DIARY .

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at 3 daya old {shines till about 8 Qjolook. The Moon at 6 days old chinea till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old shines till Dearly o'olook m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shinea from oUndown ill about 4 m the morning. I I The Moon at 15 daya old is full, and shinea 1 all night, The Moon &t 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and shines till morning, i The Moon at 21 days old jjaea about 11 A.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rieea about 2 p.m. and shines till morning, The Moon at 27 days old rfeeß about 4 a*Ui andjhinea UU eiu^wj

THE ASHBUBTON GUABDIAN.

From and after the 80th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will j be as follows, viz. : — IF PAID IN ADVANCE '. | Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9a 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18a 6d ,i Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d \u0084 Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21a 6d „ Year .. 30s oa, by poßt, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths a»a Marriages sent for publication from tho country districts require to be verified by tbe signature of th person sending the notice,

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 1888. FACT VERSUS THEORY.

Thoso politico-economists who have made a fetish of Free trade, and care not if the industries of the country are crushed beneath the wheels of the Juggernaut car m which it pursues itß way, are never tired of dinning into our ears the cry that Protection is asked for solely m the interests of a few manu facturers, and must operate disastrously as respects all the rest ot the community. They have persuaded themselves into the belief that all this is as capable of demonstration as a problem m Euclid, and regard with supreme contempt all who venture to challenge a set of assertions which they deem to be self evident, or at least easily provable propositions ; but which we take leave to think are merely parrot cries and party shibboleths lacking m the essential element of truth, For example it is repeated usque ad nauseam that the effect of Protection must necessarily be to make the thing protected dearer than under Freetrade, and the inference, if the statement is to carry any weight, is that so long as Protection endures so long also will these comparatively high prices endure. Hence it is concluded that the consumers, who represent the bulk of the people, suffer under a protective policy for the benefit only of the few who are producers. But if it can be shown that this is not so, that — admitting that m the first instance, that is to say for a time Protection enhances the price of the thing protected — local competition then begins to step m and eventually reduces prices as low or lower than under Free trade, then obviously the whole argument of tho freetrader fallß to the ground, be cause it is seen that the ultimate result of protection is to benefit the consumer as well as the producer. But is there any evidence that this is the case. Un questionably there is, and we need not go out of New Zealand to find it. Take for example too salient industries. One is that of binding twine for reapers and binders . Before tho imposition of the duty tho price of this article imported from Home was 3 s 3d a lb, to-day an equally good article can be, and is locally manufactured and sold for 8d a lb. Another, m connection with tho price of woollen goods, was brought under our notice to-day by a member of a firm which deals largely m such manufac tures. The firm m queution recently despatched an order to a Home house for, among other things, a line of what is known m the trade as West of Eng land hair-cord tweed, which article was invoiced to them at 4s 4d per yard, and . cost 5s 5d landed m the colony. They have since visited the Mosgiel factory and find that an identical article as regards pattern, quality and value can be supplied to them at these mills at 3s 9d per yard, and that it can be delivered at their own doors at something more than 20 per cent under the price of the imported goods. That . doubtless is the result of the competi • tion which has naturally followed upon i the firm establishment of the woollen manufacturing industry m New Zealand, and similar results may fairly be looked 1 tor from tho establishment of other in dustries suited to the colony. "An ounce of fact (says the proverb) is worth a pound of theory " and the facts we have adduced are indubitable proof that thero is screw loose m the Free trade theory, and that its dogmas are not to be received with the unques tioning and blind faith which its disciples consider the highest proof of political wisdom.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A meeting of (he Ashburton Hospital Board was held this morning. Present— Messrs W. 0. Walker (ohairman), A. Harrison, H. Fried, lander, and T. Soaly. The balance-sheet was laid on the table. A disouaaion took plaoe m reference to patients' fees, and it was ultimately agreed that a Committee consist ing of the Ohairman, Mr Harrison, and Mr Friedlander should confer with the medical officer m order that some belter plan oi collecting patients' fees may be devised. The Christohuroh Hospital Board wrote enclosing account for maintenance of a patient from the Methven distriot. Some disoussion took place m reference to this letter, it being stated that a number of persons from the Bakaia and Methven distriots went to the Christ ohuroh Hospital, the result being that the ABhburton Board was responsible for them, and m most oases had to pay for their main tenance, ft was deoided to oommunioate with the South Bakaia and Mount Hutt fioad Boards on the aubjeot. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Friedland, " That the Clerk prepayo the following returns :— (1) Amount oharged for maintenance during each financial year ending March 31st, }§Bs, 1887, and 1888. (2) Amount received during eaoh of those financial years from patients. (3) Also names of patients owinp for maintenance, and amounts duo by them during the above period." Mr Harrison alluded to the great saving that had been effected m the ordinary expenses of the Hospital during the past year, while the number of patients waa about the pamo as m the previous year It waa mentioned that the report of. the Inspector of Hospitals was very favourable. The Com mittoo expressed its satisfaction with tho manner m whioh the Hospital was conducted. Boutine business waa transacted, and the Committee adjourned. The people of Napier have obtained a splendid Artesian water supply at a depth of 15G feet.

At the meeting of the Hospital Board this V morning mention was made of a convenient \ little financial arrangement by whioh the | Ohristohuroh Hospital Board benefit; oonsider

ably. It appears that the North Canterbury and ABhburton Charitable Aid Board and the Christohurch Hospital Board have the Bame Bank, and there is an ar rangement m force that if one body is m funds and the other ,haß an overdraft the ' latter will have no interest to pay on the overdraft |to the amount that the former is : m credit. Now the Charitable Aid Board is a body noted for the liberality of the con tributions it levies, and consequently has a substantial sum to its credit. The Hospital Board has an overdraft, and it is therefore evident that Ashburton County, m common with tho remainder of the Charitable Aid distriot, has to pay m order that the Christ church Hospital Board may have the ad vantage of an overdraft, without the draw back of paying interest for it.

At the County Oounoil Chambers there is an interesting exhibition, consisting of vege tables, olover, and grain from the irrigation farm, some of eaoh olass having been irri gated, and some grown on the non-irrigated portion. The difference m size and quality between the two classes is Btartling. The potatoes, beet, carrots, etc., whioh have been irrigated are large, plump, and healthy looking, and as different from the miserable siokly and shrivelled up things grown on the non-irrigated portion of the farm as day is from night. Some oats whioh have been irrigated are a wonderful improvement on others whioh have not so been treated, the grain being much plumper and heavier. The olover whioh has been irrigated oannot be compared with that whioh has not, the latter being small and dried up, and the former large, healthy, and suooulent. As with olover bo with some Italian rye grass, the results of the experiment m regard to these two oropß conclusively Bhowing that by irri gation excellent returns may be obtained, whereas without it nothing could be grown i with any suooess on the farm. Tne land comprised m this, as is probably known, is very poor. It would not be practicable to grow root orops there unless with the aid of irrigation, but with this, as has been shown, the results are most satisfactory. The ex hibits will be on view at the Town Hall to morrow. The usual annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service took' place m St Stephen's Church on Thursday evening, and was attended by a large congregation, who listened with great; attention to an excellent sermon upon the Bub jeot of Gratitude to God, the preacher taking for his text the aooount of the cleansing o* the ten lepers, of whom only one returned to give thanks (Luke XVII, 17). The preacher was the Rev. Walter Harper, inoumbent of St. Michael's, .Ohristohuroh, and the service whioh was choral was an exceedingly pleasing one. The Church was beautifully decoraled for the occasion. Sheaves of wheat and oats with a pyramid of fruit and vegetables were disposed upon and about the altar, above whioh was a cross m sunflowers, and the communion rails were wreathed with foliag o and flowers interspersed with ears of oorn and with various fruits, that of the barberry being freely used, with excellent effeot. The ohoir stalls, leotern, desk and pulpit were also similarly decorated, the latter having m front a croßß of white summer chrysanthemums. The font also was orowned with a pyramid of corn wreathed with leaves and flowers, and altogether the decorations were remark ably tasteful, effeotive and appropriate. j The music of a paok of hounds m full oty broke upon the astonished ears of Ashburton citizens yesterday afternoon. On "enquiry it appeared that the County Hunt Club's Harriers were out for exercise and had gone m full chase of an unfortunate sheep dog, who was doubtless soared oat of his wits as he made off at a tremendous pace down the Wakanui road. He was, however, speedily relieved of the dilemma by the whipper-in, The Bey J. N. Buttle (sucoessor to the Bey D. MoNiooll) arrived m Ashburton to-day, and will preaoh at the Wesleyan Churoh next Sunday morning and evening. The servioes are m celebration of the Church anniversary, and being the first time on whioh Mr Buttle will oooupy an Ashburton pulpit, a two-fold interest will attaoh to the oaoasion, and naturally large congregations are expected to assemble.

Mr Campbell, an Auokland barrister, who has just returned from S.amoa, informed a "Herald" representative that, although matters are apparently quiet m Samoa, the natives are extremely dissatisfied with the aotioD of Germany and the truoulent polioy of Tamaseße. Many of Tamasese's former adherents are disgusted at his having allowed himself to be made a 'tool of by the G erman Government. Taxes to the extent of 47,500d01s have been imposed upon the Samoans throughout the islands, payable m the months of June and August, whioh the nat.iyea are quite unable to pay, without mortgaging their lands, whioh will probably rpsult jn their ultimately falling into the hands of the Germans, The Hon. Mr Mitohelson, interviewed by a '•New Zealand Herald " reporter, said that pn the West Coast he found a deal of oorrup tion m the expenditure of public money, and thought it best the Government should take over the whole of the works. He feara Giß borne will get into the Bame position as Taranaki respecting harbour works, but he iB determined the Government shall not take Over the Taranaki harbour works. Eeferring to railway management, he said ho did not think Mr Maxwell would be one of the rail way commissioner. It is a striking fact that the cost of the oarriage of wheat from New York to the United Kingdom has fallen m 14 years from 10a 6d per quarter to 2a 6d, In 1874 the rate was 10s 6d., m 1879 Os, m 1885 ss, m 1886 4a 3d. and now it is just over 2s 6d. With the greater firmness m freights it is possible that the rate for wheat may stiffen, but it can never approaoh the old figures, and henoe there is a permanent reason for bi\Q lower prioe of wheat. Laay and dull feelings always preceed siok, ness, whioh nothing but Hop Bitters will banish. Get the genuine American. Bead

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

lhe ordinary monthly meeting of the Council wns held this morning Present : Mess bW.O Wulker (Chairman), 0. J. Harper, John Grigg, E G. Wright, Jas. Brown, H Fried lander.

oh airman's statement. TheOhrtirmansaid :— The sum rf £373 15s 9d, on account of subsidies, has been paid to the Council's credit as per parliculurs furnished by the Property-tax Depart ment, which ar3 placed on the table. — There will bo alao paid the further sum of £351. 15a lOd on this account, particulars of! which have not aa yet been received. — The Government advises that £60 3s 8d will be placed to Lhe Council's credit for rates on Crown Lands. — The Council's solicitor has prepared a special order for regui'atipg traction engine traffic on roads from the minutes passed by the Commit tee appointod to consider thia subject, a>id tlna will be laid before the Council to day for its approval. — The Selwyn Oouocil writes to say that the Government has decided to retain the control of the Hakaia

Gorge bridge, and recover the cost of maintenance from the Selwyn and this Council, m equal proportions, and that Oouncil suggests that the balance of the apeoial grant be equally divided, to be placed to a separate account to meet any demands for maintenance, — The water raoe charges books are nearly completed, and will be advertised on view shortly for the information of ratepayers concerned. It has taken some time m preparing them, as this is the first time these charges have been made out m separate districts. — The six months and yearly balances are placed on the table for the members, information. —The amount of ratea paid to date is £1697 17a Id, leaving £3229 8a 3d out standing. — Ihe exchanges with Mr Huwdon for Plantation Reserves, as agreed to by this Oouncil, have been duly gazetted. — Dog collars have been supplied to Mr J Tucker, South Rakaia, and the i Olerka of the Mount Somers and Mount Hutt Road Board districts, these gentle men having been recommended by the various Road Boards to Bell collars. ABBENOE, Messrs Holmes and Jackson sent apolo gies for their absence. ' The notice of motion standing m Mr Holmes' name were postponed till next meeting. -*" engineer's repoet The Engineer reported as follows : — Aahburton-Eangztata Water Supply: Thia service haa been very fairly maintained during the month. The supplies from the souroes of Limestone Creek and Hinds Gorge are now improving a little, but as yet are not copious enough to serve all the races to the north west of Mayfield-Rangitata road, and very little more can be done towards improving the oervioe for that district, during the dry season of the year, short of tapping the Rangitata river. The main ohannel is soouring a good deal where it descends from Hinds Gorge into the old gully, and some parts require to be sloped down and cleared to some extent to prevent darjger to stock, The work necessary will be done next week. Some stoppages have been occasioned by the accumulation of wire-weed, but not to any large extent. The supply m the Wheatstone district is being well kept up. lie the additional supply petitioned for by the Waterton settlers, I have, as requested by the Council, taken levels over the various routes suggested, with the following result:— A supply cannot be taken from Ford's Greek to Spioer'a Greek through Messrs Osborne's property without cutting up the paddocks m a most objection able way. If taken along Mr Wm. Ander son's Upper Boundary on a gradient of 1 m 450, a large expenditure would have to be inourred m deepening and widening the present ditoh. The extra depth at Us junc tion with Spicer's Greek would be about 4 feet, and at Whepler's Greek 5 leet. I find, how ever, that little or nothing of the supply whioh the Gounoil opened up to Wheeler's Springs find* its way into the gorae fence drain because of the obstructed condition of the ohannel crossing lilr Anderson's paddock. When this is olearea and a little better fall given there, I am of opinion that the Bupply Will be quite bUlliuienb for tho raooa m that distriot. The channel, however, from whero it leaves Mr MoQuilkin's land, all the way up to the eouroe at Wheeler's, will have to be treated aa a main and maintained at tho oommon cost of the settlers who are supplied. If it should be thought advisable further to utilise the supply which oomas down along side Ford's road from Ford's Greek, this could be done m a simple and inexpensive way by leading it aoross the road near Flemington and downwards by the pound and along Dawson'e road. The accompanying section was taken on route along Mr W. Anderson's upper boundary, whioh route for the reasons above given, I would not recommend.

Plains Water Supply : The recent freahets have caused some enoroaohment of the North Ashburton River near the intake of auxiliary water supply, and the willow planting there should be supplemented at as early a date as possible. Some slight irregularities of flow have taken plaoe through the blockage of some of the junctions with straw and weeds during squally weather, but these were attended to as soon as possible, and the rangers report the races now as m full flow. Farmers will be busy greater part of th,is, month with threshing operations, but early next month the half-yearly overhaul of raoes should be commenced, as tho mains will also require to be cleared more or less by that time. This will apply to all the races m the County, the races to be taken by rotation a,s formerly. The servioe m the Wakanui district is being well kept up, and the repair of culverts requiring it has been attended to. The portion of new race along river road is on the point of completion.

Mount Somers Water Supply : The raoes m this district are still amply supplied. Wakanui Creek Improvement : The oontraot for this work near Smith's road has just been completed.

North Aahburton River Bridge at Digby's : Some minor repairs have been exeoqted reoently.

Guaging Streams : I have again completed the two-monthly record of streams and rivers between Ashburton and Rangitata. South Approach Rukaia Qorge Bridge ; The work authorized is m progress. The contractor has cleared and is keeping dear the outting, but has been unable to do any thing towards the building of retaining walla on aooount of rough weather. Irrigation Farm : Specimens of produce, irrigated and non-irrigated will be plaoed before you to-day for inspeolion. WATKK SUPPLY, la regard to the petition of Watorton settlers the firat portion of the Engineer's report was adapted. The eeoond part it was deoided to postpone. CLEANING* OF WATER RACES, Councillors wore of opinion that it vrould be inadviaable to shut off the water m the raoes till ths beginning uf June., as it wts Improbable threshing would be over till about the end of May, The matter was postponed till next meeting. HEADWOBK3. The matter of willow-planting was left m the hands of the Eugineer. OCTIYBRTB. * Some diaousaion took plaoe In regard to delegating the control of culverts to Road Boards, arising oat of a motion proposed by Mr Browa that the control of certain culverts m that district should be handed over to the Wakanui lfoad' Board. Messrs Harper and Grlgg favored Mr Brown's motion provided it vyaa made to apply to the whole County; sAt Wright suggestod (that the mutter be deferred. Thoro wero threo members of the Oouncll absent and the question was one that might be beat left uudeolded till Mr Holmes' notice of motion regard-* ing the dlvfsion of the County were decided. Mj Gi'lgg did not ace the objaot of deferring the motion, The 0 aim oil had already given the control of fords to the Road 3>ard, and it was evidently an over sight that the control of oulvarta had not been handed over at the same time. Mr Harper pointed out that no harm ponld result from carrying the motion as the Oounoll had already deoided that the Road Board should not have power to take op culverts, Tho motion would only give ( poire* fa repair, 1

Mr Wright would have no o>j ction to the motion being passed if it were d!e tlnotly understood that Road Bo»rds Bhouid only have power to repair culverts, and not to remove them.

Mr Brown referred to the groat dela? hat sometimes occurred m gutting oul-

verts repaired when these were under the control of the Council. Ha moved " that, the Road Boards ba aakid to take ohargc of the water raoo culvert b m their respec tive di3ttiote." The motion wa3 dniy' seconded and carried, and a motion wag also carried that a reaolu'ion on the Council's nslnata book m regard to. culvorts m the Wakanni district ho rescinded at next meeting. ' STORM WATER Mr Grlgg moved " That the attention of Mr Holmes, the mover for the Com mittee to consider the question of storm water drainage, be called to the impor tanoo of the aufcjeot and that he ba requested to call a meeting of that Com mittee as Bo<m a? possible." Mr Friedlander seconded the motion whloh was carried. ENCROACHMENT, Mr Grlgg Bald that he had the report of Mr Baxter on the enoroaohment of the River Binds at Boundary road. He asked the Oounoil to authorise the carrying out of the protection work, Thte work would not be any charge on the Council, it would be carried oat at the cost of the persons interested, but private individuals had no power to undertake the work without the consent of the Counoll. He moved m this direction. Mr Wright said that he knew the facts of the case and he felt it hia doty to op pose Mr Grlgg'a application. Toe work had really been oommanoed. Mi Grigs : No, no. Me Wright : Excuse me, the Lon^beaoh Road Board oc Mr Grlgg m his private capacity, or some parties had soooped oat a channel to divert the stream from the north bank to the southern. So long as the Counoll did not sanction this coarse, it would not be responsible for any damage that might be caused, bat if it sanctioned any interference with the river it might become responsible to property owners on the south side for work done on the north side, and so get into trouble. He knew that the owners of the Lowoliffe and Ooldatream estate held adverse views on the question of river protection to the property owners on the north bank of the Hinds and they had been at loggerheads over thla matter j for years past. [ Mr Grlgg wished to Bay a few words m f reply to Mr Wright. He did not desire

the Ooanoll to take any action without having the fullest information before it. It was true some temporary work had been done, but the work now proposed had no reference to that. He had the

report of Mr Baxter m his hand and it would oonoldßlvely show the proposed work had nothing to do with what

had been previously done. The Oounoll could not In jcißtice make apy exception In dealing with the Hinds to its aotlon m regard to other rivers. Mr Wright himself had pointed out that some protective work was necessary In the Interests of the Council, the Road Boards and property holders. He did not wish the OounoU to give its consent without having the fullest in formation and he would be satisfied if a Committee were appointed to consider the matter. As Mr Wright had objeoted ho would withdraw the motion he had already tabled. Mr Wright said that if a committee were appointed and all the parties interested informed of what waa proposed to be done, and their consent obtained, be would havo no objection, but it would be impolitio for the Oounoll to give its sanction to an application auoh as was first made Mr Grigg then moved \u2666' That a oom mittee ba appointed to conaldar whether the work recommended m the report of rha Engineer with roferdnoa to protective worka nor,r Boundary road, Hinds river, be oarried out with the oouatnt of the Counoll, but at tha expense of the persons interested, the Committee to oonaist of the Chairman, Messrs WrJghfc, Harper, and the mover, ' The motion wbb carried (Mr Coster took his Beat.)' IRKN3ITION.

Mr Harper read the report of the I Irrigation Committee as follows ;— Messrs Harper and Ooster, the only members of the Committee who attended, visited the farm and found the clover on the irrigated portion growing luxuriantly, affording a great contrast to the weakly plant on the non-Irrigated portion. The potßtoea also exhibited jast as marked a contrast aa the clover. The oat stacks have been thatched to await ohoffontting, when bags are procurable aud ohaff more saleable. The caretaker was instructed to bring samples of produce grown on the farm from the Irrigated and non-irrigated portions, for the Inspection of members. We recommend that the land now In the Btabble, and which has been skim ploughed, be laid down to grass, with barley and oats, half of which to be irrigated as before, and further tests made with rootß, with a view of ascertaining to what extent root oropa can be benefited on land of similar quality. Some discussion arose ia reference to the last clause of the report. Mr Grigg Baid that it waa a question whether the expense of an experiment that was more particularly for the benefit of property holders who had land of the Barne quality as that of the farm should n,ofc be oharged to those benefited. How ever, ho would not object to the continu ation of the experiment on that ground. Mr Harper said that the Committee had parefully considered the question of qon tinuing the experiment, and they had poino to the conclusion that it was desir able to do so. They had not taken qyer the farm m time to properly experiment with grain crops, but with regard to the other things grown there could bo no doubt that irrigation wa.B a grand succesß. Councillors would see by the exhibits m the room that the clover and grass that had been irrigated were a hundred times better than those which had not. Of course it was a question for the Council to consider whether it was right to go on conducting experiments for the education of those people who had bo much land, the production of which would be in creased by means of irrigation. Me had no hopes that the experimental farm would pay the Council ; its small size, and the oircumstanceß under which it »vas conducted precluded thatv Mr Harper then referred to tho benefits that would follow a general Bcheme of irrigation, and eaid that if we had such here he believed the Council would get enough revenue from the water to carry out all its works and would not require to raise other rates or taxes. Mr Coster said that although £3QO, odd, had been spent this year, the cost would be nothing like that next year. Mr Qrigg asked if the caretaker would be kept on Mr Coster said that it- would bo a question for tho Ootnmitteo to consider whether it would be bettor to continue the carotaker or to get tho work done by oontrnct. Mr Harper Bald they oould not dispense I with tho caretaker, whose spare time oould bo employed In attending to the Oounoil'a plantation adjoining the farm. Mr Brown said they might do without the caretaker for two or three of the wlutor months, but at no other time. Mr Friedlauder said that the question was whether the experiment should bo continued or not. All the matters of detail oould be deoided. when that had been settled He moved that the matter be deferred till next meeting, and that the Committee should bring up a farther report aa to the oost of the proposed further work qr th? farm for the ensuing

twelve' months,

Mr Wright seooaded trc motion. He dil not think th*t \he O>nnoll were disposed to take a rs&rrow viaw of this quosMon. The exhibits that were m the room ahnwed conclusively the great benefits of Irrigation, and he was pleased t-i ace ouch good results. He thought that whan the Committee were considering the raatt9r they migh^ see if some economy might not be effected m regard to the caretaker.

Mr Fflrdlander moved that the fipeol mona from the farm be exhibited In some central place. He was willing to allow his auction mart to be used for the purpoee. Me Harper second the motion, and sagseated that after the exhibits had been shown m Ashburton. Bay a week, they shuuid bo sent to the A, and P. Associa tion at Ohdatoharoh. FINANOEi, Mr Brown pursuant to notice, moved, ' That bhis Council i 3 of opinion that la balancing the accounts, the whole of the liabilities of the Council, Ino'ading all oontrac'-a m hand, on the first day of April, 1885, should be divided pr» rata according to the present valuation, and from that date till the 31st of Mar oh, 1888, a statement of accounts should be prepared strictly m oonformity with sections 146 and 146 of the Counties Act, In order that the financial position of eaih Riding may be oorreotly arrived at." The motion was aeoonded by Me Grlgg and oarrled, PROSPECTING. Mr Wright's notloe of motion to the effeot that the Obnnoll oonaider the ex pedlenoy of granting a aum of £250 for the purpose of opening up the Alford Forest and Mount Somera mineral dis trlote for prospecting pnrpoaei, wai post poned till next meeting. WAKANUI WATEB OOTJBSBS. In accordance with notice given at the last meeting of the Council, Mr Brown moved : —«• That the Oounoil's solloltor be instructed to stop any prosecution be may have Instituted against the settlers on the Wakanui Flat, for not removing certain fenoeß at the request of the Oounoll, aa the matter m dliipute Is now under the control of the Wakanui River Board." He explained that he moved m this direo* tlon baoausa the Oounoil's solicitor had already written two letters to each of several parties and nothing had transpired that would lead to the supposition that the matter would not be brought Into Court. A River Board was now m exis tence which had the matter of dealing with the overflow of the river under Its sole control, and the Oounoil had no right to Interfere In that dlstrlot now

Mr Wright and other Councillors main sained that as yet the Council was not m a position to knuw what the toope of the Wakanui River Board's fucotlons were, and that notices might have been aervad on persons outside the River District, and further that the Council did not contem plate handing over the control of the water courses to the River Board, PAYMENTS. Tha monthly accounts were passed for payment. [Left Sitting.]

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

[Pbb Pkess Association.]

Fire.

New Plymouth, April 6; . A cottage m Powderham street, near Government Buildings, waa burnt at midnight. It was not Insured. It is supposed to have been caused by the ignition of the wood ooaneoted Kith the iron chimney. Sudden Death. The wife of Mr Downoe, manager of the Bank of New South Wales, diedauddenly of apoplexy la3t evening. The Opera House Fire. Wellington, April 6. At the inquiry held today, into the burning of the Opera Boose, a cumber of witnesses were examined but nothing particular was brought out. The jury returned an open verdiot. Union Bank of Australia. Blenheim, April 6. A branoh of the Union Bank of Australia was opened to-day by Mr H. L. Britain, assistant Inspector. The br»noh, will be under the charge of Mr Laishley who managed a branch at Hawera, and was some years previously manager of the Union Bank, Hamilton, Walkato. Supreme Court. Dunbdin, April 6. At the Supreme Court, Jno. Chapman, breaking into a shop, was sentenced to 12 months ; Joseph Kennedy, one month ; Norman T Power, same offence, placed on probation for W months, and each ordered to pay £5 towatfo expenses of prosecu tion ; Peter Jamleaon, convioted of arson at Bendigo, near Oromwell, sentence deferred.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

HOSTILE INTENTIONS OF

RUSSIA.

. [per pkess association]

Sistota, April 0. It is stated that three Russian war ships are fitting at Nicohtieff, and that they will shortly blocade Bourgas. [Bonrgas, la a seaport m Bulgaria, Bltuate on a promontory m the golf of the same name In the Black Sea, seventy-alx miles N.E. of Adrianople. The populft tion la estimated at about 6000.]

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange report for the week ending Thuraday. April Qth, 1888 :—

The holidays have a good deal interfered with business, but considering it has been a broken week the deliveries have been con siderable. Freight being now available to London (for limited quantities), many of the growers nave again deoided to try their luok m shipping. We trust that they will be more fortunate than those who have shipped during the past two. years.

Wheat. — Tusoan commands premier posi tion, and is being readily taken up for ship* ment at 2a 9d. Pearl, when prime and well filled, is also m good demand at 2s 8d to 2a 9d ; best Hunters, which comprises the larger bulk of wheat on sale, is only taken with other lines at 2s 7d to 2s 8d ; broken ohioken wheat is m good demand at 2s to 2s 4d.

Oatq are ooming to hand very slowly, and m consequence prices have been hardened, la 8d being paid readily for short feed, and up to Is 9d for prime milling lines. Seed Tartarq are also m request for Victorian orders, but inferior kinds are not m favor with buyerß, and don't realise over Is 6d.

Barley continues firm, and all really prime is quickly taken up by our looal malsters at 4a 2d to 4s 4d ; second quality, however, ia not m Buoh good demand, and varies m price from 3s 3d to 3s Od.

Beans are selling readily at 2s Gel to 2a 7d, and Peas at 29 3d to 2s 4d for feeding kinds, and 2s Gd to 2s 8d for Prussian Blues.

Gum Seed.— The market is very alow indeed, and to be able to effect; sales oon ' siderable concessions have to be made. Good farmers' paroels oan be purchased at 2a to 2a 2d, and maohine-dreased is ofEering at 2a 6d to 2a 9d. Cocksfoot is slightly better, bat 3£d is the top figure for prime heavy seed, and 2|d to 3d for medium quality. Potatoes.— A few lines of IJerwents b,ave been offered at 255, at oountry stations, bvjt tiusiqess has been very small, owing to their hot being ripe enough for shipment. Sidneys are worth 40s. Dairy Producd. — No ohange to noto, both butter and cheese being almost unsaleable. The above quotations are paid to farmers and delivered f.o.b. Lyttelton, saoka extra.

J?HB ASHBTJRTOtf GUAKDIAN, FBI DAY, APRIL 6, 1888



Moon's Sun Sun , Moon Moon ago at t»-pril. Rises. Sots. Risos Bets, noonday Ip.ra. p.m. 2 Monday .. 6.21 5.47 9.18 0.5 20 3 Tuesday .. 0.22 6.45 10.41 1.8 21 4 Wednesday. . 8.23 5.43 11.43 2 4 33 6 Thursday .. 6.24 5.11 * • 2.63 23 a.m. 0 Friday.. .. 0.25 5.39 0.45 3.35 24 7 Saturday ... 6.20 6j38 1.47 4.9 25 8 Sunday .. G. 27 630 2.49 4.39 28



r<- Why be siok and ailing when Hop Bitters will surely cure you. None genuine but mada by Amerioan Ooj Bead and know,



SANDER and SOW EUCALYPTI EX- TRACT. — Cure of Skin Diseases. ' Inveroar- gill, N.Z., 3rd of July, 1880. Messrs Sander and Sons, Sandhurst,- Gentlemon, — leaving suffered from eczema (a skin dise&so which ia very prevalent m this oolony) for about nine years, I had consulted numerous raedioal men bore and m Australia, and had takon arsenlo, strychnine, iodide of potassium, etc., inter- nally, and had used preparations of ssino and load externally. In faot, I had tried all the remedies Unoyp tp the faculty, and what between travelling, doctors', and druggists' bills, had spent a small fortune, almost, if not wholly, without results, except ' to injure my constitution. During a recent visit to Hokitika \ was recommended to try your Extraot Euoaiyptqs Globujus by a brother who had experienced great benefit from it m alleviating very severe cold, and no less to my surprise and satisfaction, I found the disease which troubled mo so long was con- quered, and the skin resumed its normal condition. This was effeoted ijy the external use of loss than two two-ounqe bottles. You are welooroo to make any use you please^of this letter, and I subscribe myself— Yours, etc. (Signed), John H. Kkrr, Manager Union Bank of Australia Limited,— (Adyt*]



KNEATiNa's OooaH Lozenges oure Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is bo effectual m the oure of these dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bed- time ensure rest. For relieving difficulty of brealb|ng they aro invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Daemists, m tins, la ijd and 2a £$ ea,sh,



Wanted, \X7" ANTED to Sail -A F irst-olass Piano Yy grand action. Gash or terms very liberal. Apply Hayes and Co. BOOTS.— We have reduced our Boot List, and are selling them wonder* folly oheop,— H. 0. Se«ek«, Melford House. _______ WANTED everyone to secure a supply of Ashburton Colored Flannels, Scarlet, Blue, Navy, Pink, and Marone, at lees than the price of imported at the Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' buildings, and nowhere lose at any price. I B. Alcorn. \ T ANT&D Kaown.— Melford Houio \ la now shewing a Bplendid assortment of Drapery, Millinery, Cloth- ing, Boots, &o, very cheap. -\\rANTED— Everyone to come and W Bee the nicest lot of Glass, China, and Earthenware ever shown In Ashbur* ton, and the Cheapest ever landed m New Zealand. Imported dlreot from the Manufacturers.— Robert Aloorn, Saun- dera' Buildings, 3*ll WINTER. — We are now shewing a Splendid Assortment of Ladles and Children's Ulsters m all the leading styles, very cheap.— H. 0. Segbrs, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Oatholio Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Soraps Noveltieß m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Bilks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, at Mbs Manhire's F»noy Repository, Saunders' Buildings TENDERS. WANTED Tenders for one Grain Crop from about 400 Acres good Und at South Hinds Apply to DONALD FRASER, Shepherd's Bash, 4J21 RangltatHi TRY KIRKPATRICK'S SPECIAL QUALITY FRESH FRUIT a X - -JAM S— NOTICE. fXUB, Special Quality "X" brand of \J New Season's JAM Is made from Fresh Fralt, within a few hours after It has been gathered; it thns retains the ful flavor of the Fresh Fruit, and la the best quality it is possible to make. CAUTION : None is Genuine unless our Name is stamped on the Tin, and has our regis- tered Ttade Mark, the letter " X," on the Label. S. KIRKPATRICK AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, NELSON. Important. THE Proprietors of Ihe NEW ZEA- LAND CLOTHING FACTORY, at the reauest of a large number of their Customers, have decided to continue their Ashbarton Branch. Oar Manager, Mb W. Sparrow, has just selected an entirely NEW STOCK, Suitable for the approaohlng Season, end with a view of commanding a Large Business, he has our instruc- tions to mark ALL GOODS &T THE Lowest Factory Prices. Our Clothing being manufactured of the best New Zealand TWEEDS, well cut and well made, la known bb superior to any other make, and obtained the GOLD AND SILVER MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE WELLINGTON EXBIBITION. HALLENSTEIN BROS & Co. A new and varied Stook of HOSIERY, HATS, SHIRTS. SCARFS, TIES, PORTMANTEAUS, &o, f &a,, To select from, all marked at the Lowest Faotory Prices. 3 99



TIMBER. TIMBER. mHE T3NDERBIGNED can Supply overy Rftqalsite for BUILDING PURPOSES. X Timber, Iron. Ridging, Spouting, Nails, Doors, Saahea, Cooking Ranges, Registers, Paintß, Oils, Brushes, Paporhangings, Window Glaas (all Bizob), Locks and HI ges. ALBO,— NEWCASTLE COAL WESPPORT COAL NATIVE COAL ! FIREWOOD SHORT LENGTHS. McCallum and Co., TIMBER AND COAL MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS. W. H. COLLINS, Manager. THE CHEAPEST PLACE IN TOWN ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE * • EAST STREET ASHBURTON a vAfox SELLING OFF, ff\ w o WilM 15 PER 0Ei ™ ISCOUNT (fEi^l E gfj|l|§ff I FOB ONE MONTH.>^r«^^f q •"* "O "\yf"URRAY, Jeweller, having seoored the Premlflei lately O ,J |li. J_\J_ oooapled by Me Njsatb, Chemist, 1b now offering hla W STOCK at a M W , DISCOUNT OF 8s IN THE & • j PREVIOUS TO REMOVAL. , 3 26 DIPPING SEASON, 1888, BROOKE'S " Perfect " Sheep Dip. IS THE BEST FOR THE WOOL, AS PROVED BY PRACTICAL TESTS. "T\REPARED In accordance with the lateat advancements In ohemtotry as applied to I the Woollen Manufacturing Industry. It Is a decided improvement on the. old fashioned dips and only requires a trial to prove Its superiority, At the late Sheep- dipping Competition, conducted by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associa- tion, the Kaiapol Woollen Co., on behalf of the Association, for wool dyeing and general manufacturing purposes, awarded the first place to Brooke's " Perfect" Sheep Dip ; m fact, Brooke's Dip was the only onrf &<ft actually improved the wool In this Important respeot, the undipped wool being sec.oud, whilst all the other* were more or less discolored. The Association also* or osowdped BROOKE'S "PERFECT" SHEEP DIP to be superior to the Zeaiandia, Little's, flatoh's, Cooper's and MoDougall's, and also to leave (he wool In better oondition than Thomas' Dip. Brooke's Dip having oon* \u25a0eqaently been proved to be better than the English Dip*, your praotloal support of the colonial article is respectfully solicited. To ensure Brooke's Dip being more thoroughly lasting In Its good effeots, m future It will be sent ont 20 per oent stronger free of extra charge. Proportions for use. — One Gallon of Dip to 100 Gallons to water. Mixes readily with oold water ; does not require stirring while dipping. Remarkably emollient, leaving the wool In perfect oondition, without the slightest \u25a0tain from the first day of Dipping. Concentrated m composition to reduoe coat ol carriage, and put up In a portable handy form for use, It is also one of the oheapest Dips In the Market. REDUCED PRICE : 14s per tin, to make 200 gallons wash j 70s per case, con- taining 5 tins, to make 1000 Gallons ; 65s per obbb for not less than 5 cases. Faokages free. 5^5 F. MAKEIG, Agent, Ashburton] %»— — \u25a0— i i - m \u25a0' i ' GEORGE JAMBSONi WEST STREET HAS FOB BALE,— Eye Rom, and Cape Barley, Plough Shares, Little's Sheep Dip, Thomas' Sheep Dip. AGENT FOR— New^Zealand Fire and Marine"lnsurance Company. Bisks oc GROWING CROPS or STACKS accepted at lowest current rates, CASH PURCHASER OF "WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY. 2 THE STANDARD FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. WITH UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS.I CAPITAL— £I,OOO7OOO STERLING. HEAD OFFIdiT JpUNEDIN. INSURERB have the moat undoubted Security under thia Company's Polioiefli together with an assurance of Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. FIXE and MARINE EIBKB accepted on all descriptions of Property and Merchandise also Crop, Stack, and Machine Risks at Loweßt JKates of Premium, fidelity of Persons holding situations of trust guaranteed. OFFICE %Z HEREFORD STREET, CHRISTOHURCH. (Opposite' Bank^of New Zealand.) ARCHIBALD SCOTT, Manager fot Canterbury. - j ALiBEBT BOBBBTS, 6 AGENT, ASHBURTON