DIARY.

MOONLIGHT EVENINGS.

The Moon at 0 days old {shines till about 6 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old sblnep till about half-past 10 o'olook. Tho Moon at 8 dayß old shines till nearly o'clock m the morning. Tho Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown ill about 4 io the morning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines aU night. The Moon at 18 days old rißes about 9 p.m, and shines till morning, The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 : a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old x'IUW about 2 a.m. and shinesti 11 morning, • '\u25a0.J h _A&H ?7 daya old x ' mn about 4 «ww. U ,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 80th November, 1886, tbe terms of Subscription to thia journal will be as follows, viz. : — IF PAin IN AnVANCK . Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9a 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by poßt, 18a 6d „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, 87s Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7a 6d, by post, 10a 9d „ Half-year 15a Od, by post, 21a 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notioes, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4b eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages Bent for publication from the oountry districts require to be verified by tbe signature of th person Bending the notioe .

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1888. THE RAILWAY BOARD.

Writing the other day of Mr Max well's report on the railways of Europe and tlie United States, we rightly characterised it as an able document, replete with interesting information. But although that is undoubtedly a deserved encomium, there is, we fear, not much reason to hope that it will lead to any reform m railway management m this colony, that is to say, if Mr Max well is m future to have a controlling voice therein. For the first requisite towards the initiation of schemes of amendment, is to perceive the necessity of that amendment, and that is precisely what Mr Maxwell, on his own shewing, altogether fails to see. For the key note of his report, after comparison with the railway systems of other countries, is that of entire satisfaction with things as they are m New Zealand, his opinion being tbat our regulations and instruc tions for working railway traffic cannot be materially improved. This is not by any means the opinion of the public, indeed, it was precisely because it was believed to be necessary to effect very radical changes, that Parliament last session, m obedience to the general desire of the constituencies, determined to place tho railways under the manage ment of a Board of Commissioners. In every part of the Oolony there is a feeling abroad that the railways might be so worked as greatly to assist m the development of local industries and m the progress of settlement, and that this might bo done without /lessening, but rather increas ing the gross receipts, and it is un deniable that at present there are many instances m which the freight charges are almost or entirely prohibitive, the effect being that revenue is lost to the lines at the same timo that production is checked or practically inhibited. The " New Zealand Herald " (Auckland), of a fow days ago, puts the matter thus : — "In New Zealand, tho harder the shoe pinches the moro loudly wo call for moro population, for moro settlers ; bu^ is it to encourage people to como and settle that our railways, constructed at enormous experse, afford such scant accommodation to the farmer that he so generally prefers to send his produce to market, when he can, by cart or steam boat, rather than by the iron road? That is not tho way they manage matters m the United States. What ever may be their defects otherwise, there can be no mistake about their high appreciation of tho value of tho agricul tural back. That is a point which enables them to honestly boast that the progress of their country is duo to man as well as to nature. Whether for settlement on tho land or for communica tion with tho market, thoir arrangements are simple aad practical, and so serve the farmer and help to make more farmers. The present are hard times for agriculturists m New Zealand, as m most countries, and the Government can play its part m lightening their troubles by setting right the railway mismanage ment so urgently complained of." It is true that m closing his report Mr Maxwell himself suggests that the circumstances of the country, and iv particular of the agricultural interest should be borne m mind by those who have the management of our railways, and that national policy may sometimes demand that tho earning of interest upon cost of construction should not be the sole object m view, but m view of his emphatically expressed opinion that our present system is almost incapable of improvement, there is, we fear, but slender ground for anticipating that Mr Maxwell will advocate any very radical reform. For this reason tho Govern ment will, wo think, make a very serious mistake should thoy appoint that gentleman to ono of the three Com missionerships. That viow is also taken by tho Auckland contemporary above quoted, which writes thus vigorously and emphatically on this subject : — " Mr Maxwell comes back to us indurated m all his old views, and prepared to exhibit an inflexibility or stubbornness that, if he have only the opportunity of showing it, will exasperate the colony as it has nover been oxasperated by him before. Wq believe that there has not been any official m New Zealand since tho foundation ofthe colony whose conduct has ever elicited such a chorus of dis approval ; and his insensibility to criticism, and his apparent indifference to protest, expostulation, or reason, have been such as to stamp him one of tho most impracticable of officials. . , Wo do not hesitate to say that the retention, or rathor tho restoration to power, of an officer so universally objected to from ono end of tho colony to tho othor, would be on the part ofthe Ministry an act of wanton defianco of public opinion, repeatedly and univer sally expressed, that would irritate the wholo community and imperil tho position of any Government."

LOGAL AND GENERAL.

The followingare thoHoßpital returns for the month : — ln tho Hospital on lst Maroh, 12 ; admitted during month, 13; discharged during month, 12 ; died, 1 ; remaining m Hospital on April 1, 12. Tbe Matron of the Hospital desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the following donations for uso of tho inmates :— Fruit, old linen, and boojis from Mrs- Hawdon Wosteriiold ; flowers from Mrs IJandell j fruit and flowora from Mr Georgo Smith; fruit from Bjir Broomtfeld ; papers from Mrs Morrison and Mr Paul ; old linen from Mrp Perks and Mrs jG.ee.

Very good business waa done at the Catholio bazaar last evening, and the financial results of to-night promise to be quite as satis factory. The bazaar will be closed to-morrowj but will bo re-opened again on Friday. On Saturday Mr Harrison will sell by auotion a quantity of farm produce and live stook pre sented by country friends. The Rev Father Ghastagnon will leave Ashburton on Tuesday On a visit to Europe, where he intends raising the -remainder of the money required to pay off the debt on the ohuroh, and as Sunday will be the last day of his ministration here previous to leaving on his journey, a large congregation is expeoted.

Tho annual treat of the Mount Somera sohool children took plaoe on Easter Monday, Tho weather was delightful, and the meeting by far the most numerously attended one over held there, and the School Committee are to be oomplimented for their satisfactory arrangements. A lengthy programme of athletic, events waa successfully gone through by the ohildren, while the adults enjoyed open-air dances to the strains of a concertina manipulated by a skillful amateur. The prooeeding were brought to a olose by hearty oheers for Committee, teaohers, guests, and friends. Mesdameß Hood, Patton, Harvey, Soott, Prioo, Jones, Taylor, Armstrong, Todd. MoOlimont, Murray, Farland, and Brown kindly oatered for the guests and ohildren The sports (were i.fcheld m Mr MoOlimont's paddook, There was a very large congregation at the private obapel at Westerfield ou Sunday last on the occasion of the ootnbined festivity off Easterday and Harvest Thanksgiving. The number present showed that the ohuroh has the nuoleus of a very important centre for ohuroh work extension m that part of the oounty. It is needless to add, that the ohapel had been most tastefully deoorated undor the supervision of Mrs Hawdon. We notioe by Messrs Miles Bros. (London) priced list of wools imported from Canterbury that wool from this distriot heads the list. •• Alford " wools ex Ruapehu were sold on 14th February at the prioea following *.— 9 baleß half-bred, fine oombing, Is l£d ; 22, half-bred, oombing m grease, la l£d. Ten bales of the same wool sold m Ashburton realised lOd per lb, whioh wasconsidered a high prioe. Alford, half-bred, greaßy, last year realised 9£d per lb, and Is Oki m London, on both occasions the highest prioe of the Beries. Messrs Friedlander Bros, will Bell a large quantity of Japanese goods on Friday. The goods will be opened for ' inspection this evening for two hours from half -past seven. Tho Tinwald bazaar was closed last even ing with the satisfactory result of £61 grosa. At the conclusion the Rev R. F. Garbett proposed a cordial vote of thanks to Mr Bullook for his services m auctioneering the goods, whioh waa oarried with acolamation Mr Garbett then spoke of the good will that had been shown by givers and buyers at these annual gift Bales, and paid a beooming tribute of praise and thanks to the ladies of the Tinwald Ohuroh Work Bee, and stated that

during tho four years ho had been m the

distriot the nett returns [of their labor had brought m over £200 towards the liquidation of liabilities.

The annual pionio of the Tinwald Preßby terian Ohuroh Sabbath Sohool was held m Mr Baxter's paddook on Monday last. The soholars and teaohers assembled at the Ohuroh at 11 a.m., where they were joined by a number of soholars from tho branoh sohool at Winslow, and proeaeded to the ground. There tents and flags were erected, and every

arrangement made for the day's enjoyment Refreshments were provided on a liberal soale

and during an interval m the games the scholars were called together and were presented with oaref ully-seleoted books as rewards for attendanoe and diligence. Four volumes and two certificates from the Christ* ohuroh Presbytery were also given to the suocessf ulj competitors. The Rev. A. Blake, who distributed the rewards, also addressed the soholars, and gifts were distributed among all the ohildren present. Just about dusk the gathering disporsed, aU having spent a very happy day.

Eucalyptus oigarettes made from the leaves of the Australian gum tree are the rage m Paris.

Mexico tobacco is rapidly coming to the front, and Havana seed m Mexico soil pro duces a leaf of the finest quality.

Tha yield of diamonds from the Kimberley mines m South Africa alone, from the open ing m 1871 to the end of 1885, is stated to to have exceodod 17,500,000 oarats. equal to three and a half tons weight of precious stones, m value about £20,000,000.

The new Viceregal Lodge at; Simla, India, is to be lighted throughout by eleotrioity, nearly a thousand glow-lamps being employed. The oiroumstanoe is noteworthy, inasmuoh as this is the first Indian palace so lighted.

" It's £50 m your pookot if you briu& it m manslaughter," said a prisoner's lawyer to a juror. A verdiot of manslaughter was aooord ingly returned. The lawyer thanked the juror and handed him the money, " Well, it was tough work," said the juror, " but I got 'em round aftor a time— all tho rest wanted an acquittal."

An Auokland exchange [says that oom plaints aro becoming somewhat frequent lately that the Thames harbour ia fast silting up, and it is stated that banks of tailings aro now accumulating at the end of Goods Wharf. In consequence of this, the b.s. Eotomahana is often unable to got away from the wharf at her advertised timo.

An inventive German haa devised a coffin for tho convenience of thoso who have a dread of being buried alive. It is provided with a valve, by means of whioh fresh 'air is admitted m quantity sufficient to support life, and there is an arrangement of wires, by means of whioh the least movement of the body sets an eleotrio battery ringing.

The nettle is among the natural products whioh soienoe has put to uso durinp- the past few years. Tho weed is even boing cultivated m Germany, its fibres having proved valuable for a variety of textile fabrics. In Dresden a thread is produoed from it so fine that a length of sixty miles weighs only two and a half pounds.

From Melbourne papers wo gathor that the wheat yield m Viotoria this year is 13,320,249 bushols, or an average of 1081 hushols to the aore; of oats, 4,509,798 buehols, or 22*79 to tho aore ; and of potatoes 197,011 tons, or 412 tons to the aore. Comparing this year with last there is an inorease of 1,220,413 bushels of wheat, 253,719 bushels of oats, and an increase of 26,850 tons of potatoes. This year the barley orop totalled 940,116 bushels tho average yield being for malting barley 28-93 bushels to the aore,

Probably one of the oldeßt men m tho colo nies paaaed away whon Hapi Moko broathed hia last m tho llivorton Hospital on Thursday evening. His oxaot ago (says tho " Western Star ") oannot bo ascertained, but the oldoat inhabitants remember him as an old man when they first oame to Biver ton, and his age is variously estimated at from 100 to 110 yeara. Hapi Moko, who belonged to a tribe formerly settled about Teniuka, came South with Fararoa about the time of the war ip JB3O, and 9yej nino^ reo^jnefl fttyyt fee??,

In Brealau, Germany, a ohimney 64ft m height haa been oonatruoted entirely of solid blooka of paper firmly compressed together, the blocks being plaoed carefully one on the top of the other and joined together with a special cement. The ohimney is non | inflammable, and by the nature of the material, quite seoure from lightning.

Colonel Carroll D. Wright, head of the Bureau of Labour Statistics, at a dinner m Washington mentioned the ourioua and little known faot that the Pilgrim Fathers of America started out upon Henry George's plan of land m common, and after a three year's trial gave it up, beoause the shtftless and thriftless preyed upon tho honest and industrious.

Mr G. H. Scales, of Wellington, who has reoently shipped a largo quantity of dairy produoe to England, to correspondents m the trade m London, has found the resulta so per plexing and variable that he haa determined to prooeed to England, . with a view to probe the myatery to the bottom, and disoover the oaUaea whioh prevent New Zealand cheese and butter always taking their proper position m the Home market.

A Rookhampton telegram m the Sydney " Morning Herald " says : — A man named Nelson, .employed on board the steamer Maranoa, met with a horrible death while the vessel was off Percy Island. The vessel's engines broke down, and while he was en. gaged m repairing them Nelson dropped a spanner after the engines had started. He tried to recover it, but lost his footing and fell into the orank-pit. He was literally smashed to pieces, his neck and both arms being broken. His side was torn out.

The German New Guinea Company has already spent about £250,000 m starting the colonisation of New Guinea and the adjacent ißlands. Stations have been ereoted along the coast, a looal government has been started, and all the harbors have been surveyed. An Invercargill correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times," describing the exodua of population from New Zealand (to Viotoria, estimates that from 1000 to 1400 persona per month have thua left our Bhorea from all ports during eaoh of the laat four months. He Bays—" The Manapouri, whioh loft for Mel bourne on March 26tb, had on board about 300 paasengers, the greater portion of whom oame from the North, Those who booked at tho Bluff had to be satisfied with quarters between deoka, and tho vessel waa unable to take m any of her Bluff cargo, m the Bhape of timber, eto. Unless there ia a turn m the human tide ere long, additional steamers will have to be put m commission. * It muat, how over, be added that already there are indiea tional of a ohange. So far aB can be learned, all who have left Inveroargill have been luoky enough to find work, bat by the last mail letters were received to the offeot that anyone m a situation should not think of leaving on a ohance of getting something better. Meantime, however, our population is coinc m crowds." .

ASHBUBTON LIVE STOCK MAEKKT

Mr B. G. Staveley (for -Jew Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited) reports on* Aahburton sale, 3rd Inst :— Large entries of stook, nearly 20.000 sheep being penned, and a good attendance. Though the market waa quiet, there waß a fair demand, and, considering the number yarded, a good aale resulted, nearly every lot changing hands. Fat crossbred owes, 4* 3d, 6s 9d ; fat halfbred wethers, 7s 7d. We sold fat merino ewes, off Buocleuch, 2s Bd, 2s lid ; fat mixed orossbreds made 7a 3d ; crossbred lambs, 3a lid, 6b, 5s ; cull morino ewes, Is, 1« 6d, la lOd ; four-tooth crossbred ewes, 6s 4d j sound-mouthed merino ewes, 2s 7d to 3a lOd. We sold the Bucoleuoh ewes, 2s 91 ; aged crossbred ewes, Is 9d, 3s ; aged merino wethers, lOd ; mixed young orossbreds, m forward oondition, 6a 7d and 7s ; forward four-tooth wethers, 8a 4d,

SPORTING.

C.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

Tbe following events were deoided after we went to press yesterday : — Selling Race, of 100 soys j six furlongs, Haka, Bst (Sharp) 1 Adulation, 6at 12lb ... (Holmes) 2 Matamata, 6st 111 b ... (Cousin) 3 Time -lmin 16Jsec Dividends—ln side, £4 4s ; outside, £4 14s. Eabtbb Handicap, of 260 soys j one mile. Apropos, Bat 13lb (Sharp) 1 Silvermark, Bat 41b (Priced 2 Marlborough, 7st 91b i ... (Holmos) 3 Time— lmin 44£aeo. Dividends—ln side, £5 lis ; outside, £7 10a. Consolation Handicap, of 100 soys ; one milo. Wakatipu, 6st 91b (Leeson) 1 Titbit, 7st 71b (Holmos) 2 La Roae, 7st 51b (Sharp) 3 Time— lmin 46£ sec. Dividends— ln- Bide, £5 15s 6d ; outside, £6 17s 6d.

AUOKLAND R.O. AUTUMN MEET ING.

Auckland, April 3. The Auokland Baolng Olub concluded their Autumn Meeting to-day. The weather was showery and the attendance very poor. The following are tho re sults : — Ftrwabds' Handicap, of 80 aovs ; 1 mile. Ballata. 7at lib 1 Forma, 6at 71b 2 Artist, 6at 3 b < ... 3 Flying Stakes, of 30 sovb ; £mllo. Cinderella, 9at 3ib 1 Leopold, 7at 41b ... ... 2 Bangle, Bat 7lb 3 Automn Handioap, 150 soya ; I^mile. , Tamora, 7at 61b , 1 Silence, Oat 2;h 2 Sextant, 9st 3b 3 Autumn Stbbplkciiasb, 150 boys ; 3| miles. Huntsman Oat 101 b , ... 1 Magnesia, lOat 31b 2 Orangeman, lOat 31b ... 3 Eldbbslie Handicap, of 100 soya ; 6 furlongs. "Hilda, Bat 101 b 1 Tartar, 7at 81b ... 2 Rataplan, 7at 21b 3 Shorts Handicap, of 80 soys ; 6 furlongs. Cinderella, 9at 101 b 1 Squire, 7at 12ib 2 Bangle, 6st 12b ... ... 3

WOODBURY RACES.

At these races on Easier Monday tho principal events were deoided as follows: —

Hurdles, 15 soys, Malvlna ; Maldon Plate, 10 soys, Milkman 1, Matagouri 2 j Alleged Handioap, 10 soya, Rapid Bay 1, Vioeo 2 ; Woodbury Oup, 20 soya, Malvlna 1, Troquoia 2 ; Hurry Sourry, Little Wonder.

INDUCTION OF THE REV, W, FINLAYSON.

On Good Friday afteruoiD, th<^ Rev. William Flnlayson waa induced as Minister of the Methven-lian^ttata Pres byterian Church. The ceremony took place m the Sprlngburn School and was witnessed by a numerous gathoring from the various dlatriots constituting the oharge. Tho following Ministers, ware present, viz ,— Revs. A. M. Boattlo, Moderator (pro tern) ; J. Blmshe, Gr. Webster and A. Blake,

The Presbytery having been formed, the Rev. O. Webster oonduoted publio worship and preached a very able and Impressive sermon from Romans V., 10. Thereafter the Moderator related to the congregation the steps which had been taken aud had led up to the present meet' Ing, at which ths Minister-elect was now present. When an appeal for objections to the life and dootrioe of the Rev. Mr Finlayson waa unreßponded to, the Moderator put the ÜBual questions, and their being satisfactorily answered, the lnduotion prayer wee offered "and the Minister-elect received the right hand of fellowship from the members present. The Rev, A. Blake then suitably ad dressed the new pastor. This was followed by an address io the people by the Rev J Elmalie who admonished them as to the | mutual obligation existing between the [Miuister and his people, and the need of hearty co-operation. The ceremony was oonclodad by the beuedietion, pronounced by the Rev. Q. Webster.

In the evening a tea meeting was held whioh was well attended, aboat 200 people being present. The tables were supplied by Mesdamea Baxter, Puther ford and McGregor m a minne .whioh' spoke volumes for decorative <*t and oholoe profusion.

The Moderator, m introduoinf the new Minister to his charge, spoke I x highly eulogistic terms of Mr Finlajaou and congratulated the people m having obtained hia ministrations. Mr Beattie then vacated the chair m favor of the new pastor,

, The Rev, J, Elmslie, m opening hia remarks, said that the hardest thing m life to be overcome was prejudice. No amount of reason and argument oould penetrate the human breaat ii protected by this unreasonable shield. In many oases Ohuroh conservation and prejudloa went hand m hand j innovations were frequently regarded as the work of Satan Boma objeot to hymna, aud think the Psalrm of David should be the only sacred songs suog ln a ohuroh. Some would not listen to a minister if adorned m clerical robes, othe. a again regard suoh olerlo emblems as befitting and reverential. Mr Elmslie said that another very prevalent prejudioe was against "Paper Mio latere," that is those who read their sermons from the prepared manosoript There, were advantages m being able to Bway an audience untrammelled by book or dooumenjj, and wheu eye and gesture might be more effectively employed than wheu partially fettered to the reading desk or puipit. At the same time a carefully prepared manuscript had, generally speaking, immenno advantages over an extemporaneous oermon m its concentration of argument, methodical arrangement, and logical deductions ; and indeed aome of the greatest preachers o. tbe day were slavish readers of manuaorlpt sermons. Many so-called impromptu preaoheca m reality read, not with ibe written sermon before them, yet ftom it with the eye of memory. As an example he might mention the lato Dr Gathrie. Mr Elmalle said be would also like to say a word or two on Ohuroh finance. He waa sorry toaiy that the raising of stipend was badly managed ln many instances. The people wero not sufficiently alive to 00-operation. The people would not give their mites because they were not en couraged to do ao, whereas a Byatem of putting by 6d a week m a population of 300 people would amount to £390, or about £100 moro than waa at present needed for the aotual stipend m a oharge like the Rangltata-Methven.

Mr Finlayaon said he was glad to find so many of his new friends present on this occasion. It was an indication of friend liness which augured woil for successful work. He believed he had a very inter eating field of labour, though a wide one. Ho did not wish to make a long speeoh, as he thought modesty on an oooasion like the present became him more than mak ing himself conspicuous ln words or deeds, and he would therefore crave permission to resume his seat. '

Mr Blake and Mr Webster addressed the meeting, after whioh Mr Wailaoe, In a few well chosen words, presented a purse of money to Mr Beattie as a slight acknowledgment of the trouble and oare bestowed by him as Moderator of the oharge during the past twelve months. Mr Beatlie suitably replied, thanking the people tor thoir testimonial, whioh, how ever, he had not looked for, aa he had merely done hia duty.

The uaual votoa of thanks brought the meeting to a olose.

During tho evening the following musical items were rendered : — Sacred song — •' Oh land Of reat," Mias Anderson and Mr Hunter ; song, " The reaper and flowers," Miss Smith ; piano solo, Miss McDonald; song, "Bonnie Jean," Mr Grant ; song, " Bonnie hills of Scotland," Mias McDonald ; song, • 1 stood on the bridge at midnight," Miss Smith ; song, " Weel may the keel row," M.bb McDonald,

IDAHO METHODS OF DES TROYING RABBITS.

When out m Idaho, a year or two ago, I had some experience with rabbits, writes a New York " World " correspondent, They appoured m groat numbers along tho OregoD Short Lino, and at some townß destroyed all tho gardens Tho methods of destroying thorn were sometimes quite novel . One gentleman who had a grain field and garden patch surrounded the field with a board on his fenoe next the ground Abovo the board ho drew a wire vory tightly and juat olose enough to tho board to let the rabbits' h« ad through. In trying to got ovor tho board they got fast and honied themselves. Bis field was pretty well strung around every morning with dead rabbits. Another farmer put a bruah fence around hla field and horo and there made a hole through it, On the other side of the holes he sank large boxes m the ground. The bunnies would run through tho hole, fall into the boxes, and he unable to get out. Another farmer put boxes under hia fencea with tilting lids. Tho ontaide was firm enough, but no sooner would the rabbit attempt to run through than tho treacherous lid would tip up and land him m the bux below. Then it would tip back into its plaoe again and be ready for another rabbit* la the morning tho boys, armed with pltohforka, would go around tho field, kill the rabbits and pitch them lato a wagon. They often got a wagon loaded m a morning. Another method was tho " surround A largo pit or hole was dug m tho ground whore tho rabbits wero thickost, aud brush piled around tho pit for aome distance out. Thea the mou and boys made a Burround, heating the brush up and frightoning the bunnies toward the pit. As thoy. olosod m the rabbits would take refugo m the brush aro md the hola or pit. Whon all had closed m tho bruah was firoil all round iho outride, and the little creatures to;esoape the flames would jump into tho pit. Theso that did not fall into tho pit wore roasted or killed by. tho men and boys, who stood close together around the outside arm.9d with clubs and pitohf orka.— " Australasian atod South Amerioan,?' s

SYDNEY GRAIN MARKET.

Meaars Qoltiabron^h aud Oj report undor dato, March 21 :

The nmkot is brisk ; oata, being .scarce <uo m d*m*nd, and values show a slight rise. Wo quote-— ,-- Wheat— Milling 3 3 5d to 3a 6d : chiok fecd. 2iGl to 2s 9J.

Maize -New, 2 3 2d to 2. 6d, O.ATS-Primo, 2s Id to 2i 2d ; medium, 2o Off I ; inferior, la 9d to Is lOid. Bi.an— 7£d. a Pollard— Bi to B£d.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(r-BR PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

CHARGE AGAINST GORDON BENNETT.

New York, April 1. Jay Gould has published a charge against Gordon Bennett which, if true, will exclude Bennett from society.

GERMAN PRINCES IN RUSSIA.

St. Petersburg, April 2. The Russian Court of Appeal haa deprived the Princes of Hohenlolie and Wittgenstein of their status m Russia on the ground that they are foreigners;

SUGAR BOUNTIES.

Pabis, April 2. The Government scheme for secur ing the abolition of sugar bounties is dependent on many reservations.

THE FRENCH MINISTRY,

It is officially announced tbat M. Fioquet has formed a Ministry as follows :— M. Fioquet, Ministry of the Interior; M. Goblet. Minister for Foreign Affairs; M. de Freycinet, Minister of War ; M. Krantz, Minister of Marine and Colonies ; M. Peytral, Minister of Finance; M. Lockroy, Minister of Public Instruction; M. Legrand, Minister of Commerce and Industry. Several portfolios have yet to be allotted.

THE ABYSSINIAN WAR.

IWAB3OWAH, April 2. Ras Aloula is opposing the Italian conditions of peace. "

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE.

London, April 2, The National League intended hold ing a series of meetings on Sunday, but they were suppressed by the Govern ment.

GERMANY AND FRANCE.

Berlin, April 3. The German police are excluding all persons not provided with official pass ports from crossing the Alsace frontier.

ACCIDENT TO A STEAMER.

London, April 3. The Colonial Union Company's steamer jSelembria, which left Napier for London on the ist March, has put into Monte Video, South America, with her machinery disabled. The cargo of meat is seriously endangered m consequence of the breakdown.

AUSTRALIAN.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, April 3. One of the principal building firms have paid off all the masons m their employ, and are now offering ios a day instead of i is a clay, which is the ruling rate, alleging that they have lost so much lately that they cannot pay the ruling rate any longer, and that masons must give way as well as other trades. A meeting of the trade societies will be held to consider the position.

Two new born infants were picked up m the outskirts of the city yester day. At the inquest held to-day, verdicts of murder were returned m each case.

Cross, the bogus sweep promoter, was to-day fined ;£ioo and costs. Notice of appeal was given.

The child affected* with smallpox still lies m a critical state. No further cases are reported.

VICTORIA.

Melbotjbnb, April 3. A boat was capsized m the harbor to-day by the wash of a passing steamer, aod one man was drowned.

A TALE'OF TICK

At Auokland recently, two young tele graph clerks, of a somewhat hilarious disposition, found great amusement by oarrying on conversation with eaoh other at a hotel table by ticking on their plates with knife, fork or spoon. For the in formation of those not acquainted with telegraphy it may be well to state that combination of sounds constitute the telegraphiojalphabet and persons familiar with thoae sounds oan converse thereby as intelligently as with spoken words. While these fun-loving youths were seated at breakfast, a young man entered the dining-room with a handsome girl on his arm. Tho telegraphic tickers commenced as Boon aa the husband Bnd wife had seated themselves. No. 1 opened the dis course as folio wa :— •' What a lovely pigeon this is alongside me, ain't Bhe !', No. 2 : " Perfeotly charming ; looks as If butter would'nt melt m her mouth. Just married, 1 guess ; dont you think so %" No I : " Yoa, I should think Bhe was. If that oountry bumkin beside hor waa oat of ihe road, I'd give her a klaa for luok." No. 2 : "'Suppose you try anyhow." The reader may form some idea of the young men's consternation when the partner picked up hia knife and tioked off the following vigorous message : " This lady is my wifo, as soon as she finishes her breakfast, Ijpropoae to wring both of your nooks, you insolent young whelps 1"— «« Auokland Bell."

IHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 1888



Moon's Sun Sun Moon Moon ago at p-prll. lUbcb. Sots. Kires Bete, noonday ?I>.m. p.m. 2 Monday .. C.21 5.47 9.48 0.5 20 8 'fuasday .. 0.27 5.45 10.44 1,8 21 4 Wednesday,. 0.23 5.43 11.43 2 4 22 6 Thursday .. 0.24 5.41 * * 2,63 33 a.m. 6 Friday.. .. 0.28 5.30 0.45 3.35 24 7 Saturday ... 0.20 6jSB 1.47 4.9 25 8 Sunday .. 0.27 530 3.40 4.39 20



The best medioine is Sander and Sons' Euoalypti Extraot. Test its eminent power- ful effeots m ooughs, oolds, influenza, etc— the relief is instantaneous. Thouaands give the moat gratifying toatimony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medioal syndicates all over -the globe are its patrons. Bead the official reports that aooompany each bottle. We have no oooaßion to offer rewards m proof of tho genuineness of our referenoes. The offioial reports of medioal olinios md univer- sities, the oflioicial communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne ; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam— all theae are authentic doou- monts, and, as suoh, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various oases treated at the olinio of Schultz, M.D., Pro- feaaor. eto.—" 0.8., 24 yeara old ; oonges- tional abscess on the thigh. Inoisions 13 made m two plaoea. Although Lister's dressing was applied, the seoretion beoame, two days later, very oopioua, and had adopted a foetid, deoomposed oharaoter. The temperature rose anormously, In oonsequenoe the dressing waa removed, and on ita place were made during the day-time repeated irrigations with Euoalypti Extraot. The offenaive foeter dis- appeared ' very soon, the fever abated within a few daye, and the patient recovered after the lapse of several weeks. In this instance we must not lose Bight of the faot that the latter treatment saved the patient's life.' •*• (Advt.) '•§•'



Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — Aa winter advanoes and tho weathor beoomea more and more inoloment and trying the earliest evidenooa of ill-health must be im- mediately checked and romoved, or a slight illness may result m a serious malady, Belaxed and sore throat, quinaey, influenza, chronic oough, bronohitis, and most other pulmonary affections will bo relievo! by rubbing this cooling Ointment into the skin as nearly as practicable to the seat of mis- chief. This treatment, Bimple yet offeotive, is admirably adapted for the removal of these diseases during infanoy and youth. Old asthmatic invalids will derive marvellous relief from the uf» of Holloway's remedies, whioh have wonderfully relieved 1 mtiny Buoh sufferers, and re-established health after every thee means bad signally filled



Skinny Men. — " Wella' {lealth Bennwer, restores health and vigor, oures Pyapepaia jimpotenoo, Sexual Debility. At ehot#iatß an &tZ- ai *te, Komptborne. frogserfaadlCp Bgwte, rißtou*..".



Wanted. WANTED Apprpntioes to Dreas- ] making. Apply to Miss Kemnitz, 1 at John Orr and Oo.'s. 4 13 i TO LET,— The Auotlon Room belong- Ing to the Royal Hotel. Apply to Mrs Toffin. 3, 194 . \u25a0\u25a0\u25a0 — \u25a0 WANTED everyone to seoure a supply of Ashburton Colored Flannells, Scarlet, Bluo, Navy, Pink, and Marone, at less than the prico of imported at the Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saundorß* buildings, and nowhere eleso at any price. B. Alcorn. WANTED to Sell— A First-class Piano grand action. Cash or torms very liberal. Apply Hayes and 00. BOOTS.— We have reduced onr Boot List, and are Belling them wonder- fully cheap.— H. 0. Seobbs, Melford House. WANTED Known.— Melford House is now Bhewlng a splendid assortment of Drapery, Millinery, Cloth- ing, Boots, &o, very oheap. ~\\ rANTED— Everyone to come and VV see the nloest lot of Glass, China, and Earthenware ever shown ln ABhbnr- ton, and the Oheapest ever landed m New Zealand. Imported direct from tho Manufacturers.— -Robbkt Aloorn, Saun- ders' 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. O. Segers, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholio Subjects Catholio Oards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, Ac, Ac, at Mbb Manhibe's Fanoy Repository, Saunders' Buildings r. TRY * KIRKPATRICK'S _\ SPECIAL QUALITY FRESH FRUIT X " X " -J A. M S .- I NOTICE. _ /"\UR Special Quality "X" brand of \_J New Season's JAM is made from Fresh Fruit, within a few houre after It has been gathered; It thus retains the full flavor of the Fresh Fruit, and is the best qaality It is possible to make. , CAUTION: None Is Genuine unless our Name is stamped on the Tin, and has our regis- tered Tiade Mark, the letter \u25a0' X,"on the ko Label, Id jjj S. KffiKPATRICK AND CO., £ MANUFACTURERS, re NELSON. io a- al to , .— i ... iV io l> \u25a0t ii Important. i" m&E Proprietors of the NEW ZEA- -1 LAND CLOTHING FACTORY, at the request of a large number of their Customers, have decided to continue their Ashburton Branoh. Onr Manager, Mr W. Sparrow, has just seleoted an entirely NEW STOCK, Suitable for the approaohing Season, and with a view of commanding a Large Business, he has our instruc- tions to mark ALL GOODS AT THE Lowest Factory Prices. Our Olothing being manufactured of the best New Zealand TWEEDS, well out and well made, Is known bs superior to any otber make, and obtained the GOLD AND SILVER MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AT THK WELLINGTON EXHIBITION. HALLENSTEIN BROS & 00. A new and virled Stook of HOSIERY, HATS, SHIRTS. SOARFS, TIES, PORTMANTEAUS, &0., &o„ To select from, all marked at tho Loweßt Faotory Prices. 3 09



HIEER. TIMBER. TIMBER. ! KhE UNDERBIGNED can Supply every Requisite for BUILDING PURPOSES. _!_ Timber, Iron. R : dging, Spouting, Nails. Doors, Boshes, Cooking Ranges, ifcegisters, Paints, Oils, Brushes, Paperhanginge, Window Glass (all sizes), Locks and Ii ges. A L S O,— NEWCASTLE OOAL WEBTPORT OOAL NATIVE OOAL FIREWOOD SHORT LENGTHS. McCallum and Co., TIMBER AND COAL MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS. W. H. COLLINS, Manager. THE CHEAPEST PLACE IN TOWN ;o; ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE EAST STREET ASHBURTON <* ,a^A^ SELLING OFF, q « 5 ipi^ Great Redactions, /^i^k r 15 PER CENT DISCOUNT flfcSoJ^Sl Jl Z Sllilll^ FOB ONE \ •"* TD "HyfURRAY, Jeweller, having secured the Premises lately C J JLt>. jLVi ocoupled by Mb Nkatb, Ohemist, is now offering hie w STOOK at a % CO DISCOUNT OF 3s IN THE £ PREVIOUS TO REMOVAL. j 3 26 r ... i • i.i DIPPING SEASON, 1888. BROOKE'S " Perfect " Sheep Dip. IS TBE BEST FOR THE WOOL, AS PROVED BY PRAOTIOAL TESTS. PREPARED m accordance with the latest advancements In ohemlstry as applied t the Woollen Manufacturing Industry. It Ib a deoided Improvement on the ol fashioned dips and only requires a trial to prove its superiority. At tho late Sheejc dipping Competition, conducted by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Assoole tlon, the Kaiapoi Woollen Co., on behalf of the Association, for wool dyeing an general manufacturing purposes, awarded the first place to Brooke's " Perfeot" Shee Dip ; In fact, Brooke's Dip was the only one that actually improved the wool m thi important respeot, tbe undipped wool being second, whilst all the others were mor or l»H discolored. The Association also pronounced BROOKE'S "PERFECT" SHEEP DIP to be superior to the Zealandia, Little's, Hatoh's, Cooper's and McDougall's, and ais to leave the wool ln better condition than Thomas' Dip. Brooke's Dip having oor •equently been proved to be better than the English Dips, your praotioal support c the colonial artiole is respectfully solicited. To ensure Brooke s Dip being mor thoroughly lasting ln Its good effects, m future it will be sent ont 20 per oent strongs free of extra charge, Proportions for use. — One Gallon of Dip to 100 Gallons t water. Mixes readily with oold water ; does not require stirring while dipping Remarkably emollient, leaving the wool In perfeot oondition, without the slightei \u25a0tain from tbe first day of Dipping. Oonoentrated m composition to reduoe oost c oarriage, and put np In a portable handy form for nse, it is also one of the oheapsi Dips ln the Market. REDUCED PRIOE : 14s per tin, to make 200 gallons wash ; 70s per esse, oon tatning 5 tins, to make 1000 Gallons ; 65s per oase for not less than 5 oasea Paokagei free. a»ix6 F. MAKEIG, Agent, Ashburton Mmmmmmmmmmmm, \u25a0 i i. i n i \u25a0 i n I i . \u25a0 GEORGE JAMESON* WEST STREET HAS FOR SALE,— Eye fJoYii* and Cape Barley, Plough Shares, Little's Sheep Dip, Thomas' Sheep Dip. AGENT FOR— New Zealand Firo and Marine Insurance Company. B«ka>a GROWING OROPS or bTACKS accepted at lowest current ratea, CASH PURCHASER OP WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY. 2 THE STANDARD FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE OOMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. WITH UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS.) CAPITAL— £I,OOb7OOO STERLING. HEAD OFFICET DUNEDIN, INSURERS have the most undoubted Security under tbis Company's Polioies together with an assurance of Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. FIRE and MARINE RISKS accepted on all descriptions of Property and Merchandise also Crop, Stack, and Machino Risks at Lowest .Mates of Premium. Fidelity of Persons holding situations of trust guaranteed. JOFFIOE £ HEREFOBD STREET, CHRISTOHUROH. (Oppoaite.Bank./.f New Zealand.) ARCHIBALD^SCOTT, Manager for Canterbury. f| AIjBEBT BOBBBTS, 1 6 .AGENT, ASHBURTON