DEATH.

Tasker—At his residence, East street, the fourth and only beloved son of Edward Ernest and Amelia Tasker; aged six months.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1891. SIR FREDERICK WHITAKER.

Another of the chief actors in the i establishment and progress of New ] Zealand has been removed from the scene by the death of the Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker, K.C.M.G. in his eightieth year. Mr Whitaker was ad mitted to the practice of the law in England, and came to New Zealand, by way of Sydney, in 1840, He landed at Kororareka, where the seat of Go vernment then was, and next year when the Government removed to Auckland ho also went there, where he has ever since resided, except during a visit to England in 1846. Mr Whitaker early In his colonial career took his part in the administration of the public affairs of this young country. In 1842 he was appointed County Judge, hi« Court having both civil and criminal jurisdiction, similar to that of our present District Courts. In 1844 the judicial system underwent a change, a Court of Requests being substituted for the County Courts. In 1845 Mr Whitaker was appointed senior non official member of the Legislative Council, and sat in the last Council held by Governor Fitzroy, and in the first Council held by the next Governor, Sir George Qrny. On the breaking out of the northern insurrection, Mr Whitaker received a Major's commis sion in the New Zealand Militia, and he was engaged in garrison work in Auckland when the Natives threatened the destruction of the infant settle ment, Mr Whitaker at this time became a partner with Captain Heale, and the new firm entered into a num ber of speculations to develop tli» mineral resources of the province, the \ most important of which were their operations in copper ore mining *t Kawau and the Great Barrier. In the year 1851 the Provincial Legislative Q /uncil was sstabUsljecJ-—ony-tl|ird of

whose members were no initiated, and the remaining two-thirds elected. Mr Whitaker was one of the representa tives elected for Auckland City, but the Council was never called together. The passing of the New Zealand Con stitution Act in 1852 by the English Parliament, and the inauguration oi popular representative institutions in the colony in the year 1853, again brought him to the front in political life. He was elected a member of the Provincial Council, and sat in several | sessions. During the Superintendcncy of General Wynyard he acted as Pro vincial Law Adviser, and as a member of the Provincial Executive. In 1853 he was called to the Legislative Council, and in the following year attended the first session of the General Assembly as a it.ember of that Council. In 1855 he succeeded Mr Swainson as Attorney-General, under the Liea tenant-Govcrnorship of General Wyn yard. In the same year he was Speaker of the Legislative Oounou; but in 1856 he resigned the post of Speaker to accept the port folio of Attorney-General iv the Bell- Sewell Ministry, which was ejected from office within a fortnight. Mr Fox, who formed the succeeding ad ministration, was in turn supplanted within a like period by Mr Stafford, and Mr Whitaker again resumed his portfolio, with the leadership of the Legislative Council. On July 12, 1861, the Stafford Ministry was-de feated on the question of Native affairs, and more especially: on ' the Taranaki war of 1860 and the Waitara question, by Mr Fox, the leader of-the so-called Philo-Maori party. Mr Whit aker then resigned his seat in the Legislative Council, and entered into partnership with Mr Thomas Russell, under the style of Whitaker and Russell, and carried on an extensive legal business to the time of Mr Whit aker's death. In January, 1863, Mr Whitaker was again Attorney-General, but declined a. seat in Mr Domett's Ministry. On the formation of a Fox Ministry, later on in tte same year, he accepted, at r the request of Mr Fox, the offices of Premier and Attorney-General with a seat in the Legislative Council. In November, 1864, the members of the Fox-Whitaker ' Ministry tendered their resignation, owing to differences of opinion which arose between them and the Governor, Sir George Grey, relative to the: con duct of the Waikato war, and the con fiscation of lands of Natives in rebellion. Mr. Whitaker at, this period resigned his seat in the Legislative Council! In , 1865 lie was elected Superintendent of Auckland without opposition, and in the following month was returned to the House of Representatives for Par nell. He became leader of the Auck land party. In 1867 he retired from the Superintendency and from his seat in the Assembly. At this time he took an active interest in the development of the mining interest at the Thames gold fields ; he was also largely in terested in the timber trade, and in extensive pastoral operations. In 1876 lie returned to the political arena, and was elected without opposition for Waikato. On the retirement of Kir Julius "Vogel's administration, he ac cepted the office of Attorney-General ■with Ministerial precedence in Major Atkinson's administration, and with permission to reside in Auckland. In 1877 the Atkinson administration re signed on an adverse vote carried by Sir George Grey. Parliament dissolved shortly afterwards. On the formation of the Hall Ministry, Mr Whitaker was called to the Upper Housp, proffered his old portfolio as Attorney-General, and undertook the conduct of the business in the Legislative Council. On the resignation of Sir John Hall, owing to ill-heal ib, Mr Whitaker be came Premier, which position he re signed in 1883 in consequence of his private affairs requiring his presence in Auckland. In February, 1884, he was appointed by her Majesty a K.C.M.G. On the formation of the second Atkin son Ministry in 1887 Sir Frederick Whitaker again became Attorney- General, holding the office till the re signation of that Ministry last January. He took a great interest in Free masonry, and vras District Grand Master of the North Island under the Scottish Constitution. Sir Frederick was not a successful political leader, but in many of the Governments of which he was a member he was un doubtedly "the power behind the throne." He was a singularly clear headed and industrious worker in whatever he undertook. He had a long and honorable career, and his sudden death has caused a profound sensation throughout the colony.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Queensland Assembly rejected by thirty votes to three, a motion for the release of the imprisoned shearers. The arrival and display of a large selectka of new goods are the subject of an announce ment of the New Zealand Clothing Factory in our advertisement columns. "La grippe, as they call it," says a victim, " seems to me to be a combination of ague, biliousness, fever, rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, and a bad cold with a ftw sharp pinches of the cramp thrown in." The South Australian Parliament adhere* to the provision of the licensing law which allows hotels to keep open at certain hours on Sundays, The system had been in force for many years. Theßabus employed in the Geological De partment at Calcutta recently petitioned for a holiday on the grounds that they were l' suffering from perspiration and want of enthusiasm for work." ' The North. .Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association voted £30 to the parents of the boy Genge, who died from the effects of injuries caused by a bullet from the shooting gallery at the show. A letter of condolence was also forwarded. Professor Lichtwark announces free lectures, with practical illustrations, on the use and abuse, of the horse, at Chertsey, on. December 0, and at Rakaia, on December 14, the latter at the Oddfellows' Hall. The | professor has held several very successful meetings in Ashburton. The Womanhood Suffrage League (N.S. W.) has requested the Parliamentary committee of the Trades and L,abor Council to make womanhood suffrage a plonk in the labor platform. The Council was equally divided on the question, and strange to say the only two women on the Council voted against the proposal. The annual Garden Party in connection with St. Stephen's Church will bs held as usual on December 16—Anniversary Day. The Ashburton Bund will be in attendance, and in addition to various amusements, there will be stalls for the sale of fancy work, fruit, etc. The admission this year will be Is jjd including tea, children being charged Is.

Mr Harry Miiuei\ of Flemington, had a good three hours' fishing at the mouth of the Ashburton river on Thursday afternoon. He landed five nici trout weighing 31lbs—the largest a beautiful fidh of 141bs aiid the smallest weighing 31 bs. They were taken with the minnow. The big fish was in Mr Carson's window yesterday, and was much admired. A steeplejack and hia companion were photographed on the top of a church spire it Sheffield. Immediately afterwards, as !*e was about to begin his. work of painting , the vane, the vane broke, and he fell into the street, 150 fee*; below, and was instantly Milled. "Uncle James," said a city young lady, who Was spending a few days in the country '•is that chi-ken by the gate a Brahma?" " No," replied Uncle James, he's a Leghorn';" "Why, certainly, to be sure i" said the young lady. " How stupid of me. I can see the horns on his ancles." Not an island has been heaved up or sunk from sight in the Pacific Ocean for the last thirty-four years, and geologists say that nature is resting for a mighty effort in the future. An English geologist predicts that within fifty years a convulsion of nature will sink the whole of New Zealand fifty feet below the surface of the sea. , On Thursday a young man named Knox, in the employ of Mr John Orbitt, Ashburton Forks, was riding a young horse that had not been in work for some time, and the animal managed to unseat him. Knox fell . heavily on his head, and sustained a severe scalp wound. He was brought into town and attended to by Dr Hunter, after which he was taken back to Mr Corbitt's, but will probably be confined to the house for some days. Mr Henry Zander announces his season's supply of binding twine in flax, manilla, and hemp, and the whitecro3s brand of bind ing wire, in view of the approaching harvest, and urges farmers to supply themselves early, especially with wire, as the makers' stocks are exhausted. He ateo has several second hand harvesters for sale, both twine and wire, and can supply any make of new harvesters at agents' prices. He also makes a specialty of extras, and his general list of farm necessaries and stores is very stiong. Bonbons now disagree with the people in a new fashion. In Rio, the- other day, an Argentine paper says, while a fashionable lady was munching some, her teeth and part of one jaw were shattered by a sudden explosion, and she is disfigured for life. A gnin of dynamite had been introduced into one of the comfits, no douu* "by the criminal hand of some workman .who will chuckle in secret safety over the result of his fiendish act. A full practice of the Kinderspiel "The Flowers of the Forest," which is to be played by the children at the Hampstead School concert, next Friday evening, took place last evening at the Oddfellows' Hall. Though it was the first time that the children had the orchestral accompaniment, all went through the piece well, and it will be a very pretty feature of the concert. The other pieces to be sung * by : the children, with orchestral accompaniment, were also gone through in creditable style. The concert promises to be very successful in every way. It is asserted that the richest man in Australia is James Tyson, who is said to be worth a nice little " dot" of £6,000,000, and will this year dispose of 90,000 Head of cattle from his Queensland stations. Walter Hall, of Mount Morgan, i 3 die next rich est, whose wealth is close on £2,000,000. Among squatters," .Sam" M'Caughey, of Coonong, is said to take the lead in wealth, while he holds the distinction of being the greatest sheep-owner in the' world, his Socks numbering considerably more than 1,000,000. An interesting experiment was started last year in the State of Ohio. In each of the five largest cities of the State a Free Public Employment office was opened to adjust between labour supply and demand, and keep down the number of unemployed. Lists of applicants, employers and labourers are made out weekly and sent on to the State Commissioner of Labour Statistics, by whom they are passed on to the employment offices. It is said that no less than 40 per cent of the applicants are satisfied,and the Commissioner of Labour Statistics consider it " one of the most valuable and beneficial laws ever passed in the interests of employers and employed." Speaking about mysterious intimations about the Cup winner, a writer in the "Argus" says "A Melbourne gentleman had spent the evening with friends from another colony, and when he reached home he tumbled on the bed without taking the trouble to disrobe. When he awoke in the morning he found that, his feet were on the pillow, ami his head at the opposite end. But this did not trouble him so much as the fact that the said head was aching violently, and that his throat was dry and parched. Scarcely had he emptied the water-jug ere the remembrance of a vivid dream, in which the figure six in red on a dark background was prominent, flashed upon him. Consult ing his racing card, he found that Sir William was No 6in the Cup race. When he went to the course he backed Sir William to win. him £500. But Sir William waa second, and No 9 on the card won. 'Ah, the cursed drink ! Of course it was No 9 that I dreamt about, but sleeping with my head to the bottom of the bed, of course I saw it upside down and then it was 6. Never will I get drunk again on the eve of the Cup.'" The following letter has been addressed by the Postmaster-General to Mr J. K. War burton on the latter's promotion to the office of Public Trustee,:—" General Post Office, Wellington, October 29, 1891.—Sir. —In connection with 'your appointment to the positi >n of Public Trustee, I desire to congratulate you oil having been selected by Cabinet to fill so important a public office, and at the same time to convey to you my high appreciation of the substantial services you have rendered this Department during your long and zealous service of nearly thirty years, more particularly in relation to the amendments introduced in the money order, and Savings Bank and the accounting systems, since you became controller and accountant. In your transfer to the Public Trust Office this Department loses the services of a thoroughly capable officer, and one who has always taken an intelligent and practical interest in its general advancement , and welfare. I trust that your health may j long enable you to discharge the duties of . your new office with advantage to the country and credit to yourself.—l have, etc., J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General/ ]

COUNTY COUNCIL

The following concludes our report of yesterday's meeting :— DROMOKK VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS. A lensthy discussion took pace on the subject of supplying the Dromore village settlers with waier race*. After 'several I views had been expressed and suggestions made, A resolution, propose' by Mr .lames Brown, and seconded by Mr(jrigg, was carried —"That the settlers atDromore in Avant of a water supply be Informed that if they will pledge themselves to defray the full cost of their water supply the work will be proceeded with at once." Auothur resolution was carried, mover by Mr Wright, and seconded by Md Friedlander—"That the Chairman com municate with the Minister of Lands, and ask his assistance in amending the law so that money may be appropriated to give a supply of water to the Dromore village settlers, and other similar settlements." A resolution, was aiso earned, on the motion of Mr Harper, seconded by Mr Brown —"That this Council proceed with the extension of water races to give i perpetual leaseholders, deferred payment, | and village settlers, a water supply on a guarantee from the Road Board to refund the cost as the funds accrue, provided the Minister for Lands approves." HAMPSTBAD WATER SUPPLY. A copy of the Engineer's report was ordered to be forwarded to the petitioners for a water supply in the Hampstead district. HINDS-KANGITATA RACES. It was resolved to forward to the Rangitata Road Board and to each member of the Council copies of the Engineer's estimate of cost of additional races in the Hinds Kangitata district. CHARITABLE AID. The Council resolved to pay £200 subsidy to Charitable Aid. S. E. BUKNAKD. Mr S. E. Burnard wrote asking for a bridge over the creek running on the road adjoining the Police Reserve and R.S. 5800, Block 14. Ho offered to find the labor if the Council would find the timber. The Engineer's opinion was that no bridge would have been necessary at all if Mr Burnar.i had not altered the line of the creek, and even now, for the require ments of the Couacil, no bridge was necessary. The application was refused. MOUNT SOSIER.S. The Engineer was instructed to arrange for a meeting with the ratepayers in Mount Somers district, to give explana tions where necessary iv rates. ; Mil S. BROWN'S WATKK CHARGES. On Mr James Brown's motion, the water charges of Mr S. Brown were reduced to .3d; per acre. WATER APPLICATION. Mr Ash ton's application for box for water supply; was granted on .payment of cost of same by Mr Ashton. MB JOH3J BELL'S GRIEVANCE Mr John Bell, Fleniingfcon, waited on the Council, complaining again that by the action of neighbors he had been de prived of a water supply. It was shown that the source from which Mr Bell claimed a supply was a private creek, not arising on his land. After some discussion, in the course of which Mr Grigg pointed out that Mr Bell could very easily rectify his trouble in the Supreme Court, but that was a costly way for both parties, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Grigs*, " Thac Mr Bell be informed the Council is willing to take the necessary steps to get the creek and races proclaimed, if he will p iy all coat of necessary proceedings." RANGER. It was rflsolved to invite auplicaHons' for the. position of ranger for the Askbur ton-Rakaia water-supply district—lower division. MR BROWJm's IRRIGATION MOTION. Mr Brown's motion given notice of at a previous meeting was held over sbie. die, as Mr Brown anuouueed his intention of visiting Mildura in the meantime, to collect information generally on the sub ject of irrigation, and particularly of its practical working and effects in the Chaffey Bros, colony. BORROWING BY DEPOSIT. The Town Clerk of Ash burton wrote, enclosing copy of letter sent by the Mayor to the Premier on the subject of empowering boroughs to borrow money by way of deposit. As the matter was urgent and of importance a conference of local bodies was suggested. The Council decided to meet the Borough in any way. HOLIDAYS —MEETINGS. Office holidays were allowed from 4 p.m. Deceniber'24 to 10 a.m. January 2. The water supply meeting was fixjsd for December J. 8,1891, and the next ordinary meeting for January 8, 1892, DOG COLLARS. Mr Heseltine's tender for dog dollars for 1892 was accepted—£43 15s and the prices to the public were fixed at 2s 6d sheep dogs, 10s others, the same arrange ments for selling as last year. The Council then adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not Jiold ourselves responsible for the Opinions expressed l)v our correspondents.)

SEAFIELD LIBRARY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —A notice appeared in your last week's "Mail" calling the people's attention to an entertainment to be held in the Seafield school on Monday, November 30, half of the proceeds of which were to be devoted to the Library fund. Now, sir, we must certainly thank the person who so generously came forward and endeavored to advance the interests of our Library, but at the same time we wish it to be understood for the future that persons wishing to *iye entertainments for such a cause should first seek the co-operation of the residents of the district and the Library Committee, so as to prevent A repetition of last Monday night's proceedings. The Library Committee was not aware that such an entertainment was to take place until they saw the notice in your last week's " Mail." —We are, &c, The Library Committee.

Death of Sir Frederick Whitaker.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION-J Auckland, December 4. This afternoon Sir Frederick Whitaker was seized with a fatal illness at his office. Mr Buddie and Mr Mason had occasidn to go to Sir Frederick's rocmi about three o'clock, when they found him sitting in his chair unconscious. Dr Haines was called, who ordered his immediate removal to his house in Symonds street; but Sir Frederick Whitaker died shortly aftet he reached his, residence. The cause of his death was paralysis. He had a severe shock of this kind in June last, and had been in failing health since that time. The attack which caused his death was a auddei} one, as Sir Frederick appeared in excellent health in the morning, and transacted his business as usual.

The San Francisco Mail.

ADDITIONAL GENERAL NFWS.

Terrible mischief was wrought by the storms which swept the British Isles for some days up to October 20. The Shannon overflowed its banks, submer ging land, drowning cattle.and sheep and destroying buildings. The sea wall at Siindgate near Folkestone was destroyed, and many houses situated near the shore were washed over. In many places the high road leading to Hythe and Folke stone was destroyed. At Windsor and many other points the Thames overflowed. About Queenbtowu, Ireland, the galo was unusually fierce. Some thirty crafts, large and small, were driven ashore. Youghal was flooded by the sea. Along the course of the Black water river sheep and cattle were destroyed in great num bers. Two hundred vessels, more or less damaged, sought refuge in Holyhead. At Maryport, Cumberland, a thriving ship building port, the gale caused enormous damage. The reclamated works near Ennia, County Clare, which cost the Government £712,000, were ruined. Many villages in the Trent Valley were submerged, and the rivers Esk, Ibber, Runney, Otway and Parrot overflowet their banks. Between Bridgewater anc Bridpport the country for miles lc«ked like a sea. A heavy cyclone passed over Calcutta and the vicinity on ftnvember 2nd, which wrought severe and great damage, besides the loss of seventy-seven lives from the sinking oi the Government steamship Enterprise at the Andaman Islands, and the killing of sixty convicts. There is, nd doubt, a great loss of life at other places along the co&st. Advices, from Orissa, in Bengal Province, mention a cyclone on the same date that cleared a path through a forest, hustling gigantic trees aside as if they w ere reeds. Every dwelling in its course was swept from its foundation or turned over. Heavy damage was done below Calcutta oh the river. Among the small vessels anchored at the mouths of the Hoogly. where it empties into the Bay of Bengal, the wreckage was " appalling. No estimate has yet"been arrived at of the total loss of life, but the figures must be large. The King and Queen of Italy will not pay a State visit to England next year as reported. In the first place, their Majesties have not been invited ; and in the second, th.3 Italian finances will not warrant the trip. The new Chief Secre tory of Ireland, Mr W. J. Jackson, has the reputation of being a good business man, without any bias towards his own ideas, if he has any, and he will be a ready and pleasant instrument in the hands of Mr Balfcur and Lord Salisbury, with a shrewd eye on the main chance. The city of Leeds has another singular mystery in the finding of the dead be dies of a mother and her three little boys in the riverat that place on October 31. The mjstery is that the women lived in cemfdrb with her husband, who is an American and a carrier by trade, and apparently cheerful and happy. Jas. Finch, who tried to assassinate Mr Dennis Donohue, British Consul at San Francisco, arrived at Cork, where he was locked up in the Insane Aeylum as a dangerous lunatic. On November 9th. while some keepers were walking alon<? the shores of Loch Naas, they saw. an object in the water, and procuring grappling irons they landed a Human body, which proved to be that of Rose Lawless youngest' sister of Lord Cloncurry, How the lady met her death, whether from accident of design, is matter

SUPREME COURT.

'IKB i?KESs ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, December 4. In the case against McGinley, at the Supreme Court, the jury were unable^ to w?ree, avid were discharged. Another iury acquitted the prisoner. Wellington, Tecember 4. The Crown Prosecutor entered a nolle nrosequi with respecfc to two further indictments for forgery (involving nve item?) found anaicst Murdoch McKenzie, late overseer to the Masterton Road Board. Charles Ogier, who had pleaded suilty to a charge of forgery, was ad mitted to for twelve months. John McKenzie, alias Morrison, was sentenced to eighteen months with hard labor for burglariously entering the Albert Hotel. Max Barak was tried a second time for larceny as a bailee. On this ; occasion the jury brought in verdict of guilty, and the prisoner received a sentence of six months with hard lalior.

THE MARKETS.

(per peess association.) Wellington, December 4. At the New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Company's wool sale to-day competition was animated, prices de cidedly good, and an improvement on what was anticipated. Greasy crossbreds realised from 6d to B|d, greasy merinos 6|d, greasy Romney 6|d to Bd.

Acclimatisation Societies

THE QUESTION of AMALGAMATION A conference of delegates from the several Acclimatisation Societies in South Canterbury, was held at Temuka yester day. The Ashburton, Geraldine and South, Canterbury Societies were repre sented. Mr Crisp stated that the Ashburton Society disagreed with the Government proposal in toto, and afterwards read some statistics which showed that out of some £2000 granted by the Provincial Govern ment South Canterbury had not had a share. : . After a very careful consideration it was movedbyMrCrispandsecondedby Mr Perry—*-« That inasmuch as in the opinion of the delegates present acclimatisation matters canbe more satisfactorily managed j under the present system of local societies, it is inadvisable to return to the old and unsatisfactory system of having matters managed by a centrel body, who Cannot be expected to have the same knowledge aud interest as local bodies, and thit the holding of a conference, as proposed in the letter from the Marine Department of the 20th November, is not likely to produce any good result." The resolution was carried unanimously, The question of the opening of the fishing and shooting season was then discussed, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Perry, seconded by Dr. J. &. Hayes—" That it be a recommenda tion to the Government that a uniform date should be fixed by statute for the opening and closing of the fishing and shooting season in South Canterbury." The meeting then terminated,

The Otago Acclimatisation Society yesterday unanimously resolved that it does not see its way to adopt the sugges tions in the letter from the Marine De partment ?•« haying only one Society for each Island, as the Society has now as much country under its charge as it can manage in a satisfactory manner. If a conference is resolved on the Society is willing to send delegates to discuss any matters for the common good.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

[I'KR PRESS ASSOCIATION.

THE EUROPEAN COMMERCIAL TREATIES.

London, December 3. The now Continental commercial treaties virtually exclude the cheaper British manufactures arid products from Central Europe. THE SALVATION ARMY. The jury found the members of the Salvation Army at Eastbourne guilty of unlawful assembly in thn street, but returned a verdict of not guilty Oti the indictment charging them'with-: conspiracy. ',■'" A LARGE -PROJECT. I A movement is on foot to form a syndicate to build an embankment at Port Augusta (South Australia) and pump sea water into Lakes Torrens and Eyre, with a view to changing the climate in the interior of the colony. The money for carrying out the project will be available if Government will allow adequate"grants of land. AN OLD PATENT. It has been discovered that the principles of Prout's process of plating iron with copper was patented in the year 1825. RESULTS OF THE WRECK •SEASON.;. ■■. ; Eight underwriters at Lloyds notify that they intend to resign immediately, owing to losses. NEW ZEALAND FREE MASONRY. The English Grand Lodge of Free masons has decided that the minority of the New Zealand Lbdgas are entitled to retain their allegiance to England, though the majority have seceded to the Loyal Grand Lodge. NATIVE INDIAN SOLDIERS. The Queen has approved the forma tion .pf a corps of native Indian infantry for service in Hong Kong. THE PROPOSED NOTE IS3UE. Mr Goschen, addressing the London Chamber of Commerce, urged that his scheme for the issue of pound notes should be strictly scrutinized before legislation was introduced to ■ give if effect. He hopes to see the reserve oi gold in the Bank of England increased to upwards of forty millions, and ex pects the panic will absorb twenby-nve million pounds worth of notes. . The " Times " approves of the main features of the scheme, though many bankers are, it says, unfriendly at present, believing that the estimate oi the amount that "will be absorbed bj the public is too great by one ■ half, The Stock Exchange, however, Views the proposal with favour. FATAL CAB ACCIDENT. Lord Combermere was run over by s cab to-day and killed. THE GUN PRACTICE CAS UALTY. Government intend to compensate the sufferers by the sinking of the fish ing smacks at Portsmouth, for which Lieutenant Freemant'e was court marshalled. N.S.W. POLITICS. One of the most pi'onounced feelings in nuar.cii.l circle-; in tlrj cily is that of pleasure at the character of the speech delivered by Mr J. Bee; Colonial Trea surer and Minister for Railways in the New South Wales Cabinet, in which he realised that the colony will not be able to go in for further borrowing. The protection proposals brought down by the Dibbs Government in the New South Wales Parliament have caused no excitement at home. IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. Colonial exhibits for the exhibition to be held in connection with the Imperial Institute are arriving Vic toria agrees to the colonies joining in fitting up a great conference hall with colonial timbers. THE RUSSELL, DIVORCE CASE. Earl Russell, in his evidence, denied all the charges made against him by his wife, and explained that her accusation that he had turned her out of bed, and left her naked on the floor arose from his action in removing her wet night dress. The Countess was then seized with a violent fit of hysteria, during . which she threatened him w ith the poker, and said she would commit suicide unless he left her alone. Re spondent admitted that he had been disagreeable towards his wife, and: pro bably oruel, and that he had. limited her to six cigarettes per day. The Countess, however, on her part, was very erratic and snappish. ■ In cross-examination Earl Russell admitted that he had seduced a girl, and paid her £500, but he informed his wife of the fact prior to marriaga. He left Oxford because he had been falsely accused of improper conduct, but he was afterwards invited to be the guest of Professor Jowett, late Master of Balliol, who attended his-wedding. THE MELBA DIVORCE CASE. The fact that neither the Due d'Orleans nor Mr Armstrong are of English domicile will probably prevent the divorce case come on for hearing in London. THE CURRENCY PROPOSALS. In his address to the London Cham ber of Commerce Mr Goschen said the average reserve in France was 95 millions, in Germany 40 millions, and in the United States 142 millions. The smallness of the amount of reserve in England was owing to the large amount of currency in the pockets of the people. He advised th,e Directors to alter the charter of the Bank of England to meet present needs. The Press generally are of opinion that the prejudice of the public against pound notes may possibly prove fatal to Mr Goschen's scheme. ENGLAND AND CHINA. London, December 4. " Figaro's " statement that England and China have formed an alliance against Russia is denied.

A STRAIN ON LOYALTY.

Bebijn, December 3. ] The Emperor, addressing recruits and guards, declared that they were his body and soul, and must shoot their parents or brothers without re serve if the socialist agitation rendered such an order necessary. The speech has caused a sensation in Berlin. THE CHICAGO EXHIBITION. The German Government has voted a sum of nine hundred thousand marks for the purpose of having thorough re presentation at the World's Fair ia Chicago.

THE SOCIETE DES METAUX.

Paris, December 3 The plant and goodwill of theSociefce dcs Mctnux was submitted to auction, and realised eighteen million francs. THE TROUBLES [N CHINA. The German Government is dis inclined to land troops iv China, and the success of French efforts to obtain the, united action of the Powers in the matter is doubtful. Hono Kong, December 4. It is rumored that the rebels have murdered a Mongolian prince.. More villages have been sacked by the rebels. Numbers of mandarins witnessed the recent massacre of Christians. . The British Minister in Pekin has been informed that an outbreak took place near Jeohl, beyond the Great ■Wall. Converts are believed to have been murdered, but the fate of the ; Europeans is uncertain.

THE STUNDISTS.

St. Petersburg, December 3. In a rescript the Czar recommendß the suppression of the Stundist sect, on the ground fiat it injures the orthodox faith.

FRANCE AND THE VATICAN.

Rome, December 3. The Pope advises the French Bishops to abandon their aggressive attitude towards the French Govern ment.

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS.

Ottawa, December 3. Mr Arnold, of the Pubiic Works Department, has been committed for trial in connection with the recent charges of corruption.

FIRE IN TURKEY.

SmyiCna, December 3. By a fire in Aidin two hundred houses and two synagogues have been destroyed.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE OPIUM EVIL.

Melbourne, December 3. The House of Assembly has passed the Opium Bill, which is very drastic in its provisions. The growth of poppies in the colony is prohibited.

THE N.S.W. BUDGET.

•'Sydney, December 3. It is anticipated -that after Messrs McMillan and Bruce Smith have spoken on the budget proposals, Mr Reid, leader of the Opposition, will table a motion challenging the federal policy of the Government. A DEFAULTING ACCOUNTANT. Joseph Waterhouse, late accountant of the, Commercial Bank, was to-day sentenced to four years' penal servitude for.'misappropriating the funds of the | | institution. In March last Water-! house levanted from the colony, and fwas subsequeiitly arrested in London. - [Waterhouse has written a letter, which is published in the Sydney papers, setting out the manner in which he was captured in London. Ifc appears, according to that document, that he left Sydney on the 17th. March last by the Barcoo for Melbourne, and that he took his passage from the southern jcapital tor Hobart by the Coome. In that port he caught the steamer Coptic, and took a berth in her for Rio de Janeiro Having arrived .in South America, ho decided to give himself up. Not being abla to get a steamer back to Australia, he determined to proceed to London, and when there, as he writes, he communicated with the manager of the local branch of the Com mercial Bank of Australia (Mr G. Niven), and stated in confidence that if. he (Mr Niven) would give him a ticket to Sydney he would send over £2000 worth of scrip, which was all in his possession, aud give himself up to the authorities in Australia. If the manager was willing to do this an advertisement in the London " Star " could arrange a meeting place. In reply to this communication the following advertisement appeared in the " Star " —" Upon my honor, perfect secrecy and safety. Meet me at St. Paul's station 7 o'clock to-night.—M. N." Waterhouse was there, bufc instead of Mr ' Niven was welcomed by two Scotland Yard detectives.] I SYDNEY BANKING FRAUDS. Sydney, December 4. Messrs Hadfield, O'Neill, Low, and Sydney, four directors of the Nor thumberland Banking Company, were arrested to-day on a charge of conspir ing to defraud. THE GLUT OF SHEEP. At a meeting of the Pastoralists' Protection Society, it was resolved to introduce a Bill under which a levy may be made of |d per shfiep from owners of flocks over 5000, and 3d per h«ad of cattle from owners of over 100 head, to provide funds to subsidise meat exportation, in^order to encourage the trade and prevent a glut in the local market.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland December 4. # Nicholas Phillips, a gumdigger, aged 67, residing at Mangakarmea, near Wan garei, shot himself last night in the chest fatally. Edward Baigent, formerly in the em ploy of the Customs, was found lying dead on his kitchen floor. He had been drinking heavily. The Minister of Lands, the Hon J> McKenzie, was entertained at a banqueb at Whangarei. Replying to the toast of his health, he warned people not to be deceived by a section of the New Zealand Press, "whose interests it -was to uphold monopoly hi New Zealand. ; Welmngtox, December 4. A very lively shock of earthquake was felt at 4.40 this morning. The first shock 1 was succeeded by another, much worse, which startled people out of their beds, but so far as can be yet ascertained no damage was caused. The quake was the severest for some years. Telegrams from Woodville, Master ton, ai;d Fielding, and other places en the West Coast also report a severe shock, but no damage except some chimneys thrown down at Alfredtown. Dunkdin, December 3. Three promoters of sweepß on the racecourse were brought up at the Police Court to-day. The cases against two were adjourned, but James Aitcheson was fined £'5 and costs, the Magistrate pointing out that the penalty was £200 for promoting sweeps for gain.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

Irmt tress association.]

PRINCE GEORGE.

(Received December 5, 10.35 a.m.)

London, December 4. Prince George is convalescent and an official bulletin has been issued to that effect.

EMPLOYMENT OF PEN SIONERS.

Sir J. Fdrgusson includes naval pen sioners in his scheme for the employ ment of'service reserve mew as surplus men.

THE CURRENCY PROPOSALS.

The Chancellor of the Excheqner proposed that when the issue of pound notes by the iSank of England reaches iifty millions any additional issue shall be based on gold only. London, December 4. Mr Brodie Hoare, in a letter to " The Times," contends that, Goschen's pound note scheme offers singularly in finitesimal advantages, and will tend to diminish the effective power of the rate of interest to draw gold into the country. ■ '

CAMBRIDGE EXTRA-MURAL JURISDICTION.

The Cambridge University authori ties sentenced a girl of good,character to a fortnight's imprisonment for being in company with an Undergraduate.

THE MELBA DIVORCE CASE.

I The legal advisers of the Duke of I Orleans allege. that Mr Armstrong can only proceed in the Dublin courts for crhti. con.

THE TROUBLES IN CHINA.

The Shanghai correspondent of the " Times " telegraphs that the Consuls at Pekin have applied for naval pro tection, the populace being hostile. Therebelsare reported tohave.beende ieated in the East and North, and six: hundred killed. Sir J. Walsham, British Minister in i Pekin, telegraphs that no Europeans j were killed in the Mongolian revolt.

DISTRESS IN GUATEMALA.

New York, December 4. , Five [thousand persons are reported to have died cf starvation and disease caused by the prolonged drought in the Chepas district of Guatemala.

(Received December 5, 10.45 a.m.) AFFAIRS IN AFRICA. Capetown, December 4. Lobenguele, King of Matabele Land, has ceded the rights of settlement throughout his dominion to the British South Africa Company. Zanzibmi, D<»ceraber 4, News has reached here that. Emm Pasha has reached Lake Nyanza, where he was welcomed by; 9000 natives. Berlin, December 4. It is believed in Berlin that Emirs Pasha will be reinstated in his'former position in -Wadalar.

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS.

Ottawa. December 4. Mr A. P. Bradley, Secretary of the Canadian Railway Department, has been dismissed from his position owing to charges of having defrauded being preferred against him. ■;

(Received December 5, noon.)

RETALIATORY DUTY.

Washington, December 4. The American Government intends to reimpose a duty of 2\ cents; per lb. on Austrian beet sugar, unless that county admits American pork.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE CABLE RATES: Melbourne, December 5. The Postmaster-General is making overtures to non-contributing colonies to enter the reduced cable service. Failing his success, efforts will be made to stop the existing system of sending messages to one of'the contracting tolonies to be forwarded thence.

STRAWBERRIES.

All herbalists agreein pronouncing straw berries as beneficial beyond every other English fruit; their smell is refreshing to the spirits, they abate fever, and are diuretic, gently laxative. Tha chemical consti tuents of the strawberry are »; peculiar volatile aroma, sugar, mucilage, 'pectine, citric and malic acids in equal parts, woody* fibre and water. The fruit is mucilaginous* [ somewhat tart, and saccharine. It is especially suitable in inflammatory and putrid fevers, and for catarrhal sore throats. So wholesome are strawberries that if laid in a heap and left by them selves to decompose, they will decay with out undergoing any acetous fermentation; nor can their kindly temperature be soured even by composure to the acids of the stomach. They are constituted entirely of soluble matter, and leave no residuum to hinder digestion. It is probably for this reason, and because the fruit contains no actual nutriment as food, that the cus tom arose of combining rich clotjted cream with it at cable ; while at the same time the sharp juices are thus agreeably modi lied. In Germany stewed strawberries and strawberry jam are taken at dinner with roast meats or with chicken. If fer mented by art the fruit yields, an ardent spirit, and a pleasant British wine can bo brewed therefrom. French herbalists direct that French strawberries recently crushed shall be applied on the face at night for heat spats and freckles by the sun. From the juice, with lemons, sugar and water, they make a most agreeable drink called " Bavaroise a la Grecqe."

Before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., this morning, Win. Hamilton was fined 5s and had to pay 8s costs for having been drunk in East street the previous evening. He was also sentenced to twenty-four hours' imprisonment with hard labor for having used obstftne language, in the public street. The death is announced of Mr Joseph Holgate, chief clerk at the head, office in Wellington of the Railway Gownissionera.. Deceased was for some tima* clerk at the* Ashburton station, about eight or nine years ago, and during his short stay made many friends He died from heart disease. The Frisco mail will bo despatch from LytteJton to-morrow, by special train as far aa Palmerston South, whence it will be taken on to. Duuedin by the ordinary tnorn . ing train. The mail will be sorted to the I boxes at.Ashburton, Post Qfl&ce immediately Oft ar^yalof the mail. True economy To purchase Counter 1<& for two bhillings. Free from any ex cess of astringency Countess 2s, Duchess 2s 4d, Pwncess Bd, Empress 3s. These Teas aj« freejfr^tti any exowa of astringency

fite AsttßUßtfOtf atfAftmA^/ SAWfiPAy, tmcffik&&& h, isoi.



Holloway's Pills. —Important for the delicate.—lt is difficult to determine which is the more trying to the human constitu tion, the d&mp, cold days of autumn and winter, or tho. keen dry easterly winds of spring. Throii'ghout the seasons good health may be obtained by occasional doses of Holloway's Pills, which purify the blood and act as wholesome stimulants to the skin, stomach, liver, bowels, and kidneys. This celebrated medicine needs but a fair trial to convince the ailing and desponding that it will restore and cheer them without danger, pain, or inconvenince. No"family should be without a supply of Hollo Way's PUls au,d i Ointment, as by a timely rexjomrse to them ' the first erring function may be reclaimed, suffering may be spared, andT^fa saved. JS'inian Hyslop and Cov/B " Inr.pt-r^a,!' pure CeyloE and Indian Teas are the best in the mark«t^Advfc.) TeniiN«e(rpa*nyexcess of-fistrmgency South British Tea Coin pony's purelhtoniU siortk-3«p.e.w



Many exibitors at the late Ashburton. Show, weredoubtless disappointed in not winning prizes, A picture Value 10a is <nvs!i away with ; every Fifty Shillings' worth' of Warburton's Can'b Be Bejtfc Baking PQwder.^-Fact



" Keatinu's Powder " destroys Bugs Pleas, Motha, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application. See the article you Durchlse is " Kbatink's," as imitations are Oiious and ineffectual. Sold in Tiup»6 d, |i and 2s 6d eacl>, by all chemists,



The best medicine is bander and son Eucalpyti Extract. Test its eminent power ful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, etc. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syndicates all over the world are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle- We have no occasion to offer rewards in proof of ttie genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and univer sities, theofficialcommunication3of the Consul General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded by the International Exhibition Amsterdam—all these are authentic docu ments, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated at the clinic of Sclmltz, M.D. Pro fessor, etc.—"o. 8., 24 years old; conges tional abscess ou the thigh, Jncisiqns mad.c in two places. Although Lister's dressing was applied, the secretion became, two days later very copious, and had adopted a ftstid decomposed character. The temperature rose enormously. In consequence the dressing was removed and in its place were mad« durinf the day-time repeated irrigations with Eucalypti Extract. The offensive feeler dia appeared very soon, the fever abated within a few days, and the patient recovered after the lapse of several weeks. In this instance we must not lose sight of the fact that the latter treatment saved the patient a life. ~ Thjs Bkst Rkmkdy fqk Ij^igestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for [ndtasßtion, which is the cause of nearly all the "diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pius, with justice called the •Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle oerient, are mild in their operation and' safe under any circumstances. Sold m oottles. at lßl*d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout th« world, Niuian Hyslop arid Co.'s "Imperial Jeylon and Indian Teas are direct from t\ic Tea Plantation* — (A/ivt,)



Ask for Njiiian Hyhlop, and Co. imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian '^eas. Special prioeji.^Advt^



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this . heading not exceeding SIXTEEN - - WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. /"IA.MERON Street Wesleyan Church. \J Preacher for to-morrow—Rev. S. Lawry. Morning subject: "Evils oi Intemperance, their Cause, and Cure.' Evening subject : "Modern Jdolalries." WANTED, to Lot a Blacksmith and Wheelwright Shop, on Wakanui Road, r«nt 4s per week. Apply, Ceokoi W, Asurews. East Belt. 12 3C WANTu D, those willing to join Ash burton Prohibition Leigue t ( attend Meeting on Monday night, at f p.m., in Templar Hall. 12 2t v l ,' ANTED, eood attendances at th( Y» Primitive Methodist: Missionary Services, To-morrow Morning and Even ins?. Preacher—Rev. Clement. __12_2j "YTTITB STANLEY", in Darkest Africa YV —Leccure by Rev. S. Lawry illustrated by sixty lantern slides Wwleyan Church, Moxday next, at i p.m. Admission, Is ; children, (id. 12 1' ICE Cream ready at all hours ; durin: the summer months at Flower's Cough Drops as usual-11. G. Flo™ East Btreet. ■ \ W" ANTED Known—A special line o Cashmeres, all shades, noi elling at Is per yard. White Blankets 5 lid per pair.—H. C. Segers, Melfon House. , WAKTED Known —Being ovei stocked in Corsets, we have r« cuced every pair. Ladies from Is 6c Cheapest house in town.— H. G. Seger? Melford House. ' WAN TED KNO WN genuine Clearin Sale is going on and the Boots ar going out Best value yet offered, tei per cent, for cash, the very best work atl< repairing done at once at J. M. Moison' lown Hall, East Street. W"~" ANTED~KNOWN, a special lot c Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2d 6d am 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. ±1 Collier. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits t measure; fit and workmanshi] guaranteed; from 60s cash. Robbr Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl- Saunders' Buildings. SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured Stock of the celebrated 8.8. A., am us there are very few in the Colony Shearers ara requested to call early.- RoBBRT AtCORNj Saunders' Buildings. WAN TED Known. -Afc "The Corner' now selling Ladiet.' French Shops 5a lid. See then)".—W. H. Coltjeb. WANTED, a sixth standard Boy, a Apprentice to the printing trade Apply Manager, "Mail" Office, betweei the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. WANTED Known—A Beautiful Lim of French Dress Goods, doubli width. Is 10W ; original value, 4s. —H. C 8 e«ers, Melford House. '.'■■■ WANTBD Known.—l have a largt stock of Tin and Ironware to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept in stock.—J. W. H'akdlby, East • treet. «T2o£ tpO Meet .the Times.—T am (supplying 1 Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30t upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders oi all descriptions. Inspactkn invited.— J. W. Harplby, Eas street. 6|2oj WANTED Known.--H.Bairstow has opened those premises in East street next.J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs iv Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rinm and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture tc any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l MONEY TO LEND, upon Freehold security, m sums to suit bor rowers. (Small amounts can be repaid by instalments, if so desired. Apply to Mr C. VV. Pcrnbll, Solicitor, Mont gomery's Buildings. 9 130 ■..' 'ipw ANNUAL VOLUMES., Mew Xnias Cards, JEWS OOK S for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc L. P. ANDREWES and CO.