The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1891. THE FINANCIAL POLICY.

Among the journals whose condem nation of the present financial policy of New Zealand has been most generally quoted is the Melbourne " Argus." It has been driven to sad straits to find reasons for the strong opposition which has been manifested m London to the ' "Victorian proposal to raise a new loan, and the depreciation m the value of existing stock, and has looked every where but at home for them. Of course the democratic policy of neigh bouring colonies is our contemporary's betenoir. New South Wales is declared to be m the hands of the labor party, and m South Australia the same party is pursuing a course tending towards confiscation j but New Zealand is pil loried as the worst sinner, and the con duct of the Government m placing it self "at the head of a crusade against capital" is set down as an act of utter folly. OfcourseNewZealandisblamed for having caused the fall m colonial stocks m the London market, and, by implication, with being the cause of Victoria's inability to borrow at. what the " Argus" considers fair terms. Naturally timid New Zealanders might takealarm at thispicture of their wrong doings and their consequences, but fortunately for them, though unfortu nately for its own contention, the " Argus " quotes figures. They are as follows :—" Between July 23 and Oc tober 22, colonial securities have fallen as follows:—Victorian 3| per cents, 2|; New South Wales 3|- per cents, ' 6§; South Australian 3| per cents, If j Queensland 3§ per cents, 2; New Zea land 3| per cents, I|." Now these figures are very remarkable to be ; produced as evidence of New Zealand's being discredited by her ' financial policy and distrusted by English capitalists. Be it observed that on October 22 the difficulties of the Oaraaru Harbor Board had just been made known m London, and the occasion for comparison was conse quently as unfavorable to New Zealand as even the "Argus" could have wished. Yet, the fall m New Zealand stocks were actually less than m those of any of the other Australian colonies ! Of course our contemporary's as sertions have been widely quoted by those New Zealand journalistic birds that are taking so much pains to " foul their own nests," but the fact that New Zealand's standing m the London money market was first of all the colonies was ignored.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A Mormon meeting house has just ken erected at the Takapau native settlement. Mr Mv*rmaduke Dixon anticipates a cold wave in tha weather towards the end of the present week, accompanied by storms. The boy Genge, who was injured by a bullet which passed through the Urges of a shooting gallery at the Oamiru show, died in the hospital last niglit. At the Supreme Court at Christchurch yesterday, true bills were returned against James McCrenor, for horse-stealing, and Joe Dicks, for breaches of the Bankruptcy Act. A printing press and type have been taken from Paeora by the natives to the Maori Parliament in the King Country. They stats that it is for the purp-jse of printing and publishing a Maori Hansard. Bathurst papers report that a suspected lunatic brought before the Court' expressed the opinion that if every suspected lunatic was locked up, half the electors of New South Wales would be behind the bars. Mr P. Donakl, of Arthur and Co., died at 'Christchurch at midday to day from influenza, which attacked him about a weak ago. Mr i Arthur was formerly resident at Nelson, and | was well known throughout the colony. His death is deeply regretted. The " Bruce Herald " reports the death of Mr Thomas Martin, an old Ofcago resident and brother of the Hon John Martin. Mi- Thomas Martin arrived with his brothers in Wellington in 1840, but soon after went to Ofcago, where he has lived ever since. Mr Thomas Martin was an uncle of Mrs Tweed oi this town. A ball was held in the Dromore school on the evening of Tuesday, November 17, in aid of the school prize fund. Owing to the in clemency of the weather the number present was much smaller than it would otherwise have been. Mr Pierce, with his usual efficiency, acted as M.C., and a most pleasant evening*was spent. Another ball will 1)3 held in aid of the prize fund—probably in the course of two or three weeks. The body of the woman found dead in •Haglay park, Christchurch, has been identi fied as that of Alice Margaret Howath, who had resided with Mrs Williams, a widow in Lord Brougham street, Sydenham, and had Sreviously been employed at the White [art Hotel. LAn inqu jst was opaned yester day. No evidence was called, and the enquiry was adjourned till 9 a.m. on Mon day next. Captain Francis John Fox, who is reported to be coming out to take the post of Com mandant of the New Zealand Volunteers, is an officer of the Royal Artillery on full pay, and entered H.M.s service on February 2, 1876, becoming captain on December 10, 1884. He served in the Afghan war- in l$80; took part in the defence of C.indahar and was present at the battle of Candahar (medal and class). He served also in the Soudan campaign in 1885, and was present in the engagement at the Tofrek zereba, and at the destruction of Temai (medal with two clasps, and the Khedive's star). Born September 20, 1857. A telegram from the Bluff states that the report that the Talune struck on a rock ofl Swan Island is totally incorrect. The facts are that off Goose Island the Talune cast one of her propeller blades, thus causing a very siight shock. The blade will be put on when the vessel arrives at Dunedin. No damage whatever was done to the steamer, and the report that the passengers were thrown ofl their feet was false; in fact a number oi passengers knew nothing about the blade being cast. In conversation with captain Chatfield, he expresses surprise that such a false report should have been telegraphed and is very much annoyed thereat. The vessel was going full speed, and had she struck a sunken rock it would have taken the bottom out of her. Mr Theodore Lichtwark, sou of Professor Licbtwark, the premier horse educator, gave an example last night, in Mr Steele's smithy, of his educational powers as applied to horses. For a subject he had a three year-old gelding, by Macilleathean, bred by Mr William Jamieson, Beach Road. The horse was a g.od-tempercdbut rather stupid subject,'but Mr Lichtwark reduced him tt the various stages of subniifisioii without ii uhe::k, atirt we think the horse that left the ring after last night's experiments is one* ol the most valuable sorts that can ba reared by a fanner. Mr Lichtwark regretted that his talents had not been exercised upon a worse specimen, and promised to give another demonstration here iv a few days. when he hoped something very lively woult be submitted to his influence. From a very long and varied experience of horse-breakes properly so called, we can say tint no suol: successful method of dealing with horses has been shown here as that of Professor Lieht w.uk, now demonstrated by his son ; and in all interests of humanity and profit xn should 'sly that those who have to do with joung horses cannot do better than take the lessons which are now at their command. The following journalistic " Dr Jeykll and Mr Hyde" is elescribed in the "Daily News '"':— Theeditorof one of the many black mailing sheets that are published iv Paris has come to grief. He was ready to praise or attack wealthy business men in La France Commerciale, a weekly paper edited by him under the name of Duchatel, He was equally ready to whitewash them the next day in the Union Sociale, which he conducted under the name of Paul Dumont. It was im possible that papers of such opposite views of human virtue should remain long on good terms, and Paul Dumout and Duehatel were perpetually at loggerheads. Indeed they handled each other with such virulence that a duel, the readers of the two papers were informed, was actually decided upon. The affair however, was arranged by the seconds. Latterly, Duchatel having selected the leading French brewers for exposure, iv the "France Commerciale," Paul Dumont offered to publish flattering portraits of them in the "Union Sociale." Several brewers accepted his services, and of course paid for them. At length it was discovered that Duchatel and Dumont were the same person, and proceedings were begun against him. He has appeared before the Correctional Tribunal .under his real name of Debia, and haa been sentenced to five years' imprison ment. A young schoolboy was bathing at Mechanics' Bay, Auckland, and was some distance from the shore, when he saw the fin of a shark not far away, and commenced to scream out. Mr William Joiner, a young man employed as machinist in the " New Zealand Herald " newspaper printing office, happened to be in the vicinity. He called out to the lad to keep his courage up, and strike boldly for the shore. Joiner simply divested himself of his coat and vest, and opening hia large jack knife, placed it between his teeth, and swam straight out to face the shark, passing she boy who was swimming to the shore The shark, aban doning the boy, made for Joiner, but; to attack him had to turn on its back, when Joiner stabbed it in the belly Avith his knife. A second time the shark went for him, bnt as it turned he coolly selected his point of attack, and jobbed the knife into one of its eyes. The shark sheered off, and appeared to sink in deep water, as it was seen no more and Joiner returned to the shore to receive the'thanks of the gtatful boy, whose life he had saved. There the matter ended so far as Joiner was concerned, but, says the j " Herald," no braver deed inresncing human life has been done in Auckland harbor, and even yet it is not too late to give Joiner the Society's medal, which he richly deserves. Joiner is the finest long distance swimmer in Auckland, and has on several occasions swam across the harboi' and back again.

SUPREME COURT.

'liXtt j?hES!J ASSOCIATION.) Chpistohurch, November 23. , The criminal session of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Mr Justice Denniston, whose charge was very brief. He only wiid that though the calendar w;is large in number there were nc,cases of importance calling for special remarks. Frederick Danes, for forsrery of two cheques while acting as secretary of a School Committee, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to twelve months on each charge. John Bassett, charged with attempting suicide by hanging himself, pleaded guilty. In reply to the U3ual question, he said he was losing his eye sight and netting old, and di. not know what bevter to do. The Crown Prosecutor said the prisoner had b en in the colony for thirty years and boro <in unblemished character. Pc got behind with the world and became despondent, and attempted to commit the act. A communication had been received from pits. Charitable Aid Department stating thai they would look after him and'get him into the Old Men's Hume. Prisoner was bound over in his own recognisances of £50 to come up for judgment when called upon, arrange ments to be m*de as stated. .James . William Jackson, charged with uttering a 1 counterfeit coin, pleaded that he had the coins gilded, but did not then intend to defraud.. His Honor said he would take the plea as one of not guilty. In another similar case accused pleaded guilty, and his Honor said there was another charge on the calender against hirr, and he would defer the hearing till that was disposed of by the grand jury. Matthew Grainger, indicted on several charges of forgery and uttering promissory notes, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to eighteen months on each charge, to run concurrently. Subse quently John William Jackson was sen tenced to twelve months on two charge? of uttering counterfeit coin, sentences to l>e concurrent; also twelve months for larceny of a watch, chain, and iocket stolen from .lames Thompson, traveller, Dunedin. Daisy Dale and Elizabeth Thompson, charged with robbing Thomas Heatley of £25, were acquitted, CHKiriTCHURCH, November 24. Joe Dicks was indicted for having within four nvwthi of having been declared bankrupt attempted to leave the colony with iutent to defraud his creditors. He pleaded not guilty. Prisoner, who was proprietor of the Waltham Anns Hotel, sold out, and having converted the pro ceeds of the sain lyft for Dunedin, but was arrested at Oaniaru and brought back. The evidence was a repetition of that given in the lower Court,

THE MARKETS.

[PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.J Londos, November 21. The English wheat market is changing a little for the worse, and the American is also declining, but the Continental is firm. Forward business m Australian wheat is inactive. There Invo been large arrivals of foreign wheat but there are no Australian cargoes off coast or at ports of call. Tallow, medium mutton, 25s jditto beef, 24s 6d.

A Chinese Holloway.

The medicineman flourishes m China, and his advertisements can scarcely be said to differ m essentials from those whioh appear m other countries. Here is a characteristic specimen :—"This receipt has come down to us from a physician of the Hinsr Dynasty. A umtain official was journeying m the hill country when he saw a woman passing southward over the inoujita ns as if flying. In her hand she k'eld a stick, and she was pursuing an old fellow of 100 ye >rs The mandarin asked the woman, s)yinu, "Why do you beat that olil niiiiu V "He is my grandson," s\e answered ; for T am 500 years old, and he ill ; he will not purity himself ur take his medicine, and so I am beating him." The mandarin alitrhteu from his horse, and knelt down and did obeisance to hor, sayinj?, " Give me, I pray you, this drug, that 1 may hand it down to prosterity for the salvation of mankind." Hence it got its name. It will cure affections of the five intestinas and derangement of the seven emotions, constitutional debility, feebleness of limb, dimness of vision, rheumatic pains m the loins and kneea, and cramp m the feet. A dose is -ioz. Take it for iive days and the body will feel light ; take it for ten days and your spirits will become brisk ; for twenty days, and the voice will.be strong and clear, and the hands and feet supple ; for one year, and white hairs become black again, and you move as though flying. Take it con stantly and all troubles will vanish, and you will pass a long life without growing old. Price per bottle, 3s 3d."

The Colour Line in New Zealand.

From time to time the boasted blasts m some quarters as to the pitch of excfcl ! lence civilisation has reached m the ' matter of benevolence and charity re ceive some very rude shocks—never more agitating to self-c>nceit than when levelled unwittingly by the hand of the untu tored savage. A case m point. The powers that be m our local Hospkrtl ab solutely refuse to alloiv the Maoris ad mission to that institution; the line ' must be drawn somewhere, and it is drawn at colour. The episode must be still fresh m the minds of our readers con cerning the Maori lad who met with an unfortunate accident, and whose non admitS'ton to the Hospital opened up the question. Contrast this with the case of the unfortunate man Morrison, who died at Kaivvaiki on Sunday last. He was found abo.it seven days previous at Upokons.aro m a weak and trembling state, and it was left to a Maori—Tamati Tikirangi—to assume the role of the Good Samaritan. The sinking man, racked by a fearful cough, lies on the road side, and the native acceding to his request not only gives him refreshment to iillt viate his present wants, but straightway takes him to his whare, and by the aid of blankets, furnished by his wife, strives to make the poor pakeha as comfortable as his limited means allow. This goes on for a week, the sufferer being tended with care, until Dame Nature asserts herself, and finally he passes over " to that bourne from whence no traveller returns." There is an inquest, and the jury return their verdict m accordance with the facts—death from hea-t disease. Not ay, orel of thanks, though, to the native whose conduct is woithy of sy much commendation. That would be superfluous, you say ! He only did what was right, Yes ! But is tl.-a1;- ---the course, think you, that would have J been adopted had the ense of suffering been that of a Maori 1 Would the bene volent pakeha have tended him, or would he have passed him by oh the other side 'I *' Aye ! There's the rub !" —" Wanganui Herald."

COURTS OF CONCILIATION.

Englishmen, or let us say Britons, for we mean by the term "all and singular," Ri the lawyers phrase it, of the inhabi tants of the threo kingdoms, and of that Greater Britain which is com prised in the off-shoots and dependencies of the Empire—Britons, then, are so accustomed to look upon the British judicial system as well-nigh perfect that it may be regarded as somewhat heretical to make the suggestion that iu this very matter there are other countries which arc far ahead of us. And yet there is, it would seem, warrant for such an assertion j for there are countries in which it is not only possible but the common practice for disputes arid difficulties to be settled by a cheaper and more satisfactory process thau, obtains among British communities. In Nor way and Denmark, for instance, as we learn from an, interesting article in the " Atlantic Monthly," there are Courts of Con ciliation, in which the great bulk of what would otherwise become causes of action are settled and determined without the intervention of lawyers and Courts of Law. Thus, we read, "in Norway every village containing twenty or more families and every parish has its Court of Conciliation. This Court consists of two members* elected for a term of three years by the voters of the district, from among three men nominated by the cify or parish council. Before this Court every civil case must be taken, before it is allowed to be heard in the ordinary' law courts. The parties must appear in person, except in cases of sickness or very pressing business engage ment, when the employment Of a representative is allowed, always 'pro- vided that he is not a practising attorney. Lawyers,are rigidly excluded from the Court of Conciliation, ex cept, of course, wh^n they attend in, their own behalf. Everything in thfc way of procedure is simplicity itselL The plaintiff states hid case in writing, reciting in every day plain language the facts upon which he bases his com plaint, and What hewantsthe defendant, to do or to refrain from doing, and re-J questing that the latter be cited to meet the plaintiff in the Court of Con-! ciliation. to try to reach an agreement in the manner prescribed by law. The senior Commissioner (who acts as Chairman and; Clerk) writes the Court's summons upon the complaint, citing both parties tofappear at; its next or second sitting,.as the case may be. A fee of one shilling is charged for issu ing the summons, to which is added ja further .charge of two shillings in' tlje event of. a conciliation being effectecL These modest charges comprise all the suitors have to pay in the shape of Court costs, and the. Commissioners receive nd other 'compensation than these small fees." Then the procedure in these Courts of Conciliation affords a pleasing contrast to that in,-say, a Resident Magistrate's Court, where gentlemen of the long robe engaged to do their best for their clients, whether those clients be in''the'right'or in the wrong, badger and confuse! witnesses, turn and twist tfhe evidence jlnd* com plicate the issue by all sorta of quirks and quibbles of legal technicality. " The very atmosphere of the lowly courtroom " says the writer "in the " Atlantic Monthly," " has a softening influence on those who ■ enter it armed for a contest for legal rights. The Judges are personally known to them, or perhaps their friends, and are re cognised as men in whose impartiality and integrity they can have implicit) confidence. Even the humblest citizeji feels that; in this forum he treads up&'i firm and familiar ground. There are no intricate formalities to becloud the issue, no array of lawyers to confuse the suitor, no crowd of curiosity seekers to gloat over his discomfort. The Judges and the contestants are the only ones present. Everything induces to an op«n, frank, and dispassionate discus sion of the points at issue. Each party looks upon the Commissioners as disinterested, trustworthy, and friendly counsellors, who will give him only such advice as will subserve his best interest." Verily it would be a pleasing and a beneficial thing for us to take a leaf out of the Scandinavian book, for, as our Danevirke. contemporary (the "Advo cate ") in writing on the same subject very justly remarks, " not only would^ the establishment of such Courts of Conciliation mean a large saving. of ex pense to thousands of suitors i who would gladly avail themselves of such facilities, but it would mean a great saving to the country, as it Would, relieve the Law Courts of an immense^ amount of work." As things now are, to go to law always means heavy loss to one side—often to both, arid to sue for an oyster means to give the fish to counsel and apportion the shells be tween plaintiff and defendant. But,, as our contemporary points out, this is not all, for "an even greater advant age is the influence which such a Court must exercise in softening acerbities and removing causes of ill-feeling. The proceedings are heard in private, so that in many cases differences which might have grown into a very bitter quarrel are settled amicably without the public at large knowing that such differences had ever arisen." We can quite understand that these Courts of Conciliation " are very popular both in Norway and Den mark," and some of our New Zealand reformers should consider whether it be not possible to introduce a similar system here. An Industrial Concilia- tion Bill, limited to disputes between employers and employed, was intro duced last session by the Government, and is to be brought forward again, and it is quite worth "\Yhile considering whether its scope should not be widened I with a view to the establishment of:, Jocal Conciliation Courts on the Nor wegian plan, capable of dealing with causes of dispute of every sort.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was hel 1 last night.'- Present —His Worship the Mayor presiding, and Councillors Thomas, Scaly, Flower, Bird, Cuthbortstm, On 1, I ones, Paul, and Tweed —a full meeting. NEW MEMBER. 'Mr John Orr signed the usual declara tion, and took his scat, and was welcomed by the Mayor. FINANCF. Hi 3 Worship said the debit balance at the Bank .stood al £877 12s 6d, and there had been received since last meeting, from all sources of income, £108 12a-Oil. Of this sum £56 16s represented reserve rents, and £'40 19s 2d refund water supply from Canterbury mills—the remainder small sums. THE MAYORALTY. The Returning Ofliccr officially an nounced the unopposed re-election of Mr Hugo Friedlander as Mayor of the Borough. CHARITAJJLB AID. The Mayor was authorised to represent the Borough Council at the meeting to appoint representatives to the' Charitable Aid Board, to be held at the County Chambers on 25. t1i inst. . ! audit. , The Auditor-General wrote certifying he half-yearly balance sheet. THE GOVERNOR. The private Secretary to His Excellency the Governor wrote declining the invitation of the Council to \ the Governor "to pay a visit to Ash fcyrton, as his stay in Canterbury was limited, and his >ime filled up.-—The letter was received; and regret expressed ! that the colony was about t@ lose the services of- so able a representative of Her fylajesfcy. ,-. : THE ELECTORAL DISTRICT. ■ The Chairman of the Representation Commission wrote stating that the request of the Council to have the name of .Ash burton retained for the electorate,* had been acceded bo. . , ; / TOWN CLOCK. ; .: . ■: Mr R. Murray wrote sta.tipg Uiat the Wm for which he had undertaken the maintenance of the town clock had ex ;"pired. ' .' '. , \ . .. , ~ I The matter of arranging for the attend ance upon and maintenance of the town ■clock was left hi the Mayor's hands. reserve I€B9. ' Mr G. P. Milsom wtobe.'complaining of the-condition, of the boundary fence at Reserve 1689.—The matter was referred to the Resei yes Committee. PUBLIC .BUILDINGS. . Messrs Elston and Dolman; lessees-of the Oddfellows' and Orange Halls, wrote complaining that there were buildings in the town made use of as public buildings, anc? fees charged for admission, and no license was paid, while the complainants had not only to pay licenses but fed keep entrances and exits open in accordance with the by-laws in case of fife. Cr Thomas took exception to the letter, inasmuch as no buildings had been indicated. There were only two other buildings of the kind in the town — Si. Stephen's School and the Templar Hall ■—and he believed these were licensed. , Or Ctithherlson said the writers had waited upon him that day, and from what he could gather the two buildings mentioned by Cr Thomas vere thope referred to by the writer j. The Clerk said both ihose places wort licensed. After some discussion, it was decided to take no action on the letter until the buildings referred to by the writers had been specified. THE SWiJIWINU BAT7JS. Mcsrs Alfred Ilarfison and Poter Williams waited on dv>. Council iv regard to the string proposed to be erected at tho births. ISot!) gentlemen addressed the Council, the bitter subiui'tim; 'i tlr. of htigin" for the Council's approval, and ihe.foimfir asking for a £ for £ subsidy to defray the expon^e of providing needful accommodation at the baths. The depu "talion also desired liberty to let the w.-itei off for i) day or two days while piles for the ringing were being driven, and further a^ked for a ckso day in March with a view to raiding funds to meet the ex pense in cv rred. Tin Council accepted the plan of staging, granted liberty to carry it out subject to the Engineers' approval, sanctioned the letting oif of the water for pile driving, and gi anted a close day in March next. Tv« Council,' however, postponed consideration of the question of the £ for '£ «übsiuy until the Bank account was in a better condition. THE 100 YARDS TUACK. Messrs Malcolm, Reid, and Anderson, as a deputation from the Caledonian Society, waited upon the Council to com plain of the condition of the 100 yards track at the sports, ground. The track had been very materially altered by the elevation of the corners, and at both ends of the 100 yards straight the ground had been so raised as to make the running of such a race impossible. Mr Reid com plained tha*; the track had been< so inter fered with to suit the cyclists that any foot race would only be run under very awkward circumstances. Me Anderson pointed out to the Council that the Cale donian Society were the largest contri buting body to the revenue from the sports ground, that they had a.bargain with the Council, and that the Council, by permitting- one of the best tracks in the colony for pedestrianism to be spoiled in this manner, had broken their bargain- Mr Malcolm desired to know -what the Council meant/ to. do, as the programme of the Society's' sports. meeting was in the hands of the printer, and if the track | was to be. altered, the Society could not hold its meeting in the Domain. . ; The matter was discussed at some length, and ultimately it was decided that the Works Committee meet the Caledo nian Society and the Cycling Qlub repre sentatives on the ground, and see what was required to be done.

, -ENGINEERS' HEPORT The Engineers reported as follows :— During the last fortnight the men have been engaged in watering streets, clean ing side channels, carting rubbish, sundry maintenance work, and attending to the , water supply. ' KIVEUBEI) KESKRVES. The Reserves Committee reported the lotting of the riverbed paddocks to Mrs McTeague, at the tender she offered ; to j Mrs Butler, No. 3 paddock at £5 2s 6d per annum ; to Mr Devane, Nos. 2 and 1, at £10 and £9 per annum. The report was adopted. :

CAMERON STREET WEST. A petition for a water supply in the channel of Cameron street West, presented by residents in that street, was remitted to the Works Commfttee. . WATER CART. The extension of the water carfc service' to Moore Street was referred to the Works Committee. • : SCAVENGER, . ; ' '

In view of the termination of the scavenger's contract, the. Works Com mittee was instructed to draw up. fresh terms and conditions, calling m the aid of the Solicitor if necessary. -

THE OOVEttNOIt. The duty of communicating the Coun cil's regret to the Governor on his resigna tion of his office was entrusted to the Mayor. valuator. Mr F. Makeig's tender to make the borough valuation at £13 13s for the year was accepted* LICENSES. The following licenses were issued: — Carriage — J. Canning, W Lindsay, ,1. Newman. Carrier—,l. Canning. Drivers —J. Canning, W. Lindsay, J, Marsden. j Public Buildings —G. W. Andrews, Templar Hall]

ACCOUNTS. ; Accounts to the amount of about £100 ■ were passed for payment. J The Council then adjourned. j

The Kurow Fire.

' (PKK PIIEBS ASSOCIATION.) j Oamaru, November 23. The following particulars are to hand of thedisastrous fire which occurred at Kurow on Saturday night, and by which the principal block of buildings m the town ship wss completely destroyed. Tho Public Hall, the pr.ncipallio'el, general. store, two smaller stores,-and a dwelling house comprised the buildings destroyed. The fire started m Thielo's dwilling- ■ hou.*e, attached to his store, and was caused by a candle igniting tho curtains of a bed chamber wheie two children were sleeping. The children we'r«s only res cued just m time; A strong gale blowing | fanned the flames and hardly anything was saved from the .store and dwelling house. The hotel next door quickly caught, but the bulk of the furniture m this and the buildings subsequently de htroyed was saved.. A man named Monday went upstairs m the hotel to r&ve't=ome things, and before he could retreat he was badly burned about tho head and arms Ho was brought irito Oamaru Hospital this morning. The iusuiances are us follows : —Delargy's hotel, South British £1400, reinsured as follows—New Zea land £200, Standard £250, Commercial Union £250, North German £250; Thielo's store,; £1400 m- New Zealand office, which retained £350 and reinsured tho balance as follows—North German £140, Victoria £280, Phoenix £210 ; Public Hall, £200 m the North German office ; WacldeU (tailor), £125 m South British .; King's dwelling house, -£120 same office.' The total damage is i esti mated at £5000, of which upwards of £3000 is covered by. insurance.

CRICKET.

ASHBURTON V. LAURISTON.

A Lauriston team came down to play tho Ashburton representatives on the Domain ground on Saturday last. The visitors, though defeated, spent a very plcasaut afternoon. The crickwt ground at Ahhburton has altered from what it was. It can no lonorer furnish, as on the occasion of the Mituanders' labt visit, the " boss " bal wicket of the season. With a clear sky overhead, a circle of Avillows and pine trees around, and a green Lurf underneath his feet, a cricketer can new rely on playing the game m something like its natural circumstances. Aslibui ton won by 30 runs. Following are the scores:— ASH BURTON. ist Innint.s. en'l Innings. r.ncli.-inan, b Todd .. 14 c Tortd, b Chapman .. 14 Uivon, b Todd .. o c Pcarce, 1. Chapman.. 0 J. Snule, bTodd .. 14 c Pearce, b Chapman.. 1 Johnston, b Todd .- ob Todd ... - o T. Sawle, b Todd .. o bTodd .. - ;.. iO Moore, I) Smith ... 3 b Todd  .. ... 7. Cronie, 1-Todd .. 1 1> Chapman 4 Black. bTodd .. ... 3 st Pearce, b Todd . o 1 Kollit, b Smith.. .. o not out .. .. .13 Grant, not out .. ..3c Todd, b Chapman .. o Andreivs, bTodd .. 6' c Kimc, b Chapman .. 3 15yes 13 B>es 2 Total 57 Totat 53 LAURISTON. ■ ist. Inn 1 nos. 2ND Innings. Capon, c I'iichanan, b lOixon ... .. ... . 1 b Moore.. .. {■• ° Maxwell, bßuchanan... 1 c Ciomic, b Moore .. 5 Todd, run out .. .. 1 b Moore 15 Smith, b Di.\on .. 4 b PKO.I 4 T. Johnston, c Andrews, b Dixon .. ... '3 b Moore '-' H. Peaic, run out. .. o not out ° W. Puarce, b ("ramie .. o c Buchanan, b Moore o Chapman, b Dixon .. 5 st Sawle.. ..' •• 9 Druinmond, b Dixon .. 1 c Moore, b Dixon ... o W. Johnston, not out .. 2 c Bnchan.in, b Dixon 3 Kline, b C'romie ' .. t b Diyuu . .. .. 7 Byes .. .13 %« • • • • 4 Tot i 24 Toul .. 49

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

fI'ER PRESS ASSORTATION,

THE INFLUENNZA.

London, November 21, - A severe outbreak of influenza has taken place among the Imperial suite in Livadia. There are, a hundred severe cases in Dartford, axid many in Bourdeaux. LONDON LANDLORDS. The London landlords, in the guise of ratepayers, are setting up a hostile agitation against the School Boards and County..Council.- BISHOP SELWYN. Bishop Selwyn is about on crutches, and is making slow recovery. THE HOSIERY TRADE. ; Government are enquiring into the wages of the Leicester operatives, with a view to obtaining an increase for them, prior to the issuing of the Government hosiery contracts . -,

BRITISH POLITICS. Mr Chamberlain denies Mr Glad stone's accusation that he is a renegade, • and at the same time accuses the letter of having abandoned his party.- , ; ",:. London, November 22.' The " Daily News " challenges the Unionists to openly merge with the Tories. Lord Hartington contends that the Unionist majority will be maintained at the general elections. Lord Herschell considers it impos sible for the House of Lords to go on without some reform being introduced.

DALZIEL'S NEWS AGENCY. Dalziel'snews agency has been floated into a Company with a capital of one hundred thousand pounds. TRADE WITH NEW SOUTH. WALES. The fear of a protective tariff being adopted in New South Wales is causing a glut of shipping to that colony, and various lines of steamers are being largely supported, AUSTRALIAN SECURITIES.

The " Daily News" thinks that Aus tralian securities will re-assert their real merits despite the rivalry of American railway stocks, provided the market is not flooded with them, ft urges temporary abstention from bor rowing, and remarks that the largest and wildest members of the syndicates have gone m for New Zealand securi ties.

THE FRENCH TARIFF.

Paris*, November 121. The debate m the Senate on the tariff was opened by M. Lacour, who urged that it would have the effect of isolating France. M. Dauphin argued that the gates should not be left open to foreign : countries which were closed against France. * ■

THE RUSSIAN FAMINE.

St. Petersburg, November 21. The Gzar to-day ordered the prohi bition of the export, of wheat. BRIGANDAGE IN-RUSSIA. A brigand entered a train near Moscow and killed the postman and stole £5000.

THE JEWS IN RUSSIA.

The persecution of the Je-.vs has ceased, and immigration into Russia is resuming its normal proportion,

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Vienna. November 21. It is rumored that Count Kalnoky, the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, intends to resign m consequence of the hostile criticism on ] his recent sueech to the dnlelations.

STOCK EXCHANGE BUSINESS.

The Tories m the Reichstag are m favor of the Government exercising supervision over the business of Stock Exchanges.

THE BRAZILIAN REBELLION.

- JRio Djs J&nkiko, November 21.. I It is reported that General Fonseca is dying, and that he offers to recognise I any local Government elected The Rio Grande Junta declares that the deposition of General Foasoca is jin ! perative, and urges the residents of the province of Santa Catherina to revolt. The rebels m Rio Grande have re pulsed the attack made by the Presi dent's warships. The President has imprisoned all the Rio Grande Depu- j ties, and intended to similarly treat « those m Rio de Janeiro, but four escaped. Those remaining were taken into custody. Monte Video, November 21. The Uruguay Republic is neutral m connection with the Brazilian revolt.

SPEECH BY MAJOR M'KINLEY.

■  Washington, November 21. Major McKinley speaking at a banquet asserted that America's best" foreign trade was done during the years in which there had been a protection tariff Exchanges from Europe showed that the purchases of the latter were twenty-four millions in excess. A TROTTING RKCORD. Mr Stanford's horse Palo Alto has done a trotting performance equal to that of the famous mare Maud S AN ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE. Edison has invented an electric loco motive which he claims will develope one horse-power with one or two pounds of inferior coal, and can be safely wofked up to a speed of one hundred miles per hour,

AUSTRALIAN.

THE KAURI TIMBER COM PANY.

Melbourne, November 23. At the annual meeting of the Kauri Timber Company, the chairman sweepingly condemned the extrava gance and laxity of administration and want of cohesion of the New Zealand management, which would be ruinous if allowed to continue. Conse quently he had directed the closing of t;ie mills, although such.a step waa not absolutely necessary. Regarding; the financial position of the Company, though there had been a loss of £4 4,000 on the year's transactions they 1 had, after deducting debts, assets I amounting to . £946,000', equal to £1 13s 3d for every pound invested and about £1 3s lOd for every pound of paid up capital.- The report was adopted.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

Sydney, November 23. The Labor Protection Bill has been introduced. It makes it unlawful for any person or Company to introduce alien labor, and the master of any ship conveying such laborers is liable to a fine of £50 or six months' imprison ment. Skilled foreign workmen may, however, be engaged for a new industry not established m the colony at the time of thoir entry. A petition has been presented to Parliament by the Dunlop free shearers, claiming compensation for loss of time, owing to their seizure by members of the Shearers' Union. Their contention is that the Govern ment did not provide them with suffi cient protection.

CRICKET.

Brisbane, November 23. In their second innings the South Australians were all dismissed for 98, of which W. Giffen made 42. The Englishmen won by an innings and 60 runs. Lord Sheffield has offered a trophy of the value of 150 soys for competition among representative elevens from South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

. Auckland, November 23. News has just been received from Tau ranga that the story of the eruption at Plate Island has no foundation In fact. Earthquake shocks were felt m the locality, but there has been nothing ap proachng a volcanic outbreak, Nafiku, November 23. George Edward Hallam, aged 23, formerly lamplighter for the Gas Company, and respectably connected but of weak intellect, was recently committed for trial for indecent assault on a little girl, and admitted to bail. He apparently com mitted suicide this morning by throwing himself over the cliff near the breakwater, a fall of 260 feec. He was seen to fall and was picked up and conveyed to the hos pital, but d;ed shortly after admission. At the inquest there was no evidence to show how he got m r.hat position. A verdict of accidental death was returned Hawjska, November 23. The Egmont Farmers' Union has de clared a dividend of eight per cent, the maximum allowed under the articles of Association. . Wellington, November 23. The Education Board has decided to strictly enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act. From statistics col lected by the police the number of truant children is about 160. Tn two or three weeks' time the Public Works Department will be ready to let small contracts for the construction of the Ekatahuna railway. The Grey Valley Coal Company are the successful tenderers for the supply of coal at the various ports of the colony, except m the Auckland district, fjr the New Zealand railways, Oamaru, f November 23. The boy Gcnge, who'was shot m the stomach by a bullet from a shooting gallery at the Agricultural Show on Friday last, has been operated upon. The doctors failed to extract the bullet, and the lad lies m a critical condition. A number of persons were, stru/ck by bullet 3 ; one boy had a piece of load embedded over his eye } another was s'fuck on the back of the, jieok,. and a third on the forehead. A bullet also tore the ground up close to a lady. Nobody was injured seriously except 'ths -lad Genge. The gallery appears to-: have been constructed of wood, and the bullets passed through wholesale. - '. Captain Morrison and two men' of the torpedo corps are expected to, arrive here this afternoon m connection with the ■rain-making ex^rjißiwto.,r". '• Heavyrainh^||^ej|l^falling m all the omitry districts'round about for twelve hours. It was urgently wanted for the crops,

The Weather.

ALbORD STATION. The following is the Meteorologies*! report for the week ending November 22* 1801 :—

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(PBE PRKSB ASSOCIATION |

(Received November 24, tO 30 a.m.) PRINCE GEORGE OF WALES London, November 23. Prince George is progressing favor ably. His Mother has returned from Livadid, and is at his bedside, and the Queen is visiting him.

CRICKET.

The "Standard*.say* that biennial visits of Australian cricketers will not hurt county cricket, and condemns the Marylebone, Club for shirking the re sponsibility of deciding for or against. The public is still ready to f give a cordial reception to colonial teams.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

Mr Billon, m the course oi a speech at Mitehektown, said force had suc ceeded iv wringing redress for Ireland m the past and could be repeated if necessary. ; , ' ■ ' •

ARBITRATION REFUSED.

Paris, November 2 . French miners to the number of fifty thousand have rejected the proposals for Government arbitration. They ob ject to the presence of officials, and in tend to appeal to Europe' for funds to carry on the strike

THE TROUBLE IN BURMAH.

. : Rangoon, Novotnber 23. The Chinese troops overawed by the threat of the British officials to disarm them, have recrossed the Hartipoury on the borders of Northern Burraih.

THE AUSTRIAN NAVY.

Vienna, November-23. From motives of economy £har Aus trian .Government will not; b^ild any warships paexfc' jsar. ,r >': •?_ i '

SAMOA.

, Berun, November 23. Baron Pitsach, president o£ the Municipal Couucil of Apia,one;of the Samoan officials, denounced !by Mr Stevenson iti a letter to the '"Times " has resigned. -- The German Govern ment will not acceptf^ho.rosrigtlation, and they are now parleying with tbe others Powers interested, and urge his retention. j ]

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

M. de Giers has gone to Berlin.

(Received November 24. 11 a.m.)

RUSSIAN FINANCES.

TENDON, November 23. Tho rosy statement regarding the canditionof Russian finances is on the Continent. Berlin, iNovember 23. The Russian Government are seek* ing monetary assistance m Berlin.

INFLUENZA.

A particularly severe type,of in fluenza is raging at Hamburg, where forty deaths have occurred daily from the disease. The epidemic is spread ing throughout Germany and France, and all*schools are.being closed.

THE BRAZILIAN REBELLION.

Rio de Janeiro, November 24. Ten" thousand of the National Guard at Pelotas have refdsed to join the Junta troops. The rebels' have cut the railway line leading to the capital. . . Marshal Fonseca has fijewfthe date of the elections for February 29 and has summoned Congress for May 3. He demands the independence of the judiciary arid a, reduction; of the representation, upholding the Veto of President, and limiting ;the power of Congress. ■.'...-

SUGAR DUTIES.

Ottawa, November 23. The remission of the. Canadian sugar duties has resulted m a loss to the revenue of two millian dollars m four months.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received November 24,11.46 *.tn.) THE SITUATION IN CHINij Meuioukjo?, 'November 24, The "Argus" special at Shanghai interviewed General Li Hung Chang, Prime Minister of China, yesterday. He said he admired the English for their blunt honest characteristics, and looked upon them as the natural alliei of China against Russja. Hjfe ascribed the recent riots to the influence of the French Jesuits and a number of dis charged soldiery. The latter, he said, wanted war m order to fill their pockets, but they, would net get-it. Concerning the attitude of the Chinese Government towards the rioters he spoke very con fidently. The Ministry was a despotic one, and had ordered the Viceroys m the various provinces to enforce peace and to show favor to capable foreigners settled m \ their territories. The General continued m the following words: " You may say that China is friendly, and that' order* will be main tained.' T have telegraphed similar assurances to Lord Salisbury, asking him to tell the English that the rumored rebellion against the Imperial authorities is fudge, and that a Russian invasion is not possible." An official telegram, received by the Chinese Government, ascribes the recent raid at Mongo,ia to robbers, who massacred 100. Christians, burning the, Belgian mission stations, and Sakoa arid Sunchi troops have been- despatched to the locality to punish the perpetrators.

ftiti ASfißtßTOtf (HTABPiAff : YTfrEBMY., WOf EMBM 2J, 1891.



Sha

,de. I

High' in .Sun.

Date.

[High

State of Weather

Low.r

——

MouJay . Tuesday ... Weclresday' Thuiuday... Friday ... Saturday ... Sunday ...

42. 44 --;J(j|.';

76'

■wSsfe 110 --1- 4-5- -1-125-

FW,., W. Rain, B.W* Thunder Shrs. Fine,; N.W. N.E. Siwwer»,N.W. Fiie.K.W.toS



The Primate of Australia has received from the Rev C, S, Spurgeon a letter ack nowledging the resolution cf sympathy with him passed at.the last session of the Sydney Diocesan Synod, True economy To purchase Countess Tea for two shillings. Freft | from any. ci' cess of asfcringency J' ' Teas free from any excess of astruigeney South British Tea Cot^pauy's pure|ble&4»



The Best Remedy for Indigestion— Norton's : Camomile Pills are confident^ recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human | Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and' safe under any circumstances. Sold m; bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world. Many exhibitors at the late Ashburton Show, were doubtless disappointed m not j winning prizes. A picture value 10s is given away with every Fifty Shillings' worth ot Warburton's Can't Be Beat Baking Powder.—Fact,



"Keatinu's Powder" destroys Bugs Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfcotly clean m application. See the article you purchase is "Keatino's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins,6 d, Is, and 2s 6d each, by all chemists. Ask for Ninian Hysslop, and Co. s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas. Special prices.—(Advt,) Ninian Htyslop and Co.'s " Imperial' Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct frdm the Tea Plantations —CAdvfc.) Countess 2s, Duchess 2s 4d, Princess 2s Bd, Empress 3s. These Teas are free.from any excess of astrwgency, ■



Holloway's Pills.—Pure Blood. —When the blood is pure, its circulation calm and equable, and the nerves well strung, we are well. These pills possess a ir.arvellaus power m securing these essentials of health by purifying, regulating, and strengthening the fluids and solids. Holloway's Pills can be confidently recommended to all persons suffering from disordered digestion, or worried by nervous fancies, or neuralgic pains. They correct acidity and heart-burn, dispel sick headache, quicken the action ot the liver, and act as alteratives and gentle aperients. The weak and delicate may take them without fear. Holloway's Pills are eminently serviceable to invalids of irritable constitutions, as tiiey raise the action of every organ to its natural standard, and universally exeroise a calming amd sedative iuflueuce " i



Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s " Imperial" pure Ceylor and Indian Teas are the k jpegfc m the market,--(44vt.)



Wanted CASH Advertisements under eh s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN < WORDS 1/-. Addresses nwy be Ipft at this Office. i WANTED. —Smart boy about thirteen to look after roonn, etc. —Apply F. odds. 11 145 W^NTED,Tiiood"Boy for the stabfeT Apply Max Fribdlandkr. * 11 134 WANTED, a sixth standard Boy as apprentice to the printing trade. Apply Manager, Mail Office, between the hours of 10 a m. and noon. STRAYED or Taken from Burford -_ Hous-, X isi Btflt, on Sunday even ing a. black and tan Terrier Puppy, about four'months old, answers to the name of "Spec." Had on a sma'l leather collar. Finder please return to Mail Office." Ui ANTED Known—A special line of Cashmeres, all shades, now selling at Is per yard. White Blankets 5s lid per pair.—H. C. Skghrs, Melford House. ICE Cream ready at all hours, during the summer months at Flower's, Cough Drops as usual—H. G. Flower, East street. WANTED Known. -At "The Corner'g now selling Ladiee.' French Shops. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collieb, WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width, Is lOJfd ; original value, 4s. —H. C. Sisoeks, Melford House. : BROOKE'S Carbolised Scaly Blight Cure is the best of all, bar none. ~ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about double. W. H. COLUBB. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fife and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Roberi Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saurulers' Buildings. HEI(TP~SHEARS. '"Having secured~a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers ar<s requested to call early.— Robert Alcorn, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known — Being over stocked m Corsets, we have re cuced every pair. Ladies from Is 6d Cheapest house m town,—H. C. Sbgbrs, Melford House. [ _ A~~ RTtSTS' Materials, Drawing Papers and Copies (lines not m stock quickly procured). Birthday Books and Booklets ingreat variety. Inkstands m glass, wood, and electro-plate.—H. M. Jones. ___^___.'_____ TTTANTED KNOWN genuine Clearing * » Sale is going on and the Boots are going <iut Best value yet offered, ten lier cent for cash, the very best work and repairing done at once at J. M. Moison's lown Hall, East Street. "TV? ANTED Known.—l have, a large : VV stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to selpct from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—-J. VV. Hardley, East ' •**"*•" 6|202 TO Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of j all desjriptious. Inspection invited.— /. W. llarolky., Eas street. 6^ol MONEY TO LEND, upon Freehold security, m sums to suit bor - rowers. Small amounts can he repaid by '.itifttalmants, if so desired. Apply, to Mr C VV. Pc'rnbll, Solicitor. Mont- gbniery*B Biiildings. 9 130 WANTED Known.—H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs iv Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on vi-iw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Iviuri, he is pn pared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. 11+61