RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Tsatkb Asbivk at Ashbobton-- From Gbrißt ehurch and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.85 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 p.m. (express). From Mount Somerß, 10i6 Trains Leavi Abhbtjbton — For Ohrist* eburoh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 5.87 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Broth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4.45 p.m. For Monnt Somers, 6.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From tnd after the 80th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be is followi, vis. :— xr mid ny advance : Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by poßt, 18s 6d „ Tear .. 2is Od by poit, 37a Od ir bookkd : Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 31s 6d „ Yew .. Ms od, by post, 48s Od

Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid or at the time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4e eaoh. Announcements of Birthi, Deaths and Marriages tent for publication from the oonntry dismota. require to be verified by the signa* tare of ths person e«n<3 ; ng the notioe.

MAIL NOTICES.

Hails olose at the Ashbnrton Post Office follows : — For Ohxlstohuroh and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a,m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakala, Ac, at 10.30 a.m and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, CJokbtream. Rangitata, Orarl, Winchester, %nd Geraldine, *t 10 ».m. daily. ForTemnka, at 10 v.m. and 4 30 p m i*lly. for Thns/u and South, at 10 a. a., and ' 50 p.m., daily. For Groenstreot and Aihburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.30 a. nit c . For Wakanui, Elgin, Seavlew, Seafield, id Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursday*, and tordays, at 6.30 a.ro. For Jlonnt Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon d»n and Thursdays, at 4.50 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longboach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemlngton, on Mondays, Wednes lays, and Fridays, at 4. 30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and F.i at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the A Ashburton Post Aoe-~- Jrom. Ohrlstchuroh and Rakala at 10.15 m.. 4.35 p.m., *nd 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey &o. at 10.15 s and ,85 p.m. daily. ' From Dunedin •ad Intermediate places 5.3? *>.m. dally. » r row Temnka an Timaru at 10. 40 a, m p 5. 50 p.m daily. From Greenstroot and Ashburton Forkr, Wednesdays and <i«turdayn f at 445 pm. From Wakanul, Elgin, Seaviow, Sea tield and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, end Saturdays, at 5 p m. From Mount Somers, dally at 10.5 . m. From Mayfield and Ruapnna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Wat or ton, and Long at 10 a. m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuosdaya, Tnurb days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburaton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1897. THE HALL CASE.

Though the decision of the Court of Appeal m the case of Thomas Hall will, doubtless, be supported by judicial authorities beyond the bounds of New Zealand, and while, presumably, it must be accepted as a fact that the evidence relating to the attempted poisoning of Mrs Hall was improperly admitted m his trial for the murder of Captain Cain, the decision that this was so only goes to prove that the dictum that " com mon law is founded upon common sence" is not by any means of universal application, but that, on the contrary, common sense and common law are sometimes wholly at variance. For m all ordinary affairs of life the private judgment of individuals, and the judgment of the public, which is an aggregate of individuals, is largely, and properly, influenced by the considera- j tion of piecisely such circumstances ' rs m this case it has been decided should m law have been excluded from the cognisance of the jury. A man dies of poison, which poison it is clearly shown was not self administer^! Obviously it was administered to him by some one else. There are only a very few persons who have had access to him. One of those persons is shown to have been m possession of the very kind of poison administered, to have been studying the subject of poisons with special relation to this particular kind, to have administered that poison to another person from a certain motive of gain, and to have had the same motive of gain, for administering it to the man whose murder is under investigation, while it is not even sug gested that any of the other persons who have had access to the murdered man had a like motive or had poison m their possession. Is it or is it not common sense m such a case that all these circumstances sheuld be taken into account, and is it not entirely just that they should be allowed weight m determining who is the guilty party? Obviously it is, and, we are entirely of the opinion that it is necessary that the Haw should be amended so as to enable every circum stance which tends to throw light upon a case to be presented either for or against a prisoner at his trial. Indeed while the case for the prisoner was most ably argued before the Court of Appeal, we are not by any means satis fied that the most was made of the case for tho Crcwn. It seerm to us that it might have been shown much more clearly that the poisoning of Captain Cain, and the attempted poisoning of Mrs Hall, were parts of one and the same criminal scheme, and had this been done to the satisfac tion of the Court, then it appears to us that it is quite possible that the ad missability of the evidence taken ex ception to might have been sustained. And here we cannot but sympathise with the feeling of our Timaru contem porary, the " South Canterbury Times," which, -m its article of Monday last, contends that the Crown should have employed the services of its ablest advo cate, the Attorney-General, the journal I referred to alluding to this feature of the case m the following terms : — " It is with unfeigned regret, a regret so strong and so deep that we can hardly express it, that we pass censure upon the Attorney- General, Sir Robert Stout, for quitting his post. He began the prosecution, he carried the ship into action and he ought to have seen her out ol action, instead of retreating at a critical moment. Such a proceeding is unheard of at Home. As the Crown's chief officer of the law it wa9 his undoubted duty to have conducted this great prosecution from beginning to end, and his failure to do so has, he will find, lowered him much m the re gard of the public. The people did think there was one strong incorruptible mind that would never falter before social position, power and wealth ; one true democrat who would be. true to the noble principles which he had so often and so ably expounded, Robert Stout ! The name was one to conjure by, and it is the very strength and depth of the popular regard which makes the disap pointment bitter. We, who have re vered and regarded f?ir Robert S'out more highly than we can say, confess to a feeling of disappointment and complete disenchantment." It is of course quite possible that even had the Crown been repre sented by the Attorney General the result might have been the same, but even if so the public would then have attributed the gross miscarriage of justice (for such it undoubtedly is) to ttie state of the law, ancj to that

•nly. That one so infinitely worse nan Caffrcy and Perm has escaped, while they have paid the penalty of their (ffence with their lives is th subject of universal regret, save for our reason ooly, viz, for the sake of the aged parent, of the criminal, for whom there is as universal a feeling of sympathy and commiseration. For their sakes it is better as it i?, but from every other point of view, the fact that a dry-as-dust legal refinement has interposed an impßnetrable shield between the sword of justice and one who had forfeited all claim to mercy is infinitely to be deplored.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

To-morrow being St. Patrick's Day will be a Bank holiday.

A sitting of the Assessment Court for the Borough of Ashburton was held this morn ing before Mr H. O. S. Baddeley, judge. Mr J. H. Home (the valuer), Mr T. Sealey (Mayor), and Mr Braddell (Town Clerk) appeared to uphold the valuation roll. About a dozen objections were received, but m only two cases were reductions made, amounting to £16. A fow alterations m the names of ownera were made. The Judge of the Court highly complimented Mr Home, the valuer, on the trouble he had taken m the compila tion of the roll. There had been fewer objections than m any previous year, and the reductions made were very small indeed.

The population of Ashburton by the census return is shown to be 1769, and that of the adjoining town distrusts of Hampstcad and Tinwald 1003 and 345 respectively ; the aggragate population of the borough and the town districts mentioned being thuß 3117. The population of the county, exolusive of the two town districts, wa5. 6679; the total for county, borough, and town districts being 07i<6. The population of the electoral dis tricts is given as follows, viz, : — Ashburton, 4316 ; Wakanui, 4980.

The Bight Hon H. Cecil Baikes, Postmaster- General, who is spoken of m London ai likely to suooeed Sir W. Jervois as Governor of New Zealand, was born m 1838 at Chester, and educated at Cambridge. He is a Con servative, and was returned to Parliament for Chester m 18G8. He was appointed Chair man of Committees and Deputy-Speaker m 1874-80, He is a (barrister and director of numerous companies.

A huge reservoir is being built at a remote apot m the outer harbor of Amsterdam for the storage of petroleum. It will be nearly 33 feet m diameter and of the same depth, aid is calculated to hold nearly 1,740,000 gallons. The petroleum will be brought direot from Russia m vessels specially constructed.

The electric-light installation on the heights of Siddul Bahar, at the entrance of the Dardanelles, has been completed, and has given so much satisfaction to the military authorities that further apparatus of a similar kind has been ordered for the other fortresses which command the different bends of the channel up the Nagara.

It is announced that an extensive planta tion of olive-trees is to be established m Solano County, Cal. Tho growing of olives and the manufacture of oil have already passed beyond the experimental Btage. In San Diego and Santa Barbara counties, m particular, olives have been grown for several years at a handsome profit, while the Califor* nia olive-oil is noted for its excellent quality and freedom from adulteration.

A newly-discovered Mexioan flower is quite a wonder, if reports are true. It is said to be white m the morning, red at noon, and blue at night ; and is further oroditcd with emitting perfume only at the middle of the day. It grows on a tree on the isthmus of Tehuantepeo.

A telegram from Melbourne, dated 15th inßtant, says that the Committee of Experts who have been appointed to report on the working of Wolseley's sheep shearing xnaobine states that the quality of the work done is all that could be desired, and the speed of the machine is about equal to that of a fair average shearer.

Referring to the forged notes of the Bank of New Zealand now m circulation, the " Press " supplies the following useful hints for their detection :— ln counting a bundle a spurious note would very easily pass un perceived ; but a single one oan be detected as false with very little difficulty. In the first plaoe it is nearly an eighth of an inoh smaller than the genuine note ; the green letters of " One Pound " come out very in distinctly, and are hardly preceptible when looking at the baok ; the signature is a really bad one, and the illustrations on the right hand side are but indifferently finished, and the paper used is rather coarse. Altogether the imitation is clumsy, and but one or two glances are required to decide whether or not a note bearing the impress of the Bank of New Zealand is genuine or not.

At the B.M. Court this morning' before Mr H. C. S. Baddeloy, 8.M., Donald MoKenzie, a shepherd, was charged with illtreating a dog by striking its head on the ground, and trying to choke it. The e\ idenoe of the police having been taken, the defendant was asked if he had any questions to put. He replied that he could not speak the English language very well as he was a Highlander. The Magistrate saw no reason why the defendant should not make nse of the Highland tongue. The defendant began glibly to put questions m Gaelio fo Sergt. Felton, but the language being an unknown one to that officer, Mr A. Macfarlane vai sworn m as an interpreter. The evidence for the detenco was that the defendant hai b?en tasked to hold the dog for a friend. Ho held the animal m his arniß, but as it com menced to struggle he had to catch hold of the collar. As thero was a likelihood of the collar slipping over the animal's head, the dofendaut lowered the dog to the ground, at the same time twisting the collar. These aotions, it was alleged, were the explanation of the charge of the prosecution that the defendant had tried to ohoke the dog, and had struck its head on the ground. The defen dant was given a very good character. Tl.* Magistrate inflioted a fine of 60s and costs, m default 14 days' imprisonment. The fine was paid.

11 Eouon on OiTAnnn." — Corrects offensive odors at once. Complete cure of worst chronic cases ; also unequalled as gargle for diphtheria, sore throat, foul breath. "Bouan on Piles."— Why suffer Piles? Immediate relief nnd complete cure guaran teed. Aak for "Rough on Piles." Sure euro for itching, protruding, bleeding, or any form of Piles.

HoLIiOWAV'B PILL 3 AND OINTMENT. — The combined ill effects of over-crowding, seden tary occupations, and monotony of life are only too well-known to thoso who have to pass the best part of their lives labouring m factories and crowded workrooms. The compulsory confinement weakens the general health and induces obronio constipation, indigestion, and various forms of skin diseases* Holloway's remedies are of priceless value to personß of this alasfe, for they can be used without entailing lots of woik, being purely vegetable m their composition, and oonse* quently act without harshness on the most delicate system. The ezperienoe of more than forty years proves that no means surpass Holloway'a remedies for curing bad legs, bad breasts, piles, and wounds ol tl) kiodl.

At the B.M. Court this morning, be/ore Me H. C. S B'.cHclry'.'B.M., a number of by-law cases wero heard. A. Cookson and A. Orr were fined 7s 6d and costs eaoh for allowing horses to Wander. William Nioholas was obarged by tho collector for the Hampstead Town Board witjjv being the owner of an unregistered dog. The defendant satis factorily proved tftat the dog was under six months of age and' the case was dismissed.

The Evangelistic Service conducted by Mr Duncan Wright fn the Presbyterian Church was again well 'attended last night, and great interest appeared to be taken by the whole congregation m the various portions of the service. Mr Wright continued his address on the subjeot of " Blind Bartimeus," and also sang a solo, No. 400 m Sankey's Hymns, " Como," the ohorus being taken up very heartily by the people present. The Riva Blake and Bnattie offered prayer, and Mr Buohanan a' so took part m the same way. Several hymn 3 from Sankey's collection were sung, and tho after meeting, to whioh a large number stayed, was again very earnestly addressed by Mr Wright, and special prayers o Sored by request for a family of 7 ohildren tad also for the Evangelist's own family of same number m Dunedin. These services are increasing m interest and earnestness as they proceed, and no doubt, for the rest of the week the members attending them will increase.

News from Sydney under date the 10th inst contains the remarkable intelligence of a olergyman having been committed for treason. His name is given as Bey F. H. Britten, in cumbent of Byde.

The Wellington correspondent of the 11 Lyttelton Times " says that the 21st April ha? been fixed as the date for the assembling of Parliament.

The Wellington correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times " saya that :— There is a nice little social soandal going on m the oity at present, and it is more than likely it will be brought before the La# Courts.

•'Noblesse oblige" seems to have lost its force as- applied to the British aristocracy m view of the numerous recent scandalous causes eclebrcs. It is now >aid that another great divorce case will shortly come before the Divorce Court which will east the Colin- Campbell case into the shade. Three co-re spondents are named, one a well-known politician, another a gentleman who has already made his appearance m the Divorce Court, and the third a personage whose name will make the sensation of the case.

The usual monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee was held on March 4th Present: Messrs Jepbson (ohairman), Btll' Shearer, Jeff, and O'Brien. The Chairman stated that the report of the Inspector had come to hand. It was resolved to ask the master for an explanation of certain matters mentioned therein, his report to be m by the 12th inst. Accounts were passed for payment and the Committee adjourned to the 12th inst., when a special adjourned meeting was hold to consider the explanation of the master. Present: Messrs Jephson, Bell, O'Brien, and Jeff. It appeared that the whole question was the matter of irregular attendance, which was the cause of failure on the part of many of the children m the 2nd and 3rd Standards. The following resolution was oarried :— " Thai the compulsory Clause of the Act be put m force, and that returns of each month's attendance of every child m the school be laid before the Committee at their monthly meeting, and those children who attend less than two-thirds of the possible number of times be made examples of " The Chairman was directed to get forms printed for circulation. The explanation of the master was directed to be forwarded to the 1 Board of Education. It was resolved to give | tho pupil teacher a conduot certificate. It was resolved to expend £6 m prizes for the I children, the Chairman and master to select tho same. The meeting then adjourned.

At the B.M. Court this morning, before Mr H. 0. S. Baddeley, 8.M., W. Chisnall was oharged with oruelty to a dog. W. Sutton and Constable Bemer gave evidence for the proseoution. ~ From their evidenoe it appeared

that the animal was a boundary dog, that

insufficient shelter was provided for it, and that it was found dead on Feb. 16, its ohain being entangled around portion of the

carcase of a sheep intended for food ; and

there not being sufficient water. Tbo weather at that time was very hot, and the Constable aaid the dog's konnel, which bad an iron roof,

was like an oven. Tho defendant said he was absent from home from Feb. 4 to Feb. 16, and during that period he paid a neighbor to look after his boundary dogs. He asked for an adjournment m order to secure the attendance as a witness of that neighbor, because his testimony would go to show that the dog had been well cared for. The Magistrate said that the case chiefly rested upon the faot that insufficient shelter had been provided for the dog, and for that the neighbor would not be responsible. The defendant decided cot to apply for an adjourn ment. He said that it had never ocourred to him that the kennel was a bad one for the dog. The Magistrate infiioted a fine of £5 and costs. In doing so he said that he did not think Mr Chisnall was naturally cruel, bat as it was hard to fheet home cases of cruelty to boundary dogs, it was neoessary to make an example when a case of neglect came bofore him.

A well-attended meeting of the Ashburton Guards was held last evening at the old Borough Counoil Chambers, ' The business was the eleotion of Captain and Lieutenant, rendered necessary m consequence of the resignation of Captain Beatell. The mem* bars expressed general regret at the step taken by Captain Beatell, who was unani mously elected a life member of the corps. Lieutenant Sparrow was elected Captain, and Corporal Cookburn was elected to the vacant Lieutenanoy. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to all those who had contributed towards the funds of the" Company, and routine business having been transacted, the meeting adjourned. A charge of crossing the linn while an ap proaohing train was within a quarter of a mile, was heard at the B.M. Court this morning. The defendant was a lad, ap parently about twelve years of age, and named Francis McToague. The information was laid under Section 156 subseotion 4 of the Public Works Act. The facts of the case were

as follows:— On February 5 the defendant was driving a mob of cattle over the Kermode street oroasing. Tho train from Mount Somers was coming into Ashburton at the time, and one of the herd was struck by the cowoatoher of the engine and thrown off the line though not injured. The day m question was a very windy one, a strong nor' wester blowing, and young MoTeague alleged that the wind prevented his earing the engine's whistle and the dust getting into his eyes prevented bis seeing the train. — Tho Magis trate said that he would not inflict a fine m the present oaao, but he cautioned the defen dant to be very careful m future. We understand that the Fisk Jubilee Minstrels ar« likely to give an entertainment m Ashburton; at an early date, should sufficient iodaaement offer.

There are more cures made wiih American Oo.'a Hop Bittern than all other uodjewoe. Bw flags aod |U

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Bboier's Telegrams— Copyright)

THE ATTEMPT ON THE CZAR'S LIFE.

St Pktebsboro, March 14.

Six of the persons who were arrested wi-h bombs m their possession at different points of the route, which it was supposed the Czar would take, prove to be students.

THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

Londojt, March 15

It is announced that the Marquis of Salisbury and other Ministers will at tend the opening of the Imperial Con ference. The Press will be admitted to the opening, and to a few of the final sittings of the Conference.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

■* [SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, March 15 A number of Russians have presented General Boulanger with a handsome sword, ostensibly as a mark of personal respect (Received M&roh 16, 11.40 a.m ) THE BARON AND BISMARCK, Berlin, March 15, It is announced that after an inter* view which he had to-day with Prince Bstnarck, M. de Lesseps declared that all danger of war between France and Germany had passed, but serious com plication would arise unless the date for the evacation of Egypt by the British forces were fixed ; and he advised the re-instatement of Ishmael Pasha as Khedive.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

A correspondent forwards us the follow ing as explanatory of the true origin ol the 17th March being fixed upon for St. Patrick's Birthd«y :—

On the Bth day of Maroh it was, some people say, That St. Patrick at midnight he first saw the day, Whilst others declare on the ninth ha was born, And t'was all a mistake betwixt midnight and morn. For mistakes will oeour m the harry and shock, And some blamed the baby, and some blamed tbe clock, For with all tbtir cross?questions, sure no one could know If tho clock was too fast or the child was too slow. Now the first faotion fight m old Ireland they say, Was all on aooount of St. Patriok's Birthday, Some fought for tbe eighth; for the ainth some would die, And who wouldn't see right, faith they'd blasken his eye. And th« two rival factions so obstinate grew, That, each keeping a birthday, St. Patrick had two ; Till Father M'Nulty, who told them their sins, Said "No man could have two, unless he was twinß." " Boys," said he, " Never mind if t'was eight or t'was nine, " Don't be always diviiin' but sometimes combine, " Add tbe 8 to tha 0, and 17 is the mark, •> And let that be his Birthday," "Amen I" . said the clerk. So they all got blind drunk, whioh completed tbeir bliss, And they've kept up tho custom from that day to this.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Wellington, March 15 Tho Hon. Mokena Kohere M.L.C. h%s resigned his seat m the Legislative Chuncll,

Tbe t.i Doric, from London via Hobart, pasted Cape Farewell nt 11 30 file morning, and will arrive off the heads late to-night. She is not expeo'ed to come into thi harbor until daylight to morrow.

The seamen of H.M.S. Nelson who re oeived £50 from the Underwriters' As sociation for services rendered at the recent fire, 'have davoted the money to wards the erection of a monument to the memory of their shipmates who have died while serving on this station. The monu ment is to be placed In the oemetery where they are buried.

A letter has been received from Messrs W. s>ndß. Coran, of London, Manchester and Edinburgh, staling that five tons of the Endeavor lalet antimony has been carefully tested m their works at Edin burgh, and was reported to be superior to any antimony they have tried. Ik vbruaroill, March 15.

The statement recently received from Melbourne that a dispensation tras granted by the Grand Lodge oi Druids for a Dlstriot Grand Lodge for the South Inland of New Zialand is incorrect. The fol lowing i« the minute from the official proceedings :— "After considerable dis cussion a motion t<> grant a dispensation to New Zealand was withdrawn on the understanding that m the event of a fresh application being made for a District Grand Lodge prior to the August meet ing of the Board, the application would appaar on the buaine a paper for the half yearly meeting m September next.

THE NATIVES AT PARIHAKA

Nbtt Plymouth March 15 The Nativoa at Parihaka are fenoing off land m sectlonn, to. be occupied by separate families, Te Whit! having yielded < to tho wishes of the Natives, after many koreros. Preparations are being made for the extensive planting of crop*, and it expeoted that the Natves will again be ! large producers, as m former years.

THE SHOOTING OF A CHRISTMAS WAIT.

Jimea John Gardiner was indicted on January 13, (or the nrunfilaoghter of Robert Janne way. — Mr Kibton prosecuted •nd the accused was defended by Air L c wla Ooward. — This melancholy snVr ocourred under vory peculiar circumstances The prisoner is the landlord of the Rising Sun, Larkhall Lane ; and it appeared that early on Chrlainns morning the deceased and several other men were playing a drum, a flats, B"da clarionet at the back of his prem'ses, when the_priaioner threw up a window and discharged a revolver with the idea of frightening the " waits" away ; but by the shct he un fortunately felled the deceased. The un happy act w.b quite unintentional ; the parties were tre>-p isser.«, and the aceosed had no reason to believe that ho would hurt anyone when be diecharged the weapon. The coroner's jury roturned a verdiot of death by miasa-iventne, and prisoner had always expressed his deep sorrow at what had ocourred. — Mr Coward, on behalf of the defence argued that the evidence showed clearly that the prisoner had not the slightest ide* that tho deceased and his companions had forced their way into hU back yard, bat at the time he fired he had every reason to believe that they were m the street ; and further that >•© had n>t been guilty of any cup»bta • egligenoe, and was suf ficlantlj puni.hed by the sorrow ha felt at the sad occu: ranee. — The jury at once retwasdftwdlat of "Not guilty," j

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

Tho following is the yield of grain cropß m the counties of Ashley, Belwyn, Akaroa, and ABhburton, as estimated by tho Government : —

WHEAT. Acres. Bushels. ; 1886., .. 90,077 2,071,868 1887.* ..122,238 2,806,706 Increase .. 82,161 784,838 OATS. Aores. Bushels. - '• 1886 . . . . 82,562 1,932,037 1887 . . . . 91,320 2,333,769 Increase.. 8,758 . .401,716 BARLEY. Aares. Bushels. 1886 .. .. 13,939 351,017 1887 .. .. 7,558 193,216 Doorcase .. 6,381 157,801

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

The Ship Lady Jocelyn. .Auckland, Maroh 16, Arrived this morning — Ship Ladf Jocelyn, from London (November 27th). She brings about 50 pMsengers, all well. Alleged Impersonation. The Election petition enquiry opened this morning before Mr H. G. Seth Smith, R.M. The petition prayi that the election of George Harper as » member of the City South Ltoenslng Committee be deolared void, beoause certain persons voted who were not en* titled to do so, while others voted oftener th«n entitled. Mr Button, for the p titionere, enumerated instances of wrongful voting, inoluding, several of allowed porßonatlon; The most notice able case wai that of Mra Frank Jagger, who voted m the name of Mra Samuel J tirger, the latter being absent m Suvopev Mr Button said he would nob pnei thf» caso as he believed the lady voted) In nocently, being peroasded she was on tbe roll. The hearing is proceeding.

Oddfellowahip. The Grand Lodge session of Oddfellowt closed to-day. The G.M. mtde tht following appointments : — Bro Lane, Oam tru, Grand Chaplain ; Bro Hamilton Wellington, Grand Marshal ; Bro Fyfe, Thmru, Grand Oonduotor ; Bro Ward, Geraldlne, Grand Guardian. The Grand- Lodge adjourned sintdie. Important Discovery. Gkbtmooth, Maroh 18. A large deposit of beaatif al grey grantto, very hard, and suioeptible of a high polish, has teen fonnd near Lake Branner on tho lino of the Midland Railway. Samples have boon forwarded to tht Gompany'a cffice, Ohrlstohareh. Arrival of the Doric* Wellington, Maroh 16. The Doric left Plymouth oo January 30, Teneriffe on tho 4th February, Cape on 20th Febrtnty, Hobart on 11th March, arrived at Wellington heads at 10 30 lnt n'ght, and came In early this morning. The passage wan nievontful. It ooonplea 44 day* 9 hours, actual steaming time 43 days 19 hou'a. The officers are the Bam* as lasfc trip with the exception of the purser, Mr WiUer, sorgeon Fall, and chief steward, Jones. The greater por tion < f her passengers were for Aaattall* and were landed at Hobart. Te Aro Election. The writ for Te Aro is liiued Mid ll returnable on April 25. A Big Deficit- Adffiolenoy of £125,000 Is expected In the diatoms revenue ior the year, and £75,000 net m that from the Bailwaya. These figoras may be slightly altered by savings on the estimates of expenditure. Loans to Local Bodies*

A. difficulty that has arisen In loma districts orer the Loans to Local Bodies Act h»a beoa oaaaod by thb 21st leotlori, providing that whore the ratepayer* of any diotriot do not Dumber a hundred, instead of a poll their written content, may be tccep'ed. This has been applied) to aeotioni of a diattiot, bat the l»ir officers hold it illegal to do 10. There are six or sevan kno vn Instances of the kind, and probably others may turn up, Salmon Ova. The Dorio'a aalmoa ova arrived m good condit on. Tho Stella left with 930,000 this morning for Lyttelton, whence It will be taken by rail to Tinmu, Oatnartt Dunedin and Inveroargill. Civic Hospitalities. Dunedin, Maroh 16. ■ Mayor Leary has entertained |H(i Excellency tbe Governor and a distin* guished company, inoludjng represent** tires of both Houses, the Conauti and ■ the Ohairmea of public bodies. The chtaf speakers wore the Governor, who said there were evidences that the deprtssion was pairing away, and landed Dnuedin as a place of residence and Biff Bolcher who spoke strongly agalnit the imposition of fees for education.

THE ASHJBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 189?



WHEAT. 1886: j 188T Acres. Bushels. Acres. Bushels. Ashley 17436 470672 22371 548388 "Selwyn 33737 822159 48581 1158629 Akaroa 370 14315 521 14850 Aohburton 38534 764722 50765 1090489 90077 2071868 122238 > 28W706' ============ 1886. 1887. Acres Bushels. Acres. Bueheli. Ashley 18105 476393 22075 614688 Selwyn 80222 691129 32766 851359 Akaroa 70 2265 427 14071 Ashburton 34165 762250 86052 853686 82562 1932037 91820 3388768 BARLEY. V | 1886^ 1887. Acres. Bushels. Acre§. Bushels. Ashley 2148 52774 1222 32165 Selwyn 7134 195613 8620 100327 Akaroa 167 5415 897 11930 Ashburton 4490 97215 2319 48804 13939 351017 7658 198115



Don't physio, for it weakens and destroys, but uso Hop Bitters that buildß up (Take none but American Co. 'b) Bead . The best medicine known is Sander and Sons' Eucalypti Estraot. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, oolds, influenza, &o. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majeßty the King of Italy and medical Byndicateß all over the globe are its patrons. Bead the offioial reports that aooompany each bottle. We have no oocasion to offer rewards m proof of the genuineness of our references. The offioial reports of medical olinica and universities, the offioial communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne ; the diploma awarded International Exhibi- tion, Amsterdam— all of these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt* We add here epitome of one of the various oases treated at the olinioof Sohultz, MJ>. a Professor, oto: — "0.8., 24 years oli; con- gestional abscess on the thigh. Incisions made m two plaoes. Although Lister's dressing was applied, the seoretion became* two days ,ater, very copious, and had adapted a foetid, decomposed obaraoter. The tem- perature rose enormously. In consequenoe-, the dressing was removed, and on its placa were made during the daytime repeated irrigations with Euoalypti Extract. The, offensive footer disappeared very coon, thr. fever abated within a few days, and the ■ patient recovered after the lapse of several . weeks. In this instance we must not lose.- sight of the faot that the latter treatm«n,|-



SPORTING. GUNS. GUNS. GUNS. SINGLE and DOUBLE-BREr.Oa and MUZZLB-LOADING Guca now Unding and m Stock; the Grentest Varieiy*bv9r shown m Ashburton. CALL EARLY AND INSPECT OUR STOCK. Prices veuy Low QUALITY NOT TO BE Bf'ATEN. ALB o.— • Powder, Shot, Caps, Car ridgep, Cart- ridge Cnsos, and all Requ ; sites for Sporting Purposes AT EQUALLY LOW PRICES. orr&Tlcorn, IMPORTERS.



Bpectol advertisement!. WILDING AND LEWI?, T) ARRISTER3 AND OOLIOITORS. F. WITbING, NOTABY POBLIO. Cmoei: Next "Mail" Office, Burnett it., Ashburton. Mr Wjldino will attend the sitting! of the Ashburton Courts on Tuesday and Iridays, and may be consulted personally n theie days. The firm Is now represented m Aeh- burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of oonslderable experience, who will be In dally attendance at the office to receive Instructions »nd confer with dents. *100 8 WHITE, CAYGILL, & CO., BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS, J. W. WHITE, Noxabt Pubi*o. is hereby given that the I undersigned, Messrs Whims and o. (White, Smithson, and Raymond), of JTimaru, and Johk A. Catcum., of Ash- barton, have this day entered Into Partnership as Barristers and Solicitors, at Ashburton, nnder the style of "White, Cayglll and Oo." Mr J. W. White, will attend the sittings of the Courts at Ash- nrton. WHITE & CO., JOHN A. OAYGILL. Money to lend m any sums on approved freehold security. Offices : Bullock's Arcade 10*803 T AM A /^ASH pURCHABER OF WHEAT OATS BARLEY AND RYE GRASS GEOKGE JAMESON, ASHBUKTONT. 2°lol fI'HE undertigned have Jmt Received JL FRESH SUPPLIES NEWCASTLE COAL WESTPORT COAL V.D.L TIMBER V.D.L. PALINGS B II ED AND R4W OIL CASTOR OIL WHITE AND BED LEAD AMERICAN LOCKS HOUSE VARNISH SCRIM WIRE NETTING WIRE NAILS FENCING WIRE (Barb) FENCING WI3E (PJain) INSPECTION INVITED. McCalluin and Co., TIMBER, IRON, AND COAL MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS, NEW BOOKS AND NEW SUPPLIES OF BOOKS. H. J. WOOD & CO., i STATIONER'S HALL, 240, HIGH ST , CHRISTCHURCH, And Fbiedlandebs' Buildings, ASHBURTON. WE receive from London publishing firms regular shipments of from 15 to 20 cases monthly by the direct eteamere. The reading public are respectfully invited to inspect our large and varied Stock of Books m every branch of Literature. As wo buy for cash and buy largely, wo are allowed extra discount*, and are m a position to give exceptional advan- tages to our customers, and a liberal discount on parcels and to Librsry Committees. H. J. WOOD & CO., Wholesale and Retail Booksellers and Stationers, CHRISTCHURCH A ASHBURTON. ACCOUNT" BOOKS In overy vativty of Bize and style of ruling, from the largest Imperial Ledger extra nuper handmade, full culf, double Russia bands down to a penny Pass Book. A very Large Stock alwnys kept, nnd any stylo and s : zm made to Older Wri'ing, Printing, and Wrapping Papers m nny qunntity Commercial «nd General Stationery and eve y description of Stationers' Sundries. Commercial No.'c and Letter Papers, by the case or packet— an assortment of over 3000 r anifi m stock Commercial Envelopes— over 3,000,000 m stock m Chris church. Cream Laid flu cd Foolscap — over 350 reams m stock Brown Wrnpping, Double Imperial, variouß weights, hy tbo bale or ream— bent value m New Zealand. School Fxcrcieo Books — over 100 gross assorted m stock. School Slaten, Copy Books, nnd Sch ol Bcquisitos. Parchments tulcd and headed "This Deed." fUBSCRIBEKg WANTED For Illustrated London News, Sporting <md Dramatic News, Scientific American, Young Ladies' Jotmril, Fumily Heruld, Family Reader, The Graphic, Engineer, Punch Home News. European Mail, Bow Hells.- We deliver m town immediately on arrival, and we post to subscribers m all p;.rts of tho country without delay. K.J.WOD&CO. Stationers' Hull, 240, High street, OHRiSTCHURCFj And at Friedlnnders* Building?, ASHBUBTQNJ



■ Wanted. ____ PTANETTE (tricord) for sale. Trice low. Easy terras if rcqui ed —H. M Jo>bs. ' WANTED Known— For cheap drapery co to H. 0. Pbobbs 1 Genuine Oar- In* Bale. Fresh bargains juit opened. Melford Home, Matt street. WANTED —Teams for Carting Grain. John Gbioq, Longbeach. 3 109 WANTED— A Shepherd, a mtrried man preferred. Apply Thursday, Friday r r Saturday next, after 5 o'clock. Ed\tak» G. Wbioht, Windermere. 3*llo WAITED Active Girl about 15, for housework Small family. Refer- ence* required. Apply A 8., Vost Cffiee. 3 105 . WANTED to Rent Six-roomed Bouse, with garden aod few acres of Land, not far from town. Apply Y.Z , Post Office, Asbbu'ton. . 3106 ANTED known—l have just opened up a useful assortment of home- hold Crockery, Ironmongery and Brath* ware.— Jambs MoGrbkor, Grower, Eto>, Tanored Street, opposite drcade. FURNITURE— To meet the times, W. DAVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinds cheaper than aver. Chest of Drawers, £1 6s ; Spring Couches, £1 6s Every other article equally cheap. All now furniture at secona-hand price. 804 Special Adveitiaements. TtNCOURAGE r OCAL TNDUSTRY li L 1 AND ASK FOR Blankets, Flannels, Tweeds, Knitting Yams FBOM THE ASHBURTON WOOLLEN FACTORY. — STORAGE. STORAGE. STORAGE. YJf'E HAVE ROOM FOR A LARGE W QUANTITY OF GRA.TJS. NO VERMIN. H. MATSON & CO., ASBBURTON. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR f THE NEW GOODS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON ARK NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock m THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns m Men's, Youths', and Boys' Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. rhonoands of Men's and Boys Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweede. Every garment warranted shrunk Jvercoats, Waterproof Coats and I eggi^gs m great variety Hats, comprising every new style worn Ohi'dron's Jersey Suitß, Children's Men- of-War Suits Geathmen's Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford Jegntta and White Shirts Bugi, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags Pho celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N7 OLO:HING FACTOUV. Kaht Stbvit BOOTS. BOOTS. UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE OF LALIES', GENTS' AND CHILDREN'S B O OT S. ANDREW ORR HAS SECUUED THE G n .E\TE^T BARGAIN IN BOOTS Ever offered to the Ashburton Public. -JQ TRUNKS CF BOOTS 1Q Value £315, landed cost, purchased for the sum of £210. These Gocdo were sent to the order of a firm on the \Veat Couat, but that flim was not m a position to take them up when they arrived— hence the Bargiin. '/ wo Trunks Lndio/ Boots, 3s lid per pair, iibuaily Gb lOd Two Trunks Ladies' High Leg Lnce Kid. 7s Cd, usually 10s 6d One Trunk GentH 1 Best Canvas Shoes, strapped, 5* 6d, usually 10ti G 1 One Trunk Ladif-s' French IShoee, at 10b 9d,u«u ally 14b 9d One Trunk Lndies' Lorno Shoes, tis 6d, uauuliy 10s 6d Two Trunks Ladies' Victoria Boots, 5e I'd, usually 9s Gd One Trunk Ladies' Lasting Shoep, mock button, 5s 6d, usually 8s 0a Two Trunk* Gents' Lorim Lace French Bhoes, 12s Gd, usually 16s Gd One Trunk Ladies' Patent Slippers, 3s 9(1 UHiiaJly 5b Gd One Trunk Grnta 1 E.S. Boots, 11s Gd, usually 16s Gd One Trunk Ladies' Calf Leather Slippers, 2s (3d, nsunlly 3h 9d One Trunk Gtlb' K.S. Boots, Is lid, usual iy .Jo lOd Three Trunks ' ;hiidren's Boots, assorted, 1b Gd to 3b 9d ANPREW ORR,



Victoria House. IN Consequence of Requiste Alte*ationa to Promises, which will afford greater f acilitit s for conducting onr rapidly increasing business, it has beon found necessary to Greatly fieduoo our Stock within the next few weeks. Large «nd liberal Reductions are now made m every Department Holders of Glassware Gift Coupons, are requested to present the same as early as , convenient to.enable the Gift Difctributiea to be satisfactorily closed. DIMANT~& COE, GENERAL DRAPER?, CLOTHIERS, «0., < .. . East and Tnnored streets, Ashburton. ]



NOTICE TO THE LADIFB OF ASBBDRTON. MBS PAULING~~has REMOVED to WALTON COTTAGH 1 , Gkebn Lane, HjgnrsTEAD 145 MRS MANHIRE, FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, Sadnders' Buildings, East street. FANCY STATIONERY, Toys, and Christmas Presents m variety. Christmas Cards, &c, &o. Ladies 1 and Children's Pinafores and Aprons, So, &c. 9624 CAUTION TO POACHEHS. J'N consequence of so much Poaching cf -*- Trout from the La^ml.or Creeks. I ttereby givo notice that anyone found re doing will be prosecuted ; and further that a reward or £20 will be paid to nny person who will give such information "r jhall lead to the conviction of Buch /! enders. DONALD McLEAN, 11*38 Lagmhor: mOWLE'S PENNYROYAL AND X STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quiokly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing syn-ptoma bd pre- /alent with the sex. Boxes Is l&d and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. Frepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drng Co., Lincoln, Kngland. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations. TRY KIRKPATRICI'S NEW SEASON'S JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. TriRKPATRICK^NEW SEASON'S J\_ JAM is made from NELSON GKOWN FRUIT, and boiled within a few hours after the fruit has been ga'hered It thus retams most of the caturul flavor of tho fresh fruit. KIBK PATRICK'S NEW SEASONS JAM is the most delicious preserve m tho market. Do not bepewuuded to buy cheap and inferior brands cf Jam, the remains of old stock, which n.uat be sold at any prica, but /SK for KIRKPATBICK'H MEW SEASON JAM, and see that you get it TBE BEST 18 ALWAYS TBE CtIKAPEST. Kirkpatrkk'B New Season J m is tho beat* CAUTION. Kcne is genuine unless our name is stamped on each tin, and has our it)*i>'«ed Trade Ainrk "Lord Neleon' on tJ:e lubel, & Co. KANOTACTURERS, NELSON N.Z. 12