The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1891. THE PROBATION ACT.

One of the most truly philanthropic schemes ever brought into operation m this colony was the First Offenders' Probation Act. "Unfortunately many philanthropic schemes prove to be im practicable m working, but this Act, although many onslaughts have been made upon its principle and adminis tration, has without doubt been not only practical, but most beneficent m its operation. In the annual report of the. Inspector of Prisons, Colonel Hume, the inspector, states that the Act continues to work smoothly and well, and generally carries out the in tention with which it was introduced. It has, he says, certainly rescued many from a career of crime. During the past year 93 offenders were brought under its provisions, against 83 m 1889. Of these 44 satisfactorily carried out the conditions of their licenses' and were discharged. Two were re-ar rested and committed to prison, two absconded, and one died. A provision m the Act authorises magistrates and judges to order offenders to pay the costs of their prosecutions. Of £261 ordered by the courts to be so paid £103 was actually paid, while the remainder now due will be paid m in stalments. The approximate cost of keeping these offenders m prison had not the Act been m operation would have been £2400, which, if added t> the amount of costs actually paid, gives a saving of £2503 for the year. Since the Act came into force m October 1886 376 persons have been placed on probation, of whom 293 were dis charged after completing terms ot the licenses, and 16 were re-arrested and sentenced to various terms of imprison ment, 2 died, 5 absconded, and 60 are still on probation. In direct refutation of the charge that has been made that offenders are admitted indiscriminately to probation, Colonel Hume speaks highly of the interest displayed by the probation officers, and says that though they receive no remuneration thpy could not take more trouble, or exercise more careful discrimination, even if substantial salaries had been paid. He contrasts the American with the New Zealand plan of re formation, greatly to the advantage of the latter. American criminal statistics showed that whernas m 1850 every million inhabitants m that country contributed 291 prisoners, the pro portion of prisoners to population rosg to 853 m 1870, and as high as 116,9 per million m 1880, while last year s census appears to indicate a still further increase of criminality, there being 10,000 more convicts than m 1880. So much for the reformation m gaols, and graded and intermediate systems carried out m Elmira and other American prisons. Turning to our Act, what was found? A steady but sure decrease of crime. In 1882 the proportion of prisoners to the population was 0471, while m 1890 it was only 0-085. There is every reason to believe and hope that the more the judicious exercise of the pro visions of the First Offenders' Pro bation Act is extended, the greater m a corresponding degree will be the decrease of crime m New Zealand.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A slight shock of earthquake was felt at Christchurch at 10.25 yesterday morning. Slight, shocks of earthquake were ex perienced m various parts ol the Middle Island yesfef-day morning. The annual "meeting of the Ashburton A. and P. Association will be held at three o'clock this afternoon, at the Arcade Chambers. The Committee of the Canterbury Agri cultural and Pastoral Association .passed, a resolution on Monday condemning the taxa tion proposals of the Government'as opposed to the interests of the farmers. In his annual report as Inspector of prisons, Colonel Hume defends the Milford Sound scheme, and says:—"The false hojds published from time to time about prisoners wandering m the bush miles away from their camp unattended by warders are evidently the work of interested individuals who perhaps cannot now blackmail tourists to the extent they could before the establishment of the camp there."

In order to wish a fitting farewell to Mr Eobert McOwen, who has for many years been .'manager of the Ashburton Branch of the Bank of New Zealand, and has now been appointed to the management of the Invercargili branch of the Bank, he will be entertained at dinner to-night, at the Commercial Hotel, by his Ashburton friends. Parties on the look out for choice wedding i presents, should call into Mr Andrew Black's, premises m East Street and inspect the stock there. Mr Black lias just had a large glass case fitted up for the display of silver ware etc., consisting of silver cups, cruets, sugar and creams sets, also afternoon sets, butter knives, biscuit barrels, egg frames etc., etc., —[Adv.fc]. , Mr& R. C. Tovey, a lady who comes with high recommendations from Nelson and Wellington, having beefrlatdiM dressmaker for many years to Mr T. R. Hooder, a name not unknown m Ashburton, has commenced business m Saunders' Buildings. Mrs Tovey will be ready to make ladies'garments of every description, guaranteeing excellence of work, fit, and style, being always shoulder to shoulder with the latest fashion. Some consignments which were forwarded by rail yesterday morning showed the distance to which Ashburton ljafinutactures now travel. There were woollen "goods from the Canter bury Woollen Mills here for Wellington, poisoned wheat for Invercargili, Page's patent wire coiling machine for Nelson, and nursery trees for Timaru ; no doubt Canter bury Mills' flour for the North Island or Australia was also m evidence. This says much for the goods turned piifc here—it may be taken for granted that nothing inferior or mediocre would be sent to such'distances. This week's canard about the Government is that "m the event of Mr.Ballance taking the Agent-Generalship Sir Robert Stout; will be called to the Legislative Council and will become Premier. " The cannardist is " as sured, however, on good authority that there is no probability of Sir Robert Stout taking such a position. Indeed a niember of the House positively stated to several people on Saturday that he had good reason to believe that Sir George Grey would succeed Mrßal lance as Premier if the latter went Home as Agent-General." s> t 3 ;; The National Mutual Lite Association of Australasia, an energetic and highly popular office, remind their intending patrons, (by advertisement elsewhere) that by effecting policies before September 30 next, such policy holders will participate m the next bonus to be declared at the elbseof ' the year 1892. It being well known that the bonuses declared by this very popular •ffice are large and always promptly declared those intending to participate, would do well to interview without delay, the well-known travelling agent of the Comqxny, Mr T. E. Walton. The " North Otago Times " reports that it lis expected about 4000 tons of building stone quarried ,»* Otiake will be sent to Melbourne. Some time ago the City Council of Melbourne began the erection of public market buildings with a stone procurable m Victoria, but before the. building had been far advanced the particular kind of stone ran out, and it was therefore necessary to look elsewhere. It was eventually ascertained that at Otiake there was a deposit of stone that would work m with that already use m the building, and two gentlemen connected with the trade visited the district with the result, it is believed, that the quantity referred to Will be shipped. An amusing instance of imperfect hearing is reported from the House. "Unfortu nately," said Mr Saunders, m the course of his speech, ".The Oppositionjare very weak m this house. : Ido not mean weak intellec tually ; they are weak numerically, and as they lose their tempers very much we cannot say their growth of morals is very strong. They even go so far as to swear when ad dressing the House."—Hon. Members : " Who did ?"—Mr Saunders: "He said the Government were driving the country to the devil." —Amid roars of laughter it was ex p'.ained that the words really used were "to a. deficit." Mr Buckland volunteered the opinion that there was not much difference, and after heartily laughing at his own mis take Mr Saunders went on"with his oration.

A circumstance which illustrates' the veneered, savagery of the Maori is; (the " Kangitikei Advoeite " bears) taking place at Porewa at present. The wite of Rangipo, it is said, is suffering from some internal cancerous affection, and recently a doctor was called m to prescribe. The medicines, prescribed by him were very likely to have cured the woman, but at this juncture a peri patetic Maori prophet appeared on the scene ami himself undertook the cure of the case. His prophetship's remedy certainly has the merit of simplicity, and consists m dipping the patient, m the cold waters of the Porewa twice a day.

Mounted constable Willshire has been found innocent of a charge brought against him of murdering two aboriginals m. the neighbourhood of Alice Springs, Central Australia. He was alleged to have had two blackfellows named Donkey and Roger shot by native trackers under his command. The evidence given by the blacks' was very con tradictory. One of them stated that they were ordered to shoot Donkey and Roger because they had taken away Wiltshire's lubra. According to another witness Will shire and the trackers tried to arrest the natives, and only fired to prevent their escape.

A general meeting of the Cycling Club was held on Friday last, Mr W. F. Bennetts occupying the chair. There were thirty-five members present, It .was resolved to ask the Borough Council to proceed with the necessary alterations m the track as soon as possible to enable riders to begin training for the forthcoming races m Christ church. The annual meeting of the Club was fixed for Thursday, September 3. Great regret was felt at the loss of one of the most energetic members of the Club, Mr T. Wall, A who. leaves for the the North Island. Mr. Wall will be very much missed by the members of the Club, always being to the front) m lending a hand to further the interest* of the Club, not only m keeping up its repu-, tation at the race meetings, but m every other possible way; and a hearty vote.of thanks was accorded to that gentleman for his services,

Aba meeting of the Directors of the If ew Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, held at Christchurch on Saturday, the following resolutions were unanimously carried:--" That the Directors of this institution view with much alarm the taxation proposals now before Parliament, and offer their strongest protest against the same. In their opinion these proposals are caieulated to damage the farming interest, and to create distrust m the country industries." " That the weight of taxation will be saddled on to the country settlers, whose industry cannot be protected by the Customs tariff, the prices of whose products must be regulated by the markets of t.i: world." "It is also their opinion that this is a class tax of the worst description, and they cannqt too strongly condemn the progessjve clauses; a§ unnecessary, and a repudiation of the colony's contract with the pioneer sellers." That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to all She members of both Houses, and to the various Farmers' Societies throughout New Zealand."

TELEGRAPHTC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[PER PKES9 ASSOCIATION,

EUROPEAN TARIFFS.. London, August it. •The countries of Central Europe,' with the exception of Switzerland, are arranging for reciprocal commercial relations, COMMERCIAL.

London, August 8. Tlie English wheat market is de pressed ; the Continental is advancing;, the ■■American is changing a little for the worse. Tallow, medium mutton, 26s 6d; ditto beef, 25s 6d. .Antimony, £46, nominal.

BRITISH TRADE. The imports during the last month show a decrease of £250,000, and the exports of £2,380,000.

TEE AMERICAN WHEAT SUPPLY.

Washington, August 9. The American authorities consider it possible that the harvest estimates will have to be modified. The maxi mum supply for export will not be more than 50,000,000 quarters, whilst the minimum required is 48,000,000. London, August 10, The "Daily News" says that the American surplus is even now saving Europe from a bread famine. A PRIVILEGED WITNESS.

The Queen's Bench refused to commit; Mr P. Wootton Isaacs, M.P. for tePS^> for contempt m refusing to answer questions m a bankruptcy case on the ground of privilege.

THE WALSELL SEAT. Mr James, Unionist, and Mr Holden, Gladstonian, have been nominated for the vacancy in the representation of Walsell, caused by the death of Sir C. Forster (not, Sir B. W. Foster as re ported in earlier telegrams.) LORD ROSEBERY. Lord Rosebery returns to political life shortly. THE FRENCH FLEET.

The officers of the French fleet have declined the banquet proffered by the Lord Mayor of London.

THE QUEEN OF ROUMANIA, Dalziel's Agency states that the Queen of Roumania (Carmen SyJva) refuses to return to her husband unless Miss Varesco is reinstated as maid of honor. IRISH AFFAIRS.

It is reported that Messrs DiHon and O'Brien have persuaded four Irish members to secede from Mr Parnell: LABOR QUESTIONS.

Sir J, Gorst considers that the sue cess of the Labor party m New Zea land and .New South Wales will encourage the movement m England and fore« candidates* at the general election to give distinct pledges, and that the next parliament will le unable to aroid legislation on the labor questions. -

TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF VINES.

Vienna, August 10. The famous vineyard district of Hegyalla, m Hungary, where Tokay and other famous wines are made, has been totally destroyed by phylloxera,

RUSSIA AND FRANCE.

St. Petersburg, August 8. At a banquet at Moscow, Admiral Gervaise, of the French fleet, m reply ing to the toast of his health, said that " taught by misfortune France was collecting her forces and had a strong possession m the Czar's friendship." The Moscovites kissed the Admiral's hands, and Russian officers carried him shoulder high. France has conferred the Cross of the Legion of Honour on the Qovernor of JVfoscow. The French fleet has left for Ports mouth.

THE INFLUENZA. Influenza is prevalent at Moscow, and 500 cases are reported daily. RAILWAY COLLISION. St. Petersburg, August 10. Two persons were killed and 48 in jured by a railway collision at Davih ' stadt in Finland. An electric disturb ance in the atmosphere prevented the departure of the trains being wired.

EMBEZZLEMENT BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS.

Him A Pksth, August 8. The Customs officers m the province of Bankovina have embezzled corn duties to the extent of 1,250,000 florins. The principal officer has com mitted suicide.

THE CRETAN DISTURBANCES.

Athens, August 8. Consequent upon the disorder at Crete the Greek Government have asked the Sultan of Turkey to restore the privileges of which the residents were deprived m 1889.

HAYTI AND THE UNITED

STATES. • Port au Prince, August 8. General Hippolyte, president of Hayti, accuses Mr JEJlaine, United States Secretary of State, of an under* hand attempt .to obtain a coaling station for American warships m Hayti, and declares that Hayti will never consent to it.

CANADIAN MEAT.

■ New York, August 8. A wealthy syndicate has been estab lished m the United States for the purpose of exporting meat from Canada to Europe., It is proposed to build enormous abattoirs at Three Rivers, a town at the confluence of the Sti Lawrence and the Sir Maurice, ninety miles from Quebec city.

CHILI AND BOLIVIA.

New York, August 8. ■. It is reported that the Chilian Government will declare war against Bolivia because the latter has recog nised the Chilian insurgents as belli gerents.

THE UNION PACIFIC RAILWAY COMPANY.

Mr Jay Gould has established a large syndicate to assist the Union Pacific Company for three years,

THE TEMPORAL POWER.

""" Berlin, August 6. The " Cologne Gazette " states that His Holiness the Pope looks to the restoration of the temporal power by a European war, which the alliance be tween France and Russia is believed to be furthering, THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY

' "** Bbklin, August 9. - The Emperor returns by way of Kiele.

MONTE CARLO.

tvOBIE, August 8. The famous gambling casino of Monte Carlo, m Monaco, is to be closed next year. The owners of the tables have offered Prince Lichenstein ten million francs (£400,000) for permission to let them be set) up at Vaduz.

JEWISH REFUGEES.

Bucharest, August-8. The Roumanian Government are sending Jewish refugees back to Russia.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE SNARES.

Melbourne, August 10. The question has been raised as to whether it is advisable to proceed with the erection of a lighthouse on the Snares, owing to the fact that the summit is frequently enveloped m fog. The Government are communicating with New Zealand before taking any fur.ther steps.

THE BANK FAILURE.

Hobart, August 10. The investigation of the affairs of the Bank of Van Diemen's Land strengthens the conviction expressed by the shareholders that there was no actual necessity to close the doors of the bank. Parliament will discuss the offer of the Government to guarantee the notes and otherwise assist the bank to morrow. i The result of the suspension is al ! ready being felt, as many firms are re- I dacing. their staffs.

THE CRUISERS.

Thursday Island, August 10. The Australian cruisers are waiting the arrival of H.M.S. Orlando before proceeding south.

(Received August 10, 7.30 p.m.)

BANK DEFAULTERS.

Sydney, August 10. Waterhouse, the defaulting ac countant of the Commercial Bank, has been arrested m London. Cole, a clerk m the Commercial Banking Company, who defrauded the bank of £5000 by means of forged office warrants, was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. .

THE SHEARING QUESTION.

Great satisfaction is felt throughout the colony at the termination of the shearing difficulty.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, August 10. The trustees of the Auckland Savings Banks, us the representatives of 16,000 depositors averaging £30, and of ,(>OOO depositors m the Penny Savings Bank, protest against the -taxation of Sayings Banks on. the ground that, they are, established for the receipt of the savings of persons of small means, who would be indirectly taxed, although otherwise exempt by the proposed Act. The rale of interest would have to be reduced. The protest is to be forwarded to the Government; claiming to be placed on the same footing as friendly societies. Westfort, August 10. Thomas Keogh dropped dead at Vausrhaa'a Hotel, Mokihinui, this after noon. A man named Caldwell, working at the coal staiths, was down by an empty truck. He fell across the up line of rails and narrowly escaped being run over by tl.e loaded liticks coming up the incline. He was rescued m the neck of time by another workman, Caldwell was cut over the temple arid his back was in jured; "Wellington, August 10. The steamer Queen of the South, which was recently ashore at Foxton, was taken up on the Wellington slip, and it was ascertained that the only damage sus tained was to the rudder. For sometime pas.t the Rev. Mr Coffey, incumbent of St. Mark's Churph, has complained of the attendance of only a small portion of his congregation'on Sunday mornings, and being informed that it was owing to his sermons being too long, he announced last night that rather than let a matter of five minutes' preach ing stand between him and his people, he will for the next three months cut down his morning sermons to just a quarter of an hour, A conference of flour millers was opened this morning, Mr Meek, of Oamaru, be ing chosen chairman. The proceedings were priyate. ' JsEL.SOX, Ausftisfc 10. 4-t a meeting tq-night it was resolved to hold tha annual Nelspn regatta m con: neotion with the jubilee celebration on the 2nd February next, instead of Boxing Day. Hopes are entertained that the championship events will be rowed at this regatta. Manaia, August 10. Frederick Newman, manager of the Otakeho Dairy, Factory, who had been mwsing for a fortnight, was found on Satur day hanging m a room attached to the factory. At the inquest, which was held on Sunday, a verdict was returned of suicide while temporarily insame. Dunedin, August 10. Mr J. Sinclair Thomson, at present in spector of the National Bank, has been appointed to the managership rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr Mitchie. The master of the Industrial School at Caversham states that there is no truth m the statement of agirl, about fourteen years of age, who was arrested rit Auckland tor vagrancy, that she recently went to Auck land from the school. ; Invbrcargill, August 10. The body of a middle aged swagger, | was .found m the harbor to-day. It has been identified as that of Andrew Miller^ who at one time had an interest m a business m this town, and afterwards m a store at Colac Bay, near Riverton, but who seems to have fallen into very poor circumstancfis. He was about thirty-five years old, and a native of Scotland. :

SUPREME COURT.

! PER;PRESS ASSOCIATION.J

Chkistchxtrch, August'lo. > : William J9m.es Crisp, for forgery and false pretences, by obtaining the sum of £3 from James Kiddey, pleaded 'guilty. The same prisoner was also charged With having forged the nan,e of Patrick McSweeney to a' withdrawal notice for £5 from the Post Office Savings Bank... He pleaded guilty, and.said that after.a. long abstinence he had taken some drink and did not know what he was doing, and

he desired to make restitution to those whom he had robbed. He was sentenced ' to eighteen months 1 imprisonment on each ind>ctmont. Mary Ann Smith, for forging and uttering the signature of a local constable on a promissory note, pleaded guilty. No mou*>y had been oliearned, and his Honor made an order admitting the accused to probation for threfo months, and ordered her to pay £5, costs of the prosecution. Walter Ulmer was found guilty of housebreakinc, an I .sentenced to four years' penal servi tude. John Doyle, an old offender, and Arthur George Hinge were found guilty of larceny aboard the steamer Tarawera. The former was sentenced to eighteen month*'- a^id the latter to six months', penal servitude. Besides the foregoing cases, the Grand .Jury found a true bill against A. E. Moss for the attempted murder of his wife ah Ashburton, and threw out the bill against Mary Jane Amos, charged with the ■manslaughter'of her illegitimate child. True bills were found against all other prisoners. Chpistchukch. August 11. James Taylor, for - hiving assaulted Charles Hadfield, and robbed him of £1 10s and watch, was found guilty and sen tenced to three years.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

RUSSIAN GRAIN EXPORT FORBIDDEN.

HOME AND FOREIGN

PBK PKESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received August 11, 10.15 a.m.)

St. Petersbubg, August 8. The Russian Government has officially forbidden the export of grain for the remainder of the year.

OFFICIAL CORUPTION IN CANADA.

Ottawa, August 8. The evidence adduced before the Parliamentary Committee shows the existence of almost general corruption among the Canadian officials, chiefly with regard to contracts for public works. The revelations go m the direction of showing that many of the accusers are themselves not: above suspicion and a widespread feeling of distrust is manifested by the public.

[Received August 10, 11 a.m.J

THE CHILIAN WAR.

London, August 10. Owners of the English merchant vessels which were present at the capture of Pisagua, are claiming com pensation from President Balmaceda, head of the Chilian Government, for sheltering refugees.

SCHOLARSHIPS.

The Commissioners of the exhibition held m .1851, offer science scholarships of the value of £150, tenable for two years, for competition by students at the South Australian and New Zealand Universities,

SAVERNAKE FOREST.

The Court has refused to permit the Marquis of Ailesbury to disentail Savernake forest for £750,000. During; the case it was elicited that the Marquis owed Sara Lewis £200,000.

(Received August 11, 10,30 a.m.)'f

CANADIAN CROP PROSPECTS.

Ottawa, August 10. The crops of Manitoba and Ontario are excellent, and the yield is believed to be unequalled.

BURMAH.

Calcutta, August 10. Renewed trouble is feared m Burmah, as Thebaw Tsawbawa is assuming a defiant attitude.

REVOLT ON THE CONGO.

Zanzibar, August 10. The entire region above Stanley Falls has revolted against Tippoo. The baud massacred four hundred and fifty Arabs. Cannibal orgies have been enacted, and it is feared the Congo Free State will be compelled to appeal to the European Powers for assistance.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

' v London, August 10. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien, m ad dressing a meeting at Mallow, County Cork, charged MrParnell with attempt ing to destroy Mr Gladstone's party, and they appealed to the Parneliite party to coalesce with that under the leadership of Mr Justin McQarthy, and accept the prqrnises offered by the Liberals.

Received August 11, 10.35 a.m.)

FRANCO-RUSSIAN ALLIANCE.

Paris, August 10. M. Ribot, Minister for Foreign Affairs, is negotiating with M. Giers, Russian Minister, respecting the Franco-Russian alliance.

THE QUEEN OF THE BELGIANS.

ButrssßLS, August 10,

It is now explained that the ek- Bmpress Charlotte, who had been placed under restraint, during a: fit of frenzy attacked the Queen of the Belgians, and the fright caused the serious, illness of the latter,.

ROUMANIAN DEFENCE.

Bucharest, August 10.

Contracts to the extent of twenty three millions of francs have been con cluded for arming the. forts oi Roumania.

GERMAN TRADE.

■ y Beklin, August 10. The McKinley tariff, adopted by the United States, has had a serious effect on German trade, and the return's show £hat the expqrts have decreased by ten million pounds.

THE "HOLY COAT."

Six hundred thousand pilgrims are proceeding to Treves to pay honor to the "Holy Coat"

SCULLING.

Jlisw York, August 10. The double sculling race between Hanian and O'Conor and Gaudaurand McKay, for 1000 dollars a-side and the .championship of the world, was rowed at Burlington Beach, Lake Chiimplain, to-day, when the former won.

The. number of signatures obtained m Chrtstchurch to the petition m favour of the Shop Hours Bill is 2000, The names of very many small shopkeepers were attached. CliiUiges are about to take place m the Ashburton police force. Constable Crockett goes to Akaroa, to replace constable Witty, who comes to Ashburton for mounted duty. Constable Smart who' has been over t hirt«en I years stationed at'AsKburton goes to Oamaru, and will "be replaced here by a man from' 1 Christcimrch, .'

FARM NOTES.

There are now m New Zealand upwards of 17,000 acres m orchard, not half an acre to each holding, there being hundreds cf holdings without any fruit trees at all.

The cultivation n grapes on a large scale is now being undertaken by a num ber of orchardista m and around lviaster ton. It is found that the soil is admirably adapted for the vine.

A large rumber of sheep have been lost on the East Coast this season, owing it is said, to the frosty weather having caused the phosphorised grain, used for thei "destr action of rabbits, to retain its strength much longer than usual.

In the House of Representatives Mr Meredith is going to move that consider ing the great benefits derived by the com munity generally, and by the farming and pastoral industries (the chief industries of the country) m particular from agri cultural and pastoral shows held annuilly and periodically m various centres of population, and the increased revenue to th« railway department during the time such shows are held, that judges and those persons m actual charge of live stock previously entered as exhibits, should be given free passages on the railways to and from the shows. ;

The largest farmers m the world are supposed to be the Capitol Freehold Land Company of London, who; own three million acres m the north-west of Texas. The total length of the farm is 200 mile 3, with an average breadth of 25 miles. One thousand miles of steel wire fencing have been erected at a cost of about £50,000, and another £50,000 has been, spent over a water supply. There are two towns on the farm, one lively newspaper, and 147,000 head of cattle.

The name of Mr Smith Ellis is now well known m connection with the claim that he had discovered a remedy for rust m wheat, and though not succss3ful m obtaining a bonus of £10,000 from the Australian Governments for the alleged discovery, he was still operating on ft portion of ground granted him for the purpose m the Botanical Gardens* He was engaged on the plot, when he was noticed to walk backward. He was picked up m an insensible condition, and died m a few minutes, it is supposed from heart disease. He was 66, and leaves a widow find family. Mrs Smith Ellis understood his treatment for rust m wheat, and will centmue his experiments.

At the suggestion of Dr Verincowrt, of the Department of Agriculture m Russia, says the " Optician," a large number of farmers have had recourse to blue spec tacles m order to preserve the sight of their herds of cattle, and m one province over four thousand animals are now mean dering about with the aid of blue glasses. This has been found necessary because the reflection of the light upon the snow has been so blinding that tens of thou sands of cattle have been attacked with ophthalmia. According to a recent der spatch from Vienna, the entire supply of blue glass m Vienna has been exhausted for this purpose, and it has been found necessary to obtain additional supplies from Paris and London. A farmer, who is now m Vienna, says that the sight of thousands of cattle groping their way through the snow with their eyes cased m immense goggles, is one that can neither be imagined nor adequately described.

At a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture recently held, Mr Burdetfc Coutts read a valuable paper on horse breeding—a subject upon which lie is a great authority. Amongst other things he said he doubted if people generally re flected how greatly superior England was to all other nations and countries m the pro duction of animals for use and enjoyment. This was not less the result of human forethought and human care than, of the soil from which they were fed and the climate m. which they were nurtured, The two agencies were to a large extent, interdependent. After showing how true this was with regard to our cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, fowls, turkeys, geese, and ducks, he went on to state that our superiority was immeasurably, superior with regard to horses. This was practi cally acknowledged by all the world, for every country came to us for horses to breed from. In the economy of the animal world there was a vast difference between the dignity and the status that supplied the animal for.use, and that which provided the animal to breed from, and he urged that our duty lay rather m the latter direction, Even m the pro duction of " utility" (or harness) horses, we ought rather to look to our old Eng lish breeds, such as the hackney, ratljer than tq crosses between the cas,t-bff stal lions of a racing stable and mares of no ascertained breed. On the question of breeding horses for the army, which he. described as a fad, he said that a ma?} who set to work to breed horses, for the army, forwhichhewas going to get not more than £40 at four years old, and that qnly for fhe best and the spund 4 ones, ought pa be sent to bed without any supper, with a strong dose of the maternal medicine that used to precede that fate. With a £40 limit of price, horses for the army must always be m this country the cast otfs or the misfits of horses.bred for other purposes and for higher prices.

Telegraph to Mount Somers.

The subscriptions fqr the first year's ! subsidy have been handed in^ and the bond required m these cases to secuie the payment of the subsidy for a term of years, has been signed Uy the member for the district. The work will now be proceeded with, m soon aa the materials can be goi to* gether. It is understood that a telephone is applied for at Westerfield.

We would remind our readers that to, night is the last •pportunity of hearing one of Gough orations as Mr E. T. vSmith is engaged to Lecture at Leqston on Thursday night. ' ■ ? The Committee of the Ashburtoh district School sat last night—Mr Win. Craighead (chairman), and Messrs Baker, Braddell, Barrett, Bean, Paul, and Silcofik present, lunds were reported at£sJ4 §s 9d to credit; The Chairman reported that tht; deputation to the Borough Council, had interviewed that body regarding the formation of a Board of Health, and the matter was m progress A piano had been purchased for the school and was much appreciated by teachers and scholars. The report of the Exhibition Committee was re»d and adopted. Corres pondence was read from the Board of Educa, tion regarding repairs to the buildings, also notifying that the annual examination of the schools would take place on Monday next, August 14, by Mr L. B. Wood. New regulations for the admission of pupil teachers were forwarded. Tht master^ re port was read and adopted. The attendance W?i S *$} ver? unsatisfeetory. Number on roll, 494; strict average for month, 388-45 i highest daily attendance, 407. The resolu" taona and business at the proposed congress of school delegates on agricultural educa tion were considered. The Visiting Com mittee reported on sundry small matters of repairs at schools, and these were left m the hands of the Visiting Committee for this month, Messrs Silcock and Barrett, to attend to; who were also with Mr Bean deputed to arrange for settlement of the account for new pump, etc., at the masters' house. Accounts to the amount of £21 11s were passed for payment and the Committee adi joui-ned.

THE ASHBUBTO3S GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1891.



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUOALPTI- 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 Kip§ of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the gl ( obe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that ( accompany each bottle- We have no occa- 1 sion to offej.' retyar.ds m" p/Qof of the genuine ness of our references, Tl>e qffieial reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General ! for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded ! International Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome oi one of the various cases treated by Siegenl M.D , Professor, etc. Burning of the right, hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. T3ie epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalaux of the nail of the middle ipger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted^ "heaied m three weeks under I daily applications of Ruaalypti Extraur dressing. The patient has retained the full use ■ of lier hand.—(Advt.) \ True economy. To purchase Countess Tea for two shillings. Free from any ex cess 0 astriugency



Several importaut amendments m the Electoral Bill are to be moved by the Hon K. Mil<;lie}son when ifc gets into committee. The hon gentleman pwpcees that claims for the registration of 'elestGpjs "s^&fi only be made m the presence of the registrar,' or a nnslmrut3i' acting as deputy-registrar. His object is |to make pcr»on.il registration com i'piusoryj and eQ prevent wholesale roUjstutl;' ing. Ninian Hyslop, and Co.'s " Imperial Oeylon and Indian Teas arc direct from tlio Tea Plantations.—(AM.)



■f Sol «_! ?^« <i Q a- pj^l o OH \ 8 rt



THE ASHBURTON W IMMM Sgk WABEIIOM PICKFORD I UORILL In Tanered Street TS replete with Superior Furniture m the newest designs, made from well seasoned New Zealand and imported Timbers. Carpets, Mattings, Floor Cloths, Linoleums, Rugs, and Door Mats of superior quality and great variety m stock, FURNITURE made to order m any design, and warranted to give satisfaction. A good selection of Cretonnes, Tapes tries, and Leathers for Upholstering. Suites, Chairs, Couches, &c, always on hand. BEDSTEADS AND BEDDING. Buyers, please call andinspect our Large and Choice Stocks, Venetian Blinds made and repaired with promptitude, 6|Bl NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF ATTSTRALASI A. SPECIAITisOTICE. Bonus TTear, I©O£J. TNTENDING Policy Holders m this I very Popular Office are reminded that ALL POLICIES COMPLETED before the 30th SEPTEMBER NEXT, will participate m the BONUS to be de clared at the close of the year 1892, thus participating m TWO BONUSES m Four Years. Special Advantages :---Low Rate of Premiums. Non Forfeiture of Policies. High Rate of Interest earned upon Investment. Reversionary Bonuses already allotted ' exceed £500,000. T. E. WALTON, Travelling Agent. CHAS. BUADDELL, Local Agent, \ B,t#7 Ashburton, At a meeting of £h,ft master butchers of Otiristchurch a,nd -6u\mi't>» /?« Monday held to consider Mr' Rees' Slaughterhouses Amendment Act, it was unanimously decided i to petition the If ouse against it becoming lav on the ground thajb it is unnecessary and I vrHl involve $ lieav.y expense, #i)d is at pi-esest quite unciilleil for. The n.,ernbe^sfor the tlittfcriefc are to be telegraphed to, soliciting , their iaflttsac§ i,o oppose tjje Bill*



ICE Cream off. Congh drops on. Un doubtedly the best. H. G. Flower, Confectioner, Eawt Street. / >HEAP READING for all Classes — V^ Hundreds of Back Numbers of Monthly and Quarterly Periodicals at Half Price. Several volumes of Standard Works at Cost Price to reduce our Large Stock. Photo and Scrap Albums, Photo Frames —L. F. Andrewes & Co., Stationers' Hall.



WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—-Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder'a Buildings. TXMNYEb^oVn.—GreaT'Clearing VV Sale at "The Corner" of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots.—W. H. Collier. WANTED, every man m the district to order a Kaiapoi or Roslyn Tweed Suit. Also, Boys' Suits arid Gents' Overcoatß m greatvariety.—Andrew Orr. ANTED KNOWN,—If you have the Cash, you can save about 6s m every Pound, by buying your Jackets, Ulsters, Dress Goods, Millinery, &c, at S. W. Alcorn & Co.'s Clearing Sale. 6 36 ' _ /""I LORIOUS News.—Just purchased a \JT Dunediu Warehouseman's Stock of 90 Piece 3 French Cashmeres and Merinos at less than half price. Will te sold during the' cheap sale at Is 10|d ; regular price 3s 9d.—-Andrew Orr. WANTED Known.—That for quality, assortment, and price see Andrew Orr's large stock of Millinery, Clothing, and Boots. No presents, no bribes, but good value.—Andrew Orr, f 110 Meet the Times.—-I am supplying 1_ Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years. Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hardlky, Eas street. OJ2OI ANTKD~Known.—I have~a~large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to selfct from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging | kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East ' treet. 6J202 WANTED Known—H. Dudley will sink Deep Wells and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee water to surface at 3s fid per foot. - H. Dudley, Moore Street. 6§54 TAOUBLE Blankets, and through rnis \_Jt understanding double quantity sent from Mill. EUve reduced the price os per pair. —Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. 6 154



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under chis headins; not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS, 1/-. Addresses may be Wtat this Office. ly ANTED ; Known.— Having com V \ pleted the alteration of premises we are opening with a genuine cheap sale. Come and see. H. C. Segers, Melford House. i * ANTED a good general a :rvant at * once. Apply Mrs W. Mitchell Tancred Street. B§6l fT> ANTED Known.—Call and secure YV bargains of Winter Drapery at the Great' Sale at W. H. Collier's, '"' The Corner;" WA NT E D Known—As Melford House Sale will be.a genuine Cheap one, it will be to your advantage to call early.—H. C. Segbrs* .Melford House. WANTED Known—Girls' Boots 2s lid, Ladies' French Shoes 3s 1 Id, Gents' Shoes Jss 6d ; at Andrew Orr's Cheap Sale. 6 214 Tj EXTENSION of Premises. Cheap IJJ Sale now on at the opening of new Shop. Come and judge for yourselves. H. C. Segbrs. TT'INEST Cod Liver Oil.~Chest and SJ Lung Protector.?. Chilblain lini ments. Brooke, Chemist, Ashburton. W~~ Al?TED~lknown—b7~W. Alcorn will feel obliged if all accounts owing are paid within fourteen days. WANTED Known. — Blankets and Flannels great bargains at Andrew Orrs.



CHRIIfCHVRCII. Branch Office—East Street, A 8 II II IT R T O * (Near H. Zander's.) 6 157 THE MERCANTILE FINANCE AND AGENCY COMPANY (Limited OF CHRISTCHURCH. Incorporated under the Provisions of the Companies Act, 1882. Registered Office— MORTEN'S BUILDINGS, CHRISTCHURCH. t TIHTS Company is prepared to advance JL money on Freehold Property, m Large or Small Sums, at Current Rates of Interest; also, upon the Security of Bills of Sale, Mortgages of Stock, Wool and Agricultural Liens, and Personal Property generally. For further particulars, apply to T. G. RUSSELL, Solicitor* Christchurch, Or to the Branch Office of the Company, East Street, ASHBURTON. 186 Trees. Trees. THE undersigned has much pleasure m offering a'large stock of the follow ing trees, plants, etc., which arc now ready for planting;:—Apples are all twice gratted on blight proof stocks and guaranteed to keep clear of the woolly aphis blight on roots. Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Plums and Quinces of all leading varities ; Goose-, berries and Currants ; Grape-Vines of the best varieties. Pinus Insignis, 1 and 2 year old, Larch 1, 2, and 3-year-old, Pinus Laricis, Abies White Spruce, Norway Spruce, Menziesii; also 100,000 Macrocarpa 1 year, a grand line; and 30,000 2 years transplanted, the best m the district. Come and see for yourselves. AU kinds of ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Roses, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Jas mines, Honeysuckles, Arauearia Im bricata, etc. Also the newest and leading varieties m Chrysanthemums. N.B. Orders may be left with Mr W. 0. Davis or Mr R. Alcorn, East street. All ordeis by post shall receive my prompt attention. Catalogues on application" "AMES PORTER, Clifton Nursery, Allenton, Ashburton. aiw business, " NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW GOODS, A LONG FELT WANT SUPPLIED. James McGregor, Has Opened a Tobacconist's Shop m Ore's Buildings, East Street, with a LARGE and VARIED ASSORT # MENT of NEW GOODS, comprising ' Pipes, Tobaccos, Cigsis, Cigarettes, and Smokers' requisites generally. Note, —This is net a Ten or Twelve years' collection of antiquated odds and ends, the balance of an old stock. The HAIR-DBJ3SSING SALOON is .vifchout doubt che beat appointed m South Canterbury YOUR PATRONAGE SOLICITED. James McGregor, §127 Orr's Buildings, East Street. CIGAR DIVAN AND FANCY GOODS EMPORIUM. HARRY FRIEDLAJN'DER has re ceived a large consignment of IHew Goods m all Departments, and while thanking both old and new patrons for : the hearty support accorded to him since ecommencing Business, would take this opportunity to' mifviTJß nrkPECTiON Every kind of-Tobacco known to users the weed of the very best quality pro curable m. the American Markets. A full Kwck of Pipes to suit every taste, and an abundant supply of Smokers' Requisites, CIGARS of the rery \mb Brands ; also CIGARETTES of every description, in cluding the late# 4iTemple Bar." lIAJK«>RJKfiMM lV« ' Is Practised m our Saloon as an Art, and' ladies and Gentlemen will find 'the£ the tfcaafce and skill of an ah Professor a#e ** Siotr-service. . . .ifeixuiiiinatrtou of our satnph.fi -of Hair \ orfc will 'bear out this .steteimnt. Licensed Jto Sell STAMPS: SALONS DU COTFPUBB 1. :...-. EAST STREET,



• mini ■ uri-ii -i ii i i i L _■_—__■_ Public Notices ~ M( >N Jfl 'IyUTMWUT TyrONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of _£100 TO^^sooo ?©r further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. WTH TEETH A tiQUTTCETH CHRISJ'CHCROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets. S. M TEi"s AND C - SURGEON DENTIST, And at Dunedin and Westport. CTTE have gained the FIRST AWARD YV at the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that we guaranteo the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. 0 omplete Set —Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Tempoiarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra fee or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE several times daily for the past ten years, we foarlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe. Fee for Administration ss. Extraction, 2s Cd. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at lowest rates tTgurussell, BARRISTER and SOLICITOR,