THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after tbe 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal wUI bs follows, viz. : — IF PAID IN ADVANCE . Per Quarter.. 6s d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s Gd „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, S7s Od r booked: Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Tear .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at tbe time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s eaob. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the oountry dißtriots require to be verified by tbe signature of tbe erson sending the notice.

DIARY.

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at 8 days old shines till about 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half.past 10 o'clook. Tbe Moon at 8 days old shines {till nearly 1 o'olook m tbe morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown till about 4 m the morning. Tbe Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 21 <taya old rises about 11 a.m. and shines til' filming. Tbe Moon at 24 <inyß old rises about 2 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1888. THE ASHBURTON TRAFFIC BRIDGE.

Our leaders will have observed upon perusal of the report of the meeting of the County Council, given m our issue of yesterday, that the cost of mainten ance of the traffic bridge recently erected across the Asbburton river was the subject of a somewhat lengthy dis cussion, the upshot of which was the tabling by Mr Holmes of a notice of B-Otion for consideration at next ordinary meeting, to the effect that a toll-gate be erected and tolls levied fcr the use of the bridge. Now, as the bridge was erected at the joint cost of the County and Borough Councils, the citizens, as well as residents m the country, have clearly a right to express their opinion upon Mr Holme's pro posal, aad we fancy that that proposal will not meet generally with a very cordial reception. Of course it may be urged m reply that the cost of maimer? ance is greater than the Council is able to defray out of current revenue, but, if so, we confess that we are unable to understand how this can be possible for the structure being a brand new one the item for repairs ought, we should think, to be exceedingly small, We do not forget that not only the cost of repairs is m question but also, the pro viding against the risk of fire, but as regaids the latter we should certainly bave thought that this might have been effected for a moderate annual pre mium by way of an ordinary fire policy. Surely it is not intended to levy a toll upon foot passengers, but even if not, and all vehicular,, horse, cattle and sheep traffic ib to be charge^ for, the toll will operate very injuriously to the interests of the B >rough. It will be an appreci* i able item m connection with sheep stot | into Ashburtoo for sale and will be

especially irksome to butchers, bakers, and other tradesmen whose riders or carts cross lbe bridge at least daily and often very much more frequently. If, a toll such as this is to be levied then the Borough has, we think, an equitable claim upon the County for the refund of that portion of the cost of the bridge which was contributed out of municipal funds. One cause of the trouble appears to be the damage done by traction engines | and it is difficult to see how a special I toll is to be levied upon this kind of traffic only, ioi it would manifestly | not pay to keep a toll-keeper all the year round for the mere purpose of > collecting one or two tolls per week, but to charge everybody for the use of the bridge merely because of the damage done by traction engines, or even for the purpose of providing against the contingency of fire, which, as we have pointed out, may be pro vided for at a very small outlay, would | be so obviously illogical that we feel confident that the Council will reject Mr Holmes' proposal.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Some oi the residents interested petitioned Government some time ago to ereot a Btook bridge over the North Bangitata river, but the Minister will only commit himself to the extent of agreeing to build tbe bridge should j the neoessary funds be provided by the looal bodies. Under these circumstances there does not appear much likelihood of anything being done m the immediate future. At next meeting of the County Oounoil a motion will be discussed having for its objsot the division of the Ashburton county into two counties, the river to be the dividing line. The Gounty Oounoil have agreed upon taking stepa to eradioate the Oalifornian thistle, whioh has already obtained a footing m two or three parts of this distriot. At yesterday's meeting it was resolved, on the motion of Mr James Brown, that the thistle be deolared a noxious weed within the mean* ing of the Counties Aot, which gives the Oounoil of any county power to contribute out of the general funds any sum of money that may be neoessary to eradioate or pre* vent the growth of any noxious weed or plant. It was deoided to obtain a live specimen of the thistle to be kept on view at the Counoil Chambers, m order tbat any land holder unacquainted with the appearance of the pest may have an opportunity of see ng what it is like, so that if it makes its appear* anoe on his land he may be able to deal with it before it gains a firm hold. A few weeks ago a speoial Committee meet* i ing of the County Council was held for the purpose of considering ways and means and effecting retrenchment where possible. A day was oooupied m considering the matter, and the results of the Committee's labours I were shown m a report presented to the Council yesterday. The main features were reoommendations that the salaries of the Olerk and Engineer should be reduoed, that the Clerk should henoeforth undertake the duties of Returning Offioer to the Counoil, and that no new works be undertaken after the expiry of six months, until the Counoil'a overdraft be paid, with the exception of special works m accordance with Clause 152 of the Counties Aot, whioh provides that where any such works are oarried out, the district deriving benefit from them shall b_ speoially rated. It was also recommended that tbe dog registration fee be a uniform one of 10.. All tbe Committee's suggestions were approved, and will be given effect to. lt will be remembered that some time ago. a slaughterhouse at Methven was the subjeot. of a good deal of consideration m the County Counoil, it being alleged that muoh of the sickness prevalent last summer at Methven was due to a pit at the slaughter* bouse polluting a water rale from whioh a number of families obtained their domestic | supply. The matter again oame up yester* day when Mr Baker applied for a renewal of the lioense for the slaughterhouse. The Mount Hutt Boad Board asked the Counoil to graflt the application, stating that theoesspit, wbioh had been the cause of oomplaint, had now been removed. The Oounoil were also informed tbat iv plaoe of the cesspit, there was now a conorete tank, whiob was reaularly elelred. and that there was no ground of complaint m regard to anything about the yards or slaughterhouse. A Methven rest* dent, who stated that he wrote on behalf of | a number of persons living m the vioinity, urged tbe Oounoil not to grant the applioa tion, as a reourrenoe of last year's siokness was feared. One of the Oounoillors stated tbat he had been informed by a medioal man who attended several of the eases of illne.B last summer, tbat these were m no wise duo to pollution from the slaughter yard, but were attributable to the proximity of stagnant water to some of the dwellings. The Counoil deoided to ask the Inspeotor to visit the yard and report. Last night a fire ooourred on the North East Belt, by whioh an unoooupied --roomed house, Baid to belong to Mr MoOabe, of Blen* heim, formerly eoboolmaster at Shand's Traok, was destroyed, aud an adjoiniog oottage owned by Mr Oawsey, and oooupied by Mr Tsaao Cooper, had a narrow esoape of meeting a similar fate. Mr Cooper, who is employed at the gasworks, was away at his work, and Mrs Cooper and the children bad retired to bed. About 11 o'olook a passer-by tapped at ths window of Mrs Cooper's bedroom, telling ber to get up as the house next door wbb on fire. Mrs Cooper immediately got the ohildren out, and with tbe assistance of neighbors, removed all the furniture. An alarm was given on the fireballs, and the brigades turned out. Before they arrived on the Bcene, however, the flames had obtained oomplete possession of the empty house, and began to menaoo Mr Cooper's oottage, whioh is only a few yards distant. The gable of tbe Utter house caught fire, and there seemed but small chance of its being saved had not Messrs Leohnor, Felton, and one or two others pluokily got qu to tbe roof, tbe iron of which waß very bot, and pluokily attaoked with green boughs the fire, whioh they managed to keep m control till the arrival of the Brigades. When the latter reaohed the Boene it was found there was no water for the engines, and recourse waa bad to hand-pumps supplied witb water i from neighboring pumps. With these the fire, whioh had caught tbe gable of Mr Cooper's house, was put out, though of oourse nothing oould be done for the other house, whioh was then one mass of flames. The houae whioh was destroyed has been un | oooupied for some time, and was insured m the Viotoria office for £100. Mr Cooper's residence is but slightly injured. There is no clue to the origin of tbe fire. Mr Leohnor and those wbo assisted him are entitled to the highest credit, as, but for their endeavors Mr Cooper's house would almost certainly have been destroyed. That invalid wife, mother, sister or child oan be made the picture of health witb mtrioeo CtVi Hop BlU»ri. Obi . .ti

There is no improvement m the oondition of the woman Dalzell, who still lies at ths Hospital m a comatose state.

The Bangitata Traffio Bridge was' the subjeot of a disoussion at a mooting of the County Council yesterday. The Engineer* m reply to questions, said that the bridge was almost solely used by stock and by carts conveying firewood from Peel Forest, and that altogether the 'raffia was not very exten* Bive. Mr Coster desired to know whether it was desirable for thn Counoil to go on paying large sums of money annually for the main* tenanoe of this bridge, when it did not appear to be muoh used.

Following out a oustom whioh now appears to be of annual recurrence, and whioh is worthy of imitation, about thirty of the inmates of the Old Men's Home were yesterday afternoon tbe guests of Mr D. H, Brown, who kindly plaoed his grounds at their disposal and regaled them with a most sumptuous tea. Tables were Bpread under the trees, and no effort was spared to make the enjoyment of the visitors as oomplete as possible. Before the old men retired, several members of the Wesleyan Ohuroh Ohoir sang a number of Jubilee melodies, whioh were muoh appreciated, after whioh Mr Fox ex pressed the thanks of the old men for the liberal entertainment whioh had been so generously provided. Mr Brown, m acknow ledging the compliment, said it gave him great pleasure to see them all at a gathering of tbat kind, and he hoped to have the oppor* tunity of meetinp them m this way m suo oeeding years. Three ringing cheers for Mr and Mrs Brown were given and the visitors dispersed.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

|$The following business was trans >oted after we went to press yesterday ; — SIDING. Mr A. E. Peaohe wrote, making ap plication for a siding from the Mou.tt Fomers tramway into his bu'ldlng stone quarry. He effared to pay 'he toUl cost, provided be wa. granted a 26 years lease, the Oounoil to have the power to ci>no») the lease at any time, oo payment to him of balf oost of the siding, or he was pre pared to pay half cost unconditionally. The proposed elding ii about 16 o. a'ns In length. The matter wss left In the hands of a Committee consisting of Messrs Walker, Wright, and Fried" under « BRIDGES. Mr W, 8. Peter applied for the rein statement of oertaln bridges ovor wo arterial water raoe running through his property. —Granted. EXCHANGE 0_" RO IDS. An exohange of roads applied for by the Kaogl'ata Road Board was agreed to. A road which is m use is runnlnp thr. ugh private property, but the owner of the land is willing to acoept a road not m use, ln exohange, and the Boad therefore ap plied for authority to make the transfer. FLOOD WATER- The Longbeaoh Road B.ard expressed Its willingness to pay Its share of con* tributlon towards dealing with flood water, boad. The Wakanni V oad Board asked if the Council would have any objection to the Board taking the neceesttry steps, to have a direot road from Dromore to Aahburton, taken through a reserve vested m the Oounoil. Referred to the Plantation Committee. DBFEOTIVH WATER-RAOB. Mr T. Olepbane complained of water from a raoe being backed on to his land. Matter referred to Engineer. SLAUGHTERHOUSE AT METHVEN. Mr Biker applied for a renowal of slaughtering license. The Mount Hutt Road Board wrote, asking that a renewal of the lioense to Mr Baker's slaughterhouse be granted, as the cess pit whiob had been the former cause of complaint, had been removed, A ratepayer also wrote, asking tbat the license be not granted, as he feared a re* ourrenoa of the siokness whioh he said was prevalent last year. It was deoided to ask the Inspector to report. LICENSKB. Slaughtering licenses were granted to L Oxley (for tbe trustees of the late W Hartoell). aod to W. Bond. A number of renewals were granted subjeot to the favorable report of the Inspeotor. \u25b2 complaint, Mr W Stoddart complained of damage caused to him through storm water being brought down one of the Counoll's races. Referred to the Engineer. DOQ COLL IBS. It was deoided that dog collars should be on sale at the Council offioe, and by tbe rangers, also that they should be sent post free on application being made. THIS CALIFORNIA.? THISTLE. Mr Brown moved— " That the plant known as tbe Californian thistle be deemtd a noxious weed, within the mean* ing of Section 292 of the Counties Act, and that the Engineer and water-race Rangers be instructed to report its ex* lstence, sbonld they met with it ln any part of County, and to bring a specimen of the plant to the offioe of the Oounoil." Mr Jaokson seoonded the motion, whloh was oarrled. WATER RATI, It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Brown, seoonded by Mr Holmes — " That for the year ending 31st M»roh, 1888, a water rata of 10s for every 20 chains or fractional part of 20 chains, be levied on all persons having the use of that length of a water-raoe made by the Council, and paid for out of the general aooonnt ; and that a rate of 5s for the same length be levied on all per so as who, by. agreement wieh the Oounoil, have paid half the cost of making vhoir water races, and that the s»id rates be payable ln one sum on the Ist of March 1888 " RETURN. Mr Brown gave notice of the following motion for next meeting — " That a return bo prep%ir»d, showing up to the 31st Maroh. 1838, the whola of the mon y. puid away as grants, and the whole of the moneys expended on work, within the boundaries of eaoh of the seven ridings as they are now defined, aud showing the valuation of eaoh riding; also the total oost of the' waterworks iv eaoh of the three districts, aod the number of miles of water-races whioh have been made wholly by private individuals at their own expense, and whioh are supplied with water free of oharge from the Oonnty waterworks. DIVISION OF COUNTY. Mr Holmes gave notloe of the follow* (ng motion for next meeting— " That ln the opinion of this Council the Ashburton oouuty should, be divided Into two oonn tles, to wit, Ashburton North and Ash burton South; tbat Ashburton North should comprise that portion of the pre sent oonnty north of tbe Ashburton river, and Ashbnrton South the rest of the preaent oounty."

SPECIAL MEETING.

A special meeting was then held. It was resolved that » general rate of ftha of » Id m the* £ be etruok m each riding In the County, p .yable lit Febru ary, 1888, at the County Council offiooa, the Cleric to be oolleotor. The Council then adjourned.

THE WEATHER.

The following is the meteorological report at Alford Station for tbe week ending Januury J 3th, 1888 :— \u25a0

INTERPRO VINCIAL NEWS

[P_.-t Press Association),

Auckland, January 13. The steamer Oreti has been sold for £600 and goes to Queensland.

The temperance meeting has resolved to reject tbe proposals from tho Licensed Victuallers' Association for a compromise over the licensing eleotions, and to appoint a onmm.-tee to the elections on tbe old programme, viz., ten o'olock dosing, no upstair bats, no increase of licenses.

The President of the Chamber of Com merca ba. convened a meeting to arrange to secure representation at the Melbourne Exhibition.

Punbdin, January 13. In the Divorce Oo nrt to-day a deoree nisi was granted In the esse of Brad more v Bradmoro and Galbralth. Petitioner, the husband, was a storekeeper at Luros den, and co-respondent was his partner. On discovering his wife's Infidelity pe titioner bought out his partner. He re* fused to take proceedings at the time, as It would have enabled his wife to marry the oo respondent.

LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD

\ A meeting of this Board was held on the 12th Instant. Present — Messrs J. Grlug (chairman), J Bl_hop, A. Da waou, S. Holland and J. Williams. CORK B . _»ON DBN OB Letters were read— (l) From County O'.anoll, ro floodwa.er In Tinwald aad Ftemiogton districts, and asking if the Board is willing to contribute Its propor tion as mentioned m the Engineer's report. Resolved that tbe Bnard pay their pro portion of oost.— (2) From tbe came, re Surveyor's Road, stating that the bound ary of the Longbeach Distriot did not .__ tend to the b_und»_y of tbe Lon^b« aoh aud Lowol ff Estates Received,— (3) From Coldstream Road Board, requesting that the B-srd'a premie. b be let by tender for one or more years. Ordertd to be acknowledged.- (4) B'rom Mr A. Wiluon, oomplainitig of the water 01. the South Roitd being prevented by plsntatiun fences from folow ng Its natural conrae. It was resolved to give the Ouuniy Counoil notice to make provision at ibe low pices m the fence for oarrying away the storm water, — (6) From Mr Hugh Donaldson, ankii_g for a ford m Hen of culvert on the Waterton new roud opposite his place Surveyors to examine oulvert and have work done before winter, if neoessary.— (6) From Messrs Chapman Bros, asking to have tbe drain at the side of Longbeaoh Road, opposite their property, widened three or four feet, and offering to do balf the work. Tha Surveyors were directed to report and show m the plan the natural run of the oreek. SURVEYORS' EBPORT The Surveyors reported as follows :— (1) Surveyors Road ; Aa authorised, we have had a pie bridge erected m lieu of the damaged one. The shallow ford is also oompleted. —(2) Boundary Road : A stank has been erected at the end of this road to prevent the overflow from the river. Iv conjunction with the Oonnty Engineer, we alao visited and reported to persons Interested m the protection of their laud.— (3) Osborne's Road : A bridge on this road requiring urgent repairs has been attended to.— (4) Beaoh Road : We examined this road with Mr Grigg, and It was deoided to reduo9 the approaches and oentre of present fords at the j ano tion of the Mill and this road. At Taylor's Oreek, a large quantity of shingle has silted ln the paddood m front of the bridge, whloh has oaused a diversion of a portion of the water to Ford's Creek. We propose making a outting through the shingle and making a ford at a natural hollow a few chains below the bridge. The work Is being proceeded with. The contraot for making a ford on Ford's Creek ln lieu of bridge his been satis factorily oompleted.— (6) South Road : During the fl.ods aome six weeks ago a large quantity of water has oome on to thia road between Bell's and Windermere We oan only acoount for lt by the land being completely suroha.ged by water and the oreeks above the line being full of vegetation and nnable to oarry tbeir | proper quota, so that any rainfall that ocours instead of soaking into the land or ' oarrled away bj, Its natural oourse, spreads over the country, and Is diverted into other channels by fenoes and road lines ; we should say that trhere any hollows exist m the line of this road, the occu piers of seottons should be made to out the tenoeß to allow the water to follow the natural fall.— (6) Graham's Road : We have again inspected this road - with reference to watercourses orosßing it. The first one opposite Avenal's Ib just above the water-race crossing, but little water oomeß into this now as there is no doubt that the water-race collects the storm-water, and as tbe ford across the road is nude high and has only a small outlet, the water instead of being sent along Its natural oourse Is diverted down tbe road. We bave written to the Council asking to have the ford reduoed, as it is uf no use making a ford at the natural hollow. The next hollow Is opposite Weod's. We think this would hardly require a ford here if the water-race ford waa reduoed. The other hollow is oppo site Hyland's, ard lt Is patent that ln the natural state of things a quantity of water came this way and whioh is now diverted Into the creek furth.r d >wa, and Is unable to carry the quantity now required. (7) Brldgeß, Waterton and Wheatut me Boad : The contractor is nt work on tbeae bridges. Owing to the timber coming to hand very slowly, he has not beeo able to m.ke much progress, but the prinoipal portion of the work on the bridges on Waterton Road has been done— (8) Brown's Road : Tbe metalling of a portion of this road Is being prooeeded with, and will shortly be completed.— (9) Fords: The fords authorised on the Waterton and Bench Roads are being prooeeded with.— (lo) Poplar Road : The work of forming from side drain portion of this road has been let to H, Gallon, and the work is belog prooeeded with. Mr Grigg is paying a special rate for this work whloh Ib m No. 5 Ward — (tl) Terrace Road : The contraot for making drain and ford is being prooeeded with, and is jaat upon completion. We are having the bridge at the end repaired with suitable timber from tne bridge now being taken up on the Wheatstone Boad. Clauae 6— Ford to be made at Hyland's. The report -ras adopted. ROAD OFF SDRTBYOB'S ROAD. The Surveyors were directed, If possible before harvest, to have thia road near Hinds metalled. obaham's road. The Surveyors were directed to see the County Engineer re timber for bridge at Whoatstone before harvest. ACCOUNTS. The pay-sheet, amounting to £89 Os 9_, was passed. ADJOURNMENT. The Board adjourned to Maroh 9, Messrs Grigg and Bishop being a Com mittee empowered to deal with routine work w4 p»y «oao\»oti till thin,

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(per press association.)

DIVORCE CASE.

London. January 11

Dion Boucicault's appeal against the postponement of the divorce action brought by hi. wife for six months has been dismissed.

A FATAL FOG.

A dense fog which prsvailed through out the greater portion of the United Kingdom tod ay seriously interfered with business, and several accidents and fatalities have been reported. The steamers plying between Folkestone and Boulogne had to cease running m consequence of the fog.

THE DYNAMITERS.

The trial of Harkins and Callan, dynamiters, has been postponed until next session.

SUICIDE OF A CLERGYMAN.

The Rev. Mordaunt Lowther, cousin of the Earl of Lonsdale, was summoned for a criminal assault, but did not appear when called on. He was sub sequently discovered m his bedroom with his brains blown out.

LORD SALISBURY ON MR GLADSTONE.

London, January 12. Lord Salisbury, speaking at Liver pool, declared that Mr Gladstone was trying to prove that Home Rule was necessary, the result being that he was making Ireland ungovernable. His Lordship also stated that the prospects of the Conservative party had greatly improved of late.

THE POPE AND IRISH AFFAIRS.

The "Chronicle" states that tbe Pope condemns the revolutionary tendencies manifested m Ireland, but that fearing a schism m the Church he cannot disavow the agitation.

THE MELBOURNE EXHIBITION

Sir Graham Berry has warned British exhibitors that they must prepare for formidable competition by Germany at the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition.

COLONIAL NAVAL DEFENCE.

Lord George Hamilton, the first Lord of the admiralty, speaking at Ted dington last night, promised that a Colonial Naval Defence Bill would be

introduced next session.

AUCKLAND MUNICIPAL LOAN.

The Auckland Municipal Loan of ,£25,000 has been placed m the market, the minimum being fixed at £102, and tenders will be opened on the 17 th inst.

THE PROPOSAL TO RE-NAME NEW SOUTH WALES.

The " Dally News " severely casti gates Sir Henry Parkes for the irascible reply he re urned to the protest by the colony of Victoria against the assump tion by New South Wales of the name of Australia. The "Daily News" considers that the injudicious tone adopted by. Sir Henry Parkes has effectively sealed the fate ' of "the pro posal to re-name the colony of New South Wales.

LORD SALISBURY ON HOME RULE AND PROTECTION.

Speaking at Liverpool, Lord Salis bury said' that the assertion that the Cabinet really favored Home rule for Ireland was without foundation. The greatest cruelty of which England bad been guilty towards Ireland was the vacillating policy of successive Govern ments. In the course of the same speech the Premier admitted that the fiscal system required amendment, but denied the necessity of protection. Cheapness was sometimes secured to communities at ultimate expense, m proof of which he instanced unjust railway freights and the operations of gambling limited liability Companies.

PROPOSED NEW MAIL ROUTE.

Mr Cecil Raikes, Post-Master General, is enquiring as to what facili ties exist for sending mails by way of Salonica.

ZULU DISTURBANCES.

Durban, January 10.

News has reached here that fighting is imminent between the Zulu chiefs Dinizulu and Usibepu, who were the cause of the recent disturbances m Zululand. A force of Dragoons has been ordered to proceed from here to the seat of trouble.

FLOODS IN THE DANUBE.

Fistova, January 11

The Danube is alarmingly flooded, caused by the sudden thawing of ice.

ANOTHER DYNAMITE PLOT.

Dublin, January 12. The police have discovered a plot to destroy the public buildings of Cork by means of dynamite.

THE ITALIANS AT MASSOWAH.

Massowah January 12

Thirty thousand Italian troops are now stationed m this city. The Negus who opposes the Italians is m com mand of sixty thousand followers.

M. DANIEL WILSON.

Paris, January 12,

The Judge who heard the charges preferred against M. Wilson has been degraded for unfair conduct m trying to entrap the accused.

THE KAISER'S ILLNESS.

Berlin, January 12,

The latest bulletin regarding the Emperor Wilhelm's health states that his rest is much disturbed. Uneasy feelings prevail on the Bourse m consequence of the Emperor's in disposition

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Press Association.)

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, Jannary 13.

The " Australasian " gives the gross yield of wheat at an average of 12*9 bushels per acre and the at i 2-8.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sypns?} Jannary 12.

Mr Allen has been elected for Paddington. Though a Protectionist he was disavowed by the} Protectionist Union 1 ,

THE MARKETS.

(PSR PRESS ASSOCI A8ION.)

London, January 12.

Wool firmly maintains last prices. 180,000 bales have arrived for the next series. Consols have declined y&.

The total quantity ol" wheat and flour afloat for the United Ktngdom is 1,472,000 quarters, and for the Conti nent 180,000 quarters.

The bank rate of discount has de clined frora 4 per cent to 3# per cent. Wheat is quoted at 35s per quarter:

SAD AFFAIR

[Per Press Association.]

Glasgow, Jannary 12.

Thomas McKay was drowned iv the Waluku river on S-turday. McK»y was married to a Maori woman only three <*eeks ago la (iisborne, and his married life was very nnbappy, and deceased was .caving his Wife whan he was drowned. He left Waimotinl Hotel on horsebaok, and the horse returned without his ?lder two hours afterwards. On search being made the body was found In tho river. Deoeased was about forty years old, and a native of Scotland.

LAND SALE IN WELLINGTON.

(Pan Press Association),

Wellington, January 13. Messrs T. Kennedy, MoDonald and Co, held another successful sale of tha Wellington and Manawatu Railway Com* pany's lands to-day, twenty three bush sections, containing 2929 aoreo, realising an average of £1 17s 104 per aore, or a total of £6546 ; 77 suburban township seotlons, oootalnlng 199 acres, reached. an average of £5 4) 51 per Sore, or ft total of £1034. The total proceeds of the sale amounted to £6580. There were some •ix hundred persons present, Including many from the South Island.

LARRIKINISM AT NAPIER

(Feb Press Association.)

Namer, Jannary 13. The R.M, Court was oooupied to*day m hearing a oharge against two women and two m.n of a serious assault on Constable Oarmody on New Year's eve. The polloe* man was ln plain olothes, watching a gang of larrikins. He followed one across a vacant seotion, when he was set upon by the youth, his father, and aod two females, The cons able remained ln bed f.r, ten days afterwards, and is not yet fnlly re covered. The elder man, named Ro als* too, was fined £10 and coets ; the younger man was dismissed, as It ap peared that he knew Oarmody was a podoeouaa, and tried- to stop any further aisault by his father. The women alio got off, as it was not shown that they were aware it was a policeman who wai b.lng assaulted.

SHOCKING AND DETERMINED SUICIDE.

(PER PRESS ASSOC ATION.)

Auckland, January 13.

A gum-digger named Geo. Brown has committed suioide at Omaha Flat nnder very shooklog olroumstanoes. He gathered a quantity of combustible material inside his house, and having built a pile he . pread a quantity of gunpowder around, aud lay down on the heap after setting fire to it. A load report was beard shortly it terwarda by the neighbors, who observed that the houao was m. flames. - Tha lifeless .ruuk of the suloide was pulled froift tho burning ruins, the lega, arms and he»d having been blown a considerable distance away.

THE MINING BOOM IN AUSTRALIA

(per press association.)

Sydney, January 13.

Tbe revenue derived by the Govern ment from the Barrier Mines last year was The revenue from same source is expected to exceed one million this year. Fervid speculation m silver shares still continues and is expected to last some time, more especially with respect to the shares m the Broken Hill and Central Mines, where it is understood the rich lode originally found m the Broken Mine has been struck. One hundred thou sand pounds worth of business was done here yesterday, and at Melbourne the business done is said to average, three hundred and fifty thousand pounds per day, one broker alone, having earned thirteen hundred pounds m one day. .

APPALLING RAILWAY ACCIDENT

NUMBERS BURNED TO DEATH.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Philadelphia, January 11;

A terrible railway disaster occurred near Wyoming, m Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, yesterday. A passenger train, crowded with passengers, was run into by a goods train. The carriages of the former were smashed to pieces, and the wreckage was fired by the stoves used for warming the compartments. Most appalling scenes were witnessed. A great many persons were unable to extricate themselves from the wreckage, and were burned to death. A number of those who did get free were frozen to death, fhe weather being bitterly cold at the time. Nearly all of those who escaped deatfy have received serious injuries. The scene was so horrible that the conductor of the train lost his reason.

THE MAEREWHENUA GOLD FIELD.

Mr Matthew Ourrie, an old dlggeft of experience m California, Viotorla and New Zealand has beea out prospecting at Maerewhenua and sends the following in formation to tho "Oamaru Mail" ;— "I started upon the reserve on the west aide of the Maerewhenua river. I found a good many good prospects, and there are hundreds more to be found uson the same reserve. Without a doubt it would pay the Government to bring' in a water race of eight or ten heads of water. It would pay any ooveroment m the world. Tbere are 1800 acres In one blook. There (a room for 100 msn for a lifetime. After £ was satisfied with the west side of the Maerewhenua 1 went to the mtjnlolpal reserve and found payable ground' there. There are thtee reserves adjoining the Municipal reserves, thousands of aores of whioh are auriferous. They ought «° ha tested, and if payable, would employ hundreds of men fop a generation,!' ' "



JAB ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JAN GARY 14, _888.



Sun Sun Moon Moon age at January. Rises. Set*. Bites Set*, noonday a.m. p.m. 14 Saturday ... 4.41 7.38 6.10 8 16 0 16 Sunday .. 4.42 7.H8 6.14 8.58 1 18 Monday .. 4.43 7.87 7.17 f>,35 2 17 Tuesday .. 4.45 7.3< 8.20 10. 6 3 18 Wednesday.. 4.46 7.36 0.20 10.31 4 10 ThttMfdoy .. 4.47 7.85 (031 10.59 6 SO Friday.. .. 4.48 7.34 11.19 11.25 <



High Date. Shade. m State of weather, low ihigh Sun. Saturday 40- 69- 123- Rain, E. Sunday 32- 84- 142- Tine, NE. Monday 88- 62- 115- „ „ Tuesday 40- 86- 140- „ B. Wed'day 45- 93- 145- „ NE. Thur'day 47- 90- 144- „ N.W. Friday 53« 81* 140- „ „



Wblm' Haib Bai.bam.--H grey restores to original color. At* elegant drawing, loffcea and beautifies. No oil or grease. A Tbnio Reitoratire. Stopi b»ir wmJwf «a ittt»ftlit»f , olQiwef i btili fMtp. %



Heating's Powder destroyslbotij moths, fleas beetles, and all other inseots ' while quite harmless vo domestic animals, m externa} nating beetles, the success of this powder if. extraordinary. Jt is perfectly olean iv appli" oation. See the artiole you purohss J-eating'B as imitations are noxious and neffeotual. Sold n tins, (H li ; %-i 9l H •lobrby ill Qbemu.i.



TO OUR RAKAIA SUBSCBIBEBS. \ I TE desire to intimate that from and VV after lbt January, 1888. SUB- SO KIBEBB to thiß journal will OBTAIN THEIR COPIES AT THE STORE OF MR C. HARDY.



- Wanted. WANTED to buy Raspberries m large or email quantities at W. O Davis, Fruiterer, East street. 1 67 ¥1/ ANTED TKDWRB for oomplete **' harvesting 89 aores Wheat, and 16 aorea Oats. Apply, A. Wilson, Winslow. Tenters oloae 19_h January _-. lj_ WANTED Known.-That HAVES and CO. have a splendid lot of White Embroidery Robes at 14s, worth 21s. _ Segers' Great Sale.— Melford House. WANTED Tender for Lease of Bomugh Reserve, No. 766 adjoining Publio Library, from one to i seven years Tenders to be sent to undersigned by 12 o'olook noon on Monday, 16tb January.— Charles Bead- j>bll, Town Clerk 1 46 ANTED Known— To tbe Ladies of Ashburton and -unrounding districts, th.t an experienced monthly Surae is desirous of engagement. Good r «._*T._it__...3 oan be given. _vddr_-_ — Mbs HILJ-, Peter ..treat. Aohburton. 11 18 WANTED Known. -For Sale, Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gum, Red Gum, and Silver Wattle Tree Seeds, looally grown, and saved this Seas.n . also Turnip Soeds, just arrived, ex s.s Bimutaka.— J. Scaly and Co., | Beedsmen. E*et Street. 11+61 Sale at Melford House.— H. O. Segers. WANTRD OASH— Moir's Oatmeal 251bs, 2s 6d ; Sperm Oandles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, Is per tin; Coooa and Milk, Is per tin ; Vestas, 5d per doz ; Cornflour, 4d per lb ; tin Fruits, Is ; Orookery, Ironmongery, eta. — At Jamk_. McGbjbgob's, Tancred Stroet, opposite Arrade. Melford House Sale.— H. 0. Segers. ii 7 ANTED KNOWN — Oleograph- VV Bcenery, and Catnolic Subject* Cathollo Cards, good variety m Scrap* Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, at _dss Manhibb's Fanoy Repository, Saunders' Building-. WANTED Known— Wells sunk, with T)nmp and pipe found and fixed, from £2 10s upwards All kinds of pumps, Range, and house-smith work , fixed or repaired. Chimneys swept and ranger oleaned, 3i. Registers Is 6d each. All orders pnnotoaliy attended to. Note address, B. Dudley, Moore street, A§b* burton. 11 22



FOR SALE. ON Account of tbe Trustees of tbe late Walter H__btt____l,— R.S 1549-., South Rakaia, oomprlafni. 400 acres, inoluding the growing crop of Wheat. , Farther particulars may be obtained from OHAS. W. TURNER, Land and Estate Agent, 12 28 South Bakaia. Proctor & Co , WHOLESALE AND RETAIL OAbH GBOCEBS, &c, BEQ to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and Surrounding Dis- tricts, that, we hare just landed our Christmas Goods, and as we buy largely for 04S1J, we are m a position to BKLL Cheaper than any of the other Houses m Town. We have also a large ard varied Stock oi CROCKERY and IBONMON- GERY, whiob we are disposing of .at PRIOLB that will defy competition. N.B.— See windows for Presents te be given away at XMAS, Please note the Address,—* BULLOCK'S ARCADE, Burnett Street* NEW ADVERTISEMENT. THE COMING X 1 49 .GBEAT SALE orj Bankrupt Stocky or Drapery, Clothing, AND [BOOTS.! ANDRfcW OBR having secured the Stook of A. C PBICHABD at a great reduction from Invoice Oost^ will ofler it to the Public on WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28th, At Unheard df Prices i «• .ememWjTUESDAY, theJ27th DEO. \u2666 r AKDBJKW 088.



F.H.YOD SCHOENEBERG, FRENCH POLISHER, CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, AND UNDERTAKSB, HAB opened m Premises (next W. Patching) East street, and hopes to receive a fair sbare of pnblic support, bung prepared to MAKE FURNITURE' any design to order at OHBISTCHUKOfI RATES* Pianos and Furniture re- polished at very low rates. WANTED KNOWN. AT I. SALEK AND COs., Licensed Pawnbrokers, East Street, A FIRST-CLASS Watchmaker and J\ Jeweller is employed on the Premises. Watches oleaned and r paired, and even, description of Jewellery made and repaired at LOWEST CHMBTCHURGH PRICES. OS WATCHES CLEANED 5S GLASSES, 6d ; HANDS, 9d. WATtvftß U ftl'tf repaired from 2s 6d. N.B,— Watorbury's reduced from 13s 6d to 12s, U 126 MANILLA BINDER TWINE IHAVE secured a quantity of the same make of Twine as gave so much satisfaction last Season, snd as quality is the true Economy m the harvest Field, farmers will consult their «, jrn interests by securing a sufficient apply early, as it is likely to be scarce vis Season. ROBERT ALCORN, Importer and General Merchant. TO FARMERS ADD OTHE Tbe Cbristcburcb Finance GO (LIMITED.) CAPITAL £50,000 REGISTERED OFFICE — 8 Cathjedra Fquare, OHRISTCHUBOH. THIS COMPANY is making OASB j ADV4NO 8 on GROWING' CROPF, WOOL, LIVE AND DEADJ STOCK, FARM PRODUOE of every] description, and any other Class of , Security For particulars apply to ' THOMAS BUILOCE., 12 86 Auctioneer, Asbburton. PAPEBHANOINGS! PAPEBEANGINGSU rE Undersigned have just ..opened np a Bplendid assortment PAPEBHANGING3, -_ 6CBIM, TAPES, TACKS, Also, — WINDOW GLASS (all sizes). WAR LEAD, PAINTS, O.LB VARNISHED COLORS, DRYERS, TURPENTINE &o, Just landinp , a splendid lot of Hcnse Coal, ex " Hauroto." I McCaUti__t & Co ., RON. TTMB B, AND COAL tMEB- CH NTS.& iMPORTEBS. A* -nti- for TITAN and T^I^LFA SIR KIN Bit- 12*J0»



VICTORIA HO U SE. DIMANT AND OOE HAVE extreme pratitjoatiou n announcing tbeir Third Annual Distribution of Beautiful. Useful, Rare and ValuaVe Works of Art, whiob comprise,— GLASB SUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATEB _U GB, BOTTEB DISHES, &c, &c, to Cash Purchasers of Parcels to the value of 205, 405, and upwards. COUPONS ARE NOW BEING ISSU«D. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. DIMANT <$c OOE, General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANORED STREETS. 12 22 ALBEKT EGBERTS . BAS FOR SALE.— Oornsacks L - RGE eiZE AND PULL weigh t. SEAMING TWINS TN AHY QUAUTITY; Clovers,-- EED, WfllTE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE. and TREFOIL. BfEGBABb, COCKSFOOT, as* RAPE ANCHOR Biading Wire and tery best Binder Twine. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, COOPER'S SHEEP DIP,.