The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1891. THE OAMARU FIASCO.

The principal lesson of this year's Easter Encampments is that m order to make them of any real benefit to the force a thorough reform m the manner m which they are conducted is absolutely necessary. We have had at Oamaru the experience of the volunteers of Canterbury and Otago being called out for four, live or six days, according to the locale of their several corps, for a result of nine hoursinstructionin exercises m thefield, eight hours of which were m one stretch, without food or water. We find the force marched to an almost i. I surmountable hill at the v«ry gates of .the camp, and an afternoon wasted m | making the ascent with the field pieces. What should have been the most interesting of the exercises, the defence of Oamaru against an actual attack from sea, collapsed m the most ridiculous manner. The sham fight, which should have instructed officers and men m important evolutions, failed m this object owing to no definite and concerted' plan of operations being carried out; and the march past took place on the top of a hill, where the nabure of the ground rendered march ing an impossibility, and where specta tors could not be preset. The volunteers, who give their time and m many cases a not inconsiderable amount of their money to the country, and who should be treated at least decently, were submitted to the indignity of being ordered to travel m trucks and readside wagons, when a little fore thought would have given them pas. senger carriages m which to travel their campward and homeward jour neys at the dead of chilly nights. j Altogether jbhe only commendation we have seen of tbs Qauiavu eacamptueut

is that contained m the closing general . order of the commanding officer, So : far as instruction goes the Oamaru ; camp was really valueless, and it is clear that if the annual encampments | are to be continued they must be made either more of business, and properly planned and carried out—">r raoie of pie; a ;re, and theexereises such as will attract and entertain the public, and take place m an easily accessible situation suitable for martial display. The late encampment was successful neither as a camp of military instruc tion nor as n, volunteer picnic. The general order expressing the commanding officer's satisfaction with the discipline and good behaviour of the' force m camp leads us to wonder of what good discipline and behaviour are considered to consist. A volunt«3r officer from another colony, who has experience of camps at Home as well as m Australia, states that the conduct of the men would not be tolerated any where outside of New Zealand. The eft'eots of drink were conspicuous on Good Friday night, and at least one officer of high standing is said to have been unable to reel to his tent without assistance. One report says that on Saturday night" numbers of volunteers were on leave, and many who had not passes took French leave of the camp. They all went into Oamaru, and, m fact took possession of the town for hours. The streets were crowded by bodies of volunteers, and it was well on m Sun Jay morning before anything approaching quiet prevailed. Many Volunteers stayed for the night m town, rather than risk arrest for absence without leave or being out of camp after hours; but the more venturesome ispirits, banding themselves together, performed the operation known as rushing the guard. In the camp itself there was a good deal of noisy conduct, disturbing the repose of those who, tired with the day's exertions, retired early to rest." In face of this it cannot be denied that there was a most reprehensible laxity of discipline, and it puzzles us to comprehend how the term good behaviour can be expanded so as to include such disreputable conduct. It is some consolation to know that there were many companies m which the conduct of the men was as a whole excellent. The regulations of a camp are supposed to be.as nearly as practicable those which would be m force m a military body on active service, and a laudable spirit is generally shown m closely observing them. It is to be feared that a grow ing laxity on the part of officers m en forcing due observance of the regula tions has conduced to the present state of affairs, and as strict discipline is an essential m the volunteer force as well ay m the regular army we hope to hear of no more such doings as those which nave been so ignored by the officers at Oamaru.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A striking instance of the losses sustained in the flaximlling industry is afforded in the fact tnat the Empress Mill in the Manawaui district, which cost about £1800, was sold for £156 the other day. The use of dumb bells has been declared by the superintendent ot physical education to the Wellington Education Board to be an obsolete method of imparting physical in struction to school children. The announcement from the Board of Edtcition appears in our advertising columns, iixing the dates ot nomination, and of the annual meetings of householders for the election of School Committees, The Public Trust Office Commission com mences to take evidence at Wellington this week. Any person desirous of bringing any matter of interest and importance before the Commissioners may communicate with the chairman. Sir William Fox was one of the speakers at a great temperance demonstration at Sydenham yesterday, when resolutions supporting the prohibitionist movement in connection with rhe licensing elections were carried. Our cable messages report a further advance of one shilling a quarter in the English markets for whes.t. The upward movement is also visible in the Continental and American markets. Collins street, Melbourne, is now patrolled by a policeman who is the cynosure of all eyes. This infant, who is a Melbourne native, stands 6 feet 7J inches, scaling a trifle over 23 stone.' He is a terror to the larrikin element, who generally give him a wide berth, as his vice-like grasp is some thing to be remembered. A very fine specimen of the insect pray ing mantis" was brought to our office to-, day by Mr George Kidd. It was found in a mignonette bed, and consequently, has the color of that plant. The insect has the peculiarity of changing its color to that of the vegetation on which for the time being it may be living, its shades varyingjfrom a very pale green to an olive brown. The arrangements for the Temperance Demonstration next Monday are advertised. They consist of a procession through the town to the Domain, where speeches will be delivered ami tea dispensed ; and a public meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall in the evening at which Mr Knott will deliver an oration. His Worship the Mayor has pro claimed a half holiday on the occasion. The anniversary harvest festival services of the Salvation Army yesterday attracted crowded congregations to the Barracks. Major Grinling, editor of the "War Cry," was in command, and instrumental music was performed by the Christchurch Lasses' and Ashburton Corps' Band. This evening there will be «, tea meeting. Afc its meeting on Saturday last the Wakanuißoad Board decided to recommend to the Ashburton Cemetery Board the ad vis ableness of erecting a post and rail fence (one rail) along the footpath from the corner of the Cemetery to the gates for the conve nience of persons attending funerals. There is at present no convenience a*", all for tying up hordes, and as a consequence the integrity of the main fence of the Cemetery occasionally suffers. Amongst other motions passed at the meeting was one to form the footpath at the Cemetery, the Hampstead Board and the Cemetery IJqard bearing part of the cost. "Poet Close "is dead, writes a London correspondent. You may never have heard of "Poet Close," but lie was a famous character—the Tupper of the Lakes, or, as he called himself, " the laureate of the lakes," " I shall never be appreciated til) I have got a, ton of marble gij the top of me," once wrote the " Poet Close." As he has died he may now stand a fair chance of being appreciated. "Poet Close" had been in the poetry business for nearly 60 years. He lived at Kirby Stephen in Westmoreland, and like SQjng other tradesman, had the royal arms over his door, Mr Close sold his poetry on trie poetic shores of Windermere. He also appointed himself laureate to a black king. On his own statement he was " the most remarkable man of his day." Through the complaisance qf J,,ord Palmerstou, who knew nothing of poetry, Close managed to get on the pension list in 1860, but it was dis continued "through the malice of his enemies," he s*id, $11 he got was £100. Keatino's Cough Lozknobs quro Coughs Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony Ptates that no other medicine is so effectual in the pure of these dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone gives; eass, one or two at bedtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty f breathing they are invaluable. "They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold Jby all Chemists, in tins, Is l£d and 2s 9d each.

Mr .Struck, of the Invercargill Cent.-al school, with forty-four boys, camped out, at Stewart Island for the holidays;. The ' example is worthy of imitation. A country correspondent of the "Witness" states that he saw with surprise in a West! of Scotland newspaper; which came by the , last mail, an advertisement by a legal firm in ' the city of Edinburgh for a few rabbiters for New Zealand; a three years' engagement and voyage out paid. At the annual meeting of the Royal Mill- ! ing Company, Timaru, the report stated the gross profit for the year to be £17,000, the actual net profit being £6009; but this was reduced to £2000 by debit and bad. debts from the previous year. A dividend of 7 per cent was declared, and £1232 carried forward. • Piofessor Huxley wrote a number of letters to " The Times " adversely criticisms.' | General Booth's scheme, and has published them in a volume entitled " Social Diseases and Worse Remedies." A funny thing ap- I pears on the title page. It has the motto " Sixpenny worth of good and aahilling's worth of harm," and immediately under it is the intimation, "price one shilling." A stack fire occurred at Methven on Saturday evening resulting in the destruc tion of about 300 bushels of wheat in stack and the combine and elevators the property of Messrs Alexander Bros. It is. not known how the fire started, as the men had just knocked off for tea and no one was about the machine. Owing to the direction of the wind and the dampness of the evening, the threshed wheat in sacks escaped damage. Mr H. Westmacott disclaims the report as to the condition of the Indian horse market which the "Lyttelton Times" put into his mouth, and which we quoted a few days ago. He writes:—" . .. . I can only {say that I took a small lot of sound, well-broken horses to India in October last, and that one-fifth of the number are still unsold. The market was, and I fancy generally is, glutted with Australian horses, but they are by no means inferior, nor are they badly broken, as far as I know." Professor Lichtwark, the well-known educator of horses, was asked by the owner of the racehorse Cajolery if he thought he could teach that rather erratic colt proper racecourse manners. The Professor replied that there was no "thought" cbout it; he had not the slightest doubt of his ability to make a perfect gentleman of the colt. Perhaps when Cajolery has been dealt with Professor Lichtwark may be induced to turn his attention to Thackeray, who is an even worse behaved herse in public. A second farmers' Co-operative Society— the Union—is in course of formation in Southland. Over 600 shares were taken up before the prospectus was issued, and the subscribers' list embraced the names of about 150 of the most extensive and most sub stantial farmers of Southland—very few names of townsfolks appearing on it. The capital is fixed for the present at £25,000, in 5000 ihares. The compauy take over the premises of Messrs Mitchell, White, and Co., who will manage the concern. A good story is told in the "Spectator " of one of our living bishops who once stayed at the house of a country gentleman—a teetotaller. On the dinner table there were no intoxicants, but "the host said to his guest in an undertone, "My lord, you will find some wine in your bedroom." By and by the squire came to dine with the bishop, and found wine set before him, but the bishop also took care to say quietly during dinner, "Mr So-and-so, you will find some water in the bedroom." A correspondent of the "Spectator" tells the following dog story : — Meeting Dr Houghton, of Dublin University, some time ago in company with one of his canine friends, I expressed my surprise at the fact that the two eyes of the animal were remark ably different in size. " Yes," said the doctor, "and he take? a mean advantage of the fact whenever |I have a stranger to dine with me. He first gets fed at one side of my guest, and then goes round die table to his other side, and pretends to be another dog." Tho "Otago Witness" reports that the weather during the past week has been very favourable to harvest operations, and good progress has as* a consequence been made. The crops may now be said to be all cut, and leading in is the order of the day. In several districts a good deal of threshing has been done, and to the south of Dunedin with almost universally satisfactory returns. In Northern and Central Otago, where the drought during the early summer months was most noticeable, the returns were of course abnormally light, but on the whole probubly a fair average return will result from the current harvest in Otago. The fact that Easter fell on a very early date this year has caused a "friend of facts and figures" to collect some curious statistics. In 1833 Easter fell on March 25, and it will only once again this century-—namely, in 189-1 —fall on so early a data In the three following centuries it will occur only eight times on the same date—namely, in 1951, 2035, 2046, 2057, 2103, 2114, 2125, and 2198. The earliest date on which Easter can fall is on March 22, and this only in case the moon is full on March 21, when this date happens to fall on Saturday. This combination of circumstances is extremely rare; it occurred in 1093, 1761, and 1817, and will happen | again in 1990, 2076, and 2144, while during the three following centuries it is not once on the books at this early date. On the other hand, Eester neve: falls later than April 25. This was the case in 1666, 1734, and 1886, and it will only happen once in the next century —namely in 1943. , A new sieep-shearing machine is attracting \ considerable attention in Victoria, It is aii English invention, and is named the " Bur gon," after one of the patentees, Messrs (Burgon and Ball, of Sheffield. The patentees claim for it greater simplicity of construction and fewer working parts. It works on the same principal as a horse clipper, one set of teeth oscillating over the other with great rapidity, driven by a flexi ble driving shaft of specially prepared steel. A ball joint in the apparatus enables the opperator to turn and twist it over any part of the sheep with greater facility than has been experienced with other sheep-shearing machines, An eight-horse power engine will drive 100 machines, which are easily fixed up in a shed by bolting a beam on to the shed posts, and theu screwing the fricton gear, brackets, and line of shafting to it. A shearer is employed to exhibit the machine at work, and the rapidity and width of the blows are particularly noticeable. Mr W. H. Eyres, who represents the patentees, states that the average number of sheep that a practised hand can shear in a day with it is 100, and that he has seen records of a man shearing 150 sheep in a day with it. Hollo way's Ointment and Pills.— These world-renowned remedies are confi dently recommended to miners, navvies, and all wlw have to work underground, or where noxious atmosphere- exist, The minute particles of coal or metal which permeate the air in such places tend to block up the lungs and air-tubes, giving rise to bronchitis, i asthma, and palpitation of the heart. In Hollo way's remedies will be found a safe and easily use! mcdicament,*for the penetrating properties of the ointment relieve the local congestions and the mildly laxative effects of the pills cause the liver to act freely, and the breath to become unembarrassed. By early resort to these remedies many a serious illness made be averted, and sound ness of health maintained.

Concert and Dance at Seafield.

(FttOM OUR COREESPONDENT.)

On Friday evening, April 3rd, one of the most successful conierts ever held at' Sealield took place. The entertainment was given with the view of devoting the funds derived therefrom to the laudable I purpose of forming a library for the district, and the Committee are to be congratulated on scoring a very signal success. The schoolroom was crowded to the door—and farther, for the accom modation wns so taxed that many ticket holders had' to stand outside. The pro gramme was long and varied, and if repeated encores he any measure of the satisfaction of an audience wWi the enter tainment provided, then this audience was abundantly satisfied. Songs wore given by Mosdames Coy and Smith and j Misses Leggett and Walsh, to the accom paniments of Misses Vucebich and Lanibie and Mrs Coy. Instrumental pieces were given by Mrs Coy and Misses Bruce, I Richardson and Henderson. To" the valuable assistance rendered by the strong force of musical talent from Ashburton, the good folks of Seafield are greatly i indebted for a large measure of the success of the conceit, and special mention must be made of Mr J. Stevenson whose sweet tenor voice is so seldom heard m the country, and of Mr H. Stevenson also a sweet singer, but m himself a fund of humor besides. Those gentlemen were kind enough to respond to repeated de mands upon their good nature. Mr Bate man, too, gave several songs m excellent style. Recitations were given by Mr Grant ("The Broken Bowl") and Mr Lambie, the latter reciting Paddy Murphy's " J C. and V.P." Mr Murdoch Bruce was chairman, and at the conclusion of the concert thanked the performers on behalf of the Committee for their assist ance. After the singing of "Auld Lanjsyne," refreshments were served m the usual liberal Seafield style, by Mes dames Ayrton, Richardson, Collison, McLean, Hampton, Bruce, Moore, and Clucas. The room was then cleared for dancing, which was carried on with great spirit till an early hour.

The Oamaru Encamp ment.

(prom a correspondent.)

The Easter encampment of Volunteers at Oamaru has been a failure in almost every way. By means of fairly efficient railway transit arrangements a force of about 2000 officers and men of the various branches of the force, from Rangiora in the North to Invercargill in tho South, were collected together without any hitch more serious than that of provididg only "covered carriages"—that is, trucks with a canvas or rarpauling awning over them—for the conveyance of the South land companies on a cold night journey. The site of the camp was well-chosen and the accommodation and provisionary as good as could be expected. Unfortunately matter for approval is already exhausted. Good Friday was mostly spent in ordinary drill, and the business of the gathering really be.c-an on Saturday afternoon, with what was intended to be, instruction in attack formation. The whole force, with the exception of one battalion and the cavalry brigade, was marched out of camp, but had only proceeded a quarter of a mile when progress was barred by a steep gradient in the road, extending for several hundred yards, up which the artillery were quite unable to get the field pieces. The infantry were told off to assist, aud one at a time the guns were laboriously pulled up the hill ; and so much time was lost that the exercises lasted less than an hour, when a return had to be made to the camp. Be it noted, the cavalry a.id tho South Canter bury battalion were up to this point left to their own devices. On Sunday, after Church parade, o^e hattalijn of infantry took up outpost duty, and the remainder of the infantry were sent to battalion drill. Monday was the great day ol the en campment, the programme consisting of the defence of Oamaru from an attack by ships of war, the enemy to be represented by H.M.S. Cnracoa, in the forenoon ; a sham fight later on ; and, finally, a review. Whatever the. arrangements were for the first, the result was a perfect farce, The Curocoa' fired three or four shots, and then steamed away to .Lyttelton —so as to be in time for Tuesday's races at Christ church and the race-ball in the evening, a manoeuvre which, it must be admitted, was accomplished with marvellous suc cess. Tha defending artillery fired a few rounds, and part of the infantry were sent to positions on the railway and breakwater which it would have been im possible for them to reach in an actual act:on, and in which, if reached, a well directed shel] would have annihilated them. These wonderful evolutions being supposed to have saved the town, the whole force was brigaded and marched to the scene of the sham fight. The march was effected in good order, but was de tracted from by the unmilitary, slouching gait of a number of the infantry. In the sham fight nobody appeared to have had any idea of what was going on, but the authorities describe it as having been "very successful," the movements were very smartly carried out, though the diffi culties of the ground again proved too much for part of the force. The march past, to see which hundreds of excursion ists were waiting at the camp, took place on the scene of the " sham fight," where the rough ground was an obstacle to steadiness which was not easily overcome ; considering the circumstances the men acquitted themselves well. The force ar rived back in camp after being eight hours under arms—the North and South Can terbury battalions without refreshment of any sort, and only allowed their water bottles on a request being made to the authorities. A hasty meal was snatched/ and the Northern companies were th-'n marched off to the railway to embark for their homes. The absence of arrange ments for the transit of baggage to the siding caused another long and inexcus* able delay. The objectionable trucks for the conveyance of the men caused almost a mutiny, but the promise that proper carriages would be provided at Timaru smoothed the difficulty, and all gok safely home during the early hours of the morning. Such is a brief account of* the camp of 1891. It would be unfair to conclude without giving due credit for some good work done in connection with the camp. The Engineers' fitted up a telephone between the camp, the town of Oamaru and the cavalry encampment (which for conveni ence of stabling for the horses, was pitched in the A. and P. Show Ground, three miles from the general camp), and did good service in other ways, The Otago 'rlussars followed the soldierly course of marching from Dunedin to the camp and back. The report of the march has been forwarded to headquarters, and shows the journey up to have been performed in the splendid time of 80 miles in 22 hours—7 hours 50 minutes being taken for camp and halts, not including time for watering and Incidental delays. The baggage had to be hauled with dragropes over the steep hills. This beats the English Yeomanry record by 14 miles, and two hours less time. The cavalry part of the force was almost altogether neglected, being only called into action during Monday's proceedings. It is an un* pleasant duty to refer to the discipline in camp. It is unnecessary to enter mfc particulars, but the behaviour of far to > large a porportion of the force was the reverse of creditable. Only one case, however--shafc of a vo|yniee& who apiusefl

himsslf by discharging his rifle m camp and was dismissed the force—seems to have been considered t» have called for punishment. The Commanding Officer's general order expresses satisfaction with the discipline and good behaviou^ of the painp, but he must have closed his eyes and ears to much that went on, for there was a great deal of lanikinism, and several cases of overindulgence* at the canteen, while the behaviour of some of the men who went into town m the evenings was disgraceful.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB AUTUMN MEETING.

The following nominations wore received on Saturday n\, ht: — ASHBURTON HuiIDLE RACE HANDICAP,oorf r 45 soys ; two miles. Torrent Little Arthur Conspirator Trimolite Wairua The Idler Tired Erin-go-bragh May boy Tdrnado Royalty Ashbueton Autumn Handicap, of 70 soys ; l£ mile. Liberator Moraine Bay King . Thackeray Rosebud Captain Cook Quibble ,British Lion Crown Jewel Erin-«o-bragh Coinage Hazel District Welter Handicap, 30 soys; one mile. Calm Coinage ; Bon ' New Hope The Chicken Kilmarnock Conspirator Mail boy Cuckoo Pennine Tiger Lily Fairy Queen Lady Zetland Ruse of Cheviot King of Ulster Flying Handicap, of 35 soys; six furlongs. Emma Carronade Red Cross Yon Tempsky Adieu Heather Bell Inez Nelly Grey Loo Harkaway Lady Zetland Tornado Dragon Lady Sockburn Midland Hurdle Race Handicap, of 35 soys ; 1| mile. Inchkeith Royalty Torrent Little Arthur Conspirator Trimolite Mar ton The Idler Wairua Tornado Tired Erin-go-bragVi Mayboy Doric (late Tommy) Grand Stand Handicap, of 55 soys ; 1\ mile. Liberator Coinage Bay King Moraine Red Cross Yon Tempsky Inez Captain Cook Rosebud British Lion Quibble Erin-go-bragh i Crown Jewel Hazel Wakanui Handicap, of 30 soys ; l£ mile. Calm Lady Zetland I Ben Coinage Conspirator . Pennine Loo Rose of Cheviot Tiger Lily j Open Welter Handicap, of 35 soys ; one mile. Liberator Wairua Chester Lad Coinage Peerswick Moraine Bay King Thackeray Adieu Tired Conspirator Yon Tempsky Loo Captain Co-Jt Quibble Nelly Gray Lady Zetland Harkaway King of Ulster Erin-go-bragh Dr;igon Harvest Handicap, of 30 soys ; six furlongs, Inchkeith Lady Zetland Calm Kiwft of Ulster Ben Doubtful Emma Kilmarnock Red Cross Maiiboy The Chicken Pennine Matton Fairy Queen Tiger Lily Ross of Cheviot

S.C.J.C AUTUMN MEETING.

Palliser and Moraine have been scratched for the Timaru Cup, and Lord Aston for all engagements.

A.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

Sydney, April i. The .Australian Jockey Club Plate, a sweepstake of 10 soys each, with 650 soys added, was won by Carbine, his only opponents being Correze and Greygown. Carbine started at odds of 10 to one on him.

The New Orleans Incident.

(PJER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Washington, April 3. Mr Blame, Secretary of State, has written to Baron de Fava, Italian Minister, defending the position taken up by the Government, and stating he could not hurry the enquiry. Baron de Fava is expected to leave on Saturday. The President expresses unconcern at the action of the Italian Govern ment. Rome, April 4. Signor Rudini has informed the Secretary of State for the United States that the diplomatic incident will only be closed when the prosecu tion of the lynchers at New Orleans has begun. Washington, April 4 President Harrison considers that the lynching at New Orleans is an offence against both the Federal and the State Government, insomuch as it is m defiance of the treaties under which foreigners are protected. It is reported that the Government has formally demanded that the State of Louisiana should at once arrest those connected with the lynching of the Sicilians and have them tried by a Federal Court. A feeling is prevalent m New Orleans that the State Govern ment must resist any infringement of its sovereign rights. The leaders of the lynching party express their willingness to plead guilty to the charge provided they receive only a nominal sentence. The United States Minister now at Rome has communicated with the Italian Government, and on behalf of his Government has promised that reparation will, be made for the lynch ing of the Sicilians, but that time is required to give effect to the determina tion of the Government, Signor Rudini, the Italian Premier, is re ported to be satisfied with this deci sion. The Italians m the United States are organising for the purpose of avenging the New Orleans lynching. Clubs numbering two thousand mem* bers are drilling at Mountville. They boast they can comranad twenty thousand men, and are able to capture Pifctsburg if they choose. The move ment is reported to be spreaded. The President will probably ask Congress to enact that violation of the treaty 3ha.U be a punishable Qii'euoe

The Emeute in India.

(PKK PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

> # Calcutta, April 3. The British forces have begun repri sals m Manipur by destroying several native viilages. t Calcutta, Apiil 4. A report received from the natives states that Mr Quinton, Chief Com missioner of Assam, and party, were killed on the day of the outbreak at Manipur. The report, however, re quires confirmation. The number of Ghoorkas who es caped from Manipur was 2f>o. The news of the safety of Lieut. Grant's force of eighty Sepoys has not been confirmed, and it is now feared that the detachment has been mas sacred. :

TELEGRAPHIC. Home and Foreign.

[per press association.] London, April 3. By an explosion in the Ayredale colliery, Staffordshire, ten miners were killed. A supporter of Mr Justin McCarthy has been elected for Sligo by a majo rity of about four hundred. It is rumored that the Marquis of Lome would be willing to accept the post of Governor-General in the event of an Australian dominion being formed, Princess Louise having fore gone her previously expressed objec tion to the climate of Australia. ■o- t i t. ' , LoNDOIf» April 4 i felr John Pender, Chairman of the Eastern Telegraph Company, has been made a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor by the French Government. A meeting of the New Zealand Antimony Company, Limited, was held to-day, but was adjourned for a fort night to allow of the appointment of an expert to assist the Board of Direc tors to determine whether it is ad visable to reconstruct the Company or place it in liquidation. Mr H. Nardly, the Chairman, suggested that proceed ings should be instituted against S> Walter Buller for a refund of moneys paid him in connection with the Com pany. Sir Arthur Blyth, Agent-General for South Australia, has signed the new cable agreement, under which messages are to be transmitted to the colonies at a reduced tariff. lne premier of Quebec is on a visit to Paris endeavoring to raise a two million State loan. He denies the existence of a desire in Quebec for the annexation of Canada to the United States. _, . •"■ Berlin, ipril 4. lne sale of Dr Koch's tuberculine m Germany has been restricted to chemists. The Emperor complains of the recent sfcaten ent of the Premier of Italy that the triple alliance is purely for defensive purposes, and considers that it is calculated to weaken the alliance.

The Pittsburg Strike.

[PER MtESS ASSOCIATION, |

New York, April 4 One thousand troops have been called out m Pennsylvania to restrain the miners who are on strike from conraitting acts of violence. As the Anarchists who are control ling the strike m Pennyslvania persist m maintaining an attitude of intimi dation, it is feared a conflict will take place with the troops who have been called out to preserve order.

Behring Sea Dispute.

(>ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

c- n m London, April 3. sir O. Upper, who is now m Washington, has arranged with Sir Julian Pauncefote to re-open negotia tions for the settlement of the Behring Sea dispute on a reciprocal basis. Washington, April 4 Initial steps for the settlement of the Behring sea dispute on a reciprocal basis have concluded satisfactorily, and on Monday Mr J. G. Blame, Secretary of State, Sir Julian Pauncefote, British Minister, and Sir Charles Tupper will confer on the subject.

Universities' Boat Race

[PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

Sydney, April 5. The intercolonial University eight oared race was rowed yesterday and won by Sydney University by six lengths, Melbourne second, and Adelaide third. Time, 17min 20sec.

The Markets.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received April 6, 11.15 a.m.) London, April 4. The total quantity of wool catalogued up to date is 29 ; 200 bales, of which 27,800 were sold. The market continues firm, and opening prices are being main tained. Tallow, medium mutton, 26s 6d ; beef, 255. ■"" ' ' '"' i Tlie English wheat market shows a igeneral advance of one shilling; the Continental mai'ket also shows a general advance, while the American has an upward tendency. Forward business Australasian cargoes is firm at an advance. Arrivals of foreign wheat are small, but shipments off coast have not met with a ready sale. A !New Zealand cargo of wheat, per iron vessel, shipped m March and April, has been sold at 395,

Australian Federation.

[PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

| London, April 4. i "The Times" considers that the 1 title of " Commonwealth " adopted by the National Convention m Sydney ; will grate on the ears, owing to its historical associations, and suggests : that it be altered to " Realm." The " Daily News " believes that, unless the colonies federate speedily,' it will be impossible to do so m a quarter! of a centwy, owing to growing jea lousy over the tai'iff.

TERRIBLE TORPEDO EXPLOSION.

[PJSR PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

_, Syphby, April 4. The stern part of the torpedo cutter was completely blown away, but the survivors managed to keep aoflat with assistance of the remaining part of the boat. Sapper Grant, one of the survivors, states that the first mine twice refused to fire, whereupon a new cable was attached to it, which he thinks must have been connected with the mine on board. Sapper Barland deserves great credit for his action towards his com rade Brentall, who was lying sensless m the remaining part of the boat. Barland kept the boat afloat till Brentall was rescued, remarking that if he did not die from the shock he would not let him die by drowning. After tb* explosion pieces of the dead bodies were seen floating about by the survivors while they were m the water waiting for the arrival of the rescue boat. In one case two arms and part of the shoulder, with the head Almost wrenched off, sank before it could be picked up. Colonel De Wolski, who *as one of thg vice regal party present, says that so long as men are allowed to fire these hasty charges, merely for pur poses of public demonstration, they must expect the possibilities of ex plosion. The men should not hare to run these risks merely to give ladies a pleasant afternoon. Sydney, April 5. „As only scattered fragments of the flesh of those kitled m the gun cotton disaster were recovered, it was im possible to identify them and conse quently no inquest was held. The remains were placed m one coflin, and buried to-day m Waverley Cemetery m the presence of a tremendous assemblage. His Excellency the Governor and 300 troops attended the funeral. The injured men are recovering, and though several of them are stone deaf, it is hoped the affliction is only temporary.

The Education Question

[per press association.]

■__ T Nelson, April 4. ilie .Nelson Educational Institute con sidered the Auckland '• Herald's " article, and concluded that what truth it con tained was self-evident and universally admitted, whilo whatever went beyond that was, if not absurdly false at least grossly exaggerated. Claptrap was the radical blemish which pervaded the entire article, which was utterly unworthy of the official recognition it had received. DtTJfßDiw, April 4. lhe Educational Institute referred the "New Zealand Herald's" article to the Committee of Management, ft was stated m discussion that no notice would have been taken of the article if it had not been for the Minister's communica tion. ;

The Miners' Congress.

[PER TRBSSj ASSOCIATION.]

Paris, April 4. The Belgian delegates to the Miners' Congress demand that there should be a universal strike of miners m May for eight hours pur day. The English and German section and the French delegate? are opposed to this extreme step, on the ground that it is prema ture and certain to end m defeat. Ample funds are available to carry on the strike. The proceedings m the Congress are somewhat boisterous, and at times very violent.

OBITUARY.

HON. WILLIAM REEVES, M.L.C.

On Saturday evening, at his residence at Opawa, died the Hon. William Reeves, a»ed <J6. The sad news has come sud denly, for though it was known that Mr Reeves had long suffered from a painful malady, which a few days ago necessitated an operation, no fatal result was appre< hended ; indeed it was thought that the operation had been successful and the sufferer was m a fair way to restoration to health. Although lately Mr Reeves had not taken a conspicuous part m public affairs his loss is widely and deeply re* gretted. Of his personal character it can he mid without reservation that it win' that of an upright, brave, and honorable Christian man, a devoted husband and father, and a staunch and faithful friend. In him the country has lost a strong man, a true patriot, and a consistent Liberal. There has been no stronger advocate of the interests of the people. In the great questions of Public Works, Education, Land Settlement, and the rights of the Provinces he was always found on the side of justice, and all measure* for the general good had his warmest encouragc| menfc and strongest advocacy. The later years of Mr Reeves' life were not without anxiety and trouble, and this was probably the reason why his undoubted abilities and great oratorical powers were not more prominently displayed. He was a firm believer m the great future m store for New Zealand, and was the owner of land m small and large sections m all parts of Canterbury, besides being interested m several considerable estates, among which are some m this locality, and these invest ments are understood to have added to his anxieties. Mr Reeves was born m 1825 at Clap ham, near London, and was a younger son of William Reeves, who held a good position m the Civil Service. His com-. mercial life began as a clerk m a banking establishment, and from thence he went on the Stock Exchange. In 1856 he. arrived m Canterbury, and took up land at Fernside m conjunction with Mr Hamilton Ward, a brother of the gentle man with whom he afterwards entered into partnership m what proved to be his life's work. After a few years of farming; Mr Reeves came to Christchurch, and started a carrying business. About 1861 Mr Reeves joined Mr Crosbie Ward m the proprietorship of the "Lyfctelton Times." The firm was known as Ward and Reeves, and between the two partners there existed a strong personal attach ment. On the death of Mr Crosbie. Ward m 1867, Mr Reercss first entered political" life. He was elected member for Avon m the General Assembly, and sat through the session of 1868 t when he resit ned.i In 1871 he again entered the political arena. He became a candidate tor the> Selwyn seat m the General Assembly .up the Protection interest. His opponent was Mr E. C. J. Stevens, and Mr Reeveft was elected by a majority of one vote* During the Parliament he * strong support to the Fox-Vogel Ministry. O» the creation by the Government of » Minister for the Middle Island m 187 V Mr Kecves was offered and accepted ins? post, and held it until the defeat *| thfc Government by Mr Stafford, m 187SS. The new (Government held office for * very short ti»3, a.n.4 & Yom) again, r*

fin* ASHBtTBTON GtTAItDIAK, MONDAY, APBIL 6, 18ft



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 tho Mind and Nervous System, says in an editorial published in the "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 appearances since. This product stands, according toDr Owen, foremost in causing injurious effects'. That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Sqciety of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriqusly indisposed through its use.' In another case a lady states ou the strength of statutory i declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we feel warranted in expo ing the abqye facts,',! aud g desines the .public tq exercise care and ' precaution when buying, SANDER and i gQp (Advt.) 1



ABSOLUTE PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE Manufacturers ot VULCAN PAINT ANP SOTERL&. Absolute protection agains extena-oa of fire. Color cards and test shingles with instruc tions and proofs of on materials well furnished W ante** CASH Advertisements under this heading noc exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Offi™ ANTED KnownT—Mrs J. Buch anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr nd Co., East Street. AISTBD Known.—lt you want good value for your money go to Melford House. Cheapest, first-class Drapery m town.—H. C. Segeks, Melford Houte. V\7 ANTED Known.— lYe are now VV opening all our new Winter Goods m Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c—H. C. Segeks, Melford House. WANTED Known. —Cheapest House m town for First-class Diapery. Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c—H. C. Segers, Melford House. /^OGLING and invigorating Ice Cream \J »s made by H. G. Flower, Con ectioner, East Street. \ IT ANTED Known.—Mits J. Buoh- V V anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr & nd Co'e, East Street. WANTED Known—Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcohn, Asliburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. ANTED Known^The ""Strong" wear" Boot m the best for Mens ladies and Children.—W. 11. Collieh. f~"\ LASS, Earthenware, and China, yJT direct from the Manufacturers. Robkrt Alcobn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. "Kro'rt 7 ON — At~~Sfaturners' Hal~ Syi Great Sale of Surplus Stock ef Books, Stationery, Fancy Goids Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one m^nth only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. Andrewes & Co.'s, Stationers Hall. WA.NTED Known — The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ash barton, is at W. F. Hannafori/s, Burnett fetreet. A arge tstock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch,



THE EDUCATION BO\RD OF THE j DISTRICT OF NORTH CANTER-1 BURY. ELECTION OF COMMITTEES. npHE Board, m pursuance of power m 1 that behalf conferred by " The Education Act, 1377," and "ThePVuca tion Acfc, 1877, Amendment Act, 1885,' \ hereby directs that a Public Meeting of the Householders m every School District . throughout the education District of North Canterbury be held on MONDAY, the twenty-seventh day of April, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one, at S3ven o'clock m the evening, for the Election m each district of SEVEN Householders ta- form the Committee for such dist: ict for the year ending with the Fourth Monday m April next year. The place of meeting shall be the Schoolhouso m each district, and this is understood to mean the Main Schoolhouse m any district which has more than one school. The Board further directs that the First Meeting of each School Committee be held m the place appointed for the election, and immediately alter the election upon the same evening. The Board further, m accordance with the provisions of "The School Com mittees Election Act, 1890," calls upon the Householders m each of the districts to send m to the Chairman of the School Committee, m writing, on or before MONDAY, April 20th, the names of persons, being Householders, nominated by them for election to serve upon the Committee, Such nominations must be signed by the proposer, and by the candidate, and must be m the form set forth m the Schedule to the Act, or to the effect thereof. Forms of nomination may be obtained from the Schoolmaster or from the office of the Board. J. V. COLBORNE-VEEL, Secretary. Christchurch, April 4th, 1891. 4 44



WiTH.T£eTH •AisttCdT TCcLTB » CHRISrCHLROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets S. M™ AND C - SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin Mil Westport fTTE have gained thi FIRST AWARD VV " the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Dubable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al aiost immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITRODS OXIDE erAS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe} Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2a 6d. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost 4. ' AUTUMN, 1891. LATEST NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS isrow oisr view AT THIS NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. XnVERYTHING new, New Shirts, Jjy New Underclotning, New Scarfs and Bows, New Hats, New Suits for Men, New Suits for Boys. Everything new and of the LATEST FASHIONS. New Tweeds and Coatings for Measure Suits to hand. Impection Respectfully Solicited. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. W, H. WEBBER, Manager.



W. W. SpeneerATCo EXTENSION OF W. W. SI» ■•;**< JEM 4k CV» Gkbat Clearing Sam. LYing heavily overstocked, and m order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home m about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than ever. All Wool, colonial flannel, 10|d, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2s 3d the doz; Dress Goods 44d; Washing Prints, 2Ad, 3|d, and 4|d ; Waahing Muslin -- 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3|d j \i\ each ; a very large Towel 9£d, rj Pnow 6£d ; very good Ticking, m 6d: double width Sheeting, H <1 7JhJ; heavy white Linen Twill H 0 Sheeting, ll|d ; heavy cotton Shirting, 5Ad; Cretonnes, 4£d j l m Men's woollen Sox, lt|d; Boys' Vj Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d; W <J Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; & Men's good Tweei Suits. 22s Q _, 6d; Boys' Tweed Suits from l fX{ 4b lid ; Men's colored Moles r M 7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. n H 2« lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. £, |H Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's £] colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 9d j Girls' and Maids Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2s lld ; 3s lid, and 4s 6d at w. ir. spjexcjeh * coy THE ARCADE N.B.—We have this day purchased a Traveller's Set of Samples at a discount of 50 per cent. If you want a real bargain now is your chance. _ Tiie~Arca3er



LONGBEAOH COACH. 2N and after MONDAY, 6th April, the Longbeach Coach will leave the burton Post Office at 4 p.m. ; instead of at 5 p.m. as formerly. R. R. BROWNE 4 28 . Coachman. " MuNJBYJO JLjBND TITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TO_£sQoo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. , *~ f fiETA^HBURTONIiXIL" From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of subscription to this Journal will be as follows, viz:— IF FAID IS ADVANCK. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 7s 6d „ Half-year... 12s Od, by post 14s Od „ Year 20s Od, by post 26s Od IF BOOJfKD. 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 p»id for afc the time of insertion, 2s 6d each ; If booked, 4s each. Stamps may be sent as payment.



The belief is now general m Christchurch | that Mr J. B. Gresson cbinmitfced suicide. His financial affairs have been found to be m exti-eme confusion, and there is said to be a deficiency gf £30,Q0Q,