DAIRY.

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at 8 days old shines till about 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old Bhines till, nearly 1 o'olook m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown till about 4 m 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 Bhines till morning, The Moon at 21 days old rißes about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shinesti 11 morning The Moon at 27 days old rises about' 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terras of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz. :— IT PAID IN ADVANCE : Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d , Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED] Pet Quarter.. 7a 6d, by post, 10a 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year  30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may bo sent as payment) ; if booked,. 4s eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publioation from the country distriots require to be verified by the signature of the person sending the notice.

The Ashburton Gaurdian.

Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit.

FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1888.

THE PAPAL DECREE.

In connection with the interest taken m the colonies on the subject of the recent cablegrams concerning the Pope and the Plan of Campaign, the following remarks by His Holiness to the Irish pilgrims who recently visited him may be of interest to our readers :— " And well, indeed, may you rest assured that our feelings of goodwill towards you are unchanged ; for, as is meet, we shall always hold m affection the children of Ireland, and perseveringly labour for their peace and prosperity, so that we shall ever be deemed to justify the con fidence that you have reposed m us. To this feeling of affection we have recently given abundant expression m sending our venerable brother, the Archbishop of Damietta (Monsignor Persico) with certain instructions bearing upon the present state of affairs, that we may be aided by his report m ascertaining the aotual condition of things, and the steps that m your interests it may be desirable to take. But m the difficulties that beset you, let what is contained m the letters addressed by us some years ago to the Archbishop of Dublin be taken aB a safe and sure rule of action. This is demanded of you, not only by religion, which has been the chief glory of the Irish race, but also by J.he public good^ inasmuch as m no circumstances could the interest of the commonwealth be promoted if justice, which is the founda tion of order and all good things, were transgressed. Recently, as is known to you, the Catholics of Germany, acting with moderation, and with regard for law, hafe under our guidance and through our intervention come safely out of a trying position. Why may not a like result, through God's mercy, bo obtained m Ireland m a similar way ?" In a letter to Archbishop McCabe, his Holiness says : — " We unhesitatingly declare that it is their (the Catholics m Ireland) duty to be carefully on their guard not to allow the fame of their sterling and hereditary probity to be lessened, and not to commit any rash act whereby they may seem lo have cast aside the obedience due to their lawful rulers ; and for this reason, whenever Ireland was greatly excited m guarding and defending her own interests, the Roman Pontiffs constantly endeavored by admonition and exhortation to allay the excited feelings, lest by a disregard of moderation justice might be violated, or the cause, however, right m itself, might be forced by the influence of passions into the flame of sedition. These counsels were always directed to the end that the Catholics of Ireland •should m all things follow the Church as a guide and teacher, and, thoroughly conforming themselves to her precepts, should reject the allurements of perni cious doctrines. . . , This manner of thinking, and acting is entirely con formable to the ordiances and laws of the Catholic Church, and we have no doubt that it will conduce to the interests of Ireland. For we have confidence m the justice of the men who are placed at the head of the State, and who certainly, for the most part, have great practical ex perience, combined with prndence m civil affairs. Ireland may obtain what she wants much more safely and readily if only she adopts a course which the laws allow, and avoids giving causes of offence. Therefore, venerable brother, let you and your colleagues m the episco pate direct your efforts to the end that the people of Ireland, m this anxious condition of affairs, do not transgress the bounds of equity and justice. We have assuredly received from the bishops, the clergy, and the people of Ireland many proofs of reverence and affection ; and if now, m a willing spirit they obey these counsels and our authority, as we are certain they will, they may feel assured that they have fulfilled their own duty and have completely satisfied us."

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It is reported that Bobertg, the escaped Timara convict, has been ssen near Mayfield, Three constables were out on Wednesday night, but their searoh was a failure. The Chinese, by the Te Anau, contributed £1000 by way of Poll tax to the general Revenue before they were allowed to land. At the inquest on the body of (be late Mr William Moody, of Timaru, the jury examined the place where Mr Moody waa found drowned,- and after heariug evidence returned a yerdiot of accidental death by drowning. It is considered moat likely that Mr Moody while crossing the railway bridge had slipped and fallen through the sleepers into the water below. The weather on Wednesday morning wag damp and foggy, and the timbers would be slippery. Deceased was a temperate man, but was nervous from some affection of the heart,

] It is reported that Captain Russell, of Hawkea Bay is ill m England. i It is probable that the Victorian Assembly Buildings will shortly be lighted by eleotrioity. Sir G. Grey is indisposed and will not leave Auckland for the Beat of Government for some days. A correspondent inquires if the reason that so many corporations are on their uppers nowadays is beoause they have no soles. By the recent oensus the population of Madrid is shown to be 475,300, whioh is an inorease of 77,500 inhabitants m ten years. Typhoid fever is raging at Viotoria. 200 patients have died from the epidemio within the last few months. The Primate is to be asked to re-oonßider his intention of resigning the Bishopric of Canterbury. A petition is being signed m different parts of the Diooese to this effeqt. The Young Men's Christian Association seems to be flourishing m Melbourne. It is about to ereot a building oosting, with site, £65,000. It is stated that the Episcopal Church of Ireland has 640,000 members, while the Freßbyterian has 471,000 and the Methodist 49,000. The boy Studholme, who fell over a preci pice, at Pembroke the other day, was the eldest son of the curator of the Lake County nursery. Mr D. G. Stewart, late with the Equitable Insurance Company, Dunedin, has been ap pointed manager of the Jubilee Shipping Company. ! "%t the Dunedin City Polioa Court on Thursday, James Hooper was committed for •trial for attempting to murder Thomas Black, at the Peninsula a few days ago. Mr . Noble, a bicyclist m Nelson, reoently rode from .that town to Foxhill and back, a total distanoe of 42 miles, m 3 hours 22 minutes, whioh is regarded as a capital per formance. We had the astonishing news telegraphed from Auckland to us yesterday, that "Philips Town Clerk, left to-day on a tour of the colony." Who is Philips that such a fuss should be made over his movements. The Auokland agent was pressed for matter when he Bent Buoh a ridiculous mesaage. Messrs H. Piper and Dan O'Brien, the well-known sportsmen, met with an aooident on the Bicoarton road, near Ohristohuroh on Wednesday evening. It seems that while driving along a trap coming m an opposite direction collided with their vehicle, and both men were thrown out and bruised. The " Timaru Herald " m an artiole yes terday on Major Steward's Eduoational Fran chise Bill, hopes that he will succeed m placing his amendment on the Statute Book, and further hopes to see the member for Timaru supporting it m its passage through the House. A farmer at Pukurau, near Gore, named MoPhail, lately worried himself so much over his monetary troubles that his mind became unhinged and when going to meet his creditors he donned a complete suit of saokoloth and handed over all his belongings, He has since been removed to the Asylum. Parliament was opened by his Excellency m person, yesterday afternoon at two o'olcck with the usual ceremonies. The Governor's speech which we gave m full last evening was telegraphed through very promptly, and oredit is due to the officials at the Ashburton office for the promptitude and olearness with which they took the message. Fifteen bands have entered for the band, contest at Queenstown on the 7th and Bth November next as follows : — Stanmore (Ohristchurch), Addington, Oamaru City, Port Chalmers, Dunedin Ordnance, Eaikorai, Caversham, North -East Valley, Mosgiel.lnver cargill City, Inveroargill Blue Ribbon, Orepuki, Quoenstowr, Timaru, and Dunedin Engineers. At Wafmate, Timaru, Oamaru, Temuka, and Goraldine all business places close on Thursday afternoons. It is surely time that some such movement were initiated m Ash burton. Trade would not suffer by it, and the health of the employees would be greatly banefited by an afternoon per week tp breathe the fresh air. It would also tend to give an impetus to outdoor sports whioh seem to be at a very low ebb m Ashburton just at present. A recent Hawera— visitor to Wellington, to the " Hawera Star " an aooount of what lie saw here, gives the following piece of news : — " The 'bus company was Btarted by the Good Tempers, m opposition to the tram, beoause the tram oompany advertise m great flaring letters all along the side of the tram cars, Wolfe's Sohiedam Schnapps, and con sequently the opponents of the liquor traffio could not conscientiously travel m them." Mr Hood, of Mount Somers, who has come to Christohuroh to have a few games of draughts with the Herd Laddie, commenced play on Wednesday afternoon, and lost the first game, a " single oorner " one. The second and third games, a Bristol and a " single oorner," were played yesterday after noon, and were also won by Mr Wylfie. In the evening Mr Hood showed up much better, and succeeded m drawing both the games whioh were conte«ted, though he still adhered toihe •' single corner " and the Bristol. The matoh will be continued this afternoon and evening, as to-morrow Mr Hood has to return to his home. ("Press") The South Canterbury Hospitals and Charitable Aid Board intend taking proceed ings every month against those who are able to pay their hospital bills and will not do so ; and further the Board has decided that every applicant for relief, or every one treated, at the hospitals must sign a declaration stating that m the event of their being unable to pay when treated, they are willing to pay when th«y are able to do so. The Board passed a resolution at their meeting on Wednesday as follows : — " That the monthly returns laid en the table of both .hospital and charitable aid cases give names, the district from whioh they come, and whother paying or not pay ing ; that copies be forward to all public bodies paying rateß to the Board, requesting them to return the list after inserting infor mation, remarks, or suggestions, regarding individual oases opposite their names," At the same meeting attention was drawn to the f aot that a ticket labelled " pauper " whioh was stuok up over some beds m the Hospital was not m accordance with any decree of the Board. A preliminary meeting wa3 held m the Templar Hall, Tinwald, on Thursday evening, to consider the advisability of forming a Band of Hope m connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School at Tinwald. There wore about 60 present, and the Rev. J. N. Buttle presided. After the meeting had been opened the Rev. Chairman gave a short address, and called on Mr Caygill who made a few appropriate remarks and proposed the following resolution •' That a Band of Hope be now Btarted m oon neotion with the Wealeyan Sunday School, and that the teachers meeting be a Pro visional Committee to act until the proper inaugural meeting." Mr Smith seoonded the motion whioh was oarried unanimously. The programme was then prooeeded with and songs, reoitationß and musical selections, were very pleasantly rendered by the young folks and friends. Miss Bishop presided at the har monium, whioh has been kindly Bent from Christohurch by a friend for the use of the Wesleyan services, Sunday Sohool and Band of Hope. Mr Shearer also rendered good service with the clarionet. It was decided to bold meetings fortnightly, and to haye a . formal inauguration m about a month's time, and to celebrate the event with something speoial. At the meeting of the Chrislohuroh Presby tery on Wednesday, the Revs A, Blake, and M. Finlayson, and Mr J. MoPherson were appointed Commissioners to visit the Rakaia. The Rev W. West stated that the Rakaia congregation were prepared to offer £200 a year and a manse to a minister, with a prospeot of raising the stipend to £250 if times improved. The debit of the district had been reduoed to £300, and the oongre gation had two small sections m the township, on one of whioh it was supposed to build a church. The district had prospered greatly under Mr Stewart's ministrations, and the congregation wished- it to be raised to the status of a sanctioned] charge. The Rev A. M. Beattie moved— "That the request be granted, and that the Rakaia distriot be f raised to the position of a sanctioned charge." The Rev A. Blake seconded the motion, I whioh was carried nevi con. The Presbytery I reoorded its high appreciation of the services ; of Mr Stewart, and Messrs Orr and Thonap- j Bon were appointed to aot with the Moderator, the Rev W. West, as an interim session for t&9 distriot.

By raferenoe to the cable news it will be seen that the Australian Mutual Provident Spoiety has had a moat sucoessfal year, des pite the general tone of depression wbioh has prevailed. A peculiar and important oase has just been decided m Napier. Mr Hoadley desired to erect a certain building, and engaged Mr Lamb as architeot. The latter drew the plans for a building m wood, as was per mitted by the by-laws then m force. Mr Lamb, however, neglected to get his plans signed by the Borough Inspector, and before they were carried out the by-laws were altered, and Mr Hoadley was obliged to build m brick. He sued Mr Lamb for the difference between a wooden and a brick building, and recovered judgment for the amount, the Court holding the architect liable for his neglect to get the plans signed. Mr J. D. Foley, of ".Festivities" fame, re-appeared m the Oddfellows' Hall last evening m his drawing-room entertainment. There was only a moderate attendance, but those present thoroughly appreciated Mr Foley'e efforts to please. The first parteonsisted of char aoter sketches — the prinoipal ones being those of a country yokel, m whioh he introduced a song with looal verses, an Old German, and an Irish Sohoolmaster with two pupils. The seoond part consisted of ventrilo quism, lightning changes, and a very clever ! overture on ordinary glass bottles. Taken altogether the performance was a really good one, and it seems a pity that it was not better patronised. During an interval Mr Foley announced that he would appear at Tinwald this evening, and that on Saturday afternoon he would give a performance for children m the Oddfellows' Hall. Mr Foley's entertain /nent was altogether worthy of greater support from the publio than that given last evening, and we can recommend the performance to residents of Tinwald.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(PEE PRBBB ASSOCIATION.) Address-in-Reply. Wellington, May 11. Mr Carroll, member for the Eastern Maori district, will sacond the Address-in - Reply. Farewell Conversazione. It has been decided by thj Jf ilosophioal Sooiety to tender a firewall con versazione to Mr W. T, L. Travere at the Colonial Museum on the Saturday right previous to his departure for England Cook Strait Gable. Blenheim, May 11. Dr Lemon, who arrived by the steamer Kanieri this morning, proceeded to White's Bay for the purpose of verifying his tests at this stdo of Cook's Strait as to the position of the broken cable. Should the weather keep tine he expects to have the cable iD|vvorkiag order m ten or twelve days.

BANK RETURNS.

(PER FRKSS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, May 10, Following are the Bank returns for the quarter : — LIABILITIES. * £ s. d. Notes m circulation . . 891,158 14 2 Bills m oiroulation . . . . 52,001 18 3 Balances due to other Banks 25,411 110 DepositB — Government . .  530,224 13 1 Not bearing interest . . 3,431,231 19 3 Bearing interest . . 7,227,082 13 11 Total .. ..12,217,111 2 6 ASSBXB. Coin 2,244,347, 12 0 Bullion 81,620 19 6 Notes and bilfe of other Banks 37,990 15 8 Good debts due . . . . 11,960,640 12 9 Notes and bills discount 3,304,103 12 10 Other securitiea .. ' .. 1,598,693 6 5 Total .. ..19,178,221 1-4

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

(by bleotrio telegraph copyright.) (pkr press association.) "(Received May 11, 12.25 p m.) RUSSIA IN THE PACIFIC. London, May 9/ The " St. James' Gazette " complains of the extraordinary strength of the Russian naval forces m the Pacific, and the weakness of England there. The article goes on to say that m the event of an engagement between British and Russian ironclads m the Pacific the defeat of the British-China squadron could only be averted by a miracle.

THE GRAND OLD MAN.

Mr Gladstone, iv replying to an ad dress of sympathy presented to him by 3700 non-conformist members said he received a silk badge from Australia on which was inscribed the words "Re member Mitchellstown " and which was worn by thousands m that country. He said further he was not prepared personally to vindicate the operations of the Plan* of Campaign, but m his opinion Government were the real authors of the organisation. 1 •

PARNELL AND THE NATIONAL LEAGUE.

London, May 10. The National League is much an noyed at Mr Parnell's recent disavowal of the Plan of Campaign.

SUEZ CANAL.

It is expected that the Sultan will accept the terms of the Suez Canal Convention submitted at the beginning of.April next.

SUGAR BOUNTIES.

The " Times "to day states that the Sugar Bounties Treaty will be signed by the Powers m July next.

BANK RATE.

The Bank rate of discount has risen 3 per cent. (Received May 11, 1.25 p.m.) NEW LAND BILL. i Sydney. May 11. The eighteenth clause m the Land Bill, which gives power to Government to fix rents without allowing any appeal, has been under discussion m the House during the last three days. An amend ment to make rents subject to tbe decision of the Land Court has been negatived by 47 to 14. Anbther amendment nearly to the same effect has been given notice of, m order that the question may be further discussed.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

Brisbane, May 11. Mr Mcllwraith's party have formed themselves into a National Association. Up to the present the result of the election has given the party a large majority over the Government.

RABBIT CONFERENCE.

1 . Adelaide, May 11. j The Rabbit Conference when here \ will investigate the disease known as itch which kills rabbits quickly, but which is not transmitable to other animals.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The natnl mmthiy meeting of the Mount Somera Road Board vra-j he'd Id their office oo Wedaaaday, May 2ad. Present — Messrs Waiker (Ohairman), Harrison, Edson and Chapman.. i OVERSEER'S ttEPO&T. The Ovevaeer'a repotl waa read and considered. CORKESPONDBNOE. Letters were read-(l) From Mr A W, Smith a? king permission to cut timber on road near section 21741, also offering to lease gravel pit lieeerve near the Alford Forest Hotel, — It was resolved to consider the matter at the next meeting of the Board. (2) From the Treasury stating that the sum of £24 17a 6d has been paid to th 9 credit of the Board, on account of the Village Special Settlement Roads. (3) From the Ashburton Oounty Ooaqoil euoloslng Electoral tioll for the Mount Somero Biding, 1888. Resolved that the same be left on view at the Mount Somers Hotel. (4) From Mr Vivian Rouse, asking to have his name taken cff the Roll, and Me William Fawcett's pnt on Instead. —The clerk was instructed to make the necessary alteration. TENOER Tenders wai opened fov' forming about 40 chains of the Cemetery road, and that of James Brown was accepted at 4a per chain. AN A-PPLIOAI:ON . Mr Robert Jones interviewed the Board and aßked for some pipes io put m In front of his place — Consideration waa held over till next meeting, payments , The pay sheet amounting to £79 19a 7d waa passed for payment and the Board adjourned.

SPORTING

ASSBURTON TRADESMEN'S RAGING CLUB.

The following eveni a were decided after we went to preaa yesterday : — Ladies' Bbaoelet Welter Handicap, of 20 bovb ; second horse 5 so pa from the stake One mile. 39 Miss Grigg's eh g Union Jack, by Liberal, 4yre, lOst ... (Mr Lewis) 1 20 Mies Pitt's g m Squib, syrs, lOst 91b (Mr Pitt) 2 10 Mrs Simmons' g m Kate, aged, lOst slb ... ... (Mr feimmons) 3 59 Mrs Barker a b g Daddy Longlegs, list 6ilb (including 2*lb over) (Mr Cox) 0 5 Misa Markey's b m Aurora, aged, lOst 91b (Mr G. Murray- A ynsley) 0 1 Mrs Corbett's brg Ntro, aged, lOat (MrDenton) 0 2 Mißa Neate'e blk g Wrangler, aged, lOst 61b (including 6lb over) (Mr A. Fooks) 0 4 Mrs Grice's eh m Sunbeam, aged, lOat -.. (Mr Gr'ce) 0 10 Misa Hunt's eh g Iroquois, 4yre, 9stlolb ( vlt Jones) 0 8 Mies Porter's br g Bradfield, 4yrs, - 9st lllb (includiDg 41b over) (Mr Miller) 0 Meada, Doubtful, add Bed Kobia were eoratched. Squib and Bradii9ld had the beßt of a very straggling start, and Iroquois was left at the post. Squib led for half a-mile, bufc Union Jack then went to the front, and on entering the straight, came away and won with a comfortable three lengths to spare from fc'qulb, with Kate a good third. Time — lmin 523ec. Totalisator divi dend—£3 12b 6d. Hack .Race, of 10 eovs ; winner to be cold for 10 bovb, any surplus to go to the funds of the Club. No weight under Bst. Four furlongs. 61 Mr A. J. Kelly's eh m Annie Laurie, 6yra ... ... (Jaoksor) 1 71 Mr S. H. Lemon's b m Swamphen (Dodd) t 9Mr J M'Jlwraith's b m Frisky (M'llroy) t 13 Toorak, 26 Forest King, 1 Little Wonder, 4 Wasp, 10 Parlormaid, 6 Paddy, 2 Lucy, 9 Lady Agnes also ran. A good start was effected, Annie Laurie, Swamphen, and Frisky at once took the lead, and a desperate finish resulted between these three, Annie Laurie winning 'by a neck, the two othera running a dead heat for second place. Time-Slsecs; Totalisator dividend— £3 12s 6d, The winner was Bold by auction for £20. Flying Handicap, of 25 bovb ; second horse 5 soys from the stake. Six furlongs. 99 Messrs M. and O Hobbs' b g Jack, aged, 9st 71b ... (O. Hobbs) 1 30 Mr J. C. N. Grigg'B b g Mountain Deer, 6yrs, Bst 41b ... (Cochrane) 2 28 Mr. 8. Alexander's eh g Doubtful, 4yis,7st7lb (Dodd) 3 17 Mr G. H. Tevendale's eh m Glen lora, 4yrs, 7st 81b ... (Franks) 0 11 Mr T. Kearney's eh f Moss Rose, 3yrs, 7st 71b ... (McMorran) 0 18 Mr M. Scott's eh m Goldfinch, 4yra, 7st CMcQrath) 0 3 MrT. Dwyer's eh m Olive, 4yrs, i 6sl 41b (including 41b over) (McConochie) 3 14 Mr L. Markey's eh m Express, aged, (3«fc (Holmes) 0 Authentic, Temuks, and Annie Laurie were scratched. The lot were despatched to a good start Glenlora led to the home turn, when Jack came to the front, and won comfortably by a couple of lengths. Doubtful a good third. Time — lmia 17secs. Totalißator dividend — £2. Consolation Handicap, of 10 soys ; one mile. 28 Mr B. Rutherford's b m Miss Web ster, syrs, 7st ... (McConochie) 1 48 Mi H. Coulter's b m Meada. 4yr?, 7st 121 b (Cochrane) 2 These were the only two s'.aiters, and after one false start they were despatched well together. Both ran abreast till well within the straight, when Mies Webster drew out and won by half a-length. TotalißaUr dividend— £2 8s 6d.

CHESTER MEETING.

(Pkb Press .Association.; London, May 9. At the Chester meeting to-day the fol lowing was the result of The Chester Oop, of 700 soys, added to a handicap sweepstake of 25 eovs each ; 15ft for three-year-olds and upwards ; the owner of the Beoond horse to receive 100 eovs, aud the third horae 50 tiovs from the stakes ; the winner, after January 26th, at 10 a.m., of the One Thousand Guineas or Two Thousand Guineas Stakes at Newmarket m 1888 } or a handicap value 600 soys, to carry 14lb j if a handicap value 300 soys, 71b extra, Old Cup course (nearly two miles and a quartor). 49 subs., 17 of whom declared forfeit. Mr J, G. E. Huuifray's br h Kinsky, nged, by Kisber— llluminata Bst 121 b ' ... 1 Duke of Westminster's br o Saville, 3yrs, by Jiaoupton— Lilian, 7at 121 b„. 2 Lord Bradford's br o Ohippeway, 4yrs, by Wenlook or Chippendale—Pos thumn, 7at lib 3

COERESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ours* yes responsible for tbe opinions expressed by our correspondents!

MAJOR NEWALL AND THE ASH BURTON VOLUNTEERS.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —In your notice of the Inspection Parade held last Tuesday, Major Newall is reported to hare expressed himself "highly phased with the drill of the Riflrs, and alao noticed a marked improve ment m that of the Guards." I havf, on former occasions, notload a tendency to lean ia thta direction m reports of Volunteer matters, and I write to put yon on your guard against reoelvlng aa gocpel, communications from that quarter. No doubt your Informant thoaght Major Newall ought- to have expressed himself In the above terms, but nnfortuqately for your informant it was not 'exactly 50... What the Major did Bay vras that •• he was highly pleased with the drill of both campanles, and he notioed a marked improvement all round," It Is hardly worth while suggesting anything m the direction of good taste to your informant, but I hope this will have the effect of keeping him Btrlotly to the troth for the future* I am, eto.i James Kblb, Ashburton, May 10th, 1888.

IMPERIAL DEFENCES.

Tfeb press association.] London, May 9. Mr Stanhope, replying to a deputa tion of members of Parliament, said there was no occasion for a panic m conneciion with the defences of British coaling stations, but it was urgent that immediate action should be taken m the matter. He added that it was possible to accelerate the progress of defence, and admitted that it was neces sary to increase the Garrison corps stationed at coaling stations, and for this purpose a third army corps is being organised, The deputation of members of Parlia ment urged that the country should be placed m a proper state of defence* Mr Stanhope, m replying, said that the country had confidence m Lord Wolseley and Major-General Sir Red vers Buller, who were paying close attention to the matter.. Sufficient suras had, he said, been placed on the estimates to carry out the defence of the ports and coaling stations. The defences of the leading mercantile ports were almost complete as intended, and he thought that an attack on London by means of the Thames was im possible. The scheme of mobilising the army was being proceeded rf with, and rapidly approaching completion It would, he said, greatly depend on I the patriotism and intelligence of the volunteers if their numbers were ade quate, and the only disadvantage under which they would suffer would be from incomplete preparation.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

(per press association.)

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, May 10. The Rev E. S. Symonds (sic) has been elected President of the Wesleyan Conference. Mr Irving of San Francisco, has written to Government stating that he has discovered a method of exterminate ing rabbits by means of inoculation. Captain Whitney, who had been endeavoring to arrange with the', New South Wales Government for the establishment of a federated cartridge factory m Australia, having failed to come to any satisfactory agreement, is now making enquiries as to the support he is likely to receive from the Vic torian Government. A goods train this afternoon ran into a temporary siding on the new line, near Fotunga, and collided with a number of coal trucks, and wrecked a building which was built over the line. Four waggons were thrown off the rails and the men on them had a miraculous escape. The Victorian Government have arranged for a parcel post to conti nental cities by the German Lloyd line of steamers.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydne?, May 10. The mutineers who arrived m chains by the barque Thunderbolt, from London yesterday, threatened the lives of the captain and officers after throw ing a quantity of ship's stores and deck fittings overboard. ■ : The annual report of the Australian Mutual Provident Society gives the profits for the year at the amount assured being t£*3, 152,000. The report recommends that the sum of be carried to the reserve and the establishment of an officers provident fund, to which officers should contribute at the rate of 2% per cent bn their yearly salaries, the Society giving 3^25,000 as a nucleus to the fund. The Hon. Francis Abigail, Minister of Mines, has sent a cable message to M. Pasteur, asking the terms on which his representative would be permitted to instruct the authorities here as to the cultivation of the virus of the Cumber land disease. It is estimated if the virus is successful some 300,000 sheep which die annually from the disease could be saved. A woman named Peak, who is said to have been of unsound mind, threw herself m front of an approaching engine on the Southern line of railway to-day, and was literally cut to pieces, The apparent drooping cf the silver boom has caused an increased amount of interest m gold shares, and a boom m the stock is anticipated; A large number of forged £$ notes on the Australian Joint-Stock Bank are m circulation m the city. A man named McGregor has been arrested on a charge of forging and tittering them. The notes are marvels of penmanship. A youth named Borthwick, belong ing to the Auckland vessel Jessie, was accidentally drowned m the harbor to-day.

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, May 10. The Minister for Lands has been defeated at the election for Sfouth Brisbane. Mr J. R. Dickson, Colonial Treasurer m the late Government, has been ,. de* feated for Enoggera.

THE ABHBUBTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MAY 11, 1888



Moona Sun Snn Moon Moon ago at May Rises. Sets. Rises fcSeta. noonday a.m. p.m. 7 Monday .. 7.1 452 2.42 338 25 8 Tuesday .. 7.2 4.51 3.42 4.2 26 0 Wednesday.. 7.3 4.49 4.41 4.37 37 10 Thursday .. 7.4 4.48 6.39 4.63 38 11 Friday.. .. 7.0 447 8.38 6.20 39 12 Saturday ... 7.7 4.46 7.30 5.62 0 13 Sunday .. 7.8 4.44 8.33 6.27 1



" Kough on Itch." — '« Bough on Itoh," ourea akin humors, eruptions, ring worm, tetter, salt rheum, frosted feet, chilblains, itoh. i y poison, barbers' itoh 3



To produce real genuine Bleep and childlike repose all night, take a little American Oo.'s op Bitters on retiring, I^ook for KeAlTincj's Cough Lozenges cure Coughs Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so effectual m the oure of these dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bed- time ensures rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing they are invaluable. They contain no opium or any violent drug. Sold by all* chum- tv m tins, Is IJd and 2s 9d. eaoh, •



A timely use of Hop Bitters (American Go.'s) will keep a whole family m robust health a yoar with but a little cost. Read



Wanted- "YTT ANTED purchase™ for Turnips, VV 2a 6d per losd topa and all, bs mnoh as one horao oan take away. Terrm ca*h, Apply Mb GailoWAY, Yillnge I Settlement. 5 70 I Vjrjr ANTED to Sell— A First-class Pian o V f grand action. Cash or terms very liberal. Apply Haybb and Go. BOOTS.— We have reduced our Boot List, and are selling them wonder- fully cheap.— ll. 0. Segbks, Melford House • IF you. waut a genuine Ashburton Tweed Suit to meaanre, or ready made, or Boots that will keep your feet dry, at prices marvellously low, come to the Aahburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' buildings.— Robebt Aloobh. WANTED Known. —Melford Houbb Is now shewing a splendid assortment of Drapery, Millinery, Cloth- Ing, Boots, &o, very cheap. WANTED -Everyone to come and see the nicest Jot of Glass, China, and Earthenware ever Bhown In Aehbur- ton, and the Cheapest ever landed m New Zealand. Imported direct from the Manufacturers. — Robebt Alcoen, Saun- ders' Buildings. Stll WINTER.— We are now shewing a Splendid ABBortment of Ladleß and Children's Ulsters m all the leading styles, very cheap. — H. 0; Segers, Melford House. WANTED Cash. — Moir's Oatmeal (251 b), 2a 6i; Candles, 54; Vestas, 5i doz. ; Coffee and Milk, Is ; Cocoa and Milk, Is ; Corn Flour, 4d ; Fruits m Syrup (21b tin*), la. Crockery, Glassware, and Ironmongery. — J. Me- Geegob, Tanored street. WANTED Known.— Cheap Jack has opened a shop m Oompton's Buildings, Moore street, with a large stock of Fancy Goods, Crookery, Music, &o, whioh he will sell at Cheap Jack prices, viz., 30 per oect under any other shop m town. WHITE CHAMPION SEED WHEAT. FOR SALE, 500 Bushels of th'ia Celebrated Wheat, m large or small quantities. GEORGE JAMESON, 5*90 Aahburton, TRY KIRKPATRICK'S SPECIAL QUALITY FRES H FRUIT "X" -J A. M 8— NOTICE. OUR Bpeoial Quality t( K" brand of New Season's JAM Is made from Fresh Fruit, within a few hours after it' has been gathered; it thus retains the full flavor of the Fresh Fruit, and is the beet quality it Is possible to make. CAUTION : None is Genuine unless our Name ia stamped on the Tin, and has our regis- tered Tiade Mark, the letter " X," on the Label. S. KIRKPATRICK AND GO., MANUFACTURERS, NELSON. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING_ FACTORY.!! NEW GOODS ! NEW GOODS ! ! FOB THE AUTUMN and # WINTER Season are to hand, and we 'would request intending purchasers of Clothing to pay our establishment a visit pravitms to purchasingelsewhere, and See our Men's Sac Suite from 37s Gd Latest cut and good vnlue Bee our Men's Tweed Trousers from 10a 6d Well adapted for good wear See our Men'B Tweed Overcoats from 40s All Colonial Wool and nicely made See our Men's Moles from Gs 6d Own make, impervious to wear See our Boys' Fritz Suits from 10s 6d Parents and Guardians come & inspect See our Boys' Trouser Suite from 22s 6d Colonial production, well and truly made. Purchase your Clothing direct from the Manufacturers. —TAILORING— We are doing a very large business m this Department, and would request all requiring a first-c'aes suit, Colonial tweed, made to measure, to entrust their orders with us. We can offer you 600 different patters to select from, and can give you value unsurpassed. Fit, style, and work- manship guaranteed. —HATS. HATS. HATS. HATS— Any shape, etylp, or s : ze m stock. This Department is fully supplied with all the latest novelties. The Mercery Department you will find replete with every necessary requisite m Men's Youths', and Boys' wear at prices which cannot be beaten iv Ashburton. Encourage New Zealand Indushioa and buy from the New Zealand Clothing Factory. Agents for the celebrated w erth9i"m Pewing Machines, which caa bo had on easy timejpayments. W. H. WEBBER, Manager.



JL CELLING OFF a**. v> o C^^§§ Great Reductions. /^p^k r p ER obnt" discount [/|SS^S|| M z jggft * 0E ON ;L MONTH %SiW o *** T3 "JiyTURRAY, Jeweller, having secured the Premies lately O vJ JLlu J.VL oconpied by Mr Nbatb, ohemlst,sis3|now offering his M STOCK at a j V) DISCOUNT OP 3s IN THE £ PREVIOUS TO REMOVAL. 3 26 J. QUANE &CO~ PRODUCE AND GENERAL MERCHANTS, FINANCIAL AND CuMMISSION AGENTS, BEG to announce that they intend COMMENCING BUSINESS In Havelork street, Ashburton, and will open on Saturday, the 12th iust. —WITH A STOCK CONSISTING OF— OATEN SttEAF AND STEAW CHAFF FEED OATS, HAY IN TRUSSES BRAN, SHARPS. FLOUR TEA, SUGAR, POTATOES, FOWLS' WHEAT PLOUGH SHARES? &c. &c. Csßh Purchasers ol WHE4T, OATS, BARLEY, &o. and all Farm Produce. Mortgages and Loans on Land and Stock arranged at Lowest Bates of Interest. .---. KE36 _ 'GRAND SUCCESS." '' GRAND SUCCESS MITCHELL & TURNER HAVE very much pleasure ia thanking and annonncing to their numerous Friends and Customers that success haying attended their efforts since removing to Fowler's Buildings, especially during past Season, they are encouraged to hold oat special inducements for coming Winter Season. Purchasers will fiDd a Splendid Assortment .of Men's and Boys' Overcoats, Winter Suite, Trousers and -Vests, &c, comprising AshburtOQ, Kaiapoi, and other Colonial Makers Ladies 1 and Children's Ulsters, jackets, &c. Blankets, Bugs, and Flannels. f& N.B.— See our Dreaß Goods, Homespuns, Serges, and Tweeds. Fair prioes, excellent quality. Shirtings, Liseeys, flannelettes, Quilts, Hosiery, and General Winter Goods BOOTS AND SHOES. ALL WHO WANT A FIBST-OLASS ARTICLE SHOULD PAY US A VISIT. MITCnELIT& TURNER TANORBD STREET. McCallum and Go,, PAINTEES, GLAZIERS, PAPERHANGERB, STGNWRITERS, Etod. ~W T^> desire to inform our Clients and the Public of Ashburton, that we have com- VV menced business m all the above Linos, and solicit their patronage. This Department will be under the management of Mr GEO. VINOEN T, late of Mr J. R. Chapman's, and as we import MATEBIALB of the best brands only, and shall employ, only FIRST-CLASS Workmen to do our Work, Clients can rely on obtaining the Otmoßt VALUE, as well as satisfaction, for their MONEY, . OILS, PAINTS, VARNISHES, WINDOW GLASS, BRUSHES, Etc., Always m Stock j We have 60,000 pieces of PAPEBHANGINGS. due to arrive, of the very choicest PATTERNS and COLORS obtainable m London. McCallum end Co., TIMBER ANDKJOAL MERCHANTS, PAINTERS, PAPERHANGERS GLAZIERB, Em, EaST^STREET, ASHBURTON. W. H. COLLINS, Manager. Important to Grain Growers. C AIJTIOJSr ! ! I AFTER the grattritonß paff In the " Weekly " and daily " Preeß," and the present advertisement m the " Ashburton Guardian " respecting tho Poisoned Wheat prepared by the so-olled Patent Process of Mr J . M. Cambridge, on behalf of the Ashburton Drug Company, I deem it my duty to draw the attention of Greingrowera t6 the fact that the process m qneotion is not patented m New Zealand, nor is It likely to be, for the almpla resson that tho various advantages set forth are exaotly those whlcb I have strictly observed In the preparation of my Poisoned Wheat for the last three years. Cory of Telegram j . HiZELDBAN,.FsQ , Patent Registrar, Wellington. Plea*e reply whether J. M. Cambridge, Ashburton, has obtained or applied for any patent m onnfetion with Poisooed Wheats, and if co poßt copy of specification. Auhburton, 30th April, 1888. O. M. Brooke. Mr C. M. Brooke, ABhbarton.— No application received from Mr Cambridge. Wellington, May 1, 18 Q B. F. Waldeqrav*!, Deputy PBfcent Cffioer. If Agriculturists want a satisfactory and reliable article (not an experimental one, to which you have hiiberto been chltfly treated) Brooke's Poisoned Wheat is the preparation to use, &b the following testimonials hereby testify : — " I have the honor by direction of the Board, to inform you that yonr Poisoned Wheat is proving highly satisfactory, and to request that yoa will forward me twenty bushels more of exactly similar qnallty at yonr earlies convenience. — Yours, etc., Road Board Office, fClrwee. 14th Juiy. 1886. Albbrt John Francis. I hsve great pleasure to taforrn you that the Poisoned Wheat tho Board received from yon glvas satiifactlon, and beg yon will forward at yonr earliest oonvonlence eight bushels mnrp, the same sample as before.- — Tours, &o t> . Rosa Board Office, Temuke, 23' d Juno, 1886. Geborge Dyson. I have the honor by direction of the Board to request you to forward £10 worth of yonr best Poisoned Grain, the same as the last lot received from you last season, which was everything that could be Paired, I used some a few days ago, after bav- lng it from last eeftson, and it wbb m first-rate condition, and very effectual. District Office, South Raka!*, 4th June, 1886. A Makeig PREPARED ONLY BY C. M. BROOK E, (T-ate of Kaiapoi) 7 CHEMIST, ASHBPRTON. THE CHEAPEST PLACE IN TOWN. "ZEALANDIA" BOOT STORE, East Street, ASHBURTON. THE STANDARD FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY' OF NEW ZEALAND. t WITH| UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS. 1 fCAriTAL— £l,ooo7°oo STEELING. HEAD OFFICE~7 DUNEDtN. Gams IT NSUBEEB have the most undoubted Security under this Company's Poiioie 8 J[ together with an assurance of Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims FIRE and MARINE RIBKB accepted on all descriptions of Property and Merchandise also Crop, Stack, and Machine Risks at Lowest Kates of Premium, .{fidelity of Persons holding situations of trust guaranteed. OFFICE J HEREFORD STREET, CBRISTCHUBCH. (Opposite FJank of New Zealand.) ARCHIBALD SCOTT, Manager for Canterbury*. .AL.BEBT BOBFiiiTS. AGUNTjg ASHBURTON