THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz. : — IF PAID IN ADVANCE J Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24b Od, by poßt, 37s Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by poet, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by po3t, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notioes, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country districts require to be verified by the signature of the person sending the notice.

DIARY.

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 shines till nearly 1 o'clcok m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown', ill about 4 m the morning. The Moon at 15 dayß 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 Bhines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUEDSAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1888. NEW ZEALAND OIL SPRINGS.

Though as yet we have not developed oil wells rivalling those of Pennsylvania, there is yet reason to hope that the oil springs of Poverty Bay will ere long develop into an important industry. Mr Henry Gordon, the Inspecting Engineer of the Mines Department, has recently been paying a visit to the oil bearing region and has forwarded a report to the Minister which is published m a recent issue of the " New Zealand Times," and which contains some interesting informa tion. From this we learn that :— " The belt of country which shows indica tions of oil extends from Horoera Point, near the East Gape, to the Okahuati Block, about 800 miles m a westerly direction from Gisborne. The firßt workings where oil was discovered were on top of a flat rangfl between the Waingaroinui Creek and the Waipawa River, about 1450 ft above sea level. Several excavations were made m this locality, the whole of which are full of water with a thick scam of oil on the top, and a large supply of carburetted hydrogen bubbling up through the water and oil. ne of the party who accom panied Mr Gordon m his expedition set fire to one of these pools, and it burned fiercely for a considerable time. The surface oil m the vicinity of the>e pools is intermixed m places with paraffine, which occurs m the form of brown butter." There are three Companies, testing the Bprings^tJie South Pacific, the Minerva, and the Southern Cross — tho Pouth Paoific ? which was formed m 1874, having a lease of 6000 acres and having already spent £22,000 m boring and prospecting for oil. " A stoppage to the Company's operations was caused by the gas from the bore-hole catching fire ..and burning the derrick and machinery, with the exception of the angine and boiler. New machinery ig, however, being erected, and when work is resumed tho minimum discharge anticipated is 4000 gallons per day. It is also thought when a two inch pipe is inserted m tho bore hole, which is 4iin m diameter, that the pres sure of gas will be increased to such an extent that no pumping will be required foa some time." Mr Gordon says there is greater difficulty iv working our springs than thoso m America, where it hau been found by experience that one bore drains from four to five acres . He accounts for tho difficulty by saying that where oil springs occur m America the strata are totally different, inasmuch that the strata, m place of lying nearly horizontal, are greatly tilted m New Zea land, lying at an angle of from 20deg to the horizontal to 70deg, and m some W\ww nearly Yfttfc&l. We wjwd f

boring m a great measure. Included m the report is an extensive description of the plant and machinery required, which Mr Gordon says is simple, effective, and inexpensive. The total cost of a com plete plant, not including tubing for the bore hole, he says, is about £1600. "Mr Gordon is of opinion that the springs, if properly worked, should turn out a source of immense revenue to the colony. He says anyone visiting the place canuot fail to he impressed with the abundance of oil and gas m the locality, which has fully warranted the large expenditure," and adds, m con clusion, "judging from what I have seen, I think the supply. o£ oil will de velop into an important industry, but it will take a few years beforo this will be fully established."

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual report of the Timaru Flour Milling Company for the year ended 31et Deoembor last shows a loss of £1579 13s 3d.

A special general meeting of members ot the Tradesmen's Baaing Club was held at Mr J. G. Duncan's office last evening. The meeting atter receiving the auditors 'report, adjourned for a week. Mails for United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, Cape of Good Hope, Natal, &0., (via San Franoieco) and Sand* wioh Islands close at Ashbuf ton on Friday next at 5 p.m. Money orders will be issued up to 10 a.m. The meeting of the Borough Oounoil to have been held laat evening lapsed tor want of a quorum, only Councillors Scaly, Roberts^ Reid, and Thomas taming up. The cheque for the wages of the labor gang was signed, but of course no other business could be transacted-

It is stated (saya the •• European Mail") that a gentleman from New Zealand has for some month? past been making arrangements to open an establishment m London for the sale of frozen mutton, and a company is being formed with a capital of £100,000 for the purpose of bringiog the New Zealand frozen mutton direct to the consumer. Our South Rakaia correspondent write*, dating yeßterday :— Between five and six o'olook on Sunday morning we had a nice shower, and at three o'clock m the afternoon heavy rain lasting for some hours. There was a thunderstorm, the lightning being at timeß very vivid. Very little hail fell m the

township, but a few miles up the river there was a very considerable fall for some ten minutes, and it is very fortunate that nearly all the crops are down. During the night the rain was very heavy from south-weßt and bitterly cold. To-day we have had very heavy showers, intermingled with hail. If it clears off and we get good weather, it will have done an immense amount of good to the gt&BB and root crops. The Ashburton Rifles have decided to eend three of their best shots to represent the Company at the forthcoming Rifle Association , meeting to be held at Oamaru, and whioh commences next Monday. The conolnding competition for the purpose of deoiding upon the representatives was fired yesterday morn ing, the result being that Private A. Mc- Donald, Private S. Salek and Sergt Nelson are the successful competitors, and will represent the Company at the meeting. Corporal Aflhton was one of the plaoed men, but is unfortunately prevented by private matters from going to Oamaru. The meeting promises to be a sucoess, a large number of entries having been received from Auckland, Welling* too, Wanganui, and other places m the North Island, We wish our local men success. The " New Zealand Herald " says that it

would be difficult to name a time when fruit was cheaper than it is at present m Auckland, and the wonder is that it does not enter more largely into consumption as an artiole of diet. Hothouße grapes are m the windows at Is 3d per lb, formely 3s and 4s ; pineapples, 4d, formerly Is ; and bananas 2d and 3d a lbj whioh are not infrequently 5d and 6d. Other classes of frait are also m proportion.

The " New Zealand Times " has been sug gesting, m all seriousness, that the Wellington High Sohool girls should go m for a modified kind of football. The two evening papers visit the suggestion with a good deal of merci less chaff, while a correspondent m the ' Post ' further suggests that, with a view to still further developing the muscles of the mothers of the future, they also, under the direction of a qualified master, go m for the beooming and ladylike sport of leapfrog— but with a high fence around the sohool ground. "You don't mean to Bay that you un derstand French, Tommy?" "Oh, yes, I do, for when ma and pa speak French at tea 1 1 know I'm to have a powder,"

Mr Martin Simonson ia said to have made £6000 by his Italian Opera Company. He will probably leave for Italy to bring oat another, with whioh ho will visit New Zealand' It is well enough to say thirteen is an unluoky number. But the United States started m business with thirteen States, and seems to be holding her own up to going to press. Of 45 notices of death m a recent number of the " London Times " 19 were of persons upwards of 70 years of age, the oldest being 89 years and the youngest 72 years. Thei* united ages amounted to 1513 years, showing an average age of nearly 79| years. A terrible epidemio of measles has broken out m Gape Clear, a desolate island off the south coast ot Ireland. A similar epidemio occurred there six years ago, and nearly decimated the place. The mortality is high. The Boboolß are being oonverted into a tem porary hospital, and medical assistance is . being Beut to the plaoo. ' Messrs Whitney and Sons aro about to ereot new buildings at the Cartridge Factory, Mount Eden. The factory will be enlarged to three or four times its present size, m order to accommodate the new cartridge manufao turing plant, half of whioh is already to hand. This plant can be adapted to any cartridge it mayabe necessary to make, and it j will be capable of a output of 15,000 cart* ; ridges per day. 1

I The Government are bringing oat a new handbook, and it is understood m Wellington \ that Mr E. Wakefield ia to be the editor o the new publication. New South Wales enjoya a bad pre eminenoo it consumes more intoxioatiDg ' liquors, and of worse quality, than almost any other English-speaking community m the world ! Here is a comparative table of some drink bills wbioh bring oat this faot : — United States per head, £1 13a 6d ; New Zealand, £3 ; United Kingdom, £3 7s lOd ; Victoria, ££ 19a lid ; New South Wales,

£5 145. 1 At Geraldine the other day Mr A. E. Brisco, while standiog m his backyard at hia premises during a thunderstorm, waß sud denly almost forced to the earth, at the Bamo time seeing an intensely bright flash accompanied by a noise. He stood up a little dazed, and was astonished to find that two pine trees near by had been considerably stripped of their bark, while a meat safe a little further off had been smashed to atoms, and a large meat blook standing beside the safe had also been turned completely over— the effect of a stroke of lightning. The British baby has been put to a new use. It has aforetime been Btarved to death, overfed to death, left on doorsteps as a present for any passer-by, But it has been left for a Birmingham lady to throw her baby boy at her husband' b head. If babies are to be pitched from pillar to post— or, to speak more correotly, from wife's arms to husband's face — the world will soon come to an end. We can't do without babiea— if the human raoe is to keep up the running. •\u25a0 For general debility and prostration Hop Bitters American Co.'s will do wonders. Prove it by trial. See

RABBIT EXTERMINATION.

EXPERIMENTS WITH SHEEP.

SUPPOSED INFECTION OF A RABBITER.

[PBR PBES3 ASSOCIATION.] Paris, February 18, M. Pasteur has given sheep microbes ten times m succession without any effect being produced on them. Paris, February 19. M. Pasteur has deputed four doctors to carry out his rabbit extermination system m Australia, and they will leave on Thursday. Sydney, February 20 A rabitter has applied at Wilcannia for medical treatmen. He is supposed to be suffering from a disease that is devastating the rabbits m that district, and which is of a scabby nature. Sydney, February 21. From enquiries made it is now thought that the rabbiter at Willcannia did not catch the disease from which he is suffering from live rabbits, but that it is merely the natural result of handling dead animal matter.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

[per press asbociation.J

Auckland, February 20

Petitions were tiled to-day at the X M. Court by Mr T. Cotter, solicitor, acting on behalf of the; moderate party, with the object of Having the recent licensing elections ia Auckland East, North, South and m Ponsonby, upset. Wednesday week 1b the day fixed for the hearing of the petitions. ; Grsymouth, Febrnary 20

At the sale of live stock this afternoon 106 oattlo fetched an average of 21s per lOOlbs ; sheep, 447 Wanjrannl fetched 8j to 10a ; Chriotchurch, ?« 6d to 8< 3d ; 58 lambi, poor, 15s 6d to ss ; 136 pigs, porkers, 40i to 36 < ; stereo, 29i to 26 «. DuNBDIN, February 20,

A married woman named Charlotte Johnston was found dead m her bed, this morning, dn ber husband returning after getting up to llttht a fire In the morning. She was sixty-six years of age. Apoplexy is mpponed to be the cause.

STORY OF "A GENUINE STRADI VARIUS."

The London correspondent of the Tor onto " Week " tells the following story which be recently heard : — A little street boy, with* fiddle under bis arm, crept into a city cook shop not long ago, and begged j that the owner of the place would give him a " bit o' meat or a bit'o' puddln', be was so 'nogry." " I can't afford to feed paupers," he was told; "you yet out." However, he was so persistent and begged \u25a0o hard for " sum'at," and onered his ! violin as a pledge that he would return next day and pay for anything he might be given, that the . man's heart was softened. " Hand me the fiddle," said ! he, /' and here's threep'n'orth of grub. Now, when you ootne and pay threepence | you shall have your property not before." Well, the food was gratefnlly despatched, and the lad departed, promising that the first pence made by begging should be used to redeem his instrument Bat days went on, and still the small battered violin remained on the counter waiting for its owner. One afternoon a gentle man came Into the shop In a great harry to ask for ohange for a sove reign, as his hansom-cab driver hadn't U. " While the money was being counted out |he took up the fiddle and examined it. " Where did you get this from ? ' he asked taking it to the light m order to examine it closely- "Is it yours}" " No," answered the man, telling the story. "But do you know, my good fellow," said the gentleman, "I em a jadge of these things, and thia is most valuable. Where does the boy live ? You dont know? Hare's my card (you may have heard my name), and directly he turns up send him to me, pleaae. This is a genuine- Stradlvarlue, and a beautiful one, too. I'd give a hundred guineas for It mysblf, and it rafcy be worth more." Thinking tbe matter over that evening, the shopman made up his mind to get something oat of the transaction ; so whan the lad oime a few days afterwards with threepence and a long story how father and be had htd a fall out with the "bobbles" and had been (n "quod," the m*n asked him point blank If he would like to sell hU fiddle, " No," he was answered ; he bad bean given it by an old chap when tramping through Italy, who had told him it was very valuable. It took half an hour at least for the shopmen to persuade the lad to part with bis Instrument for £40, and half an hour longer to arrange that the payment should be made at once m gold over the counter, no cheque taken, aa paper money was not understood j and then, with a remark that he was sure father would whack him, the lad went slowly off. The shop man ohuokled. "I've made £60 by that," he arid, and then putting the gentleman's oard into his pocket, he prepared to resell at something like a profit. On the way he pasßod a music shop, and, determlng to nod out the real value of the article —for it might be worth £200 instead of £100, —he went In, aßked the man to look at it carefully and tell htm what it was worth. '* Seven and sixpence j German make. We get 'em over by dedans every j spring," said the muslo-aeller, promptly, f it is needelss to say the gentleman did not live at tho address given, and it is rumored that he w|i pearly related to

MAGISTERIAL

ASHBUhTOiN— TOESDAY.

[Before Mm -r Steward and T. Bdllook E 6 q J.P'b] TBAVBLLI^a WITHOUT A TICKET. Albert tiewitt was o:i;»»g«d oa the infoimatlon of the police with a breach of the Railway By-laws by travelling oa tht railway without a ticket. Ho pleaded '* not fitnilty." Hergenot Felton, who proßscated, stated the facts of the case, <tnd put m a copy of the by laws, and called F, Hobbs, who dep Bed that he was guard of the train from GLciatchurob to Ashbarton on Friday last. There were four persons m the second class carriage, of whom accused was one. They all got mat Ohrlstchurch, Onoolleotlng the tickets at Rakaia he found that three of them only had tickets. Accused had no ttoket. The bylaws produced were those m force and oopiea of which were posted up for the Information of passengers. — Fleming, booking-clerk at Christohurob, deposed that he only issued three second class tloketa for the train m question. Did not Sao prisoner at the booking office on that day— Accused Baid that be had borrowed the money for his f,*re before he started and bought a ticket for his do« jind also one for hi'-BBelf. He supposed tie incut have lost the latter as he vrat. not quite sober* Tha Bench considered the charge proved and told '.he ptisoaur that it was his own fault that he had got into trouble. Even if his story that he had borrowed the money for his fare were t<ue it was jast as likely as uot that he had either lost or spent it. It was quite 1 dear from the evidence of the booking clerk that he had not parohiaed a ticket Fioed 40s and ordered to pay the amount of fare, sj, and 7a costs of Court or m default four day a hard labor.

A SMART TRICK.

A man recently m New York laid » wager (hat he would woo, win, and marry a young lady, whom, with bis companions, he had juat seen arrive at the hotel where he was living, within an hoar. There is nothing m the American marriage law to prevent this despatch. He introduced himself to tho damsel, she smiled upon his suit, a minister was called m, and they wers married within an honr. The wager of no inconsiderable amount, waa handed ovar to the bridegroom, who left with his bride the following day, It was shortly afterwards discovered that the couple had loDg been mm and wife, and that they bad been travelling about playing tbe same trick at v»*i<mg hotels.

OUT ON THE Q.T.

"Have you any — auy strawberries?" she asked, as she suddenly entered an ironmongery store, m Qieen street, " Not to-day, madam, sorry to say," courteously replied the proprietor. 11 Great Scott ! but is the woman crazy ?" exclaimed a customer, as she went slowly out.

"No, clr, not a bit of it,' eald the peo prietor. " She was down town without her husband knowing it. She saw him on the street and dodged m here to escape meeting hrn. JSba was quite confuted, and asked for strawberries. Happens three or four times a week, air, ana the poor things are quite excusable. —Auck land "Ball."

THE PANAMA. CANAL

Private letters received from Panama report as follows: — "No work of any Importance is beiug done on the canal Two leading firms of contractors are said to be embarrassed financially. Another prominent oontraotor olaima over 900,000 dollars from \u2666.be company. {Several im portant judgments have been filed against the O«oal Company, and many snzares and. sales are advertised, 'The canal is praotioally dead already.' said a prominent engineer the other day, 'though the efforts m Paris to galvanise the remains may keep op an appearance of life for some time to coma.' The importation of th« po>>r Ltberians still continues. They are magnificent specimens of manhood — coal black. It was fondly believed that they oonld resist this death dealing olimate, hat tHe eveut has proved otherwise. Of the 282 who were the first to be brought here 36 died within fonr months. The statement of M. Blanohet, la his recent work on the Panama Canal, that the canal has already cost over forty thousand lives, la believed by careful observers here to be an exaggeration. The Government of Jamaica ordered an investigation and sent Dr Gaylord to the Isthmuß It is expected that his findings will lead the Governor of Jamaica to issue a proclama tion warning Jamaloans against going to the Isthmus.

EXTRAORDINARY SOENE IN A POLICE COURT

An extraordinary aoeno occurred In the Police Court at Gore on Friday afternoon. A man named Borland was charged with obtaining 2i by fhlse pretences from George Low. On the Bunch were Messrs J. S. Simpson (the Mayor) and Mtsars Souuesa and M'Glbbon. Prisoner pleaded guilty. M.r Sounees at once said the sentenos would be one week's imprisonment m the Invercarglll gaol. The Mayor Interrupted : I am chairman hero, &nd all the deolslona most come through me. Mr Souneßß said he was ohalrmnn. Then ooourred a scene that bffllss dea cription The police said the prisoner was an old offender. The Mayor said It was a diegraoe to justice, the way Mr Sounesß and Mr | M'Gibbon acted. He was chairman, and wou'd give the man a month, A struggle wao made for the Court book, and Mesßra Souneaa and M'Gibbon, getting possession of it, made tbe necessary entry and left the Benoh ; the Mayor all the while protesting, and saying that, though they had gone, be would try tbe case bitn aolf. The other Jaatices should be m the place the prisoner occupied. He blamed tbe clerk for favoring Meaars Souceea and M'ftibbon, and said the whole thing was a plot. The polioa Inquired whioh verdict was to bo aoted on, bat no reply was given, and His Worship adjourned the Court till next morning. He would appeal to the Minister of Justice at oace. A telegram from Inspector Buckley gave Bjrland a very bad character.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

(per press association.)

THE MARKETS.

Lot»DON\ F< -h/nary 17. The quantity of wheat afloat for the Uniied Kingdom amounts to 1,665,000 auarters. At the wool sales to-day, 12,000 bales were offered, Two thousand bales have been withdrawn.

WOOL SALES.

London, February 18. More spirit was manifested at the wool sales to-day, and merinos and combing wools maintain the opening prices. Medium, inferior, scoured and greasy are barely equal to the best December rates. Three fiHhs of the quantity offered were purchased by foreign buyers. American buyers pur chased 3000 bales.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The debate on Mr Parnell's amend ment to the Address-in-Reply has not revealed any new aspects of the Irish question. Mr Gladstone io supporting Mr O'Brien emphasised his sympathy with the plan of campaign and the tactics of the Land League. He de clared that Messrs Parnell and O'Brien were the representatives of a nation of which the Government were only a party. Mr Balfour m his speech answered the statements of Mr O'Brien, respecting the state of Ireland and cited strong facts to show the improvement that had taken place m Ireland. Mr Goschen charged Mr Gladstone and the Parnellites with making direct endeavors to thwart the operaiion of the law. A divisipn was taken on Mr Parnell's amendment, resulting m its rejection by 317 votes to 229. Mr Wilfred Blunt brought an action, claiming ,£50,000 damages against Mr Byrne, the Magistrate at Woodford, who sentenced Blunt to two months' im prisonment m October last for taking part m a proclaimed Home Rule meeting. The Judge m charging the jury said that the plan of campaign was clearly illegal. The jury was unable to arrive at a verdict.

HOME RULE VICTORIES.

The election for the South wark seat rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr A. Cohen, resulted m the return of Mr Causton, a Home Rule supporter, who polled 3638 votes against 244 votes, received by Mr Augustus Bed da\l, Conservative, The election for the Edinburgh West seat, resulted m the return of Mr

Buchanan, a Home Rule Supporter. Mr Buchanan polled 3294 votes. Mr Raleigh, a Unionist, received 3248 votes.

LORD DUFFERIN.

The Earl of Duffer m will succeed the Right Hon. Sic John Saville Lumby, G.C.8., as British Ambassador at Rome m August.

COLONIZATION.

The replies received by Lord Sand hurst from colonial Ministers, to the enquiries made by him with reference to colonization are chiefly of an un favorable nature.

SIR H. HOLLAND.

It is officially announced that the state ment that Sir Henry Holland was about to resign the position of Under secretary for the colonies is untrue.

METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.

In the House of Commons on the motion of Lord Randolph Churchill, a Committee was appointedto enquire into the scandals which have arisen m con nection with the Metropolitan Board of Works.

THE NATIONAL DEBT.

An impression prevails m financial circles that Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer, intends to convert the National Debt into 2)4 or 2^ per cent stock.

THE TRAFALGAR SQUARE RIOTS.

Mr R. C. Graham, M.P., and Burns, the Socialist, have been released from prison after undergoing sentence for participation m the Trafalgar Square riots. They were met by a crowd of their supporters, and Burns, m address* ing them, urged the masses to capture Trafalgar [Square and to destroy Pentonville Prison.

SIR H. HOLLAND.

London, February 19. The report that Sir Henry Holland to .be raised to the Peerage has been confirmed.

DEFEAT OF THE ABYSSINIANS.

Mabsow&h, February 18 News has reached here of an engage ment which has taken place between a force of Soudanese and Abyssinians, jn whjch the latter were defeateid.

THE CROWN PRINCE.

Berlin, February 18',

The condition of the Crown Prince is so variable that Sir Morell. Mac- Kenzie will remain with him in definitely, ; , Latjer. The larynx of the Crown Prince has greatly improved, and .coughing is accompanied with less danger than formerly. The symptoms of bronchitis which were manifested are also passing away. -.

CRISIS IN FRANCE.

Pah is, February 16,

M. Tirard, Minister for Finance, was defeated m the Chamber of Deputies on the financial proposals of the Government) and - now contemplate^ resigning. t.,

METAL SYNDICATES.

A nickel syndicate has been formed^ here (or the purpose of controlling the sale of that metal.

M. Fallieres states that at present the Government see no grounds for in terfering with the operations of the copper syndicate,

THE DAMASCUS INCIDENT. "

FAKJfy February 19. \u0084 The enquiry into the Damascus <* in* cident" has resulted m showing th£ allegation that the French Consulate. had. been violated to be unfounded* ,;\u25a0

THE KING Of THE NETHER

LANDS. AMSTEaDAMf February 18» Hja Majesty ftipg William i§ ill.

THE PENNSYLVANIA STRIKE.

Philadelphia, February 10/ The Pennsylvania and Reading rail way strike has terminated m the defeat of the strikers.

AUSTRALIAN.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, February 20. New South Wales won the Centen nial rifle match, the prizes for which are a cup, and a cash prize of jQipo South Australia was second and was 36 points behind.

A woman and child were burned to death m a tent near Paramatta. The 1 fire was caused through a candle setting fire to the tent. Three children escaped.

The match between Lillywhite's team and a Newcastle eighteen has resulted m a draw. In their first innings the Englishmen put together 226, the principal scorer being Briggs 80. la their second innings they secured 42 for the*loss of one wicket. The local men made 197 m their second innings, the chief scorers being Wooden 51, Tubb 39. The rainfall during the last year was most bountiful, being 45 per cent above j the average, and evenly distributed.

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, Febrnaiy 20.

The Melbourne Tramway Company's employes have resolved to disband their Union;

A fatal accident occurred at the Williamstown butts, on * Saturday, whereby a maiker was shot and another injured. The Premier, m replying to a depu tation which waited on him protesting against the running of Sunday trains, said he intended to consider the question apart from religious considera tions, and would consult the public convenience.

QUEENSLAND.

tJMSBANE, .February VC% Serious floods are reported from Rockhampton. The country is inun dated to a depth of 2oin. Rain fell for twenty-seven hours, and a railway inspector has been drowned. A great hurricane was experienced

with a heavy rainfall 00 the northern coast. The steamer You Yangs, arrived at Townsville with her foremast cut away and her anchors and cables gone. The captain reports haivng encountered the hurricane, also that the steamer Geelong was wrecked on a boulder beach at Long Island. None; of the 1 crew were drowned, ; and there is a

possibility of the steamer being floated. A number of other vessels are over due and anxiety is felt for their, safety*

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Adelaide, February 20, ( The Government resident at Port Darwin telegraphs that 500 Chinese are going to the ruby mines, He urges the Government to legislate at once to put a stop to this inland immi gration} and says that the Chinese are under the impression that Western Australia is going to be closed to them. They are fbcking m shcals to Port Darwin, and syndicates at Hong Kong and Canton are forcing them through, guaranteeing the steamship companies who convey them repayment , of the quarantine expenses they may incur, and threatening, if they refuse to carry Chinese, to lay on steamers themselves. The question has now reached a serious phase, and the Resident begs the Government to take the responsibility of stopping further immigration imme diately. The Premier intends to bring the matter before the Cabinet this week*

M. SADI CARNOT.

Many persons have probably wondered (says the "Pall Mall Gasette" ai to tha bow and the why of the unusual Ohrlstlan name — if we may call it a Obriatian name —of the new President of tbe French Republic. It appears that he Inherited it from his unole aud sponsor, Sadi Oarnot, who was tbe author of the "Be'flaotlona Bur lar L'uissance Motrice dv Feu," a work of ingenious speculations m physioal science, originally published m 1824. It was republlehed by his brother, Hippohjta ,0 >raot (the father of the President), m 1878 The latter edition contains a short biography of the first Sadi Oarnot, In which Hippolyte explains the introduction of the name into the Oarnot family. " One father had a great love," says he, " for the name of Sadi. His own ideal of wisdom and poetry were represented and personified m the Persian poet and mor.a« list. Hence he gave the name of Sadi to hla first-born son, who indeed only lived fora few months. When a'seoond son was born he gave him the same name. Sadi, whiob had become doubly dear."

HOW HEW ZEALAND FARMERS ARK HANDICAPPED.

(" Taieri Advocate.")

The farmers of Victoria recently inter viewed their Railway Oommlisioners fov tha purpose of having rates of carriage on grain reduced by 50 per cent. In the course of theOhlef C itnmleißlonet's reply he quoted the various colonial r^lfwajr tariffs as folio we, by which it' will be ice.p. thatj for the average mileage that Neif Zealand grain has to trayej, our tariff, per ton, is nearly double that of Viqtoria, and topa the whole of the colonies for all mileages :— Mia. Viof. N.Z. S.A. N.S.W. 60 5i 6d 10s 2d 8s 4a 5s 4d 100 93 4 i 14 9 4d 13a 7d 9i 9d 150 12s 4d 18i 6i 17a 91 13j 6d 200 16j 41 32a 3d 21s lid 16s lOi 250 18» 0d 26* lOd 26s Id 19 j 4i SOO Ids Oi 31* 04 303 Od 21a lOi

A COLLEGE YARN.

1 The following story ia told of an under* graduate of Trinity about forty years baok. One night, being engaged *t an incollege supper, he unfortunately did not reaoh the gate till five minutes past tea. (After ten no out-oollege man could enter:, I nor any !n-oollege man go out.} The ycfang { man, however, rang the bell ;' and to him appeared • vision of an under? porter's faoa reoo^nditrln'g through' the peep-hole, of cqurse refusing admlttanoa' and saying, 1 jt's as much as my place is worth, Mr B. t to let you m/ To him B , persuasively} Will a sovereign do it V the temptation was too great. < Well, Mr B,' said th« janitor, slip it under the gate, sir. 1 The ,'ooiu duly appearing, the gate was gently 'opened; but no aoonur was 8., iuiida than, aezlng iha uufortunate porter by the collar, he hurled him into the street and barred hint out. 'Oh Mr B,' he orl«4 * Mr B , for Heaven's sake, air, let me m, ale — fit'a at muoh my plaoa is worth !' To blm 8., master of the situation from within; 'A sovereign will do it } slip it under the gate ' The coin duly arriving, trie porter waa readmitted, and B, vent to enliven the sunD*r>p*rtv with his story.

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1888



Moon's Sun Sun Moon Moon ago at February. Rises. Sets. Rises Bets, noonday a.m. p.m. 18 Saturday ... 5.25 7.2 11.3 10.10 6 p.m. 10 45 10 Sunday .. 5.27 7.0 i).:: 11.18 7 20 Monday .. 5.28 8.59 1.0 11.55 8 21 Tuesday .. 5.29 C.58 1.50 * * 0 22 Wednesday.. 5.31 6.57 2.55 a.m. 10 23 Thursday .. 5.32 6.65 3.50 0..-7 11 24 Friday.. .. 5.83 0.64- 4.41 1.28 12



{ More health, sunshine and joy m American Co-s Bop Bittern then m all 9tt»i.«e«tifc JQJHtfYf 2 ,_....jtt*j:~.--



The " Feilding Star," whose arithmetio is usually acoording to Cooker, says :— In telegrams alone it has already cost the various newspaper proprietors m this oolony two thousand four hundred and fifty-three pounds and some odd shillings not worth mentioning, for reports of the canoer m the throat of the Grown Prince of Prussia. Now that the oanoer is but out and periohondritis (a much more expensive disease to wire, than oanoer) is likely to supervene, we hope the newspaper men will strike. Hollowas's Px&w — Teaobinga of Experi. enoe.—Tho united testimony of thousands, extending over more than forty years, most strongly reoommonds these Pills as the best purifiers, the mildest aperients, and the surest restoratives. They never prove delusive, or give merely temporary relief, but attaqlf all ailments of the stomach, lungs, heart, bead, and bowels m the only safe and legitimate way, by depurating the blood, and sq eradi. eating those impurities which are the eoqroo i»n<| constituents of almost every disease. Their medioal efficacy is wonderful m re- uewing enfeebled constitutions. Their aotion embraces all that |s desirable m a household medicine. They expel every noxious $nd effete matter; and thug the strength/ js



Statutory Declaration.— l, Franz Baabe Ironfaarb, Sandhurst, m the oolony of Victoria, Australia, do solemnly and sinoereiy declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee, lat onoe took all pains o Beoure medioal assistance, However, i ppite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion lyas given by Dr Maogillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At tbis juncture I called on Mesßrs Sander and Sons, proouring some of their Extract of the Eucalyptus Olobulus, and by the application of the same J bad the satisfaction of seeing my Bon within a fortnight out of all danger, and to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reaohed that the Extract referred to was first applied. And I make this solemn declaration, etc. — Franz Kaaue. Declared at Sandhurst, m tfce colony of Victoria, Australia* this seventeenth day of Ootober, one thousand eight hundred and Beventy-BevQQ before me, Merits Qohn,



Wanted. WAITED some kind Parsou adopt i» Baby Boy 8 months old. Address, 11 A.B " r.ffiou of this P-pe<. 2 55 WANTED 1o Sell -A * irst-cl asa Piano grand action. Cash or terms very liberal. Apply Hayes ond C«v LA IES JOURNAL for I Februaiy, Family Beruld, Family IWder, Boys' and Girls' Own paper, quarterly parts now la — BT. M , Jones. RUBBBJR STAMPS. Vieiting O»rd», now landing. Diet Crests and Monograms executed with neatness and despatch, — H. M. Jones. f^\ RBAT Bargains. Everything greatly \X reduced. Come and judge for your- selves. — H. G. Segehs, Molford House. WANTtL> UABH — Moir'a Oatmeal. 251bs, 2* 6d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, Is per tin; Cocoa and Milk, la per tin ; Veßtas, 5d per doz ; Cornflour, 4d per Iti ; tin Fruits, Is ; Crookery, Ironmongery, eto. — At Jame& MoGreqob's, Tanored Street, opposite Arcade. COMB one, come all, and onr prices will aitonlsh everybody — U. 0. Skobks. WANTED Known— To the Ladies of Ashburfcon and surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse is deslrona of engagement. Good references can be given. Addreas— Mrs Hill, Peter Street. Ashbnrton. 11 18 ALL oar first'Olass genome Drapery, Boots, Clothing, eto., we are now eelllng ac rldioulous prloes. Only come and see.—H. 0. Seqbrs, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, j at Am Manuibe's Fancy Repository, Saundgrs' BnildinßsJ



1 Public Notices. ) i . ' BAKEIT^BtiOS BUILDERS, UNDBRTA.KBR3, Ac, Coraor Wakanui Boad and Oasa street, (Next Central Hotbl ) Or at Baker and Brown's Coach Factory jUttvelock street 11JL WANTED KNOWN. I AT I. SALEK AND COs., Licensed Pawnbrokers, East Street, A FIRS r-CL ASS Watchmaker and A. Jeweller is employed on the Premises. Watcheß cleaned and repaired, and every description of Jewellery made and repaired at LOWEBT CHRIBTOHUROH PRICES. OS WATCHEsTcLEANED GLASSES, 6d ; HANDS, 9d. WATERBUBX'S repaired from 2a 6d. S.B.— Waterbury's reduced from 13s 6d to 12a. 11126 i ; H. &E. Craighead BEC* TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY HAVE REMOVED 1 TO FRIEDL&NDERS' BUILDINGS, I \ CORNER OF EAST & MOOEE STBEETS. And further that they have JUST RKOEIVED an assortment of tOOTuH r TWEriDS, Buiiable for the coming Season. Also, — A small Assortment of MERCERY. THE : COMING X JAMS . ARE THE BEST TEY THEM. T. Bullock TO L&T. A GRASS paddock containing 4 acres, between Mrs Carter's residence and £ealy*B Nursery. Suburb of Tinwald, t -AppN/ to ' T. BULLOCK. TINWALD. TO LET, at a low rental, 4-roomed Cot- tage, with Verandah, fronting Gra- ham's Road, Inspection Invited. Apply to T. BULLOCK, FOR SALE. HOUSE with nay Window and Veran- dah, fronting Wakanul Road, T S 744, known as W. Flz'e property. No h trine sold this by auctlou, I am prepared to recfive offdrit for it, email cash deposit., balance beating Interest a 6h p«r cent. T. BULLOCK. 1 (\f\ ACRES f»T 8»Ie, oetr town, being ±\J\J R.S. 27196, corner of MUcham and Somh Koads, aboat 1 mile from tbe County Saleyarde. Exceotionally liberal terms, viz., only £12 10a cash required, balance by instalments at a low rate of interest. T. BULLOCK. TO LET— At a very low rental, a large building fronting East Street, suit- able for a grain and chaff atore. * T. BULLOI K. FOR SALE.— An improved Farm of 245 Acres, being R.S. 27237, situated about 5 miles from Cheiteey. Low price and liberal terms apply to T. BULLOCK. StPiPZ —Lot 28, Trevortou, near thn **'*"'* Presbjterian Manse, contain ing about &»aorf, with 3-roomed IJccif thereon, for sale at the above prica Term* if required. — Apply to T. BOLLOCK TO LET at a low rental.— 4-roomed Cottage at Hampstead. T. BULLOCK. FOR BALE at a low price and on liberal terms, 15 acres of land with 2-rootned Cottage thereon, frontif. g the Farfield Road, not far from the County Salwyarde, Apply to Tj BULLOCK,



Pnblic Notices > M^S B, MORRIS DESIRES t) returu tbankß for tha liberal support accorded ber 'or the last four years, and Hegg to intimate that she bae le commenced Bupiness m her old shop, TKIANGLE |FaKKRY, where their future favours are respectfully solicited, 1 16 THE ASKirtJBTON WOOLLEN MANUFACTURING COMPY IS PREPARED TO PURCHASE FOB CASH All. KINDS OP WOOL Ik L&kge or Small Quantities. H. SEMPLE, t6s Secretary. Coal. Coal. Coal. TO THfIEStiING~MAOHINE PRO- PRIETORS, FARMERS & OTHEBS. HAVING made oar arrangements foi this Season's COAL SUPPLI on exceptionally favorable terms, we art In & position to meet the demands of on Cub omera most liberally, both as ti QUALITY and PRICE. 02D883 NOW iBINS BOOKED. McOALLUM & CO., I^7o Coal and Timber Merchants. "Zealandia" Boots HAVE the Highest Beputatio* i: * the Colonies. Pronounced at the Indian and Colonia Exhibition as the FINEST m the TV hoi Exhibition; For substantial wear they ar* the BES r IN THE WOKLD. Buy a pair a u ZEALANDIAS " and you will neve use any other Brand. Oor Patented "PARAGON BOOT and "INDESTRUCTIBLE TORS " Fo Boys and Girls are Splendid Linet. fo Hard Wear. None are Geauive unless branded oi the Sole And every pair is absolutely Warrantei to give Good Wear. So.d by the leading Boot Dealers am Country Stores throughout New Zealand and Wholesale by LIGHTBANO, ALLAN & GO CHRISTCHURCH. PAPEBHANGINGS! PAPERHANGINGS ! fF!HE Undertigned have juat opened uj X * splendid assortment PAPEEHANGINGS, SCRIM, TAPES, TACKS, Also,— WINDOW GLASS (all sizes) W & B LEAD, PAINTS, OILS VARNIbHEB, COLORS, ©BYERS, TURPENTINJ &Q, Jnst landing, a splendid lot of House Coal, ex " Hanroto." McCallurn & Co., BON. TTMBEB, AND COAL MER CHANTS, & IMPORTERS, Agente for TITAN and TBIPLEX STRAINERS, 12*10" v v •*a <o JSt 8> I 3 i 1 IS I So g^ sob d i fit < w si < S I r