The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

It will be seen by advartisement m another column that the Akarman Combination give an entertainment to-morrow (Friday) even ing at the' Oddfellows' Hall, to be followed by a ball. The programme has been com pletely changed, and Mr Hamilton Wilson ■will sing, m addition to hia programme songs, "Gloomy Winter," and "My Nannie's Awa." Mr Wilson sings the Scotch love songs uncommonly well. This is how the canny school board of Mauchline, Ayrshire, manages its business. Their certificated male teacher applied for an increase of salary, which the board refused. He then got a situation elsewhere, With £5 more of salary. The board advertised for a successor at the same salary as they had given him, bub failed to get one. Now they are advertising again, and offering £5 more m the way of salary. Meanwhile they have lost £ 69 of the Government grant through insufficient expenditure, and the end m not yet. The Caledonian Insurance Company, whose headquarters are m Edinburgh, has begun to issue a publication entitled "Cale donian Jottings," dealing principally with matters relating to the Company. The first number contains the following story —" Did our readers ever hear of four guineas paid or a aneeze?-A policy-holder recently wrote: *My wife m sneszing the other day sent her false teeth inta tne fire, where they were burned,' and proceeded to claim four guineas for the damage. The lady got a new set at the expense of the Caledonian Company." It is to be feared the publication of such occurrences as this will lead to a good many accidents taking place. A gentleman who made a trip to England not long ago bad given to him by a clergy man, who is nofc unknown m Nelson, and whose writing w particularly illegible, a letter of introduction to a minister of his church iv the old country. When attending a harvest thanksgiving service m the north of England the gentleman thought It a good opportunity to usefche note and so be enabled to inspect the decorations of the church. Ac cordingly at the end of tins #ervice he called on the minister and presented liia note. The minister looked at it, and hesitated a, Jjjitle and then aaked the stranger for his name, He again referred him to the letter, anil said th*t his name muafc fee written there. Again the minister looked, and after a little more hesitation said, " t nforfcu'iaieiy the letter jii wi-itteu m tbß aiitive tongue.')

A'veritable curiosity has been captured m \ Africa. It is an elephant, larger than the ; late lamented Jumbo, pea-green m color, truuklesa, and has tusks that braii"li out something like the horns of a deer. It is m the possession of a native king who will not part with it. Apropos of clerical degrees m America, here is a story from the P.m-MVhodist Con ference (omitted snyd "Civis") by " our special correspondent " One of the English delegates was the Rev Hugh Price. Hughes.. M.A. The committee who had arranged Ins preaching itinerary were inclined to make the most of this gentleman's academical degree, and whithersoever he went the full t tie, " The Rev Hugh Price Hughes, M.A." flaunted on the chapel doors, and gave an air of digjity to the small bills circulated among the congregation. One day it fell to the lot of a deacon m a rustic parish to announce the approach of the celebrated London divine. < "On Sunday next, he said, carefully ;; scanning the written announcement ■'with which lv? had been provided, the"The Rev Hugh Price Hughes' Ma will occupy the pulpit m this church, and," he arkletl, looking cheerfully and hopefully round the congregation, " we have no doubt the old lady will give us a telling discourse." The quarterly meeting of the officebearers of the Aahburtbn circuit of the Wesleyan Church was held last evening. On account of the busy season the attendance of country members was smaller than usual. The roll of membership showed a considerable number of removals during the quarter, and some additions, the result being a small decrease. The financial statement submitted by the stewards showed that the ordinary income was the same as usual. £50 had been raised during the quarter for the Home Mission Fund, besides a large amount raised specially for Trust and Sunday school purposes at nearly all the places m the circuit. The Sunday schools were for the most part favorably reported on, some of them showing a very gratifying increase of attendance. It was reported that additional accommodation was urgently needed for the Ashburton school, and the teachers were authorised to arrange with ,^he trustees for providing the aatme. On the nomination of the Rev S. Lawry, Messrs S. S. Chapman and W. H. ColHms were elected circuit stewards for 1892. Messrs Chapman and Leadley were elected representatives to Conference, Messrs G. W. Andrews and H, M. Jones being alternate representatives. It was resolvea that the representatives to Conference be requested to oppose the appointment of any minister to the office of general or con nexional secretary. It was decided to hold the next meeting at Ashburton. An interesting little ceremony took place last evening m the machine-room of the printing office of this paper. Mr Thomas Hancox, who has been for ten years employed m the machine-room, five years of which he lias been m charge of the department!, is about to be married to Miss Elizabeth Anderson, daughter of Mr T. Anderson, Timaru (lately of Ashburton). His fellow workers took the occasion of his working off the last issue of the evening paper previous to his marriage, as well as his last for the year 1891, to present him with a wedding present. The early mails having been supplied, the machine was stopped by order from the sanctum, and all hands swarmed into the machine-room. Mr Hancox was placed at the feeding-board of the " Empire " machine he has so often worked, and Major Steward taking a place between the "Empire" and the "Atlas," asked Mr .Hancox to accept his fellow-employeea' gift of a silver dessert service, m acknowledg ment of his many good qualities, and as a token of their good wishes for his happiness and prosperity mhi 3 wedded life. The Major paid a high compliment to Mr Hancox as a workman, and m the course of a kindly jocular speech trusted he would have the reason for being happy m his married lifts that he (the Major) and the other married men of the staff had. If Mr Hancox got his " dessert," he at least would hove plenty of "siller." Mr Hancox neatly acknowledged the compliments paid him, and thanked the companionship for their gift, after which the members of the companionship wished him success m 'us new undertaking, and the machine rolled on once more. A neatly printed address, m gold and colors, signed by all the members of the staff, accompanied tin wedding present. Last evening a very funny race came off on the Domain track. Among the other peds at present training here is Harry Auld, who is getting ready for the Caledonian Gathering at Timaru. Harry is fairly fast, but a little too much on the gross side, and has evidently begun his training only lately. But he has great pluck, and no doubt fancies himself some. He is staying at the Central Hotel, where also are located the Akarman Company. " Billy " AkaPman is always on for a lark, and the lively landlord is equally ready for a bit of fun. Nearly everybody knows the nigger comedian Tom Thumb, who is travelling with the company. He stands about two feet m his stockings, and measures about ■ the same across. Little Tom Thumb had the audacity to accept the handicap made by Harry Auld—a start of fifty-five yards m a hundred—and the event was fixed to come off at seven o'clock last evening. Auld stripped a good "un, and compared with his opponent looked a winner by about ten yards; but when a start was made the litte man surprised everybody by scuttling alo^ig at a great rate, and breast ing the tape with several yards to spare, after turning twice and giving his opponent a. most comic invitation to come on. The race was a most amusing owe, and was .witnessed by af considerable number of spectator*, including all the ladies of the compUny^ whd cheered the little man as he ran, and gave every evidence that his win was as popular with them as it was surpris ing to, and popular with, the male spectators. Tommy could have won, if he liked, with a far shorter allowance than Harry gave him. SANDER AND SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.--In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following:— Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says m an editorial published m tne "Clinical Record":—"We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called "Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects. That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzuoy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we feel warranted m expo-ing the* above facts, and desires the public to exercise caps and precaution when buying, SANDER an.d SONS (Advt.) 7 Ask for Nfftian Hyfclop, and Co.'g Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and jqdian Teas; Special prices,— (Advfc,)

Addington Stock Market

Chbistchuech, December 30. The various branches of the sale were well filled, and m all sections, except fat cattle, very good business was transacted. Store Sheep—Abo^t BQO were yarded, chiefly young crossbreds, which mgt a ready sale. Two-tooths realised from 9s to 9s lOcl; four-tooths, 11s 6d to 11s lOd ; four and six tooth breeding ewes sold at 9s 9d; merino ewes, ia ifrool, brought 7s 6d; shorn merino wethers sold it % JQd. Fat Lambs—.About f(s sold at advanced rates, from 7s upwards, according to size. The highest price was for grand halfbrcde, which sold at I?s9dto 13s. Half bred Downs brought 12s 64 to *2s M. Fat Sweep—A trifle over 4000 sheep were yarded m the fat pens, of which phe bulk were really prime, Prime wetljer^ an 4 maiden "ewes brought up to Us 9d, an adyance of |d per lb net weight. Fat Cattle—Two hundred and ten head W6V& yarded, and there was positively no dainmti |or any beef of superior quality, of which theee WW a good supply, Only four head out of the &s£ fifty-four offered were sold, and the remainder m tfeg sale was m proportion. Store Cattle—Only 96 head were yarded. Two-yeaprolis sold at 40s to 555. Odd lots and dry cows fromSGa to 5.05. Pigs—About 100 pigs, principally stores ptad pork«r^ met Yfiw a dull wl««

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

I PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

THE GOVERNORSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND.

.. ...London*.December 29. Lord Itnutsford, Secretary of Sr'tate for the Colonies, states that at present there is no one specially in view to succeed Lord Onslow. AUSTRALIAN and N.Z. BUTTRR. A portion of the factory-made butter ex Orizaba from Australia, and Doric from .New Zealand, realised from 124s to 128s per cwt, and choice parcels 130s. It is expected that the top price of the season has been reached. MUTINY IN A GAOL. The prisoners in Wormwood Scrubs Gaol mutiried during service in the \ chapel, and warders from other prisons had to be called in to suppress the dis order. One hundred of the leaders were removed. THE IRISH DELEGATE. In the course of an interview, Mr J. R. Cox, who recently toured the colonies, declared that he had only collected the sum of £2500, and that the Parnellite party were not in favour in the colonies. MR GLADSTONE'S BIRTHDAY. There is a universal desire for the unity of the Liberal Clubs to celebrate in a fitting manner the eighty-second birthday of Mr Gladstone.

THE HEROINE OF MANIPUR. The sum of £1300 has been sub scribed to the fund in aid of Mrs Grimwood, the Manipur heroine. THE PAMIR PLATEAU. Captain Younghusband, in an inter view with a correspondent of the " Globe," states that the residents of Pamir consisted of a hundred families who preferred Chinese rule. At the same time they were friendly disposed towards England. The Russians had not displayed a hostile spirit.

AN AFRICAN EXPEDITION.

P.ARI3, December 29.

It is understood that the expedition under De Brazza, said to be proceeding to explore the Upper Congo district, is really m search of traces of the. Lake Tchad expedition,ied by M. Crampel, and which was massacred.

NEW ARTILLERY.

Beklin, December 29. The trial of the new description of German artillery has been very suc cessful, and shows the shells to have been terribly destructive.

THE SITUATION IN CANADA.

Ottawa, December 29. The Hon. H. Mercier, ex-Premier of Quebec,, prophecies a possible civil war as the result of the action of the Lieutenant-Goveraor m deposing him. He says that the constitution has been violated, and the affbir will ultimately cause annexation to the United States.

TELEGRAPHISTS' STRIKE.

New Yokk. December 29. The telegraph operators on the Texas railway lines have struck for an in crease of wages, and m consequence 700 miles of lines are blocked.

AUSTRALIAN.

HEAT IN AUSTRALIA. «ydnry, December 30. The prevailing heat is excessive, and has reached nearly 120deg. in the shade out West. In Sydney to-day it was over lOOdeg. Pitiable tales are coming in from the country as to the ravages of the bush fires. Homesteads have been burnt, and the wheat and barley crops are suffering from scarcity of water.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, December 30,

Mr J. 0. Blythe, Government Engineer at Rotorua, committed suicide last night by poisoning himself. He left a written statement addressed to the coroner stating that he had taken pyrogallic acid as he wished to end all his troubles.

Hoo Ping, a Chinaman, has been wrested for burning down a shed at the back of Ah Kew's shop m Queen street. He was seen by a detective m the act.

The explorer, Stanley, arrived m Auck land this morning, from Sydney, and is to give a course of lectures here. He is accompanied by Mrs Stanley. Kumara, December 30.

The Governor, accompanied by Captain Guthrie, A.D.C., Mr Alan Scott and Mr Ryan, special'artist of the "New Zealand Graphic," arrived at Taipo, on horseback, yesterday, where they were met by the Mayor of Kumara and Mr Sed'don. The party rode to the town boundary, where they were met by a procession of Friendly Societies and two bands. Rain fellheavily at the time. At the banquet the Mayor warned the Governor of the dangers ef the southern rivers, saying that 95 per cant of the inscriptions on the tombstones m the southern cemeteries showed that they were erected to the lives lopt by drowning. Mr Seddon, m replying to the toast of the New Zealand Parliament, said the Governor claimed to be a moderate and practical man. He testified to the loyalty of the miners, and said the traducers of the colonies ought to have first visited the Coast before making their onslaughts. The. Governor visited the hospital m the afternoon. He leaves for Greymouth to-morrow.

THE MARKETS.

[per press association.]

(Received December 31, 10.30 a.m.) London, December 30. The total quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,512,000 quarters, and for the Continent 1,484,000 quarters. New Zealand three and a half per cents have risen £, and Chriatchurch six per cent stock risen £1, The butter market is dull owing to the bad state of the weather. The imports of frozen mutton for the year are equal to 16.20 per cent of the total consumption throughout the United Kingdom. The "Standard" says that the market has been rendered dull owing to the shippers not contracting for for ward supplies.

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACING CLUB.

NEW YEAR'S DAY MEETING. ' The following acceptances and entries were received last evening :— Handicap Hurdle Rakk, of 20 soys. One mile and a half. st lb st lb Inchkeith ... 10 10 Alexander... 9 4 Lotto ... 9 6 Flyaway ... 9 0 Sandy ... 9 6 Maiden Plate, of 20 soys. One mile. The Spider Welcome Lad Portadown Marten \ Balrooney Beach ' The Jewel Fairy King New Hope Maria Martin Sherwood Tinwald Cup, of 50 soys. One mile and a half. Bay King ... 9 3 Coinage ... 8 2 Quibble ... 813 Kino of Ulster 7 6 Lady Zetland 8 7 Gillie ... 6 7 Tinwald Handicap Trot, of 25 hoys, Three miles. Mountjoy ... scr Diana ... 50sec Madeline ... 25sec Glenrowan... 50sec | Kit 11. ... 25sec Rocket 11. ... 50sec Starof Honor 28sec Forester ...50sec Lily ... 30sec Old Dad ... 55sec Forest Maid 35sec Thirza ... 55sec Luguaquilla 35sec Little D 011... 55sec Winchester 40sec Tommy ... 60sec lolauthe ... 40sec Barn Dance 60sec Victoria 11.48 sec Taipo ... 60sec Prince ... 50sec Eos... ... 60sec Welter Handicap, of 25 soys. One mile. Bay King ... 11 5 Gillie ... 8 9 King of Ulster 9 10 The Jewel... 8 5 Chester Lad 9 8 Pennine ... 8 3 Beau Nash... 9 5 Aquarius ... 8 2 Young Cheviot 9 0 Sandy ... 8 2 Corringa ... 8 12 Ringrove ... 8 0 Novel Race, of 20 soys. One mile. Jftok Pincher Mailboy Fabler Glenlora Flying Handicap, of 25 soys. Six furlongs. Larty Zetland 9 6 Pennine ... 7 0 Young Cheviot 7 13 Portadown 6 12 Marten ... 7 9 Aquarius ... 612 Glenlora ... 7 6 Diver ... 6 10 The Spider 7 4 Beach ... 6 7 Queen B ... 7 4 Flyaway ... 6 7 Passes will be issued af; Tinwald Hotel, to-iiight, "from 8 to 9.

WHITE CHOKER'S TIPS.

Capital acceptances have been received for the popular race meeting at Tinwald to : morrow. The course is m excellent order, and the improvements effected since last meetiria will make ifc morfe convenient for everybody. "Whiie choker " selects the following as probable winners :—

HURDLES. Inchkeith 1, 'Lotto 2, Sandy 3. MAIDEN. '' • ' ■ ■ ' : Maria Martin 1, Marten 2, Beach 3. THE Col\ Six horses will comprise the field, With hearts like steel; all bold—- In battle for the fifty pounds— Their laurels to uphold. The slave of Hobbs' stable, — Old Quibble is the one— With eight-thirteen to carry, : Will find his day is done. He's pretty s t ife to get a place,) The second I surmise ; For there is one I fancy, Will beat him for the prize.| The horse to which I pin my faith, And that to which 111 stick, Is BAY KINO —Laeston '' Russell's "; I think he'll do the triok. Aml.Coinage is the next to whom Attention must be paid ; • ■ He, though a funny customer, Might put them m the shade. HAY KING is mv selection, then, Quihble No. 2 ;| And Coinage is the next m turn That I commend to you. trot. ' '. Luguaquilla or Madeline 1, Tommy 3. welter. j. Beau Nash 1, Chester Lad 2, Bay King NOVEL,. ,' .: ■ Crlenlora 1, Fabler 2, Jack 3. FLYING. Lady Zetland 1, Aquarius 2, Marten 3.

ASHBURTON V. HIGH SCHOOL (PAST AND PRESENT).

CRICKET.

This match was played on the Domain ground yesterday afternoon. The weather was fair during a portion of the day, but the major pare of the match went on m a nasty drizzle, which made fielding both difficult and disagreeable. A team m better practice has represented the premier Club, but it would have been difficult for the High School to have got together from its registers, a better team than played yesterday,; although it was evident they had" not been practising together long. The bowling of Chapman for the High School was much remarked upon for its excellence m the second innings, as was also that of Lafferty, a St. Patrick's College (Wellington) player, at'present on a visit to Ashburton. As the under given scores will show, the Brothers Buchanan put up a good bowling record m the first inniDgs of the Club. Sawie and Moore trundled for the Club m the School's ilinings, There was no heavy scoring oh either side, A. Buchanan, for the School, getting 16, and Cuthbertson and Todd 11 j and 9 respectively for the Club. The totals were :—School, 67; Club, 31 m their first innings, and 18 m their, second for eight wickets:—

Mayoral Election Costs.

The following, says the Dunedin "Globe," is the copy of a statement handed to one of the candidates m the recent Mayoral contest, by the chairman of committee. We understand that the candidate referred to has already paid about £200 on account, but refuses to hand any more money to his chairman until a detailed account is submitted of ' liabilities incurred and moneys expended. , We understand that the chahman of commit tee referred to undertook to carry out the election campaign for a total sura not to exceed £150. ELECTION EXPENSES.

The Home Mails.

(PEK PJRESS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, December 23. All that has been finally arranged as yet m reference to the English mails is that the federal service of the Australasian colonies shall be the service to alternate with Kan Francisco m keeping up the fortnightly despatch and receipt of mails decided upon by Parliament. Negotia tions as to how the arrangements shall be carried out are still unfinished, bufc the delay oeems bo ba beyond the control of the New Zealand postal department. The chief point of difficulty is thab the new system will entail extensive alterations m the time table for the Union Steamship Company's services between Melbourne and Bluff, m order.to connect with the steamers of the federal service either way, and the Company has not yet signi fied what it is prepared to do m ttnr matter. The London post office is also slow m the completion of its share of the arrangements.

Educational Conference.

(PFR PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, December 30. The third conference of conductors of secondary schools was opened at the Girls' High School this afternoon. The delegates present were Mr Prudham, New Plymouth High School ; Mr H. H. Pinkney, second master of ISapier High School; Mr C. IV Browne, headmaster of Auckland College and Grammar School; Mr-Walton' (secretary). Mathematical Master of Christchurch Boys' Hi^h School; Mr J. Bevan Brown, headmaster of the Christchurch Boys' High School ; Rev. Mr Hare, headmaster of Christ's College, Christchurch ; Mr Mayne (proxy for Mr Hogben), Timaru High School ; Mr Joyiit, headmaster of Nelson College ; Mr Andrews, Wanganui Collegiate School; Miss Hamilton, Lady Principal of Wel lington Girls' High School; Miss Morrah, Wellington Girls' High School ; Miss Gibson, Lady Principal of Nelson Girl 3( ! High School ; Miss McLean, Lady Princi pal of the Timaru High School; ahd Madame Naverne, Wellington Girls' High School. On account of illness m his family, the President, Mr F. Harkness, of Waitaki : High School, was unable to be present, ' and Mr C. F.Browne was appointed to | preside over the conference. The special purpose of the Secondary Schools Conference is the discussion of suggestions for enlarging the constitution and altering m various directions the re gulations for the junior scholarships and matriculation examinations.

The New Commandant.

Captain Francis John Fox, of the Royal I Artillery, who has been selected by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge arid General tord Wolseley as comman dant of the forces m New Zealand, began his service abroad m India early m-1877. He served m Burmah and Afghanistan m both the heavy and mounted artillery, saw some hard fighting, and was orderly officer to General Brooke, who was killed ctt Kandahar. He was also aide-de-camp for several months to the general officer commanding the Hyderabad Subsidiary Fore S. Quitting India at the end of 1880, Captain Fox reached Natal m time to be on hand during the troublous period of the Boer war. In South Africa he saw service m the field artillery. In January of 1881 he went to England and spent nearly five years serving m garrison and horse artillery at Home. From May 1882 to March 1883 he was Adjutant of Division Garrison Artillery, and from March 1883 to October 1884, was m the Royal Horse Ar tillery. On the last mentioned date he be came aide-de-camp again, this time to the •jeneral officer commanding the South eastern district. The position, however, was soon exchanged lor a somewhat more stirring scene, f>r the beginning of the following year found him at? Suakim, on the Red Sea, actively engaged m the mountain battery there. His Suakim work over, Captain Fox returned to the garrison artillery m England, where he served to the present date. Ib was during the period subsequent to \m Egyptian campaigning that he was fortunate enough to secure the very useful experience which falls to the lot of an A.D.C. to the In spector-general of Artillery, He gained that post m 1886, and held it for nearly three years. During this period our commandant accompanied the Inspector general as his staff officer on inspection tours to Gibraltar, Malta, Canada,, the Wesb ladies, and Bermuda. Though holding a captain's rank when appointed, he is one of the senior captains of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. It is there fore quite possible that he will have at tained his majority before he reaches jsew Zealand. The " Lyttelton Times !I understands, however, that under any circumstances he will be granted a step of local rank by the commander-in-chief. Captain Fox is expected to leave Eng land at the end of January, and should reach New Zealand early m March.

Lawn Tennis Champion ship.

ACCIDENT TO CAPT. RUSSELL.

{PER PRESS! ASSOCIATION.J Napieu, December 30. All the principal events of the lawn tennis tournament were finished to-day. Harman, who played a hard brilliant game, forcing Marshall to act on the defensive, won the champion singles; Fenwick and Logan carried off the doubles ; Miss Douslin won the ladies' singles after a protracted struggle with Mrs Abrahams. Captain Russell broke one of his legs while playing.

The Fatal Poisoning Case

[pee press association.] Masterton, December 30. Twenty others who partook of the wedding fare at Pahiatua are m a critical condition. Dr Hosking, who was called to Pahiatua from Masterton, considers that arsenic got into the food m mistake for baking soda. Another theory is that oxalic acid was pu.t m the cakes m mistake for Epsom salts, merely for a lark. Mr Dickaon was highly respected m Masterton, and was W.M. elect of the Masonic lodge- Mrs Dickson is not i expected to recover. Mastekton, December 31. The inquest on the body of Peter Dickson, poisoned at Pahiatua, opened la*b night, and was adjourned till January 7. The stomach has been sent to the Government analyst.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(PER PKESS ASSOCIATION.) Sadden I>et»tk Masteeton, December 31. Dr W. Guy McLennan, of Eketahuna, was found dead m bed last evening. Dunedin, December 31. Miss Edith Mawe, of London,, has been appointed matron to th-s Dunedin Hos pital and lady (superintendent of the new Nurses' Home. Miss Mawe has had con siderable English experience, and was selected-by' the British Government to proceed to Gibraltar and organise the nursing arrangements at the Hospital there.

THE FORTHCOMING HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Having, for 'several years past advo cated the formation of a Horticultural Society m Ash burton,,, we are glad to see that the labors of the gentlemen who have taken up the suggestion with a view to bringing it to a practical issue are likely to be crowned with success. Already a goodly number of members have.joined, and the total number of subscribers will, it is hoped m a few days reach bhe hundred and fifty which the promoters suggested m the scheme read at the opening meeting as the strength with which it was desirable to make a start. A sub- Committee has been appointed to prepare draft rules and a prize schedule for the first Show, to be submitted for adoption, with or without emendation, at ii general meeting of members and intending members to be held on Tues day evening next, when the committee and officers will be elected, and this, our youngest public institution will be fairly afloat. Owing to some unhappy ciaMuistaiijol? eoir.iLctod VtiJi the old Ashburton Horticultural Society, which died some eight years ago, a few of those who at one time took an active part m connection with that Society have so far held aloof from the move ment for the formation of the new Society, but we hope that they will resolve to let bygones be bygones and throw m the weight of their influence and assistance, so that the new Society may include all who take an interest m horticulture m the town and county. If this be happily the case, the opening Show ought to be a very successful one. And m view of the fact that the date of the Show will probably be after the harvest has been ingathered. we would suggest to the Society that it would be a very desirable and attractive ad dition to the display, of flowers, fruits and vegetables, if a show of grain, seeds and roots were included. This would not only enhance the interest of the exhibition to visitors, but would be of great practical value, enabling buyers to know m whose hands are the finest samples of grain, etc., and indi cating to farmers where to obtain changes of seed of the best description. { It need not mean any large addition to the prize-money, indeed not necessarily any addition at all, as certificates of award would amply suffice, unless some of our grain-merchants, or all of them m combination, are willing to corn> forward with the offer 6fajp««feer7fup or cups. A hint m this direction—we mean as to th? desirableness of adding classes for^nn seeds and roots—was thrown p& at the meeting called to inau^wrate the movement for the formation of the Society, and we hope that it will be followed up to a practical issue, and if so the first Show of the Ashburton Horticultural Society will be a matter of interest to farmers as well as \o horticulturists, and will, we have no doubt,, be well worth going to see.

MAYFIELD.

[from oue cokbesvondbnt.] December 29. Heavy thunderstorms have passed over this district the last few weeks]; one of them I would have reported before, but J did not credit all I heard about it till I saw the effects of it myself. I think it was on the 11th. The rain fell so heavily I am told, that it lay from two to three feeb deep m the paddocks about Ruapuna and Montalto, and washea away wire fences and washed out turnips m the low places, but did no serious damage, as it only lasted for about half to three- I quarters of an hour,, The thunder showers have been a great help to the crops and grass. The grass is plentiful this year,, and the crops are looking splendid. There was a show of rust m the wheat a while ago, but it is not so bad now; the heavy rain followed j by drying wind and hot sun seems to have taken a great deal of it away. :- Harvest has commenced. Mr G. B. Mably is cutting ripe oats. He started m the middle of last week, and others are expect to start next week. It has always been a matter of study to agricultural implement makers to get a reaper suitable for the Rangitata plains bui the Walter A. Wood single apron reaper and binder seems to meet requirements. Mr Dellow, the agent here, has already sold eight of these machines this season, and sold four last harvest, so there will be twelve of those machines at work m this small district this harvest, and likely to be mow, •

* Thero has been a drawback here for a longtime—the want of a store ; but we , have gofe that difficulty over now. Mr , Doak, a storekeeper at Mount Somers, I lias started a branch here, which is a great, convenience to the people. i The homestead settlements on the piece of Government land between Mr Dellow'.s land and Mr Mably's have all been taken up, and some o? the settlers have smarted to build. It was cut up into sections, and the increase of resi dent^ will help to improve the district.

Strange Freak of Nature.

Freaks of nature, as they are called, ' may be deeply interesting to scientific men, but they often entail for the victims of them a wretched existence. At the present; moment we learn Mr Laloo, a native of Hindostan, is m New York, with the object ot consulting the most eminent surgeons on his singularly hard case. He is described as a handsome, well-propor tioned young man, whose life is a burden to him owing to the following circum stances :—He was born a twin, but un fortunately his twin sister hid grown from his breast bone—or, as the freak is de scribed, " she had attached herself to that part of his anatomy, and seemed to have plunged hfiad firht into her brother's body, for dangling from his body was only a baby girl's body and four limbs." The iC isthmus of neck " is described as* "poking right into tlie brother's frame." and there evidently ended the headless sister, whose arms were tightly clasped round her brother's ! neck. For twenty years Mr Laloo has lived with his decapitated sister—a living human body nearly half his size, fed by his mouth, living upon his tissues, and still capable of " swinging her arms up and putting them round his neck as of old." He is anxious —deeply anxious, it is said—to get ,rid of this incubus, and has gone to New York m the hope of finding a skilful surgeon to help him m his object, before anything is attempted, a consensus of opinion on the feasibility of such an operation will be taken.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

\eHR PftE-SS ASSOCIATION]

(Received December 31, 10.30 a.m.) j I

"THE GERMAN PRINTERS' STRIKE.

Berlin, December 30. The printers' strike in Germany has failed owing ,to tlie refusal of the Social Democrats to advance 20,000 marks to support the strikers.

THE SPANISH LOAN.

Madrip. December 30

The public subscribed one-fifth of the Spanish loan of , ten millions ster ling. A syndicate of bankers will supply the balance.

THE COMMERCIAL TREATIES.

St. Petersburg, De;eaiber SO. Russia is parleying with Germany to secure admission to the new com mercial treaties*

NIHILISM

Three printing presses owned by Nihilists have been discovered m. this city. A hundred ; arresis have been made m connection with the affair.

THE AMBASSADOR TO RUSSIA.

Londom, December 30. Lord Vivian, Britij'h Minister at Brussels, will succeed Sir R. Morier at St Petersburg. *

THE CAMBRIDGE IMPRISON MENT.

The girl who war recently sentenced by the Cambridge University autho rites to a fortnight's imprisonment for being m company with an under graduate, is chiming £1000 damages for false imprisonment.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

All sections of the Irish Americans are urging the Irish party to reunite and elect a new leader.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received December 31, 11.35 a.m.)

A WATER FAMINE.

Sydney, December 31. The water famine at Broken Hill is severely felt by residents. Ten shil lings per hundred gaJtons is charged for water, and many poor people are using mineralised water taken from the mines. A water train brought three pints per head yesterday,. but. if the drought continues this source wiii be insufficient to supply the population. Prayers for rain are offered up m the churches every day.

CRICKET.

[""""" Melboubnb, December 31, In the intercolonial cricket match between Victoria and New South Wales the former was victorious by six wickets. The following team has been selected to represent Australia against Lord Sheffield's eleven—G. Giffen, Lyons, Blackhatn, Bruce, Trott, McLeod, Banncman, Callaway, Moses, Turner, Horan ; emergency—Gregory.

THE RAUB PAHANG RIOTS.

Brisbane, December 31. The directors of the Raub mine have received a cable message from Singa pore, stating that the rising among the Malay miners is nothing serious, and that Raub is thoroughly safe.

Charitable Aid Abuses.

I'KR JPRESS ASSOCIATION. Dunbdin, December 30. Afc the lienovelenb Trustees' meeting, disclosures made as lo the result of the Inspector's visit to some pans of the country districts resulted m the saving of £9 7s Cd per week. In.some instances assistance had been granted on the recom mendation of the local body. In one case a woman of sixty-two owns a cottag* eleven acres of land, and six cows, has three daughters at service, and a boy at hoiie. Relief was discontinued. A man sixty-^ix years of age, living m a house i of his own, was found to be of drunken habits, able to earn his own living if he liked: the allowance wm stopped. A man and his wife,' seventy-three and seventy one, living on twenty-two acres of freehold free from mortgage, were found to have £280 on deposit m the batik, a son married m business. Their allowance was stopped. A widow living m her own house, free of mortgage, a daughter parnr ing £110 a year ac a toftoher, another daughter at service, another m Fiji, with four children at home. Her allowance was stopped. A woman of sixty-.thr-eo, stopping with her son-inJaw, who is a hotel ke&por, was able to work, and her allowanoe w^s stopped. A. widow of thirty six, living on a residence area, has two boys earning fifteen shillings per week,

with six other children at honie. Sh« earns six or seven shillings per week for i washing, and receives £J0 per ysar for cleaning a school. Her allowance was re duced from 20s to 7s 6d. These are cases typical of a numbar of others. In some cases men .v-d wommi living alone were given the option of entering the institu tion.

IRRIGATION.

NORTH CANTERBURY EXPERI MENT.

Mr -Marmaduke Dixon, of West Eyre ton, recently purchased from the Midland Railway Company 33,000 acres of manuka scrub land between the rivers Waima kariii Eyre, at 15s an acre, a price which proves the land to be m- its natural con dition, of very little account. Mr Dixon believed the land could bo made profit able by irrigation, and no doubt he had m his mind the engineering work he has since carried out; when he purchased it. Mr Dixon and his son have been their own engineers, and have done the work with their own teams, and have, m three months, completed the first extensive irrigation works m the colony. Water is taken from the Waimakariri, by a simple trench, and the ftrst part of the race has t© carry the water from the river-bed level to the surface of the plain, about ten feet higher. The fall of the plain is such that the " head race," with a very slight fall indeed, conveys the water to the surface m a distance of thirty-four chains. This race is 25ft wide at the top and lift at the bottom, and at present carries a stream two to three feet deep, bo that a considerable volume of water flows along it—estimated at 15,000 gallons per second. A series of distributing races, 250 chains m all. have been made, and further distributions will en able most of the 33,000 acres to be watered. So far, the irrigation has not been widely applied, but one paddock of 250 acres of oats has been treated, and the improvement made m these is so great as to promise to recoup the whole cost of the work. This seems remarkably low, compared with the costi of county races ; ; a good deal of work has been done, yet Mr Dixon says it has not cost £200. The manuka land has been avoided by settlers hitherto, as valueless, but irrigation so mue-k-iniproves its appearance, and the dt posit of siltmust actually improve it, to such an extent that M'rDixon'epurchaseand en gineering investment may prove a most profitable speculation for himself and the district, and an excellent example to other parts of the colony where similar combinations of circumstances exist. On Monday Mr Dixon invited a large number of p«ople to visit the land and his irriga tion works, and practical men were much impressed with the success of the experi ment.

Being New Year's Eve, there will be a shori service to-night m St. Stephen's Church beginning at 11.15 pm. : .' The match between Cambrook (Dunedin) and Ashley County resulted m favour of Ashley by three rims on the first innings. Scores -Ashley 79, Carisbrook 76: Mrs Pender's funeral at CJhristchurch yesterday was very largely attended. ■ The police and firemen turned out m force, and there were over 50 vehicles, with representa tives of all classes of the community: It is stated that the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of Timaru, have bought the publican's booth at the Timaru Caledo nian Sports, which will be held to-morrow and Saturday. Under these circumstances ne alcoholic liquors will be sold on the ground during these two days. AtChristchurch on Wednesday seven lads, of fifteen to seventeen years of age were charged with damasking houses and shops at Adding ton by daubing paint upon, them. The Bench commented upon the "idiotic" con duct of the defendants m going round and painting people's places, and they -were tined 40s each and ordered to pay the costs of the case, the Magistrate being determined to put down such stupid tomfoolery. The picturesque islet of Ailsa Craig is at present m a "most distressful" condition, being afflicted by a plague of rats, whose numbers seem undiminished, m spite of 900 of them having been slain last year. They threaten to exterminate the puffins, as they suck the eggs on which the mother birds are sitting, and leave her unconsciously attempt ing to hatch empty shells. As a consequence, hardly a singleyoung puffin is to be seen, whereas m former years they formed flocka of thousands. The lighthouse keepers fear that as winter sets m the rats will invade tiie houses. It is not known how they got a footing en the island. . i .- - In the Melbourne Punch Annual this year there appears a series of illustrations of what i may be expected when the ladies oust mf»les from the positions of jockeys. What Punch intended as a forecast of the woman's rights movement has become (sap the "Daily Times") an actual fact m Otago. At the Central Otago races at Dunstan last week a Mies Field piloted Colleen Dhas to victory m the Trotting Race. Miss Field made her second appearance at Cromwell on Monday and was again successful with Colleen Dhas m the Trot, those who backed the pair receiving a dividend of £18 12s.

A Melbourne firm of wool agents have been making enquiries, through their representative, as to the quality of the wool m this district (says the "Taieri Advocate"), and samples have been for warded to the firm m question by a.number of station owners. We expect it is the same firm who, we understand,' contemplate starting a New Zealand Agency, with branches m the four principal centres. It was, we believe, understood that the firm m question were to commence operations on a large scale this season, but the branches (if started at'all) will not be opened until the wool season m Victoria has come to an end.

A sub committee of the Swimming Clu. met on Wednesday night, Capfc Harrison the chair. Balance-sheet and accounts mco » nectionwiththerecentconoertveresubmittfJi showing a balance m favour of the .Club of £10 lid, "which wan passed/As the improve ments undertaken by the Club amount to over £40 it was agreed, to make special efforts by canvass m aid of the Club, A unaninbus vote of thanks, was passed to Mr and Mrs Wtfltamt for their successful efforts on behalf of the Club m organising the* concert } also to the performers who assisted them, A hearty vote of thanks was also passed to Major and- Mrs Steward m so liberally providing supper and dance for the performers after the concert. The next race 3 were fixed for Wednesday, January The Melbourne 'c Argns" states that it is m a position to set at rest the various surmises put forward as to the reasons for Lord Onslow's resignation of the Governor ship of New Zealand, by "taling authori tatively the true and only cause of his Excellency's retirement. If any other town than Wellington had been, the seat of Government m New Zealand, or if the Wellington people had neien their way to do something towards properly draining their city, Lord Gnalaw would have remained until the end of his term of office. But after the rejection by the ratepayers Jasfe year of the proposals of the Wellington City Council for the improvement qf the sanitary arrangements of the town, and the return of typhoid to Government House last winter, Lord On'slow felt that tie risks to "which his family were exposed through the unhealthy ness of their surroundings were too serious to be incurred for any lengthened period, and he therefore reluctantly made up hia irind to resign without further delay. It will be remembered that some two years ago Lord Onflow's son and heir,and his aide de-camp, were struck down by an attack of typhoid fever from whioh they narrowly with their lives,

ME ASHBtfRTON GtJAHDIAN: TStTKSDAY, DECEMBEB 31, 1891.



Ashburtok CO.—First Innings. \ Cuthbertson, b A. Buchanan 11 Stillweil, bE. Buchanan , ... 1 Black, cE. Buchanan, bA. Buchanan ... 3 Todd, bE. Buchanan ...... ... 9 J. Sawlej c and bA. Buchanan ... ... 0 H. Moore, st L. Buchanan, bA. Buchanan 4 Bell, st L. Buchanan, bE. Buchanan ... 0 Fox, c and bE. Buchanan ... ... 0 Andrewes, bE. Buchanan ... ... 0 C. Moore, b A. Buchanan 0 H. Sawle, not out ... , ... ... 0 Extras  ... 3

Total 31

High School C.C.— First Innings. A. Buchanan, b Moore ... . ... 16 L. Buchanan, b Sawle 7 C. Chapman, b Moore ... 5 J. Lafferty, st C. Moore, b Sawle ... 3 E. Buchanan, c Moore, b Sawle 5 W. Butler, b Moore 5 A. Fooks, c Todd, b Sawle 3 J. Jameson, b Sawle ,„ 4 S. Corrigan, cC. Moore, bH. Moore ... 7 M. Scott, c and b Sawle 2 W.Jeff, not out 0 Extras ... 10

Total , ... ... 67

Asiiburton- C.C.—Second Innings, Cuthbertson, b Chapman .. ... ... 1 Sawle, b Lafferty 2 Still well, b Chapman 1 Black, b Chapman ... 0 Todd, b Chapman ... ... J H. Moore, b Chapman ... 7 J. Sawle, eA. Buchanan, b Lafferty ... 0 Fox, run out .., , ... ... Q Andrewes, not out , .. ... 1 Extras .5

Total ... 18



i ■ ■■ '■'■■ . ' ;■'- ' : ' £ s d Stamps 7 4 0 Stationery 2 8 6 Books 1 15 0 Pencils, ink, pens, gum, blot ting paper 1 13 0 Drinks ... ... 33; 15 6 Mayoral and committee earda 715 0 Bills for windows ... ... 019 6 Clerical assistance ... ... 510 0 Committee room furniture *.. 210 0 Putting bills on window ... 0 5 0 Advertising ... 12 10 6 Official roll ... ... ; .j.. .■. Ijl6 v 0 Refreshments to committee... 14 1& 6 Canvassers ... ... ••• 40 18 0 Undersecretary ... ... 60 0 i Toa, lunchfcOti, refreshments, polling day ... ... 10- 0 0 Caah to canvassers and others 22 3 6 Newspapers ... ... ... 060 Posters for cabs ... ... 116 0 Halls for meetings ... ... 212 0 Sundries ... ... .. .4. 8 6 Canvassers to Port Chalmers 2 10 0 Assistance at election ... 619 0 Scrutineers ... t 4 0 Luncheon and tea ditto ... 1 0 0 Rent 10 0 0 Carriages and cabs ... ... 25 0 0; Four hats (tor bets) ... ... 44 0 Secretary ... 20 0 0 Chairman ... ... ... 50 0 0 Other expenses ... ... 14 18 0

Total ... £319 15 6



Wanted. CASE Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may l>e l«»ft at this Office "TTXCURSION to Beach will leave \}J Somerset Hotel, eight o'clock New Year's morniug. Conveyance—Traction Engine and Waggon. 12 203 "T\rOTIOR. —Oar Business will be Open i-^ until 9 o'clock To-night.—Stephens Bros., Market House. 12 201 /"IHIiISTMAS Numbers Young Ladies V^ Journal, Yule Tide, &:. Many useful and pretty articles suitable for N»# Year's presents.-^. M. "Jones. WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &o. Come and see them. Handsome Xmas presents now giving away.—M. C Segbes, Melford House. _____ WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. VV. H. Colijeb. - "ftTOTHINGwiII Cool you so quickly and ■i-^l invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flottbr, Confectioner, East Street. _______ LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Axcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known.—For first-class Drapery and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. (See windows.) Beautiful Xmas present s being given away.—H. C. Seqers. ANTED Known.— At "The Corner' now selling Ladieis' French Shof s. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collier, WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10|d ; original value, 4s. —H. C. Segbus, Melford House. WANTED 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 .tract. 61202 BHETCP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers are requested to call early.— Robert Alcorn, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and beat material and workmanship guaranteed. O Meet the ■Times.—l' am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all desariptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hardlry, Eas street. 6f 201 WANTED Known.- -H. Baikstow has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on view. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. 11+61



AGENTS WANTED. I\7 ANTED, Agent? for a GOOD VV SELLING LINE; Either sex can earn good income. Apply early, as ly a limited number is required. NOVELTY IMPORTING CO JJo*976, G..F.0., feydney, N.S.W,



T\TY wife is a capital housekeeper, Her cooking is quite a treat ; Her cakes an.l puddings, like mountain* riso f In the bakj,ng powder her secret lies. ~^«Tiß Warburton's "Can't be Bea,t. JSlnian Hyslop and Oo.'s %* lilpenal' I pure Ceylo- and Indian Teas are |the bes m the market. —fi dvt.) . „,„ was



11 Keating's Powder" destroys Bugs Fleas, Motha, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic anhrais, In exterminating Beetles the success of thi# powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly uleaii m application. See the article you ourchase is "Keating's," as imitations are 'oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d) JU and & 6d each, by all chemists,



The Best P.emedy fob Indigestion— NortQii's .Camomile' Pills are confidenty p^Gominended as % ?iinple remedy for Indigestion, which is tine cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthened of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world/ Niniaii Hysl^p and Co.'s " lai seiarl Ceylon and Indian* Teas are 4*re.st from tk9 Urn Plf»tett9ns,-*(4<lyM



JpiW YEAE GIFTS, l¥ew Year Cards, AND BOOKLETS. NEW BOOKS for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc L. F. ANDREWES and CO, ST. STEPHEN S CHURCH, ASHBURTON. mO-NIGHT-Ntfw'YKAR'S EVE. \ Service at 11.15 p.m. 12 202



MAIL NOTICES. Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— New Year's Day (January 1), being & postal holiday, the Ashburton Post Office "will be closed except from nine a.m. till ten a.m. and from seven p.m. till eight p.m. Mails for Christchurch and North will close at five a.m. Mails for Dunedin and South will close at ten a.m. No Mails will be despatched after ten ft.m