The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 1891. CURRENT TOPICS.

.The " Qtago Daily Times " complains that the Minister of Lauds did not pay it due attention m his .speech at Palmerston. Our esteemed contem ■orary heralded Mr Spence's speech as an "impeachment of the Ministry," but characterises Mr McKenzie's trenchant answer to it as "dealing with a number of subjects that are not of special interest at the present moment," or which v/ere not relevant to the charges brought against him. Our opinion, and, we think, that of a large majority of the public, is that Mr MeKenzio directed his remarks rery pointedly to the charges made against him, and that ho succeeded itl completely vindicating himself. His DUnedhi critic, however, apparently abandons the opinion that Mr Speuce's charges were of any importance, and says that "the main point, and the oaf to which Mr McKenzie has itudtoxsly avoided ai| reference, is;

Did he consider his friend Mr Camp bell, m the light of a certain action brought against him m the Supreme Court, a proper person to fill the appointment under the Southland Land- Board V The question shows that the questioner cannat have read the repoit m his own paper of MY McKenzie's speech. If he had done so he would have seen that his question was already answered. Mr McKenzie said that Mr Campbell was neither r friend nor a relative of his, and he had appointed him simply on account of his proved fitness for the post—a fitness to which Mr Spence himself had testified —and we may be svre that all th« cir cumstances were vflell weighed before the appointment was made. J " Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve of Messrs Edwin Mitchelson, Thomas Fergus, | George Frederick Richardson, and Thomas William Hislop, being allowed to retain the title of ♦ Honorable' within the colony of New Zealand." This is making honors cheap with a vengeance. Messrs Mitchelson and Richardson may wear the title with some grace ; but the " Honorable " Thomas William Hislop! who, m his short term'of office, was distinguished by the attention of a Committee of both Houses, and received therefrom the distinction of an unequivocal con demnation of his official conduct! And the " Honorable " Thomas Fergus ! the gallant participator m the conduct for* which his fellow-Minister received Parliamentary censure! The Boers of South Africa are not numerous, but they are dangerous adversaries. It will be remembered how m -the Transvaal campaigns their sharp-shooters picked off' the British and colonial officers from among the men, and made recognised methods of war of no avail. These Boers are an independent people; oven the com mands of their own elected President have time and again, as at the present juncture, been disregarded when the humor seized the restless spirits among them to go marauding. In their pre sent expedition they have an ambitious object. Tidings of riches m the British territory to the North have evidently reached them, and they have set out to assail the Chartered Company of British South Africa, who are engaged m exploring the region. The expedi tion is reported by the Cape papers to comprise Afrikanders disconnected with any Government m South Africa, and it is stated that the names of one thousand families front Cape Colony had been enrolled. The "trek" has been organising secretly for four years, and "it is stated would be under tie convoy of five thousand armed men. The country between the Portuguese and the Matabele frontier will be claimed for the purpose of establishing a new republic, antagonistic to every thing British. Such a menace could not be disregarded, and Sir Henry Loch, the Governor of Cape Colony and High Commissioner of South Africa, sent the following telegraphic despatch to President Ivruger :—" Re ports have reached, her Majesty's Go vernment that a trek into Mashona land, with a view to the establishment of a Republic m that territory, is pro posed. Her Majesty's Government informs your Honor'that they regard this as an act of hostility to the Queen. The Transvaal Republic is held to their engagement contained m Article 10 of the Swaziland Convention. Her Majesty's Government expects an im mediate assurance of the loyal co opera'ion of the Transviial." Presi dent Kruger replied : " I have 'damped' the trek, and sent for the suspected leaders. A proclamation has been drafted. The Government is fully alive to its obligations." We shall soon see whether President Kruger has been able to restrain his country men, or whether Britain is m for another little war ! [Since the above was written news by cable informs us that the Boer expedition has Lejn abandoned.]

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The rainfall during May was at Alford Forest, 2'73in-; at Altord Station, ()"98in. Probate has been given of the will of the late Hon. W. 8. Peter. The estate has been sworn at under £42,000. The weather at Christchurch has been so boisterous that work at the Cathedral spire lias been discontinued for some days Recent news from Italy says that the ports are thronged with intending emigrants, and families, from the, patriarch to the babe, can be seen trudging along the highways that lead to the points of departure. One of the contentions of Sir Robert Stout m the Sydenhain licensing case is that the election cannot be upset on the ground of informality m the appointment of the return ing officer. Practically he argues that any election is good if anybody whosoever con ducts it m such a way as to make it a &eem higly fair election. The progress of sheep farming m the Waikato ia revolutionising the value of property there. One estate which was carrying 5000 sheep last year ia carrying 50,000 sheep this year, and giving fair interest on invested capital. By ploughing, grassing and stocking they have at last conquered the fern, which was the great difficulty. The " Hawkc'sßay Herald " suggests that Portugal should be asked to mediate be tween His Excellency the (jovernor and His Worship the Mayor of Wellington on the great levee question. {His Worship wouldn't attend the Governor's Birthday leve"e because he did not receive the right of private entree. According to a northern contemporary, Mr A. Fcrgusson, formerly mayor of Palmerston North, and now resident at Birmingham, m the Manawatu district, is making an experiment of teagrowing there, which promises to be successful. Mr Fer gusson already grows and prepares his own tobacco.

A girl m Kentucky has recovered £100 j damages from a steamboat company for ' naming a,boat after her without asking her permission, and they must rename the boat. She tookoffenc^at a maritime item stating that "Kitty Mafshal took the lower huto and ran her nose into a plantation." George Bull, farmer ami contractor, Darfield, was committed for ttial Christ church yesterday oa a charge of obtaining £100 by false pretences from George King and Co. He got a loan of £IX) from Messrs King, giving a lien over his property, crops, iiorses, and plant. Afterwards he disposed of the portion of these to another man. Mrs Etizibel-h Orr Bell, widow of the late Mr David Bell, Craigmore an 1 Blackball, who died at Blythswood square, Glasgow, on April 12, has by her deed of se< tlement, be queathed the whole of the residue of her estate, after payment of certain legacies, to General Booth for the Salvation Army. The residue, it is believed, will amount to bit .veen £GO,OOO and £70,000. At the District Court, Hokitika, last week, Judge Broad committed for trial Honora Whclan, of Golusbrougb, lioiel keeper on a charge of not fully liiaclosing to the official assignee m bankruptcy all her real and personal propoVty, nn I as to how she had disposed of i'2()o she drawn from the Bank of New Zealand, £100 from the Post Office Savings Buik, and and £127 received from the trustees of her Lite husband. It is reported that the Nordenskjold Antarctic Expedition is to be delayed until 1893. Meanwhile the " Edinburgh Review " is urging that as Great Britain occupies all the chief points of vantage for penetrating into the Antarctic circles, it oughij, not to relinquish to any other name or nation the privilege of solving; the problems of that region. It argues that the time is ripe for another expedition on a grand scale, pre pared to attack the frigid zone, summer after summer, so that at least one favourable season out of four or five might be con fidently relied on. If the results enabled scientists to forecast the seasons m Aus tralia, that would m itself outweigh a thousandfold all necessary expenditure for the proper equipment of the expedition.

The proceedings at the Board of Education on Thursday were not of much interest to this district. Several appointments were confirmed, and some alterations and repairs authorised. Mr Wright is to be consulted about the site of a new school at Wakanui. A petition was presented by Mr Wright asking for a school m the Rakaia district., about six miles from Barrhill, and the Secretary was directed to repoit upon the application. The Hampstead Committee ask "id that the Inspector's examination might be put off for three mouths, as the school had been closed for several weeks on account of the prevalence of scarlet fever. It was resolved that the arrangements made for the examination of the schools through cut the district could not be departed from, but that all necessary allowance would be made m exceptional cases. BThe Solicitor-General and Mr Gill, who ai« retained for Sir W. Gordon Gumming, m the Haccaratjslander action, have, it m said, been getting up their case with great elaboration. The suit has already had an educational influence on these well known counsel. It is said they have had themselves taught the rudiments of baccarat and attend rehearsals (not serious performances) of the fascinating game. In these days a leading silk needs to know something of everything. It is hinted moreover, that even on the bench there is a praisworthy anxiety not to show crassit i»noninti<t during the hearing of the case. Vear3 ago a learned Judge announced that he had never heard of Connie Gilchrist, and all the stall frequenters of the Gaiety were aghast at the news. But fie dancer was, so lo speak, sprung on the judge. He could not have expected this disclosure of his ignorance. It will be otherwise m the dimming case. What it is to marry a celebrity ! The "Argonaut" says that Melba "early m life married a man named Armstrong, who died when si.• \va?twent;-one. ' The 'man named Armstrong " ha* just arrived m Sydney. Ainoii" his otne;" qualifications he is said to be a inie rider, athlete, and boxer, quite o.ipable of protecting his own honor and that of his wffe against the most insidious aristo crat. Another paper states thaV when Madam Melon, went to Europe a few years ago to obtaiu further culture for hsr voice with'a view to becoming one day a priina donna, she and her husband agreed to live apart m order that nothing might interfere with the consummation of their wishes]for her success. Now that she has achieved fame and fortune they are to be re-united, and Mr At m strong's visit to Australia is to settle up his affairs so as to be m a position to per manently join bis distinguished wife and take the sole management of her interests. Mrs Armstrong has a six-year-old son, who has always been with her. —Kakapo m the " Napier News "

Licensing Matters

(I'EK I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, June 5. 'Die Wellington Licensing Committee granted twelve o'clock licenses to the i Albert, Royal Oak and Empire hotels. In the ease of seven houses, licenses of some of which were refused i> few years ago and afterwards granted, the Com mitttee said they did not. wish to inflict the hardship of sudden refusals on owners, ,but they had grave doubts as to whether these hotels were wanted. The licenses were granted with this warning m each instance. The Foresters' Arms license was granted on the condition that a new house was built m twelve months. In the bulk of the cases ten o'clock licenses only were issued. Mastf.utox, Tune 5. The l'censing bench to-day granted re newals to the whole of the hotels m the town, but staged that on the expiration of twelve months the renewals would be re fused.

POLITICAL.

(PJSK PItE.%S ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, June 5. One of the provisions of the Public Revenue Bill to be introduced this session by the Hou. Mr Ballance will empower the Government by Order-in-Council to direct the Audit department to subject the conduct of any department m the civil service, including the Insurance and Trust Offices, to investigation, and to report especially upon its working generally or m respect of any special feature as may be deemed suitable. At present this power does not exist to the extent which the Government consider^ advisable, and so additional statutory powers will be sought. A despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies is gazetted, stating that the Queen has been pleased to approve of Messrs Edwin Mitchelson, Thomas Fergus, George Frederick Richardson and Thomas William Hislop being allowed to retain the title of "Honorable" within the colony of .New Zealand. Wellington, June b'-X Hon. T. H. Wigley's seat m the Legis lative Council becomes vacant through his absence, without leave, for two sessions. This reduces the number of members to 42. The business of the session will be gone on without a break as soon as the Gover nor's speech is delivered. The Address in-Rsply will be moved on Friday, and notice will be given of the Government policy Bills when the debate is concluded. The Government propose to fjrm a department of industry with a Minister, probably Mr Reeves, at the head, for the purpose of providing full information as to the state of the labor market. Bureaux will be established m each large town, where all available inforaxation will be collected and published. Ministers think this will cure the unemployed diinculty to a large extent, and keep men m the country. They also intend to offer every inducement to men to *ettle .on the land i where public wotkfi ar j m progress.,,.

LADIES' COLUMN.

When Mis Armstrong, laboring among / the Telugus, sought a winding sheet for a dead woman, she was asked—-" VVas she a saint or a sinner V The question meant, was she married or a widow ; if a widow she. would not be buried m cloth of such quality as if living with a liusband. And when she risked one of the many sects of Hindus if there was anything on which they agreed, he said—" Yeb ; we all be lieve m the sanctity of the cow and the depravity of woniai:."—' Christian at Work." Princess Ghika, the beautiful sister of Queen Natalie of Servia, i-s known to be one of i the most eccentric as well as one of' the loveliest of womnn. One of her most remarkable eccentricities is that she adores sills and hated boys—a most unfortunate circumstance, seeing that liar only child is a son. When he was born she almost went insane with disappointment at his not belonging to the weaker hex, and she w.is only comforted by the thought-that for some years at least, by a little skilful managomeif ale might bo able to conceal the fact by dressing him as a little girl. Although the little prince is now over ten years old, ho ntill wears long curls, low necked frocks, and wido sashes, and he is called by >i girl's name. ■ Sir Edwin Arnold is reported to have said m an after-lurieheori speech that lm mother lived to be niiuty-onn, and climbed a ti/e-b'ir gate the d:vy she died." Unless Sir liklwin is misreporced, one is irresis tibly atemp'ed to ask '• Why ?"—" Lady's Pictorial." "Truth" contains a warning to inex perienced milliners not to send ou! bonnets for approval on Saturday after noons. The lady will Us. "ill," "lying down with a headache," "entertaining friends," "out driving," ur "unable to try en the bonnets just then." "They will be returned on Monday." Well, they are returned on Monday; but, un fortunately, two of them have been to church on Sunday—one m the morning, one m. the afternoon. Their appearance leaves no doubt of this. The Bey Mr Pearse's remark ab Ail. the young ladies of the present day and afternoon tea was only jocular, but the Sydney papers have taken it up seriously, and they teem with letters from the ] maligned sisterhood. He visited the 1 Sydney Girls' College, and m a speech referred to the matter as a wrong imprcs , fcion, and begged to bo allowed to set him self right with the young ladiea, of whom, he apologetically explained, he was very fond. The best of the joke is that after the speechifying was over, the girls, to the great amusement of all, entertained Mr Pearso co "afternoon tea." Tv make chicken and tongue salad cut a well-boiled chicken into small pieces, and slice a boiled smoke.l to.iguo finely ; mix equal parts of oil and vinegar with a little minced onion, salt, and pepper, and let the pieces af chicken and tongue lie m this for two or three hours, turning them occasionally. Arrange them m a dish, with lcttice m the middle, and pour the dressing over. »"arnish with thin slices of beetroot, hard-boiled eggs, and parsley. Celery may be used instead of lettuce. « IFor some time New York hostesses have v»1 with one another m giving away valuable pieces of jewellery to those of tluir guests taking part m the cotillon. But a well-known millionairess lias now set the papers talking by giving to each lady dancing hor cotillion a piece of rich silk suftieient to make a dress. The wonder is that this hostess did not at the same time present cat-It gentleman dancer with an order, on » fashionable hatter or shoemaker-" Good fora new silk hat," or 'a pair of boots." The ladies of tho present day i vFew York and elsewhere (says an American paper) who natter themselves that they dress expensively should read about Lollie Paulina, Sabine, n-d a few more of their Roman prototypes. Paulina, fur instance, is known to have hac a gown that cost 1,000,000d01. Pliny records the fact of soeiug her at a. plain citizen's wedding suppr covered with pearls and emeralds valued at 40,000 sesterces, equivalent to 4,5<>0,000d01. was the fair Roman dame who never travelled without a train of 500 asses, so fc-iat she mteht not miss her daily bath m asses' inifk. The object m raking up these old personalities is to show our American ladies that they are really dressing m a very common way.

ONLY A HAIRPIN.

4 woman can do more with a hairpin than a man can do with any one instrument m existence. She takes it to button her shoe?, to crimp her hair, to fasten her hat on, and (beg pardon) to scratch her head. To button her gloves and the waist buttons of her dress, to pin her veil, to manicure her nails; and, alas ! sometimes to pick her teeth. To clean her comb, and to cut the pasted label on her powder-box. And she can use it as a paper-knife, or a book mark ; to open a letter, or to draw a device upon a seal, If she twists the ends, it becomes a tape needle, or a safety pin, or a key-ring. It is a very decent bodkin. _ In an emergency, it is as good as an ordinary pin ; better, m fact, for it can be made to do double duty. It supplies many of the missing intri cacies of buckles, suspenders, and sup poiters ; and repairs any damaged domes tic article requiring a few inches 6f wire and a little feminine ingenuity. A woman traces a pattern with a hairpin dipped m her shoe-blacking ; and, smoked m the gas, she uses it to pencil her eye brows. If no one is looking, she will use it for a nutpick : and if her husband is riot at home, she will take it to clean his pipe or cigarette-holder. And if lie is at home, and after he has broken his pocket-knife and hunted help lessly all over the house for "a piece of wire," She will draw her hairpin with a pitying look, and clear out, the gas-burner, or re-open the wastepipe of the stationary bowl , ■ a' ,' '-. How often is the lnirpin the hidden power that holds back the widow-curtains, or poises the autumn leaf-wreath on the edge of the picture-frame. How often does it replace the lost furni ture-pin m the vallance or lambrequin. Along, stout hairpin placed over the stem of the door-knob, with the prongs through the handle of the key, will make a timid woman feel secure against that " ever-expected burglar." A woman can use a hairpin as a cork screw for any kind of bottle she cares to open. Ever ready to her hand, whether she uses it to pick her trunk lock, or to trim a lamp wick,to mend her bracelet or her bustle, she handles it with a dexterous grace and a confident skiU that are born of inherited knowledge and educated by long-practised use.—"Puck. 11

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following concludes oar report of yesterday's meeting :— RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE, . „ After the luncheon adjournment Mr Walker took his seat as Chairman. The Mounb Hutt Road Board wrote, asking.that the length of road (marked I red on a tracing that accompanied the letter, and about forty or fifty chains long) used as an approach to (he Rakaia Gorge bridge, should be maintained by the County Council. The Engineer's report on the subject was to the effect that like word "approach" could only be used to apply to the earthwork necessary to con nect, the bridge with the river bank. Mr Cameron said the use of the word m that sen.'-c was perfectly correct per haps, but the road was a very costly one to maintain, and he did not consider the Road Board ought to be asked to main tain ie, seeing that it was of more use to the travelling public thau to the settlers m the Road District.

Mr Walker said ho had been m con sultation with the Sehvyn County, and they were of the same opinion as the Engineer. Besides they would have to bear half cost of any work done m con nection with the bridge, and would bo unlikely to agree to maintain the road. At the time tlit road was constructed the Mount Hutt Board was taken fully into consultation with the Council. In re.spon.se to a request by Mr Grigg, the. Clerk read a let tor from Mr Chap man, the then Chairman of the Mount Hutt Road Board, agreeing to the ex change of land necessary before the road was made, but after the line of road had been agreed to. Mr Cameron moved — " That this Council undertake to keep m repair the cutting of about fifty chains leading to the Rakaia Gorge bridge, as this portion of the road leads to the bridge only." Mr McMillan seconded. Mr Grigg moved as an amendment— "That a reply be given to the Mount Hunt Road, Boaid tint the matter of the maintenance of the approaches to Rakaia Gorge Bridge having been submitted to the b e'.wyn Council, and the Selwyn Council haring stated that they interpret the term ' approaches ' as only including the actual short approaches, and that this Council entertains the same view of the position, and cannot grant the applica tion of the Mount Hutt Road Board." Mr Wright seconded, and the amend ment was carried, rind the motion lost. water charges. Mr Wright moved, pursuant to notice, —"That m all cases where the charge for water supply (of 15.s per twenty chains of race) exceeds m the aggregate a sum equal to threepence per acre for any holding, the amount of such excess over threepence per acre be remitted." Mr Friedlaudcr (also by notice) moveo an addition- "provided always that the minimum rate of water rate payable by any one having a county water ruco running through his property shall not be le.^s than los. Mr Wiight opposed the amendment of Friedlandcr, as being a hardship upon very sir all holders, and after the amend ment had been carried to be added to the motion—by sto 3—Mr Wright said he would oppose the whole thing m the inteiests of the small holders. He illus trated 100 acres of land cut up in^o five ao.re sections, avid each section charged 15s per section. The Council, would thus be charging £15 of water charges on that block. The motion as a whole was pissed with only Mr Wright dissenting. Mr Ei\ wn moved, " That Win. Jamie son and F. Amos have the benefit of the resolution giving relief to all who i#iy more than 3d per acre on their water rate for the year 1890." Mr Wright seconded, and the motion was not carried. Mr W. Janiieson waited cv the Council and- was informed that although the Council wei'3 unable to remit rates, his future rates, insto;vd of being over £3 would he only 35s 9d. In the " Resolution imposing annual charges for water supply " it was decided to insert as follows :--"On all the hinds' comprised m Schedule B the sun? of ]5s m respect of the iirst twenty chains, or fraction of twenty eh ins, and the further sum of ninepence m respect of every chain or fraction of a chain above the first twenty drains m length of ths water race," intersecting said lands, payable on 15th June m each year. THE COUNTY ENUINEKU.

Mr Wright moved, pursuant to notice —"That the County Engineer be put on full pay at the -rate of £300 per annum m order to secure his full services, and the closest attention to all matters m con nection with the various proposals for the irrigation of the plains." Mr Grigs? seconded, and hoped that irrigation was near enough to need Mr Baxter's undivided attention. The motion was carried. CHARITABLE AID RATE. Mr Wright moved, as he had given notice—" That a special rate of $d be struck to provide for payment of Hospital and Charitable Aid contributions." In doing so he said it was well that the rate payers shoul I know exactly how much they had to pay m this direction. Over £1600 had to be raised for charitable aid purposes,in tlvs county. Mr vlrigg seconded, and after it had been explained that the rate would be struck m connection with the general rate, the motion was carried.' NEW "WORKS. Mr Friedta'Hler moved—"That no further new works be undertaken by this Council till the present high overdraft is pub on a more satisfactory footing.", The Council went into Committee to consider this motion ; and on resuming, the Chairman reported the adoption of the motion. ' Mr Friedlandtjc moved, "That a com mittee bo appointed to make arrange ments for putting the overdraft on a more .satisfactory footing, the committee to consist of Messrs Wright, Walker, and the mover." The motion was carried. NOTICES OP MOTION. Mr Harper to move—-"That the Coun cil strike a rate at the next meeting for general purposes as follows:—Wakanui riding, id m the .£, less |d m the £ for Hospital and Charitable Aid contribu tions ; Eangitata, |d ; Upper Ashburton, Id ;• Ashbut'ton, |d ; Mount Hutt, ;[d ; South Rakaia, 1-od; Mount Homers, l-sd—for period ending March 31, 1892, payable m one sum. Mr Brown gave notice to move, '' That all the particulars respecting the cost of fhe proposal to raise the loan of £5000 for water supply from the Rakaia two years ago be laid oil the table at next meeting. UNItEGISTEIIED DOGS. ; The police were authorised to prosecute owners of unregistered dogs, i The Council then adjourned.

The Wairoa Murder.

—. ♦ _— : [per nusss association. I j ' Auckland, June 5. ■> The Wairoa South murder trial was I concluded to-day. Evidence was given as to the auwfct of accused after Veitch was assaulted, and the finding of the watcli ; belonging to Veitch m the loft where Lloyd slept. For the defence medical ' evidence was called as to-the prisoner'w ' sanity. Dr. Walker deposed that he had come to the conclusion that prisoner was, only feigning insanity. Drs. King and Bakeweil gave evidence to the effect that he was weak m mind. After the ad dre ses of counsel and the -Judge's■sum*" ming up, the jury returned a verdict that the prisoner was guilty of manslaughter, and he was sentenced to fifteen years' penal servitude. .

Canterbury Belfast Bacon Company.

MEETING AT ]?LE3vIINGTOX A public meeting of farmers took place j m the Flemiugton schoolroom on Thurs day evening last. Considering the very wet night there was a good attendance. Mr T. Taylor cccupied the chair, and explained that the meeting was called to meet some of the directors and secretary: of the Canterbury Belfast Bacon Com pany, who had been invited by tlie Flemington people to explain the object* of the Company, and the position ifc occupied. Mr T. \V. Diiranb, secretary for the Company, gave an interesting address. He stated that the Company had been m existence tiow nearly twelve months, and. that it had been succeFstul m its en deavors to assist farmers m obtaining a. fair price for their pigs, and had also proved a good investment ior the share-, holders. Although the Company had only started late m last season, and them m the face of great difficulty it had been a financial success?, leaving a profit of 10 per cent. One thousand pigs had been cured last reason, which had thoroughly tested and opened up the markets m aScit Zealand and Australia. The Company is a co-oporative one, and purely a farmers' company, and, this visit was to endeavor to induce the Flemington and Ashburton farmers to co-operate and subscribe for shares. The shareholders of the Com pany had received about one penny per lb more ior their pork through- this Company being m operation. This was particularly the case m the Ellesmere, Lincoln, Taitapu, and Halswell districts where shareholders m the Belfast Company received a much higher price for their pits than their neighbors did. i-Ie impressed on those present the urgent need of co-operation among farmers, illustrating the success of the ISew Zealand Farmers' Co-operative and several financial institutions, and read an extract fro'ii an American paper m which Pro fessor C. A. Walker (of the Massachusetts College) stated that " m the ancient times the farmer was the slave, m themiddleages the serf, and m the'nineteenth cputury the slave, the serf, the peasant, or the proprietor, according to location. He has i been no match for his adversary, and has never held his own against the professional or business man. They have subdued a continent, provided raw material for oul" factories, bread for the operatives, and. rninhood for our civilisation. They have sustained the nations credit with their hard-earned dollars, and defended time and again the nations credit with their assistance. Yet wich all.this they $u*e at a great disadvantage owing to the lack of co-operation." The directors now ap pealed to the Ashburtoti fanner* a l'»>r their hearty co-operation, which would make then Company one -of the strongest m. Now Zealand. They had received ;i; pressing invitation to coaic down to give an address, and they now offered the farmers the chance of' subscribing for shares (without a ureuiium) m » thoroughly payable and good Company. The quality of the I'elfasb bacon was recoifnised as being of the very besfc, and the arrangements* for curing, etc., enabled. the Company* to compete with other rival and large businesses without aiiy liability resting on the shareholders, such as land, expensive buildings, und machinery. Last year a capital euro was made, not one single pound being tainted. In conclusion Mr Durant urged on the} farmers present the special necessity for| co-operation m bacon-cuving and pig-! raising, by taking up the shares now) offered, and wont fully into the financial; position and details of tne Company's business. Mr Milson Jones, Chairman of Direc tors, also addressed the meeting, supple-; men ting what the secretary had stated, i and strougly urged upon the meeting the advisableness of co-operating, and stating that this was necessary to keep pigs up to a payable price. Mr P. J. Henley also shortly addressed the meeting, saying that if those present studied their interests as farmers they would at once co-operate. The Chairman answered several ques tions that were put, and a hearty vote of thanks to the dhectors and secretary was moved by Mr Watkins, seconded by Mr A. J. Huston, and carried unani mously. ,

ROAD BOARD.

SOUTH UAKAIA. The monthly meeting tv.ns held, on Thursday. Present — ■ Mosses Coirtc* /Chairman), Striugfellow, McLean and Vucetich. An apology was received from Mr Lyttleton, and lsavft of Absence granted. The Clerk reported having had races through plantations cleared out; and having giver; Mr Watson notice to abate the nuisance of sand blowiug on to Hogg's whare load from his section 2330&. Some of the contractors were not progressing with their works. He had no report at present as to the total ''thirds" accrued. 3t was resolved that contractors Brown and -Cronin be given notice Utat unless their contracts be com pleted before the next meeting, the work will be done by tho Board at their ex pense.! V i Mr Mulligan wrote, complaining cf one of the contracts being delayed. Re the road and water diversion near Chertseyv - M,r Vucetich reported having arranged to have, the necessary work done for £1. Mr Stringfellow stated he was satisfied with what had been done, al though k was not done as he proposed. ; Mr Wilson, contractor on Harrison's road, who did wot complete his contract and a fresh tender had been accepted, waited on the Board and explained that he had not made a. present of his work ; he had done as much as was possible, and carried out the work according to speci-. fication. It was resolved that contractor Wilson be paid the balance of his contract after deducting the amount of money expended I by the Board on his work. Contractor Sheehan wrote, claiming £o for additional work done at Chortsoy m connection with storm water courses., On the motion of Mr Vucetich, seconded by Mr Stringfellow, it was resolved to pay only £3 for all the work done, as this was the arrangement made with the clerk. Contractor Collins wrote, chiming £3 7s for extra work on his contract. Tho amount was ordered to be paid. The contractor on the Chertsey Boun-' daryroad was instructed to put two yards per chain of metal oil some 3& miles of his road connnencing thro/} quarters of a mile from the railway. The Chairman reported on. the sand. question, und, tne. CdmmUtee pronoa«d(

that the road be kept open say foe twenty foet, and this would not cajwe. 9»f eaud i to blow off the ro.id, The" wpfat was adopted. The Chairman said a number of jjjiMflcw had asked him to call a meeting on "thirds." This had H<pen held, and a motion , palmed asking the Minister of Lands net to forward the "thirds" to the County Council. Tnc petition was .signed by sixty-two of the Rakaia Village settlers. The count r petition, asking that settlors names should be withdrawn from Mr Wright's petition, as they had sitjiv-d after misrepresentation, was signed by all the settlers m blocks 1 and 2, with the exception of three who were away from home. A deputation of eight village settlers waited on the Board, and asked the Boaid to make * cutting from the large plantation to the riverbed. The original one was completely washed away, and there was no means of getting to the river. Tine river was encroaching on the plantation, and on one place tsome three chains were washed away. The Board undertook to forward particulars of the river encroachment to the proper authori ties, and to consider the question of forming a cutting. Messrs Coster and Lyttleton were appointed a sub-committee to examine and report. The County Council wrote, statingtliat poisoned grain would be forwarded. It was'fesolved to insert a notice m the ( paper, that all outstanding rates would be sued for unless paid by June 30. More complaints were made about th water race crossings. Accounts for £4g 5s 8d were passed for payment.

CEMETERY BOARD.

The members then .met as a Cemetery Board. The Clerk reported a credit balance of £16 Ss' lid m. the bank, and there were a few outstanding assets. Accounts for £4 17s 6d were passed for paymeat, and the meeting adjourned.

ALFORD FOREST.

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) Numerous weddings have taken place \ately here, which fact m itself speaks i volumes for the increased prosperity of i this somewhat remote locality, and forms a praiseworthy example to the rest of the colony to make up for the recent exodus, On Thursday about sixby responded to in vitabiona which had been issued to hlti in.it'. 1. friends'to participate m the wedding festivities of Mr E. B. Cooper, timber merchant, so long known and respected, \ with Miss E. Evans, only remaining * daughter,of Mr B. 'Evans, manager of the Single Tree Estate. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. Ficlayson at the residence cf the bride'i father, after which the happy' couple started away for ' a short tour. The presents were very' numerous, very varied, and most useful and ornamental, and the large company assembled heartily enjoyed the profuse hospitality shown. t» all coiners ; and many | were the good wishes expressed for thy 'bride's and bridegroom's happiness. There can be but one opinion about the desirableness of establishing telegraphic communication between the hills district and Ashburtoiij via Mount Somers, if the cost is not too Could not the ex pense be lessened by taking [a direct line to Methvcn, and thus on to Ashburton ? Messrs Sharplin and Vincent have just purchased another fino engine for their saw mills, to keep up, if possible, with overflowing orders. Anyone living on the plains, never having seen this useful industry, should pay them a \\*i* They will rece'vtn courteous treatment, and carry away such useful information from seeing Splendid machinery scientifically employed.

Some kind of sickness has prevailed m the district for Uic past few weeks, neces sitating the closing; of tlio Springburn and Alfoivl Forest schools. There are.-n few cases of scarlatina m a. very mild form, but most of th 3 illness may be ascribed to bad colds through the changeable weather, find partially-cured whooping cough. To close the schools is judicious under the circumstances, but. this is only the faintest preventive when the indis criminate religious meetings are still held, as well as those of a less religious charac ter. Happily not one single fatal case I has occurred along the line at present. The friends of Mt P. Tisoh will be sorry to hear lie has been slightly ailing lately, but he is now quite well enough to enjoy a chat with them again. Tenders closed for the new side school half way between Spring burn and Alfurd Forest on Monday last, and the building will soon be m hand. The successful tenderer was Mr. W. Stevenson, and the amount £217 lls 3d. A district without a grievance is not m the colony, and the settlers on the Government sections complain justly that the road fronting them is so bad that it is positively dangerous, especially after rain They have determined, therefore, to lay their grievance m the form of a petition before the Road IJoitrd once more. A deputation of inspection, composed of three well-known gentlemen reported thus on a former occasion, "In the summer the toad is right enough, and m the winter it is so bad that it would be useless to meddle with it." Possibly if one of these gentlemen had to journey along it after dark, even m summer time, the road would have received necessary attention £ before this. I. June 5.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

THE BEST FRUIT TREES.

TO THE EDITOtI Sik, —I noticad m you" issue ot yester day, a letter signed "Amateur," asking if any of your readers could Advise him as to the best sorts of fruit trees to plant. I have no doubt your correspondent can, if he wishes, get advice from a score or taore persons, each of whom will be quite sure the sorts ho mentions -are " the best," although of all the lists that may be submitted for "" Amateur's" informa tion, no two may be alike. Each will probably contain the names of some use ful sorts, more than likely .most of them will be unsuited for his purpose, although each of his advisers will tell him that his list is just the right thing to adopt, tinder these circumstances "Amateur" will probably, find himself where he was before he sought advice m this way, and select for himself; or perhaps he may m a haphazard way pick names out of the various lists submitted, and sojadopt m part the advice of several or all those who jinderteok to inform him as to best kinds if fruit to plant, In that case I think it would be safe to predict that when the ti-ees come into bearing " A,mateur " will find himself m the position of the man with the ass, and by adopting the advice (jf all an:l sundry will prove a disappointed liian, with the conviction that fruit griW itig don't pay. I would suggest to '■'Amateur" that he consult some res pectable old established nurseryman of experience, who has a reputation to lose, explain ii. him the nature and position of the land he has to plant (as there is no " best kind " for all positions) { bcufce u]dO whether he wants to grow fruit for export or the local market, and follow t<> tvh© letter the advice thus obtained, *, || will be the. most valuable information your correspondent win obtain, as it is the nurseryman's business* to advise his cus tomer^ when asked, j his reputation and

chavact r- as a businessman being at *take, you may depend qHiis advice being reliable. W J?e quit*; sure to keep%lear of the auc tion room, as well as all tree hawkers who peddle fruit trees abou 1; the sale yards and elsewhere, if jou wish to plant tin orchard, and have no d«gire to be disappointed m the future. —I am, etc., Fbcit Gkowjif. June 5.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

, (iFR JPB.B3SJ ASSOCIATION)

WOOL DUTIES.

London, June 4. The Chamber of Deputies lias also decided to exempt home spun wools, and approved the duties it is proposed to levy on carded and combed wools. The Minister of Commerce spoke m favor of encouraging a direct, wool trade with Australia and South Africa.

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON.

The Agents-General interview Lord Geo. Hamilton to-day to urge that the auxiliary Kquaclronahould be 1 ordered to rendezvous m King George's sound. The various Agents-General, with the exception of Sir James F. Gartick (Queensland), interviewed Lord G. F. Hamilton mid Lord Knutsford to-day with reference to the Australian squad ron proceeding round Cape Leuwin, on its nay to Australia. Lord G. Hamilton replied that his. naval advisers were unanimous m the opinion, that it would be unsafe for the squad ron to proceed by the route requested, and they were unable even to .consider the change of route. Sir" Gral an Berry said Australia was not likely to be pleased at the statement tlnit t\.% vessels were unable to proceed round Cape Leuwin. Lord ■K.nutsford. re torted that the colonies have received the class of vessels they wanted. , Sir Saul Samuel said he had not received any instructions to object to the pro posed route of the squadron, and there fore lie made no objection, but he hoped all the vessels of the squadron? wfuld visit Thursday Island, Brisbane, Syd ney, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

TRAMWAY FATALITY.

A steam tram boiler burst at Huddersfte'd yesterday ; one person was killed and several injured. ' ,"

COMMISSIONER EDDY.

It is reported that tUe Caledonian Railway Company intend to offer Mr Eddy, the Chief Coinmiisioner of New South Wales railways, J&4000, a year to return to their service. ,"

IRISH AFFAIRS.

Mr A. J. Balfour, m course of, a speech m tlie House of Commons, said that crime m Ireland had been so re duced that it would be safe to suspend the operation of the special laws agai.xst criminal conspiracy except m one county. There were o/ily tvreaty one persons m prison under the Crimes Act. * -v." ' *..

ADMIRALS PRECEDENCE.

In response to fresh complaints frlpiii Admiral Lord Charles Scott the A|U~es tion of precedence is expected' tqfbc settlod immediately. It is beHewd tJie .Admiralty will support the ild uiiral's claim to take precedence of all Governors except that of the colony hi which he may be. - < , • THE BACCARAT CASE. In the baccarat case to-day Mr Wil son stated that Sir Gordon Gumming brought counters to Tranby Croft fpv the purpose of playing, and. was prepared to stake his life that plaintiff cheated. Mr and Mrs Lycett Green and Mr Berkeley Levett confirmed the evidence of Wilson. , , ? ELECTION" OF CHIEF. RABBL The Rev. Dr. Nathan M. Adler Ms been elected Chief Rabbi. ' ' . NIW BISHOP. , i The Rev. John Gott, D«an of Wor cester, has been appointed, to the Bishopric o£ Truro. ... DRAMATIC. : Mr 0. Haddon Cliamb^rs' : f'fhe Idler," hai realch«d Its hundredth per formance at Ht. James's Tlieatr^e. ITAI^ AND ENGLAND. ' It is alleged that there is a Secret Naval Convention between Italy and -- England. , . - : AN INDIAN LOAN. i An Indian 3 vper? ,lxe»b;; lottti <ot £2,500,000 at the minimum of 92 is announced.. QUEENSLAND DEFENCES. - Sir S. Griffiths has cabled to Lord Koutsford that he intends to ask the Queensland Parliament, to sauction the naval defence scheme. .

THE CHILIAN WAR.

Valparaiso, June 4. ■■< The rebel steamer Itata, which wksr^ supposed to tie on the voyage to Mel-, bourne, hag arrived at Iquique, anil will be delivered over to the l|nitetl. States GovornnJient., '■ " 'ri v *■ •' '

THE ARGENTINE CRISIS.

. Biubnos Atebs, June 5. '. . The Italian, Spwifeh; *nd 'IVenchf Banks have closed, and the J&nglisiti Banks are affected, hjr the financial crisis. .■; ■ ■ - .<' ;

THE TURKISH BRIGANDS.

CoNSTANTixopi.E t June 4. An oUiciat.Jia^ arrived at KutiiHsse' ,vith the mnisioai for the release of tlie S English and German twyrists, but the brigands object to the escort of twenty eight who accompany the officers, and negotiations h»,ye been suspended/

RAILWAY DIRECTORS CENSURED.

Mr CM. Defew wid other Directors* Of the New York Central Railway Qonapany have been censured fey the Coroner's* jury in connecticm with t\\e «|j<!ident whioh took place in, a tunnel o|i thbir line in February last, by \|hich several: lives were lost. >,'-.,! j BANKING COMBmATION; ; The capitalists and barkens of N>w .lterk combine to maintaiu the price ofc interest on tains: Fifteen Bftnfci and six Trust Coospaaieg have Heret^

?JTE ASHBtTBTON fflJAßflJAff, SATURDAY, JUSTE 6, 1891



Hollo way's Ointmknt and Pills.— The attention of all sufferers is drawn to those well-known remedies, for they possess Conspicuous advantages as a safe and reliable aid m all those emergencies to which travel lers, emigrants, and Sailors are so especially liable. They have been largely patronized by wayfarers by land sea, and, m fact, by all classes of the community, to their very great advantage. The pills are beyoud all 4oubt one of the most effective remedies over discovered for cases of obstinate consti pation, confirmed indigestion, and colic, complaints which are .engendered by ex posure and irregular feeding. The ointment will be fouud of the very greatest service m cases of piles, abcesscs, erysipelas, and all kinds of. local ulccratious, Countessy Duchess, .'Princess, Empress iire the registered names of the new teas i free from any excess of stringency, '



Kisatimj's Copgh Lozenges cures Cough Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical t'.stimo states that no oilier medicine is so effectual m tlie cure..of these dangerous maladies One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing they aie invaluable. They con tain no opium uor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, m tins, Is l^djiaad 2s 9d acli - Teas free fiom any excess of asstiiu wency. South British Tea Company s pure Warts, Ail storekeepers^ . ...



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS BUCALPTI EXTRACT. Te:i* its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantanepus. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates till over the globe, arc its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to otter rewards m proof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-Gemval for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome oi one of the various cases treated by Siegenl M.J) , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a" small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty 1-year old patient was completely separated and lifted' up as far as' the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalnax of the nail of the : middle linger was coaled. Tho wounds thua ooniiM«t««. keale'd m three weeks unde. tlaily applications of Eucalypti Extra; ■dressing, ih« patient has retained the fal uesyf J, /



Gentlemen's WATERPROOFS. A N immense STOCK to select from. ALL OUR OWN MAKE, SEWN THROUGHOUT AND EVERY GARMENT WARRANTED ALSO GARMENTS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION MADE TO ORDER. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY GENTLEMEN'S HATS, HOSIERY. SCARFS, etc., NEW GOODS, LATEST FASHIONS, JUST OPENED. XT ATS, CAPS, SHIRTS, PYJAMAS MADE TO ORDER. Now Tweeds and Coating's for Measure Suits to hand. Inspection HeqMiclfully Solkikd. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAOTOBY



Wanted " CASH" Advertisement u, lld®*J}?fe heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Vft at his Office. E Old and~New Way, Darkest England, Darkest Africa, Robbery under Arms, Black Police.—H. M. Josw. 6 ® W" ANTED.-^Shepherd. Apply by letter J. L. Bbomb, Hindy. 6 59 ~\Y7 AJNTED Known. - Primitive W Methodist Sunday School wll reopen To-morrow when ihe Periodicals will be given out. 6J& WANTED. —One or two Boarders, 15s per week.—Mrs Knight, Cameron ■tr«et, west. 6 60 WANTED X NO WN, —Sealette Jackets 355, reduced to 25s ; and 40s, re duced to 27s 6d, at S. VV. Alcobn & Co.'h Clearing S«le. c> 4Q ICE Cream off. Coujjh drops on. Un doubtedly Hie best. H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. _____ \\l ANTED Known—The '' Strong VV wear " Boot is the best for Mens f^adies and Children.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known —Some Bpecial lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." fpO Let or for sale. Five-Roomed .1, Cottage, with half acre land, front ing Alford Forest Road. Apply STKEie's Store. 6 14 *TT7 ANTED Known—Old Spoons and VV Forks Electro-plated and made equal to new at 15s per dozen all round. A. Black, Jeweller, East Street, 4 150 WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. j /"I LASS, Earthenware, and China, XjT direct from the Manufacturers. — Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders Buildings. TDRESENTS— Now being given away XL to every purchaser of-; 5^ and up wards m Drapery, Boots, Clothing, &c. —H. C. Segers, Melford House, EIIRST Chss Drapery, Millmeiy, Clothing, Boots, &c. Presents to •very purchases of 5s and upwards now being given away.—H. C. Seoers, Mel ford House. •TTTANTBD Known-H. Dudley will VV s»»k DeeP Wella and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee water to surface at 3s 6d per foot. - H. Dudley, Moore Street. 6§54 PUBLIC Notice. - We are now giving the presents to all holders of tickets and purchasers of 5s and upwards. —H. C Segeks, Melford House. ANTED KNOWN,-If you have the Cash, you ctm *aye abcut 6s m every Pound, by buying your Jackets Ulsters, Dress Goods, Millinery, &c, at S» W. Alcobn & Co.'s Clearing Sale. 6 36 ANTED KNOWN-C. M. Brooke is now m personal attendance at the Dispcnsai-y. The doctor*' prescrip tions accurately made up. Largest stock m New Zealand of disinfectants on iiand 5§157 "VTEW GAMES -Tiddledy Winks, 111 Reversi, Snickem, and othere, Fresh Supplies of The Minors' Right. The Squatter's Dream, Robbery Under Arms. A Colonial Reformer, Told after Supper, Three Men m a Boat, and hundreds of others. NEW MUSIC- Vocal and lnstr union tal.—L. F. Andkewes astd Co.