DEATH.

Atkinsox.—-At her father's residence, Burnett Street, Lillian Rose, daughter of William John and Sarah Atkinson. Aged 11 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 1891. THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

The Convention of delegates from all the Colonies of Australasia which is now sitting at Sydney is a great his torical fact, and marks a distinct ad vance m the progress of that move ment which for the past few years has been proceeding with gathering force, and which must eventuate m the con solidation of most, if not all, of those colonies into one united whole as the Dominion or United States of Aus tralia. Starting into life as .it will under the English flag, full of loyalty to the throne and the traditions of the Empire, it rests with the Imperial authorities whether the connection is to be maintained—perhaps for ages— or whether there should be friction re sultant from injudicious treatment sufficient to induce m the near or more remote future, an irresistible demand for absolute independent autonomy under the flag of Australia. In the work of laying the foundations of what is destined to be one of the Great ■■Powers of succeeding ages the Conference now assembled has before it difficulties many and great, but the speeches thus far delivered by the representatives of the several Colonies have been couched m terms which show that these difficulties are 'properly ap preciated, and are being approached m a spirit of mutual concession which is the best guarantee of their being successfully overcome. The position of New Zealand m relation to the great question before the Conference differs widely from that of the other Colonies represented, inasmuch as her people have certainly no present intention of agreeing to come under any Federal constitution which may be established, her delegates being present merely as advisers and coadjutors, yet with the understanding that their influence is to be bent m the direction of securing, if possible, that the constitution be so framed as to admit of New Zealand coming under it m the future if she shall so think fit. The persontiel of our representation at the great Council is all that could be desired. Sir George Grey, with his unrivalled experience as a Governor and Administrator and builder-up of Constitutions is, saving Sir Henry Parkes, the most prominent figure m this remarkable gathering of Colonial Statesmen, and Sir Harry Atkinson and Captain Russell are worthy associates. Owing to the delay of the steamer by which he had arranged to proceed, Sir George was not present at the opening of the Con ference and has not yet declared his views, for which not only we m New Zealand, but doubtless also a very much wider circle are looking with great interest. \Ve are sorry to learn that he is still very weak, having evtofcjwUy not fully recovered from his recent illness. Captain Pnussell has how ever spoken, and spoken well on New Zealand's behalf. "Fie has evidently a just appreciation of the, great advan tages which must result from the federation of Australia, and that it should bo such a federation " as will attract by its centripetal force all remote parts m time to come." With the prescience of a true statesman he foresees that "m time to come the islands of the South Seas will become powers themselves," and that if Aus tralia is the centre of power they will of necessity be drawn to her, instead of these loose " atoms flying off to the United States of America " —already a competitor for the trade of, and for influence m the South Seas—which he rightly says " will probably occur if Australian statesmen do not prevent it." He is right too, we think, as to the means of prevention, and that is by making the Federal Convention sufficiently elastic to enable all these atoms to come m and to be consolidated without the sacrifice of their interests and without interfering with their working out their own individual destinies. Among the lions m the path of the builders-tip of the Australian Dominion are the questions of the nature of the Execu tive Government, and the constitution and powers of the Federal Legislature, and those of Federal Defence and the Federal Tariff. The last perhaps is the most knotty point of all, but its solu tion has already, we think, been correctly indicated by Sir T. M'llr'aith as " freetrade among the colonies and protection against the world." New Zealand would derive great advantage if she can secure that she shall be entitled to free exchange with the new Dominion, and might also with like benefit agree to come under uniform laws relating to marriages, copyright, recovery of debts, and certain other matter.? m which such uniformity could be secured without abandoning m any way the independent control of her own revenues and expenditure—m a word witnout transferring the manage ment of her own affairs to a Dominion Parliament.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

I The attention of oiu 1 readers is drawn to Mr H. Zander's new advertisement m this issue. He wishes special notice taken by the sporting public of his announcement r,< guns, ammunition, and all sorts of requisites for the coming shooting season. There is now on view at Mr J. SeaJy'sseeds man's shop m East Street, a case of apples specially imported from Tasmania to show both the proper method of packing fruit for th« English market, and the standard size of case that is required to hold a bushel of apples or pears. The case is one of two tha£ the last steamer from Hobart ■to Jjyttelton, the other case has been handed to M.l' f. \yildyig as representing the Styx Apple Company, and who is also connected with the Canterbury Fruit Export .Company who are largely shipping Canterbury fruit by steamer this summer tp.l^ondon. Colonel Ingersoll, (says one of his friends, keenly realises the fact that he can never ihaye a cate.ep m politics, legislation, or statesmanship, and can never ho 7d any jftnportatyb office undep the (iouernnjent fop Which he fought. TJiere is no party that dai-6 to p#fc n» the speech making infidel for office, or that wouW vote for lu'm m any election, and he knows it. Bo you suppose lie could be nominated or elected as Gover. nor, or congressman, or alderman ? All the powers of society would be turned against h£in if he were put nip, as he knows. There $cc otji^jf liiij,(jpiß m office, but not one who has ma'deii^ iufi^e/i.iy conspicuous. Ingersoll could not get 1000" votes'lo 3Jsvr YQrk, aud iiekuowsit,

Tim annual district meeting of the j Independent Order of Oddfellows M.U. I takes place to-morrow m the Oddfellows' Hall, and a banquet will be held there also m the evening, A young woman named An&l.e Crawford, on a visit from Lyttelton, was killed by a trap accidont on Sunday evening on the Opihi bridge. Two sailor? took two girls for a drive from Timaru. Ofl the return journey both men got out^ and the horee bolted. The girl Crawford jumped out and fell on her head, and died m a few hours. The other girl stuck to the trap till the horse pulled up and escaped injury. ..The " Reefton Guardian." says that, a move has been --made by sonie </:ot\. the com panies to evade the duty on the gold now being obtained.- It appears that they merely deposit the gold 4 ,in the,,banks, ostensibly againsts overdrafts, and' then by pursuing this little tactic until the new Act comes into force they escape all duty, This means a loss ot four or five hundred pounds to the County, and steps arc to* be taken to conn tract the little subterfuge Any number of anecdotes concerning Count Moltke's humor and ready wit are told by those who come m personal contract with him. Thus, for instance, a Sileaian gentle man farmer and neighbour of the field marshal meb the old man q, few years ago when the air was thick with rumors of jwar. Thinking ho would get the latest news from the best source, he asked Moltke, "Well, your Excellency, how are things going?" "Very well, thank yon," was the reply; "the wheat and rye are excellent, but the bailey is not quite so promising. A number of the labourers who went away from Dunedin to Tasmania have been appearing at the kStrahan Police Court, charged by ,T. A. Reynolds and, Co., con tractors, with quitting their service without leave while under engagement for six months. One man pleaded guilty, and was seift to goal for one month m. default of payment of a fine of £10. He was further charged with the theft of a tent and fly, the property of the contractors, but was able to prove that these were his own property, brought by him from Xew Zealand. Another man was fined £10 for breach- of agreement, and several others failed to appear m answtir toj similar charges, arid warrants were issued for their arrest. ! Considerable surprise is expressed at Home to find that Sir Hercules Robinson -has accepted a Barbnetdy from the Government. He has been more or less at) war with them even since his return from South Africa, and; it was surposed that he would accept nothing > less then a peerage—he is rich—and that the alternative of refusing a peerage would be his appearance m the political arena as;Mr Gladstone's 'Colonial ■ Minister designate. But, like the American politician who asked the President for the Legation at Paris land finally took himself off contented with'the loan of a pair ,of goloshes, the great* Sir Hercules is content with what seems i far below his merits, and can be of little account to a man so much honoured already^-a mere baronetcy. But he,is very proud of his son and is no doubt thankful to obtain some honour which he can bequeath to him. In reference to the telegram regarding the deprivation of Sir Robert Stout of his rank m the English Masonic Constitution it maybe explained that Sir Robert has held for some time the rank of D.D.G.M of Otago, and was the recipient of the office of P.G.IK of England as a Jubilee honor from the Prince of Wales. A few months back he, with;' Mr Ballance, established a Lodge, " La Rose de Silence," under the Grand Orient of Jb'rance, m Wellington, of which Sir Rebel t is W.M., and Mr Ballance S. W. As the Grand Orient of France has pracdcally violated the funda mental principles cf Masonry by excluding the volume of the Sacred Law from their Lodges, and eliminating all reference to the Great Architect of the Universe, the Gr/uid Lodge of England has declined, since about 1877, to recognise it m any way. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has followed suit m this respect. Sir Robert Stout also holds offices m connection with the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and m Mark and Arch Masonry. ,At the 'monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee, there were present J)v Cordrmr. who occupied the chair, and Messrs Liddy, Shannon, Clark, and Oakley. 'IHvo master's report wasread and considered; the attis,w|ance w t « not quite «. P to the marx, The Secretary of the South Rakaia Library wrote stating that m future the book room would not be available for holding meetings. It was decided to meet m the School build ings iufuture. Mr Bruce wrote J tendering his resignation as a pupil teacher, and stat ing that as he had now other duties to attend to he could not give the usual month'l noti»s. Mr J. G. Riddle, the other pupis teacher, wrote tendering his resignation and giving a month's notice. Both resignations were accepted. It was reported that Mr Robert Bruce would give teaching assistance till fresh arrangements were made. It was resolved to ask the Board of Education to advertise for two students who have passed their second year to fill the vacancies as pupil teachers. Several repairs were ordered to be done, and accounts were passed foj payment. It was decided to close the school for the Easter Holidays from Thursday, March 26, till Monday, April 6. "Mercutio"in the "Auckland Herald" writes:—The departure of Sir George Grey by the Tarawefa, at the Queen street Wharf, was marked by many features af interest. But the one which pleased me most was the genuine, unaffected, hearty good-will which all classes showed to the veteran statesman on his departure for the Federation Confer ence. It was my lot to witness his depar ture from the colony at the expiration of his first Governorship, and as he left the Council Chamber, Constitution Hill, with his orders on his breast, attended by his suite, the beating of drums, and the presenting. of arms by the guard of honor, he had no such loving homage as was given to him unsought by the "common people" on Thursday evening last. In the zenith ofjhis power, as " tlie great proconsul," he had no such hold upon the affections of the Aucklanders:as he had to-day—a feeble, silver-haired old man, having nothing to bestow upon them but the parting blessing : " Good-bye ; God bless you all." Time has done for Sir George what it does for most men, at the close of life's fitful fever — mellowed and softened him—and as he draws nearer thatjUnknown Land, where the great levellers-Death— places the lofty and the lowly on one com mon plane, he 'only becomes more genial, and multiplies those kindly and gracious acts, which, after all, are the noblest legacy of any good man's life. Of him we may say— And year by year, still kindlier, to the last, He drew us towards him, showing more and more, The heart of honey, human to the core, That into Love's full sweetness mellow'd fast.

The "Lake County Pi ess" says that according to current report, David McNidder who was killed on the Fraukton Beach drc-lge, was heard to remark that the 19th of February was an important one m his life. It wa3 on that day of the month named that he wa3 married, that his first child was born, that (a year later) it died, that he was shipwrecked, and that finally he met his death. On the morning of the day of his death he said "he wondered what would happen to day." They have the good old sort of fisherman m or about Blenheim, to jndge by the follow ing extract which the " Timaru Herald " has seen from a private letter originating m that locality:—" I caught a salmon trout last Thursday night'weighing 29£1b3. It was 38& in m length, 2t)£in m girth, and lO^in m depth. I caught it with a thin piece of whipcord, and a bit of fat mutton for bait. How is that ? I am the boss fisherman of New Zealand." A sad drowning case occurred on Sunday on the beach about four miles north of New Brighton. Mr Brown, a grocer at Belfast, had driven to the beach with his wife and family. His son, twelve years of age, went into the sea to bathe, and got into difficuties. Mr Brown went to his assistance, and both were drowned. Mrs Brown waited on the beach for some time, and then returned to Belfast, but was m such a horror stricken state at witnessing the death of her husband and son that she was unable to give any further par ticulars of the affair. The police were telephoned to, and making search found the boy's body. The body of the father was found this morning. The forthcoming licensing election for Sydenham is causing great excitement m the Borough, and each side is charging the other with subdividing properties m order to make qualifications under which to get their sup porters on the roll of voters—making " fag got votes "m fact. The Borough Council has hitherto added these names to the burgess list, but, at last meeting—hearing probably of public opinion being exercised as to the Votes—they did not deal with the applica tions, and as it was the last regular meeting of the Council at which they could be dealt with to enable the applicants to vote m the April election, several have felt aggrired, and four writs hare already been served on the Council. A special meeting of the Council has been called to consider the posi tion, and it is said that if the applications are not dealt with fifty or sixty writs will be taken out. The first annual meeting of the Canterbury- Belfast Co-operative Bacon Caring Company was held on Saturday at Christchurch. The balance-sheet showed a profit of £74 (after paying the whole of the expenses of floating the Company £143 5s 6d) which would give them a 7 per cent dividend on tho called-up capital. The receipts were £2193 16s Id, and the expenditure £2652 Is Bd. The chairman \ said they must consider the operations of the I Companyassatisfactory, inasmcuh as they not only had'made a profit giving a dividend of 7 per cent; besides this they had received quite 5. per cent advance on the price of their pigs. He thought thiswasa very suc cessful result, and trusted that the share holders would be satisfied. At the Christ chiuch and Leeston Shows all the principal prizes were taken by the Company. The Company had also received flattering notices of their produce from Rockliampton, Bris bane, and Auckland, speaking m the highest possible terms of the bacon and hams sent. For a long time •it has been suspected (says an Auckland writer) that there was something wrong with the Auckland Education Board, and with the whole ! education system. The public could not make out exactly what it was; But Mr Alexander Grant, who is a candidate for a seat on the Board, has now enlightened the world. There are no Scotchmen m the management of the concern, and the clique who have had it m hand have been in stigated by a bitter hatred of that nation ality, and have exercised a boycott against every man who claims Burns as a country man. Mr Grant reveals that there is no Scotchman on the Board, and that "a Scotch headtcacher is not tolerated m any public school, within three miles of the Education Offiice." Is ali this owing to r'-he, machinations oC tW .chairman iuirl secretary —or~me Bsjarrt of Education ? There must be a wide-spread 'conspiracy m educational circles against the nationally, for there is no Scotchman amongst the masters of the Grammar School, and as for the professorships of University College, care is takeii that no chance shall be given to any Scotchman to be elected.

EARTHQUAKE.

[per press association.]

Wellington, March 9. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 2.27 a.in. • „ Kaikoura, March 9. A rather heavy shock of earthquake was experienced here at 2.30 a.m. Ifcs dura tion was about fifteen seconds ; the direc tion appeared to be N.W. to S.E.

The Shearers' Agitation.

(per press association.)

(Received March 9, 10.25 a.m.} Brisbane, March 9, A serious disturbance took place yesterday at Glernaont. Several mem bers of the Pastoralists' Executive arrived without previously consulting the police, and over two hundred mounted Unionists attacked them. Sergeant Donnell endeavored to pro tect them, and succeed m keeping the rioters at bay until the carnage escaped down a narrow lane, but Jhe was severely wounded m the head by a \ stone. .

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(per pr^ss association.) Itallnny Opening-. ■ Palmerston North, March 9. The opening of the Gorge line, which connects the east and vrest coasts by rail, was celebrated to-day. The weather was very warm, and though the day was not observed as a general holiday a large number of visitors were m town. A special train from Wellington brought 350 excursionists, including the Minister of Education, Messrs McKerrow and Hannay, Railway Commissioners, and Messrs Hogg, McDonald, Duthie and Newman, MiH.R's. The train was met at the station by the Mayor and Council lors, who escorted Mr Reeves and the Commissioners to a large marquee m the square where they were entertained at luncheon. The Wanganui train brought abont 150 excursionists, and the whole went on to Woodville at noon. Hallway Viicilttle*. Woodville, February 9. . The Railway Commissioners have now arranged with Messrs Nelson Bros, for a siding m connection with their freezing ■works. Vltn Torpedo JExplonfon. Wellington, March 9. The Colonial Secretary intends to ask the Governor to request a torpedo lieu tenant from the squadron at Auckland to come down and hold an enquiry into the Shelly Bay aqo.id.ent, It is asserted that the appliances are antiquated, and have been discarded m arsenals at Home.

The Weather.

ALFORD STATION. The following is the Meteorological feport tax the week ending Bth March 1891: —

Latest Gable News

HOME AND FOREIGN

[per press association.]

(Received, March 9, 10.25 a.m )

SOUTH AFRICA.

London, March 7. It has been decided that the Gover nor of Cape Colony shall continue to exercise the duties of High Commis sioner for South Africa.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

Four thousand of the Marquis of Londonderry's colliers have again struck, out of sympathy with the families evicted at Silks worth. Free seamen and firemen are avail able beyond the requirement of owners. The dockers are vainly offering their services, their places being filled up. The undecided attitude of the P. and O. Co. towards the Shipping Federa tion's programme is the cause of some remark. The dockers, stevedores, and coal heavers desire to buy out the free laborers.

OBITUARY.

John Walsh, Fenian.

THE SOUDAN.

Zakhbui, March 7. WiSßman's troops had a severe con flict with Arabs at Dishobo. They killed two hundred, and captured large quantities of ivory and cattle.

DUTIES ON PRODUCE.

Paeis, March 7. The French customs Committee ad vise the free admission of wools, raw hides, and flax. Washington; March 7. The United States will admit partly prepared rabbit skins duty free.

RECONCILIATION.

Berlin, March 7. It is reported that a reconciliation has been brought about between Bis marck and Yon Caprivi.

PRINCE NAPOLEON.

Rome, March 7- Prince Napoleon is m a critical state,

Carriage Accident.

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE MINIS TER OF MINES.

[per press association,]

Palmerston North, March 9. A bnggy containing Hon. Mr and Mrs Secldon and others, • was overturned into a creek yesterday, through the horse swerving on a bridge. The horse and vehicle fell ten feet into the water below, but all escaped without injury, with the exception of the two-year-old child of Mr, Wood, which was seriously injured. '[

SPORTING.

V.R.O. AUTUMN MEETING. '

.Mblbouwsb, March 7. The following are the results of the fourth day's racing :— Att-AoED Stakes, of 10 soys each with 500 added. Weight for ago ;'one'"milc. Carbine,' 9st lib, 1 ; Penance, 6isfc-421b, •2 ; Yarran, 6st 121 b, 3 ; Thur also started. Befcting--B to 1 on Carbine, . .6. to 1 against Penance, 12 to.l Yarran. As the horses swept round the home turn Moran brought Penance up with a tremendous rush; and catching and heading Carbine bolow the distance, a great struggle re sulted m a victory for the popular idol, amidst deafening cheers, by a long neck, Yarran four lengths offj Time — Imm 41|sec. Unplaced Two-Year-Old Stakes of 5 soys each with 400 added ; o.V furlongs.— Lai, 7st 71b, 1; Strathmore, "7st 101 b, 2 ; The Magistrate, 7at 101 b, 3; Ninescartod. Betting— -'& to 1 against La Grippe, sto 1 Lai. Won easily by four lengths. Time —lmin lOsec. Palacb Handicap of 5 soys each with 400 added; Hmile.—Highborn, 9st 31b, 1, Wiga, 7st 121 b, 2 ; Enuc, 7st 121 b, 3. Nine started. Batting—s to 4 against Highborn, 5 to 1 Enuc, and Wycombe, 6 to 1 Wilga. Won by a length. Time— 2min 36|*ec. Steeplechase, of 10 soys each with 800 soys added; about 3 miles.—Sir Wilfred, I2rft 121 b, 1'; Schoolboy, 9st7lb, 2; Blister, lOst Mb 3. Screw Wrench and Tyro also started. Betting—6 to 4 against Sir Wilfred, 2 to \ Tyro, 3 tol Blister. A chapter of accidents. Sir Wilfred won by a quarter of a mile froni Schoolboy, who was half a mile m tront of Blister. Time—7min 4*secs. Loch Plate, of 10 soys each, with 600 added ; weight fou age ; 1J mile. -Mega phone, (51b■■■.penalty), Bst 71b, 1; The Spot (141bs penalty) 9st 21b, 2 ; The Serf (61b penalty) 9st 51b, 3. Betting— 7 to 1 on Megaphone, who won by three lengths. Time—3min 32isec. Farewell Handicap, of 5 soys each, with 300 added ; 1 mile. -Dillon, 7st 91b, 1; Norbert, 7st 91b, 2 ; Churchill, 9st4lb, 3. Nineteen started. Betting -5 to 2 against Anna, 20 to 1 Dillon. Won easily by a length and a half. Time -lmin 43jsec.

THE MARKETS.

(P£R PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, March 7. A cargo of Isew Zealand wheat, April shipment, has been sold at 37s 6d. > Butter ex R.M.S. Kaikoura is realising 114s per cwt. The withdrawal of ilie Pig-iron Regula tion Bill has caused a heavy fall m the iron market m Glasgow, No 1 best Scotch pig-iron is quoted at 45s 6d. ! A boom has taken place m the wheat market owing to French demands con sequent upon the bad prospects of the harvest. [Received March 9, 10.40 a.m.] Melbourne, March 9s Mr Waidel of London, who is at present on a visit to the colonies, has received a cable from his firm announcing that the refrigerator charges on frozen mutton have been reduced from one-seventh tyj one-ninth of a penny per lb.^ The l^e\v Jjealand Loan and Mercantile Ageiioy Company, I imited, have received the following cable message, dated London | 6th March, 1891:— : > Tallow—Market quiet. Fine mutton and good beef are worth respectively 26s 9d and 24s 9d per cwt. New Zealand Hfemp-' Market dull Medjurn }s wovtli £2f per ton. Frozen Meat—Mutton market steady. Price of mutton has advanced j of a penny per lb since last report. Lamb market unchanged. Management ra,te, J of a penny from this date."

PRBSS ASSOCIATION.]

I Dunedin, March 7. Messrs A. S. Patercion and Co. have been advised by cable that a considerably reduction m the London Dock New Zealand, frozen meat lias" bebii grafted, by, the Dock Companies m re eptyjse tQ their representations,'

MAYFIELD.

(FEOM OUR CORRBSP6Ifi)ENT.)

The examination report at the school was received this week, showing only two failures of those present at the examina tion ; also a good report of the teacher, Mr E. li. Brown. Owing to the exami nation coming m the harvest holidays— the school had six weeks' holidwys, and it came m tixth week—Mr Brown had to call the children m from the harvest field on Monday, and the Inspector came on Friday. This gave the teacher and children a bad chance, but they passed a good examination. 'Harvest is nearly ovor now ; had it not boen for the showers lately it would be finished". A great deal of the crop is very light, but as a rule we are as well off as most places. Round the hills the crops were very good, owing to the nor'iwest showers we got m the summer. It is said that some of the oats oiv the Mayfield estate will go 50 bushels per acre, and some who have seen the crops on the Montalto estate say the oats there will go 60 bushels per acre ; but there was plenty of raiii up there last summer. We have an abundance of feed here now. This district hr.s been cried down m time past owing to the stones, but it will turn out yet. We have splendid turnip crops this year. Great interest is taken m the irrigation correspondence, and we are very glad to see m your Thursday's issue that Mr Allan's (or " Plains Farmer's") sheep have condescended to eat irrigated grass. We are great irrigationista up here, and hope the day is not far distant when we will be able to water our paddocks, but we think if the County Council were to enlarge the present races and let some of us buy some water, we would be able to experiment with that, and /find out the value of water and the best way to irri gate. Then, if it was worth it, we could get the general scheme of irrigation, and if not there would be a good, supply for the races and no crying out for water.

South Rakaia Road. Board.

The usual meeting was held on Thurs day. Present: Messrs Coster (chairman), McLean, Lyttelton, and Vucetich. The Clerk's report was read and con sidered. The Chairman stated that at present he had no further information about the village settlement affairs. Sir John Hall had replied to the matter referred to him. It was resolved that the member re presenting ..this riding m the County Council should be requested to oppose Mr Wright's motion to divert the " thirds " accruing from the sales of deferred pay ment lands, from the Road Boards to the County Council. The Clerk was instructed to forward a copy of the resolution tq Sir' John Hall. It was resolved that } Mr Coster be authorised to state that this Board would provide funds from 'the village settlement account for making water races on the roads to the settlement. | It was resolved to tike legal advice re sand blowing off private lands on to the public roads. Mr McLean was requested to report*on the sand blow near the old barracks^ It was decided to call tenders for levelling the sand drift on* Hogg's whare" road Mr W. Pycroft applied to have his name taken off the roll for some property which he had sold.—Granted. Mr O'Connor applied to have the water drained off the road near his property. The Clerk was instructed to report at the next meeting. It was resolved to call the contractor's attention to the state of the Acton river road, and th-it mcLal should be put on where required. Thp Property Tux flommi^sicnior wrote re the seventy-five per cent subsidy, and the Clerk was instructed to apply for the same. The Board's solicitors wrote re gravel pit on Sprott's land.—The Clerk to sec to saniu. Mr Allan wrotn objecting' to the valua tion of the New Zealand and Australian Lund Company's grain store on the rail way siding. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Board had no power to alter the valuation. Several objections to pay rates were left for the Clerk to arrange. Accounts for £63 13s were passed for payment, and' the members met as a Cemetery Board and transacted some routine business, and then adjourned.

POLITICAL NOTES

(PJGB PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

■ ' WelKiMton, March 7> The absence of Sir Harry Atkinsdnfs name fypm the proceedings of the Federa tion gave rise , to, a .circumstantial rumor that lie was very ill and had applied to; be relieved and was returning to New Zew land immediately. The Government however, have received no such appli cation, and quite the contrary appears to be the case -as his< family received a message last night saying that he-con tinued m fair health. Mr Ballance has left for Wanganui. Mr Seddon left for Woodville this morn ing. Mr Buckley sjoes'to Auckland on Tuesday. .Mr W. P. Reeves will be the only Minister, kere next waek. He will visit Christchurch at the end of the month, and inspect the Deaf and Dumb School at Sumner and other institutions m his Department. i Invercargill, March 8. ! The Hon. J. McKenzie was kept busy yesterday by deputations. The only matters on which he gave decided opinions were brought before him by the farmers, who strongly urged that the importation of ferrets, stoats, and polecats should cease, and that they should not be let loose m the country, as they are becomim; a nuisance. The Minister said that the vermin introduced would be liberated only m the back country, and if they were causing loss to small settlers the matter would have to be looked to, He thought that stoats and polecats should not be en couraged lie small birds, it was his in tention to bring m a Bill throwing the work of destroying them on County Councils and other local bodies.

ZEALANDIA.

lln England's:- fair and pleasant isle ' I spent my childhood's hours, Since then I've wandered by the Nile, And through Italian bowers. ■ But thou hast joys Zealandia-, No other land can give. And here, fair land of csorn and flowers, I fain wqujd a^\v«iya live. When early dawn lights up the sky, I hear the raoko's bell, Ding dorg, ding dong, with joyous soi\^ In ev'ry flowery dell. ■ I watch the white-breast rob-V^ )ipnv. The tui's melody And drea^ tl\o of Heaven are near ■ If, I c^uid only see. When kawhai blossoms crown th© toM>s» And scarlet rata flowers ; Wifch fragrance load the, M^^ering breeze, In Summer's goldoii hours, Then by tl\c weofc m fuohsia shades, Whvfift ferns droop o'er the stream, * Breathing the peace that all pervades, •'* 'Tis joy to sic and dream. Though England's fields^ bowers, Are wondrous fr^wh and fair, Yet this ofours ' ' i Is j\w#efc beyond oinpare : thou hast joys ; No other land can. give, And. here, d©«? JfmA o£:corn, and flowers, Iwoia^^eve^^ Biw, Roi,

The Federal Convention.

[PER PKJBmS, ASSOICATIOX.]

London, March 6. Sir Charles Dilke, m referring to the Federal Convention m .Sydney, passes a high eulogium on Sir Homy Parkes as the Jeader of a grand movement. The result, he considers, will be that tho. Australian colonies as now consti tuted will be replaced by the Bouiiniou of Australia. Mr Henniker Heaton speaks m tho highest praise of tha speech delivered at the Convention by the Hon. .Alfred Deakin, of Victoria. London, March 7. The "Spectator," referring to the National Convention m Sydney, con siders it started badly, and that it was a fatal mistake to allow the representa tives of the press to be present. It believes that Sir Henry Parked aeheme will create a bundle of states allied ci^fly for, defence, and riot for true national government; and, further, that it is only a euinbrcms arrangement for defending Australia. £yi>ney, March 7- The speeches at yesterday's sitting of the Convention were not of an animated character j most of the speakers were lawyers. The galleries were well fiP eJ—partly m anticipation of hearing Sir George Grey speak, He, however, did not feel very well, and did not think it advisable to speak that day, he may possibly occupy the floor on Monday. Syditey,' Ifarfch 8. The Western Australian delegates to the Federal Convention have arrived.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[fJER PRESS ASSOOIATIOX;] '

London, Match 6. Contracts for the settlement of the Argentine finances have been signed, and the feeling m the city has im proved. Mr Parnell intends to interfere at the genera] election m the English districts possessing Irish votes. Two Protestant clergymen at Ark low, County Wicklow, have been im prisoned for fourteen djiyg for holding an open air service. a Belgians on the Congo are accused of cruelties towards the natives, and of trafficking m negroes for profit and pleasure. A deputation waited on Mr W. H. Smith, urging that one half of the number of members on the Labour Commission should be recognised leaders of the labor party. The German Government are pur chasing English coal to provide against a general strike of miners. London v March, 7. Joint-stock bankers m London and the provinces are willing to publish a monthly summary of assets and lia bilities, and admit that larger reserves are desirable. A Committee of Bankers will confer with the Chancellor of the Exchequer m the matter. The " Statist M asserts that the Bank of England will issiie £1/ noteis and appoint country Banks issuing agents on condition that they lodge consols with the Bank, and also that the gold displaced be remitted to the Bank. The "Statist" adds that there is wide spread distrust m the city, a very large amount is locked up,, and serious diffi culties are likely to prevail. The " Freeman's Journal" is appeal ing for funds m aid of the Pariisllite cause ; ' <:' Lord Coleridge, Lord Chief Justice of England, regards the reports cir culated to. the effect that Justice Sir Jas. Stephen, of the Queen's Bench, had developed symptoms of insanity, aS unfounded. The Judges have met to obtain Mr Justice Stephen's retire ment. Mumerous protests are being taada against Sir Charles Dilke's Candida ture for the Forest of Dean. Sir Charles has replied m a pamphlet in viting a libel action. Mr Robert Lindsay An trobus, junior partner m the well-known banking firm of Coutts and Co., of the Strand* W.C., committed suicide to-day by shooting himself. San Francisco, March 6. It is reported here that Oolpnel Ash ford conspired to seize the Hawaiian Government, retaining the Queen a» a, figure head, but the American Consul; intervened. Buenos Ayres, March 7. A financial panic has, occurred m the city, and a great, run was made on ;the Provincial Bank. The Govern ment and private merchants are comin« to the assistance of the Bank; ■ The Banks m the city have sus pended payment for two days to per mit of them arranging for a loan, m order to secure the Provincial Bank Dr Vincent F. Lopez, Minister of Finance, has resigned. ! • nn *. . . Bkblin, March 6. Ihe omcial report on the experi ments with Dr Koch's remedy show that of 1061 patients treated for inter nal tuberculosis, thirteen were cared 171 improved, 588 unimproved, and 4S died. Of 708 treated for 'external disease, 15 were cured, 384 improved, 29b unimproved, and 9 died. ni , „ Cawwqwx. Marcji 6. Details of the massacre m Mada gascar show that eleven victims had their heads sawn off. The women who. were killed were first subjected to, great indignities, and their bodies; afterwards thrown to dogs. Berlin March frY Prince Bismarck wiX\ be nominated as a candidate for. membership of th* Reichstag. . ■ »» • Valparaiso, March 7. . Xl** insurgents have run short of ! ammunition. , . : ivr nu ?f W YoRK- M*** 7. Mr Chauncoy Depew,. one of the rail way magnates of the United States and other directors and officers of the i Railway Company haw been arrested * m connection with the collision which took place between trains m a tunnel on the New York line on tho 11th ult., resulting m the death of several nas^»gers.

AUSTRALIAN.

1 Sydney, March 7. In taxing the bill of costs incurred m passing the Oakey Park Railway Bill through Parliament ihe evidence* given showed thai a member of Parlia ment had been paid for political services.

THfl ASHBTTBTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1891



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Holloway's Ointment and Pills. « Colds, Coughs, Shortness of Breath. —These maladies require early and unremitting attention, for if neglected they often end m asthma, bronchitis, or consumption. The ointment well rubbed upon the chest and back, penetrating the skin, is absorbed and carried directly to the lunga, whence it expels all impurities. All the blood m the body is perpetually passing through the lungs, and there all noxious particles tend ing to disease can be quickly, thoroughly, and permanently neutralised, rendered harm less, or ejected from the system. Holloway's Ointment and Pills perfectly accomplish this purification; and through the blood thus cleansed, the influence of these wonderful medicaments reaches the remotest part of the human body, and thus cures all. diseased action, whether internal or external Certainly the Most Effective MEDICINE m the world is SANDER and SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m Coughs, Colds, Influenzat etc. ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Read this certificate:—?'24th April, 1885-— Messrs Sander and Sons,—lt is lyith the greatest of pleasure that I. testify to the excellence of your Eucalypti Extract. Having had inflammation of the bone of the leg, which came on after a severe attack pf Jow fever, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd, who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. He found it necessary to amputate my limb, Ifavirig heard in'the meantime of the wonderful cuces worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I obtained ♦ bottle, and the extract had not been applied more than an hour when I began fo feel greatly rclievpd. A^er applying the extiact ftvoty faun hours for nine or f,cn d*Vs it was out of all danger. I would persu&<J< all who may be effected with any such disease to give the Eucalypti Extract a trial and I am convinced that they will find it the most wonderful of medicines.—Yours etc., E. J. Cuk^ow, Wattle street, Sand' J^rst •p-fAdTli £



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORD'S 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Oftlon .k, ANTP]D immediately, wuart boy V V to carry parcels.—Andrew Orii. 3 60 TT7 ANTED a~yoting"Oirl, 12 or 13 VV years of age, as house girl. Apply W. C. Davis. 3 57 FOR SALE—Very cheap, Light Rover Bicycle. Ball bearings throughout. Nearly new. W. G. Murray, Ashburron __ __ 3 56 ~/V SHBURTON Quadrille Assembly. fX Dancing Orange Hall, Wednes day, 11th, long night. Gentlemen 2s (kl, I Ladies free. 3 55 WANTED to take m plain sewing and machine stitching, For address apply by-letter, A.8., "Mail" Office. 3 50 \ \ 7 ANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buch \ V anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. TRY the Great Drapery Sale now on at H. C. Segers, WANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buch anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Co'a, East Street. "PRESENTS.— All holders of Tickets JL will oblige by bringing them mas soon as possible.- H. C. Segers, Melford House. • /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream KJ .is made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. WANTED Known—Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at '" The Corner." WANTED Known—The '^Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens •jadies and Children,—W. H. Collier. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. BEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart ments now on. One trial solicited. —Melford House. /"I LASS, Earthenware, and China, vU~ direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. IT7 ANTED Known —The Cheapest VV Shop to buy Tinware and Gal yanisod Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett btreet. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch . "VTOW ON —At Stationers' Hall, JL\ Great Sale of Surplus Stock of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one month only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. Andrewes & Co.'s, Stationers Hall. Public Notices, WITH. T£ETM A.ricJT TCLT» CHJRISrUHCRCH DENTAL SURGERY. Ccrner of Cashel and High streets S. M™ AND C - SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin ani Westport tTTE have gained the FIRST AWARD VV M the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest, class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10*. Comple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE ciAS. several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s 6d. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost, /^IENTLEMEN requiring the very VX latest fashion m FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice stock at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shiris, buttoned and laced fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. HUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino i-J Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 2s (id. Increasing demand for these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. BOYS' School Suits, well fitting, durable, and moderate m price at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. AGENTS for the Wonderful New High Arm " Wertheim ' Sewing Machines. Latest improvements, new a])plknt>as f noiseless motion, increased advantages. ALL who have used blw n Wertheim' New High Ann sewing machine, proclaim it to be the most perfect ticw'ujg: machine yet produced. Inspection in\'ib?A, XT # W ZEALAND CLOTHING IS FACTOBY, the leading Hat, Cap, and Clothing Manufacturers, EAST STREET, J± SI-IBTJTKTOISr Agwt top .tlje Wonderful "Werfcheim ■fJMMy&Bg; Machine \~ '"■' \VI H. '.VEBBEIt, Managsr.



**ttblio Notices. THE DOMESTIC PAPER PATTERNS OF NEW YORK. II R $ P O P E WISHES to inform her many Friends and Customers that she has the Agency of the above celebrated Patterns, thut by each San Francisco Mail will RECEIVE NEW ONES. —Also— •« XIIK H T V r. E," Price 3d Monthly. THE BIJOU ART NEEDLEWORK DKPOT, Morten's Buildings, Opposite Bank New Zealand, CHRISTCUURCH. 2_30 W. H. COLLIER W. H. Colliek is now Th« Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier showing Thk Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Comjbr NEW Thk Corner W. H. Colliek The Cornkb W. H. C»LLIER AND THE CORNER W. H. Collier The Corner W. H- CoIIierCHOICE The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier MILLINERY The Corner W. H. Colukr ULSTERS, The Corner / W. H. Collier JACKETS, The Corner W. H. Colierl RIBBONS, The Corner W. H. Collier FURS, The Corner W. H. Collier GLOVES, The Corner W. H. Collier DRAPERY, The Corner W. H. Collikr • etc., etc., The Corner W. H- Collier for the The Corner | W. H. Collier The Corner W; H. Collier AUWIJHtJI the Corner W.H. Collier w JL n.2L— The Corner W.H. Collier W*w™» The Corner W. H. Collier SEASON. The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier The Balance Tiie Corner W. H. Collier of The Corner W. H. Collier SUMMER Thk Corner W. H. Collikr STOCK The Corner W. H. Collier i s »tiU being The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier SOLD OFF The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collikr CHEAP The Corner W. H. Collier to makt room The Corner W. H. Collikr for The Corner W. H. Collier NEW GOODS The Corner W. H. Collier arriving. The Corner "The Corner. 9' lD "^ GD W. W. Spencer A Co. EXTENSION OF vr. vr. ipeioer * c«'« Great Clearing Sale. Being heavily overstocked, and m order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home m about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than CT«»r. All WocvL^ colonial »»««—— —flannel, vJjfT, "*-ply Urigering,. woo], all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2s 3d the doz; Dress Goods 4Ad; Washing Prints, 2id, 3|d, and 4|*l; Washing Muslin 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3£d j \l\ each ; a very large Towel 9|d, T Pnow 6id ; very j»°°cl Ticking, hj j 6d: double width Sheeting, Pj <T 7^d; heavy white Linen Twill H D Sheetinj?, 11-id ; heavy cotton Shirting, 5Ad; Cretonnes, 4kl; c J2 Men's woollen Sox, Hid; Boys' \r •J Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; M <J Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; ** Men's good Twe3d Suits, 22s Q 6d; Boys' Tweed Suits from k pq 4s lid; Men's colored Moles M7b 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. fi 2a lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. L{ Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's Qj colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 9d; Girls' and Maids' Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2s lld : 3s lid, and 4s 6d at IT. W. BPJEICIII * €•'• THE ARCADE. N.B.—We have this day purchased a Traveller's Set of - Samples at a discount of 50 per cent. If you want a real __ _b»r?ain now is your chance. I The~AFe»de. THE Mill Hi CONPAir OF iW ZEALAM) (FIRE AND MARINE ) nPHE Business of this Company has JL been TRANSFERRED to the COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, .Limited, of London, by 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. THK COMMERCIAL UNION ASSUJR 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 ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds .., 2,351,707 Total Annual Nett Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE for NEW ZEALAND; Lambton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia ami New Zealand. General Mailer for New Zealand : FRANK ALLEN, J \>, Every description of Fire ml Marine nsurance effected at LOWEST CUKBEtfT EATBS CUFF & GRAHAM, Mauiigeeg .for Canterbury, Christchurch .!to*wiss for Asnnußwsf |iW.K'J)it,A.NDEK JJROfeff ': 22 ' I