Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1890. HOW-NOT-TO-DO-IT AGAIN.

Somewhere about eighteen months ago, or more, our local chief of police, Sergeant Felton, was appointed local' Inspector of Weights and Measures, and some time in or about October last a notice appeared calling upon all persons using weights and measures to have them duly tested, On Wednesday last we saw a farmer waiting with his horse and I dray outside the police station, and were informed by him that he had come in to fetch his weighing machine, that in accordance with the notice above men tioned he had brought in the machine to be tested in October last, but had not been able to get this done. He complained bitterly of the inconvenience to which he was pat, and not without cause; for it must be remembered that if a farmer when bagging his grain puts in only two or three pounds weight too much when he comes to forward the grain by rail the Commissioners drop idown upon him smartly for excess 'weight. As a matter of fact it appears upon enquiry that the farmer in question could have got his machine tested any time within the past month, but not before, and it is a fact that whereas the Inspector was appointed, as we have said, a year and a half ago the Department was unable to supply him with the necessary apparatus for any thing weighing over half a cwt. until a month ago, having indeed, we believe, to import the necessary articles for the purpose from England.' If this be not a sample of mismanagement, then we don't know what mismanagement is. This Weights and Measures Department appears to be prone to this sort of thing, as we notice by " Hansard " that a some what similar complaint was made by the Waimate people not so very long ago.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The ship Wellington, now in Lyttelton Harbor, has 18,000 lambs aboard for the English meat market, They were shipped by the Islington Frozen Meat Company, and form tbe largest meat cargo ever cent from tbe oolony in one bottom. The nobles in China, both male and female, cultivate extremely long nails on the thumb and all the ringers except the one nearest the thumb. Sixteen inohes is con sided a good leng.h, bat those who manage to attain the length of seventeen or eighteen are regarded with envious admiration. The Fire Brigade had a very successful practice last night with the steam engine, The suction hose wis attached to the double tube well opposite Montgomery's buildings, and although a suppl? equal to that from the obannel sumps was not obtained, still the stream thrown was a sitisfaotory one indeed. Some of our readers nay have been puzzled about the meaning of the term "Cartel," which has appeared h recent cablegrams about the elections to the German Bsiohstag. This is the name given tc the amalgamated party composed of the National Liberals and the Gonservaties.—"Rang.tikei Advooate."

An Amerioan inventor is endeavouring to procure capital for runn'ng an electrical magic lantern for oasting ir refleotiog ad vertisements on the dark obuds that often hang loft overj a oity. He states that he haa secured contracts from se7eral luge ad vertisers. "Wait till the oltuda roll by" will not be an acceptable song to ibis gentle man.

In the course of an address to bia oonsti. tuents at Wellington on Thursday evening Mr Fiahor, M.H.8., said "he thought extensive land measures should be adopted that would make Grown lands easily accessible to the population who wished to leave the towns and to settle themselves on the land. In his opinion the gdiaability in regard to the ac quirement of land to a graat extent aooounted for the non-progress of the colony." We entirely agree with him.

Hokitika was the only town in New Zealand, where Sc Valentine's Dty made any difference in the work of the Post Office officials. Nearly seventeen missives were posted there on that eventful cooassion, and, aa the beads of pres pi ration burst from the manly brow of the Postmaster, owing to the unwonted exertion of sorting them, he ejaculated, " Thank good ness O.d Val. only comes onoe a year." Yet there arc people wao say Civil servants are overpaid.—" Feildiag Star."

At its meeting onThursday the Ghristohuroh Ghambei of Commeroe unanimously passed & resolution that an increaßo of population is neoeesary for the progress of tbe colony and the prosperity of the existing inhabitants. The Chamber appointed a Committee to commu nicate with the Railway Commissioners con cerning the excessive railway rate& charged between Ohristohuroh and Timaru, as oom pared with those between Dunedin and Oamaru.

The usual weekly meeting of Lodge Star of the East, 1.0. G.T., was held in the Templar Hall on Wednesday evening, when the Com mittee appointed last week brought up their report re degrees, and it was resolved that a united degree meeting be held every four weeks, commencing on Monday next. The Lodge then went into harmony, the pro gramme marking a steady improvement. It was resolved that the offioeira of the Dawn of Peace Lodge be asked to ofuoiate next Wed nesday week. The Lodge was then closed in the usual form at 9.30 p.m.

Alluding to tba Marquis of Lorne'a deter, mination to import; a number of Amenoan buffaloes into Inverary, to cross with the West Highland cattle, a contemporary says: la common with many, Lord Lame ia im pressed with the belief that the results will justify anticipations not in the bulk and quality of meat only, but likewise in the hides. It has been oonjeotured,;and with some degree of plausibility, that for robea, overcoats, etc, a compromise between the buffalo curl and and West Highland long hair will produce an improvement in both. Lord Lome's proposed expirement will soon settle the matter.

Monte Crißto Island, in the Mediterranean, rendered famous by the romanoe of the elder Dumas, has, it is said, been purchased by a Florentine milionaire, tbe Marquess Carlo Guigononi who intends to build a, magnifi cent chateau in the finest part of the* place. The Marquess will furthermore ereot a villa in the island, ac an annexe to his chateau, while in the moßt sequestered spot he will raise a hermitage to whioh he can ratire at his pleasure from all worldly turmoil. He has al£o, we are told, given orders for the con struotion of a splendid yacht, which is to take him across the sea to his rocky retreat.

It is seldom that the announcement of an outbreak of influenza is greeted with rap urous applause. Vat this is what happened when Ihe njrofessor of pathology Dr Greenfield opened hisclasß in Edinburgh University after the Christmas holidayo. He told them he had no doubt they were in for a most virulent visitation of the malady in Edinburgh, and when he said this, the young men, who regard him as an infallibility, looked glum. But they began to brighten up as he went on to describe the probable effects of the plague on the Pathological School, and when he wound up by announcing bis intention of oloeiog it while the epedimio lasted they gave •• three cheers for the influenza."

Bather an unpleasant circumstance ooourred at Mr Fisher's meeting in Wellington the other day. " When he had resumed his Beat (says the report) questions relating to private matters were asked by two members of the audienoe, one of whom (a lady) had to be threatened with expulsion from the building before she would desist from her attacks on Mr Fisher. Both these people had assailed the hon gentleman in the same way on the previous evening while he was presiding over a meeting to bear the delegates from tbe Knights of Labor, A repetition had been expected, and the police wera preeenf in pon sequence. When the question of a vote of thanks and oonfiddnce in Mr Fisher was put, tjip mals mftlpontent wjb tbe only dissentient." Mr Fisher has taken out a summons against ilia lady persecutor,

Before arithmetic was invented people multiplied on the faoe of the earth. Horseshoes with heels bound in gold and having miniatures painted on the toes have been shown in some Parisian shops.

A graat sensation has been produced by an article in the Frankfort " Zeitung," to the effect that King Leopold mast be cautious if he desires to retain hia throne.

The Aahburton Volunteers will parade to-morrow morning at the usual hour for Divine Servioe. They will parade at the Post Office and march to St Stephen's Gburoh.

The twenty-eighth anniversary of the death of the Prinae Consort, and the eleventh of that of the Prinoesa Alioe, brought the Queen and most of the members of her family together at the mausoleum at Frogmoro. There the usual memorial servioe was held — with this difference. This year, for the first time on these occasions, a silver oross oraoifix was plaoed upon the altar. The "DunedinStar " understands that Mr James Mills, M.H.R., leaves for Home in about three weeks on buisness oonneoted with the Union Steam Ship Company. The member for Port Chalmers will probably leave an open pair with the Government whip for the coming session. Should the session be a lengthened one, Mr Mills hopes to return to Wellington before the present Parliament expires Month by month the number of telegrams which can be sent through a single wire in creases, and the distance through whioh a telephonio message can be heard is length ened out. A newly-devised apparatus, quite simple in form, takes a telegram as it flowo from one's pen and transoribea it from the wire in fao-simile. Even words impressed upon the wax of a phonograph are now capable of being forwarded to distances exceeding a hundred miles.

A shocking gnn accident has oooured at Newport Park, Yarrayne, the property of Mr William Bisset. A lad named Weare, 14 years of age, went out to shot at opoßßums in the fruit trees, and a servant girl went with him with » lighted candle. Weare had cooked his gun preparatory to firing, when he saw the animal was within easy reach, and tried to knock it down with the butt of the weapon. The trigger oaugbt in his hand, and one barrel was discharged in hia stomach. He cried out" I am shot 1" and fell down, dying almost immediately. / The eleotrio light has found a curious use in Russia—orthodox Rnnia, of all countries — viz., for illuminating aaintly images in cathe drals. Thus a magnificent figure of the Madonna, just placed in the Alexander Newsky Monastery, loaded with precious metals «nd gems of immense value, stands glittering in the focus of an electric beam, whioh is also the oaae with the " Easan " Madonna in St Peters burg. From near and afar thousands make pilgrimages to these shrines. Apropos of using the light for ecclesiastical purposes, it has been deaided to light the ancient monas tery at St Ursula Olmutz with it—the first instance on record of its beings used in* a monastery. ■ In America a very useful maohine has been invented for wrapping oranges in paper, the operation being rapid and simple. The machines, which are comparatively inexpen sive, will wrap 2500 oranges per hour. The following is a description of the invention : — The maohine is about three feet long by three feet (high and eighteen inohea wide, not ing eluding the cylinder for feeding or the endless ohair carrier, which is about seven feat long, and operates like a straw carrier in a thresh ing maohine, and carries jhe fruit after the wrapping operation to bins or boxes. The machine is operated by a orank. The fruit pasues from the cylinder down a slide, one at a time, into a wire onp, whioh opens and drops the orange on a square paper cut by the machine from a roller, then passes through an aperature whioh wraps the paper and trims it, then the fruit passes on to the carrier. New Zealand fruit exporters Rhould take a note of this, as snoh a maohine would b invaluable in preparing apples for shipment.

POTATO EXPORT

The Vlototiaa Government, with \i» accuutcmed energy !n developing Indus tries, is doing its beat to promote tbe exportation of potatoes in cool chambers to London. There can bs no doubt th;,t tbo thing Is qatte feasible, though when tbe Ide<> was put forward by the hto Mr Maoandrew years ago, It was ridiculed as utterly visionary* In Victoria there has for a good many years been an Agricul tural Department, the permanent head of whloh baa always been a high olass expert, whose eatery has been in keeping with the importance of tko funotions entrusted to him. Mr D. Martin, the present Yiotorlun Secretary for Apiculture, recently re ceived a communication from the oolonfal manager for Joseph Lison and 00., Eng land, giving some valuable information on tbe question of exporting potatoes for the Homo market. It appetrs by this thnf from Christmas until M*roh potatoes of good qaiv'lty sell rflsdlly in London ot 19 6d pel It), "kidneys" and "rounds" b Ing wont In demand. These sorts realise a» tnnch bh from £30 to £50 per ton wholesale The representative of Lteon and Oj further atitod that tba potatoes Bhould be ehippid in medium parcels and buxes of uatferm e<n, Id paoklog thf m paper should not be used, aa it absorbs the moisture, and makes tbe potatoes dry. It la of the utmost ocinseqaeooe, too, that an ev>m tempera ttce should be t>ust*ined In the cool ohsmbers of the ships in whloh the pota toes »re takeu to England. Now Z -a- Innd pofß^Hßea many tdvantages over Victoria for growing potatoes. In fuct. with proper oal'lvatl^n a n,no<\ crop of potatoes can nearly always bi depended ou in this colony, whilst tbe fjurmers in the fllftter colony are always liable to h >ye thfiir prospoots blighted by a dry season. It woold eatelp be worth the white of the New Z 'ftip-nd Goverament to supply tbe farcaera w.th all the latest and most reliable information obtainable in regard to the export of potatoe.'. The \ expense of ool'rotloa and dJatrlbutln^ eooh information would be vary email compared with tbo nuig&itude of the In tereßte fnvolvod, W« have htda Min iater of Agi-icultore appoiuted recently, bnt up to tho preapct nothing worth moutionEng hsa boon done by hie depart racnt, though it oueht to ba the moat Important in the Colony. The sooner Kr Riohacdson takes n lei,f ont of the bock of h!a Viotorian official brother, the be't?ric will be for the 'ig<!cultur!Brs of New Z M»lanril.— ('• R^ngiMk.M Advcoata.")

CUSTOMS RETURNS

(PKK PRESS ABBOOIATION.

Wellington, March 1. The Caß^oraH rouniß for tba past month aro sb followß .*-«AuefchnrVf 39,060 16' 111 ; Well)tifctro, £24,938 32- f> >;« hr'nt obutoh, £26 228 0s 8d ; Danedin, £32,601 31 21 —nhowmc • totil for th<? oolcy (f £142,974 J3b 9cS, an ag&iust £132,888 1b 10 i lor tne p?bvious mo-jth, and £127,229 2a lid for the o^f^epondlug month of ,aot year The to*pi beer doty ooliooted l*cit mor.th was £5108 lOi—Aookland, £W§l la 41 ; Wellinstco, £1443 6^ fl ; Qhtht charoh, £851 2a 4d ; and Uu^-clin, £1179 7s 9d. The «f«oiiDt, fop the pruvioua { month wan £4866 16a 3d, end fot the' ooneapcmdlog mootb of iaet y«*c £4380 7«P, '

THE FRAUDS IN THE FLAX TRADE.

During last session of Parliament the question of the advisability of making some provision for the doe inspection of flax before shipment, and securing that all bales found to be properly prepared, and to be of a given standard should be marked with a distinguish ing brand, was, to our knowledge, brought under tbe notice of at least one member of the Government. It was pointed out that any day on the Welling ton wharf bales might be seen showing on the outside a good deal of green " straw," and presumably in worse con dition within, and that the shipment of inferior and ill-prepared fibre must damage the reputation of New Zealand flax generally. The suggestion was made that some officer should be ap pointed at each of the principal ports of shipment, who would, for a small fixed charge per bale, examine any parcels submitted to him, and that a Govern ment brand should be placed upon all approved flax, or a certificate of first class quality given. The Government did not at the time consider it practicable to give effect to this proposal, but recent discoveries, with reference to the mal practices -)f flax dressers and importers, show plainly the necessity of something of the sort being done. A telegram published in our issue of yesterday, brings these malpractices into very ur pleasant prominence, and the serious effect which they have produced upon the trade has been the cause of a large meeting of flaxmillers of the Manawatu and Bangitikei districts being held at Foxton. At that meeting some thuty mills were directly represented, and the public hall was filled by others interested. In its report of the pro ceedings the Wellington "Even ing Post" says Mr R, Gardner, in a lengthy speech, reviewed the history of 'the past two years; the growth from: 1500 tons to 8000 last year, and now nearer 20,000 tons; the effect of that! sudden increase in the hemp market of the world, a market that up to two years ago was only able to absorb 120,000 tons of fibre, and all of which could be supplied by Manilla and Sisal; the caase I of the increase in values in England ; how that attention was drawn to New Zealand hemp; how that English mer chants who bought in the colonies, ex pecting to obtain qualities similar to those which for many years before they were having, were disappointed, receiving instead flax bad "in color, in dressing, and strength, causing them severe loss. English merchants warned their agents here, and refused to buy without a guarantee as to quality. That was re fused, and now there was not an order to be placed in New Zealand. The orders already placed still not completely exe cuted were now so carefully scrutinised, to the rejection of hundreds of bales, that millers were thrown back upon advances and shipments on their own own account. Mr Gardner said that agents in Welling ton were now going to the other extreme, and rejecting much that in England would be readily taken as fair average quality. Still it was not to be wondered at that they were determined to be safe, and not cause their clients further loss. The outcomo of the present check would be that flax millers would be compelled to produce a good article, and it the article was good, merchants who knew what flax was would advance sufficient to enable them to pay their way. But if a good article could not be produced from circumstances beyond the power of the manufacturers the sooner these mills were shut up the better. The question of costs was dwelt upon in the fullest detail. He referred to London freights, and said so long as chartered vessels at the rate of two per month had to be ob tained on a charter of 35s per ton measurement, and as each ton dead weight of flax measured, even when damped, 2| tons, there could be little prospect of a reduction in that quarter. The only thing that flaxmillers could do would be to send to some of the neigh boring colonies, where imports were greater than exports, where vessels wanted cargoes and had to sail by certain dates, then if the intercolonial freight could be made moderate, the cost Home would be reduced. Such action had better be taken by an association. The different branches of the manufac ture were each in turn dwelt upon, and care urged on all or any—one faulty, the result of the whole was faulty. A resolution was passed that all present pledge themselves to put into the market only good, well-dressed flax. Subsequently between 30 and 40 flax millers formed themselves into a flax millers association. Mr Gardner was elected chairman, and Mr Robinson secretary. Efforts were to be made to create affiliating societies over the colony, and by that moans secure the best methods of producing flax of good quality at the most economical rate. It was ascertained that, arising out of the check to the industry, some 41 out of 85 machines in the district were stopped working, representing an annual decrease in the output of nearly 6400 tons, and lessening the circulating capital by nearly £128.000." No plainer evi dence than the foregoing can be required to show that, in rushing into the English market an ill prepared and scamped article, New Zealand flax-millers are killing the goose that lays the golden egg. The steps proposed by the Manawatu millers will to some extent check the evil, no doubt; but will not suffice, we fear, altogether to put an end to it, and the only radical cure would be in the direction pointed out at the commencement of this article, namely, the devising of some method of securing to first-class fibre a hall mark of excellence. We believe that were inspecting officers appointed at the various ports the inspection fees would more than cover their salaries, but even if not, even if the whole cost were a charge upon the revenue, the expendi ture would be well incurred in view of the national importance of preventing the destruction of a great and promising industry.

INTERPOVINCIAL.

(pee peess association.) WaLLiiraTOW, Fsbruary 28. The Representation Committee meet in Wellington on Monday next. It is estimated the expense of the Native Commission Court will be recouped by the fees. Mr Edwards was chosen from three gentlemm who were considered suitable for the position. An attempt was made to induce Judge Richmond to :ake np the work, which at one time seemed likely to be successful, but failing healta put a stop to tbe idea- Mr Fisher, M.H.R., has taken out a ummons against a woman named Mrs Moss, who has been annoying him at public meetings. The summons is not, however, on account of her action there, but on the ground of alleged insulting language used on February 4th. In a letter to the "Post" he says he would not have taken such an extreme step against a woman, but that she had persisted in molesting him in tbe streets, and using his wife's name after they had befriended her in various ways. The proceedings instituted by Mr Jellicoe, solicitor, against Jacob Joseph-—owner of premises on Lambton Quay where a nuisance is alleged to exist—and Messrs Menteath and Stanley, solicitors, and Tom Hung, restaurant keeper, the occupiers of such premises, which have been before the R.M. Court, were concluded this evening, when all the defen dants were committed for trial and admitted to bail on their own recognisances. The plaintiff's allegation was that the smell arising from the premises was so offensive as to make' his office unfit to work in. "■■' Ohristchubch, Fehrasrv 28. Duncan Martin was committed for trial to-day on several charges of stealing articles of ironmongery of a total value of nearly £$o from his employers, Mason, Struthers, and Co. The magisterial enquiry lasted all day. The body of the boy, Albert Edward Laurie, wro was drowned while bathing at New Brighton this morning, was found this afternoon. Deceased was eight years old, and went to bathe with his elder brother and got beyond his depth. Fort (Jhaxmebs, February 28

Sailed—barque Rakaia, Capt Watson, for London, with a full cargo of wool, skins, flax, and grain.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(FSB PBKBB ASSOCIATION )

STOCKS

London, February 27

The Trust Funds Investment Com mittee bas rejected tbe proposal of the Banks to agree to the new standard for eligible stocks., The Agents General are satisfied with the Committee's report, which will be forwarded to Mr Gosclhen.

THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN BILL.

The Western Australian Constitution Bill has. been read a second time in the House of Commons^ Messrs Chamber lain and Me Arthur supported it, expressing a hope that the colony would favor immigration; Tbe Bill was referred to Committee. Baron de Worms explained that the Bill would prevent the exclusion of immigrants from the colony without Imperial assent, and that it provided for the welfare of the aborigines. He eulogised the loyalty and resources of the colony, which was now entitled to autonomy. Sir George Campbell, under the in fluence of Mr Thomas Campbell, withdrew the amendments of which he had given notice, but reiterated his objection. A number of members considered the area conceded to the colonists too large, in view of the scanty population of the country— thirteen 1 thousand.

LABOR TROUBLES.

The Nottingham cottiers are insisting upon an advance of 10 per cent in wages. ;

Two thousand dock laborers at Liver pool have struck in support of the grain trimmers' demand for an increase of wages.

GOLD.

Mr Larnach has asked Mr Goschen to allow the Australian Ministers to receive light gold up to March 31st. Mr Goschen thinks it is not likely this can be done, because it would recognise the right of the colonies to have their share of English gold made good by the Imperial Treasury.

AN OVERDUE SHIP.

Ten guineas premium has been paid to re-insure the ship Sophocles, which left Sydney for London on the 26th October.

NEW FINANCE COMPANY.

The Imperial and Colonial Finance Company has been registered with a capital of two millions. Sir Hercules Robinson is Chairman of the Directors.

SHIPPING.

Arrived—the s.s, Arawa.

MARKETS.

Butter, 90s to 945; frozen meat un changed. The last quotation of New Zealand hemp is 15s to for fair average quality. >■•

THE HOLYHEAD ENQUIRY.

Mblbouknb, February 28.

At the Holyhead wreck enquiry, Captain Williams was found guilty of gross misconduct, and his certificate was suspended for two years. Roberts, the mate, had his certificate suspended for eighteen months. Costs were given against both captain and mate.

DEATH SENTENCE.

Brisbane, February 28. Elizabeth Hyde, who poisoned her husband, has been sentenced to death,

SHOCKING WIFE MURDER.

A man named Barry has been arrested for the murder of his wife at Bockhampton. He beat her to death with an axe handle, under circum stances of shocking cruelty, The man kept up his assaults upon the woman intermittently for several hours.

THE WEST END SCANDAL.

London, Febrnary 27 To«raorrow, Mr Labouchere will bring the West End scandal before the House of Commons. Much indigna tion is expressed in consequence of the principal culprits having been allowed to escape. Mr Labouchere will receive the support of the Irish party, especi ally as Mr Parke, the journalist whs was recently mulct in heavy damages for libel in connection with the scandal, was practically the editor of the " Star," the London organ of the Irish party.

THE MARKETS

(Pie Pkhss association,;

(Beoelvad Miroh 2, 1140 am ) London, February 28

New Zealand cheese, 46s 3d; butter, 98s. Australian wheat ex warehouse, 393 quiet; Ncr fealaod long berried, ex store, 375 <? ,

JONATHAN ROBERTS

(P«R PBK3B ASSOCIATION.)

Wshington, February 28 Though the authorities have reaelved no adviod of Jonathan Roberts' arreaS, they a*va beau aware for coma time of his presence in New South Wales,' and measures were taken >o "^rjiire hU arresc.

PERILS OF THE LABOR TRADE

.Pillk P*KBS AitfOOIATIOff.J

Auckland, F broary 28

The Fiji ooMreepondeut of the ."Herald'. 1 writea :—" Slnoa I last wrote the labor vessel Meg Merrilees has arrived from her island crnipa after labor, and baa passed through a rather anxious t'me, as the captain and crew had a narrow escape from being attacked and massacred by fcreaoheroas and bloodthirsty natives; The plot was discovered by. me»ns oi Home native boys shipped as hands, who over heard their countrymen plotting the mas saore ( and by this means the oaptaln was pot on his guard, and, althoagii scantily provided with arms, he managed, by patting a bold face on tha matter and taking all the precisnt'iona in. hla pa^er, to aeonra hfrnsalf »gatnst narptlse Staid to drive off his aeeailanto,"

LAND OPEN FOR SELECTION.

[PfilL PEESS ASSOCIATION ]

Wklingtoic, February 28

In the new edition of the Crown Lands Guide, published to-day, it is stated that the bulk of land is now selected under perpetual leases. The deferred system is next in favor, and after that cash purchases. Some of the other tenures have fallen almost into disuse. The following are the areas of land how open for selection in each of the ten land districts: Auckland. 201,000 acres, with 20,000 more at the end of March j Hawke's Bay, 17,000 acres, 11,000 shortly, and 27,060 more by the tnd of March; Taranaki, 48,000, with 28,000 by the end of Marce j Wellington, 173,0^0, and 67,000 by the end of March; Marl borough, 2000, and 145,000 in preparation for selection; Nelson, 38,000 by the end of March (there will also be 50,000 acres of unswrveyed knd open); Canterbury, including education reserves, 112,000, with 87,000 more by the end of March; Otago, 89,000; Southland, 95,000; Westland,; 86,000) mostly heavy forest In the descriptive portion of the work, it is mentioned that the extent of land in cultivation, including sown grasses,'; has in creased from 997,477 acres in 1869, and 4,506,889 in 1879,, to '7,670,167 in 18894 Another item of interest is that there are 128 working coal mines in the colony.

SPEARING TROUT

At theß.Hl. Oonrr, Timara, on Friday D. Zander and F. Wederell were charged with spearing trout In the Pareora Blvei on February 16th. The Aocllmatisatlbn Booiety pros outed. Evldenoa was lei to show that Wederell was caught In the water with an eel spear In his band, c 2lb troot being close by him on the shin >le. A witness uamed Brookland, who oaught hlas, and Zander with him, took charge of a trout, and took it Inro Tlmaia to Mr Arthnr P^rty: The fiah had a wound near the baad, bui other wise i was quite healthy. The defence was that the no aused.weve spearing eels, and that a seedy trout was lying helpless on tbe bottom of the river. Wederell picked It up with bis band and threw It out on the eblngle. Witnesses were called to prove that the treat in tho Pareoc* ere sick just now, and are eaally taken by hand. The Magistrate found (sconced pullty of Illegally taking t-cn , and fined them £1 each - ■ ' !

LAND SETTLEMENT

THE QUESTION OF THE DAY.

We ace exceedingly pleased to find oar Oamara contemporary—the"" North' Otago Times " —giving utterance to eentfoienti with whlob we moßt cordially agree. Refecting to a paragraph In Mr Bryca's recent speech, io which be is reported to have said : "Make the country prosperous nni tbs town will be prosperous, as sure as the Bun will riae in the morning , th»t ie the kiod of prosperity I should like to see, and which I advocate," that j >urna) Ba y ß ;—« This is, indeed, tha root of the whole matter. Bat_fifr Bryqe does not ■cc far enough, or, if he does he says nothing about what he sees. To obtain the kind of settlement of the land to wbioh be refers, and whioh we all desire, more la required than oven the cirrlage of prodnoe for nothing—that ia, even that would not lead to the settlement in question. The fact it, that the railways have not been paying, and that no shitting of the Inoldenoe of taxation will do as any real good, becanse large areas of first-clan land are so held that they hare been and •till are only comparatively' prodnc tlva; and because such land has been and stilt is obtainable, even in lease. hoWs, only on terms which leave little if any margin for profit to these who work it; Tula Is ttie'evll whlob cries for treat men*, and whioh, until it la effectively grappled with, will e»use pretty well all other measures . of oar Bt»te»rnan to amount at boat to little more thW mere tinkering. It, won't do So whine about the difficulties lv the way, or to go on ■aying that nothing practical can be done' at present ; for means mast be found for making all land, not at present ade quately settled on. available for settle ment on reasonable terms to the people of the colony, and this mast be done whether the land 1 is freehold or not. Indeed, it Is especially with regard to good freehold land; In :l«rge areas that thii is how a otslng neceaiiiy, and publio men will not be allowed much longer to shirk the task of dealing with tola momentous , question. Land li just as indispensable to the main tenance of the people and the well-being of the country as water and aiv, and though it is a commodity and these are not commodities, t,ae faot cannot be allowed to hinder us from insisting thet land, however »ad wherever hald, must be disposed of In the way which Is most in keeping with the maintenance of the people and with the country's well-being. This W the paramount question whlob Is evolved by the thoughtful consideration of the ooiony'a affairs, and we folly ez pacfc tosae It fignriog conspicuously dor- Ing' the next general election."

MELBOURNE BETTING

[PEB PBIBS ASSOCIATION, j

Mixboubke, February 28. '

The betting fever (a r»mp»nt tonight, and tho list houses were doing tee mentions business. There is no apodal yon oa sny particular horse, nearly every one more or less being supported. Rudolph etUI holds the pride of pUoe; 100 to 6« being the beat offer. A atrone ran on Audacity bconght him ap to 100 to 8 offered ; Giovaa 100 to 4; Aristocrat still maintain* his position.

THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN MONEY

[fxk psehs assooiaxiok,]

WiLfiiNOTON, Fabrnary 28

The C9lonial Treasurer declares he knows nothing about relending the balance of the New Zealand loan as stated by the London "Telegraph," but considers that as the ba'ance of the 5 per cent 10.40 debentures of the 1878 loan are to be taken up to-morrow, it means that over two millions will be afloat for investment, but that it has nothing to do with New Zealand. In October last Govern ment borrowed for the purpose of taking up debentures and in November ,£288,000, the unconverted portion of the five million, loan of 1879 was paid.. ;On 26th inst subscribers of October loan had to pay 88 per cent of amount, and with this the balance £2,207,300 of *idu|O' loan -will be paid to-.norrow, the Government having given debenture holders <j months' notice of their intention to dQ thU,

A SPARROW HATCHERY.

(" Christchurch Telegraph ") In the sunny South, in a district where ■ domain has been in existence about fourteen years, which had been freely planted with forest trees by a Board to whom the Governor has delegated his powers to manage the same, it is stated that lately a set of boys had taken possession, and have been conducting a sparrow hatchery on a pretty extensive scale. It is alleged that the sons of the member*; of the Board, taking advantage of their'fathers' official positions, have formed a *'corner "to produce and sell sparrows' eggs. After^sewral battles these youths have driven away'all other competitors in the egg hunting badness,from this enclosure of plantation of aboot ..thirty, acres, more or less. TTiose ft wJ»o.are;^igning tha concern have a plant comprising alight ladder, climbing irons, rope/baskets, etc., sad so long as the adjacent Road Boards offer 2d per dozen for eggs the- supply is inexhaustible; Not a single nest is destroyed unless by some unforeseen accident, and one egg is always left - as an inducement to the sparrows to keep up the supply. When the demand falls off in the immediate localityjdludedjto it is alleged that this sparrow farmers' ring have agents vi other; places, to whom consignments ofeggi are sent to be sold to other Koad'TJoards. Directly tfie local bodies have expended the sums voted for destruction of birds and? eggs then\those interested! in *the," corner<"^decl«re a close season. Then they look round to see that all the by-laws of the domain are duly posted, namely, prohibiting persons lighting a fire, die, cutting any tree, ere ,-but especially, die clause rendering any person-liable to a^pffialty of not exceeding -£ia who destroys any, bird, or the egg of any bird, etc, etc. It seems hard to. realise the information given that the " corner " actually netted over. ;£s£.%[ ow season, over £5 each among ten boys. One | cinnot resist a certain amount of admiration at. > : a scheme for making money like itj nor iit the industry which collected r.bout 74,880 spar rows' eggs. But it scarcely—as our corresy pondesc complains—appears to be'qoibi the thing that a public domain .should be termed in this manner, or that a set of boys, whose parents may be supposed , to-, be in good positions should keep other lads from a'chance of earning a little money too. Possibly this may show the Road; Boards the advantage of purchasing birds' heads for a month at A the beginning of the season and reducing their prices, for eggs' afterwardi, or it may cause them to; turn their attention to wholesale poisoning in the cold ftosty weather;;' f:' i

THE AUTOMATON NURSE.

The clever bo«zes which haTab««D perpetrated by AnerloiD n: w*p*pßn have hitherto been very idldoni imitated press of New Zealand, * andf -ol .<!!»•«• attempts that, we have seen the subjoined from the "Grey Krar Argot n/"takM the.oake."

A f dend just returned f r om thYDanedln Exhibition gives us the following eeiofent of one of its greatest ourlosltis. fii^tha way of inventions :', ■' '' -' -'/ '':V'~ J; \, y 1 One of the most icsaresting of thr ex hibits at lha Duuedln show Is tha^pf the Antomatlo, Nursing Assistant^, by .ICica Gideon P. Beck, ot Lowell, M.m,, U,^A, This clever machine supplies a, want which has been felt ail over tha olvlllssd world, but especially in th) New-Worlds of America and Australia, where fbe'T local supply of tbe riw ' nuterUl 'of [ *' Mary Aunss " and " Betsy Jaues " is so'onber tain as to uumbers and so uusatlsfaotbry as no quality. We have been favored with a private glance at the home of oar eateomed fellow townsman, Mr X., whose quiver has been uncannily well supplied, at which, re witnessed the exttaordinaty bucobbs of the above Invention, ;\N6family should he without one. On repairing' at the request of oar hostess to the night nursery, wo. for the fisi time beheld this iavauable machine. Tbe-cots of fiva youngsters, ranging in ages from eight years to as many months, Wete Tp)ao«a in ofder of age along t.'e aJda 'of the retool, with their Incia es caJm.y sleeping, and opposite to them stood a figure life-like in appearanos, rdmitdiog us of the iftntely, elderly personage as well-knawn in the , famous Italian scalptie's "You dirty boy." Tae figare. though perfectly motlonUsi, was a careful imitation of nature, feature. ' beaming with kindness— In faot a modal nueße. The hour was 8 a.m., »nd on the floor stood three buna obtaining twerm water, towels, soap, sponger, and other necessary accessories were ranged at, eon* vfcnlsut dlstanoes. My hostesa aeoei'taintng all to ba In readiness, released a spring ooncesledj winhln tbe automaton's dress, and at once it advunoed with steady, noiseless stride to the bed of the eight* ' year old (a boy) and, gently turning down the clothes, removed the patient from the bed, meanwhile a aouihlnc; soaad lasalng app*vently from its lips. Returning to one of the baths, the automaton, with iti handi »pp»rently mndo of some rubber fabrlo, rapidly and skiifally removed the ohlld'i clothing and plaoed him In the bath. As this was the child's first Interviews It was not BurprUlng that ha.mad* some resistance, notwithstanding the assaraaeet of bis mother; bat the automaton wat eqnal to the emergency. A smart slap was administered with wonderful dlsortmtna tion as to tho child's anatomy, and*by Ite effect soon tedaoed the rebel- to snbmls* sion, and the lavatory prooesa oontinaed. It mast be noticed here that woold-be purchasers are warned against tbe pernici ous habit of Bubstltutlng pins for lost buttons and stringy as the machlne,fbelng largely composed of robber, will ■offer In oocetquenoe; and may be produotire ol It jury to the children. After the bath the child was vigorously rubbed and dressed again Jn the clothes fortbedsy, which have to be placed 1 D order bettde the oot of the wearer. It was moat interesting to see'all tbe little steepen awaked, and, in tarn, bathed and dressed without loss of time or harry, end the patient resignation of: the younger ones, fasolnated by the steady.* un alterable giza of affection of the anto maton. When the two youngest were approached, Mrs X turned on a atop: in the figure's shoulder and Immediately it began (by arrangement of a concealed phonograph), to sing a cheatfnl oarsety ditty, fnte;spe-sed with the well-known encouragements of <( There's a good bo»," "Did it have pain then," ato, etc. When the youngest had been dressed and powdered, and the whole infantile toilet concluded, we expressed our astonishment. "Oh, esya oar hostess" that is not all Oa moving this revolving lever the whole aotlon fs changed, and the little ones are undresred and put to bed, the youngest first in this case. Nor is this all, look her* ! On pressing this button, the figure ■hots up like one of those infant chairs and presents a €ac oomfortable nurse's Ist) on which I lay a fraotious or ileepyfllttS one ; the figure's hands close on it. the bead inclines forward, and aa you may see here, I d»n cause it to sing any of these tunes which appear written on|thls Üblet. Lifting the capa of the figure's dreai behind, there we read several songs for •• Hush-a-by, baby,"— and bo on through a long repertoire of nursery rhymea. 1 ♦ Then Bgaln you can have, by sliding: this button fn this direction, an entire) change for Sunday." On doing ,thi|. the figure's countenance aiKUmes a mist melancholy expieislon, and on Ura~^. moving some other lever, began in a dble> fcil (oaa to rspoat tbe rhymes of the late D<W.tt. "Yon o»n have the...tops' continued Mrs X., either high or Iqv church, and with; a aaltable Uelactlor. of hymuß according to taste." We left soon »f»ar, mojt a^tourshed at the advaaoe of Invention, and ple.sad with oo^lnteiTlew. Wo are Informed that intended purchawrs must be careful la giving ihelr ord«s! ihemaohiae inspected Is for quiet house hod use. Others made for the &afc L*ka eßtabllshment, foundling hospital aad inauatrUl cohoola ara'upt io prove, rough and are oonatTuottjd. to, go. thwagb. a great deal of work in. n TOo u^, u«s {lava, ws are Informed, been diasappQlat. inß.ioanxbugmJthars.nf'abial] families WeJeam'tfcat *he-': hV»-n>qV la^e.^nt In Dnnod:n h.«s rece vocl w. \^<t\ natnbor of or-Jers, and wo b.-11. v a that t»>e wollkaown ficm on tticbcaoucl Quay will toon be la a' PoliaoA«oia|»lfttMp«b||goCQ N |S4o|^

Wne ASHBtrRToar ottAfiftiAft, satok^ay MA&ctt i, idtto.



WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL, j TINWALD. |. THE Anniversary Services in onnee tion with the above School will be held in the Templar Hall on SUNDAY Next, March 2nd. S. Buxton, Esq., M.H.R. will preach at 3 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Annual Tea Meeting. — TUESDAY, March 4th. Tea at 6 p.m. Tickets Is 6d. Addresses by Ministers and otherb. Distribution of prizes and rewards by Mr Boxton. 2 123 1 MADAM EBEDO'B OPEN AIR EXHIBITION. In front of Mb Davis' Royal Hotel. MONDAY NIGHT. This Is the moat Novel and Clever Show 00. Earth, MADAM VifißA FREDO, THE Cleverest Lady Performer that evei lived in her thrilling LEAF FOR LIFE, from a 20 feet pedestal. ALF RUCKLE V, Trapezlst pai axoellenoe FRED FREDO—Japanese Jaggllnp. I. DBISTALL-Idghtnlng Acrobat u^d Ba'anoer, PROFESSOR TINDALL with his Ed netted DOGS. KOLIPSE—BABY LAH, the 3 year old won Bf. 2 127 AbHBUIiION u< 'UNIT STOCK AJNJJ tSALEYAaDS CO., Limited. AS the reqaast of several Farmers the Company has decided to hold a Special PIG FAIR Foe the Bale of STORE PIGS, AT THB Tmwald Yards Early in March.  Farmers will oblige by letting the Caretaker have particulars of their Entries aarly as possible. GEO. JAMESON, 75 Chairman.



QUOD FAOMUS VALDB FAOIM ('• What we do we o well." rum ohristojTuboh dbhtal \ BUBGBBY, Oashel Utwet, Chriatehnreh, next Bobln-1 Boot Store, and at the Octagon. Dnnedin. A i iperattoni at strictly uniform and moderate Consultation tree. 3. myebs"and co., BURGEON DBNTIBTB. I ISITBOUb OXIDE GAS administered , j ii^oieathetlo leavei no unpleasant affects, and by Its me the extraction of Bad Stamps and Teeth Is rendered per 'ectly Painless md Effeotlve. Ad-1 jolnlstered daily. Fee for administration; of Gas, ss. Extraction, 2s 6d a tootb., Hoots of attendance, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Private resldenoe, 93 East Belt. The acknowledged superiority of AMERICAN DENTISTKY In the con atrocUon of Artificial Teoth, the most fiatihed workmanship, and replacing tbe ost toeth TEMPORARILY ALMOST MMEDIATELY after ezttaotlon, hare stabllshed oar reputation, A single Artlfiota Tooth, 10s, complete jt, Upper and Lower, Temporacy and Permaaeat £10 10s ; Artificial Tenth and Den tares made by other dentists re •noddled at small costs, Stopplug, Soil jg Parfeot and Palnlesr.



WE. SPARROW, TAILOR AND MEN'S MERCER VAST STREET.



THE CHEAPEST SALE NOW GOING ON IN ASHBURMON IS AT "The Corner." Childten'B Hats half price Ploweta at half pi ice Prints at half price Ladies' Jackets at half prioe 17 doz Men's Sox (beat mace) half prioe 1 ¥ i" . SEE tfttH"E WINDOWS fcEE^THJ^J W tfDOWS INB^BOT THE STOCK jflgDWfiT TflE STOCK W. H. COLLIER $W- Corner.*



Cash Advertisements under this head-," ing, not exceeding 16 words, ONE \ Shilling. Addresses may be left at i thia Office. a t\ .' ANT^D KBGWJS—Meifoid House YV wl" clubu every night at 8 o'otock (except Wedneadaya').—H. 0 Seobes. "AMXJfiD Known.—"Strong-wear Boots for Ladlei, Mea aud Children oaa only be obtained at W. H: Collier's. mtiE Fortnightly Meeting of Suds of X Tumperanoe t.kea place in Tetnp'ar Hall, Monday, 8 p.m. Business of Im porUnoo. 3 H MANILLA Binder Twine, machine oil, and vice* Time 1b money on the harvest field—the bent is the cheapest. —R. Aloobn, Saunders Buildings. W" AWT&D KNOWN,— Oddfellows' Ha'i.Moad y next, March 3,-d, M Gko. ALdbidgb, of Auckland, will leouro on * Gomiug Giant Social Changes.' 2 125 "TITAISTBD KNOWN —My Special VV Make of Ladies' 4 clasp Kid Gloves, " The Aehburtonian," braided backs, 3b 6d »er pair.—Wi H. Gollibb. WANTED every mau m tne County to ha7e a Salt of the Aahbarton Tweeds.—Robebt Alooek, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saonders' Buildings. M&i KBBirtSDx" and Misa 'Jumeroa, Moore Street—Teachers of Soioutific Dreea-cutting bodies cat and fited. Dressmaking in all ita branohes. Riding habits a speciality, 12 69 WAjS 1 JfiD Known—in addition to our ordinary preseuta, we sha.l give an extra one of a good useful basket to eveiy purch-aer of 20a and upwards. H. C. Seoebs, Mcl ford tlouaa, WAtVi'JiiD KNuWJS—If you want good value for four money go to Meiford House. Besides our ordinary preeenta an additional one of a good useful basket to every purchaser of 20s and upwards, H. 0. Begbbs, Meiford House. ANTED, Everyone toKnow—Tnat J. MOISON ha. now In Btook a arge and varied assortment ti BOOTS AND SEIOES for the Spring and Summer Season, Gentlemen's, Ladles', aud Chil dren's, both Imported and Colonial; lso HIS OWN MAKE, which OANN )T BE SUBPABSED for Style, Fit, Qasl ty, •nd Neatness, combined with VERY REASONABLE PRICES. All repairs exeooted prompt y and with neatness,. lOtl Public Notices. L. F, ANDREWES & CO. stationers' hall Char lbs J3raddel Licensed Landbroker and Valuator under "The Land Transfer Act, 1881 ESTATE HOUSE, LAND, AND (HSNEBAL COMMISSION AGENT. OPFlOE—Bubnexx Stbkit, Next "Mail" Office t



THE SALVATION ARMY WILL bold bpclal Harvest Festival and Anniversary Meetings, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, and MONDAY March Ist., 2nd, aud 3cd. Monday— Monster Indian Durbar and Fruit Baaqaet. Darbar at 8 p.m. Banquet at 9.30. Tickets, la each. Colonel and Mrs Taylor, and Staff- Oapt Veal from Ghristcharch will bo present. 2 12 SUMMER 1890 1890 CjUMMtfR HOW 1890 1890 JO EO W ALL DEPARTMENTS OF OTJB BUSINESS REPLETE WITH CHOICE GOODS IFOR THIS SEASON. tr prices ~riget» For Javenile'a Olothloe Try the iS.Z. Clothing Factory For Boys' Clothing Try the N,Z, Olotning Factory i For Youthei' Clothing Try tha N.Z. Clothing Factory For Men's Clothing Try the N.Z. Clothing Factory For Men's ' easure tSulis Tr<? t'-e N.Z. Clothing FRoloiy For Merc;ry and Hosiery Try the N.Z Clothing Factory For Blanked s, Bugs, and Flanne's Try the KZ. Clothing Factory For Hate in the ' ewesn shapes Try the N.Z Clothing Factory For the beet value for ftendy Money Try the N Z. Clothing Factory ENCOUEAGE LOCAL INDU3TBY AND BOY PROM THE NEW ZEALAND OlotMng Factory.



INSPECT OUK STOCK And dr:vw your own concluaiouß. W. ti. w B»KB, W. I. SPENGER'S IS the CHEAPEST HOUSE In Asbbnr too for DBAPERY, CLOTHING and BOOTS. We Sail for OASS—imall profitß and | quick returns, tnd we give steeling value, Wblte Oallcoa 33 6d ft dozen Grey Oallooa 2) lid a dczno A Bplendld Turkish Towel for 7£d Flaneletteß 4a lid a dozen Summer Dress Goods 6£d The beßtquality of PitINTS for the least money. Blankets fl'a 6d a p^fr GtDghama In plain Colors 4u lid a d&z, Doable Width White Twill Sheeting la Men's Tweed Suits 18a 6d Bardic Tweed Buits 39a 6d ! A.caae of M6n's Ool'd Moles jnet to hand B'.'giitly damaged by water worth 9« 6d, for 7s lid. Boy'fl Cold Moles 2s lid. THE CHEAPEST HOUSE FOB- MEN'S CLQTMN& JN ABHBURTON. BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's abootet'a 10a 63, Blueham 6a lid A really good pair of Woman's K {d Boots fo? 6s lid. No ■econd-baud stook. A Splendid Aeiortment; of Children's Patent leather Slippers and Boota W. W, 1 THE ARCADE,



The best medicine known ia SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousandsgive the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, cad the offioial reports that aooompany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Prof. University Greifawald, reports:—The Eucalypti Extraot provod magnificently ouooessful in very severe oontasions, bruises, sprains, wounds, scalda ings, broken ribs, and limbs. (" Medical Journal," Nov., 1881.) In diseases of the kidneys, either active congestion or suppress sion, (urcemia) or albuminuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing will equal in its action Eucalypti Extract. Doses, sto 8 drops, Mosler, M.D., Pro!., University, Greifswald, reports'.—Diphtheria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white ezudats. Cured its fourteen days, Surgical Clinic of Prof. M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgaons, St. Louis—Scirrhus of Breaßt— Excision Eucalypti Extraot employed. No swelling, heat, or discoloration. ' Cured in fourteen day > —(Advt.) 4



Holloway's Pills. — Nervousness an Want, of Energy.—When first the nerves feel 1 unstrung, and listlessness supplants energy, it is the right time to take some alterative as Holloway's Pills to prevent disorder running into diif|se, These excellent Pills correct all irregularities and weakenesses. They act so ! kindly and yet so energetically on the I functions of digestion and assimilation that the whole body if revived, the blood is tendered 1 richer and purer, the muscles become firmer ; and stronger, and the nervous and absorbent 1 systems are invigorated. These Pills are 1 suitable for all classes and all ages. They I have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition; they soon rectify what ever is in fault, restore strength to the body, and, confidence to tta mind, I