Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1981. WATER WANTED.

Seeing that some menths of actual drought (broken only once or twice) have succeeded to two ypars of scant rainfall, m which the amount of moisture received from the clouds has only reached one-half the average of normal years—we say iv view of all this it is not surprising that house holders, as well as agriculturists, are, beginning to cry out for water. In deed m the town, as welt as m the country, many wells have given out which have never previously been known to fail, and m some parts of Ashburton there is great domestic inconvenience m consequence. We know of heads of households who have to fetch and carry water from con siderable distances, and think them selves lucky to get it even then, and by some of these we have been asked to; make the fact publicly known m the hope that some enterprising carrier or other person, with a horse and cart ftt his disposal will step into the breach and supply an unmistakeable requirement by delivering water at a small charge at the housesof those who need it. Such a man we are assured would make very good wages by supplying water at say a ha^f penny a gallon. All he would require would be a barrel or tank with a tap set up on a dray or express, and a trade of 300 or 400 gallons a day would give him very fair wages. Or, it has been suggested that the Borough Council should step m to the relief of those ratepayers who are suffering for the want of water, and undertake its delivery by cart at a charge just suffi cient to cover the actual cost of the wages of the man employed on the duty. If this were done a farthing a gallon should suffice. The idea is one which seems reasonable enough, and we hope that some one of our City Fathers will take it up and see \i efi'ect cannot be given to it."

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The " Woodville Examiner " states that a magnificent deposit of alum exists m the rivar bed of the Pohangma at Ashurst, there was recently a review of 150,000 troop 3at Reumro, on the western boundary of Russia, aud their discipline and efficiency were so conspicuous as to arouse a good deal of anxiety on the part of German and Austrian military men. At a meeting of the Christchurch Hospital Board this morning a letter was read from Dr Stewart suggesting the formation of a consulting staff m connection with the honorary medical staff, and pointing out the great advantage of the advice of so ex perienced a body when required. We have to acknowledge with thanks, the receipt from Messrs McLean Bro3 and Rigg, Melbourne, agents for the publishers Messrs Quibell Bros, of Newark, England, of [an illustrated pamphlet on " The Destructive luseots and Fungoids of Australia." A movement is afoot among the members of the County Hunt Club with a view to the presentation to the late master, Mr Mat hew Stitt, of a suitable memorial of his past services and kindly hospitality. The precise, form it is to asume will be decided at ameet-, ing to be held on the 20th hist. A burglar got fast m the window of a tioiise occupied by John Roach, of Paterson. John is a moralist, and he dressed himseif and sat down on a chair and tallied to that burglar for two long hours without a break ; then the buglar asked to be either knocked on the head or let go, and Mr Roach talked to him one hour longer aud theu suffered him to depart. The latest application of electricity to the uses of daily life has bean invented and per fected by a New York physician. He has completed telephonic connections between the wards of the city hospital and the recep tion rooms, so that patients suffering from infectious maladies may safely communicate with their visitors. A board m the reception room contains the name* of the patients, and an attendant lias only to put the plug into the hole beneath any name when any friend desires to speaks with the occupant of a cot upstairs, This has been found to work with great success, and the plan is to be adopted by the other hospitals. An Indian paper containes the following advertisements :—"A Rajah of Bengal Pro vince, having an estate valuedat 15,000,000r5, the yearly income of which is 99,000r5, after paying the Government revenue, wishes to correspond with a respectable European young lady with a view to matrimony. Enclose photograph, which will be returned, card, address, etc." "A respectable native gentleman with a large estate of 13,000,000rs wishes to get married to a respectable European young lady Enclose address and potograph, which will be returned, to the manager, etc., for submission to advertiser. The utmost secrecy assured. Several^'young men were before a Napier Court on a charge of bathing without proper dress. The constable had deposed that he hart seen a number of persons bathing. "Gould you distinguish what .sex they be longed to ?" asked the defendants' counsel. The policeman's face assumed a puzzled look and he scratched his head as he scrutinised the young men against whom he was testify, ing. "I don't know," was the astonishing answer which came after a pause, .so the charges were dismissed. Afterwards the constable was expressing his sur prise at the result, concluding with the discontented remonstrance, "how was I to know whether they were Catholics or Pro testants, and whaf did it matter at all ?" The similarity of sound between sex and sects got those young men off. The usual meeting of the Ashburton School Committee was held on Monday evening— all members present except Mr T. Scott. The chairman said the credit balance at the bank stood at £38. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education intimating to the Committee that the yearly balance of accounts and audit was now altered from December to April—the latter month being th» close of the Committee's term of office; and calling fop nominations to fill the vancios caused by the retirement by rotation of three members of the Board, The Committeo nominated Messrs E. G. Wright and W. C. Walker, for the vacant seats. The head master wrote recommending Miss Mable Trezise and Master John Ernest Purchase, for appoint ment as pupil teachers. The Committee acce'jyt.tif the master's recommendations. Ordiijai-y ac^ouuts awouijting to £10 Is 6d were passed for payment, aira bw account, of prize and treat land KG 4s, id, Mr Bean handed' m £8 6s 9d, net results of roagjq lantern, entertainment and private subscriptions to wards prize fund. Messrs Craighead, Paul, and Bean were appointed to represent the Committee m arranging and carrying out the School Concert, hi" "con|uiictifi|i with the headmaster and Mr Peter Williams, Tije Chair man and Mr Bean were appointed a Visiting Committee for the month. Homow.vv's Prr/iv?.— Nervous irritability —No part of ihe human machine requires more constant supervision thajx' ;%o jjsji%/U3 j eys^in—for upon it our health—and even luV~ds}*fcr f dj». These* jpiHs strengthen the nerves, and ara ttj/i outsat general purifiers of the blood. Kftusea, headache, giMp^ss. miml>ness, anit ... jutal apathy yieia to iiMUu. Thcy\'!iapftt«U m iv summary manner thogo distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic paiiia, &J*c.;!.s at the pit of the stomach, ab dominal dis'teiisio^, and regulate alike capri cious appetites 'auu'eonfoi^d boy/els—the commonly accompanying signs of 'defective or diinin ished nerve tone. Holloway's pills iutf particularly recommended to persons ofsUnli^a'.? iUMjt jesdeutary habits, who gradually fall'inAQ .a &eyvsua and irritable state, unless" sojjjlc such' resis;asye ,be. occasionally t&fceuj ' " '"" "°j

As will be seen by advertisement [.the ( Xpmager and Directors of the Farmers' Union Grain, Produce, and Finance Company Limited, Cliristohureh, will hold a mec'iis; at the Somerset; Hotel on Saturday, VJih An accident happened at Wakanui on Sum | day, which was attended with serious con sequences to at leaat one of the parties interested. Mr Arthur Stewart, son of Mr Peter Stewart, fanner, Wakanui, was driv ing home from ■'church on that afternoon. He had with him m the trap three of his sisters and two lady cousins from Christ church. At the.cutting near. Mr Meredith Wilson's place, a hare crossed the road m front of the mare, and the latter swerving to one side, the wheel went down into the low part at the road side, and. the trap turned right over. When the first indication of danger appeared, the yongest girl, who was 'sitting behind, jnmped oufc of the trap safely. Miss Mary, sitting on the near side of the trap m front, was shot right out, and clear of the vehicle, to the tussock. All the ofchei-3 were left under the conveyance alto gether. The mare behaved admirably under thecircumstancesjinnkiiigno commotion, while Miss Mary, finding herself unhurt, notwith standing her dangerous spill, promptly extricated her relations from their precarious position. She was able to do this before the church people following on the road came up and righted the mare and vehicle. None of the ladies were m anyway hurt, but Mr Arthur received severe internal injuries, from which he may not very rapidly recover. He was token home mMr Corbetfc's trap; and Dr. Trevor was at once sent for, and has since been daily attending the sufferer. The mare was not injured, and the damage to the vehicle was trifling. The Star of Ashburton Lodge,*U.A.O.D., I held its half yearly meeting on Monday evening last, Bro T. Wail presiding. The report and balance sheet were read and | adopted. These showed a large increase of members during the half year. The follow ing officers were elected and installed by 1). President Bro J. Pauling, jun., viz. :—P.A., Bro T. Wall; A.D., Bro Johnson; V.A., Bro O'Connor; Secretary Bro Salek (re; elected); Treasurer, Bro Elston (re-elected); A.D.B.'s, Bros Higgins and Mcßae.. V.A.B.'s, Bros Spicer and Clayton ; M, Secretary, Bro Masson (re-elected) ; 1.G., Bro Dalley; 0.G., Bro Pauling; Auditor- Bro Potter (re-elected). After the installa tion ceremonies, which were ably performed by the D.P., assisted by P. A. Bro Clark, several of the chief officers thanked the Lodge for placing them m such honorable positions. A grant of one guinea was allowed toward the fund for the aid of the widow of the late Bro J. S. Jolly, of the Aurora Lodge, Palmerston Nortli. The trustees of the late Bro Kecley widow's fund reported having received moneys and placed the same at interest until required. Bro H. A. Pick ford, who had just finished his term of office, was presented with a very hanisome Past Arch diploma. The presentation was made on behalf of the Lodge by the D.P., who spoke m very high terms of the estima tion m which Bro Pickford is held by the Lodge. Bro Pickford made a suitable reply. Votes of thanks were passed to Bro Pauling, 1). P., for the able manner m which he had carried out the installation and also to the outgoing officers, after which the Lodge was closed m the Druid form at eleven o'clock. Receipts for the summons nights £49 8s 6d.

DISTRICT COURT

ASHBURTON^WEDNESDA V, January 14. (Before His Honor Judge Ward.) Thomas Pfrks v. George Roberts.- For plaintiff-Mr Fisher, with him Mr Crisp ; for defendant—Mr Purnell. In this caso the plaintiff, a contractor, alleges that m November, 1889, defendant tit Christchurch contracted with him to plough 726 acres of hi; fief endantV) land at Valebta, and 222 chains of fence line. Defendant was to pay all accounts and expenses incurred m connection wibh the ploughing, and fair wages to plaintiff for his own work, and fair hire for the traction engine he was to use m the work of 'ploughing. The work was done between November 12, 1889, and January 10, 1890, plaintiff paying the wages of the workmen necessary to be employed on the contract. He claimed from defendant under Hie agreement £106 18.s—viz;., 48 working days between November 12 and January 9, at 15.s per day, £36 ; for same time, use of traction engine, £72, the time being reckoned as seventy-two days at £1 per day ; wages for four men for eight weeks and two days, at 25s per week each, £41 ; wages for two men, four weeks and one day, £10 8s 4d ; money paid to Weymouth Roberts for work done m .said ploughing, £6 ; wages to man for carting water, two weeks at 255, £2 10s; another man wages for eight, weeks and four days, £10 16s Btl ; ploughing fence line above mentioned at Od per chain, £5 ; half cost of ploughs promised as a bonus, £36 12s 6d—m all £220 7s (kl. Amount received on account, £113 9s 6d —balance now sued for, £106 18s. For the defence it was denied that defendant entered into the contract alleged, or that the work was done, or materials supplied for him, or at his request, or that he promised half cost of any ploughs as a bonus ; that defendant was indebted to plaintiff m the sum claimed or any su:n ; and generally denied all the material allegations m plaintiff's particulars of demand. Mr Purnell having asked that all wit nesses be ordered out of Court Mr Crisp opened the case for plaintiff detailing the particulars of the claim, m the main as stated above. He called Thomas Perks the plaintiff, who, ex amined by Mr Fisher, said he owned a traction engine and thrashing plant, In Oc tober 1889hewent to, Valetta, tolarid which was the property of Mr George Roberts. Went up at the invitation of Mr Bennisbn, and worked three days at ploughing with a traction engine as motor. There had been two or three acres ploughed before. Witness tried three three-furrow ploughs at first, but had to come down to two, as three were too heavy. The work was a bit heavy for the ploughs too, which buck|ed about a good deal, Ploughed about thirty acres and then came home. Threw up the job then, and afterwards went m November with Bennison to Christchurch. Saw Mr George Roberts, who asked if the ploughing could not be done. Told him the work could not be done with the ploughs he had been using. Mr Roberts said the ground had to be ploughed as it was useless as it now lay. Told him it could not be done for less than 13s per acre, and not at that with the ploughs ho had been us ng. Mr Bobeftg said ' I|e cijuld get some ne.v ploughs made suitable for the job. Replied that it would not pay wituess to get ploughs made specially for such a job ; but Roberts said they must be gob, and witness had them made at Duncan's, Mr Roberts saying he would pay for them, and give witness the ploughs at half-cost as a bonus when the work was done. Mr Roberts also said he would send coal for the engine (which he did), and if tlie ploughing 1" could not be done at less (;han i&s an acre he would pay all expenses attaching to the work, fair wages for witness, and fair hire of the engine, also all wages of men em ployed. Said he would like to have a written agreement about the matter, but Mr Ryheiiba sju.4 ib was not necessary. Bennisbn said he had done a Jot of work for Mr Roberts, and had always found him a man of his word. Mr Roberts said it would be all' right, and witness came away s^fied. Started work on the 10th November' with th'b old Rloijghs uiifil the new ones came, finished on |he' Ul\ q{ January.' Was ploughing practically, witlji Vi fii-F. 05*^' d°pg nine" acres aday. This was "i' \ow ayerkge^ pwpg lp the rough nature of the ground." : Had "fee.§i} doing fifteen or sixteen acres ft day 6ft better ground at Laghmor. Mr Roberts paid for the breakages. Witness then gave (iet^Us of the wages and other pay ments he had mtiatj, J£r 4-lbert Roberts had acted as Mr (jr<?orga Koberts/ agenda From Mr George Roberts he had received cheques for £30/£55, and £10. ''• " : IXieft sitting,! *

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] London, January 12 and 13. The Thames is ice-bound. There are 8 inches of ice on the Serpentine. A.thaw has now set m. By Magee, Bishop of Peterborough, has been appointed Archbishop of York. Mr Parne.ll has been served with a wrifc for alleged libel on Dr Tanner, member for Mid-Cork. The Duke of Somerset and Baron Hausmann, the reconstructor of Paris, are dead. General Booth has increased the sum which he considers necessary to have m hand from LIOO,OOO to L 130,000, and he also asks that the whole of the sum for the purposes of the projected colony shall be placed entirely under his control. New York, January 12 and 13. The Chamber of Commerce con demns free coinage. Hanlan has challenged O'Connor to row him for lOOOdol. a-side. By a collision on the Elevated Rail road an engine was thrown into the street. Vienna, January 12. An avalanche killed seventeen people at Livna, m Bosnia. Berlin, January 13. It has been announced m the Prus sian Diet that the secret of Dr Koch's remedy will shortly be made public. A Bill is before the Prussian Lower House to restore the Guelph fund to the Duke of Cumberland, son of the ex-King of Hanover. Washington, January 12. Experiments are being made m dif ferent parts of the United States to test the feasibility of producing rain at will by the explosion of dynamite among clouds.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, January 13 and 14. Wilgas, ledgerkeeper of the English and Scottish Chartered Bank, has been arrested m connection with the Bennet frauds, on a charge of falsi fying his accounts. He was apparently working m conjunction with Bennett, A long-standing dispute at G-oul bourn Cathedral between the Bishop and Captain Rossi over the removal of the latter's family tablet has been advanced a stage. Rossi has taken possession of the Cathedral for the purpose of replacing the tablet, and is holding the sacred edifice against all com c rs. A number of th c cou gregation attempted to enter, but after a scuffle were repulsed.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, January 13. John White a pakelia-Maori, died suddenly m bed during the night, it is believed from heart disease. He came to the colony fifty-nine years ago, and figured prominently m the early history of the colony. He was the author of " The Ancient Maori." The yacht, Maritana, bound for Wei Hngton Regatta, was spoken off Cape Colville all safe. Wellington, January 13. An Auckland settler who recently re turned from a visit to his native place, Nova Scotia, reports tn the Government that owing to the repeated failure of crops m that province a number of families (about 200 souls m all) are anxious to leave, and he asks what assistance the New Zealand Government could give them to emigrate hither. It is pointed out that the matter is one for Parlia mentary consideration but that it is un likely any monetary assistance would be given, as Parliament hi 1887 struck off the Estimates the vote for assisting farmers to come to New Zealand. Another difficulty which presents itself is that it would be taking residents from one colony to another. The request howevei*, is to be considered by the Government.

The Behring Sea Dis pute.

[fee press association.] Washington, January 12. There is a general feeling that should England and Canada go to war with the States over the Behring Sea dis pute, the latter ought not to resist, The bulk of opinion is against spilling blood for the sake of a few sealskins. Ottawa, January 13. Canada has moved the American Courts to annul the seizure of the sealer captured m 1887. The motion has been made at the instance of the British Government with a view to settling the Behring Sea dispute.

The Bellringers and Faust Family.

■Ifc is not often that a show is better than its bills, but that that is certainly the case m regard to the above talented combination was the universal testimony of all who attended the opening perform ance at the Oddfellows' Hall last, night. The Bellringers are fully equal to any performers m tha^ line who have come our way, and gave among other items the Marseillaise, Ring the Bell Watchman, Rule Britannia (as an encore) and variations on the Blue Bells of Scot land very charmingly. Herr yon der Mehden's cornet solo, "The Death of Nelson/ was m itself well worth the price of admission, being- an exquisite piece of instrumentation, and the encore which necessarily followedsecured another treat hi the shape of a most del|ghtful rendering of " The £ja§b I^ose of fSummer' 1 m which the instrument m the hands of a master was made to produce tones which could scarcely be exceeded m their delicacy and purity by the human voice. Later on the same performer, who seems to be able to play almost any instrument, gave some delightful illustrations of the capabilities of the xylophone, the metallo phone, and the sleigh bells, the latter being an altogether unique and very charming item. Too much praise also cannot be given to the exquisite duet mandoline and guitar given by Mr E. Faust and Herr yon der Mehden. Then there were the riiost comical and mirth proving musical absurdities (albirt as musical performances alone m themselves excellent) by the brothers Faust, which, must be seen to be conceived of, violin playing ift all sbrtg tff inconceivable positions, appearing 16 them fcb be ae'easy, tin "rolling off a log" as they put it iri America, to say nothing of discoursing Q^oellent niusiti from a penny; whistle, manipulated through a gasp.i|}e w(tji the aid of a pajr of belloSys, aiid * exira. ordinarily clever and laughable' perform ances upon the bassoon, clarionet te, etc. The musical items were,'interspersed with very aniusing Irish aiicf Qfchep impersona tions by Mr Gus Lynch and Mr Eugene Faust, and remarkably clever acrobatic performances by the Brothers Faust — better we never saw —a capital bill being -abound up with a laughter-provoking Eantbminf6 sketch 'entitjled ,"The School >aysof Nicholas Jfiekloby. 1? The com

pany give their second and final perform- j ance to-night, and we recommend those of our readers who want a thorough even ing's amusement not to miss the oppor tunity.

Melbourne Grain Market.

The following extracts are from the monthly produce report of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand under date, January Ist :— Wheat.—The incoming crop is gener ally reported, as first class ; the grain all round will be of equal quality with an absence of shrivelled corn so detrimental to last year's harvest. Buyers are opera ting up to as high as 3s 2d at country stations, and, there have been engage ments of tonnage, we understand, at 32s 6d, and on the whole a fair export trade is expected this year. Oats.—Towards the end of November stout oats became scarce and prices firmed, 2s 9d to 2s 10|d being got for Victorians during December, while other sorts re main unchanged up to the close of the year. (The December quotations for New Zealand were,2s lid to 3s.—Ed). The incoming crop of stout oats harvested about the end of this month should be of heavy yield and good quality, and even the very latest and greenest paddocks have not, so far, been injured by locusts. JBarley,—Forward controcts for new grain are reported to have been made m the country at equal to 3s 5d m Mel -1 bourne.

FATAL FIRE AT ALFORD FOREST.

A telegram was received this morning by Sergeant Moller from Constable Morgan, who is stationed at Methven, stating that a house occupied by Mr William Rayera and his wife at Alford Forest was burned down last night. Mrs Rayers was burnt to death, and Rayers way severely injured by the fire. Up to the time of despatching the message (9.16 a.m.) no particulars had been obtained as to the cause of the fire, the messenger having left Alford Forest for Methven soou after the fire w:w dis covered. Constable Morgan further stated that Rayer was leaving by train via Mpunt Somers, bub when Sergeant Moller met the train this morning he found that Rayer had not arrived by it. Rayer and his wife were aged persons, j being both about eighty years of age.

The Labor Troubles.

(jPKE I'RESS ASSOCIATION.) , Loxdok, January 12 and 13, The settlement of the railway strike is from present appearances remote. Several minor accidents are reported on the Scotch railways. Some have been caused by the strikers locking the poinbs. The North British Com pany are suing 220 strikers for leaving their work without notice.

Chuuch Work Among THE North American Indians

The following very interesting extracts from a letter written by the Bishop of New Caledonia, showing how rapidly the Gospel is spreading among the North American Indians, and its value as a civilising power, are published m the "Church News ' :— The Church of England is making forced marches to keep m. the van of the wide world's progress. Here where, as I our Indians used to think, the spirits of the mountains watched the spirits of the [ swift rivers when they ventured away out where the heavens overlapped the bending ! sea, to learn the secret of the setting sun ■—as far west as this, at lasc the quicken ing voice of the Church is heard, con voying the forces of a masterful civilisa tion. The smoky trail of the steamships is now too common to excite comment. Formerly we hoisted flags to welcome the steamer- Now the schoolboy calls out, when his turn at marbles is past ' Steam boat' ! and again knuckles the ground, as if the steam-whistle had never terrified his father. How often I have'heard of the terror ! Certainly the majority of the Indians who to day have interrupted my letter-writing remember well how, not long since, with all their tribe, they hid themselves, terror-stricken, when a marine monster, black and terrible, swppt along the narrows towards the village. Its awful noise made the mountains shake. It breathed clouds, vomited fire and smoke against heaven, and m its swift fury tore up the sea by the roots with its devouring teeth, Which were the side wheek of the still seaworthy p.s. Beaver! Where are those frightened savages now ? They are here besido hie. Their children's voices I hear from the adjacent schoolroom. I gave a sheet of cartridge paper just now to a senior, who is a capital draughtsman. I wrote out an order this morning—l am wrong m this— I have enclosed another senior's order for music to my bookseller. This young Indian explained that it wasted his time to transpose the music for the various band instruments j would I kindly order such and such* parts ? I have done so. The same youth wants some assistance m his Greek, because his teacher is ill of la grippe. Another, a Haida lad, is wanted at the neighboring Government Industrial School as an assistant teacher. I demur, because next year I shall probably send him to assist a new European Missionary among the Haidas. And besides this, he is not quite competent yet to become organist at Massett, where the Indian choir is surpliced. When I goto sea m my s.s. Evangeline, the captain of the school goes as engineer, and won the admiration of the (Chief engineer of the last man-of-war that visited us, because the machinery was m such excellent order. The grandfathers of these youths remem ber a vision of gigantic birds that feared not men. The came m, skimming the waves, and not far off folded their wings. Callow chickens swam off from the mother bird. One of these as it approached was transformed into a strange canoe full of curious creatures like meni but very pale, where their bodies were not concealed. They were the celebrated Vancouver's two ships, and his second officer was m command of the strange canoe full of pale faces, clothed up to theiv necks. He ief t behind him as a present, a cast-iron cooking vessel, which was the wonderof this western world, because it defied the hottest fire, and lifted them from the stone to the iron age. The great chief, whose treasure it was, let it fall from his hand when exhibiting it to the tribes who had come from a great distance to see the black lord of fire, In its fall it broke ; and as soon as its owner, recovered from the shock he fled into the woods, covered with shame, and died of it. ' Last Thurs day evening his grandson sat with me and about 120 others, including about 20 pale faces, <vnd we listened with pleasure to a concert of vocal music. Five of the performers were pale f/»ces, a.nd witli them were about 10. Indians, who would smjjle with a little disdain if you asked them how their grandfathers regarded the first metal utensil they ever saw. They would, tjerhapSj retort by asking how you.r ancestors ljked woad' and rnetheglen 1 But listen to the concert. The Mission ary's' wife plays'the piaiio. An' Indian plays the organ. The doctor's wife sings a solo ; so does the daughter of Legaic, the chief so gvea.fc that he yuled without a council. She was, ns a' child, member:o'f an Indian guild of Apollyons, whose skill was .centred on works of destruction. She is now mistress of the infant school. There were glees and carols and duets all well rendered m English, I think th«

pieco sung with the greatest, precision and taste was by one of my Indian students. ijL'furc the National Anthem was sung, my wife presented the prizes to the success ful, competitors m the two days'rifle-shoot ing, fit ranges from 200 to (SCO yards. The crack shots among the whites were so con fidentof taking all tho prizes that they fixed the entrance fees at a dollar and a half for white mcii, and a quarttr only to Indian*; local,:!! I hey should nor, ]o.se much if they could not win anyihin^. Ie was very kind indeed; but I am not suro ib w.-is quite relished when an Indian re eom'cl the first, an Indian the second, an Indian the third, anc the crack marksman -- of the whole company of pule faces took the fourth andlowest prize! In our Albert Hall, you observe, the Indian was well abreast, and at our Wimbledon stood before the white man, whose steamer's whistle the other day shook the moun tains, whose smoke-stack vomited Sre and cloud, and those paddles churned fc'ie sea S

POLITICAL

[per press association.]

Auckland, January 13. A telegram has been received by Gov ernment supporters saying there is im portant business to be considered before the session opens and asking them to leave on the 19th. Sir F, Whitaker leaves for Wellington on Thursday. The " Herald " states that this is the last visit he will make to the seat of Government m any political capacity, as he intends to resign. A copy of the petition against the re turn of Mr Allen for Te Aroha has been lodged at the Supreme Court. It alleges Mr Allen did not, by letter or telegram, signify his consent to his nomination, that he did not appoint scrutineers for each or any ballot box, that an agent working on his behalf paid money to electors to vote for Allen, and that a can vasser was employed at £<l per week to promote his return. Wellington, January 14. This morning's meeting of tha Cabinet was adjourned, as the Premier was going on a visit to the Hutr.

The " Wanganui Chronicle" says:— Our opinion is—it must of course bo taken for what it is worth—that Sir ■ Harry Atkinson will feel himself compelled to retire entirely from the anxieties and ex citements of office, and that'without his lead the party will think it better not to attempt any present reconstruction. The "Wanetanui Herald" (Mr Bal lance's paper) writes : -Reconstruction of the Ministry has been often spoken of, bub the difficulty is to get any respectable politician to reconstruct. We are per fectly certain Mr Bryce will not under- ■ take the work of. reconstructing a Minis try on the basis of a minority. The only one likely to undertake the task is Mr Mitchelson, and it is not probable the Governor will send for him. But we admit that an attempt at reconstruc tion would clear the way for a Govern ment likely to be strong, and we do not object to it, except that it would be foolish and utterly unconstitutional. The wiser heads of the party have probably advised the resignation of the Ministry imme diately before the meeting of Parliament, leaving it to the Governor and the House to take the usuai course when such a con tingency happens. This meets, probably,. their tactical view of the situation, open ing up, as it undoubtedly would, enormous difficulties m the way of a Ministry formed from the Opposition, For a Liberal Ministry cannot hepe to have an easy time of it, even should ife weather the gales which will blow alternately from all parts of the compass. Sir Harry Atkinson has for some time been dead to active political life, and his; removal from the scene m no way Aveakens the parry he has so long led—on the con trary we believe it will strengthen it by* giving it the 'appearance of youth under some other leader. It is unnecessary, therefore, to say much about him. He is at present, probably, only being used by others for their own purposes. Thus, the "Timaru Herald :—" The Atkinson Government must go. No re construction will satisfy the country. Mr Ballancs must have his opportunity. We have no great faith m hiim, and perhaps he will be unable to get together a party powerful enough to keep him m power. But still it is quite on the cards that ho may assume office and be able to stand. Will he try rash experiments, or will ho honestly face the situation and endeavor to do the best for New Zealand, or will he be tempted, mcrelyforthe sakeof achieving a momentary popularity, to rashly change the incidence of taxation, to radically alter land laws, although not perfect, which have, thanks to himself and Mr Rolleston, done 'bo much for the prosperity of New Zealand? It seems to us that no colonial statesman has ever had a better—a nobler—opportunity than Mr Ballance of doing good, faithful w»rk for a colony which, if even left alone alto gether for the next few. years, could scarcely go wrong."

THE MAEKETS.

[per press association.]

[Received January 14. 10.30 a.m.] Sydney, January 14. Wheat, chick feed, 3s 4d to 3s 7d ; milling, new, 3s 9d ; old,, 3s lOd. Oats, bright feed, Is lOd to 2s. Potatoes, £2 15s to £3 10s. Onions, £4 15s to £5 ss. Butter, dairy made, 6d ; cream separator, 7d ) factory made, 8d ; cheeso, 3d to 6d ; bacon, machine-cured, sid to 6£d ; hand cured, 6d to ?%& j New Zealand, 9d to 9£d ; hams, New Zealand cured, Ib. Melbourne, January 14. Wheat, 3s 7Ad; oats, 2s Id; stout quality, 2s IOJd ; barley, dull, Cape Is 9d to Is 10M; peas, 2a lid. Adelaide., January 14. Wheat, 3s 8d to 3s B^d ; oats, good New Zealand feeding, 2s Id to 2s 2d r; barley, Cape, 2s 3d to 2s 6d: Enßlish, 2s 6jJ to 4s, both nominal.. . . i

The Indian Rising.

Ofiß PKKSB ASSOCIATION.]

Washington, January 13. Advices from the north-west report that the Indians are marching towards, the Pine Ridge Agency, evidently with the intention of . surrendering. The situation is critical,, owing to the difficulty of disarming them, and it is feared the former scenes of massacre,. may be re-enacted.

SHIP ON FIRE.

[PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION,] [Received January 14, 10.45. a.m.} Syiwey, January 14. : A fire is now raging furiously m the 1 four-masted ship Talavera (Captain, Robson), which arrived from London on IJecember 31st after an eighty-five days passage. The lire commenced under the fore-hatch, but owing: to; the dense smoke the firemen \v«rb unable |o descend into tl\e, hold tq grappjfa with the flain.es. The whole of louver hold beUve'en the fore and in&in hatches is burning. The vessel and remaining portion of the cargo are valued at £35,0.00. The ship is owned by Messrs John Hardie and Co^ of Glasgow, and is an exceptionally fine specimen of marine architecture. *.

. The Railway Commissioners are making preparations for taking over the Manawatu Gorge live which is expected to be open for traffic by the end of the curj«nt mot)^

ftttfa ASHBUBTON aiTAHDIAff, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY ii, XBM.



—THEREFORE— We have made an Extensive Purchase of French Mu3lins, Zephyrs, Ginghams, ETC., EMC. WHICH ARE NOW Ofl VIEW AX \ 1 ITCHELL C> miJRNER'S, v \j ITCHELL (X> 1 URffER'S, KATAPOI HOUSE, o T o o Look Out FOB ANDREW ORR'S CHEAP SALE The Greatest Bargains ever offered m the'history of Ashburton. Particulars m a few days. ANDREW ORR 000 o " oo o o 00000 o o 00000 OOOOOOC) 0000000 Spring and Summer, 1890, BUY YOUR CLOTHING \ FROM THE ! NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY Men's Colonial TWKED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonist TWIpD SUITS at prices to suit everybody, E]EAT3.--We keep the Largest and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE~TO MEASURE. Ifosfc workmanship put m every garment, and a perfect fit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' ICnicker gaits, Ties, Shirts, Collars, BraceSj &c.j m Latest Fashion t,nd Style, Best Vaiujj foe Cash m Bis-mcr N E Vr Ifc I J A N D CLOTMG FAOTORY *gei)fc.for the Wonderful Werfcheun Sewing Machine, 1?' W. H. WEBBER Manager



Wanted CASH Ad ertisetne~its under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office ANTED, comfortable Board and Residence for a single Iran; to Hve with the tamily. Apply A.8.D., "Mail " Office. 1 68 Y_> pf DEPOSIT—Wanted to sell, 4 c?HJt/ roomed House with half acre of land. Very easy terms. Apply H. M. Jones. " 1 34 /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream v_y as ni'idu by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. rtlJlY the Great Drapery Sale how on i JL at H. C. Segeus. l\/'ANTJSD Known—Some special, W lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." ANTED Known^The ""Strong* wear" Boot-is the best for Men adies and Children.—W. 11. Colmek. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds. —Robert At,corn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder'a Buildings. QEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart- IO ments now on. One trial solicited. ■ Melford House. ANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanisod Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Tlannaforo's, Burnett Street. -A j arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch. ELFORD House Sale now on! W» only ask one visit.—H. C. Segeks. OOTS, BOOTS. " Keep "you.- feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcohn, Ashbur ion Clothinar Mart, Saunders' Buildincs. Public~Notioes. Ladies! Ladies! WHOLESALE DRAPERY HOUSES IN GREAT TROUBLE THIS SEASON WITH IMMENCE SURPLUS IMPORTATIONS OF SUMME i"> /~1 OO D Q U M ME ill VJOOdD



THE ASHBURTON MAIL. From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of subscription to this Journal will be as follows, viz:— IP PAID IN ADVANCE. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 7s 6d „ Half-year... 12s Od, by post 14s Od S „ Year 20s Od, by post 26s Od IP BOOKED. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 8s Od  Half-year... 13s Od, by post 16s Od „ Year.., ... 26s Od, by post 32s Od  Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if ' slid for afc the time of insertion, 2s 6d each ; i booked, 4s each. Stamps may be sent as 1-" yinent,



FIRST. FIRST. FIRST. A T the LARGEST FIELD TRIAL Held m Australia this Season The Brantford &T WAS PLACED FIRST, defeating seven other machines. THIS IS GENUINE. THE ONLY STRING BINDER THAT CAN cut and tie grafss_ seed ISslSmonialT I have cut with a 7ft Brantford Binder purchased last season, about seven acres of ryegrass for geed, TU© crop was v#ry short and thin, being on light ground. The machine did ifcs work perfectly, both cutting, binding and tying without a hitch, and I consider the Brantford fch<j best on the market, and the only machine lit to tackle Ug.ht crop of grass. 12*101 George Cole.



"XTOTWHSTANDING continueto ports ot the success ot other Machines, Ul DEERING ALL STEEL TWINE BINDER, Having, during the last two Seasons, secured upwards of 60 PRIZES. In the Australasian Colonies. The Machine a3 now offered is a marvel of SIMPLICITY, STRENGTH, and DURABILITY. Actual experience proving that ' THE DEERING Requires fewer extra parts than any Machine m the field. The Undersigned has now on hand a LARGE ASSORTMENT of duplicates (extras), and is the efore ready for emer gencies. Twines, Oils Corn Sacks, &c. WOOL. STORES 24th December, 1890. THE WIIOIIJIL riM compavy of mum (FIRE AND MARINE ) '\ HE Business of this Company has been TRANSFERRED to the POMMFRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE I COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and j Agencies m New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled m future. I F. ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THE COMMEROIAITuNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861. Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds ... 2,351,707 Total Annual Nett Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE foe NEW ZEALAND : Lambton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zealand : FRANK ALLEN, J P. Every description of Fire nd Marine Insurance effected at LOWEST CURRENT BATES CUFF & 'GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. Agfnts for Ashburton : FRIEDLANDER BROS



Massey-Toronto Light Binder. LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO TIE. EASIEST TO MANAGE. SWIFTEST TO CUT, THE LONGEST LIVED.! MOST SCIENTIFICALLY MADE Stationary Axle AND Raise and Lower Style 5, 6, and 7 FEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few on hand* £2000 V Torth of Extras m Stock, which wil be supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time DAY OR NIGHT. FRIEDLANDER BROS-



MB S. B. SEYMOTIE, SURGEON -DENTIST OP CHRISTCHURCH, WIIX VISIT ] ASHBURTON on dates to be announced, and may be consulted at MR CAMBRIDGE'S, CHEMIST 710 John Orr & Co. INVITE THE ATTENTION OF FARMERS To their Large and Varied Stocks of all classes of Goods, suitable lor the Harvest Field. 1000' Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Machine Extras and Fittings 100 Cases Binding WIRE, White Cros 100 Cases Castor Oil ._ Leather Belting, l_in to Oin Valvoline and Lubroline Oil Lard and Olive Oil Cylinder Oil Perforated Zinc, 3/32 to 7/8 Seaming Twine McGormick Binders. The agents of the McCormick reapers and binders have just received news of a very exciting trial at Tamworth (N.S. W.) on Saturday, December 6. The priste competed for was the Society's medal, ■which was offered to the machines exhibited at thoir Show ; but m order to hare a successful trial they m addition offered a prize of ten guineas, open to all coiners. Both prizes were gained by the McCormick, which was awarded the full maximum number of points. This was the first time this season where the winner at any trial m Australia obtained the full number of points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize at Stawell (Victoria) beating the Massey, Hornsby, and Deering. rfohn Orr & Go. IBE 11)1 FIRE AIMARIIE lIUIE COMPANY OF M ZEALAMI. LIU, CAPITAL £2,000,000 PAID UP £100,000 RESERVE & REINSURANCE FUND ■. £65,000 Gbnekai. Manager : W. DEVENISH MEARES Esq. OFFICES: 172 HEREFORD STREET, CHRISfCHURCH. Hpeeinl Features : Ihb ONLY INSTITUTION ojf its kinp having its HEAD OFFICE m CHRISTCHURCH. LIBERALITY m SETTLEMENT of CLAIMS. RATES, ihb LOWEST CURRENT. To Farmers*. CLIENTS of the COMPANY and other* are reminded that all Grain, Stack, and Implement RISKS are taken by this Company at Lowest Current John G. Restell WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. J AGENT.