The Ashburton Guardian. Magna et Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1890 OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Wa are afraid that the Volunteer Force cannot safely look to the present Government for much encouragement, it having been apparently the aim of the last Minister of Defence (Mr Fergus) to break up the country Corps, and to replace them by Rifle Clubs, while his successor (Captain Russell), the present Minister, seems, judging from his recent action in relation to the Easter Encamp ments, to be working in the same direc tion. This we regard as a mistaken policy, very greatly to be regretted for the countty companies, as truly as the city Corps, wero and are truining the young men of the colony in drill and in shooting—the two things necessary to enable them to render good service jto the colony in time of need. Yet, even from the standpoint of Ministers, which seems to be encouraging Rifle Clubs in -country districts and Volun teer Corps in the cities, it must surely ! be apparent that neither the one nor the other can be of the slightest use unless supplied with a more mod am arm than that which is now on issue, and which can only be depended upon up to a distance of about 1000 ysrds. This sort of weapon would be absolutely of no use if onr men were called upon to meet a detachment of the troops of any European power, all of whom are armed with long-range magazine rifles. That supplied to the British army carries up to a distance of over 2 miles, being in deed sighted up to 8500 yards, while its trajectory is so low that a head and shoulder figure can be hit at any distance between 150 and 375 yards, with the lowest sight. The magazine will contain eight ccrtridges and may bs filled when in position on the rifle, while the accoutrements are supplied with two pouches, one cf which holds 50 and the other 40 rounds. The weight of the rifle itself is 91b 80oz, and of the maga zine when full 18o&. Its length is 4ft lin, and that of the sword bayonet lit 4in. In every respect it is a vastly superior weapon to thoß3 ou issue to our New Zealand volunteers, and it is high time, if we are to rely on the volunteers in time of need, that steps were taken to remedy their deficient equipment in this respect.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The President of the Bench of Justices of the Peace at Kovno has instituted proceed ings for defamation of character against the entire press of Moscow and St Petersburg, and there is a question whether the whole body of editors and publishers shall be brought into court together or shall be tried separately.

An exchange says: —Mr Reed vacates next week the editorial chair of the Melbourne " Standard." Mr Reed came last year from New Zealand, where he is known as an able journalist. It takes, however, something more than a smart leader writer to make a second Melbonrne evening paper a com mercial success.

The local "Guardian" announces that Reef ton has given birth to a freak of nature, in a rat without a tail. Not a rodent with a stump manx-cat like, or the stump of a tail that might have been cut off in his youth but a veritable lusus natures, without either the joint or the slightest sign showing the usual juncture of the caudal appendage.

Sir Charles Russeli has received the larges sum over earned at the English bar in one week. He had a retainer of 1000 guineas in the Euston case; he was the leading counsel in Mr Herbert Gladstone's action against Colonel Maileson; and he was engaged all the weok in the " blackmailing " case. His total earnings are estimated as between £3000 and £4000.

We ("FieldingStar") have it on reliable authority that the machine and process for dressing flax, invented by Mr Frederick Bull, are a success, and will not only do great things for the country but the inventor. It is estimated s'that about £10 10s a ton will be the cost .of manufacture. Experts who have seen samples say the fibre thus treated is equal to any of the finest spj/t k.nown.

It is freely asserted in naval circles that the new cruiser Australia, sister ship of the Undaunted, which Captain Lord Charles Btjresford. C,B-j was to commission on 18th February, is league so badly where the weight of the armpr oeaps on the structure of the vessel £hat she is unable to. gp to sea until several tons qi red lead have been, so to say, cauiked ill and had time to" set.

The following circular hag been issued by the Defence department:—Officers com manding districts will be good enough to notify officers commanding corps that aa it is probable a re-organisation of the volunteer force will be proposed it is inadvisable' for corps to eubsf jnto any engagements or lia bilities in connection jj/ith the purchase of uniforms, etc., until further inarmed on the matter. The "Wellington Evening Press" of a recent dafc.e says :—" We have to warn the public that thlre are now numbers of spuri ous half-crown pieces in circulation in the city. The pieces are made of lead, aij.d are datgd 1881. We are informed by the teller of one ql the banks in town that the false coins' have foe©«very numerous of late. We had one passed into our office on Saturday last. The police are hiqui^iiig into the matter,"

Archdeacon Stretch, of Victoria, is the Sydney Smith of £he Antipodes. He was once being bothered by ty clerical bore named Cass. Mr Cass had one " fad "*-that the gres£ Nbpoleon was of Scriptural daucmut, .Pressed for his reasons, he explained that " Napoleon'" wijth the initial letter cut off gaye "Apoleon" or " Apollyon/ 1 a name prominent in the Revelation. "Ah," re plied the archdeacon, "your own name, with the initial letter cut off gives "Ass," but there's no revelation in that."

Parisians "have been lately entertained by a »t'emark&ble artist, who displays wonderful skill in har peculiar form of painting. Wij-h plates of various coloured sand before her she takes the sand i£ 'her right hand and causes it to fall in beautiful designs upon a table. A bunch of grapes is pi.ot.wftd with violet sand, leaf with green sand, tilt* stalk with browaj sand, and relief and shadows by other sands { when the work is Wsked away a bouquet of roses $]](] other objeoUs s-tq represented with the same tlex* terity-aud d&fccacy.

A gentleman who & an expert in the subject informs the ''Taiei'i Advocate" that large fortunes await the enterprising colonists who enter into the industry of clover grow ing. }3e has seen lately some New Zealand grown s&ttd, #nc] he considers it far superior to anything he ea^ jiupm't from the beat English or Continental houses. JI9 js very enthusiastic on the subject, and is strongly oi opinion that if any of our Taieri farmers woujf? try that experiment they would be sp satisfied >rith the results that they would quickly exjend their operations to a large scale.

The usual f weekly meeting o£ t)jp Ash burton Lodge, No, 29, 1.0. G.T., was held in the Templaa- Hall on Friday evening Bro Pearson, (8.T., presiding. There was a large attendance owi^g no doubt to its being the night of the election xjf District Deputy. Three candidates we're admitted and two reoefved by clearance. The Libvtu'y in comieeiipj] with the three Lodges wast an nounced "opened, and a large amount of business having hsec got through, refresh ments were handed round, to which ample justice was done. Songs, readjngs, and recitations were contributed by several members,, and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the usual ceremony at 8,39.

Mr G. B. Shaw, the wellknown amateur athlete, went Home by the Tainui, which left Lyttelton on Thursday. He intends running for some of the championship events at Home. He expects to return in a few months' time.

Not long ago, in Vienna, a thief snatched a bag from the son of a hospital porter who was walking along in the street. Picture the feelings of the thief when, on opening the bag, he found it contained nothing but a human head intended for examination.

At the Christehurch R.M. Court on Thursday Mr Hay recovered £47 6s and costs against the Government—damages sustained by him through the negligence of the officers at the quarantine station on Quail Island, who allowed a valuable collie slut, doing her quarantine after importation, to die from starvation.

The boom, as a defence against torpedo boats, is doomed, Rcently, at Portsmouth one ef Thornycroft's 1886 boats No. 49, jumped a broad and heavy boom, garnished with spikes, and got over the obstacle with out doing herself the slightest damage. She had, of course, been prepared for the experi ment.

The disgraceful fact that some of the survivors 6f the Charge of the Light Brigade are starving in the workhouse seems likely to be removed. There will probably be a monster benefit at the Empire Theatre, which will place the survivors of the " Six Hundred " beyond the reach of want for the rest of their days.

Some statistics of the Parnell Commission ■ are of interest. The President (Sir James Hannen) »ade 624 remarks; Justice Day made only one. Exactly 500 witnesses were called, to whom 98,265 questions were put. Sir Charles Russell cross-examined 175 Times' witnesses, including four of the chief. The official notes of the inquiry number 7096 pages.

Arrangements having been made to hold a dancing assembly at, Rakaia duritg .the winter, Wednesday last was chosen as the opening, night, when a very successful ball was held in the Oddfellows' Hall. Dancing was kept up until the small hours, to excellent music supplied by Mr F. McCarthy and others, Mr Petrie proving a very efficient M.C. It is intended to continue the assembly every Wednesday evening during the winter, and, judging by the success which attended the opening night, it promises to be very popular.

As some doubts existed "with reference to the branding of sacks for the Home market, so as io comply with the Merchandise Marks Act, the National Mortgage and Agency Company communicated with the London office and received the following reply:— 1' The omission on sacks of grain of the words ' New Zealand Produce' is of no conse • quence, providod there is no mark on the sack 3 which might be taken to indicate English origin. For instance, if the word 4 Canterbury' were branded upon them it would be neoessary to have 'N.Z. Produce ' marked distinctly also, otherwise they would not be admitted."

In Melbourne four young boys, all under 12 years of age, have been guilty of most' atrocious cruelty, to a dog. The boys had designs on a fruit garden, but their operations were always interfered with by the watchful ness of a small dog of the fox-terrier breed kept in the garden. In order to remove this obstacle to their plans, they enterod the place at 3 o'clock in the morning and took the dog away. Subsequently they threw it on its side, and while three of the young friends knelt on the poor beast, the fourth deliberatelyd drove ajhng wire nail into its side. This having failed to kill it, they carried the dog to the raiiway, and heedless of the poor animal's piteous howls, tied it to one of the rails, and waited until a train passed over it. For this diabolical act the youngsters escaped with the light sentence of 24 hours' imprisonment. A sound"wliipp* ing would have met their case better.

On Tuesday, Ist inst., the cantata " Under the Palms " wa3 given at the Bakaia Town Hall by the Asnburton Wesleyan Church Choir assisted by several friends. There was a good attendance, and despite the fact that two at least of the soloists wore victims to the influenza epidemic, the performance, was a most creditable one, though it'was asserted that the music of this particular cantata fails to "fetch" an audience like that of "Esther" or "Daniel." The stage was well lighted, and a number of rare pot plants, kindly lent by Mr C. Hardy, with other ever greens, produced a very pretty effect, Miss Murray at the piano, with Messrs Gates and Ward and Miss E. Gates (instrumentalists) took the orchestral parts, Mr J. Gamble conducting. Before and after the perform ance light refreshments were spread for visitors from a distance, most of whom were driven from Ashburton in coaches piloted by the skilful hands of Messrs Edward Saunders and G. Scott; and the promoters are par ticularly grateful to Mr J. Tucker for the generous arrangements he made for the conveyance of a number of the performers. The net proceeds of the effort will be handed to the Methven Home Mission.

A camp meeting was held at Lauriston, on Good Friday, under the; aiispices of the Methven Home "Mission authorities. The weather was all that cpuld b.e desired, and though the attendance in the early part of the day was meagre, as the afternoon advanced the numbers increased, and a very, pleasant service was held, Stirring addresses were given by'tlie Revds, J. J. Lewis, (Presi dent of the Wesleyan Cqnference) and J. N. Buttle, and Messrs John Alison a»,d. Arm strong. Mr Lewis' address 'on " Christian Perfection" was a most concise and lucid statement of that doctrine, as accepted by the Wesleyan body, and his brief but inter esting references to John Fletcher, of Madely, seemed to rivet the attention of the meeting. About five o'lock.an adjournment ,was made to the schoolroom where a bounti ful tea was Bpfoad by the Lauriston ladies, who seemed to" equal, if" not excel, th<tf» fair sisters in other parts of the county in the plethora and choiceness of the edibles pro yjded on such occasions. Following the tea another $ei;:vjce. was conducted in the school roommwhjcli'thV^r^deJltwd Rev J. N. Buttle took ' part, the' former gentleman giving an address which was marked by those elements of sincerity and culture for which ■Jfr Lewis is so well known. '

The qurfcsrly meeting of the Methven Home Mission officials wagijteld <j* Lauristqn on Friday, the Rev J. J. Lewie presid ing. In addition to several office bearers, Rtgr J, N. • guttle, Messrs J. Alison and E. Armstrong '(Horntf were pre sent. The number of members" was repp^tQd as 75, removals 3. From a rough balance sheet, presented by the Stewardp, it'was seen that the expenditure exceeded the revenue by £7, though this deficiency ia likely to be reduced when other returns are to hand. Among business transacted, a Jubilee Committee was appointed, consist ing nf Messrs Gaardar (secretary), Wajluce, .Clark, fivajtis, f>«ff, gnfj C. Djxon, The state of the Methven 'Sunday School was sfltofecj; of lengthy conversation,' 1 ahd eventually a solution of the difficulty was suggested and approved; and it is hoped the action taken will cominsnd itself to the parties interested. A resolution )mvms SZI tllS SUl>j§9* °f ministerial supply received tho support qf the meeting, and the Stewards were em powered to purchase a circuit horse. Qther matters of detail paying received attention, the meeting closed by the Chairman pro nouncing the benediction.

Irish Land Purchase Bill

[per press association.]

London, April 4. Earl Spencer, speaking at Shipton, stigmatised the Irish Land Bill as costly, cumbrous, and unworkable.

Lord R. Churchill has published a letter in the "Morning Post" on the same subject, denouncing it as monstrous to force the measure on unwilling people., He was certain repayment of advances would be repudiated. London, April 6. In his letter to the "Morning Post" on the Irish Land Purchase Bill, Lord R. Churchill declares that if it passes into law it will involve a loss of £20,000,000, while the loss entailed under Lord Ash bourne's holdings Act, 1888, would be only £9,000,000. He considers the security to be given unworthy of trust, and that the scheme of Mr Gladstone is much superior to the proposal under consideration.

The Waiotomo Caves.

The following account of the Governor s I visit fco the Waiotomo Caves was crowded out of our last issue:—On Wednesday the recently discovered Waiotomo caves were visited by his Excellency the Governor and a large pa'rfcy of Europeans and Natives, and a most enjoyable day was spent. One section of the party, includ- Lord and; Lady .-Onslow. and the Misses Whitaker , rode the whole distance of ten miles to the caves on horseback. Others, among whom were Sir F. Whitaker, Hon E. Mitchelson, and Mr J. H. Upton, Mayor of Auckland, travelled by train to Hongitiki, a distance of six miles, then walked a mile and a half and did the final four miles on horseback. This ar rangement enabled the latter party to see something of the King Country beyond Otorohanga, and they were repaid for the trouble. The scenery is beautiful, undu lating country stretching away as far as the eye can reach, with here and there a peaceful valley, in the centre of which are the raupo whares and maize clearings indicating the existence of a Maori settle ment. Occasionally a pretty winding stream varies the view, and renders it more enchanting to the eye. One is struck with the luxuriance of vegetation and the evident richness of the soil. Here is some of the finest land in the colony, and the fact is important that it is now under negotiation, and ere long will be covered with numerous home steads. The Government hope to put the first settlers on this year, and are endea voring to acquire an immense area of similar country, the soil of which is splendid. The scene at Waiotomo when the party, which formed quite a cavalcade, arrived there, was a picturesque one. Waiotomo is a valley, or more correctly speaking a saddle between two high ranges of hills, and at the foot of this saddle funs the Waiotomo river. Crossing the saddle the slope beyond was covered by a motley assemblage of Maoris, who chanted a song of welcome when Lord and Lady Onslow appeared. His Excellency shook hands with several of the chiefs, and suitably [ acknowledged their greetings. A start was then made for the caves. The en trance is made by water, a stream some twenty feet wide flowing under ground. The party were conveyed three or four at a time in a canoe through the cavernous j entrance a distance of about fifty yards, and landed in the first chamber. The caves are of limestone formation and are most remarkable in appeaxance, indeed as a sight they surpass the famous Pink and White Terraces of Rotorua. The interior of the cavern by which entrance is gained is weird in the extreme, immense stalac tites of an earthen color hanging from the roof and projecting from the sides and giving the chamber a most uncanny ap pearance, indeed the fact that the caves remained so long undiscovered was due to the dread the Maoris had to the entrance, which they believed was haunted by Taniwha. A stream flows always, through the caves, which are somewhat intricate in their windings, traversing a distance of nearly half a mile. The whole of this is done on foot.

The interior is beautiful beyond descrip tion. One of the, largest chambers, which is probably 40ft high, resembles the interior of a Gothic cathedral, with a vaulted ceiling, carved out beautifully, as if it had been done by the chisel of a mason. Immense columns and pillars of limestone deposit rise to the ceiling. Beyond this is the "glow-worm chamber," so-called because the roof is illumined by millions of glow-worms, which glisten like countless gems. Another chamber is called the " Native Lands Court," ffpm' the fact that the stalactites form figures corresponding; in detail with the occu pants of a Court of Justice, Ascending by means of ladders, other chambers are reached, and in then; the formations are of every conceivable forn^ and wonder fully beautiful. Some resemble woolle^n fleeces, others are }ike|qh.iselle,d. folds of pure and transparent marble, and others again possess the graceful lines of love liest statuary. Scarcely two formations are alike. From the roof depend an immense number of stalactites which might be more graphically described as crystal pendants, some being for all the world like bunches of parsnips, and others being fully two feet long, and no thicker than a penqil^ ■<■■>• The i.Org^n gallery " contain^ a good imitation of ah Organ in marble,, while in the next chamber-may be seen a remark able phenomenon. From the ceiling; hangs; whfs might be. taken for. the folds of awanket, but which is really, a lime stone formation. It', is sub-transparent, and if a light is held behind it one can plainly see the green stripes of a blanket just where they wou|d be,. Tjh^r,e is a t fcie.au.tiful imitation &V miniature of the" White Terraces,'the'surface, "of which is covered with glistening white silipate. Another, phenomenon is a foundation of black: terraces amongst the cry^ta^ed foundation. Br,obabls thn jo.yeJli^t spot; of all is the! ". otbfcfcb.;"'which from its appearance might have been hollowed out of pure white marble. Here again the stalactites assume most fantastic shapes and are charming in their loveli nesß. >'

The party finally emerged on the side of the hill fifty feet ahc^ spofc '.^here! they 'entered. vlt w^is 'the' general opinion that the ' Waiotomo caves will long be one of the most popular resorts for tourists and certainly they are now one of the most attractive!

Crown Land Sale.

, At a meeting of the Land Board he^ on Thursday the fallowing applications for land QBt>ned on March 25th, 1890, ( under the Land Act Amendment Act, 1887, between the 'Hinds and- Rangitata rivers, were granted :—W. J. Anderson, 384 alr 38p ; Isabella Anderson, 304 a3r 30p ; Jno. Ballantyne, 3Q3a ; Annie Barr, 166 a2r 2p ; §am\iel B,ara?« 6,^ 2r' IJp j' 'Baxter, 55Qaj-i\ H. Bowler, 36a 2r 29p ; R. Button, 23a Or 38p ; P. Camp bell, 480 a ; W. Charles, 73a Or 19p ; W. Chisnall, 21a 2r lip ; W. H. Clements, 433 aOr 20p ; G. Cross, 7a 3r 35p ; W. Dellow, 39a ; H. Fo.rd, 311 a; Duncan Fraser, 640 a; Sarah Harper, 104a2r30p.; J C. Helmorc, 495 alr lp ) ?P, Mug,' 0a lr Qp j P, Dtfatqon, 238 a ; William Manson; S96a ;' Janet Miller, 386 a' 3r lßp ; W. ; Miller, 548 a3r 12p ) E. Morrow, 576 a; A. McKenzie, 150 aOr 24p ; W. McLaren, 332 a ; M. McLaughlan, 80a; Jane Peter, 51a ; W. K. Rennie, 238 a2r 20p ? J. G: R,uddejn.klau, 2^6a 2r ; J. E. TrfiyQr, 233 a i lr 26p"; Thomas Wpylley, 20^'a 3r 3p. Total area of land opened was 23,300 1 acres, 84 applications wore put in, out of ( which 38 ~ were granted (principally, by I ballot) of a total area of 8695 a2r 7p as »boyejjote«[,

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(per press association)

Dunbdin, April 5. Yesterday's attendance at the exhibition totalled 8180, including 6372 cash admis sions. Oscar Meyer, Commissioner for New South Wales to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition has been appointed to represent that colony at the forthcoming Universal Mining Exhibition to be held in the Crystal Palace.

Dunbdin, April 7. The Exhibition attendance on Saturday was 6409, including 4578 paid admission.

London Markets.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-opera tive Association through their London agents, Messrs W. Weddel and Co., report under date London, 22nd February, 1890:—

Wool.—The first series of sales for the current year will close on 24th inst.,' having been postponed on account of fog yesterday. Competition has latterly been steady, the position in the manufacturing districts warranting purchases at the present level of prices. That, however, is distinctly lower than was current in last series, being generally nearer the level of values in October. The stringency in the money, market has probably been the most adverse factor in determining the course of prices, but fortunately the situation is now clearer in that respect, and the immediate outlook is by no means discouraging. Faulty merinos have suffered most depreciation, the finer qualities shewing least change. The comparatively fewcrossbreds offered have received excellent support, but relative rates are about 5 per cent down from last sales' level. The condition of the New Zealand clip marketed has hardly reached last year's standard, being generally more Vasty, and not so good in point of Color. The quantity catalogued during the series will amount to 260,000 bales (16,000 New Zealand) and probably 55,000 bales will be held over. Next auctions will commence on 10th April. Grain.—The weather lately has been cold and seasonable. Easterly winds hare dried the land, and enabled farmers to make progress with field work. The autumn sown crops in this country, on the Continent, and in America are promising well. The general tone of the market has been dull, and although most holders have refrained from pressing sales the tendency has been somewhat in buyers' favor, a decline of 6d per quarter being accepted in some cases.

English Wheat.—The " gazette average" has further declined 5d per quarter to 29s Bd, despite the better condition of most parcels. The country markets are very slow. Foreign Wheat.—Russian and Indian sparingly offered at previous rates. Cali fornian cargoes unchanged. American quotations weaker. Australia offers very little, and original estimates of crop must now be con-, siderably modified owing to damage by red rust. Two or three cargoes, January, February, bills, of lqding, are on sale at 355, but buyers' ideas are about 6d per quarter less. The stock of old wheat in London is exhausted.

New Zealand on the spot meets with a fair consumptive demand, but prices are the turn lower. We quote :—Sound long berry, fair to good, 375, and 38s per 4961bs ; ex store, sound short berry, fair to good, 33s 6d and 34s 6d per 4961b5. Neyr Zealand Beans still hang fire at 33s per 5041bs ex store.

Arrivals :—Margaret Galbraith from Lyttelton, 8634 sacks wheat, 100 sacks beans; Nelson from Wellington, 1485 sacks barley; Brier Holme from Timaru, 11,170 saokn wheat, 137 saoks barley; Arawafroin Lyttelton, 200 sacks oats.

Butter,—Since the date of our last report an important rise has been estab lished in the values of the best descrip tions of European butter, but the market does not close at its best point. The lower and inferior descriptions have not patricipated in the rise, but are still al most unsaleable in an overstocked market. New Zealand arrivals have been very disappointing in respect of quality, great irregularity and general , inferiority characterising the bulk of the shipments received this season—up to the present. The finer qualities ex " Tbngariro " (s) and "Doric" (s) sold, readily at full prices, but the lower- grades have met a slow sale. Australian shipments have been very satisfactory on the whole, and have made full rates. We quote:— Normandy (per cwt), 96s to, 108s; Danish, liOjS to 1225; Brittany,. 90s to 100s; Australian, 90b, to 106s; New Zealand, fine, 96s to 102s; medium, 70s to 84s ; inferior, 50s to 60s ; grease, 30s to 40s. Cheese.—New Zealand parcels recently landed have been mostly strong flavored and of indifferent quality. Prices have ranged between. 36s to. 80s. per cwt, but gj^noraHy under 455. j Hemp.—At auction on 19th inst., 585 bales were offered, but only 53 found buyers. Prices are quite nominal, the absence of American demand, and the extent of stocks tending to a reduction inj the value of all classes. Manila a.nd, sisal hemps have given way a,b,Qut £3 per ton. Frozen Mb^ts.—WhifeV the general market, has beei} rathep.slow. and occasion- ally, lower (except for American beef^, the positionof-frozen mutton has, remained fairly strong. The demand has not been active, owing latterly to the approach of Lent,; but as supplies have been com paratively light, it has been found, practicable to secure an advance in, values, the coldness of the wea^hep materially assisting the advance.. A noteworthy incident haa been the, arrival; of the "Star o£> England "' (s), with thelargest cargo of i frozen' muttoji yet imported into $&, country—say 41,000 carca&os from. Queensland and New Zealand;., Th^sJiip- ment Has b^pn &nde<| ift wettest i Qo^d^tio^ and} being, the first, arrival of i the $e'el> of large ca,rgo steamers recently built for- this trade, and fitted with a new system of refrigerating engines has attracted considerable attention. River Plate mutton has not been firmly held lately. New Zealand beef has improved' in value owing to shor|ne^s m supplies' 6f- Amejrjca.n,, Quotations.—Prime Scotch mufobn, 5s to 5s 6d per 81bs; prime English mutton, 4s lOd to 5s 4d per 81bfy prime Foreign mutton, 4s 5$ to 4s lOd per 81bs ; prime N^ew Zealand mutton, 3s Id to 3r 4$ per 8lbs; secondary New Zealand' nmtton, 3s to 3s Id; inferior New Zealand mutton, 2s lid; prinxe'New Zealand lambs, 4s 4d to ss; prime. Rijver Plate mutton,, 2s 6d to 2s 8d per' 81bs,; secondary River Plate mutton, 2s§d i ]D l er. 81bs ; prime Sydney mutton,, 2s Bd' to ,2s lOd per 81bs; prime Queensland mutt^ 2s 9d to 2s lOd per 81bs; secondary Queensland mutton, 2s 7d to 2s, Bdj pe£ Blbs • New Zealand beef;/ hin&s, 2& 16x1 per Blbs ; New Zealand beef", "fores, 2s' 18d per 81bs^ Queensland beef, hinds, nominal, 2s lOd per 81bs.

Emm And Stanley.

[PER PEESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, April 4 TThe English Press is indignant at Emm Pasha's behaviour.

London, April 6. Mr Stanley thinks Emm Pasha un grateful for departing to Central Africa without returning thanks for what he (Stanley) had done for him. It is stated that the Khedive also expressed disgust at Emm leaving Zanzibar.

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN JOCKEY CLUB.

AUTUMN MEETING.

[pee peess association.]

Sydney, April 5. There was magnificent weather for the Australian Jockey Club's Autumn Meet ing, and there was a large attendance. The following are the results: — Thb Hurdle Race, a handicap sweep stakes of 5 soys with 200 soys added. About two miles and a hah*. . Bellringer 1, Banjo 2 / Charlie ... 3 , Twelve started. The. New Zealand horse, Titokowaru, finished sixth.- Time —smin 15secs. I Thb Autumn Stakes, a sweepstakes of 10 soys each, with 500 soys added. For three-years-olds and upwards, w.f.a. One mile and a half. Carbine ... ... ... 1 Melos ... ... . ... ... t Dreadnought... ... ... \ A. J.C. Seres' Produce Stakes ; a sweep stakes of 10 soys each, with 220 soys. added by the owners of. sires, and 300 soys from the A.J.C.; for, two year-olds; colts, Bst 101b, fillies Bst 81b, geldings Bst 51b. Seven furlongs. Titan ... ... ... ... 1

Wilga '... ... 2 Titan won easily by four lengths. The Mutual Selling Plate, of 400 soys. Pet Girl ... 1, Ernest... ... ... . ... 2' ■ Bosco ... 3 Won easily. Time—lmin. 43|sec. , A.J.C. St Leger( a sweepstakes of 30 soys. each, sft, with 300 soys added. For three-year-olds. Colts Bst 101b, fillies and geldings Bst 51b. One mile and three-quarters. Dreadnought 1 Singapore 2 Only the two started. Hales, after a smart brush . home, won rather easily. Time—3min 52sec. Doncaster Handicap, a handicap sweep stakes of 10 soys each, with 1000 soys added; second horse 200 soys, and third 100 soys from the stake. One mile.

Sir William ... ... ... 1 The Gift 2 Mantilla 3 Twenty-nine started. Sir William and Tlie Gift joined issue, and from the distance a great race ensued, Sir William winning by half a length. Time—lmin 43|sec. '' ''" |

European Situation.

THE EMPEROR AND DE CAPRIVI.

RUSSIAN MACHINATIONS.

[per tress association.]

Berlin, April 4

, A, pamphlet published in Berlin asserts that the Emperor and De Caprivi are members of a secret league of Patriots, which has been formed to unite Liberals, Opposition, and Socialists in one body. Bismarck was dismissed because he had taught the Kaiser everything he wanted to know. The authorship of the pam phlet is ascribed to the Emperqt William himself. *■- ■ .■<' De Caprivi is about to pay visits to the Premiers of Austria and Italy.  Sofia, April 4. The German Ambassador has left Sofia. The French Consul will attend to his interests. St. Petersburg, April 5. " The Novosti," a newspaper published here, considers that the resignation of Prince Bismarck has washed away the foundation of the Triple Alliance, and asserts that Austria will shortly evacuate Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vienna, April 5. The Austrian Press declare that Russia is on the verge of a general explosion, and that she is inciting Servia and Montene gro to attack Bulgaria,. while the- latter, acting under the advice of Austria, seeks to avoid a quarrel. In the meantime, Bulgaria is fortifying the plain of Slivintzai ' .

Berlin, April 6 An order issued by theTSmperor renders the middle'class eligible for the position of officers in the army, increases the pay, prohibits luxury, and the promotion of offenders is stopped. It is reported that the v Deutsche: Freisinnige." or German liberal party are qfferingj opposition to the proposed monu ment, to commemorate the services ren dered 'to. the state by Prince Bismarck;,'"

East Street Horse Market.

Bland and Humphreys report for the week ending Saturday sth April:—We held our weekly, sale of horses, etc. There was a fair attendance of farmers and others, but the bidding was not.yery brisk, nevertheless we sold. 19 horses out of a total en^ry of 36; good draught stock realised good value. The following is a detailed lisfe of the sale. Three and four ye.w old draught mares and geldinga brought £.21, £23105, £24, £24105, £25. Three to seven year old mares and geld ings, £15, £16 10s, £20. We sold a number of hacks from £4 10s to £7. Sundries, rye-seed, 3s 9d per bushel, tyer* grass seed, 3s to 3s 3d ; chickwheajb, Js 9d to 2s per bushel; old oajbs..|^ 6d peij bushel; onions Id per- Jb,; ; potatoes 4s to 5s per bag. Qn X^ednesflay we held a cl^aringt aaje. of furniture on account of Mr- John, Russell which, sold welk

Stanley's Appearance.

The correspondent of the ]$©;w "^ork " EWorld" who went to Central; Africa, to interview Stanley on his return march, giv/es an interesting account of the. figure presented by the great ex plorer. When he came, upon Stanley's camp the correspondent found what looked lik© a big straggling village in a yalley, with tents dotted all over the psacel. The tents, had, of course, been through a great deal ol hard' work, and had become a dirty green through .wear, tear, and, exposure. Mr Stanley and. Emjn, Pasha's tents were somewhat ley^ejr and smarter than those of their rejs^ective followers, and sported gay E^jvfptian flags. Stanley was clothed in; a suit evidently cut out of an old Isnt cover, grassy in hue, and y^uresquely discolored; a battjer^'<>ap, o£- the. kijrid which recalls «Kepeaked-R«ssianmilifcajpj; cap*was on his, head. His boots were; the; best part of his costume, but these it is believed were payfe of the stores left more than tjwo years ago at, the sou^h end of Lake Victoria. Being ajsk^d w.lj.ejihejc it was true that Stacy's, hair h^d turned, white, tlie QQxi\)spondent replied*' M Well, it is Wid it isn't. Stanley "vrears hip hair very lpw in the nape; thp hair growing on the top.jmd sides has g;one white, but a kind of h];vik fringo remains on the neck." Emm Bey he. described as small and Kli,s?hC, with -wliiskers and spectacles* '.' He strongly recalls in personal appear* ance," he added, "bothjjiy Gould and Sir Edwin Arnold, especially when the latter appears in a. skull cap." From which we infer that Emm Bey- is a. very remarkable looking man % j

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(PB«. PEESS ASSOCIATION.)

.MONETARY.

\ •■ London, April ,4. } ' The total reserve in the Bank of Eng land is £15,35^000. The proportion of reserves to liabilities is 41*24 per cent. Consols, 97f ; A.4% Inscribed Stock is quoted at 107*.

MARKETS.

Ihere has been a gfcnejal decline of 3d in the English wheat riiarket. -*Tlw& Con tinental is dull, and the American steady. Sellers are asking 35s W for Australian wheat on passage^but buyers will not give more than 34s 3d.,, - , V ',y' • Tallow—Best mutton,; 245?6d to 255: best beef, 24b. \

THE LABOR QUESTON.

Mr Thomas Burt, M.P;, President of the Miners' National Union, ha» left on a visit to Baron Hirschof Berlin. \ It is his intention to formulate a. scheme; for the establishment of;> Grand ■ Fraternity of Labor between 'the .trades' "mucns in Britain and Gernjgy^ '^p*w\ .

ENGLAND AND CHTNA.

• '. ■ London^ Apnl 6, ■ China has signed a oorivei^fcipw idmitt* ing Englishmen to Chung Kiang and the upper Yangtze. ' ' ,•'-•',

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

Russia insists that its indemnity should be the primary chargdon the new Turkish loan. w - ~ 4 • '' _ .• ' , . . , A NEW STEAMER. The Union Coinfaany's iisteainet-Kito kono has been laurichoa at Dumbarton.

LORD CARRINGTON.

" London, April 6. It is understood that Lord Carrington, Governor of New South Wales, is to be created in Earl. .. A , .,;..> ■■,„, { .

REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA.

The "Economist" asserts th»t real estate in Victoria is unsaleable..; v

SIR T. ESMONDE.

In the course of a speech "Sir T. Esmonde, one" of the Irish, delegates to the colonies, teid that; -the Melbourne M Argus " and " Age" were'the only two papers in Australia opposed to Horns Rule for Ireland. -' ' ... . ,

EGYPTIAN LOAN.

Park, Apnl 6. The French Government has re-opened negotiations in connection with the oon version of the Egyptian preference loan from 5 per cent to 4 per cent, and will probably assent to its being done.

AN ITALIAN FASTER.

RbMX," April 5. Succi, an Italian faster, has subsisted for eighteen'days on water and painkiller, and is hopeful to endure fasting foe forty days, v ' •"•■■' .' a- .■ . ,■ - ; :

PERSIAN TOBACCO TRADE

' , Teheran, April 6. A British syndicate is arranging for a monopoly of the tobacco trade in Persia.

ANTI-SWEATING AGITATION.

The agitation against sweating is spreading.. • ■ ' ' ' - . '■

LORD DEERHURST.

Lord Deerhurst's creditors demand 20s in the pound.

STANLEY'S RETURN.

Stanley is expected to reach England on April 26th.. . , ,*; ,_, ,J^

BOOTMAKERS' DEMANDS.

The bootmakers who, demanded work in factories instead of at home have ex tended the time necessary to . enlarge) shops. . ;,','' . V^, ;

RUSSIAN AFFAIRS;: \>. St. PBraatSßuao;-April 4- The Czarewitch will ibid a review of the Russian fleet, at Madivostock, a sea-. port of Asiatic Russia, during the autumn*

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Edinburgh, April 4. The Rev. James Fleming has been nominated Moderator of the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION.

CowsiEAiramopi^ April 5. The Porte "re-opens parleying on tfts Anglo-Egyptian Convention on the basis of the British evacuation. ■ ' " v The Anglo-French negotiations with regard to the conversion of lama are improving/ " '"*"* v >

NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERIES.

- •-' - St Johns, April 5. The colonists insist on the French maritime territorial, rights being ex tinguished, and declare that Newfound land will agitate in the direction until British supremacy is undisputed; The Premier and Attorney-General- have started for England to bring the whole question under the notice of the Imperial Government. •y, •;-.-■'. -: :

THE GERMANS IN AFRICA.

- ' Bbkijn/April 5. a It is announced that the Sultan and eight chiefs of Mandaia, a kingdom of Central North Africa, have hoisted the German flag. " , . f .

THE STRIKE IN VIENNA.

VIENKA, April 5. The masons.' strike here is subsiding. f

THE MISSISSIPPI FLOODS.

: New YorKj April 6. . Estimates of the damage .by the recent ' tornado, and floods', on the Mississippi have been overated.

MAJOR PINTO.

v Lisbon, April 6* Major Pinto, who was recently ordered to Loanda, has left there for this city.

AUSTRALIAN.

r ; ; [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Ji; {_'

VICTORIA.

VICTORIA. . , . MKwocßwry April 6. Nothing will be done towards floating the Loan Bill titt after Easter.

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, April 5. Mr W. H. Vivian a freetrader, nag beet* elected for the Hastings and Manning . seat in. the Legislative Assembly, vacated by Mr C. J. Roberts, who resigned* and visits England shorfly. Kemp has accepted McLean's' challenge for £200 a Bide and the championship of the world, should the former hold it. Tha preliminaries are being arranged for & match between McLean ?uid O'Connor. The latter offers to row^Stansbmy for £500 aside after his race with McLean.

The Passion Play in Paris

Some time ago the cable informed us that tho proposal that Mdme Sarah Bern* . hardfc should appear in the PaarioH'Play at Oberammhrgaa had created some- sen* sation. From our files we learn that the cable was misinterpreted. The following particulars are given in * Home paper.— - Tlic religious wovlii in* Paris is tic;ui(l^Hstxl-at a proposal,, Jo bring out % .. 'Mystui-y'or Passion Pfeiy in Holy Week \\ ;it the Porte Saint Martin, with MdSM -" ;' Sarah Bcrnbardt as the Virgin M«ft ,^ The censor has nob yet given, his Tito g|Ys

THE ASHBtTRTON GUARDIAft, MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1890.



JPubli Aotices. \ OhARLES JjEADDELLi Licensed Landbroker and. Valuator under "The Land Transfer Act, 1885. ESTATE, HOUSE, LAND, AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT. Office—Burnett Street, Next to "Mail" Office. " H. GHILDS SHOEING AND GENERAL BLACK SMITH AND ENGINEER, (Late of Chertsey.) BEGS to notify that he has com menced business in Ashburton in the premises on Wakanui Road, lately occupied by Mr 0. Ray, Enginear, where ! he hopes by strict attention to business, , combined with good Workmanship and Moderate Charges, to merit a fair share •f public support. All kinds of Agricultural and other Machinery repaired. Horse Shoeing and »11 kinds of Blacksmiths' work done with promptitude. Note the Address— Late premises of C. RAY, Wakanui Road



ASHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL. Established 1881. T3UPILS of both sexes are taught the \ elements of a liberal education. Special subjects of study may be pur sued where circumstances require a de parture from the ordinary school course. Head Master : Mr J. E. Buchanan, let 8.A., (London). per year Fee for pupils over 1? years of age £3 3 0 Fee for pupils under 12 years of age 2 9 0 Husic (extra) 110 Th» School year is divided into three terms. All fees »re payable in advance



WINTER IS COMING



W. W. SPENCER



Has' just landed a Large and Choice Assortment of New Goods for the coming season.



Ne-w Dress Goods in all the most fashionable shades at 7£d. A splendid thick and heavy Homespun •fc Is 3d, worth Is 9d. Good heary Melton Dress Tweeds B£d. White Twill Sheetings, double width Is Good white Calicoes 4s 9d the dozen.



Gray Calicoes 2s lid a dozen. Ticking, 6£d. Prints, Towels, Shirtings, Flannels, Quilts, ate., at about half-price. Good ;; Washing Ginghams in fancy checks at s£d. Men's Tweed Suits 18s 6d. A Good Tweed Suit, 255. Men's Thick Woollen Socks Is 4d. Men's strong cotton Shirts, 2s 6d. Men's Colored Moles 6s lid. Men's Shooter Boots 10s 6d, Bluchers, 6s lid. Children's strong School Boots 6s lid.



A large assortment of Children's Patant Leather Shoes and Boots always in Stock AT W, W. SPENCER'S The Arcade.



WINTER 1890. NEW ZEALAND NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING EACTOKY. CLOTHIERS OUTFITTERS TAILORS, MERCERS AND GENTLEMEN'S HATTERS. "^TTATERPROOFS made to Measure. \ V A splendid variety of patterns to select from. Blankets, Rugs, Eider Down Quilts at prices to suit everybody. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND . Clothing Factory. W H WEBBER, ' Manager.



Quod facimus vaide facimus. |(" What we do we do well.") THE CHRISTCHURCH DENTAL SURGERY, Cashel Street, Christchurch, next Robin son's Boot Store and at the Octagon, Dunedin. All operations at strictly uniform and moderate charges Consultation free. S. MYEklTand CO., SURGEON DENTISTS. NITROUS OXIDE GAS administered. This Anresthetic leaves no unpleasant. effects, and by its use the extraction of | Bad Stumps and Teeth is rendered jpor fectly Painless and effective. Adminis tered daily. Fee for administration of Gas, ss. Extraction, 2s 6d a tooth. Hours of attendance, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Private residence, 93 East Belt. The acknowledged superiority of MERICAN DENTISTRY in the con struction of Artificial Teeth, the most finished workmansliip, and replacing the lost teeth TEMPORARILY ALMOST IMMEDIATELY after extraction, have , established our reputation. i A single Artificial Tooth, 10s, complete set, Upper and Lower, Temporary and Permanent £10 10s ; Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists re- ' modelled at small coat, Stopping, Scaling, | Jlrfecb and Painless. J



Wanted.



Cask Advrrtbementx under this heading, not



, exceeding 16 ivor h, ONE SHILLING



-tidresxes ui/iy be Icjt at this Office



TDUBLIC NOTlCE.—Melford" House _L closes every night at 6 p.m. Satur days 9.30 p.m.—H. C. Segers. ' "TITANTED, a" good"general~Farm V V Hand. Apply to Charles Reid, blacksmith, Ashburton. 4 49



WANTED Known—For first class Drapery; if you want good value for your money, go to H. C. Segbbs, Melford House.



"TTTANTED Known— •' Strong-wear VV Boots for Ladies, Men and Children can only be obtained at W. H. Collier's.



WANTED Known —My Special Make of Ladies' 4-clasp Kid Gloves, " The Ashburtonian, braided backs, 3s 6d per pair.—W, H. Collier.



A I / ANTED every man in the County W to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings.



STOP THAT COUGH! By using Flower's Cough Drops. Guaranteed efficacious. Can only be obtained at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner, East Street. 3 191



'\\l ANTED Known —One hundred VV • and fifty Ladies' and Children's Ulsters bought a great bargain (good qualities), now selling very cheap—H. C. Segeks. Melford House.



MRS KENNEDY and Miss Cameron, Moore Street — Teachers of Scientific Dress-cutting. Bodices cut and fitted. Dressmaking in all its branches. Riding habits a speciality. 12{69



WITH one of my Tweed overcoats or a Sewn seam Waterproof and a pair of my double-soled shooters on, you can smile at La Grippe and Influenza as they pass.—Robert Axcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings.



WANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A large stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch.



$ttMic $oifce* i —NOTICE— T HAVE pleasure in announcing that I •*• have appointed Mr J. Quinn, Watch maker, as sole agent in Ashburton for my Improved Pebble Spectacles. Signed 10 15 . WM. RICKETTS. TINWALD COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT. JA /"CLOTHIER has for O_. vy Sale—Best New castle, Westporfc, Grey Valley, and Mount Somers Coal, Firewood and Stakes. Prime Oaten Straw and' Sheaf Chaff, at Ashburton prices. SUITS TO~MEASURE rr HE Largest Stock of 1 Tweeds ever shown in Ashburton to choose from.



QUALITY AND FIT GUARANTEED. Gome and see the prices. ! ASHBURTOITCLOTHING MART, SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS. I •r» ALcoßy : /~] "TpAWCIT "pvODDB. SURGEON DENTIST, (Formerly with A. W. Chat«bld, Auckland.) —charges— Ordinary Extraction 2s 6d Painless 5s Od Stopping 7s 6d ! Full upper and lower set of Artificial Teeth 10 guineas, and all work equally moderate. —CONSULTATION FREE— All work done by lUro guaranteed to fit and look well, Addbess : —Court Chambers, above Mr H- M, Jones, Stationer, East Street. i Private Residence, JJavelock Street, i Opposite Presbyterian Church



THE ASHBUBTOK , TUBE WAEEHOUSE, ; TANORED STREET. PICKFORD and UNDRILL have ai large and carefully selected stock of FURNITURE now on view, including Suites, Sofas, Couches, Chests Drawers, Chairs, etc., etc., of their own manufac ture from well seasoned materials. Iron Bedsteads in various patterns. Bedding in great variety. Special line of PERAMBULATORS, just the thing for the holidays. A Choice Assortment of CHINA, GLASSWARE, . , AND ' ORNAMENTS j Very suitable for Christmas presents. :



JUST ARRIVED. Ex "WAKEFIELD" 1 A consignment of Assorted CHAIRS AND FANCY GOODS. ; INSPECTION FREELY INVITED. j Furniture designed and made it© order j at shortest notice I —Note the address — ! TANCRED STREET Opposite the Arcade "TOTrCE~OFEEMOVALr -



John Mpisbisr j BEGS to inform his Customers and the Ashburton Public that he has taken those commodious shops in the Town Hall, to which he Avill remove his business on Ist MAY next, and in consequence will hold a clearing: sale of \ his present Stock, at REDUCED BATES' . for CASH ONLY till date of removal., Orders booked will be charged at Ordinary' Rates. ; REPAIRS neatly .executed at the > , shortest notice, 1 A J, JWOISON.



Certainly the Most Effective MEDICINE in the world is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent i powerful effects in Coughs, Colds, Influenza, etc.; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands I «avo the most gratifying testimony: Read this oevtttteate;—"3#h April, 1885 — Messrs Sander and Sons,—lt is with the greatest of pleasure that I testify to the excellence of your Eucalypti Extract. , Having had inflammation of the bone of the j leg, which came on after a severe attack of | low fever, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd, wnq had made strenuous efforts to save my ; leg,' but without unccess. He found it necessary tfi> amputate Hiy'limb. Haying heard in the meantime of the wohderfuKures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I obtained a bottle, and the extract had not been applied more than an horn- when I began to feel greatly relieved. After applying the extract eveiy fojw lttWSfe* IH ne or ten da? s I was out of all danger. I would persuade, all who may be effected with any such < disease to give the Eucalypti Extract a trial, • and I am convinced that they will find it the most wonderful of medicines.—Yours, etc., E. J. Cdbkow, Wattle street, Sand- J ' Uwt.~"(AdYt,) w



Grace- Church, New York s is famous for its music. The organist eej# a salary of 5000dol a year, the leading.' soprano 2500d0l more, and the. other-airigers^repeive salaries 9i»SVe^»tUVg; IOODtJpJ. Besides this there are, an army 'of. servants connected with, tke edifice whose salaries amount, io. at least 10,000dol, This savours very much more of the theatre than of the Christianity taught by its meek and lowly founder.



Miss Florence Blythe^ a Cheshire girl, lately residing ut Nerthcndcn, is likely to oome in>o .-ei,00l),000 sterling, left by the late Mr Thomns Blythc, who cmiyvatul from Cheshire .mil died rccentU- £l Nan Francisco. Miss Blythc i? .said lobe an ille gitimate daughter of thti testator, and the will in her. favour was at first concealed by a woman who tried to establish her claim to the mopey.