THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal willgbe as follows, viz. : — IB 1 PAID IN ADVANCE '. Per Quarter.. 6b 6d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter. . 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d ;„ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Tear .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notioes, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s each. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the oountry districts require to be verified by the signature of the person sending the notioe.

DIARY.

(Moonlight Evenings. The Moon at 3 days old : ehines till about 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'olock. The Moon at 8 days old shines till nearly 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 shines till morning. The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shines till morning, Tho Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and .shines till sunrise.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1888. THE CANTERBUR SPA.

In a racily-written article headed " Our Pool of Siloam," which appeared the other day m the " Christchurch Telegraph," the writer asserted that "everyone has read of, and is fully aware of the valuable curative properties said to be possessed by the mineral waters of the Hanmer Plains Hot Springs," We doubt whether that is precisely so, and indeed are inclined to the belief that a great many persons know very little indeed, if anything, about the health resort which the bounty of Nature has provided iv the locality referred to, and as we thoroughly concur m all the writer m our con temporary says m its praise, a word or two to recommend it to our readers may not be cut of place. Although situated beyond the sound of the whistle of the locomotive, it can be reached from phristchurch m time for dinner, the .journey being made by rail to Culverden — thence by coach. There is an ex cellent hotel, where capital fare is pro vided at very moderate charges indeed, and the baths are reached therefrom by a conveyance, which plies regularly for the convenience of visitors, two or three times a day. At the site of the springs the Government has enclosed an area of some eight acres of land, within which are situated the hot springs, always m a state of ebullition, and, strange to say, only a few feet away from these a spring of ice cold water. Very commodious baths have been erected, into which the water is led by largo pipes, and wherein bathers can regulate the temperature just as they please. The mineral water is strongly impregnated with sulphur, and is said to be almost magical m its effects m cases of rheumatism, sciatica, weak muscles and joints, chest, liver, and other complaints. Then there is the purest of mountain air, the most wholesome of food and generally plenty of company, and altogether those who want toning up could scarcely select a better locality for the purpose. And when it is remembered that including railway and coach fare, board, and bath ing, a week's rest, recreation and in vigoration can be had by the Ashbur tonite for the outlay of a five-pound note, the only wonder is that we don't all go to Hanmer Plains once a year.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Bquad of the Ashburton Rifles left this morning for Gcraldino t£ J,ajjo part m tho bayonet competition at the local spopta.

A mistake has been made m the Christ? church papors m connootion with tho prices of admission to Miss Sberwin's Concert on Monday. These will be as published m this paper, viz., front beats 4s; stalls, Ss; back seats, 2s.

We are informed by tho Telegraph Depart ment that communication is interrupted north of Wellington, and the Weat Coast lines are completely cut off. Very rough weather is being experienced up north.

A telegram to yesterday'B " Presß " says that Bit H. Atkinson has decided to leave shortly for Jhe Sovtfct tp deliver political addresses at Dunsdin and ppobjibly Christ church. Date of departure has not' yet i?eyn fixed.

We learn from Geraldine that the Ashbur ton v ßifles team have scoured the first prize m the sword bayonet competition which took place there to-day m oonneotion with the St. Patrick's day sports. The annual toa meeting m connection with the Presbyterian Church, Wakanui, takes place on Wednesday week, the 28th instant. | Owing to the number of tiokets that have been sold, the Sons of St. Patrick have •decided to hold the ball on Monday night m the Storeroom opposite the Salvation Army Barracks, the Schoolroom being too small to accommodate the number who will probably be present. At the R.M. Court this morning, before Mr A. Harrison, J.P., a first offender for drunken ness was lined ss, with the usual alternative. A man named Kevin was admitted into the Hospital this morning from Longbeaoh. About a week ago while out m the country, being thristy, he drank some water that was not very clean. He became unwell soon after, and his illness increased so much as o necessitate his removal to the Hospital. An elderly man, named Thomas Jones, who was admitted to the Hospital some time ago with a broken leg, the result of a kick from a horse, haß had to have the limb amputated. He is m a very low state, and it is doubtful whether he can reoover. Members of the Primitive Methodist Ohuroh will be glad to learn that the Rev Mr Boothroyd haa arrived m Ashburton, and will take the service at Newlanda to-morrow morn ing and m the Ashburton Ohuroh m the evening. The Revd Wm. West, the popular Preßby terian minister from Southbridge, will preach m the Aahburton Presbyterian Church on Sunday next, also on the following Sunday, the Revd Mr Beattie having exohanged pulpits with him for this period. During Miss Sherwin's visit to Dunedin she was the recipient of an address of weloome, signed on behalf of the oitizens by His Worship the Mayor and the City Olerk. It is beautifully printed m violet ink upon white satin, and bordered with a heavy silver fringe, and is indeed quite a work of art. The printing was executed at the establishment of Messrs Pergusson and Mitchell. At Oamaru Miss Sherwin was serenaded by the battalion band, and we understand that the lady will be welaomed to Ashburton by the Mayor and EOme of the Councillors. The down express train this morning was unable to cross the Rakaia Bridge m consequence of two of the piles having been washed away during the night, owing to the effects of yesterday's rains, The passengers and luggage were transferred to another train made up on the south side of the bridge, and prooeeded on their journey after a delay o twenty minutes. A curious proof of the fact that great ignorance Btill prevails, even m high quarters m Great Britain, with regard to colonial geography has been received by the Victorian Chief Secretary m a letter from the Town Olerk of London, who addresses him as •• The Hon Alfred Deakin, Chief Seoretary of the colony of Victoria, New South Wales." Yet another instance is afforded by the fact that the " Yorkshire Post " of Jan. 2nd speaks oi a gentleman, aged 101, who died at Sand hurst, m Now Zealand. These is a Sandhurst m this colony, it is true (it is a small town ship at the mouth of the Hakateramea river), but as no centenarian has died there recently, or, indeed, at any time, the Sandhurst referred to is doubtless Sandhurst, Viotoria. At a meeting on Thursday evening, m Dunedin, of the Protection League of Otago, Mr M'lntoah stated that he had taken part m the agitation m the early days of the Protec tion movement. Two-thirds of Southland would now vote for Protection, for the populs. tion was departing at suoh a rate as to oreate alarm. The struggle here was great, but; ij had been great m Victoria, and as it had been viotorious there so would it be m thi3 oolony, It was wonderful, he said, that Victoria m so short a time should produce £24,000,000 worth of goods annually, and Protection was the cause. He strongly urged the League to send an additional delegate. Dr Sohweinfurth has sent a letter to Berlin from Cairo (writes the " Pall Mall Gazette " of Jan. 17th) dated Dec. 30th, stating that the news of Stanley's having succeeded m reaohing Emm arrived m Cairo on Deo. 22nd. More definite intelligence wae expected there shortly. It is hoped that this may be of a nature to oonfim the report whioh is mentioned by Dr Sohweinfurth, but whiohi singular enough, has not hitherto been reoeived through any other channel. The earliest partnership mentioned m the Bible was Jerry Co. At a ball near Hot Springs, Ark., lately, a young lady, her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother danoed m the same set. Archbishop Redwood, Bishop Cowie, and Dr Graoe have been accredited delegates from the New Zealand University Senate to the Boulogne celebration, More than one million signatures have been attached to the women's jubilee petition to the Queen m favour of closing publio houses on Sunday.* A vigorous movement has been Btarted by German physicians to do away with the use of apothecaries' Latin, and m favour of using the vernacular m medioal prescriptions. The " Otago Daily Times " states that the duties on butter, cheese, bacon and hams imposed by the Now South Government have been revoked, and ceased as from Ist inst. In a period extending over 337 years only twioe did a son Bucoeed his father on the throne of Franoe. The comet can now be seen almost any morning when the sky is anyway dear. Its position between 3 and i o'olook is E.S.E., almost fair above Venus, whioh is particularly brilliant, while the comet is anything but that. Mr and Mrs Henry Wilson celebrated thoir golden wedding at Oamaru on Monday, a feature of the proceedings (says the " North Otago Times " ) being the reoital of a brief adaptation of the marriage service by the Rev. J. Boothroyd, to whioh tho old oouple responded heartily. Mr Wilson afterwards mado a few remarks, stating that ho and his good wife left England m July, 1851, m the Sir George Pollock, with one son and one daughter. Sinoe their arrival m Now Zealand thero had been born unto them four sons, twenty-eight grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren, Hollowav's Ointment. — =- Minors and Workers m the Goldfields. — This invaluable and renowned ointment is extensively used and patronized by such people to their very great advantage, being easy of application and portable m small compass. When used m con junction with Holloway's Pills m accordance with the clear and concise directions for use whioh accompany each pot and box, there are but few of the diseases whioh aflliot man kind whioh will not yield to the sanative powers of the combined remedies. Holloway's Ointment g,n<} Pills do not deteriorate by keeping nof By oha^e pf olimate ; as they contain no deleterious 'miherai drug, they can be used with the most flbrfcot (safety under" the mwt adyfirflo oh'mate and Baujttary ' r conditions* v

NEW ZEALAND AT THE MEL BOURNE EXHIBITION

(Per Pbess Wellington, March 16 At n meeting of the Exhibition Oora mlesloneia to-day it waa otated that applications for space are now coming In large numbers from the whole colony, and the New Zealand Oourt will be an fissured BUCCGB9, occupying 20,000 ft floor Bpaca m! a moat favorable position, facing tha grand avenue of nations, with a moat auitable place for tha New Zealand fernery. The agrlcultaral machinery will be well represented, and something like 4000 ft has been applied for In the machinery de partment, and forty-nine exhibitors have applied for over SOOOft m the a^t section. Edncitlon, furniture, alimentary products and,, mining Industries will ba largely represented. The total number of applications is now 209, and whan entries close to-morrow it will probably reach fully 300 or more. The Midland Railway Company have applied for 400 ft, and intend to ereot a trophy showing all timbers found on their land. Ohristohdrch, Marach 17. The exhibits aent from Ohrlstchurch for the Melbourne Exhibition number 39.

RAM AND EWE FAIR.

+ The fair held In the Tinwald Sale Yards yesterday, attracted a large attendance of settlers, dealers, farmers and others interested m stock, notwithstanding the very wet weather experienced, which caused the large entry of store aod stud sbeep to Bomewhat Buffer m appearance. About 25,000 ewes and 400 Bams were entered for the day's sale, but a large number of these were passed m, the bidding especially la the early part of the day being anything but spirited. The following were some of the principal lines that were sold at this fair :— SO Lowcliff Lincoln ewes, 12a; 360 Peaohe's fall mouth merino ewes, Is 10d ; 154 full* mouth crossbred ewes, 3a lid ; 190 cross bred ewes, 49 ; 214 2-tooth crossbred ewes, 5a 9d ; 240 4-tooth crossbred ewes, 6a 4d to 6s 6d.; 530 half-bred ewes, 3a 9i to 3s lOd ; 668 meriuo ewes, Is 6d ; 11C0 orosß bred ewes, 3s 8d to 3s 93 ; 3000 Laghmot half-bred ewes, 5i to 5a 8d ; 2000 Anama Bound-mouth merino ewes, 3s 3d to 3a lOd ; 750 4-tooth crossbred ewes, 7a ; 518 2 and 4-tooth crossbred ewes, 5s 5d ; 1440 merino ewea Is 7d to Is 8i ; 1100 2-tooth half-bred, 6j 3d ; 120 mixed 2-tooth, 6i 3d ; 800 mixed merino, 2a ; 700 merino ewes, Is 5d to Is 7d \ 450 merino ewes, 4j Gi ; 400 2-tooth crossbred ewes, 5) 6d to 63 6d ; 1700 4-tooth merino ewes, 4s ; and 20 of Mr J. Bonifant's English Leicester rams at 2\ galneas ; 20 Mr John Grigg's Lincoln rams 2-tooth at 1\ galneas.

ASHBURTON RIFLES.

The aimual meeting of the Aehburton Rifb Vo'.nnteera waa held fn the Drill -shed last evening. Present— Oaptaln Dolman (m the chair), Lieutenants Mailer and Fooks and about 30 men. Captain and Adjutant Fooks and Sergt. Major Hayes were also present. — The Secretary read the annual report up to 31at Decßrabar last an follows : — (1) In presenting the ninth annual report | and balanoe-eheet for the year ending December 31st, 1887, your Committee beg to congratulate the Company on the sucoesaful year just passed. The balance-sheet shews a Bank balance of 7a 6d, besides whioh there are outstanding subscriptions, entrance fees, &c, to the amount of about £8, whioh ia very satisfactory, considering the very large [ calls on the funds of the Company during the year, whioh includes patrol jackets, over coats, &c, and a aum of £30 for waterbottles, haversack 3, &c, imported from England, whioh will -fully— equip— U»« — Company -for camp duties, &o. — (2) Only one man (a bandsman) out of a total of 55, failed to qualify for capitation for the paat year, whioh means that a sum of £157 was due as capi tation at the end of the year. — (3) In the annual class-firing for the previous year the Company gained the third figure of merit for the whole of the oolony, the prize for which was worth £40. — (i) For the last year the Company haß been successful enongh to seoure the first place toe class-firing m the whole of Canterbury, whioh must be deemed satis factory, considering the number of companies to oompeto against. Eleven members gained marksman's badges, m addition to whioh six qualified as first-class shots.— (s) At the Bine Association's annual meeting at Christohurch three members of the Company, namely, Sergeant Nelson, Privates A. Mc- Donald and Sim competed, but were not very successful, the only prize won being £3 by Private McDonald.— (6) The question of a Challenge Cup and firing prizes was suggested, and a sub-committee appointed to draw up conditions, &c, but your Com mittee found that there were no funda available for the purpose, so that the subject lies m abeyance. — (7) Your Committee recommend that the annual subscriptions be discontinued, and that for one month, to encourage volunteering, reoruitß be taken m the strength of the corps, provided with the necessary equipments free of charge, after which an- entrance fee of say 10s should be charged.— (B) As you well aware, the Govern ment have seen fit to reduce the capitation to 30s per man, but notwithstanding the reduction, we hope that every man will make an effort to qualify for the ourrent year. — (9) In conclusion, your Committee recommend to the inooming Committee the advisability of erecting an orderly room for the use of the Company if funds will permit. Clause 7. It was resolved that reoults be taken m the strength free of charge up to the end of April and be supplied with full dress uniform, patrol jacket, overcoat, haveraaok, waterbottle, and all necessary equipments, After discussion the re mainder of the report waa adopted. COMMITTEE, Sergeants Dee, (Stewart, Corporal Ash ton and Private Salek wero elected to act with the officers as a general Committee. SECRETARY. Lieutenant Fooka was re-elacted Secre tary. TREASURBR. Lieutenant Muller was re eleoted Treasurer. AUDITORS Privates Salek and O. R. Andrews were elected Auditors. JIBING AND DBILL PRIZES It was reaolved " That it be a recom mendation to the Committee to devote a sum not exceeding £16 for drill and shooting prizaa." Sergeant Major Hayes, Color Sergeant McDonald, Corporal Ashtoo, and Privates Salek and H. Craighead were eleoted a shooting Committee. BATTAJiION OFFICERS. Ia the motion|ofJLleut.Fooks, seconded by Private Findlay, the capitation earned by the battalion officers was ordered to bo paid to them, and a further sum of £2 wua voted to Sargeant Major Hayes for looking after the arms, o\p, SAND. It was resolved that £7 capitation earned, and £1 133 3i amount due be paid to the members of the baud. CAMP. Captain Dolman brought up the ques tion of the proposed Eaßtor Encampment at Timaru, and it was resolved that the members contribute half the ooßfr, the balance to be paid oat of £he funds of the Company. About 40 men signified their . Intention of attending the camp. THANES. A hearty vote of thanks waa passed to the Secretary, Treasurer and outgoing Committee and the Auditors. The meeting then adjourned with a vote of thanks to the chair,

THE WEATHER.

;' The following is the meteorological report at .Atford Station for the week ending March 16th, 1888 :—

WRECK OF A SHIP.

[Per Press Association .] i "Wellington, March 16 One of th 6 worßt galea ever experienced m thia district for come tima commenced yeafrorday and increased last night, and has blown to-day with hurricine force- No damage is reported m town by the heavy seas In the harbor. Great excite ment was caused m town at 11 a.m when a. telephone message was received that Shaw-Saville and Cb 's well-known ship Pieione had ruo ashore on a tpot two miles northward of the Waikanae river. The Pleionc left London on the 24th December, and was therefore 84 daya ont, and unless the mishap ocourred, would probably have reached here m another two days, thua making a good ran. Immediately the news reached here, a special train waa despatched to the station nearest the aoene of the disaster, bat unfortunately the wirea were interrupted, and beyond a short massage nothing has oome through. Captain Bendall, of the Underwriters' Association, who has been at New Plymouth In connection with the Bellringer acoldent, has deoided to leave for Waikanae at once, and will be there to-morrow. The ship had a large and miaoellaneoua cargo, and as far as can be ascertained the insurances are :— Victoria, £2630; National, £2000; Colonial, £1145; Sooth British, £960; New Zealand, £924 ; Guardian, £55 f Union £1817- The Thames-Mewey Company I also a loser, but the amonnt is unknown The insurances on the ship are unknow n but she is valued at £12,000. Otaki, 3.36 p.m. The Bhlp Plelone ia ashore two miles north of the Waikanae river. A.ll the passengers (6) and crew were saved with the exception ol one seaman, named Belsohaftr, who was drowned. One lady | passenger his been sent to Mr Field's m a critical Btate, one boit having oapsizad m the surf. The cause of the wreck is supposed^to be through having mistaken Kapitl Island for Stephen's Island. The ship is broadside on. There waa no water In the hold when she was abandoned. There fa about 6ft of water on the lee side at low water. The captain is ipjured, and has gone to Field's to obtain accommoda tion for the passengers The Waikanae natives and Knropeana are rendering what assistance they can, and offers of pro visions, etc., are freely made. | Ihe Plelone went ashore at 2 a.m., and the ciptain decided to walb till daylight before attempting to land, and then j aucoeeded m getting ashore without assslstanoa from the shore. The boats ware lowered, being placed m charge ot the oaptain, first mate, and second mate. | On nearing the beach the captain's boat c&p3?zid, and one of the occupants, a B?atnan named George Bolahaw, an elderly man, waa drowned. Mrs Foster, a passenger, wa3 takan from the watar greatly exhausted, and (ha captain was also bjnred ia an attempt to reach the Bh>re, Both are, however, progressing favorably. The vessel ia almost high and dry, but very little can bo known aa to the eaffcty of the ve3sel until the weather moderates. At present; she is making no miter.- - A -number of boats have been engaged reaioving seamaVs belongiuea from tno^ahlp. A special train from Waikanae returned to Wellington at 10.30, but none of the paasengera or crew went to town, being too muoh fatigued to travel.

THE WAKANUI RIVER ROAD

The Court did not resume till 3.40 p.m. yesterday, i Mr White opened his case at some length, arguing that the road proposed to be opened by the Board wo>ild be the moat beneficial for the ratepayers m every respect. He called Meredith Wilson, who said he was the owner of property surrounding portion of the road proposed to be made— that portion already constituted a road Since the River Road bad been destroyed he had to travol 3£ miles extra, if not more, each way going to and from Ashburton, making a total of about Beven miles more thnn when the River Road was intact. He did not think the formation of the pro posed road would cause any damage to Mr Jameson's property, because the fall of the country was nob that way, By MrPurnell: Witness thought he would save about three miles m each journey if the proposed road were male. Jf the fence at the ond of the unformed road running through witness's proporty were removed, the water backed up there m times of flood would flow on to Mr Jameson's property. It was not beoauae complaints wore made of witness cropping the unformed road running through his land that he now wanted the road carried through. 0. 0. Fooke, surveyor to the Road Board, was called to give information as to the financos of the Road Board. Mr Purnell objected to the evidence as irrelevant Mr Ollivier said he would take Mr Fooks' statements as being perhaps uaof ul for his guidance, bat he would not take them as evidence. Mr Fooka said that the income from the Ward was about £300 a year. It would be cheaper for the Road Board to construct the road now proposed than to re-open the River Road, as there would be great risk of my work dono being swept away. If the road was diverted — taken some distance back, say 25 chains — and the river left m its present state, there would be no guarantee of the safety of the road, as every fresh took away a large quantity of land, besides which the expense of acquiring the necessary land would ba greater than tho Road Board could under take. If tho proposed road was formed, no more water would be brought on to Mr Jameson's land than at present. The coat of diverting tho River Road, without pro tection, would take all the year's income of the Ward, while the cost of the proposed new road would be only £50 or £60. — By Mr Purnell : Witness was not taking into account any pompensation that might have to bo paid for the road. If the River Road instead of beiug taken bacjc 35 chains were taken behind the errbank niont, about three chains from the river, the cost would bo less. The proposed, road was liable to damage by flood, but not to such an extent as the River Road. — The witness gave evidence us to what had transpired at a ratepayers' meeting m regard to this road. This was all the evidence. Mr Ollivier said that he would carefully pqnsider the evidence and would send his report to Wellington on Monday. Ho would see that each of the parties recelyed a copy of the report. Ihe Court then roße.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

I (per press association.;

GENERAL BOUL ANGER.

Paris, Maroh 15 The President, M. Carnot, has re moved General Boulanger from his command of the 13th Army Corps, stationed at Clermont-Ferrand, m consequence of his having visited this city m disguise, without having ob tained permission to leave his corps. General Boulanger declares that he was removed from his command be cause he was popular with the electors.

GALES AND SNOWSTORMS IN ENGLAND.

London, March 15. Trains have been embedded m the snow m the North of England, where exceptionally bad weather prevails. £||Terrible gales and snowstorms have been experienced m the southern por tion of England, and traffic has seriously been interfered with. On the coast a number of wrecks have been reported. -

LORD AUGUSTUS LOFTUS.

The bankruptcy of Lord Augustus Loftus has been annulled.

A ROMANTIC MARRIAGE.

Prince Oscar, of Sweeden, has been married to Miss Ebba Muack, at Bournemouth.

AUSTRALIAN RUBIES.

Certain stones which were consigned to the Bank of South Australia here, have been pronounced garnets, and worth 2S per carrat.

BANQUET TO LEAGUERS.

The Irish offenders recently liberated from gaol have been entertained at a banquet at Manchester by their sym pathisers m that city.

WOMEN'S JUBILEE OFFERING.

The Trustees of the Women's Jubilee Offering have decided to ex pend m personal ornaments for her Majesty the Queen.

THE SUAKIM CANARD.

Communication with Suakim has been restored, and despatches received state that the town has not been cap tured, and that all is quiet there.

GLADSTONE'S POLICY.

Mr Gladstone has been invited to formulate an Irish policy, but he re fused, on the ground that it was a trap which could only catch the blindest.

THE AMERICAN-CHINESE TREATY.

Washington, March 15. The Treaty signed by the Chinese Minister and the Secretary of State excludes Chinese laborers from the United States for the period uf twenty years.

DEATH OF PINSUTI.

Floeknoßj March 16. Signor Ciro Pinsuti, the composer, died suddenly here while playing the piano. His death is attributed to heart disease,

THE EMPEROR FREDERICK 111.

Berlin, March 15. The Emperor has addressed a mes sage to the Diet promising to observe the Constitution. The ceremony of administering the oath has been postponed until his Majesty's health has improved.

THE LATE KAISER.

An enormous concourse of people have visited the Cathedral to see the remains of the Emperot Wilhelm. Near the bier is piled a mountain of wreaths, which have been brought by all classes of the community. So great has been the crush of people anxious to get into the building that the police have been quite unable to control them, and some disorderly scenes have been enacted at the entrance to the sacred edifice, The programme for the Emperor Wilhelm's funeral provides for the Emperor Frederick following, but it is believed that his. physicians will forbid him doing so.

AUSTRALIAN.

(per press association.) .

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, March 15. The extension of the railway system to the western suburbs is contemplated at a cost of A further telegram received from Forbes m reference to the fire there states that the Post Office escaped destruction, although the tower took fire. The fire originated m the hotel stables, and two horses were burned to death. A groom, who had been recently discharged, has been arrested on suspicion of having set the stables on fire. The Chinaman suffering from small pox on board the s.s. Moyane, died this morning. The case was a very malignant one. It is probable the Corporation officers suspected of being concerned m the frauds which have just been disclosed \yill be prosecuted. Giffen, the defaulting teller of the English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank, who is "' wanted " for the embezzlement of has been arrested at Enga. A. Bannerman and Midwinter have joined the Australian team which leaves for England on Saturday. In matches ', this season m Australia, Shrewsbury's batting average was 58 j W. Read comes next with an average of 55 ; bowling averages Lohmann and Atte well, 10; Briggs and Turner, 13 per wicket. LiHywhite's team lost two matches and Vernon's team one. Sydney, Mar oh 16. Mr Vernon's team leave for England to-day by the Orient steamer Austral. The s.s. Moyane, from Shanghai and Hong Kong, has arrived, with one Chinese passenger suffering from the worst form of smallpox ? and four cpnvaleseent. The vessel has been quarantined. An obelisk, m memory of the victims of the Bulli colliery accident, will be unveiled on the 23rd inst., the anni versary of the disaster. A large number of sheep have been destroyed m the prevailing bush fires, which have become so serious that a number of men are leaving town to cope with them, as much as £1 per

day being offered for assistance m soraf places. Sir Robert Wisdom, formerly At torney-General, died to-night. Sir Robert has been ailing since his return r from Europe, suffering from a compll j cation of disorders. He suddenly took | a turn for the worse. The primary 1 cause of death was jaundice.

VICTORIA.

Mkmjofune Miroh 15. The Government have offered a site for a cartridge factory near Melbourne to an English firm. Advices from Mauritius, of dale March ist, state that heavy rains have been experienced. It is estimated that the sugar crop will yield 120,000 tons ; 0/ which 73,000 tons have already been shipped. Vessels for cargo continue scarce, and none are loading.

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, Maroh 75. A fund m aid of the Crofters has boen raised m this city and now amounts to

TASMANIA.

Hobart, Maroh 15 , The Premier has received a despatch 1 from Lord Huntsford, Secretary of State for the Colonies, enclosing a memorandum from the Chinese^Am j bassador m London, protesting against the exceptionally stringent legislation proposed by some of the colonies against the Chinese. The memorandum urges that the action of these colonies is opposed to treaty obligations ' be tween England and China. .

THE MARKETS.

[Per Prbss Association.! London, March 15. Stocks continue to advance, and are now quoted at an increase of i per cent to i} 4 per cent on last pricss. Several municipal stocks have risen 2 and 3 per cent, New South Wales Four Per Cents, £117 10s. Fifteen thousand quarters wheat by steamers of March and April ship ments, to be delivered at a Mediter ranean port, have sold at 345. Sydney. March 16. Wheat firm at 3s 6d to 3s 8d for milling sorts ; fowl's feed, 2s 8d ; oats, 2s to 2s 3d for feed kinds ; 2s 2d for seed 5 Cape barley, 2 s iod to 3ft There is no English barley m the market. Potatoes, £$ 5s to £$ 10s; onions, £4 15s ; peas, 4s for blue; boiling, 3s 6d; bran scarce, New Zealand, yd; pollard, New Zealand, 8d ; hams active) is to is id; bacon, 9^dj factory butter, from jd to is. Adelaide, Marob 16, Grain market quiet. Prices un changed. Melbourne, March 16. Wheat brisk at 3s sJ4dj flour, 10s ; making barley, 5s 6d ; Cape, 3s ; maize, 3s 6d. The average barley yield is estimated at 23 bushels per acre.

THE BELLINGER CASE.

— \u2666 Pkr Pbes3 Association".; New Plymouth, March 17. Tt;e Bellinger enquiry was continued yesterday, when the remaining witnesses wero examined. Archia Livingston, a fireman, said that the captain, looking down the skylight to the engine room askod the cause of the vessel bumping, and if the pump? were wrong. Witness said "No. the Bhip 1b gotpg amongst \u25a0\u25a0— rooks." The captain said " let her go ahta3." Witness sail that the oaptaln and mate seemed to be quite sober, bat the engineer was boozy* William Donald said that the captain wbb the worse for liquor. The steward said he did not serve the captain with liquor after 2.30 a.m. on Taosday till after they were inslda the Waltara bar, bat the captain could ba drinking m his cabin without his know* ledge. The stewardess said the only liquor she saw the oaptaln drink was soda water, and he could not have bad any other thing without her knowing It, From December to this the engineer had been a teetotaller, all she had served him with being sherry wine. Cameron, habor master, and Sergeant Day, of police, Bald they always considered Captain Benson a sober man. Tbis concluded the evidence and the R.M. Bald he would give judgment at New Plymouth on Monday. Later. Oaptaln Benson has agreed on behalf of the owner of the Bellinger, to lodge £2000 In the Admiralty Court so that the vessel may be released, the amount so placed to abide the lssne of the salvage claim brought by the owner of the tut; through Mr Samuel, aolioltor. The Bellinger, when released, will go to Wellington to ba repaired.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

A correspondent requests us to repub* Hah the following lines which appeared Id one columns last year on St. Patrick's Day :— On the Bth day of Maroh it was, some people say, That St. Patriok at midnight ho first saw tha day, Whilst others deolare on the Oth he was born, And t'was all a mistake betwixt midnight and morn, • For mistakes will^ocour m the hurry and shook, And some blamed the jbaby, and some blamed the olook, For with all their oross-questions, sure no ono could know If the olook was too fast or the ohild was too slow. Now the first faction fight m old Ireland they Was all on aooount of St. Patrick's birthday, Some fought for the eighth; for the' ninth some would die, ' " And who wouldn't see right, faith they'd blaoken hid eye.. And. the two rival faotions so obstinate grew, That, eaoh keeping a {birthday, St. Patriot had two ; Till Father M'Nulty, who told them thek sins, Said " No man could have two, unless he W&3 twins,," f'Boys," said he, " Never mind if t'waa eight or t'was aine, " Don't be always dividin' but sometimes combine, " Add the 8 to the 9, and 17 is the mark, 11 And let that bo his birthday," " Amen I" said the olerk. So they all got blind drunk, whioh oompleted their bliss, And they've kept up the custom from that day to this; 8 S.ays ". $aton " m the «' leader " ;— '* The Exhibition Commissioners have selected ft. poem to be set to music for tha opening of the Centennial Exhibition whioh has been univer sally condemned as unfit for the purpose. They obtained it by inviting competition and selecting that, whioh m their judgment, was the best amoDgst those sent m. They have now dcoided upon following the same plan with the musio, and the result will probably \u25a0' be equally unsatisfactory."

JHE ABHBPRTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1888



Moon's Sun Sun Moon Moon ago at March. Rises. Sets. Rises Bets, noonday n.m. p.m. 12 Monday .. 5.63 6.55 4.66 6.36 29 18 Tuesday .. 5.58 8.23 5.67 7.8 0 14 Wednesday.. 5.69 6.21 6.56 7.28 1 16 Thursday .. 6.0 6.19 7.65 7.53 2 16 Friday.. .. 6.1 6.17 8.54 8.20 3 17 Saturday ... 6.2 6.15 9.52 848 4 18 Sunday .. 6.3 6.14 10.61 9.17 5



i High Date. Shade. m State of weather. i low I high Sun. Saturday 52- 75- 127- Showers, N.W. Sunday 43- 75- 122- „ „ Monday 46 1 64- 132- „ „ Tuesday 35- 67' 132- Fine „ 1 Wod'day 35- 75- 140- Showers, „ Thur'day 46- 75- 139- „ i Friday 42- 62- 70- Heavy rain, N.W. . to S.W.



4 sew{ng njacbine o£ solid silver an 4 cn T riobed with sapphireß was re.oently|re.ceived by theßmpresa of Russia. It was a present from the Society for Promoting the use of Russian materials, The Czarina has taken great interest m it 3 organisation. Obstruction of the kidneya and attendant organs will prove fatal if aot removed by Amerioan Hop Bitters. Bead



The weakest woman, smallest child, and sickest invalid, oan use American Oo.'a Hop Bitters with safety and graat good. See " Kouan on Itch."— " Bough on Itoh " oiirea akin humors, eruptions, ring worm, tetter, salt rheum, frosted feet, chilblains, itoj?, ivy^6ijjon r baser'a itoh, 3



• "Rouaa on Corns."— Ask for Well's 11 Rough on Corns." Quick relief, complete, permanent oure. Corns, warts, bunions. At chemists and druggists. 3



Wanted. WANTED immediately, a Girl about 13 or 14. Apply Mrs Fibhbb, Wills Street West. 3 113 WAKTED Known— Reraembeir Baptiat Anniversary Tea and Musical Bolree on Good Friday, 30th March. /~^i REAT Bargains. Everything groatly VX reduced, Come nnd jadgo for your- selves. — H. C. Seobks, Melford Houao. WANTED Koown— l have eecured a large lot cf Mon'a and Boya' Mole Trousers, good quality, at a very low price, now on sale at the Ashburton Clothing Mart.— R. Alcorn, Saundcrs' Bnlldingß. COME one, come all, and our pried will astonish everybody — x* 0. Skqbrs. ANTED to Soil— A iJ'irst-clusa Piano grand action. Cash or terms very liberal. Apply Hayeb and Co. _^ ALL oar firbt-claea genaine Drapery, Boots, Clothing, etc., we are now Belling Ski ridiouloaa prices. Only come and boo.— H. 0. Sbqers, Melford House. "II FAN TED -Everyone to come and W see ihe nicest lot of Glaaß, China, and Earthenware over shown m Ashbur- ton, and the Cheapest ever landed m New Zsalftnd. Imported direct from the Manufacturers, — Robert Aioorn, Saun- dera' Buildings. 3*ll



/ \ E. M. BLAKE, ARCHITECT. Office: Montgomery's Buildings, East street. Entrance : Bdrnbtt Stbeet. 334 |^7 ANTED KNOWN — Oleographs VV' Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scrape Novelties m Penwiperß, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, at j4bs Manhibe's Fancy Repository, Saundars' Buildings; Important, mHE Proprietors of the NEW ZEA- -1 LAND CLOTHING FACTORY, at the request of a large number of their Customers, have decided to continue their Ashburton Branch. Oar Manager, Mb W. Sparrow, his juit selected an entirely NEW STOCK, Suitable for the approaching Season, and with a view of commanding a Large Business, he haa our inßtruo- Mods to mark ALL GOODS AT THE Lowest Factory Prices. Oar Clothing being manufactured of the best New Zealand TWEEDS, well cut and well made, is known as superior to any other make, and obtained the GOLD AND. SILVER MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE WELLINGTON EXHIBITION. HALLENRTEIN BROS & Co. A new and varied Stook of HOSIERY, HATS, SHIRTS, SCARFS, TIES, PORTMANTEAUS, &o , &o,i To eelect from, all marked at the Lowest Factory Prices. 3 99 Guns. Guns. SINGLE and DOUBLE BARREL, MUZZLE AND BREECH- LOAPING UUNH. POWDER, SHOT, CAPS, OARTBIDGES, AND CARTRIDGE OASES. A Large and well Aborted STOOK just to hand. tfohn Orr & Co.



TIMBEE. TIMBER, . TUBER. fTIHE UNDERSIGNED can Supply every Requisite for BUILDING PURPOSES. JL Timber, Iron. Ridging, Spouting, Nails. Doora, Boah.es, Cooking Ranges, Registers, Paints, Oils, Brushes, Paperhanginge, Window Glass (all sizes), Looks and Ilinges. A L S o,— NEWCASTLE COAL WESIPORT COAL NA.TIVE COAL FIREWOOD SHORT LENGTHS. McCallum and Co., TIMBER AND COAL MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS. W. H. COLLINS, Manager. M SELLING OFF. q £ Great Reductions, /^o^l r 15 PER CENT DISCOUNT ((^^^ " TOE oNE_MoWfer^' *i •"^ T3 "li/TURRAY, Jeweller, having secured the Premises lately O •J JLIJ. JilL ccoapled by Mr Neate, Ohemiat, is now offering hie w STOCK at a C/ 3 DISCOUNT OP 3s IN THE £ PREVIOUS TO REMOVAL. 3 26 THE CHEAPEST PLACE IN TOWN ZJBALAKDIA BOOT BTORE EAST STREET



ENCOURAGE TINW4LD. CTJAWKINTS, having suocepafully • JLL launched out m his new branch of Busineßß, has jußt re Btocked his Shop m all kinds of DKAPERY, Men's Under- clothing, and BOOTS, etc., which he is disposing of at Prices not to be beaten m Ashburton. Call and ccc. Everything In the Shop marked m plain figures, at tha lowest posaible rate. No Puff or make-believe Sawffica, or Selling under Coat, but a good Article for your good Money. 3*98 ITTAJSTED TOJPUROHASE WHEAT, BARLEY, OATS, R*E CORN, RYE GRASS, IN LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES. HIGHEST PRICE GIVEN. WANTED TO SELL • 1000 BALES COENSACKS. WANTED— Our "Farmers and other Clients to note that we are agents for NEW ZEALAND STONE COMPANY, O;\MARU. FISON'S Celebrated Fertilizers, The best In the Market. TOMLINSON ZnT HAY WARD'S POWDER DIP i AND GLYCERINE DIP. ! The beßt and cheapest In the Market, Prevents contagion for an almost un- limited time ; will not Injure or discolour the wool, but on the contrary givis it a beautiful appearance. It keeps good for any pericd cf time 1 easy to mis ! requiring no hot water and thus Baying fuel, con- siderable expense «nd trouble 1 GOOD NEWS TO GRAINGROWERS. THE WONDER OP THE DAY. MASSEI'S Light 2-horse Steel Binder. WE have pleasure of intimating cur friends and others that we have been appointed SOLE AGENTS FOR NEW ZEALAND for the sale of this wonderful Machine. Wherever the Machine has been tried It has given entire satisfaction and those who attended the trials and saw the Machine at work expressed themsolveß highly pleased. Numerous orders have already been taken for next season's harvest and those m want of Machines will do well to see THE MASSEY BINDER before placing their orders elsewhere. We guarantee every Machine, thus •bowing that we ourselves have every confidence m the MASSEY LIGHT STEEL BINDER. SUB-AGEJSTS AN TED. FEIEPLAEDEi; BROS.