The Ashburton Guardian. Magna et Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, october 18, 1890. THE SKINFLINTS AT WORK.

Mr Saunders, when addressing his constituents at Lincoln the other day, gave, a very graphic account of how the party known .as " The Skinflints " secured substantial retrenchments during the late session. After freely condeming the Treasurer's Finan cial Statement, which professedly showed a surplus of £115,174, while the actual expenditure of the year waa some X 400,800 more than the revenue, and during the last three years £2,570,000 more than our income, Mr Saunders told m a straightforward manner the story of the Government opposition to economy. The Skinflints, first approached the Cabinet, demand ing that £f)0,000 should be retrenched from the Estimates as brought down. At first they were met with- a blank refusal, the Premier saying that no Government with any respect for itself could submit to such a thing. A second deputation then waited on the Premier, who, fearing the secession of several members of the Government party unless the economists were appeased, showed an inclination to sacrifice a little Government self respect, ifj by so doing he could manage to stick to office. After some parleying, the Premier surrendered, on the understanding that, when the " Skinflints" set about reducing the Estimates by £50,000, the process should be as courteous and inoffensive as possible to the Government! The Government, the deputation were told, could not vote against their own Esti mates, but if the Skinflints could induce the House to support their proposals, the Ministry would accept the verdict and carry out the reductions proposed —this only on the condition that the Skinflints "would loyally support the Ministry through the remainder of the session. To these conditions only two out of four of the deputation would agree, two members remaining firm that they would only support the Government so long as they thought them right. The second deputation therefore left without any definite un derstanding being come to. The Premier thought he had, by the tactics pursued, completely baffled the econo mists ; but the party were determined upon securing economical administra tion, and Mr Saunders waited upon a leading supporter of the Government, telling him that the Retrenchment Party would vote for the Opposition proposal to reduce the Estimates by £60,000 unless the Government came to terms. This threat effectually brought th« Cabinet to its knees; and a promise was given that Ministers would vote against their own Estimates if the Skinflints would first of all vote against the Opposition amendment to reduce the Estimates by £10,000 more than the economists demanded, This compact was literally carried out, so far aa the rejection of Mr Ballauce's motion yaK concerned j but the party of economy had their suspicions aroused as to the bona fides of the Government. Tho Acting-Premier, m attempting to defend or explain the humiliating position m which the Government had been placed, said the £50,000 which they had pledged themselveg to re trench would be made from some of the services which the country then en joyed, and that no material al teration would be made m the cost of administration. Having used the Skinflints to defeat the Opposition, the wily Premier sought to turn the tide of public opinion against the former, who were practically accused of endeavoring to diminish the puhjic conveniences. The move was a most asWfc# pne, but the Premier over reached himsdf m jLljp jnatter. Instead of allowing themselves tff b,u thus snuffed out of existence without i accomplishing their purpose, the Skin- 1 flints (e^i'^d "ntp a compact with the other vetreivchnwjut pfl-rjEy (the Oppo sition), whereby jt was deojded, when m CaagMtvo ®t ftujapty, to cut- tUe

Estimates down item by item, prune all extravagances, and leaTO the public conveniences untouched. How the expenditure was cut down by thi» meansby£46,oooisamatter of histoiy ; and it is also a matter of history that the Government sat sullenly on the Benches watching their Estimates being torn to shreds, but were powerless to resist, —except by resigning, and this they resolved not to do. Mr Saunders' story, as sumtnnrised above, is a very correct record of the doings of his party, the Skinflints, m the .matter* He does nob give mUch praise to the Opposition for the part they played m the political drama- except to say— and it is a most important admission —that Messrs Ballance Jand Fisher, as two ex-ministers, pointed out the methods by which the Estimates could be reduced without sacrificing the interests of the colony. Yet, without the aid of the Opposition, the Skin flints would have been unable to effect their . purpose. Any retrenchment Effected by a combination with t"ie Government would not have been acceptable to the country; and the wonder is that, having found out by practical experience who were thei real and intelligent economists, the Skin flints did not sink their individuality as a party and at onceplaee themselves under Mr Ballance's leadership. The Skinflints wished to save public ex penditure, but had not the slightest idea how to go about it; and it was not until the Opposition put them on the correct track, after the Govern ment had thrown them over, that their ideas could be put m practical shape. The retrenchment, therefore, that has been effected is practically that of the Opposition leader.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A number of subscribers to the "Pictur -1 esque Atlas " m Oamaru have refused to pay for the work, alleging misrepresentation, and will shortly appear before the R. M. as de fendants. The "Southland News" statea that a farmer m the Waimatuku district has just branded 128 lambs, the progeny of 95 cross bred ewes. A Liverpool paper announces that the Mount of Olives at Jerusalem has become the property of a pious citizen of the good old town, who purchased it m order to pre vent the sacred spot from peing desecrated by.the erection of a Yankee hotel. Sir. John Macdonald, Sir Charles Tapper, Sir Hector limgevin, and Sir Alexander Marbeau, with English and Scotch capital ists, have bought 400;000 acres of West Vir ginia timber, mineral, and coal lands for £300,000 to found a Scotch colony there. In Chambers yesterday Mr Greeson applied for an order prohibiting the Magistrate from proceeding further m respect of the convic tion of the proprietors of the "Referee." Judge Denniston granted a rnfo nisi m respect to the conviction when entered up. We beg to draw attention to the advertise ment elsewhere appearing, notifying the Annual tea meeting at Flemington, on Fri day, 24 Mi. Au attractive programme is being got ready for the public meeting, and a large gathciing is anticipated. Mr J. Newman, the well-known cab pro prietor, succeeds Messrs Totty Bros as pro prietor of the Somerset Livery Stables, and will take possession to-night; by advertise ment m another colnmh he calls the atten tion of his town and- country friends to his new venture ano"hopes for a share of their custom. An old back country farmer, who had given his note m payment for a new patent reaper and binder, came into the bank to pay up. "How does she go?" aaked the ca*liier as he thumbed the bills. "Well ye. see, < this time last year I sot on the fence with a cigar m my mouth and an ombrelia over me, and watched thirty men a reapin' my field. This year I reaped it myself, and thirty men sofc on the fence and watched me." A library exclusively intended for women will shortly be opened at Turin.' The rooms arc elegantly furnished, and the tables will be covered with all the best periodicals and uewspiipesH that can interest female readers, while the best modern books will fill the sholvw.^lErurin will be the first Italian city that can fx>ast of such a library. The "Wanganui Herald" says :•—The principle of graduated taxation is founded on the equality of self sacrifice ;" or m other words, a man who lias £10,000 a year of an income can better afiord to pay m taxation £2*50, than a man m possession of £100 a year can afford to pay £2 10s. For while the rich man will not feel the deduction, the poor man may m consequence have to go without some of the necessaries of life. M. Horace Poussard, who is m great vogue as a violinist m Sydney, where he played m Mr Santley's farewell concert, intends making a tour of New Zealand m the summer. M. Poussard, who is a pupil of Alard, visited Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington more than twenty years ago, shortly after his arrival from Paris, where . he took the grand prize at the Conservatoire. An English Radical paper has the follow ing relative to Bishop Julius:—•" The Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Cate chism are being so nibbled at by men of science and the clergymen themselves that there will soon be little teft of those docu ments of Christianity. Here we have the (Anglican) Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, telling his congregation that they must put no, faith m that direction 'pt the Catechism which enjoins upon people to be " content wttli the station of life to which it has pleased God to call them." He argues that this i* b!_>iphemom nonsensto m the face of a wretchec man with fifteen children and an income of 9s a week. What will the English Political Church say to that out spoken declaration ?" A naval review of the old-fashioned Chinese sort took place recently at Foochow. The part of the river were it took place was crowded with boats full of spectators, while the bridge was thronged to the uttermost. On the eve of the review, while the braves were exhibiting there prowess before their commander, a wooden verandah constructed for him and his friends gave way, and over 40 of them were thrown into the river, most of them being drowned. On the day of the review one of the stone rails of the bridge gave way, owing to the pressure of the crowd, and fifteen were drowned. The mandarins who witnessed the review were delighted with the tactics of their braves, which consisted chiefly of attacks on the enemy's junks, during which the braves, with lifebuoys, threw themselves into the river, swam to the hostile junks, and went through the manoeuvre of setting them on fire; A correspondent of the New York Dry Goods Economist-, who had recently returned from a visit to the European manufacturing centres, says that retaliation against the United States M'Rinley Bill is contemplated m many quarters which now provide a large market for American breadstuff's and other products, He gays that while Chemnitz and its entire districts have been for years a tremendpus feeder for the American market, every representative manufacturer, the president of tilie Chamber of Commerce, and leading exporters unite m stating that there oan be no criticism of the United States for adopting a policy of protection to theilr manu facturers They add, however, that when such a Bill as Mr M'Kinley seeks to saddle upon the oountry is up for argument, there remains but one answer for Europ», and that is absolute retaliation, and Germany for one will resort to it promptly if the United States pass a prohibitive tariff. As the wheel of time has again ushered m the busy spring, and to be prepared to supply the requirements of Nature and of their numerous patrons, Messrs J. Scaly and Co. have completed their selection of seeds, which are of the choicest namples obtainable, and which include clovers, turnips, man gajds, carrots, rape, perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, elephant swede, garden and flower seeds ju endless variety, and garden requi nijes of every description ■ For the canye sieiice pjE patrons ' >yijp cannot make, their purchases during the day the'prenu's^s' will fre open to fliue p.m. on Saturday evenings 1 qr »ptl after the }$th August.—(Advt.)

Live Stock Markets.

Messrs Milks and Co. Messrs Miles ajnd Co. per Mr George Jameson report:—Ashburton County Sale yards, Tuesday, October I4t'i. —There was a "arge entry, probably about 6000, and not withstanding the very unpleasant, north west wind, bringing up clouds of dust, during the sale, there was a large amount of .business done, and all really goocli lines of sheep brought full rates, scrubbers only being withdrawn. The attendance was above the average ; both southern and northern buyers were there on business intent, as well as the farmers m the imme diate neighborhood, many of whom are m 1 jtvant of sheep. Our, entry comprised 2050, Vliich We sold as follows: —For Messrs Collision and Thornton, crossbred two tooths, 14s 2d; for Mr Wilcocks, do do, 13s; for Mr Thomas Dowling, crossbred hoggets at 12s 5d ; for Mr R. Alcorn, cross bred do, lls Id ; for Mr G. Todd, fat merjno wethers, 10s 6cl; for Messrs Wallace and Kirns, crossbred ewes and lambs, 12s 7d for owes, lambs given m ; for Mr A. Hight, crossbred do do, 10s 7d, lambs given m; for Mr Wm. Sutton, do do, 13s, lambs given m; fora clint, merino ewes, witu 70 per cent lambs, lls.

Mr D. Thomas.

Mr D. Thomas (late with Matson, Cox, and Co.) reports upon the Live Stock Market m the Ashburtou District for the week ending 17th October as follows :— On Tuesday at the County Saleyards the usual weekly sale of live stock was held. There was ft very large attendance of farmers, dealers, and others, most of them wearing an anxious look, the basiseof moat conversations being the absence of the long wished for rain. A howling nor'wester (one of the old sort) blew persistently all day, making it very disagreeable alike for the onlookers and the auctioneers—more especially the latter. The catalogue pre- I sented for the day's business waa a very full one, and notwithstanding the disagreeable day, the result, as a whole, must be con sidered satisfactory, clearly proving that a very considerable number of properties m this county are very much under-stocked, for had such not been the case a distinct, drop m values must have resulted, but I am glad to say no such drop can be reported. The total entries for the day consisted of 6691 sheep, 30 head of cattle, and 10 pigs, of which I offered and sold 4854 sheep, 13 head ] of cattle, and 10 pigs, for the following clients, viz., Messrs J. Gardiner, W. B. Clarkson, F. Bonnington, Jas. Dent, Smith and Allen, P. Roberts, W. F. Allen, J. Johnstone, G. W. Leadley, A. Frisby, S. Boyle, N. Welsh, W. H. Parsons, W.CJray, Swarm and Kennington, Silcock, Mrs Aitkeu, S. Knox, J. Allison, D. McKendry, R. Gillespie, and others, and my principal sale s were ; For Mr J. Gardiner, 140 crossbred sheep, 16s 4d to 16s 6d : 206 crossbred two tooths at 13s 6d ; 48 crossbred hoggets at 13s 9d ; and 29 culls, 295. For Mr W. H. Parsons, a grand line of 102 four-tooth crossbreds at 16s 7d ; and 17 mixed sheep at 133 Bd. For Mr P. Roberts, 70 merino wethers, 10s 6d to 103 lid. For Mr Dent, 326 crossbred hoggets.at 11s sd; and 122 store merino wethers, 7s Id. For Mr F. Bonnington, 160 merino wethers at 14s to 14s Id. For Mr Jas. Johnstone, 44 cross bred two-tooths, at 13s lOil. For Mr W. F. Allen, 40 merino wethers at 12s Id to 12s 6d. For Smith and Allen, 318 crossbred hoggets at lls. For Mr W: B. Clarkson, 1100 merino wethers at 9s 2d to lls 10(1; 74 crossbred hoggets at 7s lOd. For Mr A. Frisby, 176 merino ewes with lambs at foot, 9s Id. For Mr Johnstone, 121 crossbred hoggets at 9s 8d ; 58 merino ewes with lambs at foot, 7s 9cl. For Mr S. Boyle, 209 crossbred ewes, with lambs at foot, 16s. For Mr N. Welsh, 414 crossbred hoggets at llsGd; 156 do. at 10s lOd; 127 do. at 8s 3d. For Mr W. Gray, 107 merino ewes with lambs, at 8s 9<l. For Swarm and Kennington, 305 merino ewes with lambs at 8s 6d ; and IV 1 r W. Dalgety, 200 imrino ewes with lambs at foot, 10s each, &c. In Cattle, I sold two head at £4; tAVO at £6; two at £6 7s 6d; two at £2-16s and £6 10s ; and one at £5 15a. The pigs were not sold. Taken all round it was a successful sale. Wool ami Sheepskins.—Last Friday at my stores, West street, Ashburton, I held my usual fortnightly sale of sheepskins, &c, at which I catalogued 1461 sheepskins and a few bags of wool. There was a small attendance of buyers, but good and regular values were obtained, resulting m a total clearance of all lots at prices fully equal to late sales. Butchers' best crossbreds made 5s oil, 5s 7<l to os lid each ; second quality, 4s 6d, 4s 9d, 5s to 5s 4d each; small and inferior, 2s 6d, 3s, 33 9cl to 4s 3d each. Butchers' best merinos, 4s 6d, ss, 5s 5d to 5s 7d each; sscoml qrality, 3s 6d, 3s 9d, 4s to 4s 5d each. Best dry skins made 4s to 5s lOd each ; medium, 2s 60, 3s, 3s 6d to 3s lid each ; pelts, 9d to Is Od each ; dry skins, a large line at 6d per lb; wool m bags made up to 71b alb. Wool Sales. —During the week the local selling brokers have been busily engaged emptying their stores of grain so as to be ready for the forthcoming local season, and they now confidently ask farmers to inspect for themselves, and say whether the com plaint of the buying brokers as to proper lighting can|in any way be sustained. '

SPORTING.

C.J.C. SPRING MEETING.

[per press association.]

Chrmtchukch, October 17. The following are acceptances and further payments for the C.J.C. Spring meeting received to-day :— ■ Spring Hurdles, of 150 soys. Ixion, Waterfall, Waitangi, Romulus, Little Arthur, Pizarro, Spy, and Don. New Zealand Cup, of 1000 soys. Two Miles. Merrie England,. Occident, Strephon, Jet dEan, Whisper, Cynisca, Wolverine St. Andrew, Dudu, Freedom, Cracksjiot, Kotoku, and Riccarton. Welter, of 100 soys. Six Furlon«s. Captain Cook, Wanderer, Leonore, Tempest, Prime Warden, Loo, Sir Julius, Dragon, Retotara, Van Tempsky, Egalite, Harkaway, Drift", St. Malo, Crown Jewel, Resebud, Palliser, Liquidation, Angler, Bay, King, Catamont, Coinage, Erin-go- Bragh, Richlake, and Nellie Gray. Welcome Stakes, of 250 soys. Four Furlongs. Morpheus by St. George-Hammock, Dilemma by Rubezahl-Lady Emma, Namoa by Nordenfeldt-Tres Deuco, Sabra by St. George-Miss Flat, Aqualate by July-Teredo, Union Flag by St. George- Red Rose, Florrie by Tasman-Rubina, May by July-Wave, Lebel by Norden feldt-Pulchra, Ranee Nuna by St. George- Watersprite, Cajolery by; Apermont- Fla^tery. Islington Plate, of 70 soys. One Mile. Vision (£100), Chudleigh, Master George, Silver Pine, Sir Julius (£SO each), Count D'Orsay (nil). Sthwares' Sxakes, of 200 soys. Six Furlongs. Whisper, 9st 41b ; Wolverine, Bst 91b ; Rnby, Bst 81b; Cynisca, Bst 31b ; St. Malo, Bst 21b ; Tempest, Bst lib; Moraine, 7st 121 b ; Strephon, 7st 111 b ; Peers wick, 7st 101 b ; Alsace, 7st 71b, Carronade, 7st ! 51b; Pearl Powder, 7st 21b ; Bay King, ! 7st 21b ; Richlake, 6st 121 b ; Miss George, 6st 91b; Ben Travato, 6st 71b; Loo, 6st 171 b ; Red Cross, 6st 51b. Selling Race, of 100 soys. Four furlongs. Cajolery (£200), Ranee Nuna (£200), Sail Rock (£200), Namoa (£200), Tomato (£100), Oenone (£SO). Middleton Hurdles, of 100 soys. Once round and a distance. Waterfall, Romulus, Wa^tangi, Don, Ruapehu, Little Arthur, Ahua, Ixion, The Spy, Pizarro. Criterion Stakes, 100 soys. Seven furlongs. . Heather Bell, Wanderer, Strephon, Whisper, Cynisca, Red Cross, Wayland, Tempest, Prime Warden, Loo, Dragon, Alsace, Egalite, St Malo, Miss George Peerswick, Ruby, Rosebud, Palliser Carronade, Angler, Bay King, Richlake, Nelly Gray. Dmby, of 50Q soys. One and ft ha,\l mile, St. Andrew, Freedom, Crackshpt MedalUou, DiwJwn,

Epsom High Weight, of 100 soys. On '' and a quarter mile. Captain Cookj St. Andrew, Leonore,' Prime Warden, Sir Julius, Dragon, Harkaway, Ha2eL Rosebud, Liquidation, Angler, Bay King, Ahua,, The Spy, Catamount, Silver Pine, Ben Trovato, Vision. SPRINO STAKES, of 100 SOYS. Four furlongs. Qenoiie, Morpheus. ISamon, Dilemma, Sabrai, Aqualate, Fairchild, Union Flag, Katajjjhan, Fosaie, May, Lebel, llanee Nuna, Cajolery. Oaks, of 200 hoys, ■ One mile and n half. Cfirronnde, Heather Bull, Hazel, Diadem, Pearl Powder, Aronoel. Canterbury Cup, of 500 soys. Two i and a quarter miles. Occident, Merrie England, Crackshot, Medallion, St. Andrew, Freedom. Electric Stakes, of 10') soys. Four .:.■■ fnrlongs. fteather Bell, Strephon, Namoa, Cynisci, Dilemma, St. Andrew, Aquakte, Fairchild, Union Flag, Egalito, Florrie, Diadem, May, Palliser, Lebel, Lebonie, Libeller, Ben Trovato. Ladies' Pußse, of 100 aova. Once round and a distance. Captain Cook, Waterfall, Romulus, Dragon. Don, Ruapehu, Harkaway, Angler, Ixion, Count D'Orsay, The Spy. Silver Pine.

Melbourne, October 18. It is a beautiful spring morning, and promises well for racing at Caulfield to-day.

The Eden George Case.

[PER PIIESS ASSOCIATION.] Chjristchurch, October 17. The charge against Eden George ot damaging his photographic apparatus, with intent to injure others, Mas dismissed this evening, the Justices holding that there was not sufficient evidence that he had done the mischief, though, his conduct had bosn foolish, and the conduct of other parties also of a culpable character. The charge against Gest«nkorn of stealing a, letter was not gone on with. '''■',

MORE DUMMYING.

It passes comprehension that tl|3 present Minister for Lands—always assuming that he would be naturally anxious to see the provisions of the land laws which he has. to administer faithfully carried out—should be so blind to the wilful evasions which are going on m all directions as to have committed himself to the statement that only one or two instances of dummying had been proved—one at Woodville and the other at Waitahuna —the latter having occurred some years ago. The "Waste Lands Com mittee of last < season (of which Mr Richardson was a member, and the sittings of which he attended) sub mitted a report to the effect that dummying and false declarations were rife, and recommending the prosecution of some of the offenders—as the French phrase has it pour eiicourager leßautres; and no one 1 can read the evidence attached to that report with out seeing that the finding of the Com mittee is amply justified, were it only m view of ivhat .ire known as ''the Levels cases." In those cases no less than nine persons, being employees on the Levels estate or agents for the Land Company, put m applications for some 10,000 or 11,0.00 acres—according to Mr Brydone's evidence admittedly m the Company's interest. The case was a very plaiu. one and conclusively established, the detail-: being now public property as published m a Parliamentary paper. But after all it is only a sample of what has been going on right and left throughout the Colony, and we are able upon informa tion recently obtained to cite another notable instance insupportof this state ment. In August last there were offered for application among other lands three sections at the Upper Waitaki of (A) 70 acres, and (B and C) about 100 acres each. The first (which we have called A for conveni ence sake), was shown m solid: color and described m the conditions as surveyed land, B and C being shown and described as unsurveyed. For these three sections one James Pater son and his two sons were applicants, the father applying for A and the Sons for B and C. All the applications were taken by James Paterson to tho Land Office, Timaru. Here he was informed that a mistake had been made as to block A, and that a telegram had been received from Christchurch directing that it should be put up as unsurveyed land. Now m tlie case of surveyed land the allotment as between more applicants then one has to be tfecided by ballot, but as regards un surveyed land the first applicant (who must lodge the survey fee with his application) is entitled to succeed. Paterson had not funds enough with him to lodge the survey fees for all three allotments, but being especially anxious to secure the 70 acre lot (block A) lodged the fees m vespect of that, and withdrew the other applica tions. This was at a faw minutes past nine o'clock. More than an hour after this an agent for other parties called at the land office and desired to put m applications for the block m the names of two station masters and eight other persons, employees on the same large Company estate, or members of the families or households of the said managers, one of them, we under stand being agoverness—all theapplica tions being of course made subject to the declaration that each of the persons was applying for the land solely for his or her own use or benefit. The agent was told of the alleged " mistake " as to block A, and on finding that it was to be put up as " unsurveyed" land was quite ready to lodge the survey fees on behalf of each of his clients, but was informed that even if he did so it would be unavailing, as Paterson had applied more than an hour before and was entitled to Yet after all this the land was subsequently sold m Christchurch as "surveyed" land, and [the ten persons referred to had a chance m the ballot, one of the number drawing the section or block, Patersdn, the first applicant, of course being excluded. He tells us that the drawing took place on the 21st, and that while a notification was sent to him that the block was finally to be dealt with as surveyed land, that notification was dated from Christ-' church on the 19th, and only reached him at Upper Waitaki on the day of sale, toO late for him to put m another application and take his chance at the ballot. Now if all these statements can be proved, and we are assured that they ca,n be, then all we can say is that the whole business is highly unsatisfactory. The fact is that the more the land administration is. looked

into the more patent it becomes that abuses are rife—largely due to the defective stato of the law, and m view of such circumstances the Minister must be held seriously to' blame for having allowed Parliament to disperse without even making the attempt to remedy such a state of things. ,

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[jl'EJl riIKSS ASSOCIATION.] London, October lfi and 17. Messrs O'Brien, and Dillon have arrived at Cherbourg, an important seaport, town of France, m the depart ment of Manche, and have proceeded to Paris. It is stated that His Holiness the Pope desires to confer with them ; and it is expected that they will leave for America at the end of the next week. Messrs O'Brien and Dillon sail for America on October 25, and state that "they expect to raise £100,000 m aid of the Land League. Mr Gladstone, m an article con tributed to the "Jewish World," states that if the edicts said to be issued by the Russian Government against the Jews are proved to be correct, lie will urge that steps be taken to rouse the conscience of Europe against the tyrannical action of Russia. t The British South Africa Company have concluded a treaty with the Natives for the cession of Manisa country. Portugal claims to hare protection over this territory.

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney, October 17. The Hoddenrig shearing station, at Nevertive, one of the finest m the Colony, has been destroyed by fire. Four thousand sheep perished iji the flames, and it is estimated that the loss is fully £13,000. Tremendous bush fires are raging at Lismore, an agricultural district • situ ated on the North arm of the Rich mond river, about 520 miles North of Sydney. Vast tracts of territory have been devastated, and the township of Clumes is m danger. The inhabitants of the last-mentioned place are out fighting the flame?.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Wellington, October 17. There is little evidence from the cargo picked up at Chatham Islands to identify it with that on board the missing barque Assaye. According to the manifest which is held here it is thought possible that the-case ■■■marked " I m a diamond " niay be one case of a consignment of brandy for W. and G. Turnbull and Co., local amenta of the vessel, but from en quiry made from various departments of the Government service which arc known to have goods on board, none of the marks shown on then 1 invoices correspond with those mentioned m the telegram from Lyttelton. The inquest on the fire at the old Government Printing Office occupied the coroner all daj'. Evidence showed, that the five broke out m the lithographic department,- but beyond this there' was no evidence to show origin, and the jury accordingly found an open verdict. Sir F. 'Whitaker and the Hon. Mr, Mitchelson probably arrive here on, Monday. At the inquest on th«j body of Charles j Neilson, who' committed suicide at the ' Lunatic Asylum, a verdict Avas returned of suicide while of unsound mind. ' The evidence showed that the doctors m com-, ''mitting huh noted on the certificate that 1 lie was of sucidical tendency, and he was i therefore placed m a padded room. He however, managed to elude the vigilance of4lve warders, and by means of a sheet hung himself to one of the ventilators. The cases against the Mexican and In dian, lately connected with Wirth's Show, of stealing properly bolonging to the firm, were dismissed. Further proceed ings are likely to arise out of the cases. Timaiiu, October 17. A man named Cornelius Sullivan was killed at Temuka to-night by a traction engine running over him. No particulars are to hand. Dunedin, October 17. At the the inquest on the body of Henry Dixon, who committed suicide by blowing out his brains with dynamite, ,a verdict was returned that daceased killed himself while m a state of despondency. ■

MAGISTERIAL

ASHBURTON—SATURDAY.

(Before His Worship the Mayor, and Major Steward^ J.P.'s.) : . ■ ■,•:.■•;•;•.-. • DRUNKENNESS. ■ William Jon«s was fined os, with the usual alternative. DRUNKENNESS, ILL-TREATING A HORSE, , AND AS.SAULTING A CONSTABLE. William Lindsay was charged with | having been drunk while m. .charge pf a horse, with ill-treating the horse, and with resisting and assaulting Constable Crockett. , The evidence showed that accused was under tho influence of liquor aud liad beaten his horse severely. Up^n being arrested by Constable Crockett he re sisted violently, and the constable was übliged to call for assistance. : Accused said that the horse was a very bad tempered and unruly one, and that he had not punished it at all severelyi He was convicted on. the charge of drunkenness, and on the charge of assault ing the* constable was fined 20s, costs and expenses, with the alternative of 72 hours' imprisonment...., . , . ' .••. . {ASSAULT. ..John'Thomas was convicted of assault ing Mr Compton, >vbo had been called upon to assist Constable Crockett m arresting Lindsay, and was fined 20s and costs, or 48 hours: ;

The New Plymouth. Murder.

[PER I'RESS ASSOCIATION.]

New Plymouth,. October I?. Mr Fell, who is conducting the prose cution elicited m evidence that the natives at Pnrihaka collected £100 for Mahi Kai's defence, and sent accused's father to New Plymouth to ask Mr Samuel to take the case up. Mr Samuel refused unless on payment of a fee of £100. A European settler gave Mr Samuel a cheque for the amount on the understanding that prisoner's father would bring the money next clay. Owing to Te Whiti and Tohu's influence the money was not paid. Two weeks after Mr Samuel voluntarily returned the cheque to the settler, who is a married man with a family, find Mr Samuel has received, so far, no money for expense of defence or his services. At the continuation of the trial to-day Gatleib Bock deposed to seeing prisoner at some considerable distance from the scene of the murder between half-past 11 ancllS o'clock.

Labor Questions.

(VKH PKE.SS ASSOCIATION.') London, October 16 and 17. The Socialists have declared May duy a holiday, otherwise • the nearest Sunday to that day. Owing to the indolence and insolence of the labour foremen at the upper docks, the Joint Committee have decided to abolish the position from Nov. '4', ' ' ' ~"";"

WkiaixotoW. ; October 18. A .movement is on.fopt.here.tqjjjprm a body composed of delegates from various .assemblies of Knights "of Labor m New Zealand, and ife Is suggested that the proposed body should meet m Wellington at r3jj;ular intervals for the transaction of business relating to the Order. ....„ Duxkdin, October 17. The crew of the barque Hurunui con tinue to rofu.se to discharge cargo. . Some of them presented themselves at the police station and asked to be removed to gaol. The warrants for their commit ment are, however, still lying m the Police Court, and will not be excuted till the captain applies for them.

Latest Teelgrams

. (Received O.fcober 18, 10.35 a.m.) Melbourne, .October 18. The Marine officers havtf written to the steamship owners taking advantage of the offer of the latter to meet and discuss the reason why they left their employment. The owners replied fixing Monday for the conference. A private meeting of Marine officers was held yesterday td consider their position.. It is understood a resolntipn was proposed to. withdraw delegates from the Labor Defence Committee and uegatiyed, m conse quence of which twenty, ■embers resigned. The meeting : arose *"6ut of the action of the Melbourne ofluNrs.

Lisbon, October 16. The Portuguese Premier stated m th« Cortes that agreement with Eng land was impossible unless the appear ance of their fleet m ihe Zambesi was satisfactorily explained.

CORESPONDENCE.

JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY.

TO THE EDITOR.,. Siii,-s- Would you kindly permit me to rectify one or two errors that appeared m the nans ?yric on John Boyle-O'Reilly, published m Tuesday's "Mail" ,It is therein stated that he made his escape from Australia, by means of * "achooner" specially despatched by friends m America for this purpose ; but as a matter- of fact this was not the case. Having intimated to the Rev. P. M'Cabe, a missionary m Western Australia, his. intention of making a desperate effort, to regain his freedom, and having unfolded to him the plans whereby he hoped to succeed, he was promptly told that such a course of action as he meditated - meant nothing less than suicide. On departing, however, hi)- 1 friend wnd, "Let, me think out a plan ft I you." After the lapse of some months, ho received a message to the effect that "the American whalers would "touch at Bunbury for water, m February {it was then December) (md he. Father t M'Cabe would make arrangements with one of the captains for my escape " (O'Reilly's own account of his escape). Accordingly, one Captain Baker pro mised to pick him up if he should sight him out of Australian waters ;;but he was no); true to his word. In due time the barquo appeared, and although . O'Reilly signalled and shouted most vigorously from his open boat, Baker did not^ see him. At any rate that was the poor excuse' he framed when afterwards interrogated on the subject. Arrangements were then made with Captain Gfbrd, of the Gazelle, who promised to take him on board, and afterwards did so. Afterhiany exciting ad ventures he reached America, and accord ing to the "Pilot," of which he was late editor, he did not know a soul there. It is also stilted that he '* proposed retiring to Ireland m a few months to pass the remainder of his days ;" but' this I hardly think possible, as he still owed England twenty years' penal servitude. There, till the day of his death, he' was looked upon as convict No, ,9483, but m that great, glorious, and mighty empire m the far West, the land of his adoption, he was considered a talented, pure-tjpartcd, devoted son. Apologising for troubling you-—I am, etc., " Eemt." [We wrote from memory as to O'Reilly' escape, and the detailed particular ■ furnished by our 1 correspondent ar doubtless as accurate as they 'are in teresting. There is), however,' onlj this difference between vs—We stated that the vessel had been sent out from America for him, while ."Erin!' says (doubtless correctly) that arrangements were made with a vessel already m Australian seas. As to his "proposed retirement to Ireland our information was obtained direct from O'Reilly's own family, arid we fancy the explanation of the difficulty which "Erin" raises is thai there was an amnesty granted some .years ago.—Eb.] t . . .-,.

We do not hold ourselves responaible tor the opinions expressed by our correspondents

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

[FER MIESB ASSOCIATION.] JRomaaitle AnlcM*. Wellington, October 18. A cap was picked up on the Custom* house Quay last night containing 1 a jrieco of piper inside, dated October 14th, on which was written :—" I hay« drowned myself owing to my hopeless passion for Mary Josephine Strede." The police aro making.enquiries, but so far nothing is. known of anyone by that name. ■ ■ Th» Barqse Ahv« The official report forwarded by the Collector of Customs at, the Chathams to the Government says the portion of deck ing found was pronounced Clyde-built, and the buoy was marked S.M. Th» Hinemoa is expected to arrive at Dunediiv m a fortnight. Th« Coal Famine The.Petone Woollen Mill is oow work ing' almost entirely with wood as fuel, n«t using more than. 10 tons of coal per month, Electric liiffhtlar. In consequence of the fire at tbt old printing office instructions have been given to prepare estimates of the cost of lighting Government buildings here by electricity. ■

Hoixoway's Ointment axp fills.— Counsel for the ilelioate.—Those to whom i the Changeable temperature is a protracted period of trial should seek the earliest oppor tunity of removing all obstacles to good health. This cooling ointment, perseveringly rubbed upon the skin, is the most .'reliable, remedy for overcoming all diseases of the throat and chest. Quinary,.- relaxed tonsils, sore throat, swollen glands) ordinary catarrh and bronchitis, usually prevailing, at this season, may be arrested as soon as discovered and every symptom banished by Holloway's simple and effective treatment. This oint ment and pills are highly commended for the facility for which they successfully contend with influenza; they allay m an incredibly short time the distrewing fever, Md tewing cough.

ttttfi AgfißUßTOir GUARDIAN, SATUBDAY, OdTOSEtt 18, 18&0.



WANTED OASH Advertisements under this heading not execedin SIXTEEN WORDS I/-. Addresses may be __ left at this Office. ANTED"!Snown—The " Strong wear" Boot is the best for Men, Ladies and Children.—W. H. Collier. V'l * ANTED Known -Ladies Stockings ■• with Silk Toes and Heels m >lack and colors. Is (id per pair.—W. H. 30I.UEK. IJOOTS, BOOT*. "Keep youv feet I.) Dry and Have Doctor's Bills. have a splendid Stock m now. Try ny Deuble-seled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorx, Ashbur fcon Cloth ins' Mart, Saunders' Buildinsrs. ANTED Known. - For Dress Stufts, Prints, &c, Trimmings to match *o to Melford House. Best value m town. —11. C Segkrs. ANTED Known.—Fpr~Sheetings Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels, Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c., go to Melford House.. —H. C. Seoers. ANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. ANTED Known.—For first-class Millinery and Drapery (marked cheap) go to Melford House. New Goods just opened.—H. C. Seoers. STOP" ThaT"C^glT^Flo^er'arCougli Drops are thebest —ses thai, the name is stamped on every one. H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. ANTED Known"—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with dcs patch. Public Notices tv es.leTan~sunday school VV ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26th. Preacher : Rev. J. Taylor, of Durham Street, Christchurch. Attractive singing with orchestral accompaniments. Tea and Floral Concert TUESDAY, October 28th. [Original and effective programme. 10 103 T~\ARKEST AFRICA, cheap edition, YJ now arrived. First supply limited. New Books, New Stationery, New Fancy Goods and Novelties all at reduced prices. Large assortment of New Music of every description. Pianos on hire and for sale on terms. Orders received for Book binding of every kind.—L. F. Andrews &Co



FISH NG SEASON, 18»O FISHING TACKLE. H l C X 1890 MG TA 1891 TUST arrived, ex "DORIC" from"bes v t) English and American Manufac turers a large and well assorted stock of all Fishing requisites. Rods, Lines, Reels, Minnows, FHes, Gail Hooks, single, double and treble. Mountings, assorted Hooks: Waterproof Stockings, India Rubber crack proof Gum Boots, water proof Fish Bags In great variety, including latest pat terns. Every article of the season at lowest prices. Fishing Licenses can now be obtained from me. ■ ALSO.—New Stock of CRICKETING and TENNIS MATERIALS. \V. ZANDER, Direct Importer Fishing Tackle. Tobbacconisfc and Fancy Goods. Ladies and Gentlemen's Hairdressins Saloon JMSIAKERT" TIMBEK MEECHANT, HAVELOCK STREET, Opposite Harbisons Auction Mart, TT*AS IN STOCK Large Supplies of— Building Timber, Stakes and Posts, Galvanised Corrugated Iron, Builders Ironmongery, Turnery, Furniture, and Fancy Goods ( IN ENDLESS VARIETY. FURNITURE MADE TO ORDER IN ANY DESIGN AT SHORTEST NOTICE Sole Agent m Ashburton for Clegg's Perambulators. Reliable Seeds. /~1 ENUINE Farm Seeds for sale at VT J- SEALY& CO.'S. Genuine Garden Seeds at J. SEALY * CO. S. Genuine Flower Seeds at J. SEALY & CO.'S. Blue Prussian Peas at J. SEALY & CO.'S. Golden Tares at J, SEALY & CO.'S. New Turnip Seeds at J. SEALY & CO.'S. Farm Seeds at J j SEALY & CO. S. None but Carter and Co.'s choice< Seeds m stock I SEALY &C<\ HEpY_ZANDER. I HAVE just landed ex " Doric "my season'? .supply of the finest TUPtISTIF' SEEDS Consisting of— GREEN TOP YELLOW ABERDEEN, PURPLE TOP YELLOW ABERDEEN PURPLE TOP MAMMOTH, ! WHITE STONE STUBBLE, '- PURPLE TOP SWEDE. DEVONSHIRE GREYSTONE, YELLOW TANKARD, Etc, Etc. £mh * w ° ohm I m ° "is'"" 0 t\\ Sfl .5 S » ■ dS ; All of the purest quality, and tests can be seen at my office. SHEEP QHEARsT HEEP OHEARS SHEEP OHEARS. HEEP OHEARS. All the favorite Brands. WAUD akd PAYNE'S. WARD and PAYNE'S, BURGON and BALLS', BURGON and BALLS', Turkey and Washita OILSTONES, Boiled and Raw LINSEED OILS, Ground and Lump RADDLE, Red and Black Branding OIL, LAMPBLACK, etc. Woolpaeks. Woolpaeks. Full size and full weight. I have also m stock, — GALVANISED IK,OJV (Lysaght's Orb). Di all lengths ; and can supply the trade as well as farmers. Cement, Cement Stakes, Posts, Rails, Fencing and Barbed Wire, RANSOME'S and HORNSBY'S PLOUGHSHARE S. General Ironmongery AND Groceries, WINES and SPIRITS, ALES Afep STOUT. New Season's Teas. MAURITIUS SUGARS, etc., etc., me. HENRYZANDER! —AGENT FOR— Sun Fire Insurance Company, Canton Marine Insurance Company, National Mutual Life Association of astralasia,



C?. mtox'nton. Dudley J LAND, ESTATE AM> STOCK AGENT j ltil Hereford Sheet, Christ chnrch ' i lmv« Hinns of 'v> ney to lend on gend security at low rates of interest. Several Fnrms for Sale. ~SPRINQ FASHIONS" New Millinery. WE have now opened the latest novel ties for the Reason m Ladies' Hats Mid Bonnets, m the most Fashionable shapes mid Superior Quality, together with the choicest Ribbons, Flowern, Feathers, itc, procurable. New Jackets, New Mantles, Now Dust loiiks, ! New Bordered Costumes, New Checked Dress Goods, V New Plain Dress Goods, ;, Now G inghamaand Zephyrs, New Prints and Sateens, New Flannelette a mid NEW GOODS m Every DEPARTMENT CALL EARLY. ™ AND INSPECT THEM AT S.W. ALCORK & Co., EAST STREET 10. xaawjLS aanoNVX <VTHN[ttAT 9O rriHHOiiTAT gLhkh-1-Jj o JLtmroiijilL ianiTA ssvio xsitm «ISV saavHs omavai hhx tiv *saav_wd[ii afz koh_i ivAiuav Hsani S.'d.NUni ? 113H01IW . loadSNi nvhj. aaMsi.a oa ionnvo FIRST DISPLAIY Spring Goods. a NDREW ARR j'A. NDRKW Ulllt I S now showing a Beautiful Selection of MILLINERY, MANTLES, PRINTS, GINGHAMS, NEW DRESS GOODS BEIGE'S FRENCH CHECKS, RIBBONS, FLOWERS, ETC. 2 CASES of Ladies French BOOTS and SHOES Direct om France. ANDREW ORR. Spring and Summer, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY FOR Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonial TWEED SUITS, HATS.—We keep the Largest and Best Selection. HatH made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. Best workmanship put m every garment, and a perfect fit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c, m Latest Fashion and Style. !K"~_1 Best Value for Cash m District. NB W ZEAIAND CLOTHING FACTORY W. H WEBBER, Manager ' THE ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY'S ANNUAL CONVERSAZIONE AND BALL TH ILL'be&eld m the Oddfellows' Hall FRIDAY, -24ra OCTOBER. To commence afc 8 p.m. Tickets—Gentlemen 3s ; Ladies, 2s. See posUrs. J. SEALY, WST Hon. Secretary,