The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1890. THE APPROACHING ELECTIONS.

We cannot too often impress upon ' our readers the necessity for taking every precaution to ensure their names being placed on the electoral roll. The writs for the ensuing general elections, will, it is stated, be issued m the course of a day or two, after which no applica tions will be received for enrolment. It therefore behoves all male persons of the age of twenty-one years to at once register themselves by calling upon the Registrars for their respec tive electoral districts, where they may obtain necessary forms <uul all other information. The qualification, as we have stated on several occasions previously, is that any person claiming to be placed on the i"oll shall have been resident m the colony for a period of twelve months, and resident m the electoral district for six months of that term. In consequence of roll revision, and the enlargement of districts, the new rolls will doubtless contain many clerical errors and omissions ; it can scarcely be otherwise when Registrars throughout the colony, m addition to their other duties, are called upon, at short notice, to prepare new rolls from old ones, and to add new names thereto. Persons who have been on the roll for years may, if they do not see to it at once, find themselves de barred from the exercise of the franchise at the forthcoming election owing to unavoidable errors m com pilation of the electoral lists. It there fore behoves every elector to see for himself that he is upon the roll, and if he finds that his name has been omitted, |to take immediate steps to have it I placed upon the supplementary roll, now m process of compilation. The Elec toral Act Amendment Act, 1890, incor porates the Regulation of Elections Act, 1881, but sections 10 to 16, schedules 3, ■I, and T), with section G of the Electoral Acts Amendment Act, 1887, are re pealed. These have reference to the mode of nomination, which is altered. On the receipt of a writ the Returning Officer is to endorse on it the date of receipt, and give at least 15 days' notice of the day of election m tl-e prescribed form. Any duly registered elector, with his consent, may be nominated as a, candidate, for the House of Representatives by a nomina tion paper signed by two electors of the district which is to be represented, and must reach the Returning Officer not. less than seven days before the polling day. The consent may be by post m the ordinary way, or affixed to the nomination, or by telegraph. It must be accompanied by a deposit of £10, to be forfeited if* the candidate does not poll one-tenth the number of votes polled by the successful candi date. Objections to the description of the candidate as insufficient must be made not less than five days before the poll. The names of all candidates are to be advertised m a newspaper circulated m the district. A candidate may withdraw, but not later than five days before the poll, by sending a notice signed by him and attested by a Justice, and after such notice he will be incapable of election, find any votes given for him will be void and of no effect ; the notice is to be published. Any elector who is unable to read or write n-ay request a scrutineer to inspect his voting paper after marking it. In case a candidate dies m the interim between nomination and poll ing days, proceedings are to be com menced afresh, as if the writ had been received on the day on which proof of the death was given to the Returning Officer, and the circumstances are to be endorsed on the writ. Section 4f> of the 1881 Act is repealed, and m lieu thereof it is provided that the declara tion of the poll shall be by public notice m a newspaper as soon as con veniently may be on or after the day of the poll. In all other respects, the the new Act is the same as the old Acts. In this district, as m many others, there are, since the last elections were held many new residents and settlers, and we would especially urge these to register themselves at once. There are also a number of young men m the district who are entitled to the privilege of a vote for the first time, and it behoves these also to sep that their names are included m the new rolls. Young New Zealanders cannot do their country better service than by taking part m all questions affecting the public welfare, and letting the power of their opinions be felt through the ballot-box. To old electors, new residents, and young men we would say, see to it that you delay not another moment m making sure that you will not be debarred from the exercise of the franchise at the forth coming election. There are many im portant political and .social questions to be dealt with by the ]S Tew Zealand Parliament during the ensuing three years, and it behoves the electors from one end of the colony to the other to send forward their best and most level headed men to take part m the State deliberations.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Cook, the ex-champion billard player of England, has been committed to prison for forty days for debt. There arc m North Queensland twenty one newspapers m favour of separation and ei^ht against it. The Melbourne Exhibition (says the " Syd ney Bulletin) resulted m a deficit of £2i\,000 ---gbwen's orchestra, concerts cost £3G,(H>O and. realised £9000. ,80 much snow has fallen m .Switzerland tMs cummer that it has put a stop to moun tain clunking. The Daily News is of opinion that m the event of the present strikers m Australia bein" successful, an incursion of coolie labour will result. Seventy-n£ne persons m Great Britain pay tax oo incomes exceeding £50,000 per annum. The total aggregate anjoyjjt of incomes thus assessed exceeds £B,OOO,QGK*. A collector of curiosities at IJoinbay named Shaulcy has among hi* collection a, cod marked " Heathen Idol/ und »e^t to it a -mid piece marked "ChvUnhn Nul" Ifcis said that Arther t'la.i«j>!*W., hnttcv know to many as Sullivan, who made him self notorious some time ago by representing himself as »» evangelist on a tour of the colony, but ended rafcher shadily, was a pas senger )iy the Mww4, He got on the boat at Hobart, and chaw f»t to J)unedm, where he is waiting to rcco-y.w i'lom the effects of the voyage, ate., bviw* starting «n (i temperance tour,

( The Prince of Wales continues fco grow i stout and grey. It is said of him that lie \ is <tisincline:l to make any exertion, and the only places to which he does not drive are to meals and to bed. I 1 lie most densely populated square mile m ilio world is m the city of New York ; it 13 inhibited by 270,000 people, the larger part of whom are Italians, who speak only taeir native language. Baron Alphonse Rothschild has lately bought a clock made by that royal and most lucklass clock-maker, Louis XVI, with his own hands. It is not particularly beautiful, but being unique and the object of much competition among collectors, it brought th<; remarkable price of £38,000. Ono-third of the fools m this country (says an American paper) think they can beat the lawyer hi expounding the law, one-half think they can beat the doctor m healing the sick, two-thirds of them think they can b« at the min'afcer m preaching the gospfil, and all of them know that they can beat the editor m running a newspaper. Recent statistics show that the greatest number of women, m proportion to popula tion, employed m industrial occupations m European countries is found m the United Kingdom, the number so employed being 4,f>00,000, per centage 12*1. Italy comas next with a percentage of 11 '6, and Franue showsO -89. According to the "Jersey Bulletin," the largest prices paid m the world for butter are paid for the article made m private dairies, simply because the best butter m the world is made m private dairies. So long as this fact stands, the private dairy will offer greater attractions for the best dairy- I men than any factory can, simply because it offers more profitable reward for intelli gence, skill, and enterprise. The "Sydney Mail" says:—William Beach, the most famous sculler of the world is -40 years of age this b'th day of September. He began to row m December, 1880, and raped for the last time m December, 1888, at Brisbane. We may have many wonderful scullers m the future, but this generation will never allow any one to take the place of the retired champion. No man has so completely and entirely the good wishes of his fellow-colonists as "old William Beach." The extent to which smoking is practised was perhaps never more evident than last Saturday on the occasion of the labor de monstration. The numoer of men who smoked as they marched along was surprising and when the assemblage congregated at the bottom of Mount Eden's natural amphi theatre, the smoke of thousands of pipes arose like incense towards the heavens. "Zamiel'"' lias been told that one anti-smok ing clergyman informed his ilock next day that the cloud of tobacco smoke might be seen as it ascended from the crater of Mount Eden by persons standing m Ponsonby. Next please !"—•'Zamiel"' m the "Auckland Star. In lecturing at Christchurch on his trip to the West Coast, Bishop Julius said the sight of some kakapos, which had been killed by a bushnian'ts dog, had caused him to reflect oti the destruction of the beautiful native birds—the kakupo, tiie bell-bird, and others —because the Europeans were rash, ruthless anil foolish. First, m their folly, they brought rabbits ; then they brought m ferrets to kill the rabbits; then wild cats to kill the ferrets ; and then they would have to bring m elderly spinster ladies to domesti cate the cats—(roars of laughter)—then they would probably empty the London Club houses to domesticate the spinsters —(re- newed laughter). He would not go into social or political questions, but lie might say thrit they had brought out rabbits, as he might call them, of other kinds. However, one of his friends had said that the cure for all these was woman franchise. The evictions which are m course of execu tion m Golden Lane, St Luke's, says a London paper, are scarcely less harsh and cruel than some which have taken place m Ireland, nnd have been made the theme of influential de nunciation. The edict to clear out is yet defied by a hundred families, who have -not been terrified into compliance by the unroofing of houses. A serious struggle with the officers of the law is apprehended before these people are expelled from their humble abodes. Thu proposed demolition may not be an unreasonable proceeding; nay, it may he highly desirable on sanitary grounds ; but what the poor residents complain of is that they arc to be turned out of their homes without other dwellingsbeingprovided for them. The hundred tenants are willing to go if they could find othe- accommodation m the district. But to leave their present abodes means the loss of livelihood, and that is why they cling so tenaciously to their present quarters. On Saturday afternoon, August 2nd, whilst watching a cricket match on the Officers' Club C rounds, at Aldershot, a private soldier named Williams, of tiie Liverpool Regiment, was killed, and six of his companions were seriously injured, by a fl.wh of lightning. They Mere sitting under the trees with a number of men of other regiments, whilst opposite a large group of officers hik! their wives were assembled. The weather during the forenoon had been very fine, but close and oppressive. Shortly after three o'clock a huge mass of black clouds came rolling up from the north, and the rumbling of thunder could be heard m the distance. Many of the spectators headed the warning and left the ground, but play still continued. About half an hour later a brilliant flash of light ning, followed by a crashing peal of thunder apptared to strike a tree under which the soldiers were sheltering. Responding to cries for help, Surgeon Frank, of the Medical Staff, rushed to the spot m company with th«» rest of the players, and after untiring efforts at resuscitation, successfully restored five «f the prostrate men. Williams, how ever, was declared to be lifeless. The stricken men were promptly conveyed to the Cam bridge Hospital. The tree around which the group of men were sitting showed no mark except at the base, where the bark for about two feet was stripped away.

We are sorry to learn that M rs Henry, wife of Mr John Hfltiry, of the Commercial Hotel, is seriously iIL Nominations for the |Ashburton Trotting Club's Meeting close;'to-night at9o'cVoek, the Clubroom being at the Central Hotel.. It is understood that Lord Onsijowhas rented a cottage on the other side of Wel lington harbour for the use of Lady Onslow and her daughters during the summer Iv putting the vote of thanks to the performers at last evening's concert, tho Rev K. A. Scott said that while the church was now out of debt there were a number of improvements needed, both within and with out tlui building, and it was intended to pay all .moneys derived from entertainments, such as that of that evening, into a Fabric Fund, out of which the coat of sttch im provements wottld be defrayed. At, P»mpeii some mural paintings of more than ordinary interest have recently been disclosed, and a remarkable discovery has been made of a house live stories high. Thu upper floor is profusely decorated and the principal hall displays the myth of BeUevo phou, a nude figure who, holding with one hand the bridle of his horse, is m the act, of receiving the letter and orders 'if King Proetii!*, who is seated on a throne before him. The louver part of the house was used as a bathing establishment. There was but little interest manifested m the Borough council election yesterday, only 240 votes m all were recorded, and only one or two vehicles were observed m vise bringing ratepayers to the poll. At about seven o'clock, the returning officer, to an audience of about half a dozen people de clared the result of the voting as follows :— Messrs Joseph Scaly, 104 ; Edward Cookson, 87 ; George Francis Scott, 45 ; informal, 4. The usual vote of thanks having been given to the Returning Officer, the proceedings terminated. An invalid gentleman, who has lately been sojourning m the capital of New South Wales, complains m somewhat angry mood of the growing yomth of the colonies, na far j as he was able to judge them. He had occasion to advertise for a youth to re id to him, and he was, favoured with no less than 63 applicants. *' Not one of them," he com plained, '.' could wade through the leading articles m the morning journals. Yet these promising brats were perambulating en cyclopedias on everything connected with racing, football, cricketing, rowing, and every exercise, from putting ahead on a man to putting one on a penny." He tried them at arithmetic and found them the tame dreary failures. When they had to deal with the abstract principles involved m short division, or m simple multiplication, they were quite at sea. It was only when such concrete matters were presented to them as how best to "layoff" when they had what is called m sporting slang one leg m a double, or what they would stand to receive should they accept long odds, that they brightened up and showed symptoms of pene trating intelligence. Severn! of the business places m Ashburton displayed bunting to-day m honor of his Excellency's visit. Amongst the rest Mr William Patching had a line of flags, repre senting almost a full code of marine signals, stretching from his premises m E;ist street across the road to a telegraph post, so that had his Excellency chosen the ordinary route through Ashburton to Longbeach, whither he was bound, he would have had quite a triumphal arch to pass under. His Excellency, however, did not choose this route, but preferred having the express stop at Winslow, where Mr John Grigg's carriage was m waiting for him. At Ashburton, the express waited the usual ten minutes or so, and a fairly large crowd of people took the opportunity of having a look at the repre sentative of Royalty. Lord Onslow, bow ever, never left- the saloon carriage lie travailed m, and when the train moved away one politary voice was uplifte.l m aiv asthmatic hurrah. No municipal officer was m waiting to receive the Governor, but Mr W. C. Walker, M.H.R., came out of the viceregal carriage when it drew up, having evidently travelled with his Excellency from Christchurch.

THE ELECTIONS.

Messrs W. B. Perceval and R. M, Taylor announce that they are candidates at the general election for the City of Christchurch. The names of Messrs James Brown (Wakanui) and Joseph Ivess are mentioned as possible candidates for Ashburton electorate. It is understood that Mr Harry All wright, who sat for Lyttelton m the Parliament before the last;, will come forward as a candidate for the Akaroa seat. It is also stated that Mr Winter, one of the four members of the Railway Execu tive recently dismissed hy the Commis sioners, will contest the electorate, Mr H. Hirst will be a candidate for Wallace (Southland), and will ojjpose Dr Hodgkinson. Mr J. W. Hamilton, a farmer, will, it is stated contest Wallace m the interest of the Opposition. Mr J. G. W-ird is the only candidate mentioned for Awarua. For Invercargill, Mr Feldwick will probably be opposed by Mr Hatch, an ex-member ; and Mr G. W. Bain, who also at one time had a seat m the House. The latter gentleman would be the Government candidate. In the event of Mr G. M. Bell of Wantwood acceding to the request to allow himself to be nominated for Mataura, the Minister of Lands will have a tough light to retain his seat, The Hon G. F. Richardson has greatly advanced m public favor of late, and should succeed m defeating all op ponents, but at the same time Mr Bell is very popular, has always closely identified himself with everything for tht advance ment of the district, and is quite the strongest man that could be brought forward.—" Lyttelton Times." Auckland, September 25. Mr J. B. Whyte, who represented Waikito m the last Parliament, announces that he will not seek re-election. Wellington, September 25. The Government have not yet fixed the polling day, as several registrars have asked for an extension of time m which to purge the rolls. The Government are considering the advisability of doing so. If the request is granted the elections will not take place until the end of No vember ; but, on the other hand, if the Government decline to accede to the re quest, the polling will probably take place early m November. Mr Thos. Kennedy McDonald will con test Wellington City at the general elec tion. Messrs J. R. Blair and C. F. Worth will not be candidates. The electoral rolls are ready for Te Ar.)ho, Waikato, East Coast, Waitofcara, City of Wellington, Wanganui, Hufct, Waimea-Picton, Buller, Westland, Kaia poi, Akaroa, Peninsula, Dunedin suburbs, Clubhu, Tuapeka, Invercargill, Awarua.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

[l'EIl I'UESS ASSOCIATION J

I'rtta! Arcltlcnt. Ma.sterton, September 26. The two-year-old son of Mr James Phillips was run over and killed yesterday afternoon. Theft. Bluff, September 2G. Kennedy's hairdressing saloon here, was broken into yesterday morning, and tobacco, valued at £16, stolen. No clue has yet been obtained to the thief.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

London. September 24 and 25. ' Sir Robert Herbert resigns the Under-Secretaryship of State for the Colonies. The "Times" den if.-; that Sir Herbert intends to resign. Nearly all chemical firms have joined the Union. A prospectus lias been issued fixing the capital at eight and a half millions The Agents-General agree that it would be useless to station an Inspector of Stock at Glasgow. An Inspector from London would be able to visit the northern city and do all required. By an explosion at Elswick works, on board the Australian cruiser Pan dora, twelve men were fearfully scalded. The New Zealand Shipping Company will pay a dividend of 6 per cent., sub ject to sanction by the Court of the reduction of capital, recently assented to by the shareholders. Sir S. Samuel, on behalf of New South Wales, has purchased Captain Cook's log-book. Wool is hardening. Good scoured sorts show faulty pieces and locks Id advance. Greasy sorts are from -{d to id above July rates. The strike of blast furnace-men caused a rapid rise m Glasgow pig iron, but upon the men returning the price fell to 525. Parnell intends to convene a confer ence of the Irish party ac Dublin. Mr O'Brien has brought forward a motion m Parliament for investigation of the charge against Daly, now under doing sentence of imprisonment for I conspiracy. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien have been making defiant speeches at Tip perary. Lord Spencer, speaking at Wake field, condemned the recent arrests of Irish members, which he contended proved Mr Balfour's methods had been a failure. New York, September 25. News has been received from Central, America that the town of Colon, on the Isthmus of Panama, lias been almost totally destroyed by fire. Washington, September 24. A motion has been tabled m the Senate calling for better treatment of American political prisoners m Eng land. Agnes Robertson, Dion Boucicault's iirst wife, will oppose the granting of letters of administration to Mrs Bouci cault (Miss Thorndyke). Suakim, September 24. Natives are being expelled from Suakim, and grain is not allowed to go into the interior. The cause is fear of a raid by Osman Digna. Paris, September 25. The Comte de Paris admits that he intrigued with Boulanger for the re storation of the monarchy. He states he is not ashamed of the part he played and sought to utilise Boulanger to divide the republic. Lisbon, September 25. The opposition to the Anglo-Portu guese convention is gaining ground m Portugal.

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney, September 25. The Taupo has arrived with a cargo of Southern coal for the use of the Union Company's steamers. The Royal Naval Home was opened to-day by Lord Carrington. There was a brilliant gathering on the occa sion. A deputation representing the Aus tralian New Hebrides Company waited on Sir H. Parkes to-day, with a request similar to those recently preferred to Mr Gillies, Premier of Victoria. Sir H. Parkes asked the deputation to send a memorial to the Government enume rating the grievances of British sub jects, which he promised to forward to the Imperial Government.

Labor Questions

[Pjilt PKE.SS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received September 26, 10.16 .a.m.) Sydney, September 26. The Labour Conference have sent a further communication to employers stating that their representative position entitles them to act on behalf of the Unions, who are most anxious to see a settlement of the present difficulty effected.

Latest Cable News

ATISTBAJjIAN

(Received Sept, 20, 10.15 a.m.)' PARLIAMENTARY STONE .; WALLING. ?vr^j| Sydney, September 26, Owing to the expressed determina tion of three or four members of the Legislative Assembly not to proceed with business until the Financial Statement is brought down, a great deal of obstruction has ensued, and an all-night sitting was held last night, when the subject under discussion was a motion to rescind the standing order, to allow fresh business to be taken after eleven o'clock at night.

CHURCH CONCERT.

A most successful and enjoyable concert wr«s given last evening m St. Stephen's schoolroom m aid of the Fabric Fund. The attendance was gojd, and the audience appreciative. The concert opened with the favorite Welsh chorus, "the March of the Men of Harlech," admirably rendered by the Ashburton Choral Society under the baton of Mr H. Gates, with orchestral accompaniment, piano Mr Alfred Orr, double-bass Mr J. Gamble, cornet Mr Leitc'i, violins Miss B. Gates, Mr E. Ward, Master R. Cullon. The soprano vocalists mustered m great force, but the tenor and bass were weak m number. The item was an excelleut one. Then came a treat of a very high order m the shape of the delightful rendering of " The Good Shepherd " by Mr W. B. Dixon (Rakaia) whom we never heard to better advan tage. This was followed by another really exquisite performance, Mrs CM. Brooke's interpretation of Handel's charming morcmu "Angels ever bright and fair," for which that lady deservedly received ah enthusiastic encore —a com pliment the more marked m that for once (as we were glad to see) encores were the exception and not the rule of the evening. The Choral Society followed with Mendelssohn's "How lovely are the Messengers," from the oratorio of St. Paul, which, owing to flatness of the instrumental accompaniment, was not;

altogether successful. Mrs Crisp then gave iv capital . voice the pretty «ong, " The Snow ', that hushes all." Mrs Mayne (who almost at an hour's notice had kindly consented to fill the gap m the programme caused by the indisposition of Miss Traumann) followed with a pianoforte sole (" Spinnlied") brilliantly executed, and the first part cloattd with " The Bellringer " (Mr Mil- H'jm). This item was nicely sung, bur. was not a happy selection, m that to do it full justice needs a voice of somewhat wider range. After a brief interval the second part opened with the glee "May Day " well rendered by the Choral Society, who, however, will perhaps excuse the hint that clear enunciation of the words helps to heighten the enjoyment of an •ndience— a point which is only too fre quently overlooked by vocalists. Mr Stevenson then gave very pleasingly in deed Iteicbarfc's favorite song "Thou art so Near," and m response to an encore, "Rocked m the Cradle of the Deep." The old-time duet "I know a Bank," suited admirably the voices of Mrs Brooke and Mr Milsom, and was a delightful performance, and the same may be truthfully said of the succeeding number, Mrs Crisp's, "The touch of a Vanished Hand." Next came an ex ceedingly creditable violin solo by Miss Simmons, who is rapidly coining to the front a.s a performer on this most perfect of instruments, the theme' chosen being the old-fashioned air "Life, let us Cherish," a series of elaborate variations upon which were admirably executed, and earned for the young lady an enthusiastic recall, m respon.se> to which tho Cuckoo solo was very cleverly rendered. Mrs Brooke next gave very archly the Irish ditty "Thady O'Flynn," and Mr Bfees the.amusing comic song "Betsy Waring," with encore "Giles' Courtship." "Awake /Eolian Lyre " by tho Choral Society was an excellent number, and a most delight ful rendering by Mr W. B. Dixon of "Come into the Garden Maud," de servedly encored, brought a most pleasant musical evening to a 'close. A vote of thanks to the performers was carried by acclamation on the motion of Major Steward, and a ver.se of God Save the Queen terminated the proceedings.

Form Notes from England

The agricultural correspondent of tho Auckland " HeraM " writes, under date London, July 25fch :—"A sad blow has been dealt to the reputation of St. Swithin, for whereas the common belief is that if we have fine weather on that .saint's burial day (July 15), we are likely to have it for forty days afterwards, a perfect deluge of rain fell at the end of last week, and during the present week, though fine weather has prevailed on most days, a small further downfall. From the Greenwich Observatory we learn that the rainfall since the beginning of June at that station lias been one-sixth of an inch more than it was m the corresponding period of the disastrous summer of 187?) —the " black season " of British agriculture. People who do not understand the process of grain develop ment say that even now tine weather would give us a good harvest ; bub this is great nonsense. Fine weather now oannot put a single grain into an ear of corn, as all that can be formed this year i were formed long ago, and all that sun shine can do is to develop them. Of course it would make a great difference j if the grain were developed to the utmost ; but it is too late even for that, as the time when wheat should be cut m the early dis tricts has already come. Besides, all the best of the crops were beaten down m the last week of June, and have been kept down since, so that only the top layers of ears could gut sun and air enough to fill decently with grain. There is a great cropof straw and if we should have fit and sunny weather from this time through harvest, Aye may have a passable yield ; but it must be small m proportion to straw, and I think it must be below average for wheat and barley, if not for oats also. Beans will produce abundantly, and peas fairly perhaps; but potatoes are getting more diseased every day, and even the flourish ing root crops sadly need heat and sun shine to make the bulbs grow and ripen. As for the l*te hay crop, the late portion of it has been as badly injured as the early portion was, and scarcely a stack has been i put up without rain having fallen on its | contents. Fortunately, a great many farmers have made silage instead of hay, on the stack system, and the fodder so preserved may turn out well. During the last three weeks the price I of wheat has gone up 2s 6d to 3s a quarter of eight bushels, and the trade is still firm. i Prime English samples have sold at 40s, and a few at 425, on account of their 1 scarcity, New Zealand long berry being ! quoted up to 38s. If the weather should | be fine for the next few weeks probably prices will fall. Trade for fat stock and ! meat is slow, partly on account of the comparatively hot weather. Butter and cheese are both dull just now.

The "Natural Enemy" in Westland.

In a report on one of his exploring trips about the head waters of the Haast river, the chief surveyor ef Westland, Mr 6. Mueller, digresses from his narrative as a suryeyor to refer to the rabbit ' 'nuis ance," and the ferret, weasel, and stoat "blessing." "During the past summer several weasels and ferrets were caught and killed at the Okuru and Waiatoto settlements. These creatures were token close to, and some within about a mile from, the sea-coast. To the question as to where they came from there could be only on.c answer ; nobody introduced them into Westland, and hence they must have been the progeny of those imported by the Government, and must have found their way across the Dividing Range from either Otago or Canterbury, or both. | But, m the absence of any signs of rabbits about the coast settlements, it is difficult to understand what brought these creatures over. This mystery was effect ually cleared up on my exploration trip, We were prepared to meet with rabbits on the first day's travel inland, but we were disappointed. It was not until we got near the Acton, about nineteen miles from the sea-coast, that we noticed the first traces of rabbits, and it was not until we got to the very headwaters of the Okuru that we saw the rabbits m numbers. The ferrets and weasels, no doubt, came up to the Dividing Range with the rabbits, but as soon as they discovered our ground-birds—our kakapos, kiwis, woodhens, blue-ducks, and such like —they followed up the more palatable game. This is what brought the ferrets | and weasels down to the coast settlements, : and the rabbits on our side of the dividing ! range will henceforth be left undisturbed and allowed to spread as they please. Past experiences have satisfied me that rabbits never will do much mischief on the West Coast. Years ago they were turned out m several parts of West land, parts most favorable to them, open lands and sandhills—but they all died out. The climate is evidently too damp for them, and they certainly will never thrive m our dense bush-country. But, as re gards the ferrets, weasels, etc., they will thrive, and will continue to thrive until the extermination of our ground-birds, which has now begun, is fully ac complished. That lam not prophesying evil without good grounds I may prove by the following : In all my explorations on the coast, the certainty of getting a supply of birds made it possible °to keep the provision-swags, which men had to carry, within reasonable weights and dimensions. On this last trip of mine rather more than the usual amount of provisions) Avas taken, but, m

Kj)il(:i of ihii j>r ■"•.uition. Hie par'y had to be puf on -,'ioit lai.ions for tlu last three day., -iifuudy, one scone per diy. The further inland the more plentiful the birds, usod to be the rule; but that is reversed now. At the head of the Okuru and the Burke some nights passed during MhHi wo never heard'the screech of the kak.ipn, or the .-.brill whis'lis of the kiwi : and. ay for blue-ducks, we .saw only threw during the whole time we were out. In formf-r liino, while camp ing near the liend-v.Mtors of any of the rivers, the fighting of the kakapos among ■themselves, and the constant call of the other birds around the tent and camp-fire during the night, often kept people from sleeping. This has all changed-now ; at least m the southern part of the West Coast, absolute stillness reigns at night, and there is nothing now to keep a traveller from sleeping except—owing to the absence of the birds—an empty stomach.

Wirth's Wild West Show.

(Auckland "Herald," Sept. 16, 1890.) Yesterday afternoon the cowboys who came from America to form part of Wirth Brothers' Wild West Show, proceeded to Greenland, Ellerslie, to inspect some un broken horses which Messrs Paterson have just had forwarded from the King country. Tho cowboys all rode out on horses provided by Messrs Wirth, and were garbed m the full costume of the prairies, while the accoutrements of their' steeds were of genuine Wild West type, comprising heavy high-peaked, ornamen tal, Mexican saddles, and monstrous stirrups, encased m the huge leather flaps that are usen fco brush aside the high grass when riding on the pampas. On the road out Jack Brown gave one or two exhibi bitions of his skill m picking up objects at full speed without dismounting, while Charles Meadows, who was bestriding a local horse he had purchased m the morn inir, had an impromptu bit of buckjump ing on Parnell rise, owing to his saddle slipping. On reaching Messrs Paterson's paddocks at Greenland, a troop of some twenty horses wore found roaming m the field, amongst them being the quintette upon which the visitors were invited to operate. Owing to having no trained " roping" horses with them, they worked on foot. One wild-looking cowboy, rejoicing m the soubriquet of "Pig head Jim," acted as harder and drove the mob past the others, who were standing i about the field with their lassoes whirling over their heads. A sturdy bay horse rushed past, and- Captain Jack Sutton quickly had a loop round his neck and brought him to a sudden standstill. The horse curvetted wildly, requiring several to hold him. As he bucked, however, George Felton deftly threw a second noose round his hind legs, and he was then almost helpless. A blind was put over his eyes, and then he was saddled and bridled without much trouble. The fun began when one of the cowboys leaped upon his back and he was set free. The horse dashed hither and thither, bucked, reared, and shied violently, but all to no purpose, as his rider while excit ing him by voice, thong, and limbs, maintained bis seat with ease and grace, and m about five minutes the erstwhile unbroken steed suffered himself to be quietly led to a corner and fastened to the fence by a simple halter. Four other animals were similarly treated, and the thirty spectators' who had gathered to witness the fun expressed their admira tion of the ease with which the "broncho busters " dealt with animals which had never previously had even a halter upon their necks. Owing to using new lariats the cowboys were not as certain as usual m their casting, the lines of plaited buft'alo thongs being stifF and " kinky," while the absence of trained "runner" horses pre vented them working on horseback—a mode which they much prefer. The Indians who have come down to form an important section of the Wild West Show are, as already mentioned, of three tribes—the Sioux, of Dakota ; the Caughnayua, of British Canada ; and the Yumas, from Southern Arizona. Rain-in the-face, the chief of the Yumas, is a fine type of his race, being over six feet m height and 14st m weight. He is a noted warrior, but excels as a long distance run ner, having frequently exceeded 100 miles m 24 hours, his record being a perform ance of 107 miles while carrying a box of candles (251bs) on his shoulders. All these Indians being brought together for the first time by their common connection with the Wild West Show, are naturally somewhat distrustful and jealous of one another, and they exercise the greatest care m demanding all the ceremonies due to their several ranks, and m wearing all the distinctive features of their natural tribal attire. In their performances with Messrs Wirth Brothers' Show m the colonies, the Indians will illustrate the primitive, yet happy style m which they now live on their reservations, as well as give representations of the fierce frontier feuds, m which they engaged a decade ago, giving representations of the plundering of emigrant trains, tribal fights "death" dances, buffalo hunts, etc. The date for the opening of the show is not yet fixed, but it will take place during this week. At the site m Wellesley street, the preparations are already far advanced, the ploughing and levelling work for the two circus rings and a larger outside riding track being almost com pleted, while the enclosing of a large area with canvas was executed yesterday, and the erection of patent seats to accommo date 5000 people is now being attended to. Messrs Wirth Brothers have recently made additions to their already complete circus troupe, and the show altogether promises to be one of the most varied and. attractive that Australia has ever seen.

Hampstead School.

We paid a visit to this flourishing school yesterday afternoon and were highiy pleased with what we saw. The school rooms are clean, airy, and bright, and filled with well-dressed, clean, healthy, intelligent-looking children. The school is under the management of Mr Malcolm, who has under hima thoroughly competent staff', Miss Shirtcliffe being head 'mistress, with Miss Orr as one of her assistants-, and Miss Fawcett as sewing mistress. In the room especially under Miss Shirt-cliff's charge we found some 150 children ranging from 6 to 8 years of age, no less than 56 of them being under 6 years old and it was per fectly wonderful to see the intelligence witli which the little people answered a series of arithmetical questions and the quickness with which they made calcula tions on the blackboard. The discipline is admirable and the order perfect. Two little ditties m the nature of "action" songs—" The Clock " and "The Fox and the Geese " were sung for our delectation, the regard to time and tune leaving nothing to be desired. We hid not time to interview the more advanced classes, but had much pleasure m inspecting a very creditable display of needlework, the work of girls of all ages, from little mites of seren up to girls of fourteen or fifteen. This comprised, we were glad to see, almost entirely plain sewing from pocket handkerchiefs and pinaf-.res to elabora tely-pleated under-linen, the stitching m all cases being neat and m most of great excellence. Miss Fawcett is to be con gratulated on her success m training those under her charge m that most use ful of accomplishments to thos j who will be the wives and mothers of the next generation, the deft use of the needle. A special prize given by Mrs A. Orr has been deservedly awarded to May Keeley, and prizes given by Miss Fawcett have been awarded as follows :—4th Standard, Alice Hopwood; 3rd Standard, Lizzie Fawcett; 2nd Standard, Emily Magee ;

.Miii by Mw.s (Jit, .LsUJtaiiu.ml, i/Uric 0..1.1 juv aud Katie Azlitt. There are nolleas a than 390 children m attend ancj at this school and the numbers are s,U',tch'y growing. The broke up to-day or a fortnights h lidays, rjsum uigo,. M-mdy, October 10.

Ashburton Wool Sales.

Ln connection with the proposal of (.oicun Uhristcluuch wool buyers to ountiMljhe the wool sales iv the Cathedral Oit,y, and put h stop tothe local Wool sales at A^hburton and elsewhere, the follow ing coiTu&poiiilunct! will be -of interest to our reader.s :•— • Chrislchurch, July 28th, 1890, To Gko. Jaue^ojst Esq,— Aba incoming of woulbuyefs Held m Christ-church on the 23rd inst.,« the' fol lowing resolution was carried unani mously : — " That this meeting of woolbuyers are of opinion that holding wool s'lles at Ashburton, Rangiora, and Amberly, is opposed to the best interest of buyers and sellers alike, and that we will use our beat endeavours to centralise the wool sales m Ohristchurch." The buyers present were Messrs J. M. Watt, (chairman), Goo. Pickles, Jas. Murgatroyd, W. J. Olliver, Thos. Maodonald, Geo. Clark, and Geo. Kettfc well. Letters were read from Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co., Arthur, Micdonald, and Co., and J. Broadbent (of Dunedin), ex pressing sympathy with the movement and promising support, other buyers who were not present at the meeting here also expressed their approval of the resolution. Geokge KettuSwem,, Hon. Secretary.

Ashburton, 31st July, 1890. George Kettlewell, Esq., Secretary Wool Buyens' Association, Christchurch. Dear Sir, —We are m receipt of your circular of 25th July, with'copy of reso lution agreeing to discourage wool sales at Ashburton, Rangrora, and Amberley, and to endeavour to centralise the business m Christchurch. In reply we take leave to offer the following reasons for not concurring m the desirability of your proposals. I. The sales were established four years ago to meet the wishes and requirements of the wool growers of the district, who desire to see their wool handled, lotted, and sold under their own supervision. I Considerable .expense has been incurred to provide the needful accommodation. 11. The auctions have increased m i favor each year, as shown by the numbor of bales catalogued and sold, until last season it reached the very respectable quantity of 3500 bales, and promises to grow still further. 111. Without offering any opinion as to the desirability of sales at Rangioraaud Amberley, we wish to point out "that the circumstances of Ashburfcon differ very | widely from theirs, inasmuch as : (a) It is j the commercial centre for the district between the Rakaia and'Rangitata rivers, instead of being dependent on Christ church as is the case with them. (6) It is the site of a considerable Woollen I Factory consuming £10,000 to £12,000 worth of wool annually, for which the district is naturally looked to. (c) It is on the direct route to Timaru, Oamaru, and Dunedin, where sales are held, (d) The Timaru Woollen Mill has hitherto drawn much of its supplies from the neighborhood. IV. The Ashburton auctioneers have always studied the convenience of buyers m fixing dates of sales so that they can proceed without loss of time to the southern auctions, after completion of their purchases here., V. A special concession of 6d per bale is allowed on the delivery charges to cover buyers expenses, whereas the ex pense of growers attending the sales m Christchurch are unprovided for and would be niu'sh more considerable be cause of their number. VI. Ashburton being on the main line of railways about equidistant from Lyttel ton atid Timaru buyers can ship at either port (as they frequently <io) at 1 the minimum of expense and without inter mediate handling. . ; ! : VII. The centralisation ■■ of sales at Christchurch would give undue advantage to those buyers who purchase direct from the farmers m the district by lessening competition, and depriving growers of the option of the local auctions if dissatisfied with the prices offered. The argument m favor of centralisation is that used by the English brokers m favor of the London sales, and is equally applicable against sales m the colonies at all. The experience of recent sales has undisputably proved the benefit of the local markets. VIII. Centralisation would further en courage direct shipments to Londqn on growers account, many of whom if de prived of the satisfaction of having their wool sold under their own supervision would prefer to take their chance of Lon don market, and thus save the increased cost of handling and rail carriage incurred by selling m Chrisichurch. IX. In conclusion we beg to urge that the course proposed would not only in flict a grievous hardship on the local wool growers which they would be quick to resent, but would defeat the object of the wool buyers by encouraging private purchases, and promoting the use of the London market m place of the colonial sales, which have grown so much m favor of late years. With the request that you will give the same publicity to this letter that you have given to the proceedings of the As sociation m Christchurch. We are, dear sir, Yours faithfully. [Here follow the signatures.]

To Wool Brokers, Ashburton. Christchurch, 22nd September 1890. Dear Sirs, —At a meeting of the Wool Brokers Association to-day n, country wool sales, the Secretary reported that all the local buyers (except one) had signed an agreement pledging themselves not to attend, or be m any way re presented at wool sales held at Ashburton, Rangiora, and Amberiey,, during the coming season. The following reasons for this action on the part of the buyers are given vie :— Ist. The buyers have at present to attend sales <-tt Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill m the South Island, and Wellington m the North Island. From this it will readily be understood that it is almost impossible to fix dates for country ■ tWits, 1 so that they do not clash with sales fixed m the larger centres, or on Kriglish mail days., Until last year Wellington did not really attempt to hold sales of any importance, but last season they offered 4000 bales, and the brokers say that if southern buyers will promise to attend their sales these figures can be doubled this coming season, and Wellington being? a leading sea port has a greater claim on the atten tion of buyers than the inland towns we mention. Therefore it follows, that if these country sales are continued it will frequently happen that only half of the buyers can attend them, owing to want of time, m such a case the competition would be very limited and prices unsatisfactory, and much harm would be done to colonial sales ; of course the grower wou'd be the greatest loser, and next to him the buyer who could not attend the sale. The object of the present movement was to prevent this state of things viz:—To centralise the wool sales m Christchurch, so that growers sliouM have the benefit o all the buyers, ami on tho other hand each buyer should have the opportunity to bid his price for all the wool offered suitable to his wants*

THE ASHBURTON GITAKftLW FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1890.



As the wheel of time lias 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 samples obtainable, and which include clovers, turnips, man gplds, parrots, rape, perennial tyegiass, cocksfoot, elephant swede, garden and flower seeds m endless variety, and garden r.equi 'sites of every description. For the,convex iilence of patrons who cannot make their purchases during the day the premises will be open to nine p.m. on Saturday evenings i ami after the 10th August. ~(Advt.)



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The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' KUCALPTI FXTRACT. ■ Test its eminent powerful etl'ects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc,—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons. Read tho official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards m proof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-Goneral for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma, awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these arc authentic documents, and, as sucji, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of ono of the various cases treated by .Sicgcn, M.I) , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging looses and half of the phalanx of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three -weeks under daily application of Eucalypti Extract dressing. The putiont has retained the full uso of flic hand,—(Adv I



Wft»ite<l. "CASH"AdverHsenieits under this heaclinff not exctwdm SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this bilk". "^7~VNTED—A £,'••«> d General Servant W • for the Country.—Apply " Mail" Office. _9^ M~ B^IIOM^KSHAM intends to open nu evening class for Drawing and Painting. For terim, etc., apply to Mr H. M. Josres. »_!•;•' \\7 ANTED Known —- The Cheapo t •V Shop to buy Timvar<> and Gnl- Tftntsed Iron good* m Ashbarton, is at W. F. HaNXAfouk's, Burnett Street. A urge stock kepH on haul. Tin and Iron wart; goods made and repaired with dcs pitch. "T^RESSCUTTI!^G~and fitting taught \J Lv.Uesa:id children's dresses cut out ready for making up- Apprentices wanted.— Mrs Kexnkdv and Miss Camkkon, dressmakers, Moore Street. "WT ANTE"D~Ktiown.—Fur rirst-cliiss W Millinery and Drapery (marked cheap) go to Melford Hoiimj. New Goods just opened.—H. C. Sbuebs. BOOTS, BOOTH. "Keep your feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try ny Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Rojjebt Alook.v, Ashhiiv ton Clotbin-/ Mart, {founders' Buililinys. \ 17"ANTED Known.- ForDrussStufts, V T Prints, iScc. , Trimmings to matc'a go to Melford House. Best value m town.—H, C. Seokrs. \ V / ANTIOD uvery rn^ui m the County VV to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds. - - Ron kut A u:o i;.n, A«h 1 mrton Clothing Mart. Humidor's B'.u'ldim^a. ii; ANTED Known.—For Sheetings VV Tablitigs, Calic'ics, Quilts, Tuwds, Table Naj)ki.ns, Tmy Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c., j(o to Melford House—H. C^Seoeks. QTOP That Cough— FloweiVCough O Drop.i lire thebest —ace that the name is stamped on every ons. H. G. Flowbb, Confectioner, East .street. Public .N Tot o«s "V] OTICE.— Anyone found Tress- Ji Tl pacing m pursuit of game f>r otherwise on the Riversdale Estate on and after this date will be prosecuted. J. R. WILLIAMS. River dale, 24th May 7C> D' ABKESX AFRICA, cheap edition, now arrived. First supply limited. New Books, Now Stationery, Hew 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. Ajjdrewks & Co. £20 REWARD.. I IN consequence of the amount of Poach- | injjj going on m the Creeks on the lttgmhor~E.sbite, the above reward will he paid to anyone giving information that will lead to a conviction. From this date No One will b« per mittcd to FISH m the Creeks on the Estate. DONALD McLEAN. Lnymh st April, 188.). ~~james baker; " TIMBER MERCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET, Opposite Harbison's Auction Mart, TTAS IN STOCK Largo 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. 0 Reliable Seeds. f\ ENUINE Farm Seeds for sale at VJT J. SEALY & CO.'S. Genuine Garden Seeds at J. SEALY &. CO. S. Genuine Flower Seeds at J. SEALY A CO.'S. Blue Prussian Peas at J. SEALY & CO.'S. Golden Tares t»t J. SEALY & CO.'S. New Turnip Seecs ut J. SEALY & CO.'S, Farm Seeds at J. SEALY & CO. S. None bub Cvkter ami Co.'s choice Seeds m stock]] J. SEALY &CO. SPECIAL_ NOTICE CALL AND SEE THE GRAND DISPLAY OF BOYS' YOUTHS', AND MEN S CLOTHING MERCERY, HOSIERY, BLANKETS, RUGS, FLANNELS, HATS, AND CAPS, Ac. THE largest and best assorted Stock m the District to select from, which for Value, Variety, and excellence of Manu facture, we stand unrivalled. MKASUR X T> EPARTMENTS EASUttH J-/KPARTAIENT.S ;new tweeds AND COATINGS F»r the approaching Season To Hand. SOLE AGENTS for Wertheim's latest and improved HAND and TREADLE SEWING MACHINES. N. E W ZEAIAND CLOTHING FACTORY W. H WEBBER, Manager