TO CORRESPONDENTS

Attention to the following rules will save the writers of correspondence a good deal of trooble : — We cannot under take to retnrn rejected communications. No notloe can be taken of anonymous communications. Whatever is intended for insertion In this jonrnal mast be authenticated by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publi cation, bat as a guarantee of good faith. Letters and other communications In tended for insertion m the news column should be addressed to The Editor ; ard bll business communications, In oladlng advertisements, addressed to Thb Ashburton Publishing 00.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1888. RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS.

We do not know whether there is any use m bringing a common-sense sugges tion under tbe notice of the railway authorities, common-sense being an article entirely at a discount with those functionaries. Nevertheless we will make the attempt, hoping against hope, that for once some heed may be paid to the representation. It Is that excursion trains should be run from Christchurch and Timaru, and on tho Mcthven and Mount Somers branches, on the occasion of the approaching Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show. We be lieve if this were done at a low return fare, it would bs found to pay exceed - fngly well, as hundreds more than otherwise would travel hither on that day, would gladly embrace the opportunity. All that is proposed to be done so far, is, as m previous years, to issue what are called " Saturday return tiokets," on the main line only, at Christchuroh, Timaru aud intermediate stations, that is to say people can travel both ways at the rate of a fare and-a-half, a concession of one-fourth upon the amount of ordinary fares. This is not nearly liberal enough and wo believe the depart ment would reap a very much better return if excursion tickets at a low rate were granted, This should apply as we have already paid to the Mount Somers and Methven branches as welji as to the main line. It is not even yet too late to try the experiment and we should be glad if our courteous local station-master would convey this suggestion to his superiors j There is to be a special train to and from the Timaru ghow, why not j also to and from Ashburton 1 \

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Bey Father Binsfield will celebrate Masi at Bakaia on Sunday at 1} a.m. Messrs H. J. Wood and Co have a new advertisement m tbia issue, to wbioh attention is directed. The wife of a Breton peasant, for whom the dootor bsd proscribed leeobes, fried the leeohea and gave them to her injured husband to eat. During tbfi month of August 13,000 um brellas were left m the railway carringcs of the United Kingdom, and QB.OOO different articles of all sorts were lost. The programme of the Ashburton Racing Club's Spring Meeting, to be held on Nov. 22nd and 23rd, has been passed by the Chair man of the Canterbury Jockey Club Com- At *n ;„««.. "* fJ *l meeting of citfeena of presidency of the Mayor, it was v. * -°- 1 No V vembe e r. G ° VerDOr t0 a fweWell ba^ uet »  Rough on Corns. "-Ask for Wells' "Rough on Corns/ Quick relief, comp lete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions" At Chemists and druggists, 3 '

Our Paris correspondent saya that a paper J by the Russian dootor Gamaleia, on the I cure of cholera by vaooinating, whs read by M. Pasteur the other day at the Aoademy of Soiences, and appeared to produce a consider able impression on that learned body. James Foy was handing a loaded gun out of a window to a friend at Hartley Vale. N.S.W., when the charge exploded, wounding three of Foy'a sisters. One was shot m the neck another m the arm, and a third seriously wounded m the side. The •' Hobart Meroury " reports that Louis Bradshaw, a fine promising youth, went out shootiDg and on his way home met a mau about half a mile from Jerusalem, and was speaking to him, leaning on the gun with the muzzle under his arm, when by some means the gun went off, lodging the whole charge m the unfortunate young man's body and causing instant death. A Parisian oab-driver, who committed suicide, left an envelope containing hie last will, by which he bequeathed ten francs to the physician who should be called to certify his death, and ordered his body to the Jardin des Plantes, there to be disseoted and fed to the wild animals to " regale " themselves with. This last named clause, however, is not to be oarried out. According to a telegram from Bastia a man named Antonio Jean Marohotti has just died at Muro, Comioa, at the great age of 113 years 3 months and 21 days. He entered the Frenoh Army m 1793, and followed Buonaparte from the battle of Toulon to the battle of Marengo, where he was wounded. Married four times, he left behind him 73 lineal descendants. The Frenoh Minister of Agriculture has issued a report upon the forests of Europe, from whioh it appears that the woodlands of Russia cover five hundred million aores, or thirty-seven per cent, of the entire area of the country. The Swedish forests cover thirty* nine per cent, of the area, and twenty-four per cent, m Norway. By far the smallest portions of woodlands iB to be found m England, Denmark, Portugal, and Holland. The wedding dress of the Prinoess Letitia, which has just been completed, is m the style of the First Empire. It is of white moire, trimmed with beautiful embroidery m silver,' and festoons of orange flowers. The train, which is blbo of white moire, is three metres and a half m length. Three hundred and sixty bees and one hundred and sixty eagles, emblems of the • house of Bonaparte, are embroidered on it m silver. i The construction of the Eiffel tower is now going on rapidly, the girders supporting the third platform being nearly fixed m their plaoeß. The delay whioh took place lately haß been caused by the completion of the second platform, and the neoesßity of im proving the system of raising the enormous masses of iron used m the construction of the tower. The work naturally beoomes more and more difficult daily, and the progress of the colossal construotion will henceforward be Blower. The eminent mathematician Kirkman haß made an exquisite translation of the well known definition. "Evolution is a ohange from an indefinite coherent heterogeneity, to a definite incoherent homogeneity, through continuous differentiations and integrations." Aa translated into plain English by Kirkman, it is, "Evolution is a change from a nohowish untalkaboutable all-likeness, to a somehow* wish and m general talkaboutable not-all alikeness by continuous something else*ifioa* tions and stiok-together-atioDS." That Modern Haroun-al-Baschid, the magistrate of the Mixed Court at Shanghai, had lately before him a complicated family dispute about land, whion he settled m this way. Finding that only one lawyer was engaged m the case, he had this gentleman haled before him and soundly whipped ; then he invited the litigants to dinner with him, enlivened the repast by having the sermon from the saored edicts on the benefits of harmony between relatives read out, and leotured the parties severely aa obstinato blockheads. An aorobat named Cartanet, who is per* forming at Tours, gave a singular display of courage the other day. He was performing on a tight rope and one of his feats was to ett alight, while standing on Ihs rope, a pieoe of fireworks attached to his head-gear. He was unable to do so, the fuses having been damped by rain, and, after trying for Boroe seconds, he resumed his walk. He had not gone far before it was seen by those below that he had Bet his clothes on fire. Finding that he would be unable to reach the end of the rope without being burned, perhaps fatally, he hung suspended by his legs and put out the fire with his battels. Our Hinds correspondent wrote as follows last night :— The weather has been all that could be desired for lambs, grasses, and crops, until this afternoon, when a most severe hail storm swept over the distriot. Everything appears to be going on steadily, and farmers rejoice m bright anticipation of a good harvest, and should prioes at present ruling be maintained it will be an incalculable bless ing to farmers m this distriot. Inquiry con tinues to be made for land ; several selectors have taken up allotments and intend at onoe to settle upon them. We had a visit from Trooper Casey yeßterday, and on his return I trust he will give our pare of his distriot a good report. Altogether, inoluding our village settlers, things are forfjag a-head. j Our correspondent says : — A most interest ing Missionary meeting was held m the Hinds Wesleyan Ohuroh on Friday evening, Ootober 19th. The Revd J. Burrows read the Home Mission reports, and m a most earnest appeal, pointed out the necessity for liberality amoDg Methodists generally to support so worthy a cause. The Chairman, the Revd J. N. Buttle, with much fervour traced Wesleyan Home Mission work from its early days, and'paid a high tribute to the memories of its pioneers, and others whose names were house-hold words m many homes. Mr MoDowall followed with a humorous but earnest address. S.eleotiops from Sankey's were nicely rendered by the ofioir>' A collection was taken up with gratifying results and a moßt profitable meeting was brought to a close m the usual way. A frightful tragedy is reported from the Philippines. In the village of Antique, near Iloilo (according to a Home paper), the only white men are a priest and a Spanish planter. One day, for np apparent oause, the native inhabitants attaokdd the' priestfa house with the intent of putting him to death, The planter hearing of this, armed himself with a rifle and GO cartridges and went to his defence. Arriving at the priest's house, ho loaded and began a deadly fire on the crowd, Whether on aooount of biß coolness and ekiii, of bppaupe of the number of besiegers offering a mark that could opt be rujseed, l|o had fired off his SO cartridges 50 person's lay on the ground dead or dying, HoKor-strioken with this extraordinary slaughter, the people fled, leaving the priest muoh bruised, but not dangerously hurt. A most enjoyable concert and danoe was held m the Seafield Sbhoolroom on Friday 19 instant. Mr Bruce m the chair. Among those who helped to make the affair ajeuoqe,ss, were Mn Denßbire and Mrs Crisp, whose sieging elioited great applause. Some pretty duets for the piano were played by Mra Redmayne and Miss Ida Herring, and Mrs Redmayne land Midi X SIuGS, sr2 M: '*UM. Riohardeon also played a pianoforte bolo m goou s tv] o. Mr Jmmbie who was loudly encored for his singing, playpd a aeleotion of airs on the violin, aooompanied on the p}ano by Mis> E. Lambie. The following gentlemen contributed songs and reoitations : — Meears Redmayne, Jamieson, and Master Estcourt Parsons, whoso cornio songs oreated great merriment. Mrs Claridge aoted as accompanyiet through out. After refreshment ghad been served, the Bohoolrcom was cleared for danoing, whioh was kept up with great spirit until day light. Mr G. Cox made an efftoient M.G., Messrs Lambie, Jamieson, aud Curtis supplying the musio. Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — Counsel lor the delicate. — Those to whom the changeable temperature is a protracted period of trial should seek the earliest opportunity of removing all obstacles to good health. This cooling Ointment, perseveringly rubbed upon the ekin, | s J:he most reliable remedy for overcoming all diseases ' of the throat and chest. Quinsey, relaxed tonsils, sore throat, swollen glands, ordinary catarph and bronchitis, usually prevailing at this season, may be arrested as soon as d scoyered, and every sympton banished by Holloway's •—•>!« and effective treatment. Thjs Ointment snap. — Mchly commended jfor £he and Pills an. .. — ~*s6fu.Jy contend facility with which they buw ' — * { Mv | with influenza ; they alky m an ina^. short time the distressing fever and teasing I '

The enquiry into the recent fire at Hobday'B 1 buildings at Christchurch was held yester- j day, before Mr Beetham and a ooroner'a jury, r Nothing was adduced to show the cause of ' the fire, and an open verdiot was returned. At the Rink last night the mile handicap raoe for the Bilvor cup preaented by Mr R. Elstsn took place. There was a large attend ance and much interest was taken m the event, which was won by S. Clark m smins 29 seo. The handicapping throughout was very good. professor Hugo delivered his last lecture on " Mouths and Lips " last evening, when there was a good house, and at the olose of the lecture four ladies and several gentlemen went up on the platform. Mr Hugo an nounoed that he would be m attendanoe some days at the Hall, after which he will deliver several lectures m the oountry dist iots. At the R.M. Court thia morning, before the Mayor, John Graham and Isaao Luke, alias Austin, for having been drunk m Burnett street, were fined|2os and costs 7a, m default 48 hours' imprisonment. — Edward Dore, alias Doree, alias James Wilson, who had been m company with Graham and Luke, was, m -consideration of this being his first appear ance before the Ashbrrton Court, let off with a fine of 10s and costs 7s, or the alternative of 24 hours' imprisonment. Tbe Oddfellows' Hall is engaged for Thurs day, Nov. 15th, for a lecture by the Rev P. B. Monro, of Christohurch, the Bubjeot being " American Wit and Humor." The leoture will be illustrated by readings and sketches of some of the leading characters m Amerioan Humorous Literature. Mr Monro has given th : s leoture m Christohuroh and elsewhere with great success, and all who oan attend should do so. The abilities of Mr Monro as a leofcurer are well known. Yesterday James Buokley, sentenoed to three years' probation and to pay £10 ex penses on April 9tb, was brought before Mr Justioe Ward m banoo, at Ohristchuroh, obarged with not having reported himself to the police or paid any of the money. He pleaded that he had been looking for work. Mr Martin, the Crown Solioitor, offered to give him work for a few days. The judge ordered him to begin his probation again from this date. This is the first case of the kind m the colony. We clip the following important testimonial from the " Illawarra Mercury " (N.S.W.) of the 30th March. It needs no comment : — «« Mr John Loved ay, of the Bulli Mountain, writes to us that after suffering for four years with aoute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Eucalypti Extract. He says seeing .the said Extract advertised m the ' Illawarra Meroury,' his intense suffering induoed him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between the 10th Marph instant, when he obtained tbe first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medioine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four yeara. Mr Loveday writes also that he has found the Eucalypti Extraot a cure for rheumatism as well as gravel. He requests us to publish this information through the • Mercury.' We have muoh pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no objeot m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering humanity," — (Advt.) ' 2

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

(FBB PRESS ASSOCIATION J Ootober 25 The officers of the Publlo Works De partment to be dispensed with before the end of the year are chiefly officers who have been for some monthß past employed on the survey of the deviation of the North Island Trunk Railway to New Plymouth. Dnrlng the laßt two months the Wei Hngton Meat Export Company have eh'pped the following quantities of meat ; — By the Talnul, 6547 carcases of sheep and 201,604' bof botf ; by the Kalkonro, 6540 oaroases of sheep and 150,634^ of beef ; by the Lady Jocelyo, 7607 c»roases of sheep. Total, 23 922 carcases of sheep and 440,4351 bof beef. Hokitiiu, Ootober 25. The Bank of New Zealand has shipped 22000z of gold, valued at £8800. Father Walshe, parish priest at Knmara, sustained severe bruises by a fall from his baggy when going to Watmea. He was uooonsolous three qutrtera of an hour, and subsequently wtß conveyed In a buggy to Kamara. Hla Id juries are believed not to be serious.

LYTTELTON GAOL

Thursday's Ohrlatchuroh "Telegraph" has the following : — Rumor has been current for some days* past that In con sequence of the escape of Jonathan Roberts from custody m Lyttelton, there were to be onrtain redactions made In the heads of department of thla gaol. Yesterday evening the news was definitely confirmed, and those who are to suffer for the gaol breaker's escapade are Mr B L. O'Brien, tbe governor of the gaol, and Mr T. Bell, the bead warder In charge of the party of prisoners at work on the Island. The neira that tbe governor of the gaol ia to be removed to Hokltika was at once felt m Lyttelton as being of a great loss of the community. Mr O'Brien has been Esooolated with prisons m England as « chief for many years, and prior to coming here was governor of the Auckland gaol. He has been In charge of the Lyttelton gaol for the last six years. He is.said to have been very popular with tbe people of Lyttelton, and the reault of his suddon removal Is that a rrqulsitlon is m hand, to be forwarded to the Govern ment, praying for his retention at Lyttelton. A public meeting is announoed for to-morrow night to oonaider |the matter.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.

Early In the Autumn Session a Bill, whloh Is backed by Mr Mundella, Mr John Morley, Sir Stafford Northoote, Sir Henry James, Mr Srmael Smith, and Sir Robert Fowler— thin representing all sections of the House of Commons — will be introduced int,o J*»rljatnent having for its objdot the better prevention of oraelty to children. The provisions of the measure are very sweeping, and will give rise to controversy amongst that large section oi the pablto whloh objects to tbe State becoming too paternal, or In any way lessening the responsibility of a child's own parents. The BUI makes the neglect or the exposure of any child under 14 to unnecessary suffering a misdemean our ; makes the employment of a child m begging or m receiving alms ander any pretence of singing, playing, performing, or offering anything for sale a miade rceanopr; stigmatises with the same word tbe right of exhibition of any child under 14 In any place other than a pla.ee lloenned for entertainment, and prohibits from performing all phl}dren under 10. No child under 10 Is to' be served with eplrltnouß Jiqa'or and no spirituous liquor may b~e given, even by a parent, to a child aatll that ohlld Is 16 years of age. The maximum fine is £100 and the maximum Imprisonment six months. This fine may be doubled if, where unnecessary suffer ing has been Inflicted, tho torturer Is proved to be Interested pecuniarily m the death of the ohlld. Constables are to be instructed to take offenders under this Act Into custody upon the testimony of eye witnesses, and a ohlld may be sent out of the custody of its parents who are proved to have illtreated It.

A STRANGE PLANT.

The Hawke's Bay " Evening News " is responsible for the following : -Home few years ago a gentleman living at Kopua imported a case of plans from India The pots wore packed m dry weeds, whioh were thrown out Ia the process of time the seeds of these weeds grew, aud hive spread so rapidly that the Indian weed, as it is o.Hed, has now reached a'oog the ' railway Vim nearly to Ormondvillo, and also down towards TakupßU m the opposite direction. Tha pigs, sheep, and cattle, after eating it become intoxicated from Ub effects ; t^ey will tumble and roll about m a strange fashion but do not die from it. The butter made from the cream of cowb that have eaten it h»s a peculiar sourish, bitter flavor that does not improve the ealeability. Figs that ent it get tipsy and fat, and it has the effect of causing Ecabs tv break out all over them, which are very difficult to heal. Working bullocks un^er the ir fluance will not pay attention to the whip, and remain for a considerable time ia a semi-somnolent condition, but after that is over they seem to be as well as ever. The Indian hawkers who have seen it growirg know the plant well, and say that it is very poisonous ; nevertheless they oollect it as a medicine, and say that it ia a cure or preventative of hydrophobia and other diseases.

A SHOCKING ACCIDENT

(PBK PRESS ASSOCIATION 0

Invbroargili., Oc l ober 25. A lamentable accident occurred this morning at the Mataura Island, m the river of. that name. A man named Andrew McFarlane, a ploughing contractor, resid ing at hdendaie, having got employment at Otara Dairy Factory, neaf ifortrose, started with a two horse team for bis now location yesterday, taking with him big household effects, his wife and child and wife's brother and eiater, together with a boy who bad been living with him. They reached the island m the a'ternoon, croaa ing the main course of the river on the bridge. Thu o'h< r branch of the stream m ordinary circumstances ia shallow, and no bridge ia provided, but heavy rains had made it daDgerou3 to cross, and McFarlane, after trying the fotd, remained on the island all n'ght. Mr ttpmtt, farmer there, advised him not to attempt to parsue his jouruey that way, tni rutuoi a id cross the river «t Wyndtium bridge. McFarlaue demurred to this detour of twenty miles, and early this morning entered the river at the ford. 'J ho te m had only advanced a few yard* when the wheel dropped into a hole, the dray uwung round, and the occpan's sauted among the furniture, which «ras not secured, were swept into the river The la'i slipped out of the dray to & box, on which ho safely floated to a point about a quarter of a mile below, where be got ashore. The occurrence was not seen by any one from the banks, but as none of the other fire occupants of the dray have been seen since, it is almost certain that all were drowned. The dray did not capa'ze, and the leader dragged it and the drowned shatter out of the river. None of the bodies have yet been re covered.

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday. October 26th, 1888:— Cables from London during the week owing to breakages have been of an Inter mitten, character. Thli it was thought might tend to relaxation In the wheat mar ket however the continuation of favourable repcrta have had a decidedly hardening effect, and several large and exceptionally good lines have been placed for prompt shipment at rates which may fairly be considered as above market 7alueß. There Is evidently a feeling of security among buyers which Is doubtless engendered by the Home prices as well as by the reports from the Australian Colonies of tho ex treme drought experienced there. Oh'ck wheat alao comes In for a fair share of at tention at prices which would have been considered good for the best milling a few months ago. Cats continue firm and are m good request at a shade over last week. | Quotations aifollows. Wheat —Prime Taioan lOd to 3i lid ; Pearl and Hunter* 3s 9d to 3s lOd; ohlokwheat whole, 3a 3d to 3a 4i, broken 2a 9d to 3s. Oats.— Milling 2s 4d ; bright short feed 2s 3d ; other kinds Is lOi to 2s; Barley.— 4s to 4s 3d for malting ; feed from 2s to 2a 6i. Beans and Peas.— The former 2« Sd to 2j lOd • the latter 2s 6d to 2s 7d. Grass Seed.— 2 i 9i to 2i lOd for maohlne dresaed ; farmers' parcels 2i to 2a 3d ; Oookefoot 3d to 3£d. * Potatoes. — la the absence of out&ide orders are nominally 40a at oountry stations. Dairy Pboducb .—Butter 6d to 7d ; cheese 4d to sd. The above prices are those paid to farmers for delivery f,a.b., aaoka extra.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

[Pkr Prbss Association.]

QUEENSLAND

Brisbane, October 25, A serious complication has arisen with regard to naval command m Queensland. It appears that Govern ment granted Commander H. S Wright, R.N., Commander of Marine Defences, leave of absence until bis term of office had expired, but refused to pay. bis salary for the unexpired period, and ordered Lieqt, Taylor to assume command of the defences. Gommancler Wright refused to hand over the Queensland gunboat Gayun dah, stores and arms, and placed Lieut. White under arrest, alleging that he was guilty ot breach of discipline. He also declared, flying the white ensign, that he was not amenable to the Queensland Government, and at once prepared the Gayundah for t^e sea. A body of police, armed with carbines, were beld m readiness to board the vessel, but m the meantime Commander Wright, afcer parleying with the Under-Secretary for the colony, agreed to leave the vessel and proceed to Sydney to discuss the question with Admiral Fairfax.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, October 25 Sir Henry Parlces, the Premier, speaking on the Divorce Extension Bill, which has again been introduced m the Legislative Assembly, said he would not admit " the right of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to negative a Bill which had received the deliberate decision of the Legislature, and he would vote m favor of sendiDg the Bill back to the Imperial authori ties, because he held that Parliament had the right under the Constitution Act to pass the measure into, law.

VICTORY.

MEiBOOTura, October 25. The Electoral Bill introduced m the Legislative Assembly abolishes plural ?oting, and compels under pain of a penalty all persons on the rol{ to record their votes. The P^ess loudly de pouQCQf the latter proposal,

ROYAL CHILDREN

The throa little oona of the new Tialeer ' (if Garmaziy, saya the P<»rla onrrespoodont of the "Sydney Morulog Reral 1, ' ore be'ng brooght np very differently frcm the three Spanish children, who are most minutely oared for by their mother, but allowed to lend an active, homely, oommon sense life, full of animation and child pleasure under her watchful eye. The three little Germans have been sent to a military oistie darlug their father's absence, where dresßed m military unl formß, with swords and stirrups, they are waited ot, wa'ched, and tended by aoldtera Their gatnes are all military ; their deportment is carefully moulded as \ future officers. Thoy are never' allowed any other toys than little guns, cannons, swords, military cheats In miniature. Nothing of civil life, no woman's doings are Allowed about them. The three little fellows — the eldest of six years, the | youngest of 18 months !— imprisoned all 1 day long m military suite, with helmets on their little heads and with no other amusements than lessens of drill, and the fighting of battles, and taking of positions and fortresses, with toy soldiers and hur^eH, is some hing painful co think of. And what will they become, as they grow up under such rule, unloving, insensate influences, it ii difficult to irmgine.

THE GRASP OF A HAND

. The train left me standing upon the platform of a station m a small town m Texas. It was as dark as pi toll and a spiteful rain was falling. ' Though there was a light burning inside, the station was closed ' How far is it to Carson's ranch ? I asked of a one-legged trackman with a lantern i : Five miles sir,' was the answer. 1 Whew I ' i exclaimed, ' there is no chance of my gettiog there to-night ? ' * Not uolesa you walk/ said the track man , ' You had better not risk it if you are an entire stranger, 1 'Jop, I'm going past there,' some one said from out the black shadows. • I'll drive the gentleman over.' It was a woman's voice, distinct, cheery, musical . I followed the trackman to a carriage near by. 'the tight from his lantern fell upon my face, and a pair of keen, black eyes closely scanned it. ' Get m, sir,' she said, evidently satisfied with her estimate of me A minute later we were spinning along through the rain and darkness My com pamon was young, comfortably clad, knew how to haudls the horses, and seemed exceedingly self-possessed. She was talkative, and I was free m respond ing. • Your voice is familiar to me,' I said, m a puzzled tone. 'I am sure that we have met before.' 1 It may be that we have,' assented she. lAh !' I exclaimed, recognition return ing to me. 'We have met before— lf yon are Marion Del mar. ' I knew that the mention of the name bad startled her. • I am—or was,' she replied. •I am now Mru John Crawford, wife of a ranch man who was aa brave as a lion, as strong as a giant, as tender as a woman, as honest as the day is long. We live just beyond Mr Carson's. Bat it Isn't fair that you ehould have the advantage of me.' ( No, it Isn't, 1 1 said, laagblng. ' I knew yon when yon had oharge of a signal tower on the Pennsylvania railroad, near Lancaster. ' ' Oh !' she ejaculated, m t. pleased tone. ' I reoill yon. You loaned me books, and we played cheokers together. Yon must pay ns a visit before you leave the vlolnity.' We chatted about old times, and then I ■eked — ' Will you not tell mo the story of your adventure on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad V * What advontnro was that ?' Inquired she. 'Meagre details of It came over the wire/ I said. ' You figured as the heroine. I refer to the time when the train robbers captured the Leadrllle express 1' ' I had most forgotten it,' she musingly replied. ' I shouldn't, though, for It led to my meeting with the big-hearted ranoh man who is now my husband 1' She allowed the horses to slow up, and presented the other side of her face to the rain. 'The train was held up at a way station, 1 she began, •It was on a night aa dark as this, only it wasn't raining. Almost In a fl ish we were relieved of Our valuables, and almost as qulokly the robbers rode away Into the darkness. We were all frightened, but nobody so muoh so as the conductor, It seemed to me. After It was over he came through the train, swinging bis lantern, hi a f«oa still pallid 'Is there a telegraph operator In this oar V he asked. 'Nobody replied, and then I said, ' I am, sir. ' 'He looked at me In surprise. lam glad to hear you say so, he Bald. 1 want to telegraph to lieadvlHe. These scound rels mast be headed off. ' Where Is the read operator V I asked. I Poor fellor, he'a about done for,' was the conductor's reply. 'They knooked him. senseless, then tied down the red.' That made me nervous, at firat, for I had Buppoaed that no vlolenoe{hid been committed. I followed the conductor into the telegraph effioe. The operator lay upon the floor blaeding from wounds m his bead, his lips apeeohleas, a film oomlng Into his eyes. He was a mere lad, rugged, handsome, falr-halred, cul tured. Oh, how my heart aohed— for-hlm and for those who loved htm ! I 1 bent over him. •« Who did this ?" I asked. He did not reply ; he ooald not ; 1 don't think he heard me ; still, I fancied that a gleam of Intelligence came into his eyei as they met mine, 1 1 took his handland then a thrill went through me that I'll not forget until my dyiqg day. He telegraphed to me with hlo fingers upon the back of my hand. I quickly replied. " Who struok you ?" I asked, by telegraphing on hta hand, re member. He routed himself. ' Joe Barber/ he answered. 'How V I asked, IHe was masked, yet I knew him. I was at the Instrument ; heard his footfall; I turned— he struck me.' ' More than once V I aiked. 'Threq times.' I What with ?' 'An iron bar that stood behind the door. 1 I 1 telegraphed to Leadvllle what the conductor had written out for me; then the train steamed away and I remained at the desolate station,' ' You stayed to attend the Inquest V I asked. 1 Yes,' replied she, • I found the Iron bar. It was bloody, and hairs were clinging to It. My evidence oreated a sensation. None oJ those who had stood around the dying lad knew what had passed between us. John Crawford— now my husband— was foreman of the jury. My nerve pleased him, and then, you know, I am passably good looking,' she added, with a contagious little laugh. 'Joe Barber was a shiftless farmer and » noisy lcoal politician, not famooi for square dealing, though never suspected of bslng a desperado. He was arrested. My testimony convicted him, together with three others of the gang. The latter are still In prison, while the former suffered the penalty of death.'

CURIOUS FREAKS OF NATURE

Mature had certainly m times gone by played some marvellous tricks on mankind* The instances about to be related are exceedingly curious. Everyone of course has heard of the Siamese twins, but very few hare heard lof the following and somewhat similar oase. About the beginning of the sixteenth century a male child was born m Scotland. Bub, b! range to say, from its waist upwards there were two distinct bodies, heads, etc. The king was anxious that these t«ro bodies should be well looked after, and their education properly at* tended to. The two bodies had perfectly different »• tastes and appatJtoß They could also sing very well, one having a treb'o and the other a tenor voice. They lived to the age of twenty- eight. One of them dying some days before the oi her, left the remaining one to die a wretched death, its end hastened by having to carry about its <3ead companion. There have been other similar instances, but seldom have those concerned lived so long as the above mentioned instance, Another carious human being iris Matthew Buoklnger. 'He iru born on the 2nd of Jane, 1674, at Nuremburg, m Germany, destitute of hands, feet, legs, or thigha. la foot he differsd very little from the trunk of a man, bnt for two growths which, protruding from his shoal* ders, were mjro aimlUr to the fiai of ft fiih rather than the arms of a man. Baoklnger was the Uit of nine children, and as nothing ii said about his parents, it may be presumed that their limbs wera perfeot. If nature deprived him of sp much that Individuals would esto-nn highly essential to » usaf al or happy life, she certainly made up for it by endowing him with abilities suoh as she has seldom given to other mortals. ... Matthew Baoklnger attained a wonder* ful perfection m drawing and painting. He played on various mualcal instruments with a. precision and accuracy that astonUhed his Auditors He also wrote beamlfaliy, exeoating drawings with a pen and Indian ink, produoiog ooats of arms, sketches of portraits, eto,, extremely well. * .. , One thing he did excited the admiration of all who saw it. This was a sketoh cl Mr Herbert, of- o>eshunt, In Hertford shire, which was most exquisitely done"; but the marvellous part of it was that he managed to insert within the flowing ourli of Mr H e rher t|j» w^jp. Mr ih^ «?j|h. J2l »X .^ 128 th, l«o^anlf' J i49"h PsaTmst*is well as the Lord's Prayer, all of It being fairly and legibly written. It being the custom of those who vialted him to purchase some or one of his productions, he managed to support his aged parents, rs well aa "to provide for himself.

POETRY.

IN THE ORIGINAL.

Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as now, And ever jwhere that Mary went ' That lamb was Bare to go.

AS AUSTIN DOBSON WRITES IT.

, Triolet. '■ - ■* A little lamb had Mary, sweet, With a fleece that shamed the driven snow; Not alone Mary went when she moved her feet (For a little lamb had Mary, sweet.) And it tagged her round with a pensive bleat. And wherever she went it wanted to go— A little lamb had Mary, sweet, With a fleece that shamed the driven snow.

AS MR BROWNING HAS IT.

You knew her ?— Mary the small, How of a Bummer— or, no, was it fall ? The latter, I think— a lamb she received? You'd never have thought it— never believed, But the girl owned a lamb last falh Its wool was subtly, nilky white, Color of lucent obliteration of night— Like tha shimmering anow or— Our Oloth* lid's arm !_ ...... You've seen her arm— her right, I mean The other she scalded a-washirig, I ween- How white it is and soft and warm ? Ah, there waa boul'b hearfclove, detp. trrie and tender. > Wherever went Mary, the maiden so slender, There followed, h» all-absorbed paeßion in citing, That passionate lambkin—her soul'i heart delighting— ... Ay, every place that Mary Bought m That lamb was sure to soon be caught m.

AS LONGFELLOW MIGHT HATE DONE IT.

Fair the daughter known as Mary, Fair and full of fun and laughter, Owned a lamb, a little he-goat, Owned him all herself and solely. White the lamb's wool as the Gotehi— The great Gotohi, driving snowstorm. Hither Mary went and thither, But went with her to all places, Sure as brook to run to river, - Her pet lambkin following her.

HOW ANDREW LANG SINGS IT.

Rondeau. A wonderful lass was Marie, petite^ And she looked full fair and passing sweet— And, oh ! she owned — but you cannot guess What pet cah a maiden so love and oareoi As a tiny lamb with a plaintive bleat And mud upon its dainty feet, And a gentle veally odour of meat ? And a fleece to finger and kisi and press- White as snow? Wherever she wandered— in lane pr street As she sauntered on, these at. her feet She would find the. lambkin— bless The dear I— -treading on her dainty dress Her dainty dress, fresh and white,— White as snow.

WALT WHITMAN'S WAY.

The little girl, bright-eyed, fair, Mary*named Making me think of the fresh fields, the flowers, and-apring, - Possessed solely, by herself, m her own right, a blithe, frisk-rejoicing little he-goat. White was its hide, white as mow or m son* Bhine, or my fair girl's arms, white aa the sea foam when the wind ohurns it uglily. And to what part soever of the corners of in* finitely, far-spreading, all-povering univerae Mary adjourned her fair, long, straight lower legi There followed the little, flea-bitten, snow* . white he- v goat, omnipresent, übiquitous, infinite m his everywhereneu.

MR ALGERNON 0. SWINBURNE'S IDEA

Villanelk. ' Dewy-eyed, with shimmering hair, Maiden, and lamb wera a sight to see. For her pat was white as she. was fair.. And its lovely fleece wa« beyond compart, _ And it dearly lov«a its Mistress Marie, Dewj-eyed with •hirnmering hair. Its warped wool was an inwove snart To tangle her fingers m, where they oonld be (For her pet was white as she was fair.) Lost from sight, both bo snow-white wen. i BAnd the lambkin adored the maiden wee- Dewy-eyed with shimmering hair. Th* impassioned incarnation of rare, Of limpid-eyed, luscious-lipped, loved beauty— And her pet was as white as she was fair. Wherever ahe wandered, hither and there, Wildly the lamblet sought with her to be— With the dewy-eyed, with shimmering hair. And a pet as white as its mistress was fair.

THE ASHBURION GUABDIAN; FRIDAY OCTOBER 26, 1888



THE ASHBURTON GUABDIAN. From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz. : — IT PAID IN ADVANCE Per Quarter.. 6a 6d by post, 9s 6d Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18b 6d Year .. 24s Od, by poet, 37s Od 17 BOOKED Per Quarter. . 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Tear .. 80s Od, by poet, 43s Od Birtn, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the ime of insertion^ 2s 6d eaoh (stamps may Bent as payment) if booked, 4s each. DIABY. Moon's October Sun Sun Moon Moon age at Rises Sets. Rises Bete, noon: p.tn, a.m. 22 Monday .. 457 6.30 8.37 6.24 16 23 Tuesday .. 4.56 6.31 9.34 6.63 17 24 Wednesday.. 4.54 6.32 10.30 758 18 26 Thursday .. 4.53 6.34 11.24 8.7 10 26 Friday.. .. 4.63 6.35 * * 860 SO a.m. 37 Saturday ... 4-.50 6.56 0.14 9.40 21 IS Sunday .. 4.49 6;38 I 0.58 10.36 83 Moonlight Evenings. The Moon at 8 days old shinea till about 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old shinea till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old Bhines 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 riaeß about 2 a.m. and shinesti 11 morning The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise.



Kcating's f owd.e.r destroys both moth, f]eas, beetles, and all other Insects, quite harmless to domestic animals. In extermlna- ting beetles, the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m appli- cation. See the articljg you purchase is Jieatipgs as imitations are noxious and m. J -«»Mual, gojg jg Jjnsj od,n|s f anj4 8s £d|b.y ' »U chemist*. ~ *



"Rough on Itch."— "Rough on Itch.; cures skin humors, eruptions, ring , worm, tetter, s^lt rheura, frosted feet, chilblains, itch, lY^oisoa barbers' it^t| '



The best Remedy for Indigestion.— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for indiges- tion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pilk, with justice called the "natural strengthener of the human stomach," act as a powerful tonic and: gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under auycircum- tanccs Sold m bottles at is ijd, as 9^ 4s; by all medicine Jvendors^throughouth^e



QUOD FACIMUB VALDB PAOIMTJ3 (" Wbat we do we do well.") THE GHRISTOHUROH DE NTAL SURGE RF, 168 Cashel Street, Chrietchtr. eh, next Robin- son's Boot Store, and at the Octagon, Dunedin. Ml operations at ct r ictly uniform and moderate Fees. Consultation free. s. myebiTakd co., SURGEOS DENTIBTB. WITH TEETH ft WITHOUT TEETH NITKOUS OXIDE GA.B administered: This Ateo^t'ettc leaves no unpleasant effects, and by its nee the extraction of Bad Stumps and Teeth j'b rendered perfectly Painless aud Effective. Adminiet-rod daily. Fee for ad- ministration of Was, 5a Extraction. 2a 6d a tooth. Hours of attendance, 9 a.m. to Sp m. Private residence, 93 Bast Belt. The acknow^dged superiority of AMERI- CAN DENTIQTRy m the construction of Artificial Teeth, the most finished workman- ship, and replacing the lost teeth TEM- PORARILY ALMOST IMMEDIATELY *fter extraction, have established our reputation. A single Artificial Tooth, 10a , complete eet, Upper and Lower, Temporary and Permanent, £10 103 ; Artificial Teuth und. Dentures made by other denti«ts remodelled "t email ost. StooninK, Scaling, Ferrect and Painle«B. 8 16



Wanted AM TED Known— No* Milk, fresh Cream, Onrdo, aod Whey, Dally, at W. C. Page's Herbal Beer Shop, Bast Street. All orders left there punctually attended to. 10 199 , TIT ANTED at once good Skirt Hands. VV Apply Misses Mobbison and Hcllowat. 10 205 V/S7ANIED Known — Mrs Merch, 7 » Dr?Fßinakor, has returned fom Sydney, nnd re commenced busines> m Faunders' Buildings, next Mr R. Akorn's. 10 78 OHEEP SHEABS, 11 A'b, BB A'b, and BBAHZ's; and genuine Turkey 1 8tones. — Robert Aioorn, Sauuderß' Buildings. TTTAWTED by h Young Man work on~a W Sheep Station for a few weeks. — Address, Btating wageß, to "J.J," "Guardian" Office. 10|18» WANTED Known— The best and cheapest honse f«r Wedding < ut- 6t«, Family M.-arntng, Wo >Hen Dres.ins, Siik Mi>i-cery, and General Faucy Goo-Ip, is Andrew Obb's. 10 185 ANTED Known.— J. Obb a\d Co invite La. i js to inspect their large .-.dvari.d assortment of Summer Dresß Materials. Over one thousand pieces to select from. GLASGOW DRAPERY and CLOTHING COMPANY. Tre- mendous Bargains. WASTED Known— That Mrs Bill, Monthly Naree, has removed from Peter Street to Be Treror's house, In Moore Street. 10t39 WANTED Known— Andrew Orr Is showing a grand didplay of Aab- burton, Kiiapol, Koslyn, and Worsted Tweeds for suits. Suits to measure from £3 10s. 10 184 ■TXT ANTED Known. — J. Obr and Oo VV 8M now showing a Large Assortment of Featherß, Flowerß, JRibbons Lacas, Gloves, &o. 10tlQ2 STOCKINGS— 700 pairs of Ladies and Children's sample Hose just opened (landed under the old Tariff.) All quality to be sold cheap during our sale. — H. O. Segers, Melford Houbo. \ \f ANTED Known— Andrew Orr Is VV showing beautlfnl Embroidered Robes, Corsets, new Dress Goods, Ladles 1 trimmed Hats and Bonnets, Ribbon*, Flowers, aod Feathers. Id 183 ~\Xf ANTED Known— J. Orr and Co VV are now showing Ladles' and Children's Artistic Millinery m Great Variety. WANTED Known— We are now showing a splendid assortment of Summer Millinery and Drapery, at very low prloei.— H. O. SiasßS, Melford House. WAKTKD Known— .Andrew Orr has opened his Second Ship- ment of hlgh-olass Drapery, Clothing, and Boots, ex Tongariro. The very latest London fashions. 10 182 WANTED Known— We are now showing a grand assort me at of Trimmed and Untrlmmed Hats and Bonnets. The largest Stook tc choose from In town, and the cheapest housa. — H. O. Sigkrs, Melford House. TXT" ANTED Known.— J. Orr and Co VV Bre now showing the Leading Novelties m Ladies' Mantles, Jackets, and Dnat Qloaks. BOOTS. BOOTS.— Keep the feeti dry and save doctor's bills. Quality Is everything m bad weather. I guarantee every pair. Best value m New Zealand at Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saanders' Buildings. — Robert Aloorn. WANTED Known.— J. Obr and Co are now Showing a large assort- ment of Ladies' Embroidered Robes from 10b 6d. WANTED) Cash, — Mulr's Oatmeal (251 b), 2s 6d; Candles, sd ; Vestas, 5d doz. ; Coffee and Milk, Is ; Cocoa and Milk, Is ; Corn Floor, 4d ; Fruits In Syrap (21b tine), Is. Crockery; Glassware, and Ironmongery. — J. Mc- Gregor, Tsnored street. ! WANTED Known. — J Orr and Co's Drapery Department I* under new management. Prices of the Whole Stccfc havo been revised and reduced to such a point as will command aspeedy sale. MRS ADAMS has removed to Saun- dera' Buildings, opposite Railway Station. Crewel Silks, Wools, and Fancy Goods of every description kept m stock. Agent for Eclipse Dye Works. Registry office for Servants. 10 92 "XITANTED everyone to know that VV J. O. Duncan is a Land Broker, licensed to prepare and register Transfer?, Mortgages, Ecoumbranc9B, Leases, Regis- tration Abßtracfß, Powers of Attorney, Application* to bring Land under the Act, Bnd every description of instruments under the Land Transfer Act — J. 0. Duncan, Arcade, .Ashburton, 10J101 Summer 1888. Latest J^ovblties IN AIL DEPARTMENTS, NOW ON VIEW AX THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Everything New. New Shirts. New Underclothing, New Ties, New Hati, New Salts for Boya, New Salts for Men, Everything New and of the LATEST FASHIONS. Bee oar Windows, and judge for yonraelves. encourage; &ooal industry AND BUT FROM TH« New Zealand ClothiDg Factory. W. H. WEBBER, Manatf«»\



D. Thomaa. METHVEN SALES MY next Periodical Sile at Methven will be held on THURSDAY, 15th November. Entries to be left with Mesßra HIBB3 BROa D. THOMAS. 10 105 Aohburton. PERIODICAL BALES AT MOUNT SOMEKS. t ■hall hold my next Auction Sale or LIVE AND DEAD STOCK AND SUNDRIES ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14th, 1888 Entries to be left with Mb Jno Hood. D. THOMAS, . Ashbarton. Wool. Wool. Wool. lAM prepared to make Llbercl Cash Advances on the growing oilps of Wool Placed In my hand« tot sale or shipment either In Aihbnrton, Obrlstchurob, or any other Market. Wool Packs and every requisite on Bale at lowest prices, If no Sale effeoted no Commission or Charge* made, Fint sale early m November. D. THOMAP, 10 112 ' Ashburtun. B. Thomas, (Late of Matsow, Cox and Co.), 1 UOTIONEER, LAND, INSURANCE, & »nd ESTATE AGENT, VALUATOR, WOOL AND GRAIN BROKER, ASHBUBTOK Loans negotiated, Weekly Sales of Lire Stook, Tinwald and Aohburton alternately Fortnightly Bales of Sheepskins, Fat, Bid *■, etc., on FRIDAYS 8ale« of Wool throughout the Season Grain Bought and Bold on Commission Clearing Sales as per arrangement AGENT FOB— MatsonancTGo., Chmtoharoh Mercantile Finance Co., Ohrlatcharch Colonial Investment Company, Dunedln National Mortgage On., Chrls<cbarch Booth, Macdonald and Co., Chriitoharch Morton and White* Sheep Dip Backeye Reaper and Binder •' London and Lancashire Insurance Co. Graham's Foot Rot Composition. 9 6 D. THOMAS, Ashbarton. » LONDON AND LANCASHIRE FIBE LNBURANCE COMPANY, I HAVE been appointed Agent for the above Company, and am now pre- pared to take Kisks on Buildings, Stock and Crops al current rates. ~~~D. THOMAS, Ashbnrton. Skin Sales. I shall hold Fortnightly Bales of the above throughout the Season at my WOOL STORES, West street, Ashburton commencing * FRIDAY, 2wd' NOVEMBER At 12 o'clock, D. THOMAS. I have the following /EOPEETIES FOX SALE, •j t[ A Acres, Wakanui, grand .lan _Lt-/Vy and improvements AAQk Acres, Wakanui, rpleod O Qf\ Acres near Rakaia, splem » 4JtJ\J laad, ail m crop, no hoi -j Of\ f\ Acres, near May field /l f\(\ Acrep, Maronan, tussook QfTQ Acres, West Melton, goo /\ "| "J £cres, Edendale, near Fac tory, giand dairy farsr easy terms 1 fifiO Acreßf Kyle ' B P len d»d pro- -24-00 Acre8 ' Alford FoMflt ■ mformati' n apply to I D. TF?^»JUB, Aab burton, J