The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1887. THE UNEMPLOYED.

We publish m another column of this issue a very temperately written and sensible letter by " A Laborer," m which reference is made lo the state ment of Cr Harrison at the recent meeting of the Borough Council, that a number of '" unemployed " had been sent from Christchurch to work on the Mount Somers railway extension, al though there are many good men wanting employment m the district. He points out that the same thing happened last winter, and urges that this is not a right state of things, and that jus; ice demands that a fair share of the Government work m the district should be given to men residing therein. We quite recognise the difficulties of the authorities m finding work for the unemployed at all, and as there are unemployed m Christchurch as well as Ashburton, it follows that if local work is m all cases to be provided then often comparatively useless work — at any rate unnecessary work — must be undertaken. It is, therefore, natural that when they have unemployed on their hands that the Government should send them to where work can be given without absolutely making work for the purpose. Still m all cases it must be better for the Government to have resident labor rather than to have to carry the labor to the spot, and when there are unemployed m the district m which the work is situate, then certainly these should have the preference — class for class. What we mean by the last term is that married men with families should be employed first, those resident on the spot having first chance, next those married men with families resident anywhere else, and after then single men m the same order of priority. Some such arrange ment would, we take it, be quite satis factory to out correspondent, and it is to be hoped that the whole matter will be brought before the authorities with a view to some such definite principle being laid down.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr John Grigg has been elected Chairman of the Ashburton (suburban) Licensing Com mittee. * Apropos was scratched yesterday afternoon for all engagements at the Autumn Meeting of tho Ashburton Racing Club. Shareholders of the Australian Mutual Provident Sooiety ,'will doubtless be glad to see that Mr B. Short, until recently chief agent of the sooiety, is now a candidate for a seat on the Board of Direotors. Mr Short promises, that if elected, he will represent the members and vote against pensions ; and points to the fact that he has canvassed for twenty-six years m all the colonies, and in troduced over 10,000 new members to the sooiety as evidence of the valuable service he would be able to render as a director. The " Otago Daily Times" of yesterday says that Mr John McLean, of Redcastle, Oamaru, has subscribed £1000 to the Imperial Institute fund. Is this the same donation previously attributed m our telegram to the Hon G. McLean ? If not, [it would seem that two McLeans have set a noble example, which j may perhaps be followed by others of the same name. * ! It is reported that a Saxon soldier has'been tried by court-martial and shot at Metz, for having sold his repeating rifle to a French spy. The danoors at a recent masquerade ball m Manistee, Mioh., expelled one man because he appeared m the garb of a priest. Another man who went as Satan took a prominent part m the entertainment. The ' Neokar Zeitung ' announces that after the next Franco-German war the following partition of territory will be made ; — Belgium will reoeive Artois, Pioardy, Normandy, and Brittany ; Germany will annex so muoh of France as lies east of a boundary line running down from Mezieres to Lyons ; while Italy is to receive Savoy and the whole of the depart ments on the left bank of the Bhone. Jones, a Manchester nouveau riclie, and his son, intent on foreign travel, were buying a guide to Austria at a bookseller's. To assure himself of its acouraoy, Jones junior tried to find Moscow. Jones senior assisted him m this hopeless task. At the end of five minutes Jones junior, m despair, was about to throw the book aside as worthless, when his father was suddenly inspired. "No wonder you can't find it," he exclaimed — " You forget that Moscow was burned l'» g| The services of St Stephen's Churoh to morrow will bo of a Harvest Thanksgiving character. According to Sir Edward dv Cane tho oonviot population of Great Britain m 1813 was about 50,000 persons out of a total of 15,000,000 inhabitants. At present out of a population, exolusive of Ireland, of nearly 30,000,000 souls there are but 9000 convicts and 2000 ticket-oUeave men and women, In other words, there is only one convict to every three thousand of English and Scotoh people, whereas there was formerly one convict to every three hundred of tha population. The election for Te Aro has resulted m the return of Mr F. H. Frasor, the voting being as follows:— Fraser, 506; Travers, 346; Nancarrow, 9. A Belgian paper has'publsihed the amount of tho sums collected by the Roman Catholics for missionary purposes since 1862, when the Propaganda Fide was established. The sum total amounts to £8,830,000, from which tho Vatican ornated 260 apostolic prefeotures,with nine bishoprics. At present India has 26 bishops and archbishops, and 1,200 priests ; China and Japan, 50 apostolio vicars, and 1,400 missionaries ; Africa two arohbishops, 12 bishops, 17 vicars, and 16 apostolio prefec tures ; British Amerioa has 30 bishops and and 2,000 priests; Australia, 23 bishops 900 priests. The direotors of the Southern Cross Petro leum Company report that at the date of the latest advioes from their works the depth of the born was 1763 feet, with indications as before. Holloway'b Pills. — Important for the deli cate.—lt is difficult to determine which is the more trying to the human constitution, the damp, cold days of autumn and winter, or the keen, dry, easterly winds of spring. Through out the seasons good health may be main tained by occasional doses of Holloway's Pill, which purify the blood and aot as wholesome stimulants to the skin, stomaob, liver, bowels, and kidneys. This celebrated medicine needs but a fair trial to convince the ailing and desponding that it will restore and cheer them without danger, pain, or inconvenience. No family should be without a supply of Hollo way's Pills and Ointment as by a timely recourse to them the first erring funotion may be reclaimed, suffering may be spared, and paved

The privileges m conneotion with the Autumn Meeting of the Ashburton Eaoing Club were sold to-day by Messrs H. Matson and Co. when the following prices were realised :— No. 1 Publican's Booth, J. W. Moßae, £10 10a; No. 2 Publican's Booth, Mr g Butler, £16 ; No. 1 Confectioner's Booth, J. Ranger, £3 ; No. 2 do., J. Ranger, £2 10s : Right of Sports, W. O. Page, £1 ; Right of Yards, W. Munro, 15s. Captain was scratched to-day for the District Hurdles ; The Boy for the Foal Stakes ; and Derwenter for the Autumn Handioap. A writer, signing himself " Hard Times," has forwbrded to the "Dunedin Star" a shilling's worth of stampß, with a request hat they should be handed over to the Seoretary of the Benevolent Institution. They represented the reward paid to a lady who picked up an uncrossed cheque for £12, and returned it to its owner. The " Rangitikei Advocate " Bays that this season has been so exceedingly unfavorable to grass m the Hawke'a Bay distriot that owners of sheep flooks have been compelled, owing to the dearth of feed, to literally sacrifice their flooks. Many thousands of sheep have found their way from that distriot to this park of the ooast, and have been offered for Bale m the different yards. One particularly large flook of 20,000 was a few days ago being taken from the Hawke's Bay distriot along this;distriot. " Lounger," Jn the " Wanganui Herald,', writes :— Wanganui is made the butt of Bmall wits who effeot to believe fthat lunacy is the prevailing epidemio here. Taranaki is usually derided as a plaoe where pumpkins are used as ourrenoy, and enter into every bill-of-fare. A friend who was there lately did his best to get some pumpkin pie or even kumeJtwne fritters, but the waiter only stared at him, and put him down as " Another what's-its-name from Wanganui ?" The introduction of elementary botany into the Byllabus of the ordinary distriot schools was suggested m a paper read by Mr G. M. Thomson before a meeting of teachers at Dunedin a few days ago. He proposed that it Bhould take place of the history. Kbatinq's Cough Lozenges cure coughs, Asthma, BronoLutia. medioal testimony Btates that no other medioine is so effectual m the cure of theße dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone give ease, one or two at bedtime ensures rest. For relieving dimculty of breathing they are invaluable. They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, m Tins, Is l£d, and 2s 9d eaoh

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

. « Readers. 1 Auckland, Apill 16. The Board of Education yesterday re- Bolved to discontinue Globe Readera In the schools. Choice of new books was : deferred. Fire. New Plymouth, April 16, A fire occurred at Opuuake at 2-30 this mornlog when Crawford's ■ Club Hotel and the Union Bank buildings were burnt. The hotel was insured In ihe South British for £703 and the furniture for £300. The ocou pante aecaped m night dresses. One man was severly burnt. Volunteers. The Natives hviug at Mangaone, near where the enoampment was held, state that the volunteers m no way Interfered with them. The Pi ess Association m Explanation. Wellington, April 16. According to Mr Kolleston's speech at Temuka, as repotted m Saturday's press there, he is represented as oajlng that the Press Association has been U3ed by Mr Ballaace to sing his praises and clr oatate the latest sensation with which he can devert public mind. Mr Rollestou* has been led into error by seeing the sum miry of Iho Xaiiil Acquisition" Bill printed m a Ohristohuiroh paper under , the Association heading, whereas the telegram really was astit by a oarres pondent and not by the Association at all. No such measure was ever seat by the Association. > Libel Action. The libel action MoMahon and Loitch v . thePreos Association ended la a verd'ot for the former, damages £200 and costs. No evidence was called for the di fence, ' counsel oontendiug that the statement ; complained of was not refractory and not i circulated with malice, Crabtree's Sent one 3. I At the Supreme Court this morning , Orabtree was sentenced to three years on ' each charge (two oharges of burglary and escaping gaol) to run concurrently. The Premier. Dunedin, April 16. i The Premier left for Wellington thw l morning.

TELEGRAPHING WITHOUT WIRES

— ~ — • — I i (" Engineering.") 1 Professor Dolbear, the well-known American elec'rlclan, has succeeded In 1 telegraphing without wires by causing a series of electrical discharges to pasi into the earih wi hint discharging into it the other terminal of the battery or indaotion apparatus used. Suppose the positive pole of an induction coil be "earthed" one hundred times a second, then the ground th.9re would have its potential raised one hundred times per second. At a distant point let the negative pole cf a similar coil bo earthed one hundred times a second ; It follows that between these two points there will be a greater difference of potential than at surrounding points, and a current will fljw between them one hnadred times a second. The telephone is used t> interpret these current*, which are interrupted by a Morse key, arid the humming sound caused m the telephone by. the vibratory current is broken into long and short s'gnals. or dots and daabes. The plan is adopted for tele graphing between vessels at sea, and indeed 1b similar to that recently tried by Professor Graham Bell* m Boston har bor. Professor Dolbear desorlbed his plan m 1883, but it can hardly be called novel.

DISTRESS IN SYDNEY.

A West Coast gentleman who has lately at rived from Sydney lnfonna an oxchango thU the disttess there amongst working; nun is very great. The day before he left he saw a flaw a procession of nearly 5000 unemployed marching through the streets A large black ciffia was curled shoulder high, on which was written Bread, Work, or Death. The Bight m the pnblio parka la most pitiful ; hundreds huddling to gether* on the grass underneath the trrea for warmth during tha night on their ( only resting place, the torf,

A RUN WITH THE FOXHOUNDS

— ~ ♦ An extraordinary run with tbeDumf ries* i ah ire foxhounds ia recorded m the papers < by the last English mail. The fox crossed i the river Anrun, whioh was m high flood. The hounds, after a slight cheok, followed, and on landing ou the opposite bank went I off at a rapid rate. Lord Percy Doughs, ] jcßb ont of his* I ' teens," rode up to the river, dismounted, drove his horse Into the flood, swam after it, reached the < other Bide m safety after n hart} struggle, f remounted hia horse, and went off In 1 pursuit. Tho rest of the hunters, deem- t ing discretion the better part of valor, ( by a detour made a neighboring bridge. <

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICE.

The annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service took plnoe last evening m St Stephen's Church There was a large congregation, though not so large, per haps, as would have been the case had not the church offioara of Tlnwald Beleoted the evening for the winding up of their baziar. A few alterations changtd the character of the Easter decorations and •nade them appropriate to the harvest teaßon, Off.<rings of very fine apples, pears, plums, grapes, etc, had been made, and these after Sunday will be given to the Hospital and Old Men's Home. The mus'cil portion of the service was of a ioraewhat festival charaoter, and the ohoir sung with precision and feeling a oew and very beautiful anthem by Dr Stainer, organist of St Paul's, London. In the hymns, the organ was strengthened by tht accompaniment of a few brass instruments. An excellent sermon waa provided by the J*ev J. Ohtffers We!sh Incumbent of F.ndal, Christchuroh. from John XII 24--"Exc9pt a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die It *bideth aloDe, but if it die, it bringeth forth much froit."

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

A JUST COMPLAINT.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, — Laßt winter when It was reported m your paper that men In want of work were to be brought hither from Christ oburoh to be employed upon Government work, you were good enough to publish a letter from me stating that many residents were Idle and would be glad to earn eomathlng to help oarry them through the winter. Mr Walk6r, In his dual capacity ai M.H.R. and County Chair man, m the most kind manner took the matter up, the result being some seven or eight weeks, work for which I, amongst others, was very grateful. From some remarks which fell from Or Harrison at the last meeting of the Borough Counoil, it appears that last year's action of the authorities is being repeated, so I must once more aßk yoa to assist myself and o'hera who are m need of work to support our families, by drawing the attention cf our looal authorities to the necessity and justice of seizing that the looal unem ployed should have a share of the Government work In our district during the coming winter. If it be piece work, bo much the better, for it will avert the occasion of unpleasant reflections as to the amount of work done. I am far from wishing to rabe the unemployed howl m our midst, but facts are stubborn things a>id mujt be faced. I am, etc. Laborer Aahbnrton, April 15, 1887.

WATERTON WESLEYAN CHURCH

• A very successful coffee supper was held m the Weßleyan Church, Waterton, on the 7th instant It being the first of the kind ever held m Waterton, the pro moters were a little dubious aR to the result. The Ohurch — notwithstanding a counter attraction m the form of a ball m the Library building adjoining, was well filled, and the venture passed off exceedingly well Bey D. McNicholl opened the meeting about 7.30, and after singing and prayer, spoke on the subject suggested by the meeting, which was a Harvest Thanksgiving Service, as well as a coffee supper. Mr Moses explained that the object of the mee'ing was to raise funds to pay off the balance owing on the organ. It cost £20, and there were about £3 yet to raise* The meeting wbb then addressed by Mr Richard Murray (who is about to enter College In Auck land m view of becoming a minister), Rev B. F. Roth well (of Gore, Otago), and the Rev J. W. Newbold. About 930 the tea and coffee were served out, and this part of the proceedings seemed emi nently popular. The Church was neatly and tastefully ndornerl with good entnplos of the fruits of the earth, and the success of the meeting was enhanced by the music provided by the Willowby Choir. The usual votes of thanks to the ladies who provided the eatables, to the Choir and the speakers brought a^very success ful meeting to a close.

THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS AT KAIAPOI.

The Minister for Public Works ad dressed a meeting of bis constituents at Kaiapoi last evening. Iv his speeoh he dealt principally with railway matters He said thas he was convinced that one Railway Board on the Victorian plan would tend .to centralis9 everything m Wellington more than the present system. He had prepared a Bill on lines similar to those adopted In Germany. It pro vided for three boarda, one for AuoklaDd district, one for Napier, Wellington, and Taranaki, and one for the South Island, the members to be elected by the Chambers of Commerce, the Mayors of boroughe, and the chairmen of County Councils. Kaoh Board would Bit daring the recess ; that for the Auckland distriot m Auckland twice a year, and oftener if n'ceuaary ; that for the central district m Wellington, Wanganul, and Napier, or such other places as necessary, three times a year. That for the South Island at least once at Christ church, Dunedin, aud Invercargill, the Minister of Works or such officer on the Kailway staff as he might direct to attend each meeting to give information, the Minister to act on the Board's recom mendations if he deems fit, but all re commendations to be reported to the House, and the Minister to give a reason for not acting on them. The Boards are to hear all complaints as to rates or against the conduct of officers. He showed that railways m New Zealand are worked as economically as the railways of other countries, taking into consideration the different conditions of thi3 colony. The reduction m the railway rates had affected the revenue to the exient of £50,000 per year The falling off m traffic was attributable to the enormouß deoresso m the production of the prinoipal articles whioh the railway returns depanded upon. The receipts, however, wore now largely increasing, and there wt s every promise of a better result for the current year. It ■would be very unwise to change the present baala of railway charges. A vote of thanks and confidence were passed.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

New Plymouth, April 15. A smart shock of earthquake was felt here at 12.35 p m. A diamond ring, lost by a Volunteer at the enoampment, has been found and handed to the authorities. Hokitika, April 15. . The Mount dOr Oumpany's supplemen tary washing amounted to 16 oz, valued at I £445. The children's fancy dress bazaar for Dr Barnard o's destitute children at Home, being the children's Jubilee gift to the homeless ones m London, was a great success. The children's d&nees m fanoy costumes were greatly admired. A sub btantial sum will acorue. Dunedi,?, April 15. The unveiling of the Burns' statue has been fixed for May 24, the Queen's Birthday. Inveruargillj April 15. At Wlnton to-day, a boy of thiee years, the son of D. Moore, was Beverly burned about the body by phosphorus, which he. had somehow got hold of. Hlb motuer, and Mr Hawkins also received bad burns on the hands In endeavor log to rescue the child.

THE WEATHER.

The following ia the meteorological report at Alford Station for the week ending April 15th, 1887 :—

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[RBUTBr's TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.]

A FATAL WRECK.

London, April 13. One of the steamers trading between Newhaven and Dieppe has been wrecked on the rocks near the latter port* The passengers were landed m boats, but one boat full of people cap sized, and twelve persons were drowned.

DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER BILL.

The " Daily News to-day hopes that the discussion by the Conference on the question of marriage with a de ceased wife's sister will lead to the remedy of serious grievances under which the colonies now suffer.

(Received April 16,12.20 p.m.

COLONIAL DEFENCE.

, _ London, April 15. .A meeting of the Australasian dele gates to the Imperial Conference took place yesterday at the office of the Agent-General of New South Wales, for the purpose of discussing various sub jects to be brought before the Confer ence. The principal question con sidered was that of defence with a view to an understanding being arrived at before the sitting of the Conference on Monday next, when the question of Imperial defences will be further con sidered. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that about ten extra war ships were required for the defence of the Australasian ports, the abnual cost of which would be a hundred thousand pounds, England bearing one half the expense, the remainder being bGrne by ' the colonies m proportion to population.

ANOTHER KNIGHT.

[SPECIAI, TO PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, April 13. Mr Wisdom, New South Wales, has accepted the offer of knighthood.

THE S.S. TAINUI.

The Tainui shipment of frozen meat, has arrived m splendid condition.

COLONIAL NAVAL RESERVE.

Mr Lorimer has asked the Admiralty to pay off expirees m Australia, m order to facilitate the formation of the nucleus of a Colonial Naval Reserve.

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON

It is probable that the Imperieuse, 10 guns, 7390 tons, will replace the Nelson on the Australian station.

THE CANADIAN FISHERIES DIFFICULTY.

Sir Charles Tupper, speaking at a banquet at Montreal, said if America re taliates, Canadian trade will be removed to England.

BULGARIAN AFFAIRS.

v One hundred officers m the Bul garian Army have been cashiered for having been engaged m conspiracies since August last. Russia has promised to inform the Porte of the names of those approved as candidates for the Bulgarian thione.

IRISH LEGISLATION.

Numerously attended meetings have been held m London and the Pro vinces m support of the Crimes Bill. Mr Chamberlain, who is on a visit to Ayr, has been cordially received m that city. In an address, he declared that the Irish Land Bill now before the House of Lords was one of the most generous measures introduced.

AUSTRAILAN.

[reuter's telegrams—copyright. ]

WANT OF CONFIDENCE.

Sydney, April 15. The Legislative Assembly sat all night until this morning. The debate on the Budget now stands adjourned till Wednesday, when Mr Copeland's motion which h?s been accepted as one of want of confidence will be dis cussed.

THE MARKETS.

Wheat is selling at 3s 3d to 3s 8d ; oats, 2s to 2s 4d; maize, 3s 3d to 33 gd.

TONGAN NEWS.

The steamer Lubeck arrived to-day from Tonga. She brings news that H.M.S. Diamond had arrived there Sir Charles Mitchell and Mr Justice Clark, of Fiji, on board. The enqairy into the recent outrages was still pro ceeding when the Lubeck left. Han slip a trader m the islands, who was accused by Mr Baker of participating m the outrages, was acquitted. The evidence of some of Baker's witnesses was most damaging to that gentleman, some of them stating he had threatened their lives if they did not give evidence, against the Wesleyans. One of them had been told he should be shot directly H.M.S. Diamond left the Island. The Judge insisted that the witnesses must understand that go harm should come to them by giving evidence freely. Two officers of the Diamond assisted at the trials.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL

CATTLE IN" NORTH AMERICA. * It ia aaid that 4,000,000 head of cattle have been {starved to death m the Western States of North America, m consequence of the severity of the winter, from drought m Texas, and from other climatic oanaea.

BLIGHT ON FRUIT TREES.

According to our Lawrence contem* porarj, Mr David Ooohrane, after a deal of experimenting, has obtained a epsoifio for preserving fruit trees from the ravages of rabbits and blight. He mixed together ono bottle of whale oil, one bottle of oaßtor oil, one bottle of olive oil, acd two pounds of sulphur,' stirring it to the con sistency of paint, and then applied with a bru-sh to the trees. Not only did the wounds m the bark heal op by stimulating new skin and iof using fresh vigor- into the trees, but the rabbits, though they are known to visit the garden nightly, are never known to touch the dbbtored plants, having no relisn for the Ooohrane mixture.

WHY WHEAT SHOULD ADVANCE IN PRICE.

Mr Kalns* Jackson, who fa one of the greatest authorities on questions affecting the wheat trade, giyea.tha following twelve reasons why wheat should go up m prloe. The were published m the "Farmer" of. January 24th : The market appears to be going baok. A lack of the most ordinary ooarage, and presence of the moat extraordinary harry to realise petty profits can alone aooouat for thin tendenoy to retrogression two months before the spring. Let it «t onoe be stated that the figures of the market are for advanoe and not decline. From ft week ago-» 1 Toe quantity of wheat on pinage has decreased, 2. The imports of wheat have de creased, 3 . The imports of flour have decreased; 4 The Danube has beoome ioe-blooked. 5. The Baa of Azoff has beoomo loe blcoked. 6 Only five wheat cargoes hive, been on sale off coast. - ' 7. Indian wheat shipments have de clined. . ■■-......'.. 8. American wheat shipments to tbe United Kingdom have declined. 9 American flour shipments to the United Kingdom hive declined. 10. News fresh received from California announces only five faohea of rain, Against 20 inohes last year ; crop pros pacts diminished m almost the Bame proportion! 11. The Amerloan visible supply of wheat shows a deollne, 12 Continental enquiry for wheat, competing with the British demands, showa a decided freshening. Hero are a doz n sounds and undeniable reasons tor firmnoea, if not for actual price advance. If wheat holders throw away their own and each others' chances of fair profit m the most selfish and foolish rush to clear at the alight rlee of the first fortnight of the new year, then there is, it must be feared, no more to be said. Those who hold tha game are wontonly throwing it into buyers' hands.

SALT AS MANURE FOR GRASS.

The agricultural circular leaned by Messrs Alexander Cross and Sons, of Glasgow, contains a report of more ex periments m manuring graas land which show an astonishing result m connection with the me of common salt, the experi menter being Mr John Gilohrist, of Orbiston Mains, Bellshlll, N.B. On different plots he Bowed (1) sulphate of ammonia equal to 2cwt per acre, and superphosphate at the rate of 4tfwfc per acre, the cost being 37s an aore ; (2) the same quantity of sulphate of ammonia and 1 l-6owfc salt, at a coat of 25 1 an aore j (3) bone Buperphoßphate alone at the ra'e of Bc wt an aore, costing 283 ; and (4) sulphate of ammonia alone at the rats of 2owt an acre, coating 233. Plot 5 waa left unmanurod. The produce of hay per acre was 355|it (of 141 b presumably) on plot I, 378 it on plot 2, 255} it on plot 3, - Ss9ssst on plot 4, and 2Jsit on plot 5. Thus the addition of two shillingworth of , ealt on plot 2 gave 83$ at of extra hay, an oompared with the produce of plot 4 and, aa oompared with the reaujt on plot I 1, the salt, for 3), produced 22§st more > hay than bone superphosphate costing 14s. Bat it must be borne m mind that it was salt m combination with sulphate of ammonia which, produoed this Rood , result By itnelf it would probably have done little or no good.

THE SPARROW PEST IN AMERICA.

The sparrow is attracting considerable attention m America at preient. A speaker at the Indiana State Horticul tural Soolety'a meeting a short time ago states that they seldom eat insects, bat will feed them to the young birds ia the neßt. Professor Troop of Purdue Univer sity said that a member of a senior olaai of that institution had killed one or mora sparrows daily during a considerable • portion of the past summer, and examined the contents of their stomachs. In only one bird had he found the remains of an insect. J. 0, Ratcliff of Wayne Oonnty had seen fl >ok« of several hundred alight on his wheat field, five miles from any town or city, and eat. and waste the grain from large areas, They beat the ripened grain from Hie e.alk with their <vinge. They were still more destructive to grain m shook. Mr Folger said that they had entirely driven away 200 mai tins that formerly sheltered m his barn. Mr Ohmer formerly had plenty of aotg birds on his pace. Kow there wtw only the sparrow and robin. The time had come whun something must be done, Mr Webster had recently made an ex tended visit through the agricultural sections of TCurope. Found that sparrows were everywhere regarded as a nuisance, fn Germany he saw boys carrying hun dreds of them strnag on sticks. They were taken to the village authorities, and the boyo received a half cent for each one killed. They were paying for their destruction everywhere. They were be* coming very destructive m this locality, Ec had found their ravages on his green peat particularly annoying. After further discussion m similar strain, and some words ia their defence by President John son and odo other member, J. C, Stevens of Wayne County introduced a resolution declaring them a nuisance and urging ex« termination, which was passed with bat one dissenting voice.

PECULIAR DEATH

Newa from Sydney, under date 4th felt, states : — Signora Agratl, the wife of the well-ktiown theatrical ajjent, who accom panied Mlaa Genevleve Ward m hoc J3Taw Zealand tour, died yesterday under peou* liar circumstances. According to tht evidence ?iven at the inqae&t, wbloh ooni| menoed to day, deceased who was About thlrtytwo yeara of age, commenced grieving orer buiinesa losses a few dayc ago and drank heavily. She became fob* jtiot to fits, and Dr Kyngdon, who wm called m, administered a large tojeotion of morphia to oooth the pjtient, wao dUd m twelve or fourteen hours. The general state of decaased was asserted to be iaoh as to fully account for death, but the morphia was administered m a mnoh larger quantity than uaual, owing to a rt< presentation of Sfgnor Agratl that a small injection had proved ustletw on former occasions Tae inqaait was ad journed to allow an analysis of tb* coq tents of the deoeaaed's atomach.

THE ASHBURTON OUABDIAN, SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1887



High Shade. m Date, low high Sun. State of weather. Saturday 45- 74- 132- Fine N.E. wind Sunday 44- 79- 125- Fine N.E. wind Monday 42- 77- 132- Fine S.W. wind Tuesday 44- 50- 70- Bain N.E. wind Wed'day 43- 54- 62- Rain N.E. wind Thur'day 43- 58- 74- Overcast N.E.wind Friday 30* 73« 118- Fine N.E. wind



Statutory Declaration. —I, Franz Raabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Viotoria, do solemnly and sincerely deblare that on the 25th June, 1877 f my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on the knee. lat once took a.ll pains to secure medioal assistance. However, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Maogillivray that an ampu- tation of the injured limb had "become imperative, m order to save ljfe. At this juncture I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of the Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, and to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reaohed that the Extract referred to was firßt app'ied. And I make this solemn /declaration, eto'.,— Franz Raabe. Declared at Sandhurst, m the colony of Viotoria, Australia, this spveriteenth day of Ootober, one thousand eight hundred and Beventy-Beveu before me. Moritz Ooho, J,J?.~(Advty



For genera.l debility and prostration Hop Bitters (American Co.'s) will do woqdjtf. Prove it by trial, See



HUSBAND AND WIFE* The HueBAND. Dear wire, I am weary of seeing Yon toil every day for your bread, While I am a poor helpless being ; 'li 3 ofcen I wi-h I were dead. You ne'ez were arcuatomed to toiling, Your hands were once white like the snow ; While I watch you work night and morn* iflg Yonr movements seem wearied and slow. The Wife, Dear husband, give over your worry, My work seems like labor, I ween But I am never compelled, dear, to hurry Now I use Ferriman's Washing Machine. It lightens by two-thirds my labors, And makes all my garments so clean, Tha' our clothes are tee envy of neighbors Who adore Ferriman's Washing Machine TO THE WIVES AND MOTHERS OF ABHBURTON AND THE GENEQAL PUBLIC CF NEW* ZEALAND. In presenting to tin public of Ashburton the maivellous fcTE&M WASHER, I telitve I am conferring a boon of incalculable worth on every wile and mother m this beauti ul land on whom that most important function of every household devolves known (and hitherto dreaded) as washing clothes of every de- scription. By the use of this Machine, this distasteful and slavish woike is entirely relieved of its drudgery, and made a source of pleasurable exercise, The unequalled qualities which it possesees of thoroughly bleaching tin clothes, giving them an unparalleled whiteness, and its harmless action upon delicate and colored fabrics, render it peculiarly useful and popular. The saving qualities of the Machine aro quite m keeping with its otrur meritorious, features. Any person who will givs it a prac- tical test will be unquestionably convinced that from an ECONOMICAL standpoint it is unsurpassed and unequalled. Ths consump- tion of fuel is materially reduc-"d. The saving effected m this item alone will m one year equal the price of the Machine. As it only entails the consumption of two-thirds the amount of eoap used m the ordinary way of washing, this Uem of economy is self-evident to every person. The greatest saving, ho sv- ever, is effected m th 9 wear and tear of the clothes. Evory intelligent individual knows that the use of tha washboard wears tha various fabrics more than anything olse, and as the marvellous Steam Washer renders its übq absolutely unnecessary, aud thereby ob- viates almost entirely the necessity for '• clothes mending," itßeavlng qialities n this pprdoular wi'l be at once apparent, and appre- ciated. But all its saving qualities cf a financial character are elipßea, and dwindld into insig- nificance, when we take into consideration the frail, delicate, and weakly condition of thousands of wives and mothers who are forced to lax th.ir energies and waßte their limited strength m the old way of washing; but who may, by the use of ita magical pro- pertfes, do the work without any fatigue to their feeble bodies, and with iufiaite satisfac- tion and pleasure to their minds. This, more than any defi:e or expectation on the part .of the inventor to make money out of the article, wqb the prim 3 object hi had m view. From the marvellous results obtained from its use, however, and the unbounded and enthusi- astic commendations from eveiyono having used i t since its introduction to the public, as the annexed list of names of persons who have purchased tha: machine and Jare willing to testify lo ita merits, will fully atteet, the advertiser has^deemed it wise, ia order to place this incomparable article of household use more promiaeatly before the intelligent people of the district ( to give the postal address of a few of the buyers, m crder that an unpreju- diced and entirely impartial opinion of its intrinsic value, may be readily obtained by anyone desirous of getting such information from actual users and purchasers, who will undoubtedly b 3 best calculated to give a just estimate of its value. Mra Hcrbjrt, ScnfieUTi Mr M. Bruce, Seafield* Mr Collison, Sen field Mr D. Robs, Laurißton Mr G T. Harriott, Ashburton Mr T. Olaridpe, Ashburton Mr W. uharlton, ABbburton Mr Bradbnry, Aehburton Mr H* Hudson, Jtlgin Mr J. Lloyd, Newlands Mr E.Thomas, Wukanui Mr A. Frisby, Ashburton Forks Mr &.. Cb.-pman, Willowby Mr G Gr cc, Willowby Mr J. Williams, Willowby Mr J. Hearn, Ealing Mr A. McLeod, Tinwald Mr W. Anderson, Flcmington Mr 0. 0. Fooks, Alforrt Forest Road Mr Peter L)wnie, Wakar.ui Mr Willi'iin Browne, Wakanui Mr J. Johns-ton--, Tievo. ton Mr OtAir ea Ward, Ashburtoa Mr Will am bajlics, AsUbiutoii Mr Charlt s Fowke, At hburLon Mi' Andrew Da wao a Wa ertoa Mr Join "mall, Whonifltono Mr J. H. Carlton, Mount domors Mr J. Tucker, Aehburton Mr T. U. Junes, Ashburton Mr Bejcrafc, RakaH Mr Button, Me'.hven Mr Maginnis, Methven Mr L F. Androweu, Aehb'uton Mr B. Lowe, WHlo*by Mr J, W. Silcock. Ashourfon Mr J. Canning, Ashburton Mr J. Kingsbury, Ohertsey Mr McAnnally, Kylo Mr J. Primmer, Kakaia Mr J. Wheeler, Willowby Mr J. Oaborae, Willowby Mr J. Dunn, Flemiagton Mra JNevill, Ashburton Mr J. Doyle, Ruapuna Mr A. Gibson, Temaka Mr J. Crowe, Temuka Mr J. Mcßae, Central Hotel Mr B. Baker, Ashbarton Mra Hellens, Ashbnrton Mr J. Harris, Ashbnrton And 804 othors It do; 8 away with wet feet, pains m the anna, bac!r, and brsaat, and does a big day's washing m 2 hours, and makes you cheerful even on washing day. F. FERRIMAN, SOLE AGENT, ASHBURTON.



Wanted. T EDGERS, Jnurnale, Cash and Day JU Books, Letler and Memorandum Books, Piain and Fancy Stationery.— H. M. Jones. X\T ANTED KNOWN. ~ That MRS VV MEEOH, Dresßmaker, has Re- moved from Burnett street to premises m Cameron street, next Post Office. MONSTER PUMPKIN PRIZES.— First Prize value £3 ; seconi, £2 ; third, £1 10s ; fourth, £1 ; fifth, 15s 6d. And 150 others from 2s to 12s 6d. Dress- making on tbe premises. — U. C. Segebs, Melford House. it 7 ANTED Farmers and others to VV know that lam still doing GRISTING at the Wakanui Mill— A. Protheroe. 3 7; WANTKD known — 1 have juat opontd np a naeful assortment of house- hold Crookery, Ironmongery and Brush- ware.— James McGregor, Grower, Etc. Tanored Street, opposite A rcade. ANTKD known that HTyEsXCO . have Large Stocks on hand. For particular see our advertisements iv th ; s paper. ■ : EVERY person Purchasing 5s worth j of Goods will be entitled to one guesß (10s two guesses, and so on) as to the number of seeds contained m the Monster Pumpkin, now on view m our Clothing Shop, adjoining the Drapery. — J fl. C. Segers, Melfoid House, HAVING taken the shop adjoining our Drapery, have opened it for Men's Clothing and Boots, &o. Splendid Assortment of Overcoats, Waterproofs, Oilskins, <fee. 155 Pumpkin Prizas to be given away. Apprentices wanted for the dressmaking.— fl. C, Segers, Melford House. WANTED a Situation as Cook on Station. Good baker. Reference if required. Apply G. P. •♦Mail" office. 4 86 T^URNITDRE— -To meet the times, W. Jj DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, Eaat street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers, £1 5a ; Spring Couches, £1 5s Every other article equally cheap. All new furniture at second-hand price. 804



THRESHING MACHINE OWNERS. A TTENTION is directed to the following A facts : -We are makiog STALKER'S AUTOMATIC FEEDERS for £12 10s, including fixing to machine, and we are prepared to fix to machines m any part of the County for name price. Cartage extra. The time that it is necessary to stop the machine is from 2 to 3 houra. These Feeders are perfect m their action, no sparking out of grain. No uncut Bheaveß or other improper articles can get into the drum ; nothing but a continuoua etream of golden sheaves well shaken out The regularity of the feed does not depend upon the Band cutter. They can be seen at work on machines belonging to the following gentlemen : — James Quigley Chapman Bros. Thomas Perks Nelson Eden Edward Gates John t' talker Jt hnMoorhead. If. White, Timara P. & D. DUNCAN, .Wills Street, Ashburton, 3§42 Agents JNiiW " Zt Hi ALAJN L> OijUiUlild FACTOR If mHE NEW GOODS FOB TH* J, SUMMER SEASON ABE NOW OPENED OU1 1 The ook is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns id Men's, Youths', and Boya' Clothing Jeaveß nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men's and Boys Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousertj and Veßts manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garinen warranted shrunk Jvercoats, Waterproof Coats and Legg^ge m great variety Hats, comprising every new style worn Children's Jersey Suits, Children's Men- of-War Suits Gentlemen's Hosiery, Scarveß ; . Oxford Jegatta and White Shirt-s Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bagp fhe celebrated WERTHEIM SfcvVING MACHINE. Time Payments. N,Z OLOIHING FACTORS, East jftapi.



A CERTAIN CURE FOR BALDNESS. HICKMAN'S Eclipse Hair Producer. (fiegifltered). PRICED 4s. ANEW DISCOVERY for the growth of Hair on the Head and Face ; for removing and preventing Dandruff, and a_rrestiEg the Fall of the Hair. It cures any Disease of the Scalp, and causes new growth on the head after being bald for years. None genuine without the trade mark nnd Bignature—JOßN HICKMAN, ; To be obtained at all Chemists. . HOESE COVERS, HORSE COVERS. j. heseltine, SADDLER, BULLOCK'S ARCADE, ASHBURTON AMD AT TINWALD. I HAVE determined to give better value m HORSE COVERS than any other In the trade m Canterbnry, having IMPORTED DIRECT, CANVAS of a superior make for Covets. I h«ve a'so JUST LANDED, a large Shipment of all klnda of SADDLERY, per b.b. Tainui, from the best English manufacturers, which I am prepared to ■ell at prices not to be beaten. I have m Stook every description of Saddlery to eeleot. from. Gash Customers liberally dealt with. highest Oaah Prloe for Horse Hair. The old motto— fB)P Best is th* ?biu?«sx. 8+10&



Business Notices. Victoria House, IN Consequence of Bequis : te Alterations to Premises, which will afford greater faoilittis for conducting oar rapidly increasing business, it baa been found ntceußary to Greatly Reduce our Stock within the next few weeks, large and liberal Reductions are now made m every Department. Holders of Glassware Gift Coupons are requested to pretH nt the same as early bb convenient to^enable the Gift Distribution to be satisfactorily closed. DIMANT~& COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c, East and Tancred streets, Aehburton. DIPPING SEASON, 1887. TOfLINSON AND HAYWARD'S LINCOLN DIP'," (POISONOUS), GLYCERINE DIP (NON-POISONOUS), WILL MIX WITH COLD WATER AND NOT DISCOLOR. THE WOOL. THESE DIPS used together Sn equal proportions gave the highest satisfaction last Sea.* as Is evidenced by numerous Testimonials whloh can be seen at tbe Agent*. The Glycerine Dip is the beßt ever Introduced for Wool Growing purposes ; and the Lincoln Dip 1b the moßt durable In the Wool, and will keep sheep clean longer than any other yet known. The two Dips used together make a perfect Dp, and keep any ordinary flook of sheep clean tbe whole season. They combine highly nutritious and stimulating properties, as well bb lasting qualities. They are certain killers of Ticks, their eggs ; Lfce, their ova ; and all parasites Infesting the skins of Sheep. For very lousy and filthy long wool flooks, the LINCOLN DIP ALONE is recom- mended, being tbe moat laa4ng In its effects. Testimonials prove that m every instance sheep dipped m the mixture have oome In a shearing with perfectly clean healthy skins, entirely free from vermin and parasites, and the wool peculiarly soft and beautifully glossy. PRICE— 3s 6d PER GALLON, OR £3 10» PER THOUSAND GALLONS OF WASH H. MATSON & CO., AGENTS, ASHBURTON ALBBBT ROBERTS IS A CASH PTJRCHAbER OF WTieat, Oats, and other Farm Produce. Offers STORAGE FACILITIES on Advantageous Terms. D Has for Sale,— GOLDEN TARES, CAPE BARLEY, PLOUGH SHARES (all siz**). SEED WHEAT, OATS, BABLKY, CLG\EBS, COCKSFOOT, RYEGR A RAPE .SEED, CORN SACKS, SEAMING TWINE. COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, "• Acknowledged to be TBE BEST IN THE MARKET. W. PATCHING TENT, TARPAULIN, FLAG, AND HORSECLOTH MANUFACTURER. A LARGE STOCK ALWAYS ON HAND OF TENTS OF ALL SIZEB CALICO, DUCK, TWILL, AND CANVAS. Manilla Rope, Plough Lines, Fishing Lines, Clolheß and|Garden|Lines. IRON AND WOODEN BLOCKS, Special attention is called to the well assorted STOCK OF REAPER AND BINDER CANVASES, All made on the Premises. Battens *nd Canvas'jkept m stock, and repairs promptly executed. Tarpaulins'from 6*Bto 24 x SO^always m stock. Oilskin Clothing made on the Premises. MARQOEES from 12 x 24 to 25 x 65 ON HIRE. ! All Orders by] Letter ob Telegram Promptly Attbndbpto. W- PATCHING 10861 EAST STREET, ABHBURTON.