The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1890. MONEY IN FRUIT-GROWING.

In Saturday's issue we devoted an article to the subject of the profitable ness of small holdings, in the course of which we cited instances in this part of the colony in which industrious men with—to use the popular expression— " their heads screwed on rights" are making a good thing of it by cultivat ing fruit upon small acreages of land. We have just come across some in teresting information as to what is being done in the fruit industry in California, and what that industry in, doing for California in return, and, which will well repay perusal. Horti- j culture and fruit-growing is said to be; '•booming the value of the land over there," and after reading the subjoined , our readers will easily understand how : this comes about Writing on the in creased value of land for horticultural and fruit-growing purposes, the ■" Los ' Angelos Herald" says:—"All .over this section at this time are drying thousands of tons of apricots, nee- 1 tarines, peaches, prunes, and other deciduous fruits. These products thus prepared are selling at 6§d to Is per j pound. They will bring in here an immense amount of money. This is the boom. The orange growers have been pocketing £50 to £150 an acre for their crop. The producers of cab toftgp ,l,w<? received XiO to 4SJQQ for

their crops. If that seems too much to make off this vegetable, let it be noted that they got £10 a ton for the crop. The potato men have made as high as £40 an acre. The walnut growers -will get next fall £40 to £100 an acre. The growers of prunes and apricots are getting £25 to £100 an acre. If this is not a boom, pray j what would make one ? Granted it is only the inception of a boom, but'it is there and of solid strength. It is a boom that will grow. In 10 years the orange crop will be 25,000 cars, and all other branches will keep up with the head of the procession. Let wise men keep their eyes on the situation. It is a boom and it will stay." It is said that the individual who has nerve to purchase 20 acres of land, set it out in orange or any other fruit, and stay with it for a period of live years, need have no fears about keeping the wolf from the door after that, as said 20 acres of land will net him no less than £100 per acre. The " San Francisco Chronicle " states that there is not a 20-acre orange grove in the State of California of that age that can be purchased fur less than £4000, and the cost of maturing the same will not exceed £1200. On this estimate the individual would not be required to do a lick of work on the premises, but could hire all the labour performed. The grove would commence bearing in three years. At the end of 10 years it would net him an income of not less than £1600 per year. At the end of five years he would get 10 per cent, interest, £400 on the value of the place and £600 clear money, and .at the end of ten years £400 interest, and £1200 clear money. Now, asks the " Chronicle," if there are any better investments than these in the country, we would like to know what they are; and if the reader has any doubts on the subject let him get the figures from those who have thoroughly tested the matter." Al though oranges can be, and are success fully grown in the northern part of the Auckland provincial district, the climate is of course too cold • for the cultivation of that particular fruit in' this part of the colony; yet though orange culture is not open to us in Canterbury, equally good results can, we are persuaded, be obtained from the growth of other fruits, such as apples, prunes, etc., in which there is ample room for the establishment of a large export trade. This year owing to the shortage of the apple crop last season in England the export of apples to the Old Country promises to pay well, and given due care in the packing and there is no reason why this part of New Zealand should^ not be a principal source of supply for the Home Market at a time when Homegrown fruit is both scarce and dear. There is ample room for in dustry atid enterprise in the matter of fruit-growing for export and we hope to see it ere long an important and expanding industry.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Archbishop Redwood is the possessor of an original Cremona violin. The Bairnsfather family, who recently visited New Zealand, are at present, in Sydney. Some larrikins recently decorated the statue of Mr Godley, in Christchurch, with a collar and tie. A child of five years, Augustus Sutcliffe, died at Ponsonby, from scalding, through falling into a bucket of boiling water. Lady teacher: " What became of the plague of locusts?" Small boy: "Please Miss, I know, John the Baptist ate them." According to the "Oamaru Mail," wool is coming into Oamaru by waggon, even from places that have railway connection all the way. The contract for the Kapitea section of the Hokitika-Grey railway has been lot. The successful tenderer is Mr Joseph Saunders, of Wellington, and the contract price £9000. Miss Kate Marsden, who is indignant with the New Zealand press lor their sar castic references to her, is now in Jerusalem planning her leper tour in Siberia. One wonders if it is coming off or not. Reynolds' Newspaper talks of Dr Thornton Bishop of Ballarat, New Zealand, and the map printed on the heading of the European Mail locates Melbourne on the east aide of Australia! His Excellency the Governor paid a visit to Hawera on Friday, where he was cordially received, and presented with ( an address of welcome. He left on Saturday morning by train for Wanganui. Tall scoring } In a cricket match between Norwood and South Adelaide! the former scored 627 in one innings. G. Giffen made 296, the highest individual score yet recorded in the colony. A French politican has drawn up a bill for levying a tax of lOf upon each organ, pianforte, and harmonium, in the Republic. He claims that they constitute luxuries from which revenue should be obtained. The tax on pianfortes in Zurich, it may be mentioned yields on an average a sum of 3O t QOQ francs a year. Mr G. Warren, a settler of 41 years in Otago, stages that the originator of the eight hours system was a person named Samuel Shaw, a painter, who was working in Dunedin for the New Zealand Company 40 years' ago, Mr Warren adds that several other persons are living who are aware of the fact. Tlje R.M.S. Tailiuf arrived at Hobart at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning and sailed for New Zealand at 2 a.m. on Sunday. She has eighty-two passengers for Australian Ports, and 136 for New /,GM&i}t\ r DurLag the voyage ;two deaths occurred, tlmjtof the Rev Mr Ross taking place on November 18th and that of CJ. W. Herbert on December Bth. The public will be pieas&d fctj Jearn that owing to the drama "Ashore and Aifoair' having been such a marked success, and a kvrge number of persons who were not able to be present at its representation having expressed a desire to be afforded the oppor tunity of doing so, another performance is announced for Friday evening, 26th instant —Boxing Night. A " Star " correspondent writes :—"I saw the new Governor of New South Wales the other day. He is a most peculiar looking person, a slim, prim, oldish-young man, with |lrin red haj.r, watery grey eyes, and a huge ■red beak suggestive of a chronic cold in the head. His manners are distantly polite, and it is easy to see his Excellency has a great idea of his own importance. Sarah Bemhardt is definitely coming to the antipodes. That is to say, she has sworn an oath and sealed with her hand an engage ment with Williams and Garner to appear in I ifclboume on .June 1, 1892 ; and play for |0 ! weeks there and in Sydney. Her latest effort as Cleopatra Ijas nqt wholly comm ended itself to the critics, {hough the discriminating Parisian public are in rap tures. I The " Kiunara Tinjes " says tjiaj; q. terpifjo cyclone passed a mije and a half to the wpst: ward of that town last Tuesday afternoon, Those who were in the vicinity speak of the wind roaring like thunder, and carrying before it., in a narrow tract scarcely a chain wide, the largest trees in the bush. The track of the cyclone is said to be as plain as though an army had been at work cutting a road through the forest, )

The ladies in connection with the Wesleyan Church have been busy for a considerable time with preparations for a Cake and Apron Fair. This event takes place next Friday and Saturday, the place selected being the Old Town Hall. We understand that a large assortment of goods will be offered for sale. In viawof theapproachingfestiveseason the managers have got together a large , array of articles suitable for Christmas presents, prices being arranged to suit,all, classes. A band will be in attendance each evening, which will doubtless prove an .attraction. The refreshment stall has not been overlooked, and all sorts of delicacies will be obtainable. Thft following extract from an album kept over half a century ago by Lady Eccles, of Eccleg Hall, near Norwich, will be read with interest. It is dated October 31st, 1833:— " Small allotments at Malmesbury : —The poor rates at Malmesbury have been nearly done away with by pursuing the abovo system. There is one farmer in the parish who saves £100 per annum by the reduction. There was a large tract of common land in the neighborhood belonging to "he borough. Tho overseers applied to Parliament and obtained a Bill which enabled them to allot it in small portions to those who required parochial aid, and the consequence is that those who were paupers ace now small farmers, and are doing well as such." Holloway's Ointment,—Miners and Workers on th« Goldfields.-;—This invaluable and renowned ointment: w extensively used and patronised by sucji people to their very great ad vantage, being easy of application and portable in 'curtail compass. When used in conjunction Ayith Holloway's Pills in accordance with the clear and concise direcr tions for use which accompany each pot and box, there are but few of the diseases which afflict, mankind which will not yield to the sanative powers of the Jcombined remedies. Holloway's Ointment and Pills do not deteriorate by keeping nor by change of climate, arid' as they contain no deleterious mineral drug, they Can lie usM with the most perfect safety under the moat adverse climatic and sanitary conditions. On Thursday, says the "North Otago Times," several members of the Acclimatisa tion Society removed to the Waitaki river 100 ol the salmon smolts that the Society have had in their ponds for some time back. Owing to the warm weather every necessary preparation was; made for taking the fish to the river, but notwithstanding this eleven died on tho journey by train. Ice had been placed in the water, and the water was changed and frequently afcrated on tke way. out), still. the heat was more than the fish had been accustomed to, and as we men .tioned eleven died on the journey. This is the third lot of salmon the Society have placed in ;the Waitaki, and it is hoped that before long the Society will have the satisfac tion of being able to say that the work the members have taken-.so. much interest in has been successfully accompli3hod,and that the king of fishes has been acclimatised in New Zealand The Society have still about 100 smolt in their ponds. On Sunday evening a funeral sermon in connection with the death of the late Mrs Tucker, was preached to a crowded congre gation in the Primitive Methodist Church, many being unable to gain admittance. The Rev J Cocker, who was the preacher, took liis text from Phillipians I, 23rd Verse, and the subject) was that death was not the end of our existence, but after death the true Christian lives in a far better state. The immortality of the soul had ever been received by most nations. It was received amongst the Egyptians, who embalmed {the bodies of their friends. It was taught in the Grecian writings both ancient and modern, and in the religions of India, China, etc. But that which had been hoped for was proved to be a certainty by the teachings of of the Scriptures, the Revelation which brought life and immortality to li^ht. The lot of the Christian was far better off in the next world than in this, for there he was free from pain, temptation, care atid sorrow or distraction, enjoying pleasures unmixed with sdrrow, and happiness that would never end. At the close touching reference was made to Mrs Tucker. She had been a member of the church about fifteen years, for a number of years a Sunday School teacher, and had always been willing to work in promoting the welfare of the church. In her church, social, and home life, she had truly done Avhat she could, and she had left behind' a name that wbuld long be respected. As Mr Tucker was a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge, there was a large attendance of the members. An {interesting reaper trial was held on ! Saturday aftcmoon'in a paddock of early oats at Hakatere, Mr John Orr's place on the Alford Forest Road. The machine tried -was the McCormick, the first of the new make publicly tried in the district this year- The crop had not been rolled, unfortu nately, otherwise very much shorter stubble could have been shown,'but the work done generally was of that high class for which the i McCorinick machines have long been famous. A good many improvements have been made upon the machine, by which a concentration has been brought about of the points of operation on the movable parts of the machine round the hands and. feet of the driver, the effect being chat he can now operate upon any part with but a slight stretch of his arm, and the bundle carrier can be tilted with a movement of his foot. The sway bar has been dispensed with, and the knives are now worked by a patent special gear, while the whole dead weight of the machine has been cleverly distributed over the main driving wheel, and the draught materially lightened. Improvements have also been made which render choking from broken or clogged crop next to impossible. The machine was horsed by, first a pair of handsome horses from Mr R. Macintyre's farm in the Forks, and afterwards by the addition of a third horse, to show the ease b,y which work qould be carried on with only two horses, and greatly accele rated by the extra strength. The excellent team and beautiful harness were in keeping with the new machine, and the superiority of the work was certainly maintained by the ability »f the driver, a son of Mr Macintyre. Mr, Mrs, and Miss Orr Avere attentive to the wants of the visitors, many of whom were no less surprised at than pleased with the beauty and attractions of Hakatere, the grounds qf which would bear favourable comparison with lnany private parks in the Old Country. |

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

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Till* Annivfruary Holiday. Christchurch, December 15. To-morrow, being the fortieth anniver sary of Canterbury, will be observed as a public holiday, The evening papers will not publish. The principal eyentu are the Akaroa Regatta, tlje People's S.pqrts, and the \thletic Club's Sports. Found IlrovT-n«il. Tjmaku, December 15. A labourer named. Aii'§y, a. single man, aged from 35 to 40, was missed three weeks ago. His body was found in the harbor yesterday. *' Wool Ship. The Waipa, Captain Forsdick, the first •wool ship of the season, has sailed for London with a cargo of 3822 bales, 408 casks tallow and pelfcs, and sundries. Xhu Shore Party at tli« ftlar«iu»rrie». Dunedin, December, %% The case of the Shore Party on the Macquijxrie Islands is' being closely in vestigated by the Government. The relatives of the men are much alarmed at the prospect of a scarcity of food, but good authorities state that there is sufficient life-sustaining food on the Island. Hcary We*)tl»«r ]j!«recaMt. Wellington, December 15. Captain Edwjn forecasts heavy weather from tl'ie north, changing by west to south-west between to-day and n,e^t Thursday. . Tjmaruj November 16. Two lads, aged fifteen and seventeen respectively, at El worthy's Station, quarrelled, The younger, hi return for a blow, stabbed the elder thrioe with sheep shears, one blow penetrating the lung. The wound is serious, but the lad is doing well. The boy charged Was remanded for a week to await tUe other's recovery, '

Political Items

An Exchange referring to Mr Balance's task of forming an Administration says : ■ "The greatest, difficulty that he would experience would bo in .securing a suitable representative in the Legislative) Council. The Hon. P. A. Buckley, who was Colonial Secretary in the Stout-Vogel Government, is, for reasons that we need Hot mention, out of the qupstion, and the host choice avnil;ible would bp limited to the Hons. W. "Reeves, .1. N. Wilson, and W. B. Morris ;"but it is doubtful if any of these would care to undertake % lead the Council. It seems probable tint, follow ing precedent, Mr Ballance will call to the Council his colleague jn.fchat chamber, and in that case Mr" W- C. Walker, of Ashburton, appears to us to be the most eligible man. However, the first thins; trt be donii is to compel the present defeated Ministry to quit office, and to do that quickly." . .,, The Wellington correspondent of the "New Zealand Herald," writing of the illness of Sir William Fiteherbert says :— "lam informed that his medical adviser insists that he shall not again take the chair in the Legislative Council. Later I heard that medical opinion is to the effect that the Speaker of the Council will not be able to preside over its deliberations, if he shall ever be strong enough for the duty of Speaker, which is more than doubtful. Sir William .. "Kitzherbert (Sir George Grey exicep'tcid) is perhaps the most eminent of contemporarycolonial statesmen. It is not an improbable thing that Parliament when it meets will have two Speakers to elect instead of one." The Hon W. Reynolds M.L.C. writing to Saturday's "O/tagP Daily Times," says :—"The result of the elections proves conclusively to me that 116 stable party, government? can be formed by the present Parliament, unless by holding out induce^ ments (it may be of a most improper character) to several members. I would; therefore, counsel our representatives earnestly to consider whether it would not be desirable in the interest of good government to dispense with Party Government, and to select by ballot for the duration of the present Parliament a Government composed of the most able and trustworthy members to administer the affairs of the colony under such directions as a majority, of Parliament may from time to time direct."

[per press association.]

Wellington. December 13. ' Ministers held another Cabinet meeting this morning, and finally settled their course of action, which is understood to be that they will advise the Governor to call the House together early next month. Another meeting will be held bn Monday morning, after which the determination <-f the Government will, be officially made known. Upon the House meeting the Government will, as soon as the Speaker and Chairman of Committees are elected, probably resign. > Several appointments to the Legis lative Council have been determined on. Messrs Fulton and Ormond are certainties, but Mr Downie Stewart is not finally settled. Great pressure is being brought to bear to induce the ■Govern ment to nominate'Mr "Pyke. The pro priety of-appointing Sir M. O'Rorke, with a view ultimately of becoming Speaker, is also under consideration. December 14. His Excellency tho Governor returned': from h>s visit to the West Coast last night, and this afternoon the Premier interviewed liini with respect to the 'political "situation. The result of the interview will be announced to a meeting of the Cabinet at ten o^clqck to-morrow morning. It is now freely admitted that the Government will advise his Excellency to summon Parliament together about the 14th or 15th of January, when the Govern ment will probably resign. It is not ex pected that there will be two sessions next year, as in the event of the Opposi tion forming a Government sufficient time will be granted them to formulate a policy, and in the meantime Parliament will not prorogue, but merely adjourn for the period required. The Wellington correspondent of the "Press" says :—lt is-understood to be certain that Ministers will recommend to his Excellency several appointments of Legislative Councillors, and that the re commendation will be acted upon. I explained in a repent telegram the posi tion taken upon this question, and I have since been assured that what I stated was entirely sound and aocurate. Rumor (in well-known circles) names Messrs J, B. Whyte (Auckland), O. Samuel (Taranaki), Charles Johnston (Jubilee Mayor of Wellington), Fulton and Downie Stewart (Otago) as five of the coming Councillors.

MARKETS.

[per press association.]

London, December 11. New Zealand hemp is in fair demand ; good quality, £26 10s ; fair, £24. Quotations for frozen meat are unchanged. Lowdon, December 14. The wool sales have closed with prices at the highest point. As compared with the October series, inferior merinos are 7^ per cent., and best merinos and all crossbreds 5 per cent, lower. (Received December 15, 10.3.0 a.m.) London, December 14. Tallow, medium mutton 265, do beef 255. The English wheat market is lifeless Continental ftrin.. American., steady, New Zealand flour, pa,tenfc, ex store, 24s 6d ; Colonial oats fine quality average 265; common sorts 22s 6d; leather, best sides B|d to 9d.

Widder Spriggins' Daughter.

'Twas on a beauteous summer morn, When things were up and comin', And all among the pumpkin vines The bumble-bees were hummin', I took an early half-mile walk, As everybody ortgr, When in \he oowjiath I was met By Widder Spriggjns' daughter. Her eyes were black as David's ink, Her cheeks were red as fury, And one smack of her luscious lips Would bribe, a judge or jury. I bowed—she curcheyed just the way Her nice old mar had taught her, She smiled, and oh ! my heart was gone To Widder Spriggins' daughter. Says I, " My c|e,ar, ln>w do ye do ?" Says' she, aI reckon finely ;" Says I, " Of all the gals I know You look the most divinely." I snatched a kiss—she slapped my face In fact, just as she'd orter— " Behave yourself, how dare jpvt, sir, Cried Widder Sprjggina* daughter. Just then an old rampageous sheep, Who somewhere near had fed, sir, Squared off, and like a ton of'• bxiakti, He took me with lw head, sir ; I landed \n a p,ond chuck iu).\ Of frogs and filthy, water,"' .And then she stood and krfed a^d iiU'fted, " Th^t Widder Sprig^ir\a' «tla\\gh,teiy I rathey gues,s. I crawled out quick., Picked up, my hat and miazjec], While love's bright torch so lately lit Out in that frog-porid fizzled. Well, she was married yesterday, A lawyer chap has got her, So I'll forget if not forgive That Widder Sprains' daughter

The Methven Election Row.

At the Police Court this morning, before the Mayor, and Messrs Alcom and Harrison, J.P's., Robert, Johns, a young powerful fellow of about four and twenty, was charred, with assaulting and resisting thepolio" ai Methven on the night of the general Parliamfiiitiiiy election. MrPur nell for the defendant put in a plea of Lfuiliy. Sergeant Molier, in stating the case, said that, while C< nslsblo Morgan was struggling with Ross, the prisoner doalt'with by the R.M. list Thursday, Johns rushed in and struck the constable while the latter was on the floor in Batton's hotU, cutting his eye open. Johns then r.in away, but aft crwaid* came back and again struck the constable while down "struggling with his prisoner. Johns behaved in a n>oht outrageous manner, and being a well known pugilist," and a clever one at that, he had been guilty of a gross breach of the well known rules of the ring, under which a man was never hit when he was down. Metbven was a place with a reputation for rough and tumbles when a constable interfered with a fight, and where it ivas not considered anything out of the way to maul a man in police uniform, when he had interfered to stop a breach of the peace. The first law of what was called the noble art of self defence was fair play, but this man with all his ability as a pugilist had given no quarter at all. He asked for a stiff penalty so that it should be understood by such men as the prisoner that the law was : far-reaching, and couli follow a criminal like a fate. lie asked the Bench io protect 'the pol'ce, who were the representatives of the law, and the guardians of order, and while pro tecting loyal constables in the execution of their dnty they were supporting the majesty of the law. This man's case was different from those of the men who had been tried last Court day. They were .industrious, hardworking farming people, who, carried away with the excitement of the moment on an. election * night, had allowed their zeal for their candidate to outrun their discretion, and perhaps a glass of beer or two to overcome their reasoning powers ; but this man had in cold blood been guilty of a gross outrage upon all honest men's preconceived notions of fair play, and had taken a moan advantage of an opponent in the execution of his duty- Possessed of great strength, and a fine physique, added to a consider able facility in the art of boxing, he Kftd; used that physical power, and that apti tude with hia fist 3to take the constable at; a disadvantage when he was down on the floor dealing with a drunken and refractory; prisoner. It was mainly owing to Johns'; action that the prisoner whom Constable' Morgan was then handling had been rescued. The prisoner who Was rescued was more manly than; this one, for he had given' himself up as soon as he became sober, and learnt the facts of the case, whereas this man had bolted, to evade the law. But the law was stronger than he, and had reached him at his refuge at Fairlie Creek, where he was arrested and brought back to face the consequences of his offence. The Bench sentenced Johns to three weeks' imprisonment on each of the two charges laid against him, to pay 14s fid costs in the case, and in default another week's imprisonment—seven weeks' in all.

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

parliament to be summoned for 15th January.

GOVERNMENT TO RESIGN.

RESULT OF TO-DAY'S CABINET MEETING.

(per press association.)

Wellington, December 15. At the conclusion of the Cabinet meet ing this morning the Premier waited on his Excellency the Governor, and tendered certain advice to him which His Excel lency accepted. As soon as a formal intimation has been received, a " Gazette" will be issued probably this afternoon. The nature of the advice tendered to His Excellency has nob been made officially known ; but it is quite understood the Governor will summon Parliament for Thursday, January 15th. Ministers, in taking this course, contend they are sup ported by Sir Julius Vogel's precedent, who, in his Ministerial Statement of 1884, commended the previous Government for not resigning until Parliament met. Par liament will be opened by commission, and immediately proceed to the election of Speaker, Government will then an nounce what course they intend to take, which, if they hold to their present inten tion, will be to resign.

Latest Cable News

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(Received December 15,11.25 a.m.)

THE JEWS IN RUSSIA.

London, December 14. ; v Sir Joseph Whitwell Peajse is seeking an interview with th© Cbar with refer ence to the ill-treatment of Jews in Russia.

AUSTRALIAN

(Receivep December lf», 11.25 a.m.) AQUATICS.

Sydney, December 15.

Both McLean and Kemp are very fit for the race this afternoon, and the struggle between the two, oarsmen is expected to be very exciting. More than usual interest is taken' in the race in consequence of McLean's easy win over Stansbury.

THE LOCUSTS.

Tretnendous havoc has been: wrought by locusts, in district. One vineyavd we^s completely eaten up yesterday, and potatoes are suffering greatly from the pest.

THE BALLARAT TRAGEDY.

Mjlbochne, December 15. Mrs Johnston, who was- shot by her husband, is dead.

Horse Market

Mr T. Bullock reports for the week fading Saturday, December 13th : -There "was a large entry of horses, viz., 47, but biddings were again extremely languid, jn, fact it was difficult to obtain bids nfc all for inferior horses. Nevertheless, oturiiv fch 3 : day 18 out of the tytal entry, of 47 were sold. A r^:a\ ofc vyell-inatohed carriage .« m&, brought 29| guinea; carriage ,f37 10s; set single, harness, &» os. lhe prices realised for the other horses sold were m follows: Draught gelding, five, jears old, of a rather-superioa scaiP,p, £24; five-year-olds, of slighter description, £13 10s, £17 ; fow^ar-oW, IS??E a llghfe s^mP' £1^ 5s J aged, £11, , ill 15s ;. inferior, £410s. Light harness ! hor^a^ fiye a^d aix-year-olds, rather good, sorte, £ft 10s, £i a lOs . fcwo . year : o]d ' unbroken, £6 10f» j inferior, £1 2s 6d to >£2 10s, HapkiS,—Only inferior sorts chan.ged hands at £i 7 S ed to £4 10s. kßunpriE3.—Massey reaper and binder, | *25; MeCormick reaper and binder, twine, £^3 ;-Massey reaj)er and binder £22 10s ; 'do. £22 ; jrrass stripped %£; grass mower, £5,65.; hay r^ 6> 15a ; plough, £3 10s ; fa^w»Hy» £t; dp. £o. feaddles, s^ck^Havwe&«, &c, at market

DROWNING CASE AT RAKAIA.

as other" body found by the SEARCH PARTY.

Ar soon as tho telegraph wires could he set 10 work this morning information was received in A--*hbnrton or a sad drowning accident that h:ul occurred the previous day in the Llakaia liver. It appeared thiib Mr Albert C. Carpenter, a fsinulo man of 31 years, an I a brother of Mrs flarlnell, of Lavjugtou Sf'ition, Rakaia, ltad gone bathing along with two youths in the llakaia- river. They took tho stream about eleven o'clock, somo .seven miles or ho above tho bridge. ■• Alter disj)orting in the waterfor a short time, Mr Carpenter feU into a whirlpool, and was drowned. . from the pool the" body .was swept out into the main stream, which wan running very high, and with' the .swiftness characteristic of the Rakain even in ordinary times. The youths followed the body down .stream for about 300 yards, when they lott sight of. it. The alarm given, a search party was at once organised and both sides of ,the river were explored for miles down, but up to latest accounts, no trace of the deceased had been found. A STRANGE THING, however, occured during the search. While the party were investigating the banks cf the streams, and every" possible spot'where a'moderately large object could find.lodgment, they came upon a body on one of the banks four or five miles above the bridge. The fact of this body being clothed, and Mr Carpencer^havingfbßen bathing must of course have been ntKfeV'at once told the, searchers, this, was not their special quest." Closer examination showed thtt body found to be in an advanced stage of decoinboisition, and reverting to ■ the list- of, missing 16 was found that the corpse answered the description of a man called-, Peter Chain, who disappeared from tlie district three weeks or a month ago.- Information .of the discovery of thi.s body was broujjh^ to the township by Mr George.ShellocK, the poundkeeper, who headed a wins of the search party. Early this morning the body of the supposed Chain was removed to Bakaia to await inquest. -. t, ,t.:

(from our own correspondent.)

A very sad case of drowning" in the Rakaia river occurred on Sunday. Mr Herbert Carpenter, a brother of Mrs Walter Hartaell's, residing at Lavington, some seven miles up the river, went in the morning to bathe. He' was accom panied by a youth, by name Withell. He unfortunately missed his footing, and got out into a, deep hole where two streams met and caused a Avhirlpool. Every effort was made to find the body, but without success. During the search another body was discovered about three miles up the river on the north side. This is supposed to be that of a man named Chine missing from Highbank stafciou some weeks'ago. No doubt the remains will be -identified when brought into the township.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

* —■ [PEll PRESS ASSOCIATION.}

\ London, December 12 and 13. The mob attacked Messrs Davitt and Healey, and the clerical escort. at * Kilkenny. The clergy in'lreland are destroying; the posters which have been issued by the Parnell section. Mr M. Davitt is assisting Sir John Pope Hennessy's candidature for the North Kilkenny seat. Mr Gladstone, speaking at Worksop, said he was immovable in his resolu tion not to co-operate again with Mr. Parnelli Owing to legal objections MrParnell has failed to withdraw the moneys of the Land League deposited in Banks. at Paris, , - Mr PAtnell will confer with Mr O'Brien in Paris in regard to the pre sent crisis, and it is hoped that a com promise will be effected. The " Nation" office issued this week's edition of the " New United Ireland." The offices of both " New and Old United Ireland" are now watched by armed men. Despite an appeal made by Messrs Dillon and O'Brien, the trustees of the American funds refuse to relinquish one dollar until the question of the leadership is finally settled. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien have issued a fresh attack on the, Liberal Unionist party. Their manifests claims that the righteousness 'of the Irish policy have been fully vindi cated, Mr Parnell has accepted the leader ship of the Irish Labor Federation, and the priests vainly attempted-td rally the people. Parnell insists on absolute submission to his leadership. In spite of Mr ParneN's action, the publishers succeeded in getting out two issues of the ".United Ireland,,' but a thousand copies, Avere seized by ■ a body of armed men arid thrown into the river Liffey. Mr Parnell, with a view of assisting his candidate for the Kilkenny North seat, is adopting vigorous tacticsj and making a strong appeal to the mob in* that city, where he met with an en thusiastic reception. Before leaving Dublin for Cbrk Mr Parnell re-entered the office of the "United Ireland," and smashed the; doors. The residences of those members of the Irjsh Parliamentary party who sceeded from Parnell are now guarded by the police. , (Received December 15, 11.25 a.m.) London, December \4, Mr Parnell has won over to \ii» aide the Labor Societies established in Cork by Mr Davitt.

The New Plymouth Murder.

(FEB, PBBStt ASSOCIATION.)

«• *t W^^orowi Dec,emb«f 16. The New Plymouth modem, Mahi Kai, before sentence, made a statement nnplymg that he was shielding the actual .murderer. Two men cf the name men tioned have beeu fciraeed, one of whom was not; the man meant, and the other was conclusively proved net to have been at th,<i wceno of the murder. The Executive Council to-morrow >rill nfially settle Kai's rate.

THE ASHBURTOK GUABDIAN, MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1890



Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabci lronbark, Sandhurst, in the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, ,1877, my son Alfred, six years of age,, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee/ lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. How ever, in spite of all efforts, on th* .27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr . Macgilliyray that an amput*ti««i of th» injured lhnli had become imperative, in order to save life. At this junctiiwl called ens Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of i their Extract of Eucalyptiw Globulus, and' by the application of {)»» same I had too* satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of a\l danger, and to-day he i» recovered. 1 may just add that itwas when the cvvusl had beon reached that the Extract ifeft-wed to was first applied, and I make this solemn declaration, etc. F&KSZ Raakk, Declared at Sandhurst, in the colony foj Victoria, Australia,, this seventeenth day of October, one thpppand eight ltuiidred and seventy-seven,, before u», MoritsCohn, J.P. - AdvU ft



.. WAWTED_ _' CASH Advertisements under this heading not; exoeedm SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addregsea may be left tit this Office' /~IAKE and Apron and Fancy Fair for V_y Wesleyan Building Fund. Old Town Hall. Friday and Saturday, December 19 and 20. . 12 A MERTCAN Ice Cream ! American ■O- Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. I ce kept in stock. WANTED Known -Larlie.s Stocking with Silk Toes and Hcolu m black and colors. Is 6d per pair.—W. H. Collier. TTT ANTED KnownT^ForDress Stuffs VV Priji.ts, itc., Trimmings, to match, go to Melford House Best value in town. Christinas presents now giving away.—H. C. !;;egers. OOTS,' BOOTS. "Kec~p your fee" Dry and Rave Doctor's Bills, hare a splendid Stock in now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothinsr Mart, Saunders' Buildings. "ANTED Known—The " StronsT wear " Boot is the best for Men, adies and Children.—W. H. Collier. VfTANTED Known.—For Sheetings, V V Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, To w els Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c, goto Melford House. Presents "to every purchaser.—H. C. Segers. \XT ANTED every man m the County VV to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. TDRESENTS. —We are now giving .17 presents to every purchaser of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, and cheapest house in town.-*-H. C. Segers, Melford House. ANT.UD~Known — The Cheapest Shop to buy Timvaro and Gal ' vanised Iron goods in Anhbarton, is at W. F. Hannaforo's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin andiron ware goods made and repaired witb dta patfh. Public Notices. Skrplin, Yiceiulio! SAWMILLERS AND TIMBER MERCHANTS, SPBINGKBUEN. rjT AVE erected large Sawmills at i L Alford Forest, and can now supply any amount of Building Material, "also Bridge Timber and Planking to any size in Birch Timber, Gates, Hurdles, <fee, made to patterns as desired, Splitor Sawn Posts morticed by machinery. Prices will be found reasonable, and orders will be executed promptly. Timber on be delivered by train, or at the Mills, or by rail from Springburn to any part of the district. The Mills are within 1\ miles of the Springbum Railway Station. FIREWOOD, SLABS, AND WASTE TIMBER Always on hand. Orders by post promptly attended to. _2+38 Spring and Summer, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY FOR Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, 13oy,s' and Youths' CoJonivl TWEED SUITS. HATS. —Wo keep the Largest and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. Best workmanship put iv every garment, and a perfect fit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c, in Latest Fashion i*nd fetyie. Best Valub for Cash in Disteict N E 77 L E A J AND CLOTHING FACTORY Agont for the Wonderful Werthoim Machines W. H WEBBER Manager,



Public Notices. IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE. KAIAPOI HOTTSE AGAIN TO THE FRONT. MITCHELL C> rpiJRNICR ITCHELL OS JLURNKR DESIRTfi to inform their numerous Customers and the public in general, that after careful and mature consideration they have decided to have THE WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHING CUT, MADE AND FINISHED ON THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR MAD 15 GOODS, As this involves the outlay of Hard Cash to a large amount, they trust tie numerous and material advantages given to ALL THOSE in want of Really GOOD CLOTHING will be so palpable that MITCHELL AND TURNER will at once largely increase their already Extensive Clothing Business, by the adop tion of the above alteration in the style of their Manufactured Articles. A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST OPENED UP. MITCHELT CL. mURNET> itchelJU (X> lurneXV K.AIAPOI HOUSE. FIRST DISPLAY UF Spring Goods, a N.DREW ARR J.\- NDREW UR R 1 Snow showing a Beautiful Selection of MILLINERY, MANTLES, PRINTS, GINGHAMS, NEW DRESS GOODS j BEIGE'S FRENCH CHECKS, RIBBONS, FLOWERS, ETC. Q CASES of Ladies French BOOTS /U and SHOES Direct om France. ANDREW ORR. WOOL. WOOL rpHE UNDERSIGNED IS PRE .I PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL GASH ADVANCES On the Coming Season a Clip of WOOL, FREE OF COMMISSION. INTEREST AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. GROWERS have the Choice ot Selling either at the ASHBURTON VVOOL SALES, or in CHRISTCHURCH, or SHIPPING. 1 Shall Hold REGULAR SALES LURING THE SEASON, having arranged with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Aoenay Company, Limited, to act as my Financial Agents and Auctioneers. Every care and attention will be used in displaying, properly lotting, classi !ying, and valuing the W oi. Account Sales will be rendered by the New Zealand Loan, and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, with their sual promptitude. WOOLPACKS, TWINE, etc., At Lowest Current Rates, John Gr. Restell WOOL STORES WEST STREET, ASHBURTOK MONEY JO LEND. TITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of jeioo To^jgsooo For further particulars apply to J. C. PRUDHOE, t District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. WOOL SHIP FOEJj6Wo¥ jras|k rpHE MAGNIFICENT Ml^^^ imm sHip ' "CARBET CASTLE," 1585 Tons Register, 100 A l, Will bo despatched "from Lyttelton for LONDON DIRECT, about the middle of December. Cargo ,c!i*'n,ed at lowest current rates. Early application for space is ncccs sary. Wov •fu.i't'litii* -particulars ,& r-i Ao x^Ji <»f J ftviid<f<, «.»te , «v ( »]']■}' to I ' 11X3 FRiKDL.,Vro<UI <BKOS, h-



FOR SAJLE. mWELVE MoCORMICK WIRE L BINDERS. All iv perfect work ing, order. CHEAP 10*144 FRIEDLANDER BROS. SH\G POINT COAL ~ THIS superior Coal, for household and steam purposes, can now be obtained from Messiw J. G. Ruktell, W. H. Collins <!fc Co., and R. S. Bean in any quantity. Special quotations for truck oads. This Coal is perfectly safe in using, leaving no live ashes or soot, and is vp.ry cleanly and economical for household purposes, having gre^t heat and lasting power W. H. WILLIAMS, 10§18 Manager Shag Point Mine. JAMES BAKER, TIMBER MERCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Harrisons Auction Mast, TTAS IN STOCK Large Supplies of— Building Timber, Stakes and Posts, Galvanised Corrugated Iron, Builders Ironmongery, Turnery, Furniture, and Fancy Goods IN ENDLESS VARIETY. URNITUEE MADE TO ORDER IN ANY DESIGN AT SHORTEST NOTICE Sole Agent in Ashburton for Clegg s Perambulators. Now SUoWiiifj;- A FASHIONABLE LOT Spring & Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD FIT, and WORKMANSHIP, ought to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. Utnn Ktirlr unil wrniti Tlie Rush at Xmas. Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders will be finished up to time. H. & E. TiRAIGHEAD, TANCRED STREET ASHBURTON thwah mm mi ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January 1, 1891. President—Dr Tweed. Vice-presidents— Messrs D. McLean, and C. M. Strachey. JttDGE —Mr M. Stith Stewards—Messrs J. Begg, G. James, M. Scott, D. Thomas, M. Stifct, C. M. Strachey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed Clkkk of the Course -Mr B. Hanks. Clerk of the Scales—Mr A. J. Kelly vStarter—Mr IX Thomas. Treasurer—Mr M. Scott. Handicapper—Mr J. CresswelL First Race to Start at 12,30 p.in, PBO6B1IME: {Approved by the Committee of the Canter bury lockey Club.) 1.— Handicap Hurdle Rack, of 20sovs; nomination, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The Becoud horse to receive 3 soys out of the stake Over six flights of hurdles about 3ft Oin high. One mile and a half 2.—Maiden Plate, of 15 soys: entrance, las. The second horse to receive 2aovs oufc of the stake. Weight for ago. One mile. 3.—Tinwald Cup Handicap, of 45 soys; nomination, 1 soy : acceptance, 1 soy. The second horse to receive 5 soys and the third horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. One mile and a half. 4. —Tinwald Handicap Time Trot, of 25 soys; nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 10.?. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. Weight not less than JOst. About three miles s,—Welter HaNDiCAr, of 25 soys; nomina tion, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake, One mile. •» g_—Hovel Race, of 20 soys. Winner to become the property of the Club, and to be sold by auction. The amount re alised above 10 soys to be divided between the Club and the second horse. Entrance 10s, on night of general entry. Weight Bst. Any overweight to be declared. Six furlongs. 7 —Flying Handicap, of 25 soys; nomina tion, 108 : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. The winner of Tinwald Cup or Welter Handicap to carry 71b ponalty In the event of a horse winning both the fore going events such horse to carry lOlbs penalty. Six furlongs g -*.Consolation Handicap, of 15 soys. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Nomination, 10s ; to be made to the Secretary immediately after the Flying Handicap is run ; acceptance free, to be notified within five minutes of the declaration of Aveights. Six fur longs. 9.— Hurry Scurry (if tin™ permit) of 10 boys ; entrance, 10s. For horses that have never won public money. Catch weights. Hidf a mile. RULJ4S AND REGULATIONS. 1. The meeting will be held under the Rnles of Racing. The Trotting race . under the rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association. 2. No entry will be received except on the condition that all claims, disputes, and objections arising out of the racing, shall be decided Vy the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Their decision on all points con nected with the carrying out of this pro gramme to be final 3. The races are open to any horse, com monly resident in the district from the Ist October, 1890, to the date of meeting, and owned by a person who has resided in the district for the same period. j 4. The district above mentionrd is bounded on the north by the Selwyn River, and on the south by the Opilii River. 5. Five per cent, will be deducted from the gross of all moneys payable in accord ance with this programme, for the expenses of the course. (*. AH nomination and acceptance fees to go to the funds of the Club b DOMINATIONS Nominations for Hurdle, Tinwald Cup, Trot, WVlter, and Flying Handicaps, accom panied by f«e, name, age, description, and performances of Jwi-tve, and colours of rider, iwoßtboin writing and in the hands of the Secretary at Scott's Hotel, Tinwald, not late- Hiiiii 9on SATURDAY, December the 13th, I*» U'KIOIITS. Wt»i«4ut -will ije -declared on or about December 27th ■accwitaw^-s. Acceptances for HanAiea'p*,, juck! Nomina ions for Maiden Plate and Xovsl f&aco -must be in the hands of the tfwretitty, -<if ttaaKjo Hot<«l, Tiiiv.-iV. not Inter tlt;>.ji 9 p.w- «*t • JVIONDA V J'< wvnl.«r «lth, 18<)0 E J. JsOOKS H<su Sec