The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1891. WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE.

The question of female suffrage has been brought before Parliament m so direct a way that it will have to be seriously dealt with. It has taken a definite place among the political ques tions of the day, and cannot be shelved after the semblance, of a debate, a serio-comic display of small wit, as has been the case m times past. We re gard the present session as a most inopportune time to bring forward such a question. Tlio programme of business is already the longest that has been before the House for many years, and the principles at issue are sufficiently grave, without being com plicated by what must be regarded as a side question, important though that question undoubtedly is. The question cannot be fr.irly and fully considered and debated unless at the expense of some other measure, and the result, whether favorable to women's suffrage or not, will be a n:ere accident, not a deliberate decision upon the merits of the case. Indeed, it is nothing more than accidental that the question has cropped up at all this session. There has been no general demand among the female population for the franchise, and we cannot remember any candi date at the recent general election being called upon to pledge himself to advocate it m Parliament. A number of Members are evidently m favor of tfie movement —if the very slight interest evinced iff the matter can be called a movement — but an otherwise sensible man, like Sir John Hall, must know that there is no urgency m the case, and might have contented himself as yet with eliciting the opinion of the House by way of resolution. Tne one-man-one-vote prin ciple has still to be fully worked out, find no further radical change m the electoral laws should be made until the country has settled after that most important reform. While opposing the raising of the question at the present juncture its merits need scarcely be discussed. The women's .'suffrage advocates m Victoria laid their views before the Premier, Hon. James Munro, the other clay ; he could not see his way to support universal womanhood suffrage, but thought that femmes soles —women, or unmarried viiV.vs ,who are property Owners or Louse-holders m their own right, oi who maintain themselves —might be en franchised. This would seem to be a reasonable concession, but the idea scarcely satisfied the would-be politicians of Victoria; neither, we suppose, would it be accepted by their sisters of New Zealand. The best thing to do with the question is to leave it alone until women m general want it and Parliament has time to consider it.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The enquiry into the cause of the Island Bay Hotel fire resulted m a verdict of incen diarism against Hansen, the licensee, and his wife, and they were taken into custody.

Mr R. M. Taylor saya that a proper, efficient departmental service can only be obtained by removing the Legislature to Canterbury

The ice on the Domain water this morning was again m good condition for skating, and a number of skaters and sliders made use of the opportunity.

The Ashburton Presbyterian Church pulpit was again occupied on Sunday by the Rev Mr Simp*#n, pastor-elect ol the Sydenham congregation. Mr Simpson also preached ai the Wakanui Church m the afternoon, and at all the services the congregations were unusually large.

The ways of auctioneers m different parts of the wo!Id vary greatly. In England and America the seller usually beats the expense of the jale, but m France the purchaser bears the co=it, five per cent being added to his purchase. In Holland it is still worse, the buyer being required to pay ten per cent additional for the expenses of the sale..

This morning an inebriate, who had not been before the Court for about two years, and who had been temperate for nearly twelve months, was treated by Mr Alfred Harrison, J.P., as a first offender, and fined as and costs, after receiving some good advice from the Magistrate, and promising to go back at once to his work m the country.

The humble bee is evidently not a friend of the ordinary honey bee. A hive m town recently died off; and, when the beemaster lifted it to see what was wrong, he found about half-a-dozen ha id humble bees inside, surrounded by a large number of dead workers. It appeared to him that the hive had been attacked by a party of humbles ou a honey foray, and the result of the fight had been the destruction of the rightful occupants

The English papers give some particulars of the expulsion which Mr Cunninghame Graham suffered at the hands of M. Oonstans, the French Minister of the Interior. The wild claimant to the earldom of Menteith and Airth made sanguinary revolutionary speeches at Calais apropos of the May riots. The substance was telegraphed to M, Constans, who wired back an order for his expulsion during the afternoon ; whereupon the hot-headed M.P. was conducted by gendarmes aboard a boat leaving for England

A newspaper discussion has been ra:sed m Melbourne on the reason for a curious offertory plate adopted m the new St. Paul's Cathedral. In fear of purloiners—individuals who would steal a coin from the plate before the very eyes of the churchwardens—the cathedral aiithoritiei have adopted an offer tory plate covered witli a wire network, through a slot m which you drop your offer tory. The precaution is regarded as a refiecr tiou on the Melbourne congregations, and some churchgoer,-! are very wroth about it.

The Cliertsay School Committee held their monthly meeting m the Schoolroom on Satur day evening. Present-^-Meems McDowell (chairman), Copeknd, Hudner, and OhiUls. It was decideil to close the school fqr a week's holiday on Friday next, the school to reopen on -July 13. In regard to Mr Wilkiiuou'a letter, re agricultural educa tion m bchools, it was decided not to act m the matter till the result of the Ashburton Conference was kuown. Messrs McDowell and Chiltls were appointed to inspect the schoolhouse and see what repairs were required.

The Bill approved by the Licensed Vic tuallers' Conference to alter the laws regnla tin» the sale of intoxicating liquors was introduced ou Friday by Mr T. Thompson for Mr G. Httt«s>i»se»i- The principal pro visions are that the wopd '' eleven shall be substituted for "twelve" i» tjje first sub section of section thirty-Bye, so that giey.en o'clock may be named as tiic hour of clewing hotels; and that before dealing with a,ny objection to the renewal, transfer, or re moval of any license, the licensing committee shall give notice to the applicant of the abjection, and by adjourning its considera tion for a eertuiu pe.iiod shall give every op poiftuuity to hin» to rej>ly.

True economy. To purchase Countess Tea for two shillings, fv§o ftum any ex- C.ssojEastyihgency.

A young man named George Syrret, was commuted for trial to-day, at Christchurch, for tittering a silvered penny for a half crown. A " Gazette " notice states that from and after July 1, the Sittings o: the District Courtat Ashburton shall be held as follows :— On August 13, October 16, and December 11. Those dates to be m lieu of those previously fixed. Mr Sealy's experience of Rymer as a lightly yielding apple tree is not that of every grower. Mr J. Broomfield finds it one of the moat profitable sorts, and has this season gathered from two trees 2501bs of fruit. The trees are about ten years old, and this maturity may have something to do with the production. Mr John Adam Berg, coachsmith, Palmerston North, and for many years a resident m Aahburton, has patented an improved road-cart. Mr Berg has already patented a good many mechanical devices, the result of his own inventive genius. In the list of patents lapsed, published m the last " Gazette," appears that of John Ashtott, late of Ashburton—-the |device patented was a water-spreader for affixing to water hose, and was, very effective for spraying purposes m garden?. We are informed by some members of the Borough Council that the question of sink ing a deep well, or more than one, was not disposed of by the carrying of Cr Tweed's motion at list Council meeting that Messrs Taylor and Oakley's letter on the subject "be received." Our inform*uts hold that Cr Brooke's notice of motion to arrange for the sinking of two wells on Mr Job Osborne's terms stands good, and the question will not be decided until next meeting of the Council. A meeting of the Committee of the Ash burton Cricket Club was held on Saturday evening, Mr D. Thomas presided. It was decidea to accept the Domain Board's offer to improve the Cricket Ground, the Club to pay the sum of £6 5s down and the same amount as an annual rental. It was Under stood that the levelling of the ground be commenced at once, so as to be completed and fit for playing on for the coming season. The deputation appointed to wait on the Cycling Club reported having arranged for the latter to take over a half share of the roller. The Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club had under consideration on Saturday evening the proposal of the Government to < tax the totalisator. It. was decided that the Chairman should write to the members for the district, Mr E. G. Wright and Sir John Hall, peinting out the effect which the pro posed tax would have on the Club, and asking them to oppose the proposal, and if unable to prevent the taxation altogether to endeavour to have it fixed afc a reasonable rate. The annual meeting of the members was fixed for Saturday, July 4. At a public meeting held at Christchurch last night to discuss the shearers' posi tion, ami take such steps as might be con sidered ad visible m the interests of the Queensland men. The Chairman, Mr C. J. Rae, explained to the meeting, on the amthority of Mr Macdonald, the position taken up by the Queensland shearers, and gave a positive denial to the statement that the strike had collapsed. The men were assisted by the Amalgamated Shearers' Union Australia and were determined to fight the matter out.

The new Victorian divorce act has evidently come as a boon and a blessing to some men and women (says the " Witness'" correspondent) for Mr Justice Holgea has had a big crop of petitions to decide this this month. The law is so lax now that m scarcely a single instance was the desired boon of release denied. In one of the cases m which the petitioiierwas the husband he was only eighteen years of age when ho married, and as this was m 1887, it followed that lie was scarcely past his majority when he secured a divorce, His Honor said he did not believe m boys getting married and then coming to the court for relief, and lie thought parents should take more care of their children; but under the provisions of Mr Shiels' famous bill he could only grant the petition The quarterly meeting of the officers of the Wesleyan Church m the Ashburton Circuit was held on Friday. The Revs F. Lawry and J. H. Gray and a larg« number of representatives were present. The num ber of church members was reported to be about the same as the previous quarter. The income wa* about equal to the ordinary expenditure } but some special items caused au increase of the circuit debt. Qo*m«er able discussion took place on the circuit finances, and measures were adopted by which the stewards hoped to liquidate out standing liabilities by the next quarterly mission. Permission was given to the Hind* trustees to enlarge their church, provided at least two-thirds of the cost be raised. After the transaction of some routine business the members of the meeting and friends were entertained afc tea by Jibe ladies of the con gregalion. A social ineeting was subse quently held m the church, when a number of practical suggestions were made by various speakers bearing on the work of the church. The " Clutha Leader " states that a dis tinguished visitor to Balclutha during the latter part of last summer, than known as Mr Smith, has been having a good time of it m an adjoining district as Cord Wortley, eldest son of the Earl of Wharnoliffe. At a leading hotel, m a sequestered vale, he dispensed lavish hospitality, purchased the Fassifern estate, and was m negotiation for Brooksflale. A manager was engaged at £200 a year, and a livery staßlekeeper maintained a horse for his lordship's use. On Saturday evening the distinguished visitor was indisposed, and at 9 o'clock m the evening he disappeared, without settling for the sumptuous luncheons, champagne suppers, &c. He made his way along the railway line toKelso, but had the misfortune to fall into the Flodden. Announcing himself as Ixrtl Wcrtley, he ordered a buggy ftnd pair to be ready m the morning, but wljen morning came he disappeared again, forgetting to liquidate sundry accounts. Lord Wortley inspired confidence, it appears, hy flourshing wha£ was mistaken for a bundle pf notes. Those who have a penchant for taking jllustnous strangers under their wing are somewhat downcast at the result.

The U.S.S.; Co. Benefit Society.

[per. jpjress association.] Wellington, June 27. At a meeting of the Friendly Societies Vigilance Committee, a circular from the Seamen's Union m opposition to the proposed Union Steamship Company* Benefit Society was considered. The matter was discussed at length, and the general feeling of the delegates was m favor of resenting the formation of any institution on friendly society lines, m which compulsory membership was a factor, as being an encroachment on the domain of the regular societies. A Com-' mittee was appointed to communicate with the city members of Parliament on the subject, and if necessary fcj arrange for a general meeting of members of Friendly Societies to ascertain their feeling. At the Labor Conference to-day a deputation from the .Seamen's Union attended with reference to the benefit jscheme proposed by the Union Steamship Company. After considerable discussion, the following resolution was passed :— "That this Conference thoroughly sym pathises with the seamen's delegation m ' reference to the iniquitous benefit scheme proposed by the Union Steamship Com pany, and that the labor members m Parliament and Government be urged fco prevent the adoption of such a scheme if posssible."

The Modern Post Office.

The Post Office is going so fast m its wild career of improvement (says the " London Daily Telegraph ") that if Mr Raikes does not take care he wiJl le*>ve nothing to be accomplished by his suc cessor. The latest device is the attach ment to the pillar boxes of an automatic machine for the delivery of postage Ktamps. If a penny is inserted m ,the slot the stamp will be ejected. This, it is obvious, will be a great convenience. At present the sight of the open pillar boxes at night is tantalising to the iinan who has no stamp about him. The post offices are closed ; the sale is forbidden at ordinary shops, or ie may be so late that even the public houses are shut up. He knows that if he could only write and post a letter it would be delivered m any part of London the next morning, oritt any part of England the next night. Yet, for tile want of a stamp, tha opportunity is lost. Here stands the red receptacle ready for the missive, but without a stamp and envelope, what can he do ? The remedy is provided by the new benefac tors of the human race who have been licensed by Mr Raikes to attach the letter boxes to the post office pillars. When the penny is dropped m out will come a ne»b little note-book. On opening it the lucky finder will discover an envelope, a stamp, and several blank leaves. "To teir otf one of these, to pen a hurried proposal to Amanda, to direct it and en trust it to the annexed pillar box, was wijh Fiteherbert the work of a moment." ! In this fashion will futurp novelists record tht latest triumph of Mr Raikes. Are the post office and the l ail way companies resolved to,make this life too easy and too sw«et 1 Time was when men took their own messages, did their own work, or had personally to employ errand boys or work-' met for every service. Now lifts spare us the ascent of stairs, Instead of shouting oui "What ho! within there !" like our forefathers, or clap* pin-.1 our hands like a Turk, we touch a kaob and far away an electric bell rinjjs, or a telephone wire carries the sound through nu'las of street. We touch ono signal and a hansom rattles to the door; another brings v four-wheeler, a third » fire engine, a fourth a messenger, a fifth the police. A knob each for i: doctor," "stockbroker," "lawyer," "plumber," "butcher," "greengrocer," a»d ", confectioner " will doubtless soon be added to the hall of every family mansion. An enterprising hostess might, before she got out of bed, invite for that evening by separate telegrams fourteen or twenty guests, and on receipt of their reply-paid answers., order by wir« a suitable repast at lur own lioiise, or afc a fashionable restaurant. The flowers, the waiters, the vines, the decorations could also bo laid on with equal promptitude. Per haps m course of time, Mr Raikes will undertake to supply hosts with ladylike or gentlemanly guests to fill unexpected gaps; he has many well-bred, .well-edu cated girls under him, and d*en who are at leisure m their evening hours. If he were further pressed, he might lay on by telephone subjects for conversation and outliirjs for use.

The Totalisutor and Racing.

"Majjeppa. " (m the •• Otago Witness ") wricng on the proposal t« tax the totalise ator. wonders when the limit of stake morejj will be reached m New Zealand. I am beginning to doubt whether there is an nppaintable limit. The amount grows largir and larger m fche case of nearly eveiyclub or impt.tanee, and reductions are larely heard of. These remarks are suggested by the fact that the Canterbury Jockey Club has just adopted programmes for llw next season showing an all round increase m added money. To the Spring meding £5080 will be given as against £4815 m the moribund season; to the Summer meeting £680 as ugainst £600 ; to tie A«!.umn meeting £2430 as against £2110 ,° making an increase on the three meeingM of £555, and a total of £8190 as agahst J8"7635 for the three meetings i» $\g season n§\y expiring. Figures show fchaf m the space of ten years j;he club has ho iuproved its revenues as to be Able to moo than double its aided money ! Far the season of 1881-82 the amount given by the club was £3570, and the sum topf 3d the list of New Zealand clubs, Dunedin beiis; about £400 and Auckland about £50 behind Canterbury m that season. A'B not these returns somewhat start* ling? I think so j and remembering furlici' that a corresponding advance is shorn by other leading clubs during theiuterval, and that the improved state of al'airs has been attained unto m spite of he depression which we are now hajyily ceasing to talk about, aitd not witstending the fact that our population hasnot increased as fast as the census mci would like it to, the comparison w litts short of wonderful. Just one ex amjle, extracted from my records, to shov what the increase comes to m some iteis. Take the added money of the five priicipal metropolitan clubs for the sea sonnow closing, 1890-91, and compare it witi'the added money of the season just a dcade ago, and this is what we find :— Duiedin, 1880-81, £2805, 1890-91, £14590; Canterbury, 1880-B], £3570, 18f)-9l, £7635 ; Auckland, 1880^81, £256, 1§9,0r91, £7305' ; IJavyke's Bay, IS9-81, £750, 1890-91, £3775 ; Welling ton 1880-81, £1282, 1890-91, £3725; totis, 188Q-81, £10,772,1890-91, £;33,030, Am the comparison is slightly unfair to thelatter date, because, for the sake of beig sttictly correct, I have left out of cout the Grand National, which is to all intots and purposes a fixture of the Caifcerbury Jockey Clvb—the reason for its ttnission being that the alteration of dat< puts off the meeting to August, j whaefore there is no Grand National belwen the actual period comprised m the icing year from August Ist, 1890, to July3lst, 1891. The figures are, how- impressive as they stand. ?a he I improvement represents ten years' operition of the totalisator—nothing efse,for nowadays stewards are not made sufto the indignity of being compelled tagawKl with thehab.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(TkK PRESS ASSOCIATION

MR MORLEY, M.P.

London, June 25. Mr Morley, M.P., is seriously indis posed.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY.

London, June 26. The Commission appointed to «n ---quire into the alterations at West minster .Abbey recommended that the edifice should be enlarged.

THE ENGLISH BAR.

A Committee of the English Bar has resolved to discourage sons practising before their fathers who are judges.

FIRE AT LEITH.

A serious fire is raging at Leith Docks.

PRINCE ALEXANDER OF BATTENBURG.

London, June 27. Prince Alexander of Battenburg is sufferinsr from gastric ulcer and his condition is considered critical.

MR AND MRS PARNELL.

Mr Parnell and Mrs O'Shea will be re-married m church towards the end of July. They proposeto visit America m the Autumn.

CAPTAIN VERNEY.

Captain Verney has been removed from the position held by him as Deputy-Lieutenant of Buckingham.

THE HANDEL FESTIVAL.

At the Crystal Palace yesterday, the Handel Festival of 1891, m com memoration of the eminent composer, was brought to a close. On June 22nd " The Messiah " was given, on 24th selections, and for the final production "Israel m Egypt." Twenty-four thousand people attended yesterday.

MR GLADSTONE.

Mr Gladstone is improving m health.

OBITUARY.

The death is announced of Sir George Macleay, well-known m con nection with Australian exploration, at the age of eighty-two. Wir George died at Mentone, m France, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health.

THE BACCARAT CASE.

Lord Brooke threatens to institute proceedings against any person con necting his wife with the incidents arising out of the Tranby Croft scandal.

IRISH LAND PURCHASE BILL.

In the House of Lords to-day the motion tabled by Lord Den man to reject the Irish Land Purchase Bill was negatived, and the bill read a second time.

FREE EDUCATION.

The Radical opposition to the free education proposals of the Government is increasing.

VICTORIAN GRAIN.

The Victorian grain trophy at the Doncaster Agricultural Show is a great success, and universal surprise is expressed at the Quality of the grain.

A MORAL SHOW.

The Westminster Aquarium Co. has recovered £250 damages from Mr Parkinson, member of the London County Council, for libel m alleging that the Marionette performance \yas indecent.

CANADA AND PROHIBITION.

Ottawa, June 25. The House of Commons has ap pointed a Commission to take into consideration the liquor traffic and ascertain what effect prohibition would have on the revenue and people of the Dominion.

THE LATE SIR J. MACDONALD

Ottawa, June 26. The estate of the late Sir J. Mac clonald has been proved at under £17,000.

THE WHEAT SUPPLY.

It has been found that the Canadian wheat crop will exceed the previous estimate made by the Government officers by 25,000,000 bushels. Nkw York, June 27. Owing to the improvement m the crops the price of wheat m New York has fallen.

CORRUPTION IN CANADA.

Ottawa, June 27. The Parliamentary Committee of Privileges is still engaged taking evi dence m connection with the charges of corrupt practices brought against some members of Parliament. At to day's sitting a contractor testified that he had paid Sir Hector L. Langevin, Minister of Public Works, large sums of ifloney for ob,'trinjng him the Quebec harbor contract, In. consequence of disclosures previously made Sir Hector Langevin was recently called upon by the Premier to resign his position m the Cabinet.

ARGENTINE TROUBLES.

Buenos Ayres, June 26. An insurrection has taken place m the Argentine province of Catamarca. The provincial Government was over thrown, and a provisional Administra tion appointed instead. The Catamarca insurgents arc vic torious so far. Seven lives have been lost, besides many wouuded.

THE OUTRAGES IN CHINA.

Washington, June $5. The Government has ordered three United States warships to rendezvous at Shanghai to prevent the persecution of Christians by the Chinese mob.

THE SLAVE TRADE,

BpuJN,. June 2Q f The German Government propose to institute a State lottery of 8,000,000 marks to provide funds to combat the slave trade m Africa,

FLOODS IN AMERICA.

New York, June 25. Severe floods have been experienced m lowa, many bouses being swept away and several towns inundated, but owing to the telegraph lines being blocked m all directions only meagre particulars of the damage have been received. Thirty-five miles of the Illinois railway is submerged, and some of the bridges have been carried $vay.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

_. , Paris, June 25. Tlie butchers', bakers', and grocers' assistants are out on strike, and con flicts have taken plac« between them and the police, resulting m several of the strikers being arrested. _ Paris, June 26. Hie municipal authorities have arranged to supply 2,000,000 pounds ot bread daily during the strike of the bakers. _.■■ ■„_ London, June 26. Ihe West End tailors who were ordered out on strike have surrendered.

BULLET PROOF ARMOUR.

Berlin, June 27. The armies of the Powers forming the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria, and Italy) will shortly be provided with steel cuirasses impenetrable by rifle bullets.

BISMARCK AND ENGLAND.

Prince Bismarck's journal warns the Emperor against too intimate friend ship with England, for fear of alien ating the friendship of Russia. The Eraperor visits London early next month.

GERMAN CORN DUTIES.

The agitation for the repeal of the corn ditties is increasing.

RAILWAY COLLISION.

A serious collision occurrtd m the Boitzenburg tunnel, on the Berlin- Hamburg Railway. So faras is known at present only three persons were in jured, but the details to hand are very meagre.

THE TURKISH QUESTION.

Vienna, June 26. The visit of the Emperor of Austria to Fieume is considered to indicate an eventual co-operation between Austria, Italy, and England for the defence of Constantinope.

THE CZARINA AND CZARE WITCH.

St. Petersburg, June 27. The Czarina and Czarewitch hr.ye arranged to visit Paris m August ntxt, and subsequently the Czarina will visit England to s«e her sister the Princess of Wales.

PROPOSED JEWISH COLONIES

An agent of Baron Hirsch is travel ling m Southern Russia, with the view of studying the established Jewish colonies.

BEHRING SEA.

Washington, June 26. The Government are prepared to consider any case of direct loss in flicted on British traders by the prohi bition of sealing m Behring's Sea.

POSTAL CONFERENCE.

The next Postal Conference will meet m Washington.

UNITED STATES CURRENCY.

Washington, June 27. The United States Cabinet has de cided to coin live million dollars' worth of. trade dollars from bullion and twenty million dollars' worth of fractional silver into standard dollars. Mean while all other silver coinage is to be suspended.

MOZAMBIQUE.

Lisbon, June 26, The natives of Mozambique are demanding that J. J. Macliado, the former Governor-General, who has been succeeded by Senator Andrade, should retain office.

DESTITUTE EMIGRANTS.

Buenos Ayres, June 26. The Spanish emigrants to the Argen tine are destitute, and 10,000 are leaving for Cuba.

EUROPEAN WEATHER.

Vienna, Junn 26. A terrific thunderstorm was experi enced m Austria proper. Three villages were fired by the lighting. Berlin, June 26. The excessive heat which has been experienced after the recent thunder storms continues throughout Ger many. A waterspout broke over Soldin, m the province of Brandenburg, de stroying the crops. Paris. »lune 26. Owing to the electricity m. th« air the telegraphic wires are unworkable, and telephonic communication between Paris and London is interrupted.

PLOTS IN PRISON.

The officials at the prison of St- Quentin discovered arms and ammuni tion within the precincts of the prison, 14f0 prisoners m which had plotttd to rovolt.

THREATENED INDIAN RISING

New York, June 27.

The fear of a Navajo rising is m? creasing, The Navajos are a tribe of Indians, famous Shoshones and Apaches, occupying reservations m New Mexico and Arizona. They number nearly 10,000.

SPAIN AND UNITED STATES.

Madrid, June 27. The Treaty of Commerce between Spain and the United States has been signed, and comes into operation m September next.

PORTUGAL AND AFRICA.

Lisbon, June 27. A Bill submitted to the Cortts authorising the sale of the Portuguese colonies m East Africa has been re jected.

THE CHILIAN WAR

Valparaiso, June 27. Don Claudio Vienna, the present Premier, has been elected to succeed President Balmaceda. The insurgents are making a final attack on the strongholds of the Government troops.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE GALE AND "FLOODS.

Sydney, June 28. The country round Gundagai is inun dated, and the drowning of two men is reported. Melbourne, June 28. The Collector of Customs at Port Albert telegraphs that the captain of a coasting vessel which has arrived there reports that a ship is ashore off Port Albert. Wreckage is coming asSiore, but a search party sent out found no trace of the vessel nor signs of life. It is feared that all on board art lost. The weather is boisterous, and it is raining iv torrents. ' ■ j

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, June 27. A private enquiry was commenced at A^ondale Lunatic Asylum to-day into the charges of ill-treatment of patients pre ferred against the warders by William Me Blanus, an ex-patient. Should it be found that the charges are based on any degree of truth, Government will be asked to hold a public enquiry. WELLINGTON. JuilC 27. The funeral of the late Hon Capuin Fraser, M.JL.C, took place this afternoon with full military honors. The cortege from tho deceased's late residence to the cemetery was a vety large one, most of the members of the Legislature following, besides a larare number of citizens, members of the Le^T live Council acting as pall bearers, A detach meut of the Permanent A»t llery formed tha firing party, and funeral marches were played by the Garrison band. Greymouth, June 28. The coal export for the week was 3021 tons, Westpobt, June 28. The coal export for the week was 5206 tons from the Westport Coal Company and 1812 tons from the Wellington mine; total, 7018 tons.

Auctioneer's Report.

JOHN G. RESTELL. Mr John G. Resteft, reports on the weekly sale held at his Arcade horse bazaar and general market, Ashburton, on Saturday, June 27, Mr F. M. Rick man acting as auctioneer :—About 60 horses of all classes came forward for sale. Good, young, sound, medium draught houses, with a trial, gold well, up to £22 10s: aged and inferior draught horses, sold at from £6 to £10; good^ light, harness horses and hacks were m good demand, and sold from £10 to £25, one very superior dog cart; gelding, four years old, by Tarn O'Shanter, bringing th« top price; inferior and aged hacks and weeds, from £2 to £6. Farm produce and sundries were sold at very satisfactory prices. The attendance of the public Wai very large all through the day, and a large sale was concluded[just before dark. ?

MAGISTERIAL.

SOUTH RAKAIA.—FRIDAY. Before Messrs Hardy, Holmes, and OxleyJ.P.'u. Dog Registration Act.—For having unregistered dogs m their possession the following tines were inflicted:-—W. Stubbs 5s and 7s costs ; W. Braiding, 10s and 7s costs ; R. Kemp, 6s and 7b costs. Com plaints were made that the Selwyn County Council did not offer proper facilities for registering. Prohibition Ori>er. -Mary Hirvey applied for a prohibition order against her husband John Gordon Harvey, order Sianted for twelve months, to have effect m the South RAkaia Licensing district.

The Weather.

ALFORD STATION. The following is the Meteorological I report for the week - ending June 29, I IS9l:— .' Shade. sigh a . ' Date. hi iJ**** Low.jHigl Sun. of Weather Monday ... 27' 51« 112' Fine, S.W. Tuesday ... 23' 52 ■ 110' „ Calm. Wednesday 32- 47' 77' „ „ Thursday... 24- 55• 115* ,' Friday ...25- 48- 111. „ VS.NV. Saturday ... 27' 50' 110- „ Calm. Sunday ... 28' 48' 108- „ „

THE MARKETS.

(I'EK PRESS ASSOCIATION. « __^_ iS (Received June 29,10.1 d a.uj.) London. June 27. Tallow—Medium mutton, 26s ; medium beef, 2os. The total quantity of wool- catalogued up to date is 245,000 bales, of which 2149,290 bales have been sold. Prices art unchanged. Colonial barley, 31s Gd; oati?, 265; beans, 07s,

POLITICAL.

(from ovk, parliamentary coerek. PONDENT.) ! Wellington, Jun&29. It is expected that Sir George ] Grey's advocacy of " no exemption " will involve a warm discussion. Sir John 'Hall is known to be preparing an elaborate speech, and some excitement is expected when the Minister of Lands and Hon G. F. Richardson meet.

FARM ITEMS.

Under the term *'grass," botanists have distinguished and named no? fewer than two thousand distinct varieties of the vegetable world.

The wheat crop of England m 1890 stood at 30.79 bushels per acre ; that of Wales at 24.94 bushels ; and that of Scot land at is.49fbushels.

C. E Pillsbury, a wheat operator of Minneapolis, is endeavouring to "oorner" the wheat output of the entire North* west, and thus far (end of May) he has succeeded. He will endeavour to make the flour mills of that place— the largest iv the world—pay dearly for their raw material.

The Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association resolved to recommend the imposition of a tax on stallions. At the same meeting it was decided to fcrm a protection association, on the same lines as that m existence m North Canterbury, to protect farmers against sheep-stealing, which still gives great trouble and causes serious loss m South Canterbury.

Strange as it may appear (says the " North Otago Times,") farmers say that the land is m better condition for working than at the same period of last year; that tho young crope are coming along well ; and that the only thing that stands m the way of breaking up is the excessively hnrd frosts, (which have hardened.the' ground - down several inches. ( '*">■'. .-.'"' '■ -, *~

With reference to the test for lime m land described m cur last i terns," a friend points out that this test is not invariably reliable. Lime may exist m the land, and be shown by the test, and yet not be m such a form as to be available for tho direot or indirect nourishment of plants. A Lincoln College analysis will state the form m which lime exists, and farmers will know exactly h»w to act.

The Otago A. and P. Association have passed the following resolutions to for ward to the Government^ m response to the invitation to make suggestions which they considered calculated to forward the agricultural and pastoral industries of th« colony :—(1) " That it is of great import ance to the farming community to have the customs returns of the exports to foreign ports published regularly, as is done m the Australian colonies, and that the Hon. tlits Minister for Agriculture be respectfully urged to have this done m future." (2) "That greater expedition ■honld be used m publishing the -agricul tural returns, which, as a rule, are ejected j$ February, a.«a are eeJiQuj

THB ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JUNE 29. 1891.



Hoixoway's I'nxs axd Ointment.— Vicissitudes of climate, exposure and hard ships, tell heavily on soldiers and sailors, sowing the seeds of diseases which may ultimately break up the constitution. Naturally careless of their health a word m season may avert many evils, and may cause them to resort to timely measures without any difficulty or publicity. Hollow ay's effectual remedies are so suitable, and are so easily adapted for the varied complaints to which our soldiers and sailors are liable, that a supply should always be obtained before proceeding abroad. It may with confidence ba afcated that many a valuable life might be saved, or confirmed cripple prevented* from begging m the streets, if Hollo way's remedies had been used m time. Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabe, Ironbatk, .Sandhurst, m tlje colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took rt.ll pains to secure medical assistance. How evqi>, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to savo life, At tin's juncture I called cij Messrs Handor and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of Kucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I l|a,d the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and to-day ho is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied, and I make this solemn declaration, etc, Fraxb Rmbk, Declared at Sandhurst, m the colony for Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and geventy-seven, before me, MoritzColm, J.P., rr(Adv£ v ) 6 '< J£ii.iWi;'s Cqucjii iOZEn'oes cures Cong Asthma, Bronchitis, Medical t stimo states that no of her mediouio is so effectual m the euro of these dangerous npladies One Lozenge alone gives ease, oue or two at |»3dtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty tft breathing they are invaluable. They cou- ' tain no opiun> i)pr any violent drug. Sold by all GhemiSjts, m tius^ Js J|d and 2s 9<jl WJj .. ■•■•■-■



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Wfcat his Office. ANTED to Let the Orans?e Hall. For particulars'apply J. Cockburv. 6 228 WANTED Known —Magic Lantern m Primitive Church To-Morrow a*t 7 30. Local views exhibited. Admission, 6d, 2i, Id. 229 \l7 ANTED— Two Respectab 1* VV Boarders, terms 15 shillings week, comfortable home for sober men.— Mrs Whittington", Tancred street. 6 231 \\ / ANTED^vnown—b. W. Alcorn * V will feel obliged if all accounts owin<» are pud within fourteen days. WANTED Known. — Blankets and Flannels great bargains at Andrew Orrs. ~YT7~ANTED Known.—Great Clearing W Sale at "The Corner" of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots.—W. IT. Collier. TTMNEST Cod Liver Oil. Chest and Jj Lun<» Protectors. Chilblain lini ments. BROOKE,Jgheniißt,Ashhutton. WANTED Known—Girls' Boots 2s lid, Ladies' French Shoes 3s 1 Id, Gents' Shoes 5s 6d ; at Anprbw Orh's Cheap Sale. 6 21* WANTED Known-Old Spoons and Forks Electro-plated and made equal to new at 15s per dozen all round. k. Black, Jeweller, East Street, 4 150 TVTANTED Known.—Call and secure VV bargains »f Winter Drapury «it the Great Siile at W. 11. Collier's, "The Corner." OUBLE Blankets, and through mis^ understanding double quantity sent from Mill. H-we reduced the price 5s per pair. —Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. " 6 154 WANTED Known—ln consequence of the inconvenience to Customers by the rebuilding of our shop front, we hiwe determind to give some very cheap lines.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED, every man m the district to order a Kaiapoi or Roslyn Tweed Suit. Also, Boys' Suit* and Gents' Overcoats m great variety.—Andrew Orb. DURING Alterations Customers should inspect our prices. Lot of Goods to be cleared very cheap. Hand some presents given away.—H. C. Sbokes, Melford House. 7^ LORIOUS News.—J v.st purchased a \JT Dunedin Warehouseman's Stock ef 90 Pieces French Cashmeres and Merinos at less than half price. Will be sold during the cheap sale at Is 10^d ; regular price 3s 9d—-Andrew Obk. „_«____. WANTED Known—That if you want real gwnl wea; ing boots, to keep your feet dry, you can get them m great variety at John Moijwn's, the expert Bootmaker, Town Hall shop, East Street 6 73 WANTKD Known.^l hitve~a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Bjilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—-J. W. Hardley, East street : ___ (i|2o2 ' I ""O Meet the Times.—l am supplying I Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years. Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited.— J., W. Hardlev, East street. 6J201 ANTED Known.—That for quality, assortment, and price see Andrew Orr's large stock of Millinery, Clothing, and Boots. No presents, no bribes, but good value.—Andrew Orr.. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. 11/ANTfiD Known.—Cheap Lines m \V Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, «fee, now on during necosyary alterations. —11. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known—H. Dudley will sink Deep Wells and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee water to surface at 3s 6d per font. - 11. Budley, Mooro Street. 6^54 WANTED KNOWN,—If you have the Cash, you citn save about 6s m every Pound, by buying your Jackets. Ulsters, Dress Goods, Millinery, &c, at S. W. Alcorn & Co.'s Clearing Sale. 6 m_ ________ ______ ICE Cream off. Cough drops on. Un doubtedly the best. H. G. Flower, Confectioner^ East Street. .' "VfEW GAMES yTiddledy Wink? ? LN Reversi, Snickem, and others, Fresh Supplies of The Miners' 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— Vosal and Instrumental. —L. F. Andrewes and Co. TENDERS. f PENDERS wanted at once for Stubbing I and Grubbing gorse on the Laghmor Estate. For particulars apply DONALD McLEAN, 6 211 Laghmor.^ STOCK-TAKING. Great Reductions HAVE BEEN MADE IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY SPECIAL LINES FOR m ii i s itt c c k. Men's Tweed Trousers ... 7s 6d to Clea". Boys' Pilot Overcoats ... 9s lid ... Men's Tweed Suits ... Jjos , Roys' Tweed Suits ... 7s 6d Men'a Shirts with collar... Is lid HATS and CAPS, fcCARFS and BOWS, GREATLY REDUCED. NEW GODDSj GENUINE VAIUK. NEW ZEALAND OfcOTHINa FAOTOFY



NOTIOK. A LL Persons found trespassing en JLJL. the Celdstream Estate with Dogs j ortGuns will be prosecuted. 3177 JOHN BTUDHOLME, Juw. THE ASHBURTON FtRMTIRE WAREKOISE OF PICKFORD I UNDRILL In Tancred Street IB replete with Superior Furniture m the newest design*, made from well Masoned New Zealand and imported Timbers. Carpets, Matting*, Floor Cloths, Linoleums, Rusts, and Door Mats of superior quality and great variety m stock. FURNITURE made to order m any design, and warranted to give satisfaction. A good selection of Cretonnes, Tapes tries, and Leathers for Upholstering. Suites, Chairs, Couches, &c. y a\vr%ys on hand. BEDSTEADS AND BEDDING. Buyers, please call anlinspect our Large and Choice Stocks. Venetian Blinds made and repaired | with promptitude. 6JBI COMPETITION IS THE LIFE OF TRADE. Likewise Monsy is the life of the Drapers £6000 WORTH OF DRAPERY, CLOTH I N G, AND B O O T S, AT W. W, SPENCER & CO's -r MUST BE SOLD -r PREVIOUS to that awful day, the day of reckoning. Stock-taking begins m July. X NOW OR NEVER x Men's Heavy Overcoats, 20* White Blankets. 8s lid a pair Men's Colored Moles, 53 9d Boys' Heavy Brown Cord Trousers, from 4s 6d Men's Tweed Suite, 2is Boys' Tweed Cap«, 7|d each Men'» Heavy Knit Woollen Sox, 7|d per/pair Men s and Boys' Ties, 2d each Men's Heavy Union Shirts, Is lid Winter. Dress Goods, 4£d. A splendid Winter Dresa for 6s lid per doz. Flaanela 10|d, Hid, and Is, worth double. Flannelette, 4s 3d per doz. Cretonnes, 4s 3d per tlost. Neck Ribbons, all colors, Id per yard Feathers, 3d each ; Flowers, Id each Women's and Children's Hats, 2d each Women's Tweed Ulsters, worth llsOd, for 3s; 12s 6d for 4s lid BOQTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. We defy New Zealand to compete with us m BOOTS for quality and price. Men's colonial-made Shooters, 9s lid Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d Women's strong Elastic sides, 6s 9d worth 10s 6d. Children's Boots and Slippers, Is Girls' Elastic and Button Boots, from 2s 9d at W-T¥T QPENCER &/"» . W . DPENCER * V^O. THE ABCADE. John Orr & Co- HAVE now landing and m stock, ex "Maori" from London,— 10 Cawks Ranso.ne's and Hornsby's Ploughshares 1 Case James Breech-loading Guns 1 Ton Chilled Shot 10 Cases Diamond Grain Powder 4 „ Cartridges 2 „ Gun Wads and Caps 20 Tons Bar Iron 4. Caaea Fenders 20 Packages Register Grates 40 Sets Fire Irons 30 Packages Spades and Forks 30 Kegs Bluestone 7 Bales Artistic Wall Papers 6 Casea Bedsteads 4 Casks Lamps and Globes 100 Coils Steel Barb Wire 200 Coils Plain Steel Fence Wire. 8, 9, and 10 Titan Wire Strainers 1 Cask Tea Pots 4 Packages Brushes—all kinds 3 Casks Bolts and Nuts 50 Drums Bailed Oil 2 Tons White Lead, 281 b and 561 b Tins h Ton Red Lead, 201 b and 561!j TiusC Paints, Oils, and Varnishes—all kinds 1 Case Meat Choppers 1 Case Lanterns 2 Casks Holloware— Saucepans Boilers, and Kettles SO Drums Sheep Marking Oil 2 Packages Copper Rivets, |m to lin 1 Case Wrenches 12 Packages Wringers and Mangles 2 Boxes Door Mats 3 Packages Cinder Sifters 1 Case Asperial's Enamel 1 Cask Scales and Weights 1 Cask Bag Hooks 60 Kegs Wire Nails 20 Kegs Wire Staples 3 Packages Locks and Hinges 1 Package Files and Rasps Flax and Manilla Rope—all sizes 1 Case Screws—all sizes 1 Cask Vices Grindstones, 18in, 20in,,24in, 26in iOO Cases Kerosene ; warranted best obtainable 5000 Yards Wire Sheep Netting 8 Packages Axes and Hatchets 3 Casea Chisels and Hammers 4 Cases Carpenters' Tools 3 Casks Plough and Traco Chains 10 Packages Galvanised Tubs and Buckets 1 Case Table arid Pocket Cutlery Leather Belting, l£in to Gin 4 Cttses Gorse Knives 3 Crates Fancy Crockery 10 Tons Best Mauritius Sugar, CeyloD and Indian Tea Company's Pure Blended Teas. The above having been bought on th most favourable terms will be sold at LOWEST .CURRENT |RAT£S. as Purchasers should inspect < ur^Stocks nd got quotations-. JOHN ORR & Co.