THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz. : — IP PAID IN ADVANCE Per Quarter.. 6s Cd by post, 9s 63 Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37a Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by pont, 10a 9d  Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birtb, Marriage, and Deatb Notices, if paid for at the izae of insertion 2s 6d eaoh (stamps may Bent as payment) if booked, 4s each. i Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publioation from the country distriota require to be verified by the signature of the person sending? the notice.

TO CORRESPONDENTS

Attention to the following rulus will save tho writers of correflyondenoo a good deal of tronblo : — We' cannot under t.iko to rernrn rejected oomrauoloations. Ko uotlco cm ho takoo of anonymous cotnraanlcationa Whatever ia intended for Inaortlon In this jonrnal mast be authenticated by the came and uddreso of the writer, not necessarily for pnbli cation, bat »b a guarantee of good faitb Letters aud other ootnmanicatione in tended for Insertion In the nowu column ahoold be addressed to The Editor; and tkll baainesß oomraanicatlons, In cladfog sdvertlssmenta, addressed to The Abhburton Publishing 00.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1888. THE PANAMA CANAL.

It is not Burprising that tbe mere rumor that the Canal Company was m difficulties should have created so much excitement m Paris the other day, Many thousands of the bourgeoisie and of the humbler classes have invested all their savings m the great worfe which is under the superintendence of M. de Lesseps, and which has come to be re garded m France as a national inter prise, and its collapse would mean serious loss to all, and nothing short of ruin to many. Although the fears ex cited were for the moment allayed, it is now evident that they were only too well founded, for M. Charles de Lesseps has had to admit that the attempt to raise the new lottery loan upon which depended the obtainment of the funds required for the prosecution of the work has resulted m failure. In view of the faot that sixty million pounds sterling — ' all or nearly all French money — has been sunk m the undertaking (largely it is to be feared m useless machinery and m extravagant wholly unnecessary expenditure), it was only to be expected that the Government would endeavor to avert the total failure of the enterprise. 3 his they did, but unavailingly, for as will be seen the French Chamber by a majority of nearly eighty refused to pass the Bill by which the Government sought to meet the emergency. In consequence of this the inevitable result has followed, the com pany has suspended and is declared bankrupt, having spent some sixty million pounds sterling and being in debted it seems to the extent of no less than forty-two millions more. No such tremendous crash has ever been known m modern times, indeed there has- been nothing at all like it since the bursting of the famous " fc'outh Sea Bubble." The consequences will be nothing short of disastrous, and mean nothing legs than ruin to thousands of Frenchmen and Frenchwomen. As regards the Canal itself, however, it is not impossible that its construction may be hastened by the disaster, as it is quite on the cards that the United States may now step m, buy up the works, and push them on to com pletion. It is to be hoped that this will be the case.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There are 1425 charaotera m the 24 books that Charles Diokens wrote. The ex-Empress Eugenic ie said to have given direotions lor the cremation of her body after her death* Mr Hugo lectures at Seafield thi» evening, at Elgin tomorrow, and at Eakaia on Thursday. In twelve months the loss to creditors m England and Wales through bftnkruptoy proceedings exoecded seven millions sterling. A vegetarian hotel is an innovation m London. There are already SO vegetarian restaurants m that city. A Soathorn exchange Bayo it is asserted that on a Southland station reoently, 25 dead lambs were found with a ferret* puncture over the heart, and tha blood suoked. The local agents have received information that the Mnßsey reaper and binder seaured the gold medal at the Victorian Grand National Competion. The island of La Costi, on the Florida ooast is being set out with oocoanut trees so rapidly that it will soon bo one immense grove. Boulanger went out of the Frenoh War Pepartment because he was too savoy; yet the pew Minister who has gone m to euoooed him is "Sauaeifir," The Bank of England is ths most extensive banking institution m the world. It employs over 1000 clerks, and its buildings cover eight acres. A curious living is made by women m New York by going about from house to house to comb and dress the hair of invalids or indolent women. Mistress (to new servant) : "We have breakfast generally about eight o'olook," New Servant : " Well, mum, if I ain't down to it, don't wait." The violenoe of the expansion of water when freezing is sufficient to cleave a globe of oopper ol Buch thickness as to require a force of 27,0001 bto produce the same effect. At the collection at Dr Parker's meeting m Queen f Anne street Church, Dunfermline, lately there were no fewer than 1400 three penny pieces. Tha smallest book m the world is m the possession of the Earl of Dufferin. It is an edition of the sacred book of tho Sikhs, and is said to be only half the size of a postage stamp. Professor J. A. Linter placed the total number of insect species m the world at 320,000. Of those found m North America 7000 or 8000 species are fruit pests, and at lasat 210 attack the apple. We see by the Wellington papers that the parson whoße sudden death from heart disease was repeptly telegraphed was not Mr Whittem of Wellington, but Mr H. J. Whitton, of Alicetown, Lower Huti, The following prioes were feeing realised for frozen meat m London at the beginning of November : — Cargo by the Coptic — Sheep, 4H to sd; beef, 3d to 4£d. Elderslie— Sneep, 4jd to sd. Euapehu— Sheep, 4£d to sd. Keating's Powder destroys bpth moth, fleas, beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to dqmestic animals. In exterminat ing beetles, the success of this powder i? extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m appli cation. See the axticle you purchase is Keatings as imitations are noxious and m., effectual Sojd m tins, 6d. is, and 2s 6d by ftllcfeemuls -" ■ ■ ■

George H. Vanderbilt has bought 1000 acres of land near Ashvillo N. 0., and intends to found three great industrial schools for poor white children m the Southern Stltes. : A man who went fiahing m a private fond m a suburban town complains that he only } got one bite and that was from a dog whose i master owns ihe pond. | Laziness grows on people — it b6gi:)S m ' cobwebs and ends m iron chains. The more work one has to do m tbe world tbe more one is able to accomplish for he learns to econo mise his time. The steeling qualitioa of Firth's patent germina are steadily asserting themselves, no lees than 17,8911 b having rodo into consump tion m Canterbury since its introduction at the end of last August. An old lady was admiring Landeeer'a beautiful picture called " Saved." It's no wondor," said she, " that the' poor child fainted after pulling that great dog out of the water." The ww wave has swept over Switzerland. Her Military Budget, which was 11,000,000* ten years ago, is now over 20,000,000, and an extra credit of 20,000,000 has just keen demanded to re-arm her infantry with the new small bore repeating rifle. Sound travels at the rate of 1142 feet per second — about thirtoen miles m a urinate. So that it we hear a dap of thunder half a minute after the flash, we may oaloubte that the disoharge of eUotrioity is Bis and a hall miles off. Mr J. T. Macßon says that he invested br a olient m England £400 m Cbristohursh city properties 31 years ago, and since then he has remitted m principal and interest £69,323 and he has over £10,000 worth yet to reatee. Probably the richest Welshman Imn; is (says a Home paper) Mr G. W. Taylor, who recently returned to Melbourne to realise his estate there, previous to taking up his abode m this country. It is announced that he has disposed of his property for the immense lum of £4,385,000. j The Edinburgh correspondent of the"O&go Daily Times," writing on October 18 ays: — Much of this year's crop will never riper at all now while much iB also blaokensd by frost. Already, accounts have been published of unout corn standing amidst snowjn the higher parts of Banffshire. A son of the Rev W. E. Greene, of Loncbn, a gentleman who was then doing temponry duty for the Rev D. El well, at Edington, rear Brightwater, playfully discharged a pea-gin at a nurse-girl a few days ago. The pa struck her m the forehead and entered he brain, death ensuing within a few minutes, A farmer m Barry County, M. A., forty years of age, is only 2ft 9in tall and weighs 46 pounds. He owns a farm of 390 acies, which he manages himself. He is married to a medium- sized woman and has ive children. He has been a Justioe of he Peace for nine years, and his name ia Samuel Gilmore. Sayß the " Taranaki News " : — Furriers may congratulate themselves that the iro speotß for the next six months at leist ire particularly "rosy" for dairy produce. 'Ye hear of the proprietor of one factory who las sold the whole of the season's butter for w Is lid per lb, the purohase being efiectedfor the Australian market, Minister to north country woman whise sick husband he has been visiting : "?m very glad to have been of any oomfort to ytur poor husband, my good woman. But wiat made you send for me instead of your own minister ? " " Weel, sit, it's typhus my poor husband's got, and we dinna think it jast net for oor am minister to rjn the risk," Mr J. B. Bandereon, general manager tf ' ' tbe New Zealand Mutual Creditors Assocu tion, has been on a visit to Ashburton, aad haa asked ua to draw attention to the idvsn tages of the Association as detailed m cur 1 advertising columns. He has appointed Hr > J. O. Duncan looal agent, and informs us . that tbe Association has already collected i £20,000 within the three years of ita existence for New Zealand firms, and having 120 ' agenoies is enabled to afford practical advan • tages m reaohing defaulting or absentee i debtors. i The Aahburton Baoing Olub are having i the racecourse put into thorough^, order, and all traces of the effects of their recent race ' meeting and the bad weather removed*. A ' number of further improvements _ ia tie 1 accommodation for offioiala and racing men ; are also to be effected. It is satisfactory to [ learn that notwithstanding the extremely i unfavorable weather, whioh made the ' attendance much smaller than it would I otherwise have been, the aooounts of the [, recent 3priog meeting show a fair margin ol j profit. ■ A gathering of a pleasing nature took place r m the. Tinwald Presbyterian Church or Thursday evening "last. With the view n| " augmenting the funds of the Sabbath School I a scholars servioe of song was decided upoi and that entitled "The Ministry of Jesus' waa selected. Mr Dunn, from Flemington, gave the readings, and a number of soholan trained by Miss Blake gave the songs, which were numerous and some of them difficult, . yet all were rendered m a very creditable manner. The Bey A, Blake prefaced tbf entertainment by a suitable address, and Mi L Waite moved a vote of thanks to those who ' had promoted and carried through the meet ing, and said that he would have been glad to see more preßent to encourage that olase | of entertainment.

A correspondent of the " Scientific Ameri can," writing from providence, R.L, on August 10, Bays:— The aea serpent seen off Watoh Hill, 8.1., is reported again m the same district. The sloop Mary Lane, Captain Delory, wan lately on her homeward trip from New London, and when two miles south-west of Point Judith, on Saturday, Captain Delory sighted a monstrous head two feet above the water and about 50 yards distant. The appearanoe of the head ia desoribed as like that of ap alligator, The jaws looked to be at least five feet m length, ahd were Btudded with teeth six inches long, while the eyes were as large as the crown of a hat. Buck from the head ran a huge fin. Tho body moved rapidly through the water. The entire length of the creature, as estimated m its passing the boat, was about 70 feet. The captain says it was within about ten feet as it swept by the vessel. Glimpses of its body, which was about the size of a barrel, showed bright greyish Boales.

The question of oaloulatinp attendance at sohool by atriot average instead of that known as working average, was dealt wilh m a report laid before the Wellington Board of Educa tion lately by the Inspector. Mr Lee says that m his opinion the method of calculating { bj the working average is the fairer and more satisfactory one, mainly beoauae of the fast that when the strict average system is employed teachers are more liable to loss of salary from occasional filling off m attend- ' anoe brought about by causes over which they have absolutely no control, such as floods and epidemics. The Chairman agreed with the Inspeotor, pointing out that is was very unfair to teachers tp eq force theetriot average introduced by the Government Jn the paae i of Newtown, for instance, where there waa an j epidomio recently, the teaoher lost consider- 1 able salary through the attendance being calculated by striot average. The Rev J. Patterson and Mr J. Young also expressed themselves to the same effeot. The Chairman | further observed that the strict average | system waa vicious, and calculated on a wrong basis. On the motion of Mr Bunny, it was resolved to support the South Canterbury Eduoation Board m an effeot to have the average calculated on the working basis. ' Statutory Declaration.— l, Franz Raabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Yjotoria, Australia, do solemnly and ainoerely deolare { that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, aix yeara of age, was accidentally hurt with ! an axe on his knee. lat onpe tpok $11 pains to seoure medical assistance, IJowflver, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Maogillivray | that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At this juncture I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of the Euoalyptus Globujus, and by the application of the same I bad the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, and to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the orisis had been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied, and I make thia solemn declaration, etc, — Franz Raabe. peolared at Sandhurst, m the colony of Viotoria, Australia, this seventeenth < day of Ootober, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven before me. Morita Cohn

THE PANAMA CANAL

(PBJH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Pakis, December 17, ' The rejection of the Bill providing for assistance to the Panama Canal has caused a great sensation m the city, and the tone of the Boulangist Press is very angry. The Ministry are now consult ing Messrs Kothachild m the matter. The Boulangist journals violently assail tbe Chamber of Deputies for abandoning a million citizens to ruin by rejecting- the Panama Bill. The excite ment m the city is becoming hysterical. It is doubted if tbe 92 000,000 francu deposited will be sufficient to meet the lottery priaes. A general meeting of the Panama Canal Company is being convened. In consequence of the action of the Chamber of Deputies political trouble is feared. London, D«cember 17. The " Times," m referring to the col lapse of the Panama scheme, considers it Boulanger's chance of pushing reac tionary measures.

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD.

• ' ■■■ » The usual monthly meeting of the above Board waa held on Thursday, December 13th: Preaent — Messrs Wm. McMillan (Ohairmati), J. Johnston, D. Cameron and J. Jickeon. It was resolved to levy a rate of 3-10fchs of a penny ia the £ on all rateable pro perty m the dlatriot for the year ending March 31st, 1889. It waa decided to order the timber re quired i>t culverts from Oxford. Mr Black's tender for alterations to bridge near tho slaughter house, Methven, waa acoepted. Mi airs Cameron and Jackson were appointed to inspect the road on Springfield for whioh tenders had been called, and to call for fresh tenderafor the work, It waa decided to ahlngle the worst parts of the Lyndhurst road, cost not to exceed £100 Letters were received fr;m Messrs J. Holmes, J. Robs, J. Weir, 0, Chapman, nnd Asbburton County Council. It was deoided to put In foot plattku where re quired, and that the Clerk sell dog collars for the County Council as last year. The supplementary roto roll and state ment of Urown Lauds rateable for*oarrent year were teceived. Messrs Jackson and McMillan were appointed to inspect tbe oroßslngs on tho West 0 aat road required by Mr Cameron, frpriugfield. Accounts to tho amount of £131 11b 2d were passed for payment,

FLEMINGTON GOSPEL TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

Tbe closing meeting of the Flemington Gospel Temperance Society and Band of Hope was held en Fcidey evening last In the ooboolhouae. The ohairman, the Rev A. Blake opened the meeting, and gave an address on Ibe discovery and properties of alcohol. A varied and in teresting programme waa then gone through. There was a large attendance, considerable over a hundred, several of the desks aa well as the forms being brought itto requisition as seats Mrs Dunn gave a very appropriate song " Tbe Bonny Bit of Blue," and some amusing readings were given by Mr R. Gilinour. Me Dakeru and Mr Dunn sing veiy pitiaaingly, the latter ushering m the re freshments by a song highly orm mondatory of tea. An interval enßued during whioh an abundant supply of good things waa handed rouad, and the pro gramme was resumed. Mr Harding give an exoellent reading conveying go id ODunsel to young people intending marriage. Me H, MoOoonell pleadingly rtndorod tho Bong " A rolling etone gathers no moss 1 " Mr Andrews and Mr ■Joaea from Aehbarton g&vo addreßees, I the former m his hearty wuy commanding tha practice and principles of temperance, the latter advocating the use of tbe badge. Mrs John Oaborne gave a pathetic reading illustrative of the evils of drink, and Mr John Oaborne delighted tbe audience with a song. Tbe Chairman Rave a humorous Scotch reading, ''The Blue Ribbon Re-? ornlt," which caused some hearty laughter, and Mr James Osborne gave an exoellent song. As ten o'clock had now arrived, It waa deemed d> aireble to bring the meet ) ing to a close, all having apparently en joyed themselves very much. Mr Watkina I moved a vote of thanks to the Rev Mr Blake and those who had co operated with him to make the meetings during tbe year a success, which waß duly responded to, and ere the party broke up, the Ssoretary, Mr James Osborne, waa busily engaged receiving additions to the membership to I the number of nine.

THE AUCKLAND TRAGEDY.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

AUOKI.AKD, December 17. The Inqaeat ou the roicalna of Kate Kennedy, the woman shot on Prid»y, was held to-day »t the Hospital, before Dr. Philaon, Coroner, Sergeant ftl'Mahon deposed to having been called to Michael M'Dermott'ti on the niyht of the murder. Witness asked M'Dermott why he h*d shot himself, a^d the latter replied : " Because that Kate Kennedy ia every night tempting me and robbing me. She j ban been at me this foar or five years. I ehot her too. I dleoharged three bhots, two at myaelf and one at her. She broke my tobacoo, and my oandle, and I fired at her first and then at myself." Papers belonging to M'Dermott were prodaoed at the enquiry, bat Inspector Broham, who represented the police, stated that theßo papers contained a large amount of correspondence, anl It would take the Jury about two houra to go through them. They oontalned charges agaloit a number of peraonß who were possibly innocent, and they ought not therefore to be made public, eepeolally as M'Darmott'a mind must have been unhinged. He suggested that the letters should be read privately by the Jury. Mr Braeaey, who said he appeared m the interests of the deceased womtn, irged that the letters should be read, and should, moreover, be placed ia the hands of tho Breas, After a some- what sharp dlsoUßsion, the question wan snbmltled to the Jnry for decision, and they resolved that the letters Bhould ba read privately by themselves when they retired to consider their verdict, Joseph H. Neylon, a neighbor of M'Dermott, who entered the hoina shortly after the affray, deposed that M'Dermott admitted shoot ing himself and the woman ; and evidence to this effoot was also gives by Dr Hooper. Dr Lindsay stated that there was vow considerable probability that M'Dermott would recover. Bafure the jury retired Superintepdent Brohamexplalned through < the Coroner that it waa no question for a jury as to whether M'Dermott was insane; thit waa a question for the Supremo Court." After about a quarter of an hbur'a deliber ation the Jury brupght m » verdiot "That the deceased died from a gun shot wound inflicted hy Miohaal M Dermott." It was pointed out that this was an open verdiot, but the Jary replied that they did not wish to express an opinion aa to the man's sanity. After a little discussion they agreed to add <o the verdiot the clause "But whether fßfcjntional or otherwiae there is no eyideuce to tthny."

SPORTING.

WELLINGTON OUP. (FEU PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, December 17* Tha following feoceptanoea were received fn-m'aht for Thk Wblmnoton Cup, 400 aova. Two miles. st Ib at 1b Loohisl ... 812 Meta ... 7 0 'nantoa ... 810 St. Okie ... 7 0 Silenoa ... 8 6 Lenore ... 6 8 Whisper ... 711 Little Sornb 6 8 Maryborough 710 Man Friday 6 7 Sultan ... 7 8 Enid ... 6 fe Dudu ... 7 7 Oopid ... 6 5 British Lion 7 6 Remington 6 0 ReoloQo ... 7 5

CRICKET

MIDLAND 0.0. V ASHBUftTON. A cricket match between n team from the Midland Olub (Ohrlstoburoh), *nd one representing Aahbarton, was pl»yed Id the Dom<sia ground yesterday. Ash burton won the toss and went to the wicket, bnt only sucoeeded m putting together 49, the Mldlftnder& following with a score of 86. la their aeoond innings Ashbarton made a very pood stand, knocking op 90 before they wore dlepOßed of. The game waß awarded m favor of the Midland Olab on the first inolnge. Following are the aoorea : — AsHßtnaTON — Ist Innings, Strange, c and b Aflhley 12 G Andrews, o Skelton, b Ashley .., 0 Duinaretq, o Skelton, b Ashley ... 3 Denshire, c and b Aahby, ... ... 0 Oranfield, hit wicket ... ... ... 8 Kneoo, b Garty , «,, ... 4 Sawle, b Qarty 0 L. F. Andrewes, not out ... ,„ 12 Makeig, run out ... 1 CuthbertaoD, b Aehby ... ... 2 Blake, stumped Skelton ... ... 0 Extrsß 7

Total ... 49 Midland — let Innings. Raynor, b Andrews ... ... ... 8 Cohen, run out ... 13 Barnes, o Andrews, b Strange ... 15 Bkelton, b Strange 0 Aoh by, o and b Damareaq 14 Woodward, o Andrews, b Strange ... 2 Blekeley, o Strange, b Oranfield ... 3 Garty, b Strange ... ' ... ,„ 4 Buchanan (sub), not out 19 Bttt'er (suh), o Sawle, b Strange ... 1 Kane (sub), b Strange 0 Extras ... ,„ , ,„ 7 Total 86 Ashbokton— 2nd Innings. Strange, o Baohanan, b Skelton ... 15 LF. Aodrewea oßatler, b Skelton... 0 G. Andrews, b Bnynor 29 Gran field, b R»yaor ... ... ... 10 Denshire, b Gsrty 17 Duauresq, o Asbby, b Barnes ... 13 Kueen, o A&hby, b Barnes ... ... 0 Makelg. b Garty ... 1 Sawle, b Barnes ... ... ... 1 Blake, not oat... ... : ... 1 Extras 3 Tpul ... 90

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

(Pbe Press Association.) New Plymouth, December 17. Martin Petrie wag charged with petjary this morning at the Polios Court, and the oaae is now proceding. This ia the second case oat of four arising through the evidence given m a civil case some tlm Binoe. An important deolsion wan given today which is of interest to Charitable Aid Boards, An oid man named Murphy who for yeara has been m receipt of charitable aid has recently beooma entitled to a remission land certificate under (he Naval and Military Settlers Act of last session which 1b valued at £30. The Charitable Aid Board applied to the Court for an order authorising the Board to aell the lacd scrip and retain the pro ceeds. The Seoretary stated that the Board had expended £49 Id supporting Marphy. It was objected to by Marphy who said that aa long as tbe money lasted he guaranteed not coming on the Board for relief. The Court sanctioned the diapoaal of tbe ecrip by the Board, Marphy protesting nod stating that he would write to the Horae Guards about it, Wellington, December 17. A young m»n named Frank Ross, aged 27) was drowned m the harbor at five o'clock this evening. He w&b a laborer on the hulk European, lying alongside the wharf, and m ascending from a boat on to the hulk he oaught hold of a fender wbioh gave way. Deceased fell Into the water and never rose. The body was reoovered twenty minutes Afterwards, but all efforts at resuscitation failed. He wan a single man. At a meeting of the Wellington share holders of the Equitable Soolety it was unanimously resolved that it was desirable to carry on the business under new management. Dunedin. December 17- There are 114 candidates foe the Education Board's scholarship. An important will cue Involving several thousands of priuoda will be beard at the February sittings of the Supreme Court.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Pkr Press Association.) MR GLADSTONE. I London. December 17. Speaking at Limehouse Mr Gladstone said it was impossible to produce evidence prior to the meeting qf the Parnell Commission supporting his statement m 1882 incriminating the Parnellites with crime m Ireland, and it was inexpedient to re-open the matter. All along the route to Limehouse, where he addressed a meeting on Saturday, Mr Gladstone received an ovation. In his address he complained m strong terms of the action of the TJnionists sitting on the Qpposition benches. He propounded a political programme, including triennial Parlia ments and free State education.

LOCAL OPTION.

An amendment to the Local Option Bill, empowering each district to legis late for itself m the matter of Sunday closing of hotels was pagsed m the House of Commons.

LORD DUFFERIN'S FAREWELL.

Calcutta. December 17. Lord Dufferin, m his farewell speech, to-day, said he was leaving India without a cloud on her poMtical horizon.

THE AMERICAN MINISTER.

Washington. December 17. It is reported that Mr J. G. Blame has accepted the position of Secretary of State under the new President.

SERVIA.

Belgrade, December 17« Portentous events irj Seryia are ex pected. .. ' '

AH M.L.C IN TROUBLE

.» — [PBB PRBSS ASSOCIATION.! Auckland, December 18 The Hon. Wm Swaneoo,- M,L.O;^ »hd Harry S. Qonnop, charged aader the Police Offeuoen Act with fighHng:ln Queen Street bu the sth Inat, were fiued 42a each and cats. The affair arosa by Oonnop aov.iel"K Mr Swanuon of taking £200 a yesr of I'obMc m?ney. Blows were ex* chafed, A Inay »'. pp?a between tbe oombatnnts, and a policeman who was a -w.ituesa o f the aff r rhs^e n oafle of It

PARNELL COMMISSION.

[BY BLROTBIO TEL Oil iPH—OOPYBIGHT.] (pek PKEBS AgsotfiArrok.) •Ifß;coa:v;*rt Dumber 18, noon.) LoNDONi D'omaber 17. Mr W. O'Brien, editor of the "United Ireland," who was arrested by order of the Committes for publishing an insult* ing article m his paper, will be tried when the Commission resumes its sittings m January.

THE WEATHER IN AUSTRALIA

... (PER PKEB3 ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, December 17. Rain has fallen m the southern districts but it is fine elsewhere. In Queensland, Victoria and South Aus tralia the weather is generally fine. At Bulli yesterday a man named Mulhol land was killed by lightning. The storm was experienced generally all over ths colony and was of unusual severity. ADELAIDE, December 17. The Government valuator who has recently traversed the whole colony reports that the country is m a terrible condition and that the season is the worst experienced for the pasr 35 years. In many districts the rabbits have been completely exterminated for want of water. Kangaroos, he states, are remarkably scarce from the same cause. Carcases of sheep are lying m hundreds around water holes.

(Reoelved December 18, 12.45 p.m.) Sydnbv, rß^cember 18. Accounts of the storm on Sunday from the suburbs and country districts report heavy damage by flood waters. The rain will have the effect of bringing the grass on rapidly. Brisbane, December 18. Two more deaths have been caused by excessive heat at Croydon and Paterson, '

EASTERN NEWS.

(PBK PRESS A8800IATION.) Thursday Island, December 17. Eastern news by the 8.1. Company's steamer states that by a fire at Tien- Tsin, a port of China, 40 houses were destroyed. Five fires occurred m Hong Kong m one day. Great damage to property resulted, but no loss of life is reported. The fortifications at Pescadores Is land, Formosa Channel, are proceeding. Heavy floods were caused by the Yellow River overflowing its banks, and great misery resulted. Govern ment are supplying provisions to over 1 00,000 people who have been deprived of their homes. The loss of life is estimated at a million, and the greatest distress prevails. Cholera, is raging at-fionoa,-but-io the Philippine Islands it is dying out. At Manilla 360 deaths occurred out of 800 cases reported m five weeks. At Canton the silk trade is depressed

THE SIEGE OF SUAKIM.

: • : (PJB FBKS ASSOCIATION.) Suakih, December 17. It is stated here that the Mahdi m a letter to Osman Digna writes that the officer m reporting the capture of Erain Bey mentioned that the white traveller was Stanley. The cavalry who reconnoitred the enemy's trenches to-day, report them to be very strong, and thaf the followers of the refcel leader are numerous. The country is open and free from bush. The Mahdi says that Emm Bey and Stanley were fettered and delivered captive by Osman Salek, the Mahdi's Lieutenant Fado, another white tra veller, escaped, but it was expected that he might be recaptured. London, December 17. Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Clarke, m a letter to "The Times," denounces the Egyptian war party. (Received December 18, noon.) London, December 17. Government are doing their utmost to ascertain whether there is any truth m the statement that Erain Bey and Stanley have been captured by the Mahdi's adherents* If they are con vinced that Osman Digna's letter is not merely a false boast they propose to ascertain whether there is any hope of effecting their release by negotiation.

AN AMERICAN INDIAN AND HIS WHITE BRIDE

Many inquiries h*va bean made about Ghaska, the Indian, and hU bride, Oor» Belle Fellows, the Washington girl who threw h/rself away npon the redtkln. The manager of the Dime Museum says they see back on their farm m Swift Bird's oamp. "We had to buy the farm and then make them a present of it. But they didn't stook it an they Intended wlfch. the salary they got. We paid them £ICQ tk week and expenses, and as they were en gaged for ten weeks, they got a tidy little Bum. After the second week she bought herself some diamond earrings and paid £120 for them. This oontented-the bride for a while, bnt m Ohloapo she wanted aomedreaseß, and they werethe beat she oonld bay. My partner, Ed Kohl, told me she bought an outfit, Including a seal' skin eacque, although it was midsummer, that cost her £2^o. Then Mrs Olmka began te nt out Suramy— that 1b what she always called her tall ladla,n husband, She went to a swell tailor and had three suits made for him, one of whioh is a fall dross Then she bought him a gold watoh and chain— the watoh was a horie timer. Even then che was not satisfied, •nd she further adorned her redskin with a huge diamond ring and stud. Then the heart of Oora seemed happy, but her purse waa empty. I don't believe they had 600 bovh when they got baok home. What m the world they will do with all their diamonds and finery on tb« reservation is more than 1 00 n Imaglnt."

TIMARU WOOL SALES.

♦ (PER PBBSS ASSOUIATION.) Timaru, Deoember 18. The wool Bales are well attended by 10041 end outaide bnyera. Prices «o fa* show en average advance of one penny on last offtßnn. Croßsbreda np to 9^l; half breds lOf i ; marl no 9$

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

BY iLEOTKIO XBLBOEAPH —OOPYBIOHTjj (PEB PBBSS ASSOOrATIOX.) (Raoeived Deoombet 18, 12 45 p.m.)

ARTESIAN WELL.

Sydney. December 18. An artesian well supply giving 400,000 gallons of water daily has been rruclc on Nctoleche station, near Bourke.

GROTS CARELESSNESS.

Adelaide, Deoember 18. The Marine Board finds that Capt. Whitmore, of the ship Ashmore, which ran ashore at Marion reef on November 6 was guilty of gross carelessness m not verifying the position of his vessel, but as there was no loss on board they have no power to ioflict any punish ment. ■

RECALLED,

> The Queensland Executive Com missioner at Melbourne exhibition has been recalled for; congratulating the Victorian Parliament on its action with regard to the appointment of colonial governors. :

ALLEGED FRAUD.

Melboubiib, December 18, A clerk m the National Bank of Australasia, named Onigans, has been arrested on a charge of stealing securi ties. The amount involved is believed to be as much as

MARTYRDOM OF FATHER CHANEL.

Father Chanel, who hai lately been oanohlsed by the Pope, v was the first martyr of the Romr.n Catholic Oburoh m Oceania . He was one of the prleata who accompanied Bishop Pompalller In his mission to the South Pacific; and was oatib* llshed by that pre'ate on the Island of Futnna, another mission being plaood on the ad j »cerit island of Wallis, under Father Bataillon . The following reference to the murder of Father Chanel is con tained m Bishop Pompallter's "Early '.History cf the Oathollo Oharoh," which baa recently been published as a Jubilee memorial : — " After I had been aome dayi at Akaroa, two French oorvettes oame to the anchorage, the Heroine and the Alller. The former had been at the Biy of Islands, and tbe commander broogbt me a letter which informed ma that Father Ohanol, one of my provloars at Futuna, had been massaored by the order of the kin? of that island ; that In oonse* quenoe tbe mieslon established In ibat plaoe was going to ruin, and the mission at Wallia Island was also In the greatest peril. It was further reported that the death o r Father Chanel bad taken place In the month of April m the year 1841, On recaivlng tola news, X saw the Importanoa of hastening my pastoral visit to theie Islands and the Friendly Islauds. I com municated to Captain. Invaad all the diffi. odltlea of the position In nhloh I wat plaoed, and aaked him, m the name of the Minister of the Royal Navy, for the assistance of one of the three corvettes that were on the coast, 1 to visit the- Friendly Islaods, and to withdraw my. misaion»rleß from Wallis' If the people* proved themselves unwnrcby of them* .Captain Livaud oompHed with all my demands with tbe greatest klndnesß. He placed the corvette the AUter la a manner at my disposal, giving the requisite in struotlons to Captain Bonnet, who commanded hen This corvette and my mission schooner, which she accom panied, quickly cet sail for the tropical islands. I hid Father Vlard with me. We left Akaroa with 'the Sanota Marla> and corvette the Alller towards the end of November. The first .stoppage we made wa? at the horboor of refuge m tbe island of Vavau. After a lew days bad elapiei oar two vessels set sail for tbe Island of WallU, I was received with distinction on board the AUier for this voyage. Before four daya we were at the anchor* age of Wallis. There I soon learned from,, Fatherß B&tatllori and • Chevron tbe difficult lea that DBnet their station, and the atrfferlags and persecution* they had endured. However, the graoe of the Lord had fertilised their labours, and afforded ground tor consola tion. There were a great number of catechumens In the island. But one of the most influential chiefs In Wallis pre vented the baptism of the natives oon verted to the faith, and he used every effort to drive the two Oatholfo miiiion ariea from tbe Island, to the great displeasure of many of tbe natives. Tha appearance ' of tbe Oathollo Bishop, and the presenoe of the power of France Itt tbe corvette AUier , made a salutary lm preailon on all tbe trlbei and all the ohiof* of this Island. I celebrated a solemn mas* on shore In a church made of reeds, at which the King of Wallia and many of tbe chiefs and people assisted, as did also Captain Boueet with fc'.a staff and part of his orew. However, after passing five or six days at Wallis I saw the difficulties of the mission were not overcome. The ohief who prevented the baptising of tha^joateo hnmena continued obstinate. Father! Batalllon and Chevron asked me either to remain some months on this island or to take them away with me to some other people. Then I decided to remain with my missionaries. I gave Instructions to. Father Vlard to go and visit Fttkuna and sound the disposition of the people. He> w*b accompanied by a chief of that Island* who was a odteehumen at Wallis, and ablo to give the first Inatraotions In the faith to iofideia. I gave him all the spiritual powers neeesßairy for a ©atechUt. Lastly, I begged Captain Bouset to take his cor vette to F'ntunA, and gather together the remains of Father Chanel, and to ahed no blood m aatlsfaotlon of the orlme that had been committed against his. person* Everything was done at I asked. The remains of Father Chanel were given by the commander to Father Viard 4 ,. the oateohist ohief, named Sam, was left on the Island, and at the end of three or four months he had converted th* whole la'and."

"BuchA-Paiba." Quick, .complete cure, all anDoying kidney, bladder, and urinnary diseases. At chemists and druggists, Kemp thorne, Prosssr, and Co., agent*,) Christ* ekurck. ■ - - g " Look here. Jones," mid t£riah fellow to his former Bohoolmate, wha had asktd for aid, " this is the teoond time you've appUed to me this month. I'm afraid you don't livo within your menus." (i Ah/ said Jones, "I'm just trying to find the mean* to live Within." Holxoway's Ointment and Pills.— Piseascs of the Bowels, — A remedy, which has been tested and proved m a thousand different ways, capable of eradicating poison* ous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway's Ointment repeatedly on the abdomen, a ra,sh appears, ani as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a derivative, the ointment draws to the surface, releases the tender intestines from all acrid matters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery and piles, for which blistering was the old* fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its pa/infulness fallen into disuse, the discovery of this Ointment having pfocliimed a remedy possessing .equally derivative, «t pwfctfty pwoless, pow«w v - .■ •-,>_.;: v • '

THE ABHBUBTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1888



The oensus of Bulgaria and Eastern Roumania gives the popalation of the two Prinoipalitieß as being 8,154,375, of whom 9,326,250 are Bulgarians, 607,000 Turks; |d,OQO Greeks,, 50,000 gipgies, who have no ttaa MiWenot, %vi 23,400 J«wi,



" Rough on Rats."— Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks,~jack-rabbits, sparrows, gopherfl, \t cbemiots gn.4 drugt;i|t», • " '. \



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 \re are subject. Norton's PfUs, wjth justice called the "natural Strerigthener of the buma,n stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under p.uy circum- stances Sold m bottles at is i£d, 2s 9!, 4s, by all tnedjcloc vendors throueho^ the ywW f



Deooli Slainte BOXING NIGHT WANTED KNOWN— That I have appointed Mbs Adams sole agent n ABhburton for the Eclipse Dye Works, Christohurcb. Ladies dresses and gentle- men's clothes cleaned or dyed. Seal Bkine, Gloves and Feathers, Silks, Damask Curtaioß, Table Covers, Sashes Cleaned oj D>ed, etc., end all kinds of animal skins dreteed tint 1 made up to order. — A. J. Chapman, 161 Armagh street, Christ- churoh . 130 Xmas. Xmas, THE Hew Zealand Clothing Factory Gives notice to thalr Numerous Guttomore that it U not their intention to give away ALMANACKS, PICTURES, Or any other useless Article, bnt it Is their Intention and deßtro to place within the meanß of all their celebrated MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, And they now pivo notice that they have THIS DAY made Substantial Reductions la »11 Departments daring the Xmas and New Year Holidays. GO TO THE N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY For Genuine Bargains m Gents' and Boys Clothing, Regatta Shlrtp, Hcarfs, Ties, Hosiery, Huts, 010. The very lnteßt designs to hand. TAILORING. ' Salts to measure, £2 10a, Trotters to measure, 17b 63, from the newest checka and stripes. Caßtomers can rely upon a j good fit and txcellcnt workmanship m ' every garment wo undertake. FOSTER COLONIAL INDUSTRY AND BUY FROM THK NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. % H. WEBBBB,



Wanted | T^y AWTED— Handy girl, about 14, t° ] V? osslst (n Hoaso work ; wb^ks 5 s t per week. — Addrses, A,C, rflSioo of thia t paper. 12 110 Germina. Palatable, Digestible, not Hcatlr.g. All Grocern, Vff T ANIED Known — Mrs Meroh, W Dr?Fsmaker, ha a returned from 8} dnoy, and re commenced busimsa m ( Fanndera' Build'nga, next Mr R. Alcorn's. ' j 10 78 t WANTED Known. -—That Miss EDWABDS, Tailorese, is prepared to make Bojb 1 Clothing, nlso Cuffing. Strap ping, repairs and alterations, &c — Miss ; JfDWARDS, corner Moore Btreofc and Bolt. '•- 11 105 BEFORW baying B iote find Shoes, 6«o, 0 41 and inopeot our Clearing prices. Will be »o your advantage. — H. O. Scows, M^lfotd H' übp, The Bhoys from the Ould Dhart BOXiNG NIGHT WANTED Known.— Support Local Industry. Buy your Suiis Arh- bmton 1 weed from 30b ; made to measure (snd choose your own Tailor) from £3 10s.— ASPBBW ORRr GLASGOW DRAPERY and OLOTHING COMPANY, Tre» mendous Bargains. RBAT Clearing Sale of Bootn - We bava never marked any bo cheap before.— H O. Skgekb, Melford Houae. "BeWiseMon" BOXLNi JSIGBT MUS ADAMS has removed to Saun- dera' Buildinga, oppoaite Railway Station. Orewel Silks, Woola, and Fanoy Goods of every description kept In stock. Agent for Eclipse Dye Works. Registry office forServantn. 10 92 fTTANTED Known.— Beautiful Milli VV nery. A ohoioo assortment ie now being shown ; also Sunshades, Silk Gloves, Laces, f-catfi?, &o, at Akdbew Obb's. SHEEP SHEARS, 11 A'a, BB A'a, and BBANZ's; and genuine Turkey Stonei.— Robsbt Alcorn, Saunderß Bolldlngß. WANTED everyoDe to know that J. O. DrNOAN iB a Land Broker, licensed to prepare and register Transfers, Mortgages, EccurLbrancee, Leaaeß, Regis, tration Abstract, Powars of Attorney, Applications to briog Land under the Aot, and every description of instruments unaor the Land Transfer Act. — J. O. Dunoan, Arcade, Aehbnrton. 10^103 WANTED Known. — Andbew Obr is giving a Great Bargain m Boots* Girh 1 School Boots, Women's Boots, 6s 6d, Men's. Auld Freens BOXLNG NIGHT SALE of Boots and Shoes. We have marked our large stock of Boots and Shce« with the intention of clearing them this month, Oome and save money. — H. O. Seoebb, Melford flonae. FOR genuine Aahburton Tweed Sultß ready-made, or to measure, fit and quality gaaranteed, nnd at prices nn- tqualled, go to H. Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, S»under»' Llulldlngs. A'body Kens ye , BOXING NIGHT WANTED Known— That Mks Bill, Monthly Nurse, has removed from Peter Street to Ds Trevor's house, In Moore Street. 10t39 XMAB, Xmae.— Andrew Obb is show- ing Novelties m all Departments for Xmae Presents. WANTED Known— That S. W. Alcobn and Co. are lelling at Warehouse price, a rplendld lot of Ladles 811 k and Oashmero Maotleß, and Satin and Fancy Sunshades, bought a bargain. No valae like them In Ashburton. Jock Meßaw BuXING NIGHT WORSTED Tweeds. —A Beautiful Assortment of Worsted Tweeds as exhibited at the l&te Shew. Specially made to order for Andrew Obb. TTT ANTED Mora .Known— That 8. \Vj 1 VV Alcorn and Co. is the cheapest ' House m Aeh bur ton. Gteat variety of Drees materials', Priuts and Fanoy Gulateas to choose from. 11 159



_^ PaMlc Notices. -^ CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. ANDREWORTI IS SHOWING NOVELTIES IN MANTLES and JACKETS. LATEBr NOVELTIES IN HAT 3 AND BONNETS. OREME AND EMBROIDERED PRESSES. LATEST NOVBLTDSB IN Bibbon, Flowen, Feathers, and Snoahadei Nov«ltieii m Pluahes, Bilks, and Coa- tumo Cloths. Great Bargains m Ladies Boote ; Girls School Boota from 4a 6d. Qenla 1 Baits Aihburton Tweed from 80*. ANDREW ORR. THE WHOLE TRUTH, AND NOTH- ING BUT THE TRUTH. If.it true* Ytß ; perfectly true, that Mitchell & Turner SELL SELL SELL DRAPERY MEN'S AND BOYS' OLOTHING, BOOTS, Etc., AT Reasonable Prices & Al Value. CALL AND INSPEOT LARGE AND WBLIrASSOKTED STOOK, Christmas. '"W* Christinas. Where shall I bny my Christmas Parcel •nd Ret firat-ol&88 value fjc my money. Why, »t Mitchell & Turner, DRAPERS AND CLOTHIERS, TANCEED STREET JOHN ORR & CO., FOB 10 Days Only, WILL BOLD A SPECIAL SALE OF SURPLUS STOCK. ODDS AND ENDS, And a very Large Quantity of EEMNANTS, Which wo have Marked m PLAIN FIGURES, and arranged (of Inspection, BARGAINS IN EVEEY DEPAETMENT FOR TEN DAYS. GRAND VALUE IN MEN'S AND BOYSj OLOTHING. "J»w Stylet and Patterns. Best value tree offered In Asbborton. NEW ALMANACS. Out Beaatlfm a«w Alman^ca for 1889 will bt dtstrlbated »v Saturday, the 15 h, ftnd fiollowlng Saturday. JOHN ORR AND CO ' GENERAL IMPORTERS, EAST ST REE T.