TO CORRESPONDENTS

Attention to the following rules will save the writers of correspondence a good deal of trouble: — We cannot under take to return rejected communications. No notloo can be taken of anonymons communicitions Whatever 1b intended for insertion In this jonrn.il muat be authenticated by the name and addreen of the writer, not necessarily for publi cation, but as a guarantee of good faltb. Letters aud other communication!) In tended for Insertion m the news column should be addresaed to The Editor; apd &U business oommanicatlone, in cluding advertisements, addressed to The Ashburton Publishing 00.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1888. A WEEKLY HALF HOLIDAY.

The venerable old couplet that All work and no play, Makes Jack a dull boy ; inculcates the immutable truth that recreation is as necessary to the mem sana m corporc satio as are rest and food. Yet m these hurrying worrying, feverishly active times, that truth is only too often practically ignored, and hence half the doctors' bills, and per haps three-fourths of the ill-temper which makes the domestic machinery of so many households work so jarringly. For Nature is an exigeant administrator of her own laws, and without respect to persons, always and invariably visits their infraction with the appropriate penalty, and dyspepsia, and disordered nerves, fretful, irritable temper, and not infrequently despon dent - miserable views of life are the inevitable consequences of a refusal to relax now and then the terrible strain which our busy modern civilisa tion imposes upon air but the fortu nate few whose lot has placed them m the smooth waters of affluent ease. For those whose daily expe rience is a ceaseless struggle with the rushing current, and the often whelm ing waves of the stream oi life an occasional respite must be had, or the penalty of ceaseless labor must sooner or later be paid m premature disable ment or death. It is for this reason that the Divine institution of a seventh ; day of rest is so precious a boon, and it is one which m the interests of physical as well ag moral well-being cannot be too jealously guarded. But 1 though the rest of Sunday is an un speakable blessing to humanity, there is yet something more even than that required, for recreation is as needful as rest, and the workers of the human hive need their playtime just as truly and juet as much as do boys and girl? at school. J?or this reason the weekly half-holiday movement which has been carried out so successfully m many centres of population m the colony has our heartiest sympathy (though alas we belong to almost the only profession which cannot take advantage of it) and we are very glad inu£?-d t0 l earn tnat there is every probability of Ashburton shortly follow ing the example of sister towns. On Saturday a memorandum of agreement to close at i p.m. on Wednesdays was going the rounds, and when shown to us had already receiyed the signatures of nearly all our bakers, booksellers, butchers, cabinetmakers, confectioners, chemists, drapers, grain merchants, grocers, hairdressers, plumbers, iron mongers, solicitors, tailors, and watch makers, and the promoters of the movement informed us that they were sanguine of obtaining the adherence of all or nearly all*the representatives of every trade and industry. We heartily hope that this will be the case and would urge that the Wednesday half holiday once determined upon, it be faithfully and honorably adhered to by one and all, and should it happen, as j unfortunately it nearly always does, that one or two stand out, or worse still, break the agreement after becoming parties thereto, then we hope that the public will show their sympathy with the half-holiday movement by giving their patronage only to those establish ments which not only close their doors but actually cease business punctually at the time agreed upon.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At the R.M, Court this morning, before the 5 Mayor, a first offender for drunkenness was dioharged with a caution. Over 22,000 acres of Crown land have been disposed of m Taranaki during the last six months. The late frosts have made great havoo with the email fruit trees m the Nelßpn distriot. A boy named Brown, eleven years of age, was drowned m the Heathoote on Saturday evening. The lad who was shot through the ear on the Timaru rifle-range the other day is, it appears, a son of Colonel Bailey. Messrs Trueloye inform a West Coast con temporary that about June next New Zealand hops ought to realise from seven to eight guineas per owt m Australia. ggWe are requested to Btate that the next Ashburton Stock sale will be held on the 18 h inst. and not the 11th as erroneously stated m the "copy" of a reoent advertise ment. We are requested to state that the orop of 1 cowgrass on the County Council's Irrigation Farm, Wakanui, will be cut by a Massey mower on Tuesday week, the 18th inst,, oom mencing at two p.m. 1 We need scaroely remind our roaders that , a very interesting lecture upon Australia — the outoome of his recent visit— will be delivered this evening m the Wesleyan Church by Mr D. H. Brown. The recent fire m Wanganui m which the " Chronicle " office was destroyed was dip oovered through a dog persisting m ooming into the office and making a noise* When a reporter went to remove the animal he found the premises nest to the office on fire. 1 It appears that any further extension of j the French railway Bystem must be by narrow-guage lines, only suoh being con ' sidered oapable of earning their cost of work j ing as feedors and crosß-country connections 3 for the main lines, ) The " Taranaki Herald " understands that one of the most interesting trials for breach ■ of promise, m which a fair plantiff claims from a well known and rather portly gentle man heavy damages, is on the tapis, and will be tried m New Plymouth at a speoial j session appointed for that purpose. On dit, says the Roefton paper that the reluctance of two of New Zealand's Supreme ' Court Judges to be associated on the bench ? with the talleßt aspirant to the office that the oolony has ever known, is the real secret of 9 the Ministry insisting on keeping a Ward m 9 chancery. The " Beef ton Guardian " states that Sir '_ Charles Burdett, Bart., who wsb recently imprisoned for the larceny of flowers from \ the Albert Park, Auckland, is a full brother ' of Baroness Burdett-Ooutts, who grants him " a email allowanoe. Some time ago this 1 sprig of nobility held the honourable position of boots at en hotel m Waikato. In a divorce oase tried m the North Island lately the petitioner was asked by the » presiding judge why he and his wife had lived bo unhappily together. The reply must have considerably astonished His Honor, beoause the Bench declined to pursue the = examination any further : — " I don't desire to say much against the woman, but if you - will just live with her for a couple of months I'm sure you will grant me a decree." The decree was granted without His Honor making the desired test. W. A. Lyman, of Milford, Conn,, is making the smallest possible specimen of an engine. t It will be made from a silver half dollar. The boiler is io hold about eight drops of * water, but with four drops the engine can be i worked several minutes. When finished it ' is to be placed under a glass oase three c quarters of an inch m diameter and an inch , and one-eighth m height. Some of the parts * will be so fine and delicate that they oannot - be made without the use of a magnifying r glass. y Mr Gladstone is now engaged on one of the 0 mo3t interesting tasks of his life. This is / the collection and classification of his correa , pondenoe extending, over a period of fifty 3 years, and unequalled for historical and 1 personal interest. Mr Gladstone is steadily c destroying usoless or superfluous correspond. enoe, but hp has decided that 60,000 Jpttera 1 must still be preserved. These have been c placed iv a new fireproof Btrong room, which - has been lately built for the purpose outside c the castle. •1 The growth of the JJpisoopal Church Jn c New York oity is quite remarkable. The [m " New York Post " has been looking into the matter and finds that the increase m popu lation during the five years ending with 1887 1 was about 15£ per cent, and the increase of t the Episoopal Church was nearly 32 per . oent., while the increase of all the other Protestant denominations was only a little B over 3 per cent.— the Presbyterians, of all kinds, gaining not quite seven per oent, the n Baptists a little over 5 per oent. the Metho > dipts a Httle over }. per cent., the Dutoh " Reformed' G per cent., and the Congregation* aliats losing nearly Q per oent. At a meeting of the Rakaia Sports Com mittee, held on Friday, Mr Miller produoed a 1 silver cup presented by Messrs Wood, Shand, i and Co. for competition at the sports on f Boxing Day. It was deoided that the cup y should be given as first prize -for Tilting at 3 Rings, to oommenoe at 10.30, entrance ss, 1 cjoaipg on the 19th, and Messrs Primmer, - Miller, and Rquritree were appointed a sub» 2 Committee to arrange details and carry or)t T the game. Up to date there ib every prospect, weather permitting, of % really good day's 3 amusement, The courße is m good order, 3 and the ground generally much improved, f especially the natural grand stand from whioh all tussooks have been chipped. There is ■ bVsry orospeot of numerous entries for both V hors"e raoes and athletio events". This year 1 entries for most of the athletio events close r on Deo. 15th (Saturday). On Thursday Mr ' Stavely, of the N.Z.L. and M.A. Co., kindly ' offered the privileges at auotion, with the 1 following result, viz. :— Publican's booth, Mr 3 Howell, £15 10s; refreshment booth, Mr 3 Shellock, £4. The right to sell oards and the 1 right of sports wpre left to the Seoretary to make arrangements {or, •j The usual monthly meeting of the South Rakaia Sohool Committee was held m the 1 Library on Friday evening. Present — Messrs t Pyke (ohairman), Dowling, Oxley, Makeig, s Broadbent, and Clark. The Master's report was read and considered; he reported the average attendance for the month as 1698 ; 5 for past week 1668; the highest attendance , 209. j the number, on roll 221. The Chairman reported that the Board's Clerk of Works ,' bad paid a visit of 'inspection to the sohool '» and had promised to recommend the carry * ing out of proposals made by the Visiting - Committee with regard to ventilation and c additional lights, as well aB other matters previously asked for. It was deoided to oloae * the school for holidays from Friday, Deo. ' 21st, to Monday, Jan. 14th. The Ohairman f reported that satisfactory Arrangements' had y been made for holding the children's oonoert 3 m the Town Hallj on the 14th, m aid of the . school prize fund, and that'there was, evory ' promise of success financially and otherwise, i The Inspector's report was read, and to give y every member an opportunity of oarefully perusing the same, consideration was post poned till next meeting. Correspondence 1 was received and dealt with. The Chairman , was requested to write at once to the Master 7 informing him that m future the Rakaia ' Crioket Club would not be allowed to play on " the aohool grounds. After dealing with 1 accounts, the meeting adjourned.

The Japanese goods to bo submitted to , auotion by Messrs Frieaiander Bros, on I Wednesday will be on viow this evening from seven to nine o'clock and during to-morrow. The first Englishman who actually visited India wi\B Thomas Stephens, of New College, Oxford, who waß the Reotor of the Jesuits' College at Goa. His, letters to his father are Bold to have roußed great enthusiasm m England for direct trade with India. j John Warren, a Salvation Armj color sergeant, m tha course of an open air address m Birmingham the other day, said, " I am prepared to meet my God. Sudden death would be sudden glory." He had uttered but I a few sentences more when he fell down dead. The cause of death is certified on medioal authority to have been heart disease. Some Christohuroh butohers who desired to acquaint customers that they had not pur chased the frozen meat saved from the Belfaßt fire, inserted an advertisement offer ing ,#SOOO reward for proof that any one of them had done so. Ie is stated that the reward is about to be olaimed on the ground that one of the men whose names appear at the foot of the advertisement can be proved to have bought and retailed some of the meat m question. An interesting denouement will probably follow. . Mrs Adams Acton, of Sunnyside, St John's wood and Ormidale, Arran, is the heroine of the latest remarkable pedestrian feat — a walk of 500 miles m England and Scotland, beginning at London and ending at Glasgow, and performed, not alone, but m the presence of her whole family of six ohildren, the eldest of Jwhom is twelve years and the youngest twelve months. The latter, we need hardly say, did not walk the whole distance, being wheeled, m faot, together with his feeding bottle and appurtenances hitherto belonging, m a perambulator. The party consisted of Mr and Mra Aoton, six ohildren and two maidu, The best Remedy for Indigestion.— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for indiges tion,, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the "natural strengthener of the human stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under auy circum tances Sold ia bottles at is i£d, 2s 9], 4s, by all medicine vendors throughout the >K>rld.

THE WHITECHAPEL MURDERS.

[Per M»il Steamer at Auokland ]

London, November 17. g 'L9 Temps," of Paris, professes to be lleve that a lunatic Russian, named Nioholas Waoeiley, released from the asylum at Sjbaatopol m the early part of this year, la the Whiteohapel murderer. That j jurnel says he killed and mutilated a woman m 1882, after having been jilted by a Parisian grlaette, and was fioally arrested while trying to kill a woman He was committed to the Insane asylum, where ho was oonfiued until discharged as oured. Sir Charles Warren, Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, resigned on Novem ber 12ch. This was mainly supposed to be due to the popular outcry over hia failure to oapture the murderer, but a letter to Mr Matthew?, the Home Seore tary, stated that Sir Oharle9 Warren's resignation was so'ely daa to hU refusal to submit to the rule whloh forbids offioiah to publioly orltiche the Govern ment they nerve. . On the 13th the polioe were confident of being on the right track of the murderer. Two persons were found who flaw the man who aooomyftoled the last victim to her room on the night of the murder, Their description of the man tallied m every respeot. , The Birmingham polios have lately shadowed a man whom thoy euapeoted becauaa he was In the habit of travelling to London on Sundays, They arrested h m m London on November 12th, and at once took him to Sootland yard for ex amination. Ho fs a dootor formerly holding a good position with good prno tioe. Prisoner greatly resembles the in dividu»l seen In company with the latest vlotim on the evening of the last murder. A despatch from New York on Novem ber 17 h Bays a well-droaaed stranger ao coited a policeman m the street that afternoon, asking, "if this was London." He was taken to the statlo-i, and on the way he said, " I feel strangely. I guess I have been insane. The last time I remember being away I was In London." At tho polioe headquarters he gave the name of Henry Johnston, and said he lived m the best district m the West End. Several photoo of English ladlea wore found m his pockets, also a card bearing the address "Mary Johnston, White ohapal, London." He mentioned the Whlteohapel murders. A despatoh from London of November 0h saye — Them has been another horrible mnrder m the East-end, m a Dorset street lodging-house, where a woman's body was out into pieces. The head was severed, and plnoed beneath one arm. The ears and nose were cut off, and tha trunk dis embowelled . The flesh was torn from the thighs, and parts of the body are missing. The Bkln was torn off the fjrehead and cheats, and one hand had been pushed into the Biomach. The mqrdered woman was married, and her huaband is a porter. They lived together at spasmodic intervals. Her natno (a believed to have been Lizzie Fisher, but to most of the habitues of the haunts she visited she was knowu as Mary Jane, It baa bcon ascertained that she told a companion that she was without nv-ney, aDd would commit culclde If she did not obtain a supply. It has also been learned that a man accosted her and offered her money. Thf-y want to her lod^inga, and she was heard to enter her room with the person, who waa judged to be a man by the sound (f the footsteps, between 1Q and 11 o'olock on the night of the Bth. No one saw her companion depart, and there waa no sound of a struggle during the night. She entered the hoase with a latoh key, and no one saw her com panion, who is supposed to be the mar derer The victim was found the next morning io the condition described by a neighbor. This murder Ib the ninth of the series. The rigid patrol of the dlstriot has been somewhat relaxed, owing to a demand for extra polloo to keep order during the Lord Mayor's parade, , Three bloodhounds belonging to prifate icltl&JDß, were taken to the place where j the body waa and placed on the scent, but were unable to keep it for any distance. The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police offered a free pardon to any accom plice of the murderer who will give infor mation; One arrest on suspicion was made on Saturday. Considerable importance was attached to an arrest made on Sunday evening. November Uth. At ten o'alook the inquisitive Whltochapel crowd had its at tention attracted to the extraordinary , behaviour of a man who had for some time bean ofQotously making enquiries, and generally conducting himself m an on usual manner, whloh led to remarks. At last a cry was raised, " The Murderer." In the prevailing state of the public mind this was quite enough to irfhme to anger those standing by, and a roar, "Lyribh him," was heard. He was immediately seizad by infuriated persons, principally women, hustled about and hurled to the ground with a badly fractured right arm. Fortunately there were plenty of police men about, who interfered and took him to the station ponding erqulry. Ho Is stated to be a medlonl student. Up to] November 12th not the faintest clue to the murderer had been obtained. A woman's body was fouud floating In tho Thames on the morning of November 12 h, and another murder was suspected. Tha body was not mutilated, however, and was well dressed. Some marks Indi cated foul play, bat It is probably a case of suicide, Toe p >lioa arrested one m&n who had a bowle knife m his posseusion, but there Is no reaiion to believe thit he wao instru mental In. the wQWiu'o death,

THE MARKETS

(per press association.) London, Deoember 7- Australian mutton is quoted at 3j^d s per lb; New Zealand, 4^d. Thai market is glutted, and it is not expected prices will improve before March. Beef is quoted at 3d to 3^d per lb. An Australian cargo of wheat has been disposed of at 393. The farthing bids at the wool auctions are working satisfactorily. Favorable reports have been received as to new clips, London, December 8. \'?At the wool auction to-day 11,000 bales were sold, of which number four sevenths were purchased for export. An Adelaide cargo of wheat has been sold at 40s 66. London, December 9. The wool market is weaker, except m superior classes.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON TRADESMEN'S RICING CLUB. The following nominations have been received for tha Ashburtoa Tradesmen's Racing Club meeting :— HuBDLE Race Handicap, of 25 bovb. One mile and a half. Meada Kate Ivanhoe Starlight Fqaib Nero Wire-In Ashbuuton Plate Handicap, ,of 40 bovp. One mile and a quarter, Meada The Brewer Kiraberley Quibble Little Arthur Sir Juliua Zealot Doubtful Handicap Time Trot, of 25 so vs. Three miles. Siberia Ginger Semolina Heather Bell Wakanui Kitty Willy Reilly Fanny Fuchsia Luoy Voltigeur Fljeb Jenny Lynn Bismarck Neil Uow Shepherd Boy Nellie Miss Cave MarengT Jenny Ladies' Uraoelet Welter Handicap, of 25 bovb. One milp. Jaok Bir Julius Little Arthur Union Jack Squib Stai light Lady Lennox Little Wonder Zealot Nero Feninre Doubtful Wire-In Leodogran Kate Flying Handicap, of 25 bovb Six fur longs. Kimboriey Goldflnoh Jaok Quibble Jnoh Keith Sir Julius The Brewer Doubtful

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ENQUIRER CRITICISES HIS CRITICS.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, — My fclouds having had their any, I venture to aeod a few linea (a reply. First, let me remark, m reply to yonr foot-note, that I regret if I caused un necessary pain to anyone, but I mast beg to differ from you when you Bay " the term 'diabolical ' ahonld not be applied to any belief honestly held." 1, should like to ask what do yoa mean by " boneatly held '?" How o.in any belief be held other than honestly ? lam sure you will admtt . that some religions beliefa are diabolical, such as that held by the ancient Druids, Mexlcauß and others, that human sacrifices were necessary to appease the wrath of the gods. Those beliefs must have been honestly held, and yet they were diaboli cal, but only m a slight degree compared to certain doofrines taught to-day. In reference to your correspondents by the way they were unfortunate m their choloe of noms dc plume. For brevity let mo c*ll them " Firstly," "Seoondiy," and "Thirdly," In reply to " Firstly," J have not a copy of hla letter by me, but as far as I lenaem ber It consisted of a nomber of texts loosely strung together. That is a style of argument very common with defenders of orthodoxy, It requires no ingenuity, very little thought, acd is regarded by snob, persons as unanswerable, I will not waste my time or your valuable space m replying to suoh drivol. •• Secondly " is a very long-winded gentleman and intensely orthodox. He writes a column to prove that all thitiking men go to Oburoh regularly. Any person who honestly believes that most be very ignorant of (he condition of the Churches. I Bhou'.d advise your correspondent to at tend the various places of worship and count for himself) and after he has taken the numbers let him find out what the most thoughtfel of them thiok of what they hear at Ohuroh, and I venture to say he will have cause to alter his honest belief. " Seoocdly " thinks It " maan and unfair to ridicule a preacher because his sermons are permeated with old doo trine, for if he is slnoero it cannot be otherwise." Considering that there are hundreds of soots of Ohrlatiatn, all taking the Bible as their guide and authority, and that their doctrines — all differing more or leaa — «re m a great tuiny cases quite contra dictory, what dooa your correspondent call the old doctrines ? The iu'erenoe to £o taken la, that hla own particular aud peoullsr views are tb,e only, true ones, end that no sincere petaona'can preaoh any thing else, a.nd therefore persons preach ing other dootrlnea a.re not sincere, which is absurd. "Secondly" thinks "people of the Enquires typo a hludranoa to real Chris tian work." What dope he oall " real Christian work't" If it consists of propa gating a beWef In certain mlraoulous events he is right, Bat there are other definitions. But ray lettar is oyec lengthy now, I must hasten, ". Thirdly" goes very artfully to work. He wants to know why 1 went to hear Mr Munto. I otußt oonfena It was ourloalty, and not to hear about the "Word," aa my friend terms it. Ministers of. the goppel hold responsible positions, but to do any good they must be acquainted with the beliefa and honeat disbeliefs of the people they preaoh to. Why preaoh laboriously and leroedly about " Grace," II Sanotlfioatlon," l< Jußtifioatlon," " Sav ing Faith," etc, whon half the people listening havo honest doubts whether there ii anything beyond this life. Or why spend hour after hove m picturing the happiness and miser? of wOrldß to come when thousands of our fellow-creature are living m abject poverty, with all its attendant ra'seileß, In this one ? Is this kindness to the living ? <( Thirdly" thinks I am not sincere m thinking disbelief a malady. Well, I shall not satisfy him on that point ; but I would ask why does he want to hear from me again ? It appeara to me he Is not partiou'arly orthodox himself,— l am, etc , Enquirer.

FOOTBALL

(PEP. PRB33 ASSOCIATION.) London, D? camber 9 [ Tho Lancashire County Club defeated >: the New Zoaland footballers by a try to I nothing.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Pku Press Association.; I

AN ASTIST KILLED.

, London December 7. •{ | The proprietors of the "Graphic" have received intelligence that Mr Wake, their artist at Suakim, has been killed. He accompanied the recent sortie, and was struck by a stray bullet.

EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY.

In the House of Commons Mr H. Broadhurst, member for Nottingham, made a lengthy speech on the Em ployers' Liability Bill, as introduced by the Government. In concluding he characterised the measure as a sham, and moved that it be rejected. The Government took a division on the question, when Mr Broadhurst's motion was negatived by six to one.

THE ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.

The Committee appointed to inquire into the circumstances of Mr D. Sheehy being served with a summons wihin the precincts of the House of Commons m their report attribute blame to the Government for not taking steps to ensure respect to Parliamentary repre sentatives.

IMPROVEMENT IN TRADE.

During the past eleven modths the imports of the United Kingdom show an increase of and ex ports have also increased by as compared with the statistics of last year.

SENTENCE ON A PRIEST.

Fother Kennedy, Curate of Mealin, has been senteuced to three months' imprisonment on a charge of inciting tenants to refuse to pay rent.

REPORTED SALE OF ORMONDE

It is reported that the racehorse Ormonde, owned by the Duke of Westminster, has been sold to a sporting gentleman m America for .£17,000.

RABBIT DISEASE.

Professor Axe, who was delegated by the Agents-General to report on the disease which is decimating rabbits on the Cholmondeley estate, m Cheshire, reports that the disease has died away, and he feared that any remedy he might suggest for the destruction of rabbits m Australia would be useless, as the disease which he has had under examination appears to be only local,

THE HOLBORN ELECTION.

The Marquis of Salisbury, referring to the election of a representative for the Holborn (Finsbury) district, stated that m his opinion the reduced majority of .the Conservative candidate as com pared with that of the last election was mainly due to the strong Liberal can didate selected, while their previous nominee was a Parsee. He added trTat m the last election it was asking too much for Englishmen to be desired to vote for a man of color. The Liberals resent the sneering remarks of the Marquis of Salisbury directed towards an Indian subject, and his speech has created some excitement amongst the Indian press.

AUSTRIAN ARMY BILL.

Vienna, December 7. The Austrian Army Bill has virtually passed the Reichsrath. The members of the Opposition supported the Bill.

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

Paris, December 8. The intimation seni to the Govern , ment by Germany that the presence of ; a number of French officers now m Germany is undesirable on the grounds that their actions are not above sus picion, has piqued the French press, ] and the latter demand the expulsion of ' all German employees and officers now m France, m retaliation for the treat , ment of French subjects,

THE PANAMA CANAL.

M. Floquet, the Premier, has inti mated his iutention of introducing a Bill providing for rendering assistance to M. de Lessens' Canal scheme.

RUSSIAN JEALOUSY.

St. Petersburg, December 7. The Russian press angrily discuss Sir Henry Drummond Wolffe's success m opening the Tarim River of Persia to the navigation of the world. §ir H. D. Wolffe is British Ambassador at Teheran.

AUSTRALIAN.

I (per pkxss association;)

NEW SOUTH WALES

Sydney, Deoember 8. Following m the footsteps of Pro fessor Baldwin, of Illinois, a local watchmaker named Williams, has in vented a parachute, by which a descent is made from a balloon at any altitude. To-day at Ashfield, a muni cipal borough of Sydney, five miles from town, Williams, m the presence of a large concourse of people, ascended m a balloon to 6oooft, when he pulled a slip knot which connected the para chute to the balloon, and commenced the descent. For a time the descent was like a stone, but on nearing the earth the bundle expanded and pre sented the shape of a Japanese um brella. Slowly the parachute de scended, and Williams gracefqlly de scended at Home Bush, three miles from where the ascent was made, not having received the slightest injury, The inventor claims that a balloon is navigable m any direction, and that descent can be made at wish. Mrs Louisa Collins, who was charged with the murder of her first husband, named Andrews, three weeks ago, the jury being unable to agree, was to-day indicted for the mqrder of her second husband, Collins, ivhen the jury re turned a verdict of " Guilty," and his ftonor passed sentence of death.

THE SAMOAN WAR

( JPBB PEK»S ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, December 10 Advices from Samoa to November 27, state that Tamaseao'a ' fore 83 are nearly surrounded by those of Mataafa. The latter attaokoci and captured tha outer fortifioatlona, driving the defenders Into the main fort with a loss of 26 killed and forty wounded. Mataafa's loss was 12 killed and 20 wounded. The German warshfp, Eb^r, arrived a few daya ago ord has anchored off the coast near Tamaa^aa's camp. The United States w.iraMp3, Nlpsio and Adams, have just gono to the same locality; Wild rumors are afloat as to the intention of tbe Confareooe of German) XingHsh and Amerloan Oonluls, regarding the war, held at the British Consulate. The Ger man representative proposed that the Consuls unitedly use their influence to hava the war poatponed for a month, the Government to go on as uaual. Tha British and American Consuls would only ag;ee on tho conditions that Tamasese and Serr Branders were removed from the G'Vernment. The Conference ended without coming to an agreement. H.M.S. Lfzud is still at Ap'a, A detachment of Mataafa's warriors burned three villages, driving the Tama sese men before them, They sent a number of heads to Mata&fa as trophies. The Tamaee3e army is completely hemmed In, and an attack on all tides ia Imminent.

NEWS BY THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

GENERAL SUMMARY.

(Dateß from Europe up to November 17.) There have been violent galea and many wrecks on the west coast of (ireat Britain, Despatches of the 16th say that the Nor wegian barqae Byathea Thompson was wrecked at Churoh Kay, on the West coast: No lives were lost. At Glasgow . the dome of the exhibition building was demolished. The ladiea' industrial de partment m the building vraa wrecked, and much other damage done. His Holiness the Pope his named December 31at for special thanksgiving services m the Catholic churohei through out the world for grace during the year of the Papal Jubilee. A powerful American syndicate mi about to be forired for the purpose of building railroads m Siberia. Lord Tennyaon had »n alarming relapse on the 22ad after hli physloian had pro noanoed him convalescent. He ii •ador ing from aoate rheumatism. Higglnbotham's spinning and wearing mills at Glasgow were burned down on November Ist, The loss ii £40,000. Russia la reported to be buying largely boy, grain, and other army provision*, m Podolla and the dlatrlot of K'eff. ' In an address to Birmingham alists on Novamber 4th, Mr Gladstone said that the Irish causa *„ no i ongep dependent on one life. O a the journey from Birmingham to Volverhampton, accompanied by Mrs Gladstone, the cxi Prem er was he»rtl>; y oheered along the route, except •♦. Snowhlll and Oxford where he was tooted. The orowd at the latter place > aH largely made np of an* aegradaat^g. The Norwegian barque Nor, from New York to Shettin, with petroleum, collided with the steamer Saymupdham In the English Channel, on the morning of November 4th, The latter was stink with twenty.two of the crew. The barque was badly damaged, but able to proceed on her voyage. Captain Jonness, of the Nor, disclaims all responsibility, and says thit the steamer ran into him while the weather was perfectly clear. Signals q£ distress were made to passing steamers* but -they declined to reader any assist ance. The British steamer Blaok Watch fonndered on November 12th la tho Mediteranean, The fate of {the orew is unknown. The Rußtlan Government, on the advloe of the Commissioners, sent ta England to enquire into the pork marktt,, propoae to aealst importers of s»lt pork to encourage the trade. The steamer Nantz and the German, ship* Theodore Ruger, from Hamburg, fos- Sydney, came Into collision on November 9th, 36 miles off lizard Point. Both veeselß sank, A portion of the ships: orew was landed at Frouvllle. The fate of the rest of the orew^and of the steamer* orew Is unknown. The Vatican has authorised an expires, slon of its satisfaction with the. election of General Harrison to the Presidency ot the United States. At a meeting of the Dominion Cabinet, held on November 10th, ik was decided to invite Australia and New Zealand to send delegates to Ottawa at an earlf date* to consider trade matters and the proposed PaolQo cable from New Zealand to British. Columbia. The design is to divert traffics and passengers from Australia, which now go entirely by San Franolsoo, to Van couqer, British Columbia, and thence over the Canadian -Paolfio railway, and open up a market for Oanadlan manu factures now possessed almost exolusivtiy p so far as the Amedoan Continent la concerned, by the United States. R L. Miller, of Virginia, lent %% special United States Commissioner to the world* exposition at Melbourne, returned to San Franolflos on Qtfobev 27th, en route for his native State. Mr Miller's special mission wm to look into the tobacco Interest of the colonies. He fonnd tha ! quality of It good, if cured and made saleable. "If experienced tobacco men had hold of the bnßiness there," he told a San Franolaoo editor, **I am afraid ft would cut m heavily on our productions'. I was really surprised at the quality of the tobacco which Is grown m Queensland In many respects it is superior to ours." Mr Miller considered the exhibition a groat suooeas. While the budget of the Minister of Foreign Affairs was being dlsoussedin the. Chamber of Deputies, on November 15 thy an amendment was proposed to abolish, the embassy to the Vatican. It was re jected by a vote of 300 to 217. M. Goblet said : — " Ai long as we live under the regime of the Concordat, It la neoesiary to* mnlutaln relations with the. Vatican for the training of clergy and the appointment of Bishops and OarcHnils. The importance* of our pr,oteotorate over the eastern? countries also requics the maintenance of £ r lendly relations with the Vatican i It had been said reoently that the Pope oonld no longer count upon any oountry but France. That does not mean that Frasoj will Intervene to restore bin. temporal power, but the Pope, having been deprived of that power, the tnor» France ought to honor him by oartalllng nothing of her respect for tho high authority he represents, " The Nun of Kenmare " (Sister Mary Francis Clare) an ahe was. generally known, has given up the Gatholii faith, reilgnod her religious duties, and gone into literary work at TJtfoa, N. Y- ■ Madame lima De Murska, once reckoned among the great prima donnas of ths world, has by the ohwrlty of her friend* been sent home to Hungary from New York. She is impoverished and was m a dying condition. Inspector Bonfioeo, of Chicago, has Issued a warning to the effect that there are no fewer than SQCO ablebodied anarohlatß In Chicago oity to-day, ready and orga nfsedj waiting for the appointed time, aD.j. trouble must otme sooner or later, Tiieir central headquarters are In New York*. So far as they have agroed on, throne* hnndredth anniversary of the fall of the Bastille la the day for a ooncajrted up thing. The feeling against the Salvation Army-c la luQt^Mlog 1q Cftlllorrilft, Qq Qqtolyfr

THE ASHBURION GUARDIAN, MONDAY DECEMBER 10. 18883



DIARY. ] Moon' December Sun Sun Moon Moon age a Rises Sets. Kiess Bets, noon. am. a.m. 10 Monday .. 4.15 7.30 11.19 0.26 6 p.m. U Tncsday .. 4.15 7.31 0.21 0.55 7 12 Wednesday.. 4.16 7.32 1.23 1.21 8 I:) Thursday .. 4.16 7.33 2.23 1.45 9 14 Friday .. .. 4.16 7.34 3.22 2.9 10 15 Saturday ... 4.16 7.35 4.22 2.34 11 16 Sunday .. 4.17 7.36 6.21 3.0 12 Moonlight Evenings. j The Moon at 3 days old shines till about | 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 doya old chines till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old shines till nearly o'clock m the morning. The Moon at 12 dayo old shines from sundown till about 4 m tho morning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and shinoß till morning, The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rißes about 2 a.m. and Bhinos ill morning The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise. 1 THE^ASHBURTON QUMJDIAN. From and after the 80th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal, ; willfcbe aB follows, viz. : — IT PAID IN ADVAKOK Per Quarter.. 6s 6d by post, 9s 6d Half-year 12a 6d, by post, 18s 6d [Year .. 24s Od, by poat, 37s Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter., 7s 6d, by poot, 10a 9d 1,, Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Tear .. 80s Od, by post, 43a Od Birtn, Marriage, and Death Notioes, if paid for at the kne of insertion 2s 6d each (stamps may sent as payment) if booked, 4s eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages Bent for publication from the country districts require to be verified by the signature of the Dereon sendinor the notice, <l^— — ■ — — — —^— — aatm^—



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11 Rough on Itc^, j> - " Rough on Itch V cures skin humors,' eruptions, ring worm, tetter, salt rheum, frosted feet, chilblains, itch, ivy poison, barbere'itch. . 3 "Rough on Corns."— Ask for Well's "JRougk on Corns." Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions At j Rousts and druggists, 3 (



Statutory Declaration.— lj Franz Raabe ' Ironbark, gapdhurst, m the oolony of Victoria' ' Australia, do Bolemnly and sinoerely deolare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an a*e on his knee. lat onoe took all pains to seoure medical assistance. However In Bpite of all efforts, on the 27th August 1877 the opinion waß given by pr MaogiUivrav that an amputationof the injured limb had I become imperative, m order to save life At this junoture I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extraot of the Eucalyptus Globulua, and by the application of the same 1 had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all dancer and to-day he is reoovered. I may just add that it waa when the orieia had been rOßOhed that the Extraot referred to was first applied and I make thi» solemn declaration, eto — Fbanz Eaape. Declared at Wandhiirot m the oolony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth i day of Ootober, one thousand eight hundred and Beventy-aeveo before me, Morita Oohn •



Hollow ay's Pills.— Enfeebled Existence. — This medicine embraces every attribute required m a general and domestic remedy. It o* ertums tbe foundations of disease laid by defective food and impure air. In obstructions or congest' ons of the liver, lungs, bowels, or any other organs, these pills are specially serviceable and eminent'y successful. They should be kept m readiness m every family, being a medicine of incomparable utility for young persons, especially those of feeble con- stitutions. They' never cause pajn pr irritate the most sensitive nerves or most tender bowels. Holloway's Pills are the best known purifiers of the blood, the most active pro- moters of absorption and secretion, whereby all poisonous and obnoxious particles aie removed (pm froth soi;g« fluidi,



Summer 1888. • i Jj AfT EST. JN |O.V EJL TI E S IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, NOW ON VIEW AT XHB§ NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, Everything New. Now Shirts. New Underclothing, New Ties, Few Hate, New Sulta for Boys, New Salts for Men, Everything New ■ and of the LATEST FASHIONS. See oar Windows, and jadge for yoorselvei SPECIAL. i Suits made to measure m good* style and from the newest checks and stripes from £2 16s. ENCOURAGE LOCAL INDUSTRY AND BUY FRCM THE New .Zealand, Clothing Factory. W- H, WEBBER,



Wanted ANTED KNOWN— That the Anni- verßsry Tea Meeting of tho Wakanui Wesleyan Church will bo held on Friday evening noxt, the 14ih, at the J Schoolroom, Wakanui. Tou from 5;30 , 12f57^ i I STANIED Known -— Mrs Meroh, j VV Dressmaker, has returned f.ora ■ Sydney,* and re-commenced business m Saundera' Buildings, noxt Mr B. Alcorn's. 10 78 WAITED Known. — That Miss Edwabds, Tuiloress, is prepared to ! make Boys' Clothing, f-lao Cuffing, Strap ping, repairs and alterations, &c — Miss Edwards, corner Moore street and Belt. 11 105 SHEEP SBEABS, 11 A'b, BB A'b, and BBaNZ'b; and genuine Turkey Stones. — Robert Aioorn, Sauodera Bulldiogß. MRS ADAMS has removed to Saun- dera 1 Buildings, oppoalto RnUvr^y Station. Crewel Silks, Wools, and Fancy Poods of every description kept m etook. Agent for Eclipse Dye Works. Registry offioe for Servants. 10 92 ANTED Known.— Beautiful Mill) nery. A ohoice assortment is now being shown ; also Sunshades, Silk Gloves, Laces, Fcarft>, &c, at Andruw Obb's. WANTED Known— We have the Largest and beßt assorted Stook m the District of Men's Bats acd Capa m all the leading shapes and atyles. — J. Obk AKP 00. WANTED Known— We are now showing a splendid assortment of Summer Millinery and Drapery, at very low prloeo. — H. O. Seobrs, Melford House. WANTED Known— We do the largest Tailoring Trade In the District. Perfect fit guaranteed and every garment warranted thoroughly shrunk. — J. Orb AND CO. WANTED Known— We are now showing a grand assortment of Trimmed end TJntrimmed Hate and Bonnets. The largest Stook to choose from m town, and the cheapest house.— H. O. Seoers, Melford House. WANTED Known.— Support Local Industry. Buy ycur Suita Ath- burton Tweed from 30s ; made to measure (end choose your own Tailor) from £3 10s.— Andrew Obr. WANTED Known—We bold an Immense Stook of Tweoda and Ooa'lngs to seleot frrm, A first-olass suit made to meatura from 60a. — J. Orr and 9^ :  "T"l TANTED everyone to know that W J. C. Ditnoam is a Land Broker, licensed to prepare and register Transfers, Mortgages, Encumbrances, Leases, Regis- tration Abstracts, Powßrß of Attorney, Applications to briog Land under the Act, and every description of instruments under the Land Transfer Act. — J. O. Dunoak, Aroade, Aehburtop. lOtlOl WANTED Known. — Andrew Orb is giving a Great Bargain m Boots* Glrla 1 School Boots, Women's Boots, 6s 6d, Men's EOR gennlao Aehburton Tweed Suite ready-made, or to measure, fit and quality guaranteed, end at prices un- -1 equalled, go to R-. Aioorn, Aahburton Olothipg Mart, Saundera' Buildings. \ I /"ANTED Known— That Mrs Bill, VV Monthly Nnree, baa removed from Peter Street to Dc Trevor's house, l m Moore Street. 10t39 "\rMAS, Xmas.— Andrew Orb is show- _2\_ ing Novelties m all Departments tor Xmaß Presents. WANTED Known — We hold a large and well-assorted Stock of Meo'a and Boyß' Clothing, mado from Colonial Tweed?, m every siza and Btyle.— J. Obr AND CO. W' ANTED Known— That S. W. Aloorn and 00. are wiling at Warehouse prtoe, a rplendid lot of Ladlea Silk and Oaßhmere Mantles, and Satin and Fancy Sunshades, bought a bargain. No valae like them m Ashburton, STOCKINGS— ?0O pairs of Ladies and Children's earn pie Hose juat opened " (landed under the old Tariff.) All quality to be sold cheap during our sale. — H. O. SEaERS, Melford House "TTTORSTED Tweeds. -A Beautiful VV ABSortment of Worsted Twee^e as exhibited at the late Show. Specially made to order for Andrew Obb. WANTEb~known=,-We h. Id a large and varied Stock of Man's White and Regatta Shirts, Scarves, Tien, Collars, Gloves, Braces, Umbrellas, Rage, etc. — J. Obr and Co. WANTED More Known— That 8. W; Aj-iCORN and Co. is the cheapest Houbo m Asfjbqrfon . Gieat variety of Dress materials; Priutg and Fancy Galateas to choose from. Jl 159 "TT7"ANTED Known— Onr" Stock of j VV Boots and Shoes cannot be aur- | passed for variety, quality, and cheapness. ! — J . Orr and Co.



LONDON AND LANO4BHIKB FIRE UNSURANOE COMPANY, I HAVE bees appointed Agent for tha above Company, and am cow pre- Hred to take Kiskn on Buildings, Stock Crop* at currant ratei. D. THOMAS, Ashbarton



D. Thomas, (Late of Matsoh, Cox and Co.), 1 UOTIONEER, LAND, INSURANO, & . and ESTATE AGENT, VALUATOR, WOOL AND GRAIN BROKER, ASHBUBTON. Loans negotiated, Weekly Sales of Live Stock, Tlnwald an Ashborton alternately Fortnightly Sales of Sheepskins, Fat, Bides, etc., on FRIDAYS Bales of Wool throughout the Season Grain Bought and Sold on Commission Clearing Sales as per arrangement AGENT FOB— Mation and Co., Chrlstoharoh Mercantile Finance Co., Ohrlstohnroh Colonial Investment Company, Dunedln National Mortgage Co., Ohrlstoharch Booth, Macdonald and Co. , Ohristcbarcb Morton and White's Sheep Dip Sackeye Reaper and Binder London and Lancashire Insurance Cc, Graham's Foot Rot Composition. 6 D, THOMAS, Ashbarton.



Wool. Wool. Wool. I AH prepared to make Liberal Ouh Adranoea on the growing olipi of Wool Plaited In my bands for sale or shlpmen either m Aahburton, Ohrlotchnrob, or an/ other Market, Wool Paoki »nd every requlaite on Pale »t lowest prices. It no Skle effeotedgno Oommlsvlon or Ghargei made, Flrit Hie oirly In November, D. THOMAS, 10 112 Aihburton.



PERIODICAL SALES AT MY next Ba!e of LIVE and DEAD STOCK for the METHVEN DISTEICT WILL BS HELD IN METHVEN On Thursday, 20th December 18S8 1 Messrs HIBBS BROS, have kindly consented to receive Entries. Clients will oblige by making their Entries as soon aB possible, bo that they tnay be properly advertised. D. THOMAS, Ashbnrton.



T AM A CASH BDYEB OP WHEAT OATS CHAFF EYEGKASS IN ANY QUANTITY. D. THOMAB, Ashburton.



D. Thomas. T AM a Cash Purchaser of PIGS,: BAOONERS, or whioh will make Bacon m » Month, D. THOMAS.