THE MARKETS.

(IICK PhESH ASSOCIATION.) (Received September 21, 10.30 a.m.) London, September .20. The cargo of wheat, per barque Hud son, from Lytte'ton (May 26). has been sold at 39s 6d. The English wheat market is firmer ; the Continental has an upward tendency, and the American shows a general ad vance. The total quantity of wool catalogued up to dati is 357,000 bales, of which 133,000 have been sold. Prices are steady at the quoted decline. Fur ign buyers have taken 43 per cent of the quantity sold.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1891. THE BETTING QUESTION.

The question of the morality of betting has lately been discussed at considerable length m the press and the pulpit at Home. The opinions ex pressed have been widely different. We have an episcopal opinion that betting of itself is not immoral, while almost equally eminent controversial ists hold the directly opposite opinion. Those who hold the former opinion do not do so without qualification. As one of them expresses it, " gambling' is, like many other things, a question of degree. A bet for One man is objectionable if it is a matter of shil lings ; for another man it may be of no harm if it is a matter of pounds." It must be looked upon, m fact, by every man according to his own conscience. It is one of, the things that can scarcely be called a vice while speculation on the Stock Exchange, and m cotton, iron, grain^and other articles of com merce is regarded as not wrong, and even with positive approval. Out of the controversy on ths moral aspect of the question has arisen a discussion; of the position of betting with regard to the law. In the present state of the law betting is unlawful, and bets made between one man and another cannot be recovered at law ; but if a bet is made through a third party, and he pays the amount of the bet to the person with whom he made it, he can recover the amount from the person who instructed him to make the bet. Several well-known cases have been before the Courts and decided on this interpretation of the law, and it has also been established that a principal may recover from his agent the amount of any bet that has been paid to the agent on account of a bet made on be half of Bis principal. In short, the bet made through an agent is regarded simply as a business transaction. In an article m the " Nineteenth Century" Sir James Stephen, the distinguished judge who lately retired from the I Bench, advocates the passing of an Act that would make all bets, whether made by agents or between principals, void ; andwouldprovidethatif the bet be made by an agent the principal may revoke his authority to the agent to pay the bet at any time before it is actually paid. This would place all bets on the same footing. Tt seems anomalous that a transaction which takes place between two men is void, while the in tervention of an agent makes it recog nisable and enforceable by law. Sir James. Stephen has no consideration for the agent; m fact be designates him as "an insult to the law." He deals with the question m its legal aspects, and approaches the subject by traversing tho atsj.tArnp.nr. t.ha.t. hfitt.i n/r and gambling are wrong and immoral, though it is understood that he is un acquainted with card games and never made a bet. Betting agents are practically extinct m this country, and if the* protection which they enjoy m their transactions were withdrawn they would probably become extincb every where. The advertisements of these turf commission agents are a far greater incentive to betting than the much abusedtotalisator. Longbanished from England they have lately been threatened with expulsion from France, wiiere their operations have attained to such dimensions as to constitute a danger to society. The law is strongly against betting as a trade, yet only those who make a trade of it can law fully enforce their claims.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The eldest daughter of the Czar, who is about to be married to her cousin, a Russian Grand Duke, will have a dowry of 2,000,000 roubles, and the revenues of 100 square miles of corn land. The Westport coal report for the week ending September 19 was 5746 tons. The fortnightly payment sheet at Denniston by the Westport Coal Company amounted to £2800, the largest yet made. Count William Bismarck, second son of ; Prince Bismarck, has resigned the presi dency to the regency of Hanover and will retire to Varzin. This is. the last of tht, Bisroarcks who held office m any part of Germany. Among many far-fetched reasons for the prevailing typhoid m Hobart, one doctor gravely asserts that it is imported from New Zealand among oysters, which are, he says, kept too long enclosed m packages, thus generating the disease. At the annual meeting of the Canterbtuy Commercial Travellers' Association on Satur day the report and balance sheet submitted nhowed that there was £140 to credit for the first year, and 140 members on the books. Mr Henry Brown's grocery store, m Colombo street North, Christchurch, was totally destroyed by fire at two a.in. on Sunday. The insurances are £100 on the building m favor of the Permanent Building Society; stock and effects £300 m the Standard office. But for the exertions of the ! brigade a large block of old buildings must I have gone. The revenue returns for the last fiscal year m the United States do not show the uaij&l abounding surplus. Whilst the revenue amounted to 392,470 ) 752d015., the expenses for the year were 3(j5,447,275d0K, which leaves the comparatively small sur plus pf 27,023,477d015., or only between six and seven 'millions' sterling. Why this falling oif? Because there has been a diminution of revenue and an increase m State expenses. Mf'J. & G°*f M- p -> wno is travelling through the colony m the interests of the evicted tenants Li ' Ireland, addressed a meeting m the Theitre Royal Wellington, on Saturday which was but poorly attended. At the conclusion of the meeting it was resolved that subscriptions list* be started and about £50 was subscribed, the Hon Mr Buckley and Dr Grace hew! nvj, the lists with ten guineas each.

Tlie i O.tago Trade and Labour Council en dorsed th.c '"resolutions of the Wellington Council, urging tlie (.Tovernment to call labour representatives to the Council. ] A Wellington telegram says that during last week ninety-one men, principally bush fellers from the South, obt lined employment through tho Government Bursau. Fifteen were sent by Salvation Army. The regulations for troul and perch fishing m Ashburton County are gazetted. The season begins to-morrow. License, fees are twenty shillings for adults, teu shillings for boys under sixteen, and five shillings for visitors. The dwelling-house of Mr W. o'Bryan, Timaru, brickinaker, was destroyed by fire early this morning. Nothing was saved. The insurances are £200 m the Standard and tl7o m the Victoria. The insurances do not nearly cover tlte loss. In one of the American weeklies a con troversy has been nigirg as to the ex pediency of choosing definitely a song to be accepted as the National Anthem. Several votes have been iafav«\r of " We Won'i Go home till morning." Between Saturday night and Monday morning the office of Mr Knnbley, solicitor, at Timaru, was entered by breaking the back window. Two cash boxes and two deed boxes were burst open and three cheques for £9 9s and wine cash and stamps taken. Papers were tossed about but none are missed. A report having reached Fiji that the Salvation Army was abont to form a branch m the Islands, the Wealeyan missionaries there have addressed a letter to the *' Army " authorities m Sydney, showing how unneces sary and undesirable such a step is. The missionaries state that out of a population of 112,000, no less than 1C4.000 persons regu larly attend the Wesleyan services. A peculiar divorce case was heard by the Chief Justice m Wellington on Saturday. Margaret Josephine Dunn, formerly school mistress at Reefton, sued for a divorce from Waller Essen Cross, of Wellington, on the groun lof the latter'a bigamy. The evidence showed that he had been married m London m 1872 to a wife who is still alive and who testified m court. It further appeared that lie told Dunn when he married- witness he had another wife who died after his second marriage. There was no appearance of Cros3, and a decree nisi was granted to be made absolute m fourteen days. A few days ago we published a telegram containing an extraordinary story of a boy who was thrown from his horse on the sea beach, became unconscious, and the^next thing he remembered was being outside the breakers floating on a log. A Northern exchange gives the name of the lad as George Bell, and adds that the log had several branches,; arid ■'. when the boy had recovered his senses he found himself resting partly on a limb and partly on the log. A large shark, with evidently an eye «-o business, persistently kept the lad company, and only disappeared about two hours before sunset, when the lad seeing his opportunity, stripped himself and boldly struck out for the shore, and, after a swim of half-an-hour, managed to reach dry land, At daylight next morning he walked m a nude state to Warea, where the adventure ended. The lad was none the wo»se for his extraordinary voyage on a log, and persists m his statement.

Madame Sterling sang and prayed and preached at the Baptist Chapel, Leytonstone, ou July 25. The famous contralto, with her tragic presence, drew unwonted crowds, and made a great impression. This is not the first time Madame Sterling has displayed her talents m this particular direction. As many people are aware, she is a Quakeress, and a charming story is told of how she once, at a meeting m Devonshire, square, when no one was " moved " for an inordinate interval, rose and sang, as only she can, "O, Rest m the Lord." The clerk after wards approached her and said "Thou know«st, sister, it is against the rules ; but if the Lord tellest thee to do it fhou must !" This incident earned for Madame Sterling, uicugst the sect, the quaint sobriquet of "the singing sister," and Mrs Margaret, Lacy, John Bright's sister, during her last illness, called several times, and not m vain, for " the singing sister." It is not gener-illy known, perhaps, that Madame Sterling is a direct descendant of that John Bradford who went out m the Mayflower. Her cousin, the Rev John Bradford, is the Minister of the Baptist chapel at Leyton stone. A strike m a palace is a novelty even m these striking times. The scene was the Herfb Palace, built by the Emperor of China for hia mother, the Empress Dowager, for her retirement from the duties aud cares of the Regency. It was desired to make that beautiful abode this year still more worthy to receive its illustrious occupant, and to that end no fewer than 10,000 workmen were engaged. Of these 3000 or more were carver.^, a class who appear m China.to hold cheir heads high. Knowing that the date for completing the gardens was close they struck for higher wages, and m this demand all the carpenters joined. They were receiving individually three moals and 2000 Peking " cash" (ten cash are equal to £d) per" Kday ; but they demanded 7500 cash a day. On thsir employers refusing to comply, a signal gun was fired, and according to the report,, thousands of workmen—carvers, carpenters, and masons—began to make threatening demonstrations. The officials on guard, finding the police unable to cope with the multitude, quickly sounded the alarm, call-" ing on the rifle brigago, Yuen-ming-yuen Guards and cavalry, who came with all speed and surrounded the strikers. The affair ended, it appears, m a compromise, the men being allowed 4000 cash per day, or exactly double their previous money wages.

The Evicted Tenants,

(by telegraph.)

(FROM Ol"R WELLINGTON UCMtRKSPOIJDipfT.) Mr J. R Cox, M.P. for East Clare is here, lecturing m aid of the fund for evicted tenants. He has toured Austral* and returns hencw to Victoria. In the qourse of an interview I learned some in teresting particulars. Mr Cox has been imprisoned six times under the various coercion acts. He has for a colleague m the We it Clare represent ition Mr Jordan, a non-conformist from the North of Ireland, Regarding Mr Parnell, he says the rumors of the O'Shea intrigue were whispered long; ago, and for the last two or three years the subject has been lobby gossip. This was the cause of the party's defection from, him. However, his charges against his colleagues and Mr Ofxadston.e ? am}' his slack attention to his duties caused the party to fall away, and Mr x)illon became the really acknowledged leader. Mr Dillon being now m gaol, Mr Justin Mc- Carthy takes an active part. The Irish party and people emphatically declared against Mr Parnell, even m SHgo, Kil kenny, and Carlbw —Ins strongholds, i Regarding the .cablegrams representing Mr Parnoll ;is refusing to release, certaj.ii funds ? Mr Parnell is o)ie of the trustees of a league fund, which thp party think, not being now immediately required for Jeague purposes, ought to go to the relief of the evicted tenants. Two trustees are willing to unlock the funds; but Mr Parnell obstj.natejy refuses. On Mr Pamell's reasons, Ml- Qos 4egKnes to express an opidion.

FARM NOTES.

The chief inspector of stock, of Tas mania m his annual report showij that the stud hheep exported'from Lasjn'nia during the yefir ending" Juno 13. last numbered 6581, of the value of £7492. The sheep imported" during the year -numbered 82,957, and the bollock? 36§7, of the value of t97,880; being^Bßo94 m excess of the valite of tho imports last year. Mr Robert Brook land, of Kingsdown, near Timaru, po",sesses(pays the " Herald") a ewe of remarkable fecundity. She was an old ewe—"a gummy"—when he bought her, and. m four-years since then she has produced thirteen lambs and brought up ten of them. She hud four the first year and raised three ; then two and reared both ; next four and reared two, and last year three, all of Which lived. .....-._■; A paragraph iij the " Mirk Lane Ex press " of J lily/ H$ notes the arrival m London of "a liberal consignment of ld,3ooqr of oats from New Zealand," and the following week says of the cereal pro ducts of the colony t—" The fine ol'imafce and soil of NewZeaUnd enable that colony to grow not only a good yield of grain to the acre, but aJso.«w> produce both good weight and quality besid,^ , t Scarcely any of the New Zealand okis w^i^h les* than 401 bto the bushel^arui sdine^weigh 481 b. Last week London"' received front New Zealand S32Sqr of wheat; 4109qr of oats, 310qr of beans, and 330qr of peas." We may add that the bright heavy Canterbury oats are m high favor amongst horse keepers at Home. Land which requires drainage, accord ing to Professor Waring, is thac which at sometime during the year, (either; from an accumulation ot the rains which fall upon it, from .'.lateral flow or soakage from adjoining land j from springs which open within it, or from a combination of two or all of these sources), becomes filled with water that does Bob readily tiad a natural outlet, but remains until removed by evaporation. "Every consider able addition to its wurer wells up, and soaks its very surface, and that which is added after it is already brim full, must flow over the surface or lie m puddles upon it. Evaporation is a slow process and it becomes mure, and more slow as the level of the water recedes from the sur face and is sheltered by the overlying earth, from the action of sun and"tyind. Therefore, at least during the periods of spring and full preparation of the fond, during the early growth of plants, and often m midsummer, the water-babl«—the top of the water of saturation—is within a few inches of the surface, preventing the natural descent of routs, and, by reason of the small space to receive fresh rains, causing an interruption of work for some days after each storm. '

If such land is properly furnished with the drains (having a clear and sufficient j outfall, offering sufficient means of-en trance to the water which reaches them, and carrying it by a uniform or increasing descent to the outlet), its water will be removed to nearly, or quite, the level jcf the floor of the drains, and its water-table will be at the distance of some feet from the surface, leaving the spaces between the particles of all of the soil above it; filled with air instead of water. The water' below the soil stands at a level, like any other water that is dammed up. Rain water falling cv the soil will descend by its own weight to this level ai,d the water will rise into the drains, at it would flow over a dam, until the proper level is agaiti attained, Spring water entering, from below and water oozing from the adjoining land will be> removed m like manner. In a weir drained soil the water of ordinary ratii will at once be absorbed, will dowly*descend towards the water-table, and will be removed by the druns so rapidly, even m heavy clay, as to leave the ground fit for cultivation and m a condition for steady growth within a short time after the rain ceases* It l;su been estimated that a drained soil has room between ivs particles for about one quarter of its lulk of water—~ that is, four inches of drained soil contains fre» space enough to receive a rain fall one i ich m depth and, by the same token, four feet of drained soil can receive twelve inches of rain—more than is known to have ever fallen m 24 hours since! the deluge, and more than one-quarter of the annual rainfall m the United States. Commenting on the growing preference given to Australasian, wools by American manufacturers over the clips m the States, ono of their leading wool journals says of the clip of this season on the market m July :—" There is considerable complaint this year about the unsatisfactory condi tion m which Wool m certain districts iv the fine wool sections are again put up, and this is preventing buyers from ope- rating as freely as they otherwise would. The condition of Australian wool, parti cularly the past season's, has been made note of by manufacturers thai had never used it previously, and tho comparison has been disadvantageous to the growers of fleece wool iv this country. Before the clip began to come off it was hoped,by the woi 1 trade that the wool-growers would profit by the fact that the woolproduced by them was at a disadvantage simply through ba 1 handling, and that their wool this yeir 'voull be better put up, But it. is not pleasant to say that thus far no im provement is to be noted m the putting up of these fleece wools this year," On the same subject another authority writes: —" The American manufacturers as a body do not care a rush Iqi( the 1 Ohio or any other wool-growernnf tlie States. What they do care for, and are laying theniselves out to do as far as possible by the use of new and improved machinery and the like raw article; is to catch their own home trade, and so keep out foreign goods. It will be apparent:: to anyone how much they will be helped to do So by a more intimate acquaintance with the .merits of Australian wool, the use of which has m the past enabled foreign manufacturers, to ger, ; and to some extent retain, the cream of American trade.

The following case, reported by the " Southland Times," should be considered by some of the farmers m this district :— A Grove Bush settler named Clement Itaeburn appeared before the 8.M., Invercargill, on Thursday, at the instance of the Southland County Council, to answer a charge of having neglected to obey an order issued by that body on May 7dli last requiring him to grub up and remove gorse from the road m front of his property. The dpfendant admitted that the work waa not completed. —Mr Wadej wfto appeared* jfqr tHe council, said that jthe defendant had allowed gqrse to en croapij from his section on to the road to I such an extent,that traffic had been inter fered with, and 'although' he had received frequent notice he had failed to take effectual steps to abate the nuisance. The order issued required him to grub up and remove the g^qrse extending from fche front of his section to tl)e centre of the road, and where such orders were not •CfiiTfec} out witlp'n a month from service qi notfco the person served -vps liable tq a penalty not exceeding £1 for every day thereafter during which such neglect continued. —Evidence iv support {pf the charge was given by B. P. MacG|oun (county clerk), VV. Y. Mi"^r (inspector or roads), J. M'Kellat (rabbit inspector), and J. Givin (farmer), from which it appeared that the gorsc had not onlj obstructed £>he jjh'broughfare but had formed a liar- j bo}? fop ".^Ubit?,—defendant had, |t. appeared,'mowed down a quantity of the I gorse almost level with the road, but ' several of the. witnesses stated, thai it

would be as bad as ever m a couple of months or so.—Defendant said that he thought tho notice was a general one, and that it would not be acted on immediately, and he had therefore taken .more time , than he would otherwise have done. - Ilg i was cutting the gorse, and traffic was noi interfered with.—His Worship saiH tjhftt | the defendant would be fined £2" Us arid '-costa.- £2:9 a, or £s<in all, .vhichwag a verjr.'light penalty compared, "to what J he had rendered himself liable to. The corse .would have '.<> bo grubbed up as so.)ii as possible —The fine anJ costs were I Pail* * 

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

|j*ER PRESS ASSOCIATION

THE GRENADIER GUARD.

London, September 18,

The Grenadier Guards, who arrived at Dover from the Bermudas on July 28, have returned to their quarters m London, and will take^tfveirplaices on the regular Guards roster. '

YOUNG IRELAND LEAGUE,

The Parnell party have founded a Young Ireland League.

THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

Sir Charles Russell, M.P., has de^ clared that the Liberal party will wel come a conflict with f.he House of Lords on any question.

A FIFTY DAYS' FAST."

London, September 19. Alexander Jacques has completed his self-imposed fast of fifty days. Towards the end of the term he suffered somewhat severely from gout, but to demonstrate that his strength was not materially reduced he carried Mr Ken nedy, the mesmerist, twice across the room. During his fast Jacques lost 28jibs. ■■-...

I POSTMASTER-GENERALSHIP.

Si r James Fergusson, Under-Secre tary for the Colonies, will-probably succeed the late Mr Cecil Raikes as Postmaster-General.

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS.

Ottawa, September 18. Itis believedthatthe Hon.H, Mercieiy Premier of Quebec, will resign owing to the disclosures m connection with the Baie Chaleur railway scandal. The Government party are dismayed, and denounce Mr J J. Abbott, Premier of the Dominion, for publish ing Angel's, letter attacking the Provincial Autonomy. UttaWa, September 19. The French portion of the popula tion of Quebec are greatly excited at the Federal Government's interference with "the"affairs of the Provincial Go vernment m connection; with the charges preferred against the Hon. H. Mercier, Premier of Quebec, who vail probably resign. The Liberal party exalt Mr Mercier as the champion of provincial autonomy. The Hon. H. Mercier, Premier of Quebec, who lias been adjudged guilty of participation of the Baie Chaleur railway scandal,-ha? accented the pro posal to establish a, Commission of Judges to enquire into the question. The Housa of Commons has thoroughly threshed mil the motion of Mr Hugh Cameron, member for Inverness (Nova Scotia), impeaching Mr Edward Cochrane, member for Northumberland, for the alleged selling of Government positions m his district, with the result that Mr Oocbrane was exonerated from participation m the alleged scandal.

PAUPER IMMIGRATION,

The . Dominion Government have decided to stop the immigration of paupers into the 'country, and it is generally understood that this, action has been taken, with a view to. prevent the Russian Jews coining here.

PLOT TO DESTROY A PRISON.

San Fkancisco, September 18. ' A plot has been discovered to dyna mite Ban Quiuton prison, California.

THE ARCHDUKE JOHN.

Vienna, September 18. It is reported that the Archduke John, who was believed to have been lost f in a ship,during a voyage to Val paraisb m October last year, holds a leading position m the Junta's ; array.

THE SEALING QUESTION.

New York, September 18. The American Commission declare that it will be necessary not to allow sealing, for several years m order to prevent the extinction of the animals,

LOHENGRIN.

Paris, September 19. The production of the „ opera " Lo hengrin," has led to further rioting, and 160 of those suspected of taking a leading part m the disturbance, have been arrested.

TEE LATE GRAND VIZIER.

Constantinople, September 19. Kaimil Pasha, the Grand Vizier, whom it was alleged was dismissed from office owing to his adopting a policy favorable to England, has been gyanted a pension of £300 by the Sultan. ..

THE CHINESE DISTURBANCE.

Ho wo Kong, September 19. It is understood that the ultimatum to the Chinese Government concerning the recent atrocities has been delayed u.ntil the decision of the Great Powers has been received as to which, shall be he the commanding fleet.

THE FLOODS IN SPAIN.

Madrid, September 19. Idiots have taken < place m the dis triety \yhich suffered from the floods, The Queen has opened places for the reception of sufferers at Aranjuez and Toledo. Madrid, September 20. The floods h,ave been caused by the oyerflqw of the rjvers Armaguilde, Tagus, Gj uadalquiver, and Eclso. If un drexls of thousands of residents have been rendered homeless, and .the sufferers are reported to be starving. A state of anarchy is feared, and qwing to the suspension of railway traffic both money and provisions, which are available m Madrid, are t prevented from reaching those m need. Shocking loss of life has occurred m Übeda, a fertile plain lying between the Qu.adalqu.iver and, tlje (fuadalmer. through the floods, and the damage is estimated, at 20,000,000 pesetas,

-^^"""-•^ Paris, September 18. j The Gi*y**batiks have already sub j scribedJ3^,oQo.^oo francs of the Russian / loan. ';' j

ZALEWSKI'S EXPEDITION.

.Zanzibar, September 10. Tire survivors of Zalewski's expedi ti&nj which stffftffea defeat at the hands ortlie natives at Knohoa river, have readied here.

BALMACEDA.

Buenos Ayre»7 September 19. The report that General Balmaceda, the defeated'President'ot Chili, had come to the Argentine Republic, is untrue.

In. .Consuegra fifty-eight streets hay« been washed away. The British residents m Spain have subscribed 300,000 francs to the national relief fund, which now amounts to £100,000.

ITALY AND ENGLAND.

Rome, September 18. The Marquis Rudini, Italian Pre mier, declares that he will not separate the Eastern policy of Italy from that of England.

THE RUSSIAN LOAN.

LABOR ITEMS.

London, September 18. The dockers engaged at Victoria Docks have struck for an increase of Id an hour. Ottawa, September 18. • The lumbermen, "who are on strike for higher wages and shorter hours, are receiving assistance from all parts of the Dominion. ;

THE LESBOS AFFAIR.

St. Peteesbukg, September 20. The " Novoe V.rema " m discussing' the action of the British squadron m manoeuvring at Sigri, demands' the punishment of the Admiral who was responsible for the scare. ;

PHYLLOXERA.

Phylloxera is spreading m Southern Russia, and the vineyards m the Carina are hopelessly ruined. • ...

KARL KORNER'S BIRTHDAY.

: Berlin, September 20. The Emperor is anxious that the birthday of Karl Theodore Ivonicr, the popular German poet arid patriot, who m 1813 incited the expulsion of the French, shall be celebrated with enthu siasm on Wednesday-next.

THE AUSTRIAN ARMY.

Vienna, September 20. The Austrian Minister of War de mands that the peace footing of the Austrian army shall be increased by 29,000, and the erection of a third fortified eauip m Galicia. The Minis ter of Finance is opposed to the in crease, and-threatens,to resign if the proposal is carried out. A split m the Cabinet is likely" to result, and ithe Emperor Joseph will probably be asked to settle the difference.

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

Paris, September 20. Le DebatSj m referring to the recent speech of the Emperor of Germany, considers that he is po.sing strictly as a military Emperor, who is eager to re venge the past. It goes on to say that French successes urge Franc 3 to regard the oratorical slips of the German monarch with composure.

ALLEGED MURDER.

New' York, September 20. It is reported here that General Luiz Bogran, late President of Honduras, has been murdered.

THE SOCIAL PROBLEM.

Rome, September 20. His Holiness the Pope has counselled workmen to avoid socialism, and not to •seek to solve the social problem apart from the Church,

TERRIBLE HAILSTORM.

A terrific hailstorm has been experi enced m the district near Rome, during which hailstones weighing^jozs fell. Several people were killed, also a large number of cattle. I

AUSTRALIAN.

GENERAL BOOTH.

. Melbourne, September 21. Genera^Boath received an immense ovation on his arrival, and thousands were unable to gain admission to the Exhibition Building where the recep tion was held.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

The following are the acceptances for the Spring Meeting, to be h«ld on September 2," :— JVIAjDKN Handicap,.of 15 soys.- Two miles. Victoria 11. ... scr - Barney O'Hea, 4sec Glengarry ... Anaconda ... 4sec Form 2acc Forest Maid .... ssec Fancy 11. ... 2sce Eos ssec Thurza 1..'.1..'. 4sec Sailor Boy ... 7sec Sklmxu Handicap, of 20 soys. Two miles. Star of Honor scr TJira ... ... 17sec Minnie .., .isee Anaconda ... 22sec Pegasus ... 17sec. Coralie ... 25sec Harness Handicap, of 18 soys. Two miles, Wakanui ... sec Biddy ... 22see Minnie ... 12sec Idaho 25sec: Maud... ... ISsec J.M 303 ec A^iiENTON Handicap, of 30 soys. Three miles. Shamrock .., scr j Madeline ...< 35sec Mount joy ... 2p3ec | Star of Honor 35sec Connetnara ... 25sec ■ Master George 35sec Wakanui ... 27sec I Biddy ... 45sec: District Handicap, of 17 soys. : 'Two miles. Minnie ... scr j Eos r... ... 15sec Humbug ... 2sec Nancy lice ... 25,&ec Forest Maid... ISseQJ Lilly 25, sec ELECTRIC SfAfcKS. IjANMOAB, of 20 SOYS.. One mile. Wilkin , scr Form ; 17sec Mountjoy ... .ssec Barney O'Hea 17sec Wakanui ... Bsec J.M. ... .," 20sec Master George 12sec Forty... ..i 22sec Victoria 11. .... 17sec .-, • . , . f

GERALDINE RACING CLUB SPRING MEETING.

The following handicaps have 'been issued: — Squatters' Handicap, of 35 soys ; one mile.— : B,ay King 9st 51b, Lady Zetland 9»t 21b, Quibble Sst 121 b, I£tlmame& B.sfc 31b, TnchHeith 7st 91b, The' €hief, fnt 51b, Morten 7st, Young Cheviot 7sfy'" New ftope 6st 111 b, Lord Zetland fat 111 b, Saddler 6.sfc 91b, Beach 6st 91b, Sporting Life 6st 51b. Geraldine Cup, of QQspvs; 1* mile. ~~Liber^t6r Buti2lb, B.ay King Bst 71b, Quibble Bst,Coinage 7st sib, Ja66b .Faithful 6st 51b. Flying Handicap, : of' 40 soys ; six fuilons;s.—Lady Zetland 9st, Carronade Bst 101 b, Mailboy 7st 91b, The Chief 7st 21b, Morten 4.21 b, Invader 6sl 101 b, Butterfly 6st, Belfjeld Handicap, of 25 soys ; six furlongs.—Liberator lOab 13lb, Lady

Zetland lOst 51b, ThnckQWyj.W l^b, Kihnarnock 9st 7lb, Mai»*wy - %t 2.b, r Emiieror 9st, Jacob Faithful Bst 121 b, Inchkeich Bst 121 b, Cactus Bst 91b, Temptation ,Bst 91 o, Almond Bst 7!b, Zealapdia 8«t 7lb, Al-^Wa Bst 7lb, Sdcjrpfc Bs,r 51b. Invadev Bsfc s!l>, Tamutn Bst flb', The Aoe 88t6ib, New Hope - Bst 31b, Firo Kingßst, Lfi^l Zitland Bst. -

A.J.C. SPRING MEETING.

Svunky, ,Septr!tnber 19, The wodther was splendid for the con cluding day of tho Australian Jockey Club's Spri.io: meeting. The following are the results : - Selling' Plate ; six furlongs.^—Odd fellow 1, Lady Lovel 2, Souvenir 3. Eleven horses started. Won by a neck. Time—lmin lo^sec. Mjgmcer.s' Handicap ; one mile and one furlong.—Aster, B*t 61b, 1; Affiance, Bsl 81b, 2;Oremomo,7st6lb, 3. Eight started. Cremorue led into the straight, when Aster find Affiance came with a rush, the former winning by a neck. Time—lmin 53:ec. The Stki^leckahe ; about 3 miles. — Caledonian,l^ 6lb, 1; Bushman, list 91b, 2 ; Marmion, lOst, 101 b, 3. Eleven horses started. Caledonian was taken to the front at the fall of the ftV,g, and was never caught, winning ii« a canter by 100 yards; the e»me distance separating the second and fchird horses, . Illario, Grand wiug and Graf ton fell, and Beggarboy and Melton ran off. * Time—7min 12sec. Waverle* 'Sandicap '", If mile.—Mar vel, lOst 51b, 1 ; Cobham, Out 91b, 2 ; Warrego, 7st, 3. Six horses started. Mantilla was first away, but on passing the stand Yowi was m front, with. Marvel last. This order was maintained for half a mile when Cobham asserted himself and came on m the lead. As the field ap proached the three furlongs post Marvel moved up intoJ&ird place, and as they entered the straight the po itions were— Cobham, Warfego and Marvel. The latter drew up ip the leader at the dis tance and won qqmfpi;tably by a length and a halt. Tiioa. —3min 6sec. Rand wick Plate ; three miles. Megaphone ... ... (Power) 1 Melos ... .. v .- ... (Gainsford; 2 Alhemarle .. '. ... (Huxley) 3 Other starters—Sunshine 1, and Bengal. Betting- even money on Megaphone, 7 to 4 ngainst Melos, 6 to 1 Sunshine, 8 to 1 Albemarie, 10 to 1 Bengal. Sunshine was the first to move, but being steadied Bengal went to the front and led by a ■ length past the stand the first time, Melos and Megaphone, watch ing o&e another lying last. At Gxehham's Bengal had increased his lead to twelve lengths, and kept on improving so that by the time he entered the straight the second time he was twenty lengths to the good, all the others being close together except Megaphone^who was whipping m. At the mile post Bengal was still a long way ahead with Albemarle and Mega phone next. At the five furlong post Megaphone improved his position, and, followed by Melos, the favorite was first into the straight, and coming on full of running won comfortably by three lengths. Time—-smin 32isec. Final Handicap, of 5 soys each with 200 added; 11 mile. —Elymas, Bst, 1; Realm, 7st 91b," 2 ; Sir Anthony, 7st 91b, 3. Won by a length and a half. Time— 2min llsec. The victories of Marvel and Megaphone were received with great enthusiasm.

AUSTRALIAN BETTING.

It is reported that Melos is amiss, and' he has been almost knocked oiifc of the bolting for fches Melbourne Cup. Cobham, who tan woll throughout the Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting, has been supportc-1 for the Melbourne Cup to win £10,000 dowat3 100 to 4.

AUCKLAND SPRING MEETING.

Auckland, September 19. The events resulted as follows :— "iuiAL Stakes, of 50 soys; 7 furlongs — Tupara, 7&t 311», 1; Vieux Rose, 7at 21b, 2 ; The Dancer, 7st7lb, 3. Six ran. Won by half a length. Time -lmiri 33secs. Divide'ids—£22 14s and £23 Bs. . Hurdles, of 70 soys,; 1 £ mile.—The Colonel, 9st 41b, 1 ; Theorem, lOst 101 b, 2 Fishmonger, 9stßlb, 3. Time—3min 20^ec. Dividends—£6 7s 6d and £10. September Handicap, of 120 soys ; 1] mile.—Dreamer, 7st, 1 ;Marion, 6st 71b 2 ; Dolosi, Bsfc 3lb, 3. Won by half a length. Time—?min. 16.Vsec. Dividends, £6 13s and £5 7s. Juvenile Plate, of 75 soys, four fur longs.— Brown Alice, 1; Queen Rose, 2 ; Dorothy, 3. Eight ran. Won by a length and a half. Time—oUsec. Dividends, £2 4s Gd and £2 4s. Steeplechase, of 100 soys ; about three miles.—Omata, list, 1 ; Hopeful Kate, lOst 41b, 2 ; Justice, 9st 91b, 3. Four teen ran. Won by six lengths. Time—• 6min. 54sec. Dividends, £8 5s 6d atid £6 18s. Flying Handicap, of 60 soys ; 6 fur longs.—The Baron, Bst 91b, 1 ; Vieux Rose, Cst 71b, 2 ; Lady Bell, 6st 101 b. 3. I Ten ran. Won by four lengths. Xlme ■ -Imin 17Isec. Dividends—£3 5s and I £3 7s;' Welter Handicap, of 50 soys ; 1 mile. —Mangefe, list olb, 1; Satanella, list 91b, 2 ; Dan, list 21b, 3. • Eleven ran. I l'me—lmin 52isec, Dividends—£24 6s I and £48 15s. " I

POLITICAL.

(fhom ouk parliamentary corres pondent). Wellington, September 19. The protracted sitting of last night was also ralher stormy, but the persistency and d tu.-initiation of Government effectu ally' squelcbetl the : Opposition. The opinion of old parliamentarians' and lookers-on is that the present Opposition is both factious and fractious. The oocasion served to exhibit the power and . generalship of Mr Seddon, who is looked upon- by. both sides as a _coming leader. He exhibited great strategetic powers and strength,-And several moves of his were remarkably "and amusingly politic, and quite successful. It was quite an enter tainment t6 see' him on the'warpath trampling the Opposition down. Mr Fish has gone' over t;6 the Opposi tion side asrain, and is enjoying his revenge on Government. It pleases him and hurts, nobody and makes all laugh to see him m fupy. The House is used to his vagaries now. Members are pretty well used'up to-day "by the long sitting. ,,., Wellington,.September 21. This 1 afternoon the small Bills are to bo wiped up, and at 7.30 Supply will be gone into. Business is to be hastened through, f

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

(PBK PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

('Received September J2l, 10.5 p.m.)

THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

London. September 20. Mr Hugh Watt, m a letter to the tJ Times" supports' ' Lbrcl r Kintore's policy for the development of the northern territory by means df Chinese.

THE LATE BISHOP BARRY.

The. Archbishop of Canterbury will unveil the memorial tj the Late Bishop Parry m Canterbury Cathedral.

THE TRIESTE TUNNEL DIS ASTER.

Vienna, September 20. The men entombed m the tunnel near Trieste have been rescued.

THE RUSSIANS AND AFGHANS.

Calcutta, September 20. Reports of the alleged conflict be tween- the Afghans and Russians on the frontier are not yet confirmed.

HURRICANE.

"Valparaiso," September 20. A hurricane at Iquique greatly damaged the shipping.

FATAL COACH ACCIDENT.

Berne, September 20. A coach fell over a precipice m the Engardine 250 feet. Two English ladies were killed and four injured.

(Received September 21, 10.15 a.hi.)

RUSSIAN LIBERAL PRO PAGANDA.

St. Petersburg, September 20. It is alleged that the Russian police are secretly propagating the liberal agitation m Poland and Lithuania, m order to giyevc Government an opportu nity of using oppressive measures.

RUSSIA AND INDIA.

The "Novosti" declares that the Empire of Russia is already too exten sive to desire the conquest of India, and urges the British Government to re nounce its anti-Russian policy and enter into a definite agreement of amity.

FATAL EXPLOSTON.

Brussels, September 20. By an explosion m Forchies colliery, at Charleroi, m Belgium, twentyrseven miners were, killed and many injured.

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

Paris, September 20. Five hundred police patrolled the streets and suppressed the renewed manifestation against the performance of Lohengrin. The German Embassy is guarded m anticipation of a 'display of violence by the mob. President Carnot, speaking at Rheims, said the reconstruction of the French Army was now complete. Berlin, September 20. The " Cologne Gazette " strongly advocates the increase of the defences of Germany.

I Received September 21, 10.30 a.m. j

THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE.

Rome, September 20. The " Italia " announces that it has been agreed by the parties to the Triple Alliance that any hostile diplomatic act, constituting a distinct aggression, will enable the power assailed to seek the support of the Alliance.

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS.

Ottawa, September 20. The acceptance by Mr Mercier of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry has averted a crisis.

BEHRING'S SEA.

Washington, September. 20. Sir J. Paunceforte, British Minister! has complained to the United States Governnzent, that the North American Company has captured thirteen thou sand seals fn Behring's Sea m violation of the modus vivendi agreed upon.

AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

•-c Zanzibar, September 20. The northern portion of German East Africa is m a state of ferment. The news of the failure of Zalewski's Expedition, has; unsettled the natives. The ;Wadiflo tribe is m rebellion, and the Arabs are restltss. -The Catholic and other religious missions are m a dangerous nosition.

BOER EXPEDITION.

Capetown, September 20. It is reported that a large nutnW of Boers at Pretoria are preparing to trek into Damara Land, - .

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received September2l,.ll.3o a.m.

THE WORLD'S FAIR.

Sydnky, September 21. Mr. McMillan, formerly Colonial Treasurer, has been appointed presi dent of the New South Wales Com mission for the the Chicago Exhibition..,,

GENERAL BOOTH.

Mjrlbocrne, September 21. General Bobth states, that he re ceived most advantageous offers for his colony m South Africa, arid was almost tempted to close -with them on the spot, but he thought it best to enquire m the Colonies before coming to a final decision. Ho ha& also re peived a hearty invitation from South America, but prefers to establish his colonies m some part of the British dominions.

THE WHEAT CORNER.

The alleged attempt to form a corner I m wheat ig denied, but six shillings is still offered' Without response. Flour has risen,to £14. '..'.

BARON HIRCH'S SCHEME.

A.conjniinicati^n' has been received from \Wron Hir^a-|o the effect that he is sending an pgmt ta inspect the ma»iee v country,:%s£<« view to estab lishing colonies of Rossian Jews there.

THE TASMANIAN BANKS.

' - Hobart, September 21.1 1 It v* almost certain ttiat the Bank of Van £Hemen'« Land will have to go into, liquidation. The Government has arranged with the Commercial Bank to cash the Bank's, notes, which are m circulation for Wo months. feeling is strongly 'against the Government, and it is expected a vote •f censure wilj be mQved.,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN* MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 31, 1691.



Aak for Ninian Hyt-lop, find Ccs "Imperial " new seasons .Pure Ceylon nnd I dia vi Teas .Special prices,—(.Advt,) True economy To purchase Countess Tea for two>liiHihes. Free from any ex cess of astrimjeney Countess 2s, Duchess 2s 4i\. Princess 2s Bd, Empress iU. These Tsa§ »r? free from §ny wiesa of stringency



Harhlky—Addis —September 2, at the Primitive Methodist Church, Ash button, by the Rev J. Cocker, assisted by tho Rev Woollass, of Timaru, John Willlam, eldest son of Sanuel Hardley, Ashburton, to Ltzzik, second daughter of Go-njre Addis, Ash burton.



Teas free from an.y excess of astringency £}outh British Tea Company's pure blends. 4U store ee^era



The Best ■ Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confideniy recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases ttii which we are subjects Norton's Fms, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a pawerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and sufe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l|d, 2s 9d, Us, by all medicine vendors throughout th*» world. * J^eamm>*s Cocgh Lozkxoes cures Cough Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testhnou .states that no ofher medicine is so effectual :ih the cure of these. dangerous maladios One Ixraenge alone gives ease, one or two' at 'bedtime ensuaes rest, For-relieving difficulty o: Jbreathing they are invaluable. They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, m tins, Is lsd and 2« 9d each' Ninian Hyslop, and Co.'s "Imperial " Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the Tea Plantations.—f^vt.)



Holloway's Pills and 'Ointment.— Health's Defences.—None save the strongest can with impunity pass through the sudden transitions from wet to dry, from cold to muggy weather so prevalent during the autumnal and early winter months. In fluenza, bronchitis, cough, sore throat, or quinsey will attack those most watchful of their health; but they can readily arrest any of these complaints, by rubbing Holloway's Oinunent twice a day upon the skin over the affected parts, and by assist ing its corrective action -with appropriate doses of his pills. This well-known, safe, and easy mode of treatment efficiently, protects the patient both from present and future danger without, weakening or even disturbing the system m the slightest degree.



The '' Feilding Star " says;—" They were brother?. They worked their farm on the W.H.B. Block together. One of them smoked. The other did not smoke. They paid their bills regularly every month. Ihe smoking brother was charged 5a a month for his tobacco, The non-smoker banked money equal to what hi.« brother smoked away. When these savings amounted to £20 the non-smoker brought a thoroughbred heifer. When he was bringing the heifer home *he fell ovpr a cliff and broke her blooming neck. Moral: Don't measure your own virtue by y«mc brother's vice." •Ninian Hyslop, and Go.'s *? Ifypeml'i pure Ceylor and Indian Tyaa »re ths best jij the market, —fi4vt.)



N.Z^C.F. 1891 JSpring <k_Summer.| 1891 turn I THE 11891 1 ISHOW OF THE SEASCHN.J HUH IIIIS GOODS AT EIGHT PRICES. EACH department of our business is now replete with the Choicesb Novelties m HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL MANUFACTURES. For Variety and Value our Stock is Unique. We have facilities for buying Which few other firms enjoy, consequently we are enabled to cater for those who appreciate New and Fashionable Go jds all he y«sar round, OUR SPECIALITIES ARE— Clothing of Superior Quality, ready-made or made to measure, for Men, Youths, Boys, and little Boys. Perfect fife and Newest Shapes. Shirts, Ties, Braces, Belts, Studs, Bags, Rugs, and Dressing Gowns. Tennis and Cricketing Requisites ; Sanitary Uuder clothing. MKIfT'B OIOVEB Ifor Walking, Riding, and Driving, also Evening Dress Gloves. WAI ERPROOF COATS Pwn Make, For Walkinsr, Riding, and Driving. Every garment guaranteed, and all seams sewn. Waterproof Rugs, Overall, and Facldle Aprons. HATS. HATH. HITS. Newest Shapes, Colorings, arid Textures to hand. Any description of Hat or Cap made to order. NEW ZEALAND Clothings Factory. W H. WEBBER, Manager THE Next Ohertsey Sale will be held on MONDAY, 12th OCTOBEB, 18 9 1. t. McDowell, Secretary.



Wanted. CASE Advertisement under chis lieading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be -, left at this Office. WANTED Known—Melforsl House j is the cheapest place m town for first class Drapery and Millinery.—H. C. Seoeks. F" OUND, m River Bed, a Five Pronged Ur&liiig Fork. Apply "Mail, Office. 9 131 WANTED Known—A special line of Cashmeres, all ■■ .shade*,- now selling at Is per yard. White Blankets 5s lid per pair.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. W" ANTED Known — Being over stocked m Corsets, we have re duced every pair. Ladies fnm Is 6d. Cheapest house m town.— H. 0. Segers, Melford House. ATS TED KNOWN genuine Clearing Sale is going on and the Boots are going oijfc Best value yet offered, the very best Fork and repairing done at once at J. M. Moison's lown Hall, Mat Street. T)RO*OKE'S Carbolised Scaly Blight _O Cure is the best of all, bar none. ICE Cream off Cough drops on. Un doubtedly the best. H. G. Fi/wer, Confectioner East Street. ANTED Known.—Call and secure bargains of Winter Drapery At the Great Sale at W. H. Collier's, "'JL'he Corner." ; .._ WANTED Known.—Great Clearing Sale at "The Corner" of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots.—W. H. Collier. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 52s 61 cash. Kobert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. IaSLYN, Mosgiel, Kaiapoi, and Ash burton Tweed Suits made to my order from selected patterns. Long and narrow and short, and wide as well as ordinary sizes from 40s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Sam__d^_rs^uiUiings : __ , TO Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection i»vitecl.-r, -J. W. Hardlky, Eas street. 6J201 TITANTED Known—H. Dudley will '■': W &ink Deep Wells and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee water to surface at 3s 6d per foot.- H. Dudley, Moore Street. oso* / READING for all Classes.— V J Hundreds of Back Numbers of Monthly and Quarterly Periodicals at Half Price. Several volumes of Standard Works at Cost Price to reduce our Large Stocks Photo and Scrap Albums, Photo Frames,—L. F. Andrewes & Co., Stationers' Hall. ANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East «treet. 6tg.°f ONEY TO LEND, upon Freehold security, m feums to suits bor rowers. Small amounts can be repaid by instalments, if so desired. Apply to Mr C. W. Purnell, Solicitor, Mont gomery's Buildings^ 9 132 :.:.:;.. '. .'"■.. .• tenders.. . TENDERS Wanted for Brcaking-up 1 about 60 Acres of Land. Fcr particulars, apply to R. B. LUSCOMB, 9*127 Eiffelton.