The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1891.? LOCAL AND GENERAL

At a meeting of the Ashburton UncUefc Club held last night it w^ decided <o hold a concert on Maich 24, on behalf ot the iuud ■> of the club. For the South Canterbury Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting 81 nor.iinations have been received for nine events. Several Ashburton horses appear among trie entries. The ■•■'•Oeraldine Times" a newspaper which started at Geraldine iv Janiiary last a a bi-weekly, and after two ■or three issues came down to a weekly, has ceased publics, tion. The Lyttelton petition asking the Go vernor to commute the Flanagans' sentence has been forwarded to tlie Minister of Justice. It bears 495 signatures. The stand-pipe to complete the new arrangement for water supply for the Borough water cart and fire prevention purposes hasj arrived, so it is expected that very soon the cart will be filled by gravita tion instead of by pumping as at present. The report of yesterday's proceedings at the Postal Convention at Sydney shows that the Government intend next session to in troduce penny postage throughout New Zealand, and that intercolonial penny postage will probably follow. ' L. R. Wylie, an engine driver on the main line, met with a painful accident on Thursday. He was on an engine at Palmerston when one of the steam gauges burst and a rush of steam.occurred, scalding him about the eyes so severely that one eye had to be removed. Arrangements have been completed for j carrying out the restoration of the Christ church Cathedral spire. The necessary con tracts will at once be let. The whole cost, which is considerably m excess of that originally contemplated, will be borne by the families of the late R. Heaton Rhodes and George Rhodes. Constable Daniel Flanagan, of Lyttelton, has been dismissed from the police force, his discharge dating from March 1, up to which date he received full pay. He also receives full retiring compensation—viz., one month's pay for every year of service. The Minister of Lands proposes to amend the conditions upon which land may be taken up under the village settlement scheme, so that persons may occupy tlie land for two years without payment. The amendments have been forwarded to Auckland to receive the assent of the Governor-iu-Council before being gazetted. In reference to an article on the new forage ■pla.nb,f t Lat7ii/rus Sllvestris, which appeared m our issue of Thursday last* we learn from the late Mr Whitefoord's representatives that the patch m cultivation at. Waverly is grow ing luxuriantly, but the plants, v/hioh number a few hundreds, are not yet ready for sale. They have to be planted out separately and will not seed this year. Next year, however, it is anticipated that a good crop will be obtained, and the seed will then probably be put on the market. In confirmation of what lias been written al'out the destructivequalities of the opossum, Mr Pankhurst of Lougwood, brought to the "Western Star" office a couple of apples that had been half nibbled away by the marsupials. He states that his garden is strewn with hundredweights of fruit which lias been similarly treated by the little animals. Mr Pankliurst, who lives within a mile Of the Longwood railway station,, says opossums abound near his place, and lie thinks it hard lines he is not. allowed to destroy them, as they are doing him no end of mischief. A ease which arose out of the recent affray with Chinese came up before hearing at the Dunedin Police Court on Thursday. Robert King, the companion of the un fortunate man who lost, his life, was sentenced to two months' imprisonment Avith hard labour for assisting Hey Loy. The bench m pronouncing sentence expressed a hoyo that larrikins aud others would Wke warning, and refrain m future from molesting in offensive Chinese. A meeting of the creditors of the well known firm of Benn and Co., Amberley, was held on Friday. The statement submitted showed Liabilities, secured. £11,210; un secured, £6497; total £17,707. Assets, m hands of secured creditors, £11.925 (ledger cost £15,301) ; stock aud book debts £3542 (cost £4224) total £15,4G7. Deficiency £2240. Mr Beim suggested that the estate should be carried ou by trustees, but the meeting decided m favour of a petition m bankruptcy being filed. Mr Benn estimated the estate to produce 7s Gd to 10s m the £ for the unsecured creditors. The DaWxi of Peace Lodge, 1.0. G.T., met last Thursday evening m the Teirplar Hall; there was a good attendance of members and visitors. Bro E. Andrews, 0.T., presided. The chief business of tlie evening was the election of Grand Lodge representative, recommending L.D. and nomination of D. deputy, which resulted as follows :—Bro G. W. Andrews, representative to Grand Ledge, whicli opens m Easter week at Nelson; Bro Gideon Scott, District Deputy, and Bro T. E. Kilworth, Lodge Deputy. Sister Man hi re was asked to read her paper for the good of the Order, at next meeting, to which she kindly consented. The Banner Fund was reported to be progressing favourably. A very pleasant meeting was spent. A largely attended meeting of the Com mittee of the Bicycle Club was held last evening. The Vice-Captain (Mr W. V. Bennetts) occupied the chair, owing tothecap tain being ill. Correspondence was read from Mr Cusack, the Christchurch delegate to the Alliance, re applications for reinstatement as amateurs; several members have already been reinstated, and otheis wishing to be dealt with m this respect should communi cate with the Secretary, Mr C. G. Moss, at once. Mr Adams, of Adams Curtie, and Co., of Christchurch, wrote offering the Club a gold medal to be competed for on Easter Monday. The offer was accepted with thanks. Great dissatisfaction was felt at the Pioneer Bicycle Club holding their meet ing on the same day.as the Ashburton Club, as they knew that the Club had made arrangements to hold their meeting on Easter fyfonday, The Secretary was instructed to write to the Christchuroh Clubs asking for their support. About £35 was allotted to prize money. A cup has been presented by Mr A. Black, and several other trophies are already offered, so that the Club will this year give good prizes. It was unanimously resolved to ask Major Steward to become the patron of the Club. Messrs Walls, Webber, and W. Mitchell were ap pointed a prize committee. Accounts amounting to £4 2s 6d Mere passed for pay ment and the meeting adjourned. The Best Remedy for I'kdioesti ox— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently ecommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to whicn we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the ' Natural Strengthened of- the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonio and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l^ci, 2s 9d, Us, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id 1

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton County Council was held yes terday. Present—Messra W. o.' Walker .(chairman), Hugo Frie'dlander, John 'Gvigg, James .Brown; W. McMillan, E< S. Coster, Duncan Cameron, E. G. Wright, and 0, J. Harper. chairman's statement. The Chairman rend his usual statement as follows : — The Minister of Lands writes to the Council stating that the Government is .desirous of assisting the Council upon the quoscum of irrigation, and will be srlad to receive any suggestions the Council may wish to make, or the Government will ob tain the latest information on this subject fi'.iin either India, America, or Australia, The Eangifcata and Upper Ashburton Road Boards forward copies of resolutions protesting against the resolution passed at; a meeting of ratepayers, that .the one third derived from the sale of deferred payment md perpetual lease lands be-ex pended fey a water supply. Mr Alington, Methven^ aska for the Council's authority i to sue for unregistered dogs—the Council agreeing at the last meeting that Mr j Alington should have the -riQc'essacy power. Messrs yilding and Lewis inform- the Council that.Mr Cass has withdrawn his letter of ihe 24th October, 2890, respecting bridge owthe water race on his property, and thathe intends to take proceedings against 'the Council under clause 277, CountieiJ Act 1886. The . Ashburton Borough Council draws the Council's attentioi to the unsatisfactory state of the flooring if the Ashburton traffic bridge, causing inconvenience and even danger to the springs of the vehicles crossing the bridge. . engineer's report. The Engineer's report was read as folloWSl— ;■■ • ■ /'■' .'" ;■■ ' ■ Plain* Water Supply.—There is a very good sioply m these races at present. The mains md sub-mains are charged to their full capacity. Indeed there is little scour their inability to overhaul properly while taking place m some instances, but as* the weather gets cooler ; a smaller supply will suffice. Several of the distributing races have bfen cleared m a more or less efficient manner, but most of the occupiers assert the prrsicnt supply of water, is running m the rates. There is no overflow at present, and the races m their present condition would carry on to beginning of June—the usual period of winter overhaul, and I would suggest that the balance of clearing be reserved till that time, when with the water shut oil'for a few days, the bottoms and sides can be thoroughly cleared, and the original widths and capacity attained. The nejv '-ace for Mr Hale has been completed, and the water turned into it. A great deal of absorption is taking place m part of it, but as it connects with the main only a short distance from the concrete channel at Pudding Hill Stream m which there is an abundant supply at present, none of the other races are subject to diminution m consequence. The deviation of the initial portion of the main at Acton has been com pleted, and is working satisfactorily. In order to hasten the prosecution of the work if the Council should decide to grant races for Blocks Nos. 1 and 2, Village Settlement, South Rakaia, -tenders- ■ are invited for the same to be m to-daj . A difficulty, having arisen as to the outlet, the alternative route for it has been specified separately, and this may be added or not as the Council thinks fit. These new races should bear some pro portion of the cost of enlarging mains and sub-mains, which must be undertaken m the near future, m order to keep up the supply for them, Irrigation.—With reference to the scheme from the upper Rakaia, which the Council has asked me to report on, I have carefully traversed the district, and have ob tained as much data as the time at my dis posal would admit of, with a view to making an early report on the project, which I may meantime state would be one of very con siderable magnitude. 'AKIiBX TBTO>f- irvASTjri!..VTA WATJSB Sui'l'LV. The supply m this district 'is'reaching, for. most part to lower end of races, several "f which, however, are<still m indifferent order. Actual waste has been checked, but occupiers here, as m other sections of the plains, request the shutting off of water m order to their making an efficient overhaul. 'The Willowby extension race has lately been somewhat intermittent, through some seem ing tampering with the race at Osborne's road, the effect of which is to divert the water towards Wheeler's Creek. The ranger will attend specially to this matter. Wheat stone races have a fairly good supply at present, but there is little or no margin of supply available for lower end of Wood's Creek, ■which, however, does not strictly speaking, form part of the pystem. The Watcrton settlers below Dawson's road, and also Mr John Dell above that road, are insufficiently supplied at present. These laces have no connection with a river supply, but are fed solely from springs which at present are nearly dry. The Ruapuna races are not yet finished. In connection with new I'aces now being made and applied for, it would be well to consider the propriety of some corresponding increase m the capacity of the mains. The sheets containing lists of cases of obstruction and waste m the various districts will be placed before you to-day. Thk Mount Sojieks and Ashburton Forks races have been well supplied for some time. County Bridges.—A further quantity of decking came to hand a fortnight ago. 1 Two of the piles of Taylor's Stream bridge and ; several corbels require renewal. I have arranged to have them replaced without delay RAOGERS' REPORT. The Rangers' sheets reporting cases of obstruction of water races and wnsfe of water were laid on the table. (We are compelled to hold them over: they dis closed a great deal of inattention on the part of landholders, a member of the Council figuring conspicuously.) CLEANING RACES. The suggestion of the Engineer, made m the first paragraph of his report, re garding the cleaning of races was agreed to. THE RAKAIA WATER RACES. Mr Wright read the following repor of the sub-Committee:—Water Supply to Village Settlement Blocks, No. 1 and 2, Rakaia. —On Thursday, February 12th, your Committee in spected the course of the proposed water races, as laid off by the Engi neer ; also the line through one °of the Acton paddocks, by which the races would be most conveniently re-united with the original race. Your Committee re gret that they were unable to meet Mr Allan, especially as that gentleman in formed the Engineer shortly before their arrival, that he would not consent to "the work, and that it must be referred to" Mr Brydone. As it appeared to yqur Com mittee that unreasonable, objections were being urged against the proposed work, and that it was possible to carry it out independently of the parties objecting, they agreed with the Engineer that the water might (at an increased cost) be carried alone the public road, outside of the Acton estate, and so avoid further delay m the execution of a work which has already been too Ion? postponed. Believing that this course would have the full approval of the Council, the Engineer was instructed toinyjtp. tenders fo°r the work, to be submitted for consideration at the present meeting.—Edward G. Wrtght, E. S. Cqster. Mr Coster said that the Rakaia Road Board had some funds belonging to the village settlements, $c., and were" willing to deyote these funds to the supply of water. He would second the report being adopted. Mr Brown supported the adoption of the report, and trusted all the tillage settlements would be treated the same. Messrs Brieclland^r and Grigg spoke m support of the report, but wished to know if the Rakaia Roa,d Board, would bear t]]e. expense. " ' - Mr Coster, %s Chairman of that Board, said a resolution to. do so had been passed; by the Board,,

JtACE,. CLEANING. Mr Wright moved that the cleaning of the races in' the Rangitata water supply system be taken 1 m hand at the end of April. Mr Brown seconded the motion, which was carried. ■' ' IRRIGATION FARM, Mr Harper, for the Irrigation Farm Committee, read the. Committee's report on the fjtrm, giving the.whole history of the experiment, from it's beginning to its close, aiid moved its adoption and printing for circulation. Mr Coster seconded. Mr Wright thought that the report without the figures of cost and returns wouU.be useless, and Mr Brown thought it w*s necessary that the quantity of water used m the experiments should be stated. Mr Harper replied that the quantity of Water might be ascertained and published, but objected to the publication of the accounts as they would be misleading. Aftar a long discussion—in the course of which Mr Grigg said that the increase of the* letting value of a racked out and impoverished farm from 3s to 10s 6d an acre should be satisfactory enough to the settlers—it was decided not to publish the report m the meantime. DEPUTATION. Messrs Bell and Protheroe attended m support of a petition presented to the Council, and bearing their signatnres and those of seven others, praying that the Council would revoke any permission given to any parties to interfere with the natural flow of Wheeler's and Spicer's Creeks, and to restore to the petitioners the natural advantages they enjoyed from the creeks prior to the diversion of the Abater from its natural flow. Messrs Grigsr, Brown, and Friedlander were appointed a Committee to inspect the locality with the engineer, and report to next meeting, IRRIGATION. .. f Mr .Friedlander, pursuant to notice, moved —"That the Engineer be instructed, to report, as to the cost of a complete system of irrigation for that part of the county lying between the south branch of the Ashburton and the Raftgitata, and ex tending from the vicinity of Shepherd's Bush and Anama estate to the main south line of railway, together with any contingent drainage that may be re quired." -.-■•'' • Mr Harper seconded and the motion was carried. Mr Friedlander asked liberty to with draw his motion to approach Government with a view to obtaining the services of an engineer versed m Indian irrigation, seeing that Government had been issuing circulars to the various bodies on a similar subject. Leave was granted. SMALL BIRDS NUISANCE. Mr Brown moved, according to notice "That 4s 2d per 100 be paid for full grown small birds heads, up to Ist June, 1891." Mr Grigg seconded. He said that his storekeeper had told him that 59,000 eggs had been brought m to him by the boys immediately around Longbeach homestead, v Mr Fooks had told him tha^i' fbr the Wakanui Road Board and the County Council lie had paid £175 ss. He was m favor of paying 5s for the heads of grown birds, so as to make ifc worth the while of rneu to undertake their des truction. The nuisance was now so great that very soon 20 per cent of the rates would be absorbed by it. Mr Harper would like to see poisoning carried on all the year round. Other members having spoken, ■Mr' Brown «;iid his idea was that the Council should eoase to buy poisoned wheat, but pay 4s 2d per hundred for heads-no .matter how obtained. The motion was carried. Mr Brown also moved, pursuant to notice; —" Thah for the purpose of thoroughly suppressing the small birds' ■nuisance,- it would be advisable "to intro duce-the sparrow hawk into the colony, and that the native hawks should be under the protection of the law." This motion would also include the merlin. Both sparrow hawks and merlins were known to be enemies to small birds. By the introduction of these birds the poultry yards might be endangered, but for him self he would be glad to see the whole of the poultry disappear if the small birds disappeared with them. Native hawks were not so destructive amongst the lamb as the gulls were. Mr Wrighc seconded the resolution. Mr Harper pointed out chat the hawk was protected by Act of Parliament. The resolution was adopted as an ex pression of the Council's opinion, and was ordered to be forwarded to the Minister for Agriculture. * Mr Grisg moved, without notice, "that payment for birds' heads be resumed after the period fixed by the Council for poison ing had expired. Mr Friedlander seconded and the motion was carried. Mr Friedlander moved that tenders be invited for 200 or more bushels of poisoned wheat for delivery by Ist June next, tenders to be m by next meeting." The motion was carried. WATER SUPPLY. Long discussions took place on Mr Harper's motion to improve the races m the Rangitata district so that all applica tions for new races could be granted, as well as' a supply for irrigating gardens ; and on Mr Wright's motion regarding the | impounding and disposal of the " thirds" subsidies for water supply purposes to the settlers. Both motions were lost. The report of the discussion appears m another column. Mr Friedlander moved—That with reference to the Various petitions sent m by Mr. Wright on behalf of the meetings held at the Hinds, Dromore, and Timvaid, and the several resolutions forwarded by the Upper Ashburton, Rangitata, and South Rakaia Road Boards, this Council take no action m the matter, but suggests to the petitioners if they cannot get~ their demands complied with by the Road Boards, to apply to the Minister for Lands, who has power, under section 22, sub-section 1 to determine how these thirds are to be expended. Seconded by Mr Harper and carried. , : ACCOUNTS, Accounts, to the amount of £300 were passed for payment. THE CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Mr Grigg, it was unanimously resolved—" Thatan honorar ium of £100 per annum be voted to. Mr Wai- j kerforhisservicesasChairmanof the Coun cil," all the/members speaking m high terms of praise of the manner" m which Mr Walker had always. discharged his duty as Chairman. The Council adjourned at half-past five i o clock.

COMMERCIAL NEWS

Christchurch Corn Ex- change.

The following is the Corn, Exchange report dated Friday, March 6th:-—The weather has hses aU that could be desired during the past week for completing harvest work, and iij is hoped that the damage will not be s*o serious as was anticipated. The advent of several large grain sh,ips, together with the hjwlening, tendency of the English marked, fyis had flic. effect of firming the local market for Wheat, and buyers are more anxious to operate. Oath ase still lifeless, only prime filling meeting wjtth anything like a dem.an.ti Barley is beijig largely deal^ &u d prhfie malting firnily iflanrtama our quotations, but anything!of secondary quality has a very drooping tendency. Grass Seeds—Ryegrass is ea^c* on account of the North {slaud demand slackening of, '< Cocksfoot is fairly good Property at quotations. We hear of sales pf Kidney Potatoes for prompt delivery, at 30s at country stations, also. Derwents at 25s r>ff the forks m May. Dairy I'roduc% ia stationary, batter seeing more trade than

Quotations :—Prime milling Tuscan, 3s { 5d to 3s 6d; Pearl, 3a 4d; Hunter's, 3s 2d ; whole chick, 3s ; broken* 2s 4d to2s 6d. Oats, milling, Is 8d ; short feed, Is 64 to Is 7d; long and inferior, Is 4d to Is sd. Barley, prime malting, 3s 3d; medium, 2s 8d to 2s lOd; feed, la 9<i to 2s. P*««>> Prussian blues, 3s to 3s 3d ; fc"»» zi ed t0 2s 9d. Potatoes, kidney, 303 country stations (tendency dowurfurd). Grass seeds, town machine dressed, os to 5s 3d ; fanners', 3s (id to 4s; cocksfoot, 4d to 4?d. .Dairy Produce, batter factory make, 7d_ to 8d ; fanners' Jots, Old to 7d ; ohee&e, loaf shape, ■Id ; larger sizes, 3^d to 3£d. . The above prices are those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton. Sacks extra.

Ashburton Stock Market

Mr ,D. Thomas reports upon the live stock market for the week ending 6th March as follows :—- r on Tuesday at Tinyald Yards an entry 6f close upon 12,500 sheep was penned, amongst them being a large number of really good lines of crossbred two-tooth and four-tooth . sheep; all' of which found buyers at satisfactory prices, Taken all round the sheep were of a better class than we have lately been accustomed to see, and whilst some pedple pay that prices were, down I could not see it. Biddings m some cases dragged a little, but when the number of sheep is taken into account a most satisfactory clear ance was effected. The day itself was enough to cause any slight hesitancy that might be apparent on the part of buyers, as it blew one of the old sort pf nor'-westers, and the auctioneers had a most disagreeable day of it. There Was a very large attend ance of farmers and others interested, most of them bent oh buying, others wanted to do ho but didn't because they thought the prices too high. The totals yarded for the day were 12,432 sheep, 18 head of cattle, and 41 pigs ; of which my entry consisted of 4674 sheep, 17 cattle, and 1 pig, all of which were sold except one, small line of first-cross lambs,, at these prices, viz. :—3l crossbred ewes, ,6s 9d; .20 lambs, 7s 9d; 12 lambs ; Us 3d; 59 fat crossbred ewes, 6s lOd; 26 merino'cull?, Is 4d ; 200 broken mouth merino ewes, Is Id; 383 crossbred two-tooths, 10s Id; 256 broken mouth cross-, bred ewes, lls lid; 132 first-cross lambs, 6s Id i 137 broken mouth crossbred ewes, 4s 6d; 108 crossbred lambs, 5s 3d ; 61 merino ewes, ,4s 8d;, 36 crossbred lambs, 6s 9d; 334 cull merino ewes, Is lid; 234 crossbred lambs, 7s 4d; 100, second cross two-tooths, 10s; 312 second cri)ss,twp-tooths, 9s lOd; 539 merino ewes, 4s; 400 crossbred lambs, 8s Id ; 55 cull lambs, 4s 6d ; 85 merino culls, Is 5d;;301 crossbred lambs, 9s lOd; 194 mixed crossbreds, 10s 2d ; 191 mixed cross breds, lls 6d ; 210 crossbred lambs, 7s lOd; etc. In cattle the demand was very poor, but I cleared most of entry. During the week I have sold SOO merino lambs at 4s ; 1261 crosssbred lambs at 9s l^d; 375 lambs at 7s ; *100 merino ewes at 4s 6d. Last Friday I held a hioSt satisfactory clearing sale for Mr H. East, Ashburton Forks, where the values obtained (for horses £28 15s, drays to £18, etc.) reminded one very much of values that used to be obtained m this district m 1878 and 1879. Every thing was cleared to the satisfaction of the vendor.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, report upon the live stock market for the week ending 6th March as follows :—At the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday there Was the largest entry of the season, about 11,000 sheep were yarded. The attendance was very large, and prices for good ydung cronsbreds were fully main tained. Ev Tery lot of this class was keenly competed for, .which' was also the case for crossbred breeding ewes. The following were the prices realised : —Two-tooth crosstireds, 9s 6d, 10s, 11s to. 12s 6d ; four-tooth cross, breds, 13s Id; crossbred ewes from fls 6d to 9s for aged, and np to 10s 3d for sound mouth ; crossbred lambs, 8s 9d, 9s to 10s 3d for good sorts, and from 4s 6d to 7s lOd for inferior; merino ewes were mostly of in ferior sorts and realised from Is Id; Is4dand Is 8d to 3s 9d and 4s for better sorts ; but good straight lines from stations have not been yarded yet. There are plenty enquiries for these sorts, biifc farmers and breeders are holding back for the annual Ram and Ewe Fair.

Messrs Miles and Co. per Mr G. Jameson report on the weekly" sale of- stock held at the Tinvald : Yards, on Tuesday last, as follows : -There was a large entry of sheep including some good ; lines of two-tooth crossbreus of mixed sexes, some sound nioutli crossbred ewes, and a grand line of 880 two-tooth- half-bred wethers; sent m by Mr C. J. Harper. The fat sheep consisted chiefly of old crossbred ewes for which there was only fair, competition. The at tendance of farmers and dealers was larger than usual, and all classes of sound young sheep sold readily at good prices, l<'or sound mouth crossbred and merino ewes and cross bred lambs there is a good demand. The total number of sheep yarded was 12,432; our entry comprised 7653, and our sales were as follows :—SO old ewes, Is 6d ; 404 four-tooth crossbred wethers^ 13s \A \ 187 two-tooth crossbreds, 8s 6d ; 30(5 merino eAVes, 3s fld; 537 two-tooth crossbreds, Us Id; 590 lambs, 8a Gd ; 280 lambs, 5s lOd ; 25 fat ewes^lOs Id ; 150 crossbred ewes, 9s 3d; 500 crossbred ewes, 9s ; 47 four-tooth crossbreds, 10s 9d; 244 two-tooth crossbreds, 10s 7d ; 61 four, six, and ei<?hf.-tooth ewes, 9s lid; 11 cross bred ewes, 6s sd: 80 merino ewes, 3s Id; 33 merino ewes, Is 4d; 242 two-tooth crossbreds, 9s Id; 205 merino ewes, Is 4d; 96fat merino ewes, 5s lid; 281 two-toobh crossbreds, 10s Id ; 878 two-rodfch crossbred wethers, 12s 6d; 72 fat crossbred ewes, 9s 6d; 83 fat lambs, 9s j 70 lambs, 6s 8d• 153 crossbred ewes, 5s ; 225 crossbred ewes, 7s 6d; 57 fat crossbred ewes, 9s 3d; 120 cross breds, to to eight-tootli, 12s ;■ 16 meriilo wethers, Is 6d ; 265 two-tooth ewes and wethers, 10s .10d; 153 two-tooth crossbreds, 9s 9d. Privately during the week we have disposed of 1400 crossbred ewes at a satis factory price ; .1(10 merino wethers at 9s, and 12 head'of fat cattle. 1:

[per press association,] [Received March 7. 11 a.m.] \ \ Lo>:i>oif, March 5. ; 1 New Zealand lone-berried wheat, 39s 9d, market firm. New Zealand wheat on passage, sellers 38s 6d, buyers 38s. Mutton, Canterbury, 4sd ; Wellington, 4M- New Zealand beef, forequarters, 3 lt-16d. South Australian wheat 40s 6cl, mark^ weaker; Victoria do. 40s, firm.

The Postal Conference.

|/»ER VKEHS ASSOCIATION.] Sydney, March <*>„ At the Postal Conference co-day it was announced that the, ]Sfew Zealand and Queensland Governments would stand pvit oi the. Eastern Extension cable agreement. Mr Ward explained that his Government had finally made, up their'-mind that the advantages pro posed were not of sufficient benefit to the colony to induce them to incur so great an expenditure. The delegates of those colonies who have entered into the agreement comraentietitm the action of the New Zealand and Queensland Governments, describing it as. un friendly m view of the federation now under discussion. Mr Ward, replying, I thought the allusion to federation was unwise, as the Postal Conference should «ot attempt to create a hostile,feeling Cm this question white ijt was under debate m another- Conference. Mr J. (1. Buffy, Postmaster-General [of Victoria.* moved—" That the inter leobnial postage be reduced to one, penny." Mr Ward seconded th,s »olion pro forma. In doing $$, he stated that hit} Government tsojo^emplated next session QS.talaJishing a penny postage within. New Zealand, which meant a reaction m revenue of £30,(300 |Le favored a redirection m, intercolonial postage but pointed out that they Must make the reform by degrees;' 1 therefore, until the reduction m his colony had been^ es^ablishqd, he could

mot support 1 the proposal of the lost muster-General of Victoria. The motion was adjourned. A motion was carried dealing with Wtiers relating to sweeps m. a uniform manner. . T"e Committee appointed to inquire into the cable question recommend that the two colonies, New Zealand and Queensland, which stand out of the-agreement, should be rcrmhv.il to pay the present 'rates,' subject to the consent of the Cable Company, who have been communicated with.

The Federal Convention.

[PER FKKSh ASSOCIATION.] Sydmky, March 6- Mr E. Barton, JST.S.W., resumed the debate at the Federal Convention this morning. The question of a guarantee with regard to the tariff raised a diffi -3 culfc point. lie felt somewhat m I accord with Mr Deakin m this matter, and means might be provided for giving effect to his suggestions. Referring to the first resolution, he would like to see something that would satisfy all. He .urged that the territory of any province should not be subject to ab sorption by another province without the consent of the province interested. He would like to see some guarantee given m this direction, for unless the territorial rights were conserved, federation would be well nigh im possible. He considered this was one of the State rights which Mr Deakin enquired about. In addition to its general functions, the Senate should be»the guardian of these rights. The Senate formed on some such basis as that of the United States would con serve all rights. Tt did not follow that the House alone represented the people. He contented that the Senate also did so. If a Prime Chamber rested on universal suffrage, which he trusted it would do, it would give preponderating: power. It was impossible to see the end of the friction of the power of veto over details which were withheld from the Senate. It would be better to prevent such deadlocks by not confining the voto m gloho. The power of vetoing details would lessen rather than increase friction be tween the two Houses. The friction that would arise would be between States m their political capacities.; State rightsmust be so protected that. no suspicion could arise m the minds of those representing . smaller States. When they considered the great size of the colonies they had to deal with, it became the more incumbent on them to safeguard their rights.. The Judi ciary Court must have power to enforce its decrees throughout the length and breadth of the hind,: otherwise Federal laws would lose their value. The wider ita jurisdiction the safer federa tion would be. They would be more likely; to preserve harmony by ' en trusting the interpretation of the laws to a tribunal which; would deal with the citizens than by leaving it m the hands of. those who act between State and State. There might be exceptional cases, involving Imperial interests, which it would be necessary to refer to the Privy Council, . otherwise he advocated the abolition 'of the jurisdiction of the Privy Council. The latter was not one whit superior to the judiciary which could be con- r stituted, here. There was anvple material for the constitution xA a Court to which no citizen should" fear to entrust his appeal. He, thought they must make the MinisWlal power responsible to the House, He did^not think it dangerous to do so, and' be sides, it would tnake the Constitution work better. He did not like the suggestion that a proportion .of the members should retire on the vote of one or both Houses. He admitted certain phases of the Constitution must be left to develop themselves, but they must have the choice of two things, either dissociation of the Exe cutive as m the United States, or' the ordinary principle of Constitutional Government. Personally, "he believed they would find it safer to follow the old lines than to rely on the segrega tion of Ministers, who 'would be hampered by being amenable to the President. . Sir J. DownerS. A. believed they could follow no better example than that of the United States m the constitution of the two Houses, and the latter's federation of independent States,,but not amalgamation into one Empire. The United States got over the diffi culty we were now encountering by the recognition of the State m one Chamber and the people m the other. As re gards powers they were co-oaxKnate, with the exception of the right to introduce money Bills,, and then the constitution worked as satisfactorily to smaller States as it did to larger ones. There was a natural desire to look to the Government from which they [sprang for precedents; but Great Britain furnished no such precedent, therefore they had io look to the ex perience of other countries. Suppose- Government were made responsible to the House, they would see m future that the authority of the Senate would gradually dwindle till it becamo abso lutely subject to that of the House. The difficulty respecting the execu tive wa& far greater than that; of tho constitution of the two Houses, and it. was impossible to conceive th&' rights of the States of the Government solely respons ible to the House. For instance take two colonies, Victoria and New South Wales, probably representing as eight to three. The result would un doubtedly be that these colonies, by f settling their ancient feuds and reinov f ing the Customs barrier, could select a. Government exclusively for themselves,, j and smaller colonies would have- no voice m the Government, therefore the \ Executive authority must rest with 'both Houses. Under the circum stances possibly the Swiss system might be resorted to, then there would be a Government having the confidence of the. fclotts^ while not being responsible iw> 5t iti the ordinary sense. The Go -1 vernmont, too, would be ,much more consistent than a .Government which can only exist under the Empire. He entirety agreed with the remarks which /Wl from , Mr Barton respecting the judiciary^ A strong judiciary was an absolute necessity to strong federation., : Isfaere was, ho thought, no necessity for an appeal to be .made to.the Privy- Council for the reasons:—-(1).. that ! justice should be speedy; (2), that they skptdd, trust their owa tribunals, and

ffit ASMBtftITOK GUABPtAK, MAfiCH 7, 1891



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds influenza, etc. —the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and modieal syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official repprts tb,at accom pany each bottle. Hosier, M.8., Brofessor University, Griefswald, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently suc cessful jn very severe contusions, bruises, Bpiains, wounds, scaldings, broken ribs, and Umbs, ("Medical Journal," Nov., 1881. In diseases Qf £hp kidneys, ejl.he,r active cqn gestion or suppression, (urcemai) or albumi, nuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing will equa m its action Elucalypti Extract. D,oses five to six drops. Hosier, M.D., Professor University, Griefswald, reports :—Diphthe, fja. Tousi|s cqijtiiuially cqhereiit printing I filaei-4 witlj white exuaats.' Cured iii' four teen (Jays. Surgical Clinic qf Prof. M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. ■Louis—Scirrhus of Breast—-Excisiqn Euca fyP?i Extract employed. No swelling, heat, or diecotoratioa. Oui'fcd m fourt«eij da*ys. ■ -A4vt3 j



Waateu CASH Advertisements under this beading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Offi*« LATEST Varieties m Fancy Glass Ornaments ; now opening, up from 2s 6d pair.—H. M. Jonks, WANTED to tiike m plain sewing and machine stitching. For address apply by letter, A.8., "Mail" Office. 3 50 ANTBDJ^-Youug Cow m milk ; small Ayrshire preferred ; must.be quiet. Apply, stating price, to "5.1." " Guardian " office. 3 38 I TTT ANTED Known I.—Mrsl.—Mrs .1. Buch ' VV anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. TRY the Great Drapery Sale now on at H. 0. Segek.h. WANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buoh- AN.AN, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Co's, East Street. PRESENTS.— All holders of Tickets will oblige by bringing them m as soon as possible.— H. C. Se«ers, Melford House. /"POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream V_y as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. WANTED Known —Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at a The Corner." WANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens ladies and Children.—W. H. Collier. WANTED every man in' the County to have ft suit of the Ashburton- Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, xlshburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. QEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart C^ ments now on. One trial solicited. - Melford House. a LASS, Earthenware, and China, direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED, by elderly man, situation on Farm or with private family. | Willing to make himself useful. Capable of instructing children m Latin, English", Mathematics, &c. Salary no object. Address R.M., care of Mr RowbottoMj East Street, Ashburton. 3 40 t I 7" ANTED Known—The Cheapest VV Shop to buy Tin war*? and Gal vahised Iron goods m Ashbai-ton, is at W. F. Ka-NNAforl-'s, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin andiron ware goods made and repaired with des patch . "VTOW ON —At Stationers' Hall, _L\ Great Sale of Surplus Stock of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one month only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. Andrewes & Co.'s, Stationers Hall. Public Notices, WITH TEETff A'/KCJT TiXTH CHRIS roil CRUTI DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Oashel and High streets O "UTERS AND riO. SURGEON DENTIST And at Duuedin anJ Westport 4TTE have gained ilu FIRST AWARD VV "* the Dunodin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli tinces for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that v/e guarantee the. highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Coniple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al .nost immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE CtAS 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, <2s 6d. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost, r*\ ENTLEMEN requiring the very \JC latest fashion m FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice stock at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Soarfa, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shirts, buttoned and laced fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. SUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 2s 6d. Increasing demand for these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. B.OYS' School Suits, well fitting, durable, and moderate m price at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. AGENTS for the Wonderful New High Arm " Wf.rtheim ' Sewing Machines. Latest improvements, new appliances, noiseless motion, increased advantages. ALL who have used fehe " Wertheim ' New High Arm sewing machine, proclaim it to be the most perfect sewinsr machine yet produced. Inspection invitad, 'VJE VY ZEALAND CLOTHING XN FACTORY, the leading Hat, Cap, and Clothing Manufacturers, EAST STREET, ASHBUBTON Agent for the Wonderful Wertheim Sewing Machine . W. H- VJOBiJEB, •.  . .. Manner.



Public Notices. OOLE AGENT FOR O jF. WALCOT'S GOLD MEDAL Emery Sharps liing Stones, HENBY ZANDEB, 3 2 ASH&UKTON SINGING. A LADY (now resident m Christ- J.X. church), thoroughly competent to teach Singing, is desirous of obtaining pupils m Aslfburton. Lessons at their own residences. Apply " Alpha," Mail Office. 9. 106 | THE MIRROR. I A HIGH-CLASS Weekly, Social Political, Literary, and Dramatic paper, to be published every FRIDAY price 3d, by the Centennial Printing and Publishing Company, Limited, Melbourne I Terace, Rus*el) Street Melbourne. THE ASHBURTON MAIL From and after the 30th November, 1886, the terms of subscription to this Journal will be as follows, viz:— IF PAID IN ADVAIsCE. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 7s 6d „ Half-year... 12s Od, by post 14s Od „ Year 20s Od, by post 26s Od . IJF BOOKED. Per Quarter ... 6s 6d, by post 8s Od „ Half-year... 13s Od, by post 16s Od „ Year 26s Od, by post 32s Od ■Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the t i>ne of insertion, 2s 6d each ; if booked, 4s each. Stamps may be sent as payment. ,: 1 > ART NEEDLEWORK, AND FANOY BEPOSITO RY EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. Mrs Adams IS now showing some nice designs m Plush, Canvas, Raised Woolwork, Crash, Arresene, New Shades m Macrame, Tinsel Silks, Filloselle, New 1 Transfers, Cords, Tassels, and Fringes, Braces and Smoking Caps ready for working. China, Glass, and Japanese Ornaments m great variety. Wedding and Birthday Gifts.; Agents for Mes dames Weigel and Butterick's cut paper patterns, and Eclipse Dye Works. Re ijistry Office for Servants. Mr W. F. Thompson, 8U R G E O NT\ E N'T I S T, URGE ON JJeNTIST, 218 HIGH STREET, CHRISTOHURCH Hours—lo a.m. to 6 p,m. Having purchased Dr N. A. Neely's Dental practice, MR THOMPSON may be consulted at the above address. 211 MONEY TO LEND. IITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TO^Jgsooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Ajjent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. JAMES BAKER, TIMBEB MERCHANT, AND GENERAL FURNITURE V«D FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, HAVELOCK STREET, Opposite Harrisons Auction Mart, TTWPvNITURE and Picture Frames JL^ undo to order m any design at shortest notice. Sole Agent m Ashburton for Clegg's Perambulators. A^so WIE3NEK PIANOS. HI Will TT7E ARE CASH PURCHASERS OP Seconds Wheat m any q van t i t y A.t Hijrlicst Marketßates ROLLITT & CO. 2 121 &. Jl>. O E V M O U R SURGEON DENTIST, 15 Colombo Street (new Buildings nca Corner of Gloucester Street.) Established 1860 l Scale of Chaises : Extraction, 2s (id per tooth ; fillings, 5s l'tsr to.jth. A reduction made.where a number require ] attending. ARTIFICIAL TEETH. The charges for artificial teeth are made , with a view to strict economy, regulated by .such circumstances as cases present, or j such nmterials as pafcitnts prefer. Par i liculars given on application. Consulta . tion free. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) adtninistorod when required. Attendance, 16 a.m. to 0 p.m. lit -Gfotpjiuo Street, Ciiiustchurch.



.public Notices. tHE DOMESTIC PAPER PATTERNS OF NEW YORK. M It H P <l I» E WISHES to inform her many Friends and Customer.-* th«ifc sh« has the Agency of the above celebrated Patterns, that by each San Francisco Mail will RECEIVE NEW ONES. —Also— Price 3d Monthly. THIS BIJOU ART NEEDLEWORK DKPOT, Morten's Buildings, Opposite Bank New Zealand, O HRISTCHURCH. . ' 230 j "} ■ & (~) W. H. COLLIKR W. H. Collies. is now The Corner W. H. Collikr Thk Corner W. H. Collier showing The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier NEW The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier and The Corner W. H. Collier t^m The Corner W. H- CoIIierCHOICE The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier MILLINERY The Corner W. H. Collier ULSTERS, The Corner ' W. H. Collier JACKETS, The Corner W. H. Colieriv RIBBONS, The Corner W. H. Collier FURS, The Corner W.H. Collier GI,OVES, The Corner W. H. Collier DRAPERY, The Corner W. H. Collier etc., etc*, The Corner W.H-Collier far the The Corner W. H. Collier . mwtw _ The Corner W. H. Collier ATirJW The Corner W.H. Collier Wl i|!2 f . The Corner W. H. Collier **"*■•■• The Corner W. H. Collier SEASON. The Corner W. H. Collier — The Corner W. H. Collier The Balance The Corner W. H. Collier ok The Corner W. H. Collier SUMMER !'«« Corner W. H. Collikr STOCK THs Corner W.H. Collier is still being ,'Phr Corner \ W. H. Collier The Corner W.H. Collier OFF The Corner W.H. Collier The Corner W, H» Collier CHEAP The Corner W. H. Collier to make room The Corner W. H. Collier for The Corner W. H. Collier NEW GOODS The Corner W.H. Collier arriving. The Corner "Tte Corner," W7W7fipencer &€o m ~~ EXTENSION OF Great Clearing Sale. Bfting 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, 10id, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2s 3d the doz; Dress Goods Ud ; Washing Prints, 2|d, 3|d, and 4-|d ; Washing Muslin 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3kl j pi] each ; a very large Towel 9|d, £j Onow 6|d ; very good Ticking, ft 6d: double width Sheeting,  7M; heavy white Linen Twill H fl Sheeting, 11-^1 ;' heavy cotton U Shirting, s£d'; Cretonnes, 4|d ; l fg Men's woollen Sox, 1 Hd; lioys' p H Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; H <^ Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; J Men's good Tweed Suits, 22s Q H6d ; Boys' Tweed Suits from k 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles r M 7s 6d, now 5s 11 <f; Boys' do. r. W 2s lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. U Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's \J] colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boy« strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 9d; Girls' and Maids' Kid i Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2s lid. 3s lid, and 4s 6d at w. vr. BWEmcmm * c»'» 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. The Arcade. THE GOIOIUI IMMME fOMPANV OF NEW ZEALAMI (FIRE AND MARINE) ' ffIHE Business of this Company has I been TRANSFERRED to the COMMPRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and Agencies m New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled m future. F. ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington', New Zealand, • December 11th, 1890. THE COMMERCIAL UNION ASSUK ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861, Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,5Q0.0Q0 ' Total Invested Funds ... 2,351,707 Total Annual Nett Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE Fait NEW ZEALAND : Lariibton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia and Now Zealand. General BJanaircr for New Zealand : FIIAJS'K ALLEN, J P. Every tl««sription of tire nd Marine l insurance vifeaUid at iiOWEST CtttUJStfT BATES CUFF fr Gift AJI AM, Managers for CiUiUybjurj', Christd«ii!rJi