TO CORRESPONDENTS

Attention to the following mien will save the wrltcri of correspondence a pood deal of trouble:—We cannot under take to rotnrn rejected oommunloaMone. Fo notice oan be token of anonymous communications Whatever Is Intended for Insertion In this journal must be authenticated by the namo nnd addretß " of the writer, not necessarily for pubii- j cation, but so • guarantee of good faith. Lot tcm and other oomtnnnioations In tended for Insertion m the newu column should be addressed to Thb Editor; and j»1 I business communications, in cluding ftdvQrtinementi!i, nddressed to The Ashburton Publishing 00.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1888. OUR PUBLIC DEBT.

In Part IV of the statistics of the Colony just to hand from the office of tho Registrar-N'enerol is an interesting table showing the growth of the Public Debt of the colony from December 1870 to December 18S7, and the amoufit of debt per head of population m each of the 18 years to which the return relates. It should be explained that the loans raised by tho various local govening bodies are included as far back as it has been possible to get the figures, and those of the Harbor Boards m the totals for 1881 to 1887 inclusive. As there is, however, a foot no to intimating that there is "no precise account of sinking funds to certain Canterbury loans under the 'Lyttelton and Christchurch Railway Loan Act, 1860' and the ' Canterbury Loan Ordinance, 1862'" it must be understood that tho figures given are merely approximately correct and not precisely exact. Premising this then, the following is what the return discloses. On the 81st December 1870 the nett total debt of the colony (i.e. after do dncting accrued sinking funds) stood at £7,884,547 being £29 14s 7d per head of population. In . tho following year it was increased by a million and thirteen thousand pounds,* the rate per head having gone up to £31 9s Id. Using round figures, the total rose by a million m 1872, three-quarters of a million m 1873, 2\ millions m 1874, 8 millions m 1875, a million m 1876, 2 millions m 1877, f of a million m 1878, 1£ million m 1879, 4£ millions m 1880, a million m 1881, ] a quarter of a million m 1882, a million ! m 1883, a million m 1884, 2f millions \ m 1885, 2£ millipns m 1886, and $of '■ a million m 1887, the total nett debt | on tho 31st December m that year ; being £34,954,035. The amount per t head of population went up with great 1 rapidity, being m 1872, £83 7s 4d ; m 1 1873, £34 3s 2d ; m 1874, £86 6s ; ! m *87J?, #43 7s 4d • m }876, £M U* \

5d ; m 1877, £46 2s ; iv 1878, £48 7s ! lOd ; m 1879, £47 15s 5d ; m 1880, £54 16b 6d ; m 1881, £54 16a 3d ; m 1882, £53 12s lid ; m 1883, £53 Os 2rf ; m 1884, £52 18s lid ; m 1885, £56 12s 6tl ; m 1886, £57 17s 9d ; m. 1887, £57 18s Bd. If to the total for 1887 we add the two millions raised this year we have a total debt of, m round figures, £37,000,000 which fora popula tion of 645,000 represents £57 7s 3d per head. Large as the sum of our gross debt is, and large as- is the amount per head ot population, there is comfort to be found m tho fact that vrhilo tho gross Tiebt has been multiplied by five m seventeen years the amount per hood o( population has only doubled m the same period, showing that if only wo abstain from borrowing for a fevr yeart* tho natural increase of our population, aided by accretions from without, will speedily have tho effect of reducing the indebted ness per head, and of the consequent taxation, to a more reasonable figure.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

i The Auokland Hallelujah Lasses are going m for a drum and fife band, James Wallook, a New South Wales engi neer, is at work upon a steamship which he Bays will make sixty miles an hour. The quicksilver mines .at the Bay of Islands are to Btart working m January next. About 40 hands will be employed. Private letters by the mail state that Sir Julius Yogel expeots to leave for New Zealand m February. The crops m the Malvern difltriot' are reported to be looking very promising m color, but some of the Bpring sown wheat is inolined to be thin. The grass is backward. On November 16, at auction, Morizies' Hotel, at the corner of Bourke and William streets, Melbourne, ocoupying frontages of 165 feet to the former, and 126 feet 10 inches to the latter, wes offered but riot gold, the highest bid being £150,000. The United States Senate has amended the Aot relating to special orimes, so as to punish with £1000 fine and five years imprisonment any person caught ÜBing the mails for the Iransmiision of indecent books, pamphlets, letters or post oards. Banns of marriage were proclaimed at St. Magnus Cathedral, Eitkwall, between two parties m Orkney, whose united ageß are 140 year?. The bridegroom belongs to the Island of Westry, and the fair one, who belongs to the town of Kirk wall, is a great-grandmother. A Qerman engineer named Henkels has invented a ventilating window pane which admits fresh air while preventing a draught. Eaoh square yard of glass contains 5000 holes,, which are of conical shape, widening towards the inßide. This has been already adopted m many hospitals. A Fiako correspondent of the *' Auckland Herald" writing on the 26th ult. says:— " There was a very severe froßt hero yesterday (Sunday) morning, destroying young crops of potatoes and doing great damage to gardens. It was the latest froßt ever experienced m the Waikato." , • Property at the north-east corner of Eliza* beth and Little Oollins Btreets, Melbourne, having a frontage of 85£ feet to the former street, by a depth of 87} feet along the latter, was submitted to auction on Nov. 14th. The highest offer was £1200 per foot. The property was withdrawn for £1350 per foot. We regret to hear (says the " Wanganui Herald ") that Mr Bruce, M.H.R., ,has found it necessary to undergo an operation for the oomplaint from whioh ha was suffering. This was successfully carried out by Dr Sorley. Mr Bruoo is now progressing favorably, and we trust soon to see him about again as usual. A method of bleaching bones and giving them an appearanoe of ivory haa been discovered m Europe. To remove the fat the bonoß aro digested with sther or benaine, They aro then dried and immersed m a solution of phosphorus aoid m water, whioh oomnins 1 per oont. of phosphoric an hydra tp. After a f.w hours they was washed and dried, and the object is accomplished. A correspondent' of the " Otfcgo Daily Times " Bayß that the mean temperature of last November was 5*65 F. below the average mean for the last three Novembers, and 1-43 F. below that for the 1 preceding October. The figures are for moan temperatures:—. November 1885, 64-6 ; November 1886, 66-9 ;' November 1887, 52*6 ; November 1888, 48-95 v , and for October 1888, 50 38. Readings taken at St Glair. The" New Zealand Church News " says that the Bishop of Newcastle, N.S.W., Dr Pearson, is hopelessly insane. The matter of providing for the diocese of Newcastle, therefore, beoomes, a serious, and it. may be » very delioato one. It appears, however, to be certain, from the above statement, that it will be impossible for Dr Pearson to return from England to resume bis duties at New castle. Onoo more suggestions are m the air for a postal tube between Dover and Paris. The idea is to suspend two tubes of about a yard each m diameter, by means of steel cables acroßS the obanntl, 40 yurdß above the level of the sea. The steel cables will be fixed to pillars at a distance of about 800 yards, and m eaoh tube a little railway will run, with cars capable of carrying 4501 b m weight. It is proposed to run telegraph and telephone wires through these tubes. By a fire whioh ooourred iv Queen street, Waimate, about ons o'olook on Saturday morning, the premises of Mr J» Sinclair, matchmaker, and Mr Williams, bootmaker, were entirely destroyed together with the whole of their contents. Mr Williams was totally uninsured, and estimates the loss of stock at from £70 to £80. The buildings whioh were the property of Mr Sinclair were insured for £250 and his stock for £400. His losa is estimated at £200 above the insurance. Nothing is known as to the origin of the fire. A cable from London dated Nov. 30th says that the Earl of Lonsdale, who loft on a bear shooting and naturalising expedition to the Arotio region m February last, was mot at Hudson's Bay by bear trappers, who report that he wbb m oompany with two Esquimaux near the Aroiio oirola m September last. Lard Lonsdale, who had walked throughout the whole expedition, was then pushing forward to the North Pole. The Esquimaux regarded thoEarlaa a marvel of endurance. Tho trappers report that Lord Lonsdale had met with an accident, and tho email bone of his arm was fraotured, Some alarm is felt for his safety, as no tidings have been received sinoe the trappers' report. Bad as are tho Whiteohapel murders, they are meroy itself compared with the appalling atrooity of the m&tricido reported from Sherburn, near Solby. The man looked up his mother and her servant m an upper room, and spent two hours m kicking his mother to death, and then another two hours and a half m kioking her corpse to pieces. He. then burnt part of the remains m the fire, and fell asleep. The unfortunate servant, girl, screaming, and nearly delirious with terror, was threatened with similar treat ment, and was kept on her knees nearly all night. Eight hours after the murder began she escaped, and secured his arrest. The man must be mad (add? a Home paper) ; but Buoh an outburst of homipidal lunacy is fortunately very rare. It is to be feared that the attention given to the reoent doings m London may yet bear baleful fruit, owing to the fasoination whioh the spectacle of maßsaore has for certain diaordorod minds. ISHOLLOWAY's PlLLS.— Enfeebled Existence. — This medicine embraces every attribute required m a general and domestic remedy. It overturns tbe foundations of disease laid by , defective food and impure air. In obstructions or congestions of Jhe liver, lungs, bowels, or any other organs, those pills are specially ' serviceable and eminent'y successful. They should be kept m readiness m every family, being r medicine of incomparable utility for jroung persons, especially those of feeble con» stitutions. They never cause pnin or irritate the most sensitive nerves or most tender bowels. Holloway's Pills are the best known purifiers of the blood, the most active pro moters of absorption and secretion, whereby ill poisonous and obnoxious particles aie removed from bo.th gojjds orjtf flujdj,

The "Napior Telegraph" says that it is v , rumored the " Wellington Preaa " has pur- { jhafted tho " Novf Zealand Thneß " ana ■ " Mail." j The trees m Baring square are being thinned ouf. The pinua insignis where srowdinp; the other trees are being out down md removed for protecting tho river banks Roller-ekatera are reminded that tho Fancy Drees Carnival at the Rink takea place to-night, whioh will be the laat opportunity of Joing the floor on wheels for the present season. Tho little girl Ooohrane, who a fow dayg jgo was severely cut by a aoythe, appears to bo progressing verjr favorably, and it is now bopod that all danger of having to amputate the foot 19 averted. , ■ A very neatly got-up almanac— ono of the best wo have Boon thia softabn— has been issued as an advertisement by the Publio Trust Oflioo, whioh has had tho courtesy to forward ub a copy. A scene occurred at a meeting of the Timaru Borough Council last night, held to consider tho question of lighting the town by electricity. The Mayor refused to receive a motion, whioh be Raid was not m order, and thereupon six of the oonnoillora left the room. As the five who were left did not constitute a quorum no business could be done, and the remainder of the evening was spent m discussing the matter informally* The people of Napier are evidently strong partisans of Bronghton, the successful appel lant m the disputed Maori will oaso, the 11 Daily Telegraph " having a long account of an enthusiastic reception ooocrded to him on his arrival m that town. His oarriage drawn by four greys was escorted by a torohlight procession, headed by tho Garrison Band, aod the streets were bo thronged that locomo tion was difficult. There was a perfeot " sea of faces" around the hotel at whioh Mr Broughton pufc up, and the orowd obeered heartily on his appearance on the verandah, whence ho made s Bpeech m Maori inter preted by Mr J. P. Hamlin. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Tinwald Town Board was held on Friday, Nov. 30th. Present— Messrs J. Clark (chair man), M. Scott, and 0. Jephson. The Chair man reported that the work of oonatruoting the ford authorised to be made at last meet ing bad been let to the lowest tenderer— o, O'Connor. The Chairman also reported that he had had certain urgent works done on the Great South Road, opposite his residenoa. The aations were approved. Correspondence wbb read—fl) From Mr W. B. Oompton asking the Board to -give him permission to impound stook grazing on the Railway Reserve. After discussion the maUev was left over to be decided by a full meeting of the Board. (2) From a number of ratepayers requesting the Board to make a ford and fill up hole m Harland street. The work was authorised to be done. The tender of James Hampton to do the lot for £4 5a was accepted. After passing aooounts and transacting routine business the Board adjourned. Tho following Btory cornea from Berlin. Two men from Galioia came down from Vienna, and were invited by an old friend who had risen to eminence and riohea to dine with him. Both wore the long sabardine, but one wore high boots, the other shoes. Shown into the dining room alone, they admired much the richness of the apartment ; and the one who had the Loots on picked up a massive silver spoon and put it into his boot. The wrath of his companion was great — he had no boot m which to hide a spoon. But he thought of a plan. After dinner be thanked his host for bis kindness, and then said he would do a little triok of conjuring. The host consented. Taking up another of the big silver spoons, ho put it into his pocket, and thon said, " Now, I will make this pass into my companion's boot," bending down as he spoke and picking out the spoon that had been stolen. The host was delighted, and presently the two Galioians went out, "the man without the boots with the spoon m his pocket* At the li.M. Court thia morning, before Major Steward, J.P., a first offender for drunkenness was fined 5a or 24 hours im prißpnmeht,—John Clark was oharged with having been guilty of disorderly oonduot while drunk. Aoouaed pleaded guilty Sergeant. Felton asked the benoh to hear the ovidonoo m this case, which was a bad one. At this time of the year a large number of roughs, who seemed to think they oould do what they liked, aangrpKated m the town, and ha would aak the Bench to infliot a heavy penalty m this oase, to serve as a warning m future. —Constable Casey said that last evening he saw the accused m the ranks of the Salvation Army, and making a very great noiao. A crowd had gathered round, and accused's oonduot was most disorderly. Wit« ness arrested acoused, who on the way to the look-up behaved m a very violent manner, endeavoring to kick witness and Constable Fitzgerald. — The accused pleaded that he did not know what he was doing.— The Bench said the oase was a very bad one, and the plea of the acoused that he did not know what he was doing was no exouse at all, because he should not have got himself into Buoh a condition. Not only did he behave to the annoyance of respeotablo people, but when under arrest his violence was such that one of the constables might have been seriously injured. Aocusod would bo sen tenced to one month's imprisonment. — James Gall for drunkenness was fined 10s with the alternative of 48 hours imprisonment. The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc — the relief is instantaneous, Tboußandß give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of the genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical olinioa and universities, the offioial communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam — all these are authentio doou ments, and, as suoh, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various oases treated by Siegen, M.p., Professor, etc ; Burning of the right hand through the ex ploßion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the yolar and palmer Bide of the hand of the thirty-yoar-old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand, The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose, and half of the phalanx of tho nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under daily applications of Euoalyptio EJxtraot dressing. The pationt has retained the full use of ths band.— (Advt.) 1

EIGHT DAYS WITHOUT FOOD

« [PJBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Westport, Deoember 4. Three men who were lost for fU'ean days between Karamoa and Motueka retnrnod to tho former nottlemant yesterday. They nrore eight daya without food, and allayed longer by filling and eating a dog. The nea Buffered great prevatlona.

SYDNEY MARKETS.

• Metsro Goldsbroagh, Mort and Oo. t Limited, report as follows under date November 21 :»-The market baa farther Improved Ju almost every qection, Milling wheat la largely enquired for, both by town and country millers; the latter eipeolally fiadiog It difficult to teoare enough for iinmedla'.e wanta. Now Zea land Tasojn Is now eagerly taken, as Vlotorian and South Australian paroela are diffioalt to get ander offdr at anything like reasonable valuea. Still farther advanced rateii would eeem to be Inevitable h<ivlag regard to .the bareness of atooks and ths gcnotally aueatisfaotory atato of the growiug crops. Ohlokfeed, under a , vtrohg demand, haa tdvatoad fally 3d per bmhol. Otis and m&lzj hire also im proved, Buppliea being far abort of the demand Supplies of potatoes from the Northern Rivers are more plentiful, and prices have easori, We quote ; MiiLiNa Whbat— Colonial, nominal at 5s Ci ; New Zjalaud TaiobO, ■o«oo at 6a 3d. CiJioKFrfKD, 4s 6i to 4j Bd. Oatb— Mllliug 4 1. medium 3j lid. Inferior 3i OJ. Potatoes— From £5 XOi for old, to £8 for Jig*, per too, l|

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(Prr Press Ahsooiation.J

A DENIAL.

Berlin, Deoember 3. The German -New Guinea Co. deny that they are m difficulties as recently alleged.

THE GERMAN EMPEROR.

Bkb&ih, December 4. It ia reported that the Emperor William's affection of the ears is. be coming serious, and that fears are entertained that it may develop into can cer. Although his Imperial Majesty has been confined to his palace for weeks, an official announcement has beej made to the effect that his condition is satisfactory. An impression is, how ever, gaining ground that the Emperor's ear complaint is the cause of his indis position.

SIR H. ROBINSON.

I London, December 3. It is reported that Sir H. Robinson retires m April.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

In the House of Commons during a discussion 00 the Irish estimates, Mr Gladstone violently attacked Mr Bal four's Irish administration, and charged him with being responsible for the Mitchelstown affair and the death of John Mandeville and Kinsella. Mr Balfour replied to the charges m detail, and declared that the extraordinary weakness of the Opposition was shown m this constant re-cooking of exploded complainrß against his administration and m the absurd charges levelled at him.

CANADA AND AUSTRALIA.

Sir F. Dillon Bell has expressed himself hopeful that the British Govern ment will recognise the desirableness of subsidising the Canadian and New Zealand cable route. He disapproves of the proposal to hold a Conference of Australasian and Canadian- delegates at Ottawa to consider trade relations be tween the Dominion and Australasia, and the Pacific cable question, and thinks the Canadian Government would do better to consult the Aurtralasian Governments direct. -

APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNORS.

It is reported that Mr B. D. More head, the new Premier of Queensland, is taking the same stand wiiu reference to the appointment of Governors to the colonies as his predecessor m office, Sir Thos. Mcllraith, and that he has informed the Colonial Office that be insists on the right of the Government to be consulted m such matters.

STANLEY.

News from Bonny, on the West Coast of Africa, states that the rumor is current there that Stanley has ar rived m the country at ths back of the great oil-producing rivers, and is hoist ing the British flag wherever natives are desirous of British protection.

A SHIPPING DISASTER.

JA barque, name unknown, struck on the TGooawin Sands, and was com pletely broken up, and all on board perished.

MR GLADSTONE AND RE LIGIOUS CONTROVERSY.

In the course of an interview on the subject of religious controversy, Mr Gladstone stated that he never writes on religion except m refutation of falla cious arguments.

SUAKIM.

Sir J. Fergusson stated m the House of Commons that the retention of Suakim would be useful m the repres sion of the slave trade; besides, the Government would never abandon the people of the place to the mercy of the Arab rebels.

FREETRADE AND PROTECTION

The Right Hon Sir Lyon Playfair M.P. for Leeds, m the course of a speech at Staveley, drew a contrast between New South Wales and Vic toria to illustrate the advantages of free trade as against protection m Aus tralia, and showing from statistical returns that the former colony was more progressive and prosperous than the latter, arguing that this was the re sult of a freetrade policy.

AUSTRALIAN TRADE.

I London, Deoembsr 4. The Orient S.S. Company's interim report referring to the Australian trade says business has improved, and it anti cipates a dividend m April next.

THE NEW WIMBLEDON.

Brookfield Moor has been chosen whereon to hold the annual rifle shoot ing competition m place of Wimbledon.

COLONIAL STOCK.

It is understood that the Government are m favor of the Agents-General's proposal to re-insert a clause m the Liability of Trustees Bill, providing for the investment of funds by trustees m colonial stocks.

THE GREAT RACING DISPUTE.

The Jockey Clubs have referred the Chetwynd and Lord Durham dispute to arbitration.

PANAMA CANAL.

The Panama Canal scheme is said to be m a critical condition financially.

RUSSIA AND PERSIA.

St. Pbtersburg, December 3. Diplomatic relations between Russia and Persia ars strained, owing it is said, to the ascendency of English influence m the latter country.

VICTUALLING OF WARSAW.

It has been decided to victual the ' city of Warsaw for 56,000 people, ex clusive of the garrison. The residents will be expected to remain m case of war.

FRENCH POLITICS.

Paius, Dooember 3, It is expected that the coming elec- ; tions will sanction a new national i Republican constitution by 8,000,000 ( votes. !

SPEECH BY GENERAL BOULANGER.

After the political demonstration at : ths cemetery of Mootroartrg yesterday ; \

a banquet was held, at which General-i Boulanger delivered a speech ridiculing the idea (hat he had ever entertained any intention of restoring a despotic regime. France had inherited from Napoleon 111 a legecy of revenge, which would eventually lead to a supreme conflict, m which she must conqueror perish. .

FRANCE AND ITALY.

• • Rome, December 4 Rumo r s are current to the effect that the French are secretely erecting an important fort m Savoy outside ■the neural zone of the Fianco-Italian [frontier.

INCENDIARISM.

Njbw York, Da'oemb?r 3 The Calumet copper mine was fired by an incendiary while 200 men were below, and eight were killed.

ENGLISH CONTROL OF INDIA.

Calcutta, December 3 Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India, administered a sharp rebuke to the Native Congress, which has been agitating for the autonomy of India. He told the members plainly that England would never give up supreme control of the country.

CLAIMING DAMAGES.

ThobßDay Island. Dt'oombsr 3. News from the East, per the 8.1. Company's steamer, states that Town send, agent (or j the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank at Manilla, was arrested by the Spanish authorities forsystematic evasion of the stamp regulations. The charges were subsequently with drawn. Townsend is now claiming damages, m which course he is being strongly supported by the British Consul.

A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAR ANCE.

News has been received, by steamer from Batavia, that the Landgrave of Hesse, who was on a tour of the world, and had been suffering from general depression caused by excessive heat, had mysteriously disappeared from the steamer Volga, at Maittok. It is sup posed that m a fit of mental derange ment he got through the porthole, and was drowned. The body was not re covered. ■:- ..■ a. : - . :

A US TR ALI AN.

AUSTRALIAN. (per press association .)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

Perth, December 5, A donkey engine on board the steamer Albany at Hamlin burst to day, killing two men on the spot, fatally injuring a third, and scalding two others, one seriously.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

The London correspondent of the " Otago Daily Timeß " writes :— I hear that the Mid land Railway Company are only waiting until the bank rate declines to apply for their eapital. They profeia to be sanguine of sua -0688. . The '• Lyttelton Times " mentions that Afr James Bolanders, of Nelßon, one of the looal members of the Committee of Ad rice of the Midland Railway Company, haß juat returned from England. He was at Home at tho time that the new oontraot was signed, and for some time afterwards, and had many opportunities of consulting with the Direotora of the Com pany. As the contraot was only signed by tha Company m August, and not until September by tho Government, it wbb impossible for them to conclude financial arrangements for further capital until after the autumn holidays. When Mr Solanders left they were confident of being able to oomplete these arrangements by about the end of November. The arrange ment contemplated is a matter of considerable magnitude, and the Directors recognise that it is their duty to protect the interests of the shareholders by obtaining the beet terms, and availing themselves of the proper moment for making suoh arrangements even at the cost of Boma • temporary delay, A cablegram on the uubjeot may be expected any day.

A NARROW ESCAPE

♦—- (PBR FBESS ASSOCIATION.) Nkw Plymooth, December 4. At the Henui Ironworks tliia morning, a man named Thomas Busden and his eon, Frank' Rasdeo, engaged upon the works as charooal turners, were nearly suffocated with poisonous gas from the charcoal kito. ' It appears that the kiln was charged for , the fifat time a few weeks ago, and, as tho ' charging was of an experimental nature, attempts have been made from time to time to ssoortain if the charooal had been proporly burned; A great quantity of j water bal been poured on the kiln to oool ' it, and this morning Thomas Bueden, who i is a bricklayer by trade, went down a hole at the top of tho kiln to inspect. He got down with a rope attached, and almost immediately lie entered the kiln he became unconscious, through the inhalation of carbonic acid gas. The son followed to rescue the father, but he alao became bfocted with tho ga«-, He was promptly pulled out by the hair of hie head by one of the employees. Ihe father was after wardß pullod out m an unconscious state, but recovered under medical treatment.

THE DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA

(psb rusaa 4ssooiation.) Hobart, December 4 Bain is much needed throughout the colonj. Fears are entertained for the crops, unless a plontiful supply falls shortly, ' - • Sydney, December 4. Now Zealana produce on consignment clears smartly at good prices. There is » good deal of speculation m the pro duce market, and buyers are pnrchasing shipments from New Zealand at high rates. Values, however, are depreciated by every shower of rain. Large quanti ties of produce are purchased for the country markets, although much has been secured ior local requirements. The weather to-day has been very fine throughout Australia, no rain having fallen m Victoria, South Australia, or New South Wales. In Queensland also the weather has been fine, with the ex ception of the Cardwell and Mackay districts, to the north of Tambo district, 500 miles m the interior. In Hydney parcels of New Zealand wheat are gelling at from 5s 2d to 5s 6d. Sydney, December 5. Water is fast disappearing m the back country. The creeks are all dry, and many cattle and sheep are still dying about Wilcannia.

PECULIAR WEATHER.

(PBR PRESS ASSOOIAriOir.) Wellington, Deoember 5. A private lotfer from Sydney says tbtt tho woather on Saturday wan the moat peculiar ever area In that olty. It aeema a dry foe; amalgamated with tho amoko of ba?h fires raging along the oiast and enveloped not" only Sydney, bat the whole doa«t line from Brisbane to Melbourne. It lasted all d»y, bat late m the afternoon a southeaster, rooompjnled by * dust itorm, oame np, aadahaßed tho fog away. When It c'a trod a large number of steam-)'! wero found lying ontalde, onab!© to make tho harbor. Daring the day the tbermo* .. meter was 92 ia the ahade. Tho sun shone down like a - globs o< m;■ tan ooppw. ... - w - ;,;.; ,-..,, v ,.,.«...-

REFRACTORY ORES

(PKR FBES3 ASSOCIATION.) Hobart, December 4. It is stated here that a leading establishment iv Germany intend to erect works m this colony for the treat ment of refractory ores. : • London, December 3. v Mr 0. W. Roberta Austen,; F.&.A., Chemist and Asoayer at the Royal Mint, vrho recently accompanied Sir F. Dillon Bell and Sir Saul Samuel to Freiburg, Saxony, for the purpose of inspecting the treatment of refractory . ores as ■:■■. practised at the smelting workings in y that city, has forwarded his report to the Agents-General. Mr Roberta Austen iB of opinion that the methods adopted at Freiburg would not be suitable fcr the treatment of such' 'brea m Australia. :■:■'. l4i

POPULATION AND POOR OF THE WORLD

-♦— — — - From many quarters we are hearing the question, will the world ia its preient state last another century ? And he would be a bold maa who replied ia the afflraia tivol A we!l-Snown writer whoso valu able . works on statistics have : had ; most important practical effeots both m . England and m India, says, '■ Many thinipr' •: combine to force on thoughtful men the ; solemn conviction that the/present dispensation cannot last long. Apart from propbetio w&rning, the ■tatUtics of population point to an early close of tho present social eoonomy of our world. In . view of the present rate of increase of tbe^ v . population, we may Bay that the economic condition of the whole world mv *t be fundamentally changed daring the next century, and long before it nas run ita course. It seems es if the old command " /ncrease and multiply and replenish ■-. the earth " was scon to reach its coneum mution, preparatory to aome grand climax In the history of our race. Prophecy and the lawi of population are alike ' ' converging lines pointing to one iesQ* ia ■ » the near future. TheßJ are no mere . statements of opinion, but are backed up by factß that cannot be gainsaid. . Popq- latioo we must remember increases' ini geometrical ratio. A century doubles it even m crowded India ; half, a centnryia England, and a quarter of a oentury.in 1 America. Already millions iv India never ' know what it is to be free from absolute ; hunger, where millions more exist on one meal a day. What will happen when . In lia's two hundred and fifty millions are, , doubled— when we have to govern five : hundred millions of Hindoos?. By the end of this coniury tho United Stateß will have its hundred milli'lia doubling every twenty-fiveyear*. There is no "new world " remaining now to be discovered and colonised J This is one of the many signs which concur m showing us that '?< " the time is short," and the end of out age at hand. — " Regions, Bpyond;" ■<■ -

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly moating of the * Wakiinni Road Botrd web betd onSatar day, Preaent —Messrs M Brao« (Chair man), W. T. LUI and J. Browo.- WAK/VNXJI ORKES. Tba Chairman reported that a meeting ■■ had been held at the Oonnty Council offices, of representatives of the Oonnty "■ Council, Oanterbary Mills, and Wakanul Road Board, to dlsouis the maintenanoe of the bridges and fords over the Wakanal oreek, and from what bad transpired lie (the Chairman) had every reason to be lieve that the mutter would be arranged ' satisfactorily to all parties conoerned. ■ 00RBK8P0NDEN0B. ' Letters were read—(l) From Property Tax Oommisslooor advising the Board that the balance of subsidy for 1887*88 amounting to £31 6i had baen p»ld—{2) From Clifford and Fiizjarald asking for* an extension of time to December 8 for completing oontiaot on Laadley and Butterlok's road. Qracted.—(3) From. A. Mnlford re expenses for attending Ooart. The Clerks were instraoted to set into the matter —(4) From Mr A H, Palmer applying for the offios of Olerk and Surveyor to the Board. The Oletks were lnstrnoted to reply that the office Is not vacant.—(s) From Messrs Wilding and ' Lewis enolosing oopy of letter sent to Mr C. W. Tamer te Wakanal sreek qaestlon; BUBVKYOBB' MK)BT. The Surveyors' report was read as follows:— 1. Leadley's Road: The oontraotdr is getting on now with the metalling of this road, he haß been delayed a good deal by the bad weather, and consequently is over the. time allowed to complete the work, bat we would recommend that an extension of time be granted him. 2. Dromore Road: The contractor for re. forming part of this road is proceeding with the work m a satisfactory manner. 3. Obstruction on Smith's Road: A reaper and binder, which was left on the side of tbil road for some monthß, we considered danger* oub and had it removed to the Board's yard( and advertised for the owner. It has Binoa been olaimed and all expenses paid. 4. Maintenanoe Man: The maintenanofl nan has been engaged m filling m hole on Wilson's road, repairing water r&oo culverts, etc. Some of the roads on the plains whioh require patching and other attention will be attended to as Boon as Eilgour has finished what he is at at present, The diary is on the table for inspeotion. * The Suiveyors also submitted prellmi* nary report ou the state of the forda and bridges over the Wakanul oreek In the dlstrlot preparatory to a more exhaustive report, with ••tinntod cost.of repairs/ eto, needed at onoe, whloh report Is to bt. drawn up as soon as possible. BUCKLEY'S ROAD. It was resolved to call for tenders for forming part of this road from Seafield road to Innes' rotd. EESEBVB 2240. ' The Surveyors were instructed to get the fonoes of tbfs reserve trimmed and gome growing Inside of the road grabbed up. BATES. The O(erks were Instructed to give notice that all arrears far 1887*8 not paid on or before Saturday, Djaembsr 15, will be «Qf d for. TBNDBB3 The tender of Thos. Whlttlngton for grabbing tuisook on Christy's roid at 54 per obaln|was accepted. AOOOUNTS. After passing accounts the Board ad« jouroed.

THE ASHBPRION GUARDIAN, .WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5, 1888



DIARY. Moon'i December Sim Sun Moon Moon ago a Rises Seta. Uitas Setr. noon; a.m. p.m. 3 Wonday .. 4.17 7.33 4.0 6.fi2 59 4 rtmsdny .. 4.16 7.24 4.48 8.8 0 5 Wednesday.. 4.16 7.26 5.43 9.19 1 0 Thursday .. 4.10 7.26 6.47 10 21 3 7 Friday.. .. 4.16 7.27 7.52 11.14 3 8 Saturday ... 4.16 7.28 9.4 11.62 4 8 Sunday .. 4J5 7.29 10.12 • « 5 . Moonlight Evenings. The Moon at 8 days old shines till about 8 o'oioob. 1 The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 cUya old ahinea till nearly o'alcok m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shineß from ' Bundown till about 4in the morning. I The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines i all night. The Moon at 18 days old risoa about 9 p.m. and shinoß till morning. The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 i a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old riies about 2 a.m. and chines 11 morning The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise Jr THE^ASHBUBTON GUaBDIAN. From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal]willlbe ' as follows, viz. :— ir PAID IN ADVANCE 1 Per Quarter.. 6s 6d by post,' .9s 6d 1 Half-year 12a 6d, by poat, 18a Gd > (Year .. 24s Od, by post, 87s Od BOOKED Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d , „ Half-yoar 15s Od, by post, 21a 6d „ Tear .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od I Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the iaae of insertion 2s 6d eaoh ■ (stamps may sent as payment) if booked, i 4b eaoh. Announcements rf Births, Doaths and Marriages sent for publioation from the i oountr} districts require to be verifiod by the . Bignatare of the person Bonding the nntiao , t W* — ■ — — — — —^— — — g— — —



CARNIVAL.



The best Remedy for Indigestion.— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for indiges- tion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the «' natural strengthener of the human stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under auy circum. i tances Sold m bottles at is ijd, as yd, '. is, by all medicine vendors throughout the < World, I



Keating's Powder destroys both moth, flea* bectJcs, and all other insects, wh'le quite harmless to domestic animals. In exteraunit. ing beetles, the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m tppli. cation. See the article you purchase is Keatings as imitations are noxious and!in« effectual. S Id m tins, 6d, is, and v fid h* tllctamisu *



Bummer t IBBB. Jj A^T E S T JN 10 VELTIBB IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, | NOW ON VIEW AT TBB NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING JAOTOaY^ Everything New. Now Shirts. New Underclothing, New Tics, Now Hatp, New SalU for Boys, Now Baits ! for Men, Everything Now and of the LATEST FASHIONS. See oar Windows, and judge for youreolvos SPECIAL. Pints nnde to measure m good style and from the newest checks and stripes from £2 16s. ENCOURAGE LOCAL INDUSTRY AND BUY FROM THE Kew Zealand Clothing Factory. W. H. WEBBER, _ - MnPfttfW



■ •■■ Wanted • • . ■- -, CARNIVAL. WANTED a boy about 14 years of ego, for tho machlno rocm. Apply M/.IL Office. PLOUGH Toßms wanted tt W.-oter- fietd. App'y at once. 13 19 FOUND a Purse- containing pmall Bum of money. May be had by owner on application to W. T. Kikgston. 12 33 •\TMAS Numbers of  "Graphis." _\- " T ondon N. wa." " Ynlo TiJo, 1 "Spor-Jpg . Dram "tio," "Pictorial World "— U. M. JONBS. TTTANTfIJD to exchange a Ladies' V? Saddle f--r a »et rf SingJe Trip narresß-vCHARLBB Bkaddkw.. "12S 35 WANTED Known —Mrs Me«oh, Projßmnker, has returned from Sydney, *nd rocommonccd rusin^s-* m Fannders 1 Buildn^B, noxt Mr B. .iLorn's. 10 78 WANTED Known— David' Toy and Fmow "Rizinr, Tancred Street, i oppoaltn Union Bnnk, is now opf«n. Ad- mission Fee?. lospooilon Invited. 12t13 WANTED Known,— Boeutiful Milli n^ry. A choice aaeortmont ib now being Bhown ; aleo Sunehadep, Silk Qloveß, Laces, fcarf^, &c, at Andrew Orb's. TT/ ANTED Known — J. Orr and Co V V are now ehowing Ladlee' and Cbildreu'a Artiafic Milliuory m Great Vcriety, S~"B EKP R E \l<s, 11 A'eJBB A'b, and BB\^Z'B; and Roriolne Turkey Rtorea.— Fobset Aicorn, Saundors Buildings. ANTED Known.— That "Ml^s Edwabds, Tailoreßß, ia prepared to make Boys' Clothing, r^lso CnflEing, Strap- ping, repairs and alterations, Ac, — Miss I*dwardß, corner Moore street aod Belt. ■ 11 105 WANTED Known.— Support Local Industry. Buy your Suits Ai-h~ burton T \ve> d from 30s ; made to measure fond choose y.ur own Ta lor) from £3 10a.— Andbkw Ore. MBS ADAMS has removed to Saan- derb' Buildings, oppoatte Railway Station. Oretrel Silke, Wooln, and Fency of every description kept In stock. Agent for Eclipse Dye Works. Registry offioe fcr Servants. 10 92 GLASGOW DRAPERY and CLOTHING COMPANY will opeD L onjrriday WANTED Known.— Andrew Orr is giving ii Great Bargain m Boots- Girli' School Boots, Women's Boots, 6a 6d, Meti'a . T I 7~AN IED everyone to know that W J. 0. Duhoah is a Land Broker, licensed to prepare and register Transfers, Mortgages, Elcuh; bra noes, Leases, Kegin- tration Abstracts, Powers of Attorney, Applications to briog Land under the Act, and every description of instruments unuor the Land Transfer Act — J. 0. Ddnoan, Arcade, Asbburton. 101101 Ti OR gennlne Afihburton Tweed Suits Jj read/msde, or to measure, fie and quality guaranteed, and at prices un- v quailed, go to H. Aloobn, Aahburton Clothicg Mart, Sounders' Jjolldiogs. WANTED Known.— J. Orb and Co invite Luoies to inspect their large and varied assortment of Summer Dress Materials. Over one thoußand pieccß to select from. ; ■ ■ ■ . • \ \ / AKTED Known— That Mrs Hill, V V Monthly JNurco, has romovod from Pttor fctroot to Dr Trevor's honne, Id Moore Street. 10t39 XMAP, Xmas. — Andrew Obr ia shovr- ing iSovoltiee m ail Dopartmouts tor Xmas Presontß. WANTED Known.— J, Obr and Co are now showing a large a^cort- raont of Ladies' Embroidered Robeß from 10s 6d. WANTED Known— That S. wT 4LCOBN and Co. are selling at Warehouie prioe, a cplend'd Jot of Ltdles Silk and Cashmere Maotles, and Satin and Fancy Suoehsdeß, booght a bargain. No valaa itko them In Aehbarton. STOCKINGS-700 pairs of Ladies uud Children's eamplo Hobo just opened uuder the old Tariif.) All quality to be sold cheap during our sale. — H. 0. Beqeks, Melford Ilouso. GLASGOW DRAPERY and CLOTHING COMPANY, East Street, next Patching, Sail- maker. WANTfiU Known. —J. Orr and Oo nre now showing a Large Assortment of Feathers, Flowers, Bibbons Lcces. Glovew, &c. 101102 IVfAKTBD Known— Wo are now ¥ % showing a splendid assortment of Huoiinsr Millinery and Drapery, at very low prlcea.— H. 0. Seqkrs, Melford House. WORSTED Tweeds.— A fßoautifnl Assortment of Worsted Tweeds as exhibited at the late Shew. Specially made to order for Andrew Orr. WANTED Known. —J Orr and, Co's Drapery Department Is under new mnnageraent. Prices of the Wholo Stoc* have boea revised and roducod to such a point as will command aepeooy sale. \\ r ANTED Moro Known— That 8. w| Vf Alcorn and Co. is the oheapeßt House m Ashburton. Gloat variety of Drees materials; Pribts and Fancy Galateas to chooße from. 11 159 y,J AN TED Known— We are now * V showing a grand asßortmeat of Trimmed end Untrlmmed Hats and Bonnets. The largest Stock to choose from m town, and tho cheapest housa. — ■ H. 0. Segerb, Mo! ford House. WANTED Known.— j. Orr and Co are now showing the Leading Novelties m Ladies' Mantles, Jackets, and Dust Cloaks. WANTED KNOWN— That I have appointod Mrs Adams sole agent io Ashl'urton for the Fclipse Dye Works, Christflhurch. Ladies dreeses and gentle- men's clothes cleaned or dyed. Keal° Bkins, Gloves and Fealhorß, Silks, Damask Curtains, Table Covers, Sashes Cleaned ox D>ed, etc., end all kinds of animal skins dretsed anc 7 made up to order.— A. J. Chapman, 161 Armagh Btrott, Chriet- church'. 130 Reid and Gray HAVE to inform their Farmer Friends and Cnfitoraere generally that MR J ;HN TAYLOR h»s \ een appointed Manager of iheir Ashburton Branch from this date. BIN1»ER REPAIRB executed cheaply and ezpeditiously. JBINDBK TWINE of the Best and Cheapest (£n&lily. obdi<r"early. f«e our Jji^|i jUNDI-R and you wi|l i«y »P otjjex, ' "■' 'J2 %



Pf.Wic Notices VISITORS TO MELBOURHE^jj Shotild Consult the Well-known and Suo- >^BIM H bK^^^^^^ Cttre ffMarantecd. ■2sV^^ FRSX CONSULTATION. W^ . 53 Flinders St. W., Melbourne. TBB WHOLE TRUTB, AND NOTH- • ING BUT TBE TRUTH. It tt true, Yen ', perfectly tree, that Mitchell & Turner 0; SttLTi' SELL SELL D It APE RY MEN S AND BOYS' CLOTHING, ; BOOTS, Etc., AT Reasonable Prices & Al Value. CALL AND INSPECT LARGE AND WELL-ABSOHTiiD STOCK, Christmas. t= W^ Christmas. Where ihsll 1 boy my Christmas Parcel and gat firat-olass ralne foe my mioey. Why, at Mitchell & Turner, DRAPERS AND OLOTBIERS, TANCEED STEEET QUOD FACIMU3 VALDB FAOIMtJS (" W hat we do wa do well.") Tan OHRISToTuBOH DB NTAL SURGE RF, 168 Cashel Street, Christchnrch, next Bobin- •on's Boot Btore, and at the Octagon, Dtinedin. All operations at etdotly nniform and moderate Fees, Coniultation free, s. myeksTakd co,, SURGEON DENTISTS. nji&r/j \ t«G fi'\ \*^^s> r^ ■ if' \ •<! * x n) ViJITKQUT TEETH 25 WITH TEEIH NIT ROD. OXIDB GAS administered. Thii AnssßtbetJo loavei no unpleasant effects, acd by its nse the ertaustfcn of Bad Stneops and Teeth is rendered perfectly Painless and Effective. Administered daUy. Feo for ad- rninißtration of Gas, 6s- Extraction. 2s fid a tooth. Bonn of attendance, 9am.to 8p m. FriTate nwidence, 93 Bast Belt. The acknotr'edgbd superiority rf AMERI- CAN DENTISTRY m the construction of Arti6cial Teeth, the most finished workman- ship, and leplacinff the Iwt tteth TK.M- --lOBABILY ALMOST IMMEDIAT*- LV after extraction, haronstablfshed onrrepntatioß. ' A single Artificial Tooth, 10* , complete net, Upper and Lower, Temporary and Permanent, £10 10a ; Ar*i6ci«il Teeth and Dentures made by other denti«ts remodelled < t nmall coet. BtODDing, Bcaling, tenect and Painle*s • The Miners 7 Strike AT NEWCASTLE, N.S.W., HAS already provad to be a good (bine; for Netf Zealand. The lnoreaeed oatput of all the mine* In New Zealand has necessitated the employment of large numbers of men m addition to the regular tt Rff kept by proprietors of mines. Keep yonr money Id New Zealand, and help to make employment for the popola. tlon. Barn Moant Somers and Westport Coal. Ih»ve made freah arrangements for the ■apply of these two Ccalo, and can now ■ell at induced Rites for CA.3H on delirery Mourn Som*3B Coal, WisTroßT Coal Per ton, 22 1 6d 45i H»'f ton, 11« 6d 23j Q utter too, 6a 12s B joking Extra. Mount Snmers Coal per Trook load, In Trucks l?s 6 1 per ton Gash at Aahburton Station. NEWCASTLE COAL ALSO IN STOCK JOHN GrKTELL. T. Bullock TjlOR SALE— Single-seated Baggy. T. BULLOCK TO LET — 5-roomed hoano ia Cameron Street. — Apply to T. BULLOCK. fnO LET—A 6-roomed Hoase In Cox JL Sheet.— Apply to _jr._BULLOOK. TO LET. HOUSE of 5 Rooms, together with about 9 Acres of Oraia Land ; rental 10s 6d por week. Apply to . T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE. X IGHT Spring Dray (now) made In JLi such a way that it coald be ueed as a tip cart Apply to T. BULLOCK. FOB SALS. 1 Aft AOREB Wonting tb« Main Sooth X\J\J Road, not far from the K«ce- eoune. Apply to T. BULLOCK WINSLOWT i |7?)R SALE — Lots 67 end 74 Low JC prloe will be acoepttd. I Apply to ' ,-.-„ .T, BUUOCK, f l