TO CORRESPONDENTS

Attention to the following rules will save the writers of correspondence n good deal of tronble : —Wo cannot under take to return rcjeoted communications. No notice can be taken of ononymone communications Whatever Is intended for insertion In this journal mast be authenticated by the uame and address of tho writer, not necessarily for publi cation, but sb a guarantee of good faltb. Letters and other communications In tended for insertion In the news column should be addressed to The Editor ; and hll business communications, In olndlng advertisements, addressed to The Ashburton Publishing 00.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1888. A LAME EXCUSE.

We are inclined to doubt the universa applicability of the saying that " a lam< excuse is better than none at all " then > being occasions when it is better to re member and act upon the hint contained m the French proverb " gui tfcxctm s'aucuee." An instance m point hae just occurred m a high quarter, full particulars of which appear m tho Oamaru papers. It seems that Mi John Church, a well-known resident ol the White Stone city, was an applicant for the appointment of Property-tax Assessor for the Waiarcka (or Cave Valley) district, and was, we gather, recommended as the most suitable of a number of applicants by the Waitaki County Council. Neither Mr Church, nor any .of the other applicants, however, received the appointment, which it is Baid was conferred upon an outsider m a somewhat irregular manner. Mr Church has complained on the Bubject and attached the blame to Mr Hpcrrey, the Property-tax Commissioner, but ho haß received a reply from the Premier through Ihb privato secretary m which ho is informed that the Government is responsible for the rejection of his application and that that rejection was consequent upon his (Mr Church's) ha-ying been a candidate at last general election. The letter adds that "It haß always been considered undesirable to appoint persons who aro aspirants for political honors because people dissatis fied with the valuations might attribute political influence both to the Depart ment and to tho valuer." Now this seems to be altogether a new departure, and as a matter of fact it is hard to see how Mr Church's having been a candi date for Oamaru can have anything to do with the valuations m a country dis trict, probably not half-a-dozen of the residents m which aro electors of Oamaru, But that is perhaps besido tho question, j which is really this, vi{s., "Is* the fact of candidature for the Houso of Repre sentatives to ho a disqualification for appointment to any office or duty under Government ?" If so, then a new stum bling block is set up which will tend to prevent the candidature of persons who might otherwise be willing to offer their I services to their fellow colonists. Tho successful candidate is very properly shut out from all such appointments during tjie term of his membership, and for twelve months thereafter, but it is pushing matters altogether too far to disqualify tho unsuccessful oandulateß also. There is no warrant for it m law, nor is it m accordance with common sense. Sir H. Atkinson had far better h»ve made no exoupe at all,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Communication has boon restored on the Port Darwin cable. Sections 2763, containing 19i 8r 12p, and 2819, containing 20ft Or J6p, Spaxton, have been r-eserved for planting purposes. Mr J. Topham, of Ghristohuroh, ia an. nounoed (to leoture in the TempUr Hall on* Thursday evening next. Subjeot •• D.D D." Thero was a very heavy fall of enow on the rouge* last night which it ia feared will play bavoo with the young lambs. The fruit this yoar promises to bo abun dant in Tarnnaki, reports from tha various districts being moat favourable. Bishop Novill, of Dunedin, in St Paul's Cathedral tho othor day, wore a cope and a oloth of gold mitre. Sir Henry Parkou bolievea that If our drinking does harm in these colonies, our eating is to ba credited with an enormous amount of mipohief also. It is (stated that hi nil probability Sir William Jervoia will retire from colonial service into private life on tho expiration of his term of office in this colony. A Home paper siya that " a bright red waistcoat with conspicuous white spots is one of the recent fads of attiro sffooted by the Pnnoe of Walec" Tho marriage of Me Chat Shin, a oelestial storekeeper at Sintforl, wiih a young girl named Charlotte Orny was performed by the Registrar at Stafford tho o'bor day. Mr I. Salek, a local bicyclist, made a pretty good run to Timaru yesterday. Ho left Aflhburton at 5 a.m. and arrived in Timaru a few minutes before 1 p.m. He found »he roads rather rough in plocos. The aotual riding time was 7$ hours, whioh is nearly an average of 7 milea an hour. Tho Borough Oounoil last night adjourned its ordinary meeting on aooount of the death of Mr 0. 0. Fooke, the Bon of tho Borough Bnginoer. A motion of condolenoe with Mt Fooks, Bonr., was passed. The members present wore the Mayor and Ors Williamson, Friedlander, Tucker, Scott, MoFarlane, and Bird. A terrible tragedy occurred at Prairie Centre, Ottawa, Illinois, on tho 19;h August, resulting in tho death of eight young men A ball was being held in a house it Prairie Centre, when at midnight two young mer fought about a partner. The men present took sides. Knives wore freoly used, and eight persons were stabbed to death. Thire need be no wonder at tho drunken ness of tho British nation, if there are manj such pubs as " The Hops," Wandßworth. A polioe inspector who visited the house one day found eighty boys and girls of ages from thirteen and upwards in one room, tho whole being more or less drunk— there were 800 ir the house altogether. Two or three Viotorian countrymen were closely examining the elaborately raised geological chart of New Zealand, which is Dr Hector's pride and joy, at the Melbourne Exhibition. They regurdod it intently foi some time, and then one of them observed meditatively — " D n me, if there, is a yard of fiat land in tho bleßßed country." — " Napier Telegraph." It is notified in tho " Gazette " thai BeotiODs 1 lo 21 inclusive of Blook XIII. Aehburton, known as Reserve 1261, are dig. oharged from reservation, and will be sold and disposed of as Village Settlement Landf under Sootionu 10Q and 282 of " The Land Act, 1885/' This moans that they wijl b£ purchasable at any time after the expiry oi three months from the date of the Proola nation, whioh is dated October 23rd, 1388. The banana is the most prolific of fruits Tho produoe of an aore planted with bananai will support twenty-five times as many people as the produoe of an aore planted with wheat Next |o the banana the most prolific tree it probably tha sweet pvangp. Qqe tree at St Michael's, in the Azores, has been known tc bear 20,000 marketable oranges in one year, besides four or five thousand that had to bt thrown away. Aocording to tho 'iManawatu Dailj Times " the evidence in a recent oharge o indecency, heard at the District Court Palmereton North, disolosed a truly alarm ing etato of depravity amongst: some Oi tho young Fieldingiteß, and thoso presont ic Court oofeld not help shuddering at the diq gueting details adduced. The language usec by mere ahildren was of a revolting desorip. lion, and revealed a state of depravity thai one would otherwise have refused to believe ever existed amongst the young obildren oi this oolony. Wo find the following in the "New Zealand Herald: — Tho Auckland members of the Assembly and many others who know bite personally will regret to learn that Mr R. 0, Bruce, the popular member for Rangitikoi has been laid up nearly all thp time Binae hie return from the session with a sort of absoess, which has oaused him. intense pain. We are pleased, however, to bo able to' state that a private lotter reooived from him on Tuesday, by ono of the Auokland members, oontained the information that Mr Bruce id improving, and hopes to avoid the neoessity of undergoing an operation. A Dunedin man, who has rooently been visiting the Australian oolonies, gives, in a leoture, an acoount of tbo celebrated Mount Morgan Gold Mine, whioh was ostimated to be worth £17,000,000 per annum, and paying its owners £1,500,000 net profit per annum. It was simply a quarry of gold, though the stuff varied in richness. Tho poorest stone yielded sozB to the ton, and, as 1700 tons of it oould be put through in a week, that alone inade a return of 8500oz for half-a-dozen days' work. But there was ono pink vein of extraordinary richness. Tb,B manager told one of the minors to go and fetoh a handful of this stuff, and ho (the lecturer) at onoo saw that it was bo full of gold that he was not surprised when the manager told him it yielded at the rate of 1200oz, to to thp to.n f The " Wairarapa Star " is roßponsible for the following:— A oapital story jb told of a Now Zealand dentist who stature is not in keeping with his professional abilities. In faot, he is so far below the average height that he has had to ereot a .sort of platform in front of tho ohair in whioh his patients sit whilo undergoing the agonising process of having their teeth extraoted. He was visited reoently by a man of the giant agriculturist typo, who wished to got rid of a tormenting tooth. The dentist invited him to the " tor ture ohair," and then climbed on to the platform already mentioned. When the patient beheld this ho opened bis mouth to a width whioh would have put a negro to the blush, and Boeing that ho „ still continued straining himself to increase tho opening \t possible, the dentist patted him op the shoulder, and, with assuring oalmnesß. gaid, " Don't oxort yourself, my man, for I'm going to remnip outßido." The following Btory reaches tho "Telegraph'' from Montriohard, and iq doclarod, although improbable, to be !• a true bill." short time ago afino sporting dog was found by BQme kind people wandering oollarloss in searqh q'f its master. They gave the animal a homo while they looked far and wide for its owner. The dog, however, was restless.. It ran out at intervals during the first week, but on its return it was always well received. The noxt week, however, it absented itself for some days, and when it came back its host gave it a beating. It started off in the direction of the river, plunged into the water, and struok out until it was exhausted— deliberately drowning itself in the middle of tbo stroam The strange incident was witnessed by several spectators who are unanimous in declaring that this was a decided case olfclo do #c. Tho poor animal is supposed to have been inconsolable at having lost its master, and tho harshness with tvhiph it had been treated by its now friend settled tho business.

Some Australian magpies and laughing 1 jaokaßseß liberated near Gcraldine some years ago have increased and multiplied very considerably. The magpie iB a vary useful bird, a greedy devouror of inaeotß, and withal no mean songster, and the news that it haa been suooosßfully acotimatisad is very wel come. The averages of lambs this season are exoeedmgly high (says the » Woouville Ex aminer "), and beveral instances have already appeared m our columns, but they are all surpassed by the average attained m the flock of Mr P. McDonald, of Mount Ida farm, whose percentage this season ran up to 151. The runholdera of the North Otago district are going m large for Wolseley'a sheep-Bhear ing machines. The looal paper understands that about twenty of theso machines will be fitted up at Benmoro, and forty between Station Peak and Otekaiko. Mr Borton and Mr Reid will alßo uae them. Christmas Island, which Great Britain has just annexed, is one of the moat interesting m the world. It is 200 miles from Java, and consists largely of ooral, which rests on a volcanic eruption. The ooral forms al most maoooßßible cliffs, covered with luxuriant vegetation. In the day it swarms with huge oraba, and at night with rats. Man could pot live on tha island, as it dooa not possess fresh water, the rain sinking into the rook. The following invitation has been for warded to the Volunteer Offioers m this oolony : The offioers of the Naval and Mill tary forces of Victoria request the honor of the Commandant and Officers of the New Zealand Military forces company at a ball m the Melbourne Town Hall on Monday, 6th of November at 9 o'oloek. On receipt of your reply addressed Lieutenant Umphalby, The Victorian Naval and Military Olub, 29 Collins Street East, entree cards will be forwarded. There is a passage m the " Daily News " account of the Dijon disaster whiob, for simple tragic Badness, is almott unparalleled even m the terrible annals of railway acoidents .— " The wife of an artillery officer showed singular preaonce of mind. All the lampß having beau put out m the collision, she took Borne matohea from her reticule, and lighted with them her pocket-handker chief, and then her straw hat. This enabled her to Bee that she had lost her husband and her little son, whom she had placed m a corner seat, and who was asleep when killed. He was her only child." In the ltesident Magistrate's Court this morning, before Major Steward, J.P., Charles Foster was charged with being illegally on the premises of Mr John Newman, livery stable keeper, on tho previous night. The police deposed to having found him m the stable about midnight, somewhat the worse for drink. Nothing web known of the man, who was a Btrangor. Accused Raid that he had tried to get lodgings at the Commercial Hotel, and thought be was doing no harm m Bleep ing m the stables. The Magistrate said that he had no right to be there without pormis sion, and bad better not repeat the offence. The acouaed was then discharged. A dastardly attempt to wreok a train was made close to Newcastle, New Sonth Wales, on the 14th instant., near the junotion of the Government and the Wallaend oolliery linea. At 7 o'clook, whilst several navvies engaged m repairing the Jines near the tunnel were going to work, they discovered that three iron railway chairs had been placed face downwards on the rails, and m suoh a position bb to throw any train off the line. It ia supposed that the obstacles had been plaoed on tho rails drring the night by soma scoundrels who thought Mr Nellson and the other colliery officials would be brought from their residences to the mine }n a special train early m tho morning. Mr Neilson and the rest, howevor, remained at the oamp all night, consequently no train was sent over tho line until after 8 o'olook the following morning. A Home paper has the following :—'* A curiouH talo of the loss and reoovery of £3000, {hat Qocurod a few days ago, was told me by one of the leading men of Scotland Yard. A gentleman left on the top of an omnibus a leather case containing £8000 m notes. He alighted at Victoria, and about ten minutes later he disoovored his lobb. Instead of going after the omnibus, he rushed to the nearest polioe station and inquired if the oonduotor had brought the notes. He was told " No," and ho then waited outside the station. The oonduotor of the omnibus m the meantime had found the caso and its oontontn, had informed his superior, and started for the police |station. Ho- wob mot outside by the owner, whom he reoognisod, and to whom he gave up the notes, reoeiving nothing as a reward for his services and honesty. The poor fellow, evidently surprised, went into the station, and complained, but be was told there was no redress. Had he givon up the notes to the police instead of tho owner, he would probably have reoeived £l£jO from the Com xaissioners ol Police." Certainly tho Moat Effeotive MEDICINE m tho world is SANDER and' SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Teqt ito eminent powerful offects m Coughs, Colda, Influenza, eto, ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. Bead this certificate : — " 24th April, 1885.— MeBsrs Sander and Sons,— lt iB with the greatost of pleaaure that I testify to tho excellence of your Eucalypti Extract. Having had inflam mation on tho bone of the leg, wbioh oamo on after a severe attaok of low fov6r, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd, who l^ad mada strenuous efforts to save' my leg, but without success. He found it neoessary to amputate my limb. Having heard m tho meantime of tho wonderful cures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I pbtained a bottle, and the extraot had not been applied more than an hour when I began to feol greatly relieved. Aft» apply ing the extract every four boura for nine or ten days I was oijt p| all ..danger. I wpuicj pprauatjo all who may lie affected with any suoh disease to' give the Eucalypti Extraot a irial, and I am oonvinood that they will find tt the most wonderful of medioinea. — Yours, j etc, E. J. Oohnow, Wattl street Sandhurst.'?

THE DROUGHT IN NEW SOUTH WALES

(PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Sydney, Ootober 29. There are no signs of the drought breaking up. In many parts of the colony the thermometer stands at 103 m the shade. In the immediate neigh borhood of Howlong the heat is not quite so bad, but m other parts of the same district the crops are a]mos,t beypnd hope. At Broken Hill trains conveying water are arriving daily, and their freight is being sold at 4s per jpo gallons. In the Eden district (towards the coast) heavy rains have fallen, and the country will be able to hold out some J time. Nowra district is exceedingly j dry, and disastrous bush fires are rag ing m all directions. On one station alone 20,000 acres of grass bas been destroyed. At Gundagai rain has for tunately fallen over the farm areas, bqt m Argyle many settlers are selling off tbeir stock, fearing the disastrous re sults of a dry season. Crops m that quarter are also suffering greatly, and potatojplanting has entirely ceased. Near Inverell sheep are dying m large numbers. At Kempscy grass is still abundant. Bush fires are also de vastating the Namaoi district. Rurra Burra station has been bnrnt out, and several runs m Walgett and Moree have been destroyed.

Sydney, Ootober 29.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

(Paa Press Association.) Auckland. Ootober 29. Accorltnar to Mr Kesfon, governor of the Mount Eden gaol, there Is no troth In the statemont chat a Ma<ri prisoner was dangerously injired m o qaarrel recently. It is stated that the purchas*. of thn business of the Adelaide F.re arid Marine Assurance Company by the South Brltlnh Insuranoe Oompany has beon practically completed. It. is poßsib's that one of the Auck land yachts will be sent to compete (n the large yacht race m Wellington In January next. 1 Wanganui, Ootober 29. In tbe esse Grant v -Manawatn Road Board, the jury retired at 4 20, and re turned into Court at 9 35 with a throe fourth i verdiot for plaintln, damages £173 15s 6d with costs. A certificate was given for eight days' extra allowance for oonnsel. The o >Bs will be enormous ; tho oase has lasted nine days. Mr Jelliooo was for p'alniiff, and Mr Flz^.rbert for the de fendants, New Pl* mouth, Ootober 29. The goods and ohattels of Mr J. Elliott, J.P , Waltara, were sold under distress warrant issued by tbe New Plymouth Harbor Board for rates amounting to £2 ss. There was * large attendance at the sale, but the goods were sacrificed. A bogpy, almost new, fetched 17s, a plan^ 20a, valuable pictures 7s 6d. Tho amount on the warrant was not satisfied till nearly half the furniture was sold. Mr Elliott informed the bailiff before the sale that the judgment was Illegally obtained, and he would paooeod against the Board for damages. It Is thought there Is some fl >w in the proceedings. The Supreme Court was oooupied all to day m hearing tho case Breach v Victoria Insurance Oompany. An Insurance was tfidoted by the plaintiff on the old ohnroh (whloh was burned four years ago) to secure alleged arrears of stipend, amount ing to £600. After hearing the evidenoe his Honor directed the jury that Breaoh had no insurable Interest as far as tbe ohuroh wbb concerned* Braaoh also olaimed £10 on the harmonlam m the ohuroh, which he alleged was his own property. Tbe jury brought m a verdiot for £10, value of the harmonium, and costs £3 14a. Napier, Ootober 29. Rev Father Relgnler died last night, aged Beventy-sevei years. Ha arrived m the oolony In 1842 He was esteemed by Protestants and Orthotics alike. Wellington, October 29. Mr Haseldon, Uader-Seoretary for Jußtloe, leaves this afternoon on a tour of Inspection of the otago and Southland judicial districts. Blenheim, Ootobe; 29 The prospectors at Walkakaho, Hart and Gibson, got on Saturday 37uz I3lwts of gold, lnolud n^ a 16oz nugget. The first young lady who oiimbed to the claim was presented with a large- nugget. Gretmouth, Ootober 29. A meeting was held to night to elect a School Oommltee m place of the last one, whloh wns not legally elected. It w*h very thinly attend, d, and after a good deal of discussion and some recrimination, the meeting broke up without eleotlng a Committee Only ihreo of those proposed agreed to stand, consequently no election could take place. , HokitikA; October 29. The weather is very tempestuous, with heavy squ die. The sea is rough, prevent ing shipping. Christohuroh, Ootober 29. A young man named Albert Goodall was committed for trial on charges of stealing a horse belonging to George Johnston, Mechven, on Ootober 10th, and soother belonging to George T. B.ker at Lake Oolerldge, on October 12th, There are two charges of horsestealing at K*Upol pending against him. Bail was refused. Au Austrian stevedore, named Charles Demloheli, wbb found lying unoonsolous In the hold of the Arawa at 11 3Q a.m. to-any. Mo had been sent to pot some shei'p into the reserve ohomber of the ship, and had evidently slipped, and fell 20ft. His ekull was fractured, and he died during the afternoon. He leaves a wife and three children. Qamartj', October 29 An accident happened to the ship Opawa as she was slowing round after entering the harbor to-day. The wind changed when tie vessel had entered the harbor and her anchor was dropped. In slewing round Bhe j/assed over her anohor, and a small hole was made In her bottom. She began to leak, but it was some time before th s was discovered As aoon as It was found out, a gang of men were put on to pump, and In about an honr they had reduced tbe writer In the veißel eight inches. A diver Is beln.g sent down to examine the damage, and to-morrow the cargo will be removed, and the vessel will prob»b,ly be sent on to Port Ohalmers for ropairs, Dunedin, Ootober 29. S.Up to date £2965 baa been guaranteed for the proposed Exhibition. £1000 was obtained m about an hour this morning. At tho Inqueßfc on Wm MoLaughlan, who hanged himself, the evidenoe we»t to show that be had worried greatly snout some bad speculations. The verdiot was " Suicide while temporarily Insane," The National Insurance Oompany de clare a dividend at tho rate of 10 per cent per annum and a bonns of 61 pea , share, leaving £11,694 to be oarried for ward. The profits for the year, with tbe bahrjce brought forward, give a total of £26,401.

NEW MOTIVE POWER.

The "Scientific Amorioin" says:— Several newspapers havo referred to a new Invention by one William Tlmmlß, which, If sucoeßsful, will revolutionise motive power. The Inventor Is an un pretention English meohanle residing m Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who claims to have Invented a maohluo by which untold motive power can be stored or used with ont the expenditure of fuel. The story goes that he has been engaged for years m perfecting the invention, and is now negotiating with the Governments of Eng land, Russia, and the United States for the sale of the right to nse his discovery, whloh, If after examination it proves to be what It calms, will revolutionise the powirs of the world. Ho claims to be ablo to create a pressure of 20,0001 b per j square Inoh— more than sufficient to pro- ' pol the largest ocean steamer afloat, or to I move 80 ladon freight oars In ono train, I Tho machine seems to be an afr ot mpres- ! sor of tho simplest sort. I', consists of one small cylinder, «ix horae power, with a balance-weight of 75! b, whloh runs the entire apparatus ; another small cylinder, five irohes In diameter, with a 7in stroke compresses the air Into the tank from whloh the power Is utilised. Under the platon plate the Inveoto* has placed two .layers of bars containing 11 different mloeraJe, the magnetic li fluenoo of which Is the Shoret of the lnvontor. The advan tages ho olaimß are durability, economy, and sliuplic ty. Experts have examined tbe maohlue and pronounce it a Bucoess. In aubmlttlng his design to the Govern ment named, Mr Timm a claims that the pneumatic generator oan not only be applied to war veeßols as a motor, but oan be used ea a defence sguinat hostile attacks by means of air chambers placed behind tho armour plating.

AQUATICS.

KEMP V MATTERSON. [Per Press Abbooiation.] Sydney, Ootober 29. For the sculling race to-day be tween Kemp the ex-champion and Matterson, the betting was 4 to i on Kemp at the start. Before the first dozen lengths were rowed Kemp had forged ahead, and maintained his posi tion till the mile beacon was reached when a foul occurred. The foul was entirely Matterson's fault, and it gave an increased advantage to Kemp. Matterson after this, made no further effort, and Kemp won as he liked. Time, aamin 22^secs.

HORSE MARKET

Mr T. Bullodk reports for the weok ending Saturday, 27'h Ootober :— - Twenty-eight horses were brought for ward for the day's* sale. There was a very good attendance of farmers and other oonntry settlers, but the most of the horses offered were principally hacks and light harness horses of an Inferior stamp, consequently only low prioes were ob tained. Sixteen out of the day's entry were sold as follows, viz:— Medium draughts, Inferior from £7 to £15 ; a;ed, £6 to £6 15j ; haoks, £5 10s to £7 10 < ; Inferior, £2 10s to £3; light harness horses, £4 6s to £7 ; scrubbers? from £1 2i 6d to £2 10 4, Land sale— Previous to the usual horse sale. I offered by auction a portion of the Grove Farm estate and other properties, when the following sates were affdoted, viz :— Twelve acres 3 roods 2 perches, suburb of Tlnwald, £28 per acre ; lot 20, oontalnlug. 21a Or 38p, part of Grove Farm estate, £15 5s per acre ; lot 23, containing lla Or 12p, £15 per acre ; lot 2L, containing lla Or 31p, £14 6s per acre ; lot 22, containing lla Or 26p, £13 10i per acre. There was a very good attendance and spirited bidding and muoh Interest appeared to be evinced In the sale. It should ba noted that the lots sold were the outskirts of the estate, and the land m not so good as the portion situated near tbe river wh'oh has all been •old at from £25 5s to £37 10s per aore, Privately sluoe my last report I have sold the homestead b'eok, being lots 34, 35, 36, 45, 46, 47. 48 and 49. containing In all, 108 1 Or 16p, to Mr Edward Gates at the proprietor's reserve ; also privately, lot 8 containing 6 \. 3 - 3p, at £35 per aore.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Pur Press Association, )

NEW PEER.

London, October 20 to 23. The Earl of Dufferin has been created a Marquis.

THE INCREASE OF THE NAVY.

The Admiralty propose to build four new ironclads and six cruisers.

GOLD FOR RUSSIA;

Seven hundred thousand pounds m gold from outside markets and Paris has been shipped to Russia.

COPPER SYNDICATE.

Tbe syndicate of Copper Companies have signed an agreement extending existing contracts for ten years.

SUGAR BOUNTIES.

The beetroot manufacturers of Saxony have passed resolutions con demning the Sugar Bounties Conven tion.

MR BALFOUR IN DUBLIN.

Ireland, is visiting Dublin, where he is protected by an unusually strong escort.

THE AFGHAN MISSION.

The mission of Mr H. M. Durant, Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, to Afghanistan has been abandoned.

FRANCE AND ANNAM.

The Emperor of Annam has ceded to tbe French the provinces of Hanoi, Haiphong and Touran.

MINERS' STRIKE.

The Lancashire miners having re fused to arbitrate, the owners have yielded to their demands. The coalowners m Yorkshire and Derbyshire resist the demands of the miners for an advance m wages. In Wales the colliers have conceded an advance of 10 per cent to the men.

GOVERNORSHIP OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Lords Brownlow and Pembroke are mentioned m connection with the succession to the Governorship of New South Wales.

THE MAORI FOOTBALLERS.

The Maori Football team won the match against the Midland Counties team by three goals and a try to nil. In the match Maori Football team against Middlesex, the latter won by two goals and three tries to nil.

RAILWAY DISASTER IN FRANCE.

Paris, Ootober 22; A heavy landslip on the Naples- Brindisi line of railway buried an ex cursion train. Ninety passengers were killed and fifty injured.

AN OUTRAGE AND APOLOGY

The Imperial German Arms at the German Consulate at Havre have been defaced, and considerable ill feeling has been aroused m consequence of the act. M. Goblet,^ Minister of Foreign Affairs, has however, apologised to Ihe German Minister for the outrage.

FRENCH FINANCES.

Paris, Ootober 23. The Government propose to intro duce a Bill providing for an income tax. M. Freycinet, Minister of War, has informed the Budget Committee that one milliard francs will be required for the defence of the frontier,

UNITED STATES CONGRESS

Washington, Ootober 21. Congress was prorogued to-day, A measure has been passed excluding all Chinese laborers from the States, whether merely intending to pass through the country or otherwise.

AUSTRALIAN.

(P3R PRESS ASSOCIATION. )

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Svoney, Ootober 29. A man named Cleghorn has been arrested at Broken Hill, charged with the murder of Ernest Feilder whom he stabbed recently. The miners at Burwood colliery have struck for an increase of wages to 144 perrJiy.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

(PBR riJBSS ASSOCIATION.) London, Oo'ober 23. Six hundred thousand pounds of the Bank of New Zealand new capital has been subscribed. The date announced for dosing the list In London was Ootober 24 h, and the <»monnl oftW*>d was 25,000 shires of £10 eaoh The Mmi for n-oelvlne applications In the cnl-)rle« for a similar number on i the oolonlal -«?lster o'oies : to-day*

THE PARNELLITE COMMISSION.

THE CASE FOR IHE "T141E6."

[per pbbsb abbooiation.]

London, October 22, Sir R. E. Webster, Q. 0., Attorney- General, m opening the case befort the " Timeß "-Parnell Commission promised ' that he would supply the amplest evi dence respecting what are known as the forged letters, and would indicate the sources from whence the Commission would be able to elioit evidence as to the general charges. Referring to Mr Par nell's utterances m America, he said they were distinctly seditious, and it would be Bhown that the expenses of his tour were paid by the League. The learned gentleman concluded by citing numerous mutdera which had followed upon strong speeches made by members of the League inciting the people to aots of outrage. 9 London, October 23. In his speech at the opening of the " Times "• Parnell Gommissoii yester day, Sir R. B. Webster asserted that Ford cabled to Egan to prompt Parnell to issue the manifesto from Kilmainham Gaol, and that Egan agreed, stating that this was the only weapon they had left. The Attorney-General commented on the failure to produce the League's books of 1880 and 1881., He proposed to prove that the Central League paid its branches, to carry out the boycotting system and to commit outrages. He acquitted Davitt of being concerned m the agrarian outrages of 1881 and 1882. Egan's letter to James Carey, suggest ing that the latter should set to work forthwith, was found m Carey's house. Referring to the Parnell letters the Attorney-General said they had been pnrchased by the " Times " newspaper after the fullest test had satisfied the proprietors of that paper that they were genuine. , [Received Ootober 30, 12 45 p.m.] London, Ootober 24. Sir R. Webster m his opening speech charged Parnell and his friends with appioving and allowing a system of terrorism which absolutely necessitated murder. He said that Parnell clearly was aware of, and that . Sheridan prompted the outrages/while Egan sup plied the funds which enabled them to be perpetrated. Egan had threatened to resign if the League's funds were 'devoted to the discovery of the Phctnix Park murderers. What the "Times'* declared was that . Campbell wrote the body of Parnell's letters. His client* were willing to discloses the from which they received the letters, if released from the pledge of secrecy which had been given. One of the duties before the Commission was to elicit what had become of the missing books of the League. .

THE LATE MR.C. C FOOKS

"iT' m "v! w 5 a,r ; n t:th« 1»1« Mr O. CLFooka-JHI brought to Ashburton trom StTXnrlrewa by the exprosß laßt evening, - there being a very large gathering of relatives and friends at the ABhbnrton railway station, inoluding about 40 members of the looal Masonio Lodges, Mr Fookß being a P;M. of the St. John's Lodge* E.G., and also a member of the Boyal Arofo Chapter. The brethren, who wore regalia* (emblems m crape) oarried the coffin from the train to the hearse, and then, forming m advance, the proper offioers bearing the sword and Bible, led the way to the Cemetery, Following the hearse was a mourning ooaoh containing tho near relatives of the deceaaed, and after this came over twenty private carriages and a large gathering of friends on horsebaok or on foot. Altogether folly 15ft personß took their places m the funeral cortege which would indeed have beer* probably four or five times bb numerous had it boon possible to give longer notice, the* deceased being universally reßpeoted and esteemed, mute evidenoe of which was given by the faot that a number of business estab lishments were closed, and flags were dis played at half-mast at the Somerset and Commercial hotels, and on the roofs of Messrs Friedlander's and D. ThoinaV . stores. Arrived at the Cemetery, the Roy. Mr S&otfc read the solemn offioe of the Ohuroh of Eng land, and the scene at the grave was a very impreßßive and affecting one. The coffin was piled with wreaths, bouquets, and erosseß, alt of white, among them being lovelyCohaplets of white roBBB and of iris, and a most ex quißite cross of native elematiß, and after it hadbeen lowered to its resting plaoe, tbe oloßing words of the service were Baid, and the hymn ••Daya and moments quiokly flying" was sung. Tniß done, the benediction was pronounced, and the gathering dispersed, sorrowing for those to whom sorrow haa come to-day, as m this ohequered scene of life, it oomes to all m turn. (We are desired to intimate the regret of Mr Fook's family that owing to Sunday interven ing it was impossible to give longer notice of the funeral, and at the same time to express their very deep sense of the roßpeot Bhown to the departed, and of the kindness toward* themselves whioh they have experienced oo all Bides.

At the ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council, last, evening, when the minutes had been read, The Mayor said that doubtless they were all aware of the sad event wbioh had ooourred, and whiob prevented tbe Town Olerk (MrO. E. Fooksl being present that night. Or Williamson Baid that he thought the» Oouuoil should express their eondolenoa with, their Town Clerk and Engineer m his serioua bereavement. It would bo fitting, then, that they should adjourn. There was, he under stood, no pressing busineaß needing trans action, and all that required to be done was to draw a cheque for the pay-sheet. Ha would move, "That the Council expresses " 8 deepest sympathy with the Town Olerk and Engineer m his severe bereavement." Or Friedlander seconded the motion. He was sure every member of the Ooonoil felt the deepest sympathy with their Engineer m the Jobs of his son, and no doubt his Worship the Mayor would undertake to oonvey to Mr Foots, sen*,, their Engineer, the expression of the Council's feeling for him m his crest trouble, ° Or Bird made a brief address expressing • Bympathy with the Olerk. " The motion was then put and carried i unanimously. Or Friedlandor moved that tho Mayor be* requested to forward a copy of the resolution to Mr Fooks, senr. Saoonded by Or MoFarlano and earrieoT unanimously. Or Friedlander then moved ths'i the Council out of rospoot to their . Engineer adjourn till tho date of the dm ordinary mooting. ««o.jr Or Williamson seconded, the motion. He feelingly expressed his sympathy with Mr Fooka, senr, m the death of whose son the town and d.atnot had sustained a great loss! The Mayor made a f ew syWathetio Sn?!-?? f** - Mr Fook8 was VoVedby S a °d Pleasant citizen was never m our SL: *v}L Beamed almoat ««»POBBible to realise that he was gone. The motion for adjournment was then put ana. carried unanimously,, and the QouqqiJi

THE ASHBURTON etJABDIAN, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 80. 1888



THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN. From and after the ROth November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz. :— tr PAID IN ADVANCE Por Quarter.. 6a 6d by post, 9s 6d Half-year 12b 6d, by post, 18s 6d Year .. 24s Od, by post, 87s Od IF BOOKED For Quarter. . 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ lear .. 80a Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notioes, if paid for at the irne of insertion ■2s 6d each (stamps may sent as payment) if booked, 4s eaob. Announcements <f Birthß, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country distriots require to be verified by the signature of the person sending the notioe, DIARY . Moon'a Oot-Nov Run Sun Moon Moon age at Riles Sots. llieoß Beta, noon. a.m. a.m. 29 Monday .. 4.48 6i89 l.Sd 11.86 38 p.m. 80 Tuesday .. 4.47 0.40 2.14 0.41 24 81 Wednesday.. 4.40 6.42 2.46 1.49 26 1 Thursday .. 4.45 6.43 3.18 3.0 26 2 Friday.. .. 4.44 6.44 8.47 4.13 27 3 Saturday ... 4.43 6.46 4 18 630 28 4 Sunday .. 4.41 6.47 4.63 6.46 0 Moonlight Evenings. The Moon at 8 days old shines till about 8 o'clock. Tho Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old shines till nearly o'olook in the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown till about 4 in the morning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and shines till morning, The Moon at 21 days old rises about 1] a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shineßti 11 morning Tho Moon at 27 days old risos about 4 a.m. and Bhines till sunrißo.



HOIXOWAV'S OINTJIKNT AND PlI J<s Diseases of the Bowels.— A remedy which has been tested and proved in n thousand dif- ferenh ways, cnpable of eradicating poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting ihe internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Ilolloway's Ointment repeatedly on the abdomen a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Actintr as a derivative, this ointment draws to the surface, releases the tender intestines from all acrid matters, and prevents inflamma- tion, dysentery, and piles, for which blister- ing was the ojd-fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfu ness fallen into disuse, the discovery of this ointment having proclaimed a remedy posseßsing equally derivative, yet perfectly pajnlcf* power* * '



The rest Remedy for Indigestion.— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for indiges- tion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we arc subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the " natural strengthener of the stomach," act as a powerful tonic arid gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under auy circum- tances Sold m bottles at is ijd, 2s q.J, 4s, by all^medicine.. vendors throughout the



Keating s Powder destroys both moth, fleas, beetles, and all other insects, wh le quite harmless to domestic animals. In extermina- ting beetles, the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m appli- cation. See the article you purchase is Keatings as imitations are noxious and ma- ll Ti ts W U0S ' 6d, " IS ' ftnd 2S 6d by



QUOD FAOIMUa VaLDB FACIVUS (" What wo do wo do well ") TtLK OmiISTOHUROH DBNTAL 168 Cashol Street, Uhmicha ch, n«.xt liobiu- eon'e Boot store, and attha (Vtigon, Dunoiiu. All operations it bt'icsly unilorra and modorate Fees. Consultation free. 8. MYERS AND CO., BUROEOS DENTISTS. NATURAL. PUKABLE. COMFORTABLE, NIT i OU3 OXIDB GAB a'lministerod. Thin AtiOHt'etio loaves no unpleasant effects, and by KB 090 tho (;x f .rnctio of Bn i Stncapa and Tecih ia rendnrai perfectlr PaioleßS- aad Effective. Adminiet-red d<\ilj. Fee for ad- irini'trai.ion of Ua«, 6^ Extr.ac ion 2b 6d a tooth, i lours of Rtvonitam-f), 9am. to « p.m. Private residence, 9 1 B»st Bait. l'ho nckno^cdged eupur.ority <.l AMERI- CAN DBJTIS'I'UV in the conctruction of artificial Teoth. th') roOAt finished workmn- sbip, and replacing tho lost teeth T ■ ti> tOBAHILY ALMOB1 1 IMMEDIATELY after extraction, hive tßtabhahod oar repatation. A single A'tltioial Tooth, 10s , cotn,)loto not. Upper and Lower, Ibmporary and Porm»aent, £10 iO*; \rMficUl fo-.tn v»ni Dentures mule by oth?r.denti"ts remodelled t small cat. BtoDDinß, Scaling, l'eneot and Paialo«s. i {i



I Wanted IXTANTED to sell a good seooDd-haud YY Ssdd'e and Bridle.— Apply Prlnoe Albert Boardloghouio, Wills Street, A*b_ burton. - 10 225 ill ANIED Known. —Mrs Meroh, Y» Dr^Fßmakor, has returned fioui S; dnoy, end ro commenced Lusinssi m launders' Buildiags, naxt MrR. ZLorn's. 10 78 WANTED Known.— J. Orb and Co invite Lm.ioß to inspect thi-ir largo and vari d assortment of Summor Dress Materials. Uver one thoußand piec s to select from ANTED Known— The best and oheaptsi house for Wed.i.i;g ut fits, Family Mourning, Woollen Dresios, Silk Mercery, a id General Faooy Good*, is Andrew ('bus. 10 185 HEJiP aHEABS, 11 A's, BB A's, and BBaNZd; and genuine Turkey Stones.— Robsrt Aloorn, Sauudors' Buddingr. WANTED Koowo— That Mkb Hill, Monthly Norte, b»s removed from Pete r £ trout 10 De j revor's hense, Id Moore Street. 10t39 WAI^ T D Kuowu- AtDBKW Orb Is Fusing a graud display of Ash- burton, Kdap 1, Roslyo, aud Worsted Tweeds for suite. Suits to mensaru from £310t. 10 184 WANTED Known —J. Orb And Oo aro now t- bowing a Largo Assortment of Feather*, flowers, Ribbunß Lsoes, Gloyeß, &o. lOUOi STOCKINGS— 700 pairs of Ladies and Children's earn pie Hoso just opened under the olu Tariff.) All quality to be sold cheap during our sale. — UL. U. Seoekß, Molford Houbu. WAITED Known — andbew OrR Is showing beautiful Embroidered Robes, Cornets, uew Dress Goods, Ladles' trimmed Hats and Bonnets, Ribbons, Flowers, aod Feathers. 10 183 X\/ ANTED Known— J. Orr and Co VV are now showing Ladies' nnd Children's Artistic Millinery m Great Variety. irj ANTED Known— Wo are now YV showing a splvnuid assortment of Summer Millinery and Drapery, at very low prices. — H. O. Seoers, Melford House. W'ANTFD Known— Andrew Orr has opened his Second Ship* racnt of blgh-olaes Drapery, Clothing, and Boots, ex Tongarlro. The very latest London fashions. 10 182 WANTED^ Cash. — Mulr's Oatmeal (251 b), 2s 61 ; Candles, 5d ; Vestas, 5d doz. ; Coffee and Milk, la ; Oocoa and Milk, la ; Corn Flour, 4d ; Fruits lv Syrup (2lb tins), Is Crockery j Glassware, and Ironmongery. — J. Mo- Gbeoor, Tauored street. MRS AD A M.*S has removed to Saun- ders' Buildings, opposite Railway Station. Crewel Silks, Wools, and Fanoy Goods of every desorlptioa kept m stook. Agent for Kolipsa Dye Works. Registry office for Servants. 10 92 X \ r ANTED Known. — J Orb and, VV Go's Drapery Department Is under new management. Prices of the Wholo Stoox ha?o boen rovised and reduced to suoh a point as will command a speedy sale. WANTRD Known — We aie now showing a grand assortment of Trimmed and Unt-lmriied Hits and Bonnets. The largest Stook to choose from In town, and the cheapest house.— H. O. Seoers, Melford House. WANTED Known.— J. Ohr and Co are now showing the Leading Novel tioß m Lad job' Mantles, Jackets, and Dust Cloaks. BOOT 3. BOOTS.— Keep the feet| dry and save doctor's bills. Quality Is everything In bad weather. I guarantee every pair. Best value In New Zealand at Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. — Robert Alcobn. WANTED Known. -J. Orr and Co are now showing a large aecort men"; of Ladies' Embroidered Robes from 10b 6d. ~YI /"ANTED ovo youo to know that VV J. C. Duncan is a Land broker, licensed to prepare and register Transfers, Mortgagee, Ei.curubnncoß, Leases, Regis- tration /Jjßtrao's, Powors of Attorney, Applications to bring Land nudor the Act, and every description of instruments under tho Land Transfer Aot. — J. 0 Ddnoan, Arcade, Ashburton. 10J101 THE FEDERAL COFFEE PALACH 1 , at the corner of Collins <!fe Kino Streetb, Melbourne. Now open for business. Thp Federal Palace ia only two minutes walk from the Central Railway Station and the -A hurves. The Palace oontaios 550 rooms, comprising Drawing, Dining, Reading, Sitting, Billard, Bed, and otbor rooms. Special accommodation for families and permanent boardorß. The Cuißine and Table appointments for tho daily luncheon are a speciality Particular care exercised to pocuro perfect immunity from Accident by Fire. All charges moderato. 9 25 GEO. COHEN, Manager. bummer 1888. Latest JN ovelties IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, NOW ON VIEW AT THeJ| NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Everything New. New Shirts. - New Underclothing, Now Ties, New Hats, New Suits for Boys, New Suits for Men, Everything New and of the LATEST FASHIONS. See our Windows, and jadge for yourselves CNCOURAGE LOCAL INDUSTRY AND BUT FROM THE Jew Zealand] Clothing Factory. W. H. WEBBER, Manae*'.



- .-_, _, ::. ~ .-^ , .Jlft Public Notices NEW PAPERHANGINGS FX " TAINUI " NOW OPENED. -J A_ BALES PAPERHANGINGS IOASE DECORATING ENAMEL PAINTS James Craigie, TANCRED STREET.) 10 13 | H. J. WOOD & 00. ■ BTATIONERS' HALL, Friedlnndor's Buildings Ashburton. NEW B A LARGE Seleotiun of the latest oheap Editions. New Books for Sohool Pr'zss and Presentation In treat variety. 4 speolal discount to School and Library Com- mittees. PHOTO XMAS CARDS OF N.Z BOJ^ERY, for friends m the Old Country. A lot of cheap Maslo at less (han Half Price. New Muslo by every Mall. Large stock of Stationery »ni Account Books of every description. Writing Oases and Desk*, Scrap, Photo, and Fern Albums, Work Roxes, Purses, Card Oasos, Pocket B"ok*, Photo Frames, and every description of F*ncy .Stationery, LETTS' DIARIES FOR 1889. Comaaerolal, Rough, and Pocket Series. Grocers' and Drapers' Wrapping Papers (v any quantity, Any Book out of stock procured frcm our Chrlstchuroh Establishment, the stock of whloh Is one of the Largest and best Assorted In the Colonies, or fiOin our London Agency. H. J. WOOD & C 0„, STATIONERS' HALL, ASHBURTON. "ZEALANDIA'' BOOT STORE, EAST STREET, Ashburton. THE Lsrgest and Beat assorted Stook of BOOTS AND SHOES m the Ashburton Dlstrlot. Being direct Importo a we are enabled to offer the beat productions of the English and Continental Markets at the lowest possible Prloes. Great attention given to Qaallty and Fit, and our Patsoos may rely upon obtaining GOOD WEARING AND PERFECT FITTING BOOTS and SHOES. Ladlea' Glace, Button and Lace. Ladies' Calf, Kid, Button and Laoe. Ladies' Elastic Sides. Ladles' Walking and Evening Shoes: Ladles' House Boots and Slippers, Gents' Fine Goods. Latest Styles. Children's Boots and Shoos of all Kinds. In Colonial make we always keep • full assortment of the Celebrated Zealand** Brand. Do not be misled. None are genuine unless branded ZBJALANDIA, We guarantee all Boots of this make to give OOOD WEAR, and for Quality and Price are THE CHEAPEST IN THE COLONY. Bespoke & Repairing Department This Department is carefully locked after. None bat best mater al osed, and the work done by experienced workmen. New springs put Into old Boots, and all kinds of repairs executed promptly. Note the Address — "JSEALANDIA " BOOT STORE. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. R. H'JMW, M*nßK»*r. KBID and GKA V, CAMERON oTRi^ET,, ASHBURTuN Makers of IMPROVED D.-FURBOW PLOUGHB (Made of Beßt Hammered Scrap Iron, and Winner of First Prize at Melbourne Exhibition.) Over 8000 \ AT J Over 8000 I m use. JBiduoed Prices. 1 m n»n. Extra heavy Mould Boards for rough Land m Stock, Roid and Gray's Turnip Powers, with oi without Guano Sowers ; all sizes, 1 to 16 Coulters, and 7to 14 inches apart ; made to sow torolpsand manure down thesame tube, or m two, one following the otht r. This drill is very specially commended by all those who have used thorn. — Testi- monial just received : — Timaru, Ist May. •'Messrs Reid and Gray, Dear Sirß,— ln reference to the Turnip and Manure Drill which I purchased from yon m November last year, for George Gray ltu?Bell, Fsq , Otipua, Timaru, I have pleasure lv stating that it is the best Drill I have seen distributing artificial manure, either m dry or damp state ; it never ologs, and easily regulated as to quantity, and distributes the manure with perfect regularity, and gave good satisfaction, — Yours truly, Alec Wyllib. Zig-Zag i^k»/Tows' stil maintain their reputation as the best general purpos Harrow. Four hundred sets made an< nually. Newly Improved Chaffouttera all sizes, with Balance Fly Wheel, fitted with patent cast steel Mouthpiece, m one piece, which oan be taken off and replaced by oft ordinary laborer m a few seconds. Culfr three lengtns of chaff. £2!£J Portable Screw-Press and Bagging Chaffcutter, cuts, riddles, elevates, screens and presses into the bag at one operation. 1, 2 JS 3, and 4 Horso-Powere. simple strong, and easily drawn, universally used throughout New Zealand. Jointed Pulverising Diso Harrows, over 700 m use. No farm should be without them. All sizes from 6ft to 12ft. Grain Drills from 11 to 17 Coulters. We make largely for Canterbury and North 'Island. Cahoun'a Hand Seed Sower, Farm Drays and Waggons, patent Fencing Standards for Folding Sheep, Fencing Wire, Steel, Iron, and Barb Wire. Repairs to all descriptions of Machinery promptly exeouted on the premiess. Catalogues free on application at Dune* d>l or any of our BrancbwN i*m X