THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 80th 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 6d „ Half-year 12a 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d \u0084 Half-year 15a Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at Jhe time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s eaoh. Announcements cf Births, Deaths and, Marriages sent for,-j?ublioation from the country districts require to be verified by the signature of the person sending the notioe.

DIARY.

Moon's Sun Sun Moon Moon ago nt Feb.-March Rises. Sets. Rises Seta, noonday p.m. a.D). 25 Saturday ... 5.35 0.52 5.27 2.25 13 26 Sunday .. 5.36 6.51 6.9 3.29 14 27 Monday .. 6.37 6.40 6.48 4.37 15 28 Tuesday .. 5.39 0.48 7.21 5.50 10 29 Wednesday.. 5.40 6.47 7.53 7 3 17 1 Thursday .. 5.42 6.45 8.28 8.17 18 2 Friday.. .. 6.43 0.4? 8.53 9.32 10 . j Moonlight Evenings. The Moon at 3 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 o'olook m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from I Sundown till about 4 m the morning. , The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old risea about 9 p.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. and shines ti 1 1 morning > The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and Bhinos till sunrise.

MARRIAGE.

MANNi»a— Pattman— On 27th February, at St. Stephen's Church, Ashburton, by the Eev Edwin Scott, Robert William, second son of Robert Roland Manning, Medbury, Canterbury, New Zealand, to Elizabeth Esther (Lilly), only daughter of George Pattman, Poplar, London. Home papers please copy.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1888. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

\u2666 . The Bey E. A. Soott, inoumbent of St. Stephen's (Anglican) Ohuroh, Ashburton, is delivering a series of Sunday evening Lenten leotures on the subject of Booial evils. That selected on Sunday last was " Gambling,'' upon which the rev gentleman gave a very plain and outspoken address. Kindly and courteously, but withal unshrinkingly, he enlarged upon the soul-destroying tendencies of this vioe, whioh he regarded as, perhaps, even worse than that of drunkenness, and urged his hearers to avoid the smallest of beginnings, suoh as tho betting of a pair of gloves upon a horse-race or playing for bix» penny points at whist. He regarded the aotion of tho Legislature m legalising the totalisator as mistaken and mischievous, and urged his hearers to esohew tho vioe of gambling m any and every form. He also disapproved entirely of rallies m oonneotion with ohurch bazaars, and held that it was j incumbent upon all who profeßß tho Christian religion to abstain the very appearance of evil. The address next Sunday evening will be upon ,tho subject of " Drink and its evils." The " Snake Nut " tree or ophiooaryon, is a native of Domarara, m Guiana. The nuts are about tho size of a walnut, and when they are opened tho kernel displays a wonder ful resemblance to a snake coiled up. There are the head, raou.th, and eyes, so complete that anyone unacquainted with tho nut would | believe it to be an imitation made by human hands and not a freak of nature. This won derful reßemblanoe to a snake has induced the natives to oonsider the nut an antidote to snake poison. The tree appears to be peouliar 10 the lower part of tho river Essiquibo and ita ributaries.

The house of Mr John Griffin, at Trevor ton, was destroyed by fire shortly before one o'clock on Sunday morning. It appears that about nine o'clock on the previous even ing Mrs Griffin was putting the children to bod, and one of them requiring a drink she set the lamp on tho table close to the window while Bhe went to fetch 'it. On returning 9he f found tho curtains m a blaze. She gave an alarm, and Mr Eattray and his son, who live near by, came to her assistance, and with a few buckets of water tho fire was apparently extinguished. Mra Griffin retired to bed about eleven o'clock, but was awakened an hour and a-half later, and found the house m flames. She and the children only managed to effect their escape m their night-dresses, being unable to save anything. The fireballs were rung, and the brigades turned out, but by tho time they arrived on the scene, the house waa merely a mass of smouldering embers, the progress of tho flames having been so rapid. The only feasible surmise as to the origin of the fire is that when the ourta r n3 ignited Home portion of the woodwork caught and was not extinguished, and smouldered until it burst into flames some hours later. Mr Griffin was not at homo at the time of tho ocourrence, being away harvesting. The house was insured for* £100 m the South British office, and the furniture for £70 m the Union. I A oricket match, A3hburton High School v Ohristchurch Boys' High School, was played at Ohristohurch on Saturday. Chrißtohuroh wen 1y an innings and 23 runs. Soores—Ash burton 22 and 68 (E. Buohanan 27, A. Buohanan 15) ; Christohurch 113 (Rees 30, Garetin 20, A*mitage, Orr and Whittle 13 eaoh). E. Buohanan bowled well for the visitors, Garstin and Boss for the home team. The regular" meeting of the Somerset Maeonio Lodge 1811 E.C. waa held at the Masonio Hall on Friday. There was a large attendadce of members, and a number of visiting brethern were also present. The following offioers were eleoted :— W.M., P.M* Bro. H. W. Felton ; Treasurer, Bro. W. Patt man ; Tyler, Bro. B. Oullen. Other bviineso was transacted and at its conclusion P.M. Bro ; 0. Braddell, on behalf of the brethren of the Somerset Lodge, presented the retiring W.M., Bro. E. Dimant, who ia leaving this district, with a very, handsomely-illuminated testimonial on parchment as a token ol the esteem m which he was held by tho members of the Lodge, and also expressive of the keen appreciation the brethren had of tho services rendered the Lodge and the cause of Masonry generally by Bro. Dimant. Bro. Braddell, m presenting the testimonial, spoke m the highest terms of Bro. Dimant as a man and a Maßon, and warmly expressed the sentiments of every one present that the Somerset Lodge was about to lose one of the most highly esteemed and honored members of the oraft. ' Bro. Dimant returned thanka m a most elo quent speeoh for the honor o*«£erred upon him. An adjournment was made to the refeotory, Where a number of the brethren took the opportunity of again bidding farewell to Bro. Dimant and wishing him every happiness and prosperity m his new home. Henry 111., of France, was so foolishly fond of spaniels that he used to carry a litter of them m a basket suspended round his neck when giving his audienoea. His passion for these animals coat him on an average not less than a hundred thousand crowns a year. The London firemen are to be uniformed with asbestos oloth. Last year England paid £3,000,000 to tho foreign farmers for eggs. A white collio has bean presented to the Queen as an unheard of rarity. i M. de Villars olaims to have invented a ! balloon whioh oan be guided. Tho French Government alone will utilise the invention. Aooording to ; u Truth " the Pope has re-' oeivea upwards of 14,000 pairß of slippers from female devotees m various parts of the world. A man m Nebraska has done something new. He was tried for crime, oonvioted and served a sentence. On his release he sued his lawyer for £6,000 for malpraotice. A lady who adverftisod for a girl to "do light housework " reoeived a letter from an applioant who said her health demanded sea air, and asked to know where the lighthouse was situated. A peasant ploughing at Tjoring, m Denmark, unhearthed a handsbme armlet of pure gold weighing twelve ounces, whioh, aooording to the Director of the Museum of Antiquities m Copenhagen, dates from the second or third oantury A.D. A despatch from Belgrade says King Milan, m addressing the Deputies at the recent Servian celebration, said:--" The horizon is dark, and a fearful war seems to be impend ing. Servia must be prepared to defend her interests." The infant son of Mr and Mrs Mayfield, Wakefield; Mass., is stated to have weighed but eight ounoes at birth. At itß death, whioh occurred when the ohild was several weeks old, it weighed but two pounds. The child was described as perfectly formed. No generous man would go to a spiritual seanoe given by a lady medium, and as the ghost is walking about, while the medium is tied m the oabinet, exolaim, " There's a ra* right by the ghost 1 " It spoils the effeot to have the ghost cry out, and gather up its skirts, and run. A boy had always declined to eat oatmeal, although his mother had urged it upon him as a strengthening diet. Suddenly he sur priseaiher by one morning by eating a liberal plateful and calling for " more." When she asked for an explanation, he replied : "I am going to eat oatmeal till I get strong enough to thrash Gregory Scott." Bad dreams, disturbed sleep, indigestion, •stomaoh gas, all vanish before Amerioan Oo.'s Hop Bitters. Read and ponder A Frenoh gardener has produced a new and beautiful %?ater-Hly. The flowers are six inches m diameter, and of a Mareohal Neil rose color. "Bough on Oatabrh" oorreots offensive odors at onoe. Complete cure of worst chronio oases ; also unequaled as gargle for diphtheria, sore hroat, foul breath. 4

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

» • (Per Pbess Association.) The Rimutaka: Wellington, February 27. Arrived at 10-50 last night— ll. St. & Rimutaks, from London, (January 13th). Sho loft Capetown on Fobruarj 4tb, arrived at Hobart at 1 p m an tho 22nd met leav ing again at 8 p m tho eamo day. On January 25th 11. Burtrip, Assistant- Steward, died from acuto rheumatism and hyporpyrexia On tho following day, Mrs Hodger a 3rd claeß passenger, diod from chronic bronchitis, and on tho 30th January the wife of tho Kov Mr St Hill, of Napier, died. Although she retired to rest m apparently good health sho expired at 5 a.m. from rupturo of a bloodvonaol and wag buried at 5 p.m. Ti.o Itimutuka brings 810 sacks of im;i's and 106 pas sengers. Drowned. A boy named J. H. WhUewood, agod , 14 yeara, aon of an engine driver, was drowned In a waterholo at Morcb, near j Gray town North.

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

(PER PKE9S ASSOCIATION.)

Oamaru, February 27.

There is capital wouther for the opening of the New Zealand Kifla Association Meeting, which ia being held on the Oamaru Racecourse. Liovit-00l Mahon, of Auckland, haa been appoiuted to the command, having resigned hia position as a member of tha Executive Council to enable him to occupy the position. There are 255 competitors m the first match, which oommonoas .it at 10,30, of whom 187 are riflamon and 68 carbines. Tho Taranaki mea and few of the Wellington representatives, who were to leave by the Takapnna, are expocted to to-day. Tho competitors aro highly pleased with tho range, which has a dark green background, the only fault being with the direction, which ia north-west. Blisses will easily be Been, tho ground at the rear of the fcargetß having recently been harrow&d. Thoro ara tweaty five targets, and Oapts. Collins and Soramerville aro sanguine of completing tho whole masting by Saturday evening. l'ha arrangements aro very complete and Includo a telegraph offiae on tho ground, while a telephone connects between the range and the butta. The prfz? money was based on the RBMUoptloD that there would be 320 oompotitora at the meeting. The Execu tive Oounoll, just hold, has decided that £25 be struck off thsj rifla matshes and £50 off the cirbina matches Including the aggregate. Lieut. G'fli'.ha (Blenheim) has-been appointed a member of the Exeootiee Council vice O»pt. Rodgora (absent), and C'apt, Oooper fills 001. Mahon'a vacancy For the North Otago match £120 haa foon subscribed by the people of Oacuaru, acid as the donations are all cash there will be no trophies for this match. When the ammunition was opened thiß morning ifc was found to conaUt of Eley'a cartridges, and not Kynoch.BS was antici pated, The men are very pleased at thiß unexpected surprise. The wind is now from the right front and 1b variable. The first stage (2CO yards) of the Wei-, Hngton match w&t finished at 12 .30. The prinolpal Boorers were ; — Ha ding, Benh'elm ... 31 Sommerville, Alexandra Cavalry ... 31 Lamsden, A. Battery 31 Ore»gh, J. Battery 31 Marchlands, Dunedin Highlanders ... 31 Lyon, Rlverton 30 Morris, Oamaru ... ... ... 30 Oharton, Wangaoni ... 30 Greenfield, J Battery, Oamaca .». 30 fJanocck, Rlvetton ... 30 Harbridge, Civilian, Onmarn ... 30 A. Ballinger, Wellington 30 Moore, M. Battery 30 Gray, Temuka 30 King, Kiitangata \u0084 30

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

(PER PABSB ASSOCIATION . )

St. Petersburg, February 23 There has been a heavy fall m Rus sian securities on the Continental Bourses. No reply hag yet been re ceived to the note sent by the Czar to the Powers, urging the deposition of Prince Ferdinand.

February 24. The " Messager Officiel," m an article on tho Bulgarian difficulty, says the Berlin treaty is the only guarantee of the stability of the Balkan States, and that the assumption of the throne of Bulgaria by Prince Ferdinand was con trary to tho conditions of that treaty. The artier goes on to say that Russia doea notu^i|sider it necessary to con ceaT whatw^on should be taken m the' event of the removal of Prince Ferdin= anclj that Bulgaria owes her existence to the efforts and sacrifices of Russia, who continued to sympathise with her m her sorrows and trials, solely desiring the welfare of her people. The article con cludes by stating that Russia will await the desire of Bulgaria for the restora tion of relations between the two countries based on mutual confidence.

Replying m the House of Lords to a question from Lord Stratheden and Campbell, Lord Salisbury expressed the opinion that the Bulgarian Govern ment was working fairly well, and that the legal complications m connection with the election of Prince Ferdinand were not responsible for the present difficulty. Tho Berlin Treaty provides for the unanimity of the Powers m dealing with Bulgaria, and. m this rgppect he thought the treaty would prove unworkable. Failing settlement of the questions now raised by Bussia, a conference of the Powers had been suggested, but such a course did not meet with his approval, as he feared it would only accentuate the difficulty. In conclusion the Premier said he hoped tho difficulties would be overcome by diplomacy.

February 25. It is believed that tho Sultan of Turkey will not agree to inform Bul garia that tho election of Prince Ferdi nand 15 illegal, and that he will not comply with the Russian request unless the Powers direct him.

It is considered m Berlin and Vienna the article m the " Official Messenger " is intended to incite rebellion m Bul garia, where tho internal situation is al ready restless.

The Czar agrees to announce (re nounce?) civil and military agents m Bulgaria if Prince Ferdinand is re moved from the throne.

Bkbun, February 25 The " Nord Deutsche Zeifcung states that Germany supports the Russian pro posals m connection with affairs m Bulgaria, and considers that tho Porte will also be compelled to support them. London, February 26 The European Press doubt tho peace ful assurances put forth by Bussia, as another division of Infantry is advancing m the direction of the Western frontier.

THE BURRA-BURRA MINE.

The Burra-Burra copper mine, which the cable informs us has been purchased by an English Copper Syndicate, is m the immediate neighborhood of Kooringa, South Australia. It was discovered by a shepherd named Picldtt m 1844, and operations were begun m September. Until a iiow years ago an averago of 10,000 to 13,000 tons of ore have been raised yearly, yielding pure copper to tho amount of about 2,500 tons, vahiod at about £200,000. During thirty-one years from the commencement of opcrA tif.np, 2150C0 tons of ore, valued at £4,000,000, have boon raised. At one time nearly 1200 hands wero employed m working the ore. Dividends amounting m all to £782,320 have boon paid from this mine. Owing to the unremunorative price of copper, mining operations have for some time b^en suspended, but tho recent rise m tho price of the metal hus again suggested (ho possibility of once more working the mine at a proiit

«« Roogii on Piles."— Why suffer Piles Im mediata relic iand complete oiu-o gaurantoed. Ask for "Bough on Piles." Sure oure for itching, protruding, bleeding, or any form of 69f 4

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

(PUR r«ES3 ASSOCIATION.)

THHE CROWN PRINCE.

London, February 24. The Crown Prince has sent a telegram from San Remo to Her Majesty the Queen that die Crown Prince has greatly improved m condi tion, and that he has been able to make his appearance m the balcony of the villa m which he is residing. The message adds that there is every hope of the. Prince recovering from his present illness.

THE STATE OF PARTIES.

Lord Randolph Churchill, m his speech at Oxford, predicted a rupture between the Gladstonians and Par nellites before Parliament was dis solved, and also that on the day on which Ireland was granted Home Rule England would cease to be a nation.

UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL MATCH.

A football match between Oxford and Cambridge Universities was played yesterday, and resulted m a win for the former.

PROPOSED PRODUCE CLEAR ING HOUSE.

The prospectus of the London Pro duce clearing House has beeen issued. Leading financiers are the prime movers m the affair. The capital is one million. The "Standard," m an article referring to the Company, expresses the opinion that it is simply established to facilitate gambling m dealings with sugar and coffee.

THE NEW PEER.

Sir Henry Holland, who has been raised to the peerage, will take the title of Lord Knutsford, not Lord Whitby as at first announced.

ENGLAND AND VENEZUELA. It is stated that the United States Government are inclined to interpose m the Venezuela difficulty.

THE DONCASTER ELECTION.

The election for the Doncaster seat m the House of Commons, vice Mr Walter Shirley, resigned, has taken place, and resulted m the rsturn of Mr. Fitz- William, a Unionist, who defeated Mr Balfour,a Home Ruler, by 211 votes.

CHRISTINE NILSSON.

Christine Nilsson, the welknown actress, has intimated her intention of retiring from the stage.

IRISH RENTS.

London, February 26. The Bill introduced m the House of Commons by Mr Parne!!, authorises Judges to reduce the rents of tenants or to postpone the time under which payment may be made. It also extends the period of redemption to three months m the case of tenants who may have been evicted.

CHRISTCHURCH MUNICIPAL LOAN.

The average price obtained for the ChTJßtchurch Municipal Loan was ,£lO7 2sßd.. . -

SENTENCE ON AN M.P.

Mr J. Christopher Flynn, M.P. for Cork North, has been sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment for inciting tenants to refuse payments of rents.

THE SHIPPING RING.

The " Economist " man article on the operations of the shipping ring ex presses the opinion that they are driving trade away from London, and that the Continent is being strongly favored.

THE STANLEY EXPEDITION.

Emm Bey has communicated with the Hon. Mr Stanhope, Secretary for War, that he expected Mr Stanley with his relief party would reach him during November,

MR CHAMBERLAIN.

Mr Chamberlain has been offered the honor of Grand Cross of the Bath, and it it considered probable that he will receive a Baronetcy m recognition of his success m arranging an amicable settlement of the Canadian fisheries dispute.

FRANCE AND ITALY.

Paris, February 25. The Chamber of Deputies has passed a measure directing reprisals to Italy m the event of the Commercial Treaty not being signed by the end of this month.

M. PASTEUR AND THE RABBITS

- M. Pasteur, who is competing for the valuable reward offered by the New South Wales Government for a remedy for the extermination of rabbits, has decided that should he be successful m .securing such reward he will hand it over to the Hydrophobe Institution.

AUSTRALIAN.

(PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, February 25. It is stated that the Reform Club intends to take notice of the Dibbs- Garrett scene m the House on Thurs -1 day, both being members of the Club. Mr Garrett has served a writ on Mr Dibbs for damages for accus ing him of drunkenness. Mr Garrett proposes that if Mr Dibbs will waive his plea of privilege, which, as a member of Parliament he is entitled to raise, he will pay all costs of the action. Mr Dibbs has not made any reply, and it is thought improbable that he will accept the challenge. The late Attorney- General, Mr B. R. Wise, referring to the recent discreditable episodes m "the House, m the course of his speech to his constituents, said no one who had been m the House during the last week could leave it without a burning feeling of shame and discouragement, almost amounting to despair. Obscene lan gunge was freely used ,

The diseased rabbiter who recently applied for admission to the Wilcannia Hospital is pronounced by the doctors to be suffering from blood poisoning, not rabbit disease. The rabbits are re ported to be dying by thousands m the Darling district of the disease on which Drs. Butcher aqd Ellis are experi menting.

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, February 25, The Minister for Education estimates the first cost of a Technical University at from half a million to one million pounds, besides a yearly endowment of at least thirty thousand pounds. Melbourne, February 26, Mrs Cumming, one of the women who was criminally assaulted a few days ago, was so badly injured that she had to be removed to the hospital for treat ment, but succumbed shortly after being admitted. The police have arrested three men on a charge of being con cerned m this case, and m the other case two arrests have been made, while the police are searching for a third man, who, it is alleged took part m the assault. The assault on the women was a most brutal one.

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, February 26. The Colonial Secretary has des patched a message to the Hon. T. Playford, Premier of South Australia, urging that the utmost expedition should be used m dealing with the influx of Chinese into the northern portions of South Australia. The message further suggests that the importance of the question demands attention, and if the Government have not power to deal with the matter, Parliament should at once be summoned.

It is reported from Rockhamptom that a mailman has been drowned there during the late heavy floods. Four men who were encamped on the bank of one of the creeks have been shut off from communication with any of the towns, and had to remain five days without food. All efforts were made to assist the unfortunate men, but the heavy flood of water prevented this being done.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Adelaide, February 26.

Mr Mitchell, who stood m the in terest of the Freetraders, has been returned by a majority- of 147 as mem ber of the Legislative Assembly for Newton, vice the Hon W. J. Foster, who has accepted the Supreme Court Judgeship, rendered vacant by; the retirement of his Honor Mr Justice Fawcett.

The Rev Mr Jones, who was recently expelled from the New Hebrides by order of 'the French authorities, states that he was never warned by the French for alleged advocacy of Aus tralia annexing the islands, and he asserts that he never took any action m the matter, but on the other hand, when he found the French m occupa tion of the Hebrides, he did all m his power to induce the native inhabitants to submit to French rule.

EXPERIMENTAL IRRIGATION AT ELGIN.

The following notes were taken daring a visit to the County Council Irrigation Farm on 16th February, when the weather was very dry and had been so far a con siderable period, therefore the advantages of artificial watering of crops would be more apparent and the contrast between the portions of cultivation irrigated and that loft for natural supply of moisture very marked. Starting first with the grain crop, this was all m stack, about 20 acres of oats having been grown Vndi harvested m the usual way, and 14 acres of the same grain alongside of the former block, sown at the same time and m Bimilar toil had bflfin uaog^toct-JuTini; ttm uummn,. the resulting crop being stacked separa tely, and although the season this year has not been one to show m any very marked manner the value of irrigation to a cereal crop, perhaps, yet the appearance of the two stacks of oat sheaves on the farm, should convince any one of the great difference between the two systems as regards the value of the crop after irriga tion, if the product m required for forage, as the stack of oatß from the watered poriioo is of a nice green color, and succu lent appearance, with well filled heads of grain, and the other lot looks very dry, with Borne of the heads very thin and not a well filled out fsample. The land con tained m the block, on which the experi mentsare boing conducted, is very poor, and thin, there being only a few inches of Boil above the Bhingle. The place had been worked outalso, and was very full of weeds, — Drrel, cape weed, and thistles -ao from a paying point of viw, not at all likely to prove renumerative to the Council, but perhipathis is n->t a disadvantage, for if the results prove that irrigation will allow such land to carry fair crops, then it rnunt be certain that better results wi'l follow if bettor and clean land is operated on m the same manner with water. The most striking result of irrigation at present on the farm is the cowgrass crop, the part not watered being almost entirely dried up and the ground full of sorrel and weeds, these even looking alreost perished, whereas the irrigated portion is looking green and healthy, with plenty of blossom, and stands about 9 inches hiejh. This part also is full of noxious weeds, the yellow Cape weed or dandelion growing' very strongly, and- also showing the value of the water m keeping tbis sort of vegeta tion going, but there is no doubt what ever the cowgrass will Boon smother the weeds out, as it does on ordinary farming Jand, if not fed down too closely. Boot oropß of three sorts have been put m, viz., potatoes, mangolds, and cirrots ; the iormer on the dry ground are very thin topped, a id if no rain comes soon will not be worth digging, a Bample root of potatoes showing the tubers to be only about the size of walnuts, and also badly shaped and stunted looked, whereas those irrigated look very healthy, have good topß with blossom freely showing, and the tubers are much larger and more plentiful, with bright skins and evidently not near done growing. The mangolds are very patohy, both on dry and watered land, the small birds having destroyed the seeds after germination. The roots on the dry ground will not be of any value even if rain comes soon, they being so stunted and small ; but there Bhould be a fair crop from the irrigated portion, which are now m need of thinning out, aome of the roots rflmoßt touohing one another at the present time The carrota grown are m the same condition as the former crop, the irrigated portion beiog under the thinning process at present, and showing some fair roots with green, healthy topa The dry portion look very sick, and wili not trouble anyone very much m the digging, m fact such land could not be ; expected to grow payable root crops at all without both artificial manures and irrigation. Ihn present appearance of all the crops on this block of land should convince any farmer that irrigation would pay to go m for, especially m a district liko the Canterbury plains where the flow would bo so easily regulated, and where too, the underground drainage is naturally so good, thus doing away with the dangor of darpage to the crops from stagnant water under the roots.

Keating's Powder destroys both moths, fleas, beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In extermi. nating beetles, the suooess of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfeolly olean m appli cation. See the artiole you purchase is Keating as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold m tins. Gd, Is, and 2s d aoh, by all chemists

THE RETRENCHMENT SCHEME

[Pbb. Press Association.]

Wellington, February 27. Some misconception exists m reference to the method of distributing the vote for educational buildings. Only £29,000 is available for distribution this year out of the annual vote of £40,000, owing to £11,000 of that sum being anticipated by last year's expenditure. The £29,000 is being distributed strictly on the basis of population, and no partiality ig shewn towards certain districts. It is expected that Government will have completed the work of reorganisation by the end of tho week.

The Defence and- Justice changes are complete, and the Lands -and Minea Department retrenchment are also well advanced.

It is not anticipated that any retrench ment will be made m the Stock Depart, ment at the present time as the. Govern ment considers it would be false economy to touch this important department. The Department m which the work of reorganising is behind is the Public Works Department. It is understood that the Railway Department will not be touched, m view of its being handed over to the Railway Commission. As soon as the appointment of Chief Commissioner has been settled two local Commissioners will be selected. ...

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH — COPYRIGHT]

(PZB. PRESS ASSOOfATION.)

(Reolved Febrmry 27, 12 30 p.m.)

CRICKET.

Sydney, February 27. The cricket match, Vernon's English * team against a Goulbourn team, was played at the latter place on Saturday, and resulted m a draw. The local team went m first to the wickets, and succeeded m putting together 124 runs. The Englishmen were all disposed of m the first innings for 31, and had, to follow on. In the second innings the Englishmen made v.157. The match was declared^rawn.

THE CROWN PRINCE.

San Remo, February 26. Professor Rushmane, a St. Peters burg specialist, has been summoned to this place to attend the Crown Prince.

AFFAIRS IN ABYSSINIA.

Massowah, February 26. The Negus, at the head ot a strong ' army, is now encamped at Godofelassi, a town about forty miles to the south" east of Assnor. , \u25a0-\u0084\u25a0

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Constantinople, Febrnary 26.

M. Nelidoff, Russian Ambassador, has handed to the Porte a note from the Czar setting forth that Russia con? siders the election of Prince Ferdinand to the Bulgarian throne illegal, and stating that Russia is supported m this view by Germany and France*

A SUCCESSOR.

London, February 26."

Alexander Campbell Mackenzie, King's scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, succeeds the late Sir Geo. Alexander Macfarren, as President of the Royal Academy of Music! \u25a0

SPORTING.

DUNE DIN RACES.

we went to prena on Saturday : —

Foebury Handicap of 250 'soys j seconds horae 40 soys and third 20 soy. One mile and a quarter. • Mr H. Goodman'* b oSilvermark, 7at 121 b ... ... ';\u25a0„; (Price) I . Hod O. McLean's b o St Olalr, 6sfc 101 b ... .. (Buddioombe) 2 M* W. 0. Webb's oh c Ruby, Bat slb (Dertltt) 3 Tetford (8*1). Artillery (7at 101 b). Cinderella (7st 81b), The Brewer (7nt 51b), and Wakatlpa (6st), alao ran. The race was ran twice. Cinderella and Tetford were first away, and all but the ridera of Sllvermark and St Olalr appeared to think the start wan genuine. Cinderella oame m first, half a length ahead of the Brewer, with Artillery third six lengths off, jaafc a head m front of Tetford. Time, 2mln 14£seo. Cinder ella would have paid a dividend of £4 10 j. St. Olalr and Sllvermark were palled up by their jockeys before covering more than a mile/ and walked baok to the starting post. A soene of great con fusion ooouired as the six horses that raoed returned to the saddling paddock. After some time the Stewards decided that it was no start, and, that the horses mast run again. The totallaator was not reopened. Silvermark won from St Glair by a nose. Time, 2min lSseo. Divi dends—lnside, £2 8s 61; ' outride, £2 4s 6d. The jockeys Holmes and Carey were find £10 eaoh, and Ktdd £5 by the atarter, who avers that Holmes tried to ride him down, and that he (the starter) struck Artillery over the head to keep -him off. This movement of the flag the jookeys appear to have taken as the signal to start. Many backers of Cinderella are demanding the dividend aha would have paid or else their money baok. •\u25a0\u25a0•-. Marshall Memorial Stakes, 150 soys, seaond 20 aovs. One mile and a> quarter. \u25a0 Mr Stead's b h Ruesley, 9jt 21b (Jaokson) 1 Mr Walker's b g Snapshot, B*t 13! b (Sharp) 2 These were the only two started. Rnealey took the lead from the start, and won all the way hard held. Time, 2mln 19aeo. Dividend!, £1 2s and £1 3s. Flying Handicap, of 100 soys, with sweep of two soya to second horae. One mile. Mr H. Goodman's oh m Apropos, Bst 41b (Pries) 1 Hon. G. MoLaan's br h St. Ivea, 7st 51b (T. Bnddloombe) 2 Me Hobb's g g College Boy, 6st 51b (MoMorron) 3 La Rose sad Tornado also ran. Time, lmin 45|seo. Dividends, £1 14s and £1 10j. CoNSOLAXioN- Handicap, of 80 soy», second 20 aova. One mile, Hon. G. McLean's br h St. Ives, 7at (Budd'combe) Mr S. Mercer's Shlfnal, 6at (McDonald) 2 Mr Webb's Ruby, Bst 101 b (Dertitt) 3 Snapshot and Haka also ran. Time, lmin 45aao. Dividends, £2 10a and £3 17b 6d.

Far, far better for you than beer; ale, or porter, and free from the intoxicating effects, ia Amerioan Hop Bitters. Bead Holloway's Pills — Teachings of Experi enoe. — The united testimony of thousands-' extending over more than forty years, most strongly reoommends these Pills as the best purifiers, the mildeat aperients, and the surest restoratives. They never prove delusive, or give merely temporary relief, but attack all ailments of the stomaoh, lungs, heart, head,, and bowels m tho only safe and legitimate way, by depurating the blood, and so eradi cating those impurities which are the source and constituents of almost every disease. Their medical effioaoy is wonderful m re newing enfeebled constitutions. Their action embraces all that is desirable m a household medicine. They expel every noxious and effete matter; and thus the strength ia nurtured and the energies stimulate^!

THE ASHBPRTON &UABDIAN, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1888



TENDERS, "TTTANTED tenders for shifting a VV cottage at Waterloo. Particulars to be obtained from, and tendorß sent m on or before Wednesday, February 29, to A. Protheroe, Cox Street. Wanted LOOK— Monster Tea Oddfellowfo' tlall. To-inormw evening. Tea and En- tertainment, Is. PRIVATE Board and Residonoe for one or two gentlemen. Apply Miu> Ward, Tanored etreet. VTTANTED to Sell— A First-class Piano V ? grand action. Cash or terms very liberal. Apply Hayes and Co. /^i REAT Bargains. Every thiog great'y \JC reduced. Come and judge for your- j selves. — H. O. Seoeks, Melford Hoo.se. ~X\r ANTED Known- Our Piano Tuner VV W NI "oo m Aihburton on Monday. Ordera promptly attended to. Pian^a tuned by the year ; four tunings 37a 6d, payable fat last tuning. — H.M Jones WANTED Known-Our premise will cloao on and after March let, at b'x o'clock, Saturdays sxcepted. Jl-ncoacage early closing- by ohoppiQg before Bix. — PROCTOR asd Co., Arcado, Burnett Street. 2 95 WANTED UA«H — Moir's Oatmeal, 251b5,2s 6d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, la per tin; Cocoa and Milk, 13 p9r tin ; Vestas, 5d por doz ; Cornflour, 4d per 1b ; tin Fruits, Is ; Crockery, Ironmongery, eta. — At James. \u25a0 MoGkegob's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcad e. COME one, come all, and our prices will astonish everybody — B. 0. Skgers. •\TOUNG LADIES JOURNAL for X February, Family Berald, Family Reader, Boys' and Girta' Own paper, quarterly parts now In. — H. M, Jones. RUBBER STAMPS, Vlaiting Card*, Note Headings, Dies, Crests, and Monograms executed with neatneaa and despatch, — H. M. Jonbs. WANTED Known— To the Ladiea of Aahburton and surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly , Nurse is desirous of engagemont. Good references can be given. Address — Mrs Hill, Peter Street. Ashburton. 11 18 ALL onr first-claßß genuine Drapery, Boots, Clothing, etc., we are now selling at ridiculous prices. Only come and Bee. — H. 0. Sbqers, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN ~ Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools aud Silkß, Knitting Cotton,', Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, at Mbs Manhibe's Fancy Repository, Saundsrs' Buildings}



Public Notices. J BAKK~ImOS BUILDERS, Utf.DERTA.KER3, &c, Cornar Wakanui Boad rdcl Cass street, (Next Central Hotel) Or at Eaker and Brown's Coach Factory jGLavelock street 11 Jl Coal, Coal. Ooalo TO THRESHING ""MACHINE PRO- PRIETORS, FARMERS & OTHERS. HAVING made our arrangements for this Season's COAL SUPPLY on exceptionally favorable terms, we are m a position to meet the demands of our Customers moat liberally, both as to QUALITY and PRICE. ORDERS NOW 'uEINC BOOKED. McCALLUM & CO., IJ7O Coal and Timber Merchants. H. & E. Craighead BEG TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEY HAVE REMOVED TO FRIEDL4NDERS' BUILDINGS, CORNER OF EAST & MOORE STEEETS. And further that they have JUST RECEIVED an assortment of SCOTCH TWEEDS, suitable for the coming Season. Also, — A Biuall ABBOrtment of MERCERY. \u25a0 THE COMING X JAMS ARE THE BEST TRY THEM. T. Bnllock, 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 Bay Window and Veran- dah, fronting Wakanal Boad, T.S. 744, known as W. Elz's property. Not having sold this by auction, I am prepared to receive offers for It, small cash depoalt, balanoe bearing interest at 6h por cent. • UUJjJjUUii, i AA ACRES for Sale, new town, being JLUV R.B. 27196, oorner of Mltohatn and South Roads, about 1 mile from the County Saleyarda. Exceptionally liberal terms, viz., only £12 10a caah 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. BULLOIK. FOR SALE. — An improved Farm of 245 Acres, being R.S. 27237, situated about 5 miloß from Chertsoy. Low price and liberal terms apply to T. BULLOCK." £55 ~ Lot 28 > TrevortoD, near the Presbjterian Manse, contain Lt * lth 3 - r °omed Han«p T Rri !°% f ™ . Bale at th * pries Terms it roiuirod.— Apply to . T. BOLLOCK mO LET at a lowl^lZ^^d X Cottage at Hampstead. T. BULLOCK. I JT7OR SALE at a low prico and on JU liberal terms, 15 acres of land with 2-roomed Cottage thercoD, frontir g the j& airfield Roud, not far from tho County Saleyards, . Apply to T; BULLOCK,



Public Notices THE " ASEjiUETON WOOLLEN mNUEACTTJEING COMPY Is PREPARED TO PURCHASE i?OR CASH AIL KINDS OF WOOL In La.kge or Small Quantities. H. SEMPLE, +56 Secretary. W. H. Paget. HOBSE-SHOER SMITH, Burnett Stbebt, next " Stall " Office. BEGS to announce that he has taken over the Coach Balldlng and Wheel- wright Branch, lately carried on by H. Peat, and will continue all branches of the above business as before. All kinds of Buggies, Dvayß, or Oarts made and re- paired . Agricultural Implements ropalred promptly. Horses Shod with skill and care. W^ H. PAGET. "Zealandia" Boots HAVE the Highest Beputatiov m the Colonies. Pronounced at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition a3 the FINEST io the Whole Exhibition; For substantial wear they ara the BEST IN THE WORLD. Buy a pair o "ZEALANDIAS" and you will never me any other Brand. Onr Patented •« PARAGON BOOT" and "INDESTRUCTIBLE TOEB. n For Boys and Girls are Splendid Lineb for Hard Wear, None are Geouhe unless branded on the Sole — - ji» ...ib« i t vg>v ' — *'>*<*' i And every pair is absolutely Warranted to give Good Wear, . Sold by the.leading Boot Dealers and Country Stores throughout New Zealand, and Wholesale by UGHTBAND, ALLAN & CO. CHRISTCHURCH« PA^EBHANGINGS! _ iAPEBHANGINeS !! THE Undersigned have jast opened up a splendid assortment ' i PAPEBBAiraiTtfGS, j SCBIM,' TAPES, TACKS, Also, — WINDOW GLASS (all sizes). W & It LEAD, PAINTS, OILS, VARNIfeHES, COLORS, D3YEBS, TURPENTIN?- &c, Jnst landing, a splendid lot of House Coal, ex " Hauroto." McCallxun & Co., FON. TTMBEB, AND COAL MER- CHANTS, & IMPORTERS. Agents for TITAN and TRIPLEX STRAINER& 12*103 v © .** <D a s o O r/ r f s rH \u25a0no '\u25a0 w |! H IS B'lig 3' o i l^ i w CD . or