The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

In all 415 entries have been received by the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club for their animal meeting. The annual entertainment and distribution of prizes m connection with the Borough School take place m St. Stephen's School room on Wednesday, December 23. Yesterday afternoon a boy eight years old, son of Mr George Agar, was killed m London street, Lyttelton, by being run over by an express. He ran off the footpath right m front of the vehicle, and no blame is attachable to the driver. TheTaieri "Advocate" states that M and Messrs Peat, of Mount Gowrie, cele brated their golden wedding on the 27th tilfc % midst great rejoicings. Mr Psat was dt wn with influenza at the time, but it was thought nothing serious. Four days after, wards, however, he died. The A Troop of the 26th Middlesex, or Cyclist Corps (Captain Bruno Holmes), ac complished a remarkable rile on October 25, m the compatition for the 100 Miles Challenge j Cap. The previous week the B Troop, under Captain Phillips, covered the distance m 11 hours 23 minutes 54 seconds. The A Troop went over the same course, but with an additional stretch of road added at each end to ensure the mileage being over the specified distances. The whole troop of thirteen riders passed the 100 miles point m 10 hours 57 minutes I'Z seconds from the start. Lieut Gilbertson Smith was hi command. Lord "Bute's first year of office as Major of Cardiff, is likely to be an expensive one to him. The visit of the British Association to Cardiff, it is said, cost Him over ££0,000, his banquet on the day of the opening of Dowlais Works cost over £2,000. Lady liute's "at home," as Mayoress, cost over £3,000; foe her garden party, recently a similar sun* was expended; and now it is proposed to induce the Marquis to construct a weir across the lowes part of the River Taff, for which he has had plans prepared, at the cost of another £10,000, He has given large sum? to all the charitable institutions m the town. Something like a Mayor!" The Best Rkmedy fob Ij*digkstiom~ Norton's Camomile Pills are <K>nfidentj recommended as a simple remedy foi Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all fch« diseases to which we ace subject?, NoEtow'* Pills, with justice called tiw 'Natural Rirengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a. powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and' •afe under any circmutftauces. Sold m bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all ir.edicine vendors throughout the world Teas free from any excess of astringency South British Tea Company's pureiblmids £\\ ciorekwpersj

An examination of the bones found m the remains of the burnt hut ab Baling, prove* i •that they are shsep ami ham boues, which had evidently been carried tinder the hut by dogs. Mr Jackson's alarm was therefcie, without e&ime. Tho North Canterbury Education Board have decided to forward to the Minister of Education a letter by their Secretary, criti cising the syllabus,"and requesting the de partment to revise the new syllabus before ] sending it to the public schools. Messrs Stout and Mondy, solicitors, acting on behalf of Mr D. Genge, the father of the lad who died from the effects of the injuries said to have been inflicted by a bullet tired, m a shooting gallery on the show ground, have made A demand on the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association au<l John Cooper, owner of the gallery, each for £400 damages. The second of the series of four races for theAahburton Amateur Swimming Club's Cup came off at the bath yesterday. The first race— 50yds handicap—was won by Frank Henry, who thus scored 4 pointß to wards the Cup, and the second man -was John Graham who scored 2, Lane being third—l point. Yesterday the distance was 75yds, and the race was very close, not two yards separating the first and last man. Four entered, and the men came in—Graham 6sec first; Frank Henry, lOsec, second; Arthur Williams, 6sec third ; Clowes, fourth. Time 72 sees. The points for the Cup now stand Henry and Graham equal at 6, Lane and Williams 1 en eh. A correspondent of the "North Otago Times " says —'(At a meeting of young ladies m Oamaru recently, the subject of ' What's to be done with us girls ?' was debated. One speaker pointed out that, from a careful estimate, there were about 300 girls of a marriageable age m Oamaru, and as against this there were only about sixty-one young men of a marriageable age, only thirty of whom, however, were m a position to marry. These young rascals, instead of, as the poet has pointed out they should, allowing their minds m the spring time to turn to thoughts of love, keep horses, play billiards, smoke cigarettes, and never—no nevei —give a con sideration to the solemn realities of life. Under such despondent circumstances as these. 'What's to become of us girls?' becomes a momentous question." The "Oamaru Mail" gives the following as the results of three trials of the Rain making Committee :—"The first explosion, on the 27th ult, was m the face of a rising nor'-wester, with a quiet, wet atmosphere, it being 4deg from saturation, and rain fell during the night. The second, on the 30th ult, was under clouds, though somewhat broken, and rain fell m torrents m about half an hour. On Friday last, with an atmosphere 4deg from saturation and a per fectly clear sky overhead, after the first ex plosion the clouds gathered thickly, and the Committee donned their overcoats with the prospect of suffering a drenching, but only a few drops fell, and the second and third ex plosions had a similar ending, but not so marked as the first." The case of the refusal of the Sydenham Licensing Committee to grant » license to W. James for the Crown Hotel came before the Supreme Court at Christchurch, yester day morning. An application has been set down for a writ of certiorari as against the chairman and 'members of the Sydenham Licensing Committee, calling upon them to show cause why th.p proceeding.? should not be removed into the Supreme Court with a view to quashing them. The grounds alleged for tho application were, inter alia, that a bias existed m the minds of the Com mittee as against the applicant, and that therefore they were not competent to deal with the matter. The Rev L. M. Isitt, Chairman of the Committee, was examined, so that the facts taken m his evidence might be applied afterwards to the motion. Mr Chew Chong, of the Eltham Dairy Factory, informs rhe editor of the "Taia naki Herald " that, having hid lagr'ppp, he is now certain it isa skin disease, and can be very simply cured. The complaint is, lie says, a very common one m China. It is a sort of parasite that ruus through the body like a thread of cotton, and until it is des troyed the patient never recovers. Messrs 'Baker and Rodgers, who arc working for Mr Ohew Ohong at his Eltham Imtter factory, were, attacked the other clay with la ffrij/jn; and Mr Chew Chong having discovered the parasite m them destroyed it, and they are now as well as ever. Mr Chew Ohong says that if any one having la grippe, calls on him or doctors will allow him to see one of their patients, he is willing to show them how to cure the complaint. He ask.s no tee or reward, but b willing to afford every infor mation on the subject, for the sake of suffer ing humanity. The " Wood vi lie Examiner" states that Captain Kennedy has selected a block of 9000 acres near Waikanui for a co-operative fruit growing settlement. The land is to be cut up into 100 acre section?, and the asso ciation will establish a sawmill on the block for cutting timber for the houses, an 1 manu facturing fruit boxes, etc., a jam factory and vegetable canning and preserving factory, a fruit and vegetable drying and desiccating works. Each selector binds himself to plant and maintain at least five acres m orchard, and this will therefore give an assured mini mum of 501) acres of orchard to the block. This'season the association is to throw down 1500 acres of bush m a .continuous strip along the front of the sections so as to en sure a good burn this year. Then a small portion of each section will be grubbed up for immediate use as a nursery. The ship Everest from Sydney to Liver pool, put into Lyttelton yesterday, leaking. She sprang a leak immediately after leaving Sydney, but as the windmill pump kept the water down and the weather was fine the captain proceeded on his way. When south of New Zealand the weather became stormy, the leak gave more trouble, and oa Novem ber 25, after being at the pump nearly all night, the crew asked the captain to make for a New Zealand port. Finding from the well that the vessel was making only three inches per hour he refused, but on December 3, as the leak increased and the weather svas stormy, ho headed for New Zealand. The vessel has been brought alongside the wharf, and on the recommendation of the marine surveyors the cargo will be discharged, A curious incident occured at one of the Exhibitions at Home. In the building there was an automatic machine which supplies a photographic portrait of some " celebrity," or other to any one who "puts a penny m the slot." An elderly and matronly lady, being under the impression that this was a new contrivance for tak ing photographs of which she had heard so much, duly inserted a bronze coin m the aperture, then, posing herself before the machine, and assuming her most pleasing expression, calmly awaited the result. After an interval of a few seconds the result came; but alas \ when the lady opened the drawer the photograph she extracted therefrom displayed, not her j own form and features, but the figure of a j female acrobat m full professional costume. A case almost as extraordinary as that of the telegraph operator, Robert Campbell, whose brain was pierced by a ramrod, and who is now walking about m as good health as ever, has secured m Melbourne. A boy named Alfred Jesse Mayo, residing at Nottingham Hill, soir.c 12 miles from the city, was holding the muzzle end of a gun, while his brother examined the stock, and as it was loaded, and the second brother pulled the trigger m ignorance of the danger, the charge exploded and the bullet passed through the younger child's hand, and entering his forehead lodged m his brain. Extraordinary sis it may seem, the boy did not beconje unconscious or incapable of movement. On the contrary, he walked into the kitchen to tell his mother what had befallen him. Medical assistance was summoned, and the child was removed promptly to the Alfred Hospital. There the foi-etiisger and thumb of his right hand ware removed, and it was found that the brain was obtruding from the aperture m the skull caused by the entrance of the ballot. The same astonishing vitality which was apparent at the time of the accident continued to be exhibited by the child. He did n.qb (/nee lose consciousness, and lie 3lpnt soundly and long, and when asked next day by his medical attendant how he fell; \vs 'auswwed brightly #ad smilingly, "Very well, thank you, Sir,''Ho « still doing well, and there aeoins every chance of his recovery. True economy To purchase Countes Ten. for two shillings. Fre« from any ex cess of aatrjngeucy *

Remarkable Shooting Case.

(FKOM OUII OOBBESPONDBNX.}

Melbourne, December 1. There really ought :t6 bo a close season for publicans or the practice of potting them, which has lately increased, will inevitably extinguish the race. Mr Milne,, the landlord of the Theatre Ruyal Cafe, who was shot on Saturday, certainly appears to illustrate the law that indi viduals gradually adapt themselves to conditions of Hie. A bullet which ought to have gone''through him was turned, not by his coat, vest, shirt, singlet, or braces, but by his breast-bone, or rather by the skin covering thr.t portion of his framework. The skin was but slisrhtly abraded ; the bullet dropped to the floor, and the chief thing hurt was Mr Milne's temper. When he got to the Melbourne hospital he was exceedingly angry because the doctors did nothing to him. As a matter of fact there was nothing to do. They could ■ not probe for the bullet, as thiil had rolled through a grating m the | vestibule of the Theatre Royal and no probe was long enough to reach from the casualty ward to its resting place. They could not dress the poor gentleman's wounds, for he hadn't any. All they could do was to tell him not to oxoite himself, and that was useless because he was so much excited already that he could not excite himself any more. It is somewhat odd that the man who shot-Mr Milne is a certain George Carey or Besc, a commercial traveller, who only a month ago shot his reputed wife, Amy Stewart, m South Melbourne. He was evidently m better form then, since he killed the unfortunate woman, who pro bably was very glad to die, since she seems to have had a sad life with the prisoner. For this he got off, owing to the absence of any evidence that the shooting was not entirely accidental. Since then he has been drinking heavily and the latest report is that he has been crazy ever since he had 'm accidental blow on the head some mor.ths ngo.

MELBOURNE NOTES

[from our correspondent.] Melbourne, December 1. By the suspension of the City of Mel bourne Building Society the attention of the public has been very forcibly directed to the one weak part of their machinery which may at any time bring the whole oftheinstitutionscrashingaboufc the ears of their supporters. They areallowedtorectjve deposits to the extent of three times their capital, and of course they lend out the whole of their available funds—deposits, capital and --ill—reserving only enough for ordinary expenditure, and relying, gener ally with good reason, upon their branches for aid if they have to make new loans or repay deposits unexpectedly claimed. As they give their depositors five per cent., and charge their borrowers eight—which comes to nine per cent m reality, by rea son of the fact that while the interest is only deducted yearly or half yearly the payments are made every fortnight—they easily pay their shareholders ten per cent and sometimes nine. But they lend their money for twelve years, and they receive deposits for all terms, from a day to chree years. Consequently they are always m danger, if a falling off m the numb sr of new depositors takes place, of being brought do'vn by the withdrawal of the old ones. Mr Munro makes light of the peril. He has made his fortune m Build ing Society speculations. But the Legis lature will have to interfere nevertheless, and will have to increase the proportion of capital to deposits. You cannot pay a depositor who wants a hundred pounds to pay his bills by handing him an unexpired mortgage on somebody's property due nine years hence. We have 297,430 depositors m our Vic-' to. iui Savings Banks who between them hold £5,028,077 7s 9J, or £19 2s 81 each on the average. In New South Wales there are only 143,826 depositors but they own £47 3.s 5i each, or £4,730,469 14s m all. The South Australian deposits are £28 17* ll'l fo" each depositor, those of Queensland £35 10s 4d, and those of New Zealand £32 10s. But the truth does not appear m the figures. The facts are that, j firstly, the Victorian conditions allow I women and children to open accounts and operate upon them. Those of the other colonies are more stringent. Hence there are fewer accounts open. Again m Vic toria everybody who has a ecore or two of pounds can do something profitable with it, and the same facilities for small inves tors do not exist elsewhere. A curious instance of the inconvenience caused by the old-fashioned and out of date financial laws of the older colony was told me yesterday. A well known and popular actress, who still keeps her maiden name professionally, as many actresses do, went to Sydney a few weeks ago to fulfil an engagement. She took a hundred pounds or so with her for ex penses, paid it into a bank m her own professional name, opened the account and then drew a cheque for a small sum for her day's expenditure. The very clerk who had received her money turned to her and said " Pardon me Miss so and so, but you are a married woman are you not?" " Certainly" replied she "You know my husband well," " Yes " he said "and I am sorry to say that you will have to get your husband's written con , sent before you can draw on the account." The man was so vexed at the absurdity and hardship of *he law that he could hardly speak, but the lady was immensely amused at the idea. "Wall"she said "My husband is m New Zealand and I might comfortably starve before his written consent arrived. I brought thab money to prevent myself from drawing on the Theatre m advance. However, I dare say they will give me some." And ho indeed they did, but she did not get quit of the consequences m a hurry. For she is a mightily independent woman, and her husband, who is tenderly attached to her, believes that the sun leaves off shining ac night merely because she goes to sleep, and he would as soon think of stopping the express train with his head as of crossing her wishes. So now when ever she expresses any independent in tention some friend is sure to strike m with " Pardon me, Miss so and so, but you are a married woman are you not V and then there is an explosion. Once more the "Argus " lias thundered m vain, for all its bolts armed at the Go vernment have grossly overshot the mirk. The amendments which the Council has made m the Constitution Act Amendment Bill wi'l not even be discussed. The Go vernment will simply 1-iy it aside and re mit 1 lie question to the constituencies. There its fate is sealed. The proposal to give the entire voting power of the colony in'o tlit; hands of about two-fifths of the voters, who would by virtue of the free hold double franchise vote down all tho others, is too transparently absurd for anybody to swallow. Indeed the freehold vote is known to be the fruitful parent of abuses since it is so easily divided find multiplied and added together. When the " forty shilling freeholds" vote was law m England and Ireland land was cut up into infinitesimal bhreds m order to stuff the rolls. I, myself, know a man well who bought a piece of waste land on the borders of Windsor Great Park for ninety pounds, and carved thirtj-one freehold votes out of it, divided them up among lis family, and sold them m that very tough contest when Mr Labouchere stood for Windsor, m 1805.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

THE GALES.

London, December 8. The channel steamer Victoria lias arrived safely. WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS. A writ of habeas corpus has been granted m the case of the young woman who was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment by the Cambridge University officials. THE MAYBRICK CASE. The Court of Appeal has granted May brick's executors his life insurance, amounting to £1500. [Commenting on this case, a recent issue of the London ■'.' Lawr Journal" says ;-~" In the remarkable Maybrick insurance case the High Court has held, on a special case stated for the opinion of the Court, that an action ova life policy effected on his life by the late Mr Maybrick for the benefit of his widow (who was convicted of having murdered him), and of their children after her death, could not be sued on by the trustees of his will. The ground of the decision was that it was not iv accordance with public policy that the convict Maybrick should recover money pay able on an event which liad been brought about by her own felonious act, and this is m accordance with the rule m the case of the forger Pauntleroy, and m that of the murderer Palmer. It appears, to have been assumed that the conviction m .'Regina v, Maybrick,' although followed by a commu tation of the capital sentence to pan&l servitude for life; was conclusive evidence of the felonious act of the convict. Is this quite m accordance with authority. We are inclined, to doubt it, the parties m Regina V. Maybrick and m the Maybrick insurance case not being the same. If, for instance, a prisoner convicted of bigamy sue for administration of the second spouse's effects, the validity of the second marriage can be set up, notwithstanding the convic tion. It \va3 held, however, iv Palmer's case that the coroner's inquisition charging Palmer with murder was prinia facie evi dence of the murder ; and since Mrs May brick was not called to disprove the murder of her husband, as on a habeas corpus ad testificanduin she could have been, there seems Httl« doubt that the recent judgment is substantially correct. Perhaps, hou'eyer, on the death of Mrs Maybrick, the action conld be brought again for the beuefit of those entitled to a reversionary interest m the policy."] CRICKET. The secretaries of the county cricket clubs have unanimously resolved to invite an Australian team to visit England m 1891. It is thought that m future a visit every fourth year will be sufficient. Lord Hawke, cap tain of the Yorkshire county team., declared that the whole thing was a money-making husKjess. A BANK FAILURE. Mills, Bawtry, Dawny, and Cuzoh's Bank, at Colchester, has suspended; payment, but it is expected that the assets will yield 20s m the £. AMERICAN POLITICS. The " Standard," referring to the election of Mr Crisp as Speaker of the House of Representatives iri the United States, considers that it means the ascendancy of the Protectionist section, and the nomination of Governor Hill for the Presidency. ANTARCTIC EXPLORATION. Baron Nordenskjokl, who hail ex pressed his willingness to command the ships selected by Baron Dixon for the Antarctic expedition, considers that he has been treated with scant courtesy by the neglect of the proposers to take advantage of his offer. NEW ZEALAND BUTTER. The " Daily Telegraph " declares that Australian and New Zealand butter is beating that imported from Normandy m the open market. The secret, it believes, is that the former is pure grass butter. IRISH AFFAIRS. A board is being formed m Cork for the purpose of arbitrating between the South of Ireland landlords and their tenants with a view to reinstating the latter under the Land Purchase Act. THE COMMERCIAL TRIPLE ALLIANCE. The Customs Union between Ger many, Italy, and Austria is expected to strengthen the Triple Alliance. Paris, December 8. " Le Siecle " has created a sensation m the city by publishing a statement that Germany is arranging a com mercial treaty with France. Piitis, December 9. The leading French papers declare that the effect of the foreign economic league will be to strangle France.

I PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. I

THE COLONIES.

London, December 9. Sir E. 0. -N. Braddon's paper, m reply to the recent strictures on the colonies, has produced a good im pression. In the debate which followed, Mr Perceval, the new Agent- General for New Zealand, stated that the colonies suffered from absentee landlords, and he condemned the hostile criticisms, which, while they were ignored m the colonies themselves, yet did much harm m England. Mr Christie Murray, who was also present, defended his articles, and said that he was unable to retract one word, although he had every confidence m the future of Australia, At a banquet given to Sir G. Berry on the occasion of his retirement from the position of Agent-General for Victoria, Lord Knutsford, Sir William Jervois, and C. Tupper, of Canada, were present. Lord Knutsford spoke m terms of high praise of the excellent work dqne by the Agents-General m smooching away difficulties, and re j ferred to the late Sir A. Blythe as an eminent example of what an Agent- General should be. Though Lord Oarrington condemned the imperfect information of the Colonial Office, he could recognise its true sympathy with the colonies and keen desire to meet their wishes and aspirations wherever possible. Sir G. Berry m reply said that personally he had never been disappointed by Lord Knutsford, whom he had always found willing to do his utmost to forward the interests of the colonies. Lord Brassey pro posed the toast of the Colonial Empire, to which Sir Charles Tupper replied. The " Standard " hopes that Sir G. Eerry will again be Premier of Victoria. THE ROYAL BETROTHAL. " The Times " states that the Duke of Clarence will be married on March 10 at Windsor. THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE. The Duke of Devonshire has suffered a relapse.

EARTHQU

Yokohama, Deoember 8. Frequent additional shocks of earth

quake were experienced throughout I Japan last month. There has been enormous loss of life and extensive da m age to property.

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Calcutta, December 8. Two trains collided on the Moolton- Lahore line, and thirty-four passengers were killed. THE CHINESE TROUBLES. Calcutta, December 9, A detachment of the Devonshire) Regiment is to be sent up to Vam poung, m Northern Burmah, as tho frontier Chinamen have again taken up a threatening attitude.

CANADA AND NEWFOUND LAND.

Ottawa, Deoember 8. As Newfoundland refuses to comply with the ultimatum, the Canadian Government are levying 'a ■ duty on fish and remitting bonded privileges.

REPORTED ROBBERY.

St. Petersburg, November 9. It is reported that 350,000 roubles have been stolen from the Treasury at Vladiwostoclc, on the Pacific Coast of Siberia.

AUSTRALIAN.

TREASURY BILLS.

Hobakt, December 9. The Legislative Council has assented •to the is3ue of £370,000 worth of treasury bills.

THE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION.

Sydney, December 9. The no-confidence debate is still pro ceeding. It is believed that the labor party will move an amendment to Mr Reid's motion m favour of referring the fiscal question to a plebiscite. MR STANLEY. Mr Stanley met with a good recep tion on his arrival here. He visits New Zealand shortly.

Supreme Court.

[per press association,j Wellington, December 9. The Chief Justice granted a decree nisi m the case of Wilby v. Wilby, the husband's petition for a divorce on the grounds of adultery. Chkistch tjkch, December 9. In Bell v. Stranaghan, which was the argument of the law points reserved at the trial before a jury, hiss Honor entered up judgment for/plaintiff tor £250, value of the furniture and effects distrained upon and sold, and also for trespass. DujfEDiN, December 9. The Supreme Court, m its divorce, jurisdiction, was occupied to-day with two divorce cases. Scott v. Scott and Wihton," was the husband's petition on the ground of adultery. The parties had separated;, and'it ■ was alleged that Mrs Scott had followed Winton to Melbourne. In the case of Winton v. Winton, the wife petitioned for a divorce from the co respondent m the first case. Judgment was reserved m each race. The rule was made absolute m thu case of Ryder v. Ryder.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

■(PER PKBSS ASSOCIATION.) »natn of mii Olil Identity. Dunedin, Ducouiber 10. Alexander Cairns, » very old Dmiedin resident, died early this morning, aged 79, Deceased came to Otago from Victoria, and was for many years In spector of works under the Provincial Government. l'urannkl Slum. New Plymouth, December 10. The Agricultural Society* seventeenth Annual Show opened t,o-day. There was a large attendance, the weather being fine. The exhibits were considerably more numerous than m the previous year.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON-THURSDAY.

[(Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M.) AILFUt IV ISCHIEF. — .John Leary, on remand, pleaded guilty to breaking two panes of glass at Winslow station and one at Winslow school. He said he could get no work and had nothing to eat, so he broke the windows that he might be ar rested. The police questioned the man's sanity, and said he was too weak to do any harti work. In the circumstances, the Magistrate thought a few days m gaol would be best for Leary, where at least he would be sheltered and fed, and sentenced him to fourteen days' imprisonment—the sentences to be cumulative. Stkay Cattle.—William McClimont pleaded guilty to allowing ten head of cattle to trespass on the railway line at Mount Soiners on November 16. He was fined als a head and costs. Robert Jones also pleaded guilty to allowing one cow to trespass on the Mount Somers line, as did also Thomas Miller and James Milne. All three were fined Is a head and costs. E. F. Wright Avas also fined Is a head and costs for a i.milar offence. Alleged Assault.—John Schaffer was charged with having assaulted Sarah Smith at Hinds on November 16. Mr Wilding appeared for complainant, and Mr Crisp for defendant. Sarah Smith said she was a married woman living on a 50-acre village settlement at Hinds. On November 16 she complained to Mrs Sclmffer about setting her clogs on com plainant's cattle. Schaffei's section ad joined witness*. Schaffercame up fco them and struck witness between the eyes and knocked her down. He also struck her when she was down. She came straight into town and complained to Sergeant Moller. By Mr Crisp —Did not leave Lei own ground that day, and did not chase Mrs Schaffer into her own house, nor throw stones at her, nor use dirty lan guage towards her. Denied having been on Schafter's ground. The fence was only three wires and badly strained at that.— Sergeant Moller said the complainant came to the station on a date he could not just then fix. She had two black eyes and the bridge of her nose was skinned. I Advised her to lay ths information. The injuries could very easily have been in flicted by a clenched fist.—Edwin Corber, lived within three miles of Smith and Schaffer. On November 16, ,«aw two people at Smith's ground. Could not say whether the ground was.Smith's or Sehaf fer's, and could not..remember if Schaffer said anything about the assault or not. As this witness declined to remember any thing about the matter he was ordered to stand down. For the defence Mr Crisp called Mrs Schaffer who said that on the day m question Smith's cows came into her husband's wheat crop, and witness put the dogs after them to drive them off. Mrs Smith came on witness' ground and used very bad language to witness, threw stones ati witness, who took refuge m the lious.e, but Mrs Smith kept on throwing stones on the house. Her children were all with her m the house, which witness did not leave until Mrs Smith had left. Did not see Mrs Smith struck, and Schaffer did not say he had .struck hor, bvijt qnly that heljad put hjsr.oyer the fence to her own ground. Kate Schaffer corroborated her aether's evidence, and HVe4 Schaffer,

boy, testified to seeing Mrs Smith on SchafVer's ground throwing stones at his mother. John Schaffer, accused, said he caino over to his house from whore he was working, at the call ol his son, who said Mrs SmiHi was abusing his mother. Found Mrs Smith m his garden, throwing stones at Ins wife* and calling her bad names. Oidored her oft" his property and pushed her. When she came to the fence ciho picked up a stone to throw at him, and ho again pushed her. She fell down towards the fence. Certainly did not strike hor, and knew nothing about the black fcyfcs. His Worship said..the ac cused had acted very injudiciously m going on Schaffer's ground. The black eyes given to Smith had not been accounted for, neither had they been proved against SclufFer, and tho case would be dismissed without costs. Civil Casb.—Mrs Stcele v. Fenton, 13s 6d—judgment by default.

A CASE FOR DIVORCE.

It is no doubt true that it is quite possible to give too great facilities for tho dissolution of the marriage bond, and, leaving out of the question the Scriptural argument altogether, it can easily be shown that upon the due upholding of the sanctity of this, the highest of all relationships, rests m great degree the safety of society and the welfare of the State. In the United States, speaking generally, divorce has undoubtedly been rendered too easy—within a period of a few years some 329,000 marriages having been dissolved, a great many of them for causes, or rather upon pleas, the most frivolous and inadequate, [ndeed, the existing state of things amounts to a scandal, large numbers of persons making their living by procuring divorces for whoever chooses to em ploy them, at prices ranging from 10 dols., or perhaps less, upwards. So well-known and generally recognised is the fact, that the comic papers, with but little exaggeration, pourtray railway stations with sign-boards bearing the apocryphal, yet not alto gethtr meaningless, legend "Passengers divorced here m five minutes." Cer tainly we do not want to see the American laxity extended to these Colonies, but on the other hand there undoubtedly occur from time to time instances of cruelty on the part of husbands, and suffering on the part of w ives—to the honor of the fair sex be it said, the position is seldom reversed— which speak eloquently m favor of the contention 1 of those who urge that there are causes which demand the dissolution of the marriage tie, other than the law at present recognises. For example, there was the case of Thomas Hall, whose deliberate and frequent attempts to compass the death of his young wife, followed upon the cold-blooded murder of his father-in law, and for which he was sentenced to penal servitude for life. That waa a case sure ]yin which it should have been possible for the law to step m. And here is another, and more recent case, as reported m the " Sydney Morning Herald " —that of Freeman v Freeman. In this case, according to the evidence, the man had pushed his wife into a well 35fb deep, and on her being drawn up, he dropped her m again, the violence of the fall causing her to be unconscious till the following day. And this w-is nt a time when her condition of womanhood was such thai) if"iEe~TuTnMnTTfii3l^posß«sMsed. one spark of tenderness, he ought then to have shown it. On other occasions he had fractured her cheekbones with a loaded whip ; lie had shut her up with her three little children —one of them an infant m arms—m a cold, damp cellar, the livelong night m midwinter, where she had to divest herself of clothing to wrap her baby m, and to continue breathing on the infant to prevent its dying of cold. All this would not have been sufficient, how ever, to enable the poor woman, to obtain a divorce, if the husband had not added conjugal unfaithfulness to his other brutalities. In these circum stances a rule nisi was granted. But, failing this one condition, not all the brutality described would have en titled the outraged wife to complete relief, and, strongly as we uphold the sanctity of the marriage tie, we cannot help thinking that the law should be amended so as to permit of divorce m such cases as this.

POLITICAL.

(I SB, ]?I\ES» ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, December 9. The National Association have passed a resolution affirming that the faith of the colony is pledged to purchasers under a grant to uphold the principle of freehold tenure ; that the public debt is already too large and ought not to be increased, but that sweeping retrenchment should be carried. Mr E. Withy moved—"That the graduated land tax, the tax on im provements, and the exemptions set forth m the Land and Income Assessment Act are a sacrifice of public faith and found principle." The debate on this motion is adjourned. Nelson, December 9. The Hon. Mr Seddon arrived here to day. To-morrow morning he meets the Chamber of Commerce and citizens, »■? ' the Chicago Exhibition and sending exhibits thereto. He is also engaged m business connected with the Midland rail way. Hunterville, December 10. The Hon Mr Cadman and Mr Laurie, M.H.TJ.., arrived by the midday train from Wanganui yesterday, and were met by Mr Hursthouse, Government Engineer, from Keikei, at the Auckland end of the Main Trunk line, wl}o will point out to the Native Minister the land along the railway route. The party left at seven this morning on the tour.

THE MARKETS.

PBK PKESS ABBOCIATIO*. (Tt jceived December 10, 10.25 am.) London, December 9. Wheat, and flour afloat for the United Kingdom are equal to 2,504,000 quartern, and for the Continent 1,800,000 quarters, Money is. declining owing to the plenti ful supply ; three months' bills are dis counted at 2jj per cent. Bunk of JNew Zealand shares, new is^>ue, £7 10s ; old issue, £5 10s, SYhnky, December 9. Wheat, chick, 4s 6d ; New Zealand milling, 5s ; local grown 5.« 6J, nominal OntH, 2s 5d to 2s 6d. Maize, 2s 3d to 2s Gd. Peas, 3* 9J. Bran, Is. Pollard, lid. Potatoes, £4 10s Onions, £5 sj. Butter, dairy-made, 8d; factory, 9d, Cheese, 4d to 6d. Bacon, 6d to9J. At tlie wool sales, there was brisk competition. Faulty lota predominated. The following prices were realised : — Greasy merino, good, 8J.&; low to medium scoured, Is Ofd ; inferior to good washed, 9kl tolled. Mklbouunb, December 9. At the wool sales- prices were well maintained. Greasy cro^sbted brought up to llfd ; merino to 10^d ; scoured merino, Is 2|-d to Is4|d. Adelaide, December 9. The market is quiet. Wheat, 4s 9d. Flour, stone-made, £10 5s to £10 15.4; roller, £11 5s to £11 15s. Oats, New Zealand, 2s 3d to 2s 4d. . Barley, Oape, 2a 6d to 3i 6d ; English malting sorts, 3s 6d to 4s 6d. Bran, Is Id. Pollard, Is Id.

Timaku, December 9. The first wool sale of the season was held to-day, when 1919 bales came under the hammer. Prices ruled |d below the opening quotations last year. Half bred sold at 7|d to 9£d, threequarterbred 7d to B|d, crossbred 6^d to B§d, merino 5d to 6|d, pieces 3d to 7d, locks Ifd to 3id.

Ashburton Stock Market.

We learn that Mr John G. Eestell has effected the sale of 1100 shorn crossbred hoggets at the excellent price of 12s each.

Addington Stock Market.

OhristchurcH, December 9. The attendance was large, and the business done m the sheep sections very good. Store Sheep.—4ooo yarded. A good many young crossbreds remained unsold at auction, buo many lines were privately disposed of afterwards. Two, four, and six-tooth crossbreds averaged 12s; shorn hoggets, 9s 6d. A very nice line of two tooths, 12s ; a nice lot of crossbred ew«s m the wool, with lambs at foot, fetched IB.s. Some of this class were disposed of at 14s lOd to 15s. Dry merino ewes brought 7s 6cl. Fat Lajibs.—Very heavy entry, aboutn 7W. Prices receded somewhat. Borne very heavy lambs sold as high as 13s 9J. but from 8s 6d to lls 61 was the value of the bulk. Fat Sheep.—The supply was good. The entry composed crossbreds shorn, with only a few merinos as compared with recent markets. Shorn crossbred wether.* brought from 14s 6i to 15s 3d ; wethers and tvaiden ewes, 13s 6d to 14s 9d ; ewes, lls to 13s 9J ; for a few merino^ wethers m wool, 12s to 14s ; inferior lots, 9n Od to 10s M. Fat Cattle.—The sale was restricted to 15S head. Jt- opening, prices were decidedly m advance of last week's, but as it proceeded they fell off. Best bullocks brought from £6 to £7 5s ; heifers from £5 5s to £5 15.5. ; Store Cattle;.—The sale was very unimportant, as among 136 head yarded there were no young stock, and the demand for dry cows was relaxed con siderably. The few dairy cows offered did not mtjct-with a satisfactory sole. Pigs.—Th<s sale of pigs was un important.

the full Court to the ellect that the omission of the declaration preparatory to marriage renders the partnership illegal, and failure to produce such document, if required, would have the same effect. Tn many cases the declara tion is otnitted, and very little trouble taken to preserve the document when it was executed.

PARTNERSHIPS.

AtEMJouBNB, December 10. Ihe Law of Partnership Bill has finally passed.

CRICKET.

ASHEURTON C.C. v WESLEY a* C.C

A. very pleasant match was plajcd yesterday on the T>omain ground between an eleven of the Ashburton Cricket Club and an eleven representing th« Wesleyan Cricket Club, which resulted m a victory for the former Club by the narrow majority of four runs. In the first lnmiigß Messrs A. Buchanan, G. Andrews, Dixon, and Moore were m (pear form With the ball for their respective sides. Chapman played well for his eleven runs and Denshire for the Club m the second innings knocked up thirty-two runs very quickly, and saved his side from a total collapse. Ihe following is the score — . ASHBURTON. r Sawle. c fcb A. Buchanan 8 runout • , W^fc'l tv i ana" •■ ♦ «-A.B'nbG4ndwo »!ack, I) A. Buchanan i- run „„• Stillweil, bA. Buchanan .. | hG Andrews ' 8 .Bateman, bG. Andrews " cE bl IWhV. ! Dixon. bA. Buchanan .' Ibs Vu C h™ n I L • Andrewcs,c E. B'n, I, G.Adw , c £ B'n bGAnA? Cuthbfrtson, not out .. .. > hA Bnchami, ~ Corrisan t b A. Buchanan ... \ not o£ t ™ " o M,™«*t 3 cDalky.bL-B'no ■^"as 6 2 . '. WESLEYAN. 6S ■i « X 1 n'i" g£- 2nd- Innings. A.l uchanan, b Dixon .. 9 b Moore ... .. 2 L. Luchanan, b Mosre .. i c Denshire b Dixoa I .&. \ndrews, b Dixon .. O b Dixon .. .. * Rev. Cocker, b Dixon .. i b Black 6 Fox, run out o run out ]\ \ "\ F °w«, b D lxon .. .. O b Moore .." .. 4 Alcom.b Moore .. , did not bat ■E. Andrews, h w, b Dixon 2 did not bat. — Dalley not out l notout _ E. Buchanan, b Moore .. -j runout r Extras .. .. fi ° W . M

The following will represent Chertsey m their cricket match against Ashburton on Saturday next: — Haydoek, Maxwell, Todd, Smith, Kime, Wells, Jackson, E. Buchanan, Wilkinson, Wright, and UV, Emergencies —Parsons, Stables, Scarlett, and Childs.

The Wallace County solicitor (Mr W. Russell) has expressed to that body, says an ' exchange, the opinion that, when a road along the bank ot a river is washed away by the river, the owner ot the land is bound to give a corresponding portion of land for the purpose of a road. Last night a large number of the members and friends of the Primitive Metliodist chair were splendidly entertained at the residence of Mr Joshua Tucker, Alleuton. Meeting early m the evening they were able to pass the time m playing game 3 m the field until darkness came on, after which several hours, werespent m singing, etc, within the house. A presentation of a very nice afternoon tea. service was there made to Mr and Mrs J. VV. Hardley to commemorate their wed dingi which took place some three months ago. The presentation was made by the Rev J. Cocker on behalf of the choir, and was gracefully acknowledged by Mr and Mm Hartley. At the close a hearty vote of thanks and congratulations was given, to Mr Tucker and family, it being the twentieth anniversary of the arrival of Mr Tucker m New Zeafand. Mr Tucker would have replied more fully than he did, but vox f»u cibus hsßsit.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

THE AQUARIUM CASE.

London, December 9. The Queen's jsench Division has decided that statements made at sit tings of .the London. County Council are not privileged, and mulcted Mr W. C. Parkinson, Councillor for North Islington, m £250 damages, for alleg ing that an indecent show was being held m the Westminster Aquarium.

1 PUR PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

(Received December 10, 10.25 a.m.)

THE "UNCO GUID."

The Aberdeen Justices declined to attend the industrial exhibition, opened by Sir Charles Dilke.

THE LATE SIR A. BLYTHE.

The remains of the late Sir Arthur Biythe were interred privately. The Agents-General of the other colonies were not present, but each; sent a wreath to be placed on the coffin.

UNITED STATES TARIFF.

Washington, December 9; i It is reported that a reciprocity between Germany and the United States will shortly be concluded. In a message to Congress, President Harrison says that the result of the McKinley tariff has been satisfactory to the conditions of trade, and there is no suggestion that it oppresses the people or retards the commercial doye lopment of the country. On the con trary, the new tariff has created several great industries. ...... L ■

AUSTRALIAN.

VICTORIAN FINANCES.

MuiBOURNB, December 10. An Appropriation Bill for £3,700,000 has been introduced m the Lower House. The report of the Audit Commis sioners shows a marked disagreement with the Colonial Treasurer's estimate. The Treasurer showed a defioienoy at the end of June of £797,000 j the com missioners find that the deficiency amounts to only £206,000. Melbourne, December 10. Sir B. O'Loghlen gave notice of a motion of want of confidence m the Government on their financial pro posals and their inaction with respect to railways and public works. The Premier, Mr Munro, paid no regard to the motion,

December 12, 12.20 p.m.)

SUICIDE OF A SPECULATOR.

Mr Shevill, well-known iit; com mercial circles, has committed suicide. Deceased was a director .of the Land Credit Bank, and was largely . inter ested m several of the institutions which recently suspended payment.

* (Received Itecwnber Jttt, 12.30 p.m.)

A MARRIAGE QUESTION.

Sydney, December 10. I Some consternation has been created I among tlje clergy by the decision of*

ffiE ASSSURTON GtTARDI^HffuBSJbAY, DECEMBER 10, JB9l.



Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabe- Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. How ever, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of tha injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At this juncture I called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had th> satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and to-day he i» recovered. I may just add that it "was when the crisis had been reached that the* Extract referred to was first 1 applied, and I make this solemn declaration, etc,—Franz Raabe Declared at Sandhurst, m the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day oi October, one thousand eight hundred and BeTcnty-seven, before mo, Morita Cobn, J.R —(Advt.) "Kbatokj's Powder" destroy* Buis Heas, Motha, Beetles, and all otlyfc jngects whilst quite harmless'to domesticVirata. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It i 3 perfectly clean m application. See the article yoJ Durchase is "Keating's," as imitations are oxious and mefftctual. Sold m Tim 6 d I9and2s6d each, by all chemists. Counter 2s, Duchess 2s 4d, Prineew 2s Bd, impress 3s. These Teas are free from any excess of astringency]'



Public Notices SHEARING commences at Clent Hill* on THURSDAY, DecoSL l"! weather permitting * 12§64 T. & J.HARRISON. to" stockowners~ "pIOR SALE, by the undersigned Veterinary Brass Enenws „ Sewing Needles (Kye %t Point) „ Milking Tubes  Bleeding Fleams  Clams „ Docking Knives „ Mane and Tail Pulleis Medicines FOR HORSES, C4ITLE, SHEEP, CAHEFfJLLY PREPARED. ADVICE FREELY GIVEN As to treatment of Animals m Health and Disease. . . J. M. CAMBRIDGE, Ashliurton Bra«r COMPANY, LIMITED W~^TEpTA^nTTIoT a GOOD SELLING LINE. Either sex can earn good inoome. Apply early -is only a limited number is required. NOVELTY IMPORTING CO Box 976, GF.O., byd W y, N.S.W.



Holloway's Pills. —Weakening weather •-The sultry summer days strain the nerves of the feeble and decrepid, and disease may eventuate unless some restorative, such as these purifying pills, be found to correct the disordered tendency. Holloway's medicine gives potency to the nervous system, which is the source of all vital movements, and pre sides over every action which maintains the growth and well-being of the body. N ]one can over-estimate the necessity of keeping the nerves well strung, or the ease with which these pills accomplish that end. They are the mopt unfailing antidotes to indiges tion, irregular circulation, palpitation, s|ck, ! headache, and costiveness, and have there fore attained the largest sale and ighe t reputation If you want your Christmas Cakes to be a success use "Cais't Be Beat Baking Powder,*' acknowledged by all to be the, best. Leading grocers sell it m 6d, is : and 2s ins. Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s *'Imperial" Jeylon and Indian *l%as are direct from tV\6 Tea Plantations.—CAdvt.'i Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Co, Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas- Special prices,— (Advt,)



Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s " Imperial pure Ceylor. and Indian Teas are the be§t IB the mark<& H^dvk)



Wanted I CASH Advertisements under thia heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Vft.it tins Office. . TW'OTHING will Cojlyou so quickly and -*-^ invigorate the system &•> much as Ice Cream —H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. ORANGES, Bananas, also our own grown Vegetables ; Broccoli, Savoy, and Cabbage plants ; opposite Salvation Army.—Mrs Whittington. 12 65 'TTTONDERFUL Success of Tuckahoe VV Baking Powder. Requires no painted daubs" to sell it. But the best Almanac m Ash burton, will be given, with evoty half dozen tins of Tuckahoe.— H. M. CARsojsr, East Street. 12 66 MOSTKY TO LEND, upon Freehold security, m sums to suit bor rowers. Small amounts can lie repaid by iiiafcalmants, if so desired. Apply to Mr C W. Purnell,'Solicitor, Mont gomery's Buildings. 9 130 PHOiO Album?, m leather and plush, for Midge*, Cartes de Vi i c, and Cabinet Photos; Photo Screens and Boxes; Photo Frames m great variety; just im ported.—H. M. Jones. WANTED Known—A special line of Cashmeres, all shades, now i ling at Is ]>er yard. White Blankets 5s lid per pair.— H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known — Being over stocked m Corsets, we have re cuced every pair. Ladies fr r»m Is 6d Cheapest house m town. —H. C. Skgers, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6cl and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. If. Collier. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Koberi Alcorn, Ash burton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known—That you -will make no mistake for quality and variety m English, Colonial, and his highly reputed make by calling at «J. Moison. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated T3.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers ar« requested to call early.— Robert Aloork, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED, a sixth standard Boy, as Apprentice to the printing trade. Apply Manager, "Mail" Office, between thehours of 10 a.m. and noon. WANTKD Known, -At"The Corner' now selling Ladieb' French Shoes. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collier, WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Oress Goods, double width, Is 10|d ; origins-.l valuy, 4s. —H. C. S goers, Melford.House. WANTRD Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware rjoods to eelpct from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m ptock.—J. \V. HARDiiKV, East • treet. (i\2o2 rPO Meet the Times.—l am supplying i. Galvanised Iron Tanks from 80s upwards, wni'rntiled for twenty years, Force pumps, deen/ well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspacfcicn invited.— /. \V. Hardlky, Eas street. 6J201 WANTED Known.- -H. Baikstow has opened those premises m East street next.!. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on vbw. Having a good .stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection incited. Ht6l Public Notices. JfEW ANNUAL VOLUMES, Hew Xmas Cards, •■NEW BOOKS for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc L. F. ANDREWE3 and CO.