The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1891. CURRENT TOPICS.

The intwstacy of Mr Parnell will have placed the Irish National Party id a dilemma. The funds of the party, much of which was raised for the pur pose of assisting the evicted tenants, were deposited m Paris banks, so as to be beyond the reach of the " Saxon oppressor." Mr Parnell had the sole control of the whole of the funds, and refused to surrender them when he was deposed from the leader ship of the Irish party. No lei gaily recognisable trust was consti tuted m which, or m Mr Parnell as trustee, the funds were vested, and it is difficult to see how any man or body of men can piove that they have any interest m the money. It has been asserted that under the French law the money, being that of an alien who died intestate, wilt revert to the' French Government. This, if the case, will] put fche Nationalists man even worse case than if, as was at first feared, the money had passed to Mrs Pumoll (nee O'Shea), along with the whole :of the 4eefiased leader's estate. Torms might have been made with the widow, but tfoew are wmous international difficul ties m ihe vvaf of handing over such a fand to a party many.of whom are m scarcely veiled hostility t<# # friendly power.

'i'he Irish question, tfee Jststeiu

question, the Egyptian question, the 1, Sydney eight hours question, and al-, most every other question will drop into the background for the next three weeks, and the Shows and the Races will be the current topics. Farmers and many of those who depend upon ! them for business are light of pocket tins year, but the magnificent promise of spring has made them also light of heart, and they will take their pleasure »t this season no more sadly than their British descent makes inevitable. In every district m Canterbury "the Show " is the event of the year, and long may it be so. The Ashburton Show has this year escaped the compe tition of North Canterbury, and pre parations are being made for the recep tion of a large influx of visitors, fore most among whom will be His Ex cellency the Governor, who will have an opportunity of seeing what manner of horses and sheep and men we have on the Plains. The next week sport ing men's thoughts will be m faiwif ay Melbourne, and the succeeding week will see at Christchurch the climax of the show season, and the great national , racing festival of New Zealand. Poli tics during this period will be at a ' discount.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Hon John MeKenzie, Minister of Land?, addressed his constituents at Palmerston last night. We are compelled to hold over our report of his speech. Offers to make assessments m the Ashbur ton district under the Land and Income Assessment Act, by the following getttbmen, have been approved:—-Charles Braddell, Charles E. Fooks, Alfred A. Fooks, John Diivison, William Simpson. An excellent rehearsal of "Caste" took pkie last nighi m the Oddfellows' Hall. The amateurs who have the comedy m hand have their whole heart m the work, and visitors to the Ashburton Show on October 30 have a grand treat m store for them, which, however, will have been tasted by the townspeople on the opening night, October 20. Members'of the local division, Sons of Temperance, are reminded m our advertising columiw that the regular monthly meeting will be held on Monday next. It is expected that several candidates will be presented for initiation, and, among other matters of interest, tie report of the Anniversary Committee will be received and discussed. ' Mrs M. A. Longhurst, of the Church of Scotland's Zenana Mission, m Midra.?, and Superintendent of the Church of Scotland's Ladies' Association for Foreign Missions, is now on a visic to New Zealand m the interests of the institutions with which she is connected. We have received some interesting particulars regarding the work of these missions among the women of India, and will give extracts on a later date. Hugo's Minstrels played on Thursday evening to a crowded house. There was an almost complete change of programme, ami every item was loudly applauded. The duet by Miss Tessie Cleveland and Mr Hay ward, "Excelsior," was perhaps the best item of the evening, but the main features of the pr jgramme Were, of course, the clever imper sonations of Miss Priscilla Verne and the laughable eccentricities of Mr Hugo. The singing of Miss Rosy Andrew, and the dancing of Messrs Magee and Vincent were as good as ever. In the Diocesan Synod at Christchurch on Friday Mr W. I). Meares asked the Rev. B. R>- Otway, through the President, to name the Banks and public institutions whose clerks went back to their offices on Sundays to make up work when they wished to get an evening to themselves. The reply given by Mr Otway was, that the debate being closed, and feeling no good purpose could be served, he declined to answer the question. Mr Meares moved the adjoiument of the Synod, and said the charge made by Mr Otway cast a grave slur upou th 3 mer cantile community. The charges should either be withdrawn or substantiated. Mr Meares having expressed his opinions on the matter, then withdrew his motion. The Welsh newspapers report a remark able event at the village of Llanon, Cardigan shire, where the Rev William Herbert, late rector of the parish, entertained 500 of his .parishioners to tea m commemoration of the restoration of his eyes m his ninety-fifth year. The reverend gentleman is the oldest clergy nvui m the Principality, and had held the living of Llanon for half a century. Six years ago, however, he lost his sight, and resigned the rectorship m consequence. During the last few months he has been under the treatniient of an oculist, and the cataracts being removed from his eyes, his sight has been completely restored, arid lie is now able to read the service m church. " Years ago," writes Mr James Payn, "I knew a gentleman who settled m the South, and l>ecame so popular m his neighborhood that even the ' county families' condescended to visit him. They could never discover how he made his money, but were satisfied by hie solemn assurance that it was not m trade. Nothing could exceed the ordinary gravity of his demeanour, which, indeed caused him to be placed on the Commission of Peace; but now and then, without any apparent provocation, he would burst into such a laugh as no one ever before heard except m one place. Where they could have heard it puzzled the county families for five and twenty years; but at last he was betrayed unconsciously by his own grand child, who, after a visit to a travelling circus, innocently exclaimed,' Why, grandpa laughs like the clown !'" The hotelkeepers of Dover complain loudly of the disturbance created afc untimely hours by the pipers of a Highland regiment at present garrisoned m the town. Not that mine host objects to the pipes, far leso to the stalwart pipers. But it appears to be a custom m this regiment when quartered at the seaside to send several squads of men to the beach for bathing purposes at about half-past five m the morning, accompanied by the pipers, who play the men down to the shore. , The notel-keepers receive complaints from tjieir guests at being disturbed every morning m such a fashion, but it appears that these Caledonians have an invincible repugnance to march to the beach unless with musical accompaniments. But this is not all. The pipers play all the way back, and sleepers who have successfully passed the first ordeal are pretty sura to succumb to the second. As no fewer than ten pipers march at the head of the men, the volume of sound emitted by suuh a formidable orchestra is no small one. It is not surprising, therefore, tuai the hotelkeepers and visitors should cry aloud against this novelty, and ask to be de livered from bagpipe music until after seven or eight m the morniug. We clip the following important testhno itial from the " Illawarra Mercury" (N.S. W. of the 30th March. It needs no comment :— " Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountains writes to us that after suffering for fotfr years with a'jute gravel, he has experieucedUlmost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Eucalyptic Extract, ftf says :—" Seeing the said Extract advertj^Stt'"in the ' Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him fco obtain a bottle of tlie medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once, He states that between 10th March inst,, when he obtained the fits* bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writes also that lie has found the Eucalypti Xx tract * cure fop rheumatism s well as gravel: He requests us to publish this information through the' Mercury,' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, -whose word qaimot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than ft pnre desire to benefit suffering humanity. "—(Advt,) 2 I Teas free from any excess of fistringency 1 South British Tea Company's pure blends All .-tore eepers On the benefits of irrigation the farmers of Ashburton are not agreed—but all their ] wives agree that "Warburton's Can't Be Beat ■ 1 faking Powder " is the best m town—Fast. ' J -Adyt, I

The transaction m wheat referred to yes': rJay should have re id as the purchase of 2000 bushels, by a merchant m the town —not Messrs Friedknder Bros—at 4s 9d, free of storage—equal to 4s lOid [m store. At 0-nnaru races, yesterday. Fabler, by Johnny Faulkner—Fable, carrying 10it, won the Selling Race, m the good time of 51secs. Mr Bflen George's petition against Mr Sandfoi-d's election for the Cliristchurch seat w, 8 filed to-day. Mr Garrick accepted service on behalf of the reburning officer. The annual meeting of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company was held yesterday. Ihe recommendation of the directors to pay eig^ht j per cent, dividend was adopted. the chairman, Mr G. H. Black well, said that the year's operations had been more successful 'than those of any previous year. This was , owing to the policy initiated two years ago of reducing the stock m hand, and not manufacturing too far m advance of orders, and also to the efficient management of Mr Cullen, whom the Directors have re-engaged for a further term. Mr Blakewell was re elected Chairman of Directors. On Tuesday evening the golden wedding of Mr and Mrs Wetter Lawry, the parents of the Rev S. Lawryjiiniinistet of tlieAshbiir ton Wesleyan Church, wasi celebrated at Springson. The township was en fete for the occasion. At two o'clock the guests, to the number of ov^er one hundred, assembled m the chapel to witness the ceremony of the baptism of Ihe two youngest of Mr Lawry's grandchildren. The officiating clergymen were the Rev F. JDewsbury, President of the Conference; Rev T. G. Hammond, Maori Missionary; and the Rev S. J. Garlick. After the baptismal ceremony the guests partook of luncheon, and congratulatory speeches were made by a number of those present. Mr Dawson, on behalf of those present, handed a purse of sovereigns to Mr and Mrs Lawry. Mr Lawry haying replied to the speeches which had been mide, hearty cheers were given, and the remainder of the day was spent m a social manner. A most enjoyable concert was given at the Elgin school room last evening, m aid of the prize fund. The Orchestral Society took out a strong party under the direction of Mr Horace Gates, aud with the assistance of several Elgin musicians, rendered an excel lent programme of music. TJie concert com menced with an overture by the orchestra, then followed song, Mr Bateman; song, Mrs Flower ; violin solo, Miss Simmouds ; song, Mr Hunnibell ; song, Miss Barratt; reading, Mr Grant ; song, Mr Fooks; reading, Mr Clemens ; overture, orchestra ; song, Mrs Flower; violin solo, Mr Batemau ; reading, Mr Grant; euphonium solo, Mr Marsden ; song, Miss Birratt; violin solo, Mr Wood; song, Mr H, A. Gates; sdng, jvlr Fooks, The rendering of the chief items drew forth loud and hearty applause and several of the numbers had to be repeated. The chairman of the school committee, Mr Hoatten, presided, and at the close of the concert warmly eulogised the perforuierß,and moveda hearty vote of thanks to themfortheir kindness m affording the Elgin residents so rich a musical treat. The visitors were then hospitably entertained, and after the room had been cleared dancing was indulged for several hours. In the Christchurch Hospital there is a patient who has successfully undergone the operation known as gastrostomy. He is John Faulkner, a labouring man, fifty three years of age. For the last two years he has suffered from stricture of the lesopha gus, and lately this became so bad that his gullet wa3 completely closed. He could swallow nothing, and was literally dying of starvation. A few weeks ago lie was ?ent from South Canterbury -to the Hos pital here, where, the operation was per formed by Dr Stewart. About a week ago, an incision was made m the abdomen, a little to the left of the centre, and the stomach was "picked up," and fastened to the obdonien with suturps. On Tuesday last, the stomach was punctured at the incision, so as to. admit an india-rubber tube about as tliicV. as a lead pencil. Through this tube, nutriment, m the form o( milk, hsef-.tea and port wine, has been introduced directly into the stomach. The results, so far, have been satisfactory. The patient, who had wasted away terribly, has begun to put on flesh and recover strength. He is cheerful and confident, and hopes to be able to feed himself, m the fashion above described, ere long.—" LytteltOH Times." Euly yesterday morning a fire occurred at Anam'a Station m a detached building about fifteen yards apart from the main residence. Only a young lad was sleeping m the place, and it took him ail he could do to get out of the burning building with enough clothes to cover him. He immediately alarmed the household, and Messrs Frank and John Peter, with two gentlemen visitors and the men belonging to the homestead, at once set to work to save Anama House. Fortunately the well held out, and by persistent applica tion of buckets of water to the roof, and those parts nearest to the sceue of the fire, the house was saved. But the outbuilding was totally destroyed. Iv the building burned were all the bocks containing the records of the station business, one of the rooms hav ing been used asauoffice by the late Mr Peter. In it also were all the policies of insur ance on the property, several valuable pieces of plate and old china, and other articles of value. In consequence of the destruction of the policies it is impossible to state at this moment the amount of damage. The house itself had a narrow escape, as the windows of the house next to tho fire were all broken by the intense heat. The;ladies of the house behaved very nobly m giving aid to extinguish the fire, which was mastered only after a couple of hours' hard woik.

GENERAL BOOTH.

[per press association.]

Auckland, October 22. General Booth held a conversational meeting with a large representative gathering of business men this moraine. He was interrogated closely regarding his over-sea scheme, especially as applicable to New Zealand. He .stated that he had offers of land here, but he had not yet seen it. He thought the land should be given fret of cost for such a scheme as that proposed. His idea was to send out fifty men, experienced m" colonial farming to prepare the. land, cutting bush, and planting and draft others m batches of abiut a hundred as circumstances war ranted, making the colony reproductive m b»th agriculture and manufactures at a very early date. He recognised that it would cost a good deal for passages, and for the inaintAinence of the first immi grants, but he reckoned that under his management it could be made com paratively small. Replying to a question General Booth said the Army funds were held under a trust by himself and his successors, but he had not power to spend a shilling without the authority of the accountant and officers of the Army. In the course of the proceedings Mr W. Atken offered General Booth 2500 acres at Northern Wairoa to make a start. A committee of three members was ap pointed to supply General Booth with in formation as bo the land available here, and as to other particulars. Afc a sub sequent ineebing pastor Birch gave £25 to wards General Booth's scheme, and two' other donations of a like amonut were also acknowledged. General Booth left for Wrlljngton via New Plymouth by the Gairloch at 1 p.m.. and he gave a fa^rwell address from the steamer. New Plymouth. October 23. General tfooth arrived by steamer this morning, from Auckland, and left by ex press train for Wellington. He was received at the railway station by the mayor, and about two hundred people. Genera] Booth sajd he hoped fes live to see his social reforms carried out. Large crowds assembled to meet General Booth at Feeding and Wellington railway saatjona.

True economy To purehaso Countess eea for two shillings. Free from any ex" Tess of aatringency Ask for Ninian Hyhlop, and Co Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and, Indian Teas. Special prices,—-(Advfc,)

THE FORTIETH MAN.

In view of the unprecedented cutting i anfl carving performed by the Repre sentation Commissioners m the work o? re-dividing the colony into electoral districts, the first result of 'which is to reduce the nunfber of members for this Island from forty to thirty-nine, the; question as to " who is the fortieth man V will naturally form" the subject of considerable speculation. "" It is iiot a case of "odd man out" m this instance, but rather one of " even" man out, and m making search for '•number forty," which is the dis appearing number, it is not quite so c isy as it might appear at the outset to spot the man. As a preliminary to 'that interesting inquiry, let us first see I which of the old electorates are retained by name, and with the least modification of boundaries. These, then, are twenty-four m number (Including Waimea-Sounds, which takes the place of Waimea-Picton), viz:-- Avon, Wairau, Taieri, Oatnaru, Waka tipu, Dunedin, Grey, Timaru, JSTslson, Invercargill, Clutha, Wallace, Ashley, Waimea - Sounds, Kaiapoi, Buller, Ghristchurch, Inangahua, Mataura, Selwyn, Westland, Bruce, Tuapeka and Awariia. It may, therefore, be assumed that so many of the members who now sit for those Constituencies as stand fot re-election to the House will again be candidates for the same scabs, and thus the "fortieth man" will not be found among the following; viz : — Messrs Blake, Buick, Carncross, Duncan, Fergus, Fish, W, Hutchison, Pinkerton, Guinness, Hall-Jones, Harkness, J. Kelly, T, Mackenzie, J. Mackintosh, Meredith, 0." H. Mills, Moore, O'Conor, W. P. Reeves, Sand-' ford, Taylor, R. H. Reeves, Richard son, Saunders, Seddon, J. W. Thomson, Valentine, Ward. This narrows the field of enquiry to eleven seats and twelve members. The eleven seats (under their new names) are Lyttelton, Pareora, Waitaki, Waihemo, Rangi tata, Rakaia, Riecarton, Dunedin North, Waikouaiti, Ellesmere, and Caversham, and the twelve members who have to play " even man out " are Messrs Joyce, Rhodes, Steward, J. -M'Kenzie, fright, Hall Tanner, Earnshaw, J. Mills, Rolleston, Daw son, and Scobie Mackenzie, We should imagine that it may be taken very much for granted that of these Mr Joyce will run for Lyttelton, Mr Rhodes for Pareora, Major Steward for Waitaki> the Hon Mr M'Kenzie for Waihemo, Mr Earnshaw,. for Dunedin North, and Mr J. Mills for Waikouaiti. There remain five seats, viz.,—four m Canterbury, and one m Otago; and aix members, viz.,--—four Canterbury and two Otago men. For Raugitata, Rakaia, , Ellesmere, and Riecarton there are Mr Wright, Sir John Hall, Hon Mr Rolleston, and Mr Tanner ; and it would not be surprising to find them candidates for these constituen cies m the order mentibred. Should that be the case, the ■ thirty-ninth seat will be that of Caversham, and the fortieth man must be either Mr Daw son or Mr Scobie M'Kenzie—always, however, subject to the contingency that either, or both of these gentlemen* may elect to stand for a seat now held by some other member, m which case the name to be set opposite the " fatal number" cannot, of course, be pre dicated. Failing that contingency, however, it-would appear that either the present member for Dunedin Suburbs, or the present member for Mount Ida will be left out m the cold.

THE PREMIER.

The Hon John Ballance went through to Chriatchurch by the express last night. At the Ashburton platform he was received by Major Steward, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who at the request of the Political Association, introduced to him Mr I. W. Sawle, Mr R. Alcorn, Mr W. Leg«et, Mr J. Keir, Mr T. M> Jones, Mr H. M. Jones, and Mr G. M'Rae. Mr Blakeley, th-3 Mayor of Kaiapoi, was also introduced to the Premier. Mr Keir. as representing the Ashbur ton Political Association, asked Mr Ballance if he could see his way to jjive < an address m Ashburton before returning to Wellington. / The Premier said he was anxious to get back to Wellington as soon as possible as there was great pressure on his time, and he had much to do. He was not then m a position to say whether or not he could comply with their request; but if time allowed him he would be happy to ad dress the Ashburton peop'e. Major Steward suggested that Mr Ballapce might break his journey when coming north next week, after his pro jected visib to Timaru on Tuesday next, and address the Ashburton people on Thursday or Fiiday. The Premier repeated that there was great pressure on his time, and he really could not just then say whether he could speak here or not, but if he could spare the time he certainly Would, and if he had time ahd could come to Ash burton to speak he would telegraph to Major Steward and let him know. Mr Ballance then made a kindly remark to Mr fe'awle, the defeated candidate'in last election for Ashburton. - Mr Leggett—We will puts him m nexb time. Major Steward—You at anyrate are among the prophets if Mr Sawle is not. (Laughter.) , Mr Keir said this was the centre, of a great farming community and many of the farmers thought the proposals of the present Government were against the fanners interests. Mr Ballance said there certainly had 'been a cry raised of town versus country, but there was no justification for such a cry and he thought if the farmers studied the Government's pro posals they would find that to be tho case. The great aim of the Government indeed had been to relieve the farmers of taxation on their improvements. Mr Alcorn said it was a great boon to the country to have the incidence of taxation altered m the direction id which the Government had altered it. (Hear, hear.) Mr Ballance thanked the gentlemen present for meeting him and said that ho would have much pleasure m meeting the people of ; ABht?ur.ton, and would arrange to do so if he found he could; at all spare the time. The whole interview lasted less than five minutes, and the whistle of tli *rain brought it to a close. ;

The Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nfcarly all the diseases to which we are subjects Nqrtqn!s Pills, witli justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic arid genfcle perient, are mild m their operation, and' safe ijndkv any circumstances. Sold m bottles, ai Is j|d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world,

Flemington Presbyterian Church.

The annual tea meeting m connection wilh Flemington Presbyterian Church was held on '»ue*day evening, and was most successful. The tables were given by Mrs Win. Anderson, assisted by Misses h. Anderson, and M. McKeage ; Mrs Kidd, assisted by Misses R. Ander son, and M, Dawson ; Mrs S. Anderson, assisted by Misses Bella Anderson, A. Stuart, and A.J. Henderson ; theßaehe lois' Table by Mrs T.iylor, assisted by Misses M. Taylor, Lusk, and Crossan. The tables wore spread m the usual at tractive and tasteful way, aud after a bounteous repatt. the large company gathered m the church. By careful pack ing some two hundred and fifty persons, old and young, w«sre accommodated with seats. There were friends present from Lowclifte, Longbeach, and Tinwald,, as well as from greater distances. : I The chair was taken by the Rev A. Blake who, m his opening remarks, re ferred fo a leading feature of the Church of to-day as tending to benevolence. He explained the absence of Rev Mr Farley, and also of the Rev W. West, of South bridge, who was detained by ill health. The Rev A. B. Todd, of Geraldine, spoke on some of the marks of a living church. Thsse were working, praying, growing, and; giving* Each of these we**e illustrated and enforced m an interesting and agreeable way, , L The Rev'J.'M. Simpson, of Sydenham, was desirous of greeting the friends m that congregation with a true JBritish cheer. He,went on to speak of character, and the years that go make it up. Courage and cheerfulness were elements that should be cultivated. His occasional outbursts of humor caused considerable amusement. The Rev J. H. Gray, Wesleyan minis ter at Willowby, spoke of the sodial element of our nature, as provided for m a gathering of the kind, and addressed himself for the most part to the young men. There were refining and eleva ing influences m the company of Christian women. He expressed his earnest desire for the continued prosperity of the con gregation. Rev W. Grigg, of Waikari (Bible Christian), had much pleasure m being present, and had had oscasion : m his acquaintance with < the Presbyterian Church to remark its solidity as con trasted witli the superficiality of some. Ho arranged his remarks under the heads of thought, ppoech, and action. Ten o'clock, the usual hour for con cluding the programme having arrived, Rev A. M. Bea'tie considerately held over- his'speech, and moved a vote of thanks to fciie choir, passing a high en^ comiiun on the results of Mr Dunn's labours as leader. To this was added a recognition of jMiss Dunn, of Lincoln, as having presided at the harmonium during the evening. The harmony m the various pieces sung had' been well maintained. The other usual votes of thanks were also passed. Mr W. Prebble (treasurer) announced that the proceeds of the meeting were something over £32. ; Mr lieattie then pronounced (he bene diction ; aud a most pleasing and suc cessful meeting closed.

Customs Revenue.

, Wellington, October 22. The Customs revenue collected m the colony for the quarter ended September 30, was £436,9(50. Auckland contributed £103,612, Wellington £89,858, Lybtekon £68,454. Dunedin 1*100,984. For corre sponding quarter of 1890 the amount. was £402,114, which included £15,071 \ prim age duty, ■ .'■ ■,

The Gold Returns.

Wellington, October 22. The quantity, and value of gold entered for export from the colony during the quarter ended September 30,. was as fol lows ;—Auckland- 7689055, valued at £30,865 ; Mavlboroug'h 50380z, valued at £20,146; Nelson 15720z, valued ab £5806 j West Coast 20,7040z, valued at £102,777; Otago 22;8600z, valued at £82,417; unknown 13oz, £57. Total 62,8670z, valued at £252,242.

THE MARKETS.

(pee press association.)

London, October 22. The visible'supply-erf wheat iv America is estimated at 41,900,000 bushels.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency 'Company, Limited, have received the following cable message dated London, October 20:— r Wheat. —Market is steady with a good demand. Enquiries are being made for new crop-. Spot quotations have advanced 6d per 4961bs since lasb report, but other quotations are unchanged.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending October 23:—Whkat. —But few samples of any magnitude have come under our notice, and prices, m accord with London cables, remain firm. Oats' continue dull of sale. Barley.—A fair enquiry for prime malting exists. Potatoes.—The recent rise m Sydney has caused a slight sensation here, as values there represent a good return to those fortunate shippers who secured space, ais m the ordinary coursje of events there will be no freight available for some time to come. It is thus difficult to predict at this late period what values may rule at from day to day. Dairy Produce.— No particu lar change can be noted. Our Taranaki friends will not. find it necessary to invade this market next season, as we understand all their output is fixed for London. Quota tions are as follows :-^Wheat.— Tuscan-4s 9d to 4s lOd, Pearl 4s 7d to 4s Bd, Hunter's 4s 6il. Oats.—Milling Is lOd, stout feed Is Sd to Is 9d, inferior Is 6d to Is 7d. Barley.—Malting, 3s, second quality 2s 6d, feed Is 9d to 2s 3d. Peas.^-Blfte boilers 3s, other sorts 2s 6d to 2s Bd. Beans 2s 8d to 2slod. Potatoes nominal. Dairy Produce. —Butter 6d to 6&d, cheese 4d to 4£d. The above quotations are those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton; sacks extra.

Ashburton Market.

MESSRS FRIEDLANDKS BUOS, Messrs Priedlander Bros, report upon the live stock market for the week ending October 23: —The entries at the Ashburton Yards on Tuesday last consisted of about 6000 sheep, and there was a very good attendance. Biddings, however, were not very brisk, and several lots had to be with drawn, as owners' reserves were not reached.: Among other entries of sheep there Was a line of well-grown shorn crossbred hoggets, which caused spirited bidding up to 9s Bd, at which price they were withdrawn, but afterwards found a purchaser at 9s lOdeach. In fat sheep merino wethers sold at from 10s 5d to 12s ; and good crossbred ewes, 13s 6d ; while four and six tooth crossbred sheep sold at from 15s 6d to 16s 9d ; and a few pet sheep sold at 22s 6d ; crossbred hoggets, m the wool from 10a 3d to lls 6d ; and cross bred ewes and lambs sold at from 14s 3d to 16s lid, according to condition and percent age of lambs; merino store wethers, m forward condition, from 8s to 9s Id.

MESSRS MILES AND CO.

Messrs Miles and Co. (per Mr; George Jameson) report Ashburton County Sale yard, Tuesday, October 20 :—The entry com prised between 5000 and 600Q sheep, with a moderate yarding of cattle. The attendance was about the average, but, although the country everywhere abounds with grass and sheep are wanted, buyers are chary, and biddings are slow. Our entry comprised g§oo sheep, and of thosq we sold HOQ; the

balance not reaching owners' values were i withdrawn. Our sales were as follows: — Fat crossbred ewes, 16a 6d ; merino wethers, i 9s 4d, lOs sd, to 12s; two-tooth crossbreds, 14s 9d to 16s M ; crossbred ewes with lambs i at foot, 16s 3d ; merino ewes with lambs at -foot, 7s 4d to 8s 5d ; crossbred hoggets, 10s 3d, lla 3d, to 133 9,1; fat merino ewes, 11s. 1 fat cow, £6 2s 6-i; 5 store steers, 30s. Privately—72 yearling cattle, 32s 6d; ZA heifers, 47s 6u ; 429 crossbred hoggets at owners' reserve. On Saturday, October J7, we offered at the Orange Jlall, Ashburton, 4237 acres of the. well-known Anuma EsUte m twenty - eight lots ranging m area, from 22 to 339 acres. There waa a large attendance at the sale, but we succeeded m selling four lots only :.A~676 acres at from £6 to £7 per acre, Mr Meredith Wilson, of Wakanui, being the largest buyer of 584 acres. The land offered is all of first class quality, and very suitable for all-round farming. Considerable interest had been evinced m the sale previous to its coming off', an.l it caused some surprise that more farms were not sold. There are, how ever, several inquiries from practical farmers, and we expect ere long to report private sales. In addition to the Auama land we offered and sold 60 acres of bush land at Alford forest at an aveiagc of .Co 10s per acre; also 20 acres of land near the Tinwald Saleyards at £235.

MR D. THOMAS.

Mr D. Thomas reports on the liVe tetdck market for the week ending Tuesdiy, October 20 :~The usual weekly stock' sale was held at the Ashburton Yards wh^re a very busy scene presented itfeelf as all the pens were full, and the attendance was very good, but the bidding was not nearly ;so spirited as at the previous . week's sale, excepting for a few lines including one grand line of shorn hoggets, which werej^iiite the feature of the market, and were the best line that has been through the yards for some time. I was unable to sell them:by public auction ':,, but placed them privately after the f sale at a veryljatisfactory price. The total entries of stock yarded were 5482 sheep, and 17 cattle, of which my entry comprised 2924 sheep and; 9 head of cattle,. I sold all except a few lines, and the following prices are my Quotations-:'—9;fat crossbreds 15s 9d, 3 faberoasbreds 22s 6d, 20 fat merino ewes 10s 3d, 141'crossbred ewes and lambs 14s 7d, 2 fat hoggets at 16s 9d, 9 rails at 8s 6J, 75 four, six, and eight-tooth crossbred ewes and lambs 16s lid, 51 merino ewes and lambs lls, 69 crossbred ewes and lambs 14s 4d, 1125. crossbred shorn hoggets at 9s lid, 214 crossbred hoggets lls 9d, 101 crossbred ewes and lambs 14s 3d, 242 two-tooths a.ul hoggets 12s 2d. In cattle I sold ithe following lines:—l springer £2 2a 6d, 1 springer at £2 17s 6d, 1 do. at £1 175:6d s 4 store cattle at £1 13s 6d, and 1 cow iv milk £3 ssi

The Theft of the Mace.

The following'details of the robbery of the mace of the Victorian Patlia meut', are given by the Melbourne correspondent" of the "Otas*o E>ily Times ": —-Considerable sensation has been caused by ths theft of the Speaker's' mace'from Parliament House, Melbourne The whole affair is wrapped m mystery, and the only matter for satis faction ju connection with it is that the massive "bauble," which was currently believed to be of solid gold and worth nearly £300, is mostly of silver and gilfc, the inbrim&ic value ot which is something like £50. The Legislative Assembly bad a late sitting o_, Thursday night last, and whoa the House rose about 1 o'clock on Friday morning the nince was put m its usual resting plnce m the Speaker's ante room. About 2 o'clock m the afternoon of Friday ifc was discovered that the box had been broken open and the mace stolen, Mr George Upward, the sergeant at-arms, and Mr T. (i, Watson, assistant clerk, slept at Parliament House on the night of the robbery m the storey? above the ante-room. Both thes^-gentlemen state that they were disturbed by a noise s'»j:i3 time ">ofo:-c d^y'u'e.A, !hl there is no reason to'doubt that this was caused by the thieves. No alarm wa:s cafised, and when the charwoman came to ivork 'at 7 m the morning she found nothing m the Speaker's rooms disturbed except that she noticed that (he catch of the dining room-window .was not closed. It> was not until'after 1 o'clock m the after noon., however, that the Speaker's attendant. Frederick Davis, noticed marks on the box holding the mace, which was apparently closed as usual, and lib was thus that the .-.•first news of the ropbeiy became known. It is evident that the robbery wa» not the work of an ordinary burglar. An ordinary burglar would certainly not have overlooked the more valuable silver plate m the cupboards. He would have cleared out the room. But the man who stole the mace knew that the House would not nieet again until Tuesday, and hoped to delay, the discovery till then. And from the variety and extent of his other knowledge, he must of known where the plate was kept. Consequently the whole enter prise was directed against the mace, and against the mace alone. Possibly, there fore, it has been taken for the sake of the reward. No doubt a very handsome reward would have been offered h.;d it not been fchat an old mace was iv store with which the House could be opened yesterday, and the business of the country thus proceeded with. The sum offered so far is £100, which has not been sufficient to tempt the thief.

Spurious Unemployed.

A good deal of surprise has been ex pressed (the " Post" says) at the large number of Southern unemployed who have availed themselves of the assistance of the Government labor bureau to obtain work m the .North Island, and especially m the Wellington-Taranaki district. A. gentleman who is ia a position to know, although not officially connected with the Government, has furnished us with .some information Which affords an explanation, and gors to prove that the services of thjs I bureau arid the facilities for transit it ; affords are being taken advantage of m a manner never contemplated, and one which is really an abuse of the benefits intended for the actually unemployed. It is stated that a large number of suull farmers, and the sons of small farmers, m the Middle Island have sought through the bureau for employment m. the North, their real object being to spy out the land. The bureau finds work for them, and conveys them to il, nnd'by a little judicious manoeuvring they mai{ age to get sent from place to place, earri ins; fair wages, and becoming acquainted with the country, with a view to' the future acquisition of land and settlement on it when they find what will suit them. After a pleasant trip they return South, either to resume their former avocatiuiis, or to prepare for a permanent move to the North. If this kind of use is made of the bureau, it is exceedingly wrong that it should be permitted. Free passages should only be granted to those who are really m want of work and cannot obtain it where they are. *

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN,

(PER PKEBH ASSOCIATION.)

GOLD IN AFRICA.

London, October 22. It is reported that-payable alluvial gold has been discovered at Fort Salis bury, South Africa. [lARBOII BOARD BONDS. On the default of the O*rnaru Har- 1 ber Board being announced, "VVanga nui Harbor Board stock fell B|. per cent. LARON HIRSCH.'S SCHEME. Under Baron Hirsch's scheme every Jewish family settled m the Argentine Republic will be alloted 150 acres of land and one year's provisions; the second year they are to support them selves, and m the third year will have to pay a small rent. IRISH AFFAIRS. Mr John Redmond, M.P., has been elected leader of the party led by Mr Parnejl. SIR W. VERNON HARCOURT. Sir W. Vernon Harcourt has lost the sight of one cv«, and the other is I likely to become affected. DR MOORHOUSE ON SECU LARISM. Dr Moorhouse, speaking at the Diocesan "Conference, said he would ! rather that children should be meinbjbrs 1 of the mo^t fanatical and superstitious body thaii secularists. MR PARNELL'S HEIRS. Mr Parnell died intestate through neglect to renuw after .marriage bequests previously made to Mi's O'Sliea. 1 SERIOUS CHARGES OP FRAUD, The Rev Dr Ciutterbuck has been

arrraigned on a charge of obtaining £1600 from a lady by means of false pretences. , It is alleged accused told the lady that Government were issuing a ten per cent, loan, and that he would invest the money for her. It came out m evidence that accused obtained the money while administering the sacrament to the lady when she was on the eve of undergoing a dangerous operation. Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was a witness m the case. Accused was remanded. THE SUNDAY QUESTION. In the course of a sermon Dr Moor house said he saw no objection to cycling on Sundays, and expressed the opinion that the opening of Art | Galleries and Museums to the public on Sundays would do positive good. NEW ZEALAND PROGRESS. Mr P. W. Clayden, writing m the " Daily News, remarks that the pro gress made by New Zealand under Mr Ballancc's administration should en courage Radicals m England to pursue a similar policy. LABOR QUESTIONS. Mr John Burns, m a letter to the " Daily Telegraph," referring to" the defeatof Sir Henry Parkos' Government m New South Wales, says it emphasises tho determination of workers as a class to use the State for their own interests, and that it is certain to exercise a healthy influence on the treatment of the eight hours question by English statesmen. ■ PERILS OF GLADSTONIANISai. Mr J. Chamberlain, M.P. for Bir mingham, speaking at Sunderland, de clared that if Mr Gladstone should be victorious at the general elections England would' become involved m foreign complications, and Ireland would relapse into a-state of anarchy. In the course of his speech at Sunder land Mr expressed the opinion that the Tories would not be defeated at the coming general elec tion. Referring to the programme shadowed forth by Mr Gladstone at the meeting of the National Liberal Federation at Newcastle, he said he did not ,lo6k upon it as a serious one to combat. With regard to Mr Glad stone's observation that the .British occupation of Egypt was both burden some and embarrassing, he pointed out that although Egypt contained only a handful of Englishmen it.was now m a more prosperous state than it had been since the time, of the Pharaohs, Tn dealing with Irish affairs he referred to the followers of Mr Justin McCjuityp as tools m the hands of the priesthood. London, October 23.; The " Daily Chronicle," commenting pii'- Mr r Chamlierliun's .'address at Sunderland, says that it is the most brilliant, audacious and scathing party speech that has been made .since the time of Disraeli.

THfi'DAIRY PRODUCE TRADE.

* : . ■ London, October 22. If New Zealand farmers will pro? vide .cargoes of dairy produce and frozen meat for shipment to Liverpool, Shaw, ..Savill and Company will find the ships. BRITAIN AND THE COLONIES. Mr Chapman, of McLean. Bros., and Rigg, the well-knowd Australiau iron mongery firm, m a, letter 'to the Press suggests that Great Britain should give a substantial bonus to the staple industries of the, colonies, and the colonies reduce duties on British goods 60 per cent, m advance of the amounts proposed by the Commercial Union. London. October 23. A periodical pan-Britannic gathering has excited the sympathy of the Prince of Wales, and it may possibly be worked m conjunction with the Im perial Institute. Several leading colo nists also favour the idea.

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS.

Ottawa, October 22. ' It is announced that Governor- General Stanley is about to dismiss the Hon. H. Mercier, Premier of Quebec, and his Ministry from office.

AMERICAN SUGAR BOUNTIES.

New York, October 22. Consequent on the increasing pro duction of beet m California the United States Treasury will be compelled to make a large increase to the ten million dollars voted at bounties. ■TROTTING RI?6gRI) BROKEK - Sunol has trotteft a mile at Stockton, m California, m 2rnin B^J ; thus beating the world's *©coflil^ held by Maud S, by half a JSTJohd.

CHILIAN AFFAIRS.

Valparaiso, OctobeiMtt2. The Provisional Government is con sidering the advisallenesaof extending a plenary arnnesty'.tjj: ajft pqlitic^l pri-

SOCIALIST CONGRESS.

Berlin, October 22. The Erfurt Congress has adopted a jrogranauae demanding fifteen leading social and political reforms.

RUSSIA'S TROUBLES.

St. Petersburg, October 22. It is officially announced that the sum of two hundred and fifty million roubles is required to give relief to the famine st> icken districts. The distress has now extended to Siberia. Provi sions m two districts have been ex hausted, and great difficulty i* found m supplying half the. food, required there. Anti-Jewish-riots liave broken out at Tcherngoft', atown oii the Desna, eighty miles N.N.E. of Kiev? During a fight thirty Jews were killed, and five hun dred injured.. The cause is attributed to the belief held by the peasants that Jews are responsible for the famine. The Russian troops m Bessarabia] are being withdrawn owing to a - serious outbreak of typhus fever among., the men. ';

THE INFLUENZA.

Vienna, C)ctobef £2. Four thousand cases, of influeTiJ* are reported from JLiniburg, m Valjcii*.

THE TROUBLES IN CHINA.

HotfG Kong, October An Englishman named Mtwsoif has been sentenced by the Shapghai £!ourt to two years' imprisonment, and ordered to pay a fine of .£sooo', for smuggling arms to the Chinese rebels. October 23. The insurgents have captured The ma, after three days' sj&ge, Urge^tum bers being killed ori both f"|ides. Prisoners were butchered, and •tht) vic torious rebels subsequently abandoned 1 the city. f . ■ • "'''

TURKISH BRIGANDAGE.

Constantinople, October 22. The brigands m the neighborhood of San Stefano have murdered an Armen ian Prince, named Salvfttor, belonging to the Russian Embassy m Conltianti nople, -.-■■••

ROMANTIC SUICIDE.

Washington, October 22. Miss [Rio, a Jewish belje. m Balti more, committed suicide by jumping from the top of the Washington'monu ment. .!

AUSTRALIAN.

THE DIBBS MINISTRY.

Ssjjnby, October 23. Mr Dibbs has' succeeded m the formation" of a Cabinet. as: follows :— Premier and Colonial .'Secretary Mr G. »! Dibbs j Colonial Treasurer, Mr John-See; Attorney-.General, ..Mr R. Barton; Secretary for!LajMft, Mr H. Copeland; Secretary forPublic'Wbrks, Mr W. J. Lyne; Minister for Public Instruction, Mr F. 8., Suttor; Minis ter of Justice, Mr R. E. O'Connor (m Legislative Council); Minister of ! Mines, MrT. M. Slattery; Vice-Presi dent of the Executive., Sir, Julian Salamo'ni, Q.C. 1 The Ministry formed by: BEr Dibbs is considered stronger than was ex pected, although it is not favorably viewed by the labor party, awing to its antidemocratic composition^. The Federation question will receive early attention at the hands of the new Government, this-being the condition on which Mr Barton ioined. ,-

LABOR COUNCILLORS.

The Trades Council has adopted the suggeationsjof the Labor Electoi-al League, recommending that the Govern ment be urged to appoint labor repre sentatives to the Legislative Council.

THE EASBY-GAMBIER COL.

LISION.  V Melbockne, October 23. The Marine Court has sustained the charge of gross misconduct .preferred against Captain Prideaux, of the steamer Easby, and suspended his cer tificate for six, months. The hearing of the charge against Captain Bell, of the Gambier, was adjourned. '■-■I FIRE IN MELBOURNE. Murray and Crow's tiuiher'yaird was burned down to-day, damage is estimated at £10,000, which is partially covered by insurance."'-'' '"'." m Apprehensions: of drought are dis pelled owing toi titnety rains which have fallen ov«r th«f cttlonyji .'The crops are looking eplendid^ * ■ ", t'l 1;" n'l

RAIN-MAKING.

Adelaide October 23. In the House of Assembly ajmotion was carried requesting the Government to make enquiries inter the rain-making experiments now being carried out m the United States. '■ •

THE SOLOMON ISLAND MURDERS.

-; Brisbane, October 23. The mucderatvof Howard and Craig at the Solomon Islahds^aye been shot. Captain Davis ordered the'tnen of the Royalist to pursue the. Natives, who took to the bush where they returned the attack, but were repalsed* at the point of the b*iypnet> a*id the murderers killed. \

INTERPROVINCIAL.

IHBtsps; October 23. Mr G. W. Lightbaixd;: brie, of Nelaoii'* oldest settlers, died last* evening after a long illness. Deceased took an active interest m establishing - the leather in dustry, and was the first person to manu facture parchment m New Zealand. Deceased assisted to establish Methodism iv Nelson. Invercargim., October 23. H.M.S. Tauranga arrived at the Bluff and anchored opposite the wharf m the noith channel at 2 p.m. Her companion ship, the Riiu;aroom», is not sighted yet. As the express from Dunedin was running into the station; this afternoon, a youth driving a tilted express essayed to cross the line at Clyde stree{. Being inside, and a strong west wind blowing, he alleges that he did not hear the whistle, and the horse and shafts were cut clean from the trap, which remained standing while the it.d scrambled out at I the back. The horse was killed. JTortu- ~ nately, the engine did *iot leave the rails ; had it done po, the line being a pretty sharp curve, it is probable-much damage would have been done to rolling stock.

"Keatiitc's Powbkk" destroys Bugs Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic aniipals. la exterminating }JeejJee the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly cleau m application, Sec. ttie avticle yoi| purchase is J« Keating's," as imitations are noxious uud ineffectual. 'Sold ia Tin*, Bd, Is, and 2s«d J each, by i$ vfaMfti,

THE ASHBURTON GtJARDIAN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER U, 1891.



Hollo way's Pills.—Any dyspeptic suf ferer aware of the purifying, regulating and gently aperient powers of these pills should permit no one to cloud his judgment or to warp his course. With a box-of Holloway's Pills, and attention to itsaccom- panying "directions," he may feel thoroughly satisfied that ho can safely and effectually release himself from his miseries without impairing his appetite or weakening his digestion. This most excellent medicine acts as aner.ve and bodily tonic by aiding nutritionj and banishes a thousand annoying forms of nefvousf complaints. An occasional, report tq Hplloway's remedy will p|*fsl highly salutary to all persons, whether #£$$ or ill, whose digestion is slow or imperfecjjil a condition' usually evide.nc.ed by wearine«i|l langour, ÜB%sshes's ? .aud'dospondeney, |||



iyagied I CASH . Advertisements under this knadins; not Qxceedinsg SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at thin Office. . SONS of Temperance.- Regular meet ing next Monday, 26th inst. Full attendance requested, J. Thomas W.P. 158 "ORIMITIVE METHODIST Church. JL Services To-Morrow, 11 and 6 30, Volunteer Parade m morning. Preacher, Rev. i J^oc*Bß ! ___________JOj^ WANfED, nt once, a Good General Servant for Waterton Hotel; Apply at this office. ™ 161 X' BY. J. RAPLEY, of Methven, will peach To-morrow morning and evening at the Wesleyan Church, Cameron street '..,, 10 ____* \NTED, orders for Sheep or L^mbs as Xmas present* to any part of the United Kingdom. Apply W. H. Rule. 10JLJ8 rLET — Those Premises next to Messrs J. Orr ami Co., now oficu pi*d by Mrs Buchanan ; suitable for any business.—Apply to Andrew Orb. 10 140 YOUN(i Ladies' Journal for November no* m. The Three Miss Kings, For Lift oi Death, The Pit Tcwn Coronent ofchfr new books by the mail—H. M. ONES. ■:. ; -i - TITEW Lines of Fancy Goods chaste, ■£* pretty, and cheap. Latent novel ties now opening up. Ayros" Tennis Bills covered Is 6d, racquets etc. In spection invited.—H. M. Jones. SALE Now On of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Music, etc. Great Reductions for Cash.—L. F. Andrewes and Co., Stationers' Hall 10 113 WANTED Known. —Bargains m White Muslins and Embroideries, also fancy Vprons, at W. H. Collier's, "The Corner." WANTED Known.—Tailoring de partment. Suits made to order from £2 10s. Large stuck o£ men's and boys' suits, Kaiapoi, Ttoslyn, and Mos giel. Shirts, ties etc.—Andrew Okb. ICE Cream ready at all hours, during the summer months at Flower's. Coujh Drops as usual—H. G. Flower, Xasfc street. ■' "TT7 ANTED Known.—For stylish Mil- VV Hnery, Co.stumes, French dress 3ocds, Robes, Hosiery and Gloves, Sun shades, Umbrellas, French Costume*, *tc, »o to Andrew Okr's. 10 88 ANTED Known—A special line of Cashmeres, all .shade?, now elling at Is per yard. White Blankets 5s lid per pair.—H. C. Segbrs, Melford House. WANTED Known. —Just opened special lot of Ladies' Bond street and Tom Tug hats now very scarce. Also a shipment of new Corsets, including win; lock, quillbone, Venus, corded zone V and N cestus, featherbone and it;vigorat,or.— Andrew Orr. 10 j9 WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10|d ; originhl value. 4s. —H. C. Skoeks, Melford House. WANTED Known.—Grand assort ment of Boots and Shoes for Ladie3, Children, and Men at W. H. CoLLrE6's____The Corner." WANTED Known — Being over stocked m Cor.-ets, we have re uced every pair. Ladies from Is 6d. Cheapest house m town. —H. C. Sisgkrs, Melford House. ■ I BROOKE'S Carbolised Scaly Blight Cure is the best of .ill, bar none. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 60s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saundcrs' Buildings. ANTEO KNOWN genuine Clearing Sale is going on and the Boots are going out Bost v.ilue yet offered, ten per cent f >r c-kli, the v<nvy hesfc york and repairinu clone :it once at .1. M. Moison's 1 lown Hall, Street. EOSLYN, Mosgiel, Kaiapoi, and Ash burton Tweed Suits made to my order from selected patterns. Long and ..; aaijcow and short and wide as well as ordinary eizeg from 40s cash. Robert Aloorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. TO Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwatds, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinder* of nil dessriptiona. Inspection invited. -*- J. W. Hardlev, Eas street. 6J201 "TTTANTED Known—H. Dudley will W sink Deep Wells and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee water to surface at 3s 8d per foot. — H. Dudley, Moore Street. 6,§54 WANTED' Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging • kept m ptock.—J. W. Hardley, East •treet. 6J202