DAIRY.

Moons Sun Bun Moon Moou Rge at April. Rises. Sets, Rises titta. noouday p.m. p.m. 2 Monday .. G. 21 5.47 IUB 0.5 20 3 Tuesday .. 6.22 5.-15 10.41 1.8 21 4 Wednesday.. 6.23 5.43 11.43 2 4 22 5 Thursday .. 6.24 5.41 « <> 2.53 23 a.m. 0 Friday.. .. 0.25 5.39 0.45 3.35 24 7 Saturday ... 6.2G 5;38 1.47 4.9 25 8 Sunday ..I 6.27 536 2.4'J 4.39 28 iMOONIiIOUT EYEHINGB. The Moou at 3 days old [shines till about 8 o'clook. The Moon at 6 days old shines (ill about hatf.paßt 10 o'clock. Tb<o Moon at 8 days old shines till, nearly o'olcck m tiW morning. The Moon at J2 days old Bhines from sundown ill about 4 m tho jnorning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and ahjnes all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 0 p.m. and shineo till morning The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 A.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old risee about 2 a.m. and shines till morning, The Moon at 27 days old rigea about 4 a,m a and ghinoe till sunrise,

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 : Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6ti „ Half-year . 12s Gd, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s 0d IF BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10a 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30a 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 eaoh. Announcements cf Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country distriots require to be verified by tbe signature of the person sending the notice.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1888. THE LOAN BILL BLUNDER.

It will be remembered that Bhortly after Parliament rose it was discovered that a serious blunder had been made m the wording of one of the sections of the Loan Act of last session, the effect of which was to prevent the sum authorised or intended to be authorised, being borrowed m the London market. The fault was clearly that of Ministers and not of the House as the clause m ques tion was sent down by Governor's message for which, of course, Ministers are responsible. Ministerial apologists made light of the matter and intimated that it' was perhaps quite as well the blunder had occurred as there was no immediate pressure for money, and argued that the matter was a purely technical one which could and would easily ba set right so soon as Parliament met again. But it is unquestionably the fact that had matters been m proper train the loan could just now, when colonial securities are m favor, have been floated on good terms, while there is the risk that a few months hence the market may be by no means so favorable, while also there seems reason to believe that the passing of an amending Act may not prove to be such an easy task as j has been assumed. Writing upon this subject our Wellington evening con temporary (the " Post ") says : — <{ Al most the first Pill which Parliament will be asked to deal with when it re-assembles will be one to remedy the extraordinary blunder made m the Loan Act of last session. It is absolutely necessary that this should be done at the earliest possible moment, so as to allow of the loans being floated . The financial arrangements which the Govern ment have made to meet the heavy engagements falling due this month, and >7hich were to be provided for out of loan, extend only we believe till June. It is the necessity for raising money by that time which is compelling the Government to call Parliament together so early. The blunder made is likely to cost the colony very dearly, as, m addi tion to what has had to bo paid for temporary accommodation, there is no doubt that a most favorable market is being missed for the loan. The present state of the Euglish money market is , exceptionally favorable, and had it been possible to place the loans on it now, there is no doubt the money would have been raised on very satisfactory terms. It is doubtful whether this will be the case m June. If war breaks out on TEe Continent m the interim we shall have to pay heavily for the delay. It might be supposed that it would be a mere matter of form to pass a Bill rectifying last session's blunder, but that is not likely to prove the case. We believe that a certain section of the House is determined to take advantage of the opportunity to re-open the whole ques tion as to the expediency of further borrowing and the purposes to which the proposed loan is to be applied. In fact the whole of the financial and public works proposals of the Government, as set forth last session, will be again brought under review, "and ' if we are correctly informed, a most determined effort will be made to reduce the amount of the loan to half a million. The first party struggle of the session will probably be on this point. Government will only have themselves to blame if trouble occurs."

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

.We have to acknowledge the receipt from Mr Charles 3. Pownell, of Wellington, of a plan of his patented Rabbit Paddock Trap, whioh we shall be happy to show to those interested. St. Stephen's (Anglican) Church was very prettily decorated on Sunday m joyful cele bration of the Easter festival. Scripture texts, m white on crimson ground, were dis played m the chance and nave and on the aroh openings of the transepts, anu* the capitals of theoolumns and sills of tho windows were adorned by wreaths of foliage inter spersed with dahlias, geraniums, and other bright blossoms. Tho choir stalls, desk, lectern, and pulpit were also festooned with leaves and flowerß, the lady decorators haying been specially suocesstul with tho lootern, where white frosted-looking loaves viere ' dispersed with very pretty effect among bright green frondage and many tinted blossoms. The font was a mass of flowers, but as was fitting the decorations of the Sanctuary had evidently received the greatost attention, those of tho eastern window being very pleasing, , having for their central attraction a beautiful cross m white Bummer chrysanthemums. Tho services were choral and were well attended, and appropriate sormons were preached by the Incumbent, Rev E. A. Scott. It is just forty years since the John Wycliffe the first immigrant ship oast anchor m Port Chalmers. 1 Messrs • Merry weather and' Sons, who supplied Invercargill with Jts ste#m fire engine, are constructing for the London fire Brigade two engines of the " Greenwich " type, each capable of delivering 1400 gallons of water per minute. These will be tbe most powerful steamers of light draught ever oon- Btructed. Eaoh will throw six 1-J inch jots to a height of 180 feet, or twelve working jets of effective force. Holloway'b Ointment and Pij,i,s. As winter advances and the weather becomes more and more inclement and trying the earliest evidences of ill-health must be im? mediately checked and removed, or a Blight illness may result m a serious malady. Relaxed and sore throat, quinsey, influenza, chronic oough, bronchitis, and most other pulmonary affeotions will be relieved by rubbing this cooling Ointment into the skin as nearly as practicable to the seat of mis ohi'ef. Thjs treatment, simple yet effective, is admirably adapted for fhe removal of theQo diseases during infanoy and youth. Old asthmatic invalids will derive marvellous relief from the use of Holloway's remedies, which have wonderfully relieved many auoh sufferers, and re-established health after every other means bad signally failed

The Rev Mr Holland leoturea this evening on " Manliness oi oharaoter," The annual tea meeting of the Ashburton Preßbyterian Church will be held m the Odd fellews' Hall on Tuesday, 24th April. The tiokets, whioh by the way are of a much more I artistic design than those usually sold for tea meetings, are now being circulated, and there is no doubt with fine weather on the occasion the hall will be severly to xed to find room for the many visitors presen. In the course of a lecture at New Plymouth the other day Mr William Courtney, who has been for the past three years employed m England as an Emigration AgSnfc, said that when he was at Home he had never seen Eiver Plate or Australian mutton labelled up, although thousands upon thousands of tons of it were imported into England. The reason, he said, was that it was retailed as New Zealand, which wa3 retailed as English. The same system would also extend to the butter if there was not a shippers' repre sentative at Home. We remind our readers that tho bazaar m aid of the liquidation of the debt on the Catholic Church will be opened this evening m the building known as Mrs Butler's Stores, opposite Mr Harrison's Auotion Mart, by the Right Rev Dr Grimes, Bishop of the Diocese. A number of the olergy from Timaru, Temuka, and other parishes will be present, as well as His Worship the Mayor, and other gentlemen m public position. We^understand that there will be a large display of fanoy goods and useful articles, and that a gift auotion will be held of all sorts of live stook and farm produce. The ladies have also arranged for providing luncheon for visitors. Altogether the preparations made seem to be very com plete, and it is^hoped that the result will be an appreciable reduction of the ohuroh debt. A serious row ooourred at Methvenlate on Friday evening. Several men were drinking m a (private house belonging to R. Bryden when a dispute arose between Bryden and a man named Weir. Weir left the house, and Bryden, taking a mallet with him, was following m order to settle the difference. A neighbor, J. Gilohrist, endeavored to restore peace but received a blow on the head with Bryden's mallet for his pains. The blow was a heavy one and inflicted a severe out. Gilchrist would probably have bled to death had not a dootor been near at hand, who was ' summoned and attended to the injury. As Gilohrist refuses to prosecute, it is not likely any aotion will be taken m the matter. No news of the ocourrenoe reaohed the looal ' police, the details being telegraphed direct to [ Christohuroh, j Some time ago says an Auokland paper Dr t Campbell adventured on the experiment of the r culture of the olive. The trees have thriven |. well, and are now making a goodly Bhow m the landscape. 3 The " Wellington Evening Press " states . that the approaching session ia likely to be a r most eventful one, probably abounding m strange combinations, extraordinary alliances, t and sensational changes. It is pretty certain to be a long one. 7 A Melbourne woman gouged out one of her i husband's eyes and blinded the other with a : pair of scissors, and then Bued him for main* ) tenanoe. She did not get it. During the week before last the Broken Hill \u25a0, Proprietary Company (the original prospec > tors) treated 1707 tons of ore m their 3 furnaces, the yield being 250 tons of bullion, --k containing 73,G590z of silver. This at the low 3 rate of 3s 9d per ounce represents £12,840, 1 besides whioh there would be a large sum > derived from the lead at £12 per ton. gThere has been a separation between a • Parramatta young man and his sweetheart. i. J»lie.-prcßoukoil...luni__ H ifc|v tor photograph. which he, on his bended knees, swore he , would always wear next to his heart. While making his last Sunday evening call he pulled r his handkerohief from hiß coat-tail pocket, k when 10, the photograph fell at his lady's feet ! She Bays now |that he is either a liar _ or his heart is not m the right place. 3 An unpleasant incident, whioh has greatly _ affected the Pope, ocourred at the Vatican the r other day. As the Grand Master of the 3 household of the Prinoe Colonna, Enrico £ Donati, was advanoing to the throne of His c Holiness to present a magnificent diamond, s the jubilee gift of his master, he suddenly fall j forward on bis face, and when raised was c found to be dead, 1 Cardinal Manning, m a lettor just pub fc lished, says : "No pestilenoe has ever t destroyed so many millions of men, women, 1 and children as intemperance ; for a pesti b lenoe comes and goes, and often at long f intervals, but intemperance is a fixed and permanent plague, always spreading and alwaya destroying our people, body and soul." t Mr Toxward, Consul for Denmark, narrates the following heroio act of the Danish clergy ' man of the distriot, Mr Rees, during the reoent disastrous fire at the Norsewood settlement ; — " A Bottler's wife, the mother of eight children, whose natn.e I oannat recall, was on the eve of her confinement. In the absence of her husband, she had gone to bed, J and was unable to move, Mr Rees, who was digging a hole to bury his valuable library 1 of books, almost his sole possession, left his 3 house and his wife, and lifting the woman 3 into his buggy, drove some miles away through tho dense smoke to a comparatively f Bafe place. The mother gave birth to a still -1 born ohild. On his return he found his own. J house burned to the ground, with all his ' b.elongings, including all hia cherished 1 yolumes, but he saved the woman'B life. So dense was the smoke and intense the heat, 1 that many were temporarily blinded, aud 1 people had to take refuge m the ditches, ' lying face downwards, m order to be able to 1 breathe." The " Post " (Wellington) writes that one | of the first matters to which Parliament will be asked to give its attention will be a now [ code of Rules of Proceduro which Ministers ( have bad prepared for consideration. These rules are of a very radical character, and pro pose to entirely revolutionise the present 1 practice m many important respects. It ' is, for instance, provided that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday m eaoh week shall be (devoted to Government business, Friday only being given to private members. The i House is to meet each sitting day at 10.30 a.m., and with an adjournment for lunch, is I to continue sitting until 5.30 p.m., when the i Speaker will leave the chair for the day, un less, on motion, the House resolves to sit at ! night. The Select Committees are to do their work after dinner. No member is to be pprmitted to move the adjournment more | than twice during any Bjtting ; and whenever i the Speaker is satisfied that a question has been, m his opinion, sufficiently debated, hs is to apply the closure, and at once put the question, without motion or discussion. Those are the most important of the ohangea proposod. Kneatino's Cough Lozenges cure Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis, Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so eiieotual m the oure of those dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bed time ensure rest. For relieving diffioulty of breathing they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all chemists, ia tins, Is lJd aud 2s 9d eaoh, >

ITEMS FROM PARIS

(From our Correspondent )

Paeis, January 31. THE EXGMSH AMBASSADOR, Lord Lytton, saya Elinceifo, of tliG \ "Figaro," is a charming gentleman, fu'l 1 of esprit and quite Parisian. Lady Lytt-n is exquisi'e, handsome, and elogant. She entertains with the parfoct grajce of a i grande dame, who is determine 1 to be amiable. Her daughter has the ' fresh j : beauly of an English ro3e ' PROPOSED tXHIUI'^W LOTTBitT. '> M. Ueorges Borger ha 3 written to the j Minister of Commerce and luduatry m ; regard to the oxpens s that will bo m- | urred m connection with the Exhibition' of 1889 He estimates them at 3,500,000 franca, and suggests that an application ahouM be made to the Communeß and departments, as waa done m 1878, and the balance obtained by a lottery; This lottery, if started sjon enough^ ho believes will bring m twenty million francs, CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. That public opinion ia not Batisfi.d with the preaent modes of iuflioting capital punishment, whether by the guillotine or by the rope, is shown by .the interest which the European Press ia taking, at this moment, m the proposition ot the Committee of the New York Legislature to produce death by electricity. The articles of the Continental papers express, as a rule, the hope that this proposed innovation may prove to be an improve ment on the methods now m vogue. LOUISE MICHEL SHOT. Louise Michel, at the close of an Anarchical address, which she delivered at the Salle de l'JElysee, Havre, was shot near the left ear by a man named Lucas, who was under the influence of drink. It is hoped that the wound may have no serious results. Louise Michel, who showed the utmost sangfroid, declined to give evidence against the man, and has now returned, to Paris, where she is under the treatment of an eminent medical man THE QUEEN OE ENGLAND IN JPABIS. This is What the " Figaro " of the 21st said :-~" As a proof of the cordial rela tionß between France and England, we may mention the fact that when Queen Victoria passes through Paris on her way to San Itemo, her Majesty will stay here several hours m order to receive a visit from President Oarnot. Her Majesty will sujourn during this brief visit with Lord and Lady Lytton, at the British Embassy. HENRI HEINE A correspondent says : — •" The Vienna world is not a little astonished at the newß that the Empress of Austria has aub soribed 50,000 marks for the statue of Henri Heine, which is to be erected at his native town of Dusseldorf .' The Empress has always had a strong liking for Heine's writings. What a straDge destiny that of this poet. He was proscribed and exiled by Kings, and forced to seek refuge m France. Yet an Empress now heads the list of thoso who would do honor to hia memory. A YOUKO LADY AND HER LANDLORD. Mile Litoux was tried at the Paris Assizes Court the other day for firing a revolver at her landlord, one Derecq. Mile Litoux paid her rent "regularly, but on one occasion, several years ago, she either omitted to pay one qaarter'a rent or mialald her receipt. When called on to pay, aa Bhe -alleged, twiua over, ehe refused. The landlord brought an action againat her which went on for some years. No progress waa made because her lawyer mialald her papere, Finally, her patience was oxbftosted, She bought a revolver and " went for " her landlord. She did not .succeed m-" winging " him, bat that made no dlffareuoe. The Court sentenoed her to be Imprisoned for three years, and to pay a five of 50 francs. A ccmious case. A curious legal case ia about to come before the Paris Courts. A lady who earns her living by contributing to various society .Banera, married a merchant a few years ago. The marrTige'wao not a happy one, the parties separated, and on the passing of M. Naguet's dlvoroe bill he endeavoured to obtain a release from the bonds of Hymen, on the ground of hia wlfe'a unfaithfulness. Unfortunately for him, he bad no direct evidence, but believing that compromising letters were to be found among his wife's papers, he took his own measures for obtaining them During his wife's absence he presented himself at her abode as a deteotlve officer, and terrified a servant into allowing him to search the apartment. Ho turned over everything, and carried off a number of papers, whiqh might be of use to him In proaeouiiug bis divorce suit. His wife, on learning what had happened, went to the nearest police station and oharged her husband with personating a police offioial. The ap pearance of the husband m Court Is anticipated with some Intereat by Parisian idlers. AN EX COMMUNIST AT A LEVEE. Apropos of the Elysee whore there was last Thursday night an open reception which waa very successful, it was noted that the citizen Maxime Lisbonne en- Oolonel oE the Commune attended the Soiree, but his presence might very well have brought tribulation upon him, but for his courage and tact. But M. Maxime Lisbonne is a bumonst of the first water, and when he waa summoned before his peers, a few days ago, to answer a charge of having " frequence les aristocrate3," the ex- Communist did not hesitate an instant to present himself before the Convocation. "Citizens," said he, "I havo been to Bee the President of the Republic, and I can assure you ho receives the people very well. You will ask me why it was I, Liabonne, who have done this thing myself, and no other. My answer is simple and ia conformity' with my usual franknpss. it was becanso I have a/ dross-coat. That is all." This statement appealed plausible, but did not entirely satiefy tiie Convocation. " Where did you git your dress coat ? " cried a ] citizen without a shirt. "You have been keeping company with aristocrats ?" <* My dress coat," replied the Commuuisfc, I put on to play Trenteaws ; onla Vie dun Joueur, when 1 was actor aud manager of the theatre the Bouffes dv Nord, I found it the other day m tolerable condition, chanfcs to tho care of the old women but there were lots of spots on the tails, and she had to employ essence to remove thtm Tho consequence was that Citizen Oarnot's guests could follow me by scent, like a fox. One of them, as he pasaed me oven said, that is a revolutionnry idea, of scont ing oneself with petroleum. A roar of laughter followed this explanation, and the delinquent waa saved. Men are Dover dangerous when they can be amusod. The triumph of Citizen Lisbonne was com plete when ho capped his explanation by the oifor to lend his dress-coat to his peera, ,m order to euablu them to present them selves at the President's receptions The off.r waa accepted, and M. Carnot may expect to see some of tho u Esaux" as they style themselves. Fortunately, how ever, Citizen Lisbonna han only ono coat to lend, so they can but present them selves one at a time.

THE ABYSSINIAN WAR.

[per press association^.

Massowah, March 29

The Negus, owing to the scarcity of water and want of food, is anxious to bring the campaign to a termination. Massowah, March 30. The Negus of Abyssinia, fearing a famine, considers that an attack on the Italian troops would be hopeless, and he sues for peace. The Italian officers i are favorable to the request being granted, providing that the positions at present held by the Negus are ceded to them. . Massowah, March 31. The Negus is retreating, and the Italian troops have occupied the camp recently held by him, The Italians will prohably occupy the town of Tarkeh.

TINWALD DISTRICT SCHOOL TREAT

The annual treat and presentation of prizia took place on Friday, Mirch 30th. Tbe children assembled at the ochool at 1 p.m., nod with their teachers marched to the Tinwald Djmaln. Here the time was pleasantly epent m races, football, and other amusements, the great centre of attrition for the girls being the splendid swings erected by the Committee . An ample supplsL of refreshments was provided, to which the children did fnll justice, and at dusk all left the ground well satisfied with the afternoon's amnse ment. In the evening the presentation of prizes took place m the school. The room was crowded to its utmost capacity by the Boholara and their friends. Tiie Rev R. Garbett Bent a letter of apology for his absenoe. The Chairman (Me Oayglll) then presented the ptizaa, each ohlld who had passed a standard receiving one. Special prizes were also given for sewing and reoitatlon. At the close Mr Oayglll made some appropriate remarks to the children, congratulating them on the

succeßafal result of the examination held 'by Me Wood In December, and urging them to inoreaßed diligence daring the present year. The teacher m a few wordß impressed upon the parents present the importance of regular attendance at school on the part of the children. Three hearty cfveertj were given by the boya for the Committee, for the teachera, and for the ladies who had bo kindly provided a large part of the refreshments, The meeting then terminated, and the ohil dren went home tired, bat well satisfied with their day's entertainment. The prize recitations were given daring the evening, a humoroqs piece rendered by Jameß Smith oreatlng mnoh amusement. The Chairman, and Messrs Clothier, Oorrigan, and Fergy, members of the Committee, and the master were in defatigable m their efforts to oarry out the day's programme successfully, and may be congratulated upon the very pleasing result.

SPORTING.

WELLINGTON R.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

(Pbr Peess Association.) Wblmngton, March 31. The Autumn meeting of the Wellington Racing Olub commenced to-day. The weather was fine, but the attendance poor The following are the results :— Petone Stakes ; three-quarters of a mile. Foroster ... 1 Escapade 2 Cupid 3 Won by a nose. Time, lmin 19Ageo. Dividend— £i 3s, Hubdles ; one and three-quarter mile. Reputation ... ... ... 1 Orient... 2 Ngatito ... 3 A-grand rncp^Bon hy a _ nock. . Time, 4min 4aeo. Dividend— £l3 19s. Auidmn Handioap ; one and a half mile, Orator ... ... 1 Dudo ... , 2 Little Scrub 3 Won by half a length. Time, 2min 47 l-sth sec Dividend— £2 11b Tkadesmens 1 Handioap ; Otfe mile. Little Scrub 1 Kooke ... ,„ 2 Sylph 3 Won easily. Time, lmin 49* sec. Dividend— £4 3s. Ladies' Bracelet ; One and a quarter mile. Forester ... 1 Cupid „ ,„ 2 Lancer 3 Won easily. Dividend— £llos. £1500 passed through the totalisators.

CRISIS IN FRANCE.

(per press association.) Paris, March 30. General BoulangeVs election campaign ,is creating great excitement. A section of the Paris press declares Boulanger to be the coining Diotator. Paris, Maroh 31, General Boulanger m an address at Nord, accused the Chamber of Deputies of neglecting the defence of France, and maintained the necessity of preparing for war. The impatience of Parliament he added, had alienated the country, which demanded to have the Chamber of Deputies dissolved, with a view to a revision of the Constitution. It appears that the friends of Bou langer suddenly demanded the urgency of a revision taking place m the Consti tution, and m this they were supported by the Buonapartists and the followers of M, Clemenceau. The demand was carried by 268 to 237, and m consequence of the adverse vote, M. Tirard and his Ministry have resigned. The defeat is attributed to the fractiousness of the Government, aad the fact that members are unwilling to tolerate M. Tiravd any longer. The result has caused great confusion. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Pallitan proposed the motion for the re vision of the Constitution. M. Dasson demanded the abolition of the Constitu tion of the Republic. The Left party consider that the pre sent Constitution is m confusion. M. Clemenceau denounced the Empire and favored the proposed reform. M. Goblet thought that the reform was neceßsary, but that the pi*esent time was impolitic. The Premier accepted the motion as one of want of confidence, and on his defeat the President accepted the resignation of the Ministry. General Boulanger advocates uni versal suffrage, Paris, April 1. M. Floquet has been summoned to form a Ministry, and is consulting M. de Freycinot, M. Flourens and M. Goblet. The political crisis is regarded as a victory for General Boulanger.

A Wanganui gentleman, just returned from Auckland, says that working men are leaving that city m hundreds, and more than a thousand shops m good situations are stand ing empty." "Rough on Itch."t--" Rough on Itoh " oures dkin humors, eruptions, ring worm, tetter, salt rheum, frosted feet, chilblains uo , ivy poibar qd, ere'b itoh.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

(Pjsb Pebss Association.)

Auckland, March 31

The Island steamer Richmond arrived this morning. She reports that on the 19th mat the British ship Shan r on, Cap tain Mitchell, had put into Raratonga, leaking, with 1400 tons coal on board. She was unloading with a view to discover th.9 leak. The sile of Kawau for £12 000 was concluded to-day. Tha purchaser's Mrs Rlizi Rutherford Thomson, of Lusatia Park, Victoria. By the tsrma of the mortgage deed the island is to be pre serve 1 m ita present state of cultivation! and ali trees, etc , planted by Sir GK Grey are to be preserved. The r •duction m the City valuation this year amounts to 1 £31,000, which means a 1033 m rates of £3000, independent of the falliog off m licenses and rentals. A de , crease i 3 to be effected m the expenditure; It is stated that Sir Qeo Grey will not | leave for England till after the coming cession. Wellington, Maroh 31. Jatnea Madden, lioonaea of the Clyde Qaay Hotel, waa Karraated at Hawera on Thursday for absconding. Dunedin. Maroh 31. There was another featf ul rain storm at Tapanul yesterday. The country m many places ia under water, Dunedin, April 1. An enquiry was held at Moagiel into the circumstances of the destruction by fire of two stacks of oats and one of Btraw, the property of John Taylor. The jury returned a verdict that the stacks Lad been° maliciously set on fire by some oae unknown, A man named James Riddel, who had been arrested for the offence, was then brought up, and, on the application of the police, the charge waa I withdrawn

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

(PKE, PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

THE CONVERSION OF STOCK.

London, March 30. • Holders of new Three per Cents., who refuse to agree to the conversion and being paid off on April sth, possess stock of the value of

THE MARQUIS OF HARTINGTON

The freedom of the City of London will be presented to the Marquis of Harrington on April iSth.

FOREIGN CRUISERS.

Sir Graham Berry has applied to Lord Knutsford, Secretary of State for the colonies, for advice on the question fe of excluding foreign cruisers from % colonial harbors. Lord Knutsford replied that the Imperial Government would consider the matter.

AUSTRALIAN WINES.

Her Majesty the Queen is making purchases, of Australian wines.

BANK OF AUSTRALASIA.

London, March 31. The Bank of Australasia have de clared a dividend of 12 per cent., and carry forward to the reserve fund ;£l 2,000.

THE SILVER BOOM.

The " Political Economist," referring to the mining excitement m Australia, considers that the silver boom is certain to end m disaster.

THE AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN.

The Press generally consider that the Australian Eleven who play next season are less formidable than their predecessors.

THE RED RIVER RAILWAY.

New York, March .30. The Red River Railway difficulty has been amicably settled.

TERRIBLE COLLIERY EX PLOSION.

A colliery explosion is reported from Missouri. Forty bodies have been recovered, and 100 more are still missing.

DISTURBANCES IN CORK.

Dublin, March 31. A mob numbering 2000 attacked the Blarney Police Station m Cork. The constables fired on the crowd, tfho soon dispersed.

THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY.

Berlin, March 30. The Emperor Frederick is i/nproviog m health, Berlin, March 31. The Emperor Frederick to-day drove through the streets of Berlin, and was received with great enthusiasm by fhe populace.

A U S TRAL IA N.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, March 31. The Minister of Public Works intends to effect radical reforms m the Working Railways Department. A recent in vestigation of the working of the de partment shows that a great waste of money has been going on. Sydney, April 1. Some excitement has been caused by the announcement that a case of small* pox had broken out near the city. It appears that a two-year-old child of Mr Allen Lakeman, M.L.A. for Balronald, who resides at Manly, nine miles north of here, has been attacked with the dreaded disease. The case was re ported on Saturday night, and steps were at once taken to have the family removed into quarantine and the house disinfected. The health authorities are, m consequence of the outbreak, refusing to issue clean bill of clearance to vessels leaving the port.

VICTORIA.

Melboubnb, March 31. The revenue for the quarter ending to-day, for the first time m the history of the colony, exceeds A v large surplus is expected from the rail ways, and the Customs and stamps show a large increase. The Premier is asking the Premiers of other colonies to join m urging ths Imperial Government to conclude with China a treaty similar to that recently announced as having been concluded with the* United States, forbidding Chinese laborers m the United States. Victoria will be represented at the Conference at Madrid with respect to fraudulent trade marks used m con nection wilh the wine trade.

"Rough on Oobns."— Ask for Well's Rough on Corns." Quiok relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. At tbemists and druggists.





The presentation to the Hon. John Bryc c is to take the form of an address and a grant of land. The subscriptions are said to have largely exceeded the expectations of the pro- moters of the movement. The editor of the "Napier Telegraph" oomplains that young women, dressmakers earning good wages, are receiving charitable! aid, and threatens to publish the list o paupers which is submitted at next meeting of the board. Why be siok and ailing when Hop Bitters will surely cure you. None genuine but made by AruerkftQ C Road aud. kqow,



\u25a0'v Wanted. 0 WANTED to Soli 1000 Australian Canaries and other Birds.— P. A. Cunningham. 4 2 PIAN.'S, Organs, Melophone, Hero- phones, Clan phones, Accordiana. Concertinas, Violins, Cornets, Mouth Organs, Fiutes Whistles, Ocarinaa, and Tambourinos. H. M. Jones TO LET,— The Auction Rouln "belong- ing to the Royal Hotel- Apply to Mrs Toppis. 3 194 BOOTS.— Wo have reduced oar Boot List, and are soiling them wonder- fully cheap. — H. C. sJegebs, Melford Honao. WANTED Known— l have Becured » large lot of Men's and Boys' Mole Trousers, good quality, at a very low price, now on sale at the Aahburton Clothing Mart.— -R. Alcorn, Saunderß' Balldinga. WANTED Known.— Melford Houne is now shewing a splendid aßßortraent of Drapery, Millinery, Cloth- ing, Boots, &o, very cheap. "11 7"ANTED -Everyone to come and V V ccc the nicest lot of Glass, China, and Earthenware ever shown m Aahbur- ton, and the CheapeEtever landed m New Zetland. Imported dlreofc from the Manufaotnrera. — Robert Aixjorn, Sano- ders' Bnlldlngg, 3*ll WINTER.— We are now shewing a Splendid Assortment of Ladies and Children's Ulsters m all the leading styles, very cheap.— H. O. Seoers, Melford House. ANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects \u25a0 Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Woolb and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &0., at jlbs Manhibe's Fancy Repository, Saundars 1 Buildings TRY KIRKPATRICK'S SPECIAL QUALITY FRESH FRUIT -JAM 3 — F j NOTICE. OUR Special Quality "X" brand of New Season's JAM is made from Fresh Fruit, within a few hours after it t haß been gathered; it thus retains the full I flavor of the Fresh Fruit, and is the best k quality it Is possible to make. ; CAUTION : None Is Genuine unless our Name is stamped on the Tin, and haß our regis- tered Tiade Mark, the letter " X,"on the Label. S. KIRKPATRICK AND CO], MANUFACTURERS, NELSON. Important. OTHE Proprietors of the NEW ZEA- -1 LAND CLOTHING FACTORY, at the request of a large number of their Customers, have decided to continne their Ashburton Branch. Our Manager, Mr W. Bpakbow, has just selected an entirely NEW STOCK, Suitable for the approaching Season, and with a view cf commanding * Large Banlnes?, he has our instruc- tions to mark ALL GOODS A.T THE Lowest Factory Prices. Oar Clothing being manufactured of the beat New Zea'and TWEEDS, well oat and well made, is known as superior to any other make, and obtained the GOLD AND SILVER MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE WELLINGTON IMBIBITION, HALLENRTEIN BROS & Co. A new and vtrled Stock of HOSIERY, HATS, SHIRTS, SCARFS, TIES, PORTMANTEAUS, &0., &0.. To select from, all marked at the Lowest Factory Prices. 3 99



% /tffl£jZ§fei<Ji r \ J— »JLJ.I_J IjL l \^n \s JL JL « ut y« WtT^mTß >&^i/ fl I^TiflfiT Dn/Irt a^"i Ann /^^^^?^^fe>^ •\u25a0 pb ims|l treal Keaiicuojis. /^pt^L r 15 PER CENT" DISCOUNT /(C^l^Mf """ TT> Ti /TURRAY, Jeweller, having secured the Premises late-y O *J JT\». JjlL ocoapled by Mr Nkatb, Chemist, Is now offering his h- w STOCK at a ' CO DISCOUNT OP 3s IN THE £ PREVIOUS TO REMOVAL. 3 26 TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. mBE^UNDERSIGNED can Supply every Requisite for BUILDING PURPOSES. X Timber, Tron. Ridging, Spouting, Nails, Doors, Seahea, Cookfog Ranges, Registers, Paints, Oils, Brushes, Paperhanginge, Window Glass (all sizes), Locke and Hi ge3. ALSO,— NEWCASTLE COAL WESIPORT COAL NATIVE COAL FIREWOOD SHORT LENGTHS. McCallum and Co,, TIMBER AND COAL MERCHANTS AND IMPORTERS. W. H. COLLINS, . Manager. DIPPING _SEASON, 1888. BROOKE'S " Perfect " Sheep Dip. IS TBE BEST FOR THE WOOL, AS PROVED BY PRACTICAL TESTS. PREPARED m accordance with the latest advancements In chemistry as applied to the Woollen Manufacturing Industry. It Is a decided improvement on the old fuhioDed dips snd only requires a trial to prove its superiority. At the late Sheep- dipping Competition, conducted by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Associa- tion, the Kilapol Woollen Co. , on behalf of the Association, for wool dyeing and general manufacturing purposes, awarded the first place to Brooke's " Perfect" Sheep Dip ; m fact, Brooke's Dip was the only one that actually improved the wool m this Important respeot, the undipped wool being second, whilst all the others were more or leu diaoolored. Tbe Association hlbo pronounced BROOKE'S "PERFECT" SHEEP DIP to be superior to the Zeaiandia, Little*, Hatch's, Cooper's and McDou gall's, and also to leave the wool In better condition than Thomas' Dip. Brooke's Dip having con- \ \u25a0equently bean proved to be better than the Englleh Dips, your practical sopport of the colonial article is respectfully solicited. To enßure Brooke's Dip being more ' thoroughly lasting In its good effects, m f attire it will be sent ont 20 per cent stronger free of extra charge. Proporttoue for use. — One Gallon of Dip to 100 Gallons to water- Mixes readily with cold water ; does not require stirring while dipping. Remarkably emollient, leaving the wool In perfect condition, without the slightest \u25a0tain from the first day of Dipping. Concentrated m composition to reduce cost oi carriage, and put np m a portable handy form for use, it is also one of the cheapest Dlpi m tbe Market. REDUCED PRICE : 14s per tin, to make 200 gallons wash ; 70s per case, oon- talning 5 tine, to make 1000 Gallona ; 65s per case for not less than 5 cases. Faokagei free. s , 115 F. MAKEIG, Agent, Ashburton GEORGE JAMBSOI WEST STREET^ . HAS FOR SALE,— Eye Corn, and Cap 9 Barley, Plough Shares, Little's Sheep Dip, Thomas' Sheep Dip. AGENT FOR— New Zealand Fire and Marine Insurance Company. Bisks on GROWING CROPS or bTACKS accepted at lowest current ratea, CASH PURCHASER OF WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY. THE STANDARD FIRE & MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY . OF HEW ZEALAND. WITH UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS.] CAFITAL— £I,OOO^OOO STERLING. HEAD OFFICE~7 DUNEDIN. INSURERS have the most undoubted Security under this Company's Policies} together with an assurance of Prompt and Liberal Settlement of Claims. FIXE ami MARINE KlfcKvS accepted on all descriptions of Property and Merchandise also Crop, Stack, aDd Machine Risks at Loweßt Kates of Premium, fidelity of Persons holding situations of trust guaranteed. OFFICE : HEREFORD STREET, CHRISTOHURCH. (Opposite Bank^of New Zealand.) ARCHIBALD SCOTT, Manager for Canterbury. ALBERT BOBEIITS, 15 [AGENT, ASHBURTON ALBEET EOBEfiTS, . HAS FOR SALE,— Cornsacks LARGE &IZE AND foxl weight. BEAMING TWINE IN ANY QUANTITY. Clovers,— KED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE. and. TREFOIL, RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE. ANCHOE Binding Wire and very best Binder Twine. Golden lares, Cape Barley. COOPEJRAS SHEEP DIP. ,