CRICKET.

AUSTRALIANS v. LEICESTER. [I'Kll I'IIBSH ASSOCIATION.] (Received July 8, 12.15 p.m.) Loniion, July 7. The match between the Australians and Leicester began to-day. At the luncheon adjournment the County had lost one ivickot for 02 runs.

The Han Francisco mail closes at Ashbur ton on Friday next at 6.20 p.m. Money orders must lie obtained not later than 3 p.m. The monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road 'Hoard calle.l for Saturday last, lapsed, for want of a ''quorum, only Messrs Brown and .Johnston attending. Mr Mitchell, the agent for Andrews' poisoned wheat, interviewed the members present, and prodiu»l|a proof, in the shape of a number of (lead birds which he had picked up in a short time iifter laying some of the grain, of the cHicieney of the poison. The members asked Mr Mitchell to send a few packets to the "Road "Board Office for Pitle should any of the ratepayera care to try it. The Clerk to the Board informs us that several lots have been sold, and anyone requiring some should apply at once as there is only a small quantity.

The Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1890. THE COMING ELECTIONS.

In view of the early dissolution, or expiry by effluxion of time, of the present House of Representatives, it behoves the several constituencies to look ahead, and decide who shall be entrusted with command in the near future. Twenty-one members of the present House, under any circum stances, will not be included in the next Parliament. Who these will be it is impossible to foresee. A reduc tion of members causedacorresponding alteration in electoral boundaries, these being enlarged by the swallowing up of others; and the result is that in every case present M.H.R.'s will face a more or less number of new electors. The city member who has been the spoilt child of a large section of the j residents of his immediate neighbor hood will now require to woo the suffrages of treble the number of voters, many of whom " Know not Joseph"; the country member who has had a pocket borough that he could safely call his own will require to go further afield; and the member who could beat any local opponent on his own ground will be compelled to try conclusions upon new soil with a fellow-member equally strong in his own fortification. In these contests between contending parliamentary rivals it is difficult to say whether the fittest will survive ; and there is just a possibility that both will be sent to the wall in some cases by the return of " new blood " against whom nothing unfavourable is known. In any case the outlook is a most unique one, and however the political cards a,re shuffled, the next election will witness a large number of good, bad, and indifferent New Zealand politi cans left out in the cold. For the good, regret will be felt and ex pressed ; for the bad and indifferent, it is better for themselves and better for the country that they should return to the plough-share and reaping hook, and leave legislation to those more qualified for the task. The majority of the present members of the House have signified to the respective con stituencies their intention to stand again, while a few, perhaps realising that discretion is the better part of valour, have resolved to retire into private life. In addition to members of the present House Aye observe that already 60 new aspirants for political fame have announced their intention of coming forward at the forthcoming general election. Many of the new aspirants are, it is true, only a re appearance of old forms with well-kno \vn faces—candidates who have been re jected on former occasions, but who " bob up" serenely again at every election. • Others of the number, like the Hon. Sir Itollesfcm and a few more, are men whom Mew Zealand can ill spare from the House ; while others, again, arc men of sterling merit whose presence in the House would bo a distinct gain to the country. It will, therefore, be no wonder if a consider able number, in addition to the " doomed " twenty-one, of the present House find themselves put on one side for better men—men who will make the welfare of the country their firat consideration,andthepersonal advance ment of themselves or their friends a secondary matter. Under any circum stances, there must be a great change in the personnel of the present Parlia ment, and it behoves the elector's at a critical period like the present, to re turn members to the House for the next term who will steer the State ship into a safer harbour than where she lias been left by former pilots

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The troops in the hill stations of India are Buffering severely from influenza. English brewers are substituting American corn for barley in the manufacture of beer. Beetroot sugar in England costs about 2d per lb ; in Germany, where it is made, it costs 5d per lb. The temperance party at Christchurch have issued a penny fortnightly paper ad vocating Prohibition. Charles Lamb remarked to one of his critics : " The more I think of him the less I blank of him." It ia only one person among 1000 who becomes a centenarian, and hardly six among ICOO who attain 75 years of age. The Union Steam Ship Company have decided to give the name of Poerua— the name of one of the lakes of Westland—to the moist recent addition that has been made at Home to their fleet. Whether the Victorian railway service is looked Upon us the paradise of colonists it might be unsafe to wt,y, but recently there were (343 vacancies, and for these there were 11,170 applicants. The Rev. J. G. Rogers, a prominent English Congrcgationalist, has proposed a congress of the free churches of (ircat Britain for " consult?ve and fraternal inter course," and the idea has been favorably received. The health of the Pope is pretty good, but the paleness of his transparently thin face aud form make him look more like an ivory statue than a man. The resident physician to his Holiness follows him about almost like his shadow. Wilkie Collins is-said to have remarked shortly before his death : "'After more Ilwn thirty' years' study of the art I consider Walter Scott to be the greatest of all novel ists, and 'The Antiquary' is, as I think, the most perfect of all novels." ""Tfricnd of Miss yon Fiukelstoin informs the London correspondent of the " Birming ham Post" that that well-known lecturer on Palestine and the Holy Land was recently married at Delhi to an Anglo-Indian gentle man. Miss yon Finkclstein proceeded to India on finithing her successful tour through the Australian colonies. Mrs Mountford, us she is now called, does not contemplate abandoning the platform. A North Island contemporary says : There is a law against vagrancy, which is applied with more or less severity to the class known as spielers. If Clatnpetfc, or Sullivan, or whatever the blackguard's name may be, is not a ' .spieler' of the very worst stamp, then the common acceptation of the term .'is signifying swindler, enemy to society, and common ""rogue, is altogether wrong. A month for vagrancy should be Olampett'a lot when he arrives in Christchurch.

A British clergyman of note estimates that the Protestants have increased the last 100 years nearly fourfold, the Roman Catholics and the Greek Church each twofold. Arthur Wood, the Australian swimmer, has arrived at New York. He states that he intends to swim Niagara, and during the attempt to wear nothing hut a pair of ordinary swimming drawers, and expresses himself confident of success. In order to avoid the police, Wood will probably start from the Canadian side. It will be re membered that when in the United States, J three or four years ogo, Wood performed the feat of diving from Brooklyn bridge. TheMerivalc Estate in the Waiau district (which is at present the subject of an im portant law suit in England) was sold at j auction at Dunedin on Tuesday. The pro perty, which consists of 25,030 acres of land, together with dwelling house, hut, woolshe.l, barns, stables, etc., was knocked down to Mr John Chute Ellis at £42,000 over and above the amount of the first mortgage. This is a much lower figure than it was sold for five years ago. The Burwood Estate has been bought by the former owners, Messrs Robert Campbell and Sons, for £1300, A Government Bill has been introduced into the Hungarian Diet making it obligatory on each of the 12,000 "communities" in Hungary to have a kindergarten, and on parents to send to it all children between three and six years old, if not otherwise properly taken care of. The measure, being compulsory, is a new departure, and is explained by the great mortality among children in Hungary, owing to their being left alone when the parents go to work. The number of kindergartens already exist ing do not exceed 600. The Committee of the Salvation Army Free Labor Bureau in Melbourne within a few days of commencing operations provided over 800 meals, besides clothing and lodging for a number of persons. Two funds have been established, the unemployed loan fund and the unemployed fund. Sir F. T. Sargood started the former with a donation of £100. The object is to make advances to persons out of employment whose goods arc in danger of being lost by any debt, such as rent. The Committee is taking steps to ascertain whether there is work to be obtained in the country districts, and have already obtained employment for fifty men. The Duke of Norfolk has written from the Holy Land to inform her Majesty of an in teresting and unique incident in connection [ with the visit of the English pilgrims to 'Palestine. On St. George's Day, for the first time since the age oi: the Crusades, Pontifical High Mass was sung at the silver altar in front of the Holy Sepulchre by an English Prelate, the Hon and Right Rev William Clifford, Bishop of CUfton, who also preached ; after which the anthen " Domine Salvam fac Reginam Nostram"-— in other words " God save the Queen " —was sung by the pilgrims. This was the first instance that the Queen or any other British sovereign had been publicly prayed for in that place, probably, since the time of RichardCceur de Lion,and certainly the first since the Reformation. About fifteen employers met in the Arcade last 'evening to discuss the question of the weekly half-holiday. Mr A. Orr, who was voted to the chair, explained that it had been considered best for the employers to meet in that way, in preference to canvass ing the town by those in favor of the move ment. Mr S. W. Alcorn moved, and Mr H. H. Stephens seconded, a resolution to the effect that the half-holiday be granted in Ashburton, to commence again on the first Wednesday in August. Both gentle men spoke to the motion, contending that there was no loss to any employer's business in granting the half-holiday, and that the employees were entitled to it when shops were kept open so late on Saturdays. Mr Cambridge thought the meeting should be adjourned. Several employers were not present who should be consulted before any decision was come to. This proving to bo the opinion of the meeting, an adjournment took place to Wednesday'at same time and j place. The Victorian Legislative Assembly I recently passed in less than half an hour a bill consolidating the whole of the ex is ling statute laws of Victoria. There arc 450 statutes in force in the colony, which it is proposed to consolidate into 107 acts, con taining altogether 3000 pages of printed matter. This great work has been accom plished gratuitously by the Chief Justice, Mr Higmbotham, whom the Attorney- General described as the father of consolida tion in Victoria. The Chief Justice has been engaged upon the work tor a number of years, and the result of his \'nst and patient labour is embodied in two bulky volumes, which Mr Wrixon laid on the table of the House, ex plaining that there was no new law incorpor ated iv these volumes, and that no change had been introduced, the Chief Justice having simply put all the existing laws together that were scattered over a, number of amending acts, so that the law upon any subject may be read in a single act instead of having to search for it through the 450 acts which now encumber the statute book. Ali existing statute law will be repealed by the Consolida tion Bill, and it is proposed that it shall come into operation on the Ist August. Mr Wrixon added that as it would be impossible for the House to attempt a detail examination of a bill of such magnitude. Parliament would have to accept on trust the great work carried out by the Chief Justice, and approved of by a select committee. Some idea of the magni tude of the bill will be obtained from the fact that the Government had to impoit a special fount of type, at a cost of £7000, before the bill could be printed. Mr Goschen, the Chancellor of the Ex chequer, meets with insuperable difficul ties in his attempts to satisfy all the classes of society in the reductions of taxation which the necessities of a large surplus have imposed upon him. In addition to the criticism which his proposals excite in Parliament and in the Presa, he receives numerous anonymous epistles from discon tented persons, which are often more forcible than polite. Among the lists of 'articles upon which duty has been remitted are tea and currantsf and one gentleman expressed his dissent from the great financier's pro posals by the simple but emphatic " Damn your tea and currants !" Another anony mous correspondent wrote: "I never drink tea, I do not live in a house, and my brother has just come back from Australia, and so I don't benefit by the reduced postage, and I consequently don't see what benefit * at all lam to derive from the Budget." Another, from a lady, breathed a more responsive spirit. She says :" Here in Devonshire we eit a good many cakes and drink a good deal of tea. I live in a house that will benefit from the reduction of the house-tax. I can assure you that I look upon this as the kindest and truest Budget that has ever been proposed for the benefit of hard-work ing people." The letter was signed "A mother of eight." A Budget man's reward is made up very largely of blessing and cursing—especially cursing. I

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AmD FOREIGN. [per press association.] London, July 5 to 7. The War Office is appointing an Advisory Council of the Promotion Board. • The Governorship of New South Wales will not be offered to Lord Balfour, as it is improbable he would accept it. It is hoped Mr Goschen will allocate that portion of the licensing fund now released to the cable guarantee. Another successful trial of the Brennan torpedo has taken place. Sir J. F. Garrick, formerly Agent- General for Queensland, who was asked to contest a seat at the next general election, has finally decided not to come forward. An order has been made to wind up the Mortgage and Agency Company of Australasia under supervision of the Court. A protest against the African agree ment is being signed by members of the House of Commons, and aLso against the rumored intention to con cede the rights of the French in Madagascar in return for recogni tion of the arrangement with Germany. It will be presented to Lord Salisbury on Tuesday. It is understood Eng land has admitted that France is entitled to compensation. and Portugal have agreed to invite three Swiss jurists to arbit rate on the Delagoa Railway dispute. Newl'ork, July 5. It has been finally decided that the convict Kremmler shall bo executed by electricity. Brussels, July 6. The Anti-Slavery Conference has closed its proceedings, and the Con vention has been signed. Suakim, July 7. It is reported here that Osman Digna with 5000 followers has left Tokar for the Nile. Famine is still being experienced by his followers, who have been compelled to resort to cannibalism. Madrid, July 7. Cholera is spreading at Valencia. San Francisco, July 7. Information has reached here that the Hawaiian Ministry has resigned and a new Cabinet formed as follows : Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Cummins; Minister of Finance, Mr Godfrey Brown; Minister of the In terior, Mr Spencer; Attorney-General, Mr Petersen.

AUSTRALIAN.

|_PEK VRBS.S ASSOCIATION.] Melbourne, July 7. Some months ago the Premier of Victoria wrote to the Governments of the other colonies regarding the sugges tion that had been, made that they should combine to form a common reading, library, corresponding, and writing room at the Imperial Institute which is being erected in London. Re plies have now been received, which show that the Governments of Queens land, !N~ew Zealand, South Australia, Tasmania and Fiji cordially approve of the suggestion. At a bonus meeting of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society it was shown that there was a cash surplus equivalent to over £300,000 ; the in vested funds exceeded £1,000,000; new business £8,335,675. Sydney, July 7. In the Supreme Court to-day the case of Connel v Neill and Co., of New Zealand, an action to recover the sum of £900, was called. Counsel for the defence applied to set aside the writ of summons, contending that the Com pany was a foreign corporation outside the jurisdiction of the Court. The Chief Justice granted the application with costs, remarking that if the deci sion was wrong it was desirable that it should be settled on. appeal. If, on the other hand, the decision Avas a right one, it was of sufficient import ance to arrest the attention of the Legislature. At the annual sheep sale merino stud rams sold at prices ranging from 50 to 500 guineas.

INTERPROVINCIAL

[feu press association J Auckland, July 7. Owing to a dispute with the local branch of the Knights of Labor organisa tion, a large number of seamen withdrew from the coastal steamers' meeting, convened by the Knights, and formed another Union under the title of the New Zealand Coastal Seamen's Union. The Maori Hori Pohe, lost in the bush near Coromandel, has been found again alive. The seaman lost from the schooner Christina, during her voyge from Noumea to Auckland, was a Kanaka, a native of the island of Aneitum, in the New Hebrides. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce are to meet on Thursday to consider the question of reducing the estimates. New Plymouth, July 7. Constable Gillespie, on remand on a charge of perjury, again appeared, and the case* was adjourned to Stratford, at 10.15 on Monday next. Wellington, July 7. In the Supreme Court to-day judgment in the Te Kooti appeal case was delivered, the appeal being dis-allowecl with costs. The effect of the judgmeno is that Te Kooti will either have to find sureties, as ordered by Mr Bush, R.M., Opotiki, or go to gaol for six months. Matters in dispute between the steam owners and the Marine Oflicers' Associa tion are assuming a serious aspect. By mutual consent communications between the parties are kept secret, but it is understood that during the conference the Association somewhat amended their former demands, though in what direction has not been disclosed. The letter forwarded by the Hon. Geo. McLean, representing the steam-owners, ■to the Association, is said to have been of an unfavorable nature, and its contents were fully discussed at the meeting of the Council of the latter body. The Associa tion has this evening addressed a letter to Mr McLean, in which they state that unless their amended demands are complied with before noon on Monday, 14th inst., all members of the Association sailing in New Zealand waters will bo called' out. The Association has cabled to the oflicers of the Association of Victoria and New South Wales, acquaint ing them with their actions. An important civil suit began in the Supreme Court to-day before the Chief Justice in. which Miss Ann Isabella Hat field seeks to cause the public trustee to re-open accounts in the estate of her father, the late Charles Hatfiold, on financial grounds. She alleges mis management of the estates in rebuilding /

the Royal Hotel on a portion of leasehold land, while there was available freehold land, and in the preparation of plans for the erection of shops, which were not carried out. The alleged mismanagement occurred in 1875, when the late Jonas Woodward was Public Trustee. Mr W. T. L. Travers, with him Mr Brandon, appeared for plaintiff; Sir Robert Stout and Mr Stafford for defendant. Mr Travers opened the case at great length, and the Court adjourned until to-morrow. The R.M.S. Tainui left Capetown for Wellington, via Hobart on Saturday afternoon. At a meeting of the Wellington Foot ball Association it was decided to send a team to Christchurch on the 9th August, and to ask the Canterbury representative team to visit Wellington about the end of September. Invercakgill, July 7. At the annual meeting of the Southland Teachers' Institute, on Saturday, it was decided to take steps to form a Union. The Secretary was instructed to write to other Institutes suggesting that the question of establishing a. Union for the whole colony should be discussed at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Teachers' Council ; also, the compulsory clauses of the Act to be enforced at once in the town schools. A correspondent of a local paper holds that it is a defect in the Act that the power of enforcement should rest with Committees, and argues that it should be in the hands of the Boards or the Department.

Parliamentary Gossip.

[by telegraph from our oww corres pondent.] THE GOVERNMENT IN A FIX. Wellington, July 8. It is the unexpected that always happens. The Cabinet meeting held last night lasted for about two hours, and the decision arrived at would appear to be much different from what was anticipated. I understand that Ministers came to the conclusion that it would be useless to endeavor to propose reductions in the Estimates in each of the several classes, because when details were discussed in Committee local interests would prevail against the reduction or dismissal of particular officers. They decided, how ever, that if the retrenchment party in sisted on a reduction of £50,000, and the House agreed to it, they (The Govern ment) would accept the decision, and carry it out on the clear understanding that they would not accept any responsi bility for inconvenience to the public, which they know well would be the result of such reductions. The House will have to bear the responsibility. The procedure will probably be this : The House will be asked to pass the Estimate!) as they are printed, with a resolution that the total appropriation shall be reduced by £50,000, and Govern ment will undertake to effect that reduc tion where little inconvenience will arise. They will probable also remind the House that they have already effected retrench ments which they consider consistent with the efficiency of the public service. This will mean, of course, that the political crisis which appeared so imminent will be entirely averted. It is said that the re trenchment deputation relied very much on tine speecli made by Sir H. Atkinson on Mr Saunders proposal to reduce by £200,000 in 1880. On that occasion he declared it was impossible for the Com mittee of Supply to apportion salaries of public servants, and proposed that "The Government's hands should be tied as effectually as Hon gentlemen proposed to tie them " by a direct vote. The Minis terial answer to this is that they (the Government) then saw what they do not see now, —that a reduction could be effected without injury to public services.

STRIKE OF POLICE.

[per press association.] London, July 7. The Bow street police, who go out on strike to-night, have warned trades men to close early especially as a safe guard to their premises.

Latest Parisian Fashions.

Judging from sample dresses shown at various large houses, Spanish lace is again coming into fashion. A gown of this material was composed in this way : The skirt was of " piece " Spanish lace, with straight bands at the sides of a wide galon of gold and turquoise. Nothing could be simpler than this skirt. It fell in straight folda, and just in front was a little pleated near the waist at either side. The bodice was original. The back was covered en tirely with a rich net of gold and turquoise, which formed a handsome belt in front. The Spanish lace on the bodice was ar ranged in horizontal folds across the bust, giving the full importance and roundness to the figure. The straight gauntlet part of the sleeve showed the same magnificent turquoise and gold material, which also formed a yoke pice on the high bodice. Lace is still to the fore in trimming all summer dresses, and applications of white, as well as the reverse upon white, are the latest novelties. Foulard is trimmed with heavy guipure, Venetion lace, and open embroideries. These different trimmings are used on the dresses of young ladies and young girls, while for children's dresses lace is abso lutely indispensable ; bub there is a ten dency to give much place to ribbons and bows in the ornamentation of dresses of very young girls. It is, indeed, an appropriate trimming ; bretilles and shoulder bands of ribbons, two or three ribbons tied as a belt, butter fly bows on the shoulder, bow knots and bands around the arms or coming from the under-arm across the bust, are all coquettish and young, and are suitable trimmings for summer garments for girls of various ages, particularly upon dresses of batiste, lace, and linen. Muslin dresses are fresh and altogether charming, made of clear white muslin or nainsook, with stripes of valenciees lace insertion and rich embroidery, pure white has superseded cream. Capotes and bonnets still show a great deal of the hair, and the hairdresser is in more demand than he has been for years. The style of the coiffeur is simple, bub essentially neat for ordinary wear. Little ornaments are worn in the coils of the hair, and small and not too high combs. _ Some pretty neat dresses have been de signed for the coming warm days. Among them a gown of shot silk, in peach and gold color, brings back the days of our grand-mothers. It was made without any trimmings and fastened at the back, the bodice piece being a portion of the skirt, drawn loosely over the lining, forming folds at the neck and quite low, while the sleeves were of the gijrofc style, coming down over the wrists, where they fastened with buttons and formed high puffings on the shoulder, A pretty foulard, delightful io wear in hot days, is printed all over with white flowers, and is made fastened at the waist, fastened at the back, and trimmed with guipure over cream. The sleeve is the veritable "leg o' mutton" of fifty years ago when, as a matter of course, the bodice and dress were slipped on to gether. Paris, May 14, 1890.

The "Wellington Press" considers that the time is opportune for the formation of a new Liberal party in this colony if Sir Robert Stout will consent to come forward and assume the leadership. It considers a party formed and led by Sir Robert would at the present juncture be the foundation of a'National Liberal and Patriotic <Favty n New Zealand,

The Mystic Three.

There is much superstitious regard for the number three in the popular mind, and the third repetition of anything is generally looked upon as a crisis, observes a writer in Chambers "Journal." Thus an article may be twice lost and recovered, but the third time that it is lost it is gone for good. Twice a man may pass through some great danger in safety, but the third time he loses his life. If, however, the mystic third can be successfully passed, all is well. Three was called by Pytha goras the perfect number, and we fre quently find its use symbolical of Deity. Thus, we might mention the trident of Neptune, the threw-forked lightning of Jove, and the thee-headed dog of' Pluto. The idea of trinity is not confined to Christianity, but occurs in several religions. In mythology, also, we find three Fates, three Furies, and three Graces, and, coming nearer to our own times, Shakes peare introduces his three witches. * In public-house signs there seems to play an important part, for we frequently meet with ' Three Cups,' ' Three Jolly Sailors.' 'Three Bells,' 'Three Tuns,' 'Three Feathers,' in fact that number of almost anything of which a fertile imagination can conceive a trio. In nursery rhymes this number is not unknown, and if we look back to the days of our childhood most of us will call to mind the three wise men of Gotham, who took a sea voyage in a bowl, not to mention the three blind mice that had their tails cut off by the farmer's wife. Perhaps there is some occult power in the number which governs the divisions of novels into three volumes and induces doctors to order their medicine to be taken thrice daily. It is said that some tribes of savages cannot count beyond three ; but, although they may have no words to express higher numbers, perhaps we should be scarcely justified in assuming that they are incapable of appreciating the value of the latter.

Mr Stanley and the Pigmies.

Of all the discoveries made by Mr Stanley in his recent wonderful journey, the most striking, perhaps, is that of the race of pigmies inhabiting the great Congo forest. The discovery may be regarded as confirming the remarkable story of Herodotus, about which a good deal of doubt has naturally been entertained. The Congo forest is probably the most extraordinary region on the face of the earth. Mr Stanley estimates it as covering an area of 224,000,000 acres, and containing some 10,752,000,000 trees. Its greatest length is 621 English miles, and its average breadth 517 miles. The trees vary from 20ft bo 200 ft high, and form an umbrageous canopy that is absolutely impenetrable to sunshine. It is only fit and proper that such a strange world should have strange inhabitants, and accordingly it is studded with villages of pigmies, the smallest race of men known, their height ranging from 3ft Sin to a little over 4ft. Their settlements are nine of ten miles apart, each settlement comprising from four to eight villages, and each village containing from 20 to 100 families. In common with the oLher natives of the forest, the pigmies live chiefly on bananas and plantains, which grow with unrivalled luxuriance. It seems at first sight rather strange that such a feeble race or mortals should manage to exist among the more savage and powerful tribes of the forest, but they make themselves useful to these, and are apparently unmolested. Tho origin and history of these strange little mortals are oF course wrapped in mystery, and ifc 1 is hardly to be wondered at that their dis coverer should indulge in an outburst of enthusiasm in contemplating their sup posed antiquity. But, although any actual statements of fact by Mr Stanley are entitled to respectful considera tion, his speculations are not neces sarily to be accepted. When he tells us that these pigmies are the oldest race in the world, and have a history of 5000 years behind them, we can hardly help inquiring what is the evidence for such a statement. Even admitting them to be identical with the pigmies of Herodotus, which is not improbable, we are able to trace them back only a little over 2000 years, and the Egyptian remains show that the negro has a considerably longer history than this. It is likely enough that they are a very ancient people, and an in: teresting question arises—do they repre sent a primitive type of man from which the races of larger stature have developed, or are they the descendants of ordinary sized men who have dwindled under the strange and depressing conditions under which they have so long lived? These are problems that will doubtless be amply discussed when we have obtained some further knowledge of this Lilliputian race.

Progress of Christianity in Japan.

The ' Hochi Shirabun,! a leading Japa nese newspaper, discussing recently the progress of Christianity in Japan, says it is slow buo sure. There is nothing strik ing about the number of converts added each year to the roll of Japanese Chris tians, or about the increase of the propa gandists' ministrations. But, on the other hand, the foreign faith advances surely and steadily, planting its feet firmly as it goes and never retrograding for an instant. Those who estimate its-development by the results attained in a week or a day 'can form no true idea. They must watch it for half a year or more, and they will then discover that what it lacks in extent it gains in stability. Opportunities to test the influence it has exercised upon the public mind are, of course, few and far between. Its diligence in the cause of female education, and its untiring efforts to improve the status of Japanese women, are also quoted as easily discernible evidence of the progress it is making. "In short," the ' Hochi Shim bun' concludes "that Christianity will ultimately attain to power by gradual and steady accumulation of merits is a fact of which we are convinced by long observa tion. If ifc progress at its present rate its future is assured." The writer then proceeds to call upon Buddhists to bestir themselves in the cause of their faith. They cannot possibly meet ths crises, he tells them, by indulging in slanderous diatribes against Christianity at their anti-Christian meetings. Other and worthier means must be resorted to. Above all he denounces the recent agitation among Buddhist priests to be allowed to take part in politics. He asks what use they would make of that privilege if they obtained it. Even supposing that they secured the ear of the electors and succeeded in getting a number of their representatives re turned for the new Parliament, could they hope to propagate Buddhism and defeat Christianity by a Parliamentary vote or by the aid of political interference : "If measures of this kind are relied on, ihe future of Buddhism is indeed hi a perilous condition."

ALFORD STATION

The following is the Meteorological Re port for the week ending July 6th, 1890:—

Rainfall during June': .Atfojrd Statical JL'7O inches, Alford Forest 225 inches?

THE POLITICAL POSITION.

. , A > __ .._ Never in the history of the New Zea land Parliament was there a more remarkable position than now exists. We have a Ministry kept in office by * a party which does riot believe in either its personnel or its policy, but which declines to turn it out,' solely because, while loving it not at all, it dreads and detests the Opposition, or the Reader of the Opposition. The Ministry whose existence is thus prolonged by what may be termed a negative support is, moreover, a Ministry without a visible head. There is a disorganisation of the most pronounced kind,' and the force which rallies round the Government to save its political existence declines to do anything more. It will not march at its bidding, nor execute iti com mands. Already the one policy Bill which has made its appearance, the Registration of Electors" Bill, has been virtually sided, and though a want-of confidence motion has been defeated, members, even on the Government side, have for days past been delivering speeches which betray the existence on their part of the want of confidence which they only declined to affirm lest the result should be the adventto power of politicians in whom they have still less confidence. Then, again, it has become abundantly evident, in the course of the debate on the appoint ment of Judge Edwards, which was curiously traversed, or was interpolated into the debate on the Financial State ment, that a large number of members are absolutely determined that the Bill to confirm that appointment shall not pass; and yet further, it transpires that a demand for a reduction of the estimates will not only be made, but that it will be supported by a sufficient number of members to render it im perative. What, then will follow? Either the Government must accept the position of bowing to the rejection of their Bills, and the modification of their finance, at the will of the House, or they must resign or appeal to the country. We can scarcely conceive that they are so lost to all considera tion of their position as to accept the first alternative; and we feel quite sure that they will not accept the second. It remains that there will be but one course open to them—to dis solve the House; and we are inclined to think that a dissolution is the almost inevitable result. As that will mean that the election will be upon us sooner than was anticipated—probably in a very few weeks hence—it will be well that those whose names are not yet on the roll should see to it that they send in their claims for enrolment without any delay.

WAKANUI SCHOOL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on Thursday evening last. Present: Messrs Stewart (Chairman), G. Cole. D. Leddy, G. Tait, J. Brown and 0. HilL ; .*/ On the minutes of the previous meeting being read, of attention was called to the absence of a motion moved by Mr Leddy. The Chairman explained that the motion was not included in the minutes as il had not been seconded. ... * ■ A discussion ensued, which was re markable for the warmth of feeling > dis played. ' ■ ' ;■;■-■ ': .{•( A motion to amend the minutes was lost. Permission was granted to Mr Dum aresq to graze a horse in the school-ground after school hours; and the use of the school building was granted to Mr Cock burn for a series of evening parties. Mr Dickie wrote intimating that he was establishing a school library, and asked the Committee's approval in favor of an entertainment in aid of "same at an early date—Proposal favorably received. The report of Dr Anderson on the Main School was read. It stated that considerable improvement had taken place in the management of the school and that everything >Vas in a highly satis factory state, except the attendance, which was most irregular. Mr N. Fitssgerald wrote complaining that his child had not been presented for examination in Standard I. at the Side School. He also made another complaint, which was deferred for future considera tion. The Chairman stated that the average attendance at the Side School i was thirteen. ;U The following resolution w;as< adopted, the mover and seconder being Messrs Leddy and Cole :—"That nothing higher than the Sixth Standard be taught in the school, and that a copy of this resolution, be forwarded to the masters." Mr Brown dissented to the foregoing motion being carried, as the Education Board permitted teaching in the Seventh Standard, a sentence ill alerter received from that body in regard toieading being as follows:— ■" Standard VII. to be taught separately ; to use a book at the discretion of the teacher." The following motion was carried :— " That the Committee meet on Tuesday night to fully consider the matters com plained of by Mr Fitzgerald."

Horse Market.

Mr T. Bullock reports for the weekending Saturday, July sth:—There was-onjy a small entry; biddings for medium'draughts were fairly spirited, and all'the best sorts of this class brought forward were kold at very satisfactory prices indeed; inferior sorts as usual were difficult to dispose of. Out of the day's entry of 26, 13 Were sold atiithe following prices, viz. :—Medium draughts, five and six years old, of a good stamp, £23 10s, £23 10s; five year old, of'alighter des cription, £20; aged, a pair, brought £17 ; others, i 4 ss, £6 ; light harhefes horses, £3 10s, £6 ; and one of a good stamp, suitable for a carrier's cart, brought £12 ss ;' hacks, there were no good sorts offered, £4: scrubbers at low prices. Sundries—Breeching and ca»fc saddle, £2 18s 6d; spring cart harness, £3 15s; aiddle and bridle, £3 3s 6d ; horse covers, sundry collars, harness, hames, etc, brought higher prices than usual. Spring carts, £7 2s M, £7 ssj sulky, £9 15s; drays, £7 7s 6d> £16.

THI ASHBURTON GUARDIA# TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1890.



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Vfonday ... Cuesday ... Wednesday rimrsday... Friday ... Saturday ... Sunday ...

18 --- 2-0-26' 35 --35: 35- : 34-

40 --50* 4.3 --- 4-- 2-- -4-

110 --- n-- o-- -9- 2-- -9-0--65-53-70?

Fine, calm.

i« »> Overcast, „

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There is now to be seen in the shot) Window of Messrs J. Scaly and Go.jlEsist street, a collectio of apples showiftgecttrie of the sorts grown at the nurseries, Riverbatikj thatPwill repay inspection by any one who cantem lates" planting fruit plants. Therel are upwards of fifty different.kinds showii, all valuable, long keeping sorts. For size color, and general excellence they are by far the finest that have been shown in AshburtQQ this season (Advt.



Holloways Ointment and Pills— Rheumatism and Gout—These purifying and soothing remedies demand the earnest (attention of. all persons liable to gout, sciatica, or other painful affections of the muscles, nerves or joints. The Ointment should be applied after the affected parts have been patiently fomented with warm water, upon the adjacent -skin, unless the friction should cause pain., Hollo way's Pills 'should be simultaneously taken to reduce inflammation and to purify the blood. This testment abates the violence, and lessens the frequency of gout, rheumatism, and all spasmodic diseases, which spring from here ditary predisposition, or from any acci dental weakness ,of constitution. This Ointment checks the local "mischief/The Pills restore the vital powers.



Certainly the Most Effective MEDICINE ' in the world is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Tost its emiuent powerful effects in Coughs, Colds, Influenza, etc. ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Read this certificate:-- "24th April, 3885 — Messrs Sander and Sons, —It is with the greatest of. pleasure that I testify to the excellence of your Eucalypti Extract. Having had inflammation of the bone of the leg, which came on after a severe attack of low fever, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd, who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. He found it necessary to amputate my limb. Having heard in the meantime of the wonderful cures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I obtained a bottle, and the extract had not been applied more than an hour whon I began to feel greatly relieved. After applying the extract every four hours for nine or ten days it 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 lam convinced that they will find it the most wonderful of medicines.—Yours, etc., E. J. Cujtxow, "Wattle street, Sand hurst.—(Advt.) 5 It will be in the recollection of the public that my collection of apples shown in Mr Clayton's shop in East street, being sixty-six varieties, and also those which took two first awards at the Dunedin Exhibition and \ arious other places, was pronounced to be the largest and best ever shown in the Ash \ burton count}'. I would draw theii attcn ' tion my advertisement elsewhere. As only I work on blightrproof stocks than which n other stocks can be relied upon, the roots of my apple trees do not require to be washed before sending out. James Porter, nursery, man, Allenton,—(Advt)



SALE OF BOOKS, STATIONER*, Ac. At L, F. ANDREWES AND Co.'s. OUR Stock behig far too large we are determined to reduce same by Selling Off at Greatly Reduced Prices for CASH only. A discount of 4s in the £. A large stock of Music at less than half price. Inspection invited. L. F. ANDREWES & CO. Stationers' Hall.



_____ "Wanted. Cfish Adnfirhxmentx under tins keadin<i. 110 exceedingly ntrds, ONE STIILLIAG' 1 ■*ddremtexmay "be left at thix f> f/!■'<" JUST opened, a few ladies plush jackets, newest shapes, very cheap, —-11. C. Segehs, Melford House. WAIN ' Ji.l jiiiown.—A special pur chase of choice Ladies' Hats at a desperate price.—W. H. Collieh. 4t130 WANTED every man in the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. HHO LET—A furnished Bedroom for a JL Hinde man. Apply " Mail " ofiice. 7 24 T'UST Received—Over one ton English t) and Continental Confectionery. Own make as usual fresh daily.—H.G. Flowek, Confectioner, East street. 'Yv/'ANTEb ~ KNOWN™~The~ad- VV journed meeting of Employers will be held on Wednesday (to-morrow) evening, at the Arcade Chambers at 7.30, to consider the Holiday question. 735 TT7 ANTED KNOWN.—The Cheapest VV House in Ashburtrn to buy Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, etc., is H. C. Segers, Melford House. r nHE Patent Candle Extinguisher can .JL be Set to Extinguish at any time required ; it will save insurance premiums c your house and your life, price Is; Sole Agent for Ashburton.—R% Alcobn* Saunders' Buildings ■\T7~ANTED KNOWN.—AIotT^f VV Ladies Cloth and Tweed Jackets, considerably under usual cost price,— W. H. Collier, "The Corner." \ \ ANTED Known — One hundred V V and fifty Ladies' and Children's Ulsters bought a great bargain (good qualities), now selling very cheap—H. C. Skgeks. Melford House. WANTED Known — The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W, F. Hannatord's, Burnett Street. A large stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with dcs patch #■11— il ■ !«■ ■!<!!> IIIIKIHIIUHII*)—WHWIimillll llMIUIi««IIIMII^.^ WITHOUT fcETH Wlttt^EETS. THE CHRISTCHURCH DENTAL •SURGERY, Corner of Cashel and High streets. ;S. M YBlrs AND C°- SURGEON DENTISTS. And at Dtmedin and Westport. WE have gained the FIRST AWARD at the Dimedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Month, and it is wit.li the greatest'coiiMonce that we guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the ■ m >Xt moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10a. Complete .Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10;-. Natural, Dcuaki,*:, Comfortable Artificial Tooth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed tooth or stumps without, extra on or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE ,tAB several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assort that extraction of tooth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Foe for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s (kl. Artificial Teeth and Dentures- made by other dentists repaired or remodelled n.t sm-tll cost. Hours of attendance —9 a.m. to G p.m. N THE Z NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR OYEECOATS AND WATEKPEOOFS. CHEAPEST and BEST HOUSE in the District. HEALTH and COMFOET FOR 30/- The Celebrated Werthein New Hij/h ---ann Sewing Machines on easy Time pay ments 1. (~\ W, H. WEBBER, T7l *- J Manager. Jj



VTOTICB—AII persons found Trespas- J\j B ing in pursuit of game or other wise on the Riveradale Estate on and »fter this date wil be prosecuted. J.R. WILLIAMS. Rivewdalo, 2*th_May_ ' , 5176 sealtsTfruit trees INCLUDING Apples, Pears, Plums, t Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, Nectar ines, and all other fruits. The merits of all the varieties have been subjected to severe tests during the last 15 years, and the stock is now admitted to be the Largest and Choicest in Canterbury, probably in the colony, to select from", all warranted, and at your own prices, SEALY'S FOREST TREES Of all kinds, innumerable in quantity, well-grown and hardy—all kinds, all sizes, all prices. SEALY'S ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c Choice in quality, numerous in quantity. SEALY'S MACROCARPA. Tens of thousands in number. A large quantity specially grown for fencing at very low prices. SEALY'S ROSES. Endless in variety and choicest in quality. SEALY'S CATALOGUES Forwarded free to any address on application. Note.—l will only be responsible for Trees ordered direct from the Nursery or through Messes J, Scaly and Co. THoT" SEALY, Nurseryman, 1 Riverbank, Ashburton. JOHN ORR & Co. ARE OFFERING GRAND VALUE in the Followiug Leading Lines OF GENERAL IRONMONGERY, ET Ex "Rimutaka." And Other Late Arrivals. 4 Casks Saucepans, Boilers and Kettles, 4 Casks Lamps, Globes and Chimneys. 1 Ca«e Table Knives, Forks, Spoons. 3 Casks Plough and Trace Chains. 80 Tins White Lead. 40 Tins Red Lead. 120 Drums Raw and Roiled Oil. Paints and Varnishes of all kinds. 5 Bales Wall Papers. 50 Register Grates from 14s Gd to £5. Ranges, Stoves, at all prices. 8 Cases Wringers and Mangles. 50 Sets Fire Irons from 6s to 3Cs. 50 Fenders from 6s to £5. 25 Tons Bar and Sheet Iron. 1 Ton Bolts and Nuts, all sizes. Leather Portmanteaus and Trunks. Leather Belting, 1^ to 6in. Manilla and Flax Rope, lh to Sin. 35 Coils Plough Linen. 2 Cases Mould Boards. 5 Casks Hornsby's Plough Shares (new pattern.) 3 Casks Ransom's Plough Shares, 3 Casks Buggy Springs and Axles. 1 Cask Carriage Lamps. 20 Kegs Blue Stone. 10 Cases Now Iron Bedsteads. 10 TONS CLOVER SEEDS. 100 Kegs Wire Nails. 20 Kegs Fencing Staples. 200 Coils Steel Fencing Wire, 80 Coils Barb Wire. 1 Bale Seaming Twine. 2 Cwt Bo hit Mettle. 25 Bundles Spades and Forks. 3 Packages Screws, Locks and Hinges. 2 Cases Saws, Chisels and Planes. 10 Cases Axes and Picks. 4 Cases Gorso Knives. 10 Cases Pick Axe and Hammoi Handles. 2 Cases Hammers. 2 Bales Door Mats. 10 Crates China and Earthenware, includ New Toilet Dinner, Tea and Dessert Wnro. Some of these arc really beautiful Broods. 150 Cases Oils, including Vnlvoline, Lubroline, G-iatur, Colza, OHvc Lard and Neatafoot—-this can all had in any quantity. 150 Cases KEROSENE, Light of th Age ; the very best. GROCERY DEPARTMENT WILL Always be found STOCKED with GOODS of First Cl«s.s QUALITY, -—Including— Indian, Ceylon and China TEAS, Mauritius Sugar, Crushed Loaf Sugar, Pure Coffee, Candles, Oatmeal, . Rollitt and Cos. Flour, Butter from Mr John Grigg s Famous Dairy. JOHN ORR AND GO., IMPORTERS. f\ NDREW ARB'S 1\ NDREW \JIIU S • GREAT g jj ANNUAL SALE \ OF ?—1 * \ s jj DRAPERY w H CLOTHING v AND *■ " v 4j BOOTS Will Commence *■ * Saturday, July sth The greatest BARGAINS & fM ever scan in Ashburon. )■£ 3R SEE HANDBILLS. ? . ANDREW ORR. .