MARRIAGE.

Bean-Sbddon. — On the 31st March, at Holy Trinity Church, Kumara, by the Rev. J. E. Blackburn, assisted by the Rev. F. P. Fendall, the Rev. Walter Stanley, eldest son of R. S. Boan, Ashburton, to Jennie, eldest daughter of the Hon. R. J. Seddfin, Kumara.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

Mr Harry Friedlandcr has purchased the tobacconist, fancy goods, and hiir dressing business in East Street, so long carried on by Mr W. Zander, who is leaving to settle in Melbourne. The steamer lonic, from Plymouth, via the Cape, arrived at Hobart at midnight on Tuesday night, and sailed for Wellington on Wednesday" afternoon. The lonic brings twenty-nine passengers fop Australian ports, and twenty-four for New Zealand, A conference of the local bodies in the Christchurch Drainage District on Wednes day night appointed a committee to ascertain in what manner the law should be amended so as to give them larger and more effective powers of inspection of dairies and perishable provisions. At the annual smoke concert and distri bution of prizes of the Christchurch Amateur Swimming Club, on Wednesday evening, Mr Alfred Harrison, captain of the Ashburton Club, presented to G. Jackson and J. M. Watson tha handsome trophies won by them at the Ashburfcon Club's races. The toast of The Ashburton Club was pro, posed by Mr A. Francis, captain of the C.A.S.C, and responded to by Mr Harrison, At a meeting of the creditors in the estate of Daniel lieese, builder, Christchurch (ex-M.H.R. for Stanmore), the statement showed total unsecured liabilities £3574 ; assets £1661 ; deficiency £191.3. The bank rupt attributed his losses to depreciation in property and losses on contracts. He lost £30fK) by building fche Hereford Hotel, and £3000 by the Belfast Freezing Works. It was decided that the Official .Assignee should wind up the estate, and with one dissentient (the purchaser of a creditor's interest in the estate) Mr Reese was voted his furniture and tools of trade, the Assignee undertaking to inquire if the latter included the plant. Our Melbourne correspondent writes :— The result of the appeal in Ah Toy v Mus grove shows the valiia of a Parliamentary training to a lawyer. Chief Justice Higin botham and Justice Kerferd, whose judg ments were upheld by the Privy Council, were both experienced politicians and what ever doubts might have existed as to the latter*s general legal knowledge, no one ever questioned his exaot and extensive acquain tance with constitutional layjr. None of the four colleagues by whom they vere over ruled in the Full Court had ever attempted to get a footing in politics, excepting Justice Williams. He capie forward for St Kilda on one occasion, and the fact that a very small proportion of the electors wlip promised him thf ir support actually voted in his favour has rankled in his memory ever since. The sticklers for the mere letter of the law have been defeated, and Justice Kerf«i'd n-9>y enj°ys a posthumous fame that few of his contemporarises would have allowed to be his due during his life-

Xi'A i- e »ilar monthly meeting of St. John's' Lodge of Freemasons will be held to-night. The Dunedin City Council are taking steps to secure suitable gronnd within a, radius of five miles of the city for cemetery purposes. Mi* H. Yon Haast, who was for a long time associate to his Honor Judge Ward and to his Honor Mr Justice Dennison, hasresigccd his office, being about to proceed to England. A coroner's jury in Melbonrne, at the inquest on the body of a man who was killed by a fall from some scaffolding, returned a verdict of manslaughter against the contractor and architect for the build- j ing- The Queensland Railway Commissioners are making it known that under no circum stances will railway employees be permitted i to in any way indentify themselves with any labour dispute.; Four men have been dismissed for disobeying the order. . A prize fight in Portugal is something like a siege. Two pugilists thert recently engaged in prize fight for 1,127 rounds. They fought six hours a day, stopping at noon to eat and smoke. Fond mother—" Well, my pet, did the great dramatic manager say you would quickly become a star if you adopted the stage as =i profession ?" Ambitious daughter —" Well, not exactly, but 1 think he intends to engage me for a new domestic drama of some kind. He told me to go home and learn to cook. Two firemen of the steamer Bayley were arrested at Timaru on Tuesday night for robbing a man named Wyatt on board the steamer of £30 and several articles oi cloth ing, and for stealing a bulldog from a resi dent of Timaru. It took the full force of police to arrest them, the prisoners and their friends offering a determined resistance. A supplement to the " New Zealand Gazette " of April 2, contain a list of com plete specifications as well as trade marks registered and letters patent that have lapsed through non-payment of renewal fees. Ninety-two letters patent lapsed between April 30, 1890, and March 31, 1891, through non-payment of renewal fees ; and from July 24, 1890, to March 31, 1891, one hundred and thirty two applications lapsed, and three were withdrawn. We would again remind litigants that the Resident Magistrate's Court op 3ns for business on Thursdays at a quarter before eleven, and not at eleven o'clock. This morning there was only one police case set down for hearing, and this was disposed of in a few minutes. Several undefended civil cases followed, and were also got through rapidly, By eleven o'clock the cause list was exhausted, but not before several cases had been called to which the Sergeant responded, "No appearance of either party." Two of these cases fell through evidently from the mistaken idea in the minds of plaintiffs that eleven o'clock was the hour for opening. ' A whole romance might be writcen on the following incident:—A young lady who had been engaged to a prosperous young manu facturer, was informed a few clays before the marriage was fixed that the firm was insol vent. Not a moment was to be lost, and a letter was written and posted, breaking the engagement; when, within two hours, it was discovered that the report was entirely un founded. The daughter with her parents, rushed to the post office, and no words can describe the scene—the appeals, the tears, the wringing of hands, the united entreaties of the family to have thefatal letter restored. But:, alas ! all was in vain—the rule admitted of no exception, The Hampden correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times" writes:—Quite a sensation was created in the township by a report that the hands engaged in the late Mr CuWnn's mill were suffering from the effects of poisoning. It appears that through some mistake the water uaed to Infuse the tea was obtained from a tub which had been used for mixing sheep dip. When the men returned to work, one by one they commenced to feel ill; and they became so bad that all who had partaken of the tea had to go home and somo had to take to their beda. The poison has apparently in most cases gone through the systen, as the lego wt»re affected. Probably several of the men will feel its effects for some time yet. A gentleman residing at Allenton brought us yesterday a basket of table apples, not gigantic specimens, but just the size foi u;jport for dessert purposes. The sorts were Adams' peaim;un. Lady Henniker, Rosemarj russet, Mavgil, thtmlaw's seedling (one oi these a perfect specimen), and Reinette dn Canada. The apples came from a young orchard, but the trees are clean and healthy and yield wonderfully. A case of forty-five apples sent to an exporter who had heard oi the orchard weighed 401b; from one tree 18(5 apples were gathered, weighing 931b : two trees of Margil gave 115 apples each : and two trees of Reinette dv Canada gave, besides about 40lb blown down by Tuesday'? gale, 1401b and 1601b respectively of apples, weighing 9oz to lOoz each —a remarkably even crop. A horrible occurrence is reported in New York from Winnebago City, Minnesota. A Miss Lent, a. school teacher, had occasion to punish a pupil named (Jruzen, whose sister thereupon ran home and told her parents what had occurred. The parents hastened to the school, and the father striking the teacher with a book knocked her down and dragged her round the room until her scalp was partially torn off. The parents then lifted the prostrate form of the teacher and threw her out of the window. Her head struck violently against the stone pavement, and in a short time the unfortunate woman expired. The panic-stricken children who had witnessed the tragedy hurried to their liGinpSj and told the story. Cruzen and his wife were fqri!>wlth arrested, and are now in prison awaiting judicial investigation. One of the most serious faults in farm hands is that of abusing horses, and yet one which many of them ape guilty of, Any man who cannot use a team without abusing them, should be promptly discharged, Some teams of horses have more intelligence than the men who work them. But abuse of horses is by no means confined to hired hands. We have occasionally known a man whose teniber was so violent that he could not resist the temptation to abuse his team. When a man haa trpublp wiih his horses and cannot manage them as well as he ir ( ay like, in nine cases out of ten i$ is his own fault. There are but few horses that are not tractable and docile if they are treated properly. It might be well for him to in vestigate the matter if he does not get along with the management of horses as well as he ought. It is a matter of some import ance to be able to handle horses properly. Quite h, sensation \*as» caused by the report of a quarrel between the Queen divi Prince of Wales at Portsmouth, In reference to the ex-Empress Frederick. It appears that the Prince heard through the Foreign Office alarming accounts of the position of the ex-Empress m Pads. He decided to go and bring her away, and wired his sister to leave immediately if she could not wait for i him. He alwo telegraphed to tho Queen. When he joined the Queen at Portsmouth het Majesty was greatly excited, and was heard to say ito him: " What do you say? Turn my daughter oijt of Paris ?" The Prince replied m a low tone ; but the Queen visibly indignant, repeated that j.t was impossible that any insult could be offered her daughter in Paris. She blamed the Prince for his injudicious course, and | thteatpnGd to countermand his telegram. He protested earnestly, and finally, the Queen giving in, sent, another cipher telegpam to ex-Empress Frederick, expressing his own and, the Queen's wishes.

FRUIT EXPORT.

The cable news received yesterday respecting the sale in London of the first shipment of the season of New Zealand apples places the success of the fruit exporting enterprise beyond doubt. The first message received reported the sale of the consignment per Tonganro at 15s to 20s a bushel (of 401bs nett weight), or from 4|d to 6d per Ib—prices which would be very profitable to the shippers ; but the next message brought particulars of the sale of the Styx Apple Company's shipment at from 20s to 24s a bushel, equal to 6d to 7£d per lb, \ which will give the shippers an extremely hand some percentage of profit. : The apples arrived in splendid condition, and it is evident that the proper method of placing the fruit in good order and condition upon the London market has been arrived at. As this is the first season that the export of apples from New Zealand to London has been systematically entered upon, a brief retrospect of the trade will be of interest. Experimental shipments of apples have been made for the last four or five years, with the principal result of finding out what did not suit the foreign markets. Recently some gentlemen conversant with the fruit markets of the Old Country have come to New Zealand, and have set about sorting and packing our apples according to Home requirements—that is, sending only suitable sorts and packing them in cases containing one bushel (or 40lbs) net weight. The advantages of the export trade and a proposal to enter into it on co-operative principles were laid before the Christ church fruit-growers early in the spring, but the growers were blind to the advantages to be gained by opening up a trade, and the proposal fell through. A few more courageous men formed themselves into a company I to purchase the apples right out and ship them to the London market on their own account and risk. The management was placed in the hands' of Mr W. Peckover, a gentleman of experience in the fruit trade, and the company proved their faith in their venture by securing the whole of the cool chamber freight by the direct I steamers for the season. Orchards of apples were purchased, the prices ranging from one penny a pound for ordinary sorts to three halfpence a pound for desirable sorts, and for select fruit we understand up to twopence a pound has been paid. The apples are gathered by the employees of the purchaser, arid are convoyed to a packing-house con tiguous to the orchards, where they are wiped, wrapped in paper, or placed in paper bags, packed, sort by sort, in specially made boxes containing 401 bs, branded with the sort of apple and the Company's brand, and shipped in the cool chamber ot the steamer. In all the handling every care is taken not te bruise or otherwise damage the fruit, and none but perfect and sound fruit is packed, small and too large apples being also rejected. The Styx Apple Company shipped their fruit on th^ir own account, following exactly the method we have described, and in tht-ir case the apples unsuitable for .shipment are used for making rider. One or two other Christchurch firms have also entered into the trade, and several orchardists have desired to do so, but the Fruit Export Company's cowp in securing all the cool chamber space in the steamers has made the trade practically a monopoly as far as this season goes. Next year no doubt fruit-growers will be glad to embrace a similar opportunity of shipping on co operative terms to that which they rejected this season. Shipments from Lyttelton this season already amount to about 8000 cases, and eves if they average only fifteen shillings a case the proceeds will be a very nice little increase to the sum of money coming into the country for produce. The trade of course has not yet reached anything like the dimensions which have been attained in Tasmania, where nine of the P. and O. and Orient liners called for fruit for the English market during this season, but now that the profitable nature of the trade has been demonstrated, there is no doubt that fruit-growing will be rapidly extended. We must, however, express our doubt as to the permanence of the high prices of the fruit as quoted by cable. Those prices are beyond the reach of the general body Qf con sumers, and we must assume that they vrere paid by those who wished the fruit for some special purpose, such as dessert or decoration on the tables of the upper ten thousand. Such a demand is far from unlimited, and as soon as it is satisfied prices will fall. The great middle class will not and cannot afford to pay more than six pence a lb for dessert apples, and it njust be the aim of growers and ex porters to place the fruit on the Lon don market at such a cost that it can be retailed at that price with a fair margin of profit—which it has been shown can be done. As for cooking apples the only way of carrying on that branch of the trade is by adopting the system of drying the apples, and we see no reason why this should not be entered upon with profit. We hope that another year orchardists in this district will share in the export busi ness. Mo finer apples are grown any where, for if some sorts have scarcely the racy flavour of those grown in favoured districts of Otago, \t is more than made up for by the superior size and perfect colouring of the Ashburton fruit. Fruit is bound to take a pro minent place among our exports, and by cultivating only the best sorts, keeping the trees free from blight, and treating the fruit in the proper manner, tliis, cljstriQt can command a leading place in the trade.

Ashburton Presbyterian Church.

At a recent meeting of the Presbytery in Christchurch an application was made for Presbyterial sanction for the reduc tion of the Ashburton minister's stipend by £50 a year in consequence of the con gregation's inability to raise the sum of i£3(fo per annum for stipend. A Com mittee was appointed fco inquire into the circumstances under which such an appli cation beoame necessary. The Committee comprised—Revs Gordon Webster, St Andrew's, Christchurch; Erwin, North Belt, Christchurch ; M'Kenzie, JLyttelton; and Riddell, Rakaia. The deputation met the session and Com mittee of the congregation on Tuesday night jii the vestry of the chu,r.c.h a»4 UeW a

private meeting, afc which church affairs were discussed.' A meeting of the congregation with the deputafciou should have been, held at half past seven in the evening, but owing to the length of the meeting with the Com mittee, the congregational meeting was not held for an hour thereafter. Afc the congregational meeting which was pre sided over by the Rev"Gordon ; Webster, i .'about, a hundred members of the church and adherents were present. Statements were invited by the deputation as to the finance of the c'ongreg ition and the visi tation of members by the minister, and Mr W. Malcolm expressed the belief that Che proposed reduction of stipend was unnecessary as Hie congregation ought to be perfectly able to raise £300 for stipend to the minister. In regard to visiting, it was>, he said, well-known that the minister was an energetic visitor among his people, and made a special point of visiting the poor, the necessi tous, and the sick Mr A. Orr would be pleased to hear Mr Malcolm stale how the money was to be raised. Bey Mr l^eattie went over the financial position of the church at some length and pointed out thai the financial affairs were in no worse state n)w than they had been in past years. During his term he had aimed at doing his duty by his people both in the church and at their homes, and had visited each of the members of his con gregation at least once a year. He be lieved he had at that moment the love of all his people. Several members spoke to the effect that they themselves had no fault to find with the Pastor's visitation, but had heard people who were con sidered to be Presbyterians say that they had not been visited ; and the attendance at church was not as large as it ought to be in a population like that of Ashburton. Ample opportunity was given by the deputation for those present to speak, and say what fault they had to find with the Pastor or his work, but the oppor tunity was not taken, and the congrega tional meeting closed. The deputation again met the session and Committee in the vestry afterwards. At all the meetings the deputation made it distinctly underntood that they were there not to adjudicate upon any matter that.may be brought forward, but simply to hear and report to the Presby tery.

Mount Somers Road Board.

The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Rond Board was held on Monday. Present—Messrs Peache (chairman), Edson, Syme, and Chapman. \ The Overseer's report was read and con sidered. It was resolved to repair the Sprmgburn Tramway road, near the Spring- I burn School, and Ford and Newton's road to the extent of £10, or, if the residents were willing to contribute £ for £, to expend another £9. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Edson, to extend the shingling on Saw miller's road, a distance of three chains. Mr W. C. Walker apologised for non attendance. Mr Steel wrote drawing the Board's atten tion to the bad state of the roads through the Alford Forest Village Settlement. The letter was received. Friday, May Ist, was fixed as the day for nominations for the, forthcoming election of Board members to be lodged with the Returning Officer; a poll, if necessary, to be taken on the 6th ; the ratepayers' meet ing to be held on Friday, May Ist, at 1 p.m. Tenders were opened for shingling Alford Forest Main road, and that of James Brown was accepted. Thomas Fagan's tender was accepted for shingling thirty chains of the Pound road. 'Ufce pay sheet amounting to £32 Is 8d was passed, and the Board adjourned till May Ist

The Wairoa Murder.

[l'£R PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

Auckland, April 8. Thomas Fry, alas Floyd, with four other alias, was this morning charged at the Police Court with the murder ot William Veitchon March 23rd, at Wairoa South. A prelimi? nary objection to the admission of the depositions, because they had been taken oh a charge of robbery and not of murder, mas over-ruled. In his depositions Veitch stated that accused called him out of his house in the. evening about eight o'clock, and on the bridge hit him with a stick or iron, and rifled his pockets, and that he identified accused as the man ■who assaulted him.

Labor Questions.

[I'EK PKESb ASSOCIATION.]

L.ONDON, April 7. Wilson, Secretary of the Seamen's Union, has been sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment for inciting the Cardiff strikers to riot. The Right Hon. A. J. Mundella, M.P. for Brightside, has accepted a seat on the Royal Commission ap pointed by the Government to enquire into the relations between employers and employed, the causes of labor dis putes, and the best means of prevent ing them.

The Federal Convention.

(per press association.)

Sydney.: April 8. In Committee Sir George Grey moved that it be necessary to reserve for the Queen's pleasure laws madd by the Federal Parliament. This was negatived by gQ to 9. SiflH. Atkinson and Sir G, Grey voted for the amend ment, Captain Russell against it. A long debate ensued on the question of conferring power on the States to determine the manner of appointment of the Governor of the States, the clause being retained by one vote. The remaining clau&es of chapter V were passed Chapter Vl—new States, and VJI— miscellaneous, were passed with slight verbal amendments. Chapter VIII— Amendment of the Constitution. This chapter evoked a lengthy and brisk discussion. Dr Cockburn moved an amendment providing for sending all alterations to the people direct for approval, but it was negatived, and the clause passed. This completed the Bill, and Sir S. Griffiths' proposed new clause was agreed to, to the effect that aborigines be not counted in reckoning the popu lation. The Committee then reported the Bill to the Convention. On the motion for the adoption Jof the Committee's report Sir S, Griffiths moved the recommital of the Bill in order to consider a motion by Mr Dibbs with reference to the Capital of the Commonwealth and certain other clauses. The motion was carried, whereupon Mr Dibbs moved an amend ment that Sydney be chosen as the capital, but it was rejected by 29 to 4, Sir G. Grey, Sir H". Atkinson, Mr Dibbs and Mr John Forrest being the' only supporters of the amendment. The bill was then reported to the Convention. Sir G. Grey moved that previou-j to the Bill being laid before !the British Parliament it should be submitted and adqpted by a lnajorjty of a plebiscite of the pioplo of the

several colonies, each voter to give a { single vote. Much time was consumed \ in discussing the motion. Sir G. Grey remarked that the Constitution which had been formed was absolutely unfair to the people of New Zealand, no fair form of representation being provided. The motion was lost by 21 to 8.

Russian Army Move ments.

(per press association.)

Berlin, April -7. Russia is massing troops on the Polish-German frontier under the pre text of carrying out manoeuvres on a large scale. The European situation is regarded in Berlin as threatening. St. Petersbtjbg, April 8. The Czar will visit the Emperor William of Germany in August, end Russia is arranging for a loan of £20,000,000. ' ' St. Petersburg, April 7. The Russian press has been ordered to preserve strict silence with regard to the armaments and movements of troops.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOBIE AIVI> FOJEfcXCIGWV.

(IBS P.KESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, April 7. In the House of Commons to-day, replying to a question put by Mr W. Pritchard Morgan, member for Mer thyr, Baron de Worms, Political Secretary of the Colonial Office, said that he would again call the attention of France to any new fact which came to light regarding the escape of reci divtßtes from New Caledonia to Queens land. Telephone communication has been established between London and Mar seilles, and has proved a great success. P. T. Barnum, the well-known show man, has died at Epsom. At the Spring meeting to-day, the Great Metropolitan Stakes resulted as follows :—Ragimunde 1, Royal Gem 2, Maypole 3. Reports of a disturbing nature are being received from St Petersburg and other European capitals with reference to the European situation. London, April 8. In the House of Commons to-day, Baron De Worms stated in reply to Mr Pritchard Morgan, M.P., that the attention to France would be called to the matter of the proposals of the Colonial Conference at Paris to permit colonising trading companies in the Pacific to employ convict labor. The hearing of the action Salisbury v O'Brien has been postponed till August. Paris, April 7 The French Government has decided to appoint commercial attaches to its foreign embassies. St John's, N.F. April 7. The Premier of Newfoundland, the Speaker of Uie House of Assembly, the leader of the Opposition, and two others, who were appointed delegates to interview the English Government to protest against Imperial cocroioTt, have" left" forTGhgland. Berlin, April 7. The ship canal between the Baltic and the North Seas has been com pleted, and was formally opened by the Emperor to-day.

The Kakanui Disaster.

(PER PHESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunebin, April 8. The Kakanui enquiry was resumed this afternoon and concluded so far as the evidence available is concerned. Joseph Hatch, owner of the Gratitude, and other witnesses were examined, but nothing new was elioifced. The enquiry was adjourned till Tuesday next.

The Victorian Loan.

(PEK PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, April 7. The Victorian Loan will probably average £97 os. Money is abundant, but investors are somewhat timid, dread of another financial panic being still prevalent. On the market, it is reported that tihe Banks will underwrite half of the Victorian Loan, receiving one per cent. Brokers are exhibiting extreme irrita tion with regard to the loan, and it is considered probable that they will combine against it and expose the whole transaction.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY.

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M.) Drunkenness.^—John Leary pleaded | guilty to having been drunk in East street [on the previous night. He waa also charged with having used obscene lan guage while drunk, and with having re sisted the police while in the execution of his duty. Of the latter charges he said he knew nothing, having been very drunk indeed. He was sorry for having com mitted the offence, and would go on his good behaviour in future. The police gave the man generally a good character, and his Worship dealt leniently with him, fining him 5s for the drunkenness, and sending him to gaol for forty-eight hours in all. Civil Cases.—Henry Zander vR, N. Newby, £2 ; Charles Hawkins v Henry Fowler, £8 10s lOd ; Mitchell and Turner y Philip Bayley. £5 9s lQd—judgment in each case by default.

Which Is The Mother?

Which is the mother of the chick—the hen that lays the egg or the hen that hatches it? This is a question ju.-t de cided by Justioe McMahon, of Parkville, a small but interesting suburb of Brooklyn. It is the first case of the kind known to* have been brought into court, and by reason of its unique importance the trial has occupied much of the time of the presiding justice. The facts are that a Farmer McCaughn and Farmer Gormley are next door neighbors, j*n.d their henneries adjoin e^cl; otheiv Farmer McCaughn owns choice game birds, but the fowls belonging to his neighbor are of the ordinary farm-yard standard. It was testified to that one of Farmer McCaughn's hens scrambled over the fence and indiscreetly, if not wickedly and feloniously, did lay two eggs, at divers times, on Fanner Gormley's premises. The triumphant note which heralded this maternal achievement did not surest to F»rm,ej Qormty the p<3'

| priety of picking up the eggs and deliver- I ing them into the possession of the owner ,- of the hen. On the contrary, ho proniDtly pufc them under a silting lien owned by himself, and.in due course of time they were hatched. So soon as their feathers and little " red combs began to grow Farmer McCaughn observed that these dubious chickens were full-blooded game birds, like those of his own hennery, and Id male a demand for them. Farmer Gormley denied tho claim of ownership with emphasis and disdain 1 hen Farmer McCaughn summoned his chicken-raising neighbor before the couvt for trial, and issue was joined. The question was not between lien and hen, but between fanner and farmer, or, rather, it was a question as to whose hen was the mother of the chickens. Now, or dinary common sens-s would suggest that as the hatching of chickens is a mere mechanical process, chiefly dependent upon caloric, as science has demonstrated moot thoroughly, it is noi characteristic, or necessarily even suggestive, of mother hood. The sitting hen is unquestionably an..efficient incubator, .and so, too, would be a rooster if you could get him to sit leng enough ; but who would presume to say that a rooster could become a mother even if he should hatch a dozen broods"? Justice McMahon has decided that Farmer Gormley must surrender the two chickens j to Farmer McCaughn, or pay to him the ' full amount of their value. But is not Farmer Gormley entitled to pay for the labor and service of his hen in hatching the eggs? The decision of the justice is righteous as to the main point at issue, but he seems to have overlooked the fun damental propriety of a counter Claim. We advise Farmer Gormley to appeal.— "New York Tribune.'

A Very Bad Boy.

A boy, who had evidently been crying, and whose face only just peeped above the rail of the Court, was charged at the Worship street dock with robbing his grandmother. The little prisoner did not look more than about 9 although his grandmother said he was 11 years old, and " might be thirty by his going on."—Mr MonUgu Williams, Q.C. : Tell us wnat he has been doing. —The Grandmother: He stole the money—one and a penny -out out of the chancy cup on the mantle-shelf. My heart's near broke having to appear against him; but he s done it so often before—Mr Williams : What did he do with it ?—The Grandmother : He'd only got a penny on him when he came back, sir; but he'd got sweets and tobacco.—Mr Williams: Tobacco!—and a pipe? — Grandmother : No, sir. I don't think he's took to that yet; but he smokes cigar ettes .^holding up the papers), and he stop 3 out till twelve o'clock at night.— Mr Williams: Till the public-houses shut ?—Grandmother : I dont know sir.— Mr Williams : Or, perhaps, he's got a club? —Grandmother : I don't know, sir.—Mr Williams : Everybody has his club now.— Grandmother : And when he comes home he wants his supper ; and, of course, he's hungry, poof boy—but he says I starves him. He don't go to school, but he spends the money and stops out all day. —Mr Williams: Where's his father? Why don't he flog him ?—Grandmother : I don't know sir. I haven't seen him for many years. I've brought the boy up since he was born, but he's getting a bit beyond me.—Mr Williams: Don't cry ; you've done quite the right thing, and if he's put in a school ih may save him. (To prisoner). Now, you—you hardened young reprobate, what have you to say to nil this?-The boy sobbed something which the assistant gaoler interpreted as " I know I'm a very bad boy."—Mr Williams : Bad boy ! Yes, I should think so. 1 must send you to school, and see if a good whipping won't make you a better boy,—Tko child woo remanded to the workhouse *or a week, a school to be found for him in the meantime.

THE MARKETS.

(per press association.)

London, April 7. Wool is very firm, and there is a brisk competition at the sales. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cable message, dated Lon don, 7th A.pril :— Wool—The sales progress firmly. Since the opening of same, superior greasy merino has advanced id per lb Other descriptions unchanged. Up to date 42,000 bales have been sold. Wheat—Market is firm. Spot market quotations unchanged since last telegram. New Zealand wheat, f.a.q., to arrive, iron ship, is worth, c.i.f., 39s per 4801 be, March-April bills of lading. [Received April 9, 10.15 A.m.] ■"' London, April 8. At the wool sales prices continno firm' and English manufacturers are buying with better spirit, [Received April 9, 11 a.m.] The quantity ot wheat and flour afloat for tho United Kingdom is 2,796,000 qrs ; for the Continent 178,000 qrs. Rates for money ixe declining owing to plentiful surplus from outside markets. Three months bills 2\ per cent. Shares—Union Steamship Company £1110s ; New Zealand Shipping Company £4 103 ; Shaw Savill Company £g 10s.

Addington Stock Market.

Chbistcjiurch, April 8. Owing doubtless to the filling off in values last week, the entry of stock to-day was i.ot so heavy. The attendance was good, and the weather fine. Store Sheep.—Between 4000 and 5000 store sheep were yarded, and met with a fair demand. The greater portion consisted of crossbred ewes of all ages, besides a few lambs, and one or two pens of merino , ewes and wethers. Aged crossbred ewes brought from 5s 6d to '7s 6d; sound mouthed ewes sold at from 83 to 12s, according to size and quality j some two-tooths brought from 10s to 12s ; crossbred lambs sold freely at 7s to 9s ; a line of merino wethers realised 5s ; aud several old merino ewes sold at 2s to 3s. Fat Lambs.—There were from 800 to 1000 yarded, the greater number being small late sorts, which did not sell freely, and brought much the same price as stores. Better class lambs were eagerly taken for freezing, realising from 10s to 12s, according to weight. Fat Sheep.—4 800 sheep were yarded in the fat pens, though many were not fit to be thus classified. By reason of the diminished entry the demand was considerably greater, and prices hardened proportionately. As ewes predominated in numbers, the trade were mostly satisfied, good sorts of crossbreds realising from 9s to 13s. A few pens of good wethers brought from lis upwards. There was a dearth of good merino wether mutton, and the exporters had not much to fall back on to staifc them, wethers and maiden ewes heihg in the minority. Towards tho end of the sale there was a falling off of Is 6d to 2s per head. ■ Fat Cattle.—l 69 head were yarded, and the quality generally was rough and inferior to what has been the case recently. There was a large proportion of three-quarter fat cows ar,d heifers, and very few steers. Qx beef brought from 16s to 18s per 1001 bs, and the remainder from 14s 6d to 17s. Store Cattle.-Of 13Q head yarded, there were a few lines of yearlings and eighteen-monthvolds which sold at from 14s to 21s. A line of three-year-old Steers and totfro avotq qpfc} %q improve at

£3 os, and some forward conditioned bullocks brought £5. There was a continued demand for piimo ports of dairy cows, but dry cows wore at a discount. Pigs _ About 210, chiefly heavy porkers or light baconers and some heavy weights, were entered. Bacon pigs were in fair demand at from 25s to 30s for i light sorts.

Ashburton Live Stock Marcket.

Messrs Miles and Co., per Mr George Jameson report on the Live Stock Market for the week ending 7th April, 1891 :—At the Ashhurton county y;mls on Tuesday, there was again, a very large entry of various cases of sheep, about 16,000 being yatdod for the day's market. There was i largo attendance of farmers and others, aad the biddings for all lines of sheep suitable for turnips were on a level with those at Tinwald the jMevious week. Our entry for the day's sale comprised 6000 shr#p. 00 tarns, and 3 head of cattle, and our { rfneipal sales were at! follows :— 19 fat crossbred ewes afc lls ; 60 two tonth croasbreds at 12s 3d ; 120 crossbred lambs at 8s 6d ; 125 do. at 8s 6d ; 166 do. at 9s ; 505 do. at 6s Id r 1200 Mesopo tamia sound-mouth merino ewes brought 6s; 200 do. culls at 3s 8d ; the Mount Possession full mouth merino wethers brought from 5s 9d to 6s ; 144 old merino ewes at 3s 7d; 138 do. at 2s Id; 300 four-tooth'croSsbreds at 13s ; 118 old crossbred ewes at 4s 3d ; 17 do. at 2s 6d ; 83 crossbred ewes at lCs; 5 Border Leicestpr rams at £2 each ; old Linccln rams, 5s to 21s. During the week we have sold privately 480 merino wethers and 26S do. ewes at owner's reserve. Mr George Jameson reports: On Mon day, April 6, I held a clearing sale of horses, and farm plants at Mr G. Scott's farm near Chertsey, when all lots were cleared at very satisfactory prices, as fol lows :—Draught horses, f'9, £13 10s, £15, £16 ; P, and D. Duncan drill, £21; dray and frame, £10 ; single-seated buggy £20 ; gig, £10 10s; reaper and binder, £5; double furrow plough, £13 10s; harrows, £3 10s ; springers, £4 7s 6d, £4 17s 6d; £5 5s ; £5 12s 6d; calves, 255. Hacks, £6 10s, £6155, £7. Harness and sundries sold well.

The Rising in India.

[per press association,]

(Received April 9, 10.15 a.m.) Calcutta, April 8. It is reported that Senapulty, com mander of the Manipurs, has fled to the jungles, taking his captives with him.

The New Orleans Incident.

(JPKJBI PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received April 9, 10.15 a.m.) Rome, April 8. The agitation in Italy at the lynch ing of the Sicilians in New Orleans has subsided.

The Shearers' Agitation

[per press association.^

Brisbane,' April 8, A large crowd of Unionists, esti mated at nearly 1500, surrounded the railway station at Barcaldine on the arrival of the train conveying the Unionist prisoners. A force of 45Q> troops were present to restrain thei mob from rescuing the prisoners, and th« guards had bayonets fixed. The proceedings were very riotous. (Received Anril 9, 11 e*m.) :■■.:.■•; tjRISBANB, April 9. The South Queensland carriers will not strike, and ■will begin oarting wool shortly. At a meeting of shearers at Blackall it was decided to recommend the Sti ike Committee to waive the question of freedom of contract, on the condition I that the pastoralists guarantee that for a specified time they will not employ* alien labor, reduce wages, or throw obstacles in the way of Union organisa tion.

Canada and the States.

[PKK PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

■•■ Ottawa,- April 7. Sir Charles Tupper considers that the result of reciprocal trade relations with the United States would be to sever Canada from England, as by accepting reciprocity it would be neces sary for the Dominion to adopt Ameri can tariffs. AVashinoton, April 8. The mission of Sir Charles Tupper, who is in Washington on business con nected with the re-opening of negotia tions for the settlement of the Behring; Sea dispute on a reciprocal basis, is. regarded as a humiliating failure. Major McKenzie insists that President Harrison should cease negotiations* (Received April 9, 10. J 5 a.m.) Washington, Ajnil 8. Ti connection with the reciprocity negotiations, it is reported that the President was incensed at Sir J, Macdonald's election tactics.

Latest Cable News Home and Foreign.

[PER PKKsS ASSCaOATION.]

(Received April % 10.15 a. m .)

A SUSPECTED NIHILIST.

; Si. Pbtbrsburo, April 8. During a review of the Guards in this city, a.Mhilisfc was arrested on the stand reserved for the Czar and nobility. He had a revolver and a powerful poison globule in his pocket. The Czar would have had to pass within a few paces of the man, who fortunately aroused the suspicions of the, officials in time to prevent his doing any mischief. After the arrest the Czar returned to the palace at Gatschina.

ASSISTED EMIGRATION.

London, Ami! &. "The Times" states tlvaMStovernw meat will not attempt.*o introduce their proposals regarding assisted emi gration this seksioa

BRITISH TRADE.

Last month's imports snow a de crease of £887,000, and exports an increase of £1,597,00^ as compared with the corresponding month of 1890. THE TRIFLE ALLIANCE. mi m . Rome, April 8. The Triple Alliance has been re newed for a term of five years, and remains on a defensive basis.

AUSTRALIAN

[Received April 9, 11 a,u>J| GOVERNOR OF FIJI. Svupx, April 9. Sir J. Thm-ston, Governor o£ Fiji, has arrived on a visit.

ffcis ashbctrton guardian, Thursday, april 9, isM



The B.kst Resj^dy fob Indkjestion— Norton's Camomile Pills ape qq.nfjde.ntly l'ecommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all "the diseases to whicn wa are subject Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of fie Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle pei'JOiJjfc, $re mild in their operation, and afe under any j&itcumgtanceg. Sold in bottles, at Is l£d, 2s 9,d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout thje wo Id* > Heating's Cough Lozenges cure Coughs. AslHmg,, Bronchitis.' ' Medical { testimony. | states that no other medicine is s^> effectual in the cure of thesr. dangerous maladies One Lozenge alone gives ease, oue or two at bedtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty t breathing they are invaluable. ' They con tain iv? opi#m n.or any violent drug. Sold by all Cheun'sts,'in tJB.s ? Is VA and 2s 9.d.



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, etc—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official reports that accom pany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor University, fJriefswnld, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract pfflyed magnificently suc cessful in very severe contusions, bruises, sprains, wounds, scaldings, broken ribs, and lnnljs. (" Medical Journal," Nov., 1881). In diseases ol the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (urcemai) or albumi, nuria, dropsy, Hthargy, nothing will equal in its action Eucalypti Extract, Poses five to six drops. Moslei-, M.D., Professor, University, Grief swald, reports s—Diphthe ria. Tonsils «wtinually coherent presenting ulcers with white escinuinte, Cured m four teen daya. Surgical Clink of Ypot, M'lntyrc, College of I'Uysiciaws and feupgeons, bt, Louis—Scirriiuß of Pwast-Excisipn fcaca lypti Extract onploye*, $o swelling, heat, or discoloration. Qms l» fourt«S» d&ys.



Wnnteu | CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Vftat this Offi™ __. ALL Temperance Workers are re quested to attend the Wesleyan Chijrch To-morrow, at 8 p.m. Important Business. 4 71 WANTED fco~sell7 300 acres good turnips. Apply Thomas Lang ley, Dromore. * 4t59 "Tit J ANTKD~Known.-^MRS J. BuoiT VV anan has opened ns Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. ARTKD Known—That Andrew Orr is offering 80 Ladies Sealelte Jackets, newest styles, at moderate prices. 4^53 AISTED Known.—lt you want srood value for your money go to Melford House. Cheapest first-class Dnipery in town.—H. C. Seoers, Melford House. /"POOLING and invigorating Ie« Cream KJ as made by H. G. Flower, Con eetioner, East Street. WANTED"Kn^wn~^Mßs~jT^ucH anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coflfee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Go's, East Street. FUST opened a choice lot of Ladies l) Plush Jackets, newest shapes. Also a new lot of Ladies' Pelerines and Bois. —H. C. Segeus, Melford House. ANTED Known—That Andrew Orb is appointed agent for the cele brated Standard Boots. Every pair guaranteed. 4*54 U ANTED Known—Some special lines in choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." ANTED Known — That Andrew Orr is offering at a sreat reduction 250 pairs of best Kaiapoi and Roslyn Blankets, contracted for when wool was at its lowest price. 4§52 TV. TANTF!D Known.— u'e are now VV opening all our new Winter Goods in Drapery, Millinery, Clothincr, Boots, &c, —fl. C. Segers, Melford Houso. WANTED every man in the County to have a suit of the Ashbuvton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Blunder's Buildings. ANTED Known—The "Strong^ wear " Boot is the best for Mens •jadies and Children. —W. H. Collier. /~1 LASS, Earthenware, and China, \JT direct from the Manufacturers. Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. HANDSOME Presents given away . in June. Now giving tickets to every purchaser of 5s and upwards of Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, i Boots, etc. —H. O. Seoers, Melford House. /OHhJAP SAXE"of~Surplus Stock will \ J be continued for this .month only. Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Music, etc., at Wholesale Prices to effect a clear ance. Subscribers wanted for monthly parts of Leisure Hour, Quiver, Gar dener's Magazine, American Agriculturist, English Mechanic, and others.—L. F. Andrewes & Co.



Public Kotioes. MoNJUy TO ijl^iNiU TiiTONET to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE. HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of £100 TOJBSOOO For further particulars apply to the **ostma»ter, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. ~" FOB "SALE. *OYE CORN, CAPE BARLEY, TARES, RAPE. This is the time for sowing. WANTED TO PURCHASE— Last Season's Ht avy Canadian OATS. JOHN G. RESTELL. Q hi & S "> g! n C^ 2 D I H 0 M L_ZD B i I** ■ </) h 1 LJ O I I IV » WiTIITEET» JWHOdT 'fCtITH CHRIS rCHCROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets S. M TEIi AND Co SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin »nJ Westport fTTE have gained the FIRST AWARD VV "" the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that v:e guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the a«st moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Complete Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Tempoiarily al mosfc immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra fee or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE orAS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe^ Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s 6d. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost AUTUMN, 1891. LATEST NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS 3STOW OIT VIEW AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. THVERYTHING new. New Shirto, IU New Underclothing, New Scarfs and Bows, New Hats, New Suits for Men, New Suits for Boys. Everything new and of the LATEST FASHIONS. New Tweeds and Coatings for Measure Suits to hand. Inspection Respectfully Solicited. j NEW ZEALAND | CLOTHING FACTORY. W H. WEBBER, Manager