The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1887. THE EXETER FIRE.

The appalling loss of life resulting from the fire at the Exeter Theatre has S9M a thrill of horrow through those who have read the harrowing details of the catastrophe, even here, remote as we are from the scene of the disaster. The first thought that occurs to the reader is one of surprise, that after the sad warnings afforded some years ago by the burning of the theatre at Nice, and still more recently by the destruc tion of the Opera Conuque m Pans, the Imperial Government should not have adopted measures to prevent such lamentable loss of life m the event of ffre occurring m places of public amuse ment. The Home Secretary, Mr Henry Matthews, has expressed an. opinion that legislation m this direction is urgently needed. Home Secretaries, before Mr Matthews, have done the same, and yet no legislative action has been taken. Unfortunately fires m theatres have, of late, been of no un common occurrence, and the Govern ment should without delay legislate on the matter. A French paper, referring lo the catastrophe, offers some good suggestions. Among these the prin cipal are— that the theatres should be lighted by electricity, and, that the scenery should be non-inflammable. But, m our opinion, the means of exit when a fire does occur, are the most iroporfant considerations. On such oc casions a panic invariably ensues, and frantic men, women and children lose all self-control, escape being the one predominant idea m their mind, and a rush is made for the doors. Unfortu nately these are generally double, and open inwards, and m most cases have only one leaf fully open, the other being left on the swing, the consequence is that when^he rush comes, this is closed, and only half the doorway available for egress, those trying to escape become wedged together and, if not trampled to death, are suffocated, leaving the passage blocked. Every place of amusement should have two separate entrances for each part of the building, and the doors should open outwards. In our own little way, out m the colony here, the public become indignant when loss of life occurs through neglect of providing the means of escape m such en emergency, and the authorities insist, m the case ot hotels, that they shall be provided with at least two staircases from the upper floors. We have lately had to notice a case m which these wise precautions had been overlooked, with the result that two human lives were sacrificed. If such precautions be necessary m places where so few are concerned, how much more necessary are they m places where hundreds assemble, and where, m the event of fire, hecatombs of victims fall a sacrifice to reprehensible neglect on the part of the authorities.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Buxton addresses the eleotors at Hinds on Monday, and at Seaflald on Tuesday. Last evening a meeting of Mr Walker's supporters was held m the Schoolroom, Lauriston. In spite of the weather there was a large and satisfactory attendance from all parts o! the district. Mr J. Johnston was Toted to the chair and those present formed | themselves into a Committee to Beoure Mr Walker's retnrn. Very good progress waß made and enoouraging reports given m. Yesterday's express train from Dunedin was delayed an hour and a-half, owing to a land slip on (bis side of Oainaru, The Aebburton Woollen Company notify that they &re prepared to receive depositß at six per cent, if fixed for six months, and seven per cent, if fixed for twelve months, a much batter rate than is given by the banks. i Tho BOeial gathering held m the Odd fellowa' Hall last evening, m aid of the funds of the ABhburton Guards, was extremely well attended, m spite of the unfavorable weather. The entertainment, whioh was of a aimilar nature to those previously given, was ol a most enjoyable nature, and great oredit is due to the indefatigable Secretary of the Company, Sergeant Purchase, for the time and trouble he had taken to promote the general enjoyment. Among the noticeable items of the programme were songs by Messrs Stevenson, Buiok, H. Gates, and G. F. Scott > a recitation by Mr Minnis, and a violin solo by Mr Wood. Musical selections were also contributed by the Band. Music for the danoes was supplied bj Messrs Gates, Mayo, Hoakena (2), Wood, and the Band. Mr G. F. Soott made an efficient MA)., and Mr Banger, who had oharge of the refreshments, gave general latisfaotion, "Rough oh Gmnira" corrects offensive odors at once. Complete cure of worst chronic ones ; alco unequaled as gargU for diphtheria, W UUOIt, iOQi fcriiib, i •

Mortimer's Troubadours and Minstrel Com pany, comprising a number of songs, d&noe and character artistes, open at the Oddfellows' flail this evening for a short season oi two nights. A Bpeoial general meeting of the Ashburtdn Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was held at the Arcade Chambers, this afternoon. Mr J. Bonnifant was voted to the ohair— -Mr 0. J. Harper wrote, resigning the position of President, as he would be absent from the district; at the time of the annual show. — Mr T. Bullock w&b eleoted President, and Mr Harpar was eleoted a Vioe-President. An excellent entertainment m aid of the funds of tho Chertsey Publio Library took plaos m the District Schoolroom last evening. Mr D. Todd occupied the obair, and intro duced the performer to the audience. Not withstanding the threatening appearance oi the weather, there was a large attendance and all seemed to enjoy the items of the varied programme which had been prepared. The oonoort opened with an overture for pianoforte and violin played by Mr and Miss Tbdd. Misaes Philpot, Bruce (2), Strachan(2) and Ground* water contributed songs and instrumental pieces during the evening. Messrs Todd' English, Downit, and Wilkinson, also sang during the evtning, and their efforts stemed to give every satisfaction. Mrs English and the Missss Todd and Bruce, noted aa accom panists to the iing«rs, and it is almost need leßs to say contributed largely to the success* ful rendering of the various songs. The eomio element is always popular at euoh entertainments, and the efforts of Messrs Wilkinson and English, to amuse the audience were duly appreciated and encored. Miss Philpot »lso secured an encore for the vocal efforts. Where all did so well, it would be perhaps invidious to partionlarise, but the juvenile performers well deserved the appre ciation of the audience, especially the Misses Mary and Graoe Straohan m the pianoforte duets, and the Misses Groundwater and Todd m their vocal selections. All and sundry who assisted did their best, and the consequence was that the reunion was a thorough success, ' At the conclusion of the entertainment votes of thanks were passed to the performers and the gentleman who had so kindly lent his piano for the oooaaion, and also, to the Chair man, A very successful dance terminated a very pleasant evening's entertainment, and the Bub-committe* appointed to manage all the atrangements may be congratulated on the very successful issue of their efforts. There are fifty-five empty county gaols m lowa. Sootoh farmers are experimenting m flax raising with good results. A recent writer on China puts the popula tion of the empire at 450,000,000. In Edinburgh a disused railroad tunnel is to be utilised for raising. mushrooms. ■ A Sooiety for the prevention of cruelty to sailors haß been organised m New York. Soarcely a newspaper existed m Japan twenty years ago, and now there are 551. I'he whole length of mail routes m opera tion m the United States amounts to 375,000 miles. The School Board of Atlanta will not allow colored teachers to serve m the white lohools. California claims to have received 15,000 new settlers since the middle of last No vember. The " Bruoe Herald " aaya :— The Indian visitors to London for the Jubilee Buffered greatly from tho heat. They were quite astonished at the serenity with whioh English men bore it, and particularly amazed when they behold the energy Witts Wilion they went about their work while the visitors from the tropicß were so prostrated that they could do nothing. &I 8 there any reason why butter should be so much dearer m winter than m summer? Apparently not, if we can believe a Wisconsin farmer, who, after thirteen years' experience, Bays that a cow, warmly housed and well fed m winter, gives more butter and cheese than m summer. He also averages his butter by the acre, and not by the cow, and now pro duces 601bs of butter per acre. His 200 acre farm now carries 64 milkers and 30 heifers m calf, and is expected to carry the lot. This he manages by feeding millet, maize, and olover. We learn from the •• Taranaki Herald " that the demand for land on the deferred payment systom m this district still con tinues. During the last fortnight four sections have been taken up m the Huiroa blook and one m the Kaupokonui, thus diminishing the limited area of the unsettled land m these blocks. The new block, the Ngatimaru, on the banks of the Wai tar a river, opposite the Huiroa blook, will not be m tho markot for some time yet, as the Government do not want the land opened for selection until the Waitara river is bridged, which means some months hence, aa money for suoh a work would undoubtedly be granted only while the House is m session. A rather dramatio incident has just ocourrod m Timaru, of whioh the " Lyttelton Times " gives the following vereion :— On Friday the police authorities reoeived intimation that a married woman, taking her only child, a girl of ten or eleven, had left Duaadin m oompany with a young man. When the train arrived at three o'clock the party was reoognieed and kept under surveillance. On Saturday the aggrieved husband arrived by steamer, and the runaways were brought from their lodgings to give an ncoount of themselves m the Inspector's office. Here a dramatio scene occurred. The husband cried tearfully, # O mein lieber kleine,' and embraced the little girl, and pitifully enquired of his ' frau ' why she had left him (the parties were all German). Finally the wife went baok to Dunedin with her hußband, and the young roan eleoted to remain m Timaru. When the Manapouri was last at Sydney, says the correspondent of the "Evening Herald," the popular oaptain (Loga) enter tained the members of tho Marine Board Department with an exhibition of the working of "his new boat-lowering apparatus. A boat was lifted off the ohooks, lowered into the water, and swung baok m proper position again m the marvellously short space of twenty-five seconds, so that Captain Logan's invention appears to be what be claims that it is— invaluable. The members of the Marine Board were delighted with what they saw.

GLEANINGS FROM VARIED FIELDS.

Canon Fleming states ;— •'* One hundred and thirty-one milliots of money are spent m drink annually. And what do we get for it all ? A flood of intemper ance, a deloge of pauperism, a harvest oi crime *,tid lvmaoy ; a multitude of premature deaths. I oan understand a man giving op other ends, if ambi tion, or honor, or fame, or wealth be his goal. Bnt for men with all these proipects to sacrifice health, wealth, talent, honor, character, Influence, for drink — this is to throw away body and soul for nothing," The author of a standard work on '• Physiology " emphatically deolaies that 11 Beer, wine, and spirits are neither useful nor economical aa food ; they de ptnd for their pepnlar use on their stimulating properties, which are due to ;he alcohol they contain, and vary m degree according to the quantity of alcohol. The teß-lnvny of all the great authorities who brvve U e'.y had the oppor tunity of observing their effects on maaies of men exposed to exoeiaive cold or heat, and on thoEe who are required to exert great and cmtlnuons labor, is aeoldedly against the übo of these stimu lants. Concerning the Use of alcohol, Mr John W. Kir ton says :— " Strong drink strengthens the motive power to do wrong, and at the same time weakens the Inclination to do right, Ons of the earliest things I met with In my experi ence of this movement was a working man getting op and saying he had been a teetotaler so many yeara, and he could do anything. Bat there wa baman In the body of the meeting who cried out, " Yon can't 1" " I oan," he said. " Yon can't, Jaok ; for when you used to drink you used to thrash yoor wife two or three times a week. Can you do that without drink?' "No, ladles and gentlemen," said the man, "I beg to apologise. I ought to have said 1 can do anything that ought to be done without intoxicating drinks.' Mr W. Orossfield, J P., of Liverpool, relates the following Incident :—" Not long ago I was passing along one of oar public streets at* nine o'olook at night. There was a disturbance going on In the pnbHc-houße. I was first made aware of this by seeing a number cf children clambering on the outside of the wiadows, on the gr»tlng which covered the window m order that they might see over the screen which you have perhaps observed is always plaoed m the window of a pablic houne, that we may look for m vain m the wiodow of any of any other tradesman that we know of. And when one knows what goes on inside the publio house one is not surprised that those who keep them should desire to keep their doiags as aecret aa they can. A gieat dUturbanoe was going on, aud bye-and-byo, with more boldness perhaps than wisdom, I ventured to go lot He the publio house, to ace what it was that was being done, and there I found the form of a weman on the floor. The very life of her was being stamped, yes, trodden out by her companions, who wore m a state of intoxication. Now the appoaranoe of a respectable person put an an end to everything of this kind at ouoe. There was a sense of shame on the part of the keeper of the public-house, and even on tne part of bis coßtumers that if there were respectable eyes there to look this was sot a respectable thing to be seen. These things 1 have Been with my own eyes, bat of them there Is no public record. I have bad to investigate cases whloh to any ordinary citizan wonld be called murder, but which, from certain cariosi ties of law, never came ander such a designation." The Rev Jos. Barry, of St. Albans, says:— Take the case of farmers. la the good old times produce was dear, and land comparatively cheap. I have seen the con of land more than paid for m a Bingle year's orop. and ao have you. What became o' the money then ? How much of it want into the publican's till, m the daya when the average ex penditure m str.mg drink was £1 per week for every adult male m the colony 1 How much, too, was wasted m that other Intoxication, Almost aa bad, that awoke m men a greed for more land than they could pay for or profitably cultivate, and has left them m the grip of the mortgagee? The taxation of to-day would be Jight, but for that other taxation which 1b self-imposed, and the result of our own folly. We have to-day iv our hospitals and public institutions, and In tho reoeipt of charitable aid, old colonists who have wasted many fortunes. God knows Ido not mean by this statement to harden anyone's heart against their relief. It ill becomes any man to throw m the teeth of an unfoitnnate brother his past tine We could none of u« affotd to have such measure dealt out to ourselves. Still even obarlty mast not le&d as to disguise the trath when we speak of the condi tion of the country and the causes whioh have led to it. Oar expenditure In strong drink during the last sixteen years — ex tending, that is, over the time covered by the Publio Works policy— amounts to £41,0C0,000. What have we to show for this waste, savt disease and crime, and pauperism? If this money had been la the pockets of the people, or had been spent m reproductive industry, how differently we could have borne extra taxation or diminished prices of exports ? No remedies will meet the oaee tbat do not go to the roots of the disease. No meaiures of reform can bring real and lasting prosperity to New Zealand that leave the drink question untouched, and do nothing* to check the gambling that even yet riots m our midst

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland September 9. Mrs Bishop, widow of Mr Blihop, who was assassinated at 'Frisco, has iiled a statement of defence contesting the right of Mr Rae, executor, to get probate of Bishop's will. The grounds of defence are denial of the death of Bishop and an allegation that the wilt was made through undue influence. Ag the death of Bishop has been denied the body will be brought over from San Francisco by the next mail steamer, so as to remove any doabt on this point. The polloe authorities m Auokland are evidently satisfied many of the fires of. recent occurrence have been the result of incendiarism, and it la said that with the object if possible of discovering the fire-raisera, detectives have been on duty In the city during thentght. At the Police Court to day at Kotoraa, James Pettengell, a well known Welling ton pugilist, pleaded guilty to stealing a number of valuable wood carving* from the old ronangA house Hinemlhl, of the ruined village of To Walroa, acd was sentenced to one month's hard labor. At the Supreme Court to-day, for breaches of the marriage laws, by making a false declaration to the Registrar, Qalnn and Johnston were placed under proba tion for twelve months ; Monnlx being sentenced to three months' hard labor. 'Wellington, September 9. At a meeting of the Star of Wellington Lodge, 1.0.6T,, it was announced that the two grand lodges representing English and American jurisdictions would meet m Wellington m January ntxt, for the pur pose of forming one Grand Lodge for the whole of. Now Zealand. Dxwedin, September 9 In the R.M. Court, th Magistrate gave judgment for £18 against the owner of a private siding, being the value of one of the tram hones, whlon had to be killed through injuries eastalntd by collision with a truck which was oroaslng the tram line. The Magistrate decided that 'the owner of the siding was liable because he knew the danger oE allowing work to be performed by two borne without a talkMm.lß,

THE WEATHER.

The following is the meteorological report at Alford Station for the week ending September 10th, 1887 :—

THE TONGAN QUESTION.

REPORT OF THE WESLEYAN COMMISSIONERS.

(Rbdmr Telegrams— Copyright) Sydney, September 9 The Wesleyan Commissioners re cently returned from Tonga have pre sented their report to the Wesleyan Committee. The report, stated that the Free Church party demand the removal of the Rer. W. Moulton, when all difficulties will disappear; also that Tonga should be constituted a separate Conference, and affiliated to the General Conference, and if this is done they will acknowledge the authority of the latter m everything. The Wesleyan native ministers and people under Messrs Moulton and Crosby are not willing to unite with the Free Church, and ask that a proclamation be issued declaring their freedom. The Com missioners make no recom/nendation whatever.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

VENEZUELA OUTRAGES.

London, September «*. In the Commons to-day, the Secre tary of State for the Colonies, m reply ing to a question, said that owing to the seizure of another Trinidad ship by Venezuela officials, the Governor of Trinidad had summoned a British man of-war to his aid. Previous outrages, Sir Jas. Fergusson added, had not been redressed, but Government could not allow this to continue.

COLONIAL ITEMS.

[special to tress association]

London, September 7. During the debate on New Guinea Sir Geo. Campbell moved that the salary of the Deputy Commissioner be reduced to Mr. Me Arthur defended the employment of black labor as necessary to the cultivation of Bugar. Sir Henry Holland stated that the Settlement Bill was necessary for the Pacific Islands, and also the registration of land purchases. Mr Goschen desires that England should retain the homeward and out- ' ward postages and pay a subsidy to the i P. and O. Company, Australia making a similar arrangement with the Orient Company. London, September 8. The Colonial Mercantile Agency Company has been registered, with a capital of A portion of the consignment of oranges by the Chimborazo has been officially condemned as unfit for sale. The Castlemaine Gold Mining Com pany, wilh a capital of to | purchase the Garfield and Manchester Mines; and the Gippsland Gold Mining Company, with a capital of ;£ 1 20,000, to purchase the Tarrage leases, have been virtually floated. Mr William Gilmour Cuthbertson, General Manager of the Bank of South Australia, retires from his position m consequence of ill health. Sir Saul Samuel has purchased the large collection of Captain Cook's relics exhibited at the recent Colonial Exhi bition. The Agents-General have received instructions from their several Govern ments to conclude the best postal agreements possible,

A USTRALIAN.

[bBUTER's TELEGRAMS— COPYRIGHT.]

A GERMAN MAN-OF-WAR.

Sydney, September 9. The German man-of-war Albert Ross has arrived at Cooktown for the purpose of coaling. She will remain at that port about a month, and probably then leave for the South Sea possessions.

fatal fire.

A woman has been burnt to death m a hut fire at Silverton.

BURGLARIES IN MELBOURNE.

Melbourne, September 9 The police have arrested four men who are supposed to be members of a gang who have committed several bur glaries m the city recently;

MR LALOR.

It is probable that Government will ask Parliament to grant Mr P. Lalor, Speaker of the Assembly, on his retirement.

THE MARKETS.

Adelaide, September 9 Wheat is quiet at 3s 7d to 3s Bd. Flour is dull at the following quotations: — Town brands, 5s to £9 103 ; country brands, 5s to jQZ 10s. Sydney, September 9 New Zealand oats, is rod to 2s 26 ; New Zealand wheat, none m market ; maize, 3s 6d ; potatoes, 25s to 30s. The market for potatoes is glutted.

THE RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

The fire which occurred last night on the Petersham railway viaduct was caused by an accident to a long goods train. While the train was passing through Petersham the axle of one of the trucks broke, and several trucks were thereby precipitated over the em banckment, The goods caught fire, < and a number of trucks, as well as a ' portion of the viaduct, were destroyed. { None of those m charge of the train suffered any injury.

ANNOYING A CANDIDATE.

Auckland, September 9. Mr D. G<ildie, one of the candidates for Auckland West, received this morning a Urge brown paper paroel with the follow ing inscription ectawled upon it '. —"David Goldie, Orange pup, beware !" On opening it he found it contained a human skull of ghastly whiteness, and attached to it a pair of human thigh bonca. The relics had particles of sandy boII on them, and seemed as if they had been disinterred for the purpose. The parcel was left on the verondah of Goldlb's bouße, and it is not known by whom. The paltry advice is regarded by many as a joke, and by others as a veiled threat.

AUCTIONEER'S REPORT.

Messrs H. Matson and Co. report upon the live stock market for the Aahburton district for the week ending 9th Septem ber, 1887, as follows, v!z : — On Tuesday, at the Ashburton yard*, there was a fair entry tn aheep, made up principally of store sheep m medium condition, two good lines of ewes m lamb, a couple of lines of hoggets; and some so-called fat sheep, m all about 4700 head, of whioh we yarded 3500. There was a fair attendance of farmers, butoherß and others, but at auction biddings were languid, and several linea had to be turned out unsold. After the sale we oloared two or three lines privately, but the general tone of the market was quiet, whioh ought not to be at this season of the year. Our principal sales were 131 orossbred ewes and wetherß, 6s 63 ; 83 do at 8s 5d ; 136 at 7s 81 ; 30 at 7s 4i ; 170 cull stores at 5s 3d ; 176 at 5a 6d ; 48 fat sheep, 9s Id ; 304 at 8s 4 i ; 314 at 7s 2<i ; 318 at 7s 7d; 224 culls, 4? lOd ; 185 crossbred ewes m lamb, 8s ; 821 do 7s 6d ; and 250 crossbred 2 tooth, 7s ; turning out 1000 orossbred 2- tooths During the week we have sold privately 3400 sheep as follows :— 6OO at 10s 6d ; 350 at 8s ; 1200 at 6i 9d ; 1000 at 6s 5d ; and 150 fat at 12s 9d. There was a small entry of cattle, no beef forward and stores only a medium class. We sold 2 heifers at £4 ; lat£s;l at £4 15 i ; and stores from 10s to £2 per head, as per description. On Friday we held our ÜBual fortnightly sale of sheepskins, at whioh a fair entry was catalogued We offered 576 skins, selling butchers beef skins at from 4s 3d. 4s 6d, 4s 9d, 5i to 53 6d ; oeoond quality, 2a 6d, 3i to 3a 9d ; dry skins from 2i to 4s 9d ; inferior, Is, Is 4i to la 9d ; pelts, Id, 2d to lid each.

ELECTION NEWS.

Auckland, September 9. Mr H. R. Jury has retired from the oonteot for the Newton seat In favor of Mr 1 Tole. : Napier, September 9. : Mr Desmond, a candidate for Hawke'a ■ Biy addresaed a large meeting at Hastings . last night. His speech was along tirade r againßt the land holders, and an -advocacy [ of " expropriation " of large estates. At ■ the close he moved a long resolution which virtually expressed approval of hla policy ! and of himself as a candidate, but only about; tvanty voted for it, and two hun l daed a?ainßt it. A majority of those pre sent evidently regarded his candldatare as a joke, Wellington, September 10. * The final returns for the Eastern Maori : District give Carroll 1298, Wl Pere 1112J Warbrlok 571 and Tawh»nga 424. In the Wesrern District Tatpua heads the list with r 1402, Te Wheoro 1029, Eketare 162, t Ornwby 134 and Mete Ktngl 37. There a*e several returns still to oome, wbfoh , will afjeot only Taipna. Ormsby and Mete K'ngl. The latest figures for the Southern » Maori electorate show Ellison 88, Pratt 13, Kahu 79 and Tl Kao 71. Five more - retards have to come, which it !s expected ) will place Pratt at the head. It ia said . that more interest has been taken by the ■ Natives m this election than m former f ones, more voteß having been polled and ' mire candidates having come forward. ' Oam/UWJ, September 9 £<r E- Stout addressed a large public , meeting In Csmara to-night. He dealt i with the same subject a as he has treat ad. of at other places. At the conolusloa of the address a number of questions were asked . He received a unanimous vote of 1 thanks, > Dunebin, September 10. Present returns for the Southern Maori electorate cave Pratt 99, Ellison, 73, T > Khna 60, and Tekao 55. Seven returns have to oome, These are expeoted to increase the majority. Mr Bennet, ex-Oounty Chairman, op poses Mr J Brown for the Lawrence ie»t. Mr J. S. MoKei.zie had an enthusiasts reception at Naßeby by the largest meet ing ever held there. Be said that the Ministerial allowances had been co mdal ous'y increased, and there were other extravagances. Nothing but regid economf m erery direotlon oould set things on a satisfactory footing. A large portion, of tho expenditure was simply Rallied spoil brought home by an organlued baud of public plunderers who, disregarding the toil of the taxpayer, periodically Bet out on a marauding ex pedition. ' Whit the country required' was a policy of stern unrelenting economy.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Bough Weather. Manaia, September 10. Last night was the wildest experienced ainoa the settlement of the plains. Dar ing the whole nfghi hail and rain fell, the noise being deafening. Major Atkinson- Major Atkinson speaks to-night on the Now Plymouth Harbor Gate question. Theatres and Fires. Wellington, September 10. In view of the recent firea at theatres all theatres m Wellington have been examined. The City Surveyor reports that the exits are sufficient, but the gaDgwayi booorae blooked and there is apparently no means of stopping it. The Oity Council intend to enquire farther into the matter. Humane Society. Mr Oharlea Koblcaon and Baron Von Mueller have boeu presented with bronze medals for saving the Hveß of children who had fallen off the railway wharf. A Big Claim, Lake and Sons, foundrymen, have served the Corporation with a writ for £26,500, compensation for loss of fore* shore rights. EJectrie Lighting. The Mayor has reported to the Oounoil that by using the water power, now run ning to waste, the City oan be lighted by eleotrloity, at a Baying of £1000 per annnm. At present less money is spent m Wellington thao m any cf the large towns, and tha lighting is very imperfect. The subject has been referred to a special Committee. Inque t. - The Inquest on Walker, showed death to have resulted from cancer m the atooiach the pain causing him to refuse food, and medical evidence showed death must have resulted m a short time m any oast. Fire. Nels6n, September 10, The White Hart Hotal, Richmond, was completely destroyed by fire last night. The hoase wad insured m the National, the emount is not known. The furniture »ud stook were insured for £600 m the Standard. Dividend DuwbdiNv September 10. The Ealtangata Coal Railway Company dcolared a dividend of 6 per cent with • boaui of 15i pet ihut^

CHRISTCHURCH ITEMS.

+ CHRisTCHPBcn, September 10. A private cab'egrara from Sydney atates that 13 to 1 is offered against Pasha for the Hawkesbury Handicap. The bicycle 50 miles road reeotd was lowered today to 3 hours 43 minutes, by A. L. Pillow, of the Ohristohuroh Bicycle Club. The weather prospects are not bright for tha Oanterbury-Otago football match to-morrow. The ground is m splendid! order, «hd fine showers will not do much harm. The visitors will be entertained to a dinner by the Canterbury Bugby Union after the matoh. The Canterbury College students have invited the Otago team to a concert and ball to nighty and on Sunday the Otago team will be drlten to Sumner and entertained at dinner. The Canterbury team are the favorites for the matok ■ The Supreme Court action, Hewitt v. Cameron, for £500 damages, for injuries caused by defendant, who is a farmer at Methven, for assaulting plaintiff, resulted m damages of £50 being awarded ?by a special jury of four. ; . . ; r^- ; <

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR PURNELL AND MR WALKER.

TO THE EDITOB. - , Sir, — May I bog tie favor of space for a few lines to point out, what appears to be, some misinformation which' has been placed m your hands, and which was embodied m yo.ttv leading ax tide of- lait evening. With yourself, I think It a pity that personalities of any kind should be indulged m at election or any other time, bat I cannot bat think that la this inatanoe "He who exousea htmielt accuses himself." As one of Mr'Pnrnell's warmest supporters (on broad ground* only). I oan state that I hare never heard Mr Walker spoken of by any ot them exoept m terms of reßpeot, both ai a man and a gentleman, bnt they most cettaialy do take the strongest objections to him as a politician, and I presume they way do this, In a free country, without bringing down upon themselves the violent tirade contained m jonr leader referred to above. There appears to be 1 some misunderstanding as to who the on -1 employed were that Mr Walker did bring down. Those I have heard mentioned, were the men employed In the Ooanty Plantations, and this, I think, we can prove if necessary. It was at any rate assented to by Mr Walker, In faot as County' Chairman he must hare dojne 10. I would also ask if " the organ "of the J Opposition m this part of the world f could be pointed out, as we were not awera that we had any help from the papers here, but very much the other way. — lam, etc, " : ■ ' OeposiTlOH. 9 _________________________ .

THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

10 THE EDITOK. ... Sib,— rln your issue of yesterday "One of the. People" draws the attention of the Catholics to the education question. Mr Purnell, m his address on August 12th, " thought it would be wise'to remodel the system m the direction of the State foster ing private enterprise by giving grants for secular results." If he said it wonld be wise to make a railway from here to Mount Cook, we should have just as good a chance of getting it done as of getting what Mr Purnell thought wise. This is a very serious question, and one not to be treated lightly. I was very much amused at a letter Which I saw a little while ago ia the " New Zealand Tablet." This paper is the organ of all the Catholics m New Zealand, except a few English ones, who are of little or no moment. The letter was signed "English Catholic," and suggested that the Catholic Bishop should write a pastoral enjoining all Catholics m the Ashburtoh constituency to give Mr Purnell a block vote. It is evident that tbis correspondent is an Irish wag who was poking fun . How his tongue must have distended his cheek when he was writing it. And how the "boys" did laugh when they read it. It sent them into shrieks of laughter. The bare idsa of giving Mr Purnell a block vote because he "thought" the State would be wiio m doing something is absolutely side splitting. If he had pledged bim«elf to do all he could for the attainment of their demands the matter would be different. So little chance is there of Catholics getting what they want that the " New Zealand Tablet" does not deem it win at present even to agitate m its favor. I think Catholic education may be dismissed from the present contest But the moat laughable part of the whole thing is to give a block vote to . the man who his never spoken of them except m words o£ calumny end insult. As a private gentle man I tbink no one will find fault with him, and as a lawyer he is able and oon ecientious; but for a block vote his chances are microscopically small. Does any believe that he cares a bit for their education ? Who convened meetings to congratulate Lord Salisbury on his success m defeating the just demands of Irish men? And who denounces them m all the moods and tenses for endeavoring to put m practice ihe principles which ho himself so ably and eloquently advocates m his pamphlet ? The answer is, Mr Purnell. How is it h© has desires to do them justice here, while he rejoices over their misfortunes m the Old Country? They have votes here. Now, ltsus take a glance at Mr Walker, He never speaks disrespectfully of any man's, creed bf country, and he is always as willing ttf oblige an Irishman as a Scotchman or an Englishman, He is frank enough to state, like the » New Zealand Tablet, 7 ' that there ia no chance- at present for any important alteration m the Education Act. It is not worth while Baying much 'on a matter which at present is not within the range of practical politics. The amount of sympathy which Catholics may expflcfc from Mr Purnell may be gathered frdm the following facts. On the Bth June, 1882, m the Town Fall, Mr Saundew in dulged m a ferocious tirade against the Catholic Church, one sentence of which I quote :— " Protestants ought long ago to have risen as one man against this exeroise of foreign despotism (the block vote), and refused to give a single vote to any man who was chosen as the recipient o£ this block religions vote." On the 14th, six days after, Mr Purnell mad© an eloquent appeal to his friends at Fen* darves, who had previously supported him ' (Mr P.) to rally round and support Mb Saunders. A block vote was a frightful thing when given against Mr Saunders. the slanderer of Catholicism, but it is a very proper thing to give against Mr Walker, who never spoke a disrespectful word of Catholics or Catholicism. Such is the consistency of politicians. I fear I have already exceeded my limit, and will now lay down niy • n . . Magnum BoNtjf,

A DISCLAIMER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sia,—-I wiah to Inform the public that I am not the O'Connor sued by Mr Baylia m the R. M. Court as reported In your paper.— Yoara truly, Patjriok O'Oonno*, Bootmaker,

THE ASHBUBTON GUABDIAN, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1&87



High Shade. m Data, Urn high Sun. State of weather. Saturday 41- 65- 119- Fine, N.W. Sunday 35* 53* 48- Bain, calm Monday 30' 54- 115. Showers, S.W. Tuesday 30- 53- 91" Showers, S.W. Wed'day 27* 53- 49- Eain, N. Thar'day Sl* 55- 86- Fine, NW. Friday 30* 54- 110- Rain, S.E.



For olose confinement, want of air, oedm« tary habits and brain and nerro tire, trait ia Bop Bitters (American Co.'b) Bead 11 Bocho-Paiba."— Quick, complete care, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. At chemists .and druggists. Kenf* thorne, froaser laud Go, fj Agenti, Qkniti cburcb, - •«



Hollo wat's PiLLg and Ointment.— The i attention of all sufferers is drawn to these well-known remedies, for they possess oon* ' spiouous advantages as a safe and reliable aid ( m all those emergencies to which travellers, emigrants and sailors are so especially liable. They have been largely patronised by way* farera by land and sea, and, m fact, by all < olasses of the community, to their very great r advantage. The Pills are beyond all doubt { one of the most effective remedies ever diet , covered for cases of obstinete constipation, I continued indigestion and oolio, oomplainte whioh are engendered by exposure and ir- regular feeding. The Ointment will be found of the very greatest service m oases of piles, abscesses, eryiipelw, tnd tU kindi of local « BlQKfliopji ' 1



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Teßt its eminent powerful effects m coughs, influenza, eto. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medioal syndi- cates all over the globe are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Prof. University, Grief- I swaldj reports — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently successful m very severe con- tueionß, bruises, sprains woundß, Boaldings, broken ribß, and lin*bs. (Med. "Journal," Nov., 1881). In disease of (he kidneys, either active congestion suppression, (unjetuioi) or Albminuria, dropsy, lithiasis, nothipg will equal m its action Eucalypti Extraot. Doses, sto 8 drops, Mosler, M.D., Prof. University, Griefswald, reports : — Diphtheria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white •xudats. Cured m 14 days. Surgical Cljinical Prof. M'lntyre, College of Phyßioians and Surgeons, St. Louis— Scirrhua of Breast —Excision. Eucalypti Extract employed* Njj swelling, heat, or di&colorfttion. {Jured ia ' M*l»Ji-[A4Tt.] i



Wanted j "TITANTED-IO or .15 pairs of haTea W Fair pride given. — Charles Rtel, Aphburton. : TET Bracelets and Necklaces, Brooches, tf Lockets, Chaitiß, Watchos, Hair Ornaments, Studs, Links, &c. — H. M. J^ONKS. WANTED Kootrn— Final Clearing Sale of the balance of our Win- ter Drapery. This being onr Clearing oat Sals, Goods will be Cheap for Cash only. — H. O. Seoeks. Melford House WANTED kno\rn that HAVES. & CO, have Large Utocks on hand. For further particulars see new advertisement is this issue. . "TXT ANTED Known— Our Great Sale W is no\r 00, come and jadge for yourselves. —H. C. Skgebs, Melford House, TTT ANTED Known.— LadieB 1 Black VV Cloth Mantles we are selling at 3s 6d and 5s 6d. The wholesale pricoe of these goods were 10a lid and 135. 6 d. (Just opened. Come and secure,- one.)— About 300 Ladies' and Maids' Jackets aud Ulstersj newest kinds, at ridiculous prices. Great Cash Sale, Melford Hohbo. j WANTED CASH — Moir's Oatmeal, 251b5, 2s 9d ; LingFish, 6d ; Dried Apples 4d ; 21b Tins Best Honey, lOd ; Vestas, 5d per doz.; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Tin Fruits, Is ; Cutting do. Is 6d.— Jambs McGregor, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. _____ WANTEJD KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Bcrapa Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Bilks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, Ac, &c, at Mbs Manbibb's Fancy Repository, Saanders' Buildings.



BXEiiORBHOIDICON ! A SURE CURB for PILES. A new' discovery. Forwarded to any address ob receipt of 7s 6d. i Communications strictly confidential. WALTER B. MOSS, A oh bar ton, R. S. BEAN, COAL AND FIREWOOD MERCHANT, BEGS to inform his Friends and tho Poblie generally that he has some Ueary : fridge Timber m h^ad, and is prepared to take orders for Timber Either for Bridge or Honße Building parpoßCß< BEST NEWOABTLB, MALVERN, AND WKSTPORT COAL m Stock, delivered 1 at CHEAPEST RATES. R. S. BEAN, West Street, Asbburton. PARTNERSHIP NOTICE. HO. CRAIGHEAD has great plea- . ' Bur 6 m intimating to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has admitted Edwin G. Crnighead into partnership with him, and that the business will for the future be carried on under the style or firm of H. and E, &UIOHEA9. I "DEFERRING to tho above, H. and E. Jtt Ckaiohead beg to announce to the Public of Ashburton -and surrounding districts that they have just lately received a large assortment of English and Colonial Tweeds, Worsted Coatings, &c, suitable for the present Season, and hope by strict attention to business, tiret-claee tit and workmanship, to merit a contiunance of that patronage so liberally bestowed upon ! their predecessors. H. & E. CRAIGHEAD, Tailors, 6 2 Tnncred street, Ashbnrton. WANTED Known. —That Andrew Orr trill during the next few weeks offer tho whole of his Surplus Stock I of Drapeiy, Clothing, and Boots at an immense reduction. WANTED Known.— That A. Orr is now selling Ladies' Jackets at 5s lid to 7b 6d. One lot Ladies' Ulsters, fashionable shape, 5s 9d and 6e 9d . , WANTED KnowD.— That Fingering is 2s per hank. Ladies' Hose, 4d to lOd per pair. Gloves at half price. , China Matting, 6d. — A. Orr'e Cheap Sale. TTTANrED Known.~AJ big Jot of V V Ladies' Boots, nice quality, 4s 9d ; Children's Boc^a, Is to 2s 6d ; Gents Boots, 7s Cd to Us 6d ; Gents Shoes at 3s lid.— A. Orr. WANTED Known.— Brußselß Carpet at half price (being overstocked) Tapestry Carpets greatly reduced. One Lot of Remnants of Dress Goods at your own prices. SVbite Calico at 2s 6d per doz. — A. Orr'a Sale. "Y\7~ANTED Known.— -Boys' Suits, 8s VV lid ; Jersey Suits, 2s 6d ; Men's Suits, splendid quality, 395 ; Shirt*, Is lid ; Men's Hats greatly xednced. — A. Orr'a Cheap Sale. "TTTANTED Known. — Dressmaking VV Department is now admirably worked 5 style and fitting giving the Tery highest i*tisfaotiun.«— Aaqrew Orr,



TINWALD. C* TT a w k in s Who has just replenished his Stock of BOOTS, has also opened up a few lines of wefnl DRAPER? (a lone: felt need m Tfnwald), which he is deposing of at Christcbnrch prices. «Com« and compare Prices and Quality ' before purchasing elsewhere, &b every artlele it marked at the very lowest Bates tot CASH. " WaW E73 "TTTANTED KNOWN.—That JAMES W BAKER haa returned to Ash- smrtoß and opened a Cabinet Factory and Showrooms m his own premises, Havtlock street, opposite Harrison's Auction Mart. J.B. having a thorough knowledge of the trade is m a position to execute all orders entrusted to his care. By strict attention and moderate charges lie win endeavor to merit a share of public patronage. H»cojrB*HAND FoRNiruKE Bought, Sold, or Exchanged. Trees Trees Treesj NOTICE TO PLANTERS. , THE undersigned b»gs to call the attention of farmers, settlers and : »ther*fto his extensive stook of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, among which are abont 3,000,000 Forest Trees, Incla Hag 200,000 Oupressaa Macrocarpa, om and two years old; 200,000 Finns Insig- nia, one and two years old ; 100,00 C Pinna Larldo; 300,000 Silver Birch; 10,000 Pinns Anatriaca; all other kinds In proportion. All kinds of Oabbng* plants on sale, and a few thoasa&ds of ▼•ry early Strawbarry Plants. N.B. — All orders by post, or oihenr'ji, ■tall reoelve my belt attention. JAMES PORTER, OLIFTON NURSERY Allentoo, Asbnarton " TRY KIRKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. EIRKPATBIC-K'S NEW SEASON'S JAM is made from NELSON *WN FRUIT, and boiled within a few bouri after the frnit has boen gathered. It thus retamß most of the fiatUifal flavor of the fresh fruit. KIRKPATRICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM is the moat delicious preserve m tKe market. Do not be persuaded to boy cheap and tnferi brands Jam, the remains of old stock, which must be Bold at any price, bet ASK for KIRKPATBICK'B NEW SEASON JAM, and see that you get it. Tffß BEST 18 ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatrick's New Season • ton i the best.j ICAUTION^ None it genuine unless our name is Itamped on each tin, and has our Motored IW~ Mark "Lord Nelson' tfe ke label, w& s fi Kirkpatrick&Co. UANTTFACTUEEKS,



r— Hi PREMIER O'OLONIAL OOMPiSI CANTERBURY BRANCH. • ! jßy*»Ll? IJ ED 1359 t 1000,00 i i -v .- -* o ' ifJBIL! YOF $Hf!fi£HOL P Fh,< HUB AND MARINE RISKS, ALSO RISKS ON GROWING CROPS \CCEPTED AT THELOWFST CURRENT RATES. George Jameson, A.GENT, ASHBURTON j^^- — ' . •■-■■« — — — "" " " *~ " ~~" mLBEET ROBEKTS has foe sale,— Clovers,— HID, WHITE, COWGEASS, ALSYKE, and TEEFOIL. RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT,* and RAPE. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, lI^BDPBAS, SEED OATb (various kinds), ORXiSHED BEANS PLOUGH BHABES. COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Ackccrledged to be THE LEST IN THE MARKET. fPickford and Dndrill, &£&& FURNITUBE MANUFACTURERS. UPHOLSTERERS, y^" I *^ AND CABINETMAKERS, TTAVE Large and Varied STOCKS ON HAND ol AUSTRIAN JLL »nd AMERICAN CHAIRS, Iron and Wood Bedsteads, Pter, Tolltt Glasses, Mattresses and Paillasses, Couches, Perambulators, Toilet Ware. MATB AHD GENERAL FURNITURE OF ALL SORTS. ALL NEW GOOD 3. Any destrlption of HOUSE FURNITURE made to order on tht Premhes, at Prleti to mit the times. Note the address— TANORED STREET, OPPOSITE UNION BANK.