The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1887. VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

We have, on former occasions, gben expression of approval of the present Government's Village Settlements Scheme and we see no reason now that theory has has been converted into praotioe, to alter or modify onr views. We notice with regret, however, that during the present eleotion campaign the exigency of the iltaation has oaoßed several former ad mirers to change front and to condemn now the soheme which formerly they praised. All kinds of objections are nrged against it. Bat it is one of those questions* where the homely old adage, " The proo of the padding Id the eating," Is very pertiently applicable and In this oate all who have partaken of It bear valuable testimony to its excellence. In the North Island, where the Government have had greater soopo In the matter of ■electing land, all the village settlers seem to be doing well. In this island, where unallenated land is not so common and selection necessarily restricted, complaints have been made by outsiders that settle ment! have been planted m localities where the land is of poor qaality and remote from markets. But 'those most deeply interested— the village settlers themselves — seem very well pleased with their holdings. This is nut a mere vague assertion on our part, for we learn from a speech lately delivered by Sir Julius Yogel, that Mr Marsh, the offioer m charge, sent round to all the persons who had taken op these settlements and who had been more than six months on their holdings thres questions to be answered. They were : " How are yon progressing 1" " Are yon satisfied with yoor prospects 1" and " Do yon wish to give up your sec tlon?" The answers were as follows:— No 1 — " lam doing jast middling :I am satisfied with the section ; only one great drawbrok is the want of water ; lam not Inclined to give up my section." No 2 — "We are getting on middling well; we have a house, and each section fenced and ploughed, One great drawback to ut Is the want of water ; it is very dry here In summer. We have no desire to give up the section." No 3— « 'Fifty aores is small to make a living on, and there is no employment m this district. I have the house finished ; I have no trlsh ts give up the section." No 4 — "lam making all the Improvements I o»n. I have the land all fenced, ten acres ploughed, six acres In wheat, and an addition of one room to my house ; I cannot give a decided answer yet ; Ido not want to give up my seotion, as it would leave me home less." No s—" I have my land ploughed and intend to put oats m at once, I do not think I shall make the rent this year I consider the rent too high ; I don't In tend to give np just yet." No 6—" lam progressing as well as oan be expooted ; I am qnlte satisfied with my prospocts ; I have no wish whatever to part with my section," No 7— "l have ploughed thirteen aoroe, intend putting ten acres In oats and In fruit trees ; I am satisfied ; I do not wish to give np my section, I have what I consider a nice little borne and am content." No 8— "I have the house np, land broken up and fenced ; I am very well satisfied ; I do not with to give up my section." No 9— "l am getting on all right ; lam perfectly satisfied with my prospects ; I do not wish to give the aection up. I have laid out £30 and still have to make Improvements.'' No 10— "I have finished my bouse, and am grubbing np «turap3 for root orop ; I am satisfied with my prospects, as I tbink the village settlement the best thing that has been brought forward for the working man and also the colony ;Tl do not wish to give up my section." No 11 — I am progressing very slowly but very sorely ; I am very well satisfied with my prospects ; I have no wish to give it op so long as I can pay my rents and keep m good health." No 12— "I have fenced and ploughed up my seotion and built a three-roomed house ; lam per fectly satisfied ; I am perfectly pleased with my little home, and do not wish to part with it." No 13—" I am doing well ever since I took up my allotment. I have fifty-four chains of fencing done and five aores of flax cleared ; lam very well satisfied with my prospects, and .Intend to make a nioe comfortable home ; I do not intend to give up my section. It would take a good ism of money to boy me oyt," No iw;yr|ll have my

section ploughed np about tbe end of the month and have a crop of turnips m this season. I am well pleased with my section. I have no idea of giving np my section, I sent draft tbia morning for rent," No 15— "I am making prepare, tions for fenoing and putting my house up. Perfectly satisfied, and only wish I had the chance years ago. I wonld not give up my section for any consideration. 1 hope to be spared to make it a com. fortable home." No 16— "I am pro gressing grand. My prospects lam satis* fied with ; my section I intend keeping." We give the answers of the varioni holders m their own words to as to effec tually oloae the door against doubt as to the truth rf our assertion, that they ar satisfied and doing well. These answers are asuflioient refutation of the ohargei levelled against the Village Settlement Scheme by candidates and others adopting the Opposition platform. It will be noticed that the magic oharm postested by that sweet little word " Home," forms one of the leading features m the aspirations of those settlers, the phrase, " a new little home" or "a comfortable home" fre" quently occurring. It will also be noticed that m two or three instances the drynest of the locality Is refeered to m the replies forwarded. This wo may observe, has arisen In consequence of the area of selec tion open to the Government being so circmnioribed. This will, no donbt, be remedied In future settlements by the operation of the Land Acquisition Bill should it become law. We dlreot the attention of electors to this subject at the present time, aa a tremendous effort ii being made by the Opposition to secure the return of tbe Atkinson party to power by giving it a large majority at the forthcoming elections — a party which we need not say is opposed to Village Settlement or to any settlement of the population on the land on easy terms. It would, In our opinion, be a grevloua wrong to oar lees fortunate fellow colonists to return men pledged to uphold the Atkinson .policy, for then the Village Settlement Scheme would be sure to have sharp deipatch —a scheme which hai not only direotly caused hundreds to acquire a home and Independence and to do well, and indireotly, to solve one of the most trying questions of the day— the unemployed. If thepeoph prove true to themselves and refuse to surrender their Interests and liberties 'to the hands of (< The Selfish Party" — the money-bags and land monopolists — preferring to repose moh a saored trust with the Oovernment, which has done so much for them, all will be well, and Village Settlements will grow and increase, but if not — well we will draw the veil, for we shudder to contemplate the alternation.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A concert and danoe will be held m thi Methren Sohoolroom, on Friday, Sept, 28rd m aid of the Methven Library Fund.

Tha ordinary monthly meeting oi the Ashburton Hospital Board wai heldyeHter day. Present— Measra W. 0. Walker (ohair man), A. Harrison, D. MoLean, J. Jaokeon, and the Mayor. The business transacted was of a purely routine nature. The usual meeting of the Hampstead School Committee took plaoe last evening. Present— Messrs F. T. Mayo (ohairman), Orr, Andrews, Lamb, Hunt, Fawoett, and Baker. The minutes of the last meeting was read and confirmed, and the Master's report was read and (adopted. This latter Bhowed the number of ohildren on the roll to be 261, and the averagejdaily attendance 200. On the motion of Mr Baker, Beoonded by Mr Lamb, the Oaretaker's salary was inoreased to £26 j on aeoount of the addition to the Bohool. On the motion of Mr Fawoett, seconded by Mr Lamb, it was resolved that the Committee charge 10s for the use of the school for other than ohuroh purposes. It was resolved that future ;meetings [commence at 7.30 p.m. I 1 was also resolved, on the motion of Mr Andrews, seconded by Mr Fawoett, "That the Compulsory Clause of the Education Act re attendance be brought into force." Several email aooounts were passed for payment, and tha meeting then adjourned. The social gathering held on Thursday evening m St. Stephen's Schoolroom was vary successful and enjoyable, add the attend ance large. The programme opened with a string quartette, which' was extremely well played, by Messrs Simmonds, H. Mayo, Bay, Hoskon, and Misa Simmonds. Later m the evening two violin duets wero given by Mr Simmonds and his younp pupil. They were ! very well reoeived, and the first of the two warmly encored. We congratulate Miss Simmonds and her instructor, Mr Simmonds, oh his daughter, and Ashburton m general on the possession of suoh promising per* formers. Miss Kidd, at a moment's notice, sang one of her favorite songs, and Mr H. Gates showed that his voice is as good as ever. Mr Stephenson, too, was among the soloists, an.d m reply to his enoore, sang his old song " Peter Piper " as only he can sing it, Two piano solos were very kindly given by Miss Hawson and Miss Wiggens, who are visitors m Ashburton. We are glad to welcome a new vocalist among us m the person of Mrs Peter Williams, and from the manner m whioh her beautiful song was rendered, we are quite sure that her presence at entertainments will be much sought after. Excellent refreshments were provided and served by Mosdames Andrews, Compton, C. O.Fooks, Dimant, and Soott, acd whilst they were being disoussed some pleasant instru mental music was given by Messrs Gates, Mayo, and Hoaken. The walls of the room had been adorned with pictures and various books of photographs found examiners. At ten o'olook the National Anthem was sung,. and the company dispersed. A fanoy price for a portrait was paid re cently when £10,395 was given for Boucher's picture of Madame do Pompadour, from the late Lord Lonsdale's collection. This is almost the highest .sum over realised by a portrait at auotion. The famous Frenoh beauty is represented full-length, reclining m her boudoir, with a book m her hand, her pet spaniel at her feet, and a cloak, curtain, and writing-table m the background. She wears a blue Bilk dress, with pink ribbons and garlands of roses. The pioturo was painted m 1755, and was among the Old Masters shown at Burlington House m 1875. An Amerioan paper states that a fir* broke out on Saturday night, July 9th, on the stage of the Alcazar Theatre m the mining town of Hurley, \Visoonsin. The theatre was a wooden building. The flames spread rapidly. The actors and actresses, however, tried to save their personal effeots and were caught j by the fire m the upper rooms, eleven of them being hurnt to death — two girls being oonsumed at the windows m view of the crowd. Another girl jumped out and was fatally injured. The lire then spread through the town, burning the whole of the business portion. Seventeen lives were lost ; and tha ' Joig ooonioaed imounte to 500,000 dollars.

RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE.

The annual soiree m oonneotion with the Rakaia Presbyterian Church took place m the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday evening. The tables, as usual m connection with affairs of this nature m Rakaia, were got up m a most elaborate manner, and reflected the highest credit a pin all the ladies, who must have lavished a consi derable amount of time, skill, and good will to spread such an entiolng banquet before the guests. The following Kakaia ladies presided at and supplied refresh ments at the tables, viz — Mosdames Allan, Prlmar, Murray, Millar, Mrs Oakley, Mrs Lewis, aaoisted by Miss Hood. In addi tion there was a bachelors' table, managed to perfection by Miss Young, the Misses Bruce (2), Leabody and Stevenson. The Ohartsey branch of the congregation was well represented by a tab'o presided over by Mesdamea Todd, and Dolg, assisted by Miss Todd and the Mieeea Doig. The miscellaneous entertainment was* t then proceeded with, the Rev Mr Beattie of Ashburton officiating as Chairman, aB the Rev Mr Stewart had to take a prominent part m the musical part of the programme. The Chairman introducjd the proceedings by addressing the audience on " What a solrefl should be." Mr Seattle's soiree ntterancea are always well worth listening to, and his address wan one thoroughly well appreciate i by his hearers. Tha Rev Mr Stewart then gave a report on "Congregational Affairs," m whioh he tonohed npon the phases of | progreii passed through by the congrega tion, showing that at present the Church , at Rakaia was m a highly flourishing con dition, and that although affected, like every other institution, by the prevailing depression there was a hopeful outlook for its affairs m tha future, The Rev Mr Blake followed with an addreea on " Church Work." Earnest and prao | tical In its tone, thlß was a telling address, •nd was heartily applauded. Tbe subject of *' Christian Unity " was then descanted on by the Rev. Mr Collins and It is al most needless to say that auoh a grand Bubjuct reoeived full justice at the hands of the rev. gentleman, who advocated greater friendliness among the many sects of professing Christians. The concluding address was contributed by Dr. Withers of Southbrldge on • • Oharaoter,"* Hlo addreas was an excellent one and set the speaker thoroughly en rapport with his audience. At lntarvals during the evening the following musical programme was gone through : — Piece by tbe Choir from Sankey 's Hyrana ; Duet, •* One by One " by Mias R. Bruoe and Mr Bruce ; Duet, " The Beacon Light," Miaaes Leabody. Solo, " Tired " Miss R. Bruoe ; Quartette " Bright Sparkles," Meaara Clark and Bruoe and Mr and Mrs Stewart. The oonoerted pieces were perhaps the feature of the evening, and great credit is dne to Rev. Mr Stewart for the musical drill bestowed upon the material at home. The Misses Leabody and Bruoe also deserve notice m thia connection. On the conclusion of the entertainment a cordial vote of thanks to all tbe ladies who had taken pain to serve up such an excellent tea was proposed by Mr Clarke. Mr T. MoDowell proposed a similar vote to the speakers and slngerß, and lastly, a most thoroughly well deservad vote of thanks was passed to the rev gentleman, who, by Ills graceful tact, had so well conducted the meeting during the evening, by the Rev Mr Stewart. In conclusion it may be stated that the meeting was a great success, and the con gregation may well be oongratnlated on its present thriving position. Not leia than 250 must have partaken of tea, and visitors from all the lurrounding districts pat In an appearance. Great satisfaction was expressed by all at the arrangements made for their oreature comforts and entertainment. Altogether, the occasion may be reokoned a red letter day m the Rakaia calendar.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

RANGITATA ELECTION.

TO TIIK EDITOR. Sin, — Would you kindly insert these few lines m your valuable columns to warn the electors of the liangitata, who are on the Government side, that unless they utiok well together and record their votes to one candi date they will find that the Opposition candidate will be at the head of the poll. Bat if no votes are thrown away on the candidates who are coming forward to split the Government vote, we Bhall Bee Mr Buzton returned aa our worthy member. I am, etc., _An Eucotox;..

MAURITIUS NEWS.

[ritttsr's telegrams -oo^tbiohx.]

Adelaide, September 2. The Messageries steamship Yarra, which arrived yesterday from Marseilles brings Mauritius news to July 29, under which date Ireland, Fraser and Co report that the weather has been favorable for the crops. The ship Western Beele. which sailed for Lyttelton June nth, had returned to Maurtius m a leaky condition and cargo damaged. Exchange on New Zealand, 60 days bank credits, 43 per cent. The stock of sugar m hand is 97000 tons. The exports this|season to New Zealand to date amount to 4000 tons.

THE MARKETS.

(Reutbr Telegrams— Copyright)

London, September 1. Consols remain at ioo%. New Zealand Inscribed Stock is at The Bank of England weekly returns show the total revenue m notes and bullion to be a decrease of during the week. The proportion of reserve to liabilities is 42 per cent. The Bank rate of discount today was raised to 4 per cent., and the market rate 3^. The Directors of the Bank of Eng land to-day raised the rate of discount to 4 per cent. Sydney, September 2. New Zealand wheat is quoted at 3s 3d to 3s 6d ; New Zealand oats, 28 to 2s 3d j maize, 3s 6d.

COURSING

A friendly coursing meeting, given by Mr J. Grigg, on hia estate at Longbeach yesterday, passed off with great anooeas, abont 100 beingr present, consisting of visitors from Chriatohurch, Ashburton and the surrounding district. There were also a large number of ladles present, which added greatly to the appearance ot the Boene. Sport commenced about 10 o'olock. Haros were numerous, and nearly every event resulted m a kill. An ex cellent lunoheon wai provided by Mr Grigg, to whioh ample jaatioa was doae. Mr R, P. Hill, from Christohurch, gave great satisfaction as judge, also Mr Healy as slipper. The meeting was brought to a cloae about 5,30, when hearty cheers were given for Mr Grigg and family's kind hospitality. The following are the results:— Winner, £4 4i and Mr Grigg's prfsa. Runner- np, £2 2s and Mr Mllner's prizo First round. p Mr J. C. N, G l;g's b d East Lynn beat Me J. Stockdill's f d Wildboy Mr A. Lee's r d Gamester beat Mr H. Milner's bdl d Tearing Young Fellow :. Mr A. Lse'e f b Little Wonder beat Mr J. Sandon's b d Moody Mr A. Lac's b w b Kilty beat Mr W. Patching's bl w b Ruby * Mr D. McKae's w d Highland Laddy be»t Mr J. Totty's f b Slave Mr J. O. N. Grigg'a f d Griff beat Mr W. Perks' f w d Wakaoui Seoond Round. East Lynn beat Gamester Little Wonder beat Highland Laddy Kitty beat Griff Third Round. East Lynn beat Little Wonder Kitty a bye Final Me A. Lee's blk w b Kitty by Forest Lad— Tell Tale, beat Me J, O. N. Grieg's bl d East Lynn by Orlchopa Lynn — Una and won the stake. A Consolation wag got up on the ground for all beaten dogs and resulted m a win for Tearing Younoj Fellow.

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIA TION

Timaru, September 2. A meeting of the looal membera of the New Zealand Rifle Association waa held 10-nlght to oonslder the proposals for the next meeting. The following resolutions were agreed to unanimously — "That this meeting reoommends that the Remington Lee Rlfleß only be used at the coming meeting o( the Association, provided the Executive endeavor to supply at least donble the amount of ammunition now promised to competitors within two months of the meeting being held ; that m future years, after 1888, all vo'unteer membera attend Ids; the meetings prodaoe a certificate of efficiency ; that there be only one ohampionahlp, and that the longest distance be 800 yds ; that tbe meeting be held m January of 1883 ; that it be recommended to the Ooudoll that company team matches be continued, that the best thanks of Volunteers are due to the Council for having succeeded m obtaining reliable rifles, thereby plaoing all competitors on an equality, as well as removing the neoesßlty foe continuing separate championships."

INTERPROVINGIAL NEWS.

Auckland, September 2. At a quarter past one this morning a fire was discovered m the Mißses Home's dresamaklng establishment, Newmarket, but it was quenohed with a few buoketß of water. It was afterwards found that a pane of glass m the shop window had been broken and a large stone was lying on the floor inside, and this oircumatanoe, to gether with the faot that some noise was heard m the shop before the fire was dUoovered leads to the suspicion of incen diarlsm.

Shares la the claims adjoining the prospectors' mine, the soene of the recent find at Hikutaia, were offered at £10 In town to-day. The Auckland Art Gallery will shortly be opened with about fifty pictures prob ably, Sir Geo. Grey will be atjked for mally to open the gallery. At the City Council meeting last night there were numerous applications for re mleeion of rates, principally made by widows. Mr Goldte urged the necessity for inquiry into the oases, and quoted one oaee reported to the Charitable Aid Board, m which a widow receiving rations for four moatba had bought a house for £170, and had paid half the money. She earned good wages at washing and her sons were all working. Wellington, September 2. The life of the late Mr Winter was in lured ia the National Mutal Life Associa tion of Australia for £500. The premium, which fell dae last Jane, was not paid by Mr Winter, but the policy was kept is force und«r the non-forfeiture system, and the premium overdue wa3 paid out of the surrender value of the policy. Little interest Is ahown m the elections for municipal honors. Mr H- J. Williams for Thorndon and Mr J, H. Heaton for Te Aro were returned unoppo3ad. In the other two wards there are two candidates. Heavy showers are falling to-day, which will make the ground slippery fee the match with Danodln to-morrow. Moorhouse has been choseu captain of the local team, Mastjerton, September 2 Two cottageß were burned down at mid night, caused by the chimney catching fire. But little was Bayed. The insur ances are £125 m the New Zealand office, and £75 m the North British. A fire ooourred at Opaki yesterday a'tarnoon which destroyed a seven roomed house, owned and oooupied by George Manney. It is supposed to have orlgiuated through linen being hnug m front of the kitchen fire. Very little was saved. There was an insurance on the house of £200 and ou the f trrniture of £50 m the New Zealand office. Hokitika. September 2. Nor'-weaterly g*les, accompanied with heavy rains, have prevailed during the past two daya. The river is swollen and traffio is delayed. There is much snow on the hills, and it is expected there will be heavy floods. Greymouth, September 2. It is raining vary hard. Two inches have fallen, and the river is m a slight freah. There is a probability of a iood, as the weather has not bleared, and the ranges are heavily coated with snow.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[rEUTER's TELEGRAMS— COPYRIGHT.]

EXTERMINATION OF RABBITS.

JbONDoN, Augusk 30. Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for New South Wales, is forwarding to his Government at Sydney a proposal which has been submitted to him fcjr the extermination of rabbits. O

NEW HEBRIDES.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies, m replying to a protest of the Victorian Agent-General against the encroachment of the New Hebrides Company on the Presbyterian Mission m those islands, has stated that the matter is receiving the attention of the Foreign Secretary.

THE FISHERIES DISPUTE.

London, August 31. Replying to a question m the House ot Commons to-day, the Undersecre tary of Foreign Affiairs stated that the United States Government had agreed to the appointment of a new Commis sion ,for the settlement of the fishery dispute, and Mr J. Chamberlain was appointed the principal British Com missioner.

AFGHAN NEWS.

Oaicutta, August 31. The latest reports from Afghanistan confirm the previous ..statements re ceived as to the Ameer's ill-health. News to hand further states there are now two factions m Cabul, one favoring Ayoub Khan, the other Ishak Khan. Both pretenders have been urged by their supporters to come to Cabul.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rbuter's telegrams— copyright.]

SHIPPING.

Adelaide, Septemb3r 2. The Messageries steamship Yarra arrived yesterday from Marseilles.

THE ASHBURTON SEAT.

MR PURNELL AT GREENSTREET.

Mr Parnell addressed the Ashburton electors at Greenatreet yesterday evening. About 80 persons were present, including several ladlen. Mr R. Anderson was voted to the chair. Me Purnell, who was received with applause spoke on the main topics dealt with m his Ashburton address, Referring to the Village Settlement scheme, he thought an improvement npoti the perpetual leasehold system would be to lee the settler, pay, byway of rental, 5 per cent interest upon the upset price of the land, with the option of buying the freehold at the upset prloe at any time. By this means he would get the full benefit of all improvements he might make upon the land, whereas, under the present system, the more improvements he made, the higher rental he would pay when the land came to be revalued. In reply to questions, Mr Purnell said he positively refused to bind himself to follow any particular party leader. He came forward as the advooate of certain financial principles which he believed were absolutely necessary to be put into prac tice If our finances were to be plaoed upon a sound footing, and he would support any Ministry which would give effect to those principles — Until the eleotlon was over, it was impossible to say who was likely to be the head of the next. Ministry, but he confidently looked forward to the return of a large number of new men and he trusted a strong party would be formed m the House which would be powerful enough to compel the next Ministry to retrench the public expendi ture m a thorough and systematic manner and to reconstruct the entire Government of the oountry upon a simple and oheaper basis. He asked the. electors to return him as an Independent member, so that he might be free to uae his best endeavors to oarry into effect the principles which he had been advocating m his addresses, Mr Knox moved, and Mr Greely seconded, a vote of -thanks to Mr Purnell for his address. Mr A. Pataraon moved, as an amendment, ' a rote of no confidence In Mr Poraell " but as nobody seemed disposed to second the amendment, be appealed to an elector Kitting near him to do so, bu t received fit an answer "If Mr Purnell had as little brains as you, I would second it with pleasure." The amendment having lapsed, the motion was put and carried unanimously. The proceedings terminated with the usual compliment to the ohalr.

MR WALKER AT LAURISTON .

Last evening Mr W. 0. Walker ad dressed a meeting of electors at Laariston. There was a large attendance, and Mr Johnsten oooapled the chair. Mr Walker touched upon most of the topics dealt with elsewhere. With referenca to the evidences of good work done by the present Government , to be taken as a pledge for future performances, he alluded to the Government's dealing with the District Railways. He pointed out the bitter and unfair opposition Govern ment had to encounter, bat he supported Government proposals as settling the un fortunato legacy left by Major Atkinson, Tt was not only m favor of the landed proprietors, its tendency was to relieve all claßsea and to assist production and labor. After answering a few questions satisfac torily Mr D, Brick proposed a vote of thanks and confidence la Mr Walker. i Thla was seconded by Mr Hartley. Mr Helmore proposed as uu amend ment that a vote of thanks only be ac corded. This was duly seconded. On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost and the motion oarried by a very large majority, only four voting m favor of the amendment,

On Thursday evening a meeting of eleotora favorable to the return of Mt Walker met m the South Rakaia Library, The chair was taken by Mr E. S. Ooater. There was a good attendance, and a large and influential Committee waa appointed for the work. A sub-Committee was appointed to arrange details and report to a full meeting next week. It was under stood at the meeting that those present should alao interest themselves m Becurtag the return of Mr 8. JBuxton for the Kangltata Beat. *

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Fire. Dujnsdin, September 3. An eight-roomed house at HlßhollfFe was burned down yesterday. It was ! Insured, m the Norwich Union for £300. The Mount Ida Scat. Mr Hodge opposes Mr McKenzle for Mount Ida. Death of a Candidate. Inveroargill, September 3. Captain Tall, foe many years Harbor master at Rlverton and who recently o&me out aa a candidate for Wallace electorate, died this morning from the i effects of aold oaught while prooeQqtlog a caovsia qp oountr^,

ALCOHOL

Three-qaattera of au ounce of alcohol introduced into the stomach of a large and robust dog kilted him In three and a half houTB. In large quantities this same substance has proved immediately fatal to men. It is a poison. Do yon lay that many drink eplrltß for years and are not destroyed ; and do you hence inquire how they can be poiuoHOUB t So, I reply, not a few take small quantities of other poisons every day for yean and continue alive. A horse, indeed, may take the eighth part of an ounce of arsenic every day and yet be thriving. But how many are there, do yon suppose, who habitually drink ardent spirits and yet suffer no bad effects therefrom 1 Have they no stomaoh oomplalnts, no nervous maladies, no headaches ? Do they live to a great age % Not one of a hundred of those who dally drink ardent spirits escapes uoinjured } though their sickness and premature decay resulting from this cause are generally Imputed to other causes ; and as many as this would e?o»pe if araante were used m moderate quantities instead of spirits. We repeat it— the penon who gives himself up to the habit of dally measuring out to himself his glaci of alcoholio liquor, ia destroying himself ai surely as if he were swallowing arsenic or bad the pistol applied to his head. He may smile incredulous at onr prediction— the fire of disease may for a while be concealed ; but the hour of retribution will ooma, and the consequences will be \ terrible,—" Leaflets for the Times,"

NO SURRENDER.

One of the points connected with proposed legislation to prohibit sal© of Intoxicating liquors, Is that of compenia tion, and upon this aspect of the question; there is no little difference of opinion* The following are the concluding para graphs of a vlgoroaa article on the subject appearing m a contemporary :— : "Something is said, however, about • moral right to compensation. While there is nc legal guarantee of renewal In tht termß of the license, It is affirmed that there la an Implied promise of renewal on the condition of the good behaviour of the applicant. To withhold a lioense m such a case and deprive a man of his baslneu through no fault of his own makes »pj It Is said, a claim on moral grounds for compansation. Plausible as such an argument appears, It Is -robbed of Us force when the unique oharaoter of the traffio referred to is taken Into ooasldera tlon. It 1b the last business under the sun that is entitled to consideration on tho ground of mora ! |rlght. If prohibited at all, it is on the ground that so fat from being a benefit to the community it Is a positive evil. The liquor seller m inch a ojae takea his stand among those whose pursuits are placed under ban of the law baoauae of their antagonism to the best interests of the State. The thief who ventured to talk of a moral right to oompensatton for the loss of trade when under arrest by the police would be looked opon as a lunatio ; he pursues an unlawful calling, to suppress which Is a duty demanded by the rights of society. If the buaioesß of the publican is prohibited, it la so on precisely the same grounds*. that of the thief, and the one has as maoh of a moral right to) compensation as the other. " Nor must the one-sldednMa of this claim for compensation to publicans be overlooked. It is said that when the Queen of Madagascar shut up the drink Bhopa m her kingdom, and the ex-saloon; keepers asked her for compensation, she replied, "Compensate those you hate wronged, and I will pay the balanoe." It is impossible to deny, the force of suoh an argumenkim ad hominem. When moral rights are spoken of In connection with the liquor traffic wo oaonot but think of the heavy per contra account ; of the ruin to health, character, property, and all that is precious m human experience whloh li the direct outoome of th*e liquor traffic, and for which no compensation ever hai been or ever can be paid. When we- arc asked to compensate men for the loss of a business which works suoh infinite misohief m the earth and is weighted with the curses of the multitudes It has des troyed we may well be amated at the shameless audacity of such a olalm. The only thing merited by the liquor traffio il the doom of a speedy extinction, and the Bupreme anxiety of all conneoted with it should be to purge themselves of all traoei of association with auoh a bane to the human race."

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange r«« port for the week ending Friday, Sep tember 2ad : — Bat trifling basinets is transpiring In the grain and produce markets. Farmers being bnsy with their farm work, are not offering m large quantities, consequently any orders ooming to hand are taken from ex store. Tbe weather haa been most favorable for spring sowing, and there has been Borne business doing ia seed lines. Freights to London are reasonable to shippers and advantage has been taken to quit some of oar large stocks of heavy short oata. Whs vr.— Prices are not. quite so firm. Some millers have reduced their price 'of flour, which is sore to lnfiaenoe the wheat market sooner or later. Tuscan and pearl is being held for 3a 7d, bnt buyers are not disposed to do business, except at a reduced price. Hunter's has changed hnnds at 3j sd, second quality sells foe chicken wheat at 3s 2d to 3s 3d, and broken wheat is wanted at 2s 9d to 2s lOd, Oats. — The market, on acoonnt of several shlpmento, has been brisk dnring the past few days, Is lOd being freely given for heavy short feed. Milling are scarce, but have no enquiry over Is lid. Tartars and Danish are dull at Is 7d to la 8d; Barley.— No prime offering. Medium quality malting has ready sale at 3s 3d to 3a 9d feed is quiet at 2s 3d, Beans have been selling at 3s Id to 3a 3 J, and Blue Prussian- Peas have changed hands m small quantities at 3s 3d for lines true to name. Feed norts ace wanted at 2s 8d to 2s 9d. Grass Seed. — Sm^ll orders are now ooming to hand more freely, and are being executed at 3s 3d to 3s 6d, aooord ing to quantity required and quality, for machine-dressed. Farmers lines are still neglected. Cocksfoot is quiet at 4Jd to 4£. Potatoes. — Large quantities are being consigned to various markets on growers' account. No business is being doae locally. Daiba Produce.— Except for prime) fresh potted batter, at Bd, no bnslnesß ia transpiring for either butt6r or cheese. The above prices are thosa paid to farmers and for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton.

THE WEATHER.

at Alford Station for tha ° k * n dllnK September 2ad, 1887 :_ W6 * * ndm

Ql THE ASHBUBTOfI GUABDIAN, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1687



High • ; * Shade. m Dftte - tow high Sun. State of wetttwr. Saturday 35- 68- 10^ Pine, calm ~* Sunday 31- 76' 132- Fine S. Monday 35- 64- 114. Fine, N.W. Ta«Bday 35 . 67 . 120 . pi wf s Wed'day 81- 70- 115- Fin« calm Thur'aay 40« 62- 82« Fine, N.W. Friday 42- 72- 124- Fine, calm



That furred tongue, bad tasting month and miserable feeling, say you need American Co.'s Hop Bitters. Head and believe Wells' Hair Balsam. — If grey restores to original color. An elegant dressing, softens < and beautifies. No oil or grease. A Tonio Restorative. Stops hair coming out, strengthens, oleanses heals Boal 2 Hollowatt's Ointment and Pills. — Coughs, Influenza. — The soothing properties ot these medicaments render them well worthy of trial m fill diseases of the respiratory organs. In common colds and influenza the pills taken' internally and the ointment rubbed over the oheut and throat are exceedingly efficaoious. When influenza is epidemic this treatment is the easiest, safest, and surest. Holloway's Pilli purify the blood, remove all obstaoles to its free oiroulation through the lungs, reliove the over.gorgod air-tubes, and render respiration free, without reducing the strength, irritating the nerves, or depressing the spirits ; suoh are the ready means of escaping I from suffering when afflioted with oolds, -coughs, bronchitis, and other cheat com- plaints, by which the health of ao many is seriously and permanently injured m most ' oountriM



Irasoible party : " Conductor, why didn't you wake me as I asked you ? Here I am miles beyond my station." Conductor : " I did try, but all I could get out of you was, ' All right, Maria ; get the children their breakfast, and I'll be down m a minute.' " We clip the followingimportant testimonial from the "Ilia warra Mercury " (N.S.W.), on the 30th March. It needs no comment : — "Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountain, writes to us that after suffering for four years with aoute gravel, ho has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Eucalypti Extract. He says seeing the said Extraot advertised m the "Illawarra Mercury," his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hocking, ohemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between the 10th instant, when he obtained j the first bottle of the extraot, and. on the lQth < the use of that medioine continued to afford j him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years; Mr Loveday writes also that he has found the Eucalypti Extraot a oure for rheumatism as well as gravel. He requests us jto publish this information through the " Mercury." We have muoh pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who oan have no objeot m view other than a pura deiire to bentSt Buffering humanity,"- sdn).



Skinn* Mkn.— ', Wellß' Health Benewer » restores health and vigor, onrea Dyspepsia, Impotenoe, Sexual Debility. At chemists and draggiate. KampthoroeJProßier, atf Co, agents, Ohnatohuroh ' ' mH * vw



Wanted WA^ED— A good General Servant One able to Milk. Apply Mrs S Hakdley, East Street. WANTED Known.— That H. M. Jonbs is selling as cheap as ever. All kinds of Fanoy Goods, &c. , at lowest gatesTfor cash. "TT7"ANTED Known. — R. S. Bean! W wishes to dispose of his Grey Pony, " Maggie," perfectly quiet, and carries a lady. — R S. Bean, West street. "TTTANTED Known— Final Clearing V V Sale of the balance of onr Win- ter Drapery. This being oar Clearing out Sals, Goods* will be Cheap for Cash only. — H. O. Seobbs. ftfelford Honae WANTED known that HAVES & CO. have Large btocks on hand. For farther particulars see new advertisement m thia iseoe. "TTT ANTED Known—Our Great Bale W is now on, come and judge for yourselves. —EL 0. Segees, Melford Hoaie. TTTTANTifiD ICnown. —Ladies' Black W Oloth Mantles we axe selling at 3s 6d and 5s 6d. The wholesale prices of these goods were 10s lid and 13s 6d. I (Just opened. Come and secure one.)— About 300 Ladies' and Maids* Jaokets and Ulsters, newest kinds, at ridiculous prices. Great Cash Sale, Melford Howee. WANTED CASH— Moir's Oatmeal, 251b5, 2s 9d ; LingFisb, 6d ; Dried Apples 4d ; 21b Tins Best Honey, lOd ; Vestas, 5d per doz.; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Tin Fruits, Is ; Cutting do. Is 6d. — James MoGreciob, Tancrod Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps, Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchot Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, at JSlbs Manhibb's Fancy Repository, Saundgrs' Buildings.



PABTNERSHIP NOTICE. HC. CBAIGHEAI) has great plea- , sure m intimating to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that be has admitted Edwin 6. Crai^head into partnership with him, and that the business will for the future be carried on under tfaft style or firm of H. and £. Cbjughead. •nEFEBRING to the above, H. and E Xt CiuiaHßAD 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, first-class fit and trorkmanehip, to merit a continuance of that patronage bo liberally bestowed upon their predecessors. H. & E. CRAIG HEAP, Tailors, 6 2 Tancred street, Ashburton. WANTED Known. —That Andrew Orr wHI during the next few weeks offer the whole of his Surplus Stock of Drapeiy, Clothing, and Boots at an immense reduction. "TTTANTED Known.— That A. Orr is V V now selling Ladies' Jackets at 5s lid to 7s 6d. One lot Ladies' Ulsters, fashionable shape, 5s 9d and Gs 9d. 1 WANTED Known.— That Fingering is 2s per hank. Ladies' Hose, 4d to lOd per pair. Gloves at half price. China Matting, 6d. — A. Orr's Cheap Sale. "TTTANrED Known.— A' big lot of Y Y Ladieß' Boots, nice quality, 4s 9d ; Children's Boois, Is to 2s 6d ; Gentß Boots, 7s 6d to lls 6d ; Gents Shoes at 3s lid.— A. Orr. "TITANTED Known.— Brussels Carpet YY at h&tt price (being overstocked) Tapeßtry Corpetß greatly reduced. One Lot of Bemnants of Dross Goods at your own prices. White Calico at 2s 6d per doz. — A. Orr's Sale. •TTTANTED Known.— Boys' Suits, 3« YY lld ; Jersey Suits, 2« 6d ; Men's Suite, splendid quality, 30s ; Shirts, In lid ; Men's Hats greatly tcduced. — A. Orr's Cheap Sale. "TTTANTED Known. — Dressmaking YY Department is now admirably worked ; style and fitting giving the very bighwt ffctjsf action. — Andrew Orr.



TO FABMER3, GRAZIERS, AND OTHERS. nnO LBT for Grazing for Six Months, X from let September, about 57 Acres ef the beit land m the District, within 10 nfnotM walk of the Aahburton Post Ofiee. Apply te & M, CUTHBERTSON, Solicitor, Havelocfc itreet E. S. BEAN, COAL AKD FIREWOOD HBRGEANT, "DBQB to inform hia Friends and the Public J> ftaeniliy that he has some Heavy S*Mfe Thnber on hand, and is prepared to take order* for Timber Kther for Bridge or House Building purposes.- BBBT NEWCASTLE, MAL'VBBN, AND WBBTPOBT COAL i& Stock, delWerea at CMBATOST BATES. """ B. B. BEAN, West Street, Aahbarton. TRY KIBKPATEICK'S NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. tr*iBKPATBICK'S NEW SEASON'S J\. JAM m made from NELSON GBOWN FRUIT, and boiled within a few homn after the fruit has been fathered. It thus retains most of the natural flavor of the fresh fruit. KIBKPATBICK'S NEW SEASON'S /AM! is the most delicious preserve m tke market. Do not be persuaded to buy cheap and Inferi brands Jam, the remains of old stock, which matt be sold at any price, fee* ASK for KIBKPATBICK'S NEW SEASON JAM, and see tbat you get it. TH* BEST 18 ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatriok's New Season - am 1 the best.) IGAUTION ftim H genuine unless our name is Ma-aped on each tin, and has our jegfetered Tratf* Mark "Lord Nelson' «t the label. S Kirkpatrick&Co. MANCTACTUEERS, ci B( y.<-



' . 8 PBIHIIB COLONIAL ODUPAH CANTERBURY BRANCH. rjb»»u»«>ED lBs9r^^S^^^^P^^CAPlTAL t 1000,00 Unlimited hfJßiurr of SH/rRZfroLDCRs -tJSRB AND MARINE RISKS, ALSO RISKS ON GROWING V C*OPS \CCEPTED AT THE LOWEST CURRENT RATES, George Jameson,} AGENT, ASHBURTON FIREi! FIRE ! FIRE ! THE WHOLE OFi.THB s AjLiiVfA g;e s t oic k ":. :< [ OF THE Timaru Woollen Factory : H»s been bought by an Ashburton Ktm for OAJ3H, t MUCHEuL ■adTTJBNBE hiding made the »bore pnTehaße, irfil offgr the whoI«'8TO0K to the Ashborton and Rangitata Electors, and their Wirn and Families, at each paces a e«^ omly be heUered by a pezeonal intefriew with the firm, and an inspection of the goods iMMniTevt Norr^haa come the chance for EYEKYONE to encourage K^EfW ZEALAND INDUSTKIJES, And that too, with benefit to themselves also. lfßi£ abete Grand Lot of GOODS will be unpacked and opefC *« SALE on XHUEUSDA IKS, when our "Windows will show what marvellous BARGAINS can be had m TWEEDS FLANNELS, RUGS, MAUDS, BLANKETS, ; . SUITS, CLOTHING, &c, &c, All through the FIBE FEBKD at Timaru. QootatfonslaieZinisleading, GOME 1 BEE !.! and.be CONVINCED. MITCHELIT& TTJENEE, T.ANCBE]D STREET. ALBEET EOBEETS HAS TOR SALE,— CIiOVBRS,— BED, WHITE, GOWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. BYEGRASB, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, •BH)PESAB,PBEDOATb' I (v»rioui kinds), CRDSHBD;BBANB PLOUGB 4 BHABBS j COOPERS SHEEP DIP, Aekncvledged to bo THE BEST IN THE MARKET.