MEETIMS OF HOUSEHOLDERS.

ALFORD FOREST.

At the annual election of the School Committee, held at Alford Foreßt on she 23rd inst , the following were elected : — Meßsrs W. T. Obapmon (Chairman for the eleventh time), H. Wright (Treasurer), A McFarlane, P. Tisr.h, fl. Muirheid, J Bowe, aDd B. tvana. At the meeting afterwards, the Board's new Bcale of allow ance for incidental expenditure wob ciia cussed, and an it depends now on tho strict average attendance, it was resolved to pat ia forco the compulsory clause of the Act after the next meeting to bo hold on June 2nd.

ASHTON.

Mr George Gelman occupied the ohalr, \u25a0>nd ts Chairman of the Committee read the *nnn»l report, whloh showei the iohool to be m a very high state of efficiency, and complimented the teaohers on the condition of the school. A state ment of accounts wag read, showing a credit balance, of £5 7a lid. Oa the motion of Mr Taylor the report was adopted. The meeting then proceeded to elect a Committee for the ensuing ye«r. The following gentlemen were nominated, viz :— George GUmour, Thomas Taylor, John Shearer, John Ashton, Walter Timras, William Wilson, David Ryan, W. J. Brown, James Orosaan. Tnla bolng tnore than the required number, Mr Mltohell was appointed Returning Offioer »nd a poll was taken. Tho first-named \u25a0even gentlemen were duly elected. At a subsequent meeting of the newly-eleoted Oommittee Mr Taylor waa elected Ob&lr man.

NOTES FROM SOUTHLAND.

(JTROM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The weather during the present month has been everything that could be desired, the much abused nor'-wester having the good effect of drying up the land which enabled our farmers once more to resume the cutting, and I can as-ure you that no time wae lost while the sun and moon gave out their light. Those who were unable to do all the work m tix days, wont at it again on the seventh, and may their labors be abundantly blessed I say. After all many of the farmers on the Ore'i Plains seem sadly behind, so mnoh so that a large proportion of the late sown cropj •re not yet cut, and aB the ripening eeaion is over, I fail to ccc what on earth the people are waiting for. The frosts will whiten, it ie true, and that is about all. From what I have seen of them I would, and that without hesitation, hazard the asserton, that most of the crops m question will do little more than pay the expense of threshing. I would not bo at all surprised to hear some of the farmers exclaim, when the threshing is over, that they would have been much more ia pocket, had they set fire to it before the reaper was put to work Somehow or other farmers after all of what is said and done, seem determined to adhere to the old traditional method of doing all and everything, which no doubt accounts for the fact that no steps have been taken to pot into practice the most valuable in structions which from time to time have formed the subject of leading articles m all the newspapers of the colony with reference to ensilage This ceneon offers every opportunity of trjing this new method of harvesting, the uncut crops, as a rule, being heavy, free from rust, and quite green. However, as lam about to try the experiment myself I Bball make do further comments. i?ome people will have it that the de pression is now at an end, and that things are looking up, but, judging from the fol lowing foots one would be inclined to think otherwise. Last week a largely attended meeting was held at Drummond. a little township on the Oreti Plains, to ooDsider what would be a fair wage for men working with threshing mills. After the usual remarks from the Chairman, several eloquent speeches were made Q here was no lack of speakers, mauy of whom were actually foaming at the mouth, and the language used on both \u25a0ides was, to my idea, far more forciblo than polite. After about two hours " jawing " the meeting broke up m con fusion. Not being saiisßed with this result, the few farmers remained behind until Dick, Tom and Harry bad made themselves scarce, when a second meeting took place, at which the following reeolu tioa was unanimously agreed to :— v That the wages be 9d an hour without food but the farmers are prepared to supply food at the rate of 4d a meal, lunch, it any, lo be given m." To you Ashbur toniaps the foregoing arrangements may appear not out of the way, but when we tajse into consideration the lateness of the season, which must result m much Ipss of time, though wet weather^ npd bad roads, saying nothing of the shortest day being close at hand, wo cannot but admit that the mill hands havo got the worst of it. Bitherto the men have been getting 9d an hour and found, thereby tbrowipg ail the loes from bad weather, upon the farmer, who at times Lad to tucker all hands for upwards of a fortnight, waiting for a dry day to put through his bit of grain, and as each mill owner has sixteen bullocks for shifting about with, the farmer has to feed them also, which means a great deal to a small settler with only a few hours threshing. But what shall we say now, that all the risk has been thrown upon those who go with the mill. £ Since writing the above it has come to my knowledge that all hands have struck, and as many as are able are off to Victoria, where it m to be hoped they will meet with better luck, but i question it very much. I worked with the farmers there for upwards of ton year's, and it never came to my lot to have a bettor Bleeping place than a hen-house or a yaparit stall i# the atable, and talk about a JJendigo. pudgier, 16 hours a day, a man is very lucky if he gets off at that. Not many years ago I was engaged on the Bbeepwash Creek, near old Bondigo. Every morning, Sunday included, I had to start milking at half-past three o'olock, and by the time I would have eight or ton cows milked, I generally felt as if I could eat a good breakfast, which was always ready at six o'clock, and after this meal was over, I had to go out m the field on m the bush, and work m the broiling eun until 1 eight -o'clock p m , thereby beating the puddler by one 'hour. Talk of country life and roughing it, farm laborers and shepherds m New Zealand are kings compared with those of Australia. Jf anyone wanis to see misery and deo tifcntion among tho farming community, 1 would reoonimend him to take a stroll fhrpussh the' Charlotte Plains on the Lqd dpjij or tjie Terripk Terrick Blabs on tfyo p^ftn Hill road, when he would see scores of families huddled together m log hutn, notwithstanding that they have been there for over twenty yeare, and there are only a few that can boast of having either doom or windows m tneir dwellings ; a few old eaoks doing duty for both. Without fur ther (irespadping. on your valuable! fcpac^, | wish: to leniark that m throwing out th'J foregoing hints, [that I have no end io view other than the interest of your readers',

Mr W, H. Clark, of Parnell, waited upon the Hon E. Mitobelson m Auckland, and laid before tbat gentleman a scheme for settling people on the land, finding employment for all, and saving the State £70,000 a year. Mr Mitohelson listened very 'attentively to Mr ClarkJß exylanatipn oj tho system which he believed would accomplißh these ren'it's,' and rM Clark agreed' to 4*4 w out m vrming an outline of the soheme whioh Mr Mitohelson promised, to lay before the Minister of Lands,

RENATA KAWEPO'S WILL

(" Waoganui Herald.")

This extraordinary cam (Kenata Kawep ) haß left property and J»ni amuunttng, it is said to a quarter cf a million, and the question of questions niw on the Hawku'a Bay side is, who benefits? It was gonerully understood that a young h klf-cxete named Broughton, oloaely related to the late chief, was the principal beneficiary and heir. Rinata had repeatedly expressed his inteation of leaving his property to Broughton, and it wa* known that he had made a will In hia favor two years a^o. Renata kept a Btrong-room or safe ia whtoh this will and other valuahhs were deposited. Wnen he died the key, it seems waa missing, but it turned up m a way which the Btquel explains. Mure closely still related to Reuata was tt chleftaineaa of even higher rank than himself, Airlnl, the wife of a well-known Hawke'a B*y settler, Mr Donnelly, Airini and Kenata, however, were not often the beat fripads, and when Renata was vexed he vowed he would cat her off with a Bhltling. Occasionally he relented, and when one of Mrs Donnelly's children died, Renata went to hia strong room, took a thousand bright sovereigns therefrom, and -sent them to his nleoe. Renata, ie wilt be seen, had a prinoely spirit tod a royal way of doing things. Bat even a bereavement whloh touched him to the quick only re-established cordial relations for a time, R nala was not en speaking terms with Airlnla month or two later, Ie was said that certain |pereons were active m making mlfchief between them rknata's illness. Renata fell ill, and feeling it would be hia last, he sent for Airini and requested her to stay with him and nurse him. Now this lady is aa noted for her intelligence and high spirit, and Bhe did not Bpare her self m providing for the old man's com fort and happlneaain his list lllneas. He was happy, as ho expressed it, m being good friends with Airlnl before he was gathered tv his fathers, for was Bhe cot the prlnoipal representative by blood of tho family ? He repented himself that he had mado a will whloh dealt with her unjußtly, and he reao'ved to make another ; accordingly he requested a solicitor to be set for, and a few days be fore h!a death lie a'.^nod tho second will (which revoked tho first of course) leaving th.^ whole of bis property to Airini, her brothers, aiders and children. \u25a0- APIICR THE FONEIUL Af!or tho fui;eral the Solicitor for Airlnl, Mr McLeao, appeared at a pro re nata mooting of tho departed chief's relatives and friends, and explained about the two wills, the second of which waa ho said, m bia etrong room ia Napier. He was authorised by Alriui to make a very prudent spaeoh to the following effoot : — v Airlnl wishes me to say that for those who were friends of Renata during his lifo, Bbo desires to have the greatest friendship. Those, she cotialders, were very Bolioitous m carrying out tho wishes of Renata during his llfo-time. Now that Renata is dead, and has left behind \u25a0 him a document clearly expressing his wishes, she expects that those friends will ' be equally desirous of carrying out those wishes. If Airlnl finds those persons dofirous of carrying cut the wishes of the dead, Bhe will be their friend, and they will find she ban inherited from Ronata '. the traditions of his benevolence. Bat if they derlto to g~> against the fliahos of Renata, now that he is dead and not able to speak for hlmsjlf, Airini is able to fight, and be asßtrong m baitlc, a* Renata waa." Thuojdidea never composed a more eloquent opeech for his heroes. THB MISSING KS.Y. The key of the Bafo was given to Airini a short time before Renat'i's death, but she h<id somehow mislaid lr, and it was mlesing. The possession of this key had - causad disputes and ironbles, for it aafo guarded, it was thought, tha prlo.'lt'ss document which was to hand over property worth a quarter of a million sterling, , So Airlnl'a solicitor nnde a proposal: (hat the key be handed over to ftenita's binker to keep until all matters ia dis pute wero settled. " "i he banker," said Airiai's representative, " is tha Bank of New South Wales, and the manager la here preßont and ready to tike possession of the key.' Mr Oarrol), M.H.R., who represented tha othfr sldo, replied to the " fair proposal" that Renata'a lawyer agreed to the key being handed over . to the banker — "it shall be given op ' to-morrow" he said, "it is not here now." Airlnk's solicitor then said ; "You agree It shall be given up to- ' morrow — m tha meantime the police shall ( remain m cha ge of the strong room " The conversation was at once sealed by Henare Tomoaun, on behalf of the Native Oommittee, intimating that " the course suggested wou'd racot witti the approval of tho Committee" Tho '"plan of onin palgn " so far with respect to the two wills is outlined In the rketch wo have given of tha proceedings of this intoreßt- Ing meeting. Airini, aa the bonefiolary of the last will and testament, ia doubt less m legal possession, and ''holds the fort," from wbioh Bhe wIH have to be diskdged, if there ia any ground (and we have heard of none) for action of a hostile nature, Moral — do not put your I trust m wills until you are cure the teetator is dead and you are In possession of his last signature.

SOUTH RAKAIA.

[FROM OCR OWN OOBBESPONDENT.j

On Friday evening ono of the moßt ?njoyable concerts for eorae years was leld m tho Town Hall m aid of the Library funds. Tho weather waa every thing that could be cjeslred, and there eras a large attondanoo from all parts of the dletrlot The enjoyment of the evening was maoh added to by tho kind ness of Mr D. Jloloy, who eoneronaly volunteered h|u eprvlpes. '| ! he I£yto Bddlpra were qlbq to the fore, and fully deserved tho applause given j they were voclferooßiy received and encored on each appearance, Mr Wlnklem%n gave us an excellent solo on the zither, an instrument never beforo introduced at our concerts. Mrß J. Tomer, song (m cbaraotor), Mendames Broadbent, Pyko, 0. W. Turner, and Miss Fißhor wore In excellent voice and were loudly applauded. Messrs I. amble and Johuaton contributed violin duots In their aeaai artlstlo manner, Mosßrs Foley and Latriblo each gave recitations, and Meosrs Oollina, Broad boat, J. Turner and 0. Blackburn rendered valaablo assist Ano^. Individual pri»la would bo otit oi plaqe'. Suftloo it to say every performer'.s effort was fully appreciated, and enoorea being the ordur of tho evening the concert wa« prolonged till eleven o'ejoqk, ar^d the audjonqo could hj^ve i^anftgcfd it woqlc('havo lasted another hour. This epoako for Itqolf, Tho fitago wa« vory prettily deoor&ted with pot plantf, ferns, flowera, and a number of fairy lights which gave It a very bright and cheerful appearance, Altli'ough thoro were a few canine pats (which hud been' better left R fc homrVamohgst^eaudlencQ, as per nst^al at erttort^!nm f 'ntß given ft Rakftlft; thoy wero very qalot, and it is i "!"0 p!euu!og io record the entire absence of larrikinism, A-fter tha conpert tho ha|l wag elo&rod ani a bal| held &t whiph (h ! o waa fairly good, Mr D. Bruoe acted fl» M.O- The maaio was aapplled by Mr (Jurtiß, who received aaulitanoß from Mrs W. Harrison and Mr Johnstonp, Every one was happy and thoroughly enjiyed themselvea till a very enrly hour. The renult of the coucyrt and dance will be (ho fc(Jdithn of r ßoniß 'tWolvo pounds to the library funds, and the Committee destrvo credit for tho manner m which tha programme was arranged and, oarrled oat«

THE MARKETS

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, April 2P. Tallow— Mutton, 26s to 26s 6d ; beef, 248 to 24s 6d. Tho stock available is 9000 casks. The frozen meat by tho steamer Elderslio has arrived m excellent condi tion and is .selling at 4d. Bank of New Zealand shares have risen m value and are now quoted at £16. Tho sheepskin sales opened strongly at tho par of last auctions, but declined at the close with a tendency m buyers' favor ; 3600 were sold. At the wool sale 12,000 bales were disposed of. The New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Company, Limited, have received tho following cablo message from their London office, dated 27th inst. : — Tallow — Tho market is steady. Medium and inferior mutton is m demand, but fine is no«lected. Good mutton is worth 25s 9d, and good beef 24s per cwt. Frozen Meat — Tho market is quiet. New Zealand mutton, weighing 601 bto 651 b per carcase is worth 4£d, and prime New Zealand lambs 6d per Ib. Butter — Supplies of Continental are heavy. The market has receded 80s per cwt. New Zealand is worth 60s per cwt. Checso — Market steady. New Zea land fine Quality is worth 56s per cwt, £The following private cable message was received m Christchurch on Satur day : — The reports of the American wheat crop continue unfavorable. The market for distant cargoes is better.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(PER PRESS ABBOUIA.TION.) Tifcokowaru Dying. Manaia, April 30. Titokowara, famed as a ohlef In the wars against sottlera years ago, is dying of heart disease. Eb is not expaoted to last more thai a fevr daya. The Flax Industry. Blenheim, April 30 There la great activltv iv the fl»x in dustry m this dlfl'.rlot. To-day O.iaytor, sheep farmer, starts a mill, employing 20 hands. Pollard, late manager at Birch Hill and Tophouuo statbno, will ahortly etart a mill at the north bank of the Wairan rlvor. D. H.Pattie lately started a mill at Birch Hill . All the old mills arc working night and day. Whoro water fails steam power is put iuto requisition. In Borne oasoa raw material is oarted 15 and 20 miles to mills. Presentation. Ch;>istoiiuroii, April 30. Mr H. A. Watt, manager of the Bank of New Zealand who ib leaving foe Eng land on ocoount of 111-health, has been presented with an address by the Gale* donian Society of which he In the Preßident and with » draft for £360 by the prinolpal business msn of the city. Wort for the Unemployed. In reßpuuße to a toli'gmm from the Mayor, the Premier telegraphed that work for tho anemployed will bo found at High Peaks shortly. FatjJ Accident. Dttnkmn, April 29. Albert Jus' on, who fell over a cliff at Port yoetordny has died from tho lnju Iqj. 1e is aged eight. The unemployed. The Premier wires to Mr Fish that a number of the unemployed will be put on road works at the heads.

TKAGEDY AT A BULL-FIGHT.

A TERRIBLE AFFAIR. [Per R.M.S. Mariposa ] San Francisco, Aprij 8. A epecial message from tho city of Mexico gives tho following advices lrom Celaya : — On Sunday afternoon about 4.50 o'clock the bull ring of Colaya was crowded with spectators. The company of bull-fighters from Leon were playing wi'.h tho firat bull, whon a fire suddenly broke out on tho aide of the amphitheatre A panic seized the assemblage, and a frightful catußfropho was the result, The amphithoutro was constructed of wooden mantß, reeds, etc., and it was duo to this fact that the mnjority oscapod without injury, they being able to force an opening to permit an exit at different points, but many women and ohildron jumped fron^ the top, h distance of 200 to 30Qft, and over 100 persons were seriously injured, and eighteen lives wore lost. The inside of tho auiphitheatro being lined with matting as dry us tinder, and there being a slight wind blowing, tho araphithoat.ro was m a blaze m a few seconds. Nine bodies, m some cases bo charred as to bo almost unrecognisable, wore taken from tho luins. JNino peraons were so badly burned that they died m a fow hours. Sixty-eight persona wero tadly burned, and ut least ton of them will die thia wook. • Fifty persons m escaping woro knocked down and trampled upon by tho panic stticken throng, and are voiy seriously but not fata'ly injured, Tho bulls maddened by tho, roaring flames, broke loose from tli lr stalls, aad r'uahod wild'y through tho surging mosses of humanity, tossing aloft and knocking over all who stood m their way Among the eighteen dead Wore two women who woro gored to death by the built*, and fchqr bodies afterwards turned,. Tho fcconos m tho neighborhood of t na b.ujl rjng worq sickening 'beyond d b'epiptian. Womon and chlldran. divoalcd of th< ir oluthing, and crawod with suffering from their burns, ran aimloß.Vy through tho streets, and could ncarcoly bo overtaken or collected by frioods, S;veral porsona lost their roaaon from tho sovcro mental shook to which they wor.> fc'ubi ctpd. Th,o fire was In ('el ya gaol wore numbera of prisoners an«l army desortors, who had obtained permission from the authorities to attend tho bullfight. They woro accompanied by a strong guard oi Holdiera to prevent their oscupo, but one of tho d/'floytorb ttUiToptitiounly atruck a matoh'and lightod'ono of tho dry palm iriats In ! an infant tho soli, or sunny eido of tho r'ng was abl>sso.' ' In tho con fußion and oxci^mont yho piie,o,nora suo oep'cled making goocl th.oir oecapo. Tljo Best socioty m Co'aya. was m attendance, and an it v/uh Kastor Sunday, tho roturn of tho Boaaou of goioty after Lon^, thoro was an unusual number of ladios and little children present, and ihoso woro the sufferers. Np ; mau loHt his lifo 1 ; tho helpieoa little bnids ahd tlioir moth'erp, who qo't de'eoit thoiroffripring, wera tho riqtims of the appalling oataetropho. Colaya ie m mourning, and on every side iri hoard tho sound of wailing for lovod ones dead, dying or suflioring It io the fiiaddoijt tragedy that hao occurred m tho {lireb centurioß 6f city's liistory.

FATAL FURB AT WAIPAWA.

1 TWO MEN BURNT TO DSATH.

(per press association.) Napier. April 29. A. dwelling honse and shop occupied, by Sheehan at Waipawa was totally des troyed by fire last rtighr. The inmates were asleep, but being aroused, Sheohan and his wife, infant and aeervaat escaped through the windows bat were badly oat and bruised. Two lodgers In the hoUBO who It was thought hud escaped were burnt to death Their oharred re mains being discovered In t!ie ruina. The buildings including a stable and bake house were totally dostroved. Th«y were insured m the South British effioa for £600.

HORSE MARKET

Mr T. Bollock reports for the week ending Saturday, April 28ih :— There. w»s again a large entry of horaep, viz , 47} ani a very good attendance of f aimers and other oountry settlerß, bat biddings were very languid excepting for medium draughts suitable for ploughing and other farm work. For light harness horses aud hacks it was difficult to obtain btdß, and there really appearß to re no demand for this class at preterit, Out of the day's entry of 47, 22 were sold at the fnllowiog prices, viz. :— Medium draughts, 5 year olds, £19 10j, £20 ; of a lighter dedoriptioo, £14 10* ; 4 year olds, one of & fairly good atamp brought £25 10a ; ditto light, £10 10a, £11 si; 3 year old juat broken m, £13 ; 3 year olds, unbroken a pair brought £24 ; 3 of a rather light description, £9, £11, £12 10s respectively, and 1 suitable for light harness, £7 10<s ; aged draughts, £6, £10, £12 ; light harness horßes, £4 ss, £5 5s ; hacks, £7 10j ; horae, saddle, and bridle, £f2. Scrubbers at low rates.

AUCTIONEER'S REPORT

Mr Alfred Uarri&jn roporca hia weekly a»le as follow*, Haturday, April 28fch : — Cows. — Tweoty wero penned, but aime difficulty waa experienced m making s*leß ; however, ten were disposed of an follows : Close to calving, £4, £4 10j, £4 17a 6d, £5 and £5 si ; stores, etc., £2 10a to £2 15a. PlG>. — i. nice loi wag panned, prices all round beiog unchanged. Slips s', 6a 63 to 9j ; Btoroa, 9j, lla, 14s, 14i 6i, 153 to 15] 6d. Poultry.— Fow la, 2a 3d to 2a Gi ; dtnkp, 2s 6d to 3d ; gesso, 5i 3 3. Produce — Potatoes, 3i to 43 61 per bag ; oniona, £3 to Id per 1b j ohiokwheat, Is 6d to 2j per bußhel ; oate, la 9d ; matton, JJd to 23 per 1b j bran, 3s j sharps, 6. A numbor of implements, hurdleß, harness, furniture, drapery, aud sundriee avid at market rates.

LATEST PARIS FASHIONS.

(from our correbpondknt.) Paris, Febraary 28. A superb ball toilette of the past fort night had the long train m pale blue broo&do, finished with a fall ruohing of orape of the same ; Ihs aklrt front la m crape, with wide tncka at Intervals. Tliobo are met at the Bides with narrow panels In pale blue faille franoalao, each bordered all around with wide and ex tremely fine and beautiful Dacheesa laoo, pat on perfectly flit and having the centre hung with flit, round pomplllea m colour less oryatal, whloh givo the effaot of solidified watar drops againat the pale blue faille, The lownooVed and Bloeveleaa corsage is 1q the faille franoalao, covered In front from the shoulder to tho waist with fl*t folds of palo blue orapa, and at the other side with a band of lace match ing that on tho skirt. Narrow ruflba <£ laoo replace tho absent Bleevea. A protly evening dreßS for a yonng girl Is In pale pink gauzi with narrow atrlpes of aatla. It is made full and plain at the back ard Bides of the shoet akirt, whloh Is turned baok at either aide of the aklrt front la plain revera out bias, and set at the outer and innor edgea alternately with bowa of moaa-green ribbon. The corsage is gathered, haa a Bimll point front, and elopes np to the waist at the hips. It Is finished around tho top, whloh la cut m a very shallow decollete, with a rufll) of gauze. Full elbow sleeves, made trans parent, and finished with a ruffle of laoe. B)wa of m->aa~green ribbon are sot on the ehonldors, and on tho infiide of the eloevoe, and one at tho point of the waist. Tne akirt front is m plain pink gauzo, onught up m tho centre at Iho height of tho knoo, and scalloped at tho edge, falling over two plaitod gauze flounces, This dross U very tasteful m palo blue gauze with pink ribbons. IShadod ribbons for hits and bonnota havo mado their appoaranco. A hat m grosoillo straw trimmed with wid,o satin ribbou, ahodod from stool-grey to groseille, waa particularly effoctivo. fioad embroidery id oxtonaively usod on elegant toilettes m faille Francaiso and pouu de Soie It must match incolor tho material of the dreßa. Tan colored glovoH m un dresßod k d reaching to tho elbow are Btill rooßt fashionable for evening wear, but cream whlto or manvo are also much worn with light tinted dressep,find pale yellow or pink with toilettes of those shad* a. Some are embroidered m two ahadts of the oo'or of the glove on the back and at tho 1 top la small designs of loaves nnd f^iwarp, but tho plain glove is always tho moat stylish. Long bilk glovea matching the ooßtumo m colour will bo popular for street wear when the warmaeaion arrives. They are made now well shaped and, of beautiful quality. During tho juat ended, carnival a&jaon a gou'd. many dinner parties were given In the capital*' a,f which, the gqosta wore desired to oome with eoetanae^ heads, an arrangement whio.h yava a very pretty ftßpoctto tho dlffarontontortuiuments. One of the moat original and striking of theae ' devices represented the North Pole The hair, built up very high and profusely powdered, had Bet upon the structure thne formod a small allvor ehlp, amlc\ pufjfi of froatod tulle, imitating ' iao ani aiow, Tho name of franklin wan inuoribed upon the miniature voaae 1 . Abjveit, mounted on a nlendor silver wire, wu3 a large star m diaoaonda, reproaontln^ the Polar Btar. Another original coiffure, called IV^onto Carlo, had the hair rjiowdorod, cm ono aide I with gold and on t^o'othor Bld,e virith silver powder, and, aurniourite'd with o. cap, half In red satin and hntf m, black. A, tiny oroupior'n rake In gilt v{oo^ was sont jauntily at one oi tUla ca^ and was kept m placo by * roaotto formed of bank nqtoq.

-.--\u25a0**

THE ASHBDIIfOJS GUABDIAN, MONDAY, AFRIXj 30,i858



There are now In the Unitod States over eighty miles of road on whioh the motive power is eleotrioity. Eighteen towns have plants m operation, m lengths varying from one to eleven miles, Oontraotq have been made for road^, and are no\tf lioing eon- aijrqoted 1 m seventeen othor towns, and there are fifty-nine projeoted roads. No good health with thin impure blood, Hop Bitters make rich blood, good health, and strength, American Go.'v is genuine,



A second orop of atrawborrioa is roportod from Southland. Tho " Tiraoß "of tho 26th mat. saya:— " Wo havo bad Iho pleasure of testing a sample of qtrqwbjc.rrieu. gJjDwn by Mr John Stewart of Ajpploby, whioh; although a second 1 crop, aro woll rjupgn'od, and. Q' BQ°d flavour. They wocb grown m the open, tho only protection thoy had boing a olosoly boirdod fonoo. Tboro aro still a good many blossoms and borrios to ripen. The" Tairie Advocate " goes into hyßtoryja over tho delights o{ rinkla^, ayd rhapaaclisea as followfl ;-^! i Those whp think that !>'« ia not worth living we advise to try a quartor of an hour'B experienoe on rollor-skatoß. We guarantee that insido of the first iiftoon minutes on skates they will exporionoe sensa- tions to which they had previously been utter strangers. Sensations that will otiv u,P their feelings and awal;eq wjtntq thoir soula new ideas Qo.naerning the ups and downs of life. The first quarter of an honr passed, new sen- sationa arrive, and the skater, gliding smoothly around the rink with one arm round tho slender waist of his best girl, feelu as happy as a spotted angel m golden wings, sitting on the odge of a orjmson olaud playing \u25a0 (he jaw's b&rj? a«d eating broad, and. treble,"



John frr and Go. CLOTHING DBPAETMENT. WE have eognped Mr Wm. f paiikoW (Into Nhw Ze 'nni Clothing I'uo- tory) to tuke charge of this Department, and we feel confident from I'is Kn; experience ia the Clothing aud t utfitling Busineus, Uiat undar hie uianHgcment our reputation will be mnintaintd a3 the BEST and CHEAPEST CLOTHING HOUSE IN ABKBUETON. Our Stook ib replete with every requisite Buitable for the Winter Reason, and at prices that will SUIT THESE HARD TIMES. Men's, Boys' and Youiha' CLOTDING of every description. OVERCOATS AND WATERPROOFS. HOSIERY • HATS, SHIRT 3, SCARVES, TIES, RUGS, PORTMANTEAUS , UMBRELLAS, etc. Boots Boots Boots We hold a large and varied assortment of BOOTS and SHOE 3 o every de- Ecription ; some Lldos at lose lhan Wholeeale Prices. J| . if"' JOHN OER AND CO., East Street 3§77 Friedlander Bros. RANTED T,O PURCHASE WHEAT, BARLEY, QATS, R*E CORN, RYE GRASS, £N LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES. HIGHEST PRICE GIVEN. WANTED TO SELL 1000 BALES COENSACKS. WANTED~Our Farmers and other Ollentn to note that we aro agontß foe NEW ZEALAND STONE COMPANY, OnMARU. FISON'S Celebrated Fertilizers, The best In the Market. TOMLINSON I^HAY WARD'S POWDER DIP AND GLYCERINE DIP. The beat and cheapest In the Market. Prevents contagion for an almoßt un- limited time ; will not injure or discolour the wool, but on the concrnry gives it a beantlf appearance. It keeps good for any period of time 1 easy to mix 1 requiring no hot water and thus caving fuel; con- tsiderable expense and trouble t GOOD NEWS TO GRAINQROWERS, THE WONDER OF THE DAY* MASSEY 'S Light 2-taseJteel Binder. WE havo pleasure of intimating cur friends and othors that we h«ve been appointed SOLE AGENTS FOR NEW ZEALAND for the sale of this wonderful Machine. Wherever the Machluo has been tried it haß given entire satisfaction and those who attended the trials and saw the Maohiuo at work expressed themaelve highly pleased. Numerous orders have alroady been taken for next season'? harvest and those m want of Machines will do well to see THE MASSEY BINDER before plaolng their orders elsewhere. We guarantee every Machine, thus showing that we ourselves have ever confidence m the MASSEY LIGHT STEEL BINDER. I SUP. \ : '. •\u25a0-?.* WANTED.;



H. Ji atscn and' Co .' i NEXT CHERT >EY FALE Tiktß p ee on MONDAY, 14th MAY. H. MATSON & CO. TOTE have for Sale, for Early Feed, CAPE BAKL^Y AND BYE COliN, Will give as good results as TURNIPS. H. MATSON & 00., Ashburton. TO EXPERIMENTAL FARMERS, fTTTE have a sample of CHAMPION WHEAT, SPEOIAILY IMPORTED, Which we are giving away In small quin* titles, but It must be sown and results reported. H; MATSON & 00., Aahburton. WE HAVE FOR "SALE OR TO LET. A GENERAL STORE (m Ohertsey) doing a pood business. No Good- .wlll, Stook at Valuation. No opposition. Profitable business ; good opening for energetic man. Foe particulars apply H. MATSON & CO., Aahburton. To THE FARMERS OF OHERTSEY DISTRICT. HAVING leased the SHEEP DTI* at the Saleyards I am prepared to Dip flooks Of under 500 head nt l|d, over 500, |Ud per head. Using Murton and Whites composition. — "NO cube no pay." Start dipping on 16th April and would ljke to finieh within a fortnight if possible ' Would Farmers kindly enter Sheep with Mr JiMBS Patterson, Chertney, . D. TBOMAP, Ashburton . FOR SALE. SEVERAL GOOD FARMS CHEAP TO LET. 0/1 AA ACRES ALFORD FOREST, /CtfcUU half English grass, 3j per Aore H. MATSON & CO., Ashburton. LONDON AND LANCASHIRE FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY. WE have boon appointed Agents for fhe above Company, and are now prepared to take risks on Buildings, Stock and GYops at current rates. H. MATSON & CO;, Ashbuiton. I have 'tteon appointed Agent POX THE Mercantile Finance Co., CHRISTCHURCH, Who are prepared to advanoo Money BILLS OF SALE, MORTGAGE OF STOOK, [CROP LIENS, or other Security, D. THOMAS* | WE ABE APPOINTED Pole Agents From Rnknfa to Rangitata | \u25a0 -OK '\u25a0 MCJRTON AND WHITE'S Prize Sheep x Dip Placed lßt by the Oantorbury A. and Association after an exhaustive trial, H. MATSON & CO. Ashbiutoa I . ; _^ i Agricultural Implements. WE ARE APPOINTED SOLE AGENTS IN ASHBDRTOiS FOB Messrs BOOTH, MoDONALD & fu Oarlylo Implomont Worku, Chrlstohroht Sams .b Implkments on hand" 1 Inspection lavitod. H. MATSON & CO. AehburtoQi



Pablic Notices fH^HB Public »re wr»rned not to o»sh L Ohtque No. V4IJ3 bank of New Zealand, lv favor <>r it Ajannino. 4 218 CHAP JUAN BROS. JOHN VICKBHY \ CASH BUYIiR OF PIGB AKD A THOROUGHLY PRAOTIOA.L BUTCHER AND BA.CON CURBR BEGS to announce to tho ieside.it-t of Aahbartou and Diairiot that be has auooeeded m ptoaunng a suitable oellar for tho BACON CURING BUSINESS And Is now prepared to execute orders m that line, and can guarantee satisfaction and despatch. Orders left nt the Pork Butchery, East Street will have prompt attention. johFyickeey. 4 157 ASHBUUTON GLAS*, PAINTS, AND PAPER HANGINGS WAREHOUSE, . r riHE Undersigned, having Bold his 1 Stock-in-Trude and Goodwill of the above Business to James CraigieJ' of Timaru, begß to thank his friends and the pirblio for the support accorded to hix for tho puet eleven years, and solicits a continuance of the sumo to his successor. J. R. CHAPMAN. James Oraigie PAINTER, GLAZIER, PAPERHAN9ER SIGN WRITER, &c. and DIRECT IMPORTS OF ALL THE REQUISITES OF THE TRADE, • HAVING taken over the Business of Mv J. R. Chapman, I beg to ioform the public of Ashburton and District thut 1 will keep a Painter's and Paperhanger's Stock io keep'ng with the size and importance of tho Town and Dis- trict. All orders will recoive prompt atten- tion and be carefully executed. Workmen sent to any part of the District, —FOR SALE.— Newest Designs of PAPiSRHANGINGS, good variety. SHEET GLA6S, all sizes, from a 60 x 40 to a 10 x 8, m 16 or 21cz or 260z. British Plato, Silvered Plate (for mirrors) Rough Plato, Colored, Obtcured, and Ornamental Sheet, Oak Varnish, Carriage Varnish, &c , White and Rod Lead, Oils, Colorn, Mixed Paints m Tina ; Brushes, Scrim, &c. &o. Puint mixed to any Shade. Advice as to quantity freely given. THE ABHBURTON GLASS, PAINTS, AND PAPEBHANGINJS WARE- HOUSE 3 156 Style and Fashion. ANDREW ORR la novr opening his Second Shipment OF New Drapery, Clothing, AND 800 T S. GRAND SHOW OF LadieB > Mintlos, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, &o. Millinery, Fiowerß, Feathers, Ribbons, and Dreas Gooda In ondlesß variety. Blankets, Flannele, Hosiery, and Gloves Brussels Carpets, Kidder Carpots, &o Men's Clothing: Greatly Rkduohd. BOOTS. BOOTS. GREAT BARGAINS IN BOOTS AND SHOES. 5 Trnnks Ladles' Boots at 5b 6d 2 Truukn Ladles' Evening Shoes, 3s 6d 4a 6d, 5a 6d GentR 1 Boots, cloth top, btst 9i 6d, worlh 16s 6d, Prices to Bait the times. DKESSMAKING. This Department Is giving universal satisfaction. Perfect style and 6t. Prlceo strictly moderate. ANDEEW ORR. REID and GKBAY, CAMEEON STREET, ashburton;, Makers or IMPROVED D.-FURROW PfcOVGHS (Made of Best Hammorod Perap Iron, and Winner of First Prize at Melbourno Exhibition,) Over 8000 1 AT f Over 8000 Jn use. / Kbduohd Piuoes; \ m use. Extra heavy Mould Boards for rough Lnnd m Stock, \u25a0* Zig-Zag Ilarrawu still maintain their rop\\t(itio« as tho best gonorul purpoHo Harrow. Four hundred seta made an- nually. Newly Improved Ohaffeultors all hi'zbb, with Balance Fly Wliool, lilted with putcnt oast stool Mouthpiece, m ono piece, which can bo taken off and replaced by an ordinary laborer m a few Bcoonda. * Cuts throe longtho of chaff. Portublo Sorow-Prcss and Bagging Chaffcuttcr, cuta, riddles, elovalos, screens and prcssos into tho bac; at ono operation. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Horso-Powere. simplo strong, and easily drawn, universally used throughou New ZJoalarivl. Jointed PulveriHi'ng Dino Marrows, over 7QQ m use, No fhrm should bo without thorn. All sizda from Oft to 12ft. Grain Drills from 11 to 17 Coulters. We make largely for Canterbury and North Island. i Ouhoun'a Hand Feed Sower, Farm 5 Dray a and Waggons, patent Fencing Standtirds for Folding Shoop, Fenoing Wire, Steel, Iron, and Barb Wire Itopain^to all descriptions of Machinery promptly executed on iho premiofls. } Cataloguo3 free on application at Duno- in or any of our Branches. 4 e i6U



Public Notices TENDEKS. HMINDERS wanted for tho supply of * Coblb and Firewood for the Hamp- stpad School. Tenderß to ,be m bj BATOUDAY, sfch Mny, addressed to the Chairman i 4_2H F_ T. MAYO. SLAUGHTK RING LIOE SS S. I HEREBY give notice that I intend at the Oonnty Council's meeting m Way next to app'y for a Slaughtering Lioonse for large and email cattle for U.S. 16376, W»k»nai Road. THOMAS MoGIRENDKL. Ashburton, April 9th, 1888. £46 "I7IVJBKING GLASSES are being held J2i at my Office, Montgomery's Bulld- Inco, Burnett Street, on MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FBIDAYS, from 7 to 9 p.m. Architectural,* Pictorial, Model, and all branches of Freehand Drawing, etc, are being tnaght. E, M. BLAKE, 4 160 Architect; F, H. von SCHOENEBERG, Cabinet maker, Upholsterer, Undertaker, and General House Furnisher, (Late of Chrletchurch), East Street, next Wm. Patching. Furniture to any design or pattern at Chrietchurch rates. The latest patterns prtduc r d. Pianoß ropolishod at very low tatoß. Repairs dooo on tlie promises to complete satisfaction of Cuatdmers. Funerals conducted with approved style and economy. ASHBURTON Clothing Mart. I HAVE now opened m SAUNDERS, BUILDINGS a NEW STOCK of COLONIAL CLOTHING and BOOTS and having made favorable arrangements for the mannfaoture of a large lot of Men's, Youths', and Boys' Aehburton Tweed Suits, I can sell cheaper than ever offered m New Zealand, Ashburton Tweed Salts made to measure, Aahbarton Tweeds, Blankets, Flannels, I Rugs, and Shirtings guaranteed. Groceries, China, Glass, Earthenware, and Faaoy Goods. Robert Alcorn, SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS. ADDFKLLOWS 1 HALL. THURSDAY, MAY 3kd, 1888. Fit-it appearance of Dr, Silvester, T^e GREAT WTZARD and VENTBILO- QUIST, who will give a short season m A-hburton prior to his. engagement In Ohrlßtohu'oh. The Bl«ok Art, Fortune Tolling. Natural Magic, Spirit Rapping, Ventriloqulam, Sleight of Hind, Spiritualism, Ghosts all dealt with by Dr Silvester, the whole forming an evening's entertainment and instruction^ m whioh Dr Silvester will shew by an Interesting* performance that he is a perfect mister of the arts and deceptions mentioned. Look out for Dn. Silvkhter'h QUEEN'S JUBILEE GIFT DISTRIBUTION. Suites of Furnlturo, Pianos, Gold and Silver Watohos, Lockets, Brnoeletp, Gold »nd Sliver Brooohei, Earrings, Chains, Necklaces, &c, &c. will be distributed araougot the aadlonoo during tho D(<ctor'o Beaaou. First night no blanke. Every- one attondlng will reoalve a handaomo present. Doom opou at 730 Per- formance at 8. Prlooa of Admission : Front seats, 2t ; Bank seats, 1% 4.217 GUS. DORE, Agent. In Bankruptcy. IN BANKRUPTCY. In the District Court of Ashburton (boing a local Court of Bank- ruptcy, holdon at Aahburton. In the matter of the "Bankruptcy Act, 1883," and the Acts amending the fitme, and of the bankruptcies of the Persons hereinafter named. "YTOTICE is heroby givon that Blato- j^j mentn of AcoouvtH m the under- named Estates have been filed ia tho above namod Court, and that at tho next sitting tho: oof en THURSDAY, May 17th, 1888, John Oliarloß Bell, tho Deputy Official Ansignoo m Bankruptcy of tho Property of the under named Bankrupts, will apply to tho said Court for an order roloas'ng cho eaid Deputy Official Assignoo from his ofllco m roHpoct of tho Estates of tho Baid BankruptH. Dated at Aahburton this 30vh day of April, 1888. J. 0. BELL, Deputy Ofliolnl Aeaignee. James Frunklin Whito, of A^huurtan, farmer William Broker, of Afhburton, laborer John Cairncroßß, of Tinwald, contrac- tor John Scribbling, of Ashburtoa, wheel- wright Peter Hanßon, of Einda, ff\rmo^ Lancelot Fcedor\ek. Andvowe?, of AbH- buxtofl, bookaelloi; ; P^'iiol of Upper Itangilata, farmer George Freeman, of Rnkaia, engineer John Purham, of Aehburton, contrac- tor Thomas Plolmog, of >\ r al<anui, farmer I Jolin Hunter Raine, of Maronan, llind-^ farmer Josiah Beach, of WiUoiwbyi, farmer John DeYory,' ot Methven, f armor Jam'ea Samuel £avugo, of Aehburton, puinfer George Tfolinga, of A shburlon, laborer James Bruca, of South Rukaiu, black- Binith Henry Jorda,n^ of Aahburton, Jiboi^or Godrgo >l l l ilß^n, of Bangitata, fiirraor Joeoph l'lydo, of Ashburton, tinsmith ! John Riobard Chapman^ of Abhhurfcon, minter ; J|iimcß Fo^mn^, oE Aehburton, laborer Edward McKco, of Aflhburion, laborer Robert Hill, of Ashburton, bourding- houso koopor Thoiniiß Rovell, of ABhburton, butcher Thomas Glo'linga, of Aahbqrton, cur- poutor llonry Earu-ihaw, 08 Aehburton, laborer ' 4*215 T. Bullock mO LET at a low rental. — 4-roomod 1 Cottago at Hampstoad. T. RULLOOK. TiWR removal, a large two-atorey Dwel- *J linj?. containing 8 rooms, oonld bo Hiverted Into a Dwelling House or Iranury; For full particular apply tQ T, WLLOOK. rpO LET—'At a very low rental, a largo A building fronting East Street, suit able for a grain and chaff atore. i T. BULLOCK, i FOR SALE.— An improved Farm of 245 Acros, boing R.w. 27237, situated about 5 miles from Oherttsoy. Low prico and liberal terms apply to ) T. JBULLOOK.