Governor of Mo zambique has been ordered to proceed to Zanzibar for the purpose of renewing relations between the Sultan and the Portuguese Government. Calcutta, March 13. The Indian Government has ordered a survey to be made of the Khojam Amram rabge of mountains, with the view to extend the Quettah railway m that direction.

THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

[SPECIIL TO TIIKSS ASSOCIATION ]

London, March 14. The P. and O. Company have given £500 to the Imperial Institute.

THE REVENUE.

PThe " Economist " expects a surplus m the revenue of a million and a quarter.

A JUBILEE YACHT RACE.

The Royal Thames Yacht Club is organising a Jubilee Race, to be held on June 14, and open to the world. The race will be round the United Kingdom, and the prize

THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND.

The Radicals fear that the Govern ment intend to dish the Separatists by accepting the principles of Mr Chamberlain's scheme, to apply the Canadian system of Government to Ireland.

THE CHARGES AGAINST THE LONDON CORPORATION.

In accordance with the promise made m the House of Commons when the charges of corruption were made against the London Corporation, a Committee has been appointed to investigate the whole matter.

THE GERMAN SUGAR BOUNTIES.

The extent and effect of export bounties on sugar are under consider ation by the German authorities. The opinion is expressed that the present bounties are unnecessary and injuri oasly liberal. It is said that a Bill to reduce them will be prerented to the Reichstag.

THE COLINDERIES.

Reports have been received of the unsatisfactory nature of the financial management of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, and a thorough searching audit is demanded, with the complete statement of receipts and dis bursements long promised. General disgust is now being expressed at the delay m producing the accounts.

FREE TRADE.

(Received March 15, 1 25 pm)

Sydnky, Murch 15. At the Free Trade banquet last night Sir Jho. Robertson, m proposing the principal toast, said that the Free Trade Association did more harm than good during the recent elections to the New South Wales Parliament.

DISASTROUS CYCLONE.

ifßisruNE. Mt«rch 15. By the cyclone at Burketown eight lives were lost and damage done to property, amounting from twelve to twenty thousand pounds.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ASHTON SCHOOL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — A letter from Mr G-. Gilmour — who is, I believe, * member of the Ashton School Committee -which appeared m your columns a day or two ago, is of aach a misleading and prejudicial kind and exhibit* m Buch a shamoietsly glaring manner ihe animm of the writur agaimt the late tench or, without apparently a •badow of legitimate c^uae, i hat to allow it to past unchallenged would be en insult alike to tho Committee, whose j views Mr G fecks to represent, and to the intelligence of the district a~ large. I shall oot enter into- any discussion a< all with Mr G , for obvious reasons, but shall just quote a statement from hit preciouß epistle, and then crake a counter statement, whioh 1 guarantee shall Vie quite unanswerable. Mr Gilmour lays fiat "Mr Bradley was tried on his merits as a teacher and found wanting." Well, he might, perhaps, be foand want- Ing iv eneaking lick-plttlelam towards ♦ His Highness " the Chairman and his satellites socially ; bot I defy Mr Gilmour on his Committee or any seotion of them to prove that Mr Bramley failed m carry ing on the Ash ton School m a preetnl neatly excellent manner, and highl satisfactory to tho Board's Inspector, who gave twice m succetsiou excellent — nay tuper- excellent reports, and who is too lynx-eyed to bo at all hoodwiiked or mistaken m the matter ; and who, when all ia done, is the only capable judge of a teacher's work m Aehton or any ether dtelHofc. The conclusion of the whole matter ia that Mr Gilmour should now rent eaiiefied with lie childish and m iflVotual attempts he has made to mis represent tho conduct of an educational officer, who has bean proved, In spite of the vindictive assertions cf bis spiteful persecutors, to bare proved an eminently excellent and successful toaoher, Mr Bcam'ey is well rid of some of his would-be tyranta m his late district, and imy well lay to heart the text "oast not your pearls before ewino list they turn again and vend you."— l am, etc.. Fair Pla.y. Ashlurlon, March|ls, 1887.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —With refereocj to G. Gilmour's letter of the 12th inst, permit me to make the following remark?; — First, it must bo evident to all your readers, after perusing G. G.'a letter that he acted from purely personal motives m helping Iv aecuie Mr Bramley'a dismissal, Jf this were not so, he would not now, after securing hici un manly doaire, try, aa he has dor 6, to destroy the chances of success Mr Bramley might have m other districts. This siems to ba tha solo aim of his vengeful mind; and m order more thoroughly to accomplish his purpose, ha must needs resort to gross misrepresenta tions and imaginings. With yonr permis sion, I will content myself with mention ing a few of the most glaring of those. He spates that " A few individuals took possession if a public school, &c." Now this is an utterly false statement; but G. <Va mind was evidently so prejudice! against the late master and the " fevr ant'trßlasts," [unimuort-mt, of course, without his mighty (mltey 1) prest.net>] 'hat he entirely forgot to make hlmßelf , acqua'nted with Iho fasti of the case. vVith regard to the remark that '• Mr Bram'ey wa< tried on his merits as a m later and fonnd wanting," I can only say that it is a gross miareprfesenta tion. Undoubtedly, Mr Bramley's in fluence m this district has been marred by the foolish actions of his Chairman, and, therefore, his removal was a necessity. Tbis faot was recognised by the Board of Education, and csnnot be disputed, but we have ouly to glance back at the brilliant teaching records secured: as the school by Mr Bramley during tha last three yean m order to judge to what ex tent ho was '• found wanting." Hoping your readers will now poe more clearly what kind of mm the late mister had t~> deal with, and how far personal motivos will compel such a one to go, I am, etc, ERITAS Ashburtcn, Marc** 12, 1887.

TO THE EDITOR.

Fir, — I am sorry that Mr George Gilmour should have provoked a corres pondence on the above subject. I thought he would have sufficiently poured out the " vials of his wrath " on the late teacher without taking this step. I feel m justica to myself and the others who signed the testimonial that a reply is neceEsary, for which I crave tho favorjof a small.space m your paper. Mr Gilmour states that a number of parent 8 knew nothing about the meeting, but the r fact remains that the largest proportion not only. knew of it, but attended it.

Most of us are of opinion thnt the removal of the schoolmaster had been sufficiently discussed, without Mr Gilmour rushiog into print on the subject. Mr Gilmour says that Mr Bramley bad been " tried on his merits and fouud wanting, &o." This really requires no other answer than the annual reports of the school examinations for the last throe years, which gavo the gratifying result of only one failure to pass during all that period. As your correspondent seems particu larly anxious to know who your reporter was, I may say without any breaoh of confidence that he lives very near Robin Afleck. The reporter, I may also aay, did not, as Mr Gilmour insinuates, draw upon his imagination, although there is little doubt Mr Gilmour has, and has possibly got mixed, as a consequence, on this matter.

Another grave charge is that tho parents took poßseosion of the schoolroom for the purpose of a meeting. This I at once dony. The meeting -was held m tho master's house The parents referred to were too well aware of the bias of the Chairman's mind on the subject to ask for tho use oi the school. In conclusion, | No Chairman am I, to rail and to write, No monaioh or pedlar to war or to fight, No mean man of business, contriving a plot Against a good teacher to make it so hot. Yours &c, James Croy.

TOE END OF THE WORLD IN 1902.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Pleaso correct two particulars m which the M.S.S. of my last letter has been incorrectly trnaslatod into print One passage as printed reads : — '• Mohammed was born Anno Domini 570, and was 30 yenrsof age when he began to teach. Ten (10) years later he began to teach, and was twelve (12) years propagating hia doctrine before <he Hegira, A.D, G22 " 7he words m italics "began to teach " are incorrect, and instead thereof the words "declared himself a prophet" should have appeared. A littla farther on lam made to say that after Mahomet's death his doctrine was propagated by S'4 caliplis. Instead of this it should have been said propagated by calipJis for 34 years. — lam,] etc , James Godrlay.

OUR PARIS LETTER.

(fiiom oun own corrbspondini.) . Paris, January 22. Fasting men are not a novelty of tho preßent day. The Interrae'diaise dee Chercheurs hos found records of similar and even more extraordinarp performances, if truo, m the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. A pamphlet of 28 pages, published m Paris by De Roipny m 1586, contains the "admirable and veritable history of a peasant g'rl of the country of Anjou," who for four years took no other sustenance than a little water. Dootore !v ' La Prov n^horeß and Montsaignet relate m narratives published at fens m 1616 Ihe history of a boy nine or ten years old, born at Vauprofonnde, near fc'ens, who remained for five consecutive yaars with out eating or drinking, swallowing, or sucking anything. Another pamphlet, printed by Abraham Saugrain iv. 1618, gives the "prodigious and admirable history" of a man from Provence, pre eented to tho Queen-mother at Blois, who lived without eating or drinking. A walnut tree thut has stood for four centuries m tho canton of Vaud has just been cut down The trunk measured 71 metres m oircmnference, and its branohet' covered a surface of 572 square metres. The Archbishop of Pans has issued a Pastoral letter announcing a Sacerdotat Jubilee for Pope Leo XIII m 1887. Special prayers will be recited at all tho masses throughout the yew, and com mittees will be formed for the celebration of the Jubilee. A new line of steamers direct between Paria and London has been inauguratedt The Isaac Perelse lost one of bet passengers during her last pausge from Algeria to Marseilles, A young soldier named Kendane, who had oome on deok, In spite of the captain's orders, was swept away by an immense wave. The weather wab fearful. Count de Montebello's furniture and ffleots, vrh'oh he loft at Brassells] when te. had to leave his post of Minister to Bolgtum hurriedly to fill that of Am- ''".. bassador at Constantinople, have been seized at the French frontier. He had employed a transport agent to send his goods to Paris, and the man supposing that as the oases belonged to a diplo matist they would not be examined by the Customs, took advantage of the opportunity to enolose a quantity of Belgian cigars. He was, however, betrayed by some one m the seoret, and the oases on reaching the French frontier station of the railway were stopped by thi Customs authorities. At the sitting of the Geographical Society the other day, M. de Lesiepi laid ou the table an Album giving vlev.a of the workshops established along tho whole length of the Panama Canal. It appears that during the past year new tools havo been supplied to tb,e engineers, whioh bare more than doubled tha meebanlori power at work, and thereby greatly Increased the progress of the ex cavating. M. de Lesiepi stated that he still maintains that the Canal will be ready by 1889, and believes that looks will not be required, but, m any caw, It will be time enough to make them when the Cans! Is out Tho 20 h ' attalion of the Foot Ohaweuti at Versailles, have received the new re* peatiog rifle, whioh is eaid to have ft range of 2,000 metres. The value of this arm may bo judged byjthe (fsot that the famous Oharrepoi rifla only oarrlei 1,200 metres. The city of Tou'ons^ Is preparing tA International Exhibition of Industrials Agricultural and Fine Art produots, whioh is to open on the 15th of May, 1887, and l*st five months. The Exhibition, undet the patronage of the State, will be con* ducted by the Munoipality, with the earn operation of other local bodies, under a guarantee fund of 700,000fr. The Irst ide<k of the promator was to oonfine the Exhlbiti )a to products of Frsrios and her colonies, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, but the soope bai now been Intended to • include produots of all nations. M. Minghettl, the Kalian statesman, hu left all his papers to his friend M. . Boughl, with Instructions to publish what ho may think of interest and give tho rest to the Communal library of Bologna. Among the papers are some documents of historical value, In cluding those referring to the conven tion of September, 1864, by whioh Napoleon IIE engaged to withdraw the French troops from Rome on the capital of Italy being transferred from Turin to Florence That arrangement wai nego tiated by M. Mlngh ttl. , Merlatti broke bis fast on the 15th . instant ( ecember) at half past six o'c'ook p.m , after fifty days' absten* i tion from food, as far as appear&ooes , go, The first nutriment sd minis* k te ©d by the doatovs was a dose of pap tone, but he could not let ti it. A ! similar result attended the administration of ex raob of meat, and the Italian flatly refused to lend his stomtoh to any more experiments. The ocmmlttee then offored him come wine prepared tpeoially for the • occasion Tbis h? drank without feeling any inconvenience, and it is supposed . that it will p r ove the way to a recovery of gastric and physical strength. Accord ing to the opinion of the doctors, it will be twenty five days before Merlatti will be able to take what the Americans call a * " square meal."

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

The following Government statlstlai, trith reference to the harvest rssn'ts, have been completed. The return! for last year are given m braokets : — Ashley — Estimated wheat produotlon, 548 283 bushels (470,672 bushels), from 22,37 1 aores (17,436 acre*), Oatt, 614,688 buuhels (476,393 bushels), from 22,075 aore3 (18,105 acres), Barley, 32,165 buahols (52,774 busbele), from 1,2224 acros (2148 acres) Sal wyn— Wheat, 1,153,629 baiheli (822 159 bushels), from 48 581 aorer (33.737 aores). Oata, 851,359 bushel* (691,129 bushels), from 32,766 tore* (30,222 aores). Barley, 100.327 buihels (195 613 boshele), from 3G20 aores (7131 acres). Akaroa— "Wheat, 14,350 bushels (14.315 bushels), from 521 aores (370 aores). Oati 14X71 buohels (2265 bushels), from 427 acres (70 acreß). Barley, 11,920 busheli (5415 bushels), fr >m 397 aores (166 aores), Ashburton— Wheat, 1,090,439 bushels (764 722 bushels), from 50,765} aorei (38,534 acroe) Oats, 853,635 bniheli (762.250 bushel*), from 36,052 aorei (34 165 aorea). Barley, 48.804 bushel* (97,215 bushels, from 2319 aores (4490 aores). Amur?, South of the Olarenoe—Wheafc 33 880 bushel", from 1304$ aorei. Oatp, 31,010 bushels, from 888 aores. Barley j' 2025 bushels, from 81 tores.

MENNONITE COLONIES. .

The Mennoaite ooloniea m Mlnneaotft and Manitoba (aays the " AustralaaUn and South American") are organised cooperatively and reproduce many of $• features of the Russian mlr. Eaoh village consists of thirty or forty families, and is ruled by a oouncll with the elder or priest at its head . The land is held ai the property of the community, and opt of the crops overing it a lopg atrip It assigned to ba cultivated by e«oh family. When the harvest is reaped the reaaltjli "pooled" and divided equally between the families ponatifcatfhg the commuplty, Their cattle are herded m one huge hug* pwturage and looked after by a herds* woman, who ia one of the Iwo cffiolali to whom they pay a salary, the other, bolog tfeefy elder ox prloik.

TBE ASHBURTON OUAJRPIaN, TOESDAY, MARCH 15, 1887



To the Lames. —^wing to ill-health, T have been unable to master the sixteen miles ride to Church or Chapel, and hence my Sunday savings have amounted to 21s 6d, and as the Committee never send for my cash, I thought of a good way m which I might spend the said 21s 6d, viz., by paying for this advertisement for a short time, and relieve suffering humanity, by telling them of the worth of Ferriman's Marvellous Steam Washer. During a very trying sickness it has been a source of great comfort to see my little Poly, just turned nine, doing all my wash, and saving me worry, besides the saving of Uie fuel, clothes, soap, time, and , adding to the health of my husband a-d nine children. — (Signed) A Mother, w! ois blessed m the possession of a good Washer. Mv name and address may be had at the office of this paper on paying the cost of a Washer for a sister of mm iv Otago.^ApV



. There aro more cures made with American Co.'h Hop Bitters than all other medicines. See flags and all . Don't pby.-io, for it weakens and destroys, but use Hop Bitterß that builds up (Take BQQebutAn)er.iQA.nCo,'s) fojd



SPORTING. GUNS. GUSTS. GUNS. SINGLE and DOUBLE-BBESCU and MUZZLE-LOADING Guns now landing oni m Stock ; tho Greatcßt Variety evgr Bhown ia Aahburton. OAXL EARLY AND INSPECT OUR STOCK. PniCES VERY LoW QUALITY NOT TO BE BFATEN. A L S 0 .— Powder, Bhot, Cops, Carridgep, Cart- ridge CfiRCB, and all Requisites for Sporting Purposes AT EQUALLY LOW PRICES. orr&Tlcorn, IMPORTERS.



Special adverttswmentg. WILDING AND LEWIP, BARRISTERS AND CJOLIOITORS. F. WILDING, Notaby Public. Offices: Next "Mail" Office, Burnettut., Aehburton. Mr Wix,Di>e will attend the sittings if the Ashburton Courts on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be oonsalted personally n these days. The firm la now reprrsentod m Ash- burton, by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of considerable experience, who ▼ill be m daily attendance at the office to receive instructions *nd confer with dents. *100 8 WHITE, CAYGILL, & CO., BIRUISTERS AND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITS, Notaut Fubwc. is hereby gtv^n that the • nnderslgned, Messrs White 'ani> o. (White, Smlthson, and Knymond), of Timsru, and John A. Caygill, of Ash- barton, have this day entered into Partnership ai Barristers and Solicitors, at Aahbu'ton, nnder the style of "White, Oay^lland Oo." MrJ. W. White, will atte d the sittings of the Courts at Ash- arton. WHITE & CO.. JOHN A. OAYGILL. Money to lend m any earns on approved freehold Becurity. Offices : Bullock's Arcade 10*303 T AM A pASH pURCHASER OP WHEAT OATS BARLEY AND RYE GRASS GEOEGE JAMESON, ASHBUKTON, 2°lol n^HE underfeip^ned have Just Raceived JL FRESH SUPPLIES OP NEWCASTLE COAL WEBTPORT COAL V.D.L. TIMBER V.D.L. PALINGS BuILED AND RAW OIL OASTOB OIL WHITE AND RED LEAD AMERICAN LOCKS 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, ■' -— i ■ ■. ■ NEW BOOKS AMD NEW SUPPLIES OF BOOKS. H. J. WOOD & CO., STATIONER'S HALL, 240, HIGH ST , CHRIBTOHUROH, And Fbiedlandbbs 1 Buildings, ASHBURTON. WE receive ; from London publishing firms regular shipments of from 15 to 20 cusos monthly by tho direct steamers. The reading public are leßpectfuily j invited to inspect our large and varied j Stock of Books m every branch of Literature. As wo buy for cash and buy largely, we are allowed extra disuonnt", and are m a position to give exceptional advan- tages to our ciiHtomerp, and a liberal discount on parcels and to Library Committees. U. J. WCOD & GO., Wholesale and Retail Booksellers and Stationers, CHRISTOHURCH A ASHBURTON. ACCOUNT" BOOKS In every vaiii-ty of aizo and style o f ruling, from iho lnrgost Imperial Ledger fxtra bupcr handmade, full calf, double Kußsin bands down to a penny PaHs Book. A. very Largo Stock always kopt, and any stylo and 8 : J!-j rnic'e to oidor, Writing, Printing, and Wrapping Papers m nny quantity Commercial and General Sta'i- ncrj and eve y description of Stationers' Sundries. Commercial Note and Letter Papern, by tlie caso or packet — an assortment of uvor 3000 ri ams m stock Commercial Envelopes— over 3,000,000 m stock m Clim church. Cream Laid Ifu'ed Foolscap— over 350 reams m stock Brown Wrapping, DouMe Imperial, various weight n, by the bale or ream — best value m New Zealand. School Fxerciße Books — over 100 grous assorted m stock. School Slates, Copy Books, And Seluol Requisites. Parchments ruled and headed "This Deed." fUBSCI'IBERS WANTED For Illustrated London News, Sporting and Dramntic News, Scientific American, Young Ladies' Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Tho Graphic, Engineer, Punch Home News. European Mail, Bow Belle.- Wo deliver m town immediately on arrival, and we post to subscribers m all parts of the <;qupty without delay. H.J.WQOD&CO. Etatiooers' Hull, 240, High street, CHRISTCHURCH, And at FriedlunflerH* Buildings, ABHBUBTONf



Wanted. &, _____ WANTED— A Youth to make M»>«J' cseful. Hayes am> Co. »w ANTED a BY to driva a horse.- FBIKLLAyDBB BROS- 3 104 WANTED Known— For cheap drapery ro to H. O. Seokbh* Genuine Gear Ing Sale, Fresh barg«ins jast opened. Melford Home, East street. WANTED known— lh»ve just opened op a useful assortment of house- hold Crockery, Ironmongery and Brußh- ware.— James MoGkbgor, Grower, Etc, Tanored Street, opposite Arcade. T7\URNITURE— To meet the times, W. JC DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East Btreet, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than ever. C'host ol Drawers, £1 5b ; Spring Couches, £1 5s Every other article eaually cheap. AH new furniture at second-hand price. 804 Special Advertisements. CENTRAL HOTEL*. TW. MoBAB having taken the above i Hotel, soHoits a share of patronage from the people of Ashbarton and sur- rounding dietrlota. Best Brands of Wine's Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling— Feeds, Okb Shillipo. Horses and Baggies to lot on hire a prioes to meet the times. For the convenience of travellen h»nsnm o»b will meet all trains. ENCOURAGE F OCAL TNDUSTttY L I AND ASK FOR Blankets, Flannels, Tweeds, . ANO Knitting Yarns fr6u ibis ASHBUBIOH WOOLLEN FACTORY. STORAGE. STORAGE. STORAGE. WE HAVE ROOM FOR A LARGE QUANTITY OF GRATN; NO VERMIN. IT. MATSON & CO., ASBBURTON. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR IT THE NEW GOODS FOB THE SUMMER SEASON ARK NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And tho variety of Style and Patterns m Men's, Youths', and Boys' Clothing leaves nothing to bp deoired. Thousands of Men's and Boys Suits, neweßt styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of Now Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Jvercoats, Waterproof Coats and leggings m great variety Hats, compnVng every new stylo worn Ohiivlron's Jorsey Suits, Children's Men- of-War Suits Gentbmen's Hosiery, Sccrveß ; Oxford Regatta and Whito Shirts Bogs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Begs i The celebrated WEBTIIEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. NY- CLOSING FACTOR K\ EIABT SrnxKT BOOTS. BOOTS. UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE c? LADIES', GENTS' AND CHILDREN'S BO O T S. AIWxiEW OUR HAS SECUUED THE GIEATfi^T BARGAIN IN BOOTS Ever of^red to the Aehburton Public. 1Q TRUNKS OF|; BOOTS -J Q ' Value £315, Inndcd cost, purchased fee tho sum of £210. These Goods were sent to the ordfr of a firm on the West Coast, but that firm was not m a position to take them up when thoy arrived — hence tiio Bargn'n. I'wo Trniikn I.adio*' Roots, 3s lid per pair, usually Gs lOd Two Trunks Ladies' High Leg Lace Eid, 7s 6d, usually 10s 6d One Trunk Gents' Best Canvas Shoes, strapped, 5s Gd, usually 10s G J "One Trunk Lndies 1 French Shoes, at 10s 9d, usually 14s 9d One Trunk Ludies' Lome Shoes, o'd Gd, usually 10s Gd Two Trunks Ladies' Victoria Boots, 5s 9d, usually 9s 6d 'One Trunk Ladies' Lasting Shoeß, mock button, 5s €d, usually 8s Gd Two Trunks Gents' Lome Lac 9 French Shoes, 12b Gd, usually IGb G 1 One Trunk Ladieß* Pateut Slippers, 3n 9d, usually 5s Gd One Trunk Gents' E.S. Bjots, 11b Gd, usually lGfl Gd One Trunk Ladies' Calf Leath<r Slippers, 2s Gd, usually 3s 9d .One Trunk Girls' E.S. Boots, Is lid, usDally 8s lOd Three Trunks Children's Bcotß, assorted, IsGi to 3b 91 ANDREW Olili.



Victoria House, IN Consequence of Bequiß'te Alterations to Premises, which will afford greater facilities for condnctiiig onr rapidly increasing busiiießs,< it has boon found necessary to Greatly Reduce our Stock within the next few x weeks. J nrga and liberal deductions are now made m every Department. Holders of Glassware Gift Coupons are requested to prosrnt the same as early sb convenient to'enablo the Gift D stribution to bo satisfactorily closed. DIMANT~& COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c, East «nd Tancred stoats, Ashburton.



NOTICE TO THE LADIES OF ASHBUTtTON. MBS PAULINoThas REMOVED to WALTON COTTAGF, Green Lane, Hampstead 145 MRS MANHIRE, FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, Saunders' Buildings, East street. FANOY STATIONERY, Toys, and Christmas Presents m variety. Christmas Cards, &c, &c. LadieB 1 and Children's Pinafores and Aprons, &c , &c, 9624 CAUTION TO POACHEBS. J*N consequence of bo much Poaching cf -*• Trout from the Lagmhor Creeks, I i Aereby give notice that anyone found tc doing will be prosecuted ; and furtbes. that a reward of £20 will bo paid to any person who will give such information -r 3hall lead to the conviction of such A enders. DONALD MoLEAN, U°36 Lagmhor; mOWLE'B PENNYROYAL AND X STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quiokly correct all irregalaritiei, and velieve the distresaing »ynptoms so pre* /alent with the sex. Boxes la l&d and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medloine Vendors. T reputed only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. TRY KIBKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. TXIRKPATBICK'S NEW BEASON'S .JLV JAM is made from NELSON GKOWN BRUIT, and boiled withm a few hours after the fruit has been gathered It thus retains moat of the natural flavor tf the freeh fruit. KIBKPATRICK'S NEW SB/'6iT|K,» s t"*£fc*° moßt delicioUß pre *™» Do not beperßuaded to V, uy cheap and inferior brandß of Jam. ( %e remains of old l t0 ?\ oS lO^ mi "*^B Bold at any price, but /SK f(r F^rKKPATBIOK'S NEW SEASON JW y and boo that you get it. TBs BFST 18 ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatriok'a New Season J m is the best. CAUTION. &one is genuine unless our name is .jrtnmpcd on each till) and has our registered Trade Mark "Lord Nelson* ©v tho label. H.Kirkpatrick&Oo. MANUFACTURERS,,