The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1891. UNSEEMLY EVANGELISTS.

We have never withheld from the Salvation Army their due credit for having in many cases been the means of effecting a great degree of reforma tion amongst a certain class of people, and we have maintained that they are entitled to the same rights and con sideration as are possessed by other religious bodies. Reports have reached us from other districts of eccentric behaviour on the part of members of the Army, but we have hot hitherto had occasion to take exception to their public conduct in this town. This being so it is with the more regret that we have to comment adversely upon some recent proceedings here. We refer to the open-air "drill" at the corner of East and Burnett streets on Saturday evening last. A very sparse representation of the Army was present, and the small audience ap peared to have been attracted mainly by the xmusual behaviour of those who were conducting the proceedings—it could not be called a service. Avi ant of reverence was evident from the beginning* one whom we took to be a young recruit being particularly extravagant in his gestures and ejaculations. But it was when the collection was being made that decency was thrown to the winds. The recruit's gestures became more and mora pronounced, and an older " soldier " —said, we hope incor rectly, to be the " captain " —with a concertina, was soon seized by the infection, and joined in the extraordi nary antics. Snatches of " hymns" were bawled out without any apparent reason or application, such lines as " Oh ! won't there be a kick-up when I get saved," shewing their nature, and any attempt at continuity or concert in the singing being defeated by the effects upon the other soldiers of the antics. To this " music " the postur ings and actions of the two "soldiers" to whom we have alluded shewed an inclination if not the ability to launch out into the wildest of " break-downs." Such proceedings can only "make the judicious grieve." They can have no effect in the direction which the Army, we believe, have in view. They simply drag religion into the mire. We can make much allowance for the inex perience of many of those to whom the conduct of the Army services is en trusted, but no degree of inexperience can excuse such proceedings as those of Saturday night, and we trust that those in authority in the Army will intervene and prevent their repetition, otherwise it will be the duty of those charged with the maintenance of law *nd order in the town to step in and put a stop to any such outrage upon public decency.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The wife of the publisher of a Jersey newspaper was pub into prison recently in the absence of her husband, under an anti quated libel law prevailing in the island. ; A. Scotch lady has offered £100 as a first contribution to a fund which she urges should be raised to reward railway servants who have the courage to stand by their em ployers during ti.me3 of strikes. A fortune-telling gipsy stands charged at Ivybridge with obtaining money from a farmer whom she promised wealth. She gave him a lucky bag to wear round his neck, which was found to contain salt. ; Ejiiug Milan having a residence in Paris, Qftiffeh Natalie has beou abvised to proceed thither and sue the ex-monarch for tho re stitution of conjugal rights. The French law allows such a step being taken by foreigners who reside in that country. " Typo " of February 28 is to hand, and is of its usual value in affording instruc tion and information to journalists and printers, besides being in itself a very fine specimen of the art of printing, Boawell told Johnson that such a thing as a beggar starving to death in the streets of a Scotch city was unheard of. Johnson re plied : " This does not arise from the want of beggars, but the impossibility of starving a Scotchman." For the usual St. Patrick's Day concert in aid of the funds of the Convent Schools a very excellent and popular programme is announced. The concert takes place in the Oddfellows' Hall under the direction of Mr J. H. Brooks, and no doubt will be as suc cessful as its good object entitles it to be. The Justices at Hastings recently sen tenced a man named Harris to twelve months' hard labor. When the gaoler received she warrant he thought the Justices had exceeded their powers, and sent the warrant to the Governor, who telegraphed stating that the man. would have to be released as the sen was not in accordance with the law. T&» Duchess of Marlborough, who until she married the Duke a year or two ago was a rich American widow has suffered a finan cial loss. Sveral legal judgments have been given against her in respect of her pro perty in New York, ami she lias to pay £140,000. The court has decided that oiifc of her annual income of £26,000 she must hand over £10,000 each year until the £140,000 is paid. The firemen and seamen, fotry in number, on the steam collier Industry were arrested at Lyttelton on Monday, on a charge of refusal of duty, and were brought before two Justices who remanded the case to euable frhem to procure counsel. The Captain after wards agreed to grant discharges to three men who were shipped at Port Augusta, and #he others then returned on board, con sequently proceedings have been stayed for the present. The annual convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union closed at Christchurch on Monday. The following national union officers were elected —Presi- dent, Mrs Fulton; corresponding secretary, Miss J. Fulton; recording secretary, Miss L. Kirkj (treasurer, Mrs Plimmer. It was decided to address the .synods #f ]th,e colony on the subject of using unferaented wine in the Eucharist. The returns showed sevou teen branches of the union, with a total membership of 530, and four branches of the Yoifng Women's Union with 91 members. The next convention meets in Auckland in the last week in March, 1892. For a long time it has been suspected (says an Auckland writer) that there was j something wrong with the Auckland Education jf?oard, and with the whole education .syatea^ The public could not niafce put exactly \vha,t j,t was. But Mr I Alexander Grant, who "j§ a .ea&d/xjate for a j seat on the Board, has -now enlightened the i world. There are no Scotchmen in the! management of the concern, and the clique yho have had it in hand have been in siag^ti4 by a bitter hatred of that nation ality, apd bsyp exercised a boycott against every man wiUo tssUi'W3 Burns as a country- • man. Mr Grant reveals Jtbat there is no j Scotchman on the B^iai'd,' atjjcl fjjat ." a j Scotch he'adteacher is not tolerated in any i public school within three miles of .the 1 ftduoa/'.jon Office." Is all this owing to the inac-iwyfttioiis of the chairman and, secretary of I'tiie ' R.parcl of Education?' There must be a wide-spv<ty4 ( <?onspiraey in educational circles agaiiist the 'nationally, jtopr i'luivc is no Scotchman amongst the masters u£ £>\\e .(grammar .(School, 'and as fry tke professorships of University College, care is taken that no ctauqo 'shall ba given £o any Scotchman to be elee^fy '

The sensational story of the mailman between Canterbury and Dover having been frozen to death on the box of his cart is con tradicted by the post ofiice authorities. The South Canterbury freezing works are in full swing, killing about 1000 sheep per day. About 70 hands find employment there altogether. Mr N. C Nicholas, Temuka's champion angler, is reported by the "Timiru Herald" to have bcitcn all his previous daylight re- , cords on Friday, at the Ran^itata. From | !) a.m. to 2 p.iii. lie ,caught 14 fish which ■Kialed O."»UI)s on Ins return. If weighed at the stream they i\ ould probably have turned the scale at JC'Jlbs. Tim p iblic meeting arranged for the establishment of a local branch in Ashburton of the So.-iety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will be held at the Thorough Council Chambers, to-morrow evening, at eight o'clock. Mr M. Murphy, of Christ church, Secretary of the Society, will be, present to explain its objects. A special meeting of ilie Sy'de'pham Borough Council was held oh Monday even ing to further discuss the applications made by persons desirous of having their name placed on the burgess list. The Council, however, decided by four to three not to deal with the applications and a sub-Committee was appointed to take the steps necessary with regard to the writs served on the Council. The Council chamber was crowded during the proceedings. In reference to the case at Livercargill n. few days ago, when judgemnt for £25 5s a 'i costs was given against the purchaser of a sewing machine on the hire purchase system the local agent of the Company informs a local paper that it is not his intention to en force the claim: he will be content if the defendant will pay the balance remaining of the original price of the machine, namely^ £4 ss, and the costs of the action ; the defendant to have the machine. If this offer is accepted, as there is little doubt it will be, there will be an end of the, iratter. The Company only took action in order to establish their rights in this and similar cases. .: ''■■.'■.. "Atticus," writes:—"A friend from a remote part of the colony tells me that a newspaper proprietor of my acquaintance and his editor quarrelled recently, and that so seriously that they parted. The matter in dispute was which of them should speak for the press at a wedding feast. The funny part of it is that each man wa3 intent not on shirking the oration, but on delivering it. I have heard of bishops fighting as to who should pray at the dpening of an exhibition, of civic magnates falling foul of each other anent the reading of an address to x-oyalty «n eve* vice-royalty; but two journalists eager to rhapsodise at a wedding breakfast passes my comprehension." The Comercial representive of the city of Auckland, Mr Shera, M.H.R., has been sub ject to a good deal of badinage about not resigning his seati according -to promise, whenever Sir George Grey was willing to rj enter public life. The "New. .Zealand Herald■" states that prior to the late session of Assembly, and subsequently, Mr Shera intimated in the proper quarter his willing ness to do so. It transpired that Sir George preferred to represent Newpon—-first, on the ground that it was a constituency which wanted nothing; and, secondly, thrt he desired to have Mr Shera as a political ally during the ensuing session in Parliament and not out of it. The Auckland" Herald " states that there seem some grounds for the charge made by a Pakeha Maori in its columns against the Nes leyan Church of abandoning the Native missions. Many of the missonaries, having families'to proVide''for, and being naturally desirous of enjoying the comforts of town life in their old age, came into the towns, and ministered to the Europeans. The war was in some districts a further dcs royer of the first state of things, and indeed, since that time the Maori mission ha 3 never been re-established. At the present time the most successful mission to the natives, extraordinary as it may appear, is that established by the Mormons, who came all the way from Salt Lake City to propagate the creed if the Latter Day Saints. The Mormons are the only zealous missionaries our contemporary knows of now in the interior. "Plunger" hands us the following notes upon the Swimming meeting which takes place to-morrow :—A large attendance is anticipated, as what with the interest in the progress made by our local swimmers, and the competition of the Christchurch cracks, plenty of excitement will bo afforded. The Club do not intend to avail themselves of the power to charge admission to the Domain, but will make a collection on the ground, to which it is hoped the public will respond liberally, Programmes with handi caps will be out this evening. I have been favored with a peep at the handicaps, and will give the following "tips":—For the Club Championship'a tough struggle between Mitchell and Marsh, resulting as named; 50 yards handicap, most difficult to choose— I have a fancy for Burns Ist, Pauling or Graham 2nd; tub race, Mitchell; diving for plates, Shields ; school boys' race, Mitchell Ist, Barrett 2nd ; 100 yards handi cap, J. Crummyjlst, C. Partridge, Murphy, or JJenham 2nd ; costume race, E. Higgins ; 75 yards steeplechase, T. Grubb; 75 yards scratch race, Jackson or Murphy, with Alexander very handy. We remind our readers that offices and shops in the town will be closed to-morrow afternoon

Wesleyan Conference.

(PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

A^citLAim, March 9, ■ The Wesleyan Conference commenced the representative session of ojergy and laity to-day. In welcoming the laymen the President, Rev Mr Dewstorry, said that he hoped at next Conference laymen would be associated with the clerjry in the opening session, in the election of officers, and that they would be admitted to the Stationing Committee. The Conference received a deputation from the Auckland Ministers' Association, Congregational Union, Women's Christian Temperance Union, and ]N.ew Zealand Alliance. Re plying to the latter two bodies they assured them of their great interest in the work of temperance. It was decided that Wakatipu, a station due to take a married instead of a single minister, should be relisved qt that obligation for a year. The Rev J. Cruhip was granted permis sion to stay at Richmond circuit, "Nelsprj as supernumerary for one year on the condition that the circuit raise the usual fttads, and contribute £40 to the Home Mission fund. The Rev Mr Bond moved that the term of ministerial residence in circuit be extended bo five years instead of three. A legal opinion was to the effect that this could he'done, but Mr C. E. Salter, another member of the profes sjodj maintained that it could not be done ] without Act of Parliament. After a long 'debate the President was authorised to obtain further -legal opinion on tiie sub ject. The resolution of the last Con ference that a minister be taken from • circuit work and appointed general secre ! jt'iry was rescinded. The Rev W. Morley 'who was designated for the office, is to be | iippoin'ted to circuit work with the aaaiat -1 .auce of a minister ou probation,

THE ELECTORAL LAW.

Among the Bills to be submitted by the Government at next session of Parliament there will be, it lias beeri announced, one for the amendment of the law relating to Parliamentary elections. That the existing law needs amendment in various directions is generally conceded, and it is to be hoped that in place of it a good work able and easily intelligible measure will be passed. There is a much better chance of this being done when .a general election .is not in immediate prospect, for when Bills of this sort are submitted to an expiring Parliament they are generally rushed through with a: haste which is fatal to efficiency. One of the prominent features of the njew Bill will be the rendering of the one-man-one-vote system complete. As the law now stands a remnant of plural voting survives in relation to by-elec tions. That is to say a person having property qualification in the district for which a by-election takes place can vote in that district, , notwithstanding that at-the General Election he may have exercised a residential or property vote for another electorate; such persons thus exercising a double elec toral privilege, and having a share in the election of two members of Parlia ment instead of one only. Two methods are possible for doing away with this anomaly ; viz., (1) to abolish the property qualification altogether and to retain only the residential; (2) to provide that an elector having qualifications in more electorates than one, and having exercised his vote at the general election in one electorate, shall be disqualified to vote at any by election except in the case of a vacancy occurring in the representation of the electorate in which he had voted at the general election. The first is the more simple method, no doubt, but we prefer the second alternative, and are glad to learn that it finds favor with the Government. The mode in which effect is to be given to this is, it appeal's, by the issuo of electoral rights, the elector who has more qualifications than one having the choice as to upon which of these he will rake out his right. These rights, however, should be issued free of any charge whatever, however small, as no elector should be called upon to pay even a shilling for the privilege of exercising the franchise! We hope, too, that effect will be given to the suggestion made last session by Mr Mills (the member for Port Chalmers) namely, that provision should be made for enabling electors to record their votes at any time between the nomination and the hour fixed for the closing of the poll. This could readily be managed by empowering returning officers, and in -some cases also postmasters or State schoolmasters (to be gazetted as deputy returning officer's for that purpose), to issue ballot papeis to voters presenting their rights, providing such deputy re turning officei's with ballot boxes and requiring them to stamp all rights produced with the date of exercise of vote. Provision also is badly wanted to be made for the purging of the Tolls which now and always ara, and have been, in a very unsatisfactory, not to say in' many cases in a disgraceful, condition. There are thousands of names on the existing rolls that ought not to' be there, the names of persons actually or politically dead still retained on the rolls being 1 literally " Legion." Under the exist ing system the' Registration "Officers a-re too poorly paid for any thorough revision to be at all probable, even if possible, and only now and then—-just on the eve of an election—does aii}'- body else take the smallest interest in the matter. At such times there is a Uttle spasmodic activity on the part of Political Associations, but very little is accomplished in the way of purging the rolls by sucii intermittent efforts. Far and away the simplest and best plan which has ever been suggested is what may be termed the automatic method. That is to say that imme diately after an election has been held for any district the names of all persons whodid notyotethereatshouldbe struck off the roll of that district, persons so struck off being of course entitled forthwith to put in a claim for re registration. If this were done the rolls, would contain no names but those of real live electors, except as regards those dying between one election and another. And even as to these it might easily be provided that their names should be struck off by an (automatic system, i.e., by requiring every Registrar of Deaths to send notice of the registry of the death of any male adult to the Registrar of Electors for the district by whom such name would be removed from the flectoral roll if appearing therein.

Wakanui Road Board.

The monthly meeting of the Wakamii Road Board was held on Saturday. Present — Messrs Bruce (chairman), Brown, Megson, and Johnston. CORRESPONDENCE. Leave of absencp.—Mr G, W. Leadley wrote asking for leave of absence.—' Granted, Gorse on Roads.- From the Ashburton County Council, acknowledging receipt of the Board's letter with reference to the growth of gorse on road opposite Reserve 1418, L Subsidy. — From the Property Tax Commissioner advising the Board of the payment of 75 per cent of subsidy for Footpath.—From the Ashburton Ceme tery Board asking the Board to make a footpath from the Cemetery corner to the gate —The Board resolved to do the work, provided the Cemetery Board contributed one^half the cqst, and the Hampstead Town Board approved. BEACH ROAD. Mr Johnston moved the foliowino motion, of which he had given notice at the previous meeting 'of the Board namely—'' That in future No 3 Ward contribute one-fourth of the cost of the maintenance of the Beach ftpa'd from the Hampstead Town Boundary to the junc tion with Corbett's RoadX ■ Mr Johnston, in speaking to his motion, explained that there was a number of ratepayers in No 3 Ward who, made more use of roads in No 2 Ward, and especially the Beach Road, than they did of the roads in their own Ward. He thought that under those circumstances it was only fair that part of the rates paid by those ratepayers should be used in main taining the Beach Road. Mr Brown seconded pro forma and drew'the attention of the Board to Clause 118, "Road Boaids Act, 1882," from which it would be seen that the, moneys col lected in one Ward could not be expended in another; but was of opinion that the! best plan would b 0 to re-arrange the subdivisions of th« district/ and make

three Wards, so that the ratepayers in j each Ward should contribute towards the I roads mostly used by them. Mr Megson spoke against the motion, and did not see that any advantage would bis gained by dividing the district into three Wards, but thought part of Ko 3 Ward should be taken into No 2, as by so doing the difficulty would to a certain extent be overcome. The Chairman said that the Act was quite clear on the matter that moneys collected in one Ward could not be expended in another. DEFERRED PAYMENTS AND PBKPETUaL LEASES. Mr Brown brought up the matter of the amounts accruing under the deterred payments and perpetual leasws.. .being expended in supplying the settlers with water. Mr Browr, spoke strongly in favor of the moneys being handed over to the County. Council for that purpose, and moved, "That this Board is of opinion that the moneys derived from the sale of land under deferred' payments and per petual leases, and hitherto expended on the making of roads for the benefit of such sections, should be expended in giving the settlers in these lands a suitable water supply, even to the extent of irrigation should funds permit." " That the handing over of these moneys to the County Council should be done only on strict conditions, which will prevent the Council from expending the money on any other purpose, and on condition that the pla»s of the water supply have been approved of by the settlers themselves, which should be given effect to where the same is practicable and funds permit." "That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the Minister of Lands." Mr Johnston .seconded pro form/a. The. Chairman was not in favor of the motion.. A certain amount of the moneys received-from the sale of other lands had been used for the purpose of. making the roads which were now being used by the occupiers of the deferred payment lands, which' 1 had not contributed towards the cost of making the roads." and now that the Road Boards were receiving a third of the receipts from these deferred pay ment and perpetual leases, he was of opinion that the moneys accruing there from should be expended in maintaining and improving the roads used by the settlers, apd not diverted to the cost of a water supply. Mr Megson also opposed the motion, find was of the same opinion as the Chairman. Mr Lcndley wrote asking tho Board to take action to prevent the diversion of the moneys being carried out in the case of No 3 Ward. SMALL BIRDS NUISANCE. Mr Brown brought before the Board the master of the hmall birds nuisance, which he said was getting a very serious matter, as the* "on the purchase: of eggs' aftd heads increased every year, and he was of opinion that if the sparrow hawk were introduced int6 the colony it would be very destructive to the ■ small birds. Mr Brown moved, "That this Board is of opinion that the small birds nuisance deserves the serious con sideration .of. the Minister for Agriculture, owiust fecj fhe enormous-damage done, and heavy losses suffered by the grain growers throughout the colony, and this Board is lurther of opinion thai; a sum of money .should, be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of introducing the sparrow hawk species in considerable numbers into the colony, and other natural enemies of Hie small bird tribe." , The motion was carried, and a copy ordered to be forwarded to the Minister for Agriculture. WAKANUI TOWNSHIP ROAD. A petition was received from a numb* of ratepayers, praying thai; the cutting on the Wakanui Township Road at its Junc tion with the Beach Road should be widened. The Surveyors were instructed to report to next meeting of tho Board. surveyors' report. The Surveyors' report was read as follows ;-— River Bed.—As instructed at last meet ing wr notified the occupiers of land opposite whose property fords have been made across the river road. We find that the two upper ones have been improved somewhat by some shingle beLig put down, but are not now what tlwy .should be ; the two lower ones are in the same state as they were when last we reported on them. We have not had anything done to them until definitely instructed by the Board. ; Maintenance.—The maintenance man has been employed chiefly in patching roads in No. 2 Ward, his diary lies on the table for your inspection. MAINTENANCE, Mr Johnston spoke against the main tenance man being employed in patching roads where four or five yards are required, as he was of opinion that the ! work could be done cheaper if let by contract.—The Surveyors explained that at this time of the year the ploughing out ! of the sides of the roads which had been ordered to be done was a very expensive work as the ground was so hard. Quoted figures to show that the shingling had not cost more than from Is 2d to Is 4d per yard. ;, ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts the Board ad journed.

Canterbury Woollen Mills

ANNUAL PICNIC

The employees at the Ashburton Woollen Factory held their annual picnic on Saturday. The scene chosen this year was Laghmor, and Mr Donald McLean kindly allowed the beautiful grounds near the homestead to be used for the purpose, The weather from dawn to sunset could not have, been, better suited for a day's outing had it been made to order, so that the enjoyment of the holiday by the ex cursionists was complete. Nearly 150 people—men, women, and childreii—ileft the factory shortly before nine o'clock in the morning, in a long line of expresses and other vehicles, and an easy drive of an hour or so brought the party to the homestead. Here the baskets were opened under the shade of the trees in a planta tion, and after a "snack" sports were commenced. These comprised all sorts of competitions, races for all ages, sexes, and conditions—tug of war for men— tug of war for women—jumping, rounders? dancing, and so forth. The tradesmen and merchants of the town had been liberal in their presents of money and kind to be gi/en as prizes, and from the following list it will be seen that some of the prizes were of a sort at least not usual to be seen on a programme, but asoept able enough to t|ie winners all the same : —Dresspiece, cake, silver rings—for a women's race. Trousers piece, gold pin, and silver pin—men's race. Tweed hat and pair pigeons -boys' race. Workbox, bracket, and apron—little girls' race. Trousers piece and a pair of fowls—hop, step, and jump. Seven and a half yards shirting, a round of beef, and a pair of boots—married women's race. Hat and photograph frame — young women's raoe. Two cwfc anc} one cwt coal —old men's) race. A pair of ducks and a pair of fowls—oldest weavers' race. Trousers piece, round of betf, and a pipe —married men's race. Trousers piece, hat, and silk handkerchief—young men's race. Besides all these there were toys in abundance and fruit galore for the children. In the children's races, the evergreen, ,genial, and popular dyer afc the factory—Mr John Graham—was starter and judge, AH the little ones' rages ended somehow in dead heats., and the kindly judge after mature considera tion always decided that every com petitor was entitled to first prize, and first prize jumping- jacks, etc., were awarded ac cordingly. Provision was i«ade by Mr

McLean for the preparation of tea, i*nd j plenty was available all day. Mr Broadly's ' violin was indispensable at the dancing in the woolshed, and a young lady with a concertina supplied the music for that which took place under the trees. A Committee had been appointed to look after the management of affairs, bub their duties were light, as everybody showed a kindly spirit of helpfulness to each other. Be it noted that not a drop of intoxicating l'quor of any kind accompanied the party. Before the return jouney com* menced, ringing cheers were jjivon for Mr McLean, Mrs Mormon, "and the donors of piizos. and the parly reached home -jusL a^ d.irknc-ss was closing in, and on alighting it w;is very evident that all M&d enjoyed themselves.

Longbeach Road Board

* xho monthly meeting of the Longbeach Road Board .was held on March 2. Present—Messrs Grigg (ph,airm<ui),, Wil T , son, Horsey, Bishop and Shearer. COIIKESPONDENCE. Subsidy.—Froir. the Property Tax Commissioner, advising the' Board, of the payment of 75 per cent jf Hie subsidy for 1890-91. SCHOOL SITE. ' ' ■ Mr Lu^combc, the Chairman of the School Committee, interviewed the Board with reference to the site on the reserve for a school. The Board decided to inspect and decide the position of the two acres at the close of. the meeting. Griffiths' road. ■ Messrs Moses and Watkins interviewed the Board, and asked that Griffiths' road should be opened out to Ford's road. It was resolved to call for tenders for form ing the road and makirg a ford. '-. SURVEYORS' ftEPORT. The Surveyors' report was read as follows; - Boundary Road.—As authorised at last meeting, we have with Mr Bishop, the member for No. 2 Ward, inspected the crossings required on Boundary road opposite reserve 737, and called for tenders for making the four fords re quired ; the tender of T. Cairns, being the lowest was' accepted. The work is being proceeded with and should be com pleted this week. j : Longbeach Road.—As instructed by the Chairman, we allowed 4ive. weeks exten sion^ time to the contractor 1 for shingling part of the Longbeach road. He informs us that he intends resuming work in a few days. ; Tenders.—As instructed at last meeting we have called for tenders for reforming and ploughing out the sides of the road along the railway line from Tinwald to Windermure and Longbeach road, from Willowby to Church road, making ford on Griffith's road, and painting the Board's offices, which will be laid befoi 4 you to-day. Maintenance—The diary of the main tenance man lies on the table. The report was adopted, ) si SOUTH ROAD. The Surveyors were instructed to see the County f Engineer with reference to water race crossings Opposite Chotmbss. ' SMALL BIRDS NUISANCE. It was resolved that no eggs or heads of small birds be taken after Monday, March 9th. The Clerks reported that £175 had been expended in the purchase of eggs since November. :; ] , SURVEYOR'S E.OAD. , Ib was resolved to form and shingle about fifteen chains' of Surveyor's Road at the south approach to the Black Bridge. '! TENDERS. /_ Tenders were opened for works adver tised, and the following were accepted :— Making ford, Griffiths Road, T. Cairns. South Road re-formation, P. Clifford (both sections). Longbeach Road re formation, ,H. Tfoopor. " Only one tender was received for painting 'the ; Board's! offices, and it, was resolved to call f6r fresh, tenders. i -.i' ; -■ ■ ACCOUNTS. ' j After passing accounts, the Board adjourned. , , . .

A LOVING WIFE!

At the Napier criminal sessions a man named James Rowe was found guilty of wife desertion. He had been arrested in and brought from Australia, and the pro ceedings against him had cost about £30. As lib wife said she did not want to live with him, Judge Edwards said he would not order him to.support his wife, bub he must support his children ; but if he lived with his wife it would be "particu larly" his duty to support her. He thought of ordering him also to pay the costs of the proceedings, but concluded that he would not be able to do so in addition to discharging his other duties. His, Honour placed Rowe under proba tion for twelve months, that he might do his duty as a father. Rowe's excuse for the desertion was that his wife led him a " dog's life,'>' and the following endearing letter, sent to him by his wife, was read in Court on his behalf:—"My dearest, darling, loving, loving, husband—Just a few lines, my own loved one, to let you know that I have bested you again. 1 have put the sec on dear again from getting the children adopted. Now you must try some .other scheme, old boy. My darling loved one, I do like you so— you don't know the love I have for you in my heart, my dear. You can't imagine, my own pretty, preoty one. lam so glad I have been able to put the set on your sending them to the Industrial School and now' again I haVo put the cooker on you for having them adopted. You must keep them, you know, my dearest hubby, or else leave the colony altogether. You must and shall provide for them, whether you like it or not. Now, you must try some other way of spicing me upon them. If you can't revenge yourself on Me, I suppose you think you will show your spite on the children, but thank God I have put the set on it all. You should have treated me as a man should haVe treated his wife, and I would never have left you nor the children. You cur, you long-legged wool stealer. My own darling, I hope you will feel relieved when this is read»to you, becaiiae I know you are so ignorant, some one else must read it for you. Just get someone to look at the " Post " to-night, and see what I have put m about the children. (Jet them adopted if you dare, my man, without my consent, and see if I don't make an example of you. Now just you try it, my beauty. Don't forget to have the paper read to you to-night. Goodbye, threepenny worth of starvation plastered up against a boiler door! Believe me to remain your Joying, loving wife, Sarah. lam dying for the want of see ing your ghostly, ugly face."

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

. [P-Ett PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, March 8. Frosts have caused aarious damage to the ■ Continental crops. In Belgium •and tho Netherlands prospects of a good harvest are receding, but in Eng land they are still fair. The Liberals of the Forest of Dem have resolved to place absolute, confi dence in the moral integrity of Sir C. Dilke. •• * ...-.- It is considered-probable: that Mr Justice Stephen will be, compelled to' retire! on the ground of eccentric behaviour. ; i The citizens of London invite the Emperor of Germany to be their guest during hij stay in England. ( ",, j ■ Messrs Parnell and McCarthy have i agreed to devote the funds of the • [ Irish party in the hands of Paris . bankers to relief of distressed tenants. Washington, March 8. The Legislature of Arizona have introduced a Bill offering 200dol for every Indian killed carrying firearms. Paris, March 8. The local papers say the Emperor of Germany *is dissatisfied wfth Bis marck's return to political life, and' it is unlikely the latter will accept nomination to the Reichstag. Ottawa, March 8. Owing to Sir J". Macdonald's ill ' health, it is considered likely that Mr C. Tupper will succeed him as Pre; mier. The Liberals claim to ihave won a moral victory. Buenos Ayres, March 8. There is great excitement in the Argentine over the renewal of the financial crisis. It is hoped the Pro-, vincial and National Banks may be saved by a popular ban, otherwise Government will be compelled to take measures.to preveut wide-spread ruin. A favourable solution is hoped for.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Napiisr, March 9. In the Supreme Court, the case of Smith v Government Insurance Depart ment, a claim for £250, the amount,of » policy on plaintiff's deceased wife, occu pied two days. , The, claim was disputed on the ground of untruthful answers to questions on the proposal forme. .The evidence showed that the Department offered to return the premiums paid,' and cancel the puHcy, and some time before her death only two premiums had been paid ; but as the Department offered no reason for desiring to cancel the policy the offer was refused. Mr Justice Ed ward* instructed the jury, to; .find tor., defendant if they found that only one of the questions had been answered untruth- M fully. A verdict was given, accordingly!' The Department was represented by the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Darcy Irvine. Woodville, March 9. Tho opening train brought about 1000 passengers. Mr. Sqddon join«d the train. - at Palmerston. A reception committee mot the Minister and Commissioners arid. drove them to the Club Hotel, where congratulatory speeches were made. Wellington^ March 9. A young man named John Reginald, who. yffis arrested for, false pretences adopted the unusual course of writing out a confession before his appearance at the Court. The document, which confessed to several small frauds'^ was duly handed to the R.M.," who remanded prisoner for Sentence. The annual meeting of the Mohikinui Coal Company was held this afternoon. The Chairman in his remarks eaid that a profit of £3814 15s Id was made by-. | running the y.S. Lawrence to and from the mine during the recent strike, £2500 <?f which had been written off the mine and plant. The mine would properly be dpened out and work pushed vigorously on to enable the Company to be prepared for a large output of coal by way of West- 1 port, upen the completion of the Rail ways. Westpokt, March 9. At the Resident Magistrate's Court to day, W. Nahr, brewer, was charged on twenty informations with not keeping correct accounts of beer delivered from the brewery. Defendant pleaded guilty to eight informations, and was fined £50 on each charge, £400 in all, and costs £22 16s. The other twelve informations .were withdrawn. The offence in leach case was a mere technical irregularity. Dunedin, March 9. \ The garden party given by Mrs W. H. Reynolds realised £34 l?s 4d in aid' of' the Kakanui Relief Fund, The "Daily Times " list has now reached £210. '

Horse Market.

Mr IV M. Rickman reports holding his usual weekly sale at the Arcade, Ash burton on Saturday last, when about 40 horses were entered for sale, about 25 of jvhich were sold at up to £20 for medium draughts, and up to £12 for hacks and light harness horses. A lot ofi vehicles and sundries sold at satisfactory prices.

The Federal Convention.

[per press association.]

r _ . Sydney. March 9. I Mr H. J. Wrixon (Victoria) and the delegates from Western Australia took their seats at the Federal Convention to-day. Sir H. Parkes on behalf of the older colonies extended a warm Welcome to the representatives of the newest addition to the free colonies of Australia. Mr J. Forrest, Premier, returned thanks. Sir 11. Parkes brought forward the ■question of permitting Mr Shiels, who sat temporarily during Mr Wrixon's absence, ta retain his seat without the power to vote. Apropos of voting Sir H. Parkes said he hoped no such course would be necessary; if they •ould not cauie -to a conclusion without voting there would be less prospect of their ultimately being in accord. Some opposition was shown to the proposal, arid eventually it was decided that Mr Shiels should take no further pait in. the pro<^dings. Colonel Smith (Victoria) resumed the debate. He said that though there was no particular enthusiasm in the colonies over Federation there was no opinion against it.-. Speaking of defence he pointed out that there were 600,000 men in the •olonies of what was. knownas soldiers' age, who formed a defence themselves. He suggested a Committee should be formed to collect evidence and ; report on the form of the clause that should be inserted in the constitu tion. He hoped the convention would adopt the policy of protection. The fiscal policy must be provided for before they abolished the bbnJer custom houses.. Victoria would not object to freetrnde among the colonies, with protection against the world. Ho - looked upon the Senate as a judicial body, or body of advice, and thought the b£*t wsay would be for the tooaj

ISM ASHBTTRTOiy mTARDIAK, TUESDAY, MaMM 10, 18^1



■ Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — Colds, Coughs, Shortness of Breath.—These maladies require early and unremitting attention, for if neglected they often end in asthma, bronchitis, or consumption. The ointment well rubbed upon the chesb and back, penetrating the skin, ia absorbed and carried directly to the lungs, whence it expels all impurities. All the blood in the body is perpetually passing through the lungs, and th,qraall ndjqous particles tend ing to, disease can he i|uickly, 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 Thk Best RemkdV for, Indigestion. ~» Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently ecommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all" the diseases to whica we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural ■. RtraigUienor, of the. Huma,n Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gen tie aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances.' Sold in bottles, at Is l|d, 2s 9d, Us, by all medicine Y#jidors throughout the wo id,'



Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, in the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. How ever, in spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, in order to save life. At this juncture I called en Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had too satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reached that the Extract raf erred to was first applied, and I make this solemn declaration, etc. Frank Raabe, Declared at Sandhurst, in the colony foJ Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth clay of October, one thousand eight' hundred and seventy-seven, before me, MoritzCohn, J.P., —(Advt.) Q



Waateu ' CASH Advertisements imder this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORD'S 1/-." Addresses may be lpffc at this Offiftn WANTED., to take in plain sewing and machine stitching. For address apply by letter, A.8., "Mail" Office. 3 50 va, ANTED immediately, .smart boy V V to carry parcels.—Andiisyv Orr. _3_60 "ITTANTED Known.—Mks'j. Buch- VV anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. rilBY the Great Drapery Sale now on X at H. C. SEcusßh. WANTED Known.—Mks J. Buch anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Ton and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs./. Orr and Go's, East Street. "J3 RESENTS.— All holders of Tickets JL will oblige by bringing them in aa soon as possible.- H. C. Segers, Melford House. /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream \_y as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. WANTED Known—Some special lines in choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens ladies and Children.—W. H. Collier. W ANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. QEGERS 1 Clearing Sale in all Depart O mentis now on. One trial solicited. -Melford House. /"^ LASS, Earthenware, and China, VU~ direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known-The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett htreet. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch. ATOW ON— At Stationers' Hall' -i-1 Great Sale of Surplus Stock of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goodi 1 Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one month only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. AypREWEs & Co. 's, Stationers Hall. Fublic Notice*. ASHBURTON HOME. mENDERS for SUPPLIES to the Old f. Men's Home, Ashburton, for ONE TEAR, will be received at the Countj Council Office, Ashburton, up to Noon oi MONDAY, March 16th inst. Particulars to be obtained at the Count j Council Offices. BY ORDER, F. MAIN FARING, ■Secretary. Ashburton, March 9, 1891. 3 6f WITBT£ETtf A'rtCJT'TLLiH CHRISrCHCRCH DENTAL SURGERY. .Ccrnor of Cashel and High streets S. M™ A*D.G& SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin ml Westport fTTE have gained tin FIRST AWARD VV " the Dunedin. Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that re guarantee the highest class work and pc rfect tit at tht> most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Cotnple 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. 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 Gd. Artificial Teeth and Dentures- made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost /~] ENTLEMEN requiring the very Xjt latest fashion in FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice stock at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Seirfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shins, buttoned and laced fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. SUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the N#w Z^^avp Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 2s Gd. Increasing demand for. these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. BOYS' School. Suits, well fitting, durable, and i^odgrate in price at t\m 2?ew Zealand Glothjincj Factory. AGEHTS for the Wonderful New High Aran •" Wnrtheim J Sewing Machines, Lates,t imptwenients, new appliance*, noiseless mot^Qn, increased advantages. , ALL who have used the f( Wertheiin ' \ New High Arm sewing machine,! proelaiflj it fo be the moss perfect j sewing JH?«ch£ruv yefc produced. Inspection invited. •\J E W ZEAL AN© "^O^SING' _L>| FACTORY, the leading Hat, Cap, j ,a#d Cjlothing Manufacturers, j ; . . jBAST STEHET, ''■ A,{je»U|for #ia Wowtlerful Werfcheiin i! Sewing .shd}ii\q> ; W. H. WEBBER, Manager.



Fiiblic Notices, THE DOMESTIC PAPER PATTERNS OF NEW YORK. IRI POPE WISHES to inform her many Friends and Customers tlwfe she has the Agency of the above celebrated Pattp.nis, Lliat by each San Francisco Mail will RECEIVE NEW ONES. —Also— "THE STYLE," Price 3d Monthly. THIS BTJOU ART NEEDLE WORK DEPOT, Morten's Buildings, Opposite Bank New Zealand, CHRIST-CHURCH. 2 30 \~] "» m" CD W. H. COLLIER W. H. Collier is now The'Corneb Vf. H. Collier Tkk Cokneb W. H. COLLIKK BEOWIKO THE CORNER W. H. Collier The Coeser W. H. Collikr NEW The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier and The Corner W. H. Collier _ The Corner W. H- CollierC HOICE The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner \K. H. Collier MILLINERY The Corner W. H. Collier ULSTERS, The Corner W. H. Collikr JACKETS, The Corner W. H. Colierl RIBBONS, The Corner W. H. Collier FURS, The Corner W. H. Collier GiiOVES, 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 , T^IBTMP _ The Corner W. H. Collier AVIPWM The Corner W. H. Collier w w^L™ The Corner W. H. Collier Wii*x*» The Corner W. H. Collikr SEASON. The Cornkr W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier The Balance The Corner W. H. Collier of The Corner W. H. Collier SUMMER The Corner W. H. Collier STOCK The Corner W. H. Collier is still being The Corner W, H. Collier The Corner W»H. Collier SOLD OFF The Corner W. H. Cc»llie» The Corner W. H. Collikr CHEAP The Corner W. H. Collier to makt room The Corner W. H. Collier for The Corner W. H. Collier NEW GOODS The Corner W« H. Collier arriving. The Corner "The Corner." CD ■«■ ■»■ O WTWTipeiicer & Co^ EXTENSION OF W. W. UPKXVKn A; Con Great Clearing Sale. Boing heavily overstocked, and in order to make room for t shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home in about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than evor. All Wool, colonial flannel, 10|d, 4-ply fingering wool,-all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2s 3d the doz; Dress Goods 4M ; Washing Prints, 2M, 3jd, and 4|d ; Washing Muslin 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3|d j " \i\ each ; a very large Towel 9|d, [J Onow 6|d ; very «ood Ticking, fP 6d : double width Sheeting, ■• 7id; heavy white Linen Twill H ry Sheeting, ll£d ; heavy cotton U Shirting, SM; Cretonnes, 4|d ; l [2 Men's woolten Sox, Hid; JtJoys' \? M Braces 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; W <J Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; *> Men's good Tweed Suits. 22s Q 6d ; Boys' Twe<=d Suits from l pC{ 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles X M 7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. p ffi 2s lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. % U Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's CJ colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boy*' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 9d; Girlis' and Maids' Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2« lid.. 3s lid, and 4s 6d at W. IV. BVmmCBWt, §t Ca'* 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 bargain now is your chance. "" The~Arcade. fi loioinTlwli coMPiir of jew mun (FIRE AND MARINE) rpHE Business of this Company lias X been TRANSFERRED to the COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and Agencies in New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled in future. F. ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THE COMMERCIAL UNION A>SSU« ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861. • ncorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhili, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds .., 2,351,707 Total Annual "Nett Income.., 3,132,239 HEAD OFFICE rm NEW ZEALAND; Lambton Quay, Wellington, ( With Local Boards of Advice in Ausfenilift and New Zealand. General Manager for Now Zealand • FRANK ALLEN, J P. Kvery description fit Nre nd Marine insurance effected at LOWEST CUJifißjSn? .KATES CUFF & GRAHAM, MwD&gerw for Canterbury, Christchurch A«IWTH r-OR AsHKUiITOK