NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS

" One of thy, Lost Shebv."—As no good purpose could be served by pub lishing your letter, while on the other hand ifc would certainly cause pain m certain quartern, we must decline to give it insertion.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 1981. LOCAL AND GENERAL

Miss Laura Burns, of Martinsville Ind., has natural hair seven feec m length. Miss Bums herself is only five feet three inches tail. Near-sightedness is becoming alarmingly prevalent m France. Among the older boys m the different colleges more than forty-six per cent are near-sighted. The only place where women possess the same privileges of voting.as men are m Ice land, Pitcairn Island, and the Isle of Man.. In these islands they have the full suffrage. It "shocks " snDbbish Americans m .Lon- ' don to see the Marquis of Londonderry's coal carts all over the city, each and; every one painted to show to whom it belongs. It is the opinion of local authorities that nothing can save the beautiful birds of India from complete destruction but a prohibitive tax upon the export of their skins and feathers. ; \ Scene: American Court of Justice. JClerk: "Gentlemen of the jury, have yod''agreed? What is your. verdict ?" Foreman: "We find the prisoner ' Not Guilty,' if He will leave the town. A ladies Art club has been founded m the West-end, It haaja studio with plaster casts, encourages wood carving, painting on China, leather work, mandolin and string orchestras, and the study of foreign languages. The " Napier Daily Telegraph " says that by a fire on the East Coast it is estimated that 15,000 acres of grass had been burnt, besides a quantity of fencing and a number of sheep. The "North Otago Times" is informed that the season m the Mackenzie Country and the extreme Upper Waitaki has been the beat for grass tor many years. The country was previously burnt up with a long drought. Nearly all the l'uin came from the west. The services m the Ashburton Presbyte rian Church next Sunday will be conducted by the Rev Dr Elmslie, of Christchurch. There will be special collections m aid of the Sabbath Schools.

Mr F« M. Rickman, the well-known auctioneer, who has for several years past been located at Waimate, has leased the Arcade, and taken over the stock, auction and commission branches of Mr Bullock's business. He will hold his first sale on Saturday next. Theinquest on the head of the infant, whom the Flanagans are accused of murdering, was resumed yesterday, but was immediately adjourned until nine a.m. on Friday, m order that it and the Court case maybe taken on the same day. Truth says:—Here is an interesting story showing how our gunboats are built. ■ The Sandfly, intended for the Mediteranean I station, is unable to leave owing to the fact that whilst coaling last week some bags of coal were dropped on her deck, and they went right through it! Romantic Spinster: " Excuse me, sir, but is not this the place where that beautiful girl fell into the water last summer, and was so gallantly rescued by the gentleman who afterwards married her ? " Practical Bachelor (giving her a penetrating glance): " Yes ma'am, but I can't swim." Mr R. Alcorn J.F., dealt with a; first offender on a charge of drunkenness this morning, by dismissing him with a piece of good advice to abstain from liquor m future* and so avoid the degrading spectacle of a man iv a respectable position m life having to appear m the prisoners' box as a drunkard.

In Sydney the other day sixteen aborigi »ivia..wa.Uaii...xui Sic. .Henry P<».rkeß with a petition praying for a.little piece of land- on which to make a home for themselves and their people. The petition touchingly- said " White men ought to be very kind to ua, for they got our good country for nothing. We don t want them to pay us for it, but we want them to let us live." And they got but a cold reception.

At the Levels Boad Board meeting on T\iesday it was reported that £95 had been spent m the purchase of small birds' eggs this year, and £24 spent m poisoning last winter. A farmer member declared the taking of eggs was not much good. A few thousands wa3 nothing to the millions of birds*. The Board agreed that it would become necessary that local bodies take systematic action m the poisoning season.

The Ashburton Lawn Temiis Club intend holding a gentlemen's singles handicap tournament during the next week, commenc ing on Saturday afternoon next at 3 p.m. should the weather be favourable, The following handicaps have been declared : — W. G. Bees, receives 15, meets P. Cox, scratch ; H. Curtis, receives 25, meets W. B. Denshire, receives 10 j E. B. Simpson, scratch, meets W. Rollit, r3ceives3o,; W. Boss, receives 15, meets J. Peter receives 10. H. Wes ton, scratch meets J. H, Polhill, scratch, I. Paterson [receives 10, meets A. Buchanan, receives 15. The gave will be 80 points, each stroke to count 1. Serve to be changed every 10 strokes.

On account of the small attendance of the i players m the match, Ashburton Wanderers versus the Club, arranged to take place yesterday afternoon, a scratch game of an innings each was played instead, sides being chosen by Messrs J. Sawle and Dixon, which, after an enjoyable game, resulted m a win, by a large majority, for Mr Sawle's team. The highest scorers for the winners were L.^F. Andrewes 34, and J. Sawle 27, the latter retiring on making that number. In view of matches being arranged with the Methven, Longbeach, and Cold stream combined clubs, it is co be hoped that members will roll up m larger numbers for practice. A scratch match will be played next Wednesday afternoon commencing at three o'clock sharp, when all members |who possibly can are requested to be on the ground.

A deputation from the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and the Industrial Association interviewed the Raiway Com missioners yesterday requesting a reduction ol^ charges between Lyttelton and Christ crSurch and Christchurch and Timaru, increased facilities for storing grain at country stations, and a reduction on the charges on sheep and wool iv transit. The Commissioners would not promise anything, but consented to consider the matter.

At a meeting of the Swimming Club Com mittee on Tuesday evening a draft copy of rules for the Club was submitted and adopted, subject to the approval of the Borough Council. Mr Hugo Friedlander wrote, m reply to a letter from the Com mittee, accepting the position of President of the Club. The colors of the Club were altered from blue and white to white with scarlet braid. The alteration was made on account of the expense to the junior mem bers of the blue and white costume. The Treasurer and Captain reported that a large number of gentlemen had become members of the Club, and a fair amount of subscrip tions had been received.

Hollow ay's PiiiM.-rNorvousifi'ifc.tbili ty —No part of the. human ?j)£jchine requires more constant supervision than the nervous system—for upon it pur health—and even j life—depends, These piUs strengthen the nerves, and are the safest general purifiers of the blood. N'"f!oa, headache, giddiness, numbness, and nimital apathy yield to them. They dispatch m a summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic Sains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, ab ominal distension, and regulate alike capri cious appetites and confined bowels—the cominouiy accompanying signs of defective f>p iliinjn ished nerve tone, Holloway's pills are particularly recommended to persons flf studious and sgdentary habits, who gradually fall into & nervous and Writable fcfctte, unless some such restpraftve be oexwiojwUy tftkenfl

L ihe records are to be beleived long life i-< one of the blessings of Kussia. In one* year, the deaths were reported of 858 persons | between 100 and 105 years old ; 130 pefcween i 115 and 120 years old; and 3 between 150 and 156. It ia stated m a Parliamentary paper, which was issued oii August 15, that the number of convictions for drunkenness hi England last year exceeded one hundred and | fifty thousand. Of these, nearly fourteen thousand cases occurred on Sundays. Japan's literary welfare is looked af cer by -475 newspapers, magazines, &c. Tokio alone boasts of sixteen daily newspapers. It is imperative that each officer of the Govern .ment should subscribe to the Government organ Kwampo. The tobaco crop m the southern districts of Queensland has been destroyed by a grub, hitherto unknown, which consumes the young plants. Mr Lamb, the tobacco expert, states it is impossible to cultivate the leaf .successfully, and 'recommends wheat instead. The leading Broken Hill silver mines reached their highest nominal value on January 18, 1890, namely, £23,259,000, and thicr lowest value on September 6, namely, £14,505,500. The value on Christmas eve was £18,032,000. The best medicine is Sander and Sons Encalpyti Extract. Test its eminent power ful effectd m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.— the relief m instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syndicates all over the world are its patrons. Head the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occasion to offer reward.3 m proof of the genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and univer sities, the official communication:! of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne ; thin, diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic docu ments, and, o,s such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated at the clinic of Schultz, M.D. Pro fessor, etc.—"C. 8., 24 years old; conges tional abscess on the thigh. Incisions made m two places. Although Lister's dressing was applied, the secretion became, two days later, very copious, and had*adopted a foetid decomposed character. The temperature rose enormously. In consequence the dressing was removed and m its place were mad* during the day-time repeated irrigations with Eucalypti Extract. The offensive foster dis appeared very-soon, the fever abated within a few days, and the patient recovered after ihc lapse of several weeks. .In this instance we must not lose sight of the fact that the lfttter treatment saved the patient's life." (Advt.) 3

The Macquarrie Islands

[per press association.]

Invercargill, January 14. There being no sign of the return of the s.s. Kakanui from the Macquarrie Islands, Mr Hatch's ketch Gratitude, which was held back waiting the return of the steamer, will now start for the Islands taking stores and a fresh party.

Latest Gable News HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per tress association.] [Received January 15, 10.35 a.m.]

ATTITUDE OF THE LIBERALS.

London, January 14. Despite the movement m politics caused by the Parnell incident, the Liberal leaders maintain a quiet atti tude. Sir W. V. Harcourt, m the course of a letter which has just been published, declares that he prefers the peace and comfort" of his fireside to political activity at present.

In the course of ail address at New castle, Mr John Morley, M.P., said that no proposal of a binding nature was made to Mr Parnell at the 1 Ha-varden interview. The questions of the control of the Irish police and the appointment of magistrates m Ireland were not mentioned, nor was any pro posal whatever made to concede the appointment of judges m Ireland. The statement that the Chief Secretary ship of Ireland was offered to one of Mr Pavnell's party was also untrue. In conclusion he declared that the Liberal party would still press for Horn* Rule. Mr J. Chamberlain, speaking at Birmingham, taunted Mr Gladstone with having disclosed his plans to Mr Parnell, and with being afraid to trust the people.

THE RAILWAY STRIKE.

The Railway Companies have re fused to accept the Lord Provost as mediator.

THE BEHRING SEA DIFFICULTY.

Washington, January 14. In the Senate, President Barrison m the course of a speech, resented the action taken by Canada m regard to the Behrinsf Sea dispute.

AUSTRALIAN

(Received January 15, 11 a.m.) SMALLPOX.

Melbourne, January 15. Owing to the outbreak of smallpox at Guatemala the Government have gazetted the Kepublic an infected place.

A GAOL ENQUIRY.

A public inquiry is demanded into the alleged laxity of discipline prevail ing at the city gaol. It is asserted that for some considerable time persons hiave been carrying on a trade m tea, sugar, and tobacco, and it is an open secret that skeleton keys have been made by prisoners who sold them m exchange for tobacco.

THE SHEARERS DIFFICULTY.

Beisbanb, January 15. The difficulty with the shearers is growing less serious, and a large num ber of men have signed the agreement drawn up by the Pastoralists' Union.

South Rakaia Road Board.

At the usual monthly meeting of this Board there were present Messrs Coster (chairman), Longfellow, McLean, Lyttleton, and Vucetich. The Chairman stated that he had written to the Commissioner of Crown Lands asking for the payment of £579 Is 6d on account of Village Settlement Section sales. Action approved. The Clerk's report was read and! considered. Reported that up to date 85,000 small birds' eggs had been paid fqr by the Board. j Correspondence from J. Browu a.nd T. Crpnin asking fqr, extension of time ou contracts on account of harvest. Six weeks granted. — From the New Zealand and Australian Land Company stating that they did not purpose purchasing any portion of the road lately closed, as the adjoining portion was now sold to Mr Sheehan. Resolved that it be pffered to Mr Sjheehan. Qn the motion qf Mr Yucetiob, seconded by Mr McLean, it was unanimously decided to strike a rate qf three-eighths qf a penny m the pound for the current year. The Clerk was instructed to take steps, On the motion of M.r McLean, seconded by Mr Vucetich, it was decided to take th© necessary steps to change the polling place Kyle to gravel reserve on R.S. 30145 at the The Clerk was instructed to have, foot bridges over races closed so that sheep could not get past. Accounts for £136 5s 3d were passed, and the members met as a Cemetery Board, and jfte.r transacting routine businessadj'mrnqd.

SWIMMING CLUB.

FIRST MEETING.

The first competition meeting of the newly-formed Ashburton Swimming Club was held last evening m the Dom.iin Swimming Bath, and proved quite a brilliant success. There waß a large gathering of visitors on the banks, quite 500 being present, very many of whom Were ladies, who appeared to take a close interest m the manly sport. The meeting was announced for six o'clock, but it was fully half-past six before tho competitors m the first heat were ready. At that time, however, Mr Harrison, who was superintendent of sports, had his men m line on the bank, and the heats followed without delay afterwards. It was pleasing to see so many young men enter for the competition,, and it was equally pleasing to see, m ths lull that occurred between the fourth heat and the final, a large number of boys take the water, who had evidently learned to swim since the baths were constructed. Cricket, football, and tennis have each their votaries m Ashburton, but the swimming races brought out quite a new set of athletes— faces not at all familiar m the usual out door sports of the season. Among the competitors we were glad to welcome Mr B, C. Smith, perhaps one of the oldest residents m the district. Mr Smith swam third m the fourth heat, and proved a good stayer and a game traveller, although, want of praetico was very patent m the stiffness of his stroke. Still, he main tained a uniform speed to the finish. Mr J, C. Lane, acted as starter and time keeper while not m the water himself, I and Mr R. M. Cuthbertson took his place for the fourth and final heats. Mr Kempthorne acted as judge. The prizes were trophies of £1 and 10s, and the winners were E. Marsh first, and T. Grubb second. The distance was seventy fiVe yards. The following are details :— Ist Heat. T. Grubb, 16 sees ... 1 H. Milsom, 12 sees ... ... ... 2 T. Pauling. 15 sees 8 C. G. Moss, 20 sees ... 0 Time—B6 sees.

All four entered the water with neat headers, Moss taking the stream like an arrow. Grubb followed with a very pretty dive, as did also Pauling, who lett the bank like a long blue streak, but straight as a rush. In diving m this heat the pride of grace must be given to Milsom, whose leap from the grass was as graceful as a salmon's passage up stream over a low weir. Grubb went away with a long, raking, hand-over-hand stroke, and kept the lead his handicap gave him. It was soon evident that Moss was out of practice, and that the distance was too trying for him, as he gave up at the fifty yards. Paul ing did the same, and Grubb and Milsom were left to swim out the heat. Milsom made a strong dash for fche lead, and Grubb accepted the challenge, spurt ing well all the way up to the cord, which he reached with something m hand. 2nd Heat. A. Williams, 14 sees ... 1 Time—B7 sees. r

In this heat the diving was very good. Little Ranger went m like a shag, and Williams like an eel. Boyle dived a little heavily, and perhaps suffered m subse quent speed m consequence, but Mitchell took the water m fine style. This heat was considered by some of those who knewtho swimmers, to be a safe but a close tning for Mitchell; but Williams made such grand work that the heat seemed his after the first ten yards. He, only of the four, finished to the winning line. 3rd Heat. E. Marsh, 13 sees ... .., ... 1 Lynns, 6 sees -.. ... .., ... 2 P. OookHcn, 18 sees ... 3 Time—77 l-sfch sees.

Marsh made, without doubt, the best dive m his heat, though both Lyons and Cookson took the water well. Orr was a bit clumsy with his dive, but m subse quent swims- the same ovening he showed thab he was no novice m exhibition diviag from the bank. Marsh went away with a ploughing side stroke that caiTied him over the ground very fast. He passed Orr early m the race, and the latter gave up at the fifty. Cookson Avas swimming well when Marsh passed him, but fell off' when that event happened. Lyons, too, overtook Cookson and raced Marsh home, but could not catch him m the distance. All three finished, and Cookson for his youth made a good third to the two stronger men. 4th Heat. J. C. Lane, scr ... 1 J. H. Stewart, 7 sees ... 2 B. C. Smith, 17 sees 3

Time—76| sees. This WRs the heat of the evening, as it contained m its list the scratch man of the competition—Mr J. C. Lane—and Mr J. 11. Stewart, whom the handicapper thought good enough to get only seven seconds from the crack. With superb dives each man took the water at his respective "go," Mr Smith taking the deeper stream and the others the slacker water to the right. Mr Stewart soon passed the leader, and the win lay between him and Mr Lane. It was apparent from the outset that the crack meant whoever won the heat to swim for it, and Mr Stewart stuck manfully to his work. Towards the close of the heat, however, when Mr Lane had his opponent easily beaten, it was palpable that the crack was content with' his laurels and wished his opponent to score. He missed the cord when only half his length ahead of Mr Stewart, but the latter either did not see this, or thinking himself beaten, did not bother about the opportunity of winning that was thus offered. At any rate, when Mr Lane did catch the cord, he was still a head m front of Mr Stewart, and the judge gave the heat to Mr Lane.

Final. Marsh, 13 sees ... ... 1 Grubb, 16 sees ... ... ,'., ... 2 Williams, 14 §ecß ... ... ... 3 Lane, scr , ... ..... ... 0 $ru.hb, Williams, and Marsh took the water m the quick succession their handi caps indicate, and swam m a bunch, Lane coming after with a leeway of from fifteen to twenty -yards to make up—a leeway that put him completely out of it, al though he swam with great speed, and materially shortened the gap between himself and the main caravan before it reached the cord. He did not, however, finish the seventy-five yards after the race had been won. The three kept on m grand style, but Marsh breasted the water too strongly for the other two, and led almost all the way, Grubb and Williams making a fine dash for second place, but his t*ro seconds' advantage over Williams just gave to Grubb the place the little fellow had gamely striven for. The meeting was an undoubted success,' and it can be safely promised that, now that the CJub can show such a large number of excellent swimming members, the next meeting will be well attended by the public. We trust, also, that the citizens will give substantial aid to the Club that nurse? so manly a sport, and so useful an art. '

THE MARKETS.

Melbourne Grain Market.

The following extracts are from the monthly produce report of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand under date, January Ist :— Wheat.—The incoming crop is gener ally reported as first class ; the grain all round will be of equal quality with an absence of shrivelled corn so detrimental to last year's harvest. Buyers are opera ting up to as high as 3s 2d at country stations, »nd there have bqen engage

incurs of tomuige, we understand, at 32s 6d, and on the whole a fair export trade is expected this year. Oats.—Towards the end of November stout oats became scarce and prices firmed, 2s 9d to 2s 10|d being got fcr Victorians during December, while other sorts re main unchanged up to the close of the year. (The December quotations for New Zealand were 2s lid to 3s.—Ed) The incoming crop of stout oats harvested about t'.ie end of this month should be of heavy yield and good quality, and even the very latest and greenest paddocks have not, so far, been injured by locusts. Barlky.—Forward contracts for new grain are reported to have been made m the country at equal to 3s 5d m Mel bourne.

Addington Stock Market.

Chhisxchurcji, January 14. To-day was a heavy one m fat stock,' and business wa* fairly brisk. . •>to«k Sheep. Nearly 3000 different) sorbs cf scores were yaided, most of which met with purchasers. A feature of the department was a grand line of nearly 1000 hoggets from Ashley Gorge Estate, which were sold m two lots at 7s and 8s lOd. Some forward conditioned merino wethers brought 3s lid and 4s od. A good line of four-tooth half-bred wethers, half of which were fit for the fat pens, brought 11s lOd. Crossbred ewes and lambs sold at 3s 9d, «11 counted. - Some aged merino ewes sold ajb Is sd. Fat Lambs. —There was a very heavy entrj of lambs of all sizes, qualities, and conditions from scrubbers at 3s 6d to " walking marvels "at 14s 9d. A line of half-bre-ls from the South sold for freez ing at 13s 3d to 13s 9d. The general run of the lambs brought from 7s to 10s 6d, freezers being from 10s to 14s, with the above exception. Fat Sheep.—Over 5000 were yarded m the fat pens, and the quality was above the average of the past few weeks, though the bulk of the entries comprised cross and half-bred ewes. There was a fair demand both for freezing and local consumption, and prices remained firm throughout. Best cross and half-bred wethers realised from 12s to 15s ; ewes, from 10s to 12s 6d ; inferior sorts, mixed sexes, from 7s to 9s 3d ; maiden ewes, 8s to 12s, according to quality. Fat Cattle.—24B head were yarded. The quality throughout was good. Though there were no specially prime lots of bullocks, there was a better demand than before up to a certain stage, after which buyers relaxed, and several lines had to be withdrawn. Best ox beef brought from 16s to 19s per lOOlbs ; inferior from 12s to 14s.

Store Cattle. - The continued dry weather has more effect upon store cattle selling at this market than on any other, and though there were only 104 head entered to-day, the greatest difficulty was experienced m causing any cattle to change hands. Good dairy cows m full profit, or springers, are m fair demand, but otherwise there is little or nothing doing m this section. , Pigs.—About 100 were entered, of which a good proportion were heavy porkers or light bacon pigs. There were fewer weaners and store pigs than usual.

THE CALLS TO THE COUNCIL.

Ministers have, as we see by our telegrams, commenced a series of Cabinet meetings which are to be held daily, m preparation for the assembling of Parliament to-morrow week. At %bese meetings the question of re construction versus resignation will have to be decided, as also the course to be taken with regard to the Speaker ships of the two Houses, and with regard to the prdposed calls to the ; Legislative Council. Great interest attaches to the decisions to be come to m respect to all these matters—more 1 especially, perhaps, to that last men tioned. Several special correspondents who profess to be "m the know" — to use a current slangism-—declare positively that Ministers are deter mined, come what may, to persist m their intention to advise the Governor to call certain gentlemen to the Upper House, and further that His Ex cellency will accept and forthwith act upon such advice. As to the inten tions of Ministers the " specials " are not improbably correctly posted up, but as to those of the Governor they can only be proceeding upon mere guesswork, for we do not believe that

i<ord Onslow. would take them into his confidence, or allow his views of the question thus prematurely to transpire through any channel whatever. But assuming that Ministers' minds are made up m the direction indicated, then we have only another illustration of the truth of the old Latin aphorism " Quetn Deus tndt p'erdere pritis dementat," for a more determined out rage upon public opinion could not be perpetrated. The petitions sent to His Excellency, signed by many thousands of persons, are ample evi dence of the overwhelming weight of public opinion against the expediency of making any calls to the Council under present circumstances, and when we remember that Sir Harry Atkinson and his Government are practically pledged to make lio such calls until the numbar of the Council falls below thirty-five (it is now thirty-eight), it is perfectly marvellous that they should for a moment dream of breaking that pledge, That is to «ay it would be marvellous m the case of any other Administration, but perhaps we ought to remember that Sir Harry and his colleagues have never found any diffi culty m making excuses for failing to keep their promises. That they are m a pretty tight place must doubtless be admitted. They have themselves over and over declared against the very course they are now about to take, but then there can also be no doubt that there have been promises express or implied to a number of gentlemen of political rewards for political services, the fulfilment of which is claimed, but which must be fulfilled now or never —or rather per haps we should say which may not be capable of fulfilment for a long time, if not fulfilled now. Ministers must, therefore, break their pledges m one direction or the other, and the only person who can cut the Gordian knot is the Governor, It is to be hoped that His Excellency will perform this very needful service by omitting to act upon any advice tendered m the direction of calls to the Legislative Council for a week or two, If he take that course it is prohahle that political changes will m the meantime occur, which will have the effect of, affording the means of obtaining for His Excellency advice more m conson ance with the wishes of the public at large.

Ifcala has a depfc of £872,560,000, the largest of any nation m tie civilised world, calling for £38,000,000 interest annually. England consumes 650 tons of ivory per year, for which it is necessary to kill 12,000 elephants. Consequently the African mam moth is m danger of extinction,

DISTRICT COURT

ASHBURTO2MVJSDNESDAY, January 14. (Before His Honor Judge Ward.)

Thomas Perks v. Geobge Robjgjits.- For plaintiff—Mr Fisher, with him Mr Cns\t ; for defendant—Mr PurnelJ. Fo lowing is the remainder of our repo. t of this case :— (Examination of plaintiff continued.) — The £13 14s lo Albert Roberts was an ac count owing by witnesstohim,andhad been paid out of the cOntmcfc, besides £4 13s (id witness's home account. Before re ceivingthestatementofaccountspioduced, had no notion that the accounts were being kept as between- Bennison and Porks conjointly. Had nothing whatever to do .with Bennison at all m this contract, had never been m partnership with him, nor had a joint contract. When he went down to Christchurch, to Have a settlement •bout the ploughing, Mr George Roberts said he did not know him m the matter at all, ns the contract was. Benison's. Told him m that case he would have to sue him. The ploughs would be worth half their original cost when the contract was finished. By Mr Purnell—Was not aware that Selma was the property of George Roberts, and that Bennison was his tenant. Benniaon's ploughs were used at Laghmor, but- they were not m part nership. When witness went up to Valetta the first time, looked to Bennison for payment of the work done. When they went to Christchurch m November, that was the first time he had seen Mr George Roberts on the sub ject of the ploughing. Understood he had liberty to run" up what bills he chose m connection with the contract, and Mr Roberts was to pay them without any one to check them. There was no one to check the men's time for Mr Roberts. Bennison took m bills for witness to Mr Roberts m Christchurch, because witness was busy, not because Bennison had any interest m them. Did all the ploughing with his men—Hood, Aston, and Reeves being the ploughmen m witness's team, and BoswelL and Pritchard those ir. Wey mouth Roberts' team. Told Weymouth Roberts how witness's arrangement Blood with Mr George Roberts as to being paid for ploughing. Bennison said he should offer witness a comjxwifcion which witness declined to take. Could not say whether it was before or after this that he in structed his solicitor t* take action. Had a conversation with Mr G; Roberts m Colombo street, Chrietchurch, on the sub ject of an account for thrashing owing to witness by Bennison, but there was no working out of what part of the ploughing contract belonged to Bennison, and Mr Roberts did not say that £20 were coming to Bennison from Roberts, and if witness could get an order from Bennison it would be good. By Mr Fisher—The bills that Bennison took to Mr Roberts were the butchers', blrcksmiths', Tretheway's, and others, but his own account was not sent. Francis Bennison said that m May 1889 he went, at the invitation of Mr George Roberts, to Vaietta to look at | some land to see if it could be ploughed. In September of the same year toli Mr Roberts that the work was worth 7a an acre. Mr Roberts said he did not wieh to dnve a hard bargain, as the work was . likely to be hard, so that he would leave I the price an open question. Had all | through the idea of getting Perks to do the ploughing with his engine. Perks went up for three days,, and the work turned out to be a rough stony job, and 7s 6d an acre *»'as not enough for it. Perks knocked off, and some days after wards Perks and witness wetit to Christ* church to see Mr Roberts. Witness saw- Mr Roberts first and told him it was a rough expensive job, and asked him if he was prepared to go the expense. Roberta accused him of having thrown him over. Told him the work could not be done with horses nor with the ordinary ploughs; but Perks was outside and he could°see him. Roberts went and saw Perks, who said it could bo done for 13a an acre. Roberts remarked it was a big price, but it would have to be done, and ploughs would have to be got suitable. P^rks, wanted to get an agreement m writing, but Roberts said that was unnecessary. Perks looked towards witness, wtjo, feck ing that he was being questioned by Perks said ha had always found Mr Roberts a man of his word." The arrangement then made was that Perks was to get fair wages for his work, fair hire for his engine, all expenses paid, and Mr Roberts to pay for the ploughs. Had nothing at all to do with the ploughing, that was wholly Perks' affair—witness was only : to sow, harrow, and roll the turnips. Roberts made the-latter' arrangement with witness. After this Porks went and got the ploughs. There were no terms mentioned for the harrowing, rolling, and sowing, but witness had been paid 3s an acre. For this contract witness found tucker, horse feed, and wages. Went* over frequently to see how his teams were getting on. The ploughing people were working from four m the morning until dark. The horse feed used was bought by witness, and Perks' horses were fed from the lot. This was witness's arrange • ment, who had twelve horses, and Perks ■ four. Perks had not paid him for the horse feed used by his horses, but it had " been paid for to witness by Mr Qeorgft Roberts. Saw Mi: Albert Roberta about the account produced, and objected to SV 1?" 18™? 13 Us» and £*» *!»<* wen Ferks . There was an item for a broad- : cast sowing machine, which had nothing to do with Perks, and several other items. Was not aware that the account was bein* kept as against Perks and Bennison jointly until he received the statement produced. The item £147 for labor was what he was paid for harrowing, etc.» and for horse feed and, horsjt hire. Was under bill of sale to Albeit Roberta, who took possession, under .ft. Never was m partnership with Perks m the ploughing Mefc Mr Roberts m Christehurcn,and he said Perks had been down at him about the ploughing, Understood him to say he had pud Packs. Was certainly not paid by Mr Roberts for the >loughinff By Mr Purnell-All the work done at . ploughing was done by Perk*, At the | Umstchurch interview when the arraiure ! nient was made the, ploughing arrange ments were ma4e with Perks; Witness's i ploughs were on tha job for use if need be, and his horses were there also Had never said that he was. m partnership with Perks m the Laghmor job, and that Ferks had taken all the money. Did not object to. the forage account rendered by Hv Albgrt Roberts to •« Perks andßeniu spn, because Mr George Roberts was to pay for the forage, the interview m Juy, Mr Roberts paid him '£20 m full settlement of all his claims for work done, Ihe receipt produced mentioned ploughing, but it was only vaad to wife. ness who did not r*rf it himself, but signed it, believing it t*> be a receipt only for the work he had done. Perks had never n»de any claim upon witness for the.ploughing. None of. Perks' men at Vaietta were m witness's employ By Mr Fisher-^Would not hA. signed tha rec^pt written by Mr Roberta £ he had known it purported to be areeeipt for ploughing. Had no authority from Perks to settle for his contract. James Jfcir, manager for P. and I>. Duncan, sal<* his firm made the ploughs for the contract.. They were extra heavy. Was up at the land to see the work. It was very hesvy, and only two three-furrow ploughs.were used. It was heavier on this land for two ploughs than on better land for three. Nine or ten shillings would b* a fair rate of wages for ft man like Perks, and £1 a day foVth* : Siigine, Those figures would, owe* thf

TMB ASHBUftTON GXTAftDIAff, ffitTRgDAiT. JANUARY IS, 1861.



Spring and Summer, 1890. BUY YOUR CLOTHING FROM THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING EACTOBY Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonivl TWEED SUITS at prices to suit everybody. HITS,—We kae) the Lirvjiib and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. Best workmanship put m every garment, and a perfect tit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c, m Latest Fashion i.nd Style. Bkst Value for Cash m District NEW ZE A I AJS D CLOTM FACTORY igenfc for the Wonderful Werfcheim Sewing Machines W. H. WEBBER Manage MONEY TO LEND. It/TONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 to_J£sooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C, PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government luauvanoe Office. | Christchurch. , o.s.s. co <rf|pi u,s.s., co Iff ; UNIOS STEAMSHIP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, Limited. The Company's Steamers have now re sumed time table running to all ports. THEEXCURSION SEASON Will open Ist DECEMBER Next. | Return tickets at reduced Fares. TRIPS TO WEST COAST SQUfiPS On or about 14th and 26th JANUARY, and sth FEBRUARY. GEG JAMESON, Agent, Asbbvxfcon.



ASHBURTON PRESBYTERIAN church. ; THE Services m the above Church on SUNDAY Next will be conducted by the Revd. Dr Elmsiie, of Christ church, morning and evening. Special collection for Sabbath Schools. 1572 Ladies! Ladies! WHOLESALE DRAPERY HOUSES IST GREAT TROUBLE ! THIS SEASON j WITH IMMENCE SURPLUS IMPORTATIONS OF SUMMEL3 nOODQ ummeXv VjoodD —therefore - We have made an Extensive Purchase of French Muslins, Zephyrs, Ginghams, IJiTO., EMC. WHICH ARE NOW ON VIEW ITCHELL (X) X OIUSJSITOr RAIAPOI HOUSE.



Wait* tec! CASH Ad ertisements under this heading nbfc exceeding SIXTEEN WORD'S 1/-. Addresses may be __ left at this Office' ___„ WANTED— Three Smart Boys at once. Apply H. Gifford Moore, Flax Mill, Tinwald. 1 74 /"IOOLING and invigorating Ice Cream V.^ as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. TRY the Great Drapery Sale now on at H. C. Seueks. WANTjSD Known — Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." ANTED Known—The "Strong \ wear " Boot is the best for Men ndies and Children.—W. H. Collier. _ WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Asli burton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton CloUiing Mai't, Saunder's Buildings. ,£VEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart- O ments now on. One trial solicited. ■ Melford House. _____^_^___ ANTED Known — The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal canised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. HA.NNAFORD'd, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin andiron ware goods made and repaired with des patch. ELFORtJliouse Sale now on. W» only ask one visit.—H. C. Segers. OOTS, BOOTH. "Keep Dry and save Doctor's Bills. have a splendid Stock m now. Try my [ Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur qon Clothing Mart, Saunders' Building's. _„ "public NoticesT" 7"



FIRST. FIRST. FIRST. A T the LARGEST FIELD TRIaL Held m Australia this Season The Brantford WAS PLACED FIRST, defeating seven other machines. THIS IS GENUINE. THE ONLY STRING BINDER THAT CAN CUT AND TIE GRASS SEED TESTIMbNIAL." I have cut with a 7ft Brantford Binder purchased last season, about seven acres of ryegrass for seed. The crop was very short and thin, being on light ground. The machine did its work perfectly, both | cutting, binding and tying without a hitch, and I consider the Brantford the best on the market, and the only machine fit fco! tackle light crop of grass. 12*101 ' Georgb Cole. THE ASHBURTON MAIL. From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of subscription to this Journal will be as follows, viz:— , IF PAID IJS" ADVAECK. Per Quarter ... 63 6d, by post 7a 6d „ Half-year... 12s Od, by post I4s Od „ "Xear 203 Od, by post 26s Od IP BOOKKD. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 8s Od „ Half-year... 13s Od, by post 16s Od „ Year.., ... 26s Od, by post 32s 0d Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if piiid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each ; •f booked, 4« each. Stamps may be sent as payment.



fHiiiiiMriiiii iMPMf OF if mURD \fiive _A.air» MARINE ) '; HE Business of this Company has been TRANSFERRED" to the rOMMFRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by i whom, through the various Branches and Agencies m New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled m future. F. ALLEN, General Manager..-, Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THE COMMERCIAL"UNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861. Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,300,000 Total Invested Funds ... 2,351,707 Total Annual Nettlncome... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE for NEW ZEALAND : Lambton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zealand : FRANK ALLEN, J P. Every description of Fire nd Marine Insurance effected at LOWEST CURKENT EATES CUFF & GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. Agents for Ashburton : FRIEDLANDER BROS 22



Massey-Toronto Lp Binder. LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO HE. EASIEST TO MANAGE. SWIFTEST TO CUT THE LONGEST LIVED.J MOST SCIENTIFICALLY.' MADE Stationary Axle A.NJ> Raise and Lower Stylo 5, 6, and 7 FEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few on hand. £2000 "Wjrfch of Extras m Stock, which wil - be supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time DAY OR NIGHT. FRIEDLANDER BROS IVrOTWHSTANDING continued ! —■*— | ports ot the success ot other 1 Machines, THEDEERING ALL STEEL TWINE BINDER, \ Having, during the last two Seasons, secured upwards of 60 PmZBS' : In the Australasian Colonies. The Machine a.3 now offered is a marvel of SIMPLICITY, STRENGTH, and DURABILITY. Actual experience proving that THE DEERING Requires fewer extra parts than any Machine m the field. The Undersigned has now on hand a LARGE ASSORTMENT of duplicates (extras), and is the efore ready for emer gencies. Twines, Oils Corn Sacks, &c. WOOL. STORES 24th December, 1890.



THE MM FIREJe MARINE lIIOCE COIFIH Of SEWZMAMim CAPITAL... £2,000,000 PAID UP. £100,000 RESERVE & REINSURANCE FUND £65,000 General Manager : W. DEVENISH MEARES E«j. OFFICES : 172 HEREFORD STREET, CHRISIOHURCH. Hpecial Features: j Ltas ONLY INSTITUTION o* its kind having its HEAD OFFICE m CHRISTOHURCH. ! LIBERALITY m SETTLEMENT of' CLAIMS. RATES, IHB LOWEST CURRENT. To Farmem CLIENTS of the COMPANY *nd cithers are reminded that all Grain, Stack, and Implement RISKS are taken by this Company at Lowest Current tafces. John G. Restell WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. AGENT.



MoGormkk Binders, The agents of the McCormick reapers and binders have just received news of a very exciting trial at Tamworth (N.S.W.) on Saturday, December 6. The prize competed for was the Society's medal, which was offered to the machines exhibited at their Show ; bub m order to have a successful trial they m addition _ offered a prize of ten guineas, open to all conre. o , ~ »-•.*•■- x ~i,, aa ..-waraijftuned. by the McCormick, which was awarded the full maximum number of points. This was the first time this season where the winner at any trial m Australia obtained the full number of points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize at Stawell (Victoria) beating the Massey, Hornaby, and Deering. John Orr & Go.



Mii S B. SEYMOUR, SURGEON- D E N T I S T OF CIIRISTCHURCH, WILL VISIT ASHBURTON on dates to bu announced, and may be consulted at MR CAMBRIDGE'S, CHEMIST 710 John Orr & Co. INVITE THE ATTENTION OF FARMERS To their Large and Varied Stocks of all classes of Goods, suitable lor the Harvest Field. 1000 Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Machine Extras and Fittings 100 Cases Binding WIRE, White Cros 100 Cases Castor Oil Leather Belting, lsin to 6in Valvoline and Lubroline Oil Lard and Olive Oil Cylinder Oil Perforated Zinc, 3/32 to 7/8 Seaming Twine